Domingo Amestoy

Domingo Amestoy —born Dominique— (c. 1822–1892)[1][2] was a Basque sheepherder, and banker, one of the original founders to provide the financing for the Farmers and Merchants Bank in Los Angeles, California, in 1871.

[3] Born in the Basque village of Saint-Pierre-d'Irube, France,[1][2] Domingo Amestoy came to California by way of Argentina in 1851.

In 1871, he bought $500,000 worth of shares in the newly established Farmers and Merchants Bank in Los Angeles.

Like other ranches in the San Fernando Valley at the time, the Amestoys cultivated wheat and barley.

[1] Amestoy Avenue runs approximately 7 miles (11 km) North-South through the neighborhoods of Encino, Reseda, Northridge, and Granada Hills from Ventura Boulevard (interrupted) to the 118 Freeway.