Herman W. Hellman -- 958 South Hill Street

Born in Bavaria, Herman W. Hellman (1843-1906) came to Los Angeles in 1859 with his brother Isaias (who became a co-founder of USC). From a small beginning as a freight clerk for Phineas Banning, another L.A. pioneer, Hellman went from grocery to real estate to banking, culminating as director of two savings institutions and a Vice-President of a 3rd. His former home in downtown L.A. was razed to make way for the Hellman Building, and so he moved around 1900 to this home at 958 S. Hill Street:

The Hellman Residence in 1906

He had just returned from a vacation to Northern California in October, 1906, when he became ill as a complication to his diabetes, and died in this home on South Hill Street.

Besides his wife Ida, four children survived Mr. Hellman.  Within five years, Mrs. Hellman moved to the new Wilshire district to be near her children and grandchildren.