Joseph Bayer

Joseph Bayer (1846–1900) was an importer and wholesaler of wines and liquors, in 19th century Los Angeles, California. He emigrated to the U.S. from the Kingdom of Württemberg.

Personal

Bayer was born November 1, 1846, in Württemberg, Germany, and came to the United States as a boy. In 1870 he journeyed to California and settled in Los Angeles, and he became a naturalized citizen that year. He married Katherine Barbara Happ of Buffalo, New York, and they had a son, Alfred Joseph In 1906, his widow married William W. Hoagland.

Vocation

Bayer enlisted in the Union Army at the outbreak of the American Civil War and served three years. In 1872 he set up a wholesale liquor and winery enterprise, with an importing business at Requina and Main Streets, Los Angeles, and remained there eighteen years, except for two years that he spent in Phoenix, Arizona. was associated in various businesses with C.F.A. Last

Bayer was the owner of a park at the junction of West First and West Second Streets, where in that vicinity oil was first discovered in Los Angeles, in 1892. Afterward, he drew a "handsome steady income" from the royalties.

Public service

Bayer was a one-term member of the Los Angeles Common Council, the legislative branch of the city.

References and notes

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