Her father, Ben Wilson, was a pioneer beginning as a trapper for the Rocky Mountain Fur Co. A resident of what became known as La Cuiedad de Los Angeles in Alta California, he was named an Indian Agent & then became a rancher, vintner, and oil drilling promoter. Ben was an early real estate developer in Southern California and said to have established the orange industry there as well.
He married his first wife Ramona Yorba in 1844. Her family connections included well-known surnames Pico, Sepulveda, and Alvarado. They had a daughter, Maria de Jesus (called Sue) and a son John, before she died in 1849.
He became mayor of the Pueblo de Los Angeles ca 1850, later making his home in San Gabriel at his ranch, “Lake Vineyard.”
In about 1853 Ben married Margaret Hereford of a Virginia family. It was a second marriage for both & she had a son Edward Hereford. Margaret & Ben had 3 daughters, Margaret, Anne, & Ruth.
Basten's 1975 book, "Beverly Hills," credits Don Benito with developing Pasadena, Riverside, Alhambra, and Westwood. He lived & ranched parts of what is now Westwood, Beverly Hills, & Bel-Aire. His brand was a capital letter "B" enclosed by a wider "D" both sharing their left standards as one. He also served in the state legislature.
Mt. Wilson, Los Angeles County, California, was named in his honor.
Her father, Ben Wilson, was a pioneer beginning as a trapper for the Rocky Mountain Fur Co. A resident of what became known as La Cuiedad de Los Angeles in Alta California, he was named an Indian Agent & then became a rancher, vintner, and oil drilling promoter. Ben was an early real estate developer in Southern California and said to have established the orange industry there as well.
He married his first wife Ramona Yorba in 1844. Her family connections included well-known surnames Pico, Sepulveda, and Alvarado. They had a daughter, Maria de Jesus (called Sue) and a son John, before she died in 1849.
He became mayor of the Pueblo de Los Angeles ca 1850, later making his home in San Gabriel at his ranch, “Lake Vineyard.”
In about 1853 Ben married Margaret Hereford of a Virginia family. It was a second marriage for both & she had a son Edward Hereford. Margaret & Ben had 3 daughters, Margaret, Anne, & Ruth.
Basten's 1975 book, "Beverly Hills," credits Don Benito with developing Pasadena, Riverside, Alhambra, and Westwood. He lived & ranched parts of what is now Westwood, Beverly Hills, & Bel-Aire. His brand was a capital letter "B" enclosed by a wider "D" both sharing their left standards as one. He also served in the state legislature.
Mt. Wilson, Los Angeles County, California, was named in his honor.