Los Angeles County, CA, Biographies

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives 
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JOHN W. CASEY.
 
        The subject of this sketch is one of the pioneer farmers and 
horticulturists of the Azusa. He is the owner of twenty-four acres of land, 
located on the east side of Citrus avenue, about one mile east of the city of 
Azusa. This land is a portion of the old homestead of his father, John Casey, 
and has been under cultivation since 1864. Among the notable features of his 
place are four and a half acres of walnut trees. These trees were planted in 
1871, and now (1889) present a magnificent appearance, yielding each year an 
abundant and valuable harvest. He has also a fine family orchard of both citrus 
and deciduous fruits, and is rapidly increasing his horticultural productions by 
tree planting. His acres are abundantly supplied with water from the Azusa Water 
Development and Irrigation Company's system. The subject of this sketch was born 
in Washington County, Arkansas, in 1840. His father, John Casey (whose sketch 
precedes this) moved to Dallas County, Texas, in 1844. In that county Mr. Casey 
received his early education and was also taught the practical duties of farming 
and stock-growing. In 1857 he came with his father's family to California and 
was engaged with his father in farming at El Monte, and in 1864 accompanied him 
to the Duarte, and in 1864 came to the Azusa, where he was associated with him 
in all his agricultural pursuits until he took up his present home on a portion 
of the old homestead. Mr. Casey has spent his life in agricultural pursuits. For 
a quarter of a century he has been identified with the Azusa, and during all the 
years that his land was in litigation, and it was decidedly uncertain whether a 
title could ever be gained from the Government, he never lost his faith in his 
cause, but made many substantial improvements, tree-planting, etc., of which he 
is now reaping the benefits. He has been largely identified in building up his 
section. From 1871 to 1878 he was the water commissioner of his district. He is 
a strong supporter of schools and churches, and is a member and trustee of the 
Methodist Church, South. In political matters he is a Prohibitionist, but for 
years has been a supporter of the Democratic party. In 1874 Mr. Casey was united 
in marriage with Miss Martha J. Boswell, a native of Texas and the daughter of 
Ransome P. Boswell, who was a native of Tennessee. In early life he went to 
Texas and while there served as a soldier in the Mexican war. He came to Los 
Angeles in 1878, and resided in that city until his death, in 1884. From the 
marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Casey there are four children: Mary Nixeon, Lorena F., 
John Ransome and Walter T.
 
An Illustrated History of Los Angeles County, California �  Chicago, The Lewis 
Publishing Company, 1889   Page 720
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler