Westminster California

Biographical Sketch of George H. Carlyle

George H. Carlyle, born on March 23, 1827, in Woodford County, Kentucky, was a notable dairyman in Westminster. He spent his early years in Missouri, initially working in a stage line before turning to farming and dairy. In 1887, he settled in California, purchasing eighty acres to cultivate fruit and raise Jersey cattle. A Democrat and an elder in the Christian Church, Carlyle married Arnie Fackler in 1868 and had five children: Virgie, John, Frankie, Lutie, and George Fackler.

Biographical Sketch of Josiah McCoy

Josiah McCoy, born on May 20, 1826, in Washington County, Pennsylvania, to Colonel John McCoy and Jane Brice, moved to Marshall County, Illinois, in 1850, where he engaged in farming and mercantile activities. He relocated to Westminster, California, in 1873, acquiring 120 acres for dairy and stock-raising. A Republican and Prohibition supporter, McCoy was first married to Mary L. Noe and later to Martha L. Wells, with whom he had several children and was an active Presbyterian Church elder.

Biographical Sketch of J. E. Sharp

J. E. Sharp, born in East Tennessee on November 17, 1809, was the son of Joseph and Sarah Sharp. After his parents’ deaths in 1828, he moved to Illinois, where he initially farmed before entering mercantile business. In 1864, he relocated to California, eventually settling in Santa Ana. A dedicated member of the Baptist Church for over fifty-four years, Sharp was married twice, first to Mary E. Robinson, with whom he had a daughter, and later to Clarissa M. Trask. He was active in real estate until his retirement.

Biographical Sketch of Arquis L. Sells

Arquis L. Sells, born September 6, 1845, in Wyandot County, Ohio, grew up in a family with roots in both Ohio and Virginia. His father, John Sells, was a prominent attorney who passed away in 1886. After working as a railroad trackman and teaching for a decade, Arquis moved to California in 1871 with family. Initially renting land in Santa Barbara County, he later purchased a ranch near Westminster, where he thrived as a stock-raiser and general farmer.

Biographical Sketch of Ander Mills

Ander Mills, born May 6, 1814, in Massachusetts, embarked on a journey across various states after leaving home at sixteen. He married Ruth A. Ripper in Missouri in 1852 and migrated to California with an ox team. Mills farmed 3,000 acres profitably for twenty years before relocating to Southern California in 1874 due to health issues. He purchased 320 acres in the Westminster colony. Mills passed away on March 3, 1890, leaving behind several children, with only two sons, Frank and George H., surviving him.

Biographical Sketch of P. Justice

P. Justice, born on November 10, 1838, in Pulaski County, Indiana, was raised in a family of nine before moving to Texas in 1853. He later relocated to California, where he became a pioneer farmer in Azusa. In 1883, he settled in Westminster, engaging in general farming and stock-raising. An advocate for education, he served as a trustee in his district. He married Martha A. Cotman in 1869, and they had eight children, contributing to the local community and Republican politics.

Biographical Sketch of John Beckett

John Beckett, born June 2, 1819, in Ontario, Canada, was a successful lumber businessman before relocating to Westminster, California, in 1877. He purchased and developed forty acres of land, envisioning a tranquil life there. Beckett, a devoted member of the Friends church, married Susan McMaster in 1850, and together they raised nine children. His parents, Stephen and Anna Beckett, were originally from New Jersey and Canada, emphasizing his deep familial roots.

Biographical Sketch of Alfred Beckett

Alfred Beckett, born on June 7, 1830, in Ontario, Canada, was a respected figure in Westminster, Orange County. The son of Stephen and Anna Beckett, he pursued education and worked in various industries before relocating to California in 1877, where he cultivated forty acres of land. A staunch Republican, he was well-regarded in his community. He married Mercy Ward in 1856, and together they had three children: Ruth, Hattie, and Susie, further intertwining their legacy within the region.

Biographical Sketch of R. T. Harris

R. T. Harris, born in Richmond, Virginia, became the first Sheriff of Orange County after moving to California with his father, John Harris, in 1860. Educated in Santa Clara County, he settled in Westminster in 1876, where he ran a mercantile business and served as assistant Postmaster. In the inaugural Orange County election, Harris won the sheriff position by a significant majority. He married Maria Larter in 1888, and they have one daughter, Geraldine, residing in Santa Ana.

Biography of Jesse C. Thompson

Jesse C. Thompson, born on February 17, 1829, in Clay County, Missouri, was a notable figure in Westminster. His family moved to Andrew County in 1840. In 1850, he journeyed to California, facing hardships, including the loss of his brother. Settling first in Sonoma as a farmer, he later engaged in ranching in Mendocino. By 1885, he moved to Long Beach and then Westminster, acquiring land with his sons. Married to Margaret A. Camron in 1852, they had several children and were active members of the Presbyterian Church, with Thompson serving as an elder.