Los Angeles County, CA, Biographies

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


ALEXANDER L. THURMAN, 
 
another member of the Thurman family who became identified with San Gabriel 
Valley in the year of 1852, has ever since resided near where his father 
established his first home, and now resides upon a portion of the estate 
occupied by his father at his death�the old "Willow Grove" property, just east 
of El Monte. For a full history of the family, of the overland journey, the 
death of the mother on the plains of Arizona, the location in San Gabriel Valley 
in September, 1852, the occupation and changes of residence of the father, his 
death, the whereabouts of the living members, etc., the reader is referred to 
the biographical sketch of R. Monroe Thurman, of Pomona, just given. Alexander 
L. Thurman, the subject of this sketch, was born in Bledsoe County, Tennessee, 
April 9, 1846, son of John and Lettie Jane Thurman. Be was but two years of age 
when the family emigrated to Johnson County, Arkansas, and only in his sixth 
year when the overland journey commenced, bound for Los Angeles County. Many of 
the incidents connected with the long, weary journey, particularly the death of 
his mother, are indelibly impressed upon his memory. His boyhood days were all 
spent near his present home, and his education was obtained in the schools of 
his neighborhood. His manhood life, with the exception of a few months in 
Montana in 1879, has all been spent in the San Gabriel Valley, and all devoted 
to agricultural pursuits. He has seen the country pass from an almost chaotic 
condition to its present commanding position, and in much of the work of 
transformation has had a part, although he has not become rich. He has always 
lived up to his obligations, and acted the part of the manly, worthy citizen; 
and if but little besides the record of an honorable life be left as a legacy to 
his children, they still will not be poor. February 11, 1880, Mr. Thurman wedded 
Miss Anna Prouty, daughter of Joseph and Margaret Prouty. Mrs. Thurman was born 
in Amador County, California, February 19, 1862. She is the mother of three 
children: Joseph C., Hugh C. and Enos E. The home of Mrs. Thurman's parents is 
now near El Monte Station. In politics Mr. Thurman acts with the Democratic 
party. He is connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and is the 
financier of El Monte Lodge, No. 188. The old "Willow Grove" property, where his 
father spent his last years, and, as stated, where he owns a portion of the 
same, is near El Monte, a little east.
 
An Illustrated History of Los Angeles County, California �  Chicago, The Lewis 
Publishing Company, 1889   Page 651
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler