L. J. Rose of Sunny Slope

By L. J. Rose, Jr.

Written by his son and published by his granddaughter, this book is a memoir of L. J. Rose, who was born in Germany and became a California pioneer, horse breeder and farmer.  After living in the Mid-West, Rose migrated to southern California in 1858, when the West was still wild although California had recently entered the Union.  Deadly encounters with native Americans were part of the bargain for migrants in those years.

With pluck and determination, Rose managed to purchase land in the nearly vacant San Gabriel Valley, where he prospered as a rancher.  He eventually became a noted horse breeder whose horses won many races throughout the West.

Of particular interest to Homestead docents is the mention of the Workman and Temple families.  Rose transacted business with the Temple & Workman Bank.  F. P. F. Temple was also involved in purchasing thoroughbred horses.  Of course, Rose had a front row seat during the depression that led to the bank failure and William Workman’s demise.  In addition to the Workman and Temple families, Rose came into contact with early California pioneers such as William Wolfskill.

The author paints a beautiful, pastoral picture of 19th Century southern California as it was transformed from a somnolent rural community into a dynamic internationally focused state.  The reader should be cautioned that the author uses verbiage that would today be considered politically incorrect, reflecting a paternalistic view of people who were different.