Los Angeles County CA Obituary Project Obituaries.....Nadeau, Remi January 15 1887
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Paula Hinkel phinkel@pacbell.net November 11, 2004, 10:43 pm

Los Angeles Times January 16, 1887 pg. 1
REMI NADEAU

A Prominent and Old-Time Citizen Passes Away.

A Man Whose Own Energy Lifted Him from Miller to Millionaire- Owner of the 
Largest Vineyard in the World.

Remi Nadeau, one of the oldest, wealthiest and best-known citizens of Los 
Angeles county, died at his residence, corner of Fifth and Olive streets, 
between 4 and 5 o'clock yesterday morning.  He had been suffering from a 
complication of liver, kidney and heart troubles for three months, but his 
condition excited no apprehension on the part of his family till within a week. 
Friday night he rallied, and the household was much encouraged by his favorable 
symptoms.  At 9 o'clock that night he expressed great hopefulness.  His son 
Joseph said something about not liking to leave him for the night, but Mr. 
Nadeau said that it would be all right -- he believed he would be well soon. 
Early yesterday morning, however, he rose from his reclining chair and lay down 
upon the bed. Here he complained of nausea; and had hardly spoken when he was 
dead.

Remi Nadeau was of French descent, but was born near Quebec, Canada 67 years 
ago, and came to the United States when a young man. He settled in Minnesota, 
and followed his trade, that of a miller. Twenty-six years ago he came across 
the plains, pausing awhile in Salt Lake City, where he put up one or two mills. 
He did not settle permanently here at first, but has been a resident of this 
county for about 20 years. His first business venture here was in freighting.  
He had only an ox-team and wagon for capital, but secured a loan of a few 
hundred dollars from Prudent Beaudry and with this embarked as a freighter 
between this city and Utah and Nevada.  The venture was successful and his 
business grew.  At last he became associated with Judson & Belshare, of San 
Francisco, and the firm did an enormous freighting business between Los Angeles 
and Inyo counties, hauling bullion from the mines to this city and supplies 
from this city to the mines.  Their freighting was on the colossal scale, and 
the profits -- they got 10 cents a pound for freighting -- were enormous, too.  
Mr. Nadeau became rich, and when the Inyo boom petered, went into Los Angeles 
County real estate.  He began to invest in land about 12 years ago, and by 
degrees became owner of a farm of nearly 3600 acres near Florence, besides 
other property.  Then Mr. Nadeau tried the beet-sugar experiment on a huge 
scale, but unsuccessfully. About five years ago he turned to the better-paying 
business of vine-growing, and has made a great success of it. At the time of 
his death his vineyard covered 2400 acres, and was probably the largest in the 
world.  Eight years ago he purchased the property at the southwest corner of 
Spring and First streets; and in 1882 he began thereon the construction of the 
huge block now known as the Nadeau House.  This building cost $165,000; and the 
land upon which it stands is worth at present prices fully as much more.  The 
entire estate left by Mr. Nadeau is probably well over $2,000,000--all 
accumulated by honest hard work, energy and intelligent foresight. He was a man 
of much strength of character, a Republican by conviction, but never a 
politician nor an office-seeker.  His qualities of mind and heart won the 
respect of all who knew him.  He leaves four children -- Joseph F., of this 
city; George A. of Florence; Miss Minnie J. F. Tilton of Concord, N. H., and 
Mrs. Mary R. Bell, who resides 7 miles south of this city.  His sister, Mrs. 
Lapoint, also resides in ths city.

The funeral will take place from the residence, southwest corner of Fifth and 
Olive, at 11 a.m. tomorrow.

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