When a boy comes all the way from Manhattan, Kansas via the way of Orange, Garlock, Randsburg, Cantil and Mojave there must be something to write about. Many of you might know more about this boy that met girl at Garlock about 1923 than the rest of us, but there might be a few things of interest that we consider worthy of mentioning. To start with, this boy's father had learned about the promised land of orange blossoms, bees and honey, and wanted his son to have all the modern things in life so he I packed up and moved West. Enroute to California, this boy was introduced to the Colorado School of Mines, and after due knowledge of the mining world, the push Westward was continued. In the year of about 1920 the orange packing sheds needed a bright young man to take charge of the sorting and packing of oranges. This bashful young man soon refrained from his Kansas farm habits, as he had to cope with all kinds of help along the sorting tables. As the pay was nominal in the 1920's most of the help consisted of women. Their fingers were more nimble and all work was piece work, so they dominated the assembly line.
When the orange packing harvest was over, this Kansas boy, known as Martin Engel, ventured out into another field which led him from Orange, through Los Angeles and he landed in Hollywood, where he became employed by the moving picture industry and was placed in charge of keeping the mechanical equipment in working order. Other duties were soon added to Martin's workshop such as locating suitable locations for making certain scenes, which led him far into the desert, such as Randsburg, and the famous mill sight at Garlock. This was the year of 1921 and there was a store, post office and school at Garlock. John Norton ran the store and post office, and a cute little girl was employed to teach the school by the name of Caroline.
As more locations became necessary on the desert, Martin Engel just had to visit the school to determine the qualifications of the different desert extras his company might have need for. This work for the moving picture company continued through 1921-22 and part of 23, but that was long enough for cupid to practice shooting arrows at the Garlock school teacher. They were hitting close to the heart, and when Caroline started teaching at Pond, near Delano, Martin headed his Templer car in that direction in. stead of going to Garlock.
On June 8, 1925 Martin and Caroline were married in Bakersfield. As Martin had qualified himself for the mining world, the Engels found themselves back on the desert, and in 1939 Martin was employed by the Yellow Aster mining company to do assay work. When the war broke out Marty was in demand, so when the Mojave Marine base was established, they needed a soil analysis of the material that went into the runways. When the runway was completed, Martin was transferred to San Diego where he remained until the end of the war. Through the years John Norton moved from Garlock to Cantil, where he continued to have a store and post office. We understand Caroline Engel took over the post office from about 1943 to 1946 during the time Marty was with the military. Caroline thought she had completed her service for Uncle Sam and turned her duties over to Martin. The mail sacks kept getting heavier, and as the mail was soon carried by truck instead of by rail, other complications arose and the post office soon became a man's job. It did not take long for the desert prospectors to learn they could get an honest assay and good advice if they brought their ore samples to Marty. As the Engels lived about fifty feet from the post office building, they were often imposed upon by many wanting stamps before or after post office hours. This was some times taken for granted, and the extra service was not appreciated by many that have long been gone elsewhere. Many interesting people have visited the Cantil post office. Herbert Hoover and former Governor Goodwin Knight were probably the most famous Government people. Many movie stars dropped by to give tribute to the desert wayside. The latest
notable Martin can recall was IrCharles Manson, who dropped by to see if he could rent a post office box. He almost moved his ranch to nearby Jawbone, but instead he moved to Death Valley where he was soon linked to the Hollywood crimes and was convicted, but is still allowed to live at taxpayers expense.
Since Martin and Caroline lived a good portion of their life here on the desert, they like many others, have noticed the gleam in the city street lights, and somewhere along the line they took time out to produce a daughter. They named her Esther, and she attended school here at Cantil and Mojave. She] took a business course, and lat- ] er met a young man by the I name of Art Templeton. Art is presently employed by the State Highway Dept. and Esther is the proprietor of the notion] store on the main highway in 1 the center of Mojave. They have a lovely home on Benito Avenue, and graciously turned it over for the purpose of giving Esther's father and mother a party for their fiftieth wedding:
anniversary. A large gathering of people from as far away as
Porterville, Los Angeles, Rosamond, Randsburg and points in between attended. It was estimated about sixty seven or: more paid their respects. All varieties of gifts and a money tree were received. No doubt
this party the Templetons presented the Engels will long be I remembered by themselves and their friends.
Mojave Desert News 6/19/1975
Ross Rogers' Column
Services For Martin C. Engel
, Funeral services for Martin C. Engel, 74, a resident of East Kern County for nearly 50 yrs., were held Monday, Jan. 3, at the Stickel Mortuaries Chapel Mojave.
Mr. Engel was. born May 26, 1902 in Manhattan, Kansas, and passed away at his home at16063 K St., the afternoon of Dec. 31.
He first came to California in 1925, at the age of 19, and lived in Orange, where he began his me's work as an assayer. He and his wife of 51 years, Caroline, were married in Bakersfield on June 8, 1925.
Mr. Engel worked as an assayer in this area when the Silver Queen Mine first began. to operate and produce gold. He lived in Cantil for 44 years, and moved to Mojave two yrs ago. He served as the Cantil postmaster for 20 years.
He was recently made an honorary member of the Mojave Greens mining council, and had been nominated for the Hall of Fame at Tropico Gold Mine.
Martin is survived by his widow; a daughter,Esther Templeton, Mojave; a sister; Merea Deck; a brother, Bills';brotlIe t Deck; and a brother, Chauncy Bills both of Santa Ana; two grandchildren, Stanton Templeton, Tehachapi and Lori Maute, Mojave; and four great grand- children, .Tammie, Debbie, ,and Sheri Templeton and. Michael Maute.
Rev. Msgr. Francis J. Pointek, St. Malachy's, Church, Tehachapi, officiated at the 2:00 p.m. services. Interment followed in the Mojave Cemetery. Stickel Mortuaries had charge of arrangements.
Courtesy The Mojave Desert News
Mojave and California City, Kern County, CA
1/6/1977 page 8
Posted by the East Kern Genealogical Society
Old Mojave And The Gold Strike
By Susan Crocoll
Hoofbeats Reporter
Mojave High School
"Assayed your ore," the message read. "Worth $2,700 in silver and $6,000 in gold." Someone had struck it rich once again on Silver Queen Mountain, and it was Mr. Martin Engel who assayed the strike.
Mr. Engel, a Mojave resident, was an assayer when the Silver Queen first began producing gold. As an assayer, he analyzed ore to determine the presence or quantity of a certain element, usually gold or silver.
"Why, I remember when that man first discovered his gold," Mr. Engel said, laughingly. , "He had buttons made out of the gold and silver and put them straight down the front of his vest."
Mr. Engel didn't start his life here in the West assaying. Born in Kansas, he decided in 1921 that assaying was his kind of life, So he moved to Orange, California and then out to the Mojave Desert.
He served as postmaster and assayer in Cantil for 44 years.
For the past two years he and his wife, Carolyn, have lived in Mojave.
He liked living in Cantil. "It was a nice place. The only difference now is that the raw, the desert land has now been converted to farm land."
Mr. and Mrs. Engel both have good memories about life back in Cantil. Carolyn Engel
still remembers when a good meal only cost 35 cents. "With ten dollars, a week's worth of groceries could be easily bought," she added.
"Oh, no, things weren't like in the movies," the assayer said. "The miners wore overalls. Guns were seldom used. Although practically everyone had a gun, not many people wore them."
The couple agree that the thing that has changed most, since Mojave was a gold camp is the people, In those days, there was a "code of honor," If something was borrowed, it (or an object of equal value) was always given back to the lender. Now, people will "rob you blind." They seem to care less about others and are only concerned with themselves the Engels noted.
But they are satisfied with their lives, "wouldn't change anything, even if they could."
California Death Index
Name: Martin C Engel
Gender: Male
Birth Date: 26 May 1902
Birth Place: Kansas
Death Date: 31 Dec 1976
Death Place: Kern
1910 US Census
Name: Martin C Bills
[Marten C Bills]
Age in 1910: 8
Birth Date: 1902
[1902]
Birthplace: Kansas
Home in 1910: Manhattan Ward 3, Riley, Kansas, USA
Street: Poyntz Avenue
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Son
Marital Status: Single
Father's Name: Chauncey Bills
Father's Birthplace: Michigan
Mother's Name: Anna Bills
Mother's Birthplace: Ohio
Attended School: Yes
Neighbors: View others on page
Household Members Age Relationship
Chauncey Bills 55 Head
Anna Bills 38 Wife
Martin C Bills 8 Son
1920 US Census
Name: Martin Engel
Age: 11
Birth Year: abt 1909
Birthplace: Kansas
Home in 1920: Manhattan, Riley, Kansas
Residence Date: 1920
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Stepson (Step Son)
Marital Status: Single
Father's Birthplace: Kansas
Mother's Name: Anna Bills
Mother's Birthplace: West Virginia
Able to Speak English: Yes
Attended School: No
Able to read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Neighbors: View others on page
Household Members Age Relationship
Chancy Bills 66 Head
Anna Bills 45 Wife
Marie Bills 10 Daughter
Chancy Bills Jr. 8 Son
Martin Engel 11 Stepson (Step Son)
Hazel Engel 15 Stepdaughter (Step Daughter)
1930 US Census
Name: Martin C Engel
[Martin C Egel]
Birth Year: abt 1903
Gender: Male
Race: White
Age in 1930: 27
Birthplace: Kansas
Marital Status: Married
Relation to Head of House: Head
Home in 1930: Township 10, Kern, California, USA
Map of Home: Township 10, Kern, California
Street Address: Saldale Village and Vicenity
House Number: 70
Dwelling Number: 196
Family Number: 200
Home Owned or Rented: Rented
Home Value: 10.00
Radio Set: No
Lives on Farm: No
Age at First Marriage: 23
Attended School: No
Able to Read and Write: Yes
Father's Birthplace: Kansas
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Able to Speak English: Yes
Occupation: Laborer
Industry: Farm
Class of Worker: Wage or salary worker
Employment: Yes
Household Members Age Relationship
Martin C Engel 27 Head
Carolyn L Engel 25 Wife
Esther E Engel 2 Daughter
WWII Draft Card
Name: Martin Carl Engel
Gender: Male
Race: White
Age: 39
Relationship to Draftee: Self (Head)
Birth Date: 26 May 1902
Birth Place: Manhattan Riley, Kansas, USA
Residence Place: Cantil, Kern, California, USA
Registration Date: 16 Feb 1942
Registration Place: Cantil, Kern, California, USA
Employer: Self
Weight: 200
Complexion: Light
Eye Color: Blue
Hair Color: Brown
Height: 6 2
Next of Kin: Jack Weldon
Household Members:
Name Relationship
Martin Carl Engel Self (Head)
When the orange packing harvest was over, this Kansas boy, known as Martin Engel, ventured out into another field which led him from Orange, through Los Angeles and he landed in Hollywood, where he became employed by the moving picture industry and was placed in charge of keeping the mechanical equipment in working order. Other duties were soon added to Martin's workshop such as locating suitable locations for making certain scenes, which led him far into the desert, such as Randsburg, and the famous mill sight at Garlock. This was the year of 1921 and there was a store, post office and school at Garlock. John Norton ran the store and post office, and a cute little girl was employed to teach the school by the name of Caroline.
As more locations became necessary on the desert, Martin Engel just had to visit the school to determine the qualifications of the different desert extras his company might have need for. This work for the moving picture company continued through 1921-22 and part of 23, but that was long enough for cupid to practice shooting arrows at the Garlock school teacher. They were hitting close to the heart, and when Caroline started teaching at Pond, near Delano, Martin headed his Templer car in that direction in. stead of going to Garlock.
On June 8, 1925 Martin and Caroline were married in Bakersfield. As Martin had qualified himself for the mining world, the Engels found themselves back on the desert, and in 1939 Martin was employed by the Yellow Aster mining company to do assay work. When the war broke out Marty was in demand, so when the Mojave Marine base was established, they needed a soil analysis of the material that went into the runways. When the runway was completed, Martin was transferred to San Diego where he remained until the end of the war. Through the years John Norton moved from Garlock to Cantil, where he continued to have a store and post office. We understand Caroline Engel took over the post office from about 1943 to 1946 during the time Marty was with the military. Caroline thought she had completed her service for Uncle Sam and turned her duties over to Martin. The mail sacks kept getting heavier, and as the mail was soon carried by truck instead of by rail, other complications arose and the post office soon became a man's job. It did not take long for the desert prospectors to learn they could get an honest assay and good advice if they brought their ore samples to Marty. As the Engels lived about fifty feet from the post office building, they were often imposed upon by many wanting stamps before or after post office hours. This was some times taken for granted, and the extra service was not appreciated by many that have long been gone elsewhere. Many interesting people have visited the Cantil post office. Herbert Hoover and former Governor Goodwin Knight were probably the most famous Government people. Many movie stars dropped by to give tribute to the desert wayside. The latest
notable Martin can recall was IrCharles Manson, who dropped by to see if he could rent a post office box. He almost moved his ranch to nearby Jawbone, but instead he moved to Death Valley where he was soon linked to the Hollywood crimes and was convicted, but is still allowed to live at taxpayers expense.
Since Martin and Caroline lived a good portion of their life here on the desert, they like many others, have noticed the gleam in the city street lights, and somewhere along the line they took time out to produce a daughter. They named her Esther, and she attended school here at Cantil and Mojave. She] took a business course, and lat- ] er met a young man by the I name of Art Templeton. Art is presently employed by the State Highway Dept. and Esther is the proprietor of the notion] store on the main highway in 1 the center of Mojave. They have a lovely home on Benito Avenue, and graciously turned it over for the purpose of giving Esther's father and mother a party for their fiftieth wedding:
anniversary. A large gathering of people from as far away as
Porterville, Los Angeles, Rosamond, Randsburg and points in between attended. It was estimated about sixty seven or: more paid their respects. All varieties of gifts and a money tree were received. No doubt
this party the Templetons presented the Engels will long be I remembered by themselves and their friends.
Mojave Desert News 6/19/1975
Ross Rogers' Column
Services For Martin C. Engel
, Funeral services for Martin C. Engel, 74, a resident of East Kern County for nearly 50 yrs., were held Monday, Jan. 3, at the Stickel Mortuaries Chapel Mojave.
Mr. Engel was. born May 26, 1902 in Manhattan, Kansas, and passed away at his home at16063 K St., the afternoon of Dec. 31.
He first came to California in 1925, at the age of 19, and lived in Orange, where he began his me's work as an assayer. He and his wife of 51 years, Caroline, were married in Bakersfield on June 8, 1925.
Mr. Engel worked as an assayer in this area when the Silver Queen Mine first began. to operate and produce gold. He lived in Cantil for 44 years, and moved to Mojave two yrs ago. He served as the Cantil postmaster for 20 years.
He was recently made an honorary member of the Mojave Greens mining council, and had been nominated for the Hall of Fame at Tropico Gold Mine.
Martin is survived by his widow; a daughter,Esther Templeton, Mojave; a sister; Merea Deck; a brother, Bills';brotlIe t Deck; and a brother, Chauncy Bills both of Santa Ana; two grandchildren, Stanton Templeton, Tehachapi and Lori Maute, Mojave; and four great grand- children, .Tammie, Debbie, ,and Sheri Templeton and. Michael Maute.
Rev. Msgr. Francis J. Pointek, St. Malachy's, Church, Tehachapi, officiated at the 2:00 p.m. services. Interment followed in the Mojave Cemetery. Stickel Mortuaries had charge of arrangements.
Courtesy The Mojave Desert News
Mojave and California City, Kern County, CA
1/6/1977 page 8
Posted by the East Kern Genealogical Society
Old Mojave And The Gold Strike
By Susan Crocoll
Hoofbeats Reporter
Mojave High School
"Assayed your ore," the message read. "Worth $2,700 in silver and $6,000 in gold." Someone had struck it rich once again on Silver Queen Mountain, and it was Mr. Martin Engel who assayed the strike.
Mr. Engel, a Mojave resident, was an assayer when the Silver Queen first began producing gold. As an assayer, he analyzed ore to determine the presence or quantity of a certain element, usually gold or silver.
"Why, I remember when that man first discovered his gold," Mr. Engel said, laughingly. , "He had buttons made out of the gold and silver and put them straight down the front of his vest."
Mr. Engel didn't start his life here in the West assaying. Born in Kansas, he decided in 1921 that assaying was his kind of life, So he moved to Orange, California and then out to the Mojave Desert.
He served as postmaster and assayer in Cantil for 44 years.
For the past two years he and his wife, Carolyn, have lived in Mojave.
He liked living in Cantil. "It was a nice place. The only difference now is that the raw, the desert land has now been converted to farm land."
Mr. and Mrs. Engel both have good memories about life back in Cantil. Carolyn Engel
still remembers when a good meal only cost 35 cents. "With ten dollars, a week's worth of groceries could be easily bought," she added.
"Oh, no, things weren't like in the movies," the assayer said. "The miners wore overalls. Guns were seldom used. Although practically everyone had a gun, not many people wore them."
The couple agree that the thing that has changed most, since Mojave was a gold camp is the people, In those days, there was a "code of honor," If something was borrowed, it (or an object of equal value) was always given back to the lender. Now, people will "rob you blind." They seem to care less about others and are only concerned with themselves the Engels noted.
But they are satisfied with their lives, "wouldn't change anything, even if they could."
California Death Index
Name: Martin C Engel
Gender: Male
Birth Date: 26 May 1902
Birth Place: Kansas
Death Date: 31 Dec 1976
Death Place: Kern
1910 US Census
Name: Martin C Bills
[Marten C Bills]
Age in 1910: 8
Birth Date: 1902
[1902]
Birthplace: Kansas
Home in 1910: Manhattan Ward 3, Riley, Kansas, USA
Street: Poyntz Avenue
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Son
Marital Status: Single
Father's Name: Chauncey Bills
Father's Birthplace: Michigan
Mother's Name: Anna Bills
Mother's Birthplace: Ohio
Attended School: Yes
Neighbors: View others on page
Household Members Age Relationship
Chauncey Bills 55 Head
Anna Bills 38 Wife
Martin C Bills 8 Son
1920 US Census
Name: Martin Engel
Age: 11
Birth Year: abt 1909
Birthplace: Kansas
Home in 1920: Manhattan, Riley, Kansas
Residence Date: 1920
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Stepson (Step Son)
Marital Status: Single
Father's Birthplace: Kansas
Mother's Name: Anna Bills
Mother's Birthplace: West Virginia
Able to Speak English: Yes
Attended School: No
Able to read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Neighbors: View others on page
Household Members Age Relationship
Chancy Bills 66 Head
Anna Bills 45 Wife
Marie Bills 10 Daughter
Chancy Bills Jr. 8 Son
Martin Engel 11 Stepson (Step Son)
Hazel Engel 15 Stepdaughter (Step Daughter)
1930 US Census
Name: Martin C Engel
[Martin C Egel]
Birth Year: abt 1903
Gender: Male
Race: White
Age in 1930: 27
Birthplace: Kansas
Marital Status: Married
Relation to Head of House: Head
Home in 1930: Township 10, Kern, California, USA
Map of Home: Township 10, Kern, California
Street Address: Saldale Village and Vicenity
House Number: 70
Dwelling Number: 196
Family Number: 200
Home Owned or Rented: Rented
Home Value: 10.00
Radio Set: No
Lives on Farm: No
Age at First Marriage: 23
Attended School: No
Able to Read and Write: Yes
Father's Birthplace: Kansas
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Able to Speak English: Yes
Occupation: Laborer
Industry: Farm
Class of Worker: Wage or salary worker
Employment: Yes
Household Members Age Relationship
Martin C Engel 27 Head
Carolyn L Engel 25 Wife
Esther E Engel 2 Daughter
WWII Draft Card
Name: Martin Carl Engel
Gender: Male
Race: White
Age: 39
Relationship to Draftee: Self (Head)
Birth Date: 26 May 1902
Birth Place: Manhattan Riley, Kansas, USA
Residence Place: Cantil, Kern, California, USA
Registration Date: 16 Feb 1942
Registration Place: Cantil, Kern, California, USA
Employer: Self
Weight: 200
Complexion: Light
Eye Color: Blue
Hair Color: Brown
Height: 6 2
Next of Kin: Jack Weldon
Household Members:
Name Relationship
Martin Carl Engel Self (Head)
When a boy comes all the way from Manhattan, Kansas via the way of Orange, Garlock, Randsburg, Cantil and Mojave there must be something to write about. Many of you might know more about this boy that met girl at Garlock about 1923 than the rest of us, but there might be a few things of interest that we consider worthy of mentioning. To start with, this boy's father had learned about the promised land of orange blossoms, bees and honey, and wanted his son to have all the modern things in life so he I packed up and moved West. Enroute to California, this boy was introduced to the Colorado School of Mines, and after due knowledge of the mining world, the push Westward was continued. In the year of about 1920 the orange packing sheds needed a bright young man to take charge of the sorting and packing of oranges. This bashful young man soon refrained from his Kansas farm habits, as he had to cope with all kinds of help along the sorting tables. As the pay was nominal in the 1920's most of the help consisted of women. Their fingers were more nimble and all work was piece work, so they dominated the assembly line.
When the orange packing harvest was over, this Kansas boy, known as Martin Engel, ventured out into another field which led him from Orange, through Los Angeles and he landed in Hollywood, where he became employed by the moving picture industry and was placed in charge of keeping the mechanical equipment in working order. Other duties were soon added to Martin's workshop such as locating suitable locations for making certain scenes, which led him far into the desert, such as Randsburg, and the famous mill sight at Garlock. This was the year of 1921 and there was a store, post office and school at Garlock. John Norton ran the store and post office, and a cute little girl was employed to teach the school by the name of Caroline.
As more locations became necessary on the desert, Martin Engel just had to visit the school to determine the qualifications of the different desert extras his company might have need for. This work for the moving picture company continued through 1921-22 and part of 23, but that was long enough for cupid to practice shooting arrows at the Garlock school teacher. They were hitting close to the heart, and when Caroline started teaching at Pond, near Delano, Martin headed his Templer car in that direction in. stead of going to Garlock.
On June 8, 1925 Martin and Caroline were married in Bakersfield. As Martin had qualified himself for the mining world, the Engels found themselves back on the desert, and in 1939 Martin was employed by the Yellow Aster mining company to do assay work. When the war broke out Marty was in demand, so when the Mojave Marine base was established, they needed a soil analysis of the material that went into the runways. When the runway was completed, Martin was transferred to San Diego where he remained until the end of the war. Through the years John Norton moved from Garlock to Cantil, where he continued to have a store and post office. We understand Caroline Engel took over the post office from about 1943 to 1946 during the time Marty was with the military. Caroline thought she had completed her service for Uncle Sam and turned her duties over to Martin. The mail sacks kept getting heavier, and as the mail was soon carried by truck instead of by rail, other complications arose and the post office soon became a man's job. It did not take long for the desert prospectors to learn they could get an honest assay and good advice if they brought their ore samples to Marty. As the Engels lived about fifty feet from the post office building, they were often imposed upon by many wanting stamps before or after post office hours. This was some times taken for granted, and the extra service was not appreciated by many that have long been gone elsewhere. Many interesting people have visited the Cantil post office. Herbert Hoover and former Governor Goodwin Knight were probably the most famous Government people. Many movie stars dropped by to give tribute to the desert wayside. The latest
notable Martin can recall was IrCharles Manson, who dropped by to see if he could rent a post office box. He almost moved his ranch to nearby Jawbone, but instead he moved to Death Valley where he was soon linked to the Hollywood crimes and was convicted, but is still allowed to live at taxpayers expense.
Since Martin and Caroline lived a good portion of their life here on the desert, they like many others, have noticed the gleam in the city street lights, and somewhere along the line they took time out to produce a daughter. They named her Esther, and she attended school here at Cantil and Mojave. She] took a business course, and lat- ] er met a young man by the I name of Art Templeton. Art is presently employed by the State Highway Dept. and Esther is the proprietor of the notion] store on the main highway in 1 the center of Mojave. They have a lovely home on Benito Avenue, and graciously turned it over for the purpose of giving Esther's father and mother a party for their fiftieth wedding:
anniversary. A large gathering of people from as far away as
Porterville, Los Angeles, Rosamond, Randsburg and points in between attended. It was estimated about sixty seven or: more paid their respects. All varieties of gifts and a money tree were received. No doubt
this party the Templetons presented the Engels will long be I remembered by themselves and their friends.
Mojave Desert News 6/19/1975
Ross Rogers' Column
Services For Martin C. Engel
, Funeral services for Martin C. Engel, 74, a resident of East Kern County for nearly 50 yrs., were held Monday, Jan. 3, at the Stickel Mortuaries Chapel Mojave.
Mr. Engel was. born May 26, 1902 in Manhattan, Kansas, and passed away at his home at16063 K St., the afternoon of Dec. 31.
He first came to California in 1925, at the age of 19, and lived in Orange, where he began his me's work as an assayer. He and his wife of 51 years, Caroline, were married in Bakersfield on June 8, 1925.
Mr. Engel worked as an assayer in this area when the Silver Queen Mine first began. to operate and produce gold. He lived in Cantil for 44 years, and moved to Mojave two yrs ago. He served as the Cantil postmaster for 20 years.
He was recently made an honorary member of the Mojave Greens mining council, and had been nominated for the Hall of Fame at Tropico Gold Mine.
Martin is survived by his widow; a daughter,Esther Templeton, Mojave; a sister; Merea Deck; a brother, Bills';brotlIe t Deck; and a brother, Chauncy Bills both of Santa Ana; two grandchildren, Stanton Templeton, Tehachapi and Lori Maute, Mojave; and four great grand- children, .Tammie, Debbie, ,and Sheri Templeton and. Michael Maute.
Rev. Msgr. Francis J. Pointek, St. Malachy's, Church, Tehachapi, officiated at the 2:00 p.m. services. Interment followed in the Mojave Cemetery. Stickel Mortuaries had charge of arrangements.
Courtesy The Mojave Desert News
Mojave and California City, Kern County, CA
1/6/1977 page 8
Posted by the East Kern Genealogical Society
Old Mojave And The Gold Strike
By Susan Crocoll
Hoofbeats Reporter
Mojave High School
"Assayed your ore," the message read. "Worth $2,700 in silver and $6,000 in gold." Someone had struck it rich once again on Silver Queen Mountain, and it was Mr. Martin Engel who assayed the strike.
Mr. Engel, a Mojave resident, was an assayer when the Silver Queen first began producing gold. As an assayer, he analyzed ore to determine the presence or quantity of a certain element, usually gold or silver.
"Why, I remember when that man first discovered his gold," Mr. Engel said, laughingly. , "He had buttons made out of the gold and silver and put them straight down the front of his vest."
Mr. Engel didn't start his life here in the West assaying. Born in Kansas, he decided in 1921 that assaying was his kind of life, So he moved to Orange, California and then out to the Mojave Desert.
He served as postmaster and assayer in Cantil for 44 years.
For the past two years he and his wife, Carolyn, have lived in Mojave.
He liked living in Cantil. "It was a nice place. The only difference now is that the raw, the desert land has now been converted to farm land."
Mr. and Mrs. Engel both have good memories about life back in Cantil. Carolyn Engel
still remembers when a good meal only cost 35 cents. "With ten dollars, a week's worth of groceries could be easily bought," she added.
"Oh, no, things weren't like in the movies," the assayer said. "The miners wore overalls. Guns were seldom used. Although practically everyone had a gun, not many people wore them."
The couple agree that the thing that has changed most, since Mojave was a gold camp is the people, In those days, there was a "code of honor," If something was borrowed, it (or an object of equal value) was always given back to the lender. Now, people will "rob you blind." They seem to care less about others and are only concerned with themselves the Engels noted.
But they are satisfied with their lives, "wouldn't change anything, even if they could."
California Death Index
Name: Martin C Engel
Gender: Male
Birth Date: 26 May 1902
Birth Place: Kansas
Death Date: 31 Dec 1976
Death Place: Kern
1910 US Census
Name: Martin C Bills
[Marten C Bills]
Age in 1910: 8
Birth Date: 1902
[1902]
Birthplace: Kansas
Home in 1910: Manhattan Ward 3, Riley, Kansas, USA
Street: Poyntz Avenue
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Son
Marital Status: Single
Father's Name: Chauncey Bills
Father's Birthplace: Michigan
Mother's Name: Anna Bills
Mother's Birthplace: Ohio
Attended School: Yes
Neighbors: View others on page
Household Members Age Relationship
Chauncey Bills 55 Head
Anna Bills 38 Wife
Martin C Bills 8 Son
1920 US Census
Name: Martin Engel
Age: 11
Birth Year: abt 1909
Birthplace: Kansas
Home in 1920: Manhattan, Riley, Kansas
Residence Date: 1920
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Stepson (Step Son)
Marital Status: Single
Father's Birthplace: Kansas
Mother's Name: Anna Bills
Mother's Birthplace: West Virginia
Able to Speak English: Yes
Attended School: No
Able to read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Neighbors: View others on page
Household Members Age Relationship
Chancy Bills 66 Head
Anna Bills 45 Wife
Marie Bills 10 Daughter
Chancy Bills Jr. 8 Son
Martin Engel 11 Stepson (Step Son)
Hazel Engel 15 Stepdaughter (Step Daughter)
1930 US Census
Name: Martin C Engel
[Martin C Egel]
Birth Year: abt 1903
Gender: Male
Race: White
Age in 1930: 27
Birthplace: Kansas
Marital Status: Married
Relation to Head of House: Head
Home in 1930: Township 10, Kern, California, USA
Map of Home: Township 10, Kern, California
Street Address: Saldale Village and Vicenity
House Number: 70
Dwelling Number: 196
Family Number: 200
Home Owned or Rented: Rented
Home Value: 10.00
Radio Set: No
Lives on Farm: No
Age at First Marriage: 23
Attended School: No
Able to Read and Write: Yes
Father's Birthplace: Kansas
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Able to Speak English: Yes
Occupation: Laborer
Industry: Farm
Class of Worker: Wage or salary worker
Employment: Yes
Household Members Age Relationship
Martin C Engel 27 Head
Carolyn L Engel 25 Wife
Esther E Engel 2 Daughter
WWII Draft Card
Name: Martin Carl Engel
Gender: Male
Race: White
Age: 39
Relationship to Draftee: Self (Head)
Birth Date: 26 May 1902
Birth Place: Manhattan Riley, Kansas, USA
Residence Place: Cantil, Kern, California, USA
Registration Date: 16 Feb 1942
Registration Place: Cantil, Kern, California, USA
Employer: Self
Weight: 200
Complexion: Light
Eye Color: Blue
Hair Color: Brown
Height: 6 2
Next of Kin: Jack Weldon
Household Members:
Name Relationship
Martin Carl Engel Self (Head)
When the orange packing harvest was over, this Kansas boy, known as Martin Engel, ventured out into another field which led him from Orange, through Los Angeles and he landed in Hollywood, where he became employed by the moving picture industry and was placed in charge of keeping the mechanical equipment in working order. Other duties were soon added to Martin's workshop such as locating suitable locations for making certain scenes, which led him far into the desert, such as Randsburg, and the famous mill sight at Garlock. This was the year of 1921 and there was a store, post office and school at Garlock. John Norton ran the store and post office, and a cute little girl was employed to teach the school by the name of Caroline.
As more locations became necessary on the desert, Martin Engel just had to visit the school to determine the qualifications of the different desert extras his company might have need for. This work for the moving picture company continued through 1921-22 and part of 23, but that was long enough for cupid to practice shooting arrows at the Garlock school teacher. They were hitting close to the heart, and when Caroline started teaching at Pond, near Delano, Martin headed his Templer car in that direction in. stead of going to Garlock.
On June 8, 1925 Martin and Caroline were married in Bakersfield. As Martin had qualified himself for the mining world, the Engels found themselves back on the desert, and in 1939 Martin was employed by the Yellow Aster mining company to do assay work. When the war broke out Marty was in demand, so when the Mojave Marine base was established, they needed a soil analysis of the material that went into the runways. When the runway was completed, Martin was transferred to San Diego where he remained until the end of the war. Through the years John Norton moved from Garlock to Cantil, where he continued to have a store and post office. We understand Caroline Engel took over the post office from about 1943 to 1946 during the time Marty was with the military. Caroline thought she had completed her service for Uncle Sam and turned her duties over to Martin. The mail sacks kept getting heavier, and as the mail was soon carried by truck instead of by rail, other complications arose and the post office soon became a man's job. It did not take long for the desert prospectors to learn they could get an honest assay and good advice if they brought their ore samples to Marty. As the Engels lived about fifty feet from the post office building, they were often imposed upon by many wanting stamps before or after post office hours. This was some times taken for granted, and the extra service was not appreciated by many that have long been gone elsewhere. Many interesting people have visited the Cantil post office. Herbert Hoover and former Governor Goodwin Knight were probably the most famous Government people. Many movie stars dropped by to give tribute to the desert wayside. The latest
notable Martin can recall was IrCharles Manson, who dropped by to see if he could rent a post office box. He almost moved his ranch to nearby Jawbone, but instead he moved to Death Valley where he was soon linked to the Hollywood crimes and was convicted, but is still allowed to live at taxpayers expense.
Since Martin and Caroline lived a good portion of their life here on the desert, they like many others, have noticed the gleam in the city street lights, and somewhere along the line they took time out to produce a daughter. They named her Esther, and she attended school here at Cantil and Mojave. She] took a business course, and lat- ] er met a young man by the I name of Art Templeton. Art is presently employed by the State Highway Dept. and Esther is the proprietor of the notion] store on the main highway in 1 the center of Mojave. They have a lovely home on Benito Avenue, and graciously turned it over for the purpose of giving Esther's father and mother a party for their fiftieth wedding:
anniversary. A large gathering of people from as far away as
Porterville, Los Angeles, Rosamond, Randsburg and points in between attended. It was estimated about sixty seven or: more paid their respects. All varieties of gifts and a money tree were received. No doubt
this party the Templetons presented the Engels will long be I remembered by themselves and their friends.
Mojave Desert News 6/19/1975
Ross Rogers' Column
Services For Martin C. Engel
, Funeral services for Martin C. Engel, 74, a resident of East Kern County for nearly 50 yrs., were held Monday, Jan. 3, at the Stickel Mortuaries Chapel Mojave.
Mr. Engel was. born May 26, 1902 in Manhattan, Kansas, and passed away at his home at16063 K St., the afternoon of Dec. 31.
He first came to California in 1925, at the age of 19, and lived in Orange, where he began his me's work as an assayer. He and his wife of 51 years, Caroline, were married in Bakersfield on June 8, 1925.
Mr. Engel worked as an assayer in this area when the Silver Queen Mine first began. to operate and produce gold. He lived in Cantil for 44 years, and moved to Mojave two yrs ago. He served as the Cantil postmaster for 20 years.
He was recently made an honorary member of the Mojave Greens mining council, and had been nominated for the Hall of Fame at Tropico Gold Mine.
Martin is survived by his widow; a daughter,Esther Templeton, Mojave; a sister; Merea Deck; a brother, Bills';brotlIe t Deck; and a brother, Chauncy Bills both of Santa Ana; two grandchildren, Stanton Templeton, Tehachapi and Lori Maute, Mojave; and four great grand- children, .Tammie, Debbie, ,and Sheri Templeton and. Michael Maute.
Rev. Msgr. Francis J. Pointek, St. Malachy's, Church, Tehachapi, officiated at the 2:00 p.m. services. Interment followed in the Mojave Cemetery. Stickel Mortuaries had charge of arrangements.
Courtesy The Mojave Desert News
Mojave and California City, Kern County, CA
1/6/1977 page 8
Posted by the East Kern Genealogical Society
Old Mojave And The Gold Strike
By Susan Crocoll
Hoofbeats Reporter
Mojave High School
"Assayed your ore," the message read. "Worth $2,700 in silver and $6,000 in gold." Someone had struck it rich once again on Silver Queen Mountain, and it was Mr. Martin Engel who assayed the strike.
Mr. Engel, a Mojave resident, was an assayer when the Silver Queen first began producing gold. As an assayer, he analyzed ore to determine the presence or quantity of a certain element, usually gold or silver.
"Why, I remember when that man first discovered his gold," Mr. Engel said, laughingly. , "He had buttons made out of the gold and silver and put them straight down the front of his vest."
Mr. Engel didn't start his life here in the West assaying. Born in Kansas, he decided in 1921 that assaying was his kind of life, So he moved to Orange, California and then out to the Mojave Desert.
He served as postmaster and assayer in Cantil for 44 years.
For the past two years he and his wife, Carolyn, have lived in Mojave.
He liked living in Cantil. "It was a nice place. The only difference now is that the raw, the desert land has now been converted to farm land."
Mr. and Mrs. Engel both have good memories about life back in Cantil. Carolyn Engel
still remembers when a good meal only cost 35 cents. "With ten dollars, a week's worth of groceries could be easily bought," she added.
"Oh, no, things weren't like in the movies," the assayer said. "The miners wore overalls. Guns were seldom used. Although practically everyone had a gun, not many people wore them."
The couple agree that the thing that has changed most, since Mojave was a gold camp is the people, In those days, there was a "code of honor," If something was borrowed, it (or an object of equal value) was always given back to the lender. Now, people will "rob you blind." They seem to care less about others and are only concerned with themselves the Engels noted.
But they are satisfied with their lives, "wouldn't change anything, even if they could."
California Death Index
Name: Martin C Engel
Gender: Male
Birth Date: 26 May 1902
Birth Place: Kansas
Death Date: 31 Dec 1976
Death Place: Kern
1910 US Census
Name: Martin C Bills
[Marten C Bills]
Age in 1910: 8
Birth Date: 1902
[1902]
Birthplace: Kansas
Home in 1910: Manhattan Ward 3, Riley, Kansas, USA
Street: Poyntz Avenue
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Son
Marital Status: Single
Father's Name: Chauncey Bills
Father's Birthplace: Michigan
Mother's Name: Anna Bills
Mother's Birthplace: Ohio
Attended School: Yes
Neighbors: View others on page
Household Members Age Relationship
Chauncey Bills 55 Head
Anna Bills 38 Wife
Martin C Bills 8 Son
1920 US Census
Name: Martin Engel
Age: 11
Birth Year: abt 1909
Birthplace: Kansas
Home in 1920: Manhattan, Riley, Kansas
Residence Date: 1920
Race: White
Gender: Male
Relation to Head of House: Stepson (Step Son)
Marital Status: Single
Father's Birthplace: Kansas
Mother's Name: Anna Bills
Mother's Birthplace: West Virginia
Able to Speak English: Yes
Attended School: No
Able to read: Yes
Able to Write: Yes
Neighbors: View others on page
Household Members Age Relationship
Chancy Bills 66 Head
Anna Bills 45 Wife
Marie Bills 10 Daughter
Chancy Bills Jr. 8 Son
Martin Engel 11 Stepson (Step Son)
Hazel Engel 15 Stepdaughter (Step Daughter)
1930 US Census
Name: Martin C Engel
[Martin C Egel]
Birth Year: abt 1903
Gender: Male
Race: White
Age in 1930: 27
Birthplace: Kansas
Marital Status: Married
Relation to Head of House: Head
Home in 1930: Township 10, Kern, California, USA
Map of Home: Township 10, Kern, California
Street Address: Saldale Village and Vicenity
House Number: 70
Dwelling Number: 196
Family Number: 200
Home Owned or Rented: Rented
Home Value: 10.00
Radio Set: No
Lives on Farm: No
Age at First Marriage: 23
Attended School: No
Able to Read and Write: Yes
Father's Birthplace: Kansas
Mother's Birthplace: Virginia
Able to Speak English: Yes
Occupation: Laborer
Industry: Farm
Class of Worker: Wage or salary worker
Employment: Yes
Household Members Age Relationship
Martin C Engel 27 Head
Carolyn L Engel 25 Wife
Esther E Engel 2 Daughter
WWII Draft Card
Name: Martin Carl Engel
Gender: Male
Race: White
Age: 39
Relationship to Draftee: Self (Head)
Birth Date: 26 May 1902
Birth Place: Manhattan Riley, Kansas, USA
Residence Place: Cantil, Kern, California, USA
Registration Date: 16 Feb 1942
Registration Place: Cantil, Kern, California, USA
Employer: Self
Weight: 200
Complexion: Light
Eye Color: Blue
Hair Color: Brown
Height: 6 2
Next of Kin: Jack Weldon
Household Members:
Name Relationship
Martin Carl Engel Self (Head)
Family Members
Siblings
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