Los Angeles County, CA, Biographies

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


C. R. RINALDI 
 
was the first settler in the San Fernando Valley belonging to the Caucasian 
race. He is a native of Berlin, Prussia, and was born in 1831. His father was 
Carlos Ambrosus Robert Rinaldi, a native of Italy. He was an artist of 
considerable note, and traveled all over Europe. The subject of this sketch came 
to America in 1856. He landed in New York, and from there traveled over sixteen 
States and three Territories, till in 1859 he landed his "weather beaten bark" 
on the golden shores of California. He first located in Los Angeles, where he 
founded the Los Angeles Furniture Company. He established this business in 1868, 
and three months afterward it was known as Rinaldi & Co. In 1872 he sold out to 
I. W. Lord, and bought 151 acres of land, which he has subjected to a very high 
state of cultivation. He purchased this of a Spanish widow by the name of Maria 
Los Angeles de Filaes de Buro. This land had a title, and its history is very 
interesting. Mr. Rinaldi built on section 8, township 2, range 15 west, a mile 
and a half northwest of the old mission and two miles and a half west of San 
Fernando. He raises fine varieties of oranges, olives and vines. December 29, 
1869, he married Miss Francisca Vallez, a native of California and of Spanish 
origin. She is a daughter of Julian Vallez, whose parents are natives of Spain. 
Her mother's maiden name was Ancanacion Reys. The Reyses were a very important 
family in the early history of this county, and held celebrated titles and 
grants. Mr. and Mrs. Rinaldi have reared an interesting family. The names of 
their children are: Charlotte, Otto, Isaac, Julian, Oscar and Charley. Mr. 
Rinaldi is a warm friend to the public schools, and has rendered valuable 
service to his district as trustee. He also served as deputy sheriff for two 
years. He is a charter member of the Pentalpha Masonic Lodge in Los Angeles; is 
Secretary of the A. O. U. W. Lodge, No. 212, San Fernando. Mr. Rinaldi has 
furnished some very important dates and statistics, and in the early history of 
the San Fernando Valley none are better informed than he, nor none more willing 
to aid a worthy enterprise.
 
An Illustrated History of Los Angeles County, California �  Chicago, The Lewis 
Publishing Company, 1889   Page 611
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler