Newmark family of Southern California facts for kids
The Newmark family of Southern California played a big role in the growth of Los Angeles County, California, during the 1800s. They were involved in many important activities, such as starting businesses, owning land, and helping to develop new areas. Several members of the family made a lasting impact on the region.
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Key Family Members
Joseph Newmark
Joseph Newmark was born in a place called Neumark in West Prussia in 1799. He moved to New York in 1823 and helped create a Jewish community group there. Later, he lived in St. Louis, Missouri, from 1840 to 1845 and was the president of a temple.
In 1854, Joseph, his wife Rosa, and their six children moved to Los Angeles, California. He was a certified shochet, which means he was trained to prepare food according to Jewish law. He also led religious services, weddings, and funerals for the Jewish community until a professional rabbi could be found.
Joseph Newmark was very active in the community. In 1855, he started the Hebrew Benefit Society, which helped people in need. In 1862, he was the first president of Congregation B'nai B'rith, which is known today as the Wilshire Boulevard Temple. He was also an officer in Los Angeles's first Masonic lodge, a social and charitable organization.
Harris Newmark
Harris Newmark was Joseph's nephew. He arrived in Los Angeles in 1853 and started many businesses. These included a wholesale grocery store, a winery, and a distillery.
Harris was a key person in bringing the Southern Pacific railroad to Los Angeles. This was a huge step for the city's growth. He also helped organize the Agriculture Society of the Sixth District, the Public Library, and the Chamber of Commerce.
In his real-estate work, Harris owned a large ranch called Rancho Santa Anita. He was also one of the people who helped develop the city of Montebello, California. Harris Newmark wrote a book about his experiences called Sixty Years in Southern California, 1853–1913.
Joseph P. Newmark
Joseph P. Newmark was Harris's brother and the nephew of the elder Joseph. He was born in Löbau, West Prussia, in 1827. He came to America in 1848. After traveling to Kentucky and New York, he arrived in Los Angeles in 1852.
In Los Angeles, Joseph P. Newmark opened a clothing store with Jacob Rich. He then invited his brother Harris to join the business from Prussia. Together with their uncle Joseph and Maurice Kremer, they formed a wholesale and retail dry goods store called Newmark, Kremer & Co. Joseph P. Newmark later left this partnership and moved to San Francisco, where he worked as a merchandise broker. He retired in 1888 and returned to Los Angeles.
Myer J. Newmark
Myer J. Newmark (1838–1911) was a very important person in Los Angeles. He became the youngest city attorney in the city's history. He was very active in the affairs of Los Angeles during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Samuel Newmark
Samuel Newmark was another member of the family who made a mark on Los Angeles. He was the founder and first president of the Hillcrest Country Club.
