José Mascarel
They had nine children, Charles, Jose Jr., Constance, Hortense, Marie Larquier, Josephine Twist, Margarita Drouet, Adele Kracke, and Eugenie Hoover.[4] However, "In spite of the opposition of relatives," the Los Angeles Times noted, Mascarel married Maria Jesus Benite Feliz on June 4, 1896, in a "quiet but romantic wedding" to "the woman who for thirty long years has been, to all intents and purposes," his wife."[10] Barrows told his audience that: While Mr. Mascarel was naturally of a retiring disposition, including [sic] him to shun publicity, he was in many respects a remarkable man.He had clear-cut and eminently practical views, strong convictions and a sound judgment in business matters, which enabled him to accumulate a handsome fortune, though he gave away for charitable and other purposes, considerable sums during his lifetime."[6] When General Irwin McDowell was commander of the army on this coast, after the close of the civil war, he made Los Angeles a visit, and our people were anxious to have him receive due honors by the Mayor, which office was at the time filled by Mr. Mascarel; and they feared his unfamiliarity with the English language might cause embarrassment.The difference may be accounted for that in his later years the old man got into the habit of deeding away his property to his loving friends until it was somewhat reduced," the Los Angeles Times reported.In 1845 they arrived at San Pedro in Alta California, where Mascarel debarked and made his way to settle in the Pueblo de Los Ángeles.[13] Mascarel was a member of the Los Angeles Common Council in 1864–65, and he was again elected on November 12, 1866, to succeed Moritz Morris, who had resigned the previous month.[14] Mascarel was a supporter of the Union government during the American Civil War, and helped to overcome a "strong secessionist movement" in Los Angeles at that time.