Los Angeles County, CA, Biographies

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives 
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm


H. W. HAMMERTON, 
 
was born in England, May 23, 1832. He is a son of William and Elizabeth (Cutter) 
Hammerton. The mother was of English origin and the father of Irish. William 
Hammerton was born in 1800, had a family of three sons and four daughters, and 
died in 1880. His wife was educated at a boarding school in England. His father 
having been a brick-maker by trade, the subject of this sketch was reared in a 
brickyard, and had very poor educational advantages; but by his wide observation 
and travel he has gained a practical education, and his library is one that 
many, who have had a higher education, might be proud of.  He came to America in 
1850, landing in New York. The vessel which brought him to this favored land was 
the Andrew Foster, and the voyage consumed six weeks. He worked on a farm and 
also at the blacksmith's trade for about a year and a half, then spent one 
winter in Will County, Illinois, and in 1853 he started for California. After 
reaching St. Louis, he determined to wait another year. From St. Louis he went 
to Alton, Illinois, and from there to Brighton, where he was engaged as a 
brick‑layer. He also worked at this trade two years in Sangamon County. In 
March, 1856, he went to Texas, and in 1857 crossed the plains, with ox teams, to 
California. He arrived at
Fort Buchanan, now Camp Critenden, and drove team for the Government for several 
months.  About the 25th of June, 1858, he arrived in Los Angeles County. In 1860 
he went to Tulare County, and after a year spent there he married Miss Orpah J. 
McCollough, a native of Texas. She is the daughter of Robert and Isabella 
(Shelby) McCollough. Her father was born in Alabama, and her mother in Missouri. 
They lived in Texas sixteen years, and subsequently went to Tulare County, where 
they have since lived. Mr. Hammerton moved to El Monte, where he resided one 
year. In 1862 he went to the mountains on Tahunga River, and in 1863�'64 lived 
just south of where Florence is now located. In November of the latter year lie 
bought sixty-seven acres of land near Downey. He is one of the true pioneers. He 
erected the first brick house as a residence in this part of the county. His 
family consists of eleven children whose names are as follows: Julia, Frances, 
Charles, Mary, Orpha, John, James, Rosetta (who died in infancy), Sarah, William 
and Martha. Socially, Mr. Hammerton is an I. O. O. F., and he at present holds 
the office of D. D. G. P., of District 28. Mrs. Hammerton is one of the 
Rebeccas. Politically Mr. Hammerton is a Republican, and is practically a 
self-made man.
 
An Illustrated History of Los Angeles County, California �  Chicago, The Lewis 
Publishing Company, 1889   Page 511
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler