Nathan Randolph Vail (1825 – March 5, 1888)[1] was a mine operator in Arizona Territory, and a landowner in 19th century Los Angeles, California. He was a member of the Los Angeles Common Council, the legislative body of the city.
Nathan Randolph Vail | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the Los Angeles Common Council from the 5th ward | |
| In office December 5, 1878 – December 5, 1879 | |
| Preceded by | District established |
| Succeeded by | John P. Moran |
| Personal details | |
| Born | c. 1825 New Jersey |
| Died | March 5, 1888 (aged 62–63) Los Angeles, California |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Anna Walker Vail |
| Children | 4 |
Personal edit
Vail was born in New Jersey about 1825.[2] He was married to Anna Walker Vail of Nova Scotia, and they had four children, Hugh W., John R., Lizzie H. (Mrs. Walter Irving Allen) and Frederick H.[3][4]
His drowning death on March 5, 1888, resulted from an inspection trip he was making of his property at Redondo Beach, California, where he was a director of the Redondo Beach (development) Company: A coroner's jury heard testimony on March 6 that he had been warned against making the short passage aboard a flat-bottomed skiff in a rough surf from the shore to a vessel lying at anchor off the coast, but he replied that he was "an old sea captain" and insisted upon the crossing. A huge wave pitched him and three sailors into the sea: He was wearing a heavy coat and drowned; the lightly clad crew survived.[2][5][6]
Professional edit
Vail's investments included "large holdings in land and water properties, and cattle and ranching interests both in California and Arizona."[3] He also owned a business in Total Wreck, Arizona.[7]
In 1887 Vail was elected treasurer of a nonprofit corporation "to secure and hold" property of the Episcopal Church in Southern California.[8]
That same year Vail, along with Judge Charles Silent and D. McFarland, bought a 1,400-acre plot of Rancho San Pedro, an area known as the Dominguez Property and Salt Works, including a 1-1/2-mile frontage along the beach, back a half mile to an elevation of 600 feet. "The surface is thus beautifully diversified and rolling, thus affording a view of surpassing loveliness and grandeur for miles in all directions, including Los Angeles, Ballona and the whole valley." A first-class hotel, new streets and other improvements were planned.[9]
After Vail's death, his estate was sued by L. J. Rose, who claimed that he had bought half of Vail's shares in the '49 Mining Company of Arizona for $4,000, but the shares were neither delivered nor the money refunded.[10]
Common Council edit
Vail represented the 5th Ward on the Los Angeles Common Council, the legislative branch of city government, during 1878–79.[11]
References edit
- Access to the Los Angeles Times links may require the use of a library card.
- ^ The Los Angeles Public Library, Local History Collection, Biography
- ^ a b ""Drowned at Redondo," page 2". ProQuest. Los Angeles Times. March 7, 1888. ProQuest 163394663.
- ^ a b http://dbase1.lapl.org/webpics/calindex/documents/15/468293.pdf
- ^ "Clare Wallace, Los Angeles Public Library reference file". ProQuest. March 17, 1938. ProQuest 164046584.
- ^ "The Inquest: On the Body of Mr. Nathan R. Vail". Los Angeles Times. March 7, 1888. p. 5.
- ^ "A Bad Accident: N.R. Vail Drowned at the Salt Works". Los Angeles Times. March 6, 1888. p. 5.
- ^ "'It's a Total Wreck': An Arizona Mine That Completely Belies Its Name". ProQuest. Los Angeles Times. November 3, 1882. ProQuest 161216927.
- ^ "Episcopal Church Corporation". ProQuest. Los Angeles Times. ProQuest 163393808.
- ^ "A $400,000 Deal: The Splendid Dominguez Property Purchased by a Syndicate". ProQuest. Los Angeles Times. August 7, 1887. ProQuest 163446968.
- ^ "New Cases: Complaints Filed With the County Clerk". ProQuest. Los Angeles Times. December 30, 1888. ProQuest 163528168.
- ^ Chronological Record of Los Angeles City Officials,1850-1938, compiled under direction of Municipal Reference Library, City Hall, Los Angeles (March 1938, reprinted 1966). "Prepared ... as a report on Project No. SA 3123-5703-6077-8121-9900 conducted under the auspices of the Works Progress Administration."