Lemuel Carpenter facts for kids

Lemuel Carpenter (born around 1808 in Kentucky, died November 5, 1859, in California) was an important early settler. He was one of the first American pioneers to live in the area that is now Los Angeles, California.

Early Life and Moves West

Lemuel Carpenter was born in Kentucky around 1808. When he was about 20 years old, he moved to Missouri in 1828. He even served in the Missouri Militia for a short time in 1829.

Becoming a Southern California Pioneer

Carpenter arrived in southern California by January 1833. He came with a group of trappers. These included Cyrus Alexander, William Chard, Joseph Paulding, and Albert Toomes.

An early California settler named John Bidwell remembered Carpenter. He said that in 1845, Los Angeles had about 250 people. He recalled seeing Lemuel Carpenter among other important figures.

Starting a Business and Buying Land

Lemuel Carpenter started a soap-making business. This business was called a "jabonería." It was located at a Tongva-Gabrieleño village called Chokishgna. This village was on the San Gabriel River. Today, this area is known as El Monte.

His soap business made enough money for him to buy a large piece of land. This land was called Rancho Santa Gertrudes. It included another Tongva village named Nacaugna. This area is now Downey, California, southeast of downtown Los Angeles.

Growing Grapes and Building a Home

Carpenter was one of the first Americans to plant a vineyard in the area. A vineyard is a field where grapes are grown. He used these grapes to make wine.

His first home was known as "Carpenter's Farm." It was built in 1837. Sadly, a big flood destroyed the farm in 1867.

Life Under Mexican Rule and War

Lemuel Carpenter was active in local events. He supported the Americans during the Mexican–American War. This war was fought between the United States and Mexico. He also tried gold mining. He generally did very well in his new home.

A popular travel guide noted that Carpenter was happy and successful. This was true even when the area was under Mexican rule. He married María de los Angeles Domínguez.

Selling the Rancho

Lemuel Carpenter owned Rancho Santa Gertrudes until 1859. In that year, the rancho was sold. It was bought by John G. Downey and James P. McFarland. Even after the sale, official records still listed Carpenter as the owner in 1862.

Lemuel Carpenter's Family

Lemuel Carpenter's father was likely Jonathan Carpenter. He was born around 1785 in Virginia. His grandfather was Matthew Carpenter.

In 1850, a census listed Lemuel Carpenter as 42 years old. He was a farmer. His property was worth $8,000. His wife, Maria, was 22 years old. She was his second wife.

His children were all born in California:

• Susana Carpenter, age 11.
• José Antonio Carpenter, age 9 (born November 20, 1837). Some of his family still live in Los Angeles today.
• Refugio Carpenter, age 6.
• Francisco Carpenter, age 3.

Challenges and Passing Away

Lemuel Carpenter faced big financial problems. He had taken out a loan in 1852. By 1859, this loan had grown very large.

His daughter, Mary Refugio Carpenter, kept a diary. On January 2, 1861, she wrote about her father. She said, "I have been thinking so much of my father tonight. It made me weep." Lemuel Carpenter passed away on November 5, 1859.

Images for kids

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  The Plaza and "Old Plaza Church" (Mission Nuestra Señora Reina de los Angeles) in 1869. This area dates back to the time of the Pueblo de Los Ángeles.