Isaac Newton Van Nuys

Isaac Newton Van Nuys was an American businessman, farmer, and rancher who lived from November 20, 1836, to February 12, 1912. He owned the entire southern part of the San Fernando Valley, a large area that was about 15 miles long and 6 miles wide.

As new water plans were developed, such as the Owens River aqueduct, many people in Los Angeles saw chances to grow the valley into farms and towns. In 1909, a group of investors, including Harry Chandler from the Los Angeles Times, bought Van Nuys’s land.

In 1911, a development group bought more land from him and created the town of Van Nuys, naming it after him. Van Nuys was made the town’s honorary godfather. He passed away a year later, but his name lives on in the town, schools, streets, libraries, and even a Liberty Ship named in his honor.

Early life

Isaac Van Nuys was born in West Sparta, New York. His father, Peter Van Nuys, was a farmer who owned a large piece of land and served in local government. His mother, Harriet Kerr, was also from New York. Isaac grew up with six brothers and sisters. He went to school for one year at an academy in Lima.

Career

In 1865, when he was 29, Isaac Newton Van Nuys moved to California and lived in Napa and Monticello. In 1871, he joined Isaac Lankershim's group, the San Fernando Homestead Association, which owned land in the San Fernando Valley. Van Nuys helped manage the land and started growing grain there.

Later, Van Nuys and James Boon Lankershim created the Los Angeles Farming and Milling Company. Van Nuys was the leader of this company, which built a big mill to make flour and other food for animals. As plans grew for a big water system from the Owens Valley to Los Angeles, people saw chances to build new towns in the San Fernando Valley. In 1909, a group led by Harry Chandler from the Los Angeles Times bought Van Nuys' land. They planned new towns like Van Nuys and built roads and a railway to help people live there.

Personal life

Isaac Newton Van Nuys married Susanna H. Lankershim from Los Angeles in 1880. She was the daughter of Isaac Lankershim and sister of James Boon Lankershim, who were his business partners. Together, they had three children named Annis H., James Benton, and Kate.

Van Nuys was part of the Masonic order and belonged to several groups including Pentalpha Blue Lodge and Al Malaikah Shrine Temple. He supported the Republican party and was a member of the Baptist Church. He also created Hollywood Cemetery. He passed away at the age of 75 on February 12, 1912.

Legacy

On February 23, 1944, a ship called the Liberty Ship was named after Van Nuys. The ship was launched at Los Angeles Harbor in San Pedro, California.