Avas

John Avas, born in Germany in 1843, immigrated to the U.S. with his family and settled in Illinois. After working in farming and serving in the Civil War, he became a successful farmer and businessman, ultimately moving to Santa Ana in 1882. There, he invested in real estate, notably the Richelieu Hotel, and became a prominent city council member, serving as president since 1889. Avas was married twice and was active in the Baptist Church and Democratic politics, earning widespread respect in the community.