J. S. Slauson facts for kids
Jonathan Sayre Slauson (1829–1905) was an important land developer in Southern California during the 1800s. He helped create the town of Azusa. He also served as the mayor of Austin, Nevada.
Contents
Jonathan Slauson's Life Story
Early Life and Education
Jonathan Slauson was born in Orange County, New York, on December 11, 1829. He went to a special school called an academy in Poughkeepsie, New York. After finishing school at age sixteen, he decided to study law. He first learned from a private lawyer. Later, he attended the New York State Law School and graduated in 1854.
Career and Moving West
Slauson worked as a lawyer in New York City for nine years. However, he moved to Austin, Nevada, in 1864 because of his health. In Nevada, he worked as a miner and was even elected mayor of Austin. He later went back to practicing law with a partner. From 1868 to 1874, he lived with his family in San Francisco, California.
In 1874, the Slauson family moved to Los Angeles. There, he started the Los Angeles County Bank. He later sold this bank to John E. Plater.
Developing Land and Azusa
Jonathan Slauson bought about 5,800 acres of land east of Los Angeles. People sometimes called him "the father of citrus fruit culture" in the area. They also called him "the father of the town of Azusa." This was because he owned so much land there.
In 1886, he sold half of his land to others, including I. W. Hellman. Slauson kept 800 acres for himself. He then started the Azusa Land and Water Company. He planned out the design for a new town on this land. He also planted many high-quality orange and lemon trees. Slauson also owned land in Ontario, California, and other parts of Los Angeles.
Community Contributions
Slauson was the president of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce. He was also involved with the Sunset Club, a social group. He helped establish and support many churches across Southern California.
He also supported several charities. These included the Boys' Home at Garvanza and the Los Angeles YMCA. He helped an orphan asylum in Los Angeles and the Salvation Army Rescue Home. He even helped raise money to build a monument for Spanish–American War veterans. This monument is in what is now called Pershing Square.
On December 5, 1904, Slauson was elected to the Los Angeles Board of Education. He was meant to serve for two years. However, he resigned from this position on September 23, 1905.
Later Years and Legacy
Jonathan Slauson passed away on December 28, 1905. He was survived by his three children: Mrs. Louise Marshall, Mrs. Kate Vosburg, and James Slauson. Many people attended his funeral. His body lay in state at City Hall. A procession, joined by soldiers, went to St. Paul's Pro-Cathedral. After a private service at his family home, he was buried at Angelus-Rosedale Cemetery.
Slauson Avenue
A street in Los Angeles, Slauson Avenue, was named and dedicated to him after his death.
