21 Facts About Harris Newmark

Harris Newmark was a Jewish American businessman, philanthropist, and historian.

Harris Newmark sailed from Europe to New York City, and then to San Francisco.

Harris Newmark joined his older brother and other family in Los Angeles.

Harris Newmark was born in Lobau in the Prussian Partition of Poland.

Harris Newmark was the son of Jewish parents Phillip and Esther Newmark.

Harris Newmark frequently traveled to Sweden and Denmark to sell his ink and blackening products.

Harris Newmark made a sales trip to New York City in 1837, but became ill and returned home in 1838.

At the time, Harris Newmark had limited English-language skills; he spoke German, Swedish, and had picked up some Spanish while en route to and in California.

In 1854, their uncle Joseph Harris Newmark arrived in Los Angeles with his wife and six children.

Harris Newmark lived with them for a time, and his aunt taught the young man how to read, write, and spell in English.

On March 24,1858, Harris Newmark married his cousin Sarah in the family home.

Harris Newmark developed several successful businesses, which employed most if not all of a near-inexhaustible list of Harris Newmark family members.

Harris Newmark was chiefly a grocer and dry goods merchant, but he dabbled in other fields.

Harris Newmark was primarily focused on the burgeoning real estate opportunities to be had in the Los Angeles area.

Harris Newmark bought and sold properties throughout southern California, and made a fortune in the process.

Harris Newmark's group bought the inheritance for US$60,000, or about $12 per acre.

In May 1899, Harris Newmark subdivided the tract owned by him and his nephew, after contracting with William Mulholland to design and construct a suitable water system for the new settlement.

Harris Newmark made many contributions to the economy and culture of Los Angeles; he gave both his time and money to a variety of causes.

Harris Newmark was one of the founders of the Los Angeles Public Library, was a charter member of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, and was one of the organizers of the Board of Trade, which helped bring railroad service to California.

Harris Newmark was active in the Jewish community, serving as president of Congregation B'nai B'rith in 1887 and a founder of the Jewish Orphans Home of Southern California.

Harris Newmark helped establish the Southwest Museum, which is part of the Autry National Center.