Our Visionary Founder
Oliver Linden Halsell
Oliver Linden Halsell was born in 1874 in Gospel Swamp, which is now considered part of north Newport Beach or south Santa Ana. Oliver’s parents were Wilson Faulk Halsell and his second wife, Susan Sweet Spurgeon. Both were members of pioneering Orange County families.
Oliver graduated from pharmacy school in 1897 and ran a pharmacy in Santa Ana until 1910, when he became a real estate developer. Those who remembered said he could always be counted on to help the less fortunate. He married Della Malinda Halsell, but the couple had no children of their own.
O. L. Halsell was known for his strong work ethic; he valued integrity and admired people who were willing to better themselves. It comes as no surprise then that his Foundation has been instrumental in funding non-profit charitable organizations in Orange County for more than 60 years.