John M. Thurman

John Moon Thurman

b. Apr 28, 1822 d. Dec 27, 1886

He was born in Sevier County, TN and

died in Washington County, AR

*****

R. MONROE Thurman, of Pomona, is a representative of one of the early American families who settled in the San Gabriel Valley. He was born in Bledsoe County, Tennessee, July 22, 1840, son of John arid Lettie Jane Thurman, who emigrated from there to Johnson County, Arkansas, in 1848, where he tilled the soil until February, 1852. Then they formed a portion of a party of about sixty-five families who crossed the plains, deserts and mountains to this sunny, golden hand. The family was destined not to reach the promised land without the greatest of bereavements, for, at the copper mines in Arizona, the mother, who had hoped so much from the journey and toiled so hard in preparation for it, and so well cared for the children through so many trials, died. Sadly and tenderly was she buried, and tearfully the family turned westward and pursued their way, now so lonely, which ended in the San Gabriel Valley, near where El Monte now is, in September, 1852. The father went to Tuolumne County and there for a time engaged in mining. Returning to this county in 1853 he located one amid a half miles south of El Monte, in the neighborhood of the Temple Ranch. There he engaged in farming until 1855, when he bought land between Savannah and El Monte, just west of the New San Gabriel River, remaining there until 1867. He then moved to the "Willow Grove," or Thompson Hotel, where he owned sixty acres of valuable land, and followed agriculture the rest of his active life. His death occurred July 6, 1876, at the age of sixty-eight years. The names of the eight children of the ten born to him, who lived to come to California with him, are: Nellie, now wife of John Hicks, an early comer to this county, but now a resident of Fresno; Frank, still a resident of San Gabriel Valley; Ephraim, who died in the mining districts of Tuolumne County; Margaret, the deceased wife of Thomas C. Swagard, of this county; R. Monroe, whose name heads this sketch; Stephen D., who resides near El Monte, and whose history is in this work; Alexander, who resides upon a portion of the Willow Grove property; his sketch also appears in this connection; and John S., a resident of Los Angeles. John Thurman was a strong man physically and mentally, well known and favorably remembered by early men. He was an active promoter of religion and of all good work. His life was so well spent that he won the respect of all who knew him. R. Monroe Thurman remained at his father's home until 1868, when he wedded Miss Dora Belle Fuqua, daughter of Isham and Joanna (Hathway) Fuqua. Her father was born in the State of Virginia, came to California, and after a time spent in San Diego County, located in that county, near El Monte, in 1854. Mr. Thurman, after his marriage, engaged in farming just west of Savannah, where lie lived until 1887, and where he owned originally a property consisting of 120 acres, seventy-eight of which he sold to L. J. Rose, of Los Angeles. In 1887 Mr. Thurman located in the beautiful, thriving city of Pomona, where he now lives, having his home on Crow avenue, between Garey and Gibbs streets, in a neat cottage. He is interested in horticulture, having an orchard of five acres in apricots, apples, peaches and prunes. Mr. Thurman also owns a lot and two cottages on Thomas and Fourth streets. He makes a business of grading and general street improving by contract. A thorough practical man, he is winning his way to independence by steps sure not to be retraced. Mrs. Thurman's parents are now residents of Pomona. She is the mother of eight children: Nellie, wife of William Willis, of Pomona; R. Monroe, Jr., Joanna, Alice, William B., Allen La Verne, Robert De Long and Bert. Mr. Thurman is a member of Pomona Lodge, No.225, A. 0. U. W. In political action he is a strong, conservative

THURMAN, John M. - John M. Thurman was born in Sevier county,

East Tenn. April 28,1822, immigrated to Arkansas in 1850 and has been a

resident of Washington county ever since. He was converted and joined the

Missionary Baptist in 1847 and died Dec. 27, 1886, leaving evidence that

he was going where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are

forever at rest. Double Springs, Dec. 30,1886. [Fayetteville Democrat 1/7/1887]