Glendale, California Biographies

Samuel Littleton Borthick

Samuel Littleton Borthick, who passed from this life on May 13, 1918, had been a resident of Glendale since 1896. He was born December 18, 1837, in Johnson County, Missouri, where his father, James Borthick, a native of New York State, was a pioneer of 1832. Mr. Borthick’s grandfather, John Borthick, a native of Ireland, emigrated to America in 1795 and settled in New York state. Mr. Borthick’s mother was Mary (Arah) Borthick, a native of Lexington, Kentucky.

Samuel Borthick was the fourth of a family of twelve children. He attended the district schools of Johnson county and then farmed until he was about thirty years old, when he went to Warrensburg, and engaged in mercantile business, remaining there until he came to Glendale. He traded property in Warrensburg, for a house and lot in Tropico on Park Avenue, between Brand Boulevard and Central Avenue, and made that place his home for some time. Later he bought a fifteen-acre tract on Windsor Road and gave his time to growing berries. He began selling his acreage for home sites and soon all of his time was given to dealings in real estate, which business he followed until his death. Being honest and straightforward in his business dealings he soon built up a large clientele and was recognized as a realtor of more than ordinary consequence and ability, and for many years was considered the best-posted realtor on valuations in the San Fernando Valley. He was a charter member of Unity Lodge No. 368. F. &. A. M., and at the time of his death had been a Master Mason for over fifty years. He was active in the Central Christian church, of which he had been a trustee for many years. He became the owner of much real estate both vacant and improved, and was ever interested in the development and growth of Glendale, giving his time and substance to all worthy causes, truly benefiting the city by his residence and work.

At Warrensburg, Missouri, Mr. Borthick married Eliza Cleveland, a native of Kentucky. They became the parents of eight children, all of who are living, except R. A. Borthick who passed away in December 1922, and who was one of Glendale’s highly respected citizens. Those living are as follows: Sally, wife of Ira Tucker, of Pomona, California; W. O., of Glendale; Edna, wife of George Byram, of Watsonville, California; Frank, of San Francisco; Nona, wife of E. K. Daniels, of Glendale; Miss Fredonia, of Los Angeles; and Ruby, wife of Logan Bowen, of Modesto, California.

From “History of Glendale and Vicinity” by John Calvin Sherer. The Glendale Publishing Company, c. 1922 F. M. Broadbooks and J. C. Sherer. p. 345-346