The sketches of our El Monte pioneers would not be complete without that of Alexander L. Thurman, who, when but a child, was brought to California by his parents John and Lettie Jane Thurman. A sketch of the latter is to be found elsewhere on these pages.

Alexander L. was born in Bledsoe County, Tennessee, April 9, 1847. He was educated in the public schools of El Monte, and upon attaining his majority, he engaged in farming and fruit raising in this district. He acquired forty acres north east of town near Peck Road, and later purchased another twenty-acre tract nearby. For many years, he was actively engaged in the development and operation of his property, and was well rewarded for his efforts.

In July 1879, Mr. Thurman was untied in marriage with Annie Elizabeth Prouty, a native of California, and daughter of Joseph and Margaret Prouty, natives of Ohio and well known pioneer ranchers of this district. To this union were born three sons; Joseph C. and Enos E. of El Monte, and Hugh C., now deceased. Mrs. Thurman died July 28, 1894.

In religion, Mr. Thurman was a devout and active member of the Presbyterian Church, which he supported liberally. He was a member of the A.O.U.W., in El Monte of which order he served as secretary for over twenty years. Politically he was a Democrat.

While still active and successful in his work, Mr. Thurman’s untimely death occurred September 5, 1912.