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979.401
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1591508
GENHAL-OGY OOL-i-i^-CTiOM
lir'llimM*illl'Nmii' PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1833 01717 2047
y:
J. E. W^HITE, PROP.,
?//f// '''^He'et, tdivccn bDroadivun and iltoai/iiifQ^on,
>. OAKLAND. CAL. .^
Huviiii,' fitted 11]) tliis otHce with entirely new niateiiiil, we are in-epared
(In 111! cImsscs of printing ill the xkatkst :ind hkst manner possible.
k Specialty is mad© ©f I|n© Ctkr©i W@ik,
10l,00.0 Copies issued monthly fur free distribntion,
ill Oakland. East and AV.st Oakland, .Vlameda. and on T,oeal Traim-.
THE BEST ADVERTISING MEDIUM IN THE COUNTY.
music PRINTING. P
Connected with our Joli Department is the only Music Printing OflSce ou
the Pacific Coast.
^
--\11 (l-hileis tuum[itljj itxcctiteil.
THE DIAMOND
twelfth' STREET, bet. Broadway & Washington.
Less than one year ago, this office zvas fitted
lip for the purpose of doing fine CARD, CIRCULAR and
BILLHEAD work. So well have our efforts been ap=
predated, that it has been necessary from time to
time to add tO!:, our facilities, until from one press
and a limitedz assortment of type, o^ir outfit coni=
prises three jok presses and a corresponding increase
of type and otk&r printing material and machinery .
Our force' now comprises eight welUworked
Jiands, as conh-asted with the two lonely individ=
::als iv ho, were more than able to handle all the
work with which tliey were favored at the opening
of the office.
The DIAMOND OFFICE has not been fitted up with
the nearly worn out material of some sinking in=
stitution, bid was all purchased new from the foun==
dry, and is of the latest and most approved styles.
To this original outfit ive are continually ad^
ding the newest and- fi.nest styles of types, so that
we are no-iv fully prepared to do all classes of
printing, from . a' visiting card to a newspaper.
->-?oOo-^-
To the ladies we would say, iJ:at this depart=
:ient of our office isunusually complete. We have
dken pains to procure the latest and most approved
•tyles of type for this class of tvork. It is no longer
lecessary to incur the exper^se of engraving, as our
\i:rd printing is fully equal in appearance to iJie
'^est engraved work.
'IHease call and exanrine our samples.
„J;!!
Mil' -i''-'*
GOOD REASONS FOR INSURING YOUR HOMES WITH THE
Dwelling House Underwriters of New York,
COMPOSED OF THE
Agricultural and "Watertown Insurance Go's of New York.
Assets, |2oo,ooo,ooo. Surplus, $1,500,000.
ist. It is the largest exclusive Dwelling Combination in the world.
2d. They are not permitted by their Charter to insure anything but RESIDENCE property.
3d. They do not write in Mercantile or Manufacturing districts, therefore cannot suffer by
conflagrations.
4th. Their large assets devoted to risks on Residence prDperty exclusively, afford GREATER
SECURITY to the assured than any company writing on Mercantile risks can offer.
5th. Under their policies, EITHER Company is liable for the FULL amount of the policy.
6th. Joint Policies are issued on the Pacific Coast only.
7th. They do not both do business in the game States east ; hence, if it were possible for either
to meet with a calamity the other would avoid it.
Make " INSURANCE DOUBLY SURE " by taking a policy in this
combination.
POTTER, JACOBS & EASTON, Managers,
318 CaliforiiitvSt., San Francisco, and 917 Wilcox Block, Broadway, Oakland.
WESTCHESTER " Insurance Co., of New York, Organized 1837.
GLENS FALLS " Insurance Co., of New York, Organized 1849.
ST. NICHOLAS" Insurance Co., of New York, Organized 1852.
EXCHANGE" Insurance Co., of New York, Organized 1853.
ARCTIC" Insurance Co., of New York, Organized 1853.
FRANKLIN" Insurance Co., of St. Louis, Organized 1855.
CITIZENS" Insurance Co., of Newark, Organized 1860.
JEFFERSON" Insurance Co., of St. Louis, Organized 1865.
TRADERS" Insurance Co., of Chicago, Organized 1865..
NORTHERN" Insurance Co., of New York, Organized 1872..
Combined Capital and Assets, - ^8,000,000.
POTTER, JACOBS & BA.STON,
GENERAL AGENTS,
318 California St., S. F., and 917 Wilcox Block, Broadway, Oaklaad.
WILLIAM HALLEY, Agent for Alameda County.
GRANT I. TAGGART.
E. W. WOODWARD.
WOODWARD & TAGGAPiT'S
^|;||;'i:_W OOP WARD "111 AND j[|" TAGGyTRT "Tj
ja X^^-^ j
OFFICE, KO. 400 AM) 402 EIGHTH STREET,
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA,
Desirable property For Sale in all parts of the City and suburbs.
CENTENNIAL YEAR BOOK OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES, 1876.
HAYES AND WHEELER.
TILDEN AND HENDRICKS.
TiaCE
CENTEN N IAL YEAR BOOK
— OI^
_ALAMEDA COUNTY, CALIFO RNIA,
coKTAJtnysa
A SUMMAEY OF THE DISCOVERY AND SETTLEI^IENT
OF CALIFORNIA;
A Description of the Contea Costa under Spanish,
Mexican and American Rule;
An Account of the Organization and Settlement of Alameda
County, with a Yearly Synopsis op Important Events,
DOWN TO THE CENTENNIAL YeAR OF AMERICAN INDE-
pendence, together with the important
Events of the Year 1876.
A GAZETTEER OF EACH TOWNSHIP,
USEFUL LOCAL AND GENERAL STATISTICAL INFORMATION,
APPROPRIATE FOR THE PRESENT TIME.
TO WHICH ARE ADDED
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF
PROMINENT PIONEERS AND PUBLIC MEN
BY WILLIAM HALLE Y.
ILLUSTRATED "WITH NUMEROUS ENGRAVINGS.
" Let na build us a city, and a tower, /^ a
Whose top may reach unto heaven ;
And let us make us a r.ame."
^I^.^c/
OAKLAND, CAL. A Ji I A\0^
PUBUSHKD BY WILLIAM HaLLEY.
1876.
Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year One Thousand Eight
Hundred and Seventy-six, by
William Hallev,
In the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D. C.
159i5D8
CONTENTS.
Pages.
Preface xiii-xv
UNDER SPANISH RULE.
Chapter I — Discovery, Exploration and Settlement 1-4
Chapter II — Conjectures concerning the First Visitors to our Ter-
ritory — Drake, Portala, De Alberni — The (Condition of the Coun-
try and the Indians 4-11
Chapter III — The System Established by the Spaniards for the Re-
duction and Government of the Country — How we came to have
a Mission 11-12
Chapter IV — The Mission of San Josg, our Historic Relic 13-16
Chapter V — The Character and Condition of the California Indians 16-20
Chapter VI — Life at the Missions and how the Mission of San
Jose Progressed 20-25
Chapter VII— Soldiers and Citizens 25-29
UNDER MEXICAN RULE.
Chapter VIII — Spanish Supremacy Overthrown — The Mission Sys-
tem at its Height, and then its Destruction — The First Overland
American Adventurer Communicating with Father Duran at the
Mission of San Jos^ 31-35
Chapter IX — The Establishment of the Ranches and Life upon them 37-46
Chapter X — Domestic Government and the Final Fate of the Mis-
sions 49-53
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES.
Chapter X — The American Conquest of California — Discovery of
Gold — Constitutional Convention — Organization of the Legisla-
ture — Contra Costa County Created — The Missions, &c., &c 55-61
Chapter XI — From the Organization of the Counties in 1850, to
the Formation of Alameda County in 1853 63-69
Chapter XII— Creation of Alameda County by the Legislature of
1853 71-79
Chapter XIII — The New County prior to its Organization — The
first Election of County Officers and the Men Chosen— Legislative
and Judicial Officers 81-86
Chapter XIV — Beginning and End of the Court of Sessions as a
Municipal Law-Maker 89-99
Chapter XV — From the Organization of the County to the Estab-
lishment of a Board of Supervisors 101-111
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Chaptkr XVI — From the Establishment of the Board of Supervisors
to the Organization of the Alameda County Agricultural Society.. 11 3-1 30
Chaptkr XVII— From the Formation of the Agricultural Associa-
tion, in 1858, to the Census of 1860 133-151
Chapter XVIII— From the Census of 1860 to the Establishment of
the Oakland Ferry Kailroad, in 1863 153-182
Chapter XIX— From the Close of the Court of Sessions, in 1863,
to the Keorganization of the County Agricultural Association,
in October, 1866 185-218
Chapter XX — From the Keorganization of the County Agricultural
Society, in October, 1866, to the Great Earthquake of October,
1868 221-254
Chapter XXI — From the Great Earthquake of October, 1868, to the
Completion of the Central Pacific Railroad, in November, 1869...257-281
Chapter XXII — From the Completion of the Central Pacific Rail-
road to the Census of 1870 283-307
Chapter XXIII— The Events of 1871 309-324
Chapter XXIV— The Events of 1872 327-344
ChapterXXV— The Events of 1873 347-377
Chapter XXVI— The Events of 1874 .379-403
Chapter XXVII— The Events of 1875 405-421
Chapter XXVIII— The Events of the Centennial Year 423-438
GAZETTEER.
Chapter XXIX— Oakland City and Township 441-458
Chapter XXX — Brooklyn Town and Township 461-467
Chapter XXXI — Alameda Town and Township 469-474
Chapter XXXII — Eden Township 475-479
Chapter XXXIII— Washington Township 481-490
Chapter XXXIV— Murray Township 491-505
STATISTICAL.
Chapter XXXV — President, Representatives, etc. — State Officers —
Supreme Court — Governors of California — Representatives in the
Legislature of California from 1849 to 1857— Mayors of Oakland
— County, Township and other Officers — Officers of the City of
Oakland, Towns of Alameda, San Leandro, Haywards and
Livermore — Post-offices and Postmasters — Table of Distances —
Oakland School Census — Assessment Roll of 1870-7 — Votes and
Estimates of Population— Vote of Electoral College, 1876 — The
Votes fjr the Presidents — Table of Votes at the Presidential
Election — Table of Population and Wealth of Alameda, Contra
Costa, Santa Clara, San Joaquin and Sacramento — Estimates of
Population — Agricultural Statistics — The Courts — Hold-over
Senator — County Supervisors — Financial Condition of Alameda
County 507-527
BIOGKAPHICAL.
Chaptkr XXXVI — Rev. Henry Durant, LL. D. — President John
Le Conte — Hon, Samuel Bell McKee — J. Eoss Browne — Dr.
E. H. Pardee— Hon. F. K. Shattuck— Col. John C. Hays— Dr.
Ezra S. Carr— Hon. Thos. Eagar— E. D. Block— James Buskirk
Larue — William Hayward — Duncan Cameron — Wm. Meek —
Capt. Badger — .J. W. Kottinger — Augustine Alviso — Henry C.
Smith — Jose de Jesus Vullejo— A. M. Church — Robert Liver-
more — Hon. Edward Gibbons — Hon. Jas.Beazell — II. W.Dixon
— D. W. Galwicks— T. F. Bagge—E. T. Crane— Isham Case— J.
A. Neal — Howard Overacker — 0. H. Burnham — J. B. Marlin —
Valentine Alviso — W. C. Mason — PeterPumyea— J. A. Chase — •
The Peralta Family — Daniel Inman — Augustine Bernal —
" Bruno" 529-571
MISCELLANEOUS.
Building Progress — The Central Land Company — California
Bridge and Building Company — Christian Schrieber's Mammoth
Furniture Warehouse — Convent of the Sacred Heart — Oakland
Real Estate Union— Oakland City Flour Mill 573-578
Patrons' Directory 579-585
LIST OF ADVERTISERS.
Alfimeda Encinal — F. K. Kraulh End
Alameda County Independent — W. W. Theobalds, Publisher End
Alexander, I. — Boots and Shoes 112
Babcock & Gould— Oakland City Flouring Mills 308
Bacon, J. H.— The Palace of Sweets 62
Baker, Peter — Family Groceries 527
Barnes, H. W. — Man. Doors, "Windows, Blinds (removed to East Oakland) 80
Beaudry ife McEvoy — Undertakers, and Horses for Livery 132
Becht, Geo. J. — Gas Fixtures, etc 47
Benedict & Ayer — Real Estate Agency 183
Bigelow, T. B.; Bigelow, E.; Rowell, W. K.— Real Estate 346
Boardman, W. F. — Civil Engineer, Surveyor, General Land Agent, etc. 87
Brink, M.— The Oakland Hatter 282
Brooklyn Vidette— Geo. W. Barter, Editor 459
Butler & Bowman — General Printers 48
Butler, W. C. — Designer and Engraver on Wood 527
California Bridge and Building Company — A. W. Burrcll, President... 440
Carter, John— Merchant Tailor 326
Christie & Webster — Attorneys-at-Law 255
Chappellet, F.— Artificial Building Stone 220
Cordes, H. -Wood and Willow Ware 131
Cunningham, Mrs. — Millinery 62
Dalziel& MoUer — Gas Fixtures and Plumbers' Materials 184
Dalziel, James — Pioneer Stove Store 219
Dinsmore, Wm. G. — Drugs, Cigars, «&c 30
Doe, Luke — Real Estate and House Broker 183
Democrat, Daily Evening — Democrat Publishing Company 506
Enright, Jo-eph — Patent Portable Wood arid Straw Burning Engines 460
Farwell & Hirshberg — Gents' Furnishing Goods, etc 440
Field, Miss H. N. — Home School for Young Ladies 30
Francis, S. — Merchant Tailor 219
Glascock, John R. — District Attorney 255
Goodall, Perkins & Co. — Pacific Coast Steam-ship Co 522
Gordon's Ice Cream and Napa Soda Depot End
How & Doolittle— Whitening, Paints, Oils and Glass 131
Halley, AVilliam — Insurance Agent Front
Hauschildt, Henry — Boots and Shoes 131
Hirshberg & Greenbaura — Clothing and Furnishing Goods 440
Hirshberg & Farwell — Gents' Furnishing Goods 440
Home Mutual Life Insurance Company — R. H. Magill, Manager 378
Hoskins, William — Notary Public, Commissioner of Deeds, etc 255
Ingersoll, Wm. B. — Photographer 468
Jordan, W. H.— Manager Oakland Real Estate Union 346
Kelly, E. J.— Splendid Building Lots 346
King, W. G. — Civil Engineer and Surveyor 87
LIST OF ADVERTISERS.
Kirk, O. C— Tinner, Plumber and Gasfitter 70
Koenig & Brinckman — Oakland Keal Estate 345
Lalor & Kellogg— Tubb's Hotel, East Oakland End
Lussier & Hill— Artists End
LuUey, M. & Sons — Auction and Commission Merchants 62
Lawrie, E. G. — Searcher of Records 87
McGrew, P. H. — Blacksmith, Horseshoer, Carriage Maker, etc 88
McKeand, G. W. — Searcher of Records. 87
Moore & Vrooman — Attorneys-at-Law 255
Murphy, W. S. — Doors, etc, (removed opposite City Market) 100
Newsom Bros. — Architects, etc 8 7
Newsom, J. J. — "Period " Window Screens End
Oakland Daily Transcript and Alameda County Gazette — Powers &
Chamberlain 422
Oakland Daily News — Oakland Daily News Company 506
Oakland (German) Journal — A. M. Schutt, Manager End
Olney & Co. — Real Estate Agents and Auctioneers 480
Plomteaux, H. J. — Dentist 459
Plunket, Jas. C. — Attorney-at-Law 255
Posey, T. R.— Fire and Water-Proof Paint End
Potter, Jacobs & Easton — General Insurance Agents Front
Redstone, John H. — Counsellor-at-Law and Solicitor of Patents 282
Remillard Brothers — Brickmakers and Contractors 88
Samm's Flourmg Mills 308
Schneider, J, A. — Oakland Basket Factory 131
Shakespeare & Walter — Wood & Coal 54
Slate, W.E.— Oakland Fur and Cloak Store 480
Smith, G. Estabrook— Real Estate Exchange 62
Starkweather & Son — Carpets and Oilcloths 47
Stokes, Wm.— Architect 87
Strong, J. D. — Landscape Photographer End
Stuart, D. — Boots and Shoes (removed to 1071 Broadway) 404
Senram, F.— Oakland Boot and Shoe Store 468
St. Joseph's Academy — Bro. Josea, Director End
Tay, John I,— Butterick's Patterns 326
The Daily Evening Tribune — Wm. E. Dargie, Manager 439
The Oakland Bank of Savings 325
The Pacific Press — Ornamental Book and Job Printing 256
Van De Mark, Wm. N.— Teacher of Elocution 36
Voorhies & Brearty — Attorneys-at-Law 255
Warner & Browne — Real Estate Dealers 459
West Oakland Press— DeWitt C. Lawrence, Editor and Proprietor End
Wharton, Mrs. — Ladies' Hair Doctress 468
Whittier, Fuller & Co.— Doors, Windows, Glass, etc 100
Wiggins & Eells — Attorneys-at-Law 255
Wilson, ^Vm. — Watch-maker and Jeweler 152
Woodward & Taggart's Real Estate Agency Front
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
Page.
Alameda County Court-House Front
A Spanish Vessel off the Coast of California 1
A Mission Church and Buildings 24
A California Elk 29
An Oakland Oak 46
A Grizzly Bear 61
An Alameda of Olives 71
An Australian Blue Gum Tree 182
Agricola 150
An Alameda Blackberry 479
Baldwin's Hotel and Academy of Music, S. F Front
Badger, Captain T. W 556
Bruno, A Mission Indian 571
Cameron, Duncan 553
Convent of the Sacred Heart 577
Durant, Rev. Henry, LL.D 529
Eagar, Hon. Thos 544
Ferry-boat and Railroad Train 458
Grand Central Hotel, Oakland Front
Hammam Bath-House, S. F End
Larue, Hon. J. B , 548
Livermore, Robert 563
Mills' Seminary 461
Oakland Bank of Savings •• 325
Oakland High School 456
Office Central Land Company 574
Palace Hotel, S. F Front
Pacific Press Printing Office 256
Presidents Washington and Grant 586
Presidential Candidates, 1876 iii
State Seal of California 86
Sheaf of Wheat 526
Shattuck, Hon. F. K 540
Smith, Hon. Henry C 560
Taylor's Carpet Warehouse 572
Tubb's Hotel, East Oakland End
Union Savings Bank 403
View of the Contra Costa, in 1849 441
View of Oakland, in 1852 441
View of Long Wharf 281
View of the Alameda Encinal 469
Woodward & Taggart's Real Estate Office Front
PREFACE.
For the following chapters no particular literary merit is claimed. They
are simply the result of steady research and persevering labor. Some years
since, while conducting and publishing a local newspaper, the author con-
ceived the design of compiling and publishing such a volume as this. His
duties had brought him in contact with the people of the county, and he be-
came interested in their history and progress. He has learned to love the
country and admire the people. The desire to compile their annals and note
their deeds became strong within him. Circumstances compelled him for a
time to relinquish his project, but the presence of the Centennial year of Am-
erican independence, when all American communities were expected to
" take stock" of the past and review the present, offered a most fitting oppor-
tunity to put his temporarily abandoned plan into execution.
The work is not now all that he designed, and is wanting in several features
that he wished to present. He has found that there is a limit to space, and
that even a book will not contain all that one wishes to print. Indeed, it is
found necessary to reject or lay aside nearly sufficient materials to make an-
other volume. This fact will account for the absence, in the latter portion of
the book, of several matters that are referred to in the beginning.
In preparing this volume' the author had the advantage of personal ac-
quaintance with all the localities mentioned, and many of the people whose
names and acts appear in a subdued form or a conspicuous shape within it.
In many instances he had heard the narration of their personal experiences in
their sunlit fields or by their bright firesides. For omissions he has been com-
pelled to make, he is sorry. There are some things in our short history that
are pleasant to dwell upon. There are others that are painful. Candor
and fairness are the lights by which he has been guided. There may be
an instance or two where parties will consider themselves aggrieved. The
knowledge obtained in the course of his inquiries, however, satisfies the author
that, in some cases, his pen might, with justice, have pierced more deeply
and condemned more freely. Wrongs, wilfully and persistently perpetrated,
should ever be condemned. "When justice fails and iniquity triumphs, the
sufferer should, at least, have the poor privilege of protestation left. Where
public opinion is not strong enough, nor sensitive enough, nor just enough,
to keep evil in check, or punish the wicked, it must be created and fostered.
To the old settler, to the pioneer citizen, who has made the pleasant
Alameda valleys or bright hill-sides his home, the recounting of the events
of the past, in which he has figured, and which have been gradually fading
away, it is hoped the revival in these pages, of old memories, will be pleasing.
A new generation will seize upon and perpetuate them. The spirit of the
parent will be revived in the child. The ground that he contended for,
HISTORY OP ALAMEDA COUNTY.
rescued from the wilderness and subdued, will be made holy. The child will
cherish it as he does his life ; the feeling of reverence will be excited, and the
fire of patriotism made to burn.
The day has not yet exactly come when we can boast of our sages and
our soldiers, of our bards and our orators, sprung from the soil and racy of
its valleys and glens, and bold mountain holds ; but there is, notwithstand-
ing, when we look around us and reflect, much that is promising and to be
proud of in the second generation of Alamedans. The deep canons, the
sylvan glens, the sun-flooded valleys, the high mountain tops, the opaline
fields and the burnished waters of our great bay, have already photographed
their forms on the minds of our children, and inspired them with their
geniuses ; and as bright and beautiful and bold a race of men and women
as the world has ever yet seen, is preparing to assert itself and show how
much of Heaven and earth there is in it. In the colleges of the East, in the
studios of Germany, Italy and France ; as cadets at West Point and Anna-
polis, they are making their mark. Others are already competing in the
professions and the marts of commerce with the old and experienced, and
achieving successes and triumphs.
Few localities have ever been honored with as superior a race of sires.
In the walks of literature, science and education, we can with commendable
pride refer to our Browne, Strong, Gibbons, Leconte and Durant ; in law,
legislation and oratory, to our McKee, Tompkins, Haight and Felton ; in
surgical and dental science, to our Pardee and Knowles. The list of prom-
inent figures in the various walks of life might thus be largely extended.
The sweetest poetess on the Pacific shores mak* her home among us ; and it
seems as if Alameda is destined to become the Attica of the Pacific, and
Oakland the Athens of California. But, unlike the old classic State of
Greece,
*' Her fruitful soil it teems with wealth.
With gems her waters, her air with health."
The new-comer, it is hoped, will find in this humble volume much to in-
struct and inform him I'egarding our early aspects, our abnormal conditions,
our Spanish and American pioneer life. How settlement progressed, how
the Spanish and Mexican immigrants had to contend with untutored savages
and wild animals ; with droughts, floods and earthquakes, and leagues of
arid acres. How that quaint communism of the Missions arose and flourished
and forever subsided; how a pastoral people appeared, prospered for a period,
and disappeared ; how the American pioneers, who everywhere expected to
obtain land for the taking it up, everywhere found themselves trespassers and
encroachcrs upon the rights of a preceding people ; how American law had
no adequate remedy for the evil of American land-grabbing ; how titles were
clouded, and men had to pay more than once for their possessions ; how the
virgin mold yielded the abundant golden harvest ; how lawlessness had to be
combatted ; how schools were established, churches erected, colleges and
universities founded, commerce created, arts encouraged, railroads and
steamboats built; and all the plain and complex machinery of a high civil-
ization set in active motion.
f
This is the first local literary production, beyond the newspaper, directory
and pamphlet, that has ever been ottered to the people of Alameda County
for their appreciation and patronage ; and whether another will follow from
the same source, will depend upon the encouragement extended to this.
The advertising feature of the book is not altogether novel. It has been
copied from another similar publication. Let not the fastidious be offended
by it. Without it, the Centennial Year Booli of Alameda County would
never a]ipear.
The author has to return his thanks to the many who encouraged him at
the outset with their patronage : to the printers, Messrs. Francis & Valen-
tine, whose liberal arrangements enabled him to proceed ; and to the kind
friend in the back -ground who came to his assistance when assistance was
needed.
Oakland, Dec. 6, 1876. THE AUTHOR.
TO THE
PIONEEES OF THE CONTRA COSTA
THIS WORK
IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED
BY THE AUTHOR.
UNDER SPANISH RULE.
CHAPTER I.
DISCOVERY, EXPLORATION AND SETTLEMENT.
sssm
On the 12th of October, 1492, Columbus discovered America. He
gave a new world, not alone to Castile and Aragon, but to mankind.
On the 2r)th of September, 1513, Yasco Nunez de Balboa, from the
heights of Panama discovered the greatest of oceans and obtained for
the civilized world its fii\st knowledge of the broad Pacific, the sea
that washes our shore.
In 1519 Hernando Cortez conquered Mexico; and in 15.37 his
pilot, Zimenez, discovered Lower California. The first " overland "
travelers we have heard of were Caliesa de Vaca, Castillo Durantez,
Spaniards, and a negro named Estavanico. They belonged to Nar-
vaez' party of three hundred, which landed in Florida, in 1527, in
pursuit of conquest and discovery. Ten years after they fell in witli
Zimenez' party, in Lower California, and went with them to jMexico.
They were all that was left of that adventurous three hundred.
In 1542 Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo made a voyage of discovery along
our coast, and on the 5th of July of that year landed at Cape St.
Lucas, in Lower California. On the 28th of September following he
entered the beautiful harbor of San Diego, in Upper California, and
was the first white man to land there. He named the place San Mi-
guel, but it was subsequently changed to San Diego by Viscaino.
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
In 1579 Sir Francis Drake, the English navigator, sailed along our
coast, and it is an unsettled point whether or no he was the first to
discover the harbor of San Francisco. The first "tramp" is said to
have been his Spanish pilot, Movera, who is accredited with having
left him at Oregon, and walked alone thence to Mexico, a distance oi
3,500 miles, which speaks w-ell for the hospitality of the native sava-
ges in those days, as well as his own courage and endurance. Drake
called the country New Albion, and thought to secure it for his own
sovereign.
Not until 1602 did the Spaniards seriously determine to possess
the country and colonize it. Early in that year the Viceroy of
Mexico, acting under instructions from King Philip III., dispatched
Don Sebastian Viscaiho on a voyage of discovery up the coast, with
three small vessels. Various points of Lower Califoi'nia were visited,
as also San Diego, where the explorer and his companions remained
ten days, and departed well pleased with the appearance of the
country and the disposition of the natives. On the 10th of Decem-
ber he discovered and entered the harbor of Monterey, our ancient
capital, and, for the first time, its sands received the impress of the
conquering white man's foot. It he named in honor of Count de
Monterey, the Mexican Viceroy, under whose orders he acted. Part
of this expedition reached as high up as the Columbia River. The
whole subsequently returned to Acapulco. Whether it discovered
the port of San Francisco is as much a matter of conjecture and doubt
as Drake's visit. At any rate, his expedition was considered satis-
facto]-y, and a glowing description was given of the country. The
time of tlie expedition was winter, and the land was covered with
verdure, clearly showing it was not a " dry year."
Although much knowledge had been gained of the country by this
expedition, from one cause and another it was not taken advantage
of, and 168 years were allowed to elapse before the conquest and set-
tlement of Upper California was successfully undertaken. A plan,
with this purpose, was formed in 1683, but, although under the
united management of Church and State, it failed. Admiral Otondo
represented the State, and a Jesuit Father, named Kino, the Church.
La Paz was their point of operation, but they di<f not at all visit
Upper California.
Finally, the religious society of Jesuits undertook the settlement
of the peninsula, in 1697, under Father Salva Tierra, who founded
sixteen missionary establishments in that barren region. The order,
UNDER SPANISH RULE. '3
liov/ever, siibsequently fell into disgi-ace in Europe, and was banished
from the Si^anish dominions and from Lower California after a ser-
vice of 70 years, in 1768. They had never set foot in Upper
California. They were succeeded by the Franciscans, an order of
which the reigning Pope was himself a member ; and they, in tnrn,
were relieved by the Dominicans, the former proceeding to the con-
quest and conversion of this part of the province, under the guidance
of Father Junipera Serra, who is recognized in the Catholic Chui'ch
as the Apostle of Upper California, and in history as its founder.
In 1769 the first permanent settlement was made and the first
mission established at San Diego. That place was made the base of
operations for further explorations and the founding of other missions.
The ruling sphit in this new movement was Jose de Galvez, the new
Visitor-General from Spain, who was afterwards Minister-General for
all the Spanish possessions in America. The governor of the Cali-
fornias at this time was Caspar de Portala. He commanded the ex-
pedition by land that had halted at San Diego. On the 14t]i of July,
1769, he left that place for Monterey, which, it will be remembered,
had been discovered by Viscaifio in 1602. He stopped at Monterey
and set up a cross there, but never knew it was the place he sought.
" Pious Portala, joumejang by land,
Reared high a cross upon the heathen strand,
Then far away,
Dragged his slow caravan to Monterey. "
He pushed on further north "wdth his partj^, which included Father
Junipera Serra, and discovered the broad and beautiful bay which
washes our shores. Whether Drake or Viscaiiio sought shelter with
their ships here before, may remain in doubt ; but there is no uncer-
tainty about Portala's discovery ; and that was just 107 years ago.
Father Junipera recognized the locality as a desirable place for a mis-
sion, and in honor of the founder of his order, Saint Francis of Assis,
in Spain, christened it San Francisco. Seven years later, on the 27th
of June, 1776, the sand hill peninsiila w^as taken possession of, and the
presidio established near the entrance to the harbor, on a low piece of
ground. The mission was located on the site where the old church
now stands, and the foundation of the greatest city on the western
shores of America was quietly, religiously, slowly, but certainly laid,
and the 8th of October of the pi'esent year was celebrated as its cen-
tennial .
The establishment of missions, according to the plan adopted, rap-
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
idly followed the journey of exploration. That of San Diego, the
first, was erected in 1769 ; that of Carmello, near Monterey, was
built in 1770 ; in 1771 were built those of San Gabriel, in Los An-
geles County ; San Luis Obispo, in the town and county of that
name; and San Antonio, in Monterey County ; in 1776 followed
the Mission Dolores de San Francisco, and San Juan Capistrano in
Los Angeles County ; in 1777 was started the Santa Clai-a Mission,
in what was then called the San Bernardino Valley, but now Santa
Clara County; in 1782 San Buenaventura, in Ventura County, and
in 1786 Santa Barbara ; in 1787 La Purisima Conception, in Santa
Barbara County; and in 1791 La Soledad, in Monterey, and Santa
Cruz, in the town and county of the same name. In 1797 three
missions were established — our own, San Jose, San Miguel, in San
Luis Obispo County, and San Fernando, in Los Angeles County ; in
1798 San Luis Bey, in San Diego County ; in 1799 Saij Juan Bau-
tista, in San Benito County; in 1804 Santa Inez, in Santa Barbara
County; in 1817 San Rafael, in Marin County; and in 1823 San
Francisco Solano, in Sonoma County — twenty-one in all.
CHAPTER 11.
CONJECTURES CONCERNING THE FIRST VISITORS TO OUR TERRITORY
DRAKE PORTALA DE ALBERNI THE CONDITION OF THE
COUNTRY AND THE INDIANS.
Who the first white man was to tread our virgin soil and breathe
our salubrious air, is, we fear, a vain conjectui'e. Was he of Drake's
oy Portala's parties, or some unlawful roamer of the seas, on wild ad-
venture beat 1 Or did the first foreigners drift over upon our shores
from China or Japan, and thus give the despised Mongolian prefer-
ence over the pale faces of these latter days 1 Whomsoever entered
our glorious bay by the headlands could hardly avoid being won to
the opposite side, where the mists of ocean are dissipated by the early
sun, and the shores sloj)ed gently to the dimpled and brown-faced
mountains, where the encinals stretched out their arms in welcome,
and the oak groves gave shade and shelter. There, too, was the light
from the wigwam to be seen glimmering in the distance, and the re-
flection of the shell mounds shimmering over the waters. Of what
unrecorded romance may have this been the early scene ; what un-
UNDER SPANISH RULE.
wi'itten histoiy, what lost traditions may have been attached to the
ground which now we tread or turn over : the lost heritage of a
savage race, and which now blooms as land never bloomed before.
Ere we proceed further with our narrative, it is necessary that we
should take cognizance of the conditions discovered here on the ar-
rival of the Fathers. All was a vast aboriginal wilderness, but by
no means an untenanted solitude, for the native savage had increased
and multiplied ; the coyote's call was heard on every hill, and the
emblematic grizzly roamed at large. Father Junipera stated that,
even on the arid plains of San Diego, he saw a great many naked
savages, whose unwholesome habits he described. They were, how-
ever, for a time hospitable and friendly, until their cupidity led them
to revolt and murder.
In 1577 Sir Francis Drake, if he did not actually enter our
great bay, tarried some time in its vicinity, and had friendly inter-
course with the natives. The historian of that celebrated voyage to
our shores, wrote as follows :
"They here discovered a bay, which, entering with a favorable
gale, they found sevei'al huts by the water side, well defended from
the severity of the weather. Going on shore they found a fire in tlie
middle of each house, and the people lying roiuid it upon rushes.
The men go quite naked, but the women have a deer-skin over their
shouldei's, and around their waists a covering of bull-rushes, after the
manner of hemp. These people bringing the Admiral a present of
feathers and cauls of net-work, he entertained them so kindly and
generously, that they were extremely pleased, and soon afterwards
they sent him a present of feathers and bags of tobacco. A number
of them coining to deliver it, gathei-ed themselves together on the top
of a small hill, from the higliest point of which one of them harangued
the Admiral, whose tent was placed at the bottom. When the speech
was ended they laid down their arms and came down, offering their
presents ; at the same time returning what the Admiral had given
them. The women remaining on the hill, teai-ing . their hair and
making dreadful howlings, the Admiral supposed them engaged in
making sacrifices, and thei-eupon ordered divine service to be per-
formed at his tent, at which these people attended Avith astonishment.
" The arrival of the English in California being soon known
through the country, two jjersons, in the character of ambassadors,
came to the admiral and informed him, in the best manner they wei'e
able, that the king would assist him if he might be assui'ed of com-
O HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
ing in safety. Being satisfied on this point, a numerous company
soon appeared, in front of wliich was a very comely person bearing a
kind of sceptre, on wliich hung two crowns and three chains of great
length ; the chains were of bones and the crowns of net work, curi-
ously wrought with feathers of many colors.
" Next to the sceptre-bearer came the king, a handsome, majestic
person, surrounded by a number of tall men, dressed in skins, who
were followed by the common people ; who, to make the grander
appearance, had painted their faces of various colors ; and all of
them, even the children, being loaded with presents. The men being
drawn up in line of battle, the Admiral stood ready to receive the
king within the entrance of liis tent. The company having halted at a
distance, the sceptre-bearer made a speech, half an hour long, at the
end of which he began singing and dancing, in which he was fol-
lowed by the king and all his people — ^who, continuing to sing and
dancg, came quite up to the tent ; when, sitting down, the king tak-
ing off his crown of feathers, placed it on the Admiral's head, and
pat upon him the other ensigns of royalty ; and it is said he made
him a solemn tender of his whole kingdom. All of which the
Admii'al accepted, in the name of the Queen, his sovei-eign, in hope
these proceedings might, one time or other, contribute to the advan-
tage of England.
" The common people, dispersing themselves among the Admiral's
tents, professed the utmost admiration and esteem for the English,
whom they considered as more than mortal — and accordingly prepared
to offer sacrifices to them ; but they were told, by signs, that their
religious worship was alone due to the Supreme Maker and Preserver
of all things. The Admiral and some of his people, traveling to a
distance in the country, saw such a quantity of rabbits that it ap-
peared an entire warren ; they also saw deer in such plenty as to run
a thousand in a herd. The earth of the country seemed to promise
rich veins of gold and silver, some of the ore being constantly found
on digging. The Admiral, at his departure, set up a pillar with a
large plate on it, on which was engi'aved her majesty's (Queen Eliza-
beth's) name, picture, arms and title to the country, together with
the Admiral's name, and the time of his arrival there."
One cannot help thinking that the chronicler of this remarkable
visit drew largely upon his fancy, and prepai-ed his narrative with a
special view to the pleasure of royal eyes. It was exceedingly con-
siderate of the sa-\'age king to pi-offer his crown to the bold buc-
UNDER SPANISH RULE.
caneei- ; and how gi'acious it was of the latter to accept it, in order
that it might possibly contribute to the advantage of England, and
become the pretext for future claims ! The judiciously-prepared
chronicle had its effect, for we are told by the writer of it that Queen
Elizabeth afterwards knighted Drake for his services, " telling him at
the same time that his actions did him more honor than his title."
It will not be uninteresting to note here what Father Junipera
had to say of the country and people generally on his arrival at San
Diego. On July 3d, 1769, he wrote :
" The tract through which we passed is generally good land, with
plenty of water, and there, as well as here, the country is neither
rocky nor ovemm with brush- wood. There are, however, many
hills, but they are composed of earth. The road has been in some
places good, but the greater part bad. About half way the valleys
and banks of rivulets began to be delightful. We found vines of a
large size, and in some cases quite loaded with grapes ; we also found
an abundance of roses, which appeared to be like those of Castile.
In fine, it is a good country, and very different from old California.
" We have seen Indians in immense numbers, and all those on
this * coast ' of the Pacific contrive to make a good subsistence on
various seeds and by fishing. The latter they cany on by means of
rafts or canoes made of tule (bull-rushes), with which they go a great
way to sea. They are very civil. All the males, old and young, go
naked ; the women, however, and the female children, are decently
covered from their breasts downwards. We found, on our journey,
as well as in the place whei'e we stop})ed, that they treated us with
as much confidence and good-will as if they had knowTi us all their
lives. But when we offered them any of our victuals, they always
refused them. All they cared for was cloth, and only for something
of this sort would they exchange their fish or whatever else they had.
During the whole march we found hares, rabbits, some deer, and a
multitude of berendos, a kind of wild goat."
No doubt this was a pleasant change from the barren wastes of
Lower California ; bxit had the time of year been January instead
of July, the picture of the beauty of the coimtry would be less open
to the suspicion of exaggeration. It is to be su.pposed that the gi-apes
and the roses of Castile were the fruit of the seed scattered by Vis-
caino, or other adventiirers who had preceded the devoted father
many years before.
The first mention any^vhere found of this section of the country is
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
in Palou, the first historian of California. Speaking of the land
journey of Captain Juan Bautista's party from Monterey, in search
of San Francisco, in the year 1773, that writer mentions the follow-
ing interesting incident :
" In the Valley of San Jose, the party coming up by land saw some
animals which they took for cattle, though they could not imagine
where they came from ; and supposing they were wild, and would
scatter the tame ones they were driving, the soldiers made after them
and succeeded in killing three, which were so large that a mule could
with difficulty carry one, being of the size of an ox, and with horns
like those of deer, but so long that their tips were eight feet apai-t.
This was their first view of the elk. The soldiers made the observa-
tion that they could not run against the wind by reason of theii'
monstrous antlers."
The San Jose Valley here mentioned evidently had reference to
the plain in the southern part of this county, near which the Mission
of that name was subsequently established. Indeed, the level j)or-
tion of Washington Township is yet often mentioned as the San
Jose Valley, as well as a portion of INIurray, in which was some of
the mission lands. It is an important matter to have it on record
that here was seen, for the first time, that magnificent animal, the
elk, which no doubt was in the habit of crossing over thi-ough the
passes of the Mount Diablo Range, from its home in the San Joaquin
Valley, to seek the waters of the Alameda. We further learn from
the same source that " after the presidio and before the mission was
e5tablished (in San Francisco) an exploration of the interior was or-
ganized, as iisual, by sea (the bay) and land. Point San Pablo was
given as the rendezvous, but the captain of the presidio (Moraga), who
undertook in person to lead the land party, failed to appear there,
having, with a design to shorten the distance, entered a canon some-
where near the head of the bay, which took him over to the San Joa-
quin River. So he discovered that stream."
Here it will be seen that after the Spaniards had effected a lodg-
ment in San Francisco, this part of the country was the first to be
visited. One party proceeded via San Pablo, and the other down to
the head of the bay on the San Mateo side. Thence they crossed
over to the Alameda Canon, and followed its tortuous course until
the Livermore Valley was reached. They continued thence through
the Livermore Pass, thus reaching the San Joaquin River and Val-
ley, in the same course that is now pursued by the Central Pacific
UNDER SPANISH RULE. \)
Hailroad. Moraga conferred liis brother's given name on the newly-
discovered river.
Tiie tirst official reference to the locality of this county was
made in 1796. The authorities in Mexico had at the first com-
manded the establishment of two towns, or pueblos, independent of
the missions, in Upper California. The first of these was San Jose,
the second Los Angeles. It was determined by Governor Diego Bo-
rica, to establish a third, to be called Branciforte. With this view
he instructed Don Pedro de Alberni to examine certain localities
and report to him on the most desirable place in which to establish
the town referred to. Alberni accordingly proceeded on his errand,
and this is his report :
" Having examined the points set forth in the foregoing Superior
Official Communication, as well as those requiring me to set forth all
that I might think necessary, I might reply as follows : The piincipal
object and view of the whole matter may be reduced to the project
formed by Don Jose Maria Beltram, and forwarded by the Royal Tri-
bunal de Cuentas to the Most Excellent Viceroy, in relation to the
establishment of a Villa or Poblacion ; and its being necessary to
remember that in order to attain the desired end, an eye must be had
to such favorable circumstances as are required to give the inhabitants
of the same the necessary advantages, such as a plentiful supply of
water, wood, inigable and arable lands, forest, pastures, stone, lime,
or earth for adobes ; and ha\'lng been commissioned to this end for
the examination, which I made with the Sehor Governor, Don Diego
Borica, of the countiy, from the Mission of Santa Cruz, Arroyo del
Pajaro, and the Mission of Santa Clara, to the 2)lace of the alameda,
and the country around the Presidio and Fort of San Francisco, and
the mission of the same name. After a careful and scrupulous exam-
ination of these places with the Engineer Extraordinary, Don Alberto
de Cordoba, I found that the place of the alameda, although it con-
tains a creek, still that it affi^rds but little water, and that the chan-
nel is so deep [sunken 1] that it is difficult to obtain water therefrom
for irrigating the extensive plains of what appears to be good lands ;
but as the place is without fuel, timber and pasturage, which cannot
be obtained save at the distance of many leagues, it is clear that it is
unsuitable for the project under consideration."
What follows of this document is not particularly relevant, but it
will be interesting as showing what the Don thought of San Fran-
10 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
cisco at tliat remote date as a location for a town. It is, tlierefore,
qvioted :
" In the district of the Presidio of San Francisco, as also that
of the Fort or Battery, and in those of the Mission, at the distance
of a league, there is not only v/anting irrigable lands, but there is a
very small extent of such as are suitable for grain. The water is so
scarce that it is barely sufficient for the few families that reside at
the Presidio, and from a few holes from which, at intervals, they ob-
tain water with much labor, they have to supply themselves. Groves
of timber are found at a distance of twelve or fourteen leagues, and
pasturage for the little stock of the garrison is only found at a dis-
tance of five or six leagues. The wood used in cooking is some
matorales, or chiamisos, as it is there called, which grows upon the
sand-hills. And, therefore, I am convinced that the worst -place or
situation in California is that of San Francisco, for the establishment
of such a villa as is proposed by the Sehor Contador, Don Jose Maria
Beltram."
That tlie ])lace of the alameda, above referred to, means the country
watered by the Alameda Creek, there can lae no doubt. The county
receives its name from that river, which, when first discovered, as
now, was lined with willow and sycamore trees, giving it the appear-
ance of an alameda or road lined with trees, while the rest of the
valley was bare. The first thought was it must have had reference to
the alameda between Santa Clara and San Jose, but reflection showed
that the town of San Jos6 was already established there, and there
would be no sense in setting down another alongside of it. Besides,
the celebrated alameda referred to was not planted till three years
later. There is no doubt but what the gentleman was somewhat
prepossessed in favor of Santa Cruz, because he lays stress upon the
importance of possessing _/oreA'^, lime and stone, all of which that place
possessed in close proximity, together with pasturage and water.
Although the vicinity of the alameda possesed no redwood forests like
Santa Cruz, there certainly was plenty of wood for fuel ; and although
the mouth of the Alameda possesses, close to its mouth, a deep bed,
its waters are not only now used for the purposes of irrigation, but
they have been secured to supply fresh water to the City of Saii
Francisco. How he could make out that there was no pasturage in
the place, is a mystery ; as, in the following year, the mission was
established in its vicinity, and thousands of cattle foinid there
abundant subsistence. Why Don Pedro de Alberni did not push his
UNDER SPANISH RULE. 1 1
observations to the Oak Grove Encinal, and find there the finest site
in the woild for his proposed villa, can only be attributed to his woeful
short-sightedness. His Branciforte was established at Santa Cruz, on
the east side of the San Lorenzo, near the present town, but it never
amounted to moi-e than an adobe hamlet, and soon dropped into
decay. There are now no less than four towns on the Kne of the
rejected river — Sunol, Niles, Centerville and Alvarado (the latter
having been oiir first county-seat), not counting the mission town,
situated on one of its tiit)utaries, three miles distant, and Washington,
also close by.
CHAPTER III.
THE SYSTEMS ESTABLISHED BY THE SPANIARDS FOR THE REDUCTION
AND GOVERNMENT OF THE COUNTRY HOW WE
CAME TO HAVE A MISSION.
The order of the establishment of missions and their various local-
ities has been already stated. It will be proper to give the plan
with which the Spanish government entered upon the conquest and
civilization of the country. Three agencies were employed — mili-
tary, civil and religious. The /^resicZi'o, or garrison, represented the
military ; the pueblo, the town or civic community ; and the mission,
the church. The latter played the most prominent pai-t. The Span-
iards had then what we are lacking to-day — a com.plete municipal
system. Theirs was derived from the Romans. Under the civil
Roman law, and the Gothic, Spanish and Mexican laws, municipal
communities were never incorporated into artificial persons, with a
common seal and perpetual succession, as with us, under English and
American laws ; consequently, under the former, communities in
towns held their lands in common ; when thirty families had located
on a spot, the pueblo, or town, was a fact. They were not incorpor-
ated, because the laAv did not make it a necessity, a general law or
custom having established the system. The right to organize a local
government, by the election of an alcalde, or mayor, and a town
council, which was known as an Ayuntamiento, was patent. The
instant the i^ohlacion was formed, it became thereby entitled to four
12 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
leagues of land, and the pohladors (citizens) held it in 2^'i'o indivisa.
The title was a natural right.
The missions were designed for the conversion and civilization of
the Indians. The latter were instructed in the mysteries of religion
(so far as they could comprehend them) and the arts of peace.
Instruction of the savage in agriculture and manufactures, as well as
in prayers and elementary education, was the padres' business. The
soldiers protected them from the hostility of the untractable natives,
hunted down the latter and brought them within the confines of the
mission, to labor and salvation.
It is shown that 21 missions were altogether established in Up-
per California. Thei"e were but four presidios, however; those of San
Diego, Monterey, San Francisco and Santa Barbara. Each mission
was allowed a few soldiers, officered by a sergeant. The pueblos were
only two: San Jos6 and Los Angeles, besides, subsequently, the
Branci/orte, near Santa Cruz. Not any other pueblos existed
before the secularization of the missions, in 1833. Indeed, it has
been stoutly maintained that even San Francisco was never a pueblo,
and it was to prove its existence that John W. Dwinelle prepared his
celebrated argument in the United States District Court in San Fran-
cisco, which resulted in his compiling the "Colonial History," a work
to which we are indebted for much valuable information. The suit
involved the pueblo lands of San Francisco, which were finally won
from the United States and sold. It was the possession of pueblo
lands that furnished the City of San Jose with a revenue, which has
enabled her to make siich fine improvements and leave lier to-day
without a dollar of debt.
The Contra Costa had neither presidio, pueblo nor mission. With
that portion of territory received from Santa Clara at the organization
of the county, in 1853, Alameda received the Mission of San Jose.
That might also have brought us a pueblo had not Don Pedro de Al-
berni willed otherwise with his Branciforte.
UNDER SPAXISH RULE. 13
CHAPTER lY.
THE MISSION OF SAN JOSE, OUR HISTORIC RELIC.
The Mission of San Jose is the ci-cTclle of Alameda County. It was
established when San Francisco was an adobe hamlet of very small
pretensions, and second in importance even to San Jos6. There was
no other site of civili^iation on the Contra Costa. Over all the broad
expanse of country to the north and east of it, there was nothing but
what was savage. Not a rancho, not a hut, inhabited by a white
man. Occasionally a small party of soldiers from the PresicUo of San
Francisco, out in pursuit of their game, the unfortunate "Digger,"
would break the solitude of the wilderness. It may, however, have
been that at that early date, a solitary vaquero attended the herds of
the Mission Dolores, pastured out on the San Pablo flats.
As has been already shown, this mission was established June 18th,
1797. The order for its establishment, nor the actual circumstances
attending its institution, have not been found, although diligent search
has been made for the same. Indeed, the documentary information
to be gathered regarding it is veiy meagre. The person who was
most identified with the mission, since its secularization, was Father
Gonzales, late Superior of the Franciscans in this State. To him a
letter was addressed for information concerning the mission papers.
His residence had been latterly the Franciscan College at Santa Bar-
bara. Under date of May 13th, 1876, an answer was received from
the present Superior of the college. Rev. J. M. Koi^no, stating that
Father Gonzales had died on the 3d of November last, in that place.
In his letter the reverend gentleman expressed the fear, " if the re-
cords of the old Mission San Jos6 are not under the guardianship of
the pastor, a great deal of information regarding that mission is lost
to history." He further stated that they had no records there of the
place. A personal visit to Santa Clara College led to no better result.
There was nothing there concerning the old neighboring mission, and
Father Varsi, the Superior, subsequently wrote that he could not
even guess where any documents could be. found. General Vallejo,
who is now the best authority on all matters pertsiining to the Span-
ish-American history of the State, was next appealed to, but that in-
terestiiig old relic of the past maintained a stately silence. The
14 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Spanish arcliives in custody of Mr. R. C. Hopkins, San Francisco,
have been searched with only fragmentary results. Father Gleeson,
in his "History of the Catholic Church in California," is nearly alto-
gether silent regarding the Mission of San Jose, although he was a
resident of this county when his work was put to press. A gentle-
man who occupies an official position in Washington To^vnship, where
the mission is situated, and who claims a knowledge of nearly all the
other California missions as well as this, and an acquaintance with
many of the old padres, expressed the opinion that the documents
are in the city of Mexico ; but even if known to be thei-e they could
not be conveniently followed. The author, however, has been able to
glean a good deal of oral information, which, with some fragments of
documentary evidence furnished by Mr. Hopkins and others, enables
him to convey to his readers a tolerable idea of what the old relic
was in its palmiest days, and what became of it after its decline and
fall.
Although founded twenty years later than San Francisco and
Santa Clara, it soon outstripped them both, and exhibited a greater
degree of prosperity. It was established while Diego de Borica, who
occupied the position from 1794 to 1800, was Governor of the Terri-
tory. A view of the documents of his time shows that there were
order and system in the transmission of public affairs. Every year
the missionaries were compelled to make a report of the condition of
their respective missions. The number of Indians under tutelage,
their sex, age, etc., were carefully recorded, as well as the number of
animals of every kind belonging to them, together with the extent
and value of their crops. Even the veiy first year's report shows it
to have received an excellent start.
Its site was well chosen. Its position was a plateau iu the south-
ern portion of the county, indenting the foot-hills of the Conti'a Costa
range, and facing the southern extremity of the Bay of San Francisco,
from which it was distant about nine miles. San Jose, to the soutli
of it, was about ten miles, and San Francisco, to the west, about forty
miles. A beautiful and fertile slope stretched between the tw^o. Be-
hind it were the handsome Calaveras and Sunol Valleys ; and at some
few leagues' distance the magnificent tract from whose beautiful
bosom rises the majestic mound of Diablo, and which stretches a dis-
tance of some forty mUes, or more, from the Livermore foot-hills to
the Straits of Carquinez. Mission Peak stood like a giant sentinel
immediately at its back, and indexed its location. Every want was
UNDER SPANISH RULE. 15
here abundantly supplied. A fine site, a healthy climate, abundance
of the purest water (which ran perennially from unfailing springs
through the Mission garden), with the Calaveras and Alameda Creeks
close by. Wood was near and abundant. Game was ever within
shot. The pasturage was all that could be desired. The soil was as
rich and mellow as a ripe apricot. The belt on which it was situated
was warm and ever free from killing frosts. An embarcadero was
only a few miles distant, and within an hour's walk were warm min-
eral springs, possessed of potent healing qualities. hat more could
possibly be desired ? If this was not the foundation of an earthly
paradise, it is hard to say where it could be found.
The country all around was known as the Valle de San Jos^.
The Alameda and San Lorenzo Creeks and tracts were tributaries to
them, and it would be sti-ange, indeed, if the mission did not flourish
•and the Fathers roll in wealth.
They who had charge of the foundation of this mission and made a
report of its first year's pi-ogress, were Friar Ysidro Barcinallo and
Friar Augustin Merin. As was the custom with all the missions,
■presidios and pueblos, an annual report was made. The chapel at
first was a small adobe structure, and it became necessary, duriiig the
second year of its existence, to add seven varas to its length. There also
was constructed a wall forty-seven varas long, four high, and six wide,
thatched with tules. Water-flumes were also laid down. Belonging as
it did to the presidial jui'isdiction of San Francisco, a number of soldiei's
were sent from there to protect it, and bring in Indians for education
and conversion. Many, however, came of their own free will for the
benefits offered them.
The fii-st year much was not done. Thirty-three baptisms and five
marriages were registered. At the end of the second year there were,
altogether, 162 baptisms and tAventy-nine marriages, and 154 Indians
under instruction. The young institution, at the same time, was able
to count 150 head of cattle, including six yoke of oxen; 180 sheep
and goats ; fifteen tame horses and six head of others ; and six tame
mules. The harvest was small, consisting only of thirty-three fane-
gas of wheat, twelve of beans, one of barley, and two of beans.
There were sown, in the year 1788, 434 fanegas of wheat, two of
beans, one of corn, and one of barley, from which there was produced
an abundant yield.
Having thus seen the mission established and in ship-shape for the
16 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
work for which it was intended, let us now take a glance at the
material which its founders had to work upon.
It will be seen that, contrary to what is sometimes supposed, the
men who set themselves down to the work before them were far from
leading lazy lives. It was not only a moral and religious education
that they undertook to impart to the California savage — the festive
" Digger " — but also an industrial one. The neophites, or converts,
were also instructed in agriculture and some of the simplest manu-
facturing arts, such as tanning, soap-making, weaving, etc. For two
men, speaking a strange language, to take hold of, educate, even in
the simplest rudiments, teach them the doctrine and practice of reli-
gion, the use of raiment, the cooking of food, the cultivation of land,
the care of horses, sheep and cattle, the construction of houses, flumes
and fences, the tanning of leather, the preparation of soap, the spin-
ning of wool and the weaving of thread, seems almost incredulous.
This statement is not made for the purpose of either approving or
criticising the conduct of these men towards the creatures brought
under their charge. Only what the records disclose and what the
facts truly represent, are stated. Of the value of their services,
readers can jvidge for themselves. Others haA^e condemned the
Fathers, and accused them of taking advantage of the ignorance and
helplessness of the savages to place burdens upon them ; while,
again, on the other hand, their conduct has been extolled as
partriarchal, wise and humane, in the extreme. All that is here to
be remarked is, as the sequel shows, it was unfoi-tunate that so much
care, patience and zeal were used to no lasting purpose.
CHAPTER V.
THE CHARACTER AND CONDITION OP THE CALIFORNIA INDIANS.
The truth of the matter is, the California Indian was a haixl sub-
ject for civilization. He was one of the most degraded of God's
creatures. He was without knowledge, religion or morals, even in
their most elementary and perverted forms. He lived without labor,
and enjoyed all the ease and pleasure he could. Physically, he was
not prepossessing, although having considerable endurance and
strength. His skin was nearly as dark as that of the negro, and his
UNDER SPANISH RULE. 17
hail- as coarse as that of the horse, while his features were repulsive.
To gi'atify his appetite and satiate liis lust were his only ambition.
He was too cowardly to be warlike, and did not possess that spirit of
independence which is commonly supposed to be the principal at-
tribute of his race. In so genial a climate as ours, nature easily
provided for all his wants. The best part of his time was spent in
dancing and sleeping.
The aborigines of Upper California had no history, and but a
meagi-e amount of tradition. Their remains consisted of earth and
shell mounds, which were used as places of interment. They bui'ied
their dead in a sitting posture. They also used cremation. Their
tongues were various, and when the Spaniards an-ived in the country,
the natives of San Diego could not understand the natives of Los
Angeles or Monterey. They led a wandering life, moving from place
to place, for the purposes of fishing, hunting, and gathering supplies.
The country teemed with game of all kinds, and the flesh of deer,
rabbits, etc., was plentifully used. Fish was abundant, and ran in
every stream. Berries, nuts, and a variety of vegetables entered into
their diet. Acorns and jiine nuts, roots, and wild oats, all formed
articles of consumption. The wild oats grew very plentifully, and
the crop was genei'al. It has been asserted that the natives were in
the habit of eating vermin ; but it must be remembered they were
not trained to prejudice against certain things, as are our fastidious
tastes. It was not want, therefore, that compelled them to do this.
What can be more repulsive to the civilized man than the idea of
using the flesh of reptiles for food. Yet when hunger compelled, men
have been known to eat even rattlesnakes, and praise their flesh as
dainty. Of course, they rejected the rattles. In savage days rodents,
such as rats, gophers, and squirrels, were little known. Commerce
and the wheat fields have caused them to multiply.
The dwellings of the Indians were the meanest of huts, made of
willows and thatched with tules or rushes. They were generally
like conically-shaped baskets, made by taking a few poles and placing
them in the ground in cii'cular form and gathering them together at
the top. These were interlaced with thin willows and covered with
mud or brush. They were very small, and in winter time the burn-
ing of a handful of twigs inside of them, would keep them warm for
a day. When they became intolerable with vermin (if they could
so become to them), they were easily converted into ashes and others
made instead.
18 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY,
The skins of wild beasts made them comfortable coverings ; but it
was no uncommon thing, even as late as the early days of the gold
discoveiy, to see them sleeping naked on a couch of rushes, like a
litter of pigs. In winter weather, the frost, acting on the heat of
their bodies, would cause smoke to ascend from them. An eye-
witness has stated that he has observed them in this attitude, and
it was amusing to see the " outside " ones, as is ever the case, even
in better society, try to get on the "inside" of the row! Their
cabins or wigwams were usually built on the mai'gins of rivers and
creeks, or in the dells of mountains, but always near some stream to
which they had access for their ablutions, which were frequent.
The first thing they would do ua the morning, after rising from their
litters, would be to plunge into the river or wash themselves in the
stream. They would then dance and play around a large fire until
they had acquired sufficient appetite to relish a hearty meal. This
was their practice in the cold mountain regions as well as the more
temperate valleys ; in winter as well as in summer. Colds came
with clothing. The latter they did not take kindly to, excepting
for the purpose of ornament. "When they ran away from the mis-
sions and rejoined their tribe, the first thing they would do would
be to doff their mission garments, which were emblematic of
Christianity and servitude. An anecdote is told of an old chief
(perhaps old Napa himself), who paid General Vallejo a visit once on
a very cold day, and -when all that he wore was his war paint.
" Are you not cold," asked the General, " with no covering on your
body, such a day as thisi" " Is not your face cold," asked the Indian
in reply, " with no covering upon it but your beard ?" " I never
make it a practice to cover my face for protection against the cold,
Napa," replied the General, "it is not necessary." "Well, Napa's
body all face and want no covering, ugh," replied the Indian, who
made his point tell.
The Upper Califoi-nia Indians, as I have already stated, had no re-
ligion ; they had no moral code nor even practical superstition. They
worshipped no Supreme Being, and observed no sacred rites. They
sometimes, however, set up a stuffed coyote, around which they lazily
danced. They were devoid of ambition and seldom wei-e stirred by
passion. They were passive, like all Indians, but they were, never-
theless, cruel in exercising resentments. They troubled themselv(
little about the cares of life, for they were sure of a living anyhow ;
UNDER SPANISH RULE. 19
and rivalry, envy or emulation never took passionate possession of
their souls.
Tlie natives of the South Sea islands, no doubt, possessed more
abundantly laborless supplies of food ; but they had to defend them-
selves and their possessions against the incursions of their neighbors.
Hence they were fierce, jealous and warlike. They were troubled
with ambition and jealousy ; and, although naturally indolent too,
they did not drone and dance away their days and nights a.s our In-
dians did. The Calif ornians were festive in their way, but they
allowed the burdens of labor to be mostly borne by the women.
They had many dances and dance-houses, and indulged in. many and
hideous midnight orgies. They were, too, shamelessly sensual.
There were a few of a particularly depraved class among the tribes.
These, however, were among the men, not the women. Down our
valleys they were called Goyas, and were regarded as outcasts. They
assumed the habits and appearance of women, and lent themselves
to the lusts of both sexes. They were found all over the province,
but are said to have been more numerous about Santa Barbara, where
heathen morals were not even as good as here. Although not pos-
sessed of large families, their numbers were great. The whole coun-
try was covered with them, and the men of the leather armors did
not have to penetrate far to fetch them to the missions. When
attacked and forced to fight, they would sometimes make a pretty
formidable resistance, but generally they were not well calculated to
stand the shock of battle.
Having had no religion or code of morals of their own, it is not
' to be gi-eatly wondered that the Fathers found them prepared to fall
readily under their influence. Hence, the large number of their con-
versions. They were unacquainted with intoxicating drinks, and
consequently led sober lives. The exercises of the chase and the
dance gave them considerable physical strength. They were remark-
able athletes. As swimmers and runners they were unexcelled.
Their young would float and gyrate in the water like so many fish.
To catch, subdue and educate a race like this, to whom freedom
was everything, it will be seen at a glance, was no easy task. To
accomplish it, even remotely, 'demanded all the elements of success.
Force and persuasion must be commingled. The soldier of the pre-
sidio represented the one, the padre at the mission the other. Good
treatment must have been used, to keep them from running away,
and their employments congenial. The novelty of a semi-civilized
20 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
i
situation, with the attractiveness of new objects and strange ways,
with good diet and kind conduct, could alone have kept them, even
for a time, together. On no other theory can we understand how
the missions were universally so successful, not only in Upper Cali-
fornia, but in the other portions of the Spanish dominions.
CHAPTER YI.
LIFE AT THE MISSIONS, AND HOW THE MISSION OF SAN JOSE
PROGRESSED.
The mission buildings generally consisted of a quadrilateral, two
stories high ; there was visually a court yard with fountain and trees.
The various apai-tments consisted of a chapql, Fathers' apartments,
store-houses, workshops and barracks. The whole wei-e built of adobe
blocks, of unljurnt clay.
The mode of life observed at the missions was as follows : The
entire management of each establishment was under the care of two
" Religious," or Friars. In spiritual matters they were altogether
directed by the head of the Franciscan order. In temporal matters
they accounted to the Governor ; and in the Spanish archives of San
Francisco will be found many reports from them of the condition and
increase of the resjDective missions, of which they made statements
regularly at the end of each year. The elder of the Fathers attended
to the interior and the younger to the exterior administration. One
portion of the building, which was called the monastery, was inhab-
ited by the young Indian girls. There, under the care of approved
matrons of their own race, they were instructed in the branches neces- {
sary for their condition in life ; they were not permitted to leave
until of an age fitting them for marriage. In the schools, those who f
exhibited more talents than their companions were taught vocal and
instrumental music — the latter consisting of the flute, horn and vio-
lin. In the mechanical departments, too, the most apt were promoted
to the positions of foremen. The better to preserve the morals of all,
none of the whites, except those absolutely necessary, were employed
at the missions.
At sunrise all arose and proceeded to the chapel, where, after morn-
ing prayer, they assisted at the mass. Breakfast next followed, after
UNDER SPANISH RULE. 21
hich they proceeded to their respective employments. Toward noon
they returned to the mission and spent the time from then till two
o'clock between dinner and rest; after which, they again repaii-ed to
fcheir work and remained engaged till the sound of the evening bell,
about an hour before sundown. All then betook themselves to the
church for evening devotions, which consisted of the ordinary prayers
and the rosary, except on special occasions, when other devotional
exercises were added. After supper, which immediately followed,
they amused themselves with divers spoi'ts, games and dancing, till
the hour for sleep. Their diet consisted of beef and mutton, with
vegetables in. the season. Wheaten cakes and puddings, or porridges
called "atole" and "pinole" also formed a portion of their food. The
clothing supplied to the males was a linen shirt, pants, and a blanket
coat ; the females received each, annually, two under garments, a gown
and a blanket. It cannot be said that these constituted extravagant
wardrobes, but fashion was not the queen of this primitive realm.
In years of plenty, after the missions became rich, it is said the Fathers
distributed all the surplus moneys among them in clothing and trin-
kets ; but wliat constituted the surplus or how much its quantity, we
are not informed.
Apart fi-om the main building, the Indians lived in little thatched
huts grouped around it, a couple of hundred yards distant. These
huts were usually made of adobe, but at fii^t they were made of poles
as heretofore described. Here the married Indians resided with their
families. The unmarried of both sexes were kept apart in large
rooms in the main building. A walled enclosure was made around
some of the establishments, but others were devoid of such protection.
The Mission of San Jose gained rapidly, and waxed wealthy. Its
parent, San Francisco, it soon outstripped ; and its sister, Santa Clara,
it left behind before the close. We have shown that at the end of
the second year of its existence (the first being fractional), it had 154
Indians under instinictions, and 357 live animals. Its exhibit of
cereals produced, all told, at this time, consisted only of 48 fanegas,
which nearly correspond with two and a half of our bushels. There
were sown, however, 434 fanegas of wheat, 2 of beans, 2 of corn, and
1 of barley. The succeeding crop, it is to be presumed, was a most
abundant one. In 1802 there were 327 male and 295 female in-
mates of the mission; in all, 622. Santa Clara had then 1,291, and
San Francisco 814. From this date to 1822, there were baptized
altogether, in San Jose Mission, 4,573 Indians; married, 1,376;
ZZ HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
vdied, 2,933, and existing at the latter date, 1,620. During the same
period there were baptized in Santa Clara 7,324 ; married, 2,056 ;
while the large number of 6,565 had died, leaving that mission with
only 1,394 neophytes at the date mentioned, being 226 less than
ours. San Francisco made an even less favorable presentation for
this period. During the twenty years there were there 6,804 bap-
tisms, 2,050 marriages, and the large number of 5,202 deaths, leav-
ing 958 alive. This shows that those two missions suffered disas-
trously from epidemics, which the Mission of San Jose escaped or
received mildly, proving the superiority of the air and climate of
that place. Syphilis, measles, small-pox, made sad havoc with the
converts generally ; and in two generations they were reduced from
74,621 to 20,958 all over the Province of Upper California. The
change evidently did not tend to the longevity of the lives of the
natives ; but if the main object of their conversion was to send their
souls to heaven, it is to be pi-esumed the result was sufficiently satis-
factory to those who had instituted the new order of things. There
are individual instances, however, of long life among these poor peo-
ple. In 1875, a mission Indian, named Jvistinia Roxas, died in San
Jose at the advanced age of 122 years ; and there is now in the alms-
house in San Francisco a man named Bruno, whose likeness is printed
elsewhere, who claims that he remembers the building of the first
mission-house of San Jose.
In 1834 the missions throughout the province had reached the
zenith of their prosperity. Then San Jose had 2,300 Indians, to
Santa Clara's 1,800, and San Francisco's 500. The number of ani-
mals had also wonderfully increased. San Jose had 24,000 horned
cattle, to Santa Clara's 13,000, and San Francisco's 5,000. In horses
and mules, San Jose had 1,100, to Santa Clara's 1,200, and San
Francisco's 1,600. In sheep, goats, and hogs, San Jose had 19,000,
Santa Clara 15,000, and San Francisco 4,000. The hai-vest consisted
of 10,000 bushels of wheat, maize, etc., in San Jose; 6,000 in Santa
Clara, and 2,500 in San Francisco ; but it must be remembered that
the latter's stock was mostly fed, and its crops raised, on this side of
the bay, as sand was not a very productive soil.
We have no record of the number of cattle slaughtered, hides
sold, or of the soap, leather, Avine, brandy, wool, oil, cotton, hemj),
linen, tobacco, salt and soda, that were raised and manufactured in
connection with each of the missions, but we have no doubt that
this one contributed largely to the general product. In the course
UNDER SPANISH RULE. 23
of a very few years it liacl an excellent orchard, of wliich, however,
only a few pear trees, which are of a very large size, now remain.
Besides the lands of the missions, which were usually many
leagues in extent, there were also farms for the soldiers of the
presidios.
During the Spanish possession but few private ranchos had been
established, and civilized people were only to be found at the mis-
sions, the four presidios, and three pueblos of San Jose, Los Angeles
and Santa Cruz.
It is impossible to give successfully the names of the Fathers who
had charge of the mission in this county, but it is of no great
importance. It has been shown that Friars Ysidro Barcinallo and
Augustin Meria had charge of it at the start. The other Fathers, of
whom it has been possible to procure any account, are Narcisco
Durant, Ventura Fortuni, Lorenzo Keifus, Rafael Muro, Maria Real,
and Father Gonzales. Only two of them were engaged in conduct-
ing the affairs of the mission at one time, and they mostly continued
many years together. Father Narcisco came to the mission in 1827;
Father Muro was there at the time of secularization, in 1835, and so
was Father Gonzales. For some time the mission was without a
regular pastor, and Father Real, of Santa Clara, took charge of it.
The final fate of the mission will be considered and explained in
its appropriate place, tinder the heading of Mexican Rule.
Elsewhere allusion is made to the foundation of the villa of Bran-
ciforte, at Santa Cruz. Since it was wi-itten, the author has been
favored with a copy of the following instructions for its management,
which have recently been translated by a gentleman of Santa Cruz,
and published in a local paper, and will be of interest to the readers
of this work in connection with the other matters touched vipon re-
lating to the Spanish regime. That the rules prescribed wei-e intended
for the management of the Indians is evident ; but the blending of
civic and ecclesiastical functions in the hands of the Governor is very
apparent, and the dictum arbitrary. But then we must consider the
system in force and the class to be dealt with :
Instructimis to he observed hy the Commissiooier in charge of the Vil-
lage of Branciforte, for the government and direction of
its inhabitants.
Article 1.
His first care shall be to maintain peace, good will and harmony
among the colonists, and be vigilant in having good order.
24 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Living in adultery, gaming and drunkenness will not be allowed,
and lie who commits such vices shall be punished, as also he wJio fails
to appear and do duty upon the public works when ordered.
Article 2.
He will oblige all pei-sons to attend the celebration of Mass on the
days fixed by the law of the church, and to make responses in a loud
voice ; and if any person should fail to observe the above, without
good cause, they will be put in the stocks for three hours.
Article 3.
During the time of Easter, all persons will be careful to comply
with its amiual observance, and he will remit to the Governor a cer-
tificate of their having done so.
Article 4.
He will not permit the actual colonist nor a sojourner to traffic
with or trade with any Indian, male or female, of the mission, and
much less to have illicit intercourse with them. And to this end he
will prohibit going to their wigwams, whether at night or in the day-
time. This rule must be scrupulously observed.
Article 5.
Whatever individual wishing to become a colonist must have pre-
sented to me some person who will vouch for his condition and abil-
ity, and I will order that he have leave to settle, and will indi-
cate the suertes (a suerte is about ten acres) of land that shall be
given to him.
Article 6.
No colonist or sojourner shall depart from the village for the pur-
pose of settling at some place that is populated, without fii'st })rocur-
ing my permission to do so.
Article 7.
The Commissioner will exercise the greatest care to prevent leth-
argy among the colonists, and also sojourners, cavising them all to la-
bor and to sow and cultivate the lands that have been given to them.
And he will provide me with a list of the names of those who have
sowed and harvested annually, and at the proper time inform me how
they are getting along.
Article 8.
He will notify the Governor what lands are unoccupied up to this
A MISSION CHURCH AND BUILDING..
UNDER SPANISH RULE.
date, how much, is agricultural and how much pasture land belonging
to the village, and how much of the land is useful for both purposes,
and the reasons why such are not occupied.
PABLO YAZENTE DE SOLA.
CHAPTER YII.
SOLDIERS AND CITIZENS.
Under this heading wall be considered the militaiy and civil ad-
ministration of the early affau's of the territory. In the Contra
Costa was neither presidio (garrison) nor pueblo (town), but San
Francisco supplied the former immediately to the west of us, and
San Jose 'the other immediately to the south of us. As from those
two sources came dii-ectly our first population of European origin,
this history would not be complete without some i-eference to them,
and a short chapter shall therefore be devoted to their description.
The whole military force in Upper California, in its early days,
numbered no more than 200 or 300 men. It was divided between the
four presidios of San Diego, Santa Barbara, Monterey, and San
Francisco. There were but two towns or pueblos — Los Angeles and
San Jose. Subsequently another was started near Santa Cruz,
which was known as the Branciforte, so named after a Spanish Vice-
roy. There is danger of the Mission of San Jose and the town of
San Jose being confounded as one and the same place, which would
be an error, as they were several leagues apart. As may be sup-
posed, the garrisons were not kept in a very efficient condition. All
around them betokened the disuse of arms and the absence of an
enemy, for many years. The cannon of the Presidio of San Fran-
cisco was covered with mould, and within the military enclosure was
found a goodly number of women and children. The men were
mostly away, looking after the Indians and performing the police
dutie-s of the missions. The soldiers of San Francisco District were
divided in three squads — one at the Presidio, one at Santa Clara Mis-
sion, and one at the Mission of San Jose. Here is copied from the
Spanish archives, in San Francisco, a list of the soldiers connected
with the Presidio in the year 1790, in which are found the names,
positions, nativity, color, race, age, etc., of the soldiers, as well as
those of their wives, when married. That year the soldiers num-
26 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
bered tliirty-eiglit. Nasario Galiuda, brother-in-law of Antomo
Peralta, states that he once hekl the position of sergeant in this
army, and had under his command, at the Mission of San Jos6,
fifteen men.
As among these people are found some of the first occupants of our
soil, it is right to here produce the names of that little band of
adventurous men, and show some of the present native population
their pedigrees :
NAMES OF THE SOLDIERS OF THE PRESIDIO OF SAN FRANCISCO, WITH
THEIR WIVES, IN 1790.
Don Josef Arguello, commandant, age 39.
Don Ramon Laro de la Neda, Alferez de Campo, age 34.
Pedro Amador, sergeant, Spaniard, from Guadalaxara, age 5 1 ; wife,
Ramona Noreiga, Sj^anish, aged 30 ; 7 children. [These were
the parents of Jose Maria Amador, born in San Francisco in
1781, and now 95 years of age, and to whom further reference
will be made hereafter.]
Nicolas Galinda, mestizo, Durango, 42.
Majio Chavoya, City of Mexico, 34 ; wife, a Bernal.
Miguel Pacheco, 36 ; wife, a Sanches.
Luis Maria Pei-alta, Spaniai-d, Sonora, 32 ; wife, Maria Loretto
Alviso, 19.
Justo Altamirano, mulatto, Sonora, 45.
Ygnacio Limaxes, Sonora, 49 ; wife, Maria Gertiaida Rivas, Span-
iard, 38.
Ygnacio Soto, 41 ; wife, Barbara Espinosa.
Juan Bernal, mestizo, Sonora, 53 ; wife. Maxima I. de Soto.
Jph. Maria Martinez, Sonora, 35 ; wife, Maria Garcia, mulatto, 18.
Salvado Iguera, L. C., 38 ; wife, Alexa Miranda, Sonora, 38.
Nicolas Berryessa, mestizo, 25 ; wife, Maria Gertrudis Pei-alta, 24.
Pedro Peralta, Sonora, 26 ; wife, Maria Carmen Grisalva, 19.
Ygnacio Pacheco, Sonora, 30 ; wife, Maria Dolores Cantua, mestizo,
age 16.
Francisco Bernal, Sinaloa, 27 ; wife, Maria Petrona, Indian, 29.
Bartolo Pacheco, Sonora, 25 ; wife, Maria Francisco Soto, 18.
Apolinario Bernal, Sonora, 25.
Joaquin Bernal, Sonora, 28 ; wife, Josefa Sanchez, 21.
Josef Acev;i, Durango, 26.
Manuel Boranda, Guadalaxara, 40 ; wife, Gertnidis Higuera, 13.
Francisco Valencia, Sonora, 22 ; wife, Maria Victoria Higuera, 15.
UNDER SPANISH RULE. 27
Josef Antonio Sanchez, Guadalaxara, 39 ; v/ife, Maria Dolora Mox
ales, 34.
Josef Ortiz, Guadalaxara, 23.
Josef Aguila, Guadalaxara, 22 ; wife, Conellaria Remixa, 14.
Alexandro Avisto, Durango, 23.
Juan Josef Higuera, Sonora, 20.
Francisco Flores, Giiadalaxara, 20.
Josef Maria Castilla, Guadalaxara, 19.
Ygnacio Higuera, Sonora, 23 ; wife, Maria Micaelo Bojorques, 28.
E anion Linare, Sonora, 19.
Josef Miguel Saens, Sonora, 18.
Cai^to Serviente, San Diego, Indian, 60. ,
Augustin Xirviente, L. C, 20.
Nicolas Presidario, Indian, 40.
Gabriel Peralta, invalid, Sonora.
Manuel Vutron, invalid, Indian.
Ramon Bojorques, invalid, 98.
Francisco Remero, invalid, 52.
A recapitulation shows that the inmates of the Presidio consisted
altogether, men, women and children, soldiers and civilians, of 144
persons. There were 38 soldiei-s and 3 laborers. Of these, 1 was
a European, other than Spanish, 78 Spaniards, 5 Indians, 2 mulat-
toes, and of other casts, 44. The document was signed by Pedro
Beno Cambon.
Under date of 1793, was discovered an inventory of the rich
men of the Presidio, showing that Pedro Amador was the proprietor
of 13 head of stock and 52 sheep ; Nicolas Galinda, 10 head of stock;
Luis Peralta, 2 head of stock ; Manuel Boranda, 3 head of stock ;
Juan Bernal, 23 head of stock and 246 sheep ; Salvador Youere, 3
head of stock ; Aleso Miranda, 15 head of stock; Pedro Peralta, 2
head of stock ; Francisco Bernal, 1 6 head of stock ; Barthol Pacheeo,
7 head of stock ; Joaquin Bernal, 8 head of stock ; Francisco Valen-
cia, 2 head of stock ; Beraueia Galindo, 6 head of stock ; Hermeneo
Sal (who appears to have been a secretary or something besides a
soldier), 5 head of stock and 3 mares. Adding up, we find that they
had between them 115 head of stock, 298 sheep and 17 mares.
These men were evidently bent on raiichiug, and consequently, we
find the names of nearly every family of them occupying lands on the
Contra Costa to-day, having received large grants from the S])anish
and Mexican Government at a l%ter date. To think of what some of
28 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
these families have gained and lost in so short a time ! The grant
to Luis Peralta, whose name is third on this list, comprised within
its ample acres the City of Oakland, and the towns of Alameda and
Berkeley, and time will probably prove that it was one of the most
valuable grants ever made to a single individual, although its worth
was then far from being appreciated ; nor could its future value be
anticipated, for gold had not been, discovered at Coloma.
ADULT MALE RESIDENTS OF THE PUEBLO OR TOWN OF SAN JOSE DE
GUADALUPE, ACCORDING TO A RETURN MADE IN 1790.
Antonio Romero, Ygnacio Archuleta, Claudis Alviris, Manuel
Gonzales, Bernardo Rozales, Manuel Armaquita, Tiburcio Yasquez,
Francisco Avilla, Balenio Meza, Leferino Lugo, Joaquin Castro,
Antonio Alegre, Pedro Bojorques, Antonio Aceber, Nazario Jaero,
Pedro Carguelas, Miguel Ojuno, Pedro Luis Nervo. The occupa-
tions of these persons were as follows : Farm workers or labradors, 1 7 ;
artizans, L According to race there were 1 European, 12 Spaniards,
3 Indians, 2 mulattoes, and of other castes, IL The whole popu-
lation of the Pueblo consisted of 32 men, 15 women, 15 boys, and
16 girls; in all, 78 souls.
The most conspicuous name among those mentioned is that of
Vasques, being the same exactly as that of the notorious highway-
man who was executed in San Jose, in 1865. The name was numer-
ous, and there was a Tiburcio Yasquez in San Francisco in 1842,
when a census was made, and also in 1848. But, no doubt, the San
Jose family is the one from which the notorious outlaw sprung.
For the purpose of comparison, a memoranda is here also presented
of the population of the only other puebla in the territory, Los
Angeles, in 1793. The inhabitants of the place then, all told, was
151 ; of these 3 were Europeans, 46 Spaniards, 27 mestizos, 11
Indians, and 64 mulattoes. Until the American conquest these
were the two principal towns in the State, and at present they are
very flourishing, having a population of about 15,000 each. But the
change is a remarkable one. American and European enterprise and
industry have given them an impetus which they are not likely to
lose for many years to come.
In the search among those well-preserved and beautifully-written
old documents, the author discovered, imder date of 1797, a letter of
Luis Peralta, dated at Santa Clara and addressed to the Governor,
requesting him to have Bernandio (#^alinda (a wounded soldier) re-
UNDER SPANISH RULE.
29
moved to Monterey for the treatment of his injuries, as there was
no medical assistance to be had where he then was. It is in a good,
plain hand. Another letter, of the same period, was from Gabriel
Moraga to the Governor at Monterey, recommending that the site of
the pueblo be removed to the other side of the river, as where origin-
ally established it was too low; and it was so removed. After this
soldier (by rank a lieit tenant), who was the first to take possession of
the site of San Francisco, in 1776, and who, subsequently, explored
and named the Sacramento and San Joaquin R:ivers, is called the
handsome valley in tke Contra Costa Range, a fev/ miles northeast
from Oakland, and where his descendants now reside.
^X r^-t'^1
^^^
30 . HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
HOME SCHOOL
FOR
.YOUNG LADIES,
OAKLAND, CAL
MISS H. N. FIELD, Principal.
DEPARTMENTS :
English and Classical, Ancient and Modern Languages, Drawing and
Painting, Vocal and Instrnmenlal Music, and Physical Culture.
It is tho desire of the Principal to combine, as far as possible, the influ-
ence of home with thorough and practical training in the different
branches of education. To secure this ohject, a limited
number of Boarding Pupils will be received, and
each will be under the immediate super-
vision of the Principal,
WM. G. DINSMORE'S DRUG STORE,
(Proprietor Celebrated "MOZAllT" brand Cigars,)
1059 BROADWAY, OAKLAND, OAL.
DEALER IN
DRUGS, MEDICINES, CHEMICALS,
TOILET AND FANCY ARTICLES,
BRUSHES, SOAPS, PERFUMERY.
Prescriptions Care/idly Compounded at all hours, Day or Night
A FULL ASSORTMENT OF
Humphrey's Homceopathic Specifics,
lubin's and gosnell's toilet goods.
UNDER MEXICAN RULE.
CHAPTER Vlir.
SPANISH SUPREMACY OVERTHROWN THE MISSION SYSTEM AT IT3
HEIGHT, AND THEN ITS DESTRUCTION THE FIRST OVERLAND
AMERICAN ADVENTURER COMMUNICATING WITH FATHER
DURAN AT THE MISSION OF SAN JOSE.
In 1823 Mexico, after throwing off the Spanish yoke, and closing
a short-lived monarchy under Iturbide, became an independent repub-
lic. In 1810, 1813, and 1815 had the flag of revolt been unsuccess-
fully raised. In 1820 it was again raised, but with better success.
It was aided by a successful revolution in the mother country. Span-
ish policy had deprived the natives of any share in the government.
The development of the country was hampered. The severest
restrictions were imposed upon the colony. The possession of gold
was all that was cared for. All native industrial pursuits were for-
bidden, and the manufacture and production of wine, flax, olives,
etc., prohibited. To engage in any outside enterprise was a capital
offense. Education was neglected, and revolt was justified.
General Santa Anna headed the revolution of 1823, and dethroned
Iturbide, who had taken the title of Augiistin I. He formed a pro-
visional government and provided a constitution fashioned after that
of the United States. The country was divided into nineteen states
and four ten-itories. The two Californias formed one territory, with
a voice in Congress, but no vote. The office of Commandant of Cal-
ifornia remained as before ; and the Governor, Don Pablo de Sola,
continued to be the Executive of the Province for a shoi-t time.
After him, Don Luis Arguello, a Californian by birth, became
Governor (id interim. Don Jose Noi'iega was sent to the Mexican
Congress to represent California ; but, as he was by bu-tli a Spaniard,
he was rejected. Arguello was never formally appointed Governor,
and was succeeded by Don Jos6 Maria Echandia, the first regular
32 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Governor under tlie Republic. This man was opposed to church gov-
ernment and the continuance of the missions, with which he com-
menced to meddle. Soon the Franciscans were to suffer the fate of
the Jesuits. In 1826 instructions were forwarded by the Federal
Government of Mexico to the Governor of California for the libera-
tion of the Indians. This was followed, a few years later, by another
act of the Legislature, ordering the whole of the missions to be secu-
larized and " the Religious," meaning the friars, to be withdrawn.
It was stated, that at first the missions were only intended as tem-
porary expedients for civilizing the Indians and settling the country.
The churches were to be placed under regular ecclesiastical control,
with secular, or regular clergy, to administer their affairs and attend
to the spiritual wants of the people, as now. In 1834 the act of
Congress ■ liberating the Indians from the missions was put in force,
and Administrators were appointed to take charge of the property.
Then commenced the decline of those semi-civil, semi-religious in-
stitutions, which appear to us now as phenomena of the past. The
Administrators, it is alleged, instead of protecting, plundered. In
eight years (1842) the Indians liberated declined from 30,650 to
4,450. The number of horned cattle fell from 424,000 to 28,220 ;
the number of horses, mules, etc., from 62,500 to 3,800 ; sheep,
goats and hogs from 321,500 to 31,600 ; and the production of grain,
from 70,000 to 4,000 hectolitres.
At the Mission of San Jose the depletion was as follows : Indians
in 1834, 2,300 ; in 1842, 400. Horned cattle, in 1834, 24,000 ; in
1842, 8,000. Horses, mules, etc., in 1834, 1,100; in 1842, 200.
Sheep, goats and hogs, in 1834, 19,000 ; in 1842, 7,000 ; for the dif-
ference in the production of grain there is no comparative statement.
The friends of the missions (among whom is ranked Hon. J. W.
Dwindle, formerly of this county) maintain that the proceeding was
unjust and the result ruinous and demoralizing. They claim that the
results obtained by the Fathers, whom they say were cultivated
men — soldiers, engineers, artists, lawyers, and physicians — were won-
derful. Others, such as the authors of the " Annals of San Fran-
cisco," assert that the mission system was inj\ii-ious ; that the Indians
were left worse men and women than when they entered the missions ;
that the friars were ignorant men and held tyrannic sway over their
savage vassals, while they grew rich and indolent. The student who
cares to learn the truth of these things for himself, can find ample
authorities for his enlightenment on the subject. It is the present
UNDER MEXICAN RULE. 33
author's business simply to cite facts — not to draw conclusions ; wliicli
most readers, after all, will do, according to pre-conceived prejudices
and opinions.
The Administrator appointed for the Mission of San Jos6 was Jose
de Jesus Vallejo, elder brother of Genei-al and Ex-Governor G. M.
Vallejo, and who yet resides there, enjoying the repose of old age, and
troubling himself little about the affairs of the world, although of late
years his once ample fortune has dwindled, like that of his compa-
triots. Among the Mayor Domos who were employed to manage the
lands, the crops, and the cattle, were Jose Maria Aniador, and Luis
Suiiol, the foi'mer now residing in Santa Cruz County and the latter
deceased. Both ' of these men have valleys named after them
in this county.
Most of the mission lands finally fell into strange hands, the greater
part of them having been secured by E. L. Beard, Esq., who re-
sides at the Mission, and who possesses one of the most lovely jjlaces
in the State.
The Indians soon dispersed after the Fathers were deprived of
their power, and scattered over the surrounding country. A rem-
nant of them is to be found in the Alameda Canon and near Pleas-
anton. These continue to visit the Mission once a year, on Good
Friday, when they assemble more for a feast than a fast, and take
great pleasure in assisting at the mock cei'emony of " hanging Judas."
They are a degraded set, and certainly could not possibly have been
in a worse condition under the Fathers than they are now. They do
some work on the neighboring ranches ; but they, too, are feeling ad-
versely the presence of the Mongolian, ancj their labor is not prized
as it used to be. They live in small huts, and wear away their lives
in primitive simplicity and unrelieved obscurity.
Before closing with the Mission, it is necessary to remark that
three different structures have at various times been placed on the
site of the present chxirch, owing to destruction and injury by earth-
quakes. The last of these occurred on the 21st of October, 1868,
when the country about here received the greatest shock it is known
to have ever experienced. A di^awing of the adobe building, show-
ing its condition, was at the time made by Miss Carmelita Vallejo,
who has kindly placed it at the author's disposal, and is here repro-
duced in an engraving. The injured building was subsequently re-
moved, and a wooden structure put up in its place. Some of the
detached adobe outhouses yet remaia standing. The old orchard
34 HISTORY OP ALAMEDA COUNTY,
and the vineyard continue in charge of a person employed by the
pastor of the church, and produce more or less revenue. But the
general aspect of the place is changed, and a different class of men
now worehip and administer there. '
It would not be right to close this chapter without making allusion
to, and naiTating something of the history of one who may be called
the last of the Mission Fathei-s. That is Father Maria Gonzales, a
man who must yet be remembered by many persons in the southern
part of the county; by some with affection, by others -ft-ith respect,
and by none with ill-will.
This pious and exemplary person died at the Franciscan College,
Santa Barbara, on the 3d of November, 1875. He was born in
Guadalaxara, Mexico, and was about 72 years of age at the time of
his death. He came to California from the Convent of Guadaloupe,
and was a missionary at Old San Jose for many years. On the death
of Bishop Garcia, the first Catholic Bishop of California, at Santa
Barbara, in 1846, Father Gonzales, who was his Secretary, was
made " Custodian of the Mitre " and Administrator of the Chm-ch
and College property, and it remained under his management until
1850, when the vacant see was filled by the appointment of Bishop
Alemany. He was Superior of the Franciscans on this coast, and con-
tinued so until about three years before his demise. He was the
oldest missionary in the country, having come to California in the
palmy days of the missions, before confiscation and dispersion, and
adhered to his post, even when compelled to depend for food and
raiment on his former attendants. His missionary career lasted
nearly two generations, and he exhibited many of the characteristics
of a true apostle, feeding, clothing and instructing the savage, and
making little account of his own personal necessities. More than
once he was offered the Episcopacy, but ever declined, in his great
humility, to be a bishop. He was a man entitled to be respected by
all, irrespective of religious convictions, and, as the liistorian of his
former field qyabor, ^le author simply performs an act of justice by
offering tliis slight but^tm^interested tribute to his memory. Virtue
and goodness are of no particular creed, and adorn humanity. Father
Gonzales was the relic of a system and of a body of men that have
forever passed away, and for good or for evil controlled the destinies
of this coast for the better part of a century. With their claims and
controversies we have nothing to do. If we cannot espouse their
cause, neither are we disposed to prejudice their lives.
UNDER MEXICAN RULE. 35
In 1827 a circumstance transpired at the Mission of San Jos6
which is of much interest. Father Narcisce Duran was in charge of
the Mission at the time. In May, of that year, Captain Jedediah
S. Smith, the first American who is known to have crossed the Eocky
Mountains to the Pacific Coast, pitched his tent somewhere in the
vicinity of the mission, and, in response to enquiries concerning him-
self and his party, he sent the following letter to the missionary :
Reverend Father — -I understand, through the medium of one of
your Christian Indians, that you are anxious to know who we are,
as some of the Indians have been at the mission and informed you
that there were certain white people in the country. We are Amer-
icans, on our journey to the river Columbia. We were in at the
Mission San Gabriel in January last. I went to San Diego and saw
the General, and got a passport from him to pass on to that place.
I have made several efibrts to cross the mountains, but the snows
being so deep I could not succeed in getting over. I returned to
this place (it being the only point to kill meat) to wait a few weeks
till the snow melts, so that I can go on. The Indians hei-e also being
friendly, I consider it the most safe point for me to remain until such
time as I cross the mountains with my horses, having lost a great
many in attempting to cross, ten or fifteen days since. I am a long
ways from home, and am anxious to get there as soon as the nature
of the case will admit. Our situation is quite unpleasant, being des-
titute of clothing and most of the necessaries of life, wild meat being
our principal subsistence. I am, Reverend Father, your strange, but
real, friend and Christian brother, J. S. Smith.
May 19, 1827.
The tone of this letter should have called forth an active sympa-
thy from a Christian missionary, and it is to be presumed " the real
friend and Christian brother " was hospitably treated ; although then,
as subsequently, there was much jealousy prevailing against for-
eigners.
1591509
36 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
ELOOTJTIOIN"
WM. N. VAN DE MARK,
¥e^dl\ef of 3i{lo(5utioi\^
BEGS LEAVE TO ANNOUNCE TO THE
CITIZENS OF OAKLAND AND YICINITI,
That, after a year's successful teaching in this communit)', he is now
prepared to take a few more Classes in this most excellent method of
attaining power in Conversation, upon the Platform, and on the Theat-
rical vStage. It is not only an intellectual accomplishment which all
should enjoy, but a health-giving and life-saving knowledge. It is
one of the surest guards against CONSUMPTION — preserving the
LUNGS by proper inspiration, and strengthening the vocal organs by
daily practice.
Mr. Van De Mark, in consequence of the liberal patronage he
enjoys, is enabled to offer his services at very Moderate Terms.
Young Ladies and Gentlemen with weak voices, will be astonished at
the compass and volume they will attain under his method of vocal
drill.
Mr. V. can be consulted in regard to terms, etc., at his Institute,
OE3SrTEISr3Sri.A^3Li HCOXJSE^
Near the City Hall,
FOURTEENTH STREET, OAKLAND, GAL.
UNDER MEXICAN RULE. 37
CHAPTER IX.
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE RANCHOS AND LIFE UPON THEM.
The missions, although ruined, " secularized " slowly. The Mission
of San Jos6 was in possession of the priests at the time of the
American conquest, and its lands were not sold until the year 1846.
The Spanish Government did not do much in the disposal of land
to settlers, and only two Spanish grants are known to have been
made in this section. Those are, first, the celebrated grant made to
Don Luis Peralta, known as the San Antonio Rancho, on which the
City of Oakland and neighboring towns have since been built ; and
the Los Tularcitos Rancho, situated partly in Santa Clara and
Alameda Counties, and granted to Jos6 Hi'guera. The former was
made on the 20th day of June, 1820 ; and the latter on the 4th day
of October, 1821, by Governor Don Pablo Vicente de Sola, the last
Spanish and the first Mexican Governor of California.
In 1824 the Mexican Government adopted a law of colonization. It
was four years later, however, in 1828, before the "General Rules
and Regulations for the Colonization of the Territories of the
Republic " were adopted, and only a single Mexican gi-ant was made
anywhere in California before 1833.
Following is the order of establishment of the different ranches in
Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, then known as the Ranches of
the North :
1820 — San Antonio Rancho ; five leagues, by Governor Don Pablo
Vincente de Sola, to Luis Peralta.
1821 — Las Tularcitos ; — leagues, by Gov. de Sola, to Jose Higuera.
1833 — Las Juntas ; — leagues, by Gov. Figueroa, to Bartolo
Pacheco and Mariano Castro.
1834— Acalanes ; 1 square league, by Gov. Figueroa, to Candelario
Valencia.
1834 — Arroyo de las Neuces ; 2 square leagues, by Gov. Figueroa,
to Juan Sanches Pacheco.
1834 — San Pablo; 4 square leagues, by Gov. Figueroa, to Francisco
M. Castro.
1835 — San Ramon ; 4 square leagues and 1,800 varas, by Gov.
Figueroa, to Jose Maria Amador.
38 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
1835 — Los Meganos; 4 leagues by 3, by Gov. Jos6 Castro, to Jose
Noreiga.
1836 — Agua Calienta ; 2 square leagues, by Governors Gutierrez and
Alvarado, to F. Higuera.
1839 — Las Positas ; 2 square leagues, by Gov. Alvai-ado, to Salvio
Pacheco.
1839 — El Valle de San Jose ; — leagues, by Gov. Alvarado, to An-
tonio Maria Pico.
1839 — Los Medanos ; 2 square leagues, by Gov. Alvarado, to Jos6
Antonio Mesa and others.
1839 — Santa Rita ; 8,885.67 acres, by Gov. Alvarado to Jos6 Dolores
Pacheco.
1840 — Land, to Guillermo Castro, by Gov. Alvarado.
1840 — Arroyo del Alameda ; 1,000 varas square, by Gov. Vallejo to
Jos6 Jesus Yallejo.
1841 — San Lorenzo; 600 varas square, by Gov. Alvarado, to Guil-
lermo Castro.
1841 — El Sobrante ; 11 square leagues, by Gov. Alvarado, to Juan
Jose Castro.
1841 — Lagima de los Palos ; 3 square leagues, by Gov. Alvarado, to
Joaquin Moraga.
1842 — Boca de Cailada del Pinole ; 3 square leagues, by Gov. Alva-
rado, to Maria Manuel Valencia.
1842 — San Lorenzo; 1| square leagues, by Gov, Michel torena, to
Francisco Soto.
1842 — San Leandro ; 1 square league, by Gov. Alvarado, to Joaquin
Estudillo.
1842 — Canada de los Vacqueros ; — leagues, by Gov. Micheltorena,
to Francisco Alviso.
1842 — Canada del Hambre ; 2 square leagues, by Gov. Alvanxdo, to
Teodora Sota.
1842 — Arroyo del Alameda; 4 square leagues, by Gov. Alvarado, to
Jos6 Jesus Vallejo.
1843 — San Lorenzo; 6 square leagues; by Gov. Micheltorena, to
Guillermo Castro.
1844 — Las Juntas ; 3 square leagues, by Gov. Micheltorena, to Wm.
Welch.
1844— Monte del Diablo ; 17,921.54 acres ; by Gov. Micheltorena, to
Salvio Pacheco.
UNDER MEXICAN RULE. 39
1844 — Potrero de los Cerritos ; 3 square leagues, by Gov. Michelto-
rena to Tomas Paclieco.
1846 — Mission San Jose ; 30,000 acres, by Gov. Pio Pico to Andres
Pico and Juan B. Alvarado.
Nearly, if not all, the grantees of those lands had been soldiers.
Peralta based his claim on over forty years' military service, and val-
uable assistance rendered in establishing the missions of Santa Clara,
Santa Cruz and San Jose, and the number of his family. Salvio
Pacheco, who died on the 13th of August, 1876, had been a member
of the Departmental Assembly. Certain foi-malities had, however,
to be undergone, and in some instances parties had lived for years
upon their lands before the date of their grants. This will be illus-
trated by copjdng from the documents put in proof by the Estudillo
family, for maintaining possession of their rancho, before the United
States Commissioner in 1854. Following are the petition for the
land, the grant from the Governor, and the conditions imposed :
ExMO. SoR :
The citizen Jos6 Joaquin Estudillo, a Mexican by birth, be-
fore your Excellency appears through these presents saying : That
with the object of securing subsistence for and supporting a large
family, consisting of his wife and ten children, after having been
in the military service for a period of seventeen years, four months
and seven days, he solicited, under date of January 8th, 1837,
the land known as the Arroyo de San Leandro to that of San Lo-
renzo, four square leagues of land (four sitios de gadado mayor) from
west to east, and having obtained from your Excellency, who is kind
to, and protects the interests of, the inhabitants of this country, that
I should establish myself and continue working until the legal pro-
ceedings were gone through, which I have done during the long term
of five years, five months and several days, and as my expediente has
been mislaid in the Government Secretary's ofiice, I now make a new
petition, duly accompanied by the annexed draught or plan of the
said land, that in view thereof you may act as it may please you, re-
maining perfectly satisfied with your deci'ee ; consequently I entreat
your Excellency to view my petition in a favorable light, so that I
may receive the favor that I ask for and expect, paying to yoiu* Ex-
cellency as homage my eternal gratitude.
JOSIE JOAQUIN ESTUDILLO.
Monterey, June 28th, 1842.
40 HISTORY OP ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Wliereupon, the then Governor of California, Juan B. Alvaraclo,
granted said petition in the words following :
Monterey, October 16th, 1842.
In view of the petition that heads this expediente, the information
that was considered necessary to take, and everything else that was
thought of, having found that they agree with the laws and regula-
tions on this subject, I declare Don Joaquin Estudillo owner in pos-
session of a part of the land known under the name of San Leandro,
bounded on the north by the Arroyo San Leandro, on the east by
the drainings of the Springs, on the land now occupied by the In-
dians now settled there ; from this point in a straight line south to
the Arroyo San Lorenzo, without inchiding the lands cultivated by
the above-mentioned Indians, and on the west by the sea. Let the
necessary document be issued, take note of it in the Book of Record,
and send this expediente to the exmajunta departmental for its appro-
bation. His Excellency the Grovernor has thus ordered," decreed and
signed it,
J. B. ALYARADO,
Constitutional Governor of the Department of the Californias.
Whereas, The citizen Joaquin Estudillo has petitioned for his
personal benefit and that of his family for a part of the land known
imder the name of San Leandro, the bovmdary of which being on the
noi-th of the Arroyo San Leandro, on the east the drainage (derama-
deros) of the Springs in the lands occupied by the Indians now settled
there; from this point in a straight line south to the "Arroyo de San
Lorenzo," without including the lands cultivated by the Indians
ali-eady mentioned, and on the west by the sea, having previously
taken all the necessary steps and regulations on this subject : In vir-
tue of the powers conferred on me, in the name of the Mexican nation,
I hereby decide to gi-ant him the land mentioned, giving to him the
right of possession thereof by these presents, and by the approbation
which he has obtained from the Exm'a Junta Depai-tmental, being
subject to the following conditions:
1st. He has the power to fence it without interfering with the
passages, roads, and other rights (scridembi'es). He shall enjoy it
freely and exclusively, applying it to any use or culture that may be
most agreeable to him, but witliin a year he shall build a house, and
said house must be inhabited.
2d. He shall solicit to be placed in lawful possession in virtue of
this document, from the competent judge by whom the boundaries
UNDER MEXICAN RULE. 41
shall be marked out, and on their borders he shall, besides placing
the land marks, plant some fruit trees or some forest trees of some
utility.
3d. The land granted is one square league (one sitio de ganado
mayor), a little more or less, as it is shown by the sketch annexed to
the expediente on this matter.
The judge who shall place him in possession must have the land
measured according to law, leaving the remainder for the uses the
nation may decree proper.
4th. Should he contravene these conditions he shall lose his right
to the land, and it shall be denounced by any other person.
In vu-tue whereof I order this title, being good and valid, that a
copy of it be taken in the Book of Record, and that it be delivered to
the party interested for his security and other ends.
Given in Monterey, 16th Oatober, 1842.
Notwithstanding the liberal extent of those gi-ants, there was
always more or less trouble about their settlement ; boundary lines
were indefinite, and conflicting claims intervened. Peralta had
trouble at first with the Padres of the Mission de Lores of San
Francisco, as will be more fully shown when we come to the history of
Oakland ; and his son, subsequently, with his neighbor Castro, to
the right of him ; Estudillo, with his neighbor, the other Castro, to
the left of him ; and so on, nearly with them all.
Pei-alta, who had secured another grant of land for his own use in
Santa Clara County, never resided on the San Antonio Rancho, but
divided it up among his four sons. These at first lived together in
one house near the foot-hills on the San Leandro side, and enjoyed
the property in common ; but finally, having all got maiTied, and
each possessing stock of his own, the father determined to make
a division of the rancho among them. In August, 1842, he came up
one day from San Jose ; they all mounted their horses and rode over
the land together, when he parceled it out among them, marking
out the boundaries by natural objects, and putting each one in pos-
session of his portion. It was divided, as nearly as possible, into
four equal parts, each running from the bay to the hills, giving to
u os6 Domingo the most northerly quarter, on which Berkeley is now
situated ; to Vincente, the next adjoining on the south, including the
oak grove, then known as the Encinal de Temescal (now the City of
Oakland) ; to Antonio Maria, the next adjoining on the south, on
which are situated Brooklyn and Alameda ; to Ygnacio, the most
42 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
southerly portion, being bounded by " the deep Creek of San Lean-
dro."
It will be noticed that the valleys in the southern portion of the
county, including Washington and Murray Townships, were given
the general name of the Valley of San Jos6, after the mission, for
which they were grazing grounds.
One foreigner only is included among the original grantees :
William Welch, a native of Ireland, to whom was given Las Juntas,
which pai-fly fronted on the Straits of Carquinez, and on which our
first county town, Martinez, is built. Others, however, came in
at an early date, and by purchase or by marriage secured possession
of considerable tracts of land, long even before there was any
serious thought of the conquest of the country by the Americans.
Among these, the first was Joseph Livermore, an Englishman by
birth, who came to California in a whaling vessel and deserted there-
from at Santa Cruz, in 1820, in company with a man named Julian
Wilson. He worked at various places, gaining the good will of the
Spanish settlers, and married Josefa Higuera. He helped to build
Amador's house in Amador Valley, and Amador afterwards, in
return, helped him in the same manner. Finally, in connection with
Jose Noreiga, he got possession of the Las Positas Rancho, of two
square leagues, in Alameda County ; and in his own name, of the
Caiiada de los Vacqueros, Contra Costa County, and both now form
a portion of what is generally known as the Livermore Valley.
The next was Dr. John Marsh, an American, who came to the
country in 1836, and, in 1840, purchased Los Medanos, which is
since celebrated as the New York Ranch, in Contra Costa County,
near which are situated the Mount Diablo coal mines, and from the
water-front of which, opposite the confluence of the Sacramento and
San Joaquin Rivers, the coal is shipped to market. We shall have
more to say of this remarkable man hereafter.
Another old American settler, Avho was successful in securing a
ranch during the days of the Mexican Republic, was Elam Brown,
who settled here in 1847, and purchased the Acalanes Rancho of one
league, granted, in 1834, to Candelario Valencia.
The most distinguished person who made the Northern Rauchos his
home in early days, is J. B. Alvarado, Mexican Governor of Califor-
nia from 1836 to 1842, and who, in his oificial capacity, made many
of the grants of land that are here recorded. He cultivates an orchard
in the vicinity of San Pablo, and after him is named the place which has
UNDER MEXICAN RULE. 43
the distinction of being our first county seat. Alameda County, how-
ever, has the honor of being the residence of more than one governor
of California. Governor Alvarado is still among us, a hale and hearty
old gentleman. It is curious to reflect upon how few, even he him-
self now possesses, of those broad acres that he was wont to parcel
out to others with an unsparing hand in other days. Little did he
then dream of the enormous value that those then comparatively
worthless leagues were soon to acquii'e in the hands of another race
and under the vigorous operations of another system. It is no exag-
geration to say that they have become mines of wealth, more endur-
ing and beneficial than the mines of gold which at first brought our
State into such great prominence.
From 1833 to 1850 may be set down as the Golden Age of the
native Californians. Not till then did the settlement of the ranchos
become general. The missions were breaking up, the presidios de-
sei'ted, the population dispersed, and land could be had almost for the
asking. Never before and never since did a people settle down under
the blessings of more diverse advantages. The country was lovely,
the climate delightful ; the valleys were filled with horses and cattle ;
wants were few, and no one dreaded dearth. There was meat for the
pot and wine for the cup, and wild game in abundance. No one was
in a hurry. " Bills payable " nor the state of the stocks troubled
anyone, and Arcadia seems to have temporarily made this her seat.
The people did not, necessarily, even have to stir the soil for a liveli-
hood, because the abundance of their stock furnished them with food
and enough hides and tallow to procure money for every purpose.
They had also the advantage of cheap and docile labor in the Indians,
already trained to work at the missions. And had they looked in
the earth for gold, they could have found it in abundance.
They were exceedingly sociable and hospitable. Every guest was
welcomed. The sparsity of the population made them rely on each
other, and they had many occasions to bring them together. Church
days, bull-fights, rodeos, were all occasions of festivity. Horseman-
ship was practiced as it was never before out of Ai-abia ; dancing
found a ball-room in every house, and music was not unknown. For
a cahallero to pick up a silver coin from the ground, at full gallop,
was not considered a feat, and any native youth could perform the
mustang riding which lately was accomplished with such credit by
a young Peralta of this section, in New York. To fasten down a
mad bull with the larriete, or even subdue him single-handed, in a
44 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
corral, were eveiy-day performances. The branding and selecting of
cattle in rodeos was always a gala occasion.
Gambling was a passion, and love-making was ever betokened in
the tender glances of the dark-eyed senoritas. Monte was the com-
mon amusement of every household. Its public practice was against
the law, but in the privacy of the family it went on unhindered.
What farming they did was of a very rude description ; their
plow was a primitive contrivance, their vehicles unwieldy. Such
articles of husbandry as reapers, mowers and headers, had not en-
tered their dreams, and they were perfectly independent of their
advantages. Grain was cut with a short, stumpy, smooth-edged
sickle ; it Avas threshed by the tramping of horses. One of their
few evils was the depredations of the Avild Indians, who would some-
times steal their stock, and then the cattle would have to perform
the work of separation. The cleaning of grain was performed by
throwing it in the air with wooden shovels and allowing the wind to
carry off the chaff.
While the young men found means to gratify their tastes for
highly wrought saddles and elegant bridles, the women had their
fill of finery, furnished by the Yankee vessels that visited them
regularly for trade every year. Few schools were established, but
the rudiments of education were given at home.
There was a strict code of laws in force for maintaining order, and
crime seldom went unpunished. ^ Chastity was guarded, and trouble
about females was not as frequent as might be supposed. Women,
unfaithful to their vows, were confined in convents or compelled to
periods of servitude. Men, guilty of adulteiy, wei-e sent to the
presidios and compelled to serve as soldiers. The law was adminis-
tered by Alcaldes, Prefects and the Governor. Murder was very rare,
suicide unknown, and San Francisco was without a jail. Wine was
plentiful and so was brandy. There was a native liquor in use that
was very intoxicating. It Avas a sort of cognac, which was very
agreeable and very volatile, and went like a flash to the brain. It
was expensive and those selling it made a large profit. This liquor
was known as aguardiente, and was the favorite tipple until sup-
planted by the whiskey of the Americanos. It was mostly made in
Los Angeles, where the better part of the grapes raised were used
for it. When any considerable crime was ever committed, it was
under its influence. Its evil eflects, however, might possibly be
attributed to a counterfeit which is yet in use in the southern part of
UNDER MEXICAN RULE. 45
the State, and which is one of the vilest of concoctions. Those who are
acquainted with its evil effects say that it is " too unutterably villain-
ous for words, and the wretch who has swallowed thi-ee fingei-s of it
may bid adieu to all hope of days passed without headaches and
nights put in without unsufferable agony, for a week, at least." The
beverage most in use, however, was the mission wine, and a mayor
domo has informed the writer that he made fifty ban-els a year of it
at Mission San Jose. Milk and cheese, beef, mutton, vegetables,
bread, tortillos, beans and fruit, constituted the daily diet. Potatoes
were unkno^vn, but pinole was plentiful. Wild strawberries were
numerous about the coast, and honey was procured from wild bees.
The Californians were not without their native manufactures, and
they did not, as is generally supposed, rely altogether upon the
slaughter of cattle and the sale of hides and tallow. The missiona-
ries had taught them the cultivation of the grape and manufacture of
wine. Hemp, flax, cotton and tobacco were gi-own in small quanti-
ties. Soap, leather, oil, brandy, wool, salt, soda, harness, saddles,
wagons, blankets, etc., were manufactured. Wheat was even then
an article of export and sold to Russian vessels. A church historian
has said, that to such perfection had even the Indians attained in the
manufacture of these articles in the missions, that " some of them
were eagerly sought for and purchased in the principal capitals of
Europe ;" but, if this were really the case, no doubt the circumstances
of their production and the country from which they came, made
them objects of very great curiosity.
Among those who carried on manufacturing in California was Jos6
Maria Amador, at his well-known rancho, in Amador Valley, and his
adobe work-shops are still extant, but used for a different purpose.
There were occasional political trovibles, but these did not much
interfere with the profound quiet into which the people had settled.
The change from a monarchy to a republic scarcely produced a ripple.
The invasion of the Americans did not stir them very profoundly ;
and if their domains had not been invaded, their lands seized, their
cattle stolen, their wood cut and earned off, and their taxes increased,
no doubt they would have continued in their once self-satisfied state
to the present day. But they received such a shock in their slum-
bers that they, too, like their predecessors, the Indians, are rapidly
passing away.
Whether the rude and unjust treatment they have received at the
hands of the new-comers, or that the band of Mexican cut-throats
46
HISTORY OP ALAMEDA COUNTY.
imported by Micheltorena in 1842, as soldiers, have bred a race of
thieves and vagabonds, will not be here determined ; but, certainly,
the Mexican population of California has produced, since the Ameri-
can occupation, a large number of dangerous and very troublesome
criminals. Our own county has had its full share of them, but now,
happily, owing to the exertions of intrepid officers, they have been
extirpated. Horse and cattle-stealing was their great weakness.
UNDER MEXICAN RULE. 47
STARKWEATHER & SON,
IMPORTERS OF
Carpets and Oil Cloths
Offer to the citizens of Oakland and Alameda County the largest
and most attractive stock of
o A. 1=1. ]p :e T s
Ever shown in this vicinity. The Vert Latest Patterns of Body Brus-
sels, Tapestries, Three-Plies and Ingrains, Hugs, Mats,
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on Carpets lata nn, Cleanscl, ReJtteil aiii Relaii the same iay,
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O ^^ I^ 31j^^ ISI ID _
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48
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
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CHAPTER X.
DOMESTIC GOVERNMENT AND THE FINAL FATE OF THE MISSIONS.
The Spanish archives in San Francisco contaia many documents
that ai'e interesting to the student of California histoiy, and show
how carefully the officials treasured even trivial things. Among the
articles we have been shown, is a copy-book sent by a schoolmaster
to the Governor, to exhibit the proficiency his pupils were making in
their studies. Passages of the Old Testament, of which the following
are a sample, were used for initiating youth into the mysteries of the
un-Spencerian and un-Paytonian hands of those days : " The Ish-
maelites having ;" " Jacob sent him to see his brothers ;" " Abimilech
took from Abraham."
As might be expected from so primitive-minded a people, there
were many silly complaints obtruded on the Alcaldes, Prefects and
Governors. Some of those have been translated, and are calculated
to provoke a smile at the present day. One poor fellow complained
to the Alcalde that he had been badly treated by his wife, who had
carried her injustice and contempt for him so far as to refuse him his
marital rights. Another document tells how a young Lothario had
been caught by a young lady's mother in a very suspicious position,
and how he, to save himself from summary chastisement, hastily
declared that his intentions were "honorable and matrimonial."
Another relates, with great gravity, in a communication to the
Governor, how an Indian woman at one of the missions had given
birth to " dos perritos" or puppies, and this the Governor thought of
sufficient importance to transmit to the Viceroy in Mexico, for the
savans of Spain to investigate.
There are some documents there, however, that have more pai-ticu-
lar interest for the reader than those referred to.
The one hereunder produced will amuse as well as instruct.
Forty-one years have elapsed since it was written. It is a record of
proceedings had by the residents in the vicinity of San Francisco
(Contra Costa), praying that they might be allowed to belong to the
jurisdiction of San Jose Guadalupe, instead of that of San Francisco.
It is as follows :
50 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
To His Excellency the Governor :
The residents of the adjoining Ranches of the North, now belong-
ing to the jurisdiction of the port of San Francisco, with due respect
to your Excellency, represent : That finding great detriment and
feeling the evils under which they labor from belonging to this juris-
diction, whereby they are obliged to represent to your Excellency
that it causes an entire abandoning of their families for a year by
those who attend the judiciary functions and are obliged to cross the
bay. Truthfully speaking, to be obliged to go to the port by land,
we are under the necessity of traveling forty leagues, going and com-
ing back ; and to go by sea, we are exposed to the danger of being
wrecked. By abandoning our families, as above stated, it is evident
that they must remain without protection against the influences of
malevolent persons ; they are also exposed to detention and loss of
labor and projjerty and injury by animals. There is no lodging to be
had in that port where, for a year, an ayuntamiento is likely to
detain them, and, should they take their families, mcurring heavy
expenses for their transportation and necessary provisioning for the
term of their engagement, there is no accommodation for them.
Wherefore, in view of these fticts, they pray your Excellency to be
pleased to allow them to belong to the jurisdiction of the to^vn of
San Jose, and recognize a commission of justice that will correspond
with the said San Jose as capital for the people in this vicinity ;
wherefore we humbly pray your Excellency to favor the parties inter-
ested by acceding to their wishes.
San Antonio, San Fable, and the adjacent Ranchos of the North,
May 30, 1835.
Antonio Maria Feralta, Joaquin Ysidro Castro, Bias Narboes, Z.
Bias Angeleno, Sanuago Mesa, Juan Jos6 Castro, Gabriel Castro,
Antonio Castro, Candelario Valencia, Jos6 Femlta, Fernando
Feles, Antonio Amejar, Juan Bernal, Marcano Castro, Antonio
Ygerce, Ygnacio Feralta, Bruno Valencia, Joaq'n Moraga, Rar
mon Fovero, Jose Duarte, Fi'ancisco Facheco, Bartolo Facheco,
Mareano Castro, Felipe Briones, Julian Veles, Rafael Veles,
Francisco Soto, Franco Amego.
Several of these names can readily be recognized as the proprietors
of ranchos, but quite a number of them are those of retainers. The
document is indeed a curious one. It shows that the bay, which Are
now cross in thirty minutes, was to these people "a sea of trouble
the passage of which exposed them to the dangere of the deep — to
shipwreck and disaster ! How changed, how different is all this
now 1 Instead of no place to lodge, San Francisco to-day boasts the.
finest hotels in the world ; while the means of transportation consists
of floating palaces and endless trains of steam cars. And only forty
UNDER MEXICAN RULE. 51
ontB years ! It is hard to realize the wonderful transformation that
has taken place within this brief period.
The document was duly received at Monterey. Its history is as
follows :
Under date Aug. 12th, 1835, it was endorsed : " Let it be kept to
be reported to the deputation." Under date of Sept. 1st, it was
endorsed : " On this day the same was reported and referred to the
Committee on Government." Over date of Sept. 5th, the committee
reported as follows : " Most Excellent Sir : The Committee on Gov-
ernment being required to report upon the memorial, with the parties
subscribed thereto, made to the Political Chief on the 30th day of
May last, finds that the said memorial is grounded upon good reasons
and public convenience ; but, as the subject should be considered
upon proper reports for a due determination, the Committee is of
opinion that the reports of the Ayuntamientos of the towns of San
Jos6 and San Francisco are required for that purpose. Therefore,
the Committee offers, for the deliberation of the most Excellent
Deputation, the follow"ing propositions : 1st. That this expediente be
referred to the Ayuntamientos of the towns of San Jos6 and San
Francisco, in order that they report upon said memorial. 2d. That
after which, the same be returned for determination. Signed,
Man'l Jimeno. Salved Pacheco."
"Monterey, Sept. 10th, 1835. — At the session of this day the
most Excellent Deputation has approved the two propositions made
in the report of the Committee on Government. Manuel Jimeno."
"Monterey, Sept. 28th, 1835. — Let this expediente be forwarded
to the Ayuntamiento of the town (pueblo) of San Jose Guadeloupe
for a report upon the prayer of the foregoing memorial, and to that
of San Francisco for the like purpose. The Ayuntamiento of the
latter town will moreover give a list of the residents of the vicinity
of the same. Don Jose Castro, senior member of the Most Excel-
lent Ter)-itorial Deputation and Superior Political Chief of the Upper
California, thus commended, decreed and signed this, which I attest,
Jose Castro. Fran'co del Castello Negrete, Sec'y."
" In pursviance of the foregoing Supreme Order of Y. E., this
Ayuntamiento begs to state the following : That with regard to the
residents on the northern vicinity, now under jurisdiction of San
Francisco, and who in their memorial prayed to be exempted from
belonging to that jurisdiction, owing to most notable detriment occa-
sioned to them now and then from having indispensably to cross the
52 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Bay, or to travel upwards of forty leagues, while on half their way
they can come to this town (pueblo), under the jurisdiction of which
they formerly were, which was most suitable and less inconvenient
to them, this Ayuntamiento thinks that their prayer should be
granted, if it is so found right. Antonio Ma. Pico, Ignacio Mar-
tinez, Sec. Jose Berreyesa. Town of San Jose Guadalupe, Nov.
4th, 1835."
The response of the Ayuntamiento of San Francisco (which in
fact was a remonstrance) was lengthy, and treated the complaints of
the petitioners as frivolous. They were rebuked for their want of
patriotism, and were asked if they could compare their service of
traveling forty leagues with that of others, who, for the purpose of
serving their country, had traveled many leagues in the interior of
the republic, and others who had traveled from San Francisco to San
Diego in the performance of public duties. It indignantly asks :
" Which are those Peraltas and Castros that have been wrecked on
attending to then- business affairs every time that any vessel comes to
anchor in the Bay of Yerba Buena ^" — and denies that up to that
time any such calamitous event ever happened. The charge that
there were no accommodations at the Presidio for them is denied,
and the declaration made that the officers of the present Ayuntami-
ento were provided with accommodations by the Commandant of the
Presidio at the time the same were installed. The proximity of the
Castro and Peralta ranches, opposite the Presidio, is alluded to, and
the jurisdiction of San Fi-ancisco insisted upon. The document is
signed by Francisco de Haro, and is dated. Port of San Francisco,
Dec. 20, 1835.
The whole of this is interesting as exhibiting the routine observed
in the management of public business, and the length of time it took,
in that circumlocutionary day, to accomplish anything. It has, also,
all the appearance of having been the Jirst of our coimty seat quarrels^
of which we have had, surely, a sufficiency ever since.
It seems that they had such institutions as primary elections in
those days, for I find that an election of Electors of the Ayunta-
miento (town council), in the Town of San Francisco, took place in
December, 1835, at which 9 Electors wei-e chosen by ballot, as fol-
lows : Citizen Bartolo Bajorques received 16 votes; Jos6 de la Cruz
Sanchez, 14; Felipe Brioues (one of the Conti-a Costa petitioners),
14; Gabriel Castro (another), 13; Manuel Sanchez, 11; Francisco
Sanchez, 1 1 ; Ygnacio Peralta (another), 1 1 ; Joaquin Estudillo, 1 1 ;
UNDER MEXICAN RULE. 53
Candelario Valencia (another), 10. The men of the "Northern
Ranches," it would seem, came very near carrying (if they did not
actually do so) the " primary," and the event goes to show the
political influence of tliis side of the bay, even at that remote day,
of which we have hitherto had little idea. That the petition was
finally defeated, however, is evident. At any rate, in 1835, an
Auxiliary Alcalde or Magistrate was appointed for Contra Costa, in
the person of Gregoria Briones. The appointment was made by the
" Constitutional Alcalde," and was sanctioned by the approval of
Governor Figueroa.
In 1840, Governor Alvarado issued new regulations regarding the
missions, by which the ofiice of administrator was abolished and
mayordomos and inspectors instituted instead. The highest salary
paid to any mayordomo was to the one at the Mission of San Jose,
which amounted to $600 per annum ; the next highest being that of
Santa Clara, with $480.
It appears that, even down to this date, the attempt to secularize
the missions had not been complete, and that some of the Indians
were still living in them in community. The new I'egulations only
had the efiect of completing their ruiii, although three years later
Micheltorena attempted their restoration. Secular priests could not
be had, and there was no ecclesiastical head in the territory.
In 1845 Pio Pico, governor ad interim, by order of the Depart-
mental Assembly of Mexico, issued a proclamation for the sale and
leasing of the missions. They were divided into three classes : those
that were to be sold, those that were to be rented, and those that
eould not be sold nor rented on account of indebtedness. Of the
latter class were the Missions of Santa Clara and San Jos6. The
proclamation stated that " the renting of these missions shall take
place when the difficulties shall be got over which at present exist
with respect to the debts of these establishments, and then the Gov-
ernment will inform the public ; and all shall be done agreeably to
these regulations." During the following year (1846), that of the
American invasion, Governor Pico made a grant of the mission lands
in this county, some 30,000 acres, to his brother, Andi-es Pico and
Ex-Governor Juan B. Alvarado. It appears that the governors
and ex-governors took some care of themselves and their friends, for
they divided much of the mission pi'operty among them. It does not
seem, however, to have benefited them a great deal.
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UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES.
CHAPTER X.
WONDERFUL AND RAPID MARCH OF EVENTS FREMONT AND HIS FOL-
LOWERS TRAVERSE THE COUNTRY THE RANCHEROS COMPELLED
TO SUPPLY HORSES AND FORAGE CONQUEST OP THE PROVINCE
FIRST AMERICAN SETTLERS ON THE SCENE THE DISCOVERY OF
GOLD AND THE RUSH THROUGH THE LIVERMORE PASS VIA THE
MISSION THE ROUTES THROUGH THE COUNTY AND THE HOSPITAL-
ITY OF THE RANCHEROS THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION AND
WHO REPRESENTED US THERE THE FIRST CALIFORNIA LEGISLA-
TURE AND ITS PROCEEDINGS CONTRA COSTA COUNTY CREATED
AND HOW IT CAME TO GET ITS NAME NARROW ESCAPE FROM THE
DEVIL— A BID FOR THE STATE CAPITAL CALIFORNIA ADMITTED
INTO THE UNION.
In 1846 war broke out between the United States and Mexico.
It is estimated that there were 15,000 people in Upper California
then, exchisive of Indians. Of these, about 2,000 were from the
United States. In March of that year. Col. John C. Fremont came
over tlie plains and across the mountains to California, on his way to
Oregon. He appeared first at Monterey, and asked permission of
Governor Castro to proceed thence, via the San Joaquin Yalley, on his
errand. Pemiission was gi'anted, but was almost immediately after
revoked, and he ordered to leave the country with his party, which
consisted of only 42 men. He did not leave as ordered, but proceeded
on his journey. His route was via Mission San Jose and Stockton.
One of his camping places was pointed out to the writer, a few years
since, by the late Henry C Smith, who was one of his party. It was
on the hill-side, near the Laguna, between Sunol and Pleasanton. At
that time the whole country was covered with wild oats. Fremont
continued on his journey, entered the San Joaquin and Sacramento
valleys, and had got as far north as the Great Klamath Lakes, when
hostile demonstrations in his rear, and despatches which he then re-
56 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
ceived, caused him to retrace his steps. Startling events had occurred
before he again entered the Contra Costa, but a few weeks later.
The "bear flag" had been raised at Sonoma, the Mexican forces driven
out of that part of the Province north of the Sacramento River, the
guns of the old fort near the Presidio of San Francisco spiked, and the
independence of California declared. Not only this. War had broken
out between the United States and Mexico, and Commodore Sloat
had hoisted the American flag and taken j^ossession of the California
capital, Monterey. Fremont, with a much increased force, was pur-
suing the hostile Mexican bands, and levied supplies of stock and
forage on the inhabitants as he went along. He marched down the
San Ramon Yalley and took what he wanted from the ranches.
Amador, who was then living at his place, was stripped of all his
stock. The old man states that it was only after an earnest entreaty
he was left even a single saddle-horse for his own use. When he
asked Fremont by what right he thus deprived people of their pro-
perty, he answered, "by the right of my rifles." Amador was no
friend after that of Fremont. The Pathfinder, however, meant bxis-
iness. The country was soon conquered, and Fremont's corps dis-
banded. Many of his men remained in the country; several of them
settled in this county.
Before this, the only foreigners in this part of the country were
Welch, at Antioch ; Dr. Marsh, on the New York Ranch ; and
Livermore, on the Las Positas. Those who made their homes hex'e
after the war was ended were the Smiths, Harlans, Meudenhalls,
Pattersons, &c., who shall be more fully referred to hereafter. An
acquisition of American population was received from another sovn-ce
the same year. A company of Mormons, from New York, arrived
in the ship Brooklyn, at San Francisco, on the 31st day of July, 1846,
under the leadership of Samuel Brannan, some of whom soon found
their way across the bay, and settled at Washington, within a few
miles of the mission, where a Mormon church was afterwards built.
That i^arty furnished the materials for the first American colony, and
several of its members are now respected iiien in this community ;
some of them, however, have abandoned their peculiar notions. A
member of that party, now living in Brooklyn, , has informed the
writer that he roamed over the Contra Costa hills and traveled down
the slope that year. The parties coming from San Francisco to view
the country would land in boats at the mouth of the Temescal Creek
and then proceed to the residence of Yincente Peralta, two or three
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 57
miles inland. If they called, they were sure to be hosjsitably enter-
tained. Thence, they would proceed, following the foot-hills, to
Antonio Peralta's, near Fruit Yale ; thence to Ygnacio Peralta's,
near San Leandro Creek ; thence to the Estudillo Rancho, on the
south side of the creek ; and from there to Guillermo Castro's, at
the site of the present town of Haywood. Roads led thence to
Amador's and Livermore's ranches, eastward, and the Mission San
Jose, southward. There were, however, various other places to land.
San Antonio (now Brooklyn) had its embarkadero ; and each rancho
its landing-place on the border of the bay. The Yankee trading
vessels, or boats from them, used to come to these embarkaderos to
trade for hides and tallow.
On the 19th of January, 1848, gold was discovered at Coloma, on
the American River. The noise of it soon reverberated across the
continent and over the oceans, to Europe and to Asia. Discoveiy fol-
lowed discovery, and a rush for the California gold mines took place in
every country. It was a year of commotion. Europe had risen in a state
of revolution, and many of the defeated and disappointed patriots
soon turned their attention to the Pacific Coast. Mexico, Central
and South America, sent their thousands this way. Even the sub-
jects of the far-ofi" Flowery Kingdom soon appeared iipon our shores.
The places where the precious metal was found were far in the inte-
lior, in the beds of creeks and rivers, near the foot-hills. Travel, at
first, was nearly altogether by land, and the " Livermore Pass," be-
came one of the prmcipal routes to the mines. The Coast Range
was crossed at the Mission, and the road led through Sunol Yalley,
Livermore Yalley, the Livermore Pass, and across the San Joaquin
River to Stockton, as traversed by Moraga just after the occupation
of San Francisco ; thence to Sutter's Fort, at the junction of the
Sacramento and American Rivers, which soon became the city of
Sacramento. By this route went people from the South — from South-
ern California, from Sonoi^a and other States of Mexico, and even
many who had come from the United States via the latter country.
The Mission then became suddenly an important trading place, and
fortunes were soon made. Nearly all, at first, rushed ofi" to the
" diggings," rancheros and vacqueros, and everyone who could possi-
bly get away. Most of the farmers, however, soon returned. A gi'eat
demand for farm products sprung up, and cattle were wanted at
the mines. Henry C. Smith, who is justly entitled to the desig-
nation of Father of the County, returned from a short trip to the
58 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
mines and opened a store at the Mission in 1848. He made so much
money in a short time that it took a wagon to remove it. Mexican
sUver coin was at - first mostly in use, but after a while gold ounces
and slugs were the fashion. At the Mission a small town sprung up,
and there gathered the nucleus of our first American settlement, and
the material which gave us our first county organization. Beyond
the ranchos there were no settlements on the Contra Costa. Oak-
land was unthought of. The giants of a thousand years' growth re-
mained undistui'bed by the woodman's axe. Adams, Carpentier, the
Pattens, Larue and Hayward had not crossed the bay. As yet, the
squatter's shanty nor the tent of the huntsman had appeared among
the oaks, and wild cattle roamed at large. The songs of birds and
the bellowing of the Spanish bull almost alone disturbed the air. It
was the calm before the mighty, irresistible torrent of activity and
life that was soon to follow. The race of giants was on the march
to occupy those delightful slopes and valleys, and woe to the woods,
the wild cattle, and their inoffensive owners !
In the spring of 1848 the treaty of peace was signed by which
California was amiexed to the United States. On the first of Sep-
tember, 1849, the first Constitutional Convention was commenced at
Monterey.
Brigadier-General Riley was then Military-Governor. It was he
who ordered the election of representatives to the Convention. It
was by districts. This section belonged to the District of San Jose,
and Mr. Elam Bro^vn, of Lafayette, was chosen to represent it.
Among those who took a prominent part in that remarkable assem-
blage were Hon. Chas. T. Botts, now of Oakland, and our late
lamented fellow-citizen, J. Boss Browne, who was its official reporter.
On the 13th of November the constitution was adopted by the peo-
ple, and Congressmen' and State officers elected.
The first Legislature met at San Jose on the 13th of December,
1849. The first man who made a motion in that Assembly was Wm.
Van Voorhies, one of the oldest politicians of Alameda County, but
then representmg San Francisco. As the State had not then been
divided into counties, the representation, as in the case of the Consti-
tutional Convention, was by districts. The first State senator who
represented us was Mr. W. R. Bassham, of the San Jose District,
who received 544 votes, and had no opposition — the only instance
of the kind that occurred. In the Assembly, the District was repre-
sented by Joseph Aram, Benjamin Corey, and Elam Brown, the lat-
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 59
ter gentleman having been chosen from the Contra Costa section.
Tlie Legislature divided the State into twenty-seven counties. The
first report on " Counties and County Boundaries " was made by
Pablo de la GueiTa, making " Mount Diablo " the name of the county
in which we were to be embraced. "VVe had a narrow escape from
the devil. It was amended on the protest of the members of the
district, and changed to Contra Costa. Its boundaries were drawn as
follows :
" Beginning at the mouth of the creek Alameda, and running in a
southwesterly direction to the middle of the Bay of San Francisco ;
thence in a northerly or northwesterly direction, following as near as
may be the middle of the bay to the Bay of San Pablo ; thence up
the middle of the Bay bf San Pablo to the Straits of Carquinez ;
thence running up the middle of said straits to the Suisun Bay ; and
up the middle of said bay to the mouth of the San Joaquin River;
thence following up the middle of said river to the place kno^^ai as
the Pescadero or Lower Crossing ; thence in a direct line to the
northeast corner of Santa Clara County, which is on the summit of
the coast range, near the source of Alameda Creek ; thence down the
middle of said creek to its mouth, which is the place of beginning,
including the islands of San Pablo, Coreacas and Tesoro. The Seat
of Justice to be at Martinez, until removed in the manner to be pre-
scribed by law."
These boundary lines were amended April 5, 1850, of the same
Session, as follows :
" Beginning at the mouth of the Alameda Creek and running to
the southeast corner of San Francisco County to Golden Rock ;
thence up the middle of the Bay of San Pablo to the Straits of Car-
quinez ; thence up the middle of said sti-aits and Suisun Bay to the
mouth of the San Joaquin River ; thence up the middle of said river
to the place known as the Pescadero or Lower Crossing ; thence in
a direct line to the summit of the Coast Range at the head of Ala-
meda Creek ; thence down the middle of said creek to its mouth,
which was the place of beginning."
Some time after, in the Senate, General Vallejo made a report on
the derivation and definition of the names of the several counties, as
previously adopted. Contra Costa he defined as follows: "This
name signifies opposite coast, and the county is so called from its
situation opposite San Francisco, in an easterly direction. It is un-
doubtedly one of the most fertile counties in the State, possessing
60 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
rich agricultural lands, which embrace an interior coast of thirty-
leagues, extending in the bays of Santa Clara, San Francisco, San
Pablo, the Straits of Carquinez, the Bay of Suisun, and the San Joa-
quin River; a circumstance which, united to its mild climate, will
render it very important. The pueblo of Martinez is its chief town,
and New York of the Pacific, as well as other towns on the shores
of the San Pablo and San Joaquin, will also very soon effectually
contribute to its importance. Mount Diablo, which occupies a con-
spicuous place in modei'n maps, is the centre of this county. It was
intended so to call the county, but both branches of the legislature,
after warm debates on the subject (the representatives of the county
opposing the proposed name) resolved upon the less profane name of
Contra Costa. The following is the history of Mount Diablo ( INIount
Devil) : In 1806 a military expedition from San Francisco marched
against the tribe Bolgones, who were encamped at the foot of the
mount; the Indians were prepared to receive the expedition, and a
hot engagement ensued ia the large hollow fronting the western side
of the momit. As the victory was about to be decided in favor of
the Indians, an unknown personage, decorated with the most extra-
ordinary plumage, and making divers movements, suddenly appeared
near the combatants. The Indians were victorious, and the incognito
( Puy) departed towards the mount. The defeated soldiers, on ascertain-
ing that the spirit went through the same ceremony daily, and at all
hours, named the mount 'Diablo,' in allusion to its mysterious in-
habitant, that continued thus to make his strange appearance, until
the tribe was subdued by the troops in command of Lieut. Gabriel
Moraga, in a second campaign of the same year. In the aboriginal
tongue *Puy' signifies evil spirit; in Spanish it means 'Diablo,' and
doubtless it signifies 'Devil' in the Anglo-American language."
The question of location for a permanent State capital was one of
the most important that engaged the attention of our first legislative
body. Various individvials and localities bid high for the prize.
The offer of General Vallejo was startlingly grand, amounting to no
less than $350,000 in land and money — the location to be the pres-
ent City of Vallejo, but which city did not then contain a single
habitation ! Messrs. Stevenson & Parker, then proprietors of the
New York Ranch in Contra Costa County, held up the advantages
of their " New York of the Pacific," and offered, in case it sliould
be selected for the State capital, to erect buildings upon it for the
use of the Legislature of the value of $100,000, to be finished on or
UNDER THE STARS AXD STRIPES. 61
before the 1st day of January, 1851. They held, in their memotial,
that it was better situated and more accessible than any other point
that could be selected ; as its peculiar situation, at the head of the
Bay of Suisun, at the junction of the two great rivers — -Sacramento
and San Joaqiun — -rendered it accessible almost hourly to all who
passed to and from the extensive mineral regions. They further
oflfered to erect temporary public offices, to be ready for occupancy on
the first of May, 1850. Tempting offers were also made by San
Jose, Monterey, etc. The Legislature decided to leave the matter to
the votes of the people, to be determined at the elections held in the
fall of 1850. Strange to say, notwithstanding that twenty-one locali-
ties were favored with votes, the " New York of the Pacific " did not
receive one. Yallejo carried off the prize by a large majority, but,
sad to say, was not able to retain it.
On the 9th of September, 1850, California was admitted a State of
the Union, and Messrs. Gwin and Fremont were appointed our first
representatives to Congress.
62
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
THE PALACE OF SWEETS
965 BROABWAY, OAKLAND. ^>^
Home-Made Candies and Fine Chocolates a Specialty.
J". lEI. .B^OOKT.
MRS. CUNNINGHAM'S
JR^ filSlAJV
illiagr; Eslallisk^iitp
060 BROADWAY,
Betwesn 81I1 and lOtH Streets, OAKLAND.
Latest Styles, Reasonable Charges, and Prompt Attention.
e. ESTABROOH SNITIf,
Late Countj' Clerk of Alameda County.
JfOTAUY PUBliIC,
Searcher of Records and Conveyancer.
REAL ESTATE EXCHANGE,
Large List of Farms and Homesteads in all parts of Alameda County.
DesiraDle Properly for Investment or Occupation in OaMacfl, Brooklyn, Frnit Vale or Vicinity.
-o OFIPICE. o-
Cor. Broadway k 5th Street
; NEW COURT HOUSE,
OaHanil.
M. LULLEY & SONS,
AOCTION I COliSSION MERCHANTS
Every description of Furniture always on hand.
OFFICE AND S«AL,FMKOOIfI :
301 TWELFTH STREET, Under Oraiid Central Hotel,
P. 0. Box 5i8. 0-<ak.I^ILi.^KriD.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES, 63
CHAPTER XI.
FROM THE ORGANIZATION OP THE COUNTIES IN 1850, TO THE FORMA-
TION OP ALAMEDA COUNTY IN 1853 LEGISLATIVE REPRESENTA-
TION AND LEGISLATIVE ACTS THE CENSUS OF 1850, AND WHAT IT
SHOWED — EXORBITANT RATES OP TAXATION THE CENSUS OF
1852— COUNTY SURVEYOR BROWN's REPORT POPULATIONS OF
SANTA CLARA AND SACRAMENTO WHAT WAS DONE FOR US BY THE
LEGISLATURE OF 1852 COUNTY GOVERNMENT AND COURTS— CON-
TESTED ELECTION CASES AND THE VOTE OF OAKLAND IN 1853.
An act to regulate elections was passed on the 23d of March,
1850, at the first meeting of the Legislature, held in San Jose. By
that act Santa Clara and Contra Costa composed the Fifth Senatorial
District, and jointly elected one senator, and the former two and the
latter one member of Assembly.
The first election by counties was held in the same year, when
Hon. Gr. B. Tingley, of San Jose, was elected Joint State Senator,
and Hon. Elam Brown, Assemblyman, to represent Contra Costa.
No business of a special character, affecting the county, was intro-
duced the following session.
In the Legislature of 1851 there were only two propositions from
the new county, and both these came from Martinez. One was a
bill to incorporate a ferry company, to operate between Martinez and
Benicia ; and the other was a petition for a grant of the tide lands
adjacent to the town, between high and low water marks.
The first census of the State was taken in September and October,
1850, when it was ofiicially ascertained that Contra Costa had 722
inhabitants. Santa Clara, at the same time, had 3,502 — surely, a good
start to begin with.
The first State assessment-roll, made out the same year, placed the
number of acres assessed in Contra Costa at 377,528. The value of
these, without improvements, was set down at $1,141,953 ; improve-
ments were set at $51,852 ; total value, $1,193,841. The tax levy,
for State purposes, on this, was placed at $5,969.20i- ; for county
purposes, $2,984.60|; for public building purposes, $2,984,601;
altogether, $11,938.41. Town lots, without improvements, were
assessed at $164,957 ; improvements, $37,650 ; total, $202,607 ; tax
on same for State purposes, $1,013.03|; for county pui-poses,
64 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
$o06,51f ; for public building purposes, $506.51f ; total for State
and county purposes, on town lots and improvements, $2,026.07.
The value of personal property was estimated at $605,992 ; charged
on same for State purposes, $3,029.96 ; for ordinary county purposes,
$1,514.98; for public building purposes, $1,514.98; State poll-tax,
$1,320 ; county poll-tax, $660 ; total on personal property for
county purposes, $3,689.96 ; for State purposes, $4,349.96 ; total
polls and personal tax for State and county pui-poses, $8,039.92.
The total value of propei-ty of all kinds in the county was thus made
$2,002,440 ; and the amount of taxation for all purposes, $22,004.40.
Tins made the rate of taxation about $30.50 per capita for every man,
woman and child in the county. A pretty good round sum, it must
be conceded ; but in this regard we continue to maintain a high
standard yet ; although Alameda's assessment rate is lower than that
of any other county in the State.
This was nothing, however, compared with the following year,
when the rate of taxation was more than doubled.
The following memoranda will show the manner in which the levy
was collected for the two years :
Contra Costa County, property and poll-tax for 1851 : In cash,
$55,203.57; in 3 per cent, per month bonds, $13,275 ; in interest
thereon, $8,040.52 ; in Controller's warrants, $150 ; total, $76,669.-
39. The rate in 1850 was $2 on the $100 ; in 1851, $4.10 ; and in
1853, $4.41 !
For the purpose of comparison the following statement of the
value of property in Contra Costa, Santa Clara and Sacramento will
serve : Contra Costa, $2,002,410 ; Santa Clara, $4,883,295 ; Sacra-
mento, $8,947,454. These three counties are selected because they,
of late years, have been the three leading counties of the State in
population and wealth ; Alameda, however, taking the place of Contra
Costa.
That the mode of assessment in those days was very unequal will
be shown by the following statement for 1852 : Value of real and
personal property in Contra Costa County, $3,236,198; in Santa
Clara, $3,292,153 ; in Sacramento, $7,232,026. As will be noticed,
these figures show a gi'eat increase in Contra Costa and reduction in
Santa Clara and Sacramento.
In 1852, when a second census was taken, Warren Brown, Coimty
Surveyor of Contra Costa, made the following report to the Surveyor-
General of the State :
under the stars and stripes. 65
Martinez, Nov. 29, 1852.
Tillable land in county, 132,000 acres ; gx-azing land, 530,000 acres ;
government land, 5,000 acres.
Population, 2,745. White males, 1,937 ; females, 550. Citizens of
the U. S. over 21 years, 946 ; negroes, male, 2 ; female, ; mulattoes,
male, 17; female, 2 : domesticated male Indians, 156; female, 122;
foreign male residents, 669; female do., 115; foreign residents over
21, 627.
Horses, 3,984; mules, 183; cows, 1,789; beef cattle, 38,451
work oxen, 1,127; hogs, 1,898; sheep, 3,704; poultry, 9,274
bushels barley, 288,180; oats, 4,085; corn, 8,865; wheat, 17,060
potatoes, 85,190; acres of land under cultivation, 9,093; tons of
hay, 512; pounds of onions, 180,000; lbs. of cheese, 5,000; of but-
ter, 700; gallons milk, 4,400; dozens of eggs, 1,000; cords of fire-
wood, 710 ; number of rails, 50,000.
The Assessor indulged in the following laconic remarks regarding
his county :
" There is found limestone in excellent quality. Gypsum, is found
in one place ; excellent building-stone and red fire-stone have been
discovered ; sulphur springs abundant, mostly tepid ; salitie springs
exist.
" Streams, small, and generally dry in summer ; many springs and
plenty of water, except on the San Joaquin Plains.
" Names of principal streams : San Ramon, Jugerto, Neuces,
Hambre, Pinole, San Pablo, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Alameda,
Tassajara, Laguna.
" Towns and villages : Martinez, Oakland and Squatterville. Bays :
San Francisco, San Pablo and Pinole. Straits : Carquinez. Com-
munication good from all parts of the county."
There is not much reliance to be placed on official returns of this
kind in this State, and the statistician who depends upon them will
only deceive himself and the public. No better records, however, of
our infantile condition are at hand, and they are given merely for
what they are worth. As an instance of the absurdity of some of
those official statements, it will do to mention that a certain assessor
returned 1,000,000 hens in his county and only enough dozens of eggs
to allow one-tenth of an egg for each inhabitant !
The school census is apt to be reliable, and is as follows : Schools,
1 ; children between ages of 4 and 18, 563; attending, 190; teach-
er's salary, $300 ; total expenditure, $300. Amount of school money
66 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
assessed under revenue law of 1852, $1,618.09, Amount paid to
State Treasury, up to January 18, 1853, $1,378.07.
An amusing thing about Mr. Brown's report is his lucid descrip-
tion of the topographical features of the county, and his enumeration
of the towns. It is very instructive, indeed. The united counties
of Alameda and Contra Costa boasted of three towns, " Oakland,
Martinez and Squatterville !" The puzzle to-day is to know where
was " Squatterville," or which place was meant by that appellation,
as mostly every new place then was a " Squatterville" — even Oakland ;
but it is to be presvimed that San Loi'enzo was so meant. At any
rate, the population, all told, of our towns at that date, did not ex-
ceed two or three hundred souls !
By the census of 1852 Santa Clara returned a population of 6,664:
persons. There were included 550 domesticated Indians, mostly, no
doubt, in the immediate vicinity of the Mission of San Jose, which
was ceded, in the division of the county, to Alameda, the following
year. The places reported by the County Surveyor, where the land
was then principally cultivated, Avere in the four districts of Santa
Clara, Gilroy, San Jos6 Mission and Union City. The two latter
disti-icts being in Washington Township, fell to Alameda in 1853,
and for years they ruled the rest of the county.
Santa Clara reported 1,776 childi-en of school age, with an attend-
ance, however, of only 47 ; and an expenditure of $187.50 on teach-
ers' salary. These, certainly, were the days of " small things " in
educational mattei-s.
The population of Sacramento in 1852 was 12,000. Then it was
the most favored place in the State, and had as much as $5,358,394
invested in mining, agricultural and manufacturing operations.
These figures are somewhat instructive now, showing as they do
the importance of her neighbors when Alameda had not even " a
local habitation nor a name." How she was born into existence and
sprang forward to the foremost position among California counties,
the following chapters will show.
State as well as county elections, at this time, were annual.
In 1852 Mr. Tingley, who appears to have been a leadmg man in
his House, was again elected to the Senate to represent Santa Clara
and Contra Costa ; and N. B. Smith, better known as "Bony" Smith,
represented Contra Costa.
At this session of the Legislature (the third and last one held in
San Jos6) another amendment was made to the definition of the
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 67
county boundaries, more minutely setting them forth; but as the
county was divided the following session of 1853, it will not be ne-
cessary to produce it.
All Act was also passed declaring San Antonio Creek navigable. It
provided that "the stream called San Antonio Creek in the County
of Contra Costa is declared navigable from its mouth to the old Em-
barcadero of San Antonio, and no obstruction to the navigation there-
of shall be permitted." San Antonio Creek, since the passage of this
act has been the subject of frequent legislation, not alone at our
own State Capital, but also in Washington, and shall hereafter be
entitled to a fair share of consideration in this work.
At this session of the Legislature, the town of Oakland, then hardly
possessing one hundred inliabitants, was incorporated. The promoter
of the act was Mr. Horace W. Carpentier, a gentleman who the pre-
vious year held the position of Enrolling Clerk of the Senate, and of
■whom, more shall be heard hereafter. As Oakland occupies a place
of her own in this work, it will not be necessary to further i-efer to
this Act here. It is printed at length in its proper place.
Hitherto reference has not been made to the mode of municipal
management in operation, nor the manner in which justice was dis-
pensed. For a year or two after the establishment of the State
Legislature the Mexican system remained in force, and Alcaldes were
elected. Henry C. Smith acted in this capacity at the Mission of
San Jos6. The first Legislature, however, provided for Courts of
Session, County and District Courts. At first Boards of Supervisors
managed county affairs, and in the Contra Costa County Board, Con-
tra Costa (Oakland) and Clinton townships were represented respec-
tively by L. H. Robinson and William Patten. The latter gentleman
wa« President of the Board. On the division of the county Lemuel
Russell, of San Ramon Valley, and S. A. Bishop, of Monte Diablo
Valley, were appointed to their places. The vacancies were filled by
the Court of Sessions, of which Hon. F. W. Warmcastle, County
Judge, was President, with A. R. Mallery and J. H. Leveystein as
associates. The County Clerk and Clerk of the Court of Sessions,
was Thomas A. Brown. The date on which the seats of Messrs.
Robinson and Patten were declared vacant and their successors ap-
pointed, is April 7th, 1853. Jas. B. Larue was a member of the
previous Board. The principal improvement undertaken up to that
time was the construction of a bridge across the slough of San Anto-
nio, between the towns of Clinton and Oakland. The contract was
HISTORY OP ALAMEDA COUNTY,
let to a man named Gilman. This work was subsequently the cause
of considerable trouble between Alameda and Contra Costa Counties,
and between Alameda County and Horace W. Carpentier, as will
appear hereafter.
The last election of the two counties, jointly, took place on the
26th day of March, 1853. It was a special election for the choice
of an Assemblyman, to fill a vacancy in the Legislature, then assem-
bled at Vallejo. Three candidates entered the field and two of them
belonged to this side of the mountains. As the election was con-
tested in the House afterwards, and the evidence throws liglit on
our electoral strength at that day and the mode of conducting elec-
tions, it will be worth while to dwell a little upon it. The candi-
dates, on this interesting occasion, were H. W. Carpentier, of Oak-
land ; R. S. Farrelly, of " Squatterville " or San Lorenzo ; and a
Mr. Halliday, of Martinez. Mr. Carpentier received the highest
number of votes polled, but Mr, Farrelly protested against his elec-
tion on the ground of fraud ; the County Clerk refused to issue
his certificate of election, and the dispute was handed over to the
Committee on Elections of the Legislature. 519 votes were claimed
for Mr. Carpentier, 254 for Mr. Farrelly, and 192 for Mr. Halliday,
thus giving the former a majority of 73 over both his opponents.
Mr. S. J. Clark appeai'ed as attorney for Mr. Farrelly. Various
grounds of objection wei'e presented by that gentleman, who urged
fraud on the part of Mr, Carpentier, and collusion on the part of
the Board of Judges, and Inspectors and Clerks in Contra Costa or
Oakland Townsliip. It was shown that the number of 377 ballots
were cast in that township, while the census agent of the county,
who took the census of the township about two months and a half
preceding the election, testified that there were only about 130 legal
voters residing within its limits. It was also assei-ted that there
was a compact layer of yellow (Cai'pentier) tickets on the top of the
box, the counting of which lasted near two hours, before a wldte or
Farrelly ticket was reached, although two of the three last votei's,
who cast their ballots at sundown, declared they had voted for Far-
relly. A man named Ford made aflidavit that he was a passenger
on the ferry-boat from Oakland to San Francisco on the day of elec-
tion, and back to San Francisco after the election was over, and that
there was a man by the name of Gilman on board, who promised to
settle for 37 passengers, whom he stated wei-e going to work for him
on the bridge. He saw these men, afterwards, about the polls ; was-
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES.
certain tliey voted, some of them swearing in their votes, and one of
whom chximed to have voted seven times when mistakenly demand-
ing his pay of $5 for such service from the witness.
Against thLs a majority of the members of the Board of Supervis-
ors of the County made their affidavits that they believed Mr. Car-
pentier duly elected, and a majority of four out of six of the House
Committee on Elections reported in favor of his retaining the seat.
The figures of the Census Commissioner are stated, by the report of
this committee, at 520, being strangely at variance with the testimony
of the Commissioner himself, who stated the number at 130 in Oak-
land Township. The majority committee saw no cause to wonder at
the large vote (374) cast in Oakland Precinct, because there were 212
cast in San Antonio Township, the two together making only sixty-
six votes more than was found to reside in the district in the previ-
ous August, wliich excess they reasonably supposed to be " made up
by additions to the popidation, especially in Oakland, a young and
thriving town." The fact that there were from 300 to 400 persons
employed in the Redwoods, " and that a great number, if not a
majority, of them voted at Oakland," while some from the Encinal
and other San Antonio precincts also voted at Oakland, left them
" no reason for doubting that the votes in Oakland Precinct were
honestly cast by qualified electors."
Mr. Carpentier was confirmed in his seat and sworn in on the lltli
of April, thirty-eight days before the adjournment of the House.
Another contested election case, in the same body, was that of
Walter Van Dyke, Esq., for a number of years a resident of Oak-
land, but who then represented Klamath County. His seat was
contested by a Mr. J. McMahon, on the ground that Mr. Van Dyke's
majority had been obtained in the adjoining State of Oregon. The
seat was given to McMahon.
It is to Mr. Carpentier's credit, whatever may be said of the man-
ner in which he procured his seat, that he was a very energetic mem-
ber, and introduced no less than seventeen bills, some of them very
important, and assisted in the creation of Alameda County, that
same session.
70 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY,
O. c- ^iPtu
Tinner, Plumber,
AND
GiS^^aAS FITTER, -^^=0
315 East Twelflli Street, (Near TntDs' itei),
A LAI\GE STOCK OF
TINWARE, STOVES, j
^@^^ RANGES, ^^^
Gas Fixtures, Pumps, Ktc,
ALWAYS ON HAND.
O'olo'loliag' '^TOTOCLj^tl-sr ,A.ttezic3.ec3, to.
AN ALAMEDA OF OLIVE TREES.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 71
CHAPTER XII.
CREATION OP ALAMEDA COUNTY BY THE LEGISLATURE OF 1853
SHARP CONTEST BETWEEN SMITH AND CARPENTIER FOR THE LOCA-
TION OF THE COUNTY SEAT THE ACTS FIXING THE BOUNDARIES
OF ALAMEDA AND PROVIDING FOR ITS ORGANIZATION AND GOV-
ERNMENT AND THE ADMINISTRATION OP JUSTICE THEREIN DEFI
NITION OF THE NAME— DISSATISFACTION IN CONTRA COSTA AND
SANTA CLARA CONTRA COSTA AS IT IS NOW THE NEW APPOR-
TIONMENT, ETC.
In the year 1853 Alameda was created a separate county out of
Santa Clara and Contra Costa. Previously Contra Costa covered the
whole of the present County of Alameda, excepting Washington
Township, which was south of the Alameda Creek, then the bound-
ary line, and in Santa Clara County. In the Legislature of that
year, both Santa Clara and Contra Costa were served in the
State Senate by Hon. G. B. Tingley, who resided in Santa Clara
County. In the Assembly, Santa Clara was represented by W. S.
Letcher and Henry C. Smith, while Contra Costa was represented by
Horace W. Carpentier. Mr. Smith then resided at New Haven, or
Alvarado, and championed the creation of the new county.
Acccordingly that gentleman, on the 10th of March of that year,
presented in the Assembly the petition of citizens of Santa Clara and
Contra Costa Counties praying for the erection of a new county, to
be called Alameda, out of territory then belonging to those counties.
The petition was read and referred to the Committee on Counties
and County Boundaries ; and the same day Mr. Smith introduced
his bill, which was entitled "An Act to create the County of Ala-
meda and establish the seat of justice therein ; to define its bound-
aries and provide for its oi-ganization." Read first and second time
and referred to Committee on Counties and County Boundaries.
On the 11th of March the committee to which it was referred
reported the bill back with the recommendation that the same be
On the 1 2th Mr. Thomas, from the Committee on Engi'ossed Bills,
reported the bill as correctly engrossed, and the report was adopted.
On the follow ing day it went to the Senate, where it was amended ;
and on the 18th the Assembly concurred in the Senate amendments.
72 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
On the 23d it was referred back to tlie Assembly to correct some
errors of enrollment ; on the 25th. it was reported as correctly enrolled;
on the same day it was presented to the Governor for his appi-oval ; and
on the 28th the same was approved by the Governor. It must be
admitted that the bill was well engineered and went through expedi-
tiously, but it contained some material defects, and, therefore, Mr,
Smith, its author, came forward, three days after its passage, with a
bill to remedy them. The amendatory bill was passed through all its
stages the same day ; on the 1st of April it passed the Senate, and on
the 6th received the Governor's signature. On the 21st of April
Mr. Carpentier introduced another amendatory Act. This was for
the purpose of changing the location of the county seat from New
Haven to Oakland. A vote was taken on the amendment and it was
lost by 19 noes to 17 ayes.
A sharp contest had been going on from the first between Mr.
Smith and Mr. Carpentier, for the county seat, each desiring to have
it in his own locality, and, as the result shows, the former triumphed
by a bare majority of two. Thus was born, at the City of Benicia,
then the State Capital, a bantling which soon waxed robust and
strong, and in a few years outstripped all her elder sisters, being now
possessed of the largest population of any county in the State, except-
ing the consolidated City and County of San Francisco. John
Bigler, who was then Governor, stood sponsor for the new-born
babe, which, in every sense, has proved a healthy and promising
child.
The Act of Incorporation, as it finally passed, is as follows :
An Act to create the County of Alameda and establish the Seat
of Justice therein, to define its boundai-ies and to provide for
its organization. Approved March 25, 1853.
The People of the State of California, represented in Senate and As-
sembly, do enact asfolloivs:
Section 1. The following shall constitute the boundaries and
Seat of Justice of Alameda County : Beginning at a point at the
head of a slough, which is an arm of the Bay of San Francisco, mak-
ing into the mainland in front of the Gegara Ranches ; thence to a
lone sycamore tree that stands in a ravine between the dwellings of
Fluhencia and Valentine Gegara ; thence up said ravine to the top
of the mountains ; thence in a direct line eastwardly to the junction
of the San Joaquin and Tuolumne Coimties; thence northwest-
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 73
waixlly on the west line of San Joaquin County to the slough known
as the Pescadero ; thence westwardly in a straight line until it strikes
the dividing ridge in the direction of the house of Joel Harlan, in
Amador Valley ; thence westwardly along the middle of said ridge,
crossing the gulch one-half mile below Prince's Mill ; thence to and
ininiiing upon the dividing ridge between the Pedwoods known as the
San Antonio and Prince's Woods ; thence along the top of said ridge
to the head of the gulch or creek that divides the ranches of the
Peraltas from those known as the San Pablo Ranches ; thence down
the middle of said gulch to its mouth ; and thence westwardly to
the eastern line of the County of San Francisco ; thence along said
last-mentioned line to the place of beginning. Seat of Justice,
Alvarado.
Sec. 2. There shall be held an election for county officei-s in the
County of Alameda, on the second Monday of April, one thousand
eight hundred and- fifty-three, at which election the qualified voters
of said county shall choose one County Judge, one District Attorney,
one County Clerk, who shall, ex-ojfficio, be Comity Recorder, one
Sheriff, one County Surveyor, one County Assessor, one Coroner,
and one County Treasurer.
Sec. 3. James B. Larue, Michael Mm-ray, J. S. Watkins, J. S.
Marston and Gustavus Harper are hereby appointed Commissioners
to designate the necessary election precincts in the County of Ala-
meda for said election, and to appoint the Judges and Inspectors of
Election at the several precincts designated to receive the returns,
and to issue certificates of election to the parties receiving the high-
est number of legal votes, and in all other respects said election shall
be conducted according to the provisions of the "Act to Regulate
Elections," passed March 23d, 1850.
Sec. 4. For the purpose of designating the several precincts in
said county, said Commissionei's shall meet on the Monday two
weeks previous to the day of election, and at said meeting shall
designate the Judges and Inspectors of Election for such precincts.
The Commissioners shall appoint one of their number as Pi'esident,
and one as Clerk, who shall keep a record of their proceedings in a
book to be provided for that purpose, which record shall be deposited
in the Clerk's office after the Commissioners shall have closed their
labors. A majority of said Commissioners shall at all times consti-
tute a quorum for the transaction of business.
Sec. 5. The Commissioners shall, immediately after designating
74 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
the precincts, and appointing the proper officers to conduct said
election, give notice of such election, and the names of the officei'S
appointed to conduct the same, by wi-itten or printed notices, to be
posted at each of the precincts, and said notices shall be thus posted,
at least ten days before the election.
Sec. 6. Sealed returns from the offices of election may be
delivered to any member of said Board. The Commissioners shall
meet in the town of New Haven, on the tenth day subsequent to
the day of election, and the returns shall then be opened by said
Commissioners and canvassed, and the persons having the highest
number of legal votes for the several offices to be filled shall be
declared elected, and the President shall immediately make out and
send or deliver to each person chosen a certificate of election, signed
by him as President of the Commission and attested by the Clerk.
Sec. 7. Each person chosen shall qualify and enter upon the dis-
charge of the duties of his office, within ten days after the receipt of
his certificate of election. The person elected as County Judge
shall qualify before the President of the Commissioners. Persons
elected to the other offices may qualify before the County Judge or
before said President.
Sec. 8. The President of the Commissioners shall transmit with-
out delay an abstract of said election returns to the Secretary of
State, and retain the original returns until the Clerk shall qualify,
when he shall file the same in the Clerk's office.
Sec. 9. The County Judge shall hold his office for four years, and
until his successor is chosen and qualified. The other officers shall
hold their offices for two years, and until then- successors are chosen
and qualified pursuant to law.
Sec. 10. The County Judge and two Associate Justices, to be
chosen from among the Justices of the Peace that may be elected
from among themselves, shall form a Court of Sessions for the trans-
action of all county business authoi'ized to be transacted by Boards
of Supervisors in other counties of the State.
Sec. 11. At the first term of the Court of Sessions of said County
of Alameda, said Court shall appoint two Commissioners, to meet a
corresponding number of Commissioners to be appointed on the part
of the County of Santa Clara, and the like number on the })art of
the County of Contra Costa, for the purpose of ascertaining and set-
tling the amount of indebtedness said County of Alameda shall
assume of said counties ; and when so ascertained and ratified by said
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 75
Commissioners, or a majority of them, the Court of Sessions of Ala-
meda County shall issue a warrant in favor of the County Treasurer
of each of said counties for the sum awarded to each respectively,
payable out of any funds that may come into the treasury of Alameda
County. The said Commissioners shall meet in the town of Alva-
rado on the first Monday of July, A. D. one thousand eight hundred
and fifty-three, which shall be known as the seat of justice of Ala-
meda County.
Sec. 12. The County Judge shall receive, as compensation for his
services, two thousand five hundred dollars ])er annum, payable quar-
terly out of the county treasury ; and the District Attorney shall
receive, as compensation for his services, one thousand dollars per
annum, payable quarterly out of the county treasury of said county.
Sec. 13. The county seat of Alameda County shall be at the
town of New Haven.
Sec. 14. Alameda County shall be in the Third Judicial District,
and there shall be four terms of the District Court holden in said
county each year.
Sec. 15. The Commissioners appointed to conduct the election, as
in this Act specified, may also, at the same time, place and manner,
oi'der an election for not less than five Justices of the Peace in said
county, to qualify in manner as other officers elected under the pro-
visions of this Act, and shall hold their offices for one year, and until
their successors are chosen and qualified.
Sec. 16. The Recorders of Contra Costa and Santa Clara Coun-
ties, upon application and payment of the fees, shall transmit to the
Clerk's Office of the County of Alameda, certified copies of all deeds
or other papers recorded in their offices, wherein the subject matter
of such deed or other paper is situated in Alameda County. The
Clerks of Contra Costa and • Santa Clara shall transmit all files in
their offices, wherein both parties reside in Alameda County, or
where the subject matter is situated in said county, and for such
services the Clerk shall receive the fees allowed by law ; said Clerk
shall transmit, as aforesaid, and upon like conditions, all papers and
files relating to unfinished actions, or proceedings in the nature of
actions, whether original or on appeal, wherein both parties reside in
said Alameda County ; and also in local actions, wherein the subject
matter in controversy is situated in said Alameda County. Nothing
in this Act shall be so construed as to prevent those persons now
citizens of Contra Costa County, who, by the operation of this Act,
76 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
shall become citizens of Alameda County, from participating in and
voting at the election to be held in Contra Costa County, on the 26th
of March, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-three.
Sec. 17. The parts of counties out of which the County of Ala-
meda is formed, shall, for judicial purposes, remain in and constitute
parts of the counties to which they respectively belonged before the
passage of this Act, until the County of Alameda shall be organized
under the provisions of this Act. Approved March 25, 1853.
The following is the Amendatory Act already referred to :
An Act amendatory of an Act, entitled an Act to create the
County of Alameda and establish the Seat of Justice therein ;
to define its boundaries and provide for its organization. Passed
March 25th, 1853.
Section 1. The second section of an Act entitled "An Act to
create the County of Alameda and establish the Seat of Justice
therein, to define its boundaries and provide for its organization,"
passed March 25th, 1853, is hereby amended so as to read as follows:
There shall be held an election for County Officers, in the County of
Alameda, on the 4th Monday of April, 1853, at which election the
qualified voters of said county shall choose one County Judge, one
District Attorney, one County Clerk, who shall, ex-officio, be County
Recorder ; one Sheriff, one County Sui-veyor, one County Assessor,
one Coroner, one County Treasurer, and one Public Administrator.
Approved April 6, 1853.
At its birth, the population of the new county was about 3,000,
having increased at a rapid rate during the two years previous.
The derivation of its name is simple and easily given. It comes
from the Alameda Creek, its principal stream, which runs through its
most southerly township, east and west, and had been the dividing
line between Santa Clara and Contra Costa befoi-e separation. It
rises in the mountains of the Contra Costa Range, emerges thence at
Niles, and winds through the plains until it enters San Francisco
Bay near Alvarado. Its banks being lined with trees all the way
through the otherwise sparsely wooded plains, gave it the appearance
of a shaded avenue, road or walk, which in Spanish is called an ala-
meda. When the Mexican pioneers first discovered the territory,
they knew it by the name of the place of the alameda.
The division gave dissatisfaction in Santa Clara and Contra Costa,
as was to be expected, and some of the people of Santa Clara yet feel
a little sore over the same, as it took from them one of the most val-
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES.
UiiMe portions of tlieir territory, which inchided the ohl, historic
j^Iission, and the passes of the mountains to the San Joaquin Valley,
tlirough which the track of the C. P. R. R. now runs.
Citizens of the northern portion of the late Contra Costa sent a
memorial to the Legislature for a new county to be called Contra
Costa; cei'tain citizens of San Pablo prayed for another division of
id county ; and citizens of Conti-a Costa and Santa Clai-a asked for
the creation of another new county. Certain citizens of Contra Costa
sent to the Legislature a petition remonstrating against being set off
into Alameda County. Mr. Carpentier introduced the bill for another
county. The Committee reported in favor of its indefinite postpone-
ment ; but at a subsequent date it was taken from the table and or-
dered engrossed. The purport of it was to reorganize Contra Costa
County and take back some of the territory gained by Alameda. It
was finally defeated on a vote of 25 to 19, Mr. Smith and Mr. Letcher
of Santa Clara, voting with the majority, and Mr. Carpentier with
the minority. The old name continued, with Martinez as the county-
seat, for the northern county.
Oakland gave the name of Contra Costa to the original county, be-
cause it was the part of the "opposite coast" that sugge.sted it, and
in the old county organization, what is now known as Oakland Town-
ship was then Contra Costa Township.
It does, therefore, seem a little anomalous that, on a division, it
should have abandoned its original title of local suggestion and allow
it to be taken by its cast-off connexion. But the acquisition of the
new territory to the south, and the abandonment of so much on the
north, made all the difference. The Alameda was the principal
stream of the new covmty ; the name sounded nice, and was accej)ta-
ble generally.
The division left the new Conti'a Costa with a territory of upwards
of 500,000 acres, or an area of 756 square miles, as at present. Its
length, from east to west, is about forty miles, and its width, from
north to south, about twenty miles. Its outlines ai'e very irregular,
being bounded on the north by San Pablo and Suisun Bays and the
San Joaquin River ; on the east by the western channel of that
river ; on the south by Alameda County, and on the west by the Bay
of San Francisco. It contains several handsome and fruitful valleys,
some of them, such as the San Ramon, with its different divisions,
being equal to any in the State for beauty and productiveness. It
has a large quantity of swamp and overflowed lands, situated on the
78 HISTORY OP ALAMEDA COUNTY.
margins of Suisun Bay and along the banks of the San Joaquin
River, and much of it has been reclaimed. Portions of them, brought
under cultivation, have produced great crops of grain, fruit and veg-
etables, without irrigation. There is a great sweep of this tide land
—about 75,000 acres — in the northeast corner of the counjiy, which
has, for the most part, been brought under cultivation, but which is
not yet altogether secure from overflow. The mountains and hills
embrace about 250,000 acres, including Mount Diablo, which con-
tains the only remunerative coal mines in the State. There is hai-dly
an article that is produced in any portion of California, from the
orange to the tobacco plant, that is not or cannot be grown within its
boundaries. The county is Veil supplied with the means of ready
transportation, having a gi'eat circuit of coast, and its various land-
ings being daily visited by steamers and sailing craft. The southern
portion, however, is not in so good a condition, on account of the
height of the mountains, that present such a formidable baiTier
between it and Oakland. It is proposed to build a railroad from the
latter place to Walnut Creek, which is about eighteen miles distant
and in the centre of the county. It is also proposed to build a bet-
ter and more direct wagon road than that now existing, which will
include a tunnel of a half a mile, in a suitable place at the summit of
the mountain. The C. P. R. R. Co. has laid out a branch line all
along its front, and which will extend from Oakland to the main line
between Ellis' and Banta's stations, on the one side, and across the
Straits of Carquinez, at Martinez, to Colusa, on the other. Its prin-
cipal streams are the San Pablo and San Ramon Creeks— the former
rising in the Contra Costa Hills and emptying into San Pablo Bay ; the
latter rising in the Monte Diablo range, near the Livermore Pass, and
emptying into Suisun Bay about five miles soiitheast from Martinez,
When this stream reaches the tules it becomes a tide-water stream,
navigable *at high tide for schooners drawing six feet of water. The
portions adjoining Alameda are the San Pablo flats and the Taylor
and Moraga Valleys, on the south, and the San Ramon and Tassa^
iara on the east. The county town is Martinez. On the west, or
bay side, the only town is San Pablo, about ten miles north of Oak-
land, and where the late Ex-Governor of California, J. B. Alvarado,
resides. On the north side, at the confluence of the San Joaqiiin and
Sacramento Rivers, is the thi-iving town of Antioch. Pacheco is a
prosperous town, and has considerable commei'ce and tr;ide ; and Con-
cord, Clayton, and Walnut Creek, are small but thriving valley
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 79
towns. Nortonville and Summerviile are extensive mining camps in
the east side of the mountains ; and Limeiick, Danville, Alamo and
Lafayette are small places with post-offices. Mount Diablo, one of
the principal land-marks in the State, is set down in the middle of it,
and which, with its spurs, is seventy-five miles in circumference ; it
is 3,381 feet high, and has considerable influence on the climatology
of the county, which is subject to variation. Contra Costa has no
forests suitable for lumber, bvit there is a profuse scattering of oaks,
sycamores and other trees, over its surface, suitable for fuel. There
are splendid wagon roads, built by private enterprise, leading to the
summit of Mount Diablo, from both the west and south sides, and
which, no doubt, when better communication is had via Oakland,
will be much used by tourists and pleasure-seekers. Contra Costa
has an intelligent, law-abiding population, and continues to increase
in numbers and productiveness. It has many resources that capital
and labor will yet develop. The population in 1870 was 8,461, and
is now estimated at 10, .500. Contra Costa and Alameda naturally
l)elong to each other, forming as they do the twin sides of a penin-
sula, and only requu-ing better means of communication in overcom-
ing the barriers of the mountain range to make their interests, as of
yore, identical.
, The division of the county made a new apportionment of repre-
sentatives necessary in 18-53. The Counties of Santa Clara and Ala-
meda were created the Fourth Senatorial District, with one Senator
between them. She continued to have two members of Assembly,
and Alameda was given one for herself The Counties of San
Joaquin and Contra Costa were made the Eighth Senatorial District,
with one Senator. San Joaquin was given two Assemblymen, and
Contra Costa one.
The chai-ges against the county by the State for the year ending
May 1st, 1853, were as follows : Per diem and mileage of members
of the Legislature, $10,540 ; salary of District Judge, $5,500 ; salary
of District Attorney, $1,916; taking the census, $960; transpoi'ta-
tion of prisoners, $50. Total, $18,966. The State charges against
Santa Clai-a for similar benefits were $32,050 ; and against Saci'a-
mento, $78,435.
80 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
H. W. BARNES,
Manufacturer and Dealer in
DOORS, WINDOWS
Blinds, Transom Sash,
Constantly on hand and made to order,
ALL KINDS OF
Mullion and Bay Window Sash,
SEGMENT HEAD, CIRCLE TOP, ROUND CORNERS, Etc. '
Inside and Outside Blinds made to order for same.
OFFICE AMD WAREHOUSE,
Removed to East Twelfth Street,
EAST OAKLAND.
Manufactory : — Brooklyn Planing Mill, cor. Commerce and
East Twelfth Streets, East Oakland.
Residence: — East Fourteenth Street, between Eleventh and Twelfth
Avenues, East Oakland.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 81
CHAPTER XIII.
THE NEW COUNTY PRIOR TO ITS ORGANIZATION SOME OF ITS PIONEER
SETTLERS THE VICISSITUDES OF LIFE AMONG THEM WONDER.
FUL CROPS YIELDED BY THE VIRGIN SOIL THE FIRST ELECTION
OF COUNTY OFFICERS AND THE MEN CHOSEN LEGISLATIVE AND
JUDICIAL OFFICERS.
Those who had the largest share in shaping affairs in the new
county, at the start, were Henry C. Smith, Judge A. M. Crane, A.
M. Church and Horace W. Carpentier. The southerly end possessed
the controlling influence, as it carried off the cou.nty seat and nearly,
if not all, the offices.
It had to reconcile the 722 inhabitants, given by the census of
Contra Costa in 1850, with the thousands in Alameda alone three
years later. But people commenced to come in fast in 1851, when
most of the lands bordering on the bay were taken up, and it has had,
ever since, a never-ceasing flow of settlers.
A picture of the county, as it appeared in 1851, will be here appro-
priate and may prove interesting. It will show the commencement
of occupation and settlement ; show what the second race of pioneers
had to encounter ; who some of the men were who took possession,
broke up the soil, utiH^ed the harbors, seized upon the natural re-
sources that were going to waste, set the wheels of trade and com-
merce in motion, and administered laws. It is true these men had
not the hardships to encounter and privations to endure that beset
the pioneers of more rigorous latitudes and less hospitable regions.
There were no forests to fell, no savages to subdue, no malarias to
encounter, and no climatic hardships to guard against. Yet, they
had a land in a state of natui'e to cultivate, and all the necessaries,
and conveniences of life to procure. Everything that goes to make
a home had to be provided, and no inconsiderable amount of " rough-
ing " to be done. Women were very few and children more scarce,
and those elements that go to make up social happiness were nearly
altogether wanting. But the favorable conditions offei-ed by so
beautiful and bounteous a land enabled them to bear theii- conditions
82 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
hopefully and perform their labors cheerfully ; and. they prospered
marvelously.
In 1851 the foreranners of American civilization on our soil were
but few ; who they were has already been sufficiently described. This
year Adams, Moon and Carpentier appeared upon the scene, for the
first time, in Oakland. The Pattens and Chase had settled in Clin-
ton the year before, and became the i:)ioneers of that place. Jas. B.
Larue this year settled at San Antonio and started it ; men were
whip-sawing lumber in the redwoods of San Antonio, and between
there and the Old Mission, a stretch of more than twenty miles, there
only resided two or three Mexican rancheros and their retainers. At
San Leandro there was only the Estudillo residence ; San Lorenzo
was an Indian rancheria ; Guillermo Castro's residence alone monop-
olized the site of the present pretty town of Hajrwards ; Amador, in
the valley beyond, possessed undisputed possession of his broad acres ;
Mount Eden was a wilderness ; New Haven was the Mission embark-
adero, without a house ; Centerville had in its neighborhood a few
settlers who came in the year before, and John M. Horner, almost
alone, inhabited the vicinity of the " Corners." The Mission town
had some white settlers, as well as a considerable number of natives.
Henry C. Smith kept store there, and was administering justice as
Alcade under appointment of Gen. Riley. The vii-tues of the Agua
Ccdiente, or Warm Springs, afterwards so famous, were only known
to the few native Californians and Indians, and the old chief, Mor-
giana, was yet an object of respect. Sunol alone inhabited the
beautiful valley to which his father has given his name. Augustine
Bernal had removed from San Jose and settled at Alisal, now Pleas-
anton, in 1850, and held half the county, divided between liimself,
Livermore, Noriega, Francisco Alviso, and Amador.
Wild cattle roamed at large in thousands; -wild oats covei-ed the
hills, and wild mustard grew so long and luxuriantly in the vicinity
of the Alameda, that, in the somewhat exaggerated but humorous
language of a pioneer, " yovi could climb the stalks and look over
Mission Peak ! " Deer and all kinds of wild game were abundant.
Presto, change ! The land has awakened from its slumber of ages,
and the pine-benders of civilization are climbing its mountains, tread-
ing its valleys and viptuming its soil. The wilderaess will soon bloom
like the rose, and the activity of modem Hfe Avill bo observed on
every hand.
It has already been mentioned that in 1851 Oakland was starred,
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 83
that Clinton had been commenced, and that San Antonio had
received settlers from the new invasion. They grew apace and their
pioneer occupants were soon joined by hundreds of others. As some
of their histories shall be given elsewhere, it will not be necessary to
enlarge upon them here. Suffice it to say that in 1852 Oakland
was incorporated as a town, possessing hundreds of voters. The
men of the Redwoods commenced to scatter and occupy some of
the adjoining lands. The numerous sloughs along our western mar-
gin were followed up and landings established upon them.
The lower portion of the peninsula of Alameda was laid out as a
town in 1852, by Messrs. Chipman and Aughenbau. Damon and
Clark had established their landings ia Brooklyn Township. Moses
Wicks, T. "W. Mulford, and Minor and Wm. Smith had " squatted "
on the border of the bay, near San Leandro. Captain John Chisholm
and Captain William Roberts had started landings, erected ware-
houses and commenced freighting at San Lorenzo, where they took
up land, and sailed sloops along the bay, between San Francisco and
New Haven. After them came " Bob " Farley, and the founders of
" Squatterville "—the Blackwoods, Cranes, Kennedys, McMurtrys,
Campbells, Harlans and Johnsons.
In 1852 Chas. Duer, Alex. Peterson, Fritz Boehmer, Geo. Meyer,
William Field, Joel Russell and others took up land at Mount Eden,
that was then open and apparently unoccupied, except by wild cattle.
Then, too, Captain William Hayward pitched his tent on the
pleasant site of Haywards, which was only known as Castro's Ranch,
and many others followed Mm to occupy the beautiful valley beyond.
In 1852, A. M. Church had returned from a trip to the East, and
settled at New Haven, where he "stai-ted store," and soon had
plenty of customers. Wm. Blacow and John Threlfall were estab-
lished at Centerville, and others soon gathered around them ; Tim
Rix had located his zinc house, where Montrose now lives ; John M.
Horner, our first farmer, had gathered his brothers about him, and
was farming on a large scale ; Ned Nehaus and L. P. Gates had
land rented from Tyson and Morrison, already possessed of their
acres between Niles and the Mission. There were besides the
Combses, and Haleys, and Marstons, and Watkinses, and Chamber-
lains, and Breyfogles, and Beards, and Briers, and Cranes, and
Broders, and Moores, and Palmers, and Ellsworths, Smiths and Hufis.
Further south, near the Warm Springs, had already settled the
Columbets, Geo. W. Peacock, Henry Curtner and Thos. W. Millard,
84 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
•well-known citizens. Michael Murray had appeared on the scene at
Amador, and with him his friends Fallon and others. J. AV. Doherty,
John Scarlett and William Glasskin had also taken ixp their resi-
dences in the same place. James Johnson was even then in the
"sheep business" — a pioneer in that line with " Old Man Mun-ay,"
Allen, and " Captain Jack " O'Brien, who had pitched his tent in
Con-al Hollow. J. West Martin, the Kapp Brothers and John
English had commenced to cultivate the rich mold of the Santa Rita
Rancho. J. AV. Kottinger had laid the foundation of Alisal or
Pleasanton ; Green Patterson was residing in the old Livemioi-e
House in the valley ; and Zimmerman was in charge of that outpost
of our civilization, the Mountain House.
It is impossible to here enumerate all the pioneers that had come
into the county at this time, and the names of many men of worth
and influence are of necessity omitted. Suffice it that the foundations
of this new section of the commonwealth were laid well and strong ;
that a body of hardy, sterling, intelligent and detei-mined men had
resolved to make this their home, to plant theii* vines in the soil,
groAV their fig trees, and raise their children in the principles of
liberty, peace, knowledge and virtue.
The gi-eat trouble with most of the settlers at the start was the un-
certainty of their tenures and the amount of litigation they were com-
pelled to enter upon. The question was between Mexican gi-ants and
government land. That the wild cattle would attack their tents or
knock down their shanties was not so serious a miitter as this. Every
thing they I'equired was enormously high, and the markets were un-
certain. What was a remunerative crop one year would be niinous
the next. Those who rented land gave up one-half of its yield in
payment. Wheat, potatoes, barley and onions were the most pro-
fitable. The nature of the soil not being well known, the proper mode
of cultivation was not always pursued. Some who lost by their agi-i-
cultural ventures would repair to the mines to make good their re-
verses. Those who had planted barley the first years made well. It
brought as high as 12^ cents per pound in the Spring of 1851. The
first year the blackbirds were so destructive that some gave up in
despair and sold out. Farm help commanded $4 per day. Squin-els
and grasshoppers were annoying. Mills had to be pi-ovided, agricul-
tural implements purchased, and houses built. Those who planted
potatoes in 1852 made fortunes, and those who planted them in 1853
lost fortunes. The first year potatoes realized a thousand dollars au
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 85
acre. John M. Horner raised immense quantities both years. The
second they did not pay for sacking, and were allowed to rot on the
ground. The second crop of wheat, that of 1853, compensated for
the loss of the potatoes. It was very large, some of the land pro-
ducing as high as seventy-five bushels to the acre ! It was so heavy
that it lodged, and had to be cut by hand. It realized 8| cents per
pound at the mill. Many of the settlers had to pay twice for their
land. • There was a good deal of trouble about cattle-stealing, and
several persons convicted a la vigilante, were summarily dealt with
and hung.
The first election of officers for the new county took place in May,
1853. Although parties were organized throughout the State as
Whigs and Democrats, politics did not enter into the contest,
and any man who considered himself qualified to run, entered the
lists for office. There were from three to six candidates for each
position, and the election was spoken of for years afterwards as the
*' steeple chase." So little regard had previously been paid to the
proper names of pei-sons, that until the election some were known
only by nick-names. Thus, the gentleman who had conferred upon
him the inelegant alias of " Tom Snook," emerged from the contest
as A. H. Broder, Esq., Sheriff of Alameda County.
Following are the names of gentlemen elected to fill the various
offices designated by the Organic Act :
A. M. Crane — County Judge.
A. N. Broder— Sheriff.
Wm. H. Combs — District Attorney.
A. M. Church — County Clerk.
J. S. Marston — Treasurer.
Jos. S. Watkins — Public Administrator.
Wm. H. Chamberlain — Coroner.
H. A. Higley — County Surveyor.
Geo. W. Goucher — County Assessor.
W. W. Brier — County Superintendent.
Jacob Gi-ewel, who had been elected for two years in 1853, contin-
ued to act as joint Senator for the three counties of Contra Costa,
Alameda and Santa Clara, until 1855, and Joseph S. Watkins was
our first choice for Assemblyman for Alameda County, wliile F. M.
Warmcastle was elected for Contra Costa.
The County Judge was also Judge of the Court of Sessions, and
the District Judge was Craven P. Hester, The Third Judicial
86 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
District then embraced the Counties of Ah^meda, Santa Clara, Santa
Crnz and Monterey. Now it only embraces Alameda and a district
of San Francisco.
By an Act of 1853, the salaiy of the County Judge was fixed at
$2,500 per annum, and the compensation allowed the Associate Jus-
tices was $8 per day when in actual attendance at the terms of the
Court.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES.
87
]N. F. BOARDMAM.
CmL ENGINEER anSSUEYETOR
General Land .^.gent,
AND '
ASSESSOR FOR OAKLAND TOWNSHIP.
EOOM 3, COUBT HOUSE.
NEWSOM BROS.
ARCHITECTS
Room 10 Benitz Block,
Bet. Tenth and Eleventh Sts., (East side.)
OAKLAND.
W^M.. STOKES,
^^:fi.o]E3:ii?eot,
Oflace, Room 4,
WILCOX BLOCK.
:E=LEI^E:Fl.ElSrOES.
F. Delger, C. B. Rutherford, W. K. Rowell, A. J. Snyder,
A. C Henry, P. Thompson, G. W. Dam.
W. O. KINO,
CIVIL ENGINEER & SURVEYOR
ROOM 9, BENITZ BLOCK, OAKLAND-
Publisher of King's Ne%v Map of Oakland and Vicinity.
A, G, LAWEIE,
SEARCHER OF RECORDS
COTJItT KCOTJSE,
OAKLAND.
G. W. McKEAJYD,
SEARCHER OF RECORDS
OFFICE,
Cor. Broadway «& Fourth Sts.
Near Court House,
O >i. K L -A. 3Sr ID ,
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
^^. ^. ^i^^rr ^
Blacksmith, Horse-Slioer,
CARRIAGE MAKER AND REPAIRER,
Thirteenth Avenue, J{ear Railroad Depot,
bb,ook;x,-h-it.
Manufacturer of all kinds of Iron work for Building purposes, and Esti-
mates made for the same.
B^'AII work warranted to give entire satisfaction .''^8
Remillard & Brothers^
Brick Makers, Contractors,
AND DBALERS IN
orrice:s z
CITY WHARF, near Webster Street Bridge,
ROOM No. 10,
WILCOX BLOCK, BROADWAY,
AND
Washington Street Wharf, San Francisco.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 89
CHAPTER XIV.
BEGINNING AND END OF THE COURT OF SESSIONS AS A MUNICIPAL
LAW - MAKER AN EPITOME OF ITS PROCEEDINGS FROM THE SIXTH
DAY OF JUNE, 1853, TO THE TWENTY - SECOND DAY OF JANUAHY,
1855 FIXING TOWNSHIP BOUNDARIES, GRANTING LICENSES, LAY-
ING OUT HIGHWAYS, AND APPOINTING ROAD COMMISSIONERS AND
SUPERVISORS ITS CONTRACT WITH HORACE W. CARPENTIER, PER-
MITTING HIM TO COLLECT TOLL ON THE TWELFTH STREET BRIDGE
AS A COURT OF EQUALIZATION ALLOWING BILLS ESTABLISH-
ING VOTING PRECINCTS SETTLING CLAIMS OF CONTRA COSTA AND
SANTA CLARA, ETC.
The fii-st regular term of the Court of Sessions of Alameda County
was holden in the Court-room in the Town of Alvarado, on Monday,
the 6th day of June, A. D. 1853, before the Honorable Adison M.
Ci'ane, County Judge ; A. M. Church, Clerk ; Andrew H. Broder,
Sheriff; and William H. Combs, Esq., Disti-ict Attorney of said
county.
In pursuance of a call of his honor the County Judge, there
appeared A. W. Harris, I. S. Long, David S. Lacey, A. Marier, and
John McMurtry, all the qualified Justices of the Peace of the county,
who proceeded to the election of two of their number to serve as
Associate Justices of the Court of Sessions for the current year ; and,
upon counting the ballots, it appeared that David S. Lacey received
five votes, I. S. Long received three votes, and A."VV. Harris received
two votes ; whereupon the said David S. Lacey and Isaac S. Long
were declared duly elected as such Associate Justices ; Avho then
appeared and produced their certificates of election, and took their
oaths of office and their seats as Associate Justices of said Court.
William H. Combs, Esq., px'oduced a license from the Supreme
Court of the State of Indiana as Attorney and Counsellor at Law,
bearing date the 25th day of May, 1849 ; and thereupon, the Court
being satisfied that the said William H. Combs was a man of good
moral character, admitted him as the Attorney and Counsellor of the
Court, and was sworn as such.
The county was divided into six townships, as follows :
1st. The Township of Oakland, the boundaries whereof were the
90 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
same as prescribed and specified in Chapter 107 of the Statutes of
this State for 1852.
2d. The Township of Contra Costa, which was bounded on the
north by the north line of the county ; on the west and southwest by
the west line of the county and the northeast line of the Township
of Oakland ; commencing, for the southern boundary, at the north-
west corner of Oakland Township, and thence running southeast
along the northwest line of said townsliip to the Indian Gulch ;
thence up said gulch easterly to the summit of the mountains ; thence
east to the east bounds of the county; thence northerly along said
east line to the northeast corner of said county.
3d. The Township of Clinton, which was bounded on the north
by the Townships of Oakland and Contra Costa ; on the west by the
west line of the county ; and for the south and east boundaries, com-
mencing at the point where the United States surveyed township
line, passing east and west between the San Leandro and San Lorenzo
Creeks, cross the west line of said county ; and thence running east
along said township line to the summit of the coast mountain range ;
and thence north to the east of the county ; and thence along said
line to the place of beginning.
4th. The Township of Eden, which commenced for a boundary
thereof at the southwest corner of Clinton Township, and thence
running east along the south line of said to'sviiship to the summit of
the Coast Range of mountains ; thence along said Coast Range sum-
mit southerly to the Alameda Creek ; and thence down said creek to
the west line of the county ; and thence along said west line north-
erly to the place of beginning.
5th. The Township of Washington, which was bounded on the
north by the Township of Eden, on the east by the summit of the
Coast Range of mountains, on the south by the sovith line of the
county, and on the west by the west line of the county.
6tli. The Township of Murray, which embraced all the territory
of the county not included in the townships before specified, and was
bounded on the north and east and south by the county lines, and on
the west by the summit of the Coast Range of mountains.
The Contra Costa Steam Navigation Company appeared by H. "W.
Cai'pentier, their Attorney, and made application for renewal of
license. It was ordered that the license of William H. Brown, and
by him assigned to said company, to keep the ferry between Contra
Costa, on San Antonio Creek, and San Francisco, heretofore issued
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 91
to said Brown by tlie Court of Sessions of Contra Costa County, be
renewed for one year, from the 7th day of April following the term-
ination of said license, the said company paying therefor as provided
by law in such case made and provided, at the same rates hitherto
charged under former license, imtil the fourteenth day of July fol-
lowing, from and after which date they were to charge the following
rates, to-wit : Upon each and every foot passenger, 50 cents ; upon
every head of horses, mules and cattle, $2 each ; on empty wagons,
.50 each ; upon hogs and sheep, each per head, 50 cents ; and 25
cents for each one hundred pounds of freight.
In the matter of roads and highways, it was ordered that the road
then traveled, leading from the county line east of the Mission of San
Jos6, and to said Mission; thence through Amador Valley, and
known as the Stockton Road, be, and the same was declared a public
highway ; also, the road leading from Union City to the Mission of
San Jose was declared a public highway.
There was presented a petition from sundry citizens for a road
leading from Vincente Peralta's house to the Town of Oakland ; also,
a petition for a road from some convenient point, crossing from the
Oakland and San Pablo Road to the road i-unning from Vincente
Peralta's to Oakland. It was ordered that Francis K. Shattuck and
I. S. Tubbs be, and the same were appointed Commissioners, in con-
nection with the County Surveyor, to view out and locate said road,
and repoi-t thereon to the Court.
Then came a petition from sundry other citizens, for a road com-
mencing at the Town of Alvarado and running thence in a north-
westerly direction, to intersect the road leading from San Antonio to
the Mission San Jose, at some point between the Alameda and San
Lorenzo Creeks. Also, a petition for a road, starting at the Mission
of San Jose and running nearly north, at the east side of, and nearly
parallel with,- an artificial ditch, and crossing the brook that runs
do^vn the Corral Pass in the mountains, at some point between said
artificial ditch and fifty yards to the eastward of the same ; thence
between the farm of Henry C. Smith and John M. Horner ; thence
intersecting the Union City road at or near the schoolhouse. It was
ordered that John L. Marston and Horace Bacon be, and they there-
by were appointed Commissionei-s in connection with the County
Surveyor, to view out and locate the two last-mentioned roads and
report thereon to the Court.
Also a petition for a I'oad from the Mission San Jose to Beard's
92 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Landing. Also a petition foi* a road from a line dividing the lands
of Charles Bryfogle and D. D. Henion, and Blacow and Wilson, to a
landing on Tide Water Creek, emptying into the Bay of San Fran-
cisco. It was ordered that Charles Kelsey and Perry Morrison be,
and the same were appointed Commissioners, in connection with the
County Surveyor, to view out and locate the two last-mentioned
roads, and report thereon to the Court.
It was ordered that Road District No. 1 should embrace the high-
way from Union City to the Mission San Jose, extending two miles
each side thereof, and Charles Breyfogle was appointed Supervisor
thereof.
It was ordered that Road District No. 2 should embrace the high-
way leading from the Mission of San Jose, running in the direction
of the Pueblo of San Jos6, to the county line of Santa Clara County,
and William H. Chamberlain was appointed Supervisor thereof.
It was ordered that Road District No. 3 should embrace the high-
way leading from the Mission of San Jos6 in the direction of Stock-
ton, through the Amador Valley to the crossing of the Alameda
Creek, and that A. Marshall be appointed Supervisor thereof.
It was ordered that Road District No. 4 should embrace that part
of the highway leading from the Mission San Jos6 to Stockton,
which lies between the Alameda Creek and the house of Robert
Livermore, and Robert Livermore was appointed Supervisor thereof.
It was ordered that Road District No. 5 should commence at a
point opposite the house of Livermoi-e, and thence embrace all that
part of the main traveled highway leading to Stockton, up to the
east line of the county, and a Supervisor thereof was appointed.
It was ordered that Road Districts Nos. 2, 3 and 5 should extend
two miles each side of the highways designated as their boundaries.
It was ordered that Road District No. 6 should commence at the
town of Oakland and run thence along the highway, extending two
miles each side thereof, to the house of Vincente Peralta, and Francis
K. Shattuck was appointed Supervisor thereof.
It was oi-dei-ed that Road District No. 7 should commence at Oak-
land, and run thence to the north line of the county, near the house
of Vincente Peralta, and R. M. Randall was a])pointed Supervisor
thereof, and his jurisdiction was extended two miles each way from
the above line.
H. W. Carpentier appeared before the Court and submitted the
following proposition :
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 93
County of Alameda, June 6th, 1853.
I hereby propose to complete the bridge across the creek known as
San Antonio Slough, opposite the residence of the Messrs. Patten, on
the following terms : The bridge shall be commenced forthwith and
finished with expedition. I will charge and receive for my own
use, tolls thereon at the following rates, to wit: Each footman, 12c.;
each horse, cattle, etc., 25c.; each vehicle drawn by one or two animals,
50c., and other things in like propoi-tion. Said bridge shall be free
from taxation or assessment. I will surrender said bridge to the
county to be made a free bridge, and to be used only as a bridge, at
any time within twelve months, on their payment to me of the orig-
inal cost of its constraction, together with interest thereon at the rate
of three per cent, per month. It shall be finished from bank to bank.
This proposition binding on its acceptance by the Coui't of Sessions
of Contra Costa County.
(Signed.) H. W. CARPENTIER.
"Upon due consideration" by the Court, it was ordered that the
foregoing proposition be accepted and the bridge surrendered to H. W.
Carpentier, to be built and constructed upon the same plan upon
which it was originally projected, reference being had to proceedings
in the matter then of record in the County of Contra Costa, but noth-
ing in this order contained was to be construed into an obligation on
the part of the county ever to redeem said bridge, or to refund to said
Carpentier any money whatever expended on the account thereof.
It was further ordered that the said Carpentier or his assigns be
authorized to charge the rates of toll specified in the proposition above
accepted.
A poll-tax for liighway purposes, of two days' work, was ordered to
be levied on all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 45 years,
for the present year.
The Court then adjourned till the following morning at 8 o'clock.
On Tuesday morning. May 7th, 1853, the Court met pursuant to
adjournment the previous day, and ordered that all the Judges,
Inspectors and Clerks of County and Township Elections who there-
tofore had, or thereafter might serve, be allowed and paid $5.00 per
day each, but not more than one day's service was to be charged by
any person olficiating as such at any one election. The Auditor to
draw upon the Treasurer for the amount due any person under this
order, upon application of the party entitled, and upon being satisfied
that the service claimed for had been performed.
94 HISTORY OP ALAMEDA COUNTY.
The followmg claims, which go to show what the county had to
pay for goods and services at that day, and who its first creditors
were, were allowed, viz. :
To D. L. Lord, for blank book and stationery, etc., as per
accounts on file, ..-.--- $425.00
" A. M. Chvirch, services obtaining books, stationery, etc.,
for desk, etc., as per ac't on file, - - - -. 49,00
" Liberty Petham, for work on county desk, as per accounts
on file, -------- 33.00
" W. C. "Weaver, for work on county desk, as per accounts
on file, - - . 48.00
" J. L. Long, 2 days' services as Asso. Jus. C. S. - 12.00
" A. Marier, 1 day's service as " " " . - 6.00
" A. W. Harris, 1 day's service as " " « - - 6.00
" Jno. M. Horner, for lumber for county desk, - - 16.50
" C. J. Stevens, " «'.<.- 9.00
Orders were issued by the Auditor upon the Treasurer of the
County to the persons above named, for the sums specified.
There having been no further business before the court, it ad-
journed until the next term thereof
A, M. CRANE, County Judge.
DAvm S. ^^<^^,\^^,odate Justices.
J. S. Long, /
At a special meeting held on July 19th, H. K. W. Clark appeared
as a petitioner for a road from, the Encinal to the county road from
San Antonio to the Mission.
At the meeting held on the first day of August many petitions for
the laying out of roads were presented. The following election pre-
cincts were established :
In Washington Township, at the Mission of San Jose, at the
room next eastei-ly of Howard & Chamberlain's store ; at the town
of Alvarado, at the roOm then used for a Court-house. In Eden
Township, at the house of William Hayward, and at the house of
T. H, Cowles. In Clinton Township, at the house of James B,
Larue, and at the house of Chai-les Ray, and at the saw-mill of
Tupper & Hamilton. In Oakland Township, at the office of A,
Man-ier. In Contra Costa Township, at the house of Seth R,
Bailey, and at the house of A. E. Hutchinson, In INlun-ay Town-
ship, at the house of Michael Murray.
The Court resolved itself into a Court of Equalization, and ordered
that 60 cents on one hundred dollars be levied on all taxable proi)ei'ty,
real and personal, within the county, for State tax, instead of 30
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 95
cents, as theretofore ordered at a special term, held on the 11th day
of May (under Contra Costa).
At a meeting held on the 2d day of August, A. Marshall, Esq.,
was appointed a " Judge of the Plains," to look after rodeos and the
branding of cattle.
J. M. Selfridge, M. D., presented to the consideration of the Court
his account against the county for the sum of $20, for ser-\T.ces in
the examination of two insane persons, showing that the doctor, who
is yet hale and hearty, was our first County Physician. The account
of Geo. Kerr & Co., for the sum of $30, for printing 100 hand-bills,
was considered " too steep," and was reduced by the court to $1.5, that
sum having been considered all that was justly owing, and even then
Geo. Ken- & Co. fared much better than does the County Printer of
the present day, and ought to have been well satisfied. But those
were the days of " big things " for the disciples of Faust. There
also came J. S. Marston, Treasurer of the County, and pi-esented
his account for services as Treasurer for three months, for the sum
of $500, and $60 for rent of Treasurer's ofiice, to the 1st of August.
" After due consideration " such account was disallowed, and as com-
pensation for his services, as such Treasurer, in addition to the fees
allowed by law, it was decreed that said Marston should receive up
to that time the sum of $400, and for eveiy three months thereafter,
during the term of liis ofiiGe, he should receive the sum of $400.
Commissions to view out roads and bridges were numerous, and it
was ordered by the Court that all orders and appointments of Com-
missionei-s for such purpose be delivered to the County Surveyor,
" whose duty it should be to call upon the Commissionei-s appointed
and proceed with them to the discharge of their duties." It was
ordered that the County Surveyor be directed to make " an estimate
and plan of the cost " of a single-track bridge across the San Lorenzo
creek, " where the public laid out highway will cross said creek."
Adolph Sillmann's bill for nineteen and a half days' services as
Deputy County Surveyor, at $12 per day, was allowed. D. S. Lacy
was allowed $19, for his services as a Justice of the Peace, in the
case of The People vs. Augustin Young.
A. S. Hurlliutt was allowed $294, for twenty-four and a half days'
services as Deputy Assessor, being at the i-ate of $12 per day.
Horace A. Higley was allowed $514, for three months' services as
County Surveyor. A. Kuner was allowed $100, for five public seals,
furnished for the county, A. M. Church was allowed $192, " for his
96 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY,
services as Clerk and Auditor of the County, for office furniture and
stationery furnished for Clerk's office." It was ordered that $5 per
day be allowed to Commissioners to view out and locate highways.
The court resolved itself into a Board of Equalization, and reduced
the assessment of Robert Livermore from $36,000 to $20,000.
George W. Goucher, County Assessor, was allowed the sum of $540,
for forty-tive days' services, which was at the rate of $12 per diem.
At the election of Justices of the Peace, held on the 7th and 8th of
September, 1853, the following persons were returned and reported :
Asa Walker, S. P. Hopkins, H. M. Randall, B. F. Ferns, A. Mar-
shall, William Fleming, Calvin Rogers and S. H. Robinson. As
required by law, these gentlemen met at the Court-house, in
Alvarado, on the 3d day of October, and, from their number, elected
two Associate Justices, for the term of one year, the same being A.
Marshall and L. H. Robinson, Esquires. The Justices in attendance
received for their sei'vices at such election the sum of $8 each.
H. Adler was allowed the sum of $10 for his services as Clerk of
Election, at the Mission of San Jos^, April 25th, 1853, and the fur-
ther sum of $10 for his services at the election held on the 7th and
8th of September. The Court ordei-ed that every Judge, Inspector
and Clerk of any election thereafter be allowed the sum of $5 per
day, and that only two days' services be paid for in any case.
F. K. Shattuck, Deputy Sheriff, was allowed the sum of $40.90
for services rendered the county.
At a special term of the Court, held on the 7th day of November,
1853, District Attorney Moore, of Santa Clara County, appeared,
and moved that the Court allow the sum of $7,204.73 to the County
of Santa Clara, in accordance with an award made October 27th,
1853, by H. C. Melone, John Yoiitz, Thos. A. Brown and J. W.
Williams, Commissioners, appointed for the purpose of ascertaining the
amount of indebtedness due from this county to the Counties of Santa
Clara and Contra Costa, which motion was taken under advisement
until the next regular term of the Court.
Geo. M. Blake appeared for the first time and presented the peti-
tion of sundry citizens of Contra Costa Township, praying that said
township be abolished and embraced in the Township of Oakland.
At a meeting held on the 8th of November, Noble Hamilton
appeared, taking a part, for the first time, of the firm of Combs &
Hamilton, and as Attorney for J. J. Yallejo, presenting a petition
with regard to a public highway. Bills for work done on the much-
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 97
charged county desk, it appears, had not all been put in to this date,
and G-eo. W. Poi-ter was allowed $5 " for work and labor done in and
about finisliing the County Clerk's desk."
At the session of the Court of December 6th, 1853, the following
interesting and important communication was read :
Hon. A. M. Crane, County Judge, c&c. ;
Dear Sir — I herewith transmit to you my accoimt with the Oak-
land Bridge. In the item of lumber, I have charged $53 per M,
which I consider a fail' and reasonable average charge. I paid
$41 to $63 per M. That portion of the bridge built by me is built
in a strong and substantial manner. The old part will require to be
replanked and repaired the ensuing season, at an expense of some
$2,000 to $2,500.
Yery respectfully yours,
HORACE W. CARPENTIER.
Oakland Bridge, to Horace W. Carpentier, Dr. :
To hewn timber, $16.28; 3,000 feet piles, $960; spikes and iron
work, $669.08 ; labor, $3,021.25; 98,000 feet lumber, $5,194 ; ten
per cent, for sundries not included in above items, $1,147.23.
Total, $12,619.56.
In the matter of the claim of Santa Clara County against the
County of Alameda, the following report was entered: " Whereas, at
the last special term of this Covirt an application was made on behalf
of Santa Clara County for an order upon the Treasurer of Alameda
County for that portion of the debt of Santa Clara County which
was awarded to be paid to said county by the County of Alameda ;
and the Coui't having had the said matter under advisement, do re-
fuse said application, on the ground that the award so made was
made wholly without the authority of law, do not admit the same to
be in any way correct as to amount, or that anything whatever is
due from Alameda to Santa Clara County."
The boundai-ies of Oakland and Clinton Townships were rear-
ranged so as to do away with Contra Costa Township, as desired by
the inhal:)itants of that township.
On December 8th William H. Chamberlain presented a bill for
his services as Coroner, in holding an inquest and burying a dead
body, amounting to the sum of $27, which account was allowed.
H. Adler was allowed $20 for his services as interpreter before the
Grand Jury, H. C. Sill presented a bill for $25 for his sex-vices in
98 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
making a jyost mortem examination of the body of a man found dead
on the 14th of November. Was allowed $15.
At the meeting held on the 2d day of January, 1854, the county
was divided into three road districts. No. 1 comprised the town-
ships of Washington and Eden; District No. 2, the townships of
Oakland and Clinton; District No. 3, the township of Murray.
William Blackwood was appointed SuperAdsor of No. 1 ; D.N. Yan
Dyke of No. 2; Michael Murray of No. 3.
It was ordered that each able-bodied man between the ages of
Eighteen and forty-five years be requii-ed to work on the highways
three days during the year 1854, or commute by paying $3
in money for each day. Albert E. Crane was allowed a bill of
$3,071.94 for building two bridges across San Lorenzo and San
Leandro Creeks, and was voted $300 for his services as Commissioner
for the building of said bridges.
At the term of the Court of Assize, held on the 6th day of Feb-
iiiary, 1854, it was resolved, in the matter of the claim of Contra
Costa against Alameda County: "Whereas, an application has been
made on behalf of Contra Costa which was ordered to be paid to
said county by the County of Alameda ; having had the same under
consideration, do refuse said application, upon the ground that the
award made was made wholly without authority of law. And the
Court in placing their refusal vipon the ground that said award was
made without authority of law, do not in any way admit the same to
be correct as to amount, or that anythmg whatever is due from
Alameda to Contra Costa County.
William Blackwood was allowed $12 per day for his services as
Supervisor of Road District No. 1.
On Feb. 7th J. W. Dougherty, Wm. R. Defrees and Wm. Glaskin
applied for a franchise to construct a toll-road from Dougherty's
house, for seven miles through the caiion, towards Haywards, which
was granted on certain conditions. John Hogan, Mai-shal of the
Town of Oakland, was allowed $118.40 on his account against the
county.
On the 1st day of May the court resolved itself into a Boaixl of
Equalization, and it was ordered that the following be the rate of
taxation for the year 1854 : For State purposes, 60 cents upon each
hundred dollars ; for county purposes, 50 cents ; and for school pur-
poses, 3 cents ; in all, $1.13 per hundred dollars.
On May 2d several considerable amounts, to Justices and Attor-
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES.
neys, for services in criminal cases relating to the stealing of cattle,
were allowed ; and Michael Murray, for disbursements in the case
of People vs. Leonard, was allowed $96.10. The disbursements this
month were particularly heavy.
It seems that Santa Clara had a just claim against this county,
and had enforced it ; for on the 24th day of August it was ordered
that the sum of $3,237 be levied upon the taxable property of the
county, to be apportioned according to the aggregate and individual
-amounts of the assessment-roll for the present year, for the purpose
of paying that portion of the indebtedness of Alameda to Santa Clara,
ordered to be paid on the first of January next, pursuant to the pro-
visions of the Act of the Legislature upon that subject, passed at the
last session of the Legislatui-e.
On September 14th, 1854, the Court of Sessions, Judge A. M.
Crane presiding, and A. Marshall and S. H. Robinson as Associates,
the Township of Alameda was constituted, and changes made in the
boundaries of Washington and Eden Townships. At this meeting
Henry C. Smith was allowed $200 for rent of Court-room, which
was over his store, in Alvarado — the first mention made of any such
charge. On the 3d of October, 1854, the Justices of the Peace met
for the purpose of selecting Associate Justices from among their num-
ber, and selected John Travis and S. H. Robinson,
It was ordered that the order creating the To^vnship of Alameda,
heretofore made, be amended so as to prescribe the following bound-
aries : Commencing in the centre of the estuary or Bay of San
Leandro, northeastwardly from the place known as the Bay Farm ;
thence running northwestwardly up the centre of the Brick
Yard Creek, and thence to the northwest corner or point of the
Encinal San Antonio ; thence around said Encinal, on the west-
ward ly side thereof, to the northwestern coi'ner of the incorporated
Town of Alameda ; thence southwardly to the shore of Bay Farm,
and so along the shore of the Bay of San Francisco to the southeast-
erly end of said farm ; and thence in a right line to the place of
beginning, so as to inelude said Bay Farm and the whole of said
Encinal. A. Mai'shall was appointed Judge of the Plains.
The last meeting of the Court of Sessions, as a municipal body,
was held on the 22d day of January, 1855, an act of the Legislature
havmg been passed on the following April, creating a Board of
Supervisors for the County of Alameda ; and thus closes the fii-st
chapter in the history of our municipal management.
100
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
WIIITTIEK, FULLER & CO.,
Late W. S. MURPHV
WHOLESALE ANI> RETAIL DEALERS IN
DflflFS, IMlfS, filiifls
SASH DOORS,
Trazisojoas, Sid© I_ilglits,
Weights, Cords 8f Pulleys, at the lowest market prices.
BLINDS, OUTSIDE AND INSIDE,
Constantly on Hand or Made to Order.
TWELFTH ST., opposite the Martet, P. 0. Boi 640.
OAKLAND, CAL.
Printed Price Current on application.
■UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 101
CHAPTER XV,
1853—1855.
yROM THE ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY TO THE ESTABLISHMENT
OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
More Ahout Road-Making and Bridge-Building — Toll-roads — Land-
ings and Ferries — Oakland a Pleasant Resort — Hunters Ahout
— Sidt-Gathering on the Marsh Lands — Indebtedness to Contra
Costa and Santa Clara Repudiated hy the Court of Sessions —
An Act Parsed to Compel Payment to Santa Clara — Clinton
Laid Out — Oakland Incorporated as a City— A Newspaper
Started — Senators and Asserahlymen Elected — Legislature of
1854 — Time for Holding the Courts — Santa Clara and Contra
■Costa Abolish their Boards of Supervisors and Transfer the
Municipal Business to the Court of Sessions — Paymeiits into the
State Treasury — First Reports of the County Surveyor, Assessor
and Superintendent of Schools — C omijarative Statement of the
Value of Property in Alameda, Contra Costa, Santa Clara and
•Sacramento Counties — County Officers far 1854 — Vote on Change
of County Seat to San Leandro — Act of the Legislature Neces-
sary — Progress of the County and General Condition — County
Officers for \9>56—The Board of Supervisors Established — Other
Legislation o/ 1855.
In the foregoiiig chapter the machinery of the new county organ-
ization is shown at work. The great want of the people at that date
was roads and bridges, and, as has been seen, they went vigoroiisly
to work to provide them. Roatl-viewers, commissioners and sn]:)er-
visors were numerous, and tlie Court of Sessions had its hands full
at every meeting, receiving petitions and reports and making appoint-
ments.
The system of roads established was not a veiy expensive one.
'There was little quarrying and cracking of stones at that date, and
the pick and shovel did nearly all the work. There were many
marshy places close to the margin of the bay that had to be raised or
filled, and the beds of creeks had to be crossed. Gravel and shells,
102 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTT.
howevei", were plentiful and easily procured from tlie numerous creeks
and mounds, and the great expense was the hauling. While in the
valleys and low lands it was filling in and banking up, on the moun-
tain sides it was cutting away and digging out. The bridges gen-
erally required were simple and inexpensive, but a bridge to cross
the ai"m of the estuary, between Oakland and Clinton, was a serious
afiair, and mtich time and labor over it wea-e necessary. The con-
struction of it had already become an embarrassing matter, invohing
the credit of the old county and trouble to the new. The other most
impoi-tant bridges required were the one crossing the San Leandro
Creek, at the town of the same name, and that which spanned
the Alameda at Alvarado. No others presented any serious obsta-
cles, and in a couple of years we had an excellent showing in the way
of improved highways. As a rule, toll -roads were eschewed, yet
franchises were granted in two or three instances to make roads,,
build bridges and collect tolls. One of these was to Mr. Carpentier,
for the Oakland bridge ; the other to Hiram Thorne, for a few miles of
road over the mountain, back of Brookljoi, into Contra Costa County;
and a few miles to J. M. Dougherty and others, on the route from-
Haywards to Dublin. There is but one road now on which toll is
collected in the county, and that is on the Thorne road, here referred
to, and the franchise for that wall soon expire.
At fii-st, on account of the sparsity of population, crossing the bay
from San Francisco to Oakland and San Antonio was a serious
matter. We have shown the inconvenience of this, many yeara.
before, to the Mexican settlers. So soon, howeverr, as the inducements
seemed sufficient, small steamere commenced to cross. As early as;
1850, the Kangaroo was put on the ferry route and made two trips
a week, sailing to and from San Aiitonio, then the principal place
of traffic ; in 1851, a small steamer, brought from New York and
belonging to Captain Rhodes, ran to Oakland. In 1852,, the Boston
made a few trips and was destroyed by fire. Then followed the
Kate Hayes the latter end of the same year ; until filially the Contra
Costa Steam Navigation Company was established,, with two steamers,,
making regular daily trips, and charging ^1 for each passage. This,
large charge was reduced by opposition until finally,, some yeai's
later, 25 cents became the regailar fare. Thus the means of access
and communication were early established, and proximity to the
luu-bor of San Francisco, as well as possessing one of the most im-
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 103
port ant passes to and from the mines, gave the county eveiy advan-
tage in securing population.
It startled into life with two incorporated towns — Oakland an
Alameda — and both have ever been eagerly sought as pleasant
resorts by the citizens of San Francisco. Oakland grew apace,
although its land troubles were innumerable and its poj^ulation
somewhat inharmonious. Its oak groves and level streets were in
pleasant contrast with the high hills and barren aspect of the
commercial city beyond, and many eagei-ly sought it as a suburban
home.
What helped much, too, to rapidly populate the county and
develop its resources was its length of coast line and numerous inlets,
on which landings were established and light craft at once placed,
carrying freight and passengers. Many new-comers, full of the
spirit of adventure and love of exploration, as well as a desire for
gain, would come over from San Francisco in row-boats and sail-boats
to hunt and fowl on the hills and marshes, and always with profit-
able results. They had ever in San Francisco a ready market for
all they could capture or kill. Some of our most esteemed pioneers
made their beginnings here in this way.
The fact that our low lands, bordering the bay, were productive
salt marshes, brought many to gather the salt that was to be had for
the scraping ; and as this commodity was a scarce article then, in the
market, it brought a good price. Salt-making is now an established
business, carried on scientifically with capital and hired labor. It is
an important interest in our local industry. Those engaged in it
and the modus operandi of its manufacture, will be found fully
described elsewhere in this work.
It will be noticed that her separation from Contra Costa and Santa
Clara left Alameda with an amount of indebtedness for portions of
past expenditures due to each. The Organic Act provided for the
payment of these debts, but strange to say, we find our first Court of
Sessions coolly repudiating both, while a subsequent Coui't was com-
pelled to make provision for payment. It is to be regretted that
this indebtedness should have for several years been a matter of con-
troversy, with the interest outgi'owing the original amounts. In the
Legislatui-e of 1854 an Act was passed in favor of Santa Clara, of which
these are the features : Amount of indebtedness adjusted and fixed
at $6,475. Court authoi-ized to levy special tax. $3,237 to be paid
in cash. Court of Sessions to provide for collecting $3,238, In gase
104 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
of failure of payment, to draw interest at the rate of 3 per cent, per
month, until paid, provided the whole shall not exceed 10 per cent.
per annum.
The location of the county seat was not at fii'st well chosen, al-
thoiigh it then best accommodated the largest number of people. The
ground being very low, the roads leading to it were not good, and in
winter time it was difficult of access. The house accommodation,
too, was poor, and the iipper flat of a store building was utilized for
a Court House and county offices, and there was not a safe place
there. An agitation for removal, therefore, soon followed.
In the meantime the work of improvement went on. A wharf
had been built at San Antonio. In 1853 the town of Clinton was
laid out, and a line of Cottonwood trees, a la alameda, planted along
the road from the bridge to San Antonio landing. In the spring of
the following year a grand hotel was built there by the town com-
pany, and a temporary impetus given to the place ; but the hotel
having been destroyed by lire soon after it was built, a cloud covered
it for a while.
By the Legislature of 1854 Oakland was incorporated as a city — -
a small one, to be sure — but full of the future. It went on pros-
perously, and has never had a serious set-back by fire, flood, or
business stagnation. Henry Durant had already commenced his
college, and the foundation of the future Univei-sity of California
was laid.
In September, 1854, the first newspaper devoted to Oakland in-
terests was started by H. Davison, but as the town was yet too poor
to own a printing office, it was printed in San Francisco. It was
styled the Leader. All litigant advertisements, however, by an Act of
the Legislature, had to be sent to the Placer Times and Transcr-ipt,
published in San Francisco.
There were politics, too, and politicians, and everything went
Democratic. Many of the men who were prominent then are
prominent now, but the political opinions of quite a number have
undergone a change, and those who would not be Whigs, or else but
Democrats, before the war, have become Republicans after it. Our
Senator in 1853-4, jointly with Santa Clara, was Jacob Grewell, and
for 1855-6, Sherman Day. Ovir Assemblyman for the same years
successively was, in 1854 and 1855, Jos. S. Watkins, pi-esumably a
Democrat, as Democracy was the political faith of our younger days.
The Legislatxire of 1854, besides incorporating the City of Oak-
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 105
land and providing for the payment of our debt to Santa Clara,
passed an Act fixing the time for holding our several courts. The
County Judge after that, was to hold his several courts — Sessions,
Probate and County — on the first Mondays of January, March, May,
July, September and November ; doing the business of the Court of
Sessions first, then the County, and last the Probate. Another Act
fixed the time for holding the various terms of the District Couii;
on the third Monday of February, May, August and November.
It is singular that Santa Clara and Conti-a Costa should at the
Session of 1854 have Acts passed to abolish their Supervisor Boards
and resort to the Court of Sessions again to transact theii* municipal
business ; whUe in the following year, Alameda dropped the Court
of Sessions for such purpose and established a Board of Supervisor.
And Alameda was right, for the Court of Sessions was always an
unconstitutional tribiuial.
The latter half of 1853 Alameda paid into the State Ti-easury the
humble sum of $696.17. This was her small beginning, for which
she amply compensates at the present. Contra Costa paid for the
same six months, $7,878.19.
In 1854 County Suiweyor Higley made his fii-st report to the
Surveyor-General, and as the first document of the kind, it . is
deemed of sufiicient importance to print it in full. It is as follows :
Office County Surveyor,
Clinton, Alameda Co.
Hon. S. II. Marletto, Surveyor-General, Sacramento :
Dear Sir — In obedience to law and in compliance with your cir-
cular, I have the honor to submit the following report :
I have no data that would facilitate the making of an accurate
map of the county. I have applied to the Coui-t of Sessions for the
necessary authority and means to yum the county boundaries, and
make such surveys as would enable me to make a map of the county,
biU it failed to grant what I asked for.
There is no internal na\T.gation in the county, except upon arms
of the Bay of San Francisco. The pass through the Coast Ilange of
mountains between the Bay of San Francisco and the San Joaquin
Valley, that is found along the waters of the San Lorenzo Creek, is
admirably adapted for the construction of a railroad, and is probably
the only practicable pass, for that purpose, to be found in the moun-
tains that separate these valleys. There is now in process of construc-
tion a sliell and turnpike road, leading from the town of Alameda,
through the San Lorenzo Pass, to Stockton. There is a short plank
road leading to the Embarkadero of San Lorenzo. It is the property
of the Eden Plank Road Company. There is a toll-bridge across an
106 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
arm of the Bay of San Antonio, between the towns of Clinton and
Oakhxnd. This bridge was partly built by Contra Costa County,
before the organization of Alameda. The Court of Sessions granted
the right to H. W. Carpentier, to complete the same and charge toll
until such time as the county shall see fit to repay the cost of its
construction, with interest at three per cent, per month. The county
has not yet redeemed it.
There are about 800 square miles of land in the county, the greater
portion of which is mountainous and therefore unfit for cultivation,
though much of it is well adapted for grazing.
The Bay of San Francisco forms the western boundary of the
county, and between it and the mountains, running parallel with,
and, on an average, four miles distant, there is a very fertile and level
valley, well watered with mountain streams and springs. This valley
contains about 100,000 acres of as fine land as there is in the State
of California, and nearly all of it is under cultivation. Other arable
land is foimd in valleys among the mountains, and a small portion of
the San Joaquin Yalley. On the east side of the first range of
mountains there is a large valley, known in some parts as the Liver-
more, in others as the Amador, and in others again as San Ramon
Yalley, which contains within the county about .50,000 acres of well-
watered and fair agricultural land, not much under tillage. Other
valleys of less note are also found among the mountains.
There are no known mineral lands in the county. There is no
overflowed land in the county, except from the tide- water of the bay;
of this tliere is about 20,000 acres that has salt-water vegetation
growing upon it, and is only overflowed at extremely high tides^.
I have examined the ofiicial map of the State, and, so far as my
knowledge extends, there is no material error in it.
Between this county and Santa Clara and San Joaquin, there are
about one hundred miles of boundary that should be established.
The points in these lines are mostly natural — fixed monuments ; but
the connecting lines not having been run, confusion and difliculty
often arise as to the location of persons and property, in relation to
the several counties.
I have reason to believe there is a small portion of land in the
San Joaquin Valley unclaimed by grantees of former governments,
but all other arable land in the county is claimed, with the adjacent
hill and mountain land. The greater portion of the mountain land
is almost valueless. A part, however, is well adapted to grazing.
The county, generally, is very sparsely timbered. For reasons here-
tofore assigiied, I cannot send a map of these lands.
The wliole county has been townshipped by the U. S. Surveyors,
but none of it sectioned. The Mount Diablo meridian passes through
Amador Valley, enters the Bay Valley at the Mission of San Jose,
and strikes the said land at the southern extremity of the county.
Respectfully, your obedient servant, H. A. HIGLEY,
County Sui-veyor, Alameda Co,
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 107
Wliile Mr. Higley's sagacity, in pointing out the only feasible pass
for a railroad in the Mount Diablo range, is to be commended, it is
unpardonable that he should have mentioned the banks of the San
Lorenzo Creek, instead of the Alameda, as the position of this pass.
The Shell Road referred to does not exist but for a few miles in
Alameda Township, and what wagon road there was through the
Alameda Canon was wantonly destroyed by the railroad engineers
when making their road through the pass. Shells for road pui-poses
were plentiful, and large mounds of them are yet to be found in
various places along the water-front. The plank road to the " em-
barkadero of San Lorenzo " was made by John B. Ward, who secured
a francliise to build said road and a wharf, from the previous Legis-
lature. There is but little of the mountain land which Mr. Higley
mentioned as valueless that is not now utilized and good crops pi'O-
cured therefrom, excepting that portion adjoining Santa Clara, on
our southeastern boixler.
Accompanying Mr. Higley's report were duplicates of two land-
warrants located by liim in the county, wliich, with a few others, he
said had been floated, showing how little Government land there was
even then in the county considered worth taking up, all having been
disposed of in Spanish and Mexican gi-ants. The Assessor's Report
for 1854, the first made out for Alameda County, was as follows :
Alameda — Area, 800 square miles ; no mineral lands ; nearly all
the ai-able land claimed by Mexican grants ; all " townshipped " by
the general Government ; none " sectioned ;" overflowed and subject
to overflow, 20,000 acres; land under cultivation, 61,000 acres; in
barley, 24,000 acres ; in wheat, 20,000 acres ; in oats, 6,000 acres ; in
potatoes, 5,000 acres; in nurseries, trees, etc., 1,000 acres; in
vegetables, 2,000 acres; in canary beans, plants, etc., 3,000 acres.
Yield per acre : wheat, 36 bushels ; barley, 66 bushels ; oats, 80
bushels. Total crops: barley, 1,584,000 bushels; wheat, 720,000
bushels; oats, 480,000 bushels; potatoes, 1,000,000 bushels.
Live stock: Cattle, 110,000; horses, 60,000; sheep, 20,000;
hogs, 13,000 ; goats, 350. GEO. W. BOUCHER, Co. Assessor.
The County School Superintendent's Report wtis as follows :
Number of children between five and eighteen years, 577 ; boys,
330; girls, 247. Number of pupils attending school, 214; daily
average attendance, 129. State Fund, $1,072.35; School Fund on
hand October 31st, 1854, $1,339.72. Expended on rents and repairs
to school-houses, $425. Amount raised in boundary and paid teach-
ers, $4,100. Total amount expended for school purposes in 1854,
$4,765. W. W. BRIER, County Superintendent.
108 HISTORY OP ALAMEDA COUNTY.
School Warrant returns prior to January 1st, 1854, two for 320
acres; for the year 1854, two of 160 acres; two of 320 acres.
Apportionment of School Fund by Townships, January 1st, 1875:
Washington, 179 pupils; Eden, 92; Alameda, 50; Oakland, 204.
Brooklyn and Murray appear to be omitted in return.
Abstract of total value of property assessed in 1854, and amount
of State Tax thereon. For the purpose of comparison, four counties
are included :
Value of Property. State Tax.
Alameda, ... - $4,383,179 $26,298.91
Contra Costa, - - - - 2,330,084 13,980.46
Santa Clara, - - - 6,582,062 39,492.36
Sacramento, - - - - 8,775,966 52,655.79
It will be well to keep these figures in view to show the compara-
tive increase of each county to the present day.
At the election of county officers, held September 6th, 1854, the
following persons were chosen: J. S. Chipman, District Attorney;
B. S. Marston, Treasurer; A. H. Broder, Sheriff; Edward Barnes,
Public Administrator; H. A. Higley, County Surveyor; A. M.
Church, County Clerk; L. N. Crocker, Coroner; C. C. Breyfogle,
County Assessor. A. M. Crane was the County Judge.
It has been already stated that an agitation was started at an
early day for the removal of the county seat, and San Leandi'o, then
with only a few scattering houses around the Estudillo homestead,
was pitched upon as the place to be substituted for Alvarado. A
vote upon the question was ordered, but by what authority does not
clearly appear. At any rate, it was taken on the 30th day of De-
cember, 1854, with the following result:
Alameda, . . . .
Alvarado,
Temescal, ....
Oakland,
Mission San Jos6, - . .
Horner's School House,
San Lorenzo House,
William Hayward's, - - -
Jeremiah Utter's, . - -
J. W. Kottinger's, - - -
Bedwoods, ....
San Antonio, ....
Mountain House, - - -
Totals, -..--. 1,067 1,301
Alvarado.
San Leandro.
95
39
384
9
4
343
44
317
178
25
173
7
17
98
30
47
14
140
92
18
38
25
206
11
14
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 109
It is somewhat singular, but the foregoing is the only official elec-
tion return, or any return of an election held in this county, before
1860, that is to be found aniong the official papei-s to-day. It shows
that San Leandro gained the day by 234 majority ; but at the same
time exhibits extraordmary voting capacity on the part of some, if
not all, of the precincts. The vote of Temescal, which was only four
less than that of Oakland, is particularly noticeable ; but the fran-
chise was rather freely handled in those days. The vote, by town-
ships was as follows :
Washington, - - - -
Eden,
Murray, . _ _ .
Brooklyn, - - - - -
Alameda, . - _ -
Oakland,
Uvarado
For San Leandro.
735
41
47
145
103
32
39
384
95
39
48
660
Totals, 1,067 1,301
It ^viU. be observed by the above that the vote of Washington
was larger than that of Oakland by 68. But how mai'velously the
latter is shown to have increased in two years, smce the contest be-
tween Carpentier and Farrelly !
In accordance with this vote, the county seat was removed to San
Leandro ; but, in consequence of some informality in the Act, the
county offices were removed back, for a time, to Alvarado, until the
Legislature, on the 8th of February, 1856, by a special Act, author-
ized the removal to San Leandro, and established the seat of justice
in that place ; and that was what gave San Leandro a start as a
town.
Prior to ,1853 there was only one little adobe flour mill in the
county — that built by the Fathers at the Mission. In 1853 two
expensive mills were erected in W^ashington TowTtiship : the one at
Niles, by J. J. Yallejo, and the one at Alvarado, by J. M. Homer.
The former was run by water-power and the latter by steam. In
1854 the Clinton mill was built. Other industrial enterprises
were in progress. The first blacksmith shop was started in San Lo-
renzo, in December, 1853, by a man named John Boyle, whom Henry
Smyth, the pro^Drietor of the present extensive agi-icultural works in
that place, succeeded. James Beazell and Chas. Hilton started the
first blacksmith shop at Centreville. Stores were established at a
few places in the country. Henry C. Smith had removed his from the
110 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Mission to Alvarado ; Capt. Bond started one at Centreville ; Lacy
had one at Brooklyn ; besides tliose at Oakland and the Mission.
In 18.53 attention was first paid to the business of fruit-growing.
Before that the only trees in the county were those belonging to the
Mission orchards, of Avhich E. L. Beard possessed the best. Several
gentlemen clubbed together and sent Captain Whalley, in the fall of
1853, to Rochester, N. Y., for a general assortment of trees. Then
came Mr. Lewelling with his nursery stock, from Oregon.
The moral and religious welfare of the population had not as yet
received much attention. There were, however, three or four Pro-
testant Church organizations in Oakland ; while the Catholics, for
the purpose of worship, had to betake themselves to San Francisco,
on the one hand, or the Mission on the other. "W. W. Brier, at
Centreville, was the first Protestant clergyman in the county, and at
this period was Supei-intendent of Education.
The mission town continued the scene of considerable debauchery.
Gambling flourished ; fandangos were in favor ; drinking, bull and
bear-fighting, horse-racing, etc., were regular Sunday amusements ;
and the ceremony of " hanging Judas " on Good Friday, never failed
to draw together people from the whole surrounding country — In-
dians, Californians, Mexicans, Portuguese, and even Americans.
The Mission, however, was not alone the scene of these noisy
amusements. Oakland and San Antonio both had their full shai'e of
them, until suppressed by law and better habits were enforced.
Oakland had the only lock-up in the county. At the county seat
the Sheriff had to stand guard over his prisoners, or lock them up in
a room at the Brooklyn Hotel. To save trouble, sometimes, the
Sheriff would be i-elieved of his charge, and the prisoners taken out
in the salt-marsh and lynched. Instances of this kind, however,
were not numerous, and, on the whole, the people were a law-abiding
class.
In 18.55 the county officers elected were as follows : County Judge,
A. M. Crane; County Clerk, H. M. Vesey ; Sherift; A. H. Broder ;
Treasurer, P. E. Edmondson ; Assessor, C. C. Breyfogle ; Distric-t
Attorney, Geo. M. Blake ; County Superintendent, A. H. Meyers ;
Surveyor, H. A. Higley ; Public Administrator, A. D. Eames ;
Coroner, D. C. Porter. The places of residence of these gentlemen
were as follows': Crane, Meyers and Higley, Alameda Town ; Vesey,
Broder, Edmundson and Breyfogle, Washington Township ; Blake,
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. Ill
Eanies and Poi-ter, Oakland. Mi\ Higley, however, kept his office
in Clinton, where Mr. Stratton was his Deputy.
It has been already shown that in February, 1855, the Court of
Sessions closed its functions as a municipal body. Early in the
session of that year's Legislature a bill was introduced to create a
I Board of Supervisors for Alameda County, and was passed. The
Board was to consist of one Supervisor for each township ; Justices
of the Peace, county officers and their deputies were excluded from
membership.
The first election was ordered on the 3d Monday of March ; the
members elected to hold their meetings on the first Mondays of
April, July, October and January following, and on the second
INIonday after each general election, and oftener, if, in their judg-
ment, necessaiy. The salary of the Clerk (exclusive of fees) was
placed at $300 a year.
The same Legislature passed the following acts :
An Act to authorize the Supervisors of Alameda to re-assess the
taxable propeii;y upon which the taxes remained unpaid in said
county for tlie year 1854. To be applied by the Board of Supervisors
for the purpose of improving the navigation of the San Antonio Creek
and removing the bar from the mouth of the same.
An Act to provide for funding the outstanding debt of the city of
Oakland and prevent the creation of new debts by said city; not to
exceed $25,000. Also creating Commissioners of the Fimded Debt,
to be elected by the people.
112 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
NEW PRICE LIST
A.t tlie Old Established
BOOT AND SHOE STORE
Near Seventh St. O^if^I^L^aSTID.
Ladies' Balmorals, foxed, worth §2, for gl 00
" Buttoned, foxed, worth §4, for 3 00
« Balmorals, scollop, worth $3. for 2 00
«' Toilet Slippers, worth ?1.50, for..; 1 25
Misses', Children's and Infant's Shoes, 25 per cent, less than formerly.
Misses' School Shoes, worth $2.50, for §1 75
Children's School Shoes, worth $2, for 1 50
500 pairs Children's Shoes, per pair 1 00
100 pairs Infant's Kid Shoes, per pair 75
Has so largely increased that I am able to sell very cheap.
Grained Leather Boots, worth $5, for §3 50
100 pairs French Calf Boots, worth ?6, for 4 00
200 pairs Army Brogans, worth $2.50, for 1 50
Box Toe Congress Shoes, worth $4, for 3 00
Alexis, best sewed, worth $7, for 4 50
The most of my Boots and Shoes are marked with plain figures.
B@" Remember the place— SIGN OF THE BIG BOOT."@g
I. ^LEXi^NDER.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 113
CHAPTER XVI.
1855—1858.
FROM THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE BOARD OP SUPERVISORS TO THE OR-
GANIZATION OF THE ALAMEDA COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.
1855 — The first Board of Supervisors — County Officers elected for
1855-6 — The vote of the County this year hy Precincts and Town-
ships — The Acts of the Court of Sessions coi firmed — Tax Levy —
Safe for the County Treasurer- — -Rents of Court-rooms — A tem-
porary Court-house to he built — Lot donated by the Estudillo
Estate — War on Carpentier and his bridge — An ordinance agahist
cutting trees — Gates allowed — The Santa Clara debt — -Judges of
the Plains— The County Seat removed hack to Alvarado — New
Board of Supervisors — County Newspapers — Additional Bonds —
Vote and Children of four Counties.
The election of the first Board of Supervisors makes a period in the
history of our own county, and although it is the plan of tlie work to
print all the county officers elected since the organization of the county
together, for the purpose of reference, it is deemed desirable to print
them also in the narrative, according to their election. The gentle-
men elected were as follows:
Washington Township, Henry C Smith ; Murray Township, J. W.
Dougherty; Eden Township, S. D. Taylor; Clinton Township, J. L.
Sanford ; Alameda Township, Jas. Millington ; Oakland Township,
J. L. Sanford. Mr. Dougherty was elected chairman of the Board
for 1855. The Su.pervisors were elected yearly; but the following
County Ofiicers were elected to serve for two years — 1855-6 :
County Judge, A. M. Crane; County Clerk, H. M. Vesey; Sherifi',
A. H. Broder; Tx'easurer, P. E. Edmundson; Assessoi', C. C. Brey-
fogle; District Attorney, Geo. M. Blake; County Sup., A. H. Meyers;
Surveyor, H. A. Higley; Public Adm., A. D. Eames; Coroner, D. C.
Porter.
Here is an abstract from the ofiicial election returns of 1855, show-
ing the number of votes cast in each precinct in the county :
114 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY,
Mission, - 134
Horner's School House, 145
Alvarado, - - - - - - - -256
Hay ward's, - - - - - - --163
San Lorenzo, - - - - - - - -107
San Leandro, .-118
San Antonio, - 189
Redwoods, 20
Titter's, 70
Alameda, 85
Kottinger's, - - - - - - - -63
Oakland, 202
Smith's, - - - 83
Ocean Yiew, - - - - - - .-81
Total, 1716
By townships the vote was as follows :
Washington, - 535
Eden, - 388
Brooklyn, - 279
Alameda, ---------85
Murray, 63
Oakland, 366
Total - 1716
The first meeting of the new Board was held on the 2d of April, at
the room i-ented for a Court-house in San Leandro.
The first business was to order that all the public highways thereto-
fore located and established by the Court of Sessions of the county, and
then remaining of record, be confirmed. The same rules as those
established by the Court of Sessions for the government of Road Su-
pervisors were adopted for the government of the same officers to be
appointed thereafter by the Board of Supervisors.
The tax levy ordered was $1.50 on the $100 for the different funds,
as follows; For State purposes, 60c.; for county purposes, 50c.;
for school purposes, 5c.; for building Coui-t-house, and salaries,
25c.; for Santa Clara indebtedness, 10c.
The sum of $200 was voted to provide a safe for the Tretisui^er ;
and a committee appointed to provide suitable rooms for holding
Courts and accommodating public officei-s.
At this meeting, in desciibing the route of a certain road, " Val-
lejo's Old Mill " was mentioned as if it had been an ancient laud-
mark.
Among the bills presented were one from Geo. W. Leland, for rent
UNDER THE STARS AND STRlTPES. 115
of Court-room in San Leandro, |61.64; and one from L. C. Smith,
"for rent of Court-house at Alvarado to date," $100. The Court
and the Boards, it will be seen, had been paying for temporary ac-
commodations all along. At a subsequent meeting, April 14, 1855,
temporary quarters were rented at $75 per month.
Then, however, the fii-st step was taken for securing the erection
of a building for the special use of the county, but this also was only
a temporary expedient, as the building contracted for was only a
frame of 30x60 and 12 feet high, and not to exceed in cost $1,200.
It is not heretofore mentioned in this narrative that the Estudillo
estate had donated a block of land in San Leandro for county pur-
poses, and the new building was put upon this. We shall soon see
how unsatisfactory such a cheap county house as this became, and
liow speedily an agitation was started to provide a building more in
accoi'dance with the necessities of the county and the dignity of the
people.
One of the first acts of the new Boai'd was to make war on Car-
pentier and his toll-bridge. At the meeting held on May 1st, on
motion of Mr. Sanford, it was resolved that the bridge now in pos-
session of H. W. Carpentier, and crossing San Antonio Slough be-
tween Clinton and Oakland, be declared a piiblic highway."
The gatekeeper, Mr. John Watson, had had trouble enough be-
fore to stand his ground and collect his toll, but now that the bridge
by the Act of the Supervisors had been declared free, it is pretty
evident that his position afterwards had become perilous and difficult.
On one occasion his brother, Wm. J. Watson, was in attendance at
the gate when a Spaniard, supposed to be one of the notorious Joaquin
INIuriatti's men, rode up on horseback and demanded free passage,
and on being refused compliance with his request, drew his pistol and
snapped it at Mr. Watson three times, but without effect. The latter,
nothing daunted, ran into the toll-house for his shot-gun. When he
came out, the bandit had got through the gate, and was riding off at
full speed. He was foitunate in being favored by the darkness of
the night, for Mr. W.'s gun never missed fire, and he was " a dead
shot." Personal encounters between passengers and the gatekeepei-s
became frequent, but somehow or other, either in consequence of
their prowess or their prudence, they managed to escape without any
serious personal injury.
One of the first ordinances of the Supervisors was directed against
the destruction of trees, which were becoming precious, as the only
116 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
lumber region of the county, the Redwoods, was becoming rapidly
depleted of its forest, no less than four saw-mills having been at
one time in operation there.
At this period most of the roads were unfenced, and generally
were through fields with growing crops ; and,, in orde? to protect
them, the Board of Supervisors gi-anted their owners authority to
put up gates for the purpose of keeping out cattle.
On the 10th of July the temporary Court-house was reported com-
pleted, according to contract, and ready for occupancy, and C. P.
Hester, then Judge of the Third District Court, held his Court
there.
Santa Clara became pressing for the payment of her debt, and, on
a writ of peremptory mandamus, brought action against this county
at San Jose, on the 11th of July. Mr. Dougherty was instructed by
the Board of Super\dsors to appear there and i-epresent the county,
which he did.
This year not one but three "Judges of the Plains" were
appouited for the county, in accordance with De la Guera's Rodeo
law ; and these were John W. Martin, Wm. Glaskia and Aninah
Marshall, all but the latter residents of Murray Township, and large
cattle-owners.
A few months after this inauguration, the Board of Super\'isors
met with a serious interruption in their proceedings, and instead of
going on with their bucolic bvisiness in quiet and peace in their new
Court-house, in the embryo town of San Leandro, that had cost the
magnificently liberal sum of $1,200, the fact was discovered, and the
fiat went forth, that the county seat had been illegally removed from
Alvarado ; and back they had to trot over the Salt Marsh road to
the triple-named City of New Haven, Alvarado and Union, there to
remain until such time as they could be released by the Legislature.
Accordingly, on the 16th of August the Board met again at
Alvarado, the "Ancient Capital."
On the 1st of October, 1855, a new Board of Super\-isors was
elected, of which Henry C. Smith was appointed Chairman. The
members were as follows : Washington, H. C. Smith ; Clinton, Thos.
Eagar ; Alameda, Hemy Haile ; Eden, Geo. Fay ; Murray, F. W.
Lucas ; Oakland, S. D. Taylor. The latter gentleman was hold-over
on a tie vote, but re-elected Nov. 21th, 1855.
It appears that there were two newspapers in the county at this
date, both published in Oakland — the Leader, which was established
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 117
in 1854, and the Contra Costa, in 1855. Both had bills before the
Board for printing.
One of the acts of the new Board was to require of B. S. Marston,
County Ti-easurer, to file additional bonds in the sum of $30,000.
Following is the comparative vote in four counties, and the num-
ber of children m each, in 1856 :
County. Vote. Children.
Alameda, - - - 1,665 - - - - 847
Contra Costa, - - - 933 - - - - ^
Santa Clara, - - - 2,058 - - - - 1,678
Sacramento, - - - 7,765 - - - - 2,223
1856 — Supervisorial Stwpidity — iVo Serious Complaints of Drought to
Date — The Wheels of the County Seat in Motion for the Third
Time — Back to San Leandro — The Law Creating the Board of
Supervisors Amended — Name of Clinton and San Antonio Town-
ship Changed to Brooklyn — Proposition to Purchase the Oakland
Bridge and make it Free — Disti'ict Attorney Chipman to make
*' a Full and Complete Report " — Punning the County Lines —
New County Buildings at Martinez — Proposition to Purchase
Bridge reported on Adversely — The Cost of a New Bridge to be
Ascertained — Plans for County Buildings— The Township of
■" Jefferson " — The " Indigent Sick " — Tax Levy for the Year —
Contract for huilding Court-house and Jail let — Mr. Eagar in-
structed to remove the obstructions on the Oakland Bridge — A cool
proposition from Carpentier rejected — Grand Jury Court of Ses-
sions strongly urge necessity for County Buildings — The County
Districted — Results of State and County Elections — -The Alameda
County Gazette established — Acts of the Legislature— Social Con-
■dition of the C ounty— Amount of Money Disbursed siiice the
County teas organized— Money stolen from the County Treasurer
at Alvarado — School matters — Agricultural report — $4,000,000
the Value of the Year's Product — Telegraph Lines — Mills — Arte-
sian Wells— State Senator and Assemblyman — Siq^ervisors' Elec-
tion.
So far the affairs of the county progressed pleasantly, the principal
■Jraw-back having been the loss of the county and State monies, stolen
from their insecure place of deposit in Alvarado. It appears at tliis
date exceedingly stupid on the part of the Supervisors not to have
ordered the deposit of those monies in the San Francisco banks for
118 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY,
safe keeping, wlien they possessed no place of safety at home. It may
be, however, that there was no great faith put in the baiaks referred
to, and the treasure had to take its chances.
Down to this date -we hear of no serious complaints of droughts and
failures of crops. But it must be remembered that the wheat-farming
which had been done in the county, down to this date^ was in the rich
slope bordering the bay, where in the dryest years crops were pro-
duced. The Livermore and adjoining valleys had not yet been
brovight to grain cultivation, and it is there where suffering from dry
years has since been mostly felt.
On the 16th of January, 1856, the Board of Supei'visoi-s met at
Alvarado, and among other business passed a resolution in favor of
repealing the special Act creating a Boai-d of Supervisors for Ala-
meda County ; and also that the Act creating a Board of Supervisors
for each county in the State, be so amended as to include Alameda,
which could thereby elect her Supervisors in the same mamier.
The Legislature being in session at Sacramento, this recommenda-
tion was made law, and the vote removing the county seat to San
Leandro legalized by the passage of a special Act ; so the wheels of
the county seat were set in motion for the tliird time.
At the meeting on the 10th of March, held at San Leandi-o, it
was resolved, on motion of Supervisor Eagar, that the to-svnship
heretofore known as Clinton and San Ajitonio be called Brooklyn.
Whether this name was conferred because the worthy Supervisor
who had been a passenger on the good ship Brooklyn., which brought
the first body of i-egular settlers to the State, wished to compliment
that craft ; or tlaat the relations of the townslup with San Francisco
were considered somewhat similar to those of Brooklyn and New
York in the East, is not made evident ; birt probably both circum-
stances had their weight in the choice. By the same resolution the
towns of Clinton and San Antonio wei'e united imder the name of
Brooklyn.
Up to this time Alameda County had beeiL dependent on her
neighbors for jail facilities, ajid at the March meeting of the Board
a committee was appointed to ascertain the cost of building a
structure of bricks for the piu-pose of a County Jail. On the 6 th of
May the Building Committee was instructed to px'oceed to Martinez
to see the new Court-house and Jail erected there, and report on the
feasibility of building a Court-house and Jail on a similar plan.
At the same meeting Supervisors Smith and Eagar were appointed
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 119
a committee on behalf of the county to confer with the owners of
the San Antonio bridge and report upon what terms the same could
i)e purchased by the county, with the view of making it a free
bridge and remo\Txig the obstruction to travel on that public high-
way on which it was situated.
The late District Attorney, John S. Chipman, was ordered to
make "a full and complete report of all his acts and doings as such
attorney, from the commencement to the close of his duties in said
office and file the same with the Clerk ; " from which it is to be
inferred that the said District Attorney had not been attending faith-
fully to his duties.
On the same date (May 6th) a committee was appointed to confer
with Boards of Supervisors in adjoining counties in relation to a
svirvey of the county lines. It was also resolved that the Surveyor-
General be requested to employ the County Surveyor of this county
to svirvey and locate the county boundaries, which had not been done
before.
At a meeting on the 26th of May the Building Committee which
was appointed to visit Martinez reported adversely to the new build-
ings there; and they were instructed to advertise for plans and
specifications for a Jail and Court-house.
On June 16th the committee appointed to confer with Carpentier
& Co., with regard to the bridge, reported adversely to a purchase;
and the same committee was appointed to ascertain the cost and
value of the bridge.
Plans for county buildings were px'esented and approved; but
before acceptance the cost was to be ascertained.
At this meeting a new townshijD, called Jefferson, was created out
of Washington and Eden, and its boundaries set forth ; but the reso-
lution was rescinded at the next meeting of the Board.
On July 16th the purchase of the bridge was again reported
against, and the Clerk instructed to give notice in accordance with
law for bids for building a Court-house and Jail.
On August 4th the tax levy for the year was made, as follows :
For State purposes, 70c.; School Fund, 10c. ; Roads, 5c.; Building
Fund, 25c. ; County General Fund, 50c. ; Santa Clara indebtedness,
10c. In all, $1.70.
At this meeting we hear for the first time of provision being made
for the indigent sick of the county, and on motion, Mr. Haile, of
120 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Alameda, and Mr. Eagar, of Brooklyn, were appointed a committee
to report on a place for their keeping, at the next meeting.
On August 19th the proposal of C. B. Tool for building a Court-
house and Jail for $32,400 was accepted. The plans were subse-
quently amended so as to make a reduction of $2,400, leaving the
cost $30,000.
The bid of Orrin Hamlin to house, feed and take care of the indi-
gent sick of the county, at a charge of $12 each, per week, was
accepted.
Mr. Eagar had a herculean task imposed upon him at this meeting.
It was nothing short of an instruction " to proceed accoi'ding to law
to remove the obstruction of the public highway between the town
of Brooklyn, and the city of Oakland, being a certain gate placed
upon the bridge, known as the Oakland bridge." Mr. Eagar did not
undertake this arduous duty at once, but a short time afterwards
Mr. Carpentier appeared before the Board, coolly requesting it to do
as the Court of Sessions had illegally done : to make a contract with
him with regard to the bridge. This proposition was rejected by a
vote of four to one.
The matter of providing sufficient and safe county offices was be-
coming daily more pressing, and on the 1st of September the Grand
Jury of the Court of Sessions made the following presentment,
exhibiting the piteous condition of the county in this aspect, and
which justified the Board of Supervisors in taking the steps already
recorded in providing a new brick building :
" The treasury and county recoi-ds are but baits for the burglar and
incendiary. The misfortune of the county heretofore in the loss of
a large amount of money — the destruction by fire of one Court-house
and the narrow escape of the records covering transactions of im-
mense value to our fellow citizens. While we consider it neither be-
coming nor economical that we should be yet unprovided with a place
of confinement to enforce the decrees of our own Courts, having to
depend upon the charity of our neighbors to supply a necessity we
are well able to furnish ourselves."
On Oct. 4th the county was districted as follows : Oakland, No. 1 ;
Brooklyn and Alameda, No. 2 ; Eden, No. 3 ; AVashington, No. 4 ;
Murray, No. 5.
On Nov. 17th the returns for Presidential, State, and County
elections were canvassed. At this election Judge McKee presented
himself for the fix'st time before the peo]jle as candidate for County
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 121
Judge. His opponent was the late Asa Walker. The vote stood
969 for McKee, and 610 for Walker. For President of the United
States, Buchanan I'eceived 729 votes; Fremont, 723; Fillmore, 216.
This was the first Presidential election in which a Republican can-
didate appeared in the field. Although the Democratic candidate for
President received a small plurality of votes, the Republicans elected
their State Senator. Bell (Re])ublican) received on that occasion 704
votes ; Hamilton (Democrat), 589 ; and Williams (Knownothiiig),
316.
One of the events of this year was the establishment of a weekly
newspaper at the county seat. It was called the Alameda County
Gazette, and was published by W. P. Rodgers and W. G. Hamilton.
The former was afterwards an eiiicient Assemblyman ; the latter was
a brother of Judge Hamilton ; and both were Democrats ; but the
paper was neutral in politics.
The following two acts concerning the government of the county
formed a portion of the legislation of the year :
An Act to authorize the Sherifi" of Alameda County to collect the
delinquent taxes assessed during the year 1854, 1855, and 1856;
empowei'ed the Sheriff to act as Tax Collector, to collect taxes re-
maining unpaid, without vitiating his ofiicial bond, and requiring
him to file with the Recorder an ofiicial bond, providing for the faith-
ful performance of his duties as such Tax Collector.
An Act to repeal an Act entitled an Act to create a Board of
Supervisoi-s for Alameda County, and to provide for the government
of said county, repealing the special Act and subjecting to the Act
creating Boards of Supervisors in the counties of the State, the pi-e-
sent Supervisors to remain till their successors are appointed.
At the termination of the year 1856 the social condition of the
county had considerably improved. People began to enjoy them-
selves, and balls and parties were becoming quite common. Alva-
rado, the old county seat, and Centerville, became as famous for
social gatherings as San Leandro had subsequently. Haywards, too,
was looming up in this respect. There was a good deal of lawless-
ness yet abroad, and murder and violence was somewhat frequent.
Education, under the eflicient management of Mr. Brier, was mak-
ing headway, and altogether much progress was apparent.
Up to July of 1856 there had been paid out of the Treasury,
since the organization of the county, in May, 1853, upon orders of
the County Auditor, $73,979.73, besides $7,156.44 stolen from
County Treasurer Marston at Alvarado.
122 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
The number of children of school age in the county in ISoG was |
847, but the school attendance was only 387. The girls were rapidly j
gaining on the boys ; the latter being 403, to the former's 444.
There were 14 districts, employing 19 teachers, at an average salary
per month of $76.70. There was paid on account of salaries,
$4,937.36; expended in the erection and I'epair of schoolhouses,
$2,512. The total expenditure for the year was $7,499.36. The
average time of school in each district was 6 months. The expenses
of each pupil in attendance amounted to $20.83.
There were cultivated, in 18-56, 22,0.54 acres of wheat, 20,000 of
barley, 210 of oats, 45 of rye, 105 of buckwheat, 3,108 of potatoes,
265 of Indian coi'n, yielding an aggregate of 1,877,999 bushels; of
broom-corn there were 39 acres; of cabbage, 139; of onions, 73;
beans, 3,657 ; peas, 175 ; beets, 28 ; turnips, 41 ; cucumbers, 43 ;
tomatoes, 31 ; carrots, 15 ; garden vegetables, 410 ; strawberries,
38; apple orchards, 426; peach orchards, 173; vineyards, 34;
making in all 56,509 acres under cultivation. The total number of
animals and fowls enumerated was 58,955 ; of which 4,734 were
horses, 1,067 mules, 4,223 cows, 13,325 stock cattle, 9,328 sheep,
and 18,250 hens and chickens. Of butter, 120,235 lbs. were made;
of cheese, 163,013 ; of wool clipped, 27,984 lbs.
The estimate of the average yield of all the land cultivated was
at 50 bushels per acre, and the average price at $1.20 per bushel,
giving the large sum of $3,390,540 as the value of the produce of
the soil ; and estimating the value of the increase of stock and
manufactures at $600,000, made the handsome little sum of $4,000,-
000, as the annual value of the various productions of Alameda
County for 1856.
The County Assessor reported that there were in the county, at
this time, 40 miles of telegraph wire in operation ; one steam saw-mill,
two steam flouring-mills, two water flouring-mills, one toll-bridge,
one flowing artesian well at Alvarado, another at Alameda, and
several others of minor importance, in various localities.
Our legislative representatives were, as Joint .Senator, for 1855-6,
Sherman Day ; and as Assemblyman, T. M. Coombs.
In October of the year the following Supervisors wei-e elected :
Murray, J. M. Dougherty ; Brooklyn, Thos. Eagar ; Washington,
Jos. R. Mason ; Eden, "VVm. Hayward ; Oakland, J. A. Hobert.
The county officers were the same as in 1855.
[ UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 123
I IS,") 7 — The Neio Sujm-visors Tackle the Bridge Matter — $1,000 Ap-
j in'opriated for the Castro and Amador Road — They Refuse to
Release Jotham S. Marston — An Agreement to Purchase the
Bridge — County Hospital Abolished — The New Bridge Project —
The County Buildings Completed — Discount on California Gold
Coin — The Yearly Tax Levy — A County Map Made — Marston's
Sureties Released on a Compromise and Suit Dismissed — The
New Court-room Furnished — Election of County Officers — The
Bridge Again — Free at Last, and Suit Suspended — Temporary
Court-house Sold at Auction — The Oalcland and San Antonio
Steam Navigation Company Formed — The Old Company Become
more Accommodating — Legislation of the Year — Manufactures
ami Finances.
This year our representatives in the State Legislature were, as
Joint Senator for 1857-8, S. B. Bell, whose election has been already-
mentioned, and Jas. B. Larue as Assemblyman.
The county officers elected in Sept., 1855, served to Sept. 2d, 1857.
The Supervisors elected in October, 1856, served till October, 1857.
Theii' first meeting was on the 5 th of January, when they took up
the vexatious bridge matter. This time it was resolved to build an
opposition bridge to Carpentier & Co.'s, from Seventh Street in Oak-
land to Jackson Street in Brooklyn, and a committee of two was ap-
pointed to invite proposals for plans and estimates. This committee
consisted of those members most immediately interested, Messrs.
Eagar and Hobart.
At the same meeting the sum of $1,000 was appropriated out of
the road fund, to be expended on roads and bx-idges " running from
Castro's Gate to Amador Valley."
A bill had been introduced in the Legislature, then in session, for
the relief of Jotham S. Marston, late County Treasurer, who had
been robbed as already mentioned ; but the Board not only refused to
release him from the amount missing, as empowered by the Act
referred to, but employed counsel to aid the District Attorney in his
prosecvition. The amount lost to the county was $7,000, and to the
State, $1,300. Mr. Larue favored the bill to grant relief. At the
meeting of March 3d an ofier was received from Carpentier & Co.,
proposing to sell the bridge to the county for $6,000. The following-
resolution was passed in regard thereto :
" It is hereby ordered by the Board, that the ofier of $6,000 be
made to the owners of the bridge connecting Oakland with Brooklyn
124 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Township, for all right, title and interest thereto, provided that oh or
before the presentation of said offer, Messrs. Hays, Caperton and
others connected with them in the proprietorship of Spanish grants in
said Oakland Township, and Horace W. Carpentier, shall pay to the
Sheriff of Alameda County all arrears of taxes standing against
them on the tax-lists of said county. " Supervisor Hobart was author-
ized to enter into a suitable contract.
On May 4th the Supervisors abolished the County Hospital, and
the Supervisor.? instructed to take charge of the indigent sick in their
respective localities.
On the same date the report in reference to the new bridge matter
was laid on the table, and on the 1st of June it was taken up and
the proposition rejected. Then, on 6th of Ju.ly, came a petition from
citizens in favor of a free bridge, to be located between Seventh
Street in Oakland and Jackson Street in Brooklyn; and A. J. Coffee
was ordered to notify parties on route of said highway.
The new coixnty buildings were reported completed at this meeting,
and the sum of $580 extra voted to the builder, Mr. Toole, for
which he gave a receipt free of all demands. Messrs. Eagar and
Hayward were appointed to take possession of the building in the
name and in behalf of the county.
At the meeting of August 3d, a circumstance occurred which goes
to show that even a gold currency as well as silver and paper is
liable to depreciation. On that day the Sheriff was allowed $60 for
"loss on California coin." Nothing is immutable, for here we have
even our much-valued California coin suffering a depreciation of $60
in a single officer's hands, and a reimbursement of him for the same.
The tax levy for the year, for State and County purposes, was fixed
at .$1.55 on the $100.
The Seventh-street bridge matter was again taken up, and A. J.
Coffee voted $6,000 for building and completing a bridge at the
points indicated, to be finished on the 4th day of March, 1858.
On August 10th the Board of Supervisors met in the new Court
house. The County Sui-veyor was allowed $2,600 for a new map
of the county. Marston and sureties were released on payment of
$3,441.40, being a partial reimbursement of the county for the
money stolen, and the suit was dismissed.
On August 24tli Freeman & Smith contracted to furnish the new
Court-room for $1,150.
On September 14th the election returns were canvassed, when it
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 125
■was found the following gentlemen were elected county officers, to
serve for two years: County Judge, Sam. Bell McKee ; Slieriif, P.
E. Edmondson; Clerk, H. M. Vesey; Treasurer, C. C. Breyfogle;
Surveyor, Jas. T. Stx-atton; District Attoniey, Wm. Van Voorhies;
County Superintendent, W. W. Brier; Assessor, David S. Lacey;
Coroner, W. J. Bowen,
• On the October following the following Supervisors were elected
to sei-ve for one year: Murray, J. W. Dougherty; Oakland, F. K.
Shattuck; Brooklyn, Jas. B. Larue; Washington, Jos. E,. Mason;
Eden, C. P. Wray.
On the 5th the new Board took their seats, and Mr. Shattuck
moved that county warrants be issued for the sum of $6,000 to pur-
chase Carpentier & Co.'s bridge, provided they agreed to replank the
portion built by Carpentier. The resolution was adopted on a divis-
ion; the yeas being Shattuck, Dougherty and Mason, and the noes
Larue and "Wray. Subsequently the county warrants were issued
to Messrs. H. W. Carpentier, Edson Adams and John B. Watson,
in payment for the long-contended-for bridge, and Jas. B. Larue was
empowered to take possession of the same in the name of the comity
and issue the warrants out of the County General Fund. And thus
was the second long-pending county controversy settled. Thereafter
people felt more free and traveled more frequently, and rejoiced that
that old toll-gate and that persistent toll-taker were forever out of
the way. A suit had been pending against the bridge trio for ob-
structing the bridge, which on this consummation was oixlered dis-
missed on payment of costs.
After the new Court-house was taken possession of, the old build-
ing was sold at auction, on the first Monday of December, there
being no use for the same any longer.
Some of the events of the year were the commencement of the
steamer Peralta, on January 6th, to make thi*ee trips per day to
" Peralta Landing," near Alameda ; and the County School Exhibi-
tion, on the 1st of May. But the most important event in the way
of progi-ess and enterprise, was the formation of the " Oakland and
San Antonio Steam Navigation Company," under the presidency of
Mr. Larue, to run an opposition line of steamers between Brooklyn,
Oakland and San Francisco.
The Minturn line had been in operation for some years, but the
dissatisfaction of the public with it had become so great that the
stock of the new company was readily taken up.
126 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY, |
The Minturn Company were led to perceive by this the public
want, and, on April 4th, put on another boat, the Contra Costa, in
addition to the Clinton, with the intention of making nine trips per
diem between San Francisco and Oakland.
The legislation of the year, for Alameda County, consisted of the
following Acts :
An Act for the relief of Jothani S. Marston, late Treasurer of
Alameda County. To be given a credit of $1,395.40 by the Treasurer
of the State, he being relieved from the pajnnent of that sum stolen
from his office. The Board of Supervisoi-s of Alameda County to give
him a credit and acquittance for the sum of $7,156.40.
An Act supplementally to the Act to incorporate the City of Oak-
land, passed March 25th, 1854. All sales of any property for the
payment of delinquent taxes to be made at some public place within
the city.
An Act to authorize the Supervisors of Alameda County to levy a \
special tax of one-fourth of one per cent., to constitute a special fund
for the construction of a Court-house and Jail.
An Act to authorize the holding of the Courts of the County
Judge at the same time, on the third Mondays of January, March,
May, July, September and November.
An Act to fix the compensation of certain officers. The Assessor
and his Deputies, each, in the Counties of Santa Clara, Santa Cruz,
Napa, Alameda, Sonoma and San Joaquin, shall not be allowed more
than $5 per diem, whilst actually engaged ; and no per diem for col-
lecting poll-tax.
An Act to amend an Act to adjust the amount of indebtedness of
the County of Alameda to the County of Contra Costa, and provide
for the payment thereof. Passed May 15th, 1854. B. C. Whitman, ,
of Solano County, John H. Livingston, of Contra Costa County,
and Samuel Bell McKee, of Alameda County, appointed a Board
of Commissioners to ascertain and adjust the amount of indebtedness
of the County of Alameda to the County of Contra Costa. Award to
be certified to the Board of Supervisors, who are, in the year 1857, to
levy a special tax for the payment in cash of one-half of the said
award with ten per cent, interest thereon, to be paid on or before
the 1st of March, 1858. The balance to be raised and paid over
before the 1st of March, 1859, with ten per cent, interest until paid.
An Act to grant the Sherifi" of Alameda County additional time to
make his anmial settlement for the collection of State and county
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 127
taxes for the year 1856. Two months gi-anted from the first Monday
of March, 1857, for collection of State and county taxes up to
the expu-ation of that time. Written consent of sureties required
for extension of bonds. To make a settlement on the first Monday
of March, 1857.
There were in the county at this date four gi'ist-mills, two running
by steam and two by water. The former were located at Alvarado
and San Leandro ; the latter at Yallejo's and the Mission. Between
them they possessed 16 run of stone, with a capacity for 600 barrels
of flour per day. Their aggregate cost was $150,000.
The saw-mills in the Redwoods had become reduced to one, and
that propelled by water. Its capacity was 10,500 feet of lumber
per day.
There was one tannery, situated on the Encinal, the capacity of
which was 250 sides of leather per month.
The condition of the county finances at the beginning of the year
was as follows : Floating debt, $3,460 ; I'eceipts from all sources
from January 1st, 1856, to January 1st, 1857, $34,410.56 ; expendi-
tures during same period, $27,780.52 ; excess of receipts, $6,630.04.
This, it must be confessed, was a healthy condition for so young a
county and one having so much to do -wdth its money.
1858 — The Bushiess of the Supervisors Confined to Routine — The An-
nual Tax Levy — The Santa Clara Indebtedness not yet Paid
Off — Contra Costa's Claim also Drags — ./. W. Luttrell Resigns
Jils Office as Justice of the Peace, Leaves the County and Gains
Fame Elsewhere — Careless Assessing — -A Difference of Divers
Leagues and Thousands of Acres — Valv^ of Land and Stock in
Murray Township — A New Board Seated — Heavy Physicians^
Bills for Care of the Indigent Sick — Road Districts — Fining of
a Sunday Bull-Fighter — Is Illegal — The Offender Commits a
Murder — Fruit Vale to the Front — Fourth of July Celebrations
- — Wm. Van Voorhies and Judge McKee Deliver Orations — Daily
Mail Between Oakland, and San Jose — The Oaklaiul Postmaster
Failed to Forward it on Sundays — The Alameda Collegiate
Institute — Formation of the Alameda County Agricultural
Society.
The Board of Supervisors continued their sessions throughout the
year, having little to engage their attention besides the construction
of roads and bridges, and the payment of accounts.
128 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY. 1
On the 26th of February the tax levy for the year was struck at
$1.80 for all purposes ; but at the next meeting the State portion was
reduced from $1 to 60c., so that the actual assessment was $1.40 on
the $100.
At this date the account witli Santa Clara was not yet closed, and
on June 7th Supervisor Dougherty was appointed to meet a Com-
missioner from that county, to decide upon the balance remaining
unpaid.
On June 7th the amount remaining due to Contra Costa County
was stated at $1,972.33, being the award of Commissioners; and an
additional tax of 5c. on the $100 was ordered, to pay one-half of this
indebtedness. The indebtedness to Santa Clara was fixed by the
Commissioners at $882.47.
On August 2d J. W. Luttrell, Justice of the Peace for Brooklyn
Township, sent in a bill for $24.75 for services rendered the county,
which bill was allowed, but not without it being " likewise ordered
tl^at the balance due the county, now remaining in his hands,
amounting to $325, be paid by him into the County treasury." Im-
mediately on the passage of this offensive order, the worthy Justice
immediately tendered his resignation to the Board. Some time after
he left the county, and has made a name and acquired fame since
then, elsewhere, as a State Legislator and United States Congress-
man. Asa Walker, since deceased, was appointed to succeed him.
The County Assessor for this year, or his deputy, showed consider-
able carelessness, because, at the meeting of the Board of Equaliza-
tion, Jos6 Livermore protested that he was assessed for four leagues
of land, while, in reality, he only possessed two leagues. Even with
this reduced quantity most people will think he possessed quite
enough, and the Assessor ought to have been punished for making so
bad a blunder. Evidently he supposed, in this land of great farms,
a league or two of no consequence. Augustine Alviso was taxed for
3,500 acres, wliile he protested he owned but 2,500 acres, and had
his assessment reduced accordingly. This land was all in Murray
Township, and was valued at $10 jjer acre. Three hundred head of
cattle were valued at $15 per head and assessed accordingly.
On the 1st of November the new Board, consisting of F. K. Shat-
tuck, Oakland ; Jonathan Mayhew, Washington ; S. M. Davis, Ala-
meda and Brooklyn ; Chas. Duer, Murray ; and A. A. Anderson,
Eden, took their seats.
A committee was appointed to report on the best mode of caiing for
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 129
the- indigent sick, who had become a great bill of expense on the
county. At this meeting bills to the amount of $98.5.25 were passed
upon in favor of several physicians of the county for their attendance
upon them ; and some months later an Oakland physician got a bill
I of $700 allowed for medical attendance given to a single individual
who had accidently broken a leg. The business was becoming unbear-
able, and a proposition was seriously entertained to have the sick
poor of the county transferred to the San Francisco County hospital,
; if a satisfactory arrangement could be come to. A somewhat similar
arrangement was entered into the following year.
There were in the county, at this date, thirteen road districts, vnth
a supei'visor for each, and all seemed to be busy.
A committee of examination declared the new jail unsafe for hold-
ing prisoners, and the defect was ordered remedied.
On the 13th of June of this year Judge Luttrell, of Brooklyn,
fined Miguel Marqu.is the sum of $150 for indulging his taste for bull-
fights on Sundays. For years San Antonio had been noted for the
i practice of this barbarous amusement. Marquis paid the fine under
protest, and the Court having declared it contrary to law, the Super-
visors returned the fine. This man Marquis, a short time afterwards,
murdered a man in Oakland, for which he was sentenced to suiFer the
entreme penalty of the law, but he was granted a new trial and
acquitted.
There was a Fourth of July celebration at Fruit Vale (for the first
l-time brought into notice), at which the Declaration of Independence
I Hvas read by Thos. Eagar, Esq., and a very eloquent address delivered
I 'by Wm. Van Voorhies, Esq. At a similar celebration, at Centreville,
Hon. S. B. McKee delivered an exceedingly eloquent oration. There
was a bachelors' ball on the same occasion at the county seat ; so
1 that the people of the county seem to have enthusiastically celebrated
the glorious annivei\sary, as they have ever since.
At this date a daily mail was established by the Post-office Depart-
ment between Oakland and San Jose, which was considered a boon
to the people down the valley; but they grumbled because the Oak-
land Postmaster neglected or objected to forward it on Sundays.
The Alameda Collegiate Institute, which had been established
some years, commenced its term with improved prospects and greater
efficiency. It was under the chai-ge of Mr. Peck, aided by Mrs. Cro-
well and Miss Rosenbaum. There was connected with the school a
Belles Lettres Society, which possessed a library. Some of our most
130 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
prominent citizens of the present day are graduates of the Collegiate
Institute, an institution wliich ceased to exist several years ago.
Pursuant to a published call, a number of citizens of Alameda
County assembled at San Leandro on July 24th of this year, for the
purpose of forming an Agricultural Society. Henry C. Smith, of Al-
varado, was appointed Chairman, and Dr. H. Gibbons, of Alameda,
Secretary. A constitution and code of by-laws were adopted. The
payment of $3 per annum entitled a person to membership. The
payment of $25, at one time, constituted life membership. The offi-
cers comprised a president, vice-president, corresponding and record-
ing secretaries, a treasurer and five directors, who constituted alto-
gether a Board of Directors. The principal officers to be practical
farmers. Officers elected annually. The Society to hold an annual
fair at such time and place as might be chosen by the members. The
meeting, after transacting the business of organization, adjourned to
the 11th of September to meet there for the purpose of electing
officers and making arrangements for an exhibition, should it be
deemed expedient to hold one. The names of the gentlemen who
signed the constitution at the second meeting were H. C. Smith, Dr.
H. Gibbons, A. H. Myers, Henry Linden, W. W. Moore, J. M.
Moore, R. Blaco, Alfred Lewelling, P. J. Campbell, Frank F. Fargo,
H. Lewelling, G. W. Fountain, IMark T. Ashley, F. K. Sliattuck, S.
Shurtleff, Isaac B. Rumford, E. Wilson, Hiram Keeney, J. Blaco,
W. H. Davis, John B. Ward, J. L. Wilson, D. E. Hough, E. S.
Chipman, C. C. Brejrfogle, J. A. Lent. An address was delivered
by Mr. J. Silver, of Philadelphia, on the benefit of such societies in
the East. Semi-annual faii-s were decided on ; one in the Spring,
for the display of flowers, early grains, and the pi-oducts of the
horticulturist ; and the other in the Autumn, for the exhibition of
stock, general farming products, late fi-uits and vegetables, and such
other articles as could be shown to greater advantage at this season
of the year. The officex's elected at this meeting were, A. H. Myers,
President ; H. C. Smith, F. K. Shattuck, Vice-Presidents ; E. S.
Chipman, Secretary ; Frank F. Fargo, Treasurer ; Robt. Blaco,
Alfred Lewelling, Directors. A committee of one from each townsliip
was appointed to solicit subscriptions to the constitution and initia-
tion fees for membership, siich committee consisting of H. C. Smith
for Washington Township, Hiram Keeny for Eden, Dr. H. Gibbous
for Alameda, and G. W. Fountain for Oakland,
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 131
A. J. SCHNEIDER,
Oakland Basket Factory
96Q BROADWAY,
Between Ninth and Tenth Streets, East side.
Overland, Lunch, Picnic, and Ladies' Fancy Baskets made and repaired.
Children's Chairs and Carriages made and repaired. Cane Chairs re-seated, and coarse
work promptly attended to.
HOW & DOO LITTLE.
P>A.I3SrTS, OIIL.S J^l^JD C3-IL..A.SS.
HOUSE PAINTERS AND GRAINERS,
Cornel' Broadway ojvcl Jiinth Street, opposite Union Sav-
ings Banhi Oahlancl.
HENRY HAUSCHIEDT.
Dealer in and Importer of
BOOTS & SHOES ^:^
1057 BRO A.D^\^A. Y,
Between Eleventh and Twelfth Streets, OAKLAND.
Repairing neatly executed with Dispatch.
H. CORDES,
Jobber and Dealer in
WOOD AND WILLOW WARE,
Cordage, Twines, Brooms, Brushes, Paper, Sieves,
Matches, Inks, Soaps, Mucilage and Slate
Pencils, in great variety.
SOUTH SIDE SIXTH STREET, Hear Broaiway, OAKLAHD.
All Goods delivered Free of Charge in city limits.
132 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
BEAUDRY & McAVOY,
'^^'ff^~^:^^^^^^^^^^~=^^^
UNDERTAKERS
MD OE/tERAL FUfiHISHEHS,
Corner Broadway and jSeyenth jStreet.
Hearse and Coaches, Rosewood, Mahogany and Lead
Coffins, Shrouds, Collars, Cravats, Silver and White
Metal Coffin Plates constantly on hand; Grave Stones,
Iron and Wood Enclosures furnished.
Horses for Livery Hire,
For phaeton and road uses; well broken and carefully
trained. Can please the most timid lady.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 133
CHAPTER XVII.
FROM THE FORMATION OF THE AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION IN 1858 TO
THE CENSUS OF 1860.
1858 Continued — The Warm Sprinjs xi Popular Resort for Pain and
Pleasure — Their Present Use — Ferry Lines in Operation Between
Oakland and San Francisco — Opposition and Reduction of
Charges — A Schedule of the Same — The San Leandro " Gazette "
Fspouses the Cause of the Rentei-s and Denounces the High Charges
Made for the Use of Land — Some of the Yearns Unfortunates —
Rejoicing Over the Atlam,tic Gable — The Pioneer of the Overland
If ail Route, an Alameda Man, Arrives at Salt Lake — The State
and County Elections — The Democracy Again Victorious, and S.
Bell McKee Elected Judge of the Third District Court for the First
Time — Interesting Suit — A Murderer Convicted — Public School
Convention — Edson Adams Fined%\QO and Costs for Contempt —
Indignation at a Proposition for a Fence Law — Governor Weller
Offers $500 Reward for the Conviction of the Murderers ofCiriaco
Sacre — The Bachelor's Ball — " Little Lotta " — Legislation of the
Year — School Statistics and Assessor's Rej)ort.
At this time Wai-m Springs, three miles south of the Mission, was
in full blast, as one of the gayest and most fashionable watering
places in the State. The Springs were first utilized by Clement
Columbet, who removed a house, for the purpose of a hotel, all the
way from San Jose. In 1858 the place was leased by Alex. Beaty,
who gave a grand ball there on the 29th of July, which was suc-
ceeded by many others. Subsequently the Springs became a grand
resort and several fine buildings were constructed for the accommo-
dation of guests, and the fashionable, frivolous, wealthy and leisurely,
as well as the invalided, from all parts of the State, were in the
habit of resorting there, to partake of the benefits of the hot sulphur
water. For several years the place has been closed up to the public,
having been purchcused by Laland Stanford. The brother of that
gvjutlemin, M»-. Joshua Stanford, resides on the premises, and has con-
134 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
verted most of the land Ijelongmg to it into vineyard, as tlie grape
thrives there equal to any other place in the State.
A newspaper item of August gives this information with regard to
the ferry lines communicating between San Francisco and Oakland
and Brooklyn: "The San Antonio (Larue) Company are building a
fine boat (the Oakland) at Steamboat Point, intended to run regu-
larly (with the San Antonio) as soon as completed. The Contra
Costa (Minturn line) has been coppered new, and somewhat remod-
eled, giving her a tine cabin aft, and other improvements. The
Clinton and San Antonio (one of each line) are now runnmg, the
former making four trips daily and the latter three."
Following are the reduced rates of charges induced by the oppo-
isition: Horses, each 50c.; cattle, each 50c.; calves, each 25c.; hogs,
each 20c.; sheep, each 12c.; grain, per ton $1.50; hay in bales, per
ton $2; vegetables, per sack 10c. ; threshing machines, each $5 to
$8; reaper machines, each $3 to $7; plows, 25c. to 50c.; horse-rakes,
25c. to $1 ; measurement freight, per ton $2 ; one horse and buggy,
75c.; two horses and buggy, $1; stage cjaches, $2; lumber wagons,
$1; passage, 25c.; commutation tickets, per month $5.
The San Leandro Gazette, the only paper in the county at this
date, complained strongly of the high price charged by owners of
land to renters, and spoke of " the ruinous summer just closing."
Alluding to the Portuguese renters, it went on to remark, " they
will go and others will come to be duped, and humbugged and
swindled as their predecessors have been. This is partially endur-
able with reference to the Portuguese, you may say ; but with
American, English and Irish citizens, and white men generally, avIio
are supposed to have their fiiir share of good sense, the farce ought
not to have been re-enacted." Four dollars an acre, for the coming
season, it declared to be all that the land was woi-th. The article
was aimed at the management of the Estudillo Kancho, which it
charged with extortion. Three dollars an acre, it stated, had rented
as good land on the Peralto Rancho adjoining. Notwithstanding
this sad plaint, the Portiiguese had gone on renting, and from rent-
ing buying, until many of them are now Avell oif and all of them
making something.
The losses this year, in farming, by renters especially, were con-
siderable, and show that the labor of the husbandman is not always
jjrofitable, even in this garden spot of Alameda ; for instance : jMr.
Mulford, farming GOO acres, lost to the extent of $7,280 ; Mr. Huff,
I UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 135
farming 260 acres, lost $3,375 ; Mr. Sliurtleff, farming 162 acres,
lost $1,750 ; Mr. Kimball, farming 162 acres, lost $1,250. All of these
were -within two and one-half miles of the town of San Leandi-o.
This was the year of laying the Atlantic telegraph cable, which
was the cause of so much joy to the civilized world, and Alameda
County, as an integral portion thereof, celebrated the event with
commendable enthusiasm.
Here is a newspaper item of interest, copied from the Gazette of
September 18th : ''Safely arrived — ^Mr. C. Dyer, of Alvarado, whom
we have heretofore mentioned as being the pioneer of the Overland
Mail route, has safely arrived at Salt Lake City, accomplishing the
distance from Placerville in 16 days and 14 hours. He arrived
there, however, too late for the stages thence eastward, and was
consequently compelled to remain until the second departure for the
States."
On the 2d of September a State and county election took place, in
which the Democrats were victorious against the "fusion ticket" of
the Republicans and Broderickites combined. The highest State
officer elected was Judge of the Su})reme Court. For this office
Baldwin got 786 votes to Curry's 724 ; Meloney, for Controller, got
800 to Gumi's 522 ; for District Judge, McKee received 822 to
Hester's (his predecessor's) 647 ; for State Senator, Redman received
749 to Bell's 733 ; for Assemblyman, Rodgers received 739 to Wm.
Hayward's 515, and Edward Gibbons' 246 ; for Member of Congress,
McKibbon received 709 to Dudley's 183, and Tracy's 531 ; for
Public Administrator, Linden received 748 to McDonald's 585, and
Chisholra's 123; and for County Judge, Pease was without opposi-
tion. This time, certainly, the Democracy had the satisfaction of
making a " clean sweep " of Alameda County, and great was their
rejoicing thereat. But a dark day was dawning.
The October Term of the Thu-d District Court was the occasion of
an important suit between two native California families. The suit
was that of H. G. Blankman and wife vs. Jose Jesus Yallejo and
wife. This was suit brought for the foreclosure of a mortgage for
$30,000. The claim grew out of aii interest the wife of Blankman
had in the estate of Ygnacio Yallejo, father of defendant — Mrs. B.
being a sister's child — which interest Yallejo bought of plaintiff in
1853, for the above sum, and the defendant paying interest for
years, and making subsequent engagements respecting the payment
of the mortgage, up to the year 1857, when Yallejo, thi'ough his
136 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY,
counsel, sought to set up want of consideration and fraud ; in this
the defendant failed. He then tried to show a discrepancy of the
bond and the mortgage was fatal, although the bond was of the same
date, and called for the payment of $30,000, and bore even date with
the mortgage. The mistake was accounted for by the power of
attorney, and one of the subscribing witnesses swore that there were
three papers executed at the time, and those in court were the ones.
What made this case more peculiar was, that there had been no
misunderstanding between the parties up to the time of suit being
brought. Judgment was entered against Vallejo for |30,000, and
$5,834 interest.
A man named Chas. Dowes was convicted of murdering a person
named Peter Becker, in San Francisco. Having been apprehended
at Alvarado, hx this county, he was tried in the District Coui-t at
San Leandro. The evidence against him was circumstantial but con-
clusive, and he was sentenced to State Prison for life.
A Public School Convention took place at San Leandro on the
6th of November, the members of which were composed of School
Trustees for the different townships, at which nine districts were rep-
resented. Henry Haile, M. D., was elected chairman, and Wm. C.
Blackwood, secretary. It was resolved, among other things, " That
the value of pi-operty depends upon the intelligence of the people,
and, therefore, the property of the county should pay for the educa-
tion of the rising generation."
At the Court of Sessions, for the November term, Edson Adams
was fined $100 and costs, for contempt of Court in neglecting to ap-
l^ear as a Grand Jui-or.
Considerable stir was made and indignation aroused among the
farmers of the county by the presentation of a petition to the Legis-
lature calling for an amendment of the trespass law, which would
compel grain-growers to fence their fields against the predations of
roaming stock. So unjust a proposition, however, could not and did
not carry.
Governor John B. Weller, under date of Nov. 25th, offered a
reward of $500 for the apprehension of the murderer or miirderers
of Ciriaco Sacre, a Chihmo, who was cruelly murdered on a little
island, near Alvarado, some eighteen months previously. Justice
must have been sleeping when so slow.
The Bachelors' Club elected their officers at San Leandro on the
2 2d Dec, j^reparatory to their winter campaign of amusements.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 137
Jolin A. Lent was elected R. G. G., instead of Hon. W. P. Rogers,
whose duties called liiin to Sacramento ; and the withdrawal of " their
highly esteemed friend and brother," E. Minor Smith, who had a few
dajs previovisly entered the matrimonial state, was sadly dwelt upon.
The club gave a Christmas ball at the Estudillo House, which was
greatly enjoyed by the invited guests.
The Gazette had this to remark of a little girl there present, and
who has since become famous as a California actress, and the first
person to erect a drinking fountain, at her own personal expense, in
the city of San Francisco :
" The bright little star of the evening was Miss Lotta Crabtree,
aged eleven years, who is noted and praised throughout California
for her peculiar grace, juvenile modesty and politeness, while her
excellent dancing delights eveiybody. Lotta will reach a high posi-
tion in life if properly trained and kept as pure as she is now."
The prediction has been verified, and Little Lotta continues to
adorn her profession and do credit to California.
The legislation of the year was as follows :
An Act to fijc the compensation of the Assessor of Alameda County
and his deputies by the Board of Supervisors, but not to exceed $8
per day.
An Act to fix the compensation of Sheriff or Tax Collector in
Coimties of Alameda and San Joaquin. To be allowed for collecting
all taxes (excepting minei-s', license and poll-tax) six per cent, on the
first $10,000; four per cent, on all over $10,000, and three per cent,
on all over $20,000; two percent, on all over $50,000. The County
Treasurers shall be allowed three per cent, on all moneys received
and disbursed by them, but not on both receiving and disbursing.
An Act to adjust the amount of indebtedness of the County of
Alameda to the County of Contra Costa, and provide for the pay-
ment thereof. Section 1 : B. C. Whitman, of Solano, John H.
Livingston, of Contra Costa, and J. W. Dougherty, of Alameda,
shall be a Board of Commissioners to ascertain and adjust the
amount of indebtedness of Alameda to Contra Costa, prior to the
23d day of March, 1853; Supervisoz's to meet within sixty days
after awai'd, and levy a special tax for the payment in cash of one-
half the amount, etc., as heretofore. Compensation $8 per day, one-
half by Alameda and one-half by Contra Costa.
An Act to adjust the amount of indebtedness of Alameda to Santa
Clara. Both counties to appoint a Commissioner; when amount is
138 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
certified the Auditor of ALameda County to issue a warrant in favor
of Santa Clara County. To meet at tlie county seat of Alameda on
or before tlie 1st of July, 1858, to settle. A tliird party to be called
in if required.
An Act concerning roads and highways in Tuolumne and Alameda
Counties.
An Act to provide for funding outstanding debts of the City of
Oakland, and prevent the creation of new debts.
The school statistics of this year were very full. There were
1,174 children of school age, and the total expenditure for school
purposes was $10,138.33. Andrew J. Moulder, State Superinten-
dent, in his report strongly urged immediate measures for founding
a State University on the military plan. W. W. Brier, Superintend-
ent for this county at this time, recommended the adoption of the
compulsory system of education, but was opposed to a military school
as a State University. He gave the Trustees of the county credit
for having done well this year.
The Assessor's report, too, was very detailed and showed much
progress since the last report, but the reproduction of these annual
reports successively would become wearisome.
1859 — The Proceedings of the Sujnrvisors Without Interest — An Event-
ful Year — The Fraser and Gila Excitements — A Dry Winter but
Good Crops — The Tax Levy — Oakland for the State Capital —
The Proposition Lost by Two Votes- — The Estudillo Pancho Con-
firmed — The Steamer " Contra Costa " Explodes her Boiler — Six
Hitman Lives Lost and Several Horses Killed — May-day Festi-
val at Alameda — The Seale Murder Trial — Floral Fair and
Agricultural Exhibition — The Alameda "Herald" Appears —
A Practical Move for Dredging the Oakland Bar — The County
Treasurer a Large Defaidter — The State and. County Elections —
Three Tickets and Three Parties in the Field — All Get a Share
of the Plunder — The Agricultural Association Embarrassed — A
College of Teachers and Trustees — The Legislature Provides for
Comity Infirmaries — Acts of the Year — The Bridge Again —
Some Valuable Statistics.
The first meeting of the Board of Supervisors held this year was
on January 3d. A vast amount of routine business was transacted,
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 139
Ijut nothing of general interest was under consideration. Indeed,
the whole year'.s proceedings were devoid of all but sectional interest,
the matters of roads and bridges, the payment of bills, etc., absorbing
nearly all the attention of the Supervisor. With one exception (the
case of the indigent sick), the Boaixl had settled its controvei-sies and
went on working diligently in the ruts of routine.
The year, however, was an eventful one, and pregnant with mat-
ters of interest for the people. The organization of an Agricultural
Association, and the holding of a Floral Fair and an Agricultural
Fair, occupied a good deal of attention ; so, also, did the State and
County elections ; the subject of dredging the bar ; the defalcation of
a county officer ; the organiztition of a College of Teachei-s. and
Trustees ; an important murder trial ; and the establishment of an
opposition line of steamers on the Creek route, with much-i-educed
rates of charge. There were also the Oregon, Fraser and Gila excite-
ments, which disturbed and broke up many homes ; and the proposi-
tion to make Oakland the State capital.
The opening months of 1859 were dry, and there was a gi-eat
dread of drouth ; but notwithstanding, a good average crop was cut
when the harvest was gathered. The new boat of the Larue line,
the Oakland, was launched on the 20th of Januaiy. She was then
taken to San Antonio, where she was fitted up for use and soon
placed in ninning condition.
At a meeting of the Board of Supervisors, held at San Leandro,
Febi-uary 28th, the tax levy ordered was .$1.45 on the $100.
On the 1st of March the representatives of the county, in the
State Assembly, procured the passage of a resolution appointing a
committee to proceed to Oakland to inquire into the expediency of
moving the State Capital to that })oint ; and therea,fter the claim of
Oakland assumed great imi)ortance as a location for the seat of
government. The committee reported favorably ; but on a vote the
proposition was beaten by 30 to 28 !
The mandate of the U. S. Supreme Court finally confirming the
heirs of Jose Joaquin Estudillo to the Eancho of San Leandro, was
entered on the docket of the U. S. District in San Frtincisco, in
March.
On the 3d of April the steamer Contra Costa, of the Minturn
line, had her boiler blown out, causing the death of six persons and
injury to many others, besides the destruction of horses and other
property. This was the fii'st seiuous casualty of the kind in the
140 • HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
county, and was a niorst unfoi'tunate affair, evidently caused by the
negligence of the engineer.
On the 11th of April commenced a trial for murder, in which
unusual interest was taken. It was in the Third District Court,
held at San Leandro, before Judge McKee. The case^was that of
The People vs. Thos. Seale, indicted for the murder of Paul C.
Shor^ on the 6th of January, 1859, in Santa Clara County. The
trial lasted five days, and the jury failed to agree on a verdict.
Another jury was immediately empanelled, and after three days
trial the case was given to the jury. The latter occupied two days
more, and finally brought in a verdict of " not guilty." The difii-
culty that caused the murderous affray was about land, the murdered
man having been a trespasser, and the general opinion was that the
verdict was a righteous one. There have been too many such affrays
in the State, for which a failure to properly enforce the laws is much
to blame.
There was a fine May-day festival of the children of the schools
at Alameda, under the auspices of the County Superintendent.
The Floral Fair, for which preparations had been going on for
several months, was opened in a large pavilion erected for the pur-
pose, on the Plaza, on the 18th day of June, and the Committee of
Arrangements made good their promises to the public regarding the
same. Besides flowers, all kinds of horticultural products and works
of art were exhibited, and the whole combined to make the show a
very creditable affair for the county. All other counties in the State
were invited to compete. The Fair festivities concluded with a grand
ball. It deserves to be remembered as one of the finest associated
efforts ever made in the county, and it is to be regretted that the
association was not able to hold a similar Fair annually. The Agri-
cultural Society was re-organized in July, under an act of the Legis-
lature, passed the previous winter, and entered upon the full tide of
its pi^osperity and offered a list of premiums to be contended for at
an exhibition, which took place at Oakland on the 4th of October
following.
The month of July of this year witnessed the birth of another
newspaper— the Alameda Herald — published by Frank Fargo, at
Oakland, but printed in San Francisco. It was the organ of the
" Fusionists," and did service in the campaign of 1859.
The proposition to dredge the bar at the mouth of Oakland harbor
had engaged the attention of the people of Alameda County for
UXDER THE STARS AXD STRIPES. 141
several years, but witliout any real good having come of it. A num-
ber of gentlemen, in August of tliis year, formed themselves into a
committee to receive subscriptions and proceed with tlie work.
They collected among themselves and friends the sum of $11,000,
but $3,000 more was required from the public, and collectors were
appointed for the purpose of procuring it by subscription. " The
channel," said these gentlemen in their circular, "is to be thoroughly
dredged, from the deep water of the bay to the San Antonio channel,
two hundred feet wide and five feet deep at extreme low tide — to be
marked with piles on each side through the whole length, at a dis-
tance of forty feet from each other. The whole work is to be done,
and materials furnished, for the sum of fourteen thousand dollars,
the contractor giving the most satisfactory securities for the faithful
performance of the work.
"The U. S. Government has given the gratuitous use of the
splendid di-edging machine which has been in use at Mare Island,
and the work will be commenced as _ soon as the contract money is
paid in to the treasurer, W. A. Bray, Esq.
"W. A. Bray, A. A. Cohen,
A. L. Tubes, L. Johnson,
John Caperton, E. E. Cole."
The work was accordingly proceeded with, and the harbor, for a
time, was cleared of its obstruction.
Rumors having become rife chai-ging that all was not right in the
Treasurer's office, a committee, consisting of Jonathan Mayhew and
Sam. M. Davis, was appointed by the Board of Supervisors, to ex-
amine that officer's books, when it was discovered that his accounts
showed defalcations in the office amounting to $8,107.37. The won-
der was what the Treasurer, Mr. Breyfogle, had done with the money ;
but when it is remembered that gambling was a prevalent vice among
men, thei'e ought to have been no gi-eat wonder how the money was
squandered. Of course the county, possessing sufficient security,
ultimately sustained no loss in funds.
On the 2d of September took place the State and County election.
There were three tickets in the field — Regular Democratic, Broderick
Democratic, and Republican. On the State ticket, Latham (Dem.)
received 1,069 votes; Currey (Brod.), 664 votes; and Stanford
(Rep.), 299. At tliis election Mr. Higley, County Surveyor of this
county, was elected to the office of Surveyor-General. The Demo-
cratic county ticket was generally successful. John A. Lent (Dem.)
142 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
was elected County Judge, to succeed Wm. H. Glascock, who suc-
ceeded Judge McKee when elected District Judge. The other officers
elected were P. E. Edmondson (Dem.), Sheriff; W. H. Glascock
(Dem.), District Attorney ; D. S. Lacey (Dem.), Assessor ; F. K.
Shattuck (Brod.), Assemblyman ; J. R. Mason (Brod.), County
Clerk; John W. Carrick (Rep.), Treasurer; E. H. Dyer (Brod.),
Surveyor; J. M. Selfridge (Brod.), Coroner; H. Gibbons (Rep.),
Supt. Schools. Alameda and Brooklyn elected S. M. Davis (Dem.)
Supervisor ; Oakland Township, Malachi Fallon (Dem.) to the same
office; Eden Township, A, A. Anderson (Dem.); Murray Township,
J. W. Dougherty (Dem.); and Washington Township, Wm. Shinn,
the only Republican of the lot. The contest was a very bitter one,
and much personality was indulged in during the canvass.
On October 4th opened the first Annual Fair of the Alameda
County Agricultural Society, which was held in the Pavilion on the
plaza. A long list of premiums, divided into two classes, Avere
offered, for which two kinds of diplomas were given— one handsomely
framed and the other with a plain frame. The Fair lasted from the
1st to the 14th of the month, and was well attended. From some
cause or other the Society suffered from the embarrassment of debt,
but kept up its organization and held its shows for several years, un-
til merged into the Bay District Agricultural Association. A state-
ment of the treasurer showed that from the date of its organization
to the conclusion of this Fair, the Association had collected $6,606.97,
while the disbur-sements were $Q,5o8.53, with $58.44 left in the
treasury, and obligations to the amount of $2,000 to provide for.
. On the 30th of December of this year a meeting was held in Oak-
land to aid in making an effort to procure the location of the next
State Fair in that city. It did not, however, have the desii-ed effect.
A "College of Teachers and Trustees" was organized at San Lean-
dro on the 31st of October. The object of this association was to
bring teachers and trustees together for the purpose of advancing the
educational interests of the county. Thei-e was a large attendance.
The following named gentlemen were elected officers: President,
W. H. Souther; Vice President, A. More, of Oakland; Business
Committee, Robert Blacow, Jos. H. Taylor and Joseph Demont.
County Superintendent H. Gibbons was, by virtue of his office, the
Secretary. The College recommended the organization of a Teachers'
Association, which was accordingly done on 1 2th of the same month .
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 143
The legislation for the county for 1859 consisted of the following
enactments :
An Act to authorize the Board of Supervisors of Alameda County
to levy a special tax for school purposes. Not to exceed 25 cents on
the 1100.
An Act to fix the salary of the County Judge of Alameda County.
The County Judge to be elected at the next general election to re-
ceive $2,000 per annum as compensation for his services.
An Act for the improvement of San Antonio creek. Board of
Supervisors appointed Commissioners ; plans and specifications to be
provided; county not responsible stockholders; may purchase work
when $-40,000 are paid in; privileges to expire in ten years.
An Act to authoiize Charles Minturn, Ira P. Rankin and E. C. M.
Chadwick to erect a wharf at Castro's Landmg, in Alameda or Contra
Costa County ; franchise for twenty years. Board of Supervisors of
Contra Costa to fix rate of wharfage.
It was to be supposed that the bridge controversy had been finally
settled by the action of 1857, but the purchase was not finally con-
summated. In the Legislature of this year the owners of the bridge
endeavored to have Jin act passed confirming the original contract
with the Court of Sessions before proceeding to construct a new
bridge to take the place of the old one, then in a dilapidated condi-
tion. The vote on the question was close, but the House refused the
legislation sought.
Tlie following statements, taken from the Assessor's and Treasurer's
books, show the material condition of the county :
Total mnnber of acres assessed, - - - 179,959
Value of personal property, - - - - $1,4.36,995
Value of real estate, ----- 1,618,205
Improvements on real estate, - - - - 441,415
City and town lots, - . . - . 197,875
Improvements on same, - - - -~ 219,720
Total value of property, . - . - $4,094,169
Total tax, 1859-60, $56,756.52
State portion, 23,485.23
County portion, 33,271.00
Delinquent tax, 1858-9, . - . - $2,272.24
Excess of assessment over last ) ^^oo qk't qq
year (without supplemental) J ' " - -" ? •
144 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Townsliips, in point of wealth, were as follows :
Eden, ..-..-- $1,085,618
"Washington, ------- 1,016,845
Oakland, ------- 679,913
Brooklyn, ------- 640,170
Murray, ------- 322,364
Alameda, 169,300
The average value of real estate, as assessed in the several town-
ships, was as follows :
PER ACRE.
Eden (a fraction over), - - - - - $11.44
Washington (a fraction over), - - - - 10.00
Oakland, ------- 15.80
Brooklyn, -------- 11.56
Alameda, _------ 39.44
Murray, -------- 1.10
The following is the first list made out of "rich men," as they
appeared according to valuation on the Assessor's books in 1859 :
J. J. Vallejo, $190,050; Wm. Castro, $148,000; Estudillo Family,
$120,359; Hathaway, Brady & Crabb, $60,800; Soto Family,
$60,392; J. B. Larue, $56,145; Ygnacio Peralta, $54,100; A.
Alviso, $45,900; S. B. Martin, $43,250; H. G. Ellsworth, $38,975;
J. W. Dougherty, $31,800; F. Higuera, $28,950; Livermore, Estate
of, $28,300; Contra Costa Steam Navigation Co., $28,000; Edward
Minturn, $27,200; Eob't Simson, $26,750; E. L. Beard, $26,285;
A. M. Peralta, $25,550; Clemente Colombet, $25,100; A. B. Fabes,
$23,000; Antonio Sunol, $21,400; W. M. Lubbock, $20,000; Earl
Marshall, $18,000; G. W. Patterson, $17,320; Mrs. A. C. Colombet,
$17,000; Thomas G. Carey, $15,400; H. K Carpenter, $15,000;
Benjamin Holladay, $15,000; C. J. Stevens, $14,725; A. Lewelling,
$13,700; Cal. St'm Nav. Co., $13,500; Z. Hughes, $13,450; Richard
Threlfall, $12,450; Wm. Glaskin, $12,000; Coffee & Risdon, $12,000;
H. P. Irving, $11,675; Wm. H. Souther, $11,500; E. S. Eigenbrodt,
$11,450; Mulfoi-d & Co., $11,425; William M. Maddox, $11,250;
Cull & Luce, $11,040; R. B. Donavan, $10,950; Jesse Beard,
$10,625; J. Lewelling, $10,385; A. L. Pioche, $10,300; Domingo
Peralta, $10,000.
Condition of public schools: Districts, 16; childi*en, 2,230; boys,
between 4 and 18, 719; girls, 685; total, 1,404; under 4 years, 826;
boi-n in California, 1,303; orphans, 58; attending school, 616; aver-
age attendance, 361. Male teachers, 13; female, 14; schools, 18;
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 145
pupils in private schools, 146. State school money drawn to pay-
salaries, $2,136.68; raised in school boundaries, $3,700; drafts on
account salaries, $6,419.00; expended on school houses, $1,578.00;
for school libraries and apparatus, $132.00; county tax received for
school purposes, $4,866.87; total expenditure, $8,250.00.
1860 — A Memorable Year — Overthrow of the Democratic Party — Bad
Condition of the Roads — -New Board of Supervisors — Thick Fog
on the Bay — Another Effort to Secure the State Capital for Oak-
land — Ended in Failure — Hojw for the Future — Activity of the
County Agricultural Association — The Supervisors Emjioivered
to Appropriate Money in its Aid — The Washoe Fever Bi'eahs Out
and the County Treasurer Gets Leave to Visit the Mines — Dredging
the Bar Once More — Governor Weller a Resident of the County —
Mitch Enterprise Evinced — Great Demand for Land — Wild
Geese — Prolific Subjects for Discussion — Springing the Kate
Hays Title on Oakland Property — Several Convictions for Mur-
der, but no Executions — Poor Crops and Stagnation — Legislative
Enactments — A Review of the Progress of the County, and a
Comparison with Some of its Neighbors — Census 0/1860.
The year 1860 is a memorable one in the annals of the nation. In
it occun-ed the great Pi'esidential contest, in which the Democratic
party was overthrown in the Union, in this State, and in this
county. It was the year in which Abraham Lincoln was elected
President of the United States. The fact is simj^ly mentioned to
mark a period in our political and social histoiy. It was also the
year for taking the Federal census, and presents a resting-place for
reflection — for observing our ten years' growth and establishing our
status.
The number and importance of local events, apai-t from politics,
was considerable. The proceedings of the Board of Supervisors con-
tinued to be of little value to the historian, but of great importance
to the intei-nal economy of the county. Roads, bridges, the care of
the sick and the schools, received constant attention, and piK)viding
for these taxed the -wits of our township statesmen to the utmost.
The county guardians this year were : J. Lewelling for Eden ; F.
K. Shattuck for Oakland ; A. W. Swett for Brooklyn; C. S. Eigeii-.
brodt for AVashington ; and M. Murray for Murray.
10
146 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
In January of the year tlie Grand Jury of the Court of Sessions
found it necessary to call attention to the bad condition of the roads
and bridges, urging the Board of Supervisors to attend to their re-
pair, just as if they had not had their hands full wrestling with them
constantly.
In the same month a very thick fog covei-ed the bay and surround-
ing country for several days, and the ferry-steamer Contra Costa had
in consequence to lay up until it cleai-ed off. No serious injury, how-
ever, resulted therefrom.
In the Legislature, our representatives, Senator Redman and As-
semblyman Shattuck, had labored to make Oakland the State Capi-
tal, and would have succeeded only for the apathy of the people. It
has been shown that Senator Redman and Assemblyman Rodgers,
during the previous session of 1859, had secured the appointment of
a committee to visit Oakland, wliicli subsequently presented a report
recommending the selection of this fair young city. On a vote being
taken, the proposition was lost by only two votes. The prospect for
the future looked bright. But the people of the town did not suffi-
ciently sustain their repi'esentatives. Next year's work was unavail-
ing, and Sacramento got it. Although much money has been sunk
in the buildings erected at Sacramento, there is no great cause to
dread a defeat for Oakland or some of her suburbs when the battle
is again renewed, as it certainly must be, on account of the unsuit-
ableness of the present location.
The lately organized Agricultural Society was very active this
year. It appealed to the Legislature, backed by numerously-signed
petitions, for power for the Board of Supervisors to donate $.500
amnially towards the support of the society. The Legislature passed
the enactment prayed for, but the Board hesitated to make the appro-
priation at first, on account of the numerous demands on the treas-
airy; but subsequently yielded, adding the amount to the tax levy,
which, besides this, was for the year placed at $1.55. The members
busied themselves in the foi^mation of the Bay District Association,
then recently organized, and in endeavoring to break up the State
Association, the management of which did not please the people of
the bay counties, and Senator Redman endeavored to have its charter
repealed, but without success.
At this time the Washoe excitement was at its height, and many
of ovxr prominent citizens, as well as many who were not prominent,
caught the contagion of the time and went off to the new mining
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 147
region, and to such an extent did the fever rage that our County-
Treasurer asked leave from the Legislature to absent himself from
his post to seek his fortune with the rest, and got it.
The scheme for dredging the Oakland bar had not, down to this
date, resulted satisfactorily, and a bill was introduced in the Legis-
lature to enable the Board of Supervisors to tax the county for the
work, and it passed.
Among those who had made Alameda County their home at this
date was John B. Weller, a former Governor of the State, who re-
sided at Fruit Vale. He participated in the proceedings of his party
and devoted some little attention to our local affairs.
There was considerable enterprise displayed in Alameda County
this year, and much was done, besides the Fair, to develop its indus-
trial resources. Mr. J. B. Ward, agent of the Estudillo Rancho,
bored a tunnel in the hills through which runs the San Leandro
Creek, to make a reservoir for irrigating the land below, near the
place where the Contra Costa Water Company has lately bored a
much larger one and constructed a very extensive reservoir. C. L.
Place, of San Francisco, built a 70-ton sloop at San Antonio. A
company was formed under the name of Anderson & Cummings, to
run a stage to Stockton and carry the U. S. Mail, This service had
cost the Government previously $42,000 a year, but this company,
in which several Alamedans were interested, did the business for
$10,000. The company failed, however, and the California Steam
Navigation Company, which held the contract before at an exorbi-
tant remuneration, again secured the prize.
AVilliam Blacow, of Centreville, purchased of Mr. J. D. Patterson,
of New York, a number of fine French Merino sheep, including the
celebrated ram " Napoleon III," which have thriven finely, and done
much to improve our flocks. At this time, too, commenced the im-
provements of Mr. W. A. Bray in the vicinity of Fruit Yale, which
now so much adorn the eastei-n suburbs of the City of Oakland. The
Santa Rita Rancho, near Pleasanton, was confirmed to S. B. Mai-tin,
and has since proved one of the most productive pieces of land in
the State. Mrs. Blake, who had been conducting a Yoi^ng Ladies'
Academy with success in Oakland, leased the spacious and elegant
premises of J. Ross Browne, to accommodate the increasing number
of her pupils. Notwithstanding that the year did not turn out as
satisfactory for farming as was expected at first, there was a great
demand for land. The Alameda County Medical Association was
formed this year.
148 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
The phenomena of the day was the presence of myriads of wild
geese, which covered the Bay slope and filled the aii-, supplying plenty
of sport for those who prized such game.
The county was constituted one revenue district by the Supervisors,
under the Revenue Act of April 30.
The year was prolific with subjects for discussion. The Presi-
dential election, the merits of the three parties in the field, the atti-
tude of the county towards the State Agi-iciiltural Society, the grant-
ing of $500 to the County Association, the Bar bill, and the care of
the sick poor, all were subjects for considerable comment. In Oak-
land, the springing of the Kate Hayes title, bought up by Mr. Car-
pentier, aroused the indignation of the people, involving, as it did,
half a million dollars' worth of jiroperty, already paid for by many
purchasers. The Court record of this year was not a satisfactory
one. There were three or four trials for murder ; but as is usual in
California, the result was not a satisfying of justice, but a heavy bill
of expense to the county. Horse thieves, too, abounded.
The year previous a contract was made by the Supervisors with
the Sisters of Mercy in San Francisco to provide for the care of in-
digent sick of the county, the new law establishing county infirm-
aries not having yet gone into force. The charge was $1.2.5 per day
per patient.
The crops did not turn out as well as had been expected, and there
was great stagnation in business on account of the scarcity of money
and the low prices obtained for farm products ; yet there was no
despondency, and notliing like suflei'ing.
The moment has now arrived to take a glance backward and review
the. social, industi-ial and financial condition of the county. A decade
of years has been passed through — three of them as a portion of an-
other covinty and seven under our own name and sign manual, " do-
ing our own behests for our own behoof." The contemplation, the
reader will agree, is a most satisfactory one. It is pleasant to be the
chronicler of such progress and such pleasing results. In every sense
had the county prospered. The material gain was very great ; the
increase in population, to say the least, remarkable. Where, before,
all was wild and uncertain, now everythiiig is civilized and satisfac-
tory. The habits of home life have been restored to the immigrant ;
woman graces the scene and adorns the household ; the fixmily is
gathered under the roof-tree, and uncouth habits ai-e corrected. Do-
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 149
mestic animals gather around the homestead, and the pleasures and
joys of the far-off home are renewed. From a mere sojoui-ner, the
new comer has become a settler. All the cherished habits of a civil-
ized community have been put on ; churches, societies and schools
have been established, and promise is given of a future fraught with
comfort, leisure and refinement. Land susceptible of the highest
cultivation has been secui^ed, and where cai-e and diligence have been
exercised, it has been made to "blossom like the rose." The climate
is found to be of the most agreeable description for health and per-
sonal comfort, as well as beneficial for the productiveness of the earth.
The geographical position is found to be most favorable, and every
product within easy reach of a profitable market.
Figures have heretofore been given of other most prosperous coun-
ties, for the purpose of comparison, to prove our own gain as well as
the State's. Sacramento, from the start, had a large population,
owing to her proximity to the gold mines and the commercial advan-
tages of her principal town, as well as possessing the State capital.
Santa Clara contained the oldest to-wn. in the State, and was rich, too,
in a certain precious metal (cimiabar), as well as in agricultural ad-
vantages. Both had thousands of population when we had but a few
hundreds, and possessed prosperous cities when Alameda had nothing
better than a mere hamlet.
At this date Alameda cultivated 75,000 acres of land — -more than
Sacramento, and considerably more than Contra Costa and Santa Clara.
Our return of grain and potatoes, groAvn in 1858, is 1,392,100 bushels,
to Sacramento's 927,442. Our production of barley, in 1859, was
over 1,000,000 bushels, nearly double that of any other county in the
State, and altogether in. excess of our neighbors, with whom we have
been comparing figures. In the growth of wheat we were only ex-
celled by Contra Costa (our old partner), Napa and San Joaquin ;
while in the product of oats we raised about three times as much as
the best of the other counties of the State, averaging 70 bushels to
the acre. Of potatoes we grew, in 1860, 1,830 acres, and cut 5,200
tons of hay, for which we had a ready market. Of horses we counted
7,982 head ; of cows, 18,276 ; of sheep, 26,800, and of hogs, 2,785.
A great increase was shown in our poultry, numbering 25,426, and
producing 462,300 dozen eggs — more than double any other county.
Of fruit trees, of all kinds, we had 316,286 ; of gooseberry and
raspberry vines, 39,030. We had under strawberry vines, 204 acres,
and under gra2>e vines, 200 acres. Four flouring-mills had been estab-
150 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY,
lislied, several saw-mills and a tanueiy. "We not only had numerous
schools, well-spread throughout the county, but also two colleges and
one ladies' seminary, all of a high order.
The following is a synopsis of the year's legislation :
An Act to authorize the. Board of Supervisors of Alameda and
Santa Clara Counties to make appropriations to agricultural societies,
and to legalize an appropriation heretofore made. May make an
annual appropriation of not more than $500 to the Alameda County
Agricultural Society. The appropriation of same sum to the Santa
Clara Yalley Agiicultural Society.
An Act, approved March 6, 1860, for amending the Oakland charter
of 1854, granting further powers to the Common Council.
An Act providing for the payment of a judgment in favor of Trus-
tum C. Gilman against the county of Contra Costa. Board of Sup-
ervisors to levy a tax of one per cent, upon $100 each year till paid,
with interest at ten per cent., and costs. " The Gilman judgment
fund," judgment obtained in March, 1856, to the amount of $20,427
and accruing interest and costs.
An Act concerning roads in the counties of Alameda and Santa
Clara. All roads in Alameda and Santa Clara, now used as such,
declared to be so considered.
An Act to provide for the opening of a channel across the bar at
the mouth of San Antonio Creek. Commissioners, James Dougherty,
Alfred L. Tubbs and W. A. Bray.
An Act for the education and care of the indigent deaf, dumb and
blind in the State of California. Plans and specifications for build-
ing. Contract for $10,000 approved.
An Act for the establishment of county infirmaries, for the relief
of the indigent, and to amend an Act entitled an Act to provide for
the indigent sick in the counties of this State. The Supervisors to
establish said infirmaries.
Several steamers found business carrying freight and passengers,
and a line of telegraph stretched through the country.
The county owned in real estate, according to a very liberal mode
of assessment, which indicated only about one-third the real value,
$2,065,400 ; in improvements, $740,765 ; and in personal property,
$1,575,415 ; making a total valuation of $4,381,580. Our rate of
taxation was only $1.55 on the $100; less than any other county
in California.
By the census of 1860, Alameda had a considerably larger popula-
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES,
151
tion than Coutra Costa ; while Santa Ch^ra held her own, and Sacra-
mento nearly trebled iis.
Let us compare the figures of the four counties for 1852 and
1860, and the reader can clearly see how we grew numerically :
1852. 1860.
Alfyneda, 8,926
Contra Costa, 2,745 5,328
Santa Clara, 6,664 11,912
Sacramento, 12,589 24,145
The Surveyor-General's report of the state of the cx'ops in Alameda
County this year was as follows: "The crops in this county have
been good. Many of the ranch-owners are inclosing the valley tracts
extensively, thus limiting the range for pasture. Much attention has
been given to sheep-raising. Some superior imported stock has been
introduced this year. The wool clip is generally of a fine quality."
152
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
WM. WILSON,
No. 961 BROADWAY, - OAKLAND.
innnuiinininumffi«iia;ui'!fflisniiai!iBi!i!iira5os33i.=ffiiaiBf
:E^:R-A.aTia.A.ij
Watch and Clock Maker.
MAKES REPAIRING A SPECIALTY.
KEEPS CONSTANTLY ON HAND,
The FINEST of JE^A^ELRY,
A Splendid. Lot of
GOLD AND SILVER WATCHES,
ALL OF WELCH ARE GUARAJVTEEB.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 153
CHAPTER XVIII.
FROM THE CENSUS OF 1860 TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OAKLAND
FERRY RAILROAD IN 1863.
1861 — An Eventful Year — Military Movements in Alameda County —
Home Guard — Camps Downey and Merchant — A Winter of
Floods — Destruction of Cattle — The ''Skinners" — The Bar Bond
Tax — The New Board of Supervisors — County Officers and Re-
presentatives — Benj. F. Butler, an Engraver — The Democracy
Successful at the Oakland Charter Election — Dismemherment
Movement — Military Ajjpointments — A Deputy Sheriff for Mur-
ray — The Hirsche Murder — Breyf ogle's Bondsmen — Coal Disco-
veries—The Destruction of the Neio Court-house Prophesied Seven
Years before it Happened — A Lawyer-Editor laments Over the
Healthy Condition of the County — County Seat Festivities — Col-
lege of California — Centreville Making a Large Display of the
Fair Sex — The Santa Cla/ra Settlers and the Governor — Fruit
Injured hy Frost and Grain by Rust— A Regiment of Dragoons —
Republican Successes at the Elections — Bay District Agricultural
Association — The Alameda Fair — Obituary of a "Judge of the
Plains" — Conditimi of the Schools — Acts of the Legislature.
The year 1861 is eventful in the annals of the nation as the one in
which broke out the great rebellion. It was the year of military or-
ganizations and the movements of masses of men. Even at this great
distance from the scenes of actual conflict, tliere was a commotion and
preparation for conflict, for defense, if not assault. Alameda County
was, for the fii-st time in her history, made the chosen camping
gi-ound of military bodies. The peace of the State had to be main-
tained, lawlessness and violence repressed, and when occasion de-
manded it, the life of the nation defended.
There was a "Home Guard" organized at Oakland on the 31st of
August, 1861. The oflicers of this patriotic body were as follows:
Captain, James Brown; First Lieutenant, John Potter; Second Lieu-
tenant, W. H. Pufier; Brevet Lieutenant, J. H. Hobart; Orderly
154 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY,
Sergeant, H. H. Crockex-; Second Sergeant, T. W. Newcomb; Third
Sergeant, W. Woolsey; Fourth Sergeant, Chas. McKay; First Cor-
poral, H. A. Morse; Second Corporal, Henry Sommers; Tliii-d Cor-
poral, C. Stewart; Fourth Corj^oral, Jas. Travis.
Two recruiting camps were established on this side of the bay.
They were respectively Camp Downey and Camp Merchant. The
former was at the Race Course, on the San Pablo Road. It consisted
of one thousand volunteers, recruited for the purpose of protecting
the United States mails and keeping open our communications with
the East. Camp Merchant was formed of a cavalry force, consisting
of 500 men, who occupied the ground on Kennedy's farm, Brooklyn
Township, for some months. In August they broke camp and pro-
ceeded to San Francisco via San Jos6, whence they were sent to the
southern portion of the State, the same destination as that of the vol-
unteers of the other camp. Their transit from San Francisco was
by water. When at Milpitas the horses stampeded, and many of them
were lost among the mountains.
The years 1861 and 1862 are memorable in the history of Califor-
nia as the years of the second great flood, when Sacramento and
Marysville were submerged and the great central valley inundated.
Our own county, too, was subjected, in its southern portion especially,
to the overflow, and for a time traveling was impossible. The heavy
rains of the winter of 1861 proved disastrovis to the stock intei-est,
and a great reduction in the number of cattle in the county became
thereafter apparent. Hundreds perished for the want of food and
shelter, and there were persons known as " skinners," who made a
business of divesting the dead animals of their hides and making
their own of them. As is the case with almost everything else in
California, even in this poor business there was a spirited competition.
The question of levying the tax of $35,000 for dredging the Oak-
land bar, authorized by the Legislature, was considerably talked of
and discussed ; but the Supervisors levied the rate and enabled the
Commissioners to go on with the work, which, when completed,
proved to be of only temporary utility.
On the first Monday in February the newly elected Board of
Supervisors took their seats. They were as follows : For Oakland
Townshi]-), F. K. Shattuck ; Brooklyn and Alameda Townships,
Henry Robinson ; Eden Township, Wm. Meek ; "Washington Town-
ship, 0. S. Eigenbrodt ; Murray Township, Michael Murray.
The county officers were those elected the previous year, who
served until September 7tli, 1862.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 155
The Joint Senator for Alameda and Santa Clara was A. L. Rhodes,
a talented lawyer and a gentleman of high literary attainments,
lately deceased at San Jose. Frank F. Fargo, editor of the Alameda
Herald, was our Assemblyman. He was subsequently elected Clerk
of the Supreme Court, and finally went East.
At a meeting of the Board of Supervisors held in February, ap-
peared Benjamin F. Butler, presenting a bill for engraving and
printing county bonds on accoimt of the Oakland bar at the mouth
of San Antonio creek. Soon after this name was made conspicuous
as the " Hero of New Orleans," the lawyer-general of Massachusetts,
who but a few months previously had been acting in politics with
the pro-slavery men of the South.
Notwithstanding the reaction that had taken place in the political
sentiments of the people, caused by the breaking out of the i-ebellion,
and the fact that Alameda County had gone Republican at the pre-
vious general election, the City of Oakland at this year's charter
election remained true to her youthful Democratic instincts, and
elected Democratic officers, by considerable majorities.
Thei-e was something of a movement this year to get Washington
Township, or a portion of it, back into Santa Claiu County, but it
ended in failure.
Among the military appointments made by Governor Downey,
were P. E. Edmondson, to the position of Adjutant of the Firet
Brigade, Second Division, National Guard; Col. J. C. Hays,
Brigade Inspector, First Brigade, Second Division ; and Wm. Van
Yoorhies, Judge Advocate, First Brigade, Second Division.
Owing to the frequent occurrence of murders and other crimes of
magnitude in Murray Township, withovit the making of ai-rests, the
Sherifi" appointed Jas. S. Kapp as Deputy for that section of the
county. This was the first step to repress lawlessness in that thinly-
settled and mountainous district.
At the Session of the District Court, held in March of this year,
was indicted E. W. Bomiey, for the murder of Auguste Hirsche,
under peculiar cii-cumstances. Both parties resided in San Fran-
cisco, and had been friends. Bonney was subsequently convicted of
the crime.
The bondsmen of Breyfogle, the defaulting Treasurer, had resisted
the demand to make good the amount of that officer's defalcation,
and defended a suit for recovery brought against them in the Dis-
trict Court by the county. The suit went against them, and they
156 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
appealed to tlie Supreme Court, where they were again defeated, aild
mulcted in considerable costs. The amount of their liabilities was
about $10,000, besides their own costs; altogether about $12,000.
The principal bondsman was Mr. E. A. Haynes, who has recently
been again placed in a similar unfortunate position. The claim was
subsequently compromised by authority of the Legislature.
This year extensive veins of coal were discovered in Mount Diablo,
and soon after coal was found in Corral Hollow and the Stone Cor-
ral in the Li verm ore Pass. The discovery in Mount Diablo proved
valuable, but not so with any of the others.
The Gazette of March 30th made this prophesy with regard to the
new Court-house building, which proves it to have been a flimsy
affair at best : " Our Court-house will fall down one of these days.
"What with earthquakes and equinoctial storms, the one shocking
from top to bottom, and the other sending small rivulets through and
through, it cannot be expected to stand. "We suppose the Board of
Supervisors are unable to control the earthquake, but they may shut
out the rain."
The small amount of business before the Courts in the April Term
led the editor of the Gazette to make the following reflections : 1st.
That the county morally is in an exceedingly healthy condition. 2d.
That the county physicially is in a healthy condition. 3d. That the
county, so far as litigation is concerned, is in a deplorahhj healthy
condition. That editor was a lawyer, as is plain to be seen.
That the lawyers did not have a great pressure of business, nor
were the clients particularly tmhappy, will be gleaned from the fol-
lowing in the same paper :
"Court Festivities. — The past week has been one continued
round of enjoyment for the good people of San Leandro. The session
of the District Coui-t having brought an unusual number of strangers
to our town, was seized upon as occasion for nightly impromptu
* soirees ' at the ' Estudillo,' whicli eclipsed in true enjoyment all the
studied arrangements of any public ball that ever was given. The
fairest of San Francisco's daughters and the beauties of San Leandro
combined to chain the attention and admiration of the gallants of
both places night after night, until 'the wee sma' hours.' The tine
parlor of the Estudillo, so admirably adapted for the purpose, re-
sounded with natural and \inaftected gaiety. The votaries of the
Muses ruled the hour, uuafl'ected and uncontrolled by fears of writs,
commitments or attachments, legal or otherwise."
Commencement exercises of the " College of California " were held
in the Presbyterian Church, Oakland, Tuesday, 12th of June. The
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 157
anniversary address was delivered by J. J). "Wliitney, State Geologist.
J. E. Ride, editor of the Daily liJveninij Journal, read a poem pre-
pared for the occasion. After music and a benediction, the audience
repaired to the grove witliin the College grounds and refreshed them-
selves at a table bountifully siipplied by the ladies of Oakland.
At a May ball at Milton's new hotel at Centreville, 1.50 ladies
were reported present, " all beautiful to behold." May festivities
were general this year. The influence of the fair sex was surely
growing powerful.
There was trouble among the settlera on the Chabolla Ranch, in
Santa Clara. In reply to a letter of admonition addressed them by
Governor Downey, they replied as follows :
" We know you have a duty to do, and so have we. "VVe only ask
to be let alone until the suits now pending in Washington are de-
cided. But if that cannot be done by the plaintiffs interested in the
present suit of restitution, then, live or die, sink or swim, we will,
by the help of our own strong arms and the aid so generally tendered,
relying upon Divine Providence, defend our rights, our homes and
our families as best we can." There was no bloodshed, however,
after this expression of Spartan determination.
The fruit crop was damaged one-half by frost. On the 12th of
June there was a heavy rain, which was more injurious than other-
wise ; the year's crops would have been good only much was injured
by rust.
A company of dragoons was formed at Centreville, imder C. Eigen-
brodt, in the latter part of the year. It was organized under a late
militia law of the State.
The officer commissioned to organize the battalion was Major
Thompson, of Oakland. The battalion was subsequently attached to
the Massachusetts Second Cavalry Regiment, to enable it to fill the
quota of that State. It was mustered into seiwice in October, 1862,
and mustered out in August, 1865. But few members of Company
E, the one raised in this county, are now resident here, besides Col.
Thompson. One of these is John T. Campbell, who resides near
Brusha Peak.
At the election of 1861 there were three tickets in the field —
Republican, Democratic and Union Democratic. The Republican
ticket was everywhere successful. Leland Stanford, Republican
candidate for Governor, received 1,932 votes ; J. R. McCounell,
Democrat, 356 ; and John Conness, Union Democrat, 511.
158 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
For State Senator, A. M. Crane, Kepublican, received 1,274
votes; N. Hamilton, Union Democrat, 616; and H. Linden,
Democrat, 288. There were no less than six candidates for Assem-
bly in the field, last year's apportionment having given Alameda
County a State Senator of her own and two Assemblymen. The
successful men were S. B. Bell and J. M. Moore, Republicans. All
the other Republican candidates were elected.
A meeting of the Board of Delegates of the Bay District Agricul-
tural Association was held at the Fair in San Jose, in September.
The Board of Delegates consisted of seven members from each county.
At the annual meeting the folio vv^ing gentlemen were elected ofiicers :
President, Sam. Bell McKee, of Oakland ; F. K. Shattuck, Rodman
Gibbons, Oakland; Henry Thompson, Washington ToAvnship; and
John Lewelling, Eden, Vice-Presidents ; A. A. Cohen, D. L. Per-
kins, Alameda, Directors ; G. W. Crane, of Monterey; B. F. Fish, of
San Francisco ; H. A. Innis, of Santa Cruz ; Andrew Inman, of Con-
tra Costa; Wm. Reynolds, of Santa Clara; and John Cummings, of
San Mateo, Vice-Presidents ; Edward Hoskins, of Oakland, Secre-
tary ; and Hai-ry Linden, of Oakland, Treasurer. It will be seen
that Alameda County possessed the " lion's share " of the offices and
responsibility belonging to the Bay District Association.
In September the officers of the Oakland Guard received their
commissions, duly signed, as well as their arms and accoutrements.
The Alameda County Agricultural Fair was held in the last week
of September and first of October, and was pronounced a substantial
success, and reflected much credit on the county. There was horse-
racing, as usual, and a ball at the close.
A correspondent sent the following obituary notice to the editor of
the Gazette :
"Mr Editor: Squire Marshall, ' with his quiddits, his quillets,
his tenures and his tricks,' is no more. He died at 1 1 o'clock last
evening, of apoplexy. Yes ; the ' Old Squire,' with all his eccentri-
cities, now lies Avrapt in the cerements of the grave, after a
residence of eight or nine years amongst us, during which time, save
one year, he served as Jiistice of the Peace, and was successful in
establishing a reputation suitable to the capacity of ' Judge of the
Plains.' The career of this old man, with its privations and vicis-
situdes, if biographized, would fill a large-sized and interesting
volume. Although not an admirer of his acts and qualities while
living, I could not, last night, while gazing upon the inanimate
features of that once eccentric old man, but evince a hope that after
' life's fitful fever ' he sleeps well ; and trust that his enemies will
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 159
forgive him, bury liis faults with their victim in the grave, and say
' Peace to his ashes.' "
The annual school report of J. D. Strong, County Siijierintendent
for the year 1861, showed the following condition of the school de-
partment : Children from 4 to 18 years of age, 1,823 ; more boys than
girls, 111; increase during the year, 204; enrolled in the public
schools, 772; number of schools, 22; total school expenditure during
the year, $9,986. At this time there were three times as many male
as female teachers employed in the county. The school houses were
generally very inferior. Those in Oakland, Brooklyn and Alameda,
were altogether inadequate to meet the wants of scholars. So con-
sjiicuously was this the case in Oakland, that the Superintendent re-
marked: "Oakland, especially, with its four hundred and sixty-four
scholars, has not adequate accommodation for more than thirty. And
yet, strange to say, the district had more than $1,600 lying idle in the
County Treasury. In addition to the public schools there were at
this time nine private schools and colleges in the coimty, with about
190 pupils.
The following constituted the Legislation of the year for the county :
An Act to fix the times of holding the County Court, Probate
Court, and Court of Sessions in and for the County of Alameda. Ac-
tions not to be affected by change.
An Act to extend the time for opening of a channel at the mouth
of San Antonio Creek.
An Act to fund the city debt of Oakland.
An Act relating to collection of delinquent taxes.
An Act incorporating Corral Hollow Railroad Company. Jos. S.
Kohn, John O'Brien and their associates granted franchise to con-
struct and maintain a railroad from Corral Hollow to a point on the
San Joaquin River, to comnrence within one year and complete with-
in two years.
An Act providing for fee books by Sheriff, Clerk, Recorder and
Treasiirer.
An Act authorizing and empowering Juana M. Estudillo to sell
and convey the interest in certain real estate of her infant child,
Jesus Maria Estudillo.
An Act amendatory of an Act supplementary to an Act entitled
an Act to provide for the funding of the outstanding debt of the City
of Oakland and to pi-event the creation of new debts.
An Act relating to a certain judgment to be funded ; Commission-
160 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY,
ers, powers, duties ; issuance of bonds ■ collection of delinquent taxes ;
assessment legalized; duties, fees, etc., of Disti'ict Attorney.
An Act defining duties of Marshal and Assessor of the City of
Oakland.
An Act amendatory of the charter of the City of Oakland.
An Act granting to certain persons the right to construct and
maintain a railroad through certain streets in the City of Oakland ;
granted to Rodmond Gibbons, Wm. Hilligas, R. E. Cole, Samuel
Wood, Joseph Black and Geo. Goss, for fifty years; road to be con-
structed within two years ; from the westerly end of the bridge lead-
ing from the City of Oakland to the Town of Clinton, to a point in
the Bay of San Francisco where the shore nearest approaches Yerba
Buena Island. ^
1862 — Continuance and Severity of the Winter Rains— Great Flooch
and Loss of Life and Property — Succeeded hy Gold Weather in
the Spring — Grand Jury Report of the Gourt of Sessions — Uiv-
satisfactory Condition of the Gounty Property — "Honest" Gounty
Officers — Taxation for the Year — I sham Gase, Gounty Assessor —
Discovery of Goal and other Mineral Deposits — A Legislative
Joke at the Expense of Alameda's Senator — A Gonlra Gosta Glaim
Bill 2)assed in the Legislature — Ferry TrijJS — Rev. Mr. Willey —
Hanging of Edward W. Bonney, the First Judicial Execution in
the Gounty — War Tax — The Vallejo Mill Grant Rejected — A
Steam-tug Launched at Mount Eden — An Exte7isixe Fire at San
Antonio — A Bloodless Duel in Oakland — Rain in Jtme — Good
Grops — Union Convention — Contra Costa Commissioners' Report
— First Marriage License under the New Law — Union Mass
Meeting at Haywards — Sheriff's Delinquent Tax Advertisements
— "Smoking out a Mouse" and' Burning of Judge Crane's House
in Alameda — Commencement of Wo7'k for the Oaklatul Ferry —
Burning of the "Golden Gate" — Union Convention to Nominate
Candidates for Assembly — Thunder, Lightning and Rain in
August — An "Over-land" Train at San Leandro — Union Can-
didates Elected — The Bay District Fair at Oakland — Books for
Stock to the C. P. R. R. Opened at Sacramento — Great Soldiers'
Relief Mass Meeting at San Leandro, Addressed hy Rev. Starr
King — Large Contributions — New Suj^ervisors — Horace Higley
Fighting with the Rebels — Miscellaneous — Legislation cf the Year.
It has been already shown that the early winter i-ains were very
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 161
severe and tliat much damage and destruction was the result. The
severity of the weather continued throughout the winter and spring.
The tides ran very high, and all the lands lying along the bay were
inundated by salt water. The Alameda wharf was entirely sub-
merged, and the Oakland ferry boats were compelled to omit some of
their trips. For want of attendance the January tenn of the County
Court and Court of Sessions had to be adjourned. The Supervisors
also adjourned their meeting. Amador Valley was one sheet of water.
One of the piers of the San Leandro bridge was broken by the force
of the water, and the farms bordering the creek were submerged to the
depth of two feet. The current was so strong and swift, that two
slaughter houses were carried off and lodged near the bay. At Niles,
San Lorenzo, and Yoakum's Feny, thei'e was a good deal of destruc-
tion. Sheep and cattle continued to die in thousands. San Leandro,
however, sustained no damage fi-om the overflow. The volume of
water that fell in January was immense. In the space of 40 minutes
water fell to the depth of an inch on the 23d of the month. The San
Lorenzo Creek rose seven feet and two inches in 58 minvites. In
Stockton the flood was 22 inches higher than in 1852. The total
damage in the State was roughly estimated at $75,000,000. It was
, computed that as many as 1,400 Chinamen were disowned in the State
during the floods. It was an awful visitation. One good result,
however, was the destruction of myriads of squirrels, who were un-
able to procure food and whose holes in the ground were filled with
water.
The consequent gloom and despondency was very general; the pe-
cuniary outlook was unsatisfactory. Besides the loss of property in
mines and stocks, the loss of the hay and gi-ain crops looked very likely.
The high tariff recently imposed by Congress, made foreign goods very
high, and on top of all came the war tax. The year promised to be
the most depressing known to the State. Providence, however,
helped the people out; farmers got good prices for what was left of
their pi-oduce, and the harvest, notwithstanding all the evil prognos-
tications made, turned out to be the best ever known in the State.
Not only was the winter of 1861-2 very wet, but very cold. Snow
fell several times, and the hills and mountains were covered with a
white pall. For the first time since 1859, snow laid in the valleys,
and on the last Sunday in January ice formed an inch thick.
The Grand Jury of the Court of Sessions, when it met, with Mr.
Edmondson as Foreman, strongly condemned the condition in which
162 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
they found the coiinty property — -jail, court-house, etc. They urged
the rebuildmg of the bridges destroyed by the freshets, and the repair
of the roads. They reported only three prisoners in jail. The fee
books were examined and pronounced correct. The County Officers
were made happy by the confidence expressed by the Grand Jury that
they were "honest."
The Board of Supei'visoi-s, after due deliberation at their March
meeting, declared the following rate of taxation for the current year :
State Taxes, 62c. ; County General Fund, 50c. ; Common Schools,
20c. ; Koad and Bridge Fund, 20c; Indigent Sick Fund, 13c. ; In-
terest on Oakland Bar Fund, 10c. ; total, $1.75. The Board ordered
that the Tax Collector do not accompany the Assessor.
Mr. Isham Case commenced his duties as Assessor for the County
on the 15 th day of the month of March,
The discovery of a deposit of coal at Pinole, betv/-een San Pablo
and Martinez, in Contx'a Costa, was hailed with much satisfaction.
The belief seemed to be well founded that similar deposits were
numerous in various parts of the adjacent mountains.
Some merriment was caused at the expense of our State Senator,
Mr. Crane, on account of the occurrence of a grammatical blunder in
the printed copies of a bill introduced by that gentleman in the
Legislature, concerning roads in our county. The sixth section of
the bill read as follows :
" The Board of Supervisoi-s shall not open or establish any road
or liighway through the ornamental grounds of any dwelling-house of
over three years' growth, etc."
In amendment of which, Mr. Oulton, of San Francisco, moved to
insei-t after the word "through," the following: "The number of
years which the house has been gi'OAving shall be determined by the
rings on the chimney,"
In the Senate, on Thui-sday, April 24th, a bill providing for the
payment by the County of Alameda to the County of Contra Costi*a
of the Gilman debt, for the construction of the San Antonio bridge,
was, in s})ite of the determined opposition of Senator Crane, carried
by a large vote.
The two boats running on the ferry route between San Francisco
and San Antonio — the Oakland and Contra Costa — were thoroughly
overhaided this Spring, and made trips daily as follows : From San
Antonio, at 7J and 9 o'clock a. m. ; and 12J, 2| and 5 o'clock p. m.
The weather continued cold late in the Spring of this year, and on
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 163
the 5th of April Mission Peak and the foot-hills were covered with
snow. On May 17th they were again visited in like manner.
Ramon Romero, who had narrowly escaped the gallows for a mur-
der committed in Oakland, was, in April of this year, guilty of
killing another man, in Sacramento, Avith a knife.
In the latter part of Api'il there was a reported discovery of a
coal-oil bed in the Contra Costa hills, within 12 miles of Oakland.
"We have not " struck oil " here yet, however.
Rev. Mr. Willey, one of the pioneer clergymen of San Francisco,
was in the Spring of this year elected one of the Yice-Presidents of
the College of California, Oakland.
The execution of Edward W. Bonney, for the murder of Aug. G.
Hirsch, took place at San Leandro on the 9 th day of May, between
the hours of twelve and one o'clock p. m. This was the first legal
execution for any crime that ever took place in Alameda County.
The culprit died protesting his innocence, although the evidence
against him was most conclusive.
At their May meeting the Board of Supervisors imposed a tax of
15 cents ad valorem on each $100 of property, real and personal, in
the county, as a war tax, besides a poll tax of $2 /)er capita on each
male inhabitant betAveen the ages of twenty-one and sixty years.
On the 20th of May Judge Hoffman filed his opinion, rejecting
the claim of Jos6 de Jesus Vallejo to the property known as the Val-
lejo Mill grant in this county.
On the 22d day of May a steam-tug, built at Eden Landing, was
launched, and a large number of persons were present to Avitness the
BA'ent. Miss Ellen Barron, daughter of the OAvner, christened her
the Monitor. This is an instance of industrial enterprise of Avhich we
have since had but feAv similar examples.
An extensive fire occurred at San Antonio on the 22d of May,
by which A. Waldman lost his dwelling ; B. F. Rynders, his saloon ;
Liese Brothers, their meat market ; Hirschf elder, Levy & Co., their
dwelling house ; Henry Hampel, his blacksmith shop, and the estate
of d'Alamere, a house.
This side of the Bay obtained this year some notoriety as a duel-
ling gi-ound. Frank Turk and 0. C. Hall, of San Francisco, fought
a duel on the 1st of June, in the Avoods of Oakland. They settled
their dispute and satisfied each other's wounded honor by firing pistol
balls at each other at a distance of ten paces, Avithout doing each
other any injury.
164 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Tlie month of June was remarkable for several showers of rain,
which occurred in the second week of the month. Notwithstanding
the great severity of the winter, the croj^s at this period promised
very fairly.
At a Union County Convention, held at San Leanch-o on the 14th
of June, for the purpose of selecting delegates for the State Conven-
tion, held at Sacramento on the following 17th, A. M. Crane, Wm.
Kennedy, W. W. Crane, Jr., J. M. Moore, S. W. Levy, Wm. Meek,
F. K. Shattuck, A. M. Church, and A. J. Kelly were appointed.
The State Convention was presided over by Walter Yan Dyke, then
of Humboldt County, but who for a number of years has been a
prominent citizen of Alameda County.
Reports of mineral discoveries within our territory were becoming
frequent, and on the 28th of June a ledge of coal was reported to
have been found on the premises of W. O. Harris, near Warm
Springs. A test of a sample of it as fuel was made, and pronounced
satisfactory, but the ledge was never worked.
The Contra Costa Commissioners, appointed by the last Legislature
to determine the indebtedness of Alameda to Contra Costa County,
met at Martinez in the latter part of June. The Commissioners
appomted from Alameda to act with them declined to attend, as this
county altogether denied any indebtedness. The Contra Costa Com-
missioners reported that their county had paid on account of obliga-
tions existing at the time of the organization of the County of
Alameda, the sum of $36,755.15 ; that this county was justly and
equitably bou.nd to the payment of a portion thereof amountiug to
$15,518.78; that Alameda had paid the sum of $3,944.66 on the
4th day of June, 1858, leaving an unpaid balance of $11,574.12, due
from the County of Alameda to the County of Contra Costa, and
they therefore awarded that amount to the latter county, in vii-tue
of the powers conferred upon them. The report was signed by B. C.
Whitman and Chas. Fish. The Alameda Commissioners, who failed
to appear, were J. W. Dougherty and A. M. Church.
The first marriage license, issued under the new law, in Alameda
Co., was issued by the County Clerk on the 1st day of July this year.
A great Union meeting, with flags and banners and a band of
music, was held at Haywards on the 4th of July. Over one
thousand pei'sons wei-e present, and at the close a procession of car-
riages was formed to San Lorenzo and San Leandro. The demon-
stration closed with a ball at Hayward's Hotel in the evening.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 165
Tlie San Leandro Gazette, then the official county paper, was nearly
altogether taken up in its issue of the 12th of July with the an-
noimcements of delinquent tax sales, published by the Sheriff.
Among the casualties of the year was the destruction by fire, at
Alameda, of the fine residence of Judge A. M. Crane. The fire
originated in. an effort of the Judge's children to smoke a mouse out
of a hole in the attic. The building was valued at $5,000, and was
not insured.
There was a great hurrah in Oakland when, on the 2d day of
August, it became known that work had commenced on the ferry
railroad. The fii-st cause of rejoicing was the arrival of piles for the
construction of the wharf. Real estate immediately advanced fifty
per cent.
ISIuch regret was expressed at the news of the demise of G. B.
Tingley, a pioneer citizen, and the Senator i-epresenting Contra Costa
and Santa Clara in the Legislatures of 1851 and 1852. He died in
San Francisco on the 3d day of August, from a fit of apoplexy.
News was received here about the first of August of the destruc-
tion of the steamer Golden Gate by fire. She left San Francisco on
the 21st day of July, with 242 passengers and a crew of ninety-six
persons. Among the 200 pei-sons lost was Mr. R. T. Hawkins, of
San Leandro. The ill-fated steamer was burnt within fifteen miles
of Mazatlan.
A second Union Convention was held at San Leandro on the 13th
day of August, for the purpose of nominating candidates for Assem-
bly. Over fifty delegates, equally divided between Republicans and
Democrats, were present. Loyal resolutions were passed, and oppo-
sition to Milton S. Latham, for U. S. Senator, expressed. The
nominees for Assembly were Henry P^obinson, of Alameda, Repub-
lican, and Thos. Scott, of Washington, Democrat.
The unusual phenomena of a thunder-storm, accompanied by light-
ning and heavy showers of rain, occurred on the 1 8th day of August.
Lightning struck a straw-stack near Mount Eden, and burnt it ; the
telegraph wire at Centreville was also struck in like manner, and
the maguet in the telegraph office exploded, making a report like
that of a musket. Such an occurrence was never before known in
California.
In August of this year the survey of the Estudillo Rancho was
confirmed. It took in one-half of the McMurtrie orchard, in San
Lorenzo.
166 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Quite a novel spectacle for this section of tlie country was witnessed
at San Leandro on a certain Saturday and Sunday of the month of
September. It was a train of four covered wagons, with cami)-
utensils, belonging to a family of immigrants who had crossed the
plains and mountauis all the way from the State of Iowa. They
were just four months making the trip. They lost one of their
number, a young man, on the way. They buried him on the plains.
They had had no difficulty with Indians.
The result of the election in September, for membex'S of Assembly,
were favorable to the Union Candidates. There were two tickets in
the field — Union and Union Democratic. For Assembly, Robinson
(Union) received 914 votes, and Scott, 834 ; Johnson (Union Demo-
crat) received 777, and Fallon, 640. For Public Administrator,
Amerman (Union) received 683 votes ; Keyes (Union Democrat)
323. For Coroner, Foss (Union) received 762, and Green (Union
Democrat) 688, Alfred A. Cohen took an active part in this elec-
tion, and was said to be the originator of the Union Democratic
party of Alameda County.
The Bay District Fair was commenced in Oakland, on Tuesday,
October 7th, of this year, and was well attended, while the display
of produce of all kinds, and animals, was creditable. Among the
articles on exliibition were a squash weighing 90 Rs., a cabbage 51
lbs., and a sweet potato 9 lbs. There were some potatoes almo.st
round and perfectly smooth. There were blackberries, raspberry-
wine, and samples of tobacco grown in the San Ramon Valley. At
the stock parade, in the evening, were exhibited the horses " Owen
Dale," " Kentuck," " Hunter," " Comet," and the Clydesdale horses
imported by Messrs. Dougherty and IMartin, of the Amador Yalley.
J. D. Patterson exhibited five specimens of his celel^rated Alderney
cows. At the election of officers to serve for the ensuing year, the
following gentlemen were chosen : President, J. J. McEwen ; Vice-
Presidents, S. J. Tenant, J. Bowles ; Vice-Presidents for counties at
large, Wm. Reynolds, Santa Clara ; S. W. Johnson, Contra Costa ;
R. Blacow, Alameda ; D. S. Cook, San Mateo; J. A. McClelland,
San Francisco. Directors, Gr. P. Loux, Piatt Gregory, R. G. Davis ;
Treasurer, K. W. Taylor; Secretary, 0. Falley. Rev. Starr King
delivered the annual address, to a large audience. As was usual at
that period in our history, all manner of gambling was in full blast
in Oakland during the fair.
On the 22d of October, of this year, l:)Ooks for the subscri})tion of
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 167
$3,000,000 of stock for the Central Pacific Railroad were opened in
Sacramento.
On the 29th (jf September there was held at San Leandro a mass
meeting for the purpose of raising funds for the relief of sick and
wounded soldiers in the war. The meeting was addressed by Rev.
T. Starr King, Edward Tompkins, and Frederick Billings. There
was a great deal of enthusiasm and the people subscribed liberally at
the meeting and afterwards. Altogether there was over .$12,000
raised for the laudable purpose in Alameda County. J. A. Mayhew,
W. W. Crane, Jr., Noble Hamilton, Socrates Huff, and I. A. Amer-
man were appointed an Executive Committee. The sum of $5,082.25
was contributed at the meeting.
In the month of October Thomas Eagar, of Brooklyn, received the
appointment of*United States Assessor for Alameda County.
The new Board of Supervisors, consisting of Meek for Eden, Davis
for Brooklyn and Alameda, Martin for MuiTay, Overacker for Wash-
ington, and Shattuck for Oakland, took their seats on the 3d of No-
vember. Shattuck was elected Chairman.
The value of property assessed for taxes in Alameda County this
year was $4,233,396. The total amount of taxation, including the
Federal tax, for the year 1862-3, was $93,134.20.
News was received here, in the month of November, that Horace
Higley, the first County Surveyor for Alameda County, and subse-
quently Surveyor-General of the State of California, had enlisted in
the rebel army in Mississippi. The report was afterwards con-
firmed. Mr. Higley returned to the State after the war was over and
died in San Francisco.
The Oakland Guard gave a Thanksgiving ball this year, at the
Agricultural Pavilion.
A number of the Contra Costa Gazette, of the month of November,
reported the recent discovery of three veins of coal in the southern
portion of that county, near the San Joaquin River, together with
oil springs near the town of Antioch.
As an indication of the price land was capable of bringing this year
in this county, it may be mentioned that nineteen acres were sold at
San Lorenzo for $5,000, or a little over $263 per acre; and this for
agricultural or horticultural purposes!
In the latter end of November the property of the Alameda County
Agi-icultural Society was advertised for sale by the Sheriff, to satisfy a
mortsraore.
168 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Tlie criminal calendar this year was pretty lieavy. A man at-
tempted to murder his wife in the southern part of the county, hav-
ing fired three pistol shots at her; a man was killed in Brooklyn, and
another in Moraga Valley.
An individual in this county was reported in the papere to be
raising 2,500 hares per month for the San Fi-ancisco market. It may
have been so, but his name was not given, and the belief must be in-
dulged in that a wag was at work. It would not do to put some of
those hairs in the pot.
The number of students in attendance at the College of California
this year was 120. The winners of the rhetorical prizes were Messrs.
Harwood, Daly and Emerson, two of whom have since distinguished
themselves on the press and platform.
The judicial election, held in the month of November, showed the
follo^ving result in the Third District for District Judge : McKee
—Monterey, 349; Santa Cruz, 199; Alameda, 333. Total, 881.
Brown — Santa Clara, 420 ; Contra Costa, 385. Total, 805. Majority
for McKee, 76.
Among the casualties by fire was the burning of Becht's Brewery,
on the comer of Broadway and Ninth Sti-eet, which occurred on the
night of the 11th of November. Besides the brewery and 2,000
gallons of beer, Mr. Becht lost his dwelling-house and furniture,
altogether amounting to about $6,000, on which there was onl};- $2,000
insurance.
The first rain of the regular winter season fell about half-past one
o'clock on the morning of the 1 2th of November.
The number of militia enrolled in the county by the enrolling
ofiicers was 2,000.
The legislation of the year, concerning Alameda County, was as
follows :
An Act entitled an Act to incorporate the city of Oakland, j)assed
March 25th, 1854, and repealing certain other Acts in relation to
said city. Restates boundaries, regulates officers, duties of City
Council, and time and method of levying taxes.
An Act to provide for an equitable adjustment of claims arising
from the indebtedness of the County of Contra Costa, outstanding at
the date of the organization of the County of Alameda, and for aj>
portioning any award made thereon.
Whereas, the Legislature of 1860, by compulsory Act, imposed
on the County of Contra Costa the payment of the claim of one T.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES, 169
C. Gilman, amounting to upwards of $31,000, some $24,000 of the
amount being for interest, part of it at the rate of 5 per cent, per
month, on an obligation contracted before the organization of the
County of Alameda, mainly fi"om tei-ritory and population at that
time belonging to the County of Contra Costa ; and vyh&reas, the
County of Contra Costa claims that no such adjustment of the then
existing indebtedness as equity demands and as the Legislature in-
tended in the Act providing for the organization of the County of
Alameda, and in subsequent Acts, has ever been made ; and it is
therefore provided, for a full settlement in equity, as was originally
intended, and due, that a commission be organized as follows :
Section 1. B. C. Whitman, of Solano County; Chas. Fish, of
Contra Costa County ; and J. W. Dougherty, of Alameda County,
are hereby appointed and constituted a Board of Commissioners to
ascertain and award the amount of indebtedness, if any be found
equitably due from the County of Alameda to the County of Contra
Costa, on account of obligations existing at the time of the organiza-
tion of said County of Alameda; and the said Commissionei's shall,
before entering upon the discharge of the duties, be sworn.
Sec. 2. To meet within sixty days of passage of Act.
Sec. 3. The County Clerks to furnish copies of papers.
Sec. 4. To examine witnesses and award amount of indebtedness.
Sec. 5. The Board of Supervisors of Alameda, at a special
meeting four weeks after award, to levy a special tax to meet amoimt
of award, called " Contra Costa Fund," payable from time to time to
Treasurer Contra Costa County.
Sec. 6. A majority to act.
Sec. 7. Commissioners to be paid $8 per day — half by each
county.
Sec. 8. In case of the Commissioners foiling to meet. District
Judge of Contra Costa to compel them to meet.
Sec. 9. Award to be paid in two years, with ten per cent, inter-
est per annum.
Sec. 10. Clerk of Alameda to notify Clerk of Contra Costa
quarterly when there are funds.
Sec. 11. Money to be appropriated as follows by Contra Costa :
50 per cent, in a fund designated " Alameda E-oad Fund," to con-
struct a road from Walnut Creek to the Alameda line ; 30 per cent,
for " San Pablo Road Fund," for a road from San Pablo to Martinez ;
the remaining 20 per cent, to be appropriated for school purposes.
170 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
An Act coiicei"iiing roads and highways in Alameda County. E.t ■
lating to public highways, road districts, locations, alterations, costs,
viewers, surveyor, expenses, damages, obstructions, prosecution, pen-
alties, tax, road funds, poll-tax, fines, duties of road commissioners,
contracts, award of contracts, pay of commissioners, deputies, asses-
sors' fees.
An Act to authorize Hiram Thome and others to reconstruct and
make a wagon road in the counties of Contra Costa and Alameda.
Commences at the Redwood Canon, thence running through said
caiion in Contra Costa Coimty, a distance of five miles to the Oak-
land and San Antonio road, and have the right to erect a toll-gate
thereupon, and collect such rate of toll as the Board of Supervisors
shall authorize. A failure to keep the road in good repair shall work
a forfeiture of franchise.
An Act to authorize Chas. C. Bowman and his associates to con-
struct a wharf at the western end of the Encinal of San Antonio, at
some point adjacent to the lands of said Bowman, and extend a dis-
tance into the bay to give ten feet of water at low tide, and granted
use of a strip of tide-land for the purpose. The Board of Supervisors
to fix the rates of toll and wharfage. Franchise good for twenty
years.
1863 — A Year of Railroad Activity — Death of Judge Lent — Various
Appoint7ne7its — Alameda Railroad Compani/ — Shocking Murders
at Corral Hollow — ^^4 Proposed Subsidy Defeated by the People —
Memorial of the San Antonio and Sail Fraiicisco Steam Naviga-
tion Company — A Committee of the Senate Reports Against
Contra Costa's Claim — The Ranch of Guillermo Castro Changed
Hands — Hop Crop in Alameda — Washing Machine Mania — An
Offensive Slaughter House — Resignation of the County Superin-
tendent — High Wind — Discovery of Copper atid other Minerals —
''Prairie Schooners" — A Deputy U. S. Assessor Appointed —
Demise of the Oakland " Press " — Unio7i Convention — Fourth
of July Celebrations at Alvarado and San Leandro — Rev. Dr. H.
Durant, Hon. E. Tompkins, Judge McKee and Judge Hamilton
take part — Governor Weller at the Democratic Convention — Man
Gored to Death by a Bull — A Prisoner " Ctds Stick " and Sig-
nalizes the Event in Rhymes — An Old Resident Murdered in
Mexico — Lawyers take the Oath of Allegiance — Result of the
UXDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 171
Elections — Judge McKee Defines his Position — Trains Commence
to Run on the Oakland Ferry Road — Ferry Steamer Time — Dis-
tressing Accident — The Oakland ^^ News" Started — Coal Ship-
ments — Military Camps — Brooklyn School-house — A Desperado
Lynched at Alvarado — Legcd Condition of the various Ranchos — ■
Close of the Court of Sessions — Legislation of the Year, etc.
The events of the year 1863 were interesting and important.
This was the year in which the railroad interests were prominent for
the first time, and during which the .question of subsidy was first
tested, in the instance of the Alameda Valley Railroad. It was the
year in which gi-ound for the Central Pacihc Railroad was broken in
Sacramento ; it was a year of loyal demonstrations and devotion to
the Government. It was also i-emai'kable as the year in which the
functions of the Court of Sessions were brought to a close.
The first day of the year gave birth to a new newspaper, which
was started in Oakland, and named the Press. It was published by
S. B. English, a gentleman who had previously been associated with
Mr. Jas. F. Kapp, in the publication of the San Leandro Gazette.
It was Democratic in politics, and lasted but thi-ee months.
On the 2d day of the month the melancholy intelligence came
across the Bay that Judge Lent, of our County Coui-t, had died, near
the Mission Dolores, San Francisco, after a painful and protracted
illness. Major Noble Hamilton was appointed by Governor Stanford
to succeed him.
Senator A. M. Crane, of this county, who was for many years our
County Judge, was elected Chairman p>ro tem. of the Senate, then in
session; and Hon. Thomas Eagar, of Brooklyn, who a short time
previously had been appointed Federal Assessor for the county, was
elected Sergeant-at-Arms of the Assembly. He had resigned the
former position.
News was received from Boston of the safe arrival there of the
California Hundred, a portion of whom were recruited in this county.
Judge Hamilton appointed Asa Walker and George Fleming
Associate Justices of the Court of Sessions.
On the 29th of January a fearful crime was committed in San Joa-
quin County, near CoiTal Hollow, on the southeastern boi'der of Ala-
meda County. A man named Aaron J. Golding, his wife, a Mexican
vaquei-o and a Spanish boy were all brutally murdered and the house
in which they slept set on fii-e. No cause for this fiendish act wa,s
172 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
ascertained nor the vile miscreants who perpetrated the deed dis-
covered.
The articles of incorporation of the Alameda Valley Railroad were
filed on the 10th day of January, in the office of the Secretary of
State. The first Board of Directors were B. C. Horn, President;
Timothy Dame, Treasurer; George E. Potter, Secretary; and Wil-
liam Hayward, J. A. Mayhew, J. B. Felton, E. M. Derby. Mr.
Dame was the President of the San Jose Road. The intended ter-
minus of the proposed road was Niles, makmg a length of twenty-
two miles. The estimated oost was $750,000. Shares were $100
each, of which 10 per cent, was to be paid down. Senator Crane got
a bill passed through the Legislature authorizing the Svipervisors of
Alameda to take $220,000 worth of stock in the enterprise, should
the same receive the sanction of the people at a special election to be
holden for the purpose. The Boaixl of Supervisors held an election
for the purpose specified, on the 2d of June, 1863, and the proposition
was defeated by those voting. The vote was as follows :
Precinct.
Whole Vote.
Yes.
No.
Oakland, -
_ "•
419
389
30
Temescal,
- -
50
49
1
Ocean View,
_
52
52
Brooklyn,
Halfway House, -
San Leandro, -
'.-'.-.
258
65
90
103
5
12
155
60
78
Haywards, -
San Lorenzo, -
-
117
66
49
6
68
60
Mount Eden,
-
45
11
34
Alvarado,
. _
132
16
116
Mission San Jos^,
_
152
26
126
Centerville, -
. .
198
24
174
Hart's (Murray), -
Dougherty's Station,
Alameda, . . -
. -
57
62
49
56
4
28
1
58
21
1,812 830 982
Majority against the proposition, 152.
Therefore, on the vote being counted by the Supervisors, the pro-
position was declared lost.
Jas. B. Larue, A. W. Swett and "William Hayward presented a
memorial to the Legislature for whaif privileges in San Francisco, in
which they stated that the pri\'ileges required were for the accommo-
dation of the ferry line of steamers communicating between Brooklyn,
Oakland and San Francisco ; that the line had been in operation
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 173
since the spring of 1858, nearly five years ] and that a phvce at which
to construct a wharf at San Francisco had become a necessity. The
franchise was gi-anted and a wharf built.
In the United States District Coui-t, held in the month of March,
in San Francisco, Judge Hoffman rejected the survey of the claim of
Augustine Bernal, and ordered a new survey. In the case of the
United States vs. Antonio Peralta a decree approving the survey
was entered.
Senator Porter, of Contra Costa, had the claim of that county
against Alameda submitted to a committee of the Senate, -with a view
to compelling the payment of the same, but the committee reported
against it.
In Febriiary the organization of the San Francisco, Alameda and
Stockton Railroad Company commenced to be spoken of.
The entii-e rancho of Guillermo Castro, of Haywards, passed into
the hands of A. B. Grogan, of San Francisco. The amount paid for
the same, including homestead, was $130,000.
This winter Dr. Henry Haile, of Alameda, planted a hop crop in
that place.
It is evident that our citizens in the southern pai"t of the county
had time for other work than farming about this time, because two
of them became the inventors of washing macliines, which they
offered for sale, and claimed superiority for them over all others in
the market.
Samuel Davis, an old resident of the county, died at Alameda on
the 31st of March.
A slaughter-house was built on the San Antonio road, which was
complained of as an intolerable nuisance.
The Rev. J. D. Strong having resigned his position as County
Superintendent of Education, in consequence of removal to San
Francisco, the Supervisors appointed Hev. Mr. Seymour, of Alva-
rado, in his stead.
The wind was so high on the morning of the 16tli of April that
a schooner-rigged scow was capsized, ofi' Oakland, in. the bay.
A discovery of copper was made in Murray Townshiji, back of the
premises of Mr. Kottinger, near Pleasanton.
Alameda commenced to loom up as a manufocturing county about
this time. Henry Smythe, of San Lorenzo, built three "prairie
schoonei-s " for Joseph Demont and William Searing, of San Lean-
174 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
ciro, to be used in the Waslioe mining region. Each was capable of
carrying 10,000 Tbs.
In the month of May the Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa
authorized their District Attorney to renew the contest for the
balance claimed by that county against Alameda, by bringing suit.
The coal, copper and silver discoveries in Murray Township about
this time were creating considerable stir, and it looked as if Alameda
was going to take rank among the mining counties. Many "claims"
and "feet" were taken up.
Alfred C. Crane, of San Leandro, was appointed Deputy U. S.
Assessor for the townships of Eden, Washington and Murray.
The Supervisors farmed out the indigent sick this year, by contract,
and it fell to the lot of Dr. Haile, of Alameda, to take care of them
for a compensation of $7.25 per week per patient.
The new newspaper venture in Oakland, The Press, did not prove
a success, and the material and good-will of the paper were purchased
by Mr. Kapp, of the San Leandro Gazette. The material was subse-
qiiently sold to Mr. Gagan, when he started the Oakland News.
A Union party convention was held at San Leandro on the 13th
of June, at which Asa Walker was appointed chairman, and F. M.
Campbell secretary. The following delegates were appointed thereat
to the Union State Convention at Sacramento : Oakland, John Mc-
Mann ; Brooklyn, A. W. Swett ; Alameda, Henry Eobinson ; Eden,
William Meek ; Washington, H. Overacker. No delegate was ap-
pointed for Murray.
The people of Alvarado, determined to celebrate the Fourth of
July with spirit and make as loud a i-eport of their proceedings as
possible, purchased a cannon at a cost of $150, by means of which
they expended no small amount of gunpowder. The firing of their
gun could be heard several miles away, and the people of the neigh-
boring towns complained that they were in the habit of " touching
off " the thing too often.
The weather in June was not considei-ed the most pleasant through-
out the county. " For the last fortnight," remarked the Gazette,
"the mornings have been cold and foggy; the noons hot enough to
roast one ; the evenings windy ; the nights cool and cloudy. People
complain of rheumatism."
There was a spirited Fourth of July celebration at San Leandro
this year. There was a grand procession, the filing of national
salutes, singing and speaking. E.ev. Henry Durant read an oi'iginal
UNDER THE STARS AJTD STRIPES. 175
hymn, Judge Hamilton read the Declaration of Independence, and
Judge McKee, who presided, delivered a stirring address. Edward
Tompkins was the orator of the day.
Among those who took part in the Democratic County Convention
held in San Leandro on the 27th day of June, was Governor Weller,
then a resident of the county, his home being at Fruit Vale. Judge
O. L. Shafter, who was elected one of the Supreme Court Judges this
year, also resided here at that time.
W. H. Thompson was killed by the imported bull "Buttercup" on
the Forbes' ranch, near Centreville, on the 1st of July. He was
found dead on the ground, with two holes in his body.
Constable O. B. Wood, of San Lorenzo, was shot in the arm, at San
Lorenzo, by a Mexican horse thief he was arresting. He was a com-
panion of the celebrated Procopio, named Tomas Radondo. He was
subsequently arrested, tried and convicted on live indictments. He
was sent to San Quentin for nine years.
The Grand Jury in their presentment condemned the condition of
the County Jail, as well they might. One George Phillips, an un-
willing inmate thereof, had a few days before taken French leave of
it. Deputy Sheriff Amerman, recaptured him in a hay loft, took him
back and loaded him with ii"ons. These, however, he took off and
made another excursion, leaving the following choice poetic morceau
behind him, to commemorate his departure :
1. — In the County Jail for two months
I've been both night and day,
Excepting once a notion
I took to run away.
2. — Unfortxmately they caught me,
Put chains on both my feet.
And locked me up for ten days
With dry bread and meat to eat.
3.— The Sheriff kindly told me
That I would have to stay
Thirty-five days longer
For trying to get away.
4. — Then I determined I would not,
As my sequel soon will show.
That at the end of two months
You bet, I am bound to go.
And go he did, beyond recovery.
176 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Information was received from Mexico that J. A. G-riffin, a former
resident and storekeeper at San Lorenzo, had been murdered on Yake
Kiver by Indian peons, on the 15th of June.
The following lawyers of Alameda County, in accordaaice with the
requirements of the times, took the oath of allegiance to the United
States, and thus proved their patriotism and devotion to the cause of
the Union: A. M. Crane, W. W. Crane, Jr., Noble Hamilton, O. L.
Shafter, A. A. Cohen, Edward Tompkins, D. Y. Barstow, S. J. Clark,
G. M. Bh^ke, H. W. Carpentier, W. H. Glascock, Benjamin "Wil-
liams, J. L. Chipman.
A Union County Convention was held at San Leandro on the 1st
of August, for the purpose of nominating County Officers.
At the State election held in August, the vote in Alameda County
stood, for Lowe (Union) 1,392 ; Downey (Democrat) 805. The Union
County Candidates were successful in every instance, as the following
result shows, the Union candidates occupying the first place in every
instance : For State Senator— W. W. Crane, 1 ,3 74 ; W. S. Moss, 761,
For Assembly— Thos. Scott, 1,340; Asa Walker, 1,366; T. W. Mil-
lard, 770; T. J. Haynes, 770. For Sheriff— Harry N. Morse, 1,309 ;
Jas. Beazell, 820. For County Clerk— A. M. Church, 1,377; P. E.
Edmondson, 749. For County Treasurer— S. Huff, 1,344; E. Kei-
haus, 786. For District Attorney— S. G. Nye, 1,366; J. H. Ran-
kin, 766. For County Assessoi- — -Isham Case, 1,384; M. G. Higgins,
728. For Public Administrator — Duncan Cameron, 1,373 ; H. Hagan,
752. For Sup. Common Schools — B. N. Seymour, 1,366; Benj.
Ackerly, 765. For County Surveyor— T. O. Hopkins, 1,361 ; J. T.
Stratton, 764. For Coroner— E. P. Sanford, 1,373; Dr. Burr, 759.
The total vote polled at this election was 2,212.
At the judicial election held on the 21st day of October following,
Judge McKee had a majority of 333 votes over his opponent, Thos.
A. Brown, of Contra Costa, for District Judge. Judge McKee ap-
peared at the Union nominating convention held previously in San
Jose, and said the office of District Judge being non-political, he
would not seek a nomination at the hands of any political party.
He was a candidate independent of all political conventions. He was
now and always had been an unconditional Union man. Twenty-six
years ago he had sworn allegiance to the Government of the United
States, and had never wavered in his loyalty or fealty. That as a
loyal citizen from the time the fii'st shot was fired in this unliappy
rebellion he had never doubted the right of the Government to use
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 177
,ill tlie means in its power to crush it out, and that every measure of
tli<' Administration tending to bring about tliis most desirable result
iii't his hearty approval and support.
Mr. Brown, however, received the Union nomination by a vote of
eighteen to six ; but McKee, notwithstanding, was elected by the
force of his eminent fitness and rectitude of character.
The first trip made by the cars on the Oakland and San Francisco
Ferry Railroad was made on the 2d day of September, 1863. At
that date the road was completed from the end of the wharf to
Broadway, a length of about four miles. Thereafter the trains made
regular trips in connection with the steamer Contra Costa. The
wharf at that time was only about three-quarters of a mile long, suf-
ficient to clear the bar. The tii*st three cars used by the company
were built at Oakland Point, by a Mr. Young, and the engine also at
the same place, by C. "W. Stevens, now of San Francisco. Singularly
enough, it does not appear that they gave it any name. The second
engine was named the Oakland, and was built in Schenectady, N.
Y. James Batchelder was the fii-st man to drive an engine on the
road, and he yet remains at his post in the service of the present com-
pany, and is recognized as one of the foremost engineers in the State.
The hours of departure on both sides at the first were as follows :
From San Francisco, 7, 9, and 11a. m., and 2|, 4|, and 6| p. m. ;
from Oakland, 6, 8, and 10 a. m., and 1, 3|, and 5| p. m. The fare
was for single trips .50 cents, and for commutation tickets, per month,
S5. The Market Street wharf was then, as now, the place of land-
ing on the San Francisco side.
The steamers of the Larue line — the San Antonio and Oakland —
continued to ply on the Creek route. Their time was as follows :
From San Francisco, 8 and 10 a. m., and 1, 3|^, and 5 P. M. ; from
San Antonio or Brookljrn, 1^ and 9|- A. m., and 12|-, 2|^, and 5 p. m. ;
from Oakland, 8 and 10 A. m., and 1, 3, and 5 p. M. Single fares by
this line were 25 cents, and commutation tickets, per month, $3.
The San Francisco and Alameda Railroad, familiarly known as
the Encinal Road, was being pushed vigorously forward at the same
time. It was contemplated to extend it to Vallejo's Mills, where it
would join the Western Pacific. Enough iron was at this time con-
tracted for to run the line to Haywards.
It was in contemplation to connect the Alameda Yalley road with
the Oakland road, an enterprise put into execution by the Central
Pacific people, after all the lines fell into therr hands.
12
178 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
A distressing accident occurred in Alvarado, at the Union City
Flouring Mill, on the ith day of September. Mr. Lindell, a partner
in the establishment, was caught in his clothes by a belt in the mill
and whirled about with terrible velocity, striking a projection every
time he was turned about. Both his legs were broken and liis body
otherwise badly injured, so that he died from the effects two days
afterwards.
Some parties having located mining claims on the hills, some four
miles east of Brooklyn, wei-e hard at work upon them and gave oiit
that the rock taken from their shafts showed excellent indications.
They were not lasting, however, and the situation of those operations
has since been known by the appropriate name of the " Wild-cat
Kanch." About twenty men were also at work digging for gold in
Brown's Valley, near Mills' Seminary.
It was in the month of September of this year that the Oakland
News was started by Mr. William Gagan, who had then recently
arrived in the State from Illinois.
Judge Reynolds, of Contra Costa, issued a mandamus to compel
the Supervisors of Alameda County to levy a tax for the payment of
the judgment in favor of Contra Costa. A stay of proceedings was
applied for and granted, and an appeal taken to the Supreme Court.
Two military camps were formed in the month of September at
Alameda. They were, respectively, Camps Allen and Stanford, both
consisting of California militia. They were pronounced "a success."
Alameda County was repi'esented in Camp Allen by the Oakland
Guards, Capt. Brown.
Coal was sliipped in October of this year from Corral Hollow to
Stockton. The first cargo consisted of 100 tons, of which sixty tons
were for the Insane Asylum. The cost of this coal was, delivered
on the levee, $10 per ton.
The San Francisco and San Jos^ Railroad was in operation at the
end of this month, between San Francisco and Mayfield, on the
opposite side of the bay ; and the first rail of the Central Pacific
Railroad was laid at Sacramento, on the 26th of October, amid much
rejoicing.
A new ofiice brouglit into requisition by the war was that of
Deputy Provost Marshal, to which Harry N. Morse was api)ointed
in this county.
A cruel murder was committed at Brooklyn on the evening of the
1 2th of October, Jos6 Cosa having killed Juan Andreada by stabbing
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 179
hini with a sheath kiiife through the heart. The wounded man died
in a few minutes after he received the fatal stab. The difficulty was
about some money matter. Cosa was arrested and committed for
trial. He was afterwards tried, convicted, and sent to the State
Prison for ten years.
This month the Brooklyn people taxed themselves, by vote, 14- per
cent, to build a school-house, which when completed was the finest in
the county. It was built of brick, occupied a commanding position,
and cost over $5,000. Its dimensions were 42 x 45 feet, two stories
high. It Avas, indeed, at the time of its erection, something to boast
about ; but it m turn has been superseded, or i*ather supj^lemented, by
another school building, the cost of which was about $18,000. The
block on which the former is built cost $500, while that upon
which the latter is erected cost $8,000, and it was considered cheap
at that, showing the greatly enhanced value of real estate in ten or
eleven years.
Asa Walker resigned the position of Justice of the Peace for
Brooklyn ToAvnship, and Carlyle Cameron was appointed in his stead.
W. W. Crane resigned the office of District Attorney, and was suc-
ceeded by G. M. Blake, on November 16th. ^
Alvarado was the scene of a dastardly outrage on the evening of
the 23d of November, a party of Mexican desperadoes having en-
tered the town and fired shots at individuals and buildings, and then
left the place. Chase was given to them and one of the party
arrested and brought back to the town. He was placed under guard,
but the guard was overpowered and the prisoner taken to the bridge
crossing the Alameda and hung. The gallows was not cheated out
of a victim this time, but the lawyer complained next morning that
he had lost a client.
The following was the legal condition of the difierent ranches in
this county at the end of November, 1863 :
RANCH TITLES APPROVED PATENTED CLAIMS.
J. J. Vallejo, Rancho de Alameda, - - 17,705 Acres.
Ygnacio Peralta, San Antonio, - - - 9,416 "
F. Higuera, Agua Calienta, - - - 9,563 "
J. J. Estudillo, San Leandro, - - - 7,010 "
J. M. Amador, San Ramon, - - - 16,516 "
J. D. Pacheo, Santa Rita, - ... 8,855 "
180 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
SURVEYS APPROVED.
A. Sunol, et al., Yalle de San Jos6, - - 51,572 Acres.
A. M. Peralta, San. Antonio, - - - 16,067 "
SURVEYS APPROVED IN U. S. DISTRICT COURT AND APPEALED TO U. S.
SUPREME COURT.
Barbai-a Soto, et al., San Lorenzo, - - 6,686 Acres.
T. Pacheco, et al, Los Cerritas, - - - 10,610 f
SURVEYS BEFORE U. S. DISTRICT COURT.
J. J. Castro, San Pablo (Contra Costa), - 48,824 Acres.
G. Castro, San Lorenzo, - - - - 26,717 "
V. Peralta, et al., San Antonio, - _ - 19,143 "
CLAIMS FINALLY CONFIRMED.
J. J. Castro, Sobrante, - - - - 48,824 Acres.
BEFORE U. S. COURT ON QUESTION OF TITLE.
Noriega & Livermore, Las Positas, - - 8,877 Acres.
CLAIM REJECTED.
Andi-es Pico, Mission San Jos6, - - 30,000 Acres.
The claims of G. Castro to San Leandro, and that of Domingo and
Vincente Peralta were withdrawn in District Court.
There was a mortgage filed for record on the 3d of December, in
the Recorder's Office, at San Leandro, which was covered with
revenue stamps to the value of $750.
Following are the Acts of Legislature concerning Alameda County,
that became laws this year :
An Act to provide for the election of two additional Supervisors
in the County of Alameda.
Sec. 1. The Townships of Brooklyn and Alameda to have power
to elect one Supervisor for each township.
Sec. 2. Whenever the Board of Supervisors shall have created a
new townshiiJ from adjacent portions of Washington and Eden,
including in said new township the Town of Alvarado, it shall have
power to elect one Supervisor.
An Act to authorize the Treasurer of Alameda County to collect
the taxes of said county. To be in opei-ation on and after the first
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 181
day of March. Coaipensation to be fixed by Board of Supervisors.
Shall not exceed sum paid for collecting State revenue ; if such
amount is allowed, balance to go to School Fund.
An Act to authorize the Board of Supervisors of the County of
Alameda to take and subscribe $220,000 to the capital stock of the
Alameda Valley Railroad Company, and to provide for the payment
of the same, and other matters relating thereto. Tliis Act contained
seventeen clauses : Special election ordered ; ballot ; manner of con-
ducting ; subscrijition ; how to be made ; conditions ; duties of Super-
visors ; Loan Commissioners ; bonds when payable'; interest ; to be
paid in coin ; coupons ; manner of expending funds ; Supervisors
may withhold payment ; interest tax ; loan fund ; payment of bonds
and interest ; surplus in interest fimd ; payment of interest ; surplus
in loan fund and redemption of bonds ; proviso ; cancellation of
bonds, duty of County Clerk ; liabilities of officers and their compen-
sation ; proviso ; powers of Supervisors ; conditions of subscription.
An Act to authox-isie and empower the Board of Supervisors of
Alameda County to improve the navigation of San Antonio Creek.
Cribbing ; dredging ; charge toll ; proposals ; free navigation, except-
ing toll for improvements to remain as before.
An Act to authorize the San Francisco and Alameda Railroad
Company to construct and maintain a wharf at the Avestern end of
the Encinal of San Antonio, in Alameda County. To extend into
the water far enough to secure ten feet of water at low tide ; granted
a sti-ip of tide land or mud flats five hundred feet in width ; toll or
wharfage to be fixed by Board of Supervisors ; not to exceed 1| per
cent, per month of the cost of wharf ; rates may be collected by said
corporation ; franchise for fifty years.
An Act to regulate the fees of officers of Alameda County. Fees
of notaries ; clerk of District Court ; Clerk County Court, etc.
An Act to repeal Sec. 6 of New Road Act.
An Act concerning fees of juroi's in Alameda County. In civil
cases : Justice Court, $2 per day ; County or District Court, $3 ; if
no verdict, costs to be paid by plaintiff; no fees for Coroner's jury.
An Act to provide bonds for completing the Deaf, Dumb, and
Blind Asylum. Location not named.
An Act to rectify and confirm a certain ordinance passed by the
Common Council of the City of Oakland, and approved by the Mayor
of said city Nov. 20, 1861. (This was the act giving away the water
front.)
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
An Act to aiitliorize the Oakland and San Antonio Steam Navi-
gation Company to build and maintain a wliarf and ferry landing in
the City and County of San Francisco.
Supplementary Act relating to City Charter, concerning costs and
fees.
Vv
Australian Blue Gum Tree.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 183
NEWTON BENEDICT. ISAAC AYER.
BENEDICT & AYER,
( SUCCESSORS TO STEPHEN SMITH )
Real Estate Agency
AT THE OLD STAND,
917 BROi^DA^^A.Y,
Behveen Eighth and Nmth Streets, Wilcox Block, OAKLAND, CAL.
HOUSES RENTED,
Collections Made, Insurance and Loans Effected.
NEWTON BENEDICT, Notary Public for ALAMEDA COUNTY.
IL.XJ lE^ E ID O JB .
958 Broad^Aray, Oakland.
special attention paid to Reciting Houses and Collecting Rents; also,
Negotiating Loans. Agent for Royal Insurance Cojnpany,
Assets, $17,000,000.
184
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
GAS FIXTURES AND PLUMBERS' MATERIALS.
DALZIEL & MOLLER
1151 BROADWAY,
Corner Thirteenth Street, Oakland.
Direct Importations^
Best Stock and
Cheapest Goods,
All kinds of Plumbing and Gas Fitters' work attended to.
The Trade supplied with a full assorttnent of
PLUMBERS' AND GAS FITTERS' MATERIALS.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 185
CHAPTER XIX.
FROM THE CLOSE OF THE COURT OF SESSIONS IN 1863 TO THE RE-
ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION
IN OCTOBER, 1866,
1864 — A Grand Jury Once More Condemns the County Jail — Opening
of the San Francisco and San Jose Railroad, — The Mountain
House Sacked hy a Band of Robbers — Fine New School House at
Brooklyn — The San Antonio Navigation Company Propose to
Improve the Harbor and Collect Toll — The Bill Vetoed by the
Governor — Three Thousand Men enrolled in the Comity for Mil-
itary Duty — A New Fee Bill — Franchise for a Wharf at Green
Point to Andrew B. Forbes and others — A Subsidy Bill for the
Alameda Valley Railroad p)0'Ssed by the Legislature, but Vetoed
by Gov. Low — Sanitary Fand Ball in Brooklyn — The Murderer
of Andreada Sentenced to Ten Years' Imprisonment at San
Quentin — Grief at the Death of Rev. T. Starr King — Union Co.
Convention at San Leandro — Social Gatherings — -A Prospecting
Fever all over the Contra Costa — Gen. Chipman Arrested on the
Charge of Using Treasomible Language — Property of the County
Agricultural Association Sold on Foreclosure of Mortgage —
Democratic County Convention at San Lea)idro Attended by Ex-
Governor Weller — T/ie County Jail Without a Prisoner — A Two
Years' Financial Statement — New Bridge at San Leandro — Good
Joke on an Old Cotmty Officer — Construction of the Alameda
Railroad Commenced — The Alvarado Guards at San Jose — New
Catholic Church at San Leandro — A Brass Band Organized —
A " Bastile " — Death of the Catholic Pastor at San Leandro, from
Injuries Received on the " Washoe" — Railroad Amalgamation —
Distressing Accident near Centreville — Death of a Canadian
Patriot — Assessment for the Year 1864-5 — Death of Col. Eigen-
hrodt — Alvarado Guards Ball— A Call for Volunteers — Squatter
Troubles at the Mission — Poor Crops — Presbyterian Church Cor-
poration at San Lea^idro — Great Demonstration of the Union
186 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Masses — Procession Reviewed hy Gen. McDowell — Large Major-
ities/or the Lincoln Electors — Lecjislation of the Year.
Tlie Grand Jury which met in Jamiary of this year, condemned
the County Jail as a public nuisance, being damp, insecure and un-
healthy, and a totally unfit place for prisoners. The condition of
the county roads was praised. One indictment was found for murder
and another for grand larceny. W. A. Bray was foreman of the
The San Francisco and San Jos6 Railroad, on the opposite side of
the bay, was opened on the 16th day of January, 1864.
On Thursday, January 15th, the Mountain House, situated in the
northeastern portion of the county, w&s, attacked by a band of rob-
bers and plundered. The house then (as now) was kept by Mr.
Simon Zimmerman, a well-known citizen. The robbers were armed
with pistols and bowie-knives, and threatened to murder all in the
house. The time of their unwelcome visit was night-fall, and there
was no opportunity for defense. Mr. Zimmerman, a sick Frenchman,
and a timid German, were all the men in the house at the time. Mrs.
Zimmerman was unwell and in bed.
They succeeded in getting less bootj-- than they expected, having
found only $100 of Mr. Zimmerman's treasui^e; from the French-
man they took $2.50 ; and from the German, $9, all that he had.
Of the latter sum they returned to the owner $1, saying they did not
like to see a man "dead broke." Having helped themselves to a
hearty supper, they compelled Mr. Zimmerman to provide them with
horses and saddles apiece, promising on the honor of highwaymen to
return the same. They were altogether one hour about their busi-
ness, having taken things leisurely. As was usual in the case of
such outrages in those days, the perpetrators of this were not Mexi-
cans, Californians or Chilanos, who, for convenience sake, are all
usually classed as " Spaniards," but men speaking the English lan-
guage. Mrs. Zimmerman, to whom they had most to say, she
having been the custodian of Mr. Zimmerman's treasure, believed
that they were respectively an American, an Irishman and a Ger-
man. They used the lady rather roughly, in order to compel her to
give up the money ; but she baffled them after all, having had con-
siderable more money in the house than what they secured. Two of
the wretches were soon after arrested at San Jose, when they ga-\-e
the names of Robert Jones and Chai-les Williams, but these were not
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 187
considered to be their true cognomens. They had a preliminaiy ex-
amination at Centreville, and were committed on the charge of grand
larceny. Subsequently, they were tried and convicted by the County
■Court, at San Leandro, and Judge Hamilton, then County Judge,
sentenced Jones to a term of fifteen years imprisonment, at San
Quentin, and Williams to ten. The punislunent of the latter was
mitigated, because the evidence showed tliat but for him the whole
houseliold would have been murdered in cold blood by the other vil-
lians.
The new Brooklyn School-house, then the pride of the county,
opened in the first week of January, with Mr. "W. K. E,owell as
Prmcipal, and Miss M. E. Tucker as Assistant. Over 100 pupils
were in attendance at the opening, and tlie number i-apidly aug-
mented.
At the January meeting of the Super\T.sors 'Mr. J. B. Larue pre-
sented for their approval a scheme for dredging the bar at the mouth
of the creek and keeping the same in good navigable condition, pro-
vided he were allowed a franchise and permitted to take toll. All
previous efforts to improve the harbor ha,d proved failures, and he
argued that there was then no danger of such a francliise as he asked
for proving a monopoly, as tliere were two ferries communicating
with Oakland and Alameda, irresj^ective of the ci-eek. Tlie proposi-
tion was made in the name of the Oakland and San Antonio Navi-
gation Company, of which Mr. Larue was pi-esident. The Super-
visors subsequently approved the proposition, and the scheme was
embodied in a bill, which passed the Legislature, but was vetoed by
the Govei-nor.
At the commencement of this year Sheriff Moi*se, as De]juty Pro-
vost Marshal for Alameda County, reported 3,008 men enrolled for
military duty. It was not believed that California would be called
upon for a draught of men, but it was thought prudent to ascertain
the military strength of the State. No draught was made, conse-
quently there was no resistance to it. One man in Brooklyn, how-
ever, resisted the enrollment, but he was pronounced insane.
A fee bill, regulating the emoluments of county officers, which had
passed the last Legislature through the instrumentality of Assembly-
man Scott, gave rise to a gi-eat deal of dissatisfaction, and a new bill,
to correct its ein-ors, became necessary. The Sherifl"s fees were made
the same as those established by the bill of 1855, and the clause
relating to justices' and constables' fees was repealed.
188
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Andrew B. Forbes and associates applied to the Legislature for a
■wharf franchise, to build and maintain a wharf at Green Point, for
the convenience of the public and the accommodation of the steam-
ers plying between San Francisco and Alviso. A railroad is now
built to this point from San Jose, and close by it is the location of
the proposed town of Newark.
A bill was engineered this year through the Legislature, and passed
a day or two before the adjournment, authorizing a subsidy from the
county of $120,000 to the Alameda Valley Railroad, and $50,000 to
the Western Pacific Railroad (subject, however, to a vote of the
people), but both were vetoed by Governor Lowe.
On the 20th of February Judge Hamilton sentenced Perez, or
Pizarro, to ten years' servitude in the State prison, for the murder of
Andreada, at Brooklyn.
On the 22d of February a ball, for the benefit of the Sanitary
Fund, was given by the ladies of Brooklyn at Swett's Hall, which
netted $420.
News of the death of the Rev. Thomas Starr Kiag, at San Fran-
cisco, on the 4th of March, was the occasion of demonstrations of
grief in all parts of the county. The disease of which the eloquent
gentleman died was putrid sore throat. The people of this county
had fi-equently felt the spell of his enchanting voice, which was ever
raised in the cause of humanity and progress.
On the 19th of March a Union County Convention was held at
San Leandro, when delegates were appointed to the State Convention
at Sacramento, which in turn appointed delegates to the National
Union Convention for the choice of candidates for President and
Vice-President of the United States. As the sequel shows, the
unanimous feeling was in favor of the nomination of President Lin-
coln. Dr. W. Newcomb, of Oakland, was Chairman of the County
Convention, and S. S. Saul, Secretary.
At this period of our social and domestic history " dime parties,"
" socials " and " bazaars " were all the rage, and were utilized to ad-
vance various worthy objects.
There was a mining fever in this section of the country in the
spring of 1864, and prospectors were everywhere at work, but most
especially about Mount Diablo, in seai-ch of gold, silver and copper.
Like all other fevers, it ran its course and left us without any per-
manent developments. In no place were the deposits of the precious
or other metals sufficient to pay for the working.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 189
On the 7tli of May General J. S. Cliipman, our second County
Attorney, was arrested in San Francisco, by a U. S. Marshal, on a
) charge of using treasonable language, and was lodged in Fort Alca-
traz. He was released on taking the oath of allegiance.
Ours was far from being a lawless county, as matters stood in
those days ; and it may be interesting to mention, by way of contrast,
that in Santa Cruz, at the May Session of the District Court, Judge
McKee disposed of no less than three murder and ten divorce cases.
And Santa Cruz is one of the smallest counties in the State.
By this time the glory and promise of our Agricultural Associa-
tion had departed, and Mr. E. Hoskins, who held a mortgage over
the property of the Association, sold the buildings erected on Wash-
ington Square, then kno^vn as the Agricultural Stock Grounds, to
Messrs. Wadleigh and Dietz, for $150. A similar fate befel the
Agricultural Pavilion at a later date.
At a Democratic County Convention, held at San Leandro, on the
7th of May, to appoint delegates to the State Convention, "Wm. S.
Moss presided, and Hai^ry Linden acted as Secretary. Among those
present were Ex-Governor John B. "VVeller and H. E. Highton. The
delegates appointed were Wm. S. Moss, P. E. Edmondson, W. H,
Glascock and H. Linden.
During the month of May the County Jail was without a prisoner,
notwithstanding the many lawless characters that frequently found
their way over here from San Francisco.
According to a financial statement, published by the Board of
Supervisors, in May, embracing a period of two years, from February
1st, 1862, to February 1st, 1864, the receipts of the County Treas-
urer, from all sources, were $223,489.39.
The new bridge, which had been for some time building over the
creek at San Leandro, was completed on the 19th of May, much to
the delight of all who used vehicles.
A good joke was perpetrated in June of this year, at the expense
of Mr. A. M. Church, so long and well known as an efficient county
ofiicial. In contributing to the Soldiers' Relief Fund, several gentle-
men agreed to pay a certain sum per month while the war lasted.
Among these was Mr. Church, who subscribed $10 per month. The
Committee of the Soldiers' Relief Fund, in San Francisco, in acknowl-
edging the receipt of Mr. Cluirch's first contribution, printed it in
the Bulletin as from the African Methodist Church, in San Leandro,
thus taking an unwarranted but innocent liberty with his initials.
190 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
On the 23cl clay of June was commenced the building of the San
Francisco and Alameda Railroad. On that day the rails, chairs and
spikes were brought over from San Francisco, and landed at the
company's wharf, at Alameda Point. W. H. Anderson, foreman of
the work, laid down the first raUs on the day mentioned.
The handsome School-house at San Lorenzo was completed in July
of this year, much to the credit of the inhabitants of that 'district.
The Alvarado Guards took part in a parade of militia at San Jose
one day in the month of July, and through some misunderstanding
or mismanagement were not handsomely treated, and there arose a
newspaper controversy therefrom regarding who was to blame.
The new Catholic Church at San Leandro, which had been for
some time building, was so far completed in August of this year as to
be used for public worship. It was the handsomest church in the
county, with a spire 100 feet high.
During the month of July subscriptions were taken up in the
various towns of the county in aid of the Freedman's Association.
A trial trip was made over the San Francisco and Alameda Rail-
road on Saturday, August 13th, with the locomotive "E. B. Mastick"
and two passenger cars, which started from the Point, to the town of
Alameda, where a large company was taken on board. The "Mas-
tick" was manufactured at the Vulcan Iron Works, San Francisco,
and the cars were constructed by Casebolt, of the same place. On
the 25th of August the cars were run on the road as far as High
Street, where a delighted multitude indulged in three rousing cheers
in honor of the event.
One of the events of the year was tlie organization of a brass band
in San Leandro, under the leadership of L. J. Bullard. It was the
cause of considerable "blowing" among the young men of the to\vn
for some time after. So many complaints had been made of the un-
safe condition of the County Jail, that the Board of Supei-visors had
an iron cell made, at a cost of $600, in which the worst criminals were
thereafter kept. It was known as the " Bastile."
The Rev. Jas. Callan, pastor of the Catholic Church at San Lean-
dro, died on the 5th of September, from injuries received on the
steamer Washoe, on which he was a passenger at the time of her ex-
plosion. He was buried from St. Mary's Cathedral, San Francisco.
The San Francisco & Alameda Railroad and the San Francisco,
Alameda & Stockton Railroad Company amalgamated. Tlie directors
of the San Francisco & Alameda road were : F. D. Atherton, Alfred
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 191
A. Cohen, E. B. Mastick, Clias. Miiiturn, J. D. Farwell, J. G. Kel-
logg and John W. Dwinelle ; and of the Stockton road : F. D. Ath-
erton, Alfred A. Cohen, H. Barrioldet and John B. Felton ; so tliat
it was not so much of an amalgamation after all.
On the 7th of September a very distressing and remarkable acci-
dent occurred on the Alameda creek, about midway between Centre-
ville and ISTiles, near the residence of Mr. Overacker. It appears
that a Mr. Jerome Rice, an auctioneer of San Francisco, and his
bookkeeper, a Mr. E,. Gardiner, were on their way to Warm Springs
in a buggy, drawn by a span of horses. They lost the main road
near Alvarado, in the dark, and took a wrong direction. When at
I the point indicated, the horses stopped suddenly on the edge of the
' river bank, and Mr. Gardiner suggested that one of them had better
1 get out and see what was the matter. Mr. Rice thought it was but
! one of those sudden frights to which horses are subject, and urged
them forward again, when, in an instant, horses, drivers, carriage
and all went crashing down to the bottom of the creek, making a
: fall of about twenty-five feet. Strange as it may appear, here they
remained as they fell for four days and nights, without relief or food,
with the exception of Mr. Gardiner, who, after shouting himself
hoarse and remaining a whole day expecting assistance, with a
broken leg, proceeded to drag himself towards the nearest habita-
tion, that of Mr. Overacker, which was almost within hailing dis-
tance. He was not seen nor heard, and two days and nights and a
part of a third day were consumed in making this painful journey.
When the circum.stances of the sad affair were made known to Mr.
Overacker and his family they at once proceeded to render all the
assistance in their power. On arriving at the scene of the accident,
they found that Mr. Rice was hurt internally, seriously injured, and
knocked insensible by the fall. One of the horses was lying down,
tangled in the harness, and the other standing by him. When Mr.
Rice was taken up he remarked : " How hard it is to lie here and
die. How far is it — " and then became insensible. He died on the
following day, at two o'clock in the morning. Persons in the vicinity
heard the shouts of Mr. Gardiner, but supposed they came from soine
drunken Indians in the neighborhood. Mr. Gardiner, notmthstand-
ing the hardships he endured and the severity of his injuries, recov-
ered, but was lamed for life. It was asserted that the unfortunate
gentlemen were under the influence of liquor at the time, or so
dreadful an occurrence could not have happened to them.
192 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
There died at Temescal, on tlie 1 2tb. of September, a Frencli-Cana-
dian gentleman named Jean B. Poirier, wlio, like his compatriots, Dr.
Duncoml)e, of Sacramento, and Dr. Thellar, of San Francisco, took
an active part in the Canadian rebellion of 1837-8 and afterwards
made California their home. Deceased, for expressing his sympathy
with the cause of his countrymen and a Republican form of govern-
ment, was imprisoned in Montreal jail for several months. He lived
to see the men who had been most active in that outbreak, such as
Cartier, Morin, Papineau, Lafontaine and Bouchette, governing the
destinies of his country; and two of them, Cartier and Lafontaine,
were created baronets before their death, the British Government
thereby acknowledging that their services to their country were
worthy of recognition. They compromised nothing because all the
reforms they fought for were carried out under a more responsible
system of government than that which existed when they took up
arms to redress the wrongs of their country.
The property assessment for the fiscal year of 1864-5 was as fol-
lows in the diiferent townships. It will be seen that the northern
townships had gained over the southern ones and that Oakland, instead
of Washington, was thereafter destined to take the lead :
Alameda Township, $181,105
Brooklyn " 802,005
Eden " ..... 900,820
Murray " 192,280
Oakland " 1,396,910
Washington " 738,990
Total, ,f 4,212,1 10
Total tax levy, $107,830.01.
News of the death of Capt. C. S. Eigenbrodt, of Alvarado, was re-
ceived throughout the county and State Avith great regret. It will
be recollected that he recruited a company of California Cavalry,
which was sent East and attached to a Massachusetts regiment. He
was killed in an action in the Shenandoah Valley, on the 2d of Sej)-
tember, while gallantly leading a charge. He had been a Supervisor
for Washington To^vnship, and was in every respect a spirited citizen.
He founded a public library in Alvarado which is still in a flourish-
ing condition. Crusade Lodge of Odd Fellows, of which Capt. Eigen-
brodt was a member, passed resolutions of condolence and otherwise
honored the memory of their deceased brother.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 193
Squatter troubles sprung up on the Ellsworth Ranch, near the
Mission, on the 21st of December, which lasted some time, but Mr.
Ellsworth finally got full possession of his property, which originally
constituted a portion of the Mission grant.
The crops this year did not turn out well, the grain having been
but a small yield, and in some places no stubbles were left. Santa
Clara County was no better off in this respect, and pz-obably suffered
more than Alameda.
On the 18th of September was formed a corpoi-ation to build the
First Presbyterian Chui-ch in San Leandi'o. The meeting was held
in the Court-room. S. G. Nye was Chaii-man, and G. E. Smith,
Secretary. Five Trustees, consisting of S. G. Nye, S. Huff, L.
Stone, D. Smalley and G. E. Smith, were elected, and the work
went on.
The Alvarado Guards had a grand dedicatory ball on the 23d of
September, in their Armory. Among the military men of note pres-
ent were Col. Jackson and Lieut. -Col. Rowley. This was considered
one of the principal social events of the year.
The proclamation of Governor Lowe, dated 24th of September,
calling for volunteers to form a regiment of infantry, was readily
responded to. Besides a bounty of $300 in currency from the U. S.
Government, the State of California paid each man $160 in gold,
besides $5 a month extra in gold. To all this was added $1.5 a
month soldiers' wages, besides the grant of 160 acres of land at the
end of the term of enlistment. The inducements were good, cer-
tainly, for volunteering. The regiment for which the volunteers
were recruited was called the Seventh Infantry, California Volunteers.
There was a very large and enthusiastic meeting of Union men at
San Leandro on the 29tli of October, which was pronounced the
largest gathering ever held in the State outside of San Francisco.
I. A. Amerman, President of the Lincoln and Johnson Club of San
Leandro, was the Grand Marshal of the Day, with E. M. Smith
Asa Collins, Lysander Stone and E. C. Jacobs as Aids. At noon a
grand cavalcade from the southern portion of the county, headed by
the San Jos6 Brass Band, made its appearance. There was a dele-
gation from Centreville, with Capt. J. M. Moore as Marshal ;, fr,om.i
Alvarado, including the military company, under arms and iii.fuU
uniform, with Judge Williams as Marshal ; from "Washingtoj^ Cor-
ners, with J. T. Walker as Marshal ; and from San Lorenzo, with
Henry Smyth as Marshal. The appearance of this coluiaft.wa^ very
13
194 HI8T0RY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
imposing, and extended from San Lorenzo to San Leandro. All the
wagons and horses were profusely dressed ^vith flags and banners.
Soon after noon the procession from the north appeared, marshaled
by Mr. Shattuck, of Oakland. With this delegation were Gen. I. S.
McDowell and members of his staff, and the Oakland Giiard. The
Guards carried with them a mounted cannon, labeled " The Peace-
maker." The Brooklyn delegation, with which were the men from
San Francisco, said to number 1,000 men, were headed })y Hon. Thos.
Eagar as Marshal, Judge Hastings headed the Alameda delegation.
This line stretched from the Alameda Lane to San Leandro, a dis-
tance of four miles and a half, altogether making eight miles of a
procession. The whole was reviewed by General McDowell, who
stood in his can-iage, uncovered, as the vast concoui-se jmssed by him,
cheering. The President of the Day was the Hon. Edward Tomp-
kins, who made a very eloquent speech. He was followed by Hon.
Delos Lake, W. H. L. Barnes, Hon. Nathan Porter, Hon. F. M.
Pixley, Hon. J. G. McCallam, Judge Tyler and Attorney-General
McCullough. Messrs. Saul Giigan and Estabrook Smith were the
Secretaries. The demonstration was in every sense a great one, and
will be remembered by those who participated in it as long as
they live, with pride and satisfaction.
At the Presidential election which followed this mass meeting, on
the 8th of November, the Lincoln electors received a majority of
658 votes, they having received 1,470 to 812 for the McClellan
■electors. For Congress, Higby had 1,458 votes to Coifroth's 797.
The total majority for Lincoln throughout the State was 16,634.
'Tlie Coiinty Supervisors Avere all re-elected, with the exception of
Mi:. <Cummings, of Alameda, whose place was taken by Mr. Fass-
king.
Following was the legislation of the first term xnider the biennial
system, established by the amended Constitution :
An Act to improve the navigation of San Antonio Creek, re-
pealed.
An Act to divide the State into Congi-essional Districts, and to fix
time to elect Representatives to Congress. Contra Costa, Alameda,
San Joaquin, Tuolumne, Mono, Calaveras, Amador, Eldorado, Sacra-
mento, Placer, Nevada, and Alpine to form the Second District.
An Act providing time for holding County and Probate Courts in
Alameda. On fii-st Monday of January, April, and July, and third
JMLonday of September each yeai\
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 195
An Act to autliorize Andrew B. Forbes, his associates and as-
signs, to construct a wharf at Green Point, in ALameda County.
Granted the use of tide lands, 100 feet wide, on either side of said
wharf; twenty-five years' franchise.
An Act supplementary to an Act concerning ofiicers. Supervisors
to hold office for three years ; Alameda excepted from the provisions
of this Act.
An Act to authorize the City Council of Oakland to improve
streets, lanes, alleys, courts, and places. To have power to lay out
new streets ; to gi-ade and improve ; notice to be given of inten-
tion to improve ; remedy of persons aggrieved ; to file a remon-
strance ; owners of property to petition for improvements ; how
contracts are to be made ; duty of Marshals ; assessment for ex-
penses ; city to pay for improvements on its own property ; when
done on one side of street, the lots on that side only to be assessed ;
City Marshal to make assessments ; warrants to be attached to the
assessment ; assessments to be a lien on the property ; contractors to
collect ; appeal to counsel ; contractors may bring suit.
An Act creating Treasurer ex-qfficio Tax Collector. Amendatory.
The duties of SheriflT as ex-officio Tax Collector to cease, excepting as
regards to licenses.
An Act for assessing and collecting taxes in Alameda County.
Taxes to be apportioned.
An Act amendatory of an Act for holding Courts of Record. Fix-
ing the second Monday of February, June, and October, in Alameda
County, for the Third Judicial District.
An Act to provide for the election of Township Assessors. As-
sessors shall give bonds ; Supervisors to fill vacancies ; the Assessors
of different townships shall meet on third Monday in March, and
classify the several descriptions of property. ^ Office of County As-
sessor abolished.
An Act to provide for the erection of a Jail and repair of Coiirt-
house in Alameda County. To levy for the fiscal year 1864-5
special tax not exceeding each year twenty-five cents on each hundred
dollars. Stone or brick ; shall cease when work is completed.
An Act to provide for the retention of the hides of slaughtered
cattle in certain counties, including Alameda, for eight days.
An Act svipplementary to an Act, entitled an Act to incorporate
the City of Oakland, passed March 26, 1854. Abating nuisances
within city limits ; providing building for municipal purposes ; li-
censes : election of Justice of the Peace,
196 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
An Act supplementary to an Act dividing the State into judicial
districts. Third District to consist of Monterey, Santa Cruz, Santa
Clara, Alameda, and Contra Costa, until a Judge for Fifteenth Dis-
trict shall have been duly elpcted or appointed.
An Act establishing a fee bill for Alameda Count}^
1865 — Prosecution of Squatters on the Mission Ranch — Work on the
Yiestern Pacific Railroad — Condemnation of Lands — Continua-
tion of the Alameda Railroad and its Completion to Haywards —
Tim,e Table ai%d Fares — Cold Weather — Portuguese Land Pur-
chasers — Contra Costa's Claim Ujiheld by the Suprone Court —
Soldiers' Aid Society in Brooklyn — Haywards Guards Voted $50
Per Month by the County Supervisois — The Mintui'n Ferry Line
Purchased hy the Oakland Railroad Company — San Lorenzo
Guards — Contra Costa Railroad Company Organized — A. A.
Moore Admitted to Practice in the District Court as an Attorney
— Postmaster Green gives all he has ever made out of his Office to
Sanitary Fund— Seventeenth of March Ball at Alvarado — De-
structive Fire in Oakland — The Railroad Extended to Larue's
Wharf — A Vigilance Committee Organized — Grief for President
Lincoln's Death — May-day Celebrations at Alarneda and Alva-
rado — Earthquake — San Leandro School-house — Promising
Crops — Presbyterian Clergyman Installed — Jail Delivery — Hon.
J. B. Felton a Candidate for U. S. Senator — Reported that the
California Steam Navigation Co. loere Going to " Gobble Up "
our Ferries and Railroads — Large Harvest — Political Conven-
tions — Vote of the County — Unfortunate Fracas — Clinton Cot-
ton Mills — Brooklyn Guards Organized — San Ramon Settlers
Pay H. W. Carpentier $111,000 — Formation of the Contra Costa
Water Co. — Grain Warehouses — Ball of the Brooklyn Guards —
Heavy Earthquake — Death of a Pioneer — Oakland Railroad Un-
der A. A. Cohen^Officers Brooklyn Guard — Republican Judicial
Choice — Big Squash — San Leandro School Opened — Chas. Garth-
wait's House Robbed — School in San Leandro — Haywards
Guards' Election — New Ferry Steamer " Alameda" — Haywards
Fire Company — New Railroad Project — Cold Weather — "Sjwrt"
at Haywards — No Legislative Session in 1865.
The leading features of the year 1865 were raili'oad building ;
mourning for the death of President Lincoln ; sevei'e shocks of earth-
quake ; and the formation of military and civic organizations.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 197
The case of H. G. Ellsworth vs. Elias Sampson and twenty other
defendants, for trespass, was tried this month in the January Term
of the County Court. The men on the defense were squatters on a
portion of the Mission Ranch, and supposed they possessed pre-
emption rights. Edward Tompkins appeared for the plaintiif ; W.
H. Glascock, H. K. "W. Clark and Judge Collins, for the defendants.
Tlie trial lasted several days, and at its close the plaintiff was
awarded $1,000 damages.
The contract for the construction of the Western Pacific Railroad,
from San Jose to Stockton, a length of seventy-five miles, was let to
Messrs. Cox & Meyers. The line of this road was through three
counties — Santa Clara, Alameda and San Joaquin. It nearly crossed
the whole of the widest portion of Alameda County, from west to
east, and was by way of the Alameda Canon and Livermore Pass.
On the 6th of May the company published notice of the pendency of
proceedings for the condemnation of lands for the use of the road, in
the Alameda County Gazette, which notice occupied three closely-
printed columns of that paper. This notice, however, had only
reference to the occupants of land between the Santa Clara line, at
the head of the bay, and the Alameda Canon. The notice was ad-
dressed as follows :
To Mathew W. Dixon, Calvin Yalpey, Shaw Nash, Andrew Whis-
man, William D. Hudson, William Story, E. Burns, Peter Cam])bell,
George W. Peacock, T. W. Millard, J. Sinclair, Flugencio Higuerra,
J. Emerson, Chester Harris, Henry M. Ellsworth, Ronlif J. Horner,
William Y. Horner, William H.' Graves, Earl Marshall, Michael
Ovex-acker, Robert Bonner, Perry Morrison, Dennison D. Henyon,
Caleb C. Scott, C. C. Simms, AV. A. Jordan, Isaac Troth, L. S. Frakes,
O. C. Simms, William Bonner, S. Bonner, Augustus Bernel, Juan
Bernel, John Kottinger, and his wife Kottinger, Josefa Liver-
more, Joseph Livermore, John Doe, Richard Doe, John Jones, John
Smith, John Brum, John Jackson, James Johnson, John Taylor,
Sarah Smitli, Susan Jones, Ann Jackson, Mary Miller, and Julia
Jones, and all persons occupying, claiming, or having any right, title
or interest in and to the tracts of lands hereinafter described.
Work was commenced in the Alameda Canon in the month of
June, when a force of 500 men, mostly Coolies, was put to work
there under Mr. Bates, of this city, who held a sub-contract on the
road.
The grading of the San Francisco and Alameda Railroad was fin-
ished to San Leandro in the month of January, and the laying of the
track finished on the first day of March, and the first trip made by
198 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
boat and cars from San Francisco to San Leandro in au lioiii- and a
quax-ter, three miles being by water and tliirteen by rail. Following
is a copy of the first time table issued by the company after the com-
pletion of the road to the county seat:
" San Francisco and Alameda Railroad and Ferry Liiae. From
corner Vallejo and Davis Streets. From San Francisco : 7:15 A. m.,
9 A. M., 12 M., 2 p. M., 4:30 p. m. From Alameda : 7:40 A. m., 9:20
A. M., 12:20 P. M., 2:20 P. M., 4:50 p. m. From San Leandro: 7:20
A. M., 9 A. M., 12 M., 4:30 p. m. Good accommodations for stock on
both sides, which will be taken at greatly reduced rates, viz : Cattle
at 25c. per head, calves at 10c. per head, hogs and sheep at oc. per
head. On and after March 15th, there will be a trip from Alameda
at 5:50 A. M., and from San Francisco at 6:30 p. m. Alfred A.
Cohen, General Superintendent S. F. and A. R. R."
The fare for passengers from San Francisco to San Leandro (six-
teen miles) was 75c., or five tickets for $2.50. It was subsequently
reduced to 50c. to San Leandro, and 25c. to Alameda, from San
Francisco.
The contract for the completion of the road from San Leandro to
Haywards (five miles) was given out in April to Mr. C. D. Bates,
and on the 25th of August the line was completed. It was the
occasion for a free excursion, collation and general rejoicing at Hay-
wards. Judge Crane, Edward Wheeler, A. A. Cohen, Hemy Rob-
inson and Dr. Henry Gibbons all made congratulatoiy speeches, and
the first railroad through Alameda County was in full operation.
The cold weather drove the coyotes down in the direction of the
bay this winter, and in the month of Janu.ary there was a coyote
hunt in the foothills, when several were killed near Brooklyn.
In the month of January the frost was so intense that ice formed
an inch thick at Mission San Jose.
The Portuguese population, or more properly speaking, the Portu-
guese colonists from the AVestern Isles, were settling so rapidly in
this county at this time and paying such high prices for small parcels
of land, that a humorous correspondent in the county paper, writing
at Centreville, remarked that "a Portuguese advancing towards
your premises for the purpose of negotiating a purchase, adds much
gi-eater enhancement to its value than the assurance of having a rail-
road pass through your verandah."
In the month of February the judgment obtained by Contra Costa
County against Alameda County, for the old Oakland bridge indebt-
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 199
edness, was affirmed by tlie Supreme Court. The amount of the
judgment was $15,000; so that after all, Alameda had to own up
and " pungle." The repudiation of this debt from the first does not
api^ear to have been particularly honest, and had it been paid as it
ought to have been, the great additional charge for intei-est and the
cost of legislation on the matter, and viseless litigation, would have
been avoided.
In February there was a Soldiers' Aid Society formed in Brooklyn.
The Haywards Guards applied to the Board of Supervisors for an
armory, and were allowed $50 per month for the purpose of procur-
ing one. The Alameda Park Hotel, erected by the Railroad Com-
pany, was opened this month.
In March the Contra Costa or Mintui-n Ferry line of steamers,
consisting of the Contra Costa and Clinton, was sold to the Oakland
Railroad Company.
At the first election of the San Lorenzo Guard, held on the 28th
February, the following officers were appointed : Captain, A. L.
Fuller ; 1st Lieutenant, Henry Smyth ; 2d Lieutenant, L. Stone ;
Brevet 2d Lieutenant, J. L. Shyman ; Secretary, E. D. Lewelling ;
Treasurer, Wm. Farris ; 1st Sergeant, H. Doppman ; Sergeants,
Chas. Harper, Jas. Fan-is, O. C. Lewelling, O. W. Owen.
On March 2 2d was incorporated the Contra Costa Railroad Com-
pany, the object of which was to connect the San Francisco and
Alameda Railroad with Oakland and San Pablo. The Directors of
the proposed enterprise wex-e F. D. Atherton, E. B. Mastick, John
Caperton, A. A. Cohen and E. G. Walsworth. No work was ever
done on this line, but the Central Pacific Company is consummating
the object it had in. view.
The Committee appointed by the District Court to examine A. A.
Moore, who was a candidate for admission to practice in that Court,
reported favorably, and that gentleman, who was the first law student
of Alameda County to make such an application, was admitted to
practice as an Attorney in the Court.
John Green, Postmaster at Dougherty's Station, showed his value
of the emoluments accruing to him from that position, by donating
the whole sum to the Sanitary Fund. It amounted to $35.35, the
proceeds of several years' labor in the postal service of his country.
The 17th of Mai-ch was celebrated at Alvarado by a ball, the pro-
ceeds of which were donated for the purpose of paying olf the debt of
the Catholic Church in that place.
200 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY,
On the 18tli of March patents were issued for the Santa Rita and
San Ramon Ranchos.
On March 18th there died at San Jose an old Spanish pioneer of
Alameda County, Antonio Maria Sunol, who hatl first settled in the
beautiful little valley called after him, forty-eight years jireviously.
He was in his sixty-eighth year.
There was a destructive fire in Oakland on the 25th of March. It
broke out at the Railroad Station, and destroyed property to the
value of 175,000.
On the 1st of April the Oakland Railroad was extended to Laiiie's
Wharf, in Brooklyn, beyond which it did not extend until purchased
by the Central Pacific Railroad Company.
At this period the people of "Washington and MuiTay Townships
were sufiering much from the depredations of horse and cattle thieves,
stock poisonere and incendiaries, and resolving to no longer submit to
such outrages and injuries as they had become used to, a large num-
ber of them assembled at Milton's Hotel, Centerville, on the 1st day
of April, and there resolved to form themselves into a Vigilance Com-
mittee. Thos. Scott was elected President, and Dr. J. M. Selfridge,
now of Oakland, Secretary; William Tyeson was appointed Treas-
urer. There was besides these officers an executive committee of
twelve members chosen. Tlie organization of this committee had a
salutary efiect, and the evil-doers became thereafter very cautious.
The Committee oflered a reward of |500 for the conviction of the
person or persons who had a short time before poisoned Ellsworth's
wheat field.
The news of the assassination of President Lincoln, on the 14th of
April, created a profound sensation. The newspa])ers turned their
column rules in mourning, and the people assembled, after due notice,
in the old grove of San Lorenzo on the lOtli of the month, to express
their united sorrow and show their grief for the melancholy event
The outpoviring of the people was large and the expression of feel-
ing manly and earnest. They had formed a warm attachment for
the man in -whom they had placed their confidence in the dark and
dismal hours of the nation's tribulation, and many a word of admira-
tion and sympathy had been spoken of the dead President — he whom
they had learned to revere and love — "Honest Old Abe." The Court-
house, by order of the Supervisors, was draped in moui-ning.
On the 29th of April the title to the Sail Lorenzo Rancho was con-
firmed for 26,723 acres to Guillermo Castro, and a United States
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 201
patent issued for the same, which was filed in the Eecorder's Office.
On the 1st of May, the new Odd Fellows' Hall, of Crusade Lodge
of Odd Fellows, was dedicated at Alvarado by a grand ball, at which
140 couples were present. It was pronounced the finest social affair
that ever took place in the southern portion of the county.
The Sanitary Pic-nic at Alameda, on Mayday, was the event of the
month. The com})utation, at the time of the attendance, was that
there were 6,000 people present. They were there from San Fran-
cisco, Oakland and all parts of the county. The day was lovely and
the proceedings joyous. The time-honored May festivities were
obsei-ved. The crowning of the May Queen was an interesting and
pleasing ceremony. Miss May Browne, daughter of our lamented
and distinguished fellow-citizen, J. Ross Browne, gracefully repre-
sented the Queen of the May. She was attended by a long retinue
of young ladies, attired in white and acting as "Maids of Honor.'
Master Ashley Crane waited upon the Queen in the character of
Robin Hood, the bold woodsman, and Charley Saul represented the
character of "Jack o' the Green." At noon the grand entry of the
Queen and her attendants was announced by the blast of a bugle.
They were preceded by the Presidio Band, of San Francisco, and the
gi'and ceremonial was pA^formed in excellent style. Then followed
the May dance around the May pole, exquisitely performed in the
presence of the Queen by sixteen couples of the young lads and lasses
of the San Francisco schools. Dr. Gibbons had composed an ode to
the Queen, which was read by Mr. Wheeler, and a stirring oration
was delivered by Mr. Frank M. Pixley. Dancing in the open air
followed and was generally indulge in. The whole affair was under
the superintendence of Dr. Henry Gibbons, to whom much credit Avas
given for the completeness of the arrangements. The gentlemen who
acted as a Committee of Stewards during the day, for the preserva-
tion of order and decorum, were Messrs. A. S. Barber, Henry Robin-
son, J. D. Bostwick, H. Clark, W. S. Lee, Judge Hastings and W.
B. Clement. The net sum of $1,404.87 was realized for the benefit
of the Sanitary Fund.
On the 24th of May the shock of an earthquake was felt through-
out the county, which was considered one of the severest during
American experience.
The new school house at San Leandro was started this month.
John Q. Dunn was the builder, and the cost fixed at $3,635. It was
two stories high, and in dimensions 24x36 feet. It was calculated to
accommodate 200 pupOs.
202 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Crops promised finely ; as an evidence, Captain Fuller exhibited
barley eight feet long, taken from a field of Wm. Meek, at San
Lorenzo.
On the lltli of June Rev. Mr. Alexander was installed a minister
of the Presbyterian church at San Leandro, in the District Court-
room. Mr. Sessions, of Oakland, Mr. Pierson, of the Brooklyn
church, Mr. Beckwith, of San Francisco, and Mr. Brier, of Centre-
ville, took part in the ceremony.
There was a jail delivery at San Leandro on the 5th of July. The
various officers were so much taken up with celebrating the " Glorious
Fourth," that the prisoners were left without a guard, and four of
them out of the six then confined there easily made their escape.
At this time Hon. J. B. Felton was a prominent candidate for the
position of United States Senator, and much was said, v/hether truly
or othervt^ise, about his making free use of money for the object of
his ambition. The Oakland News warmly espoused his cause, and
the San Leandro Gazette as warmly opposed him.
At the beginning of August it was reported that the California
Steam Navigation Company, which had, become the great monopoly
of the coast, had purchased the Oakland Ferry and Eailroad.
In August there was a successful festival at Alameda, for the
benefit of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
At the harvest this year a field of wheat in the Martin Banch,
Amador Valley, yielded eighty bushels of wheat to the acre.
The County Union Convention was held at San Leandro, on the
5th of August. The Democratic Convention was held on the 24th
of the same month. The following was the platform adopted :
1st. In favor of a hard-money currency, with an extension of the
Specific Contract Act, to include verbal contract for workingmen's
wages. 2d. Opposition to Negro or Chinese suffrage. 3d. In favor
of the reconstruction of the Southern States on the principles
established by President Johnson.
At the election held on the 6 th of September the following votes
were cast :
State Senator — Henrv Bobinson, - - - - 1278
W. H. Glascock, - - - - 844
Assembly— John L. Wilson, - - - -1119
Thos. Eagar, - 121.5
John B. Ward, - - - - - 861
Jas. Graves, 849
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 203
Slieriff— Henry N. Morse, ----- 1399
Ed. Neihaus, - 723
Clerk— I. A. Amerman, - - - - - 1216
Chas. Gleason, - 865
Treasurer — Socrates Huff, ----- 1400
Eb. C. Farley, - - - - - 716
County Attorney — Geo. M. Blake, - - - 1416
A. H. Griffith, - - - - 683
Public Administrator — Duncan Cameron, - - 1346
Frank Maillot, - - - 769
County Sup. Ed. — Rev. Clias. E. Rich, - - - 1315
Thos. A. Smith, - - . - 796
Comity Surveyor — -Wm. F. Boardman, - - - 1359
W. Hughes, - - - - 749
Coi-oner — Sabia Harris, - - . . - 1342
Thomas Greene, - - - --777
In every instance the Union Candidate occupied the fii-st position.
The Clinton Cotton Mill was established this month,, by Rector <fe
Sons, and got to work by the middle of November.
The Brooklyn Guards, a new military company, was organized in
August, with Capt. AV. H. Hamilton at their head.
The settlei-s on the San Ramon Ranch, in Contra Costa County,
purchased the title of H. "W. Carpentier to the same. It was said
that all the ranch cost Carpentier was a sack of flour given to some
old Spaniard, but the settlers, in order to possess clear titles, paid
that unscrupulous gi-abber the sum of $111,000.
In September of this year was formed the Contra Costa Water
Company, the immediate object of which was to bring the water of
Temescal Creek into Oakland.
An unfortunate fracas occurred at San Antonio, on Sunday night,
September 30th, 1865, between a Frenchman named Cora, of San
Pablo, and Samuel S. Kennedy, of San Antonio. In the light,
Kennedy was very much hurt, and died from the effects of his in-
juries on Tuesday evening following. On Wednesday, Dr. M. P.
Gibbons made a post-mortem examination on deceased, and on Wed-
nesday a coroner's inquest was held by Judge Walker, when the jury
rendered a verdict that Kennedy came to his death by the hands of
Cora, with kicks from his feet and blows from a club of some kind.
Deceased, who was a native of Scotland, aged 42 years, left a wife
and three children. Cora was arrested and lodged in jail to await
aiTaignment before the Grand Jury.
Grain-warehouse building was a feature of this fall. Mr. Edmond-
204 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
son added sixty feet to liis warehouse at Hay wards, and the Alameda
Railroad Company erected warehouses at both San Leandro and
Haywards. Capt. Roberts also added to the accommodation of the
warehouse at his landing. It was a year of large crops.
Ninety couples attended the ball of the Bi-ooklyn Guards, on the
5th of October. The music was by Fuller's Band.
There was a severer earthquake than that already mentioned, on
Sunday, the 8th of October. It created quite a sensation, as it was
felt in San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Petaluma,
Stockton and Sacramento. At San Jose a portion of the fii-e-wall of
the Jail was thrown down. At San Leandro the vibration was
sufficient to toll the bell in the steeple of the Catholic Church, and the
spire, 100 feet high, swayed like a reed in the wind, but no damage
was done. Even the Court-house, which was considered an unsafe
structure, withstood the shock. In Oakland no damage was done.
On the 8th of October there died at San Leandro an old pioneer,
named George Fleming, a respected gentleman, who had for a short
time filled an official position. Mr. Fleming was born in Westmore-
land County, Pa. In the year 1816 he went to Carlisle, Pa., and
engaged in the printing business. In 1823 he became editor of the
WeeJdy Religious Miscellany ; in 1830 editor of the Carlisle Exposi-
tor, which was afterward united with the Herald, of which he was
editor and proprietor until about the year 1837. In 183-4 he com-
piled and published a collection of sacred music, called " Evangelical
Music." His talent for music made him a valuable leader in public
praise in the church, of which he was a member forty-three years.
He held the office of Prothonatory of Cumberland County, Pa., dur-
ing the administration of Gov. Ritner. He came to California across
the plains in 1849 ; settled in Alameda County in 1853, on a farm
on the San Lorenzo Rancho, where he resided until his removal to
San Leandro, in 1863. He served part of that year as Associate
Judge of the county. For several years previous to his death he
was afflicted with disease of the brain, which gradually gained the
mastery over his bodily and mental powers.
In the month of October the Oakland Railroad was placed under
the management of A. A. Cohen, who was the principal stockholder
and Superintendent of the Alameda and Haywards road. This event
was for some time expected, and was looked upon as adverse to the
intex-ests of Oakland.
In October the Brooklyn Guard mustered fifty -four men, rank and
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 205
file. The list of its officers was as follows : Captain, ~W. Henry
Hamilton ; First Lieutenant, John H. Campher ; Senond Lieutenant,
John Sutch ; Third Brevet Lieutenant, Eben E. Webster ; Orderly-
Sergeant, Asa Cochran ; Second Sergeant, George Lewds ; Third
Sergeant, Caleb Cadwell ; Fourth Sergeant, Peter Rimelard ; Fifth
Sergeant, Homer Sliuey ; First Corporal, Vernal S. Northey ; Second
Corporal, Benjamin Neiderman ; Third Corporal, Alfi'ed "Wright ;
Fourth Corporal, Enos Taylor ; Ensign, James Moffit ; Drummer,
James Knapp. Regular drill night was every Saturday evening, at
7h o'clock ; officers' drill and instruction, third Monday in each
month ; squad drill, second and fourth Monday in each month ;
stated meetings, first Monday in each month.
At the Judicial election, held in October, S. W. Sanderson, the
Republican nominee, received in this county, for Judge of the Su-
preme Court, 390 more votes than Hartley, the Democratic nominee.
Remillard Brothers started their first brickyard in Alameda
County, at Haywards, in the latter part of this year, and made a
good article.
There was raised for the Contra Costa indebtedness this year
$4,110.56, which sum was paid over to the Treasurer of that county,
in compliance with the decisions of the Courts.
As an addition to the agricultural facts already mentioned, it may
be stated, on the authority of the local paper, that J. "W. Harlan, of
San Leandro, raised a squash measuring seven feet si:i inches one
way and nine feet the other, and weighed 142 lbs. ^
School opened in the new school-house, San Leandro, on the 13th
of ISTovember, with Mr. Bullard and INIrs. Hart as teachers. It was
pronotmced one of the finest then in the State, and cost altogether
$3,800. The thanks of the community were due to Messrs. Geo. E.
Smith, Lysander Stone and William Abel, the Trustees, for the
attention they had given to its construction.
The robbery of Chas. Garthwait's house, near Pleasanton, took
place one night in October, in the absence of Mr. Garth wait. Mrs.
Garthwait shot and wounded one of the robbers, named Welch, who
was subsequently arrested.
The Haywards Guards elected the following officers : Captain, A,
L. Fuller ; First Lieutenant, Jas. A. Webster ; Second Lieutenant,
Jos. H. Taylor; Third Lieutenant, D. C. Kennedy; Ordei'ly Ser-
geant, Harvey Rice ; Sergeants, A . J. Packard, O. Lewelling, J.
Meyers, D. St. Clair; Corporals, J. Davis, D. Walgen, Chas. Thoerer.
206 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
The new ferry steamer Alameda, built at the Potrero, San Fran-
cisco, was launched on the 2d of December, and christened by ]Mrs.
A. A. Cohen. She is yet doing good service on the ferry I'oute.
Besides a military company, Hay ward rejoiced in a fire company,
officered as follows : Chief Engineer, H. F. Irving ; Foreman, E.
Dole ; 1st Assistant, Joseph Rivers ; 2d Assistant, H. li. Hrne ;
Secretary, Thos. Glaskin ; Treasurer, Alex. Allen ; Hoseman, H.
Fleury ; Assistant-Hoseman, Chris. Hermann.
A grand new railroad project was confidently s})oken of in Decem-
ber. It included the extension of the San Francisco and Alameda
line to the Western Pacific, at Washington Corners ; the continuance
of the Haywards Road to Amador Valley ; the Oakland Road to be
continued to Goat Island in the bay ; a northern road to be run to
Placerville, crossing the Straits of Carquinez. The plan then laid
down has been partially followed by the Central Pacific Company,
into whose hands all our railroads and ferries subsequently fell.
Eight degrees below freezing point was the depth to v/hich the
mercury fell one very cold December night in San Leandro.
Jas. McCurdy, the owner of a drinking saloon in Haywards,
announced his new year's sports in the following open, artless man-
ner : "Sport! sport 1 On New Year's Day, Monday, January 1,
1866, at Haywards, commencing at 10 o'clock, shooting, raffling,
freeze-out, poker, seven-up, etc., etc., for turkeys, geese and all kinds
of game, and meerschaum pipes. Come one, come everybody, and
have a merry* New Year !"
There was no meeting of the Legislature this year. Our C*ounty
Senator was Mr. Henry Robinson, of Alameda ; and our late As-
semblymen, Mr. Thos. Eagar, of Brooklyn, and J. L. Wilson, of
Washington.
\^Z^— Target Shooting— Western Pacific Railroad— A $10,000-^er-
Mile Railroad Subsidi/ Passed by the Legislature —Vetoed by the
Governor — Railroad Proposed to Goat Island — T. D. Judah
Marks the Island Out as the Terminal Point of the Trans-
continental Railroad — Tlte Clinton Cotton Mill in Operation —
The BoA Ltick of an ex-Convict — A Home-made Locomotive^A
" IS^o-Pence Law" Agitation — A Southern Pacific Railroad Com-
pany Organized — Mr. Robinson Introduces a Bill to Provide a
Dog Tax — The Alameda Park Hotel Sold at Auction — A Post-
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 207
office Established at Harrishurij — Masonic Celebration at Centre-
ville — Telegraph Road Commission — An Indian Convicted of
Murder — Tlie Gilman Bridge Debt — The Vallejo Mill Property
Sold — Turnpiked Road Through Clinton — Octavia Cora, on a
i Second Trial, Convicted of Manslaughter — A $ Mark necessary
I to Legalize a School Tax — Officers of the Brighton Cattle Market
I ■ — Prices Fetched There — New Time Table of the Alameda and
j Ilayioards Railroad — Jackson Guards Organized in Oakland —
I New Supervisors Take Their Seats — New Warehouse — A Freed-
man's Association — San Leandro Brightening Up — Ward Avenue
Opened — Stock in Murray Toionship — " Cancelling " the Court-
I house Walls — Horse Show at Centreville — Ad Valorem Tax —
Base Ball Match at Clinton — May Celebrations General — Grad-
ing in A lameda Caiion — Presentation to the Haywards Guards-
Murder of Saunders M. Simpson — Income Tax Suspended — Fe-
nian Brotherhood — Time Extended — County Fair — May Rains —
Enrolling Voters — Great Growth of Grain — Laborers Scarce —
Cattle Thief Arrested — Warm Weather — A Murderer Surrenders
Himself — Supervisors Elect — Death of Judge Keeny — Horse
Thief Shot — Cheap Lots and ^^ Night's Diamond Blankets"—
Severe Norther.
Target-shooting vras the natiiral offspring of so many military com-
panies. A match came off at Haywards, on the 1st of January, be-
tween the Haywards Guard and the Alvarado Guard. Thirty men
from each company fired three rounds each at the target. The Alva-
radons made 985 points and the Haywardens 1,030, thereby winning
the match by 45 points. In the evening the contestants were enter-
tained by a ball at Haywaixl's Hotel, at which many lovely ladies
were present to smile upon the gallant defenders of the State.
The annual meeting of the Western Pacific Railroad Company
was held at San Jose, on the 8th inst., when the following Directors
were elected : Chas. H. Fox, John Center, E. F. Pease, Chas. AV.
Sanger, San Francisco ; B. F. Mann, S. O. Houghton, San Jose ;
and M. J. Dooly, Stockton. The follo^viIlg Directors were elected
as ofiicers of the company : President, Chas. H. Fox ; Vice-Presi-
dent, S. O. Houghton ; Secretary, Chas. W. Sanger ; Treasurer, B.
F. Mann. The report stated that work on this road had been com-
menced about a year ago, under contract to Chas. McLaughlin, who
prosecuted the work with energy. Grading of twenty miles of the
208 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
road had been completed. In the Alameda Canon were through cuts
of over sixty feet in depth, and side-liill cuts of much greater depth.
Some of the embankments were over fifty feet in heighth, and were
retained at the bottom by huge walls of solid masonry. Over 1,000
feet of heavy bridging was constructed, some of them as high as
thirty feet above the water. Cross ties for twenty miles were deliv-
ered on the road, and that twenty miles of the road would be in
working order within four months, for which the rolling stock had
been already received. Iron for 100 miles, between Vallejo's Mills
and Sacramento, had been purchased; and befoi-e the close of 1866
it was supposed trains would be ranning to Stockton, thus complet-
ing the first link of the great Pacific Railroad.
The Legislature was in session in Sacramento, in January, and the
Alameda Railroad Company went before it with a modest demand
for a subsid}'- of $10,000 per mile ! Mr. Robinson, Senator for the
county, desired an expression of opinion from his constituents on the
merits of the bill, and he got it in the shape of numerous i-emon-
stranoes against it. The subsidy asked for was to be raised by a tax
of 25c. on the $100 of the property of the people. The bill was
passed, but vetoed by the Governor.
Among the many x-ailroad enterprises afloat at this time was one
for the construction of a road from Oakland to Goat Island. A
j^rofile of the proposed road was filed in the Recorder's Ofiice, on
the 22d of January, certified by Chas. Main, President ; Periguine
Fitzhugh, Secretary ; and L. H. Shoi*t, Chief Engineer. The route
was in a direct line from the outer end of the San Francisco and
Oakland Railroad Companies' AVharf to the Island. The distance
over which the road was to be constructed was nearly two miles, and
the greatest depth of water to be passed over v/as about sixty feet.
Such a road would give railroad communication to within 1|- miles of
San Francisco. Goat Island was looked upon, by railroad engineers,
as the terminal point of the transcontinental railroad, and as early
as 1863, T. D. Judah, the original projector of the Central Pacific
Railroad, put his finger on this spot in the map and said to an Oak-
land engineer, " thei-e is the point to which we will ultimately have
to go." All efforts, however, to place Goat Island in the possession
of a railroad company have been defeated in Congress, that island
being United States property.
The Clinton Cotton Mills were well under way, employing 20
girls, and turning out 500 yards of sheeting per day. The raw
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 209
material was brouglit from Mexico. Thirty looms were in place, and
a Mr. Fortner was Superintendent.
A man named Welch was competed of grand larceny in the
County Court and sentenced by Judge Hamilton to eighteen months
confinement in the State Prison at San Quentin. He told a tale of
his hardships which entitled him to sympathy, if true, and reminds one
of some of the incidents in the play of " The Ticket of Leave Man."
Welch stated that after serving a term some time previously at San
Quentin he resolved to lead a correct life, and went honestly to work
on a ranch in Santa Clara County. Pretty soon, however, some of
his acquaintances, formed during the term of his confinement, came
along, and recognizing him threatened to "blow" on him if he did
not give them money. He stood this as long as he could, but finally
fled from them to avoid exposure, and went over among the Amador
hills, where he thoiight himself secure from his vile tormentors. He
had been there but a little while when his confederates in the crime
for which he was then suffering came along and recognized him.
They declared if he did not go with them and help to commit the
robbery they would kill him, and he yielded.
A fine locomotive of twenty tons burden, called the "J. G. Kel-
logg," was turned out of the railroad machine shop in Alameda on
the 27th January, manufiictured under the supervision of Mr. A. J.
Stevens, the Master Mechanic of the Alameda Railroad. It was
four months building ; had an 1 1-inch cylinder with a 22-inch stroke.
It was considered a very creditable piece of machinery.
The gi^eat questions in this county during the meeting of the Legis-
lature was the " No-fence law," introduced in a bill by Assemblyman
Eagar, and the railroad subsidy. Ojiinions were so mvich divided
that the "No-fence" bill was withdrawn; and although the subsidy
bill passed, it was strongly protested against, and at a meeting in
Oakland, on the 27th of March, the Governor was called upon to
veto it, which he did.
The first steps were taken towards the construction of a Southern
Pacific Railroad in Januaiy of this year. A company was organized
and filed its certificate of incorporation in the oflice of the Secretary
of State. The amount of capital was fixed at $33,000. T. G.
Phelps was President of the Company. Among the incorporators
were AVm. T. Coleman and C. J. Hutchinson, of San Francisco ;
Hon. P. Banning, of Los Angeles; Capt. Johnson, of San Diego.
The line was to commence at the Bay of San Francisco and run to
14
210 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY,
the Bay of San Diego ; thence to the eastern line of the State of
California, and connect with the great overland line from the Mis-
sissippi. The great southern road is now completed as far as Los
Angeles, and Oakland is its terminus.
Senator Robinson introduced a bill in the Legislature to impose a
dog-tax and regulate the collection of the same. The editor of the
Gazette pronounced this an important measure, and cited the fact, in
evidence, that a considerable portion of Dana's book, " Two Years
Before the Mast," was devoted to a description of the dogs of South-
em California.
The Alameda Park Hotel, built at the opening of the Alameda
Railroad, was sold in February by auction to satisfy an execution
against it.
A postoffice was established at Peacock's Hotel, near AVarm
Springs, in February, called Harrisburg, which still continues in the
charge of the same postmaster, Mr. Geo. W. Peacock.
The social event of the month of February was the Masonic cele-
bration at Centreville, on the 2 2d. It was pronounced a magnificent
afiair, consisting of a ball and supper, at which 240 pei-sons were pre-
sent.
At a second target match, on the 2 2d of February, the Hay wards
Company again beat the Alvarado Company.
A commission was appointed jointly by the Contra Costa and Ala-
meda Boards of Supervisors to survey the Telegraph Road ^\ith a
view to its permanent improvement.
In the District Court, an Indian named Rupardo was convicted of
murder in the second degree, and sentenced to thirteen years impris-
onment at San Quentin.
The case of Gilman vs. Contra Costa County, for the building of the
,San Antonio bridge in 1852, and which even yet keeps cropping out
occasionally in some form or other, came before the Supreme Court at
Sacramento in the beginning of March, and a verdict rendered thereon
adversely to the claimant. The history of this bridge matter is in-
terestiing- We have gone through one phase of it in some of our first
chapters, showing the transactions between the Court of Sessions and
the Board of Supervisors of Alameda Coimty on the one part, and
Horace W. Car|>entier on the other, i-egarding the same. The follow-
ing narrative is taken from a local paper, and shows how an oiiginal
debt of $7,400 was inci-eased to the magnitude of $85,000 in a few
years. Following are the features of the case :
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 211
SHARP VS. CONTRA COSTA COUNTY.
The case of Sharp, as assignee of T. C. Oilman, vs. Contra Costa
County, was before the Supreme Court at its present term. As this
matter is of interest to the people of this county (as they were liable
for their portion of any judgment Sharp might recover) we make the
following extracts from the brief filed in the case by H. Mills, Esq.,
then District Attorney for Contra Costa County :
In 1852 one T. C. Gilman built a bridge for Contra Costa County,
across San Antonio Creek, now, and since 1853, in Alameda County,
under contract with the Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County,
wherein it was agreed to pay by warrant the sum of $7,400, and the
further agreement, that if the Treasurer did not pay said warrant
that the County would pay a penalty of five per cent, per month,
which should be deemed as interest thereon.
The warrant No. 216 was drawn and delivered on completion of
said bridge, for the said sum, without specifying any rate of interest.
In the year 1856 Gilman recovered judgment on said contract
(said warrant being still outstanding) for the sum of $20,427 and
costs, which judgment was assigned to plaintiff, Geo. F. Sharp, Jan-
uary 12th, 1857.
During the year 1860 said plaintiff. Sharp, revived in his own
name said Gilman judgment, as hereinafter stated.
That each party, plaintiff and defendant, fully complied with the
terms of the Act of 1865, except that plaintiff had not satisfied of
record said judgment or the demands mentioned in said Act.
The complaint shows that Gilman had a judgment in 1856, March
12th, for $20,427, which bore interest at five per cent, per month,
and costs, and upon which nothing had been paid. Plaintiff, if enti-
tled to judgment for anything, was only entitled to judgment for
about $64,000. Instead of taking judgment for said amount, plain-
tiff took it for $85,000, the same being for $21,000 or more too much,
and also that the judgment boi'e interest at five per cent, per month.
The contract was a fraud upon defendant, because :
Fix'st — The Board of Supervisors had no power to make the contract.
Second — The agreement to pay five per cent, per month penalty,
as interest, was illegal and prohibited by law.
The judgment sued upon was entered without authority of law,
and was void.
The Clerk had only authority to enter judgments on default in the
cases mentioned in the statute.
212 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
The Clerk entered judgment for a larger amount than prayed in
complaint, in this, to- wit : He entered judgment that the judgment
bear interest from date of entry at the rate of five per cent, per
month.
The agreement to pay more than the legal rate of interest by the
Board of Supervisors, acting in the name of the defendant, is void
under the statute, and no judgment entered upon default of defendant
could be made binding or valid for a larger rate of interest than that
fixed by law, otherwise the same would accomplish that which is pro-
hibited by statute.
The contract undertakes to fix a penalty, and the Clerk could ren-
der no judgment thereunder, nor could tlie Board of Supervisors, by
authority of law, make the defendant liable either for pains or
penalties.
For the purpose of giving construction and eifect to said Act of
1860, the Court looked at the facts of the case, from which it
appeared :
1st. That at the date of making the contract between Gilman and
defendant, there was no law authorizing a suit against defendant.
2d. In 1855 the Legislature provided a remedy for plaintifi" (to-
wit : the Funding Act, before referred to), which remedy plaintifi"
lost by his neglect to comply with the terms thereof.
3d. It was admitted as a fact in this case, that at the time of the
making of said Act of 1860, the plaintifi" was without remedy for the
enforcement of his claim.
4th. The defendant, without the action of the Legislature, could
not pay the claim, or any part thereof, there being no authority to
levy taxes save in the Legislature.
5th. It is settled beyond question that the Legislature may
impose taxes for any purpose they may choose, and it follows that,
having such authority, they, the Legislature, may do so upon such
terms as to them may seem just.
Contra Costa County vs. Board of Supei-visors Alameda County,
and cases there cited, 26 Cal., 646.
6th. The levy of taxes by the Act of 1860 was made upon the
terms stated in said Act ; the consideration was the settlement of this
claim.
7th. The pai-ty (plaintifi' in this case) having no remedy, obtain
of the Legislature what they decide is due, and without compelling
him to accept of their ofier, they do say, in emphatic language, that
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 213
unless plaintiff shall accept and make known his acceptance of the
sum levied as taxes in full payment and satisfaction of all demands
against defendant, he shall not have the benefit of the remedy pro-
vided for him in said Act.
8th. The plaintiff did accept and did make known his acceptance
in'full satisfaction of all demands, and, upon the faith of his declara-
tion made as provided by said Act, the defendant did fully comply
by levy, collection and payment of the sum mentioned to plaintiff,
who further acknowledged compliance with the terms agi'eed upon
by giving receipts, stating that such sums were by him received in
full satisfaction, according to the tenns of said Act of 1860.
In view of the foregoing, defendant submitted that the defence in
this case relied upon either payment and satisfaction, accord and sat-
isfaction, release and dischai-ge, compromise and satisfaction, or part
payment as satisfaction in full.
The laws of this State nowhere give the Board of Supervisors
authority to agi-ee, on behalf of the coiinty, except as follows : By
auditing an account ; by directing the Auditor to draw a warrant
upon the Treasurer, and he, said Treasurer, shall pay, if he has in
his hands moneys, not othei-wise appropriated, belonging to the
county. If he has not the money, he shall endoi-se upon such war-
rant, " not paid, for want of funds," and the amount specified in such
Avarrant shall thereafter draw interest at the rate of ten per cent, per
annum, until i-edeemed.
This was tlie law in force, and the only mode of payment at the
time of making the Oilman contract. The penalty stated in contract
was wholly unwarranted by law.
At the time of making the Gilman contract, individuals might
agree upon any rate of interest, and, if they so chose, could agree
that the interest, after due, might be added to the principal, and
thereafter bear interest, etc. Now, if the Board of Supervisors had
the authority to agree to pay more than ten per cent, per annum
interest money (which was denied), it was not by them agreed in
this case, in writing, that the penalty, or interest mentioned, should
ever be added to the principal sum, as is shown to have been done in
this case. The statute, being in contravention of the common law, is
to be strictly construed.
The Vallejo Mill property, consisting of the mill, water privileges
and twelve acres of land, passed into the possession of J. S. Doe, of
San Francisco, who bought under a decree of sale on moi-tgage for
214 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
foreclosure, for about $30,000. The purchase was made in the early
part of March.
The road through Clinton was this month turnpiked and covered
with a coating of gravel.
Octavia Cora, charged with the killing of Samuel Kennedy, at
Brooklyn, was, on his second trial, on the 2d of March, in the District
Coui-t, convicted of manslaughter, and sentenced by Judge McKee to
three years confinement in the State Prison.
Some parties belonging to the Union School District of San Lean-
dro objected to paying their school taxes on technical ground, and
on suit being brought against them, Judge McKee decided that tlie
tax could not be enforced, owing to the absence of a $ mark in the
assessment roll.
The following is quoted to give an idea of the prices brought in
the Brighton Cattle Market, established last year, near Haywards :
BRIGHTON CATTLE MARKET.
Haywood, Apiil 11th, 1866.
1 bull, $20 ; 16 calves, $9 per head ; 16 calves, $8.25 per head ;
2 cows and calves, $30 and $36 ; 3 cows, $75 per head ; 4 cows, $50
per head ; 5 cows, $40 per head ; 50 cows, unsold, offered at $25 to
$30 per head ; 50 yearlings, $7 per head ; 24 cattle, $20 per head;
40 cattle, $18 per head ; 60 cattle, $16 per head ; 120 cattle, $15.50
per head ; 50 cattle, unsold, too thin ; 3 horses, $68 each ; 2 mares,
$75 each ; 2 mares, harness and wagon, $225.
Remarks. — 15 extra milch cows, blood stock, offered at $100 to
$150 per head; no sales. 75 pigs arrived too late for the market.
Beef cattle, heavy American, in demand ; none in market. Stock
offered in market very thin and mixed lot. Sheep offers, to arrive,
$3.25 per head ; Weathers, do, $5 ; none in market. Milch cows,
pi'ices declining ; prices asked, too high ; purchasers plenty, at lower
rates.
The following officers of the Brighton Cattle Market were elected
in March : President, Wm. Fulton ; Vice-president, W. H. Souther ;
Trustees, W. Knox, D. C. Kennedy, Alex. Allen. Board of
Directors — F. P. Lauterwasso, President; E. A. Haines, John
Searles, H. D. Ellerhorst, J. A. Mayhew ; C. T. Ward, Secretary
and Treasurer.
Following is the new time-table of the San Francisco and Alameda
Railroad, after completion to Hay wai-ds ; it is interesting as a thing
of the past :
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 215
San Francisco and Alameda Railroad and FeiTy Line. From
Pacific Street Wharf. From San Francisco : 9:30 a. m. ; 1:30, 4:15,
6 p. M. From Alameda: 7:45, 9:45 a. m. ; 1:45, 4:30 p. m. From
San Leandi-o : 7:25, 9:25 A. M. ; 1:25, 4:10 p. M. From Hay wards :
7, 9 a. M. ; 1, 3:45 p. M. Sunday time. From San Francisco : 9,
11:30 A. M. ; 2, 4:45, 6 p. m. From Alameda: 9:10, 11:40 A. M. ;
2:10, 4:55 p. M. From San Leandro : 8:50, 11:20 a. m. ; 1:50, 4:35
p. M. From Haywards: 8:30, 11 a. M. ; 1:30, 4:15 p. m. The 6 p.
M. trip from San Francisco on Saturday evenings, and 7 A. M. from
Haywards on Sundays, will be omitted. A commodious and safe
carriage-way at each landing. Live stock taken at reduced rates.
Alfred A. Cohen, General Superintendent S. F. and A. R. R.
The Jackson Guards, of Oakland, were organized latter end of
March, and the Board of Supervisoi-s allowed them $50 per month
for rent of armory.
The new Board of Supervisors took their seats March 6th, when
Mr. R. S. Farrelly was elected chairman.
In AprU Mr. T. J. Edmondson erected a grain warehouse at San
Leandro, the dimensions of which were 50x200 feet.
A Freedman's Association was established at San Leandro this
month, with Judge Hamilton, of the County Court, as President ;
S. G. Nye, as Vice-President ; J. W. Josselyn, Secretary and Treas-
urer, and L. J. Bullard, Collector.
In the spring of this year matters looked cheerful for San Leandro,
and it was in a flourishing condition. Ward Avenue, an alameda one
mile in length, running to the foot-hills, was opened and planted with
shade trees, furnishing a handsome drive, for which much credit was
due to the projector, Mr. J. B. Ward.
MuiTay Township was looming up about this time as a market for
fine stock. In ten days Mr. S. B. Martin sold 57 head of fine
horses, and Mr. Dougherty and other importers also sold many ani-
mals. A Clydesdale three-year-old stallion, belonging to Mr. Martin,
was sold for $1,000.
An advertisement appeared in the San Leandro Gazette, of March
31st, signed by I. A. Amerman, County Clerk, inviting sealed pro-
posals for painting the Court-house and cancelling the walls. Calct-
minvng, no doubt, was intended. The cancelling, however, was
pretty effectually done on the 28th of October, 1868, when the eartjh-
quake took charge of the job.
There was a horse show held at Centre ville, on the 28th of April,
216 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
when some fine samples of stock were exhibited. The farmers and
stock-owners present wei-e expected to consider the subject of holding
a county fair in the Fall, but the matter received no attention.
The ad valorem tax, for State purposes, was fixed at $1.10 on
each $100 of property.
The first important base-ball match in the county took place in
Clinton, on the 21st of April, between the City College Club, of San
Francisco, and the Live Oak Club, of Oakland. There was a large
and fashionable attendance, many ladies from San Francisco and
Oakland having been spectators. The game was brought to a close
after eight innings, the City Club having declined to play the last.
At the close the score stood 39 to 84 in favor of the Live Oak Club.
The Oakland boys treated their vanquished rivals to a dinner in the
evening, after the contest, and the affair terminated in a happy and
friendly manner.
May celebrations were general. The " Always Happy " Lodge of
Good Templars held a pic-nic at Haywards, on the 3d, at which a
table 130 feet long was spread for the guests. The Odd Fellows
held a ball at Centreville, which brought together a large company,
and everythmg passed off" with that good order and good feeling
which is a notable feature of all social gatherings in Alameda
County.
In April Messi'S. Cox & Arnold, contractors for grading the
Western Pacific Railroad from San Jose to Stockton, resumed opera-
tions in the Alameda Canon, above Vallejo's Mills, after a cessation
of work for the winter months.
On the 28th of April a flag and address were presented to the
Haywards Guai'ds, by Miss Haymer, ou^behalf of the ladies of the
place, which Captain Fuller accepted on behalf of the company.
Calvin Perkins, Joseph Fisher and a number of others took a
large number of mustang horses from this county to Salt Lake, for
sale,
Mr. Sanders M. Simpson, an estimable citizen and brother-in-law
of Mr. Greene Patterson and" Joseph Black, of Mun-ay Township,
was most brutally murdered in bed, by his herder, in the month of
May, at Carral Hollow. The guilty man was arrested, convicted,
and sentenced to State Prison for life.
Notice was given this month that assessment for the income-tax
was susj^ended till fui'ther notice.
A circle of the Fenian Brotherhood, then a powerful oi-gauization,
was established in Oakland.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 217
Tlie time for completing the fir^t section of the Western Pacilic
Raih-oad havmg expired, it was extended by Congress at the instance
of Senator Conness. There was fear that the company would claim
some of the lands of the ex-Mission as a portion of their grant, and
on May 23d Judge Crane publicly stated that the company set up
no such claim.
At a mestiug held at the Brighton Cattle Market, on May 30th,
a committee for each town was appointed to arrange matters for a
County Fair.
There were heavy rains in the latter part of May. That the last
rains came regularly in the third week of this month, is shown by
the following statement, taken from competent authority, which also
gives the amount of rain-fall each day. It will be of service to those
who do not understand this peculiarity of our climate :
1801 - - -
May
18th, 19th, 20th
_
- 0.69 in.
1852 - - -
17th
. -
.30 in.
1853 - - -
24th
.
.05 in.
1854 - - -
. .
.00 in.
1855 - - -
11th to 20th
. -
- 2.14 in.
1856 - - -
19th to 25th
.86 in.
1857 - - -
- .
.00 in.
1858 - - -
none after 7th
. .
1859 - - -
2 2d
-
- .05 in.
1860 - - -
18th to 25 th
- .
- 1.27 in.
1861 - - -
20th and 2 2d
-
.55 in.
1862 - - -
none after 12th
.
1863 - - -
18th and 19th
- -
- .41 in.
1864 - - -
17th
- .
.34 in.
1865 - - -
18th
. -
.27 in.
1866 - - -
22d, 24th, 26th, 28th -
- 1-64 in.
As the law required that all persons claiming the right to vote
should be enrolled in their respective townships, the following En-
rolling Clerks were appointed for each township : Alameda, Charles
H. Haile ; Brooklyn, ; Eden, Joel Russell ; Murray, J.
W. Dougherty ; Oakland City, Perry Johnson ; Oakland Township,
T. L. Walker ; Washington, J. Shinn.
As a sample of the prolific growth of grain this year, Mr. E.
Munion, of Centre ville, left at the ofiice of the Alta California, San
Francisco, a bunch of white Australian wheat, consisting of 120
stalks, each with a fairly developed head, all grown from a single
grain. This was noticed in the Alta of the 10th of July. The
growth was so dense this year that the grain was much affected by
rust.
218 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Under date of July 15th, a correspondent at Centreville wrote to
the Gazette : " Labor is in good demand, f:\rmers are in want of bind-
ers, white men are scarce, and the result, as might be expected, is a
forced necessity to employ Mongolians."
On the 15th of July a notorious cattle tliief, named Edwardo
Ghiardo, was arrested in a cafion near Mount Diablo, by Sheriif
Moi-se.
The weather was very warm in July, and at the Mission of San
Jose on the 18th the thermometer stood at 110 degrees in the shade.
On the 11th of August one Chavoye entered Justice Smith's Coui-t
at San Leandro, and surrendered himself for the killing of one
Richardo, near Pleasanton, on the evening before.
Following were the Supervisors elected in September, for the en-
suing year : Oakland, F. K. Shattuck ; Brooklyn, R. S. Fai-relly ;
Eden, J. B. Marlin ; Washington, Wm. Threlfall ; Murray, John
Green.
On Thursday, the 6th day of September, died at San Leandro
Justice Hiram Keeny, an old resident of the county, at the age of
sixty years. He came from Indiana in 1852, and had been a resi-
dent of San Leandro since 1856.
Sheriif Morse, in attempting to arrest a notorious horse thief,
named Narcisso Bojorques, in Sunol Yalley, shot him, but the fellow
nevertheless escaped. When he first saw the Sheriff, he drew a large
navy revolver and snapped it at the officer, but it failed to go off.
A Brooklpi coiTespondent of the Gazette, who was in the habit of
disporting himself under the giiise of " Louise " (the freight boat),
wrote as follows, under date of October 20th, regarding cheap lots in
San Antonio : "Twenty-five dollars will buy a lot 25x140 in the old
town plot of San Antonio. This is a cheap investment, and you are
requii-ed to pay only one-half down, the balance in twelve months.
Why, they are worth that to fence in for a con-al to furnish the
owner Avith cheap lodgings and plenty of fresh air, with only ' night's
diamond blanket' for a covering." They cannot be hatl so cheap as
that now, by a very long way.
There was a very severe *' norther " which blew a perfect gale on
the 15th of October. It did much damage to fruit, and blew down
the liberty-pole on the Court-house square in San Leandro.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES.
219
PIONEER STOVE STORE,
JAMES DALZIEL,
-MANUFACTURER OF-
Tin, Copper and Sheet Iron Wares
And Dealer in Medallion, Eiclimond, and all Best Style Eaiiges.
1163 BROADWAY, 2 DOORS ABOVE THIRTEENTH ST.
Jobbing of all kinds promptly attended to. Motal Roofing done in the Boat Manner.
S. FRANCIS,
1006 BROADWAY,
Three Doors from Tenth St.
OAKLAND.
THE BEST IS ALWAYS THE CHEAPEST.
1 get up first-class work for loss money
than San Francisco. Call and satisfy yourself.
Remember the place,
Benitz Block, 1006 Broadway.
A Fine Selection of Foreign and Domestic CLOTHS. BEAVERS and CASSIMERES.
for Dress and Business Suits, made in the Latest Stylo, and warranted to
220 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
FRENCH, STUART & CO.,
IMPORTERS AND MANUFACTURERS OF
Furniture and Bedding
NICOL BLOCK,
4']6 J^inth Street , bet. (Broadw.iy and Wasliington Sts.,
OAKLAND.
Parties furnishing will do well to give us a call. Our Stock is
large and new, and prices low,
ARTIFICIAL
SUILDING ^TONE
PLAIJV AJVD ORJSTAMEA^TAL,
MANUFACTtJItKD BY THE
PACIFIC STONE CO., OAKLAND,
O EWERS, Continuous Pipes, Belting Courses, Chimney Tops,
^ Hitching Posts, Carriage Blocks, Window Caps, Sills, Water
Tables, Steps, Sidewalks, Fountain Basins, Cemetery Work, Monu-
ments, Lot Fencing, Vases, Mosaic Tiles, in any design or color.
Cheaper than native Stone.
Works, cor. SecoRl and Fraiikliii Sts. Dice, No. 472 Seventli Street.
L. L. Leathers, Supt. F. Chappellet, President.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 221
CHAPTER XX.
FROM THE REORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY, IN
OCTOBER, 1866, TO THE GREAT EARTHQUAKE OF OCTOBER, 1868.
1866 Continued — Stock Show at Brighton Market, nea,r Hai/iixirds —
A Iloi'se Race and Gentlemen Jockeys— The County Agricultural
Society Reorganized and Officers Elected — Advent of General 0.
H. La Grange at San Leandro — Sycamore Lodge of Odd Fellows
Instituted at Hay wards — Assessed Value of Property — Internal
Revenue Tax — Death of L. Legrange — Numher of Children of
School Age — Contra Costa Debt — First Gas-lamp in the County
— Semi-annual Statement of County Finances — Legislation of
1866.
A stock show was held at Hay wards on the 31st of October, con-
tinuing on the 1st of November. The day was fine and as it was in
contemplation to reestablish the County Agricultural Society, there was
a large attendance of peo])le from the surrounding country. Judge
Hamilton delivered an inaugural address, which gave much satisfac-
tion, and was very appi'opriate for the occasion. There was consider-
able racing, and among the matches was one between Wm. Meek's
mare "Jane" and Joel Russell's mai'e "Rose," the owners riding their
respective animals, and doing so handsomely. No drinking places
were allowed on the gi'ound.
The follomng officers of the new Agricultural Society were elected
to serve for the ensuing year: President, Wm. Meek; Secretary, C.
F. Ward; Treasurer, J. S. Walker; Corresponding Secretary, I. A.
A merman. A Committee on constitution and by-laws was appointed
to report at a subsequent meeting. A number of awards were made,
but no pi-izes were ofiered.
The California Teacher speaking of the aiTival here of General O.
H. La Grange, paid the distinguished gentleman the following compli-
ment: "Gen. O. H. La Grange, recently from the State of Wiscon-
sin, has assumed the principalship of the Grammar School at San
Leandro. Gen. La Grange was engaged in teaching in Wisconsin at
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
the breaking out of the rebellion, when he gave up the spelling book,
entered the army, and fought his way up to the title of Brigadier-
General. We give him a most cordial welcome to this State, and
congratulate the people of San Leandro on their good fortune in se-
curing a man who will make their school one of the best in the State."
On the 1 3th of November an Odd Fellows' Lodge was instituted at
Hay wards, which was named and numbered Sycamore Lodge No.
129.
The total valuation of assessed property in Alameda County for
the current year was $.5,620,976.50. The county paid $63,.528.74 of
internal revenue tax, and 551 individuals were fortunate enough to
possess sufficient incomes to be taxed, while 12 persons returned in-
comes of over $10,000, the richest of whom was N, Van Bei'gen,
who returned $30,628 per annum. The number of carriages that
paid taxes was 443 ; pianos, 133 ; gold watches, 392 ; ounces of sil-
ver-plate, 2,661 ; billiard tables, 42 ; yachts, 2.
Mr. L. Legrange, a prominent citizen of the county, residing near
Centre ville, died suddenly of heart disease, on the 8th of December.
He was a valuable citizen and much regretted.
The number of children of school age — between the ages of 7 and
15 — in the county, on the 30th of June, 1866, was officially reported
at 2,742, of which 701 were in Oakland City.
The Contra Costa debt, which was allowed to haunt the county
since its formation, seemed to be in a fair way of final liquidation.
On December 13th the balance due, with interest, was $2,339.63.
Of the special tax to meet it at the same time there was in the
treasury $2,715.27.
The first gas lamp-post erected in Alameda County was put up at
the corner of Broadway and Seventh Street, Oakland, in the month
of December, whereat there was much congratulation.
The Board of Supervisors, in compliance with the requirements of
the law, made a semi-annual statement on the 3d of December, of
the revenue and finances of the county, and the existing indebtedness
at that date. The receipts from all sources wei-e as follows :
From State Fund, $56,711.26; from County General Fund, $19,-
752.11; from Common School Fund, $15,469.67; from Eoad and
Bridge Fund, $23,176.70; from Indigent Sick Fund, $4,379.02;
from Oakland Bar Fund, $3,882.52 ; from Contra Costa Fund, $2,-
453.01. Total, $125,824.29. Cash on hand June 4th, 1866, $13,-
137.22. Grand total of receipts, $138,961.51.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 223
Tlie legislation of the year 1866, for Alameda County, was as
follows :
An Act to establish an Agricultural, Mining and Mechanics Art
College.
An Act to establish a Police Court in the City of Oakland, and
deJSne its jurisdiction ; duties and fees of Court and its officers. To
have a judge, clerk, seal ; to have jurisdiction in petit larceny, assault
and batteiy, breaches of the peace, violation of city ordinances, city
taxes, sums of money less than §300, bonds, recovery of city pi-o-
perty, license, etc.
An Act creating a Board of Education. To consist of eight
members, to be elected, and have a president, superintendent, clerk ;
disposal of school moneys, and to be governed by school law. To
take effect 1st May, 1866.
An Act in relation to the City Courts of Oakland. M.iyor no
longer to exercise power of justice. The Police Judge shall have
power to hear cases for examination, and may commit and hold
offenders to bail.
An Act granting to P. J. Vandewater, his associates, their suc-
cessors or assigns the right to construct, maintain and operate a
railroad in certain streets of the City of Oakland. On Second,
Fourth, Eighth, Twelfth and Market Streets, including Twenty-eighth
to the San Pablo Road, to the city limits.
An Act to grant the Oakland Railroad Company the light of way
for a railroad track in the City of Oakland and Alameda County,
and to run hoi-se-cars thereon. The Oakland Railroad Company, a
corporation incorporated in 1861, to have right of way to run horse-
cars from end of Broadway to Temescal Creek, and thence to the
grounds of the College of California, for thirty years.
An Act to allow mileage to Grand and Trial Jurors in Alameda
County. Allowing 20c. per mile.
An Act creating live additional Notaries Public.
An Act concerning hogs running at large. Penalty for neglecting
to pay for sale of hogs by constables.
An Act preventing stallions running at large.
An Act establishing terms of District Court.
An Act amending Road Act.
An Act providing for maintenance of pounds.
An Act for Superintendent of Schools to furnish annual estimate
of school moneys to Trustees.
224 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
1867—-^ Year of Activity and Enterprise — Departure of the Hon.
John Wilson — Lawlessness and Crime — An Editor Called to
Account — Railroad "Benefits" — The Alameda Park Hotel Con-
verted Into a Private Insane Asylum — Death of Jesse Beard —
Prisoners Break Jail — - The New Agricultural Association
Stirring — New Presbyterian Church at San Leandro Dedicated
— Good Templars doing Good Work — Election of the Agricultural
Association — A Report from the Brighton Cattle Market Associa-
tion — Registration of Voters — A Teachers^ Association Formed — -
Dr. Yates makes an Important Scientific Discovery — Dr. Wm.
P. Gibbons on the San Antonio Redwoods — Proposes a Botanical
Garden — Reading-room and Library at Haywards — Union
County Convention — A Resolution Favoring Negro Suffrage
Voted 'Down — A Slap at Gorham — Democratic County Conven-
tion — -Strong Union Resolutions, but Negro and Chinese Suffrage
Condemned — The Union Ticket Defeated, and H. H. Ilaight,
of Alameda, Elected Governor — Alameda County Selected as the
Location of the Agricultural College — Man Killed in Murray —
Tragic Affair at Mount Eden — Shooting Scrape at Centreville
— A Daily Mail — Prof. Wm. Lucky — A Chickory Company —
Quail a Nuisance — A Fuse Factory in Brooklyn— Democratic
County Nominations — Shei'iff Morse's Pursuit of Thieves and
Desperados — -Arrest of Joaquin at New Almaden — Literary
Association at San Leandro — The Oakland Bank of Savings In-
corporated—A Jail-breaker Recaptured — Thunder Storm— Fires
— Gorham in Alameda — Democratic Barbecue — Timothy Har-
rington Found Dead — Union Ticket Defeated in the State, but
Successful Here — A Granite Quarry Discovered — Judge Hamilton
Resigns — Stephen G. Nye his Successor — Amateur Theatricals —
Corner-stone of Deaf, Dumb ami Blind Asylum Laid— Daily
Morning Herald — Murder of W. L. Joy, and Sheriff Morse's
Pursuit of the Murderer Ponce, whom he Kills — Suicide of Henry
Clark — Railroad Matters — Murder of Officer Richardson in
Oakland — The Agricultural Fair — Ta,x of 1867-8 — Judge
Crockett Appointed — A Family Poisonsd — Patents for Ex-
Mission Lands — Severe Storm.
The year 1MG7 w.is ono of activity and enterprise. During it was
reorganize:! the County Agriciiltur.\l Society; the Agricultural Col-
lege and the Deaf, Dumb and Blind Institute located; the Oakland
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 225
Bank of Savings incorporated; a Covinty Teacliers' Association
established; an Alameda man elected Governor of the State, and
another appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court. It was also a
year of activity for the Sheriff, who had his hands full in pursuing
horse and cattle thieves and murderers, with whom he was occasion-
ally under the necessity of exchanging shots.
Hon. John "Wilson, one of our representatives in the Assembly,
immediately after the close of his legislative labors, returned to his
old home in Moni'oe County, Illinois, and did not return. Our
other Assemblyman during this term was Hon. John W. Dwinelle,
one of the ablest men in the State, and certainly the ablest man
Alameda County ever sent to the lower branch of the State Legis-
lature.
There was a good deal of individual lawlessness and violence this
year, and the Grand Jury of the County Court, at the January term,
took three days to get through with theii* business. They returned
into Court with eleven indictments, embracing various shades of
crime, from manslaughter to petit larceny.
The editor of the Gazette well-nigh got himself into trouble with
some of the jury, to whom he was under the necessity of making an
explanation to exculpate himself. It appears that a prisoner was
tried for stealing a horse, and was acquitted. The editor, as the legal
phrase goes, stated that he was acquitted of the crime by a jury of
his /»ee?-«. The jurymen were of the impression that he estimated
them in this remark as no better than horse thieves !
An important decision was rendered by the Supreme Court in Jan-
uary, touching the question of damages and benefits to property by
railroads. It was the case of the San Francisco, Alameda and Stock-
ton Railroad vs. Andrew Caldwell and others, landowners on the
route of the road. Judge McKee had decided that it was wi-ong for
commissioners to take the supposed benefits conferred by a railroad
as whole or part compensation for lands taken from an owner for
right of way. The Supreme Court reversed this decision, and
maintained that the difference in the value of property before and
after the improvement should be taken into account in awarding dam-
ages and benefits. This view was sustained by Justices Curry,,
Shafter and Sanderson, while Justice Rhodes dissented on the ground
that " benefits " could not be considered in ascertaining the "just
compensation " to which the landowner is entitled under the Con-
stitution.
15
226 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
The Beaty House, in San Leandro, which liad been for some time
vacant, was pxirchased by Mrs. Webei-, who re-opened it after fitting
it up anew.
Early in February information was I'eceived at San Leandro that
Narcisso Bojorques, the cattle-stealer, shot some time previously by
Sheriff Morse, but who, nevei-theless, made his escape, had been shot
at Copperopolis for stealing cattle, and died soon after at Stockton,
where he was removed to.
The Alameda Park Hotel was purchased by Dr. Tucker this month,
for the pui-pose of converting the same into a private lunatic asylum.
Jesse Beard, one of the pioneers of the county and father of E. L.
Beard at the Mission, died at Alvarado on the 6th day of Mai'ch, in
the seventy-eighth year of his age. He was a much respected old
gentleman.
On the 7th of March two prisoners, named Wm. Hagan and Jos6
Valenzviela, broke jail in San Leandro and made good their escape.
At their February meeting the Supervisors fixed the rate of taxa-
tion for 1867 at $2.20 on each $100.
The Commissioners appointed to award damages in the case of the
Western Pacific P^aih-oad Co. vs. M. W. Dixon et al., made their re-
poi-t at San Leandro on the 11th of March.
On the 20th of April I. A. Amerman, Esq., County Clerk, ad-
dressed 800 circulars to the farmers of the county, with a blank to
be filled out by them, showing the agricultural resoiirces and the pro-
ductiveness of the county for the year, but it does not aj^pear that
(he received a ready response, for nothiiig further appears to have
come of it.
The new Presbytei'ian Church at San Leandro was dedicated on
tthe 28th of April, when Rev. Dr. H. M. Scudder, of San Francisco,
preached a sermon, and the choir of the Howard Street Presbyterian
Church in San Francisco furnished the music.
In April the Good Templars' temperance organization of San Le-
andro made a move to get up a reading-room and library in that
town, which was to some extent a success.
On the 27th of April the County Agricultural Society held a meet-
ing at Haywards, at which the following officers were elected :
President, William Meek ; Vice-President, J. A. May hew ; Record-
ing Secretary, C. T. Ward ; Corresponding Secretary, I. A. Amer-
man ; Auditing Committee, Wm. Whidden, E. M. Smith ; Committee
on Premiums, F. K. Shattuck, R. S. Farrely, Chas. H. Haile, J. B.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 227
Marlin, S. I. Marston, Geo. Martin. The subscription for member-
ship was set at $3 per annum.
At the teachers' examination in San Leandro, on the 27th of April,
there were a dozen candidates for diplomas.
It became rumored about this time that the W. P. R. R. Co. had
sold out their road and franchise to Leland Stanford and the Central
Pacific Railroad Company, which proved subsequently to have been
well-founded.
The Brighton Cattle Market Association published an annual re-
port in May, which is deemed of sufficient interest to reproduce here.
It is as follows :
ANNUAL BRIGHTON MARKET REPORT.
The Butchei's, Drovers, and Stock Raisers' Association held its
first meeting January 31st, 1866, and preliminary steps were taken
towards forming the " Brighton Market," or, as some term it, "Bull's
Head." In April arrangements were perfected and yards erected for
the accommodation of live stock. The first regular meeting was
held Wednesday, April 11th, 1866; Mr. T. A. Cunningham being
the first drover who arrived with cattle for sale, and Mr. W. H.
Souther the first purchaser. From this date the market has steadily
increased in business ; and the following list will show the amount of
transactions during the year ending May 7th, 1867. This does not
include sales effected on the premises for stock deliverable in the in-
terior :
Steers, - - -
2,506 head at |
5101,810.00, or $40.62 ea.
MLxed Cattle, - -
1,021
"
32,281.00,
31.62 ea.
Yearlings, - -
72
t(
1,779.00,
24.71 ea.
Milch Cows, - -
158
«
8,135.00,
51.48 ea.
Calves, - - -
457
('
^ 4,292.75,
9.39 ea.
Bulls, Scrvibs, - -
10
<'
172.00,
17.20 ea.
Sheep,- - - -
3,021
"
11,153.00,
3.69 ea.
Wethers, - - -
1,437
((
4,877.00,
3.40 ea.
Lambs, - . -
2,759
'<
6,171.37,
2.23 ea.
Pi,a;s,
373
"
4,562.25,
12.50 ea.
Mules, - - - -
6
"
575.00,
95.79 ea.
Horses, Mares, -
113
"
6,587.00,
58.29 ea.
Colts, Yearlings,
5
"
200.00,
40.00 ea.
Total, - - 11,938 $182,595.37
Issues of shai-es have been made by our association to members
residing in all parts of the State, and, instead of, as last year, the
majority of shax-es being held by the butchers, it is in the hands of
228 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
the stock-raisei's and drovers. Aiiivals of live stock have uever as
yet reached the demand ; this is to be regretted, as many have been
desirous of supplying themselves entirely from this source; but, like
all institutions, it must have time for growth. With the supplies to
arrive this season, it is hoped the remedy will be attained. Eveiy
exertion is being made by the board of managers to induce stock-
raisers and drovers to patronise our market, and each day additions
are being made to our arrivals. Some annoyance has been felt at the
drovers disposing of live stock before a regular market day ; this has
in a measure remedied itself, as outsiders in some instances have
bought and i-esold on Wednesday, paying the drover out of the pro-
ceeds of the sale — a sharp practice which cannot often be repeated.
The largest anival of cattle at any one time has been 1,123 head, and
the largest sale to any one purchaser at any one regular sale day has
been to the cash value of $20,000.00.
The Association, of its twenty-five acres of land, has ten acres
fenced into yards, and proposes at an early date to build a hotel, also
a stable and sheds, for the accommodation of its members and stock
in winter. It has no outstanding debts at the present tinie. * *
* * As considerable misunderstanding has arisen regarding our
mode of selling cattle, through reports circulated in the interior, it
will not be out of place to mention our constitution particularly sets
forth that "All are free to come and go, to buy and to sell at
pleasure." Unless a special request is made, no auction sales take
place. The drover is the seller of his own stock, without interference
from anyone, or any charges of commission. Satisfactory arrange-
ments have been made with the Alameda Railroad Company for
transportation of stock to San Francisco, the result of which has
been the dealers in sheep are availing themselves largely of this
mode of saving expenses and hai'd driving.
In conclusion, the result of the last year has been satisfactory. A
gi^eat deal of the success attending the enterprise has been the result
of the exertions of our President, William Fulton, and to him, in a
measure, belongs the honor of the final establishment of the Brighton
Market. C. T. WARD, Secretary.
It appears there was difficulty in getting voters to register their
names this year, which urged the County Clerk, Mr. Amerman, to
issue an explanatory circular to the people. According to this cir-
cular, the registered vote in the county, in May of 1867, was as
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 229
follows : Oakland Township, 462 names ; Brooklyn, 288 ; Alameda,
78; Eden, 240; Washington, 221; Murray, 51; total, 1,340; of
which 1,151 were natives and 189 naturalized.
At the last meeting of the Teachers' Association, held in San
Francisco, it was resolved, by those present from this county, to form
a Teachers' Association for Alameda County; and this was done in
the latter part of May, when the necessary rules for its government
were adopted.
In June of this year Dr. Yates, the scientific dentist of Centre-
ville, discovered the tusk of an animal oi the elephant species, near
Mission San Jose. It was found about twenty feet under ground,
where a channel had been cut by the last winter's rains. The tusk
was 24 inches long, and 23| in circumference.
Another scientific gentleman of our county. Dr. "William P.
Gibbons, read an interesting paper before the Academy of Natural
Sciences, in San Francisco, on the subject of a proposed park and
botanic garden, in the Redwoods back of Brooklyn. He said this
forest, which was found on the mountain, five miles east of Brook-
lyn, was composed of immense trees. There was a stump 32 feet in
diameter, and dozens measuring from 18 to 20 feet. It was about
half a mile in width, and extended down the eastern slope of the
mountain some two miles. The doctor had with great labor and
taste completely restored on paper the main grounds of these fallen
giants, and had also made accurate drawings of the trees yet spai-ed
by the woodman's axe. His views had for theii- background the
Golden Gate and Bay, or Mount Diablo, as they were taken in dif-
ferent positions. The Doctor's paper closed as follows : " On this
little range, of less than half a mile square, there are probably not
less than 1,000,000 sapling redwoods. That which civilized men have
left is fast becoming the prey of reckless squatters. Every year
diminishes the number of stumps, which these fellows work up into
fire-wood. In doing this they destroy such an immense number of
saplings that in a short period every vestige of this luxuriant nurs-
ery of the primeval forests will be obliterated, if measures be not
taken to prevent it. A trifling sura would secure title and pos-
session. There is no spot about San Francisco that possesses such
admirable adaptations for a botanical garden. Every variety of tree
and plant, which grows in the State or which flourishes to the
north of us, would here find a congenial soil and climate. Already
over fifteen species of forest trees are thriving within the district ;
230 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
there are over twenty species of shrubs, and more than 300 flower-
ing plants. With such a fine beginning, initiated by Nature herself,
let the Academy make a move to secure this locality. It is not a
question of local but of general intei-est. The cavise of science and
civilization demands that a conservative intervention should be .
made, that our noble forest may not be recklessly and permanently
destroyed. That hill, with a little aid from the restorative of art,
would be so regenerated in a few years as to become one of the most
interesting localities in the United States."
The Good Templars of Haywards, following the example of the
order in San Leandro, determined to possess a reading room and
library, and rented two suitable rooms for the purpose. The young
ladies of the organization, with a view of aiding the enterprise, held
a strawberry festival, on the evening of the 18th of June, when a
handsome sum was realized.
The Union County Convention was held at San Leandro on the 8th
of June. There was undoubtedly diversity of opinion and an inhar-
monious feeling at this time in the ranks of the dominant party.
The meeting was in the Court-room and the hour for opening the
proceedings one o'clock. Judge A. M. Crane was appointed Chair-
man, and A. M. Church and William Gagan, Secretaries. Some
fifty delegates were in attendance from all the townships in the county.
Delegates were appointed to the State Convention at Sacramento,
as follows : Oakland, John W. Dwindle and B. F. Ferris ; Washing-
ton, A. M. Church and B. F. Marston ; Eden, Wm. Meek ; Brooklyn,
S. Milbury ; Alameda and Murray (jointly), A. M. Crane.
Mr. Dwinelle ofiered two resolutions which were adopted. The
first presented Hon. E. D. Wheeler as a candidate for the office of
Attorney-General ; the second endorsed the official coui-se of Hon.
Wm. Higby as representative of the District in the United States
Congress. Judge Crane (the Chairman) took the floor and ofiered a
series of four resolutions. The first endoi'sed the reconstruction
policy of Congress ; the second favored the amendment of the Con-
stitution, as proposed by the Thirtieth Congress, and the disfranchise-
ment of the leaders of the rebellion ; the third favored the amend-
ment of our State Constitution, removing the discrimination then
made against the better educated of the colored people in this State ;
the foin-th resolved, " that while this Convention refrains from
instructing the delegates to the State and Congressional Conventions
in favor of any particular persons, yet we do instruct them to vote
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 231
foi- no candidate known to be a crafty and unprincipled politician,
seeking his own good and the consummation of corrupt schemes for
the enriching and aggrandisement of a class at the expense of the
people ; for no one heretofore known as a corrupt lobbyist, seeking
to impose upon the people an immense public debt for the sole benefit
of already overgrown corporations or secret cliques and " rings " of
public thieves ; for no one, in short, whose record in public and
private life is not pure and clear from all such corrupt contam-
inations."
The mover sustained his resolutions in a lengthy speech, after
which Mr. Dwinelle moved that they be voted upon separately. The
first and second resolutions were unanimously carried ; the third gave
rise to a discussion in wliich most of the members of the Convention
took part.
Mr. Dwinelle opposed the resolution at length, taking strong
grounds against negro suffrage, and contending that the negroes were
inferior to the Chinese, and finally moved that the resolution be laid
upon the table.
Mr. Crane and Mr. Shinn replied, condemning Mr. Dwinelle's
uttex-ances, and said the speech of the gentleman from Oakland would
have been a very proper one for a Democratic Convention.
S. G. Nye defended the resolution as far as it went, but thought
sufi'rage should not be based on complexion, but on manhood.
On a division, it was found that twenty-five voted for Mr. Dwinelle's
proposition, and twenty against, while four declined to vote. All
the Oakland delegates but two voted in the majority.
The fourth resolution, which was evidently aimed at the candidacy
of Mr. Gorham for Governor, was withdi'awn, and peace and har-
mony restored by Judge Hamilton moving that the word ivhite be
stricken out of our State Constitution wherever it occurred.
The Democratic County Convention was held on the 15th of June
at the same place, when J. West Martin, C. H. Cushing, J. W.
Dougherty, Wm. Moss, and John Threlfall were appointed delegates
to the State Convention.
At the head of the Union State ticket, adopted at the State Con-
vention, was the name of Geoi'ge C. Gorham, who it was afterwards
charged had secured his nomination by smart tactics and " trading,"
while General Bidwell was the real choice of the Convention. At
any rate, many Union men were displeased, and at the election, which
came ofi" in October, the ticket was beaten, and the Union paper in
232 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
tliis county regi-etted that the party did not have a better candidate.
At the Democratic State Convention, which took place shortly
after, strong Union resolutions were adopted, the Mongolian influx
condemned, and labor declared the foundation of all prosperity.
Henry H. Haight, of Alameda, was placed at the head of their ticket
as Democratic candidate for Governor, amid much enthusiasm, and
the residt was a majority of 8,527 for that gentleman over Gorham.
Another triumph for Alameda, this year, was the location of the
Agi-icultural College at Berkeley. The meeting of the College Board
was at Sacramento, on the 14th of June. There were present F. F.
Lowe, President of the Board ; Felix Tracy, of Shasta ; William
Holden, of Mendocino ; C. T. Eyland, of San Jos6 ; George R.
Gluyas, of San Francisco ; J. B. Meader, of Copperopolis ; Hemy
Philip, of Nevada ; Charles F. Pteed, of Yolo.
On motion of Director Byland, the Board proceeded to ballot for
the location of the College. Three ballots were taken, with the fol-
lowing result : First ballot — Alameda County, three votes ; Santa
Clara, two ; Napa, two. Second ballot — Same as first. Third ballot
— Alameda, four ; Napa, two ; Santa Clara, one.
It was then Resolved, That the location of the Agiicultural, Min-
ing and Mechanic Arts College be fixed in the County of Alameda,
at such locality within the limits of said county as may be decided
by the Board after contemplated negotiations have been fully carried
out.
It was rumored for some weeks before that Berkeley had been
selected for the site, and that a beautiful tract of land, contiguous to
that of the College of California, had been pitched upon. It was
said that 100 acres had been selected, for Avhich $30,000 was to be
paid.
On the 6th of June a fiucas of a fatal character occurred at Robert
Livei-more's, in Livermore Valley. A Californian named Moche,
who had been drinking heavily, made an attack with a knife upon
a young man named Foscalini, who avoided him several times, but
finally turned upon him and discharged his pistol at him, emptying
three chambers of the weapon, each shot taking effect. Both parties
wei-e on hoi-seback. The wounded man instantly wheeled his horse,
rode away i-apidly, and soon disappeared. When about three miles
fi'om the place of shooting, Moche fell heavily from his hoi-se, head
foremost, to the ground, and when approached was found to be dead,
his neck having been broken by the fall. It was foimd, however,
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 233
that either of the shots was sufficient to kill him. Foscalini sur-
rendered himself, and after an examination before Justice Marks, of
Pl6asanton, was dismissed. Moche, who was partly paralyzed, was,
nevertheless, considered a desperate and dangerous man. Some ten
years previous it was said he attacked a stage single-handed, and on
its refusal to halt at his command, he sent a shot from his revolver
through it.
On the 30th of June a very tragic affair occurred at Mount Eden,
a Dane, named Peter Jobson Schmidt, having murdered his sister
and then shot and killed himself. Contraiy to his wish, his sister,
whom he had sent for to his native land some time previously, had
determined to marry a young man in the neighborhood, and it seems
that this drove him crazy. Schmidt was a farmer, owning 112 acres
and unmarried, this sister keeping house for him. The j^oor girl
made a desperate struggle for life, and the contest was a sevex-e one.
Two shots of his gun had entered her body ; the fii-st below her right
nipple and the second in her heart. "Whether the affection the man
had for his sister, or the weight of his financial troubles, with which
he was beset, had upset his reason, is not known ; but he had pre-
viously proved himself a man of good character. Indeed, he had
previously m^ade a will, in which he devised all his estate to his
sister Jane, the girl whose life he took, and whose fate he thus
hori'ibly ended with his own.
There evidently was a mui'derous mania abroad about this time,
and another shooting affair took place on the 29 th of June at Centre-
ville, but without a fatal result, although the wounded man was shot
at three times. The offender, whose name was Chas. Deil, was ar-
raigned before the Grand Jury, then in session at San Leandro, on a
charge of assault with the intent to murder. The man shot was
wounded above the hip.
At the July term of the County Coiirt, the Grand Jury came into
Court with eleven indictments for all kinds of crimes.
During the middle of July the people of the valley were put in
possession of a long-sought boon — a daily mail.
The Union County Convention took place at San Leandro on the
2 2d of July, when County and Judicial Officers were nominated.
Prof. Wm. T. Lucky, an eminent teacher, took charge of the Ala^
meda Seminary in August.
A company was formed in San Francisco with the intention of
raising chiccory, a plant much used in the preparation of ground oof-
234 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
fee. F. B. Granger sowed twenty-five aci-es on his ranch in Alvarado
for this company, which produced an abundant crop. The same com-
pany was desirous of gi-owing the sugar beet, whicli was found to do
well in the same locality.
Since the passage of the game law, quail multiplied very rapidly in
the county; so much so, indeed, as to be looked upon as a nuisance
by the farmers.
A Fuse Factory, erected in Brooklyn Township, near the railroad,
below the farm of John Mathews, was one of the industrial gains of
the year 1867.
The Democratic County Convention was held in San Leandro on
the 10th day of August, when County Officers were nominated.
For Members of Assembly, J. West Martin and J. B. Ward; for
County Judge, A. H. Griffith; for District Attorney, Geo. M. Blake,
(a convert from the Union ranks); for Sheriff, John Gieschen; for
County Treasurer, John Threlfall ; for Public Administrator, H. D.
EUerhorst ; for Coroner, Dr. Lambert. It appeared that besides Mr.
Blake, Captain Mayhew, a prominent member of the other party, had
joined forces with the Democracy. The result, however, was favor-
able to the Unionists, on the day of election.
Sheriff Morse, in pursuit of his laudable enterprise in ridding the
county of thieves and desperadoes, succeeded in making another im-
portant arrest one day in August, down at the New Almaden quick-
silver mines, in Santa Clara County. The individual ai'rested was one
Joaquin, charged with grand larceny in stealing cattle from the ranch
of S. B. Martin, in Murray. The Sheriff was accompanied by Officer
Richardson, of Oakland, and Deputy Sheriff Hall, of Santa Clara.
Morse was well disguised, and found the object of his search in a
small cabin near the mines. Joaquin was in bed, feigning sickness,
Richardson covered the man with a double-barrelled shot-gun, Avliile
the Sheriff tumbled him out of bed. It was found that the ruffian
although nabbed, was vigilant, and had concealed beneath the bed
clothes a navy revolver, full cocked and ready for iise. The danger-
ous appearance of the shot-gun, however, prevented any attempt on
the part of the pi-isoner to use his arms.
A social and literary association was organized by the congregation
of the Presbyterian Church at San Leandro, on the 7th of August.
A constitution and rules were adopted. W. M. McFadden, was
chosen President ; George Smith and Mrs. Alexander, Vice-Presidents ;
O. Morrison, Secretary; and Mrs. G. E. Smith, Treasurer.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 235
On Monday, August 19th, the incorporators of the Oakland Bank
of Savings filed their articles of incorporation in the County Clerk's
office. The declared object was "to accumulate and invest the funds
and savings of its members for their benefit." The capital stock was
set down at $150,000, divided into 1,500 shares of $100 each. Tlie
Board of Directors chosen for the first six months were W. W. Crane,
Jr., A. C. Henry, E. M. Hall, Samuel Menitt, and P. S. Wilcox.
Sheriff Morse succeeded in getting back the jail-breaker, Hagan,
who had escaped from the county jail a few months previously. He
was captured in the classic region of Fort Yuma, on the outer edge
of our civilization, and taken in charge by Morse at Los Angeles.
On the way up, he was fastened by a chain, and on the presentation
of an opportunity he drew a large file from some unknown recess of
his person and in a short time had severed a link, in the hope of es-
cape. He was detected too soon, however, for this, and the "Bastile"
at San Leandro was thereafter, until sent to San Quentiu, his abiding •
place.
Little is said in this book of thunderstorms, lightning, etc., because
they seldom occurred. There were heavy peals, however, on the morn-
ing of the 23d of August, after sunrise.
There were two fires in the southern part of the county in the latter
part of August. On the 17th the Mission Hotel, kept by James
Tiirelfall and owned by Senor Vallejo, was burned; and on the 26th
the stable belonging to the Warm Springs Hotel was destroyed, con-
suming a large quantity of hay and grain, and what was worse, eleven
valuable hoi'ses, that could not be got out in time to save their lives.
George C. Grorham, Union Candidate for Governor, accompanied
by Gen. LaGi'ange, Frank M. Pixley -and Rev. Dr. Cox, spoke at
various meetings in Alameda County; or, in common parlance,
"stumped the county," during the month of Avigust. The Democrats,
too, had their speakers in the county, and on the 24th held a big
barbecue at Haywards, which was numerously attended by the Dem-
ocracy from all parts of the county, and much enthusiasm excited.
On Wednesday, September 4th, the body of Timothy Hai-rington,
a wholesale butcher of San Francisco, wlio had suddenly disappeared
about a month previous, was found in the hills several miles from the
Mountain House, near the Livermore Pass. In a pocket of deceased
v/as found $20 in coin, a bank check book, and a letter of credit.
The remains evidently had not been disturbed by either man or beast.
The State and county election was held on the 4th of September.
236 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
The Union ticket was defeated throughout the State, and although
successful in Alameda County, it was with much reduced majorities.
Following was the vote: Governor — Geo. C. Gorham (Union) 1,344 ;
H. H. Haight (Democrat) 1,190; majority, 154. Lieutenant-Gov-
ernor— J. P. Jones (Union) 1,430; Wm. Holden (Democrat), 1,140;
majority, 290. For the other State Officers, the Union majorities
ranged from 347 for Pacheco, for State Treasurer, to 185 for D. O.
McCarthy, for State Printer. For Congress, Higby had 301 votes
over Coffroth.
For County Officei-s the majorities averaged about the same. For
Assembly — Dwinelle (Union) had 1,390 votes to J. West Martin's
(Democrat) 1,184; A. M. Church, 1,419 to John B. Ward's 1,132.
For District Attorney — 0. H. LaGrange, 1,425; Geo. M. Blake,
1,155. Sheriff— H. N. Morse, 1,533 ; John Gieschen, 1,050. County
Clerk— I. A. Amerman, 1,449; Jas. F. Kapp, 1,126. Treasurer—
R. A. McClure, 1,382; John Threlfall, 1,189. County Surveyor—
Wm. F. Boardman, 1,464; G. W. Hughes, 1,119. Superintendent of
Schools— A. L. Fuller, 1,426; Rev. Benj. Ackerly, 1,137. Public
Administrator— C. Whipple, 1,437; H. D. Ellerhorst, 1,111. Cor-
oner— W. B. Clement, 1,432; B. Lambert, 1,123.
Every township, Murray excepted, gave majorities for the Union
ticket. For Township Officers, the result was a mixture, Oakland,
Washington and Eden elected Union Supervisors ; Brooklyn and
Murray,' Democrats ; and Alameda an Independent.
One of the most important discoveries made in the county was
that of a blue granite quarry, found on the property of A. D. Pryal,
nurseryman, in the foot-hills, about four miles northeast of Oakland.
Mr. Pryal sold this quarry to- Mr. J. S. Emery, contractoi-, and from
it was procured the stone for building the Deaf, Dumb and Blind
Asylum.
Hon. InT. Hamilton tendered his resignation of County Judge, and
Governor Lowe filled the vacancy by the appointment of Stephen G.
Nye to the vacant position. Judge Nye has ever since continued to
occupy the position. He had just been admitted to practice in the
United States District Court, and was at the time editor of the S;in
Leandro Gazette.
San Leandro, as will be noticed by these disconnected items, was a
place of much sociability, there having been a continuous coiirse of
socials, dime parties, dances, concerts, etc., but until now we have
not had an o^iportunity to chronicle anything in the shape of a dra-
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES, 237
matic performance. The time has at last come. At tlie Planters'
Hotel, on the evening of the 1 8th of September, there was a display
of amateur theatricals by the Sau Leandro Amateur Dramatic Club,
when the farce of " Oblige Benson " was performed for the benefit of
a local festival. Mr. Moore represented " Benson," a dignified law-
yer ; Mr. Borein, " Southdown," a thick-headed farmer ; Mr. Mor-
rison, " Meredith," the fascinating lawyer's clerk ; Miss Hall, the
susceptible Mrs. Benson ; and Miss Fenner Mrs. Southdown. All
of that youthful and talented dramatis j^ersonae, then in the enjoy-
ment of all the advantages of single blessedness, have since ceased to
play mock parts and entered eagerly into the realities of life.
A new flouring mill was established at Haywards by Messrs.
Morse & Heslep. The building was frame and the motive power
steam, with a capacity to grind 20 tons of bai-ley in a day.
The comer stone of the Deaf, Dumb and Blind Asylum, near Oak-
land, was laid on Thursday, the 28th of September. An address was
delivered by Warring Wilkinson, the Principal, and other gentlemen,
on the occasion.
A new paper, called the Daihj Morning Herald, made its appear-
ance in Oakland on the 2d of October. It professed neutrality in
politics and was published by W. D. Harwood. It was discontinued
for want of sufficient support, on the 15th of December. Mr. Har-
wood resumed his position as "local" on the Oakland News.
While blasting rock at his ranch, north of Temescal, Mr. A. D.
Pryal found three petrified substances resembling bombshells, im-
bedded 20 feet in the rock. Breaking off" the ends from the shells,
which were about half an inch thick, he found the insides com-
pletely tilled with clay, which crumbled at the touch of the finger.
The largest shell was about a foot long and five or six inches in di-
ameter and oval shaped. Mr. P. presented these remarkable articles
to the College of California.
About 2 o'clock, on the morning of the 3d of October, a man
named W. L. Joy, an American, residing at Amador Valley, was
shot and killed at Haywards, by a Chilano, named ISToratto Ponce.
They had been playing cards, and had had a dispute. The Chilano
went out of the room, but soon returned and shot Joy, committing a
cold-blooded murder. He then escaped to the hills, leaving his horse
in a corral close by. Sheriff" Moi-se was soon informed of the mat-
ter, and was early in pursuit of the murderer, who, for the time
being, managed to elude capture. Having heard, however, that he
238 HISTORY OP ALAMEDA COUNTY.
was liiding somev/iiere in the Livennore mountains, the Sheriff
thought to enti'ap him, and, with this view, secured the assistance of
Officer Conway, of Oakland. On the 1st of November the two
started for the hiding-place of the culprit via Dublin. The Sheriff
had secret information that Ponce would endeavor on that evening to
escape to the lower country, and he watched for him on a by-road
that led into the main traveled road, on the way to San Jos6. They
first made fast the gate that led to the main road, and then hid
themselves behind a haystack there, to await the arrival of their
man. About half-past nine o'clock they heard the footsteps of
horses coming up on the gallop, and the voices of two men. The
Sheriff recognized one of the voices as that of Ponce, who was con-
versing with a companion. The Chilano unsuspectingly opened the
gate, tied it, and moved forward towards the place where the officers
were hiding. When within about ten feet of Sheriff Morse, the lat-
ter drew a shot-gun and ordered the man to stop, which he refused
to do ; at the same time he turned his horse around cpiickly and
started back, but only to encounter Conway, who levelled a six-
shooter and commenced firing at the fugitive. Morse followed suit
and lodged a chai-ge of buckshot in his back. The Chilano suc-
ceeded in firing two shots at Conway without efifect, but with the
latter's last shot the murderer fell from his horse. He managed to
get up quickly, however, and in the darkness escape. They hunted
around for him until 2 o'clock in the morning, but without success.
"When daylight appeared they renewed their search, aided by eight
or ten Mexicans, and discovered his coat, completely riddled with
buckshot and balls. Half a mile from his coat was found his boots.
His horse was wounded in the thigh and not worth taking away.
Nothing further was heard of the murderer until about the 7th of
November, when Sheriff Morse received a letter from Sheriff Classen,
of Contra Costa County, infoi'ming him that if he came to INIar-
tinez he would give him information as to Ponce's whereabouts.
About 8 o'clock of the same evening, Morse was at the designated
place, prompt and prepared. The information received was that
Ponce was supposed to be in Cisco, Placer County. For Cisco Morse
started, accompanied by Deputy Sheriff Swain of Contra Costa
County. The intention was to take the Sacramento boat at Antioch,
and for the latter place they started. At Antioch they learned the
man they wanted was not at Cisco, but was concealed in Rigg's
Canon, near Mount Diablo. To reach the place designated they had
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 239
to return by boat to San Francisco and cross from there to Sau Lean-
dro, where they took saddle horses and proceeded to the Black Hills,
north of Livermore Valley. Ofiicer Conway of Oakland accom-
panied them froTn San Leandro, and all arrived at the canon about
11 o'clock at night. The party surrounded the house where Ponce
was supposed to be concealed, but waited till daylight before enteiing.
A thorough search failed to discover the object of their solicitude.
Scouting through the hills and caiions they discovered his hiding
place, where he was in the habit of sheltering himself before his fii-st
encounter with the officers.
At this point they fell in with an old native, who, on being exam-
ined and threatened, conveyed the information that Narrato's liiding
place was then at Pinole, near the bay. Back again went the offi-
cers to San Leandro ; from there they went to San Francisco and
took the boat for Martinez, the place they had fii-st set out for. On
the following morning (Sunday) they started for Pinole, which is
eleven miles south of Martinez and seven east of San Pablo. They
searched all the houses through the valley as they went. Arriving
at the house of one Jose Rojos, they saw a man on the mountain
side, with a bundle on one arm and a shot gun on the other, and they
thought he might be the man they were looking for. Conway and
Swain went into the house with instructions to let no one out until
Morse had ascertained who the man was on the hillside. Just as
Morse got to the hill, he heard Swain cry out " he's here ;" Avhich
cry was followed by the report of a pistol shot. Morse immediately
directed his horse to the house on a run, when he discovered Narrato
Ponce ruiming away, trying to escape from the officers, who were
shooting after him as rapidly as possible. A ravine intervening, Morse
had to dismount. He immediately called upon the fugitive to stop
and lay down a pistol he carried in his right hand ; but the latter
paid no attention to tliis command, and kept on running, endeavoi--
ing to escape. A shot from Conway here struck him in the right
hand, and he immediately changed his revolver to the other, keeping
the officers covered. Morse, finding that the fellow was determined
not to be taken alive, concluded to end the play. Four shots from
his Henry rifle, however, failed to have any effect, owing to the
manner in which Ponce jumped aboiit to frustrate the Slieriff''s aim ;
but the fifth shot entered his stomach, piercing his pistol belt, and
went through his body, coming out near the backbone. When struck
he pitched forward on his face, and expired with his revolver firmly
clenched in his hand.
240 HISTORY OP ALAMEDA COUNTY.
An inquest was lield on the body by Justice A. F. Dyer, and a
verdict i^endei^ed in accordance with the facts stated. The body was
identified as that of Ponce by several persons who were well
acquainted with him. It was stated to the grand jury, by one who
knew him well, at the time he was indicted, that he was a more des-
perate character than the celebrated Joaquin Muriatti, and his indom-
itable pluck showed that he was brave as well as cruel. A reward
of $500 had been offered by the Governor for the capture of this
man, but it was a small compensation for the expense gone to,
danger encountered, and hardships endured by the captors.
While hunting for Ponce, Sheriff Morse overhauled, in the Am-
ador hills, another offender named Antonio Martinez, alias Jesus
Forez, an ex-convict, who had been evading the law for six months
previous. There were several charges of grand larceny against him.
He was taken to San Leandro, whence he was taken to Sonoma
County to stand his trial.
A man named Henry Clai-k, who had become insane on religion,
committed suicide by taking a dose of strychnine on the 30th of Sep-
tember. He resided at Stony Brook, Washington Township, and
was well known. He labored under the delusion that he was a
Prophet of the Lord, and after several years of ineffectiial labor at
making converts, he became discouraged and ended his life. His pe-
culiar insanity was brought on by a blow on the head. He left a
wife and two children, besides his father and mother, to mourn his
fate.
A report having gained currency to the effect that the ferry be-
tween San Fi-ancisco and Alameda was to be discontinued, Mr. W.
Bray, of Fruit Vale, addressed a letter to the President and Secre-
tary of the company to ascertain what truth there was in it, when,
under date of October 7, that gentleman replied that the only change
contemplated was an extension of the road to the Western Pacific
Eailroad, and probably a connection with the Oakland road, so that
the citizens of Oakland might have the accommodations of the line
with the southern part of Alameda County.
At the Judicial election held in October, the Democratic candi-
dates were elected throughout the State, but were in considerable mi-
norities in this county. Currey (Union) received 1,067 votes and
Sprague (Dem.) 754. Swett (Union), candidate for Superintendent
of Education, received 1,111 votes to Fitzgerald's (Dem.) 704. For
County Judge, Nye had 1,043 to Griffith's 666.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 241
The murder of Officer Richardson in Oakland, on the 2 2d of Oc-
tober, caused an unusual sensation. It appears that the late Gen-
eral Wright, about four years previously, had placed a colored man
named Thomas in charge of a block of land which he owned in Oak-
land, and on which there was erected a small house. Some short
time previous, Mr. E. Bigelow had sold this property to some gentle-
man who desired to obtain possession of it and gave Thomas legal
notice to vacate, but he refused to do so, contending, in true squatter
style, that the property was Government land, and threatened to
shoot anyone who might molest him. For this a complaint was made
and a warrant issued for his arrest. The arrest was entrusted to
Mr. Richardson, and while in the execution of this duty he was shot
dead by Thomas. Thomas and his wife (the latter as accessory be-
fore the fact) were arrested and lodged in the County Jail at San
Leandro by Sheriff Morse, to await trial on the charge of murdei-.
The fair of the newly organized agricultural society was held at
Haywards on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, October
23, 24, 25 and 26, 1867. The prizes offered consisted only of
engraved diplomas, handsomely framed. The attendance on the first
day was good. The opening address was delivered by Gen. O. H.
LaGrange, and was highly spoken of as a talented efibrt. There were
on exhibition quite a number of home-made agricultural implements,
and a large display of agricultural and horticviltural products. The
principal feature of the exhibition, however, was the horse show.
There was more or less racing every day, and some excellent stock
was on the ground. The particulars of this exliibition will be found
in the agricultural chapter of this work.
The amount of property tax levied for the fiscal year
1867-8 was ------ - $146,739.97
Amount delinquent Nov. 19, 21,80.5.91
Amount collected, $124,934.06
Colonel J. B. Crockett, of Brooklyn, was appointed by Governor
Haight to fill the vacancy in the Supreme Bench, occasioned by the
resignation of Judge Shafter. Col. Crockett was considered one of
the best lawyers in the State. He still occupies the position to
which he was then appointed.
Patents were received in the montli of December, at the United
States Land Office, San Francisco, for the following named persons,
residents on the ex-Mission of San Jose tract, in Washington Town-
16
242 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
ship : William Walker, Timothy Rix, John Threlfall, James Emer-
son, Robinson Ruckledge, John Taylor, Rufus Denmark, Robert
Bonner, Jas. Threlfall, E. Willard, Martin Brophy, Marcus Torrey,
Stephen Larkin, Origin Mowry, Elijah Forrester, Alfredson Carey,
Liither E. Osgood, Edward Neihaus, John Blacow, Andrew J. Tyler,
Wm. Hopkins, Samuel J. Brown, R. J. Horner, Jesus J. Vallejo,
Alfred O. Rix, Elias L. Beard, Michael Gannon, Patrick Clark, Frank
Rosa, Joshua Wahup, Barton Mowry, Margary Walker, Michael J.
Overacker, Christian Knittle, George Zeigenfuss, Simon Backman,
Wm. J. Reed, Wm. Johnson, Wm. Corl)ett, Hiram M. Young, Chas.
Kelsey, Max. Seigrist, Henry Hagan, Mich. H. Ryan, Otho Morgan,
Caleb S. Haley, S. J. Marston, Ebenezer Haley, John J. Riser,
Waitsill Baker, Richard A. McClure, Josiah Wilkinson, Chester
Harris, Calvin J. Stevens, John M. Moore, Peter AVessinger, George
W. Patterson, Hei-man Eggers, J. Wilson Musser, Antonio Rozas,
James Shinn, Jos. NichollSjWm. Threlfall, Howard Overacker, Dan-
iel Sanborn, Hypolite Bez, Benj. Donnegan, Robert Blacow, Mark
Lyons, Anna M. McDavid, Nicholas Bergman, Jas. A. Trefry, Rich-
ard Threlfall, Andrew B. Forbes, Henry Dusterberry, Garret S.
Norris, Robert Blacow, Geo. W. Cook, John Proctor, Jotham S.
Marston, Ernest H. Frick, Isaac Sampson.
On Sunday, the 2 2d of December, there occurred in this vicinity
a storm of more than usual severity, the like of which, old residents
declared, was never before experienced here. For twelve hours the
wind blew a perfect hurricane, spreading ten-or and destruction in its
path. Dark as night, and with the force of the Furies, the scream-
ing blast swept over the earth, shaking the finnest structures, bend-
ing and uprootiiig trees and demolishing fences. At times deep,
low thunder mutterings were joined to the chonis of the raging
storm. The ferry boat Alameda found it unsafe to make a
single trip across the bay. A scow, with an engine and other pile-
di'ivin" apparatus aboard, which was moored to the Railroad Com-
pany's wharf, was upset and sunk. At Wick's Landing, near San
Leandro, 80 feet of roof of a large warehouse was blown off and
carried some 200 feet. Several other pranks were played by the
storm in San Leandro. The steamer Cora, anchored at the head of
San Antonio Creek, broke loose from her moorings and was driven
against the railroad wharf at Brooklyn. The tide having been
unusually high, the guard and wheel-house projected over the pier,
.obstructing the track The tide falling, the boat could not be
UNDER THE STAKS AND STRIPES. 243
removed, and it was impossible for the trains to pass during the
day. The shipping in the harbor of San Francisco suffered consid-
erably. A sloop was reported lost and all on board drowned, at
Redwood City, on the opposite side of the bay. During the week
high winds and heavy storms prevailed, impeding travel and render-
ing the holidays very unpleasant.
1868 — Military Organizations Disbanded — A Journey to Oakland
on Snow-shoes — -./. Boss Browne Appointed A7nerican Minister
to China — The Capitol Removal Question Again — " Crooked
Whiskey" — Activity of Horse Thieves and their Pursuit by
Sheriff Morse — Formation of a Jockey Club — Importation of
Stock — A Mysterious Murder — Tract of Submerged Land
Donated to the Western Pacific R. R. — Giving Away the Water
Front of Oakland — Fee Bill Comicalities — N'ew Jail and Re-
corder's Office — County Infirmary Lamls — Another Mysterious
MurdjCr — Death of John Thomas, the Murderer of Officer
Richardson — -Tax Levy for Year 1868-9 — A Brief County
Court Term — First Sunday School Convention in the County —
Rylandj and Lee's Circus Sold out — A Lively Earthquake in
March — The Alameda Railroad Extension Abandoned — Union
County Convention — Visit from the Chinese Embassy — Butchers'
and Drovers' Association — Democratic County Convention — A
Horse Show — Election of Officers of Alameda County Agricul-
tural Association — Farmers' Club — A Remarkable Case of Mis-
taken Identity — A New Democratic Paper at San Leandro —
Ten Years' Increase of School Population — Bloody Affray at
Laddsville — Gratid Fourth of Jtdy Celebration in Oakland —
Appaling Calamity — Twenty Persons Drowned — Fire at Val-
lejo's Mills — Democratic Ratification Meeting — Meeting in Favor
of an Eight-hour Law — A Mechanics' Institute Organized —
Fire at San Leandro — Aiiother Fatal Affray at Laddsville—
" A Man for Supper " — Real Estate Looking Up — New Towns —
Jail-breaking Frustrated — A Comical Scene — The Presidential
Canvass and Election of Grant and Colfax — Teachers' Institute.
The country being by this time considered "safe," the necessity
for our military organizations was not urgent, and they were there-
fore generally mustered out of service. The Hay wards Guards were
244 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
mustered out on the 18th of January, 1868. The Guards numbered
sixty-four members at the time of disbanding, and were the first
company of the State militia to be disbanded by the new Governor.
A vote of thanks was extended to Captain Fuller, and he was pre-
sented with a picture as a token of esteem by his late companions in
arms. All the other companies excejiting the Oakland Guards were
subsequently disbanded.
Two young men arrived in Oakland in the latter part of the
month of January from Sierra County, to attend the College School.
They were under the necessity of making the first forty miles of their
journey on snowshoes ; but here, on their arrival, there was no such
thing as snow to be seen.
J. Ross Browne, a gentleman distinguished in the walks of litera-
ture, and an old resident of Oakland, received the nomination and
subsequent confirmation as American Minister to China, in the
month of February. His mission did not prove a satisfactory one,
and he gave the Celestials up as an unprofitable puzzle. After re-
turning home he unmercifully satirized the Burlingame Treaty and
the whole Chinese business as a terrible humbug. He had no relish
for a position under " the Dragon's Footstool."
The question of the removal of the State capital had again this
year obtained prominence, and had somewhat engaged the attention
of the people of the county. The Board of Supervisors were induced
to take some action in the matter, and at a meeting held on the 4th
of February, the following resolution was passed unanimously :
" Resolved, That a committee of three members of this Board be
appointed to prepare a bill to be submitted to the Legislatiu'e,
authorizing the Board of Supervisors of Alameda County to issue
bonds to the amount of $150,000, to be appropriated to the erection
of suitable buildings for the use of the State, in the event of the
Legislature locating the State capital in this county."
Messrs. Shattuck, Smith and Cameron were appointed as the com-
mittee mentioned.
The reader will no doubt be somewhat surprised to learn that the
manufacture of whiskey was at one time one of our industries. The
youthfvil enterprise was nipped in the bud, for we learn that R.
Savage, United States Assessor for the Second District, having
satisfied himself of the existence of an illicit distillery in the vicinity
of Alameda Point, paid the locality a visit on the 5th of February,
.|ind succeeded not only in finding and seizing the establishment, but
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 245
also arrested the operator, Jas. King, and Geo. Bird, the owner of
the illicit establishment. Bird was held for examination in the sum
of $1,000.
There was at this time much activity among the horse thieves in
the southeastern portion of the county, and parties residing on the
Alameda, Valle and Mocho Creeks, suffered greatly from their thievish
doings. Active steps, however, were taken by the Sheriff to arrest
them, and they gradually were driven off or fell into that officer's
toils.
The stock owners of the county about this time organized a
Jockey Club, and the race-track at Hay wards was put in order for
the accommodation of those desirous of testing the speed of their
stock. Their races, too, were calculated to amuse the public. Fol-
lowing were the officers of the Club : J. Hall (a prominent stock-
raiser). President; Wm. Granger, Vice-President; C. T. Ward, Jr.,
Secretary ; Wm. Hayward, Treasurer. There was besides a Board
of Directors, consisting of Wm. Meek, Chairman; David S. Smalley,
O. Morgan, A. Allen, Walter Smith. Financial Committee: M. W.
Levy, E. M. Smith, O. P. Perkins.
By the steamer Golden City, which arrived in San Francisco on
the 13th of February, Sam. Mai-tin, of Amador Valley, received
seven large English stallions, for his stock, and Mr. Johnson, of Tas-
sajarra Valley, close by, received five Clydesdale stallions. These
gentlemen were considered among the fii'st stockmen in the State,
but there were several others in Alameda County who could boast of
superior horses, the raising of which they had made a specialty.
One of the most important events in the history of the county was
the visit of the State Legislature to the City of Oakland, on Friday,
the 21st day of February. But as this will be dwelt u])on more fully
in the section of this work ha\dng special reference to Oakland, it is
not necessary to dwell iipon it here, further than to say the Honor-
able gentlemen were hospitably entertained, and that they came on
the invitation of the Mayor and Council of Oakland.
On Monday, the 2d of March, the new county officers entered
upon their respective duties.
A man named Henry Creiger was found murdered in the hills
back of Haywards on the 4th of March. A saloonkeeper in Hay-
wards was arrested on suspicion, but, on an examination, there being
no evidence to connect him with the crime, he was discharged from
custody.
246 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
A bill was introduced in the State Senate, and its passage recom-
mended by the Committee on Commerce and Navigation, granting to
the Westei'n Pacific Railroad Company for a terminus a tract of sub-
merged lands lying between Alameda and San Leandro, with a fi'ont-
age of nearly a mile upon ship channel. The company was to give
bonds that the terminus would be located on the lands so granted
and that a large amount of money would be expended in improve-
ments.
Pursuant to a call of the Mayor of Oakland, a large number of
citizens met at Shattuck & Hillegas' Hall, on the 10th day of March,
for the purpose of ratifying a proposition to grant a portion of the
water front of the city to the Central Pacific Railroad Company for
terminal pui'poses. The meeting was unanimous and enthusiastic in
favor of the proposition.
A bill before the Legislature, affecting the fees and salaries of the
county offices, which was inti'oduced by Mr. Church, proposed a con-
siderable diminution of the emoluments of office, and was the cause
of much discussion. It was also the occasion of some merriment, as
will be seen by an extract from a humorous article in the Gazette.
On the supposition, should the bill become law, that the county offi-
cers would be under the necessity of resorting to other employments
for a livelihood, the following form of advertisement for the County
Clerk was suggested :
" County Clerk's Office. — Notice ! Except during the sessions
of the Courts, or meetings of the Board of Supeiwisors, the Clerk
will be found somewhere about the neighborhood, sawing wood. Any
business connected with the office will be attended to after work
hours. N. B. — Orders for wood-sawing left on the oi'der slate will
be promptly attended to at $2 per day and board."
A bill to provide for the erection of a jail and County Recorder's
office in San Leandro, and an Act concerning roads and highways in
Alameda Covinty, passed the Legislature on the 18th of March. The
buildings proposed were made an addition to the Court House. Mr.
Cliurch introduced a bill about the same time to enable the Count}^
to purchase a tract of land for charitable pur])oses, and to establish
an institution for the cai-e of unfortunates — our pi-esent County
Infirmary.
A man named O'Keefe was found dead in his bed in Oakland
Townshi}), near the Conti'a Costa line, with two bullets in his head.
A coroner's jury found that the man had been murdered, but no clue
was found to the perpetrator of the foul deed.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 247
John Thomas, the colored man who murdered officer Richardson,
of Oakland, in October, 1867, died in the County Jail on the 17th
of March. He was over seventy years of age, and would have been
tried in a few days.
On Tuesday morning, March 24th, about twenty minutes past
1 1 o'clock, there was a lively shock of earthquake felt here, which
was repeated during the day, but in a less severe form. No injury
to life or property, however, resulted therefrom, although people were
a good deal alarmed by the first shocks.
The Legislature having failed to pass a bill in favor of a subsidy
for the Alameda Railroad Company, to enable it to extend its line to
Washington Corners, that portion of the line was abandoned.
A Union County Convention was held at San Leandro on the 28th
of March, for the purpose of electing delegates to attend the State
Convention at Sacramento on the Lst of April.
The celebrated Chinese embassy that visited the United States in
1868, paid Alameda County a visit on the 15th of April and viewed
many places of interest on this side of the bay.
The tax levy for the fiscal year of 1868-9, ordered by the Board of
Supervisors, was as follows: State tax, $1; County General Fund,
22c.; Road and Bridge Fund, 45c.; Common School Fund, 35c.: In-
digent Sick Fund, 7c.; Oakland Bar Fund, 4c.; Special Jail and Re-
corder's Office Fluid, 7c. Total $2.20 on each $100 of assessed pro-
perty.
The Spring term of the County Court this year was one of shoi-t
duration, and justice was prompt and summary with her transactions.
Tlie Grand Jury was impannelled and their business completed on
Monday, the 6th day of April; on Tuesday the prisoners were all
arraigned and plead guilty; and on Thursday they received their sen-
tences. The services of the Trial Jury were altogether dispensed with.
The first Sunday School Convention in Alameda County was held
in Oakland, on the 28th and 29th of Aprd. The Committee of Ar-
rangements consisted of R. E. Cole, Chaii-man; G. "W". Armes, E. W.
Taylor, F. S. Page, and H. A. Palmer.
Between the 10th and 19th of April, some 110 land suits were in-
stituted in the Third District Court for Alameda County.
Messrs. Ryland & Lee's circus, which wintered at Haywards, was
sold in April to Samuel Stickney &, Co. The latter firm arranged to
permanently locate in that town during the winter, for practice, etc.
The following officers were elected for the Butchers, Drovers and
248 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY,
Stock Raisers' Association, at Hay wards, to serve for one year : Pre-
sident, Wm. Fulton; Vice-President, William Mattox; Trustees:
Mm. Meek, August May, H. D. Ellerliorst; Directors: Wm. Knox,
J. A. Mayhew, D. C. Kennedy, C. T. Ward, Jr. — ^the latter Secretary
and Treasurer.
The Democratic County Convention was held at San Leandro on
the 25th of April. A resolution was passed highly complimenting
Governor Haight, who was proposed, in a strongly- worded resolution,
as Democratic candidate for the next President of the United States.
The sales of the association, at Brighton Market, during the last
year, amounted to $232,441.81. The largest sale effected in anyone
market day was $31,888.50, on the 15th of June, 1867. The
association had a cash surplus on hand, was free from debt, and had
no outstanding accounts. The managers were complimented for the
manner in which the affairs of the association had been conducted,
A horse show, under the auspices of the Jockey Club, was held in
Haywood on the 5 th of May. The attendance was small, but the
display of stock excellent. The races of the association lasted three
days and were well enjoyed.
The annual election of officers of the Alameda County Agricul-
tural Society was held at Haywards on the same day, when were
chosen, for President, Wm. Meek; Vice-President, Capt. J. A.
Mayhew ; Recording Secretaiy, C. T. Ward, Jr. ; Corresponding
Secretary, I. A. Amerman — all re-elected. J. B. Martin was elected
Treasurer, and Wm. Whidden and R. S. Farrelly, Auditing Com-
mittee.
The Alameda County Farmers' Club was organized at Haywards,
on the 16th day of May, No person was eligible to membership
who was not a farmer residing in the county. No subject was per-
mitted to be discussed, except what related to agriculture and horti-
culture.
Alameda County had a remarkable case of mistaken identity ou
its hands this year. A man named John Slack was arrested iu
San Luis Obispo County, in May, by Sheriff Morse, on the supposi-
tion that he was John Wilson, who, some thirteen years previous,
had murdered a son of Antonio Sunol, in the valley wliich beai's his
name. The particulars of the case were narrated in the San Leandro
Gazette, of the 30th of May, as follows :
" Most of the old residents about Mission San Jos6, and many of
our readers in other parts of the county, will remember the cii'cum-
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 249
stances of the killing of young Sufiol, on account of some land diffi-
culty ; the attempted arrest by the Sheriff ; the resistance of the
murderer, and his escape and disappearance. This occurred in the
spring of 1855. Twelve years passed, and no clue to Wilson's where-
abouts could be obtained. About a year ago a Spaniard who had
been acquainted with the parties, while passing through the "lower
country," saw at San Luis Obispo a man whom he took to be
Wilson, and on returning informed the friends of Suhol of the fact.
About two months since the matter was put into the hands of
Sheriff Morse to be worked up. The Sheriff immediately set at
work. He at once ascertained the whereabouts of the man,
corresponded with the officers of the county, who quietly made in-
quiries and informed Morse of the result. Everything pointed to
this man. The necessary warrant was taken out, and the Sheriff
started for San Luis Obispo to make the arrest. On making the
arrest some little show of resistance was made by the father-in-law
of the prisoner, but he was soon quieted. On examination of his
charge the Sheriff was more confident than ever that he had his man.
The description was perfect — the height, complexion, color of the
hair and eyes were the same. The prisoner had the same stoop of
his shoulders, downcast look and restless eye that characterized
Wilson, and the absence of a tooth from the coi'ner of his mouth.
He was brought to San Leandro and placed in jail, although he
protested and insisted that his name was Slack, and not Wilson. He
stated that in the spring of 1855 he was at work in the mines ; that
subsequently he removed to San Jose, where he was at work on a
ranch till the spring of 1860, when he went to Monterey County
with a drove of cattle ; and finally settled in San Luis Obispo, where
he resided till the time of his arrest. Upon the examination of
Slack before Judge Nye, on Monday, the 18th instant, two wit-
nesses, one a brother of the murdered man, swore positively that
Slack and Wilson were the same person. Other witnesses thought
they were the same, but were not positive. One of these latter was
present when the murder was committed. -When the prosecution
closed the case seemed strong against the prisoner. The accused had
three witnesses ; one a Mr. Jameson, of Santa Clara County, who
swore that he brought Slack across the plains from Missouri in the
fall of 1854, and knew of his whereabouts in the spring of 1855, at
the tims the deed for which he was arrested was committed. A
gentlem in residing in San Francisco, namjd Cooksie, swore that he
250 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
knew the accused in Missouri, and liad known him from childhood ;
that his name was Slack, and that he always bore a good character.
A Mr. Eaton, living in San Francisco, testified that he knew the
prisoner in the spring of 18.55 ; that his name was Slack ; that they
worked together that spring in the mines at Coon Hill, between
Mud Springs and Diamond Springs, near Placerville, El Dorado
County ; that he had met Slack in Santa Clara in 1860. When the
defense closed the prosecution asked for a postponement until the
following Saturday, for the purpose of procuring the attendance of
an important witness, whose whereabouts had been ascertained since
the commencement of the examination. The motion was granted.
On the reopening of the examination on Saturday, two other wit-
nesses were examined for the prosecution. One testified that this was
the man AVilson. A woman who was called as a witness said that
the prisoner was not Wilson ; that Wilson had lost two front teeth ;
that she knew they were front teeth from the fact that on one occa-
sion in conversation Wilson told her that he lost his teeth in a fight
with a grizzly bear, but did not know whether they were from the
iipper or lower jaw, or from the front or the corner of the mouth.
The former witness had sworn that Wilson had lost one or two teeth.
The prisoner showed that he had had a tooth pulled about a year
before, at San Luis Obispo. After the summing up by the respective
attorneys. Judge Nye decided that the evidence was insufiicient, and
discharged the prisoner."
The first number of a new weekly paper, called the AhuaeJa Dem-
ocrat, made its appearance in San Leandro on the 6th of June.
The following statement, published by the County Superintendent
of Schools, shows the increase of the school population in ten years :
The number of children in the county between the ages of four and
eighteen, in 1858, was 1,174. The number between the ages of five
and fifteen, in 1868, is estimated at 4,000. The average daily attend-
ance upon the public schools, in 1858, was 278 ; in 1868 it is esti-
mated at 1,500. There were sixteen teachers employed in the county
in 1858 ; in 1868, forty-eight. There was expended for school pur-
poses, in 1858, $9,605 ; the sum expended in 1868 exceeded $40,000.
There was another of those bloody afi'rays for which the native
population had become so noted, which took place at Laddsville on
the night of the 29th of June. Two Mexicans named Lazaro Higu-
era and Rafael Altamareno got into a dispute over a game of cards.
Words brought blows, and Higuera, drawing a knife, attacked Alta-
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 251
niareuo, cutting liiiu about the face in a shocking manner, and neai-ly
severing his arm above the elbow. A man named Agatone Ruis in-
terfered and told Higuera not to kill Altamareno, when Higuera,
now that he had drawn blood, seemed perfectly infuriated, turned
and attacked E,uis, who, in self-defence, was compelled to shoot the
enraged man. He fired three shots, all of wliich took eifect upon
the person of Higuera ; one passing through his breast, another
through his arm, and the thiixl through his neck. Sheriff Morse
went to arrest Higuera, but he was so seriously wounded he could
not be removed.
The Fourth of July was celebrated in Oakland this year with a
great deal of spirit and enthusiam, but the joy of the occasion was
marred by an appalling accident which occurred at the ferry landing
at the end of the railroad wharf, by which about twenty persons
were drowned.
There were races at Haywards which were well attended, and the
contests quite spirited.
A fire occuiTed at Yallejo's Mills on July 11th, by which the hotel
at that place, kept by Mr. Wm. Jordan and wife, was destroyed.
There has not been a good hotel at the place since.
There was a Democratic ratification meeting at SanLeancb'o on Sat-
urday, the 18th of July, in honor of the nomination of Seymour and
Blair as candidates for the Presidency and Vice-Presidency of the
United States. Among the speakers were Governor Haight and
Lieut. -Governor Holden. Wm. S. Moss was Chainnan, and W. J.
Collier, editor of the Democrat, Secretary.
A large and earnest meeting of mechanics in favor of the eight-
hour law. was held in Shattuck & Hillegass' Hall, Oakland, on the
evening of the 23d of July. C. A. Wetmore called the meeting to
order and mtroduced F. L. Taylor as President of the meeting, and
Walter Prosser as Secretary. Mr. Wetmore urged the organization
of an association to be called the Mechanics' Institute of Alameda
County. Among those who addressed the assemblage were G^n. Winn
and Hon. J. W. Dwinelle. The following i^esolutions were adopted :
Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to draft a plan for tlie
general co-operation of the Eight-hour Mechanics of Alameda County,
said plan to be both protective and progressive.
Resolved, That the following gentlemen be appointed to serve on
said Committee, and be requested to report within one week : F. L.
Taylor, C. A. Wetmore, F. Cook, E. L. Wetmore, B. Radican, J. A.
252 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Buckingham, W. P. Bagley, John H. Ellis, J. W. Hand, • ■
Bellington. This Committee to determine the time and jjlace of next
meeting, and to elect its own Chairman.
Resolved, That the mechanics of Alameda County are hereby i-e-
quested to assist in this movement by organizing leagues and protect-
ive associations on the eight-hour system.
Resolved, That we recommend the organization of leagues to em-
brace all trades in localities in which it may be impracticable to
establish them separately.
Resolved, That we petition the Board of Supervisors of Alameda
County to pass an ordinance similar to the Eight-hour Ordinance
lately passed by the City Council of Oakland.
A splendid new house, but recently erected by Mr. Joseph Damont,
of San Leaudro, was destroyed by fire, on the 10th of August. It
had not yet been occupied, but was insured for $3,000. The cost of
the structure was $4,500. The fire was supposed to be caused by
the carelessness of some men who took lodgings among the shavings
for the night.
On Sunday, 9th of August, a fatal aifray occurred at Ladd's
Hotel, Livermore Valley. A man named Hyde, known to be a
desperate character, entered Ladd's Hotel and asked for something
to drink. As he was already under the influence of liquor, Mr.
Ladd refused to let him have anything. Hyde then stepped behind
the counter, seized a large water pitcher, and struck Ladd with it on
the head, cutting an ugly gash on the temple. This blow he fol-
lowed with another from a lager beer mug. Ladd managed to keep
his feet and grappled mth his assailant. He was no match, how-
ever, for his powerful adversary, who soon threw him down, holding
him there. While in this position, Mr. Ladd's barkeeper entered
and endeavored to separate the combatants, but failing went outside
for assistance, and retui-ned to the bar-room with a couple of Mexi-
cans. As they entered they heard two reports of a pistol, and on
taking Hyde oflf Ladd, they found a pistol in his hand, with one
of his fingers upon the trigger, and the middle of it in Ladd's hand.
Hyde was found to have been shot in the abdomen, and on the
following day he died from his wound. During an examination,
held by Justice Kottinger, into the cause of the man's death, Mr.
Ladd stated that after being struck with the pitcher he did not
know what occurred until the pistol was fired, and he then su})posed
he had been himself shot. Some one stated that Hyde had made a
rXDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 253
threat that day that he would " have a man foi- his supper " tliat
night, and went into Ladd's house with the deliberate intention of
taking his life. "VViien he had him down he endeavored to shoot him
with his pistol, but Ladd turned the muzde of it against Hyde, and
when the latter fired, he shot himself. Ladd's hand was somewhat
lacerated by the powder and ball, as he held the weapon. Of course,
Ladd was acquitted of all blame in the man's death, as he clearly
acted only in self-defence and had no idea of committing a homi-
cide. This same man Hyde, about a year previous, had killed a
barber at Mission San Jos6, but was acquitted, for some reason or
other, of the crime.
The country along the line of the Western Pacific Railroad was
looking up. M. W. Mendenhall donated 10 acres of land to the
company, for a depot, near Laddsville, and laid out a town, naming
the same after Livermore, the first settler in the valley. The name
of the place called Alasal'was changed to Pleasanton, and a town plat
formed. Under date of September 12, Mr. J. A. Neal advertised
the first town lots for sale, the inducement to purchase being that
the Railroad Company would establish a depot there. Land ad-
vanced largely in price, and speculation throughout the county in-
creased to a furor in the southern and eastern jjortions, as well as in
Oakland and Brooklyn.
A new wharf, erected by the Alameda Ferry Company, was com-
pleted this month. A new slip was constructed, the old wharf in-
creased in width, making this one of the best docks on the Bay.
On the 6th of October there was an attempt made on the part of
two prisoners named Jackson and Mann, confined in the County
Jail, to effect an escape, and with this view endeavored to overpower
Under Sheriff Borein. The latter made an effectual resistance and
his cries soon brought assistance. He had hold of Jackson, but
Mann managed to get out. The latter was immediately pursued and
captured. Prominent among the pursuers was District Attorney
Gilcrist, of Oakland, who seized an old musket, the same with which
Thomas had shot Officer Richardson in Oakland. When Mann be-
held the noble Attorney armed with an old gun, which had pi'obably
not been loaded for many years, he cried out with fear and trem-
bling — " Don't shoot ; for God's sake, don't shoot ! " The usual quiet
was soon restored, and the exploits of the day were subject for
amusement for considerable time thereafter.
This being the year for a presidential election, there was a great
254 HISTORY OP ALAMEDA COUNTY.
deal of political excitement throughout the county. Mass meetings
of both the Republican and Democratic parties were held in every
town and prominent speakers engaged on the canvas. Among those
who spoke in this county were, on the Republican side, Hon. S. Grar-
field of Washington, Hon. A. A. Sargent, Hon. John B. Felton, Hon.
Alex. Campbell, Hon. A. P. Dudley, Gen. John F. Miller, Hon. E.
D. Wheeler, Hon. Chas. A. Tuttle, Hon. Walter Van Dyke, Hon.
A. M. Crane, Hon. Noble Hamilton, Hon. I. A. Amerman, Hon. J.
G. Eastman, General O. H. LaG range, Hon. John F. Swift, Hon.
Newton Booth, George C. Gorliam, Hon. W. W. Gordon, Hon. W.
C. Norton, Hon. John G. McCallum, Hon. John W. Dwindle. ,
On the Democratic side were Hon. J. W. Coffroth, Hon. W. T.
Wallace, Governor Haight, Lieutenant-Governor Holden, Zach Mont-
gomeiy, Wm. Van Vooi-hies, and others.
The Republican Candidates for President and Vice-President were
Gen. U. S. Grant and Schuyler Colfax; the Democratic Candidates
were Governor Seymour, of New York, and Frank P. Blair, of Mis-
souri. The Republican Electors for this State were Messrs. Felton,
La Grange, Hoffman, Redington and AVestmoreland ; the Democratic
Electors, Messrs. Henley, Kewen, AVallace and Pearce. The Con-
gressional Candidates for the Third District, Messrs. Coffroth and
Sargent.
There were enrolled on the Great Register this year, after the can-
celled names were struck off, 4,623 names, while there were enrolled
on the Poll List only 3,596 names, showing that a short time before
the election day there were 2,027 persons who did not feel sufficient
interest to have their names enrolled. The election took place on
Tuesday, the 3d day of October, when the Republican Electors re-
ceived in this county 1,861 votes each, and the Democratic 1,262,
giving the former a majority of 599. The majority in the State for
Grant and Colfax was 536. Taking the number of votes cast from
the number of votes on the Great Register, it appears there were
1,500 persons in the county entitled to vote, who did not do so.
The Alameda County Teacher's Institute assembled at the Lafay-
ette Grammar School, Oakland, on the 13th day of October. It was
called to oixler by A. L. Fuller, County Superintendent. Tlie pro-
ceedings occu]>ied four days.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 255
CHARLES P. EELLS. MARCUS P. WIGGIN.
"WIGGIN &; EELLS,
Union Savings Bank Building. P. O. BOX, 598.
W. VAN VOORHIES. F. J. BKEARTY-
VOORHIES & BREARTY,
Room 14, Cosmopolitan Block, Oakland.
john r. glasoook,
District Attorney Alameda County,
Room 3, Court House, Oakland.
HENRY VROOMAN. A. A. MOORE-
MOORE & VROOMAN,
Attorneys and Counselors-at-Law,
402 Montgomery Street, Room 31,
HENRY VROOMAN, c„ „ PTrnnriQrn
City Hall, Oakland. ^^" T ranCISCO.
JAMES C. PLUNKETT,
.A-ttorxioy - Sbt - I_joL w,
1055 BROADWAY,
(Betwien Elevantk and Tzvalfth Streets, Oakland.
E. J. WEBSTKB. K. J. CHRISTIE.
CHRISTIE & WEBSTER,
(Beniiz (Block, cor. Tenth &^ Qjroadivay, (Rooms ly S^ 18,
OAKLAND.
WILLIAM HOSKINS,
NOTARY PUBLIC,
CyMissioner of Deeds for all lie States and Territories, and Agent Coninierclal Fire Insurance Co.
No. 909 Broadway, Oakland.
256
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY,
Established 1875.
Oakland, Cal.
ORNAMENTAL
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Daily and Weekly Newspapers printed at reasonable
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A constant supply of News and Book Papers cheap for
Cash.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 257
CHAPTER XXL
FROM THE GREAT EARTHQUAKE OF OCTOBER, 1868, TO THE COMPLE-
TION OF THE CENTRAL PACIFIC RAILROAD, IN NOVEMBER, 1869.
1868 continued — Effects of the Earthquake Throughout the State — •
In Oakland and the Various County Towns — The Court-house
Destroyed at San Leandro, and a County Officer Killed —
Edmujidson's Large Grain Warehouse Destroyed, and Morsels
Flour Mill Overturned at Haywards — The Residence of General
LaGrange Ruined — The Old Mission Church Ruined — Fissures
in the Earth — How the New Deaf and Dumb and Blind Insti-
tute Stood the Shock — How a Man Felt on the Top of a Steeple,
One Hundred and Fifty Feet from the Ground — County Records
all Saved — The Methodist Ejnscopal Church in San Leandro
Used Temporarily for County Offices — Josselyn's Fimeral —
The Supervisors Declanre the Result of the Vote for Presidential
Electors and County Officers — First Rain of the Season — Plans
Adopted for New County Buildings— The Estudillo House Re-
Opened with a Ball — Comparative Vote of 1858 and 1868 —
Ground for County Infirmary Chosen — A Murder in Castro
Valley, and Sheriff Morse's Persistent Pursuit of the Murderer
— Legislation of 1868.
On Wednesday morning, October 21st, 1868, a few niimites
before 8 o'clock, occurred the severest shock of earthquake ever
experienced in this part of the Pacific Coast. It was particularly
hard in Alameda County, which appears to have been its center. It
did much damage in the lower portion of the City of San Francisco,
and several lives were lost by casualties occasioned by it. It was
felt all over the State, and slightly on the eastern slope of the Sierra
Nevadas. At Sacramento it was so severe that it frightened people
from the houses, whence they rushed in the most ridiculous manner.
No serious damage was done. The chronometers stopped at one
minute to eight o'clock, indicating the time of the shake. The water
in the Sacramento River i-eceded to such an extent that it left the
17
258 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
hulk Globe nearly surrounded by dry land. It soon returned in a
wave about two feet liigh, setting the vessels at the levee rocking
violently. Some walls in the city were cracked, plastering fell and
crockery was broken. There were repeated shocks during the day.
At Marysville the shock was felt at about eight o'clock. It was
the most serious ever felt in that city. There was a general rattling
of glassware, doors, windows, etc., but no damage done.
At San Jos6 the shock was very severe. The time recorded is two
minutes past eight. The vibrations were north and south, and were
more severe than ever before experienced within the recollection of
the oldest American settler. Great damage was sustained by many
buildings. The lai-ge and elegant Presbyterian Church, with its tall
tower, was very badly injured. The tower was so badly cracked that it
had to be taken down. The organ was destroyed by bricks falling
through the roof. The entire damage was not less than $3,000 or
$4,000. About one-half of Moody's mill, a frame building, was
thrown down. Numerous walls were cracked, and many chimneys
and fire-walls thrown down. Other shocks wei-e noticed during the
day, and much consternation was felt.
In Virginia and Gold Hill the tremblings were felt and great anx-
iety experienced. Apprehensions were felt for the people of San
Francisco, and the papers published extras to satisfy the want for
news. A despatch was reported to have been received from the tele-
graph operator at Oakland, who stated that his office— a frame build-
ing — was a total wreck, and that he was sending this news from a
place outside of the town, where he had cut the wires. This was all
that could be heard from Oakland, and rather excited than allayed
the general anxiety. A large crowd collected about the telegra})h
office, clamorous for news, but the pale and nervous operators could
only repeat over and ever again what little they had been able to
learn through the despatch from Oakland. But no such despatch
was sent from the Oakland office.
In the towns north of the bay the shock was quite severe, but not
so disastrous as sovith of this point. Martinez and Pacheco were
considerably damaged. The center of the earthquake was in the
mountain range in the southern pai-t of this county, Avhere the greatest
convulsions were experienced and fissures made in the earth.
Oakland svifiered less than any other place within the circle of the
quake. A stranger passing through its streets immediately after
would not suppose that anything unvisual had hajjpened, or that
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 259
nature had been indulging in one of her convulsive throbs. The
following particulars are mostly taken from the Oakland yeivs of the
following day :
THE GREAT EARTHQUAKE ITS EFFECTS IN ALAMEDA COUNTY.
There was yesterday another of those convulsions of nature which
reminds men of their own weakness and of the frailty of their
works. Oakland has sustained slight damages, in comparison with
what have befallen other towns, for which we should feel peculiarly
thankful. From our neighboring towns come sorrowful tidings, and
in one case there has been a loss of life. The damage to property
has been estimated with difficulty. In many cases the full extent
cannot be known until a close mechanical examination has been
made, and any statement that could now be given would necessarily
be far from correct.
Yesterday morning the weather was the same that has for some
days past prevailed. The usual mists obscured the sun until two
o'clock, when the air became clear and balmy, and the remainder of
the day was warm but not sultry.
THE EARTHQUAKE SHOCKS.
During the day there were a succession of shocks, the first and
most distinctive occurring about six minutes before eight o'clock.
A gentleman i-esiding near Temescal, on the Telegraph road, about
two miles from this city, kept a recoi'd of the different shocks that
occurred, from which we extract the following :
First shock, at 7:54 A. m., very heavy — -direction, northeast, east
and soxithwest, a rolling motion. Almost like a continuation of this
came a whirling motion. 8:26, slight shock ; 8:44, heavy shock,
with rolling motion; 8:47, slight shock; 9 : 1 1 , slight shock ; 10:15,
heavy shock, with rolling motion, and up and down movement ;
3:12, slight shock; 3:17, slight shock; 4:08, double shock, up and
down.
There were shocks during the entire day, some observers stating
that there were thirty-two. Those we have named attracted atten-
tion and were noted.
THE DAMAGE IN OAKLAND.
"VVe believe that the damage to property in Oakland is insignifi-
cant when contrasted with that sustained elsewhere. The private
dwelling houses all sustained some small damage ; in many cases
crockeiy and glassware were broken, and gi-eat numbers of chimneys
260 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Avere broken off above the roof. Plaster was cracked in several
houses ; the residence of Capt. Wilcox, Mr. "Wedderspoon and Mr.
Coleman being the most badly damaged.
Boai'dman's new brick building, on Twelfth Street, west of Broad-
way, presents a badly damaged appearance, although the only injury
sustained was the destruction of the fire-wall and awning.
Bigelow & Sessions' Broadway block does not appear to have sus-
tained any damage.
AVilcox's three-story brick building, corner of Broadway and Ninth
Streets', escaped unharmed, some of the cement merely being broken
from the outer wall. This building is the highest in the city. Its
walls are well tied together, a large amount of iron having been used
in their construction ; this accounts for their security. Dunham &
. Cook, the proprietors of the Palace Photograph Gallery, sustained
some damage from the destruction of chemicals, which damaged the
carpeting of the waiting room.
Holmes' building, corner of Broadway and Eighth Streets, seems
considerably shattered. The rear walls are cracked, and one of the
iron pillars of the front is displaced. The shelving in Radcliffe's
grocery, being imperfectly fastened to the walls, was thrown down
and a large quantity of crockery and glassware was broken and the
miscellaneous articles usually kept upon the shelves of an extensive
retail grocery were thrown vipon the floor. The damage cannot be
far from $2,000.
Shattuck's building, on the opposite side of Eighth Street, was
damaged in the rear wall, there being a large crack extending from
the top of the building very nearly to the ground. Cautious men
did not care to visit the Marshal's office or the Council-rooms.
Shattuck & Hillegass' livery stable buildings and hall were but
slightly injured.
Delger's bviildings, on either side of Seventh Street, received but
slight damages to the walls. Lamarche's store was thrown into con-
fusion, and some of the stock was damaged.
The one-story brick building, corner of Broadway and Foui-th
Street, was shattered badly, and will probably be demolished. It is
an old building, and was not erected in a solid or substantial
manner.
The walls of Herzog's building, on the west side of Broadway,
between Third and Fourth Streets, were badly shattered, and it was
deemed unsafe for a family to reside within them.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 261
The old one-stoiy brick building, corner of Broadway and Third
Streets, was very badly damaged, and its walls are kept erect only
by means of props.
The front wall of the County Hospital was slightly cracked.
The rear wall of the brick building owned by Mr. E. C. Sessions,
near the corner of Broadway and First Street, was so badly shat-
tered that it will probably be necessary to remove it.
The walls of the Hotel de France building will need repairs to
the value of about $500, as estimated.
The show windows of the stores on the west side of Broadway,
between Fifth and Ninth Streets, were neai'ly all broken, and, in a
few cases, goods were damaged.
THE CITY FRONT.
The large holder at the gas works, corner of Washington and
First Streets, was thrown out of position by the breaking of a cast-
ing, and the gas bubbled out through the water. By prompt action
the damage was speedily repaired and last night the usual supply of
gas was furnished.
Work was suspended at the Pioneer Mills after the first shock, as
it was feared that some of the machinery had been thrown out of
level.
The brick work about the engine and furnace of the Oakland Plan-
ing Mills was very slightly cracked.
The portion of Broadway wharf extending east from Broadway,
gave way, precipitating into the creek about seventy tons of coal.
A small quantity of the bricks which were stored upon Dr. Mer-
ritt's wharf were thrown forward into the creek.
The heaviest damage that will probably be sustained is that which
occurred at the lumber wharf of Taylor & Co., at the foot of Wash-
ington Street. A trestle work pier, of frail construction, had been
built for the storage of lumber, and upon this there were about 1.50,-
000 feet. The shock experienced shortly after ten o'clock precipi-
tated this into the creek. A large force of laborers were immediately
set to work to recover it.
BROOKLYN.
Considerable damage was sustained in Brooklyn. The fire-wall of
the Cotton Mills, on the west side, was thrown down and slight
damages were sustained by the walls. As in Oakland, many chim-
neys were broken off above the roofs of houses.
262 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Scliiiiimelpfennig's new brick building was almost entirely demol-
islied.
Baryles' drug store sustained lieavy injuries, the building and stock
being damaged.
The injury to household furniture, etc., was greater in Brooklyn
than in Oakland.
ALAMEDA.
The earthquake was very severe in this town, and scarcely a house
escaped uninjured. The Insane Asylum building was badly dam-
aged, and the contents of the stores were tumbled together, occasion-
ing considerable loss.
On the San Lsandro Road the concrete dwelling house of Mr.
Creighton was damaged, one of the walls being demolished.
SAN LEANDRO.
At San Leandro the earthquake was much more severe than in
Oakland or Alameda, and not a building escaped damage. The
saddest calamity was the death of Mr. J. W. Josselyn, Deputy
Clerk, a young man of much promise and ability, who has for a few
years past been in the office of the County Treasurer. He was
crushed in the ruins of the fallen Court-house.
The entire Court-house building, above the second or main floor,
is in ruins, and the walls of the lower or basement story are so
cracked and thrown out of place that they never can be used again.
The foundation and part of the walls of the Recorder's Office being
built, were partially destroyed. Of the Coui-t-house, only a small
portion of the roof remains in its original position, and the base of
one of the columns that stood at the entrance was left. An exam-
ination of the ruins showed that the building had been im})roperly
erected, and that the charge of criminality or carelessness attaches to
the county officei-s who had accepted such an affair from the con-
tractors.
Under-Sherifl' Borein, Deputy-Clerk Josselyn, Chai-les Palmer and
two workmen engaged in making a vault for the Treasurer, weie in
the building at the time of the earthquake. When the first shock
came Mr. Borein was in bed. He endeavored to escape by the dooi",
but on account of the vibrations the door could not be opened. He
crouched down in the coi-ner of the room, sujjposmg that only the
roof would fall ; a portion of the wall fell, some of the debris .striking
him on the head. He escaped by the window, over the fallen brick
and mortar, which was piled to the height of the second floor.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 263
The prisoners, five in number, were yelling and praying, some to
get out and some for pardon for their oSences. One of the windows
on the north-west side not being covered, tools were passed to them,
the keys of the jail being covered up. Finding it impossible for the
prisoners to dig out in this way, the Under Sherifi" and Mr. Collins,
one of the contractors on the new building, went down and broke
open the front door of the jail and succeded in rescuing and securing
the prisoners, who are now in jail in this city.
There were in the Clerk's office four persons besides Mr. Josselyn.
Mr. Josselyn endeavored to escape by the front entrance to the
building, and when passing the threshold the falling walls buried
him in its fragments. The other persons, seeing the front give way,
escaped through one of the windows.
The Beatty House and the Estudillo House, the two principal
hotels, were badly damaged. The walls were shattered and the
floors covered with debris.
The Beatty House was cracked in every direction, and the south
wall was entirely demolished. Tlie roof and walls of the Gazette
office fell in, and it is doubtful whether the publisher can issue his
regular weekly edition next Saturday. [But he did.] The type and
forms of the Democrat office were pied, and much damage was done.
There is only one chimney standing in the town. A tank ten feet
wide and six feet deep was entirely emptied of water by the move-
ment imparted to it. People are afraid to remain in theii- dwellings,
and were camping in the streets. The bed of the San Leandro
creek, which had been dry for several months, is now coursed by
a stream of water six feet wide and one foot deep. Back of San
Leandro, in the mountains, there are numerous fissures in the earth,
from which came clouds of dust, and from some have come great
volumes of water which flows into tlie San Leandro creek.
HAY\VARDS.
Bad as is the destruction of })roperty at San Leandi'O, it is worse
at Hay wards. We did not observe a building there which was not
in some manner damaged. Previous to entering the town, the first
wreck noticed is that of the residence of General LaGrange. The
house, a frame one, is not thrown upon the groiind, a mass of ruins,
Ijut it is broken into several parts, and rendered unsafe and wholly
unfit for residence. On account of the partial destruction of his
house, General LaGrange will be unable to fulfill all of his appoint-
ments for public speaking, his family requiiing his attention.
264 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
In the town, many wooden buildings fell which would have re-
mained secure if they had been built upon proper foundations. Stilted
up, so to speak, no great force was required to move them, and a
storm, similar to those which sometimes occur in the Atlantic States,
would have prostrated them.
The flouring mill owned by Sherifi" Morse is a complete wi-eck.
The most valuable parts of the machinery are supposed to be unin-
jured. The immense gi-ain warehouse of Mr. Edmondson is as com-
pletely ruined as it could possibly be, hardly one brick remaining
upon another. C. T. Ward, Jr., writes to the Times that "the large
amount of grain buried in the ruins of the warehouse will nearly all
of it be saved, and the loss will not exceed sixty tons. Some consid-
erable excitement existed at first amongst the gi-ain-owners, but it
was soon allayed. Work is being commenced to remove the grain
and rebuild the warehouse. Fortunately there has been no loss of
life, and but one man badly injured. The cook at the Washington
Hotel had his leg broken. An open crack runs through the town,
its course being south 53° east, said to be nine miles in length."
Mr, Ward gives the following rough estimate of the damages done :
Edmondson's warehouse, complete ruin, $25,000 ; Morse & Hes-
lip's mill, complete ruin, $12,000; Washington Hotel, complete
ruin, $4,000 ; Castro homestead, damage, $3,000 ; Lee & Ryland's
Hotel, damage, $4,000 ; Chas. Spoerer's, damage, $1,000 ; Wm. Hay-
ward, damage, $2,500 ; George Brown, property damaged, $2,000 ;
S. F. & A, Railroad Company, property damaged, $500 ; A. S. Rock-
wood, house upset, $400 ; Horace Hall, blacksmith shop, damaged,
$750 ; Smalley & Stratton, livery stable, damage, $2,000 ; Louis
Barbolla, restaurant, damage, $500 ; Wetterau &, Co., bakery, dam-
age, $500; M. W. Levy, store damaged, $1,000; Larabee & Co.,
buildings damaged, $700 ; A. B. Grogan, dwelling-house damaged,
$2,500 ; Globe Hotel, damaged, $450 ; Loon & Co., brewery dam-
aged, $250 ; New York Brewery, damaged, $600 ; School-house,
damaged, $450 ; Linakin & Barnes, damaged, $350 ; Creig & Mor-
ton, blacksmith shop, damaged, $200 ; J. S. Rivers, blacksmith shop,
damaged, $250.
WASHINGTON.
The store of C. J. Stevens, at Centime ville, was entirely destroyed
to-day, and goods badly damaged. The store of J. Salze was badly
shaken, and goods damaged very much. Dr. Selfridge's house was
partly destroyed, and his cliild injured by the crash. Bamber's
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 265
Hotel settled about two feet and was badly damaged. At the Mis-
sion San Jose the church and many other buildings are in ruins.
At Alvarado the brick shop of A. J. Lattin is entirely destroyed.
The store of J. J. Stokes was damaged, with great loss of goods.
No lives lost at either place.
Between Haywards and the Mission San Jos6, there are numerous
fissures in the earth, and it was difficult for a stage to be di'iven
from one place to another.
PACHECO AND MARTINEZ.
At Pacheco and Martinez the full violence of the earthquake was
felt. At the former place, Hook's warehouse was badly damaged,
and the front wall of Carother's concrete house fell to the ground.
There were numerous fissures in the earth, and much consternation
prevailed among the people yesterday. Both ends of the Court-
house, at Martinez, have fallen, but further than this there was no
destruction of property.
DAMAGE IN THE OAKLAND VALLEY— THE DEAF AND DUMB ASYLUM.
The destruction of property in the valley back of Oakland was
not extensive. At Jacob's Wharf, near Ocean View, a large quan-
tity of lumber was precipitated into the bay, although the wharf
was not damaged. From most houses the chimneys have been
broken away. The buildings of the Female College of the Pacific
and of the Oakland Academy were slightly damaged by the cracking
of plaster.
The Deaf and Dumb Asylum being probably the largest stone
structure in the State, it was naturally supposed that it would be
badly damaged, if not entii'ely ruined. The real damage is compara-
tively trifling. We visited the building in the afternoon, and care-
fully examined the walls. Eleven chinmeys, projecting above the
roof, were broken. These chimneys were constructed of cut stone,
well cemented together, and were in size 2^ feet by 4| feet. That
such solid structures were broken, shows the force of the earthquake,
and that the motion was quick and sudden, not gradual. Two of
the gables had fallen, and in several places the rear walls of the
building were cracked. The gable whicli fell was on the southwest
corner of the building. The greater part of the space was occupied
by a large bay-window, and this having been cai-ried away, the gap
appeared exceedingly large. The amount of mason work, however,
is slight, and wood-work having been carried away, the destruction
266 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
appeared greater than it actually was. The mason work of another
gable was cracked and will probably be removed. • The side an;l
interior walls appeared to be without a flaw, but in. the few wall^>
where there were numerous openings for doors and windows, cracks
could be observed upon careful examination. Only a small portion
of the flooring is laid, and when the building is completed it will be
much stronger than at present.
INCIDENTS.
Numbers of chimneys, which have not fallen, are cracked and
twisted, and unless house-owners are careful much loss might be occa-
sioned by fire. The Mayor has issued an order calling attention to
this fact, and it is to be hoped that every chimney in the city will be
thoroughly examined.
The large chimney of the furnace at the Contra Costa Laundry
was twisted out of place several inches, but no damage was done to
the machinery or the brick walls of the building.
Mr. Thompson, a cai-penter, was at work on the top of the spire of
the Baptist Church, on Fourteenth Street, at the time of the earth-
quake. The to}) of the spire is one hundred and fifty feet from the
ground, and swayed to and fro in a fearful manner. Mr. Thompson
maintained his position until the earthquake subsided.
At the Point two men were engaged in digging a well, one of them
being in the shaft and the other at the windlass. At the first shock
the windlass man deserted his post and left the man in the well to
take care of himself. We did not ascertain the name of the wind-
lass man, whose presence of mind and heroism Q) should be widely
piiblished.
The drawbridge on the line of the S. F. and O. R. R. was thrown
out of place about eight inches, and as the locomotive and nearly all
the cars were at San Antonio, no ti'ain left Oakland at 8 o'clock.
Those accustomed to leave on that train went upon the Louise, from
the foot of Broadway Wharf. James Bacheldei', the engineer, whose
presence of mind has often been illustrated, hastened to the Point,
got up steam on the old locomotive, and, gathering all tlie box and
platform cars to be found, made the 10 o'clock trip and all the othere
at the proper hours. The accidout to the draw has been remedied,
and trains will run to-day at the regular hours.
There were a niimber of workmen busy at the Deaf and Dumb
Asylum, one or two being at the top of the tower, which is 146 feet
high. None of them were in any way injured.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 26 7
It was noticed throughout the city that chimneys and walls fell
toward the South, not a single exception being noticed.
The only damage to persons, occurring in Oakland, was sustained
by IMrs. Cord, who, rushing from her residence on Twelfth Street,
was just in time to intercept a falling brick from the cornice of
Boardman's building, and received quite a severe cat on the head.
The heavy cornice of the building came to the ground with a terrible
crash.
The tall chiimiey of the workshop of the Alameda Railroad vibrated
more than a foot from a perpendicular line, but was not thrown down.
On the locomotive the sensation was the same as if it were run-
ning ofi' the track, and at the first shock the engineer feared such an
accident had happened.
A Mr. Davis, who resides on a farm near San Leandro, informs
the Bulletin that the workmen on his farm at the time the shock
occurred, observed that the gi'ound was distui'bed and thrown about
with a rapid and violent rotary motion, which continued several sec-
onds. A creek running through the fixrm, and which was nearly dry,
rose instantly to the depth of about three feet, and sevei*al deep
gulches were formed in the plain. His house was literally twisted in
pieces and prostrated to the ground, but the family escaped as if by
a miracle. Mrs. Davis was caught in the ruins. She was badly but
not dangerously wounded about the head and face, and is recoveiing
from her injuries.
The following observations appeared in the San Leandro Gazette, of
\he date following the earthqviake :
" There was no approach to panic, and the women and cliiidren
behaved in a most heroic and sensible mamier. Those who sutfered
least vied with each other in rendering assistance and aid to their
less fortunate neighbors. Tlie strong of nerve labored to quiet the
apprehensions of the timid, and it was gi-atifying to witness the
nxmierovis acts of kindness and general manifestations of brotherly
love among all our citizens. All the nobler qualities of human
nature were exhibited, and selfishness was nowhei-e exposed. Mat-
ters are beginning to assume their wonted appearance, and all are
busy repairing as fast as possible the damages sustained.
" We make no apology for our somewhat demoralized appearance,
for we are thankful, as we look upon the wreck aromid us, that we
are able to issue even these few hastily-written words. Fortunately,
the first and fourth pages of the Gazette were printed on Tuesday
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY,
evening. The forms had been taken from the press and laid upon -
the stone, and the shock overturned it and destroyed them. The
advertising pages for the inside of the paper were only slightly pied,
and by using some of our job letter, and judiciously patching up the
dead matter which was not " pied," we are enabled to put in an ap-
pearance. As our two principal advertising pages are worthless, we
will be obliged to issue a small sheet next week. New material will
have to be procured, and everything reset, before we assume our
usual appearance. Fondly hoping — devoutly praying — that our fair
town, county and State may never again be visited by so devastating
a phenomena, we present you, dear reader, with our earthquake
edition."
Mr. Wai-ring Wilkinson, Principal of the Deaf and Dumb and
Blind Asylum, whose building was then in the course of completion,
in a letter to the Bulletin, showed how a solidly constructed, although
fresh stone edifice, could stand the severest of earthquakes :
" On Friday, October 23d, the Commissioners appointed for the
location and erection of the new institution, visited the grounds to
examine critically the condition of the building. As Principal of
the institution I accompanied them. We spent three hours in and
around the edifice. Every portion, from foundation stone to roof,
was inspected thoroughly. There was no disposition to cover up any
defects that may be found, or to solace themselves with the idea that
no damage had been done. As guardians of a public trust, and
responsible for the future safety of wards whom the State has ever
treated with tender care, the Commissioners desired simjtly the
truth. As the result of that investigation, every member of the
Board is more convinced than ever before of the strength and honest
construction of the building, and fully believes that if it had been
finished no injury beyond the loss of the stone chimneys would have
been sustained. The testimony of the workmen goes to show that
the earthquake was very severe at that point. Mr. Mecreey, the
carpenter, who was on the roof, states that the chapel walls swayed
back and forth not less than four feet, and he believes that had the
walls been of brick, they would have been leveled with the ground.
The mason, who was several rods to the rear, says that the whole
structure seemed tossing like a ship on a wild sea, the waves coming
cornerways in such rapid succession as to keep all parts of the biiild-
ing in continual motion. And yet throughout the whole foundation
there is not the slightest trace of a crack. Let us now go through
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 269
the building in detail. The Commissioners made the circuit of the
walls and entered."
The county records were all saved, and the Coiinty Clerk and other
officials established themselves in the Methodist Episcopal Church, a
small edifice, but the only place available, until a new county build-
ing was erected.
The lamented Josselyn's funeral took place at 1 1 o'clock on the
morning of the 23d of October, from the Presbyterian Church, and
under the auspices of the Masonic fraternity. His remains were
interred in Mountain View Cemetery, near Oakland, and over eighty
carriages formed the funeral procession.
The first rain of the season commenced at dusk on Wednesday,
Nov. 18, and continued, with but little abatement, till a late hour on
Thursday night.
On the 9th of November the 'Board of Supervisors met and can-
vassed the vote at the late election for presidential electors, supervis-
ors, and other township officers.
The Supervisors, at their meeting of November 16th, agreed iipon
plans for a new Court house and jail and Recorder's office. They
were prepared by Mr. Barnes, architect, and provided for a one-story
wooden building in front, over the foundation of the old Coiirt House.
Iron cells were provided for the jail. The Recorder's office was brick,
and fire-proof.
The Estudillo House re-opened, on the 19th of December, with a
ball, after being closed for repairing damages received during the
gi-eat eai-thquake.
The whole number of votes cast in the county, in 1868, was 3,123,
a gain in ten years of 1,617.
A special committee of the Board of Supervisors, appointed to
purchase a suitable piece of gi-ound on which to establish the County
Infirmary, were instructed by the Board to purchase fifty acres of
land belonging to a Mr. Puff, and situated above the county road,
between San Leandro and Haywards. The soil was reported excel-
lent, and watered by a running stream. The law of April 18, 1860,
authorized the establishment of County Infirmaries, and is as follows :
Section 1. The Supervisoi-s of each and every county in this State
shall be and they are hereby authorized to erect and establish county
infirmaries within theii- respective counties, whenever, in their opinion.
270 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
such measure will be advantageous, and for that purpose it shall be
lawful for the said Supervisors to purchase such lot or tract of land,
of not more than one hundred and sixty acres, and erect thereon one
or more suitable buildings for the accommodation of the institution ;
provided, that if the Supervisors of any covmty shall think proper to
purchase land and erect a county innrmaiy under the provisions of
this Act, the expense of such purchase and erection shall be defrayed
by a tax levied in the objects of county taxation, described in the
Twelfth Section for that express purpose, which shall be collected and
paid over at the same time, and in the same manner that other taxes
are collected ; provided also, that said tax shall not exceed one-fourth
of one per cent. ; provided further, that when there is a sufficient sum
of money in the Special Hospital Fund of any coimty therefor, or
other provision is made by law for raising said sum, the tax author-
ized by this section may or not be levied, at the option of the Board
of Supervisors.
A great deal of interest was excited in Sherifi' Morse's pursuit and
capture of a mvirderer named Newell, in the latter end of this year.
The facts of the case briefly told are these: On the 20th of Septem-
ber, in Castro Yalley, back of Haywards, two men named Lighton
and Newell had a dispute over a dog fight, when Newell shot Lighton
through the head with a pistol, causing a wound from the eftects of
which he died on the 26th of the same month. Newell immediately
mounted a horse and escaped. As soon as possible after receiving
information of the murder and the escape of the murderer. Sheriff
Morse, accompanied by his trusty aid. Constable Morehouse, set out
in pursuit of the fugitive. They traveled over 200 miles of territoiy,
making a careful search for their man wherever they went. They
ransacked the coal mines of Conti'a Costa and Alameda, and after a
protracted absence returned without their man. Subsequently they
heard of him in the soiithern country and again set out in pursuit.
They tracked him over the sierras and through deserts, at times los-
ing all traces of him and again finding only the faintest clue. At
last they stumbled over the rotting carcass of his abandoned and dead
horse, and finally found him with an assumed name, working as a
laborer on the Los Angeles and Anaheim Railroad ; and on tlie 7th of
November arrived with him at San Leandro. He was tried soon
after, and convicted, and the case appearmg only a homicide, Newell
was sentenced to six years imprisonment at San Quontiu.
The legislation of the year 1868, for the benefit of Alameda
County, was as follows :
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 271
All Act for the relief of Sheriff Morse, for the expenses in the
pursuit of the murderer Ponce.
An Act to prevent stallions running at large in Alameda Cfounty.
An Act to confer a whai-f franchise at Ocean Yiew on Messrs.
Hayward and Jacobs.
An Act to regulate compensation of Township Assessors.
An Act authorizing the election of additional Supervisors.
Aji Act to enable the County Auditor to certify to the amount of
school money in the Treasury.
An Act to enable County Supervisors to levy a tax for building
Recorder's office and jail.
An Act to provide payment of the State's portion of salaiy of
Auditor.
An Act concerning roads and highways.
An Act concerning San Francisco and Alameda Railroad, extend-
ing time for building wharf
An Act for the preservation of trout.
An Act establishing boundaries of pound districts.
An Act conferring a wharf franchise at the Encinal of San An-
tonio to Aughenbaiigh and others.
An Act relating to election of County Clerk and Recorder. Re-
corder to be ex-ojicio Auditor.
An Act declaring San Leandro Creek between its mouth and "An-
drew's Landing " navigable.
An Act to enable the City of Oakland to issue bonds to purchase
lands and erect a City Hall.
An Act to authorize a tax for building, interest, and redemption
purposes.
An Act to enable the City of Oakland to settle its land contro-
versies.
An Act constituting the Mayor of Oakland a Commissioner for
appraising land granted to Terminal Pacific Railroad — 150 acres.
An Act legalizing the location of San Francisco and Alameda
Railroad fl-om Haywards to Washington Corners.
An Act concerning the Oakland Railroad.
An Act authorizing bonds to pay judgments against the City of
Oakland.
An Act to keep San Antonio Creek navigable.
An Act to change the name of the Congregational Church to the
First Congregational Religious Society of Oakland.
StJi HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
1869 — The Small-pox Prevalent — The Agricultural Society and Jockey
Club Re-organized — Public Hall in San Leandro — Criminals
Arraigned — Marriages — Admissions to County Hospital — Suit
Against the Railroad — A Railroad Survey of Crow Ctirion—
Dissatisfaction with the New Court-house — Death of a Valuable
Horse — Tresspasser Shot — Warm Springs Sold to A. A. Cohen —
Arrest of the Horse-thief Robinson — San Leandro Water Com-
pany Incorporated — Destructive Fire in Brooklyn — The Akcmeda
Democrat Discontinued — Pleasanton Post-offi.ce Revived — Cali-
fornia Lions About — The Brighton Market Association Elect
New Officers — School Exhibition at Dublin — Odd Fellows^ Hall
at Haywards Dedicated— Suicide of Judge Walker— The New
Agricultural Society Dissolved — The Velocipede Mania— Natural
Photography — San Lorenzo Water Company — Catholic Fair at
San Leandro — Rev. J. M. Alexander Resigned — General La-
Grange Appointed Superintendent of the Mint — The State Uni-
versity Established — Mr. Hlllebraiul Records his Celebrated Deed
— Death of Dr. Haile — Serious Stage Accident — Union Bank
Established — Failure of the Wheat Crop — The National Anni-
versary — Union Convention — New Co^tholic Church at the Mis-
sion — Mutual Provident Association — Death of John S. Chijmian
■ — Cost of Land — Fruits and Vegetables — The Oakland " Tran-
script" Gone Democratic — Flour Mill at Liveivnore — The Elec-
tions and their Residts — Railroad Consolidation— Fire in the
Foothills — A Pacific Race Track — l^he Western Pacific Railroad
Co. Purchase the Oakland Ferry — Racing at Haywards — Laying
of the Last Rail of the Overland Railroad, at Oakland — First
Passenger Train Through Oaklatul — Great Rejoicing at the
Event.
The small-pox was prevalent in various parts of the county, and at
New Year's there were as many as eleven cases reported in Hay-
wards alone, with one death. The disease was brought from San
Francisco, where it was raging with much virulence. Several pro-
minent citizens of Alameda died of it.
The Alameda County Agricultural Society and Hay^vards Jockey
Club were reorganized and consolidated at the beginning of the new
year, under the name of the Haywards' Trotting Park Association.
"Wm. Hay ward was chosen President ; Wm. Roberts, Vice-President;
M. W. Levy, Secretary ; and D. Smalley, Treasurer.
A new public hall was erected in San Leandi-o, by Mr. Geo. E.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 273
Smith, whicli was dedicated by a public ball, on the last day of the
old jea.r, under the management of the Madigan Brothers, of the
Estudillo House.
At the County Goui-t, held January 4th, in the new Court-house,
the following prisoners were arraigned: Edward Minor, Joseph Newell,
Alphonso Benouf, J. Sullivan, R. Ryan, Rafael Altamoreno. These
men were all charged with serious crimes, one, at least, being for
murder.
Returns in January showed that there were 196 marriage licenses
issued by the County Clerk during the year 1868. 194 persons were
admitted into the County Hospital during the same year. There were
four patients in the Oakland pest-house, attended by a cook and nurse
and a visiting physician. The monthly allowance required for sala-
ries for the institution was $450.
Benjamin A. Harrison commenced suit in the Fourth District
Court, San Francisco, against the San Francisco and Oakland Rail-
road Company, to recover $25,000 damages for the death of his
daughter, Cora Harrison, on the occasion of the disaster at Oakland
Pier, July 4th, 1868. He also sued for $5,000 damages sustained
by his wife, Lydia Harrison, at the same time. He joined with his
wife in a third suit against the company for damages, and prayed for
a judgment against it for $20,000.
The following obituary notice appeared in the Alta:
" Died, at Wilmington, Delaware, on the 30th of Januaiy, Rebecca
Donaldson Gibbons, relict of the late William Gibbons, M. D., in the
84th year of her age. She was the mother of Dr. Henry Gibbons, of
San Francisco ; Dr. William P. Gibbons, of Alameda ; Dr. Edwai-d
Gibbons, of Oakland, and Rodmond Gibbons, of San Francisco. She
reared to adult age 1 3 children, of whom 1 1 survive her ; together
with 35 grand-children, and 7 great grand-children. Her life was
one of active benevolence, and her chief happiness consisted in mak-
ing others happy. As a Christian, her faith and hope were unbounded.
Having filled the measure of time of duty, she awaited calmly and
cheerfully the summons to depart. For her the Valley of the Shad-
ow of Death had no darkness, no gloom ; and she entered it with the
confidence of the traveler who has already trodden the j^ath and
found it full of life and joy."
The Pacific Railroad Company's engineers completed a survey
through Crow Canon to Castro Valley, and in addition surveyed a
line through Indian Canon, down the San Leandro, thence to Oak-
18
274 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
land. The route presented too many objectionable features to war-
rant its adoption.
The appearance, style and discomfort of the new Court-house
excited general complaint.
A very valuable horse, known as " Cassius M. Clay, Jr.," died at
San Leandro on the 29th of Januaiy. He was owned by Capt. P.
W. Dickey, who considered him the fastest untrained horse in the
world, and valued him at $10,000. This was a serious loss to the
stockraisers of the Pacific Coast, as well as to his owner. His colts
were among the fastest in the State, and were selling at very high
prices.
A man named John Alty shot a Spaniard Avho was trying to force
an entrance one night into a stable where he slept. He told him
several times to go away, wliich he declined to do, and he then shot
him, the ball taking effect in one of the arms, and in a few days he
died from the effects of the wound. Alty, after giving bail to appear,
was dismissed by the Grand Jury of the County Court of any crimi-
nal intent. The occurrence took place at Laddsville.
The property so well known as the Warm Springs, belonging to
the Rancho Agua Caliente, was sold to A. A. Cohen, Esq. The sum
paid was $100,000. These Springs a few years ago constituted the
most popular summer resort in the State. I
Sheriff Morse aiTCsted, on the 5th of April, in Palmyras Caiion, a j
notorious thief and desperado named S. F. Robinson, on the charge
of stealing a set of harness from the barn of Thomas Livingston, San
Lorenzo. Robinson had several other charges of a serious character
standing against him.
There were filed in the office of the Secretary of State, on the 1 7th
of April, articles of incorpoi-ation of the San Leandro Water Com-
pany, the objects of which were to appropriate, hold and enjoy
all the waters of the stream known as the San Leandro creek and
tributaries thereof, in the County of Alameda, and supplying pure,
fresh water to the inhabitants of San Leandro, Oakland and Alameda.
Capital stock, $150,000, in shares of $100 each. Term of existence,
fifty yeai-s. Principal place of business, San Francisco. Trustees,
Austin D. Moore, Edwin B. Mastic and Noble Hamilton.
The most destructive fire that ever occurred in Brooklyn broke
out on the evening of the 18th of April, when Plummer's building,
containing Webster & Co.'s grocery store, the Post-office, Bamber's
Express office, Bangle's drug-store, Heilner & Bro.'s chy-goods store,
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 275
and O'Keefe's shoe shop, was destroyed. The upper part of this
building was used for a public hall. An unoccupied blacksmith's
shop and a hotel kept by Mrs. Wilson were also destroyed. The
roof of Swett's Hall was burned off, and some other buildings on the
opposite side of the street injured. The loss was estimated at
$20,000, which was partly covered by insurance. The cause of
the fire was unknown.
The Alameda Democrat, started and published in San Leandro,
the previous year, was discontinued on the 28th of April, for want
of support.
The Post-office, which had been established some time previously
at Pleasanton and discontinued, was revived in April of this year.
Farmers in Livermore Valley complained of depredations by Cali-
fornia lions on their stock. It was very unusual to hear of those
animals doing harm so far noi-th.
The Butchers, Drovers and Stock Raisers' Association elected the
following ofiicers, on the 29th of May, in addition to their old offi-
cers, who were re-elected : AVilliam Mattox, President ; W. Fulton,
Vice-President.
The usually quiet little town of Dublin presented a lively appear-
ance on May morning, as groups of children were wending their
way in conveyances and on foot to the school-house, where an event
of more than usual interest was to transpire. The occasion was a
pic-nic and school exhibition. At one o'clock there were 600 people
present at the pic-nic ground, a very unusual number for that local-
ity. The May-day festivities were observed with more than usual
display. Miss Fitzgerald was honored as Queen of the May. At
7 o'clock in the evening, the company reassembled at Green's Hall,
but half of those who desired admission could not procure it. J. W.
Doixgherty, Esq., occupied the chair. Singing and recitations fol-
lowed. The day was one long remembered in the Amador Valley.
The hall of Sycamore Lodge No. 129, I. 0. O. F., was publicly
dedicated, on Friday evening, April 30th, 1869, in the presence of a
large number of persons, members and friends of the order, drawn
together to witness the interesting ceremony. The M. W. Grand
Master, C. S. Has well, officiated, assisted by a number of other
Grand Officers. There was a ball in the evening, which was a
highly successful afiair. The hall is an imposing two-story fi-ame
building, occupying an elevated position, 40 feet front by 70 feet
deej).
276 HISTOKY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Judge Asa Walker, of Brooklyn, committed suicide on Thursday,
the 13th of May, by drowning himself in Lake Merritt. He was
seen to walk into the water and lie down there, and soon after his
lifeless body was seen floating near the shore. A Coroner's jury,
summoned by Justice Rector, found a verdict that deceased came
to his death while laboring under a fit of temporary insanity, caused
by recent sickness. Judge Walker was sixty-seven years of age, and
a native of the State of Maine. He was an old resident of Brook-
lyn, one of its earliest residents, and held the office of Justice for
many years, as well as having served a term in the State Legislature.
He was a man of strong opinions, and of progressive ideas, a good
citizen, an efficient officer, and in hLs family and social relations uni-
versally esteemed.
At a meeting of the Alameda Agricultural Society, held at Hay-
wards on Monday, May 10th, it was agreed to discontinue the society,
and arrangements were made to pay up all liabilities, which amounted
to about $600. There were no spring races, as hitherto.
Real estate had taken a new start, and lots sold for $200 each.
Land sold for $200 per acre. Edmondson's new warehouse was re-
erected on the old location.
In May of this year the velocipede mania was raging in every
town in the county.
The Gazette of May 2 2d remarked with regard to a natural curios-
ity : " We have in our possession a piece of sandstone I'ock, taken out
of a quarry in the vicinity of Livermore tunnel, which has distinctly
impressed upon its surface the figure of an oak leaf, with nearly
every vein clearly defined. It was blasted out of a solid rock twenty-
five feet from the surface, and was presented to us by Mr. Beckfox-d,
of the engineer corps at the tunnel."
The Sacramento Record of May 20th stated that there was filed in
the office of the Secretary of State the certificate of incorporation of
the San Lorenzo Creek Water Company, the objects of wliich were
to appropriate, hold and enjoy, exclusively, all the waters of the
creek known as the San Lorenzo, and its tributaries, in the County
of Alameda, and to supply pure, fresh water to the inhabitants of
the town of Haywax'd, the town of San Lorenzo, and the inhabitants
of Alameda County generally, for the purpose of general and common
use, and for irrigation. Capital stock, $120,000 ; principal place of
business, San Leandro ; trustees, A. L. Fuller, Wm. Meek, and G.
E. Smith.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 277
At a Catliolic festival, in aid of the cliiirch. at San. Leandro, on
25th, 26th, and 27th of May, there was realized $1,000 net.
Rev. J. M. Alexander, first pastor of the San Leandro Presby-
terian Church, resigned his charge on Sunday, May 23d. He was
compelled to abandon the ministry on account of ill health.
A dispatch, dated Washington, June 3d, announced General O.
H. LaGrange, of San Leandro, to be appointed Superintendent of
San Francisco Mint.
At a meeting of the Regents of the State University, held on
Tuesday, June 1st, it was resolved that suitable buildings be obtained
in Oakland, and the University put in opei-ation on first day of Sep-
tember following, without any connection with the College of Cali-
fornia. Gen. Stoneman was put in nomination for President of the
University.
The Gazette, of June 12th, contained the following: Mr. Hille-
brand, the urbane City Clerk of Oakland, paid a visit to this town a
few days since, to record that " little deed," the real estate plaster to
cure all the ills that Oakland is heir to. He was saluted as Mr.
Carpentier, Mr. Cost, Mr. Sam Clarke, Mr. Pretermitted Heir, and
other like names, indicative of distinguished consideration, but so
multiplied that he must have done his level best to preserve his indi-
viduality. "The Kate Hays title" was not included.
Dr. Henry Haile, an old and useful citizen, died at his residence,
in Alameda, on Tuesday, June 15th. He was a native of Vermont,
and came to California in 1853, when he located in Alameda.
A terrible accident occurred at Buhner Hill, near Dublin, on the
1 7th of June, by the upsetting of a stage containing about twenty
passengers. Several persons were seriously injured, and the driver,
Oliver P. Perkins, killed.
The Union Bank of Savings was opened on the 1st day of July, in
Oakland, with A. C. Henry, as President.
The wheat ci-op was set down this year as a faikire, from rust.
From Oakland to Mission San Jose there was scarcely a piece of
wheat worth harvesting.
The national anniversary was celebrated at San Lorenzo. Patriotic
speeches were made b_y Judge Crane, S. P. Wright, Rev. L. R. Clark
and others.
At the Union Convention, in San Leandro, July 17th, there were
two delegations from Oakland ; one elected on the Porter plan ; the
other the old way. Matters had to be reconciled.
278 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
The Catholics of the Mission of San Jose contracted for the build-
ing of a new chui-ch edifice on the site of the one destroyed by the
earthquake. Main building 47x77 ; a bell-tower, ten feet square,
increased the frontage to fifty feet. This, it was expected, would be
one of the finest churches in the State.
The Mutual Provident Association, of Oakland, was organized,
with N. W. Spaulding as President.
Gen. John S. Chipman, formerly a i*esident of Alameda County,
died at San Jose on Tuesday, 27th July, of paralysis, in the sixty-
eighth year of his age. Deceased was a native of Vermont, and
was educated to the law. In early life he settled in Michigan, where
he obtained considerable eminence as a Democratic politician. About
nineteen years ago he came to Calilbrnia and opened a law oflice in
San Francisco, and soon acquired a lucrative practice. He subse-
quently removed to Alameda and took an active part in its afiairs.
The Westei'n Pacific Railroad paid as high as $300 per acre for
the land adjoining San Lorenzo. Between Vallejo's Mills and San
Leandro the average price was $150. That was the price paid for
the site of Decoto.
Fruits and vegetables were to be the crops for the coming year, on
account of the wheat failure.
The Oakland Transcript was purchased by Col. John Scott, and
converted into a Democratic organ.
Mr. C. J. Stevens erected a new flouring mill at Laddsville, Liver-
more Valley, which commenced running in September, 1869.
This year an Independent party was formed in the county, and a
ticket put in the field, headed by Edward Tompkins for State Sena-
tor. The Democrats made no nominations.
The result of the election, which was held on the 1st day of Sep-
tember, was as follows — a portion of both the Republican and Inde-
pendent tickets having been elected :
For County Recorder — B. S. Marston, 1,282; Morris W. Levy,
1,282. Tie.
For Superintendent Schools— A. L. Fuller (R.), 1,293; W. F. B.
Lynch (I.), 1,358. Majority for Lynch 65.
For Cotmty Assessor—^. Hunt (R.), 1,237; J. V. Webster, 1,1-13.
Majority for Hunt, 194.
For District Attorney— ^. P. Wright (R.), 1,310; W. J. AValker,
1,301. Majority for Wright, 9.
For Comity Su.roeyor — Luis Castro (R.), 1,301; Jas. T. Stratton
(I.), 1,272. Majority for Castro, 29.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 279
For County Coroner— T. C. Rector (R.), 1,290; Geo. H. Fogg (I.),
1,324. Majority for Fogg, 34.
For State *S'e>iator— Edward Tompkins (I.), 1,417; F. K. Shattuck
(R.), 1,185. Majority for Shattuck, 232.
For Assemblymen — W. Whidden (R.), 1,245; E. D. Lewelling
(R.), 1,392. Wm. C. Blackwood (I.), 1,253; Daniel Inman (I), 1,268.
Majority for Lewelling, 139; for Inman, 23.
For Sheriff— R. N. Morse (R.), 1,534; Erasmus D. Brown (I.),
1,073. Majority for Morse, 461.
For County Clerk — I. A. Amerman (R.), 1,266. Geo. E. Smith,
1,341. Majority for Smith, 75.
For County Treasurer— B.. X. McCIure (R.), 1,324; John Threl-
■fall (I.), 1,282. Majority for McCiure, 42.
For Public Administrator— W . P. Gibbons (R.), 1,340; C. Whip-
ple (I.), 1,270. Majority for Gibbons, 70.
For Sxvper visor Alameda Township — L. Faskings (R.), 87; Jas. Mil-
lington (I.), 66. Faskings' majority, 21.
For Supervisor Brooklyn Township) — D. Cameron (R.), 257; G.
W. Adams (I.), 52. Cameron's majority, 205.
For Supervisor Eden Township— Z. B. Marlin (R.), 213; Wm.
Hay ward (I.), 231. Hay wards' majority, 18.
For Supervisor Murray Township — Hiram Bailey (R.), 122; Thos.
Scott (I.), 126. Majority for Scott, 4.
For Supervisor Oakland Township — A. C. Henry (R.), 582; A. C.
Dietz (I.), 430. Majority for Henry, 152.
For Supervisor Washington Township — L. E. Osgood (R.), 176;
M. W. Dixon (I.), 202. Majority for DLxon, 26.
There was much rejoicing at San Leandro on the an-ival there of
the first train of the Western Pacific Railroad, through from Sacra-
mento, on Monday evening, September 6th.
At the judicial election, held on Wednesday, Oct. 20, the follow-
ing were elected : For Justices Supreme Coui-t, Lorenzo Sawyer (R.),
944 ; O. C. Pratt (R.), 605 ; J. B. Crockett (D.), 941 ; W. T. Wal-
lace (D.), 584. District Judge, McKee (D.), 986 ; Spencer (R.),
553. Crockett, Wallace and McKee were elected.
At a special election held on 25th of October, the former vote hav-
ing been a tie, B. S. Marston (R.) received 783 votes, and M. W,
Levy (I.) 649. Marston's majority, 134.
Notice was given at Sacramento, 28th of October, that the Wes-
tern Pacific Railroad and San Francisco Bay Railroad had amalga.
280 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY,
mated and consolidated into a new company, with Leland Stanfoi-d,
C. P. Huntington, Mark Hopkins, Chas. Crocker, E. B. Crocker, F.
H. Miller, Jr., and A. P. Stanford as Directors. Capital, $10,000,-
000. The Bay Pailroad Company had only organized a few weeks
before.
During the 6th, 7th and 8th of October there raged a destructive
fire in the foot-hills north of Oakland, by which much damage was
done and property destroyed. It originated in the works of the
Contra Costa Water Company, from a fire of brushwood kindled by
some of the workmen. The fire crept gradually from the hills to
the Telegraph road, leading out of the city, and destroyed the resi-
dence of Rev. Mr.Wliite, with its furniture. Stacks of hay, belong-
ing to Mr. Colby and Mr. E,. D. Pryal, of considerable value, were
burned. Finally, the tire reached as far north as the University
grounds, destroying a large quantity of standkig hay, timber and
grass, and was only subdued after traveling over some 15,000 acres
of ground.
On the 15th of October the lovers of the turf were gi-atified by
the opening of a new race track, which is situated on the edge of the
salt marsh in Brooklyn Township. This track was the joint venture
of Messrs. Ceo. Treat, A. W. Swett and Lloyd Tevis. It was called
the Pacific Race Track, and was inaugurated with a $5,000 trotting
race, the best three in five, between " Har^'est Queen " and " Ven-
ture." The former won the race and took the money. The races
lasted three days.
On the 21st of October the Oakland Transcrqit announced, on
authority of President Stanford, that on the 1st of November the
"Western Pacific R. R. Co. would take formal possession of the Oak-
land Ferry, and that on that date commutation tickets would be
reduced to $3.00 per month, and hourly trips introduced.
The annual meeting of the Alameda Jockey Club took place at
Hay wards, on the 27th of October. The town was full of people,
and many of the principal stock men of the county were on liand.
The racing lasted four days, during which the speed of all the lead-
ing horses in the surrounding country was tested.
The last rail of the Pacific Railroad was laid on the 29 th of
October, in Oakland, and the fii-st locomotive of the line entered
that city at five minutes after 10 o'clock A. M. of that day. The
Reindeer was the name of the locomotive, and attached to her was a
construction train, which passed down to the Point. On the 8th
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES.
281
of November, the first passenger tliroiigh train started from Oakland
Point, at half past eight o'clock in the morning, stopping a moment
at Broadway station. At a quarter before 12 o'clock two large
trains from the East airived, and at 2 o'clock a long construction
train passed down to the Point. The first through overland train
arrived in Oakland at five minutes past 5 o'clock. It stopped at the
Broadway station for a moment and then passed down to the whaif,
at a high rate of speed, amid general rejoicing.
282 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
BACON'S
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Pure Confections and Fine Chocolates a Specialti/.
Received Daily, per Bacon's Express, from five of the most prominent
Manufacturers in San Francisco.
JAS. H. BACON, Proprietor.
FOE LATEST STYLES OF DRESS MATS,
M. BRINK,
The Oakland Hatter.
A large Assortment of St{ff' and Soft
Also Fine Selection of
STRAW AND PANAMA HATS.
LATEST CALIFORNIA, NEW YORK AND PARIS STYLES.
Dont forget the OAKLAND HAT MANUFACTORY,
M. BRINK, 929 BROADWAY.
JOHN H. REDSTONE,
Counselor-at-Law'§ Solicitor of Patents,
461 Ninth Street (Over the Post Office), OAKLAND.
Will attond to Patent Suits in the Federal Courts, nnd procure'XJNITED
STATES AND FOREIGN PATENTS FOR INVENTORS. Furnish
Models on short notice, and assist Inventors in perfecting their inventions.
Taxes and Aniuiities i)aid on existing European Patents, and Patents worked
according to the requirements of Law. No extra charge for transhitions.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 283
CHAPTER XXII.
FROM THE COMPLETION OP THE CENTRAL PACIFIC RAILROAD TO THE
CENSUS OF 1870.
1869 Continued — Dreadful Railroad Accident at Simpson's Station —
Many Persons Killed, and Wounded — Hoio ilie Sufferers were Re-
lieved — A Coroner s Inquest Declared the Cause of the Accident to
he the Ignorance of a SwitcJtman — Funeral Obsequies in Oakland —
The Mm'tgaije Tax Struck from the Assessment Roll by the Board of
Equalization — TJte County Infirmary Condemned.
The sounds of joy and gladness consequent upon tlie completion of
the Overland Railroad and the passage of its trains through the City
of Oakland had hardly died aAvay, when a disaster occurred that
changed everything into gloom. Indeed, it may be said that the
new road was baptized in blood, for, six days later — on Sunday morn-
ing, the 14th of November, 1869 — the most frightful accident that
ever occurred in California happened on the road, within a few miles
of its western terminus, at Simpson's Station, Brooklyn Township.
It was caused by a collision between the train of the Alameda and
Hay ward's road going west and the Eastern -bound train, on the
Western or Central Pacific, which left Oakland Point but a few min-
utes before.
The following particulars of the sad event are taken from tlie Ala-
meda County Gazette, then published at San Leandro, and within
three miles west of which town the catastrophe occurred :
The most frightful railroad accident that has ever occurred in Cali-
fornia, was that of Sunday morning last, between the Alameda-
boimd train on the Alameda Railroad and the Eastward-bound train
on the Western Pacific Railroad, about three miles below San Lean-
dro. About half an hour after the train left this place, a young man,
named Spear, came dashing into town on horseback and announced
the catastrophe. A freight train with two locomotives attached was
standing on the side track at this station, awaiting the arrival of
284 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
the Eastward-bouud train. The conductor of this train was imme-
diately informed of the disaster, and the telegraph operator sent the
news to head-quarters. The engineers did not dare to leave the
station without orders. Tlie news had spread like wildfire through
the town, aild but a few moments elapsed ere every conveyance,
public and private, was engaged to convey the anxious inhabitants
of San Leandro to the scene of the accident ; and the railroad track
was lined with pedestrians who were unable to get conveyances.
The scene presented upon our ai'rival beggars description. The
wrecked trains, with their engines and cars smashed and shivered,
the groans and shrieks of the wounded, the mutilated remains of
the dead, the tumult and confusion of those who were endeavoring
to render assistance, combined to make the picture horrible in the
extreme, and indelibly impress it upon the memory of every be-
holder. The Alameda train consisted of the locomotive F. D.
Atherton, one box car, three passenger cars, smoking car, and one
express and baggage car. The Western Pacific train consisted of
the locomotive Sonoma, two express and baggage cars, smoking car,
two passenger cars, and one sleeping car. The Alameda train
passed San Leandro Station nearly on time (8:45) and was due at
Simpson's, the junction of the two roads, at 8:.55. The Eastward-
bound train of the Western Pacific Railroad left Oakland wharf at
8:30, and was also due at Simpson's at 8:55.
At the time of the accident the sun was shining brightly at San
Leandro, but in the direction of Alameda could be seen a heavy
bank of fog, which, at the scene of the accident, was said to be so
dense that objects could not be distinguished fifty yards. The engineer
of the Alameda train, the only living witness who can speak under-
standingly of the subject, saw the Western Pacific train approaching.
To pull the whistle, shut down breaks, was the work of an instant,
and having done so, he shouted to the fireman to jump for his life,
and then leaped from the engine. He struck the ground, rolled over
two or three times and then heard a terrible crash; the two engines
had smashed into atoms, and for a moment he was enveloped in the
scalding, escaping steam. Then came the groans and shrieks of the
wounded, the agonized cries of the mangled and torn sufferers and
hasty exodus of the aSVighted who wex^e uninjured. Two cars were
" telescoped " on each train ; one run into and through the other like
the shutting of a spy-ghiss or telescope. The telescoped cars of the
Western Pacific train exhibited a most terrible sisjlit. In one end
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 285
of the car were some sixteen men, most of them dead — all of them
injured — jammed and tangled with a mass of sticks, splinters and
iron. The woi'k of breaking away the outer shell of the car seemed
terribly slow to the sympathizing laborers, and doubly so to the poor
sufferers within, to whom the interval between the rapid blows of
the deliverers' axes seemed as an age to their moments of agony.
But two persons were killed on the Alameda train — the fireman,
Mai-tin, and one passenger. The noise of the crash attracted peo-
ple to the spot from the neighboring farms and dwellings, couriers
were dispatched for axes and other implements to clear away the
wreck, and telegi-ams were sent to the nearest stations. Those who
were present immediately set to work with all their might and ener-
gies to extricate the passengers from the ruins. Follo^ving is a list
of the dead and wounded :
THE DEAD.
John D. McDonald, Road Master on the California Pacific (Val-
lejo) Eailroad.
Max Ehrman, a merchant at the Mission San Jose.
George Thompson, fireman on the Western Pacific train.
Charles Martin, fireman on the Alameda train.
James Conley, a farmer residing at Corral Station, Livermore Val-
ley.
Ritchison Peterson, identified by papers in his pockets. Identified
as a member of Wildey Encampment, No. 22, I. O. O. F., San Fran-
cisco.
David Wand, dry goods merchant, San Francisco, and brother-in-
law of Ehrman.
Judge Alexander W. Baldwin, known to his friends as "Sandy"
Baldwin, Judge of the United States District Court of Nevada.
Edward Anderson, engineer on the Western Pacific train.
Arsene Boullet, French Private School, corner of Fifth and Frank-
lin Streets, Oakland.
Bronce H. Fox, identified by his ticket.
Frank B. Millikin, brakeman on the Western Pacific ti-ain.
J. P. Lowell, of Sacramento, leather dealer; taken from the wi-eck
alive, but died of his injuries.
Thomas F. Sandoz, a native of Natchez, Mississippi, aged 48 years.
THE WOUNDED.
Follomng are the names of the wounded, most of whom were
taken to Dr. Trenor's private hospital at Alameda, with a description
of their injuries :
286 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Seth Bromley, pilot of the Stockton boat, right ankle terribly
shattered, rendering amputation necessary below the knee. i
J. E.. Helens, of San Francisco, left leg and hand and foot bruised.
James F. Kapp, formerly proprietor of the Gazette, head and right
leg bruised.
Simon Meloche, of San Francisco, hip dislocated, with a number
of contusions.
Thomas McNulty, San Francisco, fracture of tlie fibula and bruises ;
able to be sent to his residence.
G. Leighton, Rocklin, Placer County, leg broken.
Philip Ruly, Stockton, shoulder dislocated and severely bruised.
Noel Lang ton, an employee on the Western Pacific road, both legs
bi'oken.
Patrick Mehan, San Francisco, leg bruised and severe internal
injuries.
E. F. Fitch, Cosumnes, school teacher, leg broken.
Joseph L. Perkins, employee on the Western Pacific road, badly
injured internally.
C. E. Needham, of P>antas Station, leg broken.
S. M. B. Haly, San Francisco, injured internally.
Judge William Campbell, of Nevada, leg broken.
Robert McLaughlin, brakeman on the Alameda train, seriously
injured.
Robert Owens, "conductor on the Alameda train, seriously injured.
John L. Beai-d, Mission San Jos^, foot badly injured.
T. W. Finlayson, teacher at Washington Corners, leg badly injured
and fiice cut.
J. J. Hill, of San Francisco, injured in one of hips and hands,
having been thrown up into the car at a distance extending over five
seats.
J. H. Downer, wounded in the head.
Wells, Fargo & Co.'s messenger, badly hurt.
M. L. Taylor, of Chicago, bruised.
Two Chinamen were badly bruised.
As soon as the dead and wounded had been removed, a large gang
of men were set at work to clear away the wreck. A side track was
constructed around the debris, so that the evening trains could pass.
It is a pleasing duty to record the noble and heroic conduct of the
women residing in the vicinity of the accident, in assisting to allevi-
ate the sufiferings of the wounded, and in renderintr those delicate
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 287
attentions that woman's hand alone can render. They contributed
liberally of linen, lint and bandages, assisted the surgeons in their
nerve-trying duties, and their noble efforts relieved many a sufferer
who will forever i-emembsr them with gratitude and thanks. One
lady, a passenger on the Western Pcicific train (whose name we did
not learn), rendered signal assistance in attending to the wounded.
As soon as they were taken out, she tore up her linen skirts to
make bandages, and was unremitting in her attentions, accompany-
ing the wounded to Alameda.
The iSan Leandro people were among the first to reach the place,
and they were not idle spectators. On every hand we saw the
familiar faces of our neighbors, ministering to the wounded and
carefully carrying those who were horribly mutilated, or working
amidst the wreck rescuing those who were confined in the debris.
Doctors Coleman, Fox and Pratt, of this place, were the fii-st physi-
cians upon the ground, and zealously labored to relieve the sufferings
of the wounded. There wei-e a great many narrow escapes. Mrs.
Huff and sister, of San Leandro, were riding in the second passenger
car of the Alameda train, and were seated about the centre of the
car. Tliey occupied two seats, Mrs, H. riding backwards. In the
seat ahead of the ladies sat Mr. BouUet. When the collision took
place, this car " telescoped " into the forward car about half its length.
Mr. Boullet was killed but the ladies escaped with only slight con-
tusions about the ankles.
Soon after the accident occurred, W. B. Clement, Justice of the
Peace of Alameda and ex-offido Coroner, was on the spot and took
chai-ge of the bodies. A jury was immediately summoned and em-
panelled on the spot. After viewing the bodies and premises they
adjourned, to meet at Alameda Station on Monday evening. The
following gentlemen composed the j ury : F. M. Campbell, C. F. Wood,
A. D. B.icon, F. K. Shattuck, Robinson Grlbbons and Charles Wood.
Drs. Malcolm, Nicholson, Van Wyke and Trainer hurried at once
to the scene of the disaster and gave their aid to the wounded.
The worst wounded were transferred to the sleeping car of the,
Central Pacific train. Others were taken away in hacks or in the
private vehicles that soon appeared upon the spot. The Alameda
Park Insane Asylum furnished a convenient and comfortable hos-
pital for the woimded, and hither they were brought in the sleeping
car and received fui'ther attention from the medical gentlemen already
mentioned,who wei'e further i-einforced by the presence of Drs. Gibbons,
288 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Fox, Verhave, Gushing, Holmes, Baldwin, Coxhead, Selfridge and
Poi-ter, of tliis county, together with Drs. Letterman and McNulty,
of San Francisco.
The excitement in Oakland was intense, and extended throughout
the country.
The inquest was commenced on Monday evening, at the Alameda
station, and lasted several days. The following verdict was ren-
dered :
We, the jury empanuelled on an inquisition held at the town of
Alameda, before W. B. Clement, Esq., Justice of the Peace and
Acting Coroner for the County of Alameda, State of California, to
enquii'e into the cause of the death of Alexander White Baldwin,
A. Boullet, Edward Anderson, George Thompson, Ghas. Martin,
Frank B. Miliken, J. D. McDonald, David Wand, Max Ehrman,
Thomas F. Sandoz, James Conly, Brunson H. Fox and Henry L.
Peterson, do find, from the evidence before us, that the said persons,
and each and all of them, came to their death from the effect of a
collision which took place between the westward-bound train of the
Alameda Railroad and the eastward-boimd train of the Westei-n
Pacific Railroad, near Damon's Station, in the said County of
Alameda, on Sunday, the 14th day of November, A. D. 1869, at or
about the hour of 9 a. m. of said day, and that the said collision was ■^
the result of and was caused by the ignorance and incompetency of the \
switchman, Bernard Kane, employed at Simpson's Station, in giving a
signal to the oflicers of the Western Pacific train, indicating that it
was " all right, go ahead," and in saying to the locomotive engineer
of said Western Pacific Railroad, " all right."
The jury further find, from the evidence of said Bernard Kane,
that he cannot read, and that the ofiicer of the Railroad Com})any,
whose duty it was to instruct said Kane in his duties, was deceivetl
by said Kane as to his inabilit^f to read.
Dated at Alameda, the 17th day of November, 1869.
(Signed.) H. D. Bacon, Foreman ; F. K. Shattuck, F. M. Gamp-
bell, G. F. Woods, Robinson Gibbons, Charles Wood.
On Tuesday, the 16th, took place the funeral obsequies of some of
the dead, at Oakland.
The funeral of Judge Baldwin took place from the residence of
Hon. John B. Felton, his brother-in-law, in Oakland. It was attend-
ed by the Masonic Lodges and the members of the bar, and many
other distinguished citizens.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 289
Monsieur Boulet's remains was placed in a temporary resting place,
in the old cemetery on "Webster Street, as it was the intention of his
fiimily to send them to Paris for permanent interment.
Brouson H. Fox, of Illinois, was buried by the Masonic Fraternity,
in Mountain View Cemetery.
The Boai-d of Supervisors, assembled as a Board of Equalization, on
the 1st of November, passed the following resolutions, by which over
$8,000 of assessments were struck from the assessment roll:
1st. That all money secured by moi'tgage which had been pa,id
after the 1st Monday of August and before the 1st Monday of No-
vember, should be stricken from the roll on application and a showing.
2d. That all sums due as purchase money and secured by mort-
gage, should be stricken from the roll on application and a showing.
The moi'tgage tax question was one that for several years agitated
the State, and finally, in 1875, the Supreme Court decided it to be
illegal.
The new County Infirmary in Eden Township does not appear to
have been a very creditably conducted institution. The editor of
the Gazette paid it a visit in the latter part of December, and drew a
very repulsive picture of it. The edifice he described as nothing bet-
ter than a rough wooden shell, 15x30, through which the cold Avind
whistled ; the wards small and over-crowded. The number of patients
was twenty-five males, three females and two children. The article
concluded by saying: "We ai-e ready to acknowledge that the trvie
state of affairs is almost beyond conception ; but nevertheless, there is
no dodging the fact that we, constituting the populous third county
in the State, are treating our sick paupers with a heartless cruelty,
which it is to be hoped is without a parallel in any civilized land."
In this year appeared the first number of the Alameda Encinal,
the first paper issued in Alameda town. It was published by F. K.
Krauth, its present editor and proprietor, and was noted for its typo-
graphical stj'le and judicious management.
1870 — Geiivitery Associations at Haywards — The People of Brooklyn
Resolve to Incorporate — Bridge between Oakland and Alameda
Proposed — Distasteftd to Brooklyn People — Agitation Favoring
the Removal of the County Seat to Oakland Commenced — Hay-
wards Trotting Association — Mining Excitement near Brooklyn
290 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY,
- — NeitJier Coal, " a Color" or Copper Fouiul — Installation of
New County Officers — Testimonials to Mr. Amerman, the Retir-
ing Clerh — The Mills Seminary Coming — Portuguese Benevolent
Societies formed — Tax Levy for 1870 — Directors o^the S. F. aixd
Oakland Railroad Elected — Death of Major-General Thomas — -
Bill Authorizing the Issuance of Bonds for Building a New
Bridge between Brooklyn and Oakland Passed — School Festival
at San Lorenzo — Post Office Op>ened at Washington Comers — -
County Boundaries — -A New Railroad Town — Railroad Consol-
idation — Capture of Jesus Tejada — Water Connpany at the Mis-
sion — Berkeley and Oakland Water Works Company — Consoli-
dation of the Western Pacific Railroad with the Central Pacific —
Accidental Death of a S. F. Merchants— Brooklyn Indulges in a
Fourth of July Celebration — A Fatal Trial Trip — Three Men
Drowned — Homicide at Haywanrds — Chinese Expelled from Al-
varado — Governor Stanford Purchases the Warm Springs Prop-
erty — Beet Sugar Mill in Operation at Alvarado — The Annie
Mooney Mystery — A Model Grand Jury Report — Death of Tom
Hart — " No Shooting Allowed " — The October Races at Hay-
wards — Grand Squirrel Hunt — Missioii Land Company — Pro-
posed Savings and Loan Society in Alameda — Fall Races on the
Pacific Track — A Gipsey Camp Instituted at Alameda — Edmond-
son, a Defaulter at Boise — Piscatorial Propagation at Alvarado
— Good Grain Crop — -S. B. Martin Charters a Vessel to Take his
Grain to Europe — Horrible Double Murder— Railroad Bridge
near Niles Burned — Loss, $80,000 — Decoto Land Company —
The Alameda County, Advocate Commenced — Titles of Legisla-
tive Enactments.
There was organized in Haywards, at the beginning of tliis year,
the Lone Tree Cemetery Association, which purchased tliii-ty-four
acres of land near the town for bui-ial purposes. The incorporators
were E. Dole, C. Ward, Geo. Brown, H. W. Rice and T. Cunning-
ham. There was a Catholic Cemetery of fifteen acres, staited a short
time previous, which was called Santa Maria Cemeteiy.
A meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Brooklyn, including
San Aiitonio, Clinton and Lynn, was held on the 19th of February,
for the purpose of taking into consideration the advisability of incor-
porating under a town charter. The sense of the meeting was in the
affirmative, and a bill was drawn u}) and sent to the Legislature,
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 291
tlien in session, for the purpose of having it ]>assed. The bill became
law, and on and after the 1st day of May, 1870, Brooklyn was an
incorporated town. The follomng officers were elected to serve for
the first year : Trustees, H. A. Mayhew, President of the Board ;
A. Cannon, H. Turn Suden, H. Tubbs, Chas. Newton ; Clerk and
Treasurer, J. F. Steen ; Assessor, E. E. Webster ; Marshal, O.
Whipple.
There was a bill before the Legislature for the construction of a
bridge across the creek, between Oakland and Alameda, which was
very distasteful to the people of Brooklyn, as it interfered with and
obstiiicted the navigation of the estuary down to that town, and they
sent in a strong remonstrance against it, but without avail, as the
bill became law and the bridge was built, and is now known as the
Webster-Street Bridge.
The question of removing the county seat from San Leandro to
Oakland received some attention about this time, and a bill, drawn
up by some citizens of Oakland for the purpose of efiecting such
removal, was sent to Sacramento ; but the delegation being opposed
to any such legislation, it was not introduced. It was the com-
mencement, however, of a very acrimonious and bitter contest
between the people of the city and the country, which lasted several
j'ears, and finally resulted in the triumph of the city.
The Haywards Trotting Association, or Jockey Club, elected the
following officers at its annual meeting in February : President,
William Meek ; Yice-President, F. B. Granger ; Secretary, C. Ward ;
Ti'easurer, D. Smalley.
There was a mining excitement in Brooklyn Township this year.
It did not confine itself to the precious metals, and "black diamonds"
were looked for as well as gold and silver, and copper. Some parties
thought they had discovered indications of coal near the head of
Fruit Vale, in March, and parties set to work to unearth it, but they
had only their expenditure and loss of time for their trouble. It
was the same, a coiiple of months later, with the parties who were
at work in search of gold and silver, further up the mountain side.
There was found a supposed mineral lode, which it was believed
would assay $200 a ton in gold and silver. It was located on the
land of Mr. May, north of the termination of Fruit Vale Avenue,
among the canons in the foothills. The rock taken out was com-
posed of talcose slate, in places sparingly intermixed with quartz and
strontian. The entire length of some of these gulches is flanked by
292 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
this formation, while neighboring hills are made up of serpentine to
the south and sandstone and conglomorate to the north. For two
years past there had been considerable speculation on the prospect of
finding gold and silver in paying quantities in this locality, and in
consequence land assumed an unusual value. Some parties actually
paid $20,000 for a piece of ground, which was not worth half the
money ; employed an experienced miner to sink a shaft, the rock
from which was said to yield $80 per ton, but upon being assayed
did not produce a color of the precious metal. The only deposit of
any metal yet found in those hills is that of iron sulphurets.
The new county officers took possession of their desks on the 7th
of March. The clerks employed in the Court House presented the
retiring County Clerk, Mr. I. A. Amerman, with a handsome gold
watch, cham and key, as a token of their esteem upon his retiring,
Mr. A. A. Moore, Dejiuty Recorder, made the presentation in a
handsome speech, which was feelingly replied to by the talented re-
cipient. A few days later the same gentleman was presented with a
silver set of table ware, the gift of the members of the bar, and, no
doubt, was a well-merited compliment. The presentation was made
by Lewis Shearer, Esq.
A meeting in favor of a Female College, to be established in
Brooklyn Township, was held at Judge Hamilton's office, San Leau-
dro, on the 5th of March. The object was to raise funds and assist
the enterprise. J. O. Eldridge was present on behalf of the College,
and stated that the institution would be conducted by the Rev. jNIr.
and Mrs. Mills, then conducting a similar school at Benicia.
A branch of the Poi-tuguese Benevolent Society of San Francisco
was formed at Hay wards, March 13th, when the following officers
were elected : President, Joseph Silva ; Vice-President, William
Marriante ; Recording Secretary, Joseph Pimentel; Permanent Sec-
retary, John T. Quadros ; Treasurer, Antonio Pedes ; Trustees, An-
tonio P. Leal, Joseph F. Silvara, Candido Menezes.
Another branch of the same association was established in San Le-
andro early in Jvily, where the following officers were elected : Presi-
dent, Antonio Lucio ; Vice-President, Lanzo A. Ferreira ; vSecretary,
Manuel S. I. Andrado ; Treasurer, Frank Williams ; Permanent
Secretary, Francisco Est. Correa ; Trustees, Antonio Damaiao, Fran-
cisco Jose Ignacio, Manuel F. da Cunha, Antonio F. da Cunha,
Juan Baptista.
What is called the Portuguese population in Alameda County
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 293
commenced to settle here at an early date, and are amongst the
most thriving portion of our population, occupying, ?,s they do, small
farms of the best land and growing vegetables and fruits. They are
natives of the Azores or Western Isles, and are an exceedingly in-
dustrious and thrifty class, with simple hearts and simpl-^ pleasures,
and number between 4,000 and 5,000 in the county.
The Board of County Supervisors, at theii* meeting held in San Le-
andro on the 14th day of March, adjusted the tax levy for the
fiscal year of 1870-1, as follows : County General Fund, 21 cents ;
Road and Bridge Fund, 40 cents ; Common School Fund, 35 cents ;
County Infirmary Fund, 15 cents ; Jail and Recorder's Office Fund^
1 5 cents ; Oakland Bar Fund, 2 cents. This, exclusive of the State
Fund, was two cents more than the previous year's levy.
At the annual election of Directors of the San Francisco and Oak-
land Railroad Company, held on the 21st of March, 1870, Alfred A.
Cohen, F. D. Atherton, D. B. Barstow, D. O. MUls and W. C. Ral-
ston were chosen.
On Tiiursday, 31st March, the funeral train containing the re-
mains of the late Major-General Thomas passed through Alameda
County on their way to their final resting place, in Troy, N. Y. The
distinguished soldier died suddenly in lus office in San Francisco, on
the previous Monday.
The proposition before the Legislature authorizing the Board of
Supervisoi's of Alameda County to issue bonds for the construction
of a new bridge between Brooklyn and Oakland, to the value of §20,-
000, became law.
At a meeting of the Board held on Tuesday, June 7, it was re-
solved that all orders and resolutions passed previous to that date in
regard to the Oakland and Brooklyn bridge, on Twelfth Street, be re-
pealed, and all bids received in the matter of building be rejected.
It was further resolved that $15,000 in bonds be issued and placed
in the hands of the Road and Bi-idge Committee for the construction
of said bridge, and that said Committee proceed immediately to build
the bridge and roadway, according to the plans and specifications of
W. F. Boardman, either by private contract or by day's labor, or by
advertisement for bids, as said Committee might deem best. Work
was commenced on the 20th of August, under Roadmaster Thorne, of
Brooklyn, and Hersey, of Oakland, they doing the preliminary grad-
ing, cutting down the hill" on the Clinton side and filling in the road-
way with the earth. The rest of the work was let to different par-
294 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
ties, and it was close to the end of the year before the job was fin-
ished. The grading and macadamizing of Washington Street, Brook-
lyn, went on simultaneously.
Bates & Wales' blue trap I'ock quarries, for macadamizing purposes,
were opened this summer. They are situated in the direction of
Piedmont, and supjjly excellent materials for street-making jDur-
poses.
There was a fine display of the schools of San Lorenzo, Haywards,
Alvarado, Centreville and Washington Corners, on the 10th day of
June, at Centreville, under the management of Mr. M. M. Spencer,
of Haywards. The celebration was in the form of a musical festival,
and Prof. Gustave Scott, of San Francisco, had charge of the musical
directorship on the occasion.
A postoflice was established at Washington Corners in July, with
the late Timothy Eix as Postmaster. This was the first office in the
place, the people of that locality having had previously to go to Cen-
treville or Mission San Jose on their mail business.
The Board of Supervisors, at one of its meetings, adopted a reso-
lution requesting the Surveyor-General to establish the boundai'y
lines between the counties of Alameda, San Joaquin and Contra
Costa. It was their opinion that San Joaquin and Contra Costa in-
fringed on the boundaries as first established by Mr. Higley, the
first County Surveyor of Alameda. As no official survey had been
made, that officer ran the line in accordance with the statute, starting
at the junction of the counties named and running in a straight line
northwesterly to a point on the old San Joaquin river, which he
supposed to be what was designated as the Pescadero Slough. Sub-
sequently a dispute arose, and Messi's. Boardman, of Alameda, and
Stakes, of San Joaquin, met and reestablished the line. They started
from High Pine Peak, near the junction of the Counties of Tuol-
umne (now Stanislaus) and San Joaquin (the point of Higley 's de-
pai-ture), and ran along the "Main Divide," in a westerly course, for
two or three miles, and thence in a straight line to the point of the
tennination of Higley 's survey, making a diffei'ence in favor of San
Joaquin of several miles of valuable land, including the Corral Hol-
low coal mines.
Recently the County Sui'veyor of Contra Costa had fixed on Pes-
cadero Slough, at a point some six miles northwest of the point
designated by Higley. If the Sur^-eyor of Contra Costa was correct,
and Mr. Higley seemed to think he was, then a large stiip of valu-
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 295
able agricultural laud, rightfully belonging to Alameda County, was
in the possession of Contra Costa County. Mr. Higley was author-
ized to establish the lines between Alameda and San Joaquin.
On Saturday, June 11th, articles of incorporation were filed in the
County Clerk's Office of San Francisco, by the Decoto Land Com-
pany of Alameda County. The object was to purchase the ground
and lay out the railroad town of Decoto, and plant there 37,500 ever-
green trees.
The San Francisco and Oakland and San Francisco, Alameda and
Hay wards Railroad Companies were consolidated July 1st, under the
name of the S. F. O. &; A. E,, R. Co., to form a continuous line from
San Francisco to Hay wards. Directors : Faxon D. Atherton, D. O.
Mills, Wm. C. Ralston, Alfred A. Cohen and David P. Barstow.
In the latter part of May, Sheriff Morse, accompanied by Constable
Morehouse, captured a Californian named Jesus Tejada, who had
been chai'ged with being a participant in a dreadful crime in San
Joaquin County, about twenty miles from Stockton, on the 9th of
December, 1869. He and a number of others belonging to his band,
brutally and in cold blood, murdered a man named Frank Medina, an
Italian storekeeper, his clerk, two Mexicans and a negro on the oc-
casion referred to, and then escaped. Sheriff Morse was commissioned
with their arrest. About the latter part of April he received infor-
mation that led him to believe that Tejada, one of the murderers, was
encamped with a band of outlaws in the mountains, about 100 miles
south of Ellis Station, and with his companion started in pvirsuit.
They found the band alluded to but could not identify their man,
and had to return. Subsequently, having received further informa-
tion, they again proceeded to effect the arrest, and in the night time
made a descent upon the outlaws' hiding place. When within a few
hundred yards of the spot where Tejada and four companions were
sleeping, the officers came upon a sentinel that had been posted to
warn the sleepei-s of the approach of danger. The sentinel, on per-
ceiving the officers, started for the tree where the murderer was rest-
ing, but the officers overhauled him before he could give the alarm.
Creeping up softly, they got within a few feet of the party, and getting
tlieir rifles in position called upon them to surrender. Tejada, in sur-
prise and consternation, threw up his hands, evidently aware that he
was the object sought. He was handcuffed and the officers took him
off, leaving the others to their reflections. Tejada was a native Cal-
ifornian, about 24 years of age, and six feet in liight. He was lodged
in San Leandro jail.
296 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY,
The cei-tificate of the Bay Spring AVater Company was filed in the
ofiice of the Secretary of State on the 4th of April. The object of
the Company was to supply Mission San Jos6 and other towns in
Alameda County ^vlth fresh and pure water taken from Barry and
Story Springs. Capital stock, $50,000, divided into 500 shares.
Term of existence, fifty years. Trustees : George W. Cook, Ira Mai*-
den and Chas. W. Cook.
The certificate of incorporation of the Berkeley and Oakland Water
"Works Company, was filed m the Clerk's office on the 12th of April.
The object was to furnish pure, fresh water for the City of Oakland
and to the towns in the County of Alameda and to the inhabitants
thereof, from San Pablo Creek, Wild Cat Creek, Cordoneres Creek,
and from springs, wells and other sources of supply as might be made
aA^ailable for that purpose. Capital stock, $1,000,000, in 10,000
shares of $100 each. Trustees: F. K. Shattuck, A. J. Snyder, and
others.
There was filed in the office of the Secretary of State, on the 23d of
June, articles of association, amalgamation and consolidation of the
Central Pacific of California with the Western Pacific Railroad, un-
der the name of Central Pacific Railroad, executed June 22d. By
this arrangement all the capital stock, property, assets, debts and
franchises of the companies were consolidated. The number of Direc-
tors were seven, and the foUoAving were to act mitil others were elect-
ed, namely: Leland Stanford, C. P. Huntington, Mark Hopkins,
Charles Crocker, E. B. Crocker, E. H. Miller, Jr., and A. P. Stan-
ford. Capital stock, $100,000,000. The companies thus consolidat-
ed, though run as separate concerns, were, as was well known,
owned by the same parties. The consolidation did away with the
keeping of two sets of books, and thus simplified the business of the
company.
A frightful accident occurred on the San Pablo road, near Oak-
land, on the 3d day of July, by which a gentleman named Walter
Welch, of the firm of Kelly, Welch & Co., San Francisco, lost his
life. It appears that Mr. Welch, accompanied by his wife and
daughter, hired a livery horse and went to see a friend out the San
Pablo road, and when returning the horse got frightened at some-
thing and shied so badly that he xipset the buggy, thro-svdng out the
occupants and injuring Mr. Welch so much that he died shortly after,
and Mrs. Welch was seriously but not fatally injured.
Brooklj^n, this year, the fiivst of its incorporation, indulged in a
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 297
fii'st-class Fourth of July celebration, cousisting of a procession of
the Fire Department, the reading of the Declaration of Independen-
ce by C. F. Haswell, and an oration by Dr. Knowles.
A sad accident occurred to three residents of Brooklyn on the 4th
of Jvdy, by which they lost their lives on the San Antonio Creek.
A man named Buzzalini, a tailor by trade, invented a boat to work
with paddles, like a railroad hand-cai-, and got a caveat for patenting
the same. He built a boat, and, on that day, took a party of eleven
out on a trial trip. When about a mile beyond Broadway Wharf,
and one hundred yards from the shox-e, the boat was swamped, and
Buzzalini and two other men, named Patrick H. Grimes and James
Clark, unfortunately, were drowned. Buzzalini left a wife and six
children to mourn his loss.
On the 27th day of July, at the Haywards Trotting Park, two
boys, named Charley Poos and John McCue, young jockeys, were
indulging in some play or skylarking, when the former drew a pistol
and shot the latter through the head. Young Roos was tried for
murder at the following session of the County Court and acquitted,
on the ground that the shooting was not willful.
On the 4th of August, in consequence of disorderly conduct on
their part, all the Chinamen in Alvarado were di-iven out of the
town by a mob of citizens.
Governor Stanford this summer purchased the fine property in
Washington Township known as the Warm Springs, from JNIr. A.
A. Cohen, with the intention of converting the same into a private
residence.. He has made no improvement on the property since, but
his brother Josiah has been occupying it, cultivating a fine vineyard,
and making wine.
Work in the new beet sugar company's mill, at Alvarado, com-
menced in the latter end of November, 1870. The mill was located
about a half mile from Alvarado, on the Alameda Ci^eek, on the
Dyer Ranch. The bu.ilding was txo hundx-ed feet by fifty, three
stories high, with a large tower, and was built of Avood, at a cost of
$20,000. The following well-known gentlemen composed the com-
pany : General C. L.' Hutchinson, Benj. Flint, W. T. Garrett, T. G.
Phelps, J. N. Risdon, P. Spreckles, W. B. Can-, E. R. Carpentier,
E. H. Dyer, and Bonesteel, Otto & Co., who were formerly of Wis-
consin. The capital stock was $250,000, all owned by the gentlemen
named. The building and machinery cost $150,000. The rest of
their- capital was kept for the purchase of moi-e lands, and for the
298 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
running expenses of the factory. This factory used up fifty tons of
beets every twenty-four hours, and employed about 150 hands. Tlie
company had between 300 and 400 acres of beets growing in 1870,
which were increased. The species of beets of which the best sugar
is made, and produces the largest percentage of saccharine, is called
the White Silesian. They require a light, loamy soil, with clay sub-
soil, to bring out the gi-eatest capacity. The machinery of the
establishment was of the latest invention and most perfect construc-
tion. It Y/as all made in San Francisco, at the Union Iron Works,
except the centrifugals, which were imported from Germany, where
every conti-ivance for making- sugar from beets had been thoroughly
tested by the most scientific experiments. The whole business was '
under the management of Messrs. Bonesteel, Otto & Co., who had
large experience in similar undertakings in Wisconsin.
This sugar mill continued in Alvarado until 187-*, when it was
removed to Suscol, in Santa Cruz County, on account of the accessi-
bility of chea,per fuel, which was an important item.
The sudden and mysterious death, in a San Francisco hotel, of a
young school girl belonging to Brooklyn, named Annie Mooney, was
the cause of deep regret and great excitement in that town at the
time. The occurrence took place in August. A coroner's inquest
was held on the remains of the unfortunate girl, but the correct
cause of her death was not elicited. The fact that she had, at the
hotel, enquired for the room of a gentleman who was the conductor
of a train on the Central Pacific Railroad, caused suspicion to be
entertained against him, and he was arrested by the coroner's jury,
on suspicion, but soon after was released. He sued them and the
publishers of the Brooklyn Independent newspaper, subsequently, for
damages for false arrest and libel.
The Grand Juiy of the County Covirt, at the September session,
had a great deal of business to investigate, and the result was an
important and able jjresentment, which is worthy of reproduction
here as a model of its kind. It conveys a great deal of information
concerning our county institutions, and is worthy of being read and
reflected upon by all citizens who may be under the necessity of per-
forming similar services hereafter. Some portions of it, which are
not essential, have been omitted on account of length :
To the Honorable the County Court of Alameda Count)/:
The Grand Jury for the September Term, 1870, of the County of
Alameda, State of California, do respectfully report as follows :
rXDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 299
I _
I Tiiat we have examined into nineteen cases of alleged offenses
ja^Miiist the laws, and have found true bills of indictment in twelve
c.i>^'s, as follows :
One for mui-der ; one for murder in the second degree ; two for
bi.L;:uuy ; one for burglary ; four for grand larceny ; one for accessory
|aftL'r the fact of grand larceny ; one for petit lai'ceny ; one for rob-
I That we have ignored bills in six cases following, to-wit :
i o. E. Peck, charged with grand larceny ; Chas. Feeder, assault to
,c )]iiinit bodily injury ; John Ashwest, robbery ; Nemesa Celares,
ia -;iult to commit bodily injury; Manuel F. Duconia, assault to
urder ; Jennie G-enieve, attempt to commit arson.
That we have refeiTed one case of complaint for grand larceny to
the next Grand Jury.
We have visited the County Jail, and thoroughly examined the
!, finding it secure, and in a good, cleanly condition.
We have also inquired into the cause of the confinement of all per-
sons confined therein, and fiiid that each prisoner's case has been pass-
ed upon by the Grand Jury, Avith the exception of three pei-sons who
are serving out sentences of Court heretofore pronounced against
them.
The Grand Jury cannot but feel the hardship im[)Osed by their
finding against the boy Charles Roos, for mui'der in. the second degree.
While the evidence by which we were compelled to decide this case
left no alternative to our action, we cannot but observe a serious
deficiency in ovir criminal law, which threatens not only the punish-
ment of mature felons, but a cliild of the tender age of from twelve
to fourteen years, whose education has been neglected, and who needs
instruction and information rather than punishment. The hardening
companionship* of the State Prison can only confirm him in a lifelong
career of crime. Such cases ought to be sent to an Industrial School ;
and since the abolition of the institution formerly located at Maiys-
ville, we would suggest that the next Legislature be called upon to
make some other provision for the reformation of juvenile ofienders
throughout the State.
We have examined the books of the County Treasurer, and find
them kept neatly and legibly. We find the sum of $12,914 in the
vault, which agrees with the Treasurer's balance sheet.
The assessment roll shows the assessed value of the real and per-
sonal property of Alameda County to be $11,786,381, and the amount
of tax levied is §2.55,764.48 for the year 1870.
I
300 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
We have examined the books of the County Recoi'dei-, and find the
books neatly kept and systematically arranged.
We also visited the County Clerk's Office, and found on file therein
quite a number of certificates of incorporations of religious and other
societies, cemeteries, etc., that should be made matters of record, in
order to their preservation. We also find the judgment docket of the
District Court to be nearly worn out by constant use since the organ-
ization of the county .
We recommend to the Board of Supervisors, that they authorize
the County Clerk to have the certificates of incorporation on file in
his office recorded, and that he also be authorized to procure new-
judgment docket, and transcribe therein the records of the old one.
We have visited and examined the County Hospital, and find the
same in a cleanly and comfortable condition. Since the present Stew-
ard, C. Caldwell, took charge, on January 1st, 1870, thei-e have been
admitted sixty-two patients (all males).
There were in the hospital, February 15 : males, 27 ; females, 3 ;
total number treated, 92. Pi'esent number of patients, 18 ; average
number per day from February 1st to April 30th, 1870, 28 ; average
number per day from May 1st to July 31st, 1870, 16.
We could not ascertain the number of deaths, as no separate record
has been kept thereof by the Steward, and we had not sufficient time
to cull this information from the records as kept. We recommend
that the Board of Supervisors require of the Steward quarterly or
monthly repoi'ts for publication, stating the number, sex and diseases
of all persons admitted, and especially the names, sex, age, diseases
and date of death, of all who die in the hospital. Also, that a sepa-
rate record be kept of the deaths, and that a head-board with, at
least, a number corresponding with the record number, be placed
over each grave in the hospital cemetery, so that should the remains
be hereafter claimed, there would be no difficulty in identifying them.
We examined the Court-house building, and found the same to
have been substantiallj'- rebuilt of wood, and ceiled throughout — thiis
guarding against future loss by earthquakes. The various offices are
convenient, and kept in excellent condition.
On a careful examination into the mode of presenting and auditing
bills by the Board of Supervisors for road and bridge expenditures,
we must wholly condemn the system as affijrding no })rotection what-
ever to the Treasuiy, and as calculated to^ render the detection of
fraud impossible.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 301
The statute entitled "An Act concerning roads and liigliways in
the County of Alaijaeda," approved March 20th, 1862, Section 25,
reads as follows : " The Board of Commissioners shall * * *
at every regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors make a full and
explicit report of all their official acts * * * All their official
acts shall be subject to the approval of said Board." Now it is evi-
denced before us that no such reports of the condition of the roads
and bridges, or of the Road Commissioners' official acts, have been
filed by any of the Road Commissioners during two years last past,
if ever. But in lieu thereof we find a long series of bills made out
on blanks furnished by the Board, which state the name, number of
days' work, rate per day, and sum total of labor due, or of material
furnished, without a word of explanation as to what woi'k has been
done, or where or what equivalent, if any, the county has received
for its money. The oath on the back of this document is also appa-
rently worded so as to be entirely non-committal on those important
subjects. When the bills are presented they are referred to an Aud-
iting Committee, whose custom it has been to pass upon them at the
same meeting, without any inquiry or examination into the work
actually done, and generally upon the mere assurance of the town-
ship Supervisor that it is " all right."
We therefore urge upon the Board of Supervisors that they
abolish the present form of Road Masters' bills, and substitute
therefor such a form and such affidavit as will require proof of the
work done, as well as of all the other items contained in the present
form.
Tliat the present mode of auditing such bills at the same meeting
as when presented, be abolished, and instead thereof that no such
bill be audited imtil at the lapse of at least one meeting after that
at which the bill shall have been presented, and that, meantime, the
Auditing Committee shall be required to examine the work done.
That, as required by statute, the Road Commissioners shall be
required, at every regular meeting of the Board, to present reports
as prescribed by statute. We further commend this important sub-
ject to the next and each succeeding Grand Jury, until the abuses
to which the present system dix-ectly tends shall be prevented alto-
gether.
C. G. Reed, W. H. Hamilton, L. J. Hamilton, Hiram Bailey,
Beuj. F. Bramen, Chas. W. Keene, A. B. Dixon, G. A. Babb, J.
Meagher, James Edger, Hiram Battin, William G. Crow, Martin
Brophy, John Arnett. C. T. Hopkins, Foreman.
San Leaiidro, September 23d, 1870.
302 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Mr. Tliomas Hart, an old resident of the county, and one of the
first settlers in Livermore Valley, died at his residence in that place,
on the 23d of September, 1870, in the forty-third year of his age^
He was bnried in the Dougherty grave yard, in Dublin, then the
only buiyiag place in Murray Township, and the funeral corte
reached nearly a mile in length, making the largest funeral ever
known in that part of the county. An effective funeral sermon v
preached by the Rev. L. E.. Clark, who did not long survive the
man whose obsequies he attended.
The quail-hunters had reason to complain of the restrictions placed
on them by a law passed by the previous Legislature, with reference
to shooting in enclosed premises. Everywhere a " No Shooting
notice stared them in the face, and the birds were sure of refuge j
where the chagrined sportsman could not follow. The Act provided
" It shall not be lawful for any person or persons to enter any en-
closure belonging to or occupied by another, for the purpose of
hunting with hounds, or to shoot, kill or destroy any kind of game,
without first having obtained permission from the owner or agent of
such enclosure." The position of those matters in the State, are
exactly similar to the English law in regard to hunting, with the
exception of the license, for a license to shoot game is required by
the English statute.
There was great interest taken in the October races, at Haywards,
this year. They lasted three days, but the pi-incipal contest was
between " Alameda Maid " and " Brooklyn Boy." The mare was
declared the winner of the race and money.
The members of the Alameda County Farmers' Club treated them-
selves to a grand squirrel hunt in September and October, during
which months they killed and scalped no less than 11,792 squirrels.
There was a premium awarded by the Legislature for every squirrel
destroyed and scalp produced, besides a prize given by the Club,
which in this instance was carried off" by Wm. Cox, who had 27
scalps over and above all competitors. Shooting and poisoning were
the means of destruction.
The San Jose Mission Land Company filed a certificate of incor-
poration on the 13th October. Objects: to purchase a certain tract
of land, comprising about five thousand acres of the tract known as
the San Jos6 Mission lands, and to improve and distribute the same
among the shareholders; also to raise a fund for the purpose of con-
structing and endowing two colleges, one for males and the other for
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 303
females, should the order of Odd Fellows locate the one at San Jose
IMission and the other at Decoto, in Alameda County. Capital stock,
$1,250,000, gold coin, divided into 500 shares of $2,500 each. The
trustees were S. S. Tilton, C. F. Wood, E. H. Myer, Koble Hamilton,
Harvey S. Brown, Henry V. Herbert and I. A. Amerman. The
plan of the Company was not carried out, but an excellent college was
established at Washington Corners.
The preliminary steps for establishing a Savings and Loan Society
in Alameda town, to be called the Alameda Valley Savings Bank,
were taken in October of this year, and the articles of incorporation
drawn up and sent to Sacramento. It was expected the bank would
be in operation by the beginning of 1871, but for some reason the
proposed financial institution never opened. The incorporators were
W. B. Clement, W. H. Harnden, J. W. McKee, Eustace Trenor, Conrad
Liese and N. W. Palmer. The Board of Directors, for the fii'st six
' months, consisted of W. B. Clement, Eustace Trenor, W. H. Harnden,
N. W. Palmer, Louis Fassking, J. W. McKee, Henry Ptobinson, Thos.
A. Smith, Frank Coy, F. Boehmer and Wm. P. Gibbous.
The fall I'aces on the Pacific Track, Brooklyn, were very spirited
and lasted five days, extending from the 10th to the 15th of
October.
A gipsy camp was set up in Alameda, in October, the first known
in the county. A number of the lineal descendants of one of Father
Koali's boys, Japhet by name, encamped on Buena Vista Avenue,
between Walnut and Willow Streets. They had with them the usual
accompaniments of the tribe. The human portion of the band was
composed of expatriated noblemen and ladies, traveling incog — or, in
their wagon, as the humor dictated.
Infonnation was received here in October, that Edmondson,
formerly Sherifi" of Alameda County, but then latterly Treasurer of
Boise County, Idaho, had tui'ned out a defaulter to the extent of
$13,000, and had absconded.
Messrs. Wiggins & Taylor, a firm of piscatorial propagators, tried
the experiment of trout culture, at Alvarado, where they purchased
land for the purpose and sunk an artesian well. Hatching-houses
were constructed, the ponds ditched and dyked, but the exjieriment
does not appear to have been a success, as it was not continued.
The locality, hov/ever, appears to be very suitable for such an enter-
prise, whatever the cause of discontinuance.
The grain crop of 1870 proved a good one, especially barley, which
304 HISTORY OP ALAMEDA COUNTY.
was a large one in the Alameda Valley. Wheat brought $2 per 100
lbs., and barley $1.25. One of our extensive wheat-growers, Mr. S.
B. Martin, instead of employing middle-men, commission merchants
and shippers, to cany his crop to market, chartered a ship and sent
his crop direct to Liverpool, at his own risk. The vessel he chai-t-
ered was the Archer, which hauled in at the end of the Central
Pacific Eailroad Wharf, on the Oakland side. Twelve hundred tons
of wheat were brought along her side, and in a few hours were
stowed, and the ship, without incurring any wharfage charges, was
hauled into the stream ready for her voyage. Whatever pi-ofit there
was in this transaction went directly to the producer. He avoided
commissions, tolls and storage, and got the Liverpool price, having
only had to pay moderate freight charges. There is no wheat-grower,
outside of California, who has taken up a ship on his own account.
Shipments have been made in this way from Vallejo. The facilities
offered to Avheat-growers for shipping direct to a foreign market are,
probably, better here than in any other wheat-growing State in the
Union.
The Alaineda County Gazette, of Nov. 12th, contained the follow-
ing account of a horrible double murder committed the previous
week in the southern section of the county, which shows the deprav-
ity and native ferocity of the Indian character :
" On the evening of Tlnirsday, the 10th inst., an Indiaii woman,
supposed to be insane, named Anistaba, killed her daughter, aged ten
years, the child of a "greaser" (who was himself killed about three
years ago at Gilroy) and a man named Cohuacho, a native of Sonora,
Mexico, aged about forty years. The killing was done with an axe,
in a house near the Alviso hills, where the woman had been put by
her Indian friends for safe-keeping, and the man, Cohuacho, set to
watch her. Fi'om the surroundings it appears that the woman took
the man by surprise, in the house, his head being chopped and smashed
to a jelly. The body of the little girl was found in a swamp near
by, with the head mangled in the same way as the man's. Dr. Yates,
who held the inquest upon the bodies, says the sight was an exceed-
ingly horrible one. After the killing, the woman wandered from the
house, and was not found until the following Friday evening ; she
was then found at an Indian house, at Baylis' Mills. When she pre-
sented herself to the inmates of this house she appeared to be drunk.
Her head was covered with gashes, more than a dozen in number,
which were evidently self-inflicted, and her clothes clotted with blood
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 305
from head to foot. Constable Trefrey, of Centreville, lodged the wo-
man in the County Jail yesterday morning, to which she was com-
mitted by the acting Justice. Since the commission of the crime
she has acted as a perfectly sane person, except when she first ap-
peared at the house at the mills. Before the arrest she acknowledged
the murder, and gave as her motive a desire to die herself, as she had
no way of making her living. Violent deaths run among these peo-
ple — the last husband of this woman having been killed a few weeks
ago, in a drunken row, by an Indian."
A very heavy loss was sustained by the Central Pacific Railroad
Company, in the destruction by fire of the bridge crossing the Ala-
meda creek, on the San Jos6 road, near Niles Station. It is sup-
posed that the fire broke out about one o'clock Wednesday morning,
November 23d, and being removed from any station or settlement,
no information of the occurrence could be given to the officers of the
road in Sacramento. The bridge was a very substantial structure,
said to have cost some $80,000. Nothing is known as to the origin
of the fire. A temporary bridge was built at once, over which the
trains passed.
At the annual election for officers of the Decoto Land Company,
held in San Francisco, Mr. I. A. Amerman, of San Leandro, was
chosen President ; Wm. Harney, Treasurer ; and H. V, Herbert,
Secretaiy. A contract was entered into .at this meeting with S.
Nolan, the horticulturist, of Oakland, to plant 27,000 evergi-een
trees upon the lands of the company, at a cost of $20,352, the work
to be commenced immediately. The company made ari-angements
with the Central Pacific Railroad Company, whei'eby commutation
tickets between the toAvn of Decoto and San Francisco might be pur-
chased for $7.50 per month.
The trees were planted, and although evidently they did not re-
ceive much care and many of them died, yet there is quite a respect-
able gi'ove of gum and cypress trees on the town site. But as yet,
notwithstanding its natural advantages, Decoto has failed to reach
the dimensions of a town.
The first number of the Alameda County Advocate, published by
S. S. Saul, late of the Gazette, made its appearance at Haywards, on
the 19th of December, 1870.
The census of 1870 gave Alameda County a population of 24,737,
with an assessment roll of $11,786,381. The complete figures for
the year will be found in the statistical department of this work.
306 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Following are the titles of the various legislative Acts passed con-
cerning the County of Alameda and the City of Oakland, at the
session of 1870-1 :
An Act regulating bond of Eecorder.
An Act constituting County Clerk ex-officio Clerk of Board of
Supervisors. Coiuity Clei-k to be ex-officio Auditor. Election of
County Clerk and Eecorder.
An Act for the relief of Sheriff Morse.
An Act to provide for building bridge across the Estuary of San
Antonio. Tax for payment of bridge bonds. To issue bonds for
bridge purposes.
An Act for impounding of stock running at large.
An Act to prevent the destruction of tish and game in and around
Lake Merritt.
An Act to prevent hunting and shooting on private grounds.
An Act regulating compensation of Under Sherifl'.
An Act amending Act of 1862, concerning roads and liighways.
An Act establishing legal distances to Capitol, Insane Asylum and
Prison.
An Act authorizing a county tax for destruction of squirrels and
gophers.
An Act incorporating Town of Brooklyn.
An Act providing for. bridge across San Antonio Greek. Mayor
of Oakland to appoint Bridge Committee. City of Oakland to levy
special bridge tax.
An Act to provide for collection of delinquent taxes.
An Act to provide additional Notaries.
An Act constituting Superintendent of Schools to be member of
State Board of Education.
An Act to lay out and improve streets of Oakland.
An Act for relief of John Scott.
An Act authorizing contract for lighting city of Oakland with
gas.
An Act authorizing bonds for school purposes — $50,000.
An Act authorizing tax for redemption of School Bonds in Oakland.
An Act amending an Act of 1864, to improve streets in Oakland.
An Act to authorize a tax for interest on bonds issued for funding
<;ertain claims on Oakland.
An Act to authorize a tax for redemption of bonds issued foi" fund-
ing certain claims.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES.
307
An Act authorizing the Mayor to appoint Commissioners for a
bridge across San Antonio Creek.
An Act authorizing a special tax for bridge across San Antonio
creek.
An Act concerning wliarves, not to apply to Oakland.
An Act regarding collection of delinquent taxes.
An Act establishing boundary between Brooklyn and Oakland.
308 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
GEORGE BABCOCK. HENRY GOULD.
BABCOCK & GOULD,
PROPRIETORS OS THE
Okklk^d City l^louriii^ >Iill^,
THIRD STREET, NEAR BROADWAY,
-MANCPACTURERa OF-
BAKERS^ XXX and FAMILY FLOUR,
Corn Meal, Oat Meal, Pearl Barley, Rye and Buck-
wheat Flour, Cracked "Wheat, Hominy,
Split Peas and Ground Feed.
SAMM'S
Corner of First and Clay Streets, Oakland.
JACOB SAMM, Proprietor.
Manufactures Finest Family Flour, Farina, Cracked
Wheat, Rye Flour, Rye Meal, Indian Meal, ■ Cracked Corn,
Buckwheat Flour, Buckwheat Groats, Graham Flour, Small
Hominy, Oat Meal, Oat Groats, Pearl Barley, Split Peas,
Feed Meal, Ground Barley, Bran, Middlings, Etc. Barley
Ground to Order.
A8K YOUR GROCER FOR SAM3I'S FLOUR.
UXDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 309
CHAPTER XXIII.
THE EVENTS OF 1871,
Judge Nye Condemns the Legislature on Account of a Lottery Act —
The Crittenden Murder Case — The Suhol Valley Murder — Pur-
suit and Death of the Murderer, Juan Soto — Murder of Hiscock,
near Pleasanton — Arrest, Trial, Conviction and Execution of
Ramon Amador for the Cnme — Thwiider -storm — The Clark-
Reed Homicide, near Ocean View — An Extraordinary Case,
Showing How a Criminal was Shielded Against Punishment —
Jurymen and Judges Implicated — A Homicide near Haywards,
the Result of a Drunken Brawl — Suit for the Recovery of Taxes
— First Election of Brooklyn Town Officers — Bill for the Recla^
mation of Swamp Lands — Roller Skating and Rinks — Another
Homicide in Eden Toionship — Republican Candidates for Gov-
ernor — Selby and Booth — The Livermore Grant Decision — Fourth
of July Celebration — Moraga Land Troubles — A Man Killed —
The Brooklyn Home Journal — Hotel Burnt at Centreville —
Movement in Favor of a College in Washington Toionship —
" After Many Years " — An Old Indian Looking for a Man
Dead Over Twenty Years — Teeth of a Mastodon Discovered — A
Herd of Sheep Stolen — Still Another Homicide, followed by a
Shooting Affair — Republican Ticket Successfid at the Elections,
and Booth Elected Governor over Haight — Extensive Fire at
Livermore — Draw-bridge Decision — Visit of a Norther — A
Church, Nearly Finished, Blown Down — Temperance Association
at San Leamlro — Fire at the County Hospital — Jail-birds Escape
Rainstorm.
The year 1871 was remarkable in this county for its homicides, its
criminal calendars, its educational enterprises and short crops.
In his opening charge to the Gi'and Jury, on the 2d day of Jan-
uary, County Judge Nye severely censured the last Legislature for
passing an act, contrary to the Constitution of the State, permitting
310 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
the holding of a lottery in San Francisco, known as the Mercantile
Library Lottery. He declared that, without exaggeration, no single
legislative act in the history of the State had been so baneful tD
society, and urged upon them to indict any parties getting up lotteries
or raffles in the county, several of which were known to be in pro-
gress.
The Grand Jury, in their first report, stated that they had exam-
ined into seventeen cases of alleged offenses, and had found true bills
in twelve cases.
An order was issued transferring the case of Laura D. Fair, in-
dicted for the murder of A. P. Crittenden, in the previous October,
to the Third District Court, as well as that of Arastaba, the Indian
woman who had murdered her child and an Indian man, near Mission
San Jos6, some time previous. Crittenden was shot by Mi-s. Fair,
shortly after the ferry steamer had left the Oakland whai'f, which, as
is well known, runs a long distance into the bay, and a survey was
made by the Sui'veyor-General, Mr. Bost, to determine within which
county the crime was committed. The result went to show that the
Courts of San Francisco, not Alameda County, had jurisdiction in the
matter, and consequently the case was transferred thither.
An unprovoked and cold-blooded murder was perpetrated at the
store of Thos. Scott, in Suilol Yalley, on the 10th day of Jainiary,
1871, by a Mexican marauder, named Juan Soto, whose victim was
a clerk of Mr. Scott, named Ludovischi. On the evening of the day
mentioned, about the hour of 7 P. M., while Mr. Scott and family,
with three men, were sitting by a fire in a room adjoining his store,
when three " Spaniards " entered, and one of whom, who was masked,
fired at the clerk with a pistol, hitting him in the left side and kill-
ing him. Another man, a sti-anger, was shot in the hand, and the
rest of the people in the house, including Mr. Scott, escaped. Tlu^
assassins robbed the till of $65, and took with them some pantaloons
and other articles with which they escaj^ed. The assassins, who were
mounted, were tracked and pursued by Sheriflf Morse and Officers
Morehouse and Faville, next day. They proceeded to San Jos6, the
New Almaden Mines, and the country as far south as the Pacheco
Pass and San Luis Eanch, in Merced Count}-, all of which wen^
unsuccessfully seai-ched. In the Panoche mountains, however,
Sheriff Harris, of Santa Clara County, discovered a colony of
" Greaser " vagabonds, all arnied, and among whom they arrested an
escaped convict from Santa Clara, named Patricp INIaucellos.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 311
Until the 12tli of May following the murderers managed to
escape capture, but on that day the fate of one of them at least was
sealed. Sheriff Morse, having obtained information of the where-
abouts of some of the gang, started off again in pursuit, directing
his course for the Panoche mountains, accompanied by Sheriff Harris
and Constable Winchell, of San Jose, together with a small party of
other reliable men. Guides were procured, and the exact locality of
the bandits ascei-taiiied. There were three houses in close proximity,
and it was necessary to divide the party to search them all and arrest
the inmates. Morse, accompanied by Winchell, entered one of the
houses, leaving his Henry rifle slung from the horn of his saddle.
Sitting at a table in one of the rooms were three men, one of wliom
he immediately recognized as Soto, the murderer of Ludovischi. He
was not prepared for so sudden a meeting, but determined then and
there to secure his man. He drew his revolver and ordered the
Mexican to " throw up his hands," at the same time covering him.
The order was not obeyed, and thrice was it repeated, the only
response being a steady, unflinching, defiant glare from the eyes of
the bandit. With his unoccupied hand the Sheriff pulled a pair of
handcuffs out of his pocket and threw them upon the table, and told
his companion to fasten them upon the outlaw's wrists. At this
critical moment a muscular female sprang upon the Sheriff and
seized his right arm, while a man seized upon his left, when Soto,
quick as a flash, sprang from his place to behind one of the other
men and drew his pistol. The moment was now critical, and a
death struggle was before the officers. With a strong effort Sheriff
Morse threw otf his assailants and discharged his pistol at the head
of the bandit, who was sheltered behind his friend. The shot only
knocked off the outlaw's hat. It was the latter's turn next. Morse
made a dash for the door, got out and turned the corner, but only to
find himself covered with a revolver, in the hand of the desperate
villain. Both fired their revolvers. The outlaw had the first shot
and missed, although I'eputed to be a " dead-shot." Four rounds
were exchanged before a shot took effect, Morse's ball striking Soto's
pistol, which probably paralyzed the latter's arm, for he immediately
ran for the house.
In the meantime, Winchell, armed with a double-barrel shot-gun,
heavily loaded with shot, fired at the retreating outlaw, but missed
him. Morse then ran for his Henry rifle and secured it. Soto, in
the meantime, was indulging in a little piece of strategy. He pulled
312 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
off his blue soldier overcoat and put it upon one of his friends, while
both ran for a saddled horse hitched to a tree, and standing opposite
the house. Sheriff Harris, having heard the shots, hastened to the
scene of combat, and was about firing with his Heruy rifle on the
" boy in blue," supposing him to be the person that had been fight-
ing Morse, when the latter, discovering the bandit's ruse, checked his
friend's fire. Soto's horse, on which he ti'ied to escape, broke away
from him, and while in the act of running to another, which stood
ready at a little distance, a ball from Morse's rifle struck him in the
right shoulder. But he was determined not to be taken alive.
With a revolver in each hand, and liis eyes gleaming with desperate
determination, he boldly advanced towards his antagonists. Moi-se
raised his fatal rifle, and, with steady and deliberate aim, fired. The
shot was fatal, and the despei-ado dropped to the ground, pierced
through the brain, a corpse !
The party was soon at the headquartei-s of the band of outlaws,
close by, and arrested them all. Among the gang was the notorious
horse and cattle-stealer, Gonzales, who had escaped some time pre-
viously from the Santa Cruz Jail.
Soto had led a life of outlawry for several years, although b\it
thirty-two years of age. He had served two terms in the State
Prison, at San Quentin. He was one of four who had, some few
years previous, robbed the house of Charles Garthwait, near Pleiis-
anton, and maltreated his wife and daughter. He was of mixed
Indian and Mexican blood, was six feet two inches in height,
muscular and i-epulsive in aspect.
Another of those cowardly and unprovoked murdere which have
made the native population so odious in the eyes of all good citizens,
was perpetrated in this county on the 16th of January. The victim
was a hunter named Hiscock, and the muixlei-er a Californian named
Ramon Amador. The scene of the homicide was the hills between
Haywai-ds and Pleasanton, and the facts are briefly these : On the
day mentioned Amador was heixling cattle on the hills in company
with a German boy, when Hiscock came along in seai-ch of game.
He had with him a shot-gun and rifle, both of which Amador was
permitted by their owner to exiiniine. He told Hiscock where he
had shortly before seen a haw, and the latter went and shot it.
Amador then volunteered to show him where thei-e was some deer,
and both entered the chappaial together. Amador offered to i-elieve
his companion of one of liis gnus, which apparent kindness was
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES, 313
accepted ; Ijut he soon received a discharge of its conteuts in the
back of the head, having been treacherously fired upon from behind,
and left dead upon the ground. Amador, during the darkness of
night, conveyed both guns to his own house. Hiscock not having
returned home as promised, his friends made a vigilant search' for
liim, and found his body in the chapparal, on the eastern slope of the
mountain, about three miles from Pleasanton. An inquest was held
by Dr. Marks, when the fact of the man having been murdered was
made apparent, and sixspicion strongly pointed to Amador, who was
an ex-State Prison convict. The latter having ridden into the village
while the inquest was in progress, was arrested by a number of
citizens, who handed him over to Constable Faville, who conveyed
him to San Leandro, there to await his trial in the County Jail. On
search being made, both of Hiscock's guns were found in his house.
The prisoner was tried in the Third District Court before Judge
McKee, on the 20th day of July, and found guilty. He was sen-
tenced to be hanged on the 31st day of August. An effort to obtain
a commutation of the sentence failed, and at 114- o'clock on Friday
morning, September 22d, the unfortunate culprit sufiered the exti'eme
penalty of the law. Two reprieves were granted by the Governor
before the sentence was finally carried into execution.
Amador was a native Californian, of about 26 years of age. He
was born in this county, and was a short, muscular nian, and evi-
dently an incorrigible character.
This was the second legal execution that took phice in this county,
and the last. It took place at San Leandro, then the county seat,
and was witnessed by a select few, who were supplied with tickets by
Sheriff Morse.
On Tuesday, the 29th of Jan., about 2 o'clock in the afternoon,
the building in Alameda, first known as the Park Hotel, and more
recently as a j^rivate insane asylum, was destroyed by fire. A Mrs.
Stoval had mtended to open a boarding school for young ladies in
the building on the Friday following. The building belonged to Drs,
Trenor and Sutter, and was valued at $5,000, on which there was a
partial insurance.
Strong eflbrts were made about this time to bring Decoto forward
as a town site, and various improvements, such as tree-planting, were
in progress ; but the company effected no sales of lots worth men-
tioning.
There was a very heavy storm in this section on the night of the
314 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
IStli and lOtli of January. Aljout nightfall a violent wind aro.se
and continued throughout the night, accompanied with ^ heavy rain-
fall. At two o'clock of the following morning one of the most
violent thunder storms ever knowai here burst forth and continued
for over an hour.
Crimes and casualties seemed to be an epidemic, and pi-edominated
in this year of our history. Already, in the second month, two cold-
blooded murders, committed by native Californians, have been
recorded. It is now the writer's painful duty to record a third, com-
mitted by a white man and an American, a man of education and
good connections. Reference is made to what is known as the Clark-
Read homicide. This tragic affair took place on the 17th day of
February, about 2 o'clock in the afternoon. The facts relating to it
are as follows :
Two suits had i"ecently been decided against occupants of a ranch,
situated a short distance north of the City of Oakland, near Ocean
View — one, John Hall vs. Henry Williamson ef al., in favor of Hall ;
the other, Gustav Mahe vs. John Reynolds, in favor of Mahe. Writs
of ejectment had been placed in the hands of Sheriff H. N. Moi-se,
who, on the day preceding the homicide, ejected Mr. Williamson, and
placed Mr. Henry Kirke White Clark, who had an intei-est in tlie
propei-ty, in possession. The latter })laced his son, F. W. Clark, in
charge of the premises. As Mr. Williamson was unable to remove
all his portable property on Thursday, the Sheriff" gave him permis-
sion to remove the remainder on Friday. There was a tacit agree-
ment betvreen all parties that he should be allowed to return on
Friday.
On that day two men, named Charles Huntsman and Zelotes Read,
who weie in Williamson's employ, and had been engaged on the pre-
vious day in moving away Williamson's effects, drove upon the prem-
ises with a team for the purpose of taking away the remainder of
Williamson's effects, articles about which there was no dispute as to
ownership. Huntsman was driving, and Read was sitting alongside
of him on the wagon. Clark stopped them at the entrance of the
premises and forbade their advancing, at their peril. They advanced,
however. Read stating that he wovdd " do his duty." Clark, who
was accompanied by another person named Chas F. Wait, raised his
arm and fired four shots at the men — the first at the driver, Hunts-
man, and the remaining three at Read, who was fatally wounded,
and dietl in fifteen or twenty minutes after he was shot.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 315
An inquest on the body of the deceased was held on Saturday fol-
lowing, before Justice James Lentell, Acting Coroner. The vei-dict
of the jury was signed by William Graham, Silvanus White, Joseph
Fallon, A. Rammelsberg, Charles Carl, Walter Blair, G. A. Warren,
and was as follows :
We, the undersigned, the jurors summoned to appear before James
Lentell, Acting Coroner of the County of Alameda, on the 18th day
of February, 1871, to inquire into the cause of the death of Zelotes
Read, who was killed on Williamson's Ranch, having been duly
sworn according to law, and having made such inquisitions, after in-
specting the body, and hearing the testimony adduced, upon our
oaths, each and all do say, that we find the deceased was named
Zelotes Read, aged about forty-six or forty -seven years ; that he came
to his death on the 17th day of February, 1871, in this couinty ; and
we further find that we believe F. W. Clark to be the person by
whose act the death of the said Zelotes Read was occasioned, by
shooting him, the said Read, with pistol-shot, killing him ; and we
further believe that Chas. F. Wait was accessory thereto ; all of
which we duly certify by this inquisition in wi'iting, by us signed
this 18th day of February, 1871.
Clark and Waite had given themselves up, and wei-e under arrest.
On the following day, the 21st of February, a preliminary examina-
tion commenced in the Police Court, before Judge Jayne, in Oa,kland,
which continued for five days. The defense was conducted by a
large array of legal ability, consisting of Harvey S. Brown, Blake
& Yan Voorhies, H. W. Glascock, and Alex. Campbell. The pros-
ecution was conducted by the County Attorney, Mr. Wright, aided
by the City Attorney, H. H. Havens, Zach Montgomexy, and W.
W. Foote.
Judge Jayne delivered judgment in the case, as follows :
" I have listened attentively to every word of the testimony, and
have studied over it by night as well as by day, and can come to a
conclusion now. I find from the evidence adduced in the examina-
tion, that a crime has been committed as charged in the complaint,
and that there is sufficient cause to believe the defendant, Frederick
F. Clark, guilty thereof. It is ordered that he be committed to the
Sherifi^ of Alameda County. In regard to the defendant, Wtut, I
considered his evidence against himself to be the clearest of all the
evidence brought forward, except as to the statement by Huntsman,
that he saw him show a weapon before the shooting. He does not
316 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
seem to attempt to screen his friend. I am constrained to believe
that he has narrated the transaction as lie believes it to be. I be-
lieve that he has told the truth. There is no evidence to charge him
with being accessory. He is therefore discharged."
Subsequently, application was made for bail, and the case was
submitted on testimony, without argument, to Judges Crockett and
"Wallace, of the Supreme Court, in argument. A short-hand report
having been made of the evidence, by the defense, two days were
occupied in reading it. No attempt was made to deny the homicide,
the point being that it was justified by the circumstances. Judge
Crockett said that he should admit the prisoner to bail. Where
malice and premeditation are proven, the statute declares that no
bail shall be received ; but in the present case the circumstances
were such that he felt warranted in releasing the prisoner. He
oi'dered Clark to be released on bail, in the sum of $30,000.
The trial was to take place at the Spring session of the County
Court, before Judge Nye. All criminal cases, of course, had first to
go before the Grand Jury for examination.
The Grand Jury on this occasion consisted of: Messrs. W. G.
Hunt, foreman ; Robert Carr, C. P. Hanson, F. Gai'cia, F. Devoll,
C. B. Rutherford, A. Chabot, J. A. Folger, E. Gallagher, Fred.
Runkle, David Scully, W. A. Bray, H. F. Shepardson, W. Benitz.
In their report they stated that they had found two indictments
for murder, one in the first degree and one in the second degree ;
two indictments for Inirglary, one indictment for grand larceny, one
for obstructing a public highway, and had ignored the chai'ge of mur-
der against Frederick W. Clark !
The })ublic were amazed. The press denounced the conduct of the
Grand Jury ; the District Attorney, S. P. Wright, was condemned.
The latter published a letter in his own defense, in whicli he stated
that the case for the peoi)le was presented, as far as he was concerned,
in the best possible manner before the Grand Jury, and that they had
the testimony untrammelled, by alarge number of witnesses that the
defendant produced before the committing magistrate, as to the gen-
eral reputation of deceased.
He said : "When I left the Grand Jury room, and as I was clos-
ing the door after me, I heard some one of the grand jui'ors say, ' I
move to ignore the bill ;' and, hearing such a motion as that, I felt
indignant, as the defendant, untlcr the evidence, in my Oi>iuion, ought
to have been indicted."
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 317
The Gazette, in commenting upon the action of the Grand Jury of
Alameda County, in ignoring the bill of indictment against F. W.
Clark, charged -with the murder of Zelotes Read, said it excited sur-
l)rise, and was eliciting indignant comment.
On the loth of April the question came up in the County Court
on an application for a resubmmission of the case to a Grand Jury.
District Attorney Wright argued in favor of the application, and
Harvey S. Brown, H. K. "VV. Clark, Wm. Van Voorhies and Geo. M,
Blake represented the accused, Clark, and opposed the application.
This decision of Judge Nye ended the matter for that term of the
Court.
At a subsequent tenn. Judge Nye made an order resubmitting the '
case to the Grand Jury. From this order the defendant appealed to
the Supreme Court. That Court held that the order was not appeal-
able. The County Judge again submitted the case, and defendant
sued out a writ of review before Judge Dwindle. Judge Dwinelle
held the case for about two years without rendering a decision, until
the press and the public became so clamorous about it that he at
length dismissed the writ and the case went before another Grand
Jury, which in turn also ignored the bill.
There was a great deal of feeling in this case, not only in Alameda
County, but outside of it. It was presumed that the wealth of the
accused and his social position had much to do with his escape ; it
was charged that he received the favor of the legal fraternity ; that
his father was a lawyer ; that members of the judiciary became his
bondsmen ; that the Supreme Court Judges favored him ; that all
the land-gi-abbers in the country gathered around him ; that Horace
W. Carpentier had used his wealth and influence unsparingly for his
protection ; and all because the man who was slain had in his capa-
city, as a settler on some disputed lands in Contra Costa County,
rendered himself obnoxious to these parties in defending his own and
his neighbors' rights against their encroachments.
Much space is given here to this celebrated case, because it is
looked upon as one to be ever held up as an example, showmg the
danger to life and liberty, even under our free and popular system of
government, when certain influences are allowed to be exercised.
Indeed, the whole aflair is looked upon as marvelous, and such as
not to be credited only that the evidence of it is so recent, and all
the facts so patent. With what assiduity and ability the mind must
have worked and the hand directed, that produced such an extraordi-
318 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
nary resixlt that defeated justice, shielded a culprit and threw the
darkest shades of suspicion on the machinery of law !
The fourth lioinicide of the year occurred in the third montli. It
began in a drunken bout, on a Sunday evening in March, between a
man named William Power and a Norwegian named Larsen, and the
scene of it was on the Haas place, about six miles east of Hay wards,
in the country. In the melee Power stabbed Larsen in the back with
a knife, acd he died shortly after from the effects of his wound. A
coroner's inquest was held over the dead man's body, presided over
by Justice Graham, when the following verdict, in accordance witli
the facts, was rendered :
" "We, the undersigned, convened as jurors to hold an mquest on a
dead body, do find as follows, viz : That tlae body is that of one
Larsen; that his age was about 47 years ; nativity, Norway; and that
he came to his death on the 26th of March, at Haas* ranch, in Eden
Township, from a wound inflicted by a knife in the hands of one
William Powers."
Powers, who gave himself up, was committed to jail on a charge
of murder, to await the action of the Grand Jury. That body found
a true bill against him. He was tried, convicted and sentenced to
13 years in the State Prison at San Quentin. A feAv weeks since he
was pardoned out by Governor Irwin, for exteuiiating circumstances
and good condiict.
On the 30th day of January suits were commenced in the Third
District Court by Messrs. Wm. C. Blackwood and William INIeek,
two of the principal tax-payers of the county, against County Treas-
urer McClure, to recover the amount of State and county taxes paid
by these gentlemen under protest. Tlie complaints in the actions set
forth, among other things, that the assessment roll was not made by
any person authorized by law to make an assessment, and that Edwin
Hunt was not County Assessor. The Board of Sujjervisors em})loyed
John W. Dwinelle as special counsel for tlie county in the cases. As
a decision of the cases w;xs not likely to be readied for some months,
and as the legality of the assessment for the current fiscal year was
involved, Mr. Dwinelle consulted Attorney-General Hamilton, who
brought an action of q}to tvarranto against Edwin Hunt, the acting
County Assessor, charging him with usurpation of oftice, setting out
all the facts, including Mr. Hunt's election. Mr. Dwinelle demurred,
and Judge Morrison, of the Eoiu-th District Court, before whom the
case was first argued, decided in Mr. Hunt's favor. The case was
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 319
a]iiieiik'd to the Supreme Court, and that body affirmed the jiidg-
meut, deciding that the office of Assessor in Alameda County is a
county office ; that Edwin Hunt was lawfully elected, and was last
year and 'was then lawfully in office.
A movement was made in the early part of March by the i)rincipal
inhabitants of Washington Township to organize a silk manufactur-
ing company, the capital stock of which was to be $1,500,000. They
proposed to purchase for the purposes of the company the propert)"-
of Messrs. Beard & Ellsworth, at Mission San Jos6, containing 4,820
acres of land. Two thousand two hundred shares of stock, at $25
per share, were taken, but the project finally fell through. It may
be a hint for others hereafter to undertake an important and re-
munerative enterprise.
The first election for Brooklyn town officers took place at Brooklyn
on Monday, April 29th. There were two tickets in the field, desig-
nated as the Eegular and the Independent. Considerable interest
was manifested, and 201 votes were cast, and candidates on both
tickets were elected. Following were the officers chosen : Trustees,
H. A. Mayhew (Reg.), Hiram Tubbs (Reg.), A. Cannon (Reg.), H.
Tum Suden (Reg.), Isham Case (Ind.) ; School Trustees, A. W.
Swett (Reg.), F. Buel (Reg.), T. J. Steere (Ind.); Clerk and Treas-
urer, J. F. Steen (on both tickets); Assessor, A. B. Webster (on
both tickets) ; Justice of the Peace, L. J. Rector (on both tickets) ;
Constable, O. Whipple (on both tickets).
At the meeting of the Board of Supervisors held on May 8tli, Mr.
E. L. Beard presented a bill for the reclamation of swamp land in
District No. 82, for work performed from May, 1870, to May, 1871,
amounting in the aggregate to the sum of $7,321. On motion, it
was ordered that the said amount be paid when there are funds suf-
ficient in the treasury for the purpose.
This was the period of roller-skating, and " rinks " were built in
almost evei-y town in the county. A very large structure was erected
in Oakland, between Broadway and Washington Streets, and extend-
ing the whole length of the block from Eleventh to Twelfth Sti-eets.
Those structures were also iised for public meetings, balls, fairs, etc.
April and May passed off without a homicide, but in June the evil
broke out again. On the 15th of that month a man called " Dutch
Frank," alias Michael Frendar, shot and killed a man named Ed-
ward Lavin, in Eden Vale, about a mile and a half from Haywards,
on the Dublin road. The men were neighbors, and the cause of the
320 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
quarrel was a trivial one. Frendar had accused Laviii's boy of steal-
ing one of his chickens and caught him roughly, when La^in went
to his rescue. He took hold of Frendar and called him " an old
thief," following up with other coarse language, and striking him on
the neck. Frendar had a gun, and with an imprecation raised it and
fired at Lavin. The latter staggered and fell, and while falling
Frendar fired another shot. The defendant, who had given himself
up, was committed for trial, and locked up in the County Jail to
await the action of the Grand Jury. The trial took place on the
21st of July, and on the following day the pi'isoner was found guilty
of murder in the second degree, and sentenced to confinement in the
State prison for a term of fifteen years.
The Union County Convention met at San Leandro on the 24th
day of June. The object was to send delegates to the Republican
State Convention at Sacramento, on the following week, when a can-
didate for Governor was nominated. The contest was between Selby,
of San Francisco, and Booth, of Saci\amento. On a vote it was foiind
the Selby men outnumbered the Boothites by thirty-two to twenty-
three.
The recent Supreme Court decision contracting the Livermore
Grant to two leagues instead of eleven, as originally claimed by
the parties in interest, which latter decision thi-ew into the market
some forty thousand acres of Government land, created considerable
excitement in the Livermore Valley ; and very many settlers took
advantage of this opportunity to select one hundred and sixty aci'es
(quarter section) for a homestead. In several sections they had gone
into occupation of land already im])roved, and on which there was
growing crops of grain, and were refusing to allow the claimants to
hai'vest their crops.
The Fourth of July was celebrated throughout the county, with
spirit. There was a large gathering at San Lorenzo, which was ad-
dressed by General La Grange, who delivei-ed a fine oration. Rev.
W. F. B. Lynch, Rev. J. M. Miller, and Rev. A. F. White also par-
ticipated.
On Sunday, the 1st of .luly, one of those disgraceful land feuds,
lately so common in California, in consequence of the maladministra-
tion of the laws, took place in Moraga Valley, Contra Costa County.
The difficulty was between the Moraga family and Isaac Yoakum.
On this occasion a Californian in tlie emj)loy of the Moragas, named
Silverio Monjes, was shot and killed by a man named Steele, in the
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 321
employ of Yoakum. So great was the excitement that Yoakum,
who held an interest in the land with Horace W. Carpentier, had to
leave. A jn-evious case was one of assault on females of the Moraga
family by Yoakum, which was tried at Pacheco on the 10th of June,
when Yoakum was fined in the sum of $500. In retaliation, Yoa-
kum had five of the Moraga girls arrested on a charge of robbery, but
the complaint was dismissed.
On the 9th of July a new weekly paper, published by William
Halley, and called the Brooklyn Home Journal, made its appearance.
It was a local paper, independent in party politics, and generally ex-
pressing the views of the independent press, then so potent through-
out the State, but pi-incipally devoted to local interests.
The American House, at Centreville, was burned to the gi'ound
early on the morning of July 5th, when nearly everything in the house
was lost. The loss was about $11,000, with an insurance of $6,000.
The property was owned by J. W. Mayers.
A meeting was held at "Washington, in this county, on Saturday,
July 1st, for the purpose of devising measures to secure a site and
the requisite means to erect a college building in which to carry on a
school, to be known as "The Washington College of Science and In-
dustry." E. L. Beard, of Mission San Jose, was elected Chairman,
and Albert Lyser, of San Francisco, Secretary. The object of the
enterprise was briefly stated by Superintendent W. F. B. Lynch. In
addition to the usual high school course it was the intention to give
the school some of those practical features which have made the
Polytechnic Schools of France and Prussia so eminently successful.
The classical course to extend no further than to fit students to enter
the fourth class at the University. The whole subject of vegetable
physiology would be taught practically on the ground; surveying
would be taught, and in fact a thorough business education includ-
ed in the coui-se. Mr. Lynch stated that a sufficient amount had
already been subscribed.
At an adjourned meeting, five acres of land belonging to Mr.
Beard, located in the rear of the old Washington-Corner District
School lot, were selected. Subsequently the site was changed to-
lands on the opposite side of the county road leading to the Mission,^
the land being donated by E. L. Beard. The location is a very pleas-
ant one, and has good water privileges.
One day in July an Indian named Cenovio called at the Estudillo
residence, at San Leandro, and asked for Lieut. Ignacio Martinez,.
21
322 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUXTY.
and appeared surprised when he was told that Mr. Martinez had been
dead upwards of twenty-four years. Cenovio must have been
nearly one hundred years old, if indeed he did not exceed that age.
He stated that he was a servant of Mr. Martinez when the latter
was an officer in the Mexican army, in 1823, and from his conversa-
tion Cenovio must at that time have been well along in years.
Lieut. Martinez was gi-andfather to Mr. J. M. Estudillo. Cenovio
was then living near Santa Clara, and looked hale and hearty.
Dr. Lorenzo G. Yates, of Centreville, while out prospecting for
geological specimens in the hills in the southern part of the county,
unearthed a portion of the inferior maxillary of a mastodon. Its
measure was : From front of jaw to the back of the last molar teeth,
24 inches ; width of jaw at angles, 18 inches ; width of jaw midway
beweeu ft-ont and rear, 15 inches ; depth of jaw from crown of molar
teeth, 9 inches; thickness of jaw, 9 inches. This specimen exhibited
in a marked degree the peculiar process of the shedding and rei:)lace-
ment of molar teeth. In the jaw, here mentioned, a part of one set
of teeth had just been shed, another set were in place, and another
set developed in the jaw, ready to replace the others when shed. The
jaw was one of the finest ever discovered in California.
Another homicide took place at Mission San Jose, on the 23d of
July, when a man named Edward Donohue was shot and killed by
John Dorsey.
This homicide was soon followed by another brutal shooting aifair.
About three o'clock on Sunday afternoon, 30th of July, a man named
Bi-adley shot and desperately wounded a man named Knuckles, near
Livermore. Bradley, to elude his creditors, placetl a sum of money
in the hands of J. Knuckles. The latter refused to refund. Brad-
ley took deliberate aim with a shot-gun and fired. The greater part
■of the charge entered the lower jaw, tearing away nearly the entire
chin, and ripping the flesh down close to the wuid])ipe.
At the election, held on Sei)t. 6th, for Congi'essioual, State, county
and municii)al officers, the Kepublican ticket was successful against
the Democratic and Iudci>endent tickets put in nomination. Newton
Booth, for Govei'nor, received 2,489 votes to Haiglit's l,r)71, making
a majority of 918. For Congress, Sargent had 2,510 to CoftVotli's
1,528. For Assembly, Pardee and Crane (11.) had, respectively,
2,390 and 2,359 votes to Martin's and Swett's (I.) 1,643 and l,66i;.
There was great rejoicing among the Republicans for the election of
Booth, as his friends did not ex{)cct much of a majority, and Gov-
UNDER TlIK STARS AND STRIPES. 323
ernor Haight and Ids friends were morally sure of success in the State
at large.
An entire block of stores was destroyed by fire at Livermore on
Tuesday evening, 26tli of Sept. The fire broke out about six o'clock,
•in Knight »fe Sproule's drug store, and burnt property estimated at
the value of $20,000. Follo^\'ing were the losses : B. Mayer, general
merchandise, house total loss, but contents mostly saved ; vacant build-
ing belonging to C. Miner, total loss ; Knight &, Sproule's drug store,
store total loss ; Goetjen, general merchandise and Post-office, portion
of stock saved, building a total loss ; A. J. Alviso, barber shop, stock
saved, house a total loss ; A. Bardalini, Washington Hotel, portion of
the furniture saved, house a total loss. The buildings were all insured,
except that of Miner & Goetjen, On Monday afternoon an unoccu-
pied building, owned by Jose Flores, was totally destroyed by fire.
Loss, $300. During the extensive conflagration on Tuesday, Dr.
Knight was wounded in the forehead by the explosion of a metalic
cartridge.
Judge McKee gave a decision in the Oakland Draw Bridge case,
in which he declared that the assessment on Alameda property, for
the construction of the bridge and roadway, was void, because the
Board of Supervisors had exceeded their authority. They then
ordered a levy of $3.60 on each $100 of property in Alameda Town-
ship, to raise the amount required for the payment of the bridge and
roadway.
The newly-elected Board of Supervisors took their seats on the 2d
of October, when F. K. Shattuck was elected Chairman for the year.
On Thursday aftex-noon, October 12th, the Alameda Valley was
visited by the most severe stoi-m of wind known for years. The
newly-erected and yet unfinished church edifice, at Seminary Park,
connected with the Mills' Seminary, was blown to the ground ; the
wind-mill of the San Francisco & Alameda Railroad, at San Lsandro,
was overturned and demolished, and considerable damage done to
fruit and shade trees. The storm was hardly felt in San Francisco.
In Oakland the -wind made matters decidedly lively, but no great
damage resulted. With regard to the church, in view of the storm,
all the openings were closed up, and, so far as human aid could go,
all precaution was taken to prevent the disaster. The bell was hung,
but the cupola closed up and the staying taken down ; the windows
were all in, the doors hung, and the second coat of plaster on. Mr.
Geo. W. Babcock, the builder, had done his work to the entire satis-
324 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
faction of the arcliitect and to all those interested. It was well
braced, and every spot and place was by all considered secure. The
building was badly exposed to the gale, coming as it did broadside
on. But nothing could have stood before the gale. Redwood jiosts,
8x8 inches, were broken off close to the ground, like pii^e-stems, and '
the horse-shed carried a distance of one thousand feet before it struck
the ground. No harm of any kind happened to the Seminary build-
ings, but it blew a hurricane all through that section of the country.
Oak trees, that had withstood the storms of ages, were levelled to the
earth, and a good deal of damage done.
The San Leandro Union Temperance Association was organized at
San Leandro on the 22d of October. The officers were : President,
L. Stone; Vice-Presidents, Rev. J. H. Miller, Mrs. 0. H. Wicks,
Mrs. A. F. White; Secretary, Geo. Beers; Treasurer, Geo. A. David-
son; Committee on Membei'ship, Rev. A. F. White, Mrs. Knox,
Mrs. Fielding.
On the 1st of November the barn belonging to the County Hos-
pital was destroyed by fire. It was a new structui'e, erected on the
site of one built in the previous August. It was completed only the
day before, and contained hay and straw valued at $200. It was the
fourth attempt to set the Infirmary on fire.
On Saturday, 2d of December, two prisoners, named Pickett and
Smith, efi'ected their esca2)e from the County Jail at San Leandro.
About 6 o'clock on Sunday afternoon, December 17th, it com-
menced to rain, and continued without ceasing for 60 houi-s, much to
the delight of the farmers, who had hitherto been dreading a dry-
season. In some })laces the storm was very severe and did much
damage. The railroad between San Lorenzo and Ilaywards wiW
washed away, and the water in the San Leandro creek rose rapidly.
A wild man named Peavy was shot and killed in Livermore Valley
in the latter end of the month, by a man named Mullen, whoso life
he had threatened.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 325
THE O^KL^ND
BANK OF SAVINGS.
Corner Broadway and Twelfth Street.
CAPITAL, - - - - $1,000,000.
E. C. Sessions, W. W. Camron, W. E. Miller,
Wm. Power, Henry Rogers, A. W. Bowman,
W. A. Aldrich, E. F. Northam.
nisr-A.2sraE coivOiis^iittee-
E. C. Sessions, W. E. Miller, Wm. Power.
E. C. SESSIONS President.
W. W. CAMRON Vice-President.
CHARLES ROBERTS Casliier.
Teinn Deposits remaining three full months or
more, will be entitled to dividends of interest,
which are poAjahle semi-annually.
No Entrance Fees or Charges Made for
Bank Books.
Loans made and a general Banking business transacted.
Our own exchange, gold or currency, on New York, available in all
parts of the Atlantic States, for sale.
We also furnish exchange at current rates on London, Frankfort-on-the-
Man, Berlin and Paris, available in all parts of Europe. Allow the best
marlcet rales for gold and currency drafts on New York.
Collections made and proceeds remitted at current rates.
San Francisco correspondents, the ANGLO-CALIFORNIAN BANK,
LIMITED.
New York correspondents, the NINTH NATIONAL BANK, NEW
YOEK.
326 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
JOHN CARTER,
3firrr|jiii! Cisilnr
4e6 EZO-J^TIT ST.. OJ^T^XaJ^lsTlD.
Best of Goods, Superior Workmanship, Sure Fits and
Moderate Charges guaranteed.
OJ^JsLI^A^ND DEPOT
FOR
Butterick's Patterns
Cut Paper Patterns of all kinds, comprising every Idud of gar-
ment worn by ladies, misses, girls, boys, little children and
infants; gentlemen's Shirt Patterns included. Also, E.
Butterick & Go's celebrated Shears and Scissors.
Patterns sent by mail on receipt of number,
size and price. Send for Illustrated
Catalogue of Patterns, to
jonnxr I. Tj^-^r,
965 BROADWAY, OAKLAND, CAL.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 327
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE EVENTS OF 1872.
Winter, Wet and Stormy — Reclamation Lands Served^— Death of Jas.
B. Larue — The County Seat Fight — Repeated Efforts of Oakland
and Persistent Resistance of the Townships — Close Contest in the
Legislature — Supervisors Refuse an Election — The Question in
the Third District Court — A Library Association in San Lean-
dro — A Bill Favoring Ramie Culture — Incorporation of San
Leandro — Opening of Washington College — Boundary Dispute
with San Francisco — Moraga Troubles — Another Shock — Ojjen-
ing of Badger's Grand Central Park — Procopio, alias Rodendo,
Sentenced — Isaac Yoakum Shot — A Mirage on the Bay — Death
of Hon. E. D. Lewelling — San Joaquin Boundary — Distressing
Accident to a Portuguese Family at San Leandro — Loss of Life
and Property by Fire at San Leandro — Republican Convention
at San Leandro — Porter, the Favorite for Congress, but Page
Nominated at Sacramento — -Death of Wm. Gagan — Farmer's
Club Started — Catholic Church at Livermore~~C Union Annexa-
tion — Xeio Cliurch at Seminary Park — Brooklyn Annexed to
Oakland — Alameda Votes Against Annexation — Death of Hon.
Edward Tompkins — New Board of Supervisors — Death of
Timothy Rix — The Niles Bridge — Corner Stone of the Univers-
ity Building Laid at Berkeley— Legislative Enactments.
The ^\'inter of 1871-2 was the periodical time for a flood, and was
very wet and stormy. The flood of December was followed by
another in January. Railroad communication was very much in-
terrupted, and in many places roadbeds were washed away. By the
first of the year no less than 21 inches of rain had fallen in San
Francisco — more than was ever known before. The trains on the
Central Pacific road stopped running. Considerable damage was
done at Mission fSan Jose, where the water had come down in tor-
i-ents from the mountains, and swept through the streets in loishing
328
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
and roaring streams. The mai-sh lands of E. L. Beard, wliich wei-e
in course of reclamation, were greatly served by tliLs flood, as it
carried a great deal of surface soil upon them and left quite a thick
coating of clay, while little damage was done the dykes. More or
less injury was done all over the State, but the advantage gained in
a thorough soaking of the ground and the destruction of squh'rels
and gophers was considerable, and, at least, quite a sufficient oflset.
Early in the year Oakland lost one of her most prominent and
enterprising pioneer citizens. On Sunday, Jan. 7, died, at Brooklyn,
Mr. Jas. B. Larue, the founder of the town. He was an active bus-
iness man, discriminating and far-seeing. He was in the seventy-
second year of his age, having been born in the year 1800. As a
biographical sketch of him will be found elsewhere, it is not neces-
saiy here to dwell further on the events of his iiseful life.
SECOND YEAR OF THE COUNTY SEAT FIGHT.
The county-seat removal question was at this time very prominent.
The Legislature was in session. The Oakland men were veiy per-
sistent in their efforts ; they had a better opportunity to work to
advantage in this yeai"'s Legislature than that of 1870, as they had
a representative in both branches. Senator Tompkins warmly espousetl
their cause in the Senate, and Doctor Pardee in the Assembly. They
had an energetic lobby, and an indefatigable agent in Harry Linden.
Neither were the people of Eden idle or at a disadvantage. They
were well organized, and had the support and sympathy of all the
county outside of Oakland City. Assemblyman Crane took up the
cause of his country constituents ; the Board of Supervisors, exce})t-
ing the Oakland delegate, were a unit in favor of San Lfandro ; an
able delegation, consisting of Hon. I. A. Amerman and Jolm Nugent,
watched over their interests at Sacramento, where they had the sui>-
port of some of the ablest men on both sides of both liouses. On
one side the cry raised was convenience, and, on the other, cost.
The Oakland peoi)le maintained that ^they supplied the greater part
of the business transacted at the county seat, which was nine miles
distant from them. There were the pi-incipal lawyers and profes-
sional men, the banks and real estate agents of the county. The
Edenites maintained that San Leandro was more central ; that it was
accessible and convenient for all parts of tlie county, and was served
by two railroads ; that the county was in possession of a valuable
piece of property, which was donated to it by the Estudillo family.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 329
wliicli would revert to the original owners in case of disuse of the
l)urpose for which it was granted ; that county offices, a Court house
and jail, sufficient for the wants of the county, were already ei-ected ;
and that removal would entail great expense on the people for new
county buildings and grounds upon which to erect them.
The Oaklanders met some of these objections by showing that the
upper portion of the City Hall could be iised for years yet to come
for county offices ; that a fii-e-proof hall of records could be built on
the city property adjoining the City Hall ; oi-, in case of failure in
this, the two city plazas, consisting of two town blocks in the lower
part of the city, on Broadway, could be secured for the purpose of
county buildings.
Oakland had a committee, or an association, established, called the
Citizens' Union, which directed the agitation in favor of removal,
and of wliich Mr. Harry Linden was agent. A petition was pre-
pared and names sought for it all over the county, and active steps
taken for legislative action. This aroused the Eden people, who also
held meetings and organized. Their first public meeting was held in
the Court-house, San Leandro, on the 10th of January, 1872. It
was addressed by I. A. Amerman, John Nugent, of Eden; R. S.
Farrelly and A. H. Griffith, of Brooklyn ; and J. R. Palmer, of
Murray. A committee was appointed to report a plan of action and
resolutions, consisting of County Judge Nye and four of the gentle-
men already mentioned.
The following resolutions were adopted :
Whereas, Certain people in the City of Oakland ai-e endeavoring
to remove the county seat of Alameda County from its present cen-
tral location to the City of Oakland, and
Whereas, Said removal is contrary to the wishes of a large
majority of the tax-payers of Alameda County ; therefore, be it
Resolved, That our Senator and Members of Assembly be, and they
are hereby earnestly requested to delay any action upon the petition
for the removal of the county seat until they receive a remonstrance
of the tax-payers who are opposed to such removal.
Resolved, That a copy of the above proceedings be forwai-ded to
the Senator and members of Assembly of Alameda County, duly
certified by the Chairman and Secretary.
A committee, having a representative in every school district in
the county, was appointed to procure names to a remonstrance, which
in due time was forwarded to Sacramento, largely signed.
330 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Mr. Amerman having beeu commissioned to go to Sacramento to
watcli legislation and defeat action there, immediately after his
arrival addressed a communication to Senator Tompkins, in which he
put to that gentleman six leading questions touching removal. Mr.
A.'s communication was dated the 17th of January, and the Senator's
answer came promptlj' on the 18th, and in which he took strong
ground favorable to the Oakland agitation.
Then followed a ])ul)lic meeting, in Bray ton Hall, Oakland, on the
24th of January, at which the following preamble and resolutions
were adopted :
Whereas, It has become necessary for the accommodation of a
large majority of the citizens of Alameda County, that the county
seat of said county should lie removed to the City of Oakland, and a
petition of the voters of said county has been presented to the
Legislature of the State asking the passage of a law authorizing such
removal, and
Whereas, Objections to said removal are being made by some, on
the ground that a heavy debt would be incurred by such removal in
the purchase of land and the erection of the necessary buildings for
county purposes ; it is therefore
Resolved, By the citizens of Oalcland that the second story of the
City Hall shall be finished at the expense of the city, and partitioned
into suitable rooms for the District Court, the County and Probate
Courts, the Sheriff, the District Attorney, the Grand Jury, the Petit
Jury, the County Surveyor, and the Judge's Chambers, and that
rooms shall be provided on the first floor of said hall for the Board of
Supervisors and the Superintendent of Public Sciiools, and in the
basement of said hall, if required, room sufficient for a jail. And
that the city will also dedicate to the county a lot of land, parcel of
the City Hall lot, situated in the southwest corner of the same, fifty
feet wide, on Fourteenth street, by one hundred feet in depth, for the
pxirpose of erecting a hall of recoi-ds for the use of the County Ee-
corder. County Clerk and County Treasurer. And that the use antl
control of said rooms and said land shall be vested in the Board of
Supervisors of Alameda County, for so long a time as said Board may
use and occujiy tlicni for the purposes aforesaid.
Resolved, Tliat tlie Secretary of this meeting transmit to our
Senator and Representatives, and to the City Council, a copy of
these resolutions.
Messrs. F. K. Sliattuck, E. C Sessions, John Benton and Dr.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 331
Samuel JNIorritt, were apjioiiited to see that the matter was brought
before the Legishiture.
At a meeting of the City Council, held on the 29th of January,
a bill' was presented and adopted, which was sent to the Hon. Mr.
Tompkins, for introduction in the Senate.
The bill provided for an election to determine the future loca-
tion of the county seat — San Leandi'o or Oakland.
In case of the success of the latter, the City Hall of Oakland
was to be fitted up for the use of the county officere ; the basement of
the same given up for a jail ; and furthermore, a piece of groimd,
50 feet front by 150 feet in depth, granted on Fourteenth street,
for the purpose of bviilding a fire-proof Hall of Records thereon ;
and bonds issued for the purpose of erecting the necessary build-
ings thereupon. The bill provided that the i-emoval should be at the
expense of the county ; but the rooms in the City Hall were to be
fitted up at the expense of the City of Oakland.
Tuesday, the 17th of February, was the day fixed for the dis-
cussion of the bill in the Senate. The bill was read by the Clerk,
Mr. Ferrall, in a distinct voice, after which Senator Tompkins rose
and offered a series of amendments, meeting some of the objections
that had been raised to the bill ; among which was one providing for
the use of the plazas in Broadway for county purposes, and another,
making the City of Oakland liable for the election expenses in case
of a defeat at the polls. His argument was strong, plausible, and
persuasive. In his masterly manner he porti-ayed the justice of
his cause, and delivered an exceedingly able argument. No one in
that Senate Chamber knew better how. He had all the facts and
figures of the case to perfection, and placed them in a manner best
calculated to enforce his opinions. Oakland was fortunate in possess-
ing so able an advocate. He was one of the most brilliant men that
ever shone in a California Legislatui-e, and in point of ability and
efi'ectiveness was supeiior to every man there. Not a point was lost,
not an advantage left untouched. All he wanted was a vote on the
question. Nothing was fairer than that the will of the majority
should be respected and their demands granted.
Senator Pendegast, of Napa, was expected to reply. The San
Leandro lobby depended upon liim. He was considered next to
Alameda's Senator, the most eloquent man in the Senate. But no
reply came from him.
Senator Larkin, of El Dorado, objected to the bUl, because it was
332 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
a species of special legislation, while there was a general law to cover
the case.
Ill Senator Farley, of Amador, howev^er, the Edenites found their
strongest champion. He espoused their cause warmly, and he was a
power. He was chairman j^ro-tem of tbe Senate, and the leader of
the Democrats in that House. He referred to the remonstrance that
had been presented against the bill, which he said contained 500
more names than the petition in favor of it. The Board of Super-
visors of the county, he said, were all opposed to it, with one excep-
tion, and had officially so declared ; he showed that the townships
represented by the Supervisors contained 13,133 inhabitants, while
the population of the City of Oakland was but 11,104. He main-
tained that there were facts to show that the county seat was best
situated where it then was, to serve a majority of the people of the
county. He had seen so many discreditable proceedings in con-
nexion with county seat removals, that he was cautious in such
mattei's. Senators Maclay, of Santa Clara, and Minis, of Yolo,
followed on the same side, and Tompkins had to reply to them all ;
and this he did ably and clearly, meeting their objections in the
most forcible manner. But there was an asperity in his manner and
a bitterness in his tone that was unpleasant.
The bill was ordered engrossed by a majority of one, there being
19 for, to 18 against it.
On the 28th of Februai-y the vote on the passage of the bill was
taken, when there appeared a majority of one against it, Senator
Goodall, of Contra Costa, having reversed his former vote. The vote
to reconsider, next day, stood 19 to 17 against.
There Wcis rejoicing throughout the county precincts, and the San
Leandraus received their lobby back from Sacramento with bon -tires,
music and the ringing of bells, followed by a public ball.
But the contest was not yet over. On the 20th of March, Assem-
blyman Pardee gave notice that he would iiitroduce a new bill in his
House in reference to the subject, but it was not necessary that he
should, for the revised Codes provided the means for ending all such
disi)utes, and of these the ])eai)le of Oakland subsequently availed
themselves.
At a meeting of the I'o.ird of Suitervisors, on Septenaber 24th, a
petition was presented to that body praying the Board to order an
election for the ])urpose of allowing the citizens of the county to vote
on tlie question of change of location of the county seat. W. "W.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 333
Foote and Wm, Van Voorhies ap})eared on behalf of the petitioners,
and R. B. Moyes and A. H. Griffith, opposing the same. The peti-
tion was accompanied by the affidavit of Harry Linden as to the sig-
natures upon the petition being those of qualified electors of the
county, and also by the certificate of the County Clerk as to the
number of votes cast at the last gubernatorial election. Messrs.
Moyes and Griffith opposed the petition upon the ground that the
county seat had already been once removed, thereby making it neces-
sary that two-thirds of the voters upon the Great Register should
sign a petition for I'emoval of the county seat, and Joseph Dumont
was sworn and testified that the county seat was formerly located in
Alvarado and was removed from there some time in 1854. J. V. B.
Goodrich and C. G. Reed were each sworn and testified as to the
number of uncancelled names upon the Great Register, both setting
the number down at 5,600.
The Board appearing to be dissatisfied as to all the names upon the
petition being those of qualified electors, on motion, the petitioners
were allowed to withdraw the petition, for the purpose of presenting
the same at the next meeting, with the necessary proofs as to all the
signatures being those of qualified electors.
At a meeting of the Board of Supervisors, held on the 2 2d of Oc-
tober, Col. Harry Linden agaiil presented the county seat removal
petition, signed by over one-third of the voters at the last general
election, 1,707 names.
W. W. Foote introduced Col. Linden, who was sworn and testified
that he obtained over 1,400 of the signatures on the petition.
Richard Moyes asked Col. Linden to point out the names he had
obtained, which was not done.
John Coffee was sworn and testified that he had compared 1,707
names on the petition with the great register, with the assistance of
Mr. Collins and Mr. Knox. He could point out all the names as he
had marked them.
Mr. Collins was sworn and testified that he had assisted in com-
paring about 100 names on the petition, and found them on the great
register.
J. V. B. Goodrich, County Clerk, was sworn and testified that the
great register presented contained all the names of the voters of the
county. He knew that at the last general election 4,060 votes were
cast. On examination by Mr. Moyes, he said there were 5,754
names on the great register.
334 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Mr. Poote said the petition was presented under section 3,976 of
the Political Code, under which the petitioners demanded that the
Supervisors should act.
Mr. Knox was here sworn and testified that he had compared do^vn
to 1,562 of the names on the petition.
The question whether the county seat had been once removed by
a popular vote was brought up.
Judge Williams was sworn on this point. In 1855 or 1856 the
election was held for the relocation of the county seat from Alvarado
to San Leandro. There was no Board of Supervisoi's at that time,
and the Court of Sessions called the election. The election resulted
in the removal. The county became a county in 1853. The county
seat I'emained at Alvarado until 1855. A popular vote was taken
in that year and it was in favor of San Leandro. Subsequently it
was removed back to Ah'arado. In accordance with an act of the
Legislature, after that, the county seat was again removed to San
Leandro.
Supervisor Case moved that the petition be received and the elec-
tion ordered.
Mr. Moyes objected on the ground of unauthenticity of the names.
Mr. Grilfith ai-gued against the motion. A wint of mandau\us
compelled the removal of the records'from San Leandro to Alvarado.
A similar case came up in Sutter County at that time, and the Su-
preme Court decided that the Courts of Record must be kept where
they wei-e prescribed by law. The District and County Courts must
be held at the county seat. The Legislature deemed it tlieir duty to
fix the place where the Courts should be held. An election, called
by this Board, would amount to nothing. An act of the Legislature
must be had. He claimed that the petition did not come up to the
requirements. The county seat had been once i-emoved ; to remove it
again it must be done in the manner prescribed by the act. One-
third of the votes of the great i*egister is required. There are 5,754
names on the great register, and the petition contaijis but 1,453.
At the meeting held on Oct. 7th, AV. W. Foote aj^peared before the
Board and stated that the parties who had been at work comparing
the names on the petition for the county seat removal had as yet only
compared about 800 or 900 names. He stated that in two weeks
from then the petition would be pn^seuted ; and, if the Board refused
to grant the jietition, proceedings would be instituted to compel the
Board to do so.
Mr. Moyes arose to speak on the question.
UNDER THE STAUS AND STRIPES. 335
Mr. Shattuck said it was uiinccessaiy to say any more on the suljject.
He was satisfied that a majority of the Board woukl vote against tlie
petition.
John Glascock read af decision of the Supreme Conrt, in the case
of Ujiham vs. tlie Supervisors of Sutter County, in support of the
argument that the Supervisors have the power to order the election.
Supervisor C;ise called upon the county's legal adviser for his opin-
ion on the point as to whether the Board is required to grant an
election upon the petition of one-third of the voters of the last gen-
eral election.
Mr. Moore said he did not think the present case came under 3,985,
but does properly come under section 3,976.
Mr. Moyes requested that Judge Nye's opinion be asked.
]\Ir. Moore said it was pi'oper for him to state that Judge Nye dif-
fered from him.
Judge Nye was sent for and returned word that he thought it bet-
ter for him not to give his opinion, as the matter might come before
him judicially.
A vote was taken, and the motion lost by the following vote :
Neal, Overacker, Clement, Marlin, no ; Case, Shattuck, yes.
The petition was ordered on file.
The next step was to apply to the Supreme Court for a mandamus,
which was done on the 12th of November, by Mr. Foote. The
Court granted an alternative writ, returnable on the following 19th.
It commanded the Board of Supervisors to order an election or show
cause for declining to do so.
A demurrer was filed, and on the 19th of November the case was
argued before Judge McKee, in the Tliird District Court; Gen.
Irvine, of San Fi-ancisco, and A. H. Griffith, of San Leandi-o, repre-
senting the Board, and Wm. Yan Yoorheis, of Oakland, and W. W.
Foote, of San Francisco, appearing for Linden. ■ The Court sustained
the demurrer, on the ground that Harry Linden was not the proper
party to bring the action— he, in fact, having no more interest in the
question than any other of the petitioners. The Court held the suit
should have been brought in the name of the people.
No further action was had in the matter during 1872 ; but, as ynll
be seen hereafter, a new complication of the matter was in process by
the annexation of the Town of Brooklyn to the City of Oakland.
336 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
A meeting was held at San Leandro, on the evening of the 16th of
January, to organize a library association, in connection with the
Presbyterian Church. It was resolved, on motion of Eev. Mr.
"White, to call it the San Leandro Library Association.
Assemblyman Crane introduced a bill in the Legislature to
encourage the culture of ramie, at which a commencement had
already been made in this county.
On Thursday evening, February 20th, the citizens of San Leandro
assembled in the Supervisors' room, at the Court-house, to consider
the matter of incorporating the town. The meeting was organized
by selecting Justice George Smith as Chairman, and J. M. Estu-
dillo as Seci-etary, with David Uiy as Vice-President. The
Chairman, in a few well-timed remarks, stated the objects of the
meeting, after which Dr. Pratt, A. T. Covell, L. C. Morehouse, J. H.
Putnam and others made brief speeches on the question, whereupon
the boundaries of the district sought to be incorporated were inform-
all}' agreed upon. It being the sense of the meeting that the town
should be incorporated, on motion of A. T. Covell, a committee of
five was appointed, consisting of I. A. Amerman, Judge Steph. G.
Nye, A. T. Covell, J. H. Putnam and Socrates Hutf, to draft an
incorporation Act.
One of the important events of the year was the inauguration
of the Washington College, at Washington Corners, on the 2 2d of
February, by an invitation ball, wliu-li was attended by guests from
all parts of the county, numbering over one hundred couples. The
certificate of incorporation, filed July 20th, 1871, styled the school
" The Washington College of Science and Industry." It is a char-
tered college of the State, and a fifth class of the University. The
stock capital of thirty thousand dollars was divided into six hundred
shares, of fift}^ dollars each. The projectors of the scheaie were
Messrs. W. F. B. Lynch, County Superintendent of Public Schools,
and Albert Lysei", a teacher in the public schools of San Francisco. The
First Board of Trustees consisted of those gentlemen and E. L. Beard,
W. Y. Horner, S. I. Marston, H. Crowell, O. Mowry, H. Curtner,
and M. AT. Dixon. The building then erected was designed as only
a wing to the main portion, to l)e constructed afterwards. It meas-
ured 106x60 feet. It cont:\ined a dining-room 25x.')0 feet, and a
large kitchen. The College was opened, under the charge of Mr.
and Mrs. Harmon, on the 31st of July.
The Central Pacific Railroad Company, in the mouth of Febru-
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 337
avv, brought suit against the City and County of San Francisco, and
the County of Alameda and the City of Oakhmd, to determine in
wliich county their whai^ was situated, and to what corporation they
More justly compelled to pay taxes. Much discussion followed, to de-
termine the boundary line between the two counties. The services
of Surveyor-General Bost, S. J. Clarke, a member of the first Cali-
fornia Legislature ; Captain E. F. Rogers, of the Coast Sui'vey ; G.
F. Allardt, Chief Engineer of the Tide Land Survey ; Luis Castro,
County Surveyor of Alameda, and Col. Coffee were called into requi-
sition, and it was finally determined that the end of the wharf was
in San Francisco County, and the County of San Francisco competent
to collect the taxes from the company.
At the trial of Wni. Steele, indicted for the murder of Silvia
Monjes, in Moraga Valley, on the 1st day of July, 1871, which
came off at San Leandro, on the 6th of March, in the District Court,
on a change of venue, the jury rendered a verdict of not guilty.
The prisoner was held on another charge, that of assault with intent
to murder Joaquin Moraga, on the 13th of April, 1871, when the
plaintiff had his horse shot under him. The defendant was liberated
on bail, to appear at the next session of the Court on this charge.
The case was tried in the April term of the County Court, and the
prisoner found guilty. He was sentenced to pay a fine of $500, or
be imprisoned at the x-ate of $2 per day until paid.
On the 2Gth of March, about 2 o'clock in the morning, there were
several prolonged shocks of earthquake felt throughout the State,
which, however, were not sufiiciently severe in this section to awaken
the people.
Badger's Grand Central Park, in Brooklyn, was opened to the
public, for the first time, on the 14th of April of this year, and at
once become a favorite resort.
The trial of Eodendo, alias Procopio, one of the worst outlaws
that ever infested Alameda County, and who was charged with the
larceny of a cow, at Pleasanton, took place on the 2.5th of April,
when the prisoner was convicted. His counsel asked till May 3d
for time to show reasons for asking a new trial. On that day the
case was argued and application denied. The prisoner was sentenced
to the State Prison for the term of ten years.
On the 26th of April, Isaac Yoakum, whose residence was in
Brooklyn, but who was complicated in land mattei-s in Contra Costa
(•ounty, was shot near Moraga Valley, by some person in ambush.
338 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Tlie ball entered his right leg an inch above the knee, but did not
prove a very serious wound. Two moi^e shots were fii'ed at him, but
he escaped by throwing himself on the gi'ound and rolling down a
hill into a gully. He dragged himself along on his hands and one
knee toward a milk ranch, aiad shouted until he made himself heard
by the inmates, who conveyed him home.
A mirage was seen around the bay shore of Alameda and Contra
Costa Counties, by passengers on board the ferry trains, last Thurs-
day, May 2d. It appeared as "a duplicating or double banking of
the shore. A wai-ehouse near Point Isabel was magnified several
times; the distance was wonderfully shortened, and the old ware-
hoiise looked like some mighty fortification, almost near enough to
cast a shadow upon the obsei"ver. Trees, which were mere scrub
oaks, loomed up like grand old forests, presenting a pei-jjendicular
bank lo the water front, in places apparently from fifty to seventy-
five feet in height. As the sun went down the mirage faded out."
Nothing of such supernatural strangeness had been seen along the
coast line in many a day.
The Hon. E. D. Lewelling died in Na})a County, May 2d, aged 3 1
years. His disease was consumption. He was a native of Iowa,
but removed to Oregon with his father's family at a veiy early age,
whence they removed to California, in 18.53. He was educated at
the College of California. His father was desirous that he should
prepare himself for tlie i)ractice of medicine and surgery, but his tastes
did not lead him to pursue that calling, and he became a horticul-
turist, in whicli i)ursuit he was an enthusiast and achieved "more than
ordinary success ; probably no man on the Pacific Coast had a better
scientific and i)i'actical knowledge of his business. Public apprecia-
tion of his ability in this line was very projjerly shown by his ap-
pointment by the last Legislatui-e as one of the Commissionei-s under
what is known as Betge's Forest Bill. lu 1869 he was elected by a
large majority to represent this county as Assemblyman in the State
Legislature, and repi^esented the county faitlifully and well. He was
a young man of high promise and of imimiieachable character ; cor-
rect in dei)ortment, afiabk; and obliging in business and social intei--
course, honest and unswerving in liis convictions. He endeared him-
self to a large circle of friends, and was held in high esteem by all
who knew him. He was a member of the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows and of the INIasous, under the auspices of which orders
he was buried at San Lorenzo on the 4th of May. In the full flush
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 339
of t^arly manhood, with more than ordinaiy success in the pui-suit
and attainment of wealth and woi'ldly honors, with a wide fiekl for
the display of an honest ambition for usefulness in the future, his
death was particularly sad, and his loss was sincerely mourned by all
who had the advantage of his acquaintance.
Elsewhere is given a description of a contest over our western
boundary line with San Francisco. A similar contest had for some'
time been going on with San Joaquin and Contra Costa. Early in
June, of this year, a suit was prosecuteti by this county against San
Joaquin for the recovery of territory claimed by that county. It was
decided in favor of Alameda, but the Code gave it back again to our
eastern neighbor.
A terrible accident took place near San Leandro on Sunday, 9th
of June. Vincent Gardoz, Frank Cardoz and Minewell Praes, all
Portuguese, were at Vincent Cardoz' house, on Chicken lane, just out-
side the corporation limits, on the day named, engaged in making
fu-e-crackers. They had a keg of powder for that purpose, and were
seated around it, together with the Avife and infant child of Vincent
Cardoz and the son of Frank Cardoz, all being on the porch or piazza
of the house ; by some means a spark came in contact with the pow-
der in the keg, which contained about fourteen pounds, and the
explosion which followed tore the clothes from the bodies of all the
parties, burned the hair from their heads, tore the nails off the fin-
gers of one of them, and left them all prostrate. Vincent Cardoz'
child, aged about ten months, was so badly injured that it died within
four hours. The explosion took place about noon. Medical aid was
promptly summoned, but without avail. Those who were pi^esent at
the scene of the disaster soon after it occurred say the victims pre-
sented a most heart-rending appearance. A bi'oken pipe, filled with
tobacco, which had evidently been lit and suddenly extinguished, was
found near the spot after the explosion ; and the only way the acci-
dent could be accounted for is that one of the number was trying to
light his pipe when a spark from it came in contact with the powder.
The fire-crackers which they were manufacturing were to be used
two or three weeks after, in some religious observances peculiar to the
Portuguese.
On Tuesday morning, July 29 th, about a quarter to one o'clock, a
fire broke out near the Post-office, in San Leandro, wliich destroyed
several houses. This was not the worst, for two lives were lost in
the burnuig. The fix-e broke out in a restaurant belonging to a
340
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Poi-tuguese, named Manuel Rogers, who lost his life trying to secure
some treasure, and a man named Manuel Soars, whom he had
employed as an assistant, and to whose carelessness the fire was
attributed by the coroner's jury.
At a convention of the Republican party, of Alameda County,
held at San Leandro, on the 28tli of July, for the purpose of selecting
delegates to the Congressional Convention, at Sacramento, the Hon.
Nathan Pointer, of Alameda, was recommended, after a bitter contest,
as the choice of the Republipan party of this county. Mr. Porter's
name was presented at Sacramento, where he seemed to be the
favorite ; but Mr. H. F. Page, of Placerville, was put forward by
the friends of the Central Pacific Railroad, and i-eceived the nomina-
tion.
Mr. William Gagan, founder of the Oakland News, died at his
residence in Oakland, on September 14t]i, of congestive chills.
Deceased was a native of Ireland, and was forty-two years of age.
Nine years pre\'ious he came to Oakland and started the Weekly
News, which was Republican in politics, and, for some time after,
the only paper published in that city. Before coming to Oakland
Mr. Gragan had resided at Syracuse, New York, where he learned
the printing business. From Syracuse he went to Pontiac, Illinois,
where he published a paper till the breaking out of the war. He
took an active part in the politics of Alameda County, placing him-
self at once in the front rank of his party. His funeral was largely
attended, the services of which were conducted by the Rev. L.
Hamilton.
A Farmers' Club was organized early tliis year in Oakland, which
was known by the name of the Oakland Farming, Horticultural and
Industrial Club. It held many meetings and discussed many
questions of interest. Professor Ezra S. Carr was President of this
club, and delivered many useful and interesting addresses at its
meetings, which were open to the public. Lectures were also deliv-
ered by some of the members, on practical subjects. The meetings of
the club continued until the organization of the granges, when most
of its members joined the Temescal Grange..
A Catholic church edifice was erected in Livermore this summer,
the first building of the kind erected in the town. There were at
this time only two other churches in the township — the Catholic
church at Dublin, and the small Protestant church at Pleasanton.
Early in September a movement was set on foot for the purpose of
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 341
uniting the towns of Brooklyn and Alameda with the City of Oak-
land. It made little headway at first, but gradually some of the
principal property-holders of Brooklyn began to favor it, possessing
as a leading inducement the prospect of securing the covinty seat in
case of removal from San Leaudro. During the spring, while the
Legislature was in session, an effort was made by Hii-am Tubbs and
others to annex that portion of it origiiially known as Clinton, in
which effort they were aided by a bill introduced in the Legislature
by Senator Tompkins. This, however, was a failure.
The new church at Seminary Park, close to Mills Seminary*, was
completed in September. It is a very handsome edifice, and had for
a pastor the Rev. Mr. Lacy, one of the most popular pastors on the
Pacific Coast, since deceased.
At a meeting of the Boai-d of Supervisors held on the 7th of Octo-
ber at San Leandro, a petition was received from a number of the
inhabitants of Brooklyn, asking that an election be ordered on the
question of annexing certain territory described in Brooklyn to Oak-
land. The petition was signed by A. W. Swett, Benj. Haynes,
James Larue, Hiram Tubbs, W. C. Mason, B. M. Atchinson, Wm.
C. Glass, J. E. Capell, A. Cannon, L. B. Huff, A. Fonte and John
Colfer.
The petition was accompanied by a bond, in accordance with law,
signed by Benjamin Haynes, L. B. Huff, Jas. Larue and A. Fonte.
The petition was received, the bond accepted and the election called
for the 21st of October, to be held in the Town Hall, Brooklyn.
The officers of election appointed were A. Howard, Judge ; E. J.
Hector and A. W. -Swett, Inspectors. The polls to be open from
8 A. M. until sundown.
The election came off according to the appointment of the Board of
Supervisoi-s, when there were 186 votes cast in favor of annexation to
73 against. The arguments in favor of annexation were the pro-
bability of getting the county seat, as there was a tacit understand-
ing of that kind ; and the necessity of a closer union on the part of
the people on this side of the bay to advance the improvement of
the harbor of San Antonio by the United States Congress, and pro-
mote the commercial advantages of the estuary towns. The opposi-
tion came from those who feared increased taxation, and a neglect of
Brooklyn interests in a consolidated city government. The result
showed, however, that the more enlarged and enlightened view pre-
vailed.
342 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Following the examj)le of Brooklyn, a number of the citizens of
the incorporated Town of Alameda were inspired to present a peti-
tion to the Board of Supervisors, at its meeting on the 22d of Octo-
ber, asking the Board to order an election to submit to the voters of
that town the question of annexation to the City of Oakland of the
territory embraced within the corporate limits of said to^^^l.
On the announcement of the result of the election to the City
Council of Oakland, at a meeting held on the 4th of November, Mr.
A. L. Warner presented an ordinance which was read by the Clerk
as follows :
An Ordinance approving the annexation of certain territory to the
City of Oakland, in pursuance of an Act entitled " An Act to
enable the inhabitants of territory adjacent to any city iu this
State, to annex the same thereto." Approved, February 1st, 1872.
Whereas, the Mayor of the City of Oakland has presented to the
City Council of said city a certificate of the Clerk of the Board of
Supervisors of the County of Alameda and State of Califoi-nia,
together with a. certified copy of an ordei- of said Board of Super-
visors, declaring that at an election held in the Town of Brooklyn in
said county, on Monday, the 21st day of October, 1872, to determine
the question of the annexation of certain territory, hereinafter de-
scribed, to the City of Oakland, that a majority of the votes had
been cast in favor of such annexation ; and that the same be declai-ed
as the official canvass ; therefore the City Council of Oakland do
ordain as follows :
Section 1. The Council of the City of Oakland does hereby ap-
prove of the annexation to the City of Oakland of that certain ter-
i-itory situated in the Township of Brooklyn, in the County of Ala-
meda and State of California, which said territoiy is bounded and
described as follows: (Here follows a description of the boundaries
of the town of Brooklyn.)
Sec. 2. The City Clerk of the City of Oakland is hereby ordered
to transmit a certified copy of this preamble and ordinance, imderthe
corporate seal of the City of Oakland, to the Board of Supervisors of
the County of Alameda.
Sec. 3. This ordinance shall take efiect and be in full force on and
after its approval. E. H. Pardee,
Passed November 4th, 1872. President of the Council.
Attest: H. Hillebrand, City Clerk. Approved Nov. 4th, 1872.
N. W. Spaulding, Mayor.
The Alameda petitioners were H. F. Shepardson, T. S. Fitch,
Wm. Horst, Louis Fassking, C. Wilson, L. G. Mead, J. H. Clark,
Wm. Simpson, B. H. Ramsdell, John D. Crowei", C. R. Rowen, N.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 343
W. Palmer, F. Coy, F. Bolimei-, Joliii Nobbmau, Wm. Severance
and William Gibbons.
The Board, in compliance with the petition, ordered an election to
allow the people to vote on the proposition to annex Alameda to
Oakland, and set the 9th day of November as the day for such elec-
tion, which came off accordingly, when it was found that the people
of that town did not favor the proposition, it having been rejected by
a vote of 141 to 47.
The Hon. Edward Tompkins, Senator from Alameda County in the
State Legislature, died at his residence in Oakland, on Thursday
afternoon, the 14th of November, in the 58th year of his age. For
some months the deceased gentleman had been suffering from ill-
health, against which he bore up until the 8th of November, the day
after the inauguration of President Gilman of the State University,
when he was taken down, and died six days after. His complaint
was neuralgic affection of the kidneys. He was a native of Oneida
County, New York.
The new Board of Supervisors met at San Leandro, on December
5th. There was no change from the old Board, excepting Mr. E.
Bigelow taking the place of Mr. Shattuck, for Oakland Township.
Mr. Case continued to represent Brooklyn ; Mr. Clement, Alameda ;
Mr. Marlin, Eden ; Mr. Overacker,"Washington; and Mr. Neal, Murray.
Mr. Timothy Eix, father of 0. A. Eix, and the fii'st postmaster of
Washington Corners, died at his residence in the latter place, on
Friday, November 15th, at the advanced age of seventy-seven years.
Mr. Rix was a remarkable man, and one of the very first settlers on
the Mission Ranch, in Wasliington Township, having settled there
as early as 1850.
The most important county improvement during the year was the
construction of the Niles bridge, which crosses the Alameda near the
railroad junction. The breadth of the river bed here is about 400
feet. The length of the bridge is 414 feet, with twenty-four feet of
filling in at each end. The roadway is eighteen feet wide, with the
planking laid transversely. The elevation from the water is twenty
feet. The framework, which is composed of heavy timbers, rests on
four tubular abutments and four tubular piers, 134 feet apart. C.
T. Arnold, of Oakland, was the engineer of this woi-k ; and the
builders, the Pacific Bridge Company, of Oakland. The cost of the
structure was $15,000. It was accepted by the Supervisors on the
10th of October.
344 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
One of the important events of the year was the laying of the
corner-stone of the Agricultural College of the State University
Building, at Berkeley, on the 9th of October. The day was a most
auspicious one, and a large number of persons were present.
The legislation of 1872 was as follows :
An Act incorporating the town of Alameda.
An Act repealing an Act creating a county tax for the destruction
of squirrels and gophers.
An Act to construct a bridge across Alameda creek.
An Act to construct a bi-idge across San Antonio creek.
An Act to prevent the propagation of Canada thistles.
An Act declaring creek at Warm Springs Landing, in Wasliing-
ton Township, navigable.
An Act relating to salary of District Attorney.
An Act legalizing certain Oakland ordinances.
An Act relating to salaries of certain fixed officers.
An Act to prevent poaching in Alameda County.
An Act relating to levy of road and bridge tax.
An Act relating to duties of Road Commissioners.
An Act to pay certain claims against road fund of Washington
Township.
An Act to enable Trustees of Mountain View Cemetery Association
to mortgage land.
An Act to enable Oakland Cotton Manufacturing Company to
change its name to California Jute Manufacturing Company.
An Act relating to roads and highways in Alameda County.
An Act fixing the salaries of certain county officers.
An Act incorporating the town of San Leaudro.
An Act restricting the herding of sheep in Alameda County.
An Act relating to delinquent taxes in Alameda County.
An Act to authorize the Treasui^er to pay certain claims against
the county.
An Act concerning wharves not to apply to Alameda County.
An Act relating to the City of Oakland. To be exempt fi'om
taxes for bridges — to provide funds for — Oakland City Wharf fund —
salary and general funds — ordinances of legalized — exempt from
road tax — county road tax collected in — to provide funds for school
depai-tment — tax for improvement of streets— taxes delinquent in-
exempt from road and bridge tax — special tax — duty of Treasurer.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES.
345
Real Estate i
stSS«5^
n
scarfs " -^ '
KOENIG & BRINCKMANN,
472 Seventh Street,
Bet Broadway and Washington, (Newland'S Hatel BniMing.)
^al 1|$tate awl ^^mn |pi^ol|er$,
Respectfully offer their services to their many friends and the public
generally. All those entrusting us with their orders can rely
upon conscientious and prompt execution.
]i\4:ono3r to X-iOaxi
IN SUMS TO SUIT, ON APPROVED SECURITY,
At Ten per cent, per annum.
346 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUXTY.
THE O^KL^ND
Offers Houses for Sale oo lie Iiistalliiieiit Plai.
FOR TERMS ETC., APPLY AT THE OFFICE,
Room 12, Wilcox Block, Broadway, Oakland.
WM. H. JORDAN, Manager.
REAL_ESTATE!
T. B. BIGELOW, E. BIGELOW and WM. K. KOWELL,
900 Broadway, Oakland.
General Agents for buying and selling property, and
managing the same.
At this office can be found some of the most desirable business and residence
proi^erty in Oakland, Brooklj-n, Berkeley and vicinity,
on the most favorable terms.
BUILDING LOTS,
Upon high rolling ground, only tAvelve minutes' ^Vcalk from the
Adeline-Street Station. Horse Cars pass near these lots
every seven minutes. They are rapidly increasing
in value. JE^CDFL S.A.I_.p:i IB"^
414 Seventh Street, OakSand.
UXDER THE STARS AXD STRIPKS. 311
CHAPTER XXV.
THE EVENTS OF 1873.
Heporf of the United States Ewj'iueers on the Goat Idaiul Terminus
Proposition — Death of Wm. Mendenhall, a7i old Pioneer of tlie
Count 1/ — New Sunday Lato — Fattening Cattle at the Beet Sugar
Mill — Second Year of the County Seat Controversy — An Election
Ordered — Oakland Wins — Block 22, Brooklyn, Selected — Oakland
Improves Her Offer — Temporary Buildings Erected in Brooklyn
— San Leandrds Farewell — An Injunction Asked For— Dismissed
by the Judges — The County Re-districted into Supervisor Dis-
tricts, and Oakland Gets Three out of Seven StqysTviscn's — War
Waged Betioeen the Two Parties — The Legislature to he Again
Appealed to by Oakland— End of the Second Year's Conflict —
The Epizootic — Narrow-Gauge Railroad Propositions — An Offer-
ing of Trees — A County Map Wanted — Death of " Old Umbre "
— Oyster Culture in Alameda — Barfolo Supelvedct, Gives Himself
Up, and is Tried and Convicted — A New Trial Granted — May
Day Festivities — Corner Stone College of Letters Laid — Troubles
of Settlers hi Murray — Division of the Las Poscitas Rancho — A
Scotch Company Purchase the Salt Marsh — Progress of Reclama-
tion — Fourth of July Celebration — Application for a Railroad
Franchise from Mission San Jose to Oakland — Fire at Pleas-
anton — A Diminutive Specimen of Humanity — Geo. M. Pinney
a Candidate for State Senator — Acts as Chairnum oftJie Repub-
lican Convention — Contract for aCoxinty Map — Conventions and
Candidates — Result of the Election of 1873 — Judge Nye Delivers
a Charge Against Bribery — Good Price for Grain — The Uni-
versity Opens at Berkeley — New Time Table — Half-Hourly Trips
— Contract for Dredging tlie Creek — County Teachers' Institute
— Judicial Election — Livermore Grange Organized — Long Court
Calendar — County Assessor Hunt Arrested — No Commissioner
of HighvKiys — Death of Rev. Mr. Buel — Trial of Flores — Strike
Among the Vegetarians — Death of Harry Linden — Snow Storm
348 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
— Harvest Feast of Temescal Granje — ProjMsition to Remove the
Supreme Court to Oakland — The Kate Hayes Title Dead — Hon.
Walter Van Dy]ce,U. S. District Attorney — Alameda Members in
the Legislature — Amerman's Beapjjortionment Bill — Alameda at
Last Outstriiis Santa Clara and Sacramento — What the Assessment
Roll Showed— Financial Condition — Rainfall — Deeds and Mort-
gages.
In Januaiy, the Board of United States Engineers for tlie Pacific
Coast, in their report to Brig. -General Humphries, at "Washington,
with reference to the adaptability of Goat Island as a railroad ter-
minus, after discussing the various points at issue, and deciding
against granting the use of the island for railroad and commercial
purposes, concluded as follows :
Having thus reported our views upon the questions submitted to
us by the Chief of Engineers, we feel at liberty to make a few
general remai-ks on the subject. Our reasons heretofore urged
against granting a portion of Yerba Buena Island for railro:id and
commercial purposes are two-fold. First, the military objection ;
second, the probable injury to the harbor by the occupation of this
island for railroad and commei'cial purposes. These are the only
reasons we have urged against the cession ; we think, however, that
it can be clearly shown that Yerba Buena Island is in no sense a
convenient or proper location for the end of a great railroad. First,
it is not convenient, because it is in the middle of the Bay of San
Francisco. It has to be approached on one side by a. ferry, and on
the other by an expensive bridge thi'ee miles long. Both of these
means of transit must prove very inconvenient. Second, the position
here will not be economical, because of the cost of a bridge from the
Oakland shore to the island. The cost of this bridge, resting on
stone piers, even with a wooden superstructure, would be at least
$•5,000,000. Now, the interest on this sum, at seven per cent, per
annum, is $350,000. Add the annual cost of the maintenance of
bridge, etc., say $20,000, and we have the annual cost of bridge and
maintenance $370,000. This sum is sufficient to maintain a free
ferry between San Francisco and Oakland, consisting of three first-
class ferry boats. The time of transit, whether of passengers or
freight, from San Francisco to Oakland, would not be greater by ferry
all the way than it would be by ferry to Yerba Buena Island, and
thence by bridge to Oakland. But it may be said there is no good
harbor, with sufficient depth of water on the Oakland shore. This
is granted ; but a good harbor may be made here, capable of accom-
modating forty large ships at one time, by dredging out San Antonio
creek and the approach to it, for one-half the cost of a bridge from
Oakland to Yerba Buena Island, and if the general government is
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 349
disposed to assist the railroad in establishing its terniiuus in deep
water, we believe the better way will be to bring the deep water to
the Oakland shore. If this be the case, and we think it susceptil)le
of proof, then the railroads leading eastward from San Francisco
would have a natural terminus on the mainland, free from the ob-
jections attaching to a terminus on an island — free from the expense,
inconvenience and risks of a bridge three miles long- — free from com-
promising the defense of San Francisco and Oakland, in time of war,
and free from all danger of injury to the hai'bor by obstructing the
natural currents, and causing extensive shoals in the Bay of San
Francisco. Respectfully submitted,
(Signed) G. H. Mendell,
Major of Engineers.
Seaforth Stev.art,
Lieut. -Col. Engineers.
B. S. Alexander,
Pres't Board Engineers Pacific Coast.
John H. Weedon,
First Lieut. Engineers, IT. S. A.
Wm. Mendenhall, of Livermore, a respected citizen, and one of
our oldest pioneers, departed this life on the 12th of January, at the
advanced age of seventy-eight years and eleven months. Deceased
was a native of Tennessee, where he resided until he had reached the
age of nineteen, at which time, the war of 1812 breaking out, he
entered the service in the Ohio militia, and was present at the battle
of Queenstown as private under Captain McClennai-d, for which serv-
ice he was pensioned by the United States Government up to the
time of his demise. Noble and kind-hearted during his lifetime, in
death he was mourned by his relatives and many friends as one who
had bravely done his duty in the battle of life, as well as in the pro-
tection of his country, and who now is gathered to his fathers to
enjoy that everlasting peace that is ever the reward of the good and
the just. Funeral services were conducted by Bev. — — , of San
Jose, at the residence of his son Martin ; whence the remains were
conveyed to their last resting-place at " Oak Knoll," this being the
tirst interment in the new cemetery — the old bui'ial place having
been abandoned, owing to its unfavoi-able locality.
A new Sunday law, which required the closing of saloons on the
Sa])bath, went into force at the beginning of the new year. It was,
at tirst, generally observed, but, in course of a few months, got to be
disregarded, and business went on as before.
Attached to the Beet Sugar Mill, at Alvai\ado, were lai'ge cattle
sheds where 350 oxen, belonging to Miller & Lux, were fattening.
350 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
There were two large cattle sheds, some 500 feet long, with a tram-
way through the centre of each, and on each side of these tramways
were arranged stalls where the oxen were brought in and securely
fastened with chain halters, and were usually kept for months, or
until they became fattened sufficiently for the market.
SECOND YEAR OF THE COUNTY SEAT CONTROVERSY.
At a meeting of the Board of Supervisors, held on the 3d day of
February, the county seat controversy was reopened. Messrs. W.
W. Foote and Col. H. Linden appeared before the Board and asked
that an election be ordered. Col. Linden and E. Gr. Knox were
sworn and testified to the names on the petition. Supervisor Bigelow
moved that an election be ordered ; seconded by Mr. Clement. Aj'es
■ — Bigelow, Clement, Case. Noes- — Mai-lin, Neal, and Overacker.
Motion declared lost.
It will be noticed by this vote that mattei-s had assumed an altered
aspect, since the matter was last brought before the Board. Tlie
consolidation of Brooklyn with Oakland had changed the vote of
Mr. Case, and it will be seen the Alameda Supervisor, Mr. Clement,
changed with him. The supposition that Brooklyn would be the
part of Oakland selected for the county se?ct in case of removal by a
vote of the people, was the cause of this.
The day, however, was near at hand when the Board could no
longer refuse an election, as Mr. Foote, who was conducting the
county seat cause for the City of Oakland, had procured an order
from the Supreme Court, commanding the county authorities to call
an election. He therefore appeared at the meeting of the Board,
lield on tlu' 1 7 th day of February, and served on the Chairman a
certified copy of an order of the Supreme Court, directing a peremp-
tory writ of mandate in the matter of the county seat removal.
Supervisor Clement moved that an election lie called for Saturday,
March 29th, 1873, and that the Clerk be directed to give the proper
notice of the election. Ayes — Bigelow, Clement, Neal, Overacker,
and President Case. Noes — None. Not present, Marlin.
The following election proclamation was the result of this order :
State op California, )
County of Alameda, j
A petition having hem\ heretofore presented to the Board of Super-
visors of the County of Alameda, signed by more than thirteen
hundred and fifty-five qualified electoi-s of said county, praying the
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 351
Board of Su}Jel■^dsors to order an election, to be held t(^ determine
the question of removing the county seat of Ahimeda County from
the place where it is now fixed by hiw, and to determhie to wliat
place it shall be removed, And it having been determined and
established satisfactorily, and it ajjpearing to the Board tliat said peti-
tion does contain tlie requisite number of names of qualified electors,
and is in all respects in compliance and conformity with law, it is
therefore ordered by the Board that a special election be held in the
County of Alameda, on Saturday, March 29 th, 1873, to determine
whether or not the county seat of Alameda County shall be removed
from the town of San Leandro, in Alameda County, the place where
the same is at present located by law, and to what place tlie same
shall be removed. Said election to be held and conducted, and the
returns made in all respects in the manner prescribed by law for gen-
eral elections in said county.
At such electiori each elector must vote for the place in the County
of Alameda which he prefers as the seat of justice, plainly designat-
ing it in his ballot. And it is further ordered by the Board that, at
such election, the election precincts, polling places and officers of elec-
tion of each precinct in said county shall be as follows : [Here fol-
lows the usual description of places constituting election precincts,
polling places, oflieers of election, etc.]
By order of the Board of Supervisors.
J. V. B. Goodrich,
Clerk of the Board of Supervisors of Alameda County.
By C. G. Eeed, Deputy Clerk.
San Leandro, Feb. 2.5, 1873.
The result of the election was looked upon as a foregone conclu-
sion, as it had become apparent that a majority of the electors of
Brooklyn would favor removal, under the new aspect of aftairs, and
probably a majority of those of Alameda. The contest was kept up,
however, with spii'it, until the day of election ; and, although it
looked like facing the inevitable, the San Leandrons were not willing
to give up the battle or slacken their efforts. They had an idea that
there was a serious breach in the Oakland camp, on account of the
choice of location, which would militate in their favor ; and there is
no doubt that, fo]- a time, the friends of the City Hall and the friends
of the Plaza location carried on a pi-etty warm contest ; it was, thei'e-
foi-e, they hoped, among the possibilities that a breach would redound
to the advantage of the bucolic town. Brooklyn, too, was expectant,
supported by a large number of citizens, but she put no ticket in the
field, the result of a compromise with the Oaklanders, .who had
threatened to place " Oakland Township " on their ballots instead of
" Oakland City," which latter included Brooklyn as well as the old
352 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
section of the city. To make the election more certain, however, a
nnmber of Oakland citizens went before the City Conncil with the
proposition embodied in the following resolution, wliich was read, and,
after some discussion, in which the Council was assured by promi-
nent citizens that money sufficient to fulfil the promises in the reso-
lution should be placed at the disposal of the Council, it was adopted :
" That in case the people of the county vote for the removal of the
county seat, tlie Council hereby tender the county the free use of the
unoccupied portion of the City Hall, the same to be furnished by the
Council, within sixty days after notice by the Supervisors. And
that whene-\^er the Supervisors deem it expedient to erect buildings,
the Council will then dedicate public squares on Broadway for county
purposes. And, in the meantime, to secure the county records, the
Council will cause to be erected a fire-proof building adjoining the
City Hall, for the use of the county, free of charge. And that we
are opposed to a division of the county."
The following petition, signed by six hundred persons, was here
read :
To THE Honorable, the City Council of the City of Oakland:
We, the undersigned, residents and property-holders in the city of
Oakland, respectfully ask that your honorable body offer to the Board
of Supervisors of Alameda County, for temporary county purposes,
for such length of time as the said Board may deem proper to meet,
the use of the City Hall of said city, and as much land immediately
adjacent thereto belonging to said city as may be required for the
erection of such other buildings as may be found necessary to the pro-
per and safe management of county affairs. Also, that your honor-
able body offer to the said Board the two plazas fronting on Bi'oad-
way, between Fourth and Fifth streets, in said city, as permanent
location for such county buildings as said Board m;iy in future see fit
to erect thereon.
On the other side it was argued that this offer was of no avail — that
the finishing of the City Hall would only be for the benefit of Oak-
land — ^that the latter had no authority or power to offer the plazas
mentioned — that they were bestowed as a gift for certain specific pur-
poses, from which they could not be diverted. Another aigumeut
was that in case of remo-\-al very costly buildings would have to be
erected to conform with the growing importance of the city of Oak-
land, at the expense of the county at large.
The election took place on the day designated (April :29th), with
the following result, wliicli it will be seen was largely on the side of
the citv:
Precints.
Oak-
land.
Sun
Leandro.
Scatter-
ing.
Alameda,
-
- 53
83
Brooklyn,
- 293
109
1
Oiikland Precinct No.
1,
- 727
15
Oakland Precinct No.
2
- G43
5
Oakland Precinct No.
3,'
- 247
9
1
Temescal, - - .
- 167
4
Ban Leandro,
_
- 7
157
Haywards,
2
229
San Lorenzo,
.
- 3
45
50
Mission San Jose,
- 16
50
11
Centreville, -
.
- 18
126
Alvarado,
- 12
99
4
Pleasanton, -
_
- 19
88
17
Livermore,
- 45
134
25
Altamont, -
.
2
27
—
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 353
Total.
136
403
742
648
257
171
164
231
78
77
144
115
124
204
29
Totals, - - - 2,254 1,180 89 3,523
Total vote for Oakland City, - - . . 2,254
Total vote against Oakland City, - - - - 1,269
Majority for Oakland City, - - _ - 985
In compliance with the result stated, the Board of Supervisors
visited Oakland on the 5th day of April, to make choice of the de-
sired location. Three places were suggested and ui-ged, viz. : the City
Hall, the Broadway plazas, and the old town of Brooklyn, or East
Oakland. At the latter place it was understood that Independence
Square was available, or in the failure of that, the Larue estate would
donate a suitable block for county seat proposes.
The members of the Board were accompanied by several prominent
tax-payers from the various townships, and after viewing the city and
having conversed with the various deputations that waited upon
them, including Mayor Spaulding, Councilman Ferris, Ex-Su})erA-isor
Shattuck, Councilman Larue, Judge Glascock, etc., they adjournetl to
meet on the following Monday at San Leandro, when it was under-
stood they would determine their choice.
After the noon i-ecess the matter was taken up. Councilman La-
rue, on iDehalf of the executors of the Larue estate and the people of
Brooklyn, handed in an offer donatmg for county piu-jioses a certain
block of land on Adams Avenue, mmibered 22 on the map of the
old town of San Antonio, and an offer of $10,000 in coin, accompa-
nied by properly executed bonds.
23
354 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Judge Glascock appeared on behalf of the City Council of Oak
land, and read to the Board the resolutions offering to the county the ■
use of the iipper portion of the City Hall so long as they might re-
quire the same, and promising to place it in a fit condition for recep-
tion. The resolution also promised the erection of a fire-proof Hall
of Records on the City Hall property, free of charge, and the dona-
tion in addition of two blocks of land known as the Broadway plazas,
the whole or part of which to be at the disposal of the county. He
stated that there were gentlemen present. Mayor Spaulding and
others, who would give their bonds in the sum of $50,000 as a guar-
antee that these ofiers would be faithfully carried out.
Mr. Leonidas E. Pratt, attorney of San Francisco, appeared on
behalf of the Brooklyn people, and stated that the ofier of the exec-
utors of the Larue estate and the gentlemen who had signed their
names to the bond, viz : Messrs. A. "W. Swett, F. Schimmelpfennig,
Crist & Rued, Charles Derby, Henry Hampel, J. F. Keller, Antonio
Fonte, F. A. Rogers and Duncan Cameron, was a substantial one,
about which there need be no fear of litigation or trouble ; on the
contraiy, he declared the ofier of the Oakland City Council an empty
one, inasmuch as the city had no title to the plazas nor any power to
divert the city pi'operty to any other use than that for which it was
originally intended. President Case stated that the Board having
heard all the propositions that were made, were now prepared to make
a choice.
Mr. Elijah Bigelow, Supervisor from Oakland, thought time should
be taken for further consideration, and moved that the matter be
Jaid over for one week.
;Supervisor Clement, of Alameda, proposed a resolution accepting
the ofier of the executors of the Larue estate on Adams street,
donating block No. 22, of the late town of Brooklyn. The resolu-
tion was seconded by Supervisor Marlin, of Eden, and on a vote
being taken it was found there were five out of six of the Su])ervisors
in favor of it, and but one — Mr. Bigelow— against it.
The permanent seat of Alameda County was therefore declared t©
be located at the place selected, which was within a few blocks of
the easterly limits of the city, and over a mile from the City Hall.
There was great interest evinced in the proceedings, and as the
friends of Brooklyn were largely in the ascendant, the result was
received with cheers and other signs of satisfaction.
The news flew at once through San Leandro, and was satisfactorily
UNDER THE STARS AND STRITRS. 3.").j
received throiigliout the siii-rouiiding country. Of course, there was
much exultation in Brooklyn. In Oakland, however, the news was
received with the utmost indignation, and " curses, loud and deep,"
were heard on every side. Talk of an " injunction " was at once set
in circulation, and bets were freely offered that the county seat
would not be two years in the locality selected.
The Supervisors at once advei'tised for tenders for a plan of a hall
of records, the cost of which Avas not to exceed $10,000. In the
meantime the citizens of Brooklyn set to work to provide temporary
accommodations for the county officers, and with that view let a con-
tract to Mr. George W. Babcock, for the erection of a building on a
block adjoining that which had been accepted by the Supervisors.
There was another meeting of the Board, at San Leandro, on the
15th of April. After the transaction of some unimportant business,
the county seat matter came up for rehearing. The Chair announced
that petitions were in order. Coimcilman B. F. Ferris came forward,
and stating that he was the Chairman of a Special Committee, ap-
pointed on the previovis evening by the Oakland City Council to wait
upon the Board 2)resent, and read the following bond :
Know all men by these presents, that we, the undersigned, under-
take and promise and hereby guarantee that the City of Oakland will
faithfully carry out all that is expressed and contained in the resol-
utions hereunto annexed :
RESOLUTIONS.
In the matter of furnishing the county with suitable buildings for
county goverment, in case of removal of the county seat to Oakland,
the City Council of the city of Oakland, at a regular meeting held
Monday evening, March 10th, unanimously passed the following re-
solutions :
Iiemlmd, That in case the people of the County of Alameda, at the
approaching election, vote for the removal of the county seat from
San Leandro to the city of Oakland, the City Council of the city of
Oakland do hereby tender to the county of Alameda the free use of
the unoccupied portion of the City Hall, the same to be finished by
the City Council, so as to accommodate the county government, within
sixty days after notice from the Board of Supervisors of their accep-
tance, for such time as the Board of Supervisors of said county may
desire ; and that whenever the Board of Supervisors deem it expedient
to erect buildings for county seat purposes, the City Council will
cause, free of cost to said county, to be dedicated for such purposes,
the public squares, situated upon Broadway in said city, usually
•known as Washington and Franklin Squares, and also known as the
plazas; and in the meantime, and for the purposes of securing the
356 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
public records, the City Council will cause to be erected, free of cost
to said county, a good and sufficient fire-proof building upon a lot ad-
joining the City Hall, for the use of the county, free of charge, so
long as the county may desire the use of the same for said purposes.
4 H. HiLLEBRAND, City Clerk.
B. F. Ferris, Wm. H. Glascock, P. S. Wilcox, James De Fremery,
Mack Webber, Samuel Merritt, John Scott, Benjamin Akerly, Isi'ael
Knox, F. K. Shattuck, A. C. Henry, F. Warner, Henry Diirant,
Henry Rodgers, Gustave Touchard.
Mr. Ferris also read a resolution passed by the City Council Mon-
day evening, April 13th, to build a Recorder's office, fire-proof
throughout, free of expense to the county, and to cost not less than
$20,000.
He also presented the following petition from the citizens of
Washington Township :
To the Hon. Board of Supervisors of Alameda County :
The undersigned citizens of Washington Township respectful h'-
request that you will reconsider your action in locating the county
seat of Alameda County on Block 22, in the Town of Brooklyn, for
three reasons :
1st. We believe that the location selected is not a desirable one.
2d. In our opinion it does not conform to the intentions of the
majoi-ity as expressed in the recent election.
3d. We believe that it is not for the best interests of the county
financially.
Samuel Marston, H. Crowell, J. C. Palmer, E. L. Beard, John ]M.
Horner, Joseph Hirsch, A. O. Rix, Edward Rix, Ehrman & Bach-
man, Stephen Murphy, N. Bergman, C. W. F. Bergman, J. L. Lang,
Alfred K. Henry, Isaac L. Lang, Michael Rogan, T. W. Millard, H.
M. Holland, M. Sigrist, Louis Sigrist, Henry Muller, Peter Wer-
ringer, Geo. W. Cook, E. F. Palmer, Plutarco Vallejo, Joseph Her-
bert, M. M. Smith, G. M. Walters, W. H. Mack, R. Threlfall, R.
Blacow, W. Blacow, Peter Campbell, J. S. Marston, Lorenzo G.
Yates, R. B. Hull, W. F. B. LjTich, Jacob Salz, S. Salz, Joseph
Horner, John Lo-wi-ie, W. J. Egleston, Jos. McKeown, August May,
August Heger, O. P. Tuller, J. J. Stokes.
The bond, resolutions and petition presented by Mr. Ferris were
laid on the table.
Mr. Estudillo sent in a statement, setting forth that the Estudillo
family had, on the 30th day of December, 1854, deeded to Alameda
County, as a site for a Court-house, so long as the county seat should
I'emain at San Leandro, the grounds on which the Court-house stood.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 357
I requesting tlie Supervisors to execute a quit-claim deed of said
olock of land back to the Estudillo family.
Tlie document was referred to the Judiciary Committee and the
District Attorney.
Several plans for the Hall of Records were opened, and a motion
made to adopt the plans of Mr. Bugbee.
Mr. Goodrich, County Auditor, appeared before the Board, and
asked if he had any right to issue warrants to pay for plans, if
adopted 1
The District Attorney, Mr. Moore, being called to give an opinion
in the case, said he thought there was no power in the Board to
enable them to erect county buildings without first receiving
authority to levy a tax. A decision had been made in Monterey
County, in support of this view of the case.
The subject was finally referred to the Ordinance and Judiciary
Committee, to be reported upon at the next meeting of the Board.
A meeting of the Board was held on the 20th of April, when
Su})ervisor Clement, of the Ordinance Committee, reported that they
had considered the question of the authority of the Board to order
the payment of the premiums ofliered for plans and specifications for
a Hall of Recoi'ds, and reported " that the Board had sufficient power
under the law to order the said payment, and it is its duty to do so."
The Board adopted the plans of S. C. Bugbee & Son for the Hall
of Records, and ordered the clerk to advertise for bids for the Hall
of Records, bids to be received up to Friday, April 25th. The adver-
tisement was ordered published in the San Francisco Bulletin and
Oakland Evening Torchlight.
S. C. Bugbee & Son here presented their bill of $250 for the plans
and specifications for the Hall of Records, which was allowed. Mr.
Bugbee took the bill to the auditor, Mr. Goodrich, who refused to
audit it.
"When this fact was reported to the Board, Clement said that, as
the County Auditor had refused to issue the warrant, he wouki move
that the chairman be authorized to employ counsel in the matter, as
the County Auditor had been advised in his course by the District
Attorney. The motion was adopted.
On the 25th of April a contract was awarded to Geo. W. Babcock
for the erection of a Hall of Records, to cost $18,240, and a Build-
ing Committee was appointed.
The next meeting of the Board took place on the 28th of April.
358 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Before the Board had faMy got to work, Under Sheriif P. R. Borein
came into the room and served a complaint, made by Harry Linden,
upon President Case, and upon him and each member present a copy
of an injunction granted by Jiidge Samuel Bell McKee of the Third
District Court, restraining the Board from entering, into any contract
for the erection of any buildings for county purposes, or for the pay-
ment of any bills against the county for such purposes. Summons
were at the same time served on them requiring them to answer the
complaint within ten days.
The complaint averred that the site selected by the Board of Svi-
pervisors was not witliin the City of Oakland ; that the location was
procured by the votes and influence of President Case, who was
charged with being interested in the adjacent property ; that the de-
fendants had advertised for one week for proposals for the erection of
a County Recorder's office upon said block, which would involve an
expenditure of about $18,240; that such expenditures would be an
incumbrance upon the tax -payers of the county, and that no author-
ity of law existed for such expenditure ; that the Board had not yet
acquired a title to the property, and that unless the Svipervisors were
restrained from proceeding with their proposed exjienditui^e, great em-
barrassment would result to the tax-payers and to the County. The
complaint conchided by praying that the defendants might be enjoined
from entering into any contract for the erection of a Hall of Records
or other county buildings, and that said injunction might be made
perpetual.
The complaint was signed by Haight and Sawyer, plaintiff's attor-
neys.
After the complaint was served, the Board adjourned, without
proceeding any further. It apjjears that while the injunction had
the effect of sto])ping the erection of the proposed buildings on
Block 22, it did not prevent the work being proceeded with.
Instead of building on the block donated to the county, the adjoin-
ing Block 21 had been purchased by the Brooklyn Joint Stock Com-
pany, on which the erection of the Hall of Records was at once
proceeded with. A Court-house was also commenced on the same
block, which was to embrace all the necessary county offices. This
was the undertaking of the Brooklyn company, whose names have
been already given.
By this proceeding the purpose of the injunction was avoided and
the county seat fixed at Brooklyn. It looked now as if nothing but
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 359
an Act of the Legislature could prevent its permanent location there,
objectional as it was.
On the 20th of May a deed to Block 22 was presented by the
Larue estate to the Board and was referred to the District Attorney
to report on the title. On the 10th of June the District Attorney
reported favorably upon the same.
James Larue and others made a proposition to the Board, offering
the use of the wooden building lately erected on Block 21 for such
a time as the Board may wish, at monthly rental of one dollar.
■ Also, a proposition offering the use of the new Hall of Records, at a
monthly I'ental of $75. The propositions wei-e accepted, and the
District Attorney directed to draw leases, conditioned that the
county lease said property for one year, with the privilege of two —
either party to vacate the lease upon notice of three months.
On Tuesday, June 17th, the Board adopted the following ordei-,
locating the county seat in Block No. 21 :
Whereas this Board did heretofore, by resolution duly passed and
entered, in pursuance of law, designate the City of Oakland, in the
County of Alameda, State of California, as the county seat and seat
of justice of said county, from and after the 25th day of June, A. D.
1873 ; now be it further resolved and ordered, that the wood and
brick buildings erected and being finished upon Block 21, of the late
Town of Brooklyn (now Oakland), in said county, together with the
land upon which they stand, is, and shall be from and after said 25th
day of June, 1873, and until the further order of this Board, the
county seat and Court-house of said county, and the abiding place of
all the offices and records of said county.
The following order was passed locating the County Jail : It
having been ordered by this Board that the seat of justice be from
June 25th, 1873, at the City of Oakland, in this county, and it
appearing to the Board that no adequate facilities exist in said city
for the safe keeping and detention of prisoners and persons accused
of crime, it is resolved and so ordered, that until the further order
and action of this Board, the Jail of said county be and remain in
the Town of San Leandro, and as at present used.
The closing scene was enacted, and the last meeting of the Board
held in San Leandro adjourned. The old Court-house was stripped
of its precious contents, the recoi'ds removed from their hall, and on
the 26th the place was deserted, the prisoners in the jail alone re-
maining. Thus, in spite of them, was consummated an act against
which the people of San Leandx-o and surrounding district persist-
360
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
eutly and strenuously battled for two years, but the fates and neces-
sities of the times, the demands of progi-ess, were against them. A
San Leandro poet expressed his grief in the following doggerel
rhymes :
Farewell to the Hall — ^the Temple Hall,
Reared for Justice cause ;
Where oft has resounded the call
For mercy, and freedom's laws.
Where Baker, the soldier eloquent,
And Williams, erratic, but true,
And Stanley, the good and the prudent.
Here Foote and Weller contended,
McDougall, too, having his say,
What mighty shades surround you
Deserted Hall of to-day.
Kocked by the earthquake shake.
Its people stood by the corse,
And vv^e may not forget for thy sake.
Here was won the fame of Morse.
Shades of the mighty departed,
• Spirits of the good and true,
Curse not those who so acted,
By fraud for the destruction of you.
Grant as the New Halls rise.
That they shall be good and true,
And Mercy sharing in Justice cause.
May yet atone for the great loss of you.
On the morning of the 26th of June the records and seals of the
Courts were taken to Brooklyn, then beginning to be well known as
East Oakland, and carefully deposited in their new resting place.
The county officers took formal possession of their new quarters the
same day, there to remain until some new action of the Corirts or
the Legislature might cause another disturbance. As it was, it
seemed as if Brooklyn had it ; but tenures are uncertain in young
and rapidly changing communities. The temporary buildings ei-ected
by the Brooklyn people, althougli hastily constructed, w-ere convenient
and substantial. The buildings were situated on Block 21, cornier of
Fourteenth street and Twentieth avenue. The main building wtis a
UNDER THE STARS AND STRITES. 361
two-story frame structure. lu it -were situated the Coui-t-room,
Supervisors' room, SherilT's, County Judge's, County Superintendent's,
Auditor's, Tax Collector's, and County Attorney's oltices. The rooms
were well lighted, the ceilings high, and the ventilation good. Ample
})rovision for lighting and heating had been made. The other build-
ing was of brick, and only one story high, but furnished with iron
shutters. Here were situated the Hall of Records, the Treasurer's,
and the Clerk's offices.
The ground was elevated and tlie view fhie, commanding a good
deal of the surrounding countiy ; but in close proximity were a
slaughtei'-house and a couple of tanneries, whose unpleasant odors,
wafted to the seat of justice on the prevailing breeze, did not agree
witli the olfactory nerves of the fastidious or fault-finding Oaklander,
and consequently caused the refractory County Fathei's to be visited
with no small amount of condemnation and reproach for the mal-
odorous character of theii- choice of location.
The de)i02iernent was not yet, however, at hand. The comity seat
had been fixed in Brooklyn, but was it going to rest there 1 What
was Oakland, so frequently bafiled, going to do further about
it ] Thoroughly aroused, with her feelings outraged, she was not
disposed to submit and quietly yield the fruits of her hard-fought
fight to her deceitful sister. The war was to be continued and the
battle fought unto final victory or irretrievable defeat.
The Supervisors held their firf?t meeting in the new building -on the
5th of July, and the County Court was held there for the first time
on the 7th. Another meeting of the Supervisors was held on the
15th, when considerable discussion was had over the order of the
previous meeting, accepting the deed to Block 22. The doubt was
suggested that the title in fee simple still rested in the grantor,
Larue, who did not propose to divest himself of the right to the land
should the county neglect or be unable to build thereon. K the title
is not in the county, any pei'son objecting to buildings being put
ujjon the land would have good cause for an injunction. On the
other hand, should the fee simple of the land be vested in the
county and the county not build, Mr. Larue would be the loser of
his land. As the deed had been recorded and the acceptance of it
on the minutes of the Boai-d, it was decided to make no change
in the minutes, but let the matter stand for further consideration.
The opinion of the Supreme Court on the application for an
injunction was anxiously looked for, as the Supervisors were desii-ous
362 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
of erecting a jail on Block 22, and those wlio were unfavorable to
the location were in hopes of obtaining a restraining order. The
application was filed on July 18th, and the decision was published
July 19th. After mentioning the reasons given for demanding
a temporary injunction, the decision was given as follows :
Waving the question of whether the action is properly brought by
the plaintiff and against the defendants, withoiit making the county
by name a party thereto, we are satisfied that the complaint states no
cause of action. It is settled in this State that no order made by
the Board of Supervisors is valid or binding unless it is ordered by
law. No claim against a county can be allowed unless it be legally
chargeable to the county ; and if claims not legally chargeable to the
county are allowed, neither the allowance nor the warrants drawn
thei-efor create any legal liabilities. (People vs. Supeiwisors of El
Dorado County, 11 Cal., 170; Branch Turnpike Company v^. Super-
visors of Yuba County, 13 Cal., 190; Trinity County vs. McCam-
mon, 25 Cal, 117.)
If, therefore, it be true, as alleged, that no authority of law exists
for the expenditure proposed, and neither the defendants nor the
, Board of Supervisors are authorized by law to make provision for the
payment of any claim for or on account of the work proposed, it
must follow, as a consequence, that by no legal possibility can the
plaiiitifi" or the other tax-payers of the county be injui-ed b}' the .sxip-
posed illegal acts of the defendants. The expenditure, if made,
would, in that event, be no charge upon the j^laintifi" 's property, and
he has, therefore, no interest in the question presented. If' illegal
claims are allowed by the Boai'd against the county, it will he the
duty of the Auditor to refuse to draw wai-rants therefor ; and if war-
rants are drawn it will then be the duty of the Treasurer to refuse to
pay them. The presumption is that these officers will faithfully dis-
charge their duty in the premises.
Order reversed ; remittitur to issue forthwith.
We concur : Belchek, J.
Wallace, C. J.
Ehodes, J.
Of the five Supreme Judges, at this time, two (Messrs. Crockett
and Niles) were residents of the contending districts — Judge Crock-
ett, of Brooklyn, and Judge Niles, of Oakland — and, as will be seen,
they took no part in the decision, lest they might be accused of prej-
udice or favor. The decision determined nothing, only that defend-
ants could not be restrained from building.
On the 28th of July the Board, feeling the decision to be in their
favor, authorized the clerk to advertise for plans and s})ecifications
for a County Jail, to cost not exceeding $50,000, to be erected on
Block 22, the j^lans to be presented to the Board August 2d, and a
UNDER THE STARS A\D STRIPES. 3G3
premium of $300 to be paid to the architect whose })huis wuuhl be
accepted.
On the 6th of August the Board accepted tlie bid of CI. W. 15; ib-
cock for building the proposed jail for $32,066, payment to be made
in county warrants. At the same time James Larue presented a
new deed for Block 22, which was accepted, and the building of a
jail, the materials of whicli were brick, stone and iron, wa.s at once
proceeded with.
Up to this time the Board stood five to one in voting upon this
vexed question. The Civil Code had provided for dividing counties
into supervisor districts, according to population, and this required
the I'e-arrangement of the districts in this county so as to take one
supervisor from the country districts and give Oakland Township
three instead of one, as hei-etofore. This was done prior to the Sep-
tember election, when Oakland elected three super\isors, against four
from the rest of the county, placing her in a mi;ch more improved
and just position. It was clear that this advantage would enable her
to carry on the fight with better results than before.
The new districts and the persons elected to serve them were as
follows :
District No. 1 (Murray Township), J. A. Neal. District No. 2
(Washington Township), H. Overacker. District No. 3 (Eden
Township), J. B. Marliu. District No. 4 (Brookl;)Ti and Alameda
Townships), Isham Case. District No. 5 (Precinct No. 1, Oakland),
W. B. Hardy. District No. 6 (Precinct No. 2, Oakland), P. S.
Wilcox. District No. 7 (Oakland Point and Temescal), F. K.
Shattuck.
All the " Modocs," as the country members of the old Board were
called by some of the Oakland papei-s, were re-elected, and on the
county seat question the new Board stood, on a vote, four to three.
Whatever was the cohesive power, the old members continued to ad-
here to their ground and stick to each other through every vicissi-
tude, and lively times were experienced within the walls of the
Board-room.
The new Board met for the first time on the 6tli of October, and
things immediately became heated. There was a contest over the
chairmanship, and some of the members allowed themselves to be
betrayed into undue warmth of language. Finally Case, the old
chairman, and the leader of the Brooklyn party, was elected by a
strict sectional vote of four to three.
364 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
At the ]iext meeting of tlie Board, on the 13th of October, the
bill of Gr. W. Babcock, for " labor and material furnished for County
Jail as per contract," amounting to §5,000, was taken up, not ap-
proved by the Finance Committee. A motion to lay it on the table
was lost, and there ensued a good deal of word-sparring between
Messrs. Case and Wilcox, but eventually a motion to allow the bill
was carried.
Mr. Shattuck moved that P. S. Wilcox, J. B. Marlin, and W. B.
Hardy be appointed a Committee to ascertain if a more suitable loca-
tion could be secured for the county buildings. He said it had been
suggested that a site could be selected in the neighborhood of Tubbs'
Hotel, and he had been informed that property could be secured for
county buildings on satisfactory tei-ms. Marlin moved that Case be
added to the Committee, which was cai-ried.
Mr. Wilcox offered a resolution reqnii-ing that the District Attor-
ney be instructed to ascertain if an injunction could not be got out
against the building of the County Jail on Block 22. The motion
was lost on the usxxal vote of four to three.
On the 24th of November a proposition was made to the Board
by T. A. Mudge, agent, offering them the G-hirardelli block, near
Lake Merritt, for $16,000, and subsequently Mr. Wilcox offered a
resolution to look into the matter of purchasing the Ghirardelli blocks,
and to ascertain the best terms upon which they could be procured
by the county. The resolution was lost. There were frequent squab-
bles among the members about the payment of the bills of the con-
tractor for the jail building, and at the end of the year the passions
invoked in the county seat contest were far from being set at rest.
That another effort would be made to obtain relief from the Leg-
islatui-e was evident, but with what success remains to be seen, as
here will have to be closed the narrativ-e of the second year's contest
over the location of the county seat of Alameda County.
The horse distemper, known as tlie epizootic, made its appearance
liere in March and ran its course, horses having been generally
affected by it.
Surveying parties Avere in the tiold in Contra Costa County this
spring, surveying proposed narrow-gauge railroad routes from Mar-
tinez to Dublin, and from Walnut Creek to Oakland.
A fruit-drying and preserving association was formed in San Lo-
UNDER THE STARS AXO STRIPES. 365
renzo by a numljer of the residents of the locality in March. The
members of the incorporation were Captain Roberts, E. T. Crane,
John Marlin, Wm. Meek, E. Lewelling, C. O. Hathaway, Silas Mc-
Clure, W. C. Blackwood, Lonis Knox, J. L. Shimun, Jos. Graham.
W. C. Blackwood was sent east for machinery to establisli tlie busi-
ness, and was the tii'st to introduce the Alden process on this coast.
The following offer was made to the Board of Supervisors at their
March meeting :
Gentlemen : — The undersigned having a large number of young
trees on hand at Fitchburg, Alameda County, offers from two to four
thousand as a gift to the county, provided your Honorable Board will
have them taken up and transplanted on the two sides of the county
road between San Antonio and San Leandro — two rows on each side
of the road. , Respectfully, Henry S. Fitch.
It does not appear that this offer was acted upon, or that any notice
was taken of it, although a liberal one, and the subject of planting the
county road with trees had been contemplated by the Board as one of
the imjirovements to be inaugurated upon that thoroughfare.
At the same meeting appeared Mr. W. F. Boardma,n, who made
■some remarks on the subject of a county map. He recommended that
the Boai-d have the proposed county map made in two pai-ts, one re-
presenting Oakland, Alameda and Brooklyn Townships, on a scale of
ten' chains to an inch, and the other representing Eden, Washington
and Murray Townships, on a scale of twenty chains to the inch. He
also informed the Board that it would take fully a year to make a
suitable map of the county, and that it would cost from five to six
thousand dollars. Mr. Boardman showed to the Board a beautiful
map representing San Mateo County, which was the same style as he
recommended for this county.
The proposition to build a narrow-gauge railroad from Oakland to
Walnut Creek, in Contra Costa Coiuity, engaged a good deal of atten-
tion this year. The farmers of Contra Costa were very much alive
to the importance of the enterprise, but nothing has yet been done in
the matter, although there was much earnestness shown in the matter
then, and a powerful company to carry out such an enterprise was
organized in 1875.
At a meeting held in Walnut Creek on the 2 2d of March, W. L.
Boiirdman, for the engineers, made a verbal report, which eml:iraced
-the following facts : That they had made a preliminary survey of the
366 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
road from Oakland over the hills ; that they had surveyed several
routes, either of which they found practicable ; but the best i-oute
was by way of Berkeley. They commenced the survey at the west
side of the hills, ab )ut five miles from Oakland, ascending the moun-
tain with a grade of one hundred and fifty feet to the mile, to an alti-
tude of about eight hundred feet ; thence, by running a tunnel near
the Berkeley House, two thousand five hundred feet, they commenced
the descent on the eastern side of the i-ange, down by Heuston's,
with a grade of one hundred feet to the mile, with another short tun- '
nel of two hundred feet, making a gradual descent to Lafayette and
Walnut Creek — distance, nineteen miles. The cost will not exceed
$15,000 per mile, complete, in running order, thus bringing Walnut
Creek within thirty minutes of Oakland. An average engine, of
twenty-seven tons weight, will take one hundred and twenty-three
tons over the proposed road at a good speed. There are no curves on
the line of less than eight or ten degrees. The tunnel can be made
shorter by giving the road a greater grade. The tunnel will proba-
bly cost $40,000. He stated that, in making the surveys, they had
found the very best indications of coal, and had no doubt but that
the building of the road would develop some of the best coal mines
in the State.
The following resolutions were passed :
Resolved, That we, the Farmers' Club of Contra Costa County, are
in favor of building the railroad from tide Avater at Oakland to Wal-
nut creek, and thence to Antioch ; also,
Resolved, That we recommend the County of Contra Costa to give
a subsidy of $200,000 in bonds to aid the building of said road.
An old Mission Indian named XJmbry, well known at San Leandro,
where he was often employed by the inhabitants at sawing wood and
doing chores, died at Piei-ce's ranch, about two miles from the town,
about the middle of March. Old Umbre was the last of his tribe
left about San Leandro, and was over sixty years of age.
Nothing has as yet been said in this work about our oyster beds.
The Alameda Enclnal of March 2 2d contained the following })iece of
information concerning our oyster industry :
"Alameda promises to become an important point for the growing
and cultivation of oysters. Parties long engaged in the business
have recently purchased some of the tide lands lying in Alameda
Bay, and have already commenced to plant extensively. The schooner
B. F. Lee, Cajjtain J. J. Winant, has just brought from Shoal water
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 3G7
Bay a cargo of about five thousand baskets, for the AVasliiugton
Oyster Company — a company formed hy the oystermen of Shoal-
Avater Bay, who are largely interested in tlie business there, and have
formed themselves into a co-operative comjjany for the purpose of
marketing their oysters in San Francisco. J. J. Winant is their
agent. Their depot is at 107 California Market. The Pacific Oyster
Company, whose beds ai'e at present located at Oakland, have also
purchased land, and will remove to this place. They have made ai'-
rangements with parties in New York to ship them several car-loads
this spring. Their depot is at No. 27 San Francisco Market. In
addition to these, Mr. S. Winant, who has been engaged in the busi-
ness in this State for twenty years, has made arrangements with large
dealers in New York to send fifteen or twenty car-loads in the spring,
to be planted adjoining the beds of the first-named companies. So
the prospect is that Alameda Bay will soon contain the most extensive
oyster beds in the State."
A meeting of the movei's in the railroad project between Oakland
and Contra Costa County held a meeting at No. 24 Wilcox Block, on
Wednesday, March 26. Judge W. H. Glascock was called to the
Chair, and Franklin Warner, Esq., was chosen Secretary. Articles
of Incorporation of the Oaklo.nd and Conti-a Costa Railroad Company,
drawn by eminent attorneys, were presented, but upon examining the
Code in connection with a late decision of the Supreme Court, were
deemed informal. It was then decided to defer incorporating until
Saturday, April 5th. A committee was appointed by the meeting, to
solicit subscriptions to the stock. - The Contra Costa delegation named
E. Brown, Esq., as a special committee for that county for that pur-
pose. Several subsequent meetings were held, but nothing c;xme of
the movement at this time.
About two years ago this community was startled by a cold-blooded
murder commited in Sunol Valley, at the store of Thomas Scott, an
ex-supervisor of this county. The victim was Otto Ludovisco, a clerk
in the store, and the perpetrators supposed to be three native Cali-
fornians. Sherifi" Morse traced one of the supposed murderers, Juan
Soto, to his mountain retreat in the lower county. The attempt of
Morse to arrest the assassin led to a desperate and deadly fight, in
which Juan Soto was killed. Bartolo Sepulveda, another one of
the suspected parties, v/ho had not been seen in this county since the
night of the murder, gave himself into the custody of the Sheriff, stat-
ing that he desired a trial to establish his innocence. The prelimi-
368 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
naiy examination, before Justice Smith, resulted in the prisoner being
bound over to appear before the Grand Jury.
The case was brought before the first Grand Jury of the County
Court, and an indictment found, but the case was transmitted to the
District Court, in which it was tried in the Jiily term. It com-
menced on the 26th of the month, and occupied one week. The
prosecution was conducted by the District Attorney, A. A. Moore ;
and Mr. Spencer of San Jose, and Mi\ Van Yoorhies of Oakland,
appeared for the defense. On the 1st of August the Jviry bi-ought
in a verdict of muixler in the first degree against the prisoner. A
new trial was demanded and the case continued till the next term.
The May-day festivities were very general this year, and picnics
were held in almost every locality in the county, in grove, pavilion
and hall, with the sound of music, the spreading of flowers, and the
wreathing of bright garlands. At Dry Creek, near Decoto, the festi-
vities were kept up for four days.
The corner-stone of the College of Letters of the University of
California was laid at Berkeley on May 3d, by A. J. Moulder, in the
absence of Governor Booth.
There was no June tei-m of the District Court this year, on
account of the removal of the county seat.
There was a meeting of settlers at Altamont, on the 31st of May,
for the purpose of having a new and general survey of Murray
Township, in order to trace out the lines of the government survey
accurately, as they were surveyed by Sherman Day, as Department
U. S. Surveyor under Col. John C. Hays, when he was Surveyor-
General, and which survey is the correct one. Subsequent to that
the settlers complained there were all manner of surveys, of which
no two were alike, and trouble among neighboi's Avas the result.
The final division of the Las Poscitas or Livermore ranclio was
made on Friday, May 30th, subject to the approval of parties
interested, by Commissioners Col. A. J. Cofiee, R. A. McClure and
Newton Ingram, with the assistance of Mr. Louis Castro and his
corps of surveyors. By this decision J. H. Mahoney was allowed 302
acres ; F. Aurreocochea, 4, .500 ; H. Bailey, 865 ; Rolland Saunders,
965 ; George May, 315 ; Robei-t Livermore, Ji\, 400 ; John Green,
500; Mariana Avila, 395; V. Alviso, 815. Bailey gained 100
acres on the old survey ; R. Livermore, 10; Saunders, 140; Avila,
21 acres and $1,000 for improvements; and John Green, 100 acres.
The following are the losers: May, 85 acres; Mahoney, 108;
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 369
AuiTeococbea, 240 ; and Alviso, 10. The case for final decision was
placed before Judge McKee, with Pringle and Hamilton, attorneys
for Alviso, May, Aurreococheo, Bailey, Saunders and Avila. Crane
and Johnston for Green; and J. R. Palmer for Mahoney.
A company of Scotchmen, through a Mr. Robertson, purchased of
E. L. Beard, of Mission San Jose, 18,000 acres of salt marsh, between
Alviso and Alvarado, with the intention of reclaiming it and putting
it under cultivation. The ti-act has a length of over twelve miles
on the bay of San Francisco, with many inlets having the necessary
depth of water for navigation. The soil is exceedingly rich, and has
gi-eat depth. In winter the fresh water, by the overflow of Mission
and other creeks, covers the tract and leaves a deposit of rich mud
for fertilization, and leach out the salt left by the tides of the previ-
ous Summer. The company intended to prevent the salt water over-
flow at high tides, and to control the Winter overflow of fresh water,
distributing it at pleasure by an improved system of canals and small
locks. The reclamation, it was thought, could be easily and cheaply
made, compared with Sherman and neighboring islands. The work
was a great one, and in a few years, at the fai-thest, the spot promises
to teem with agricultural products. Since then 4,000 or 5,000 acres
of the land have been reclaimed and placed under crop.
The anniversary of our national independence was celebrated with
the usual enthusiasm and in the usual manner in various parts of the
county. At San Lorenzo, the orator of the day was Dr. J. W. Van
Zandt, of Haywards, and J. V. B. Goodrich, County Clerk, read the
Declaration of Independence. Both those gentlemen have since left
■us — the one having removed to Virginia City and the other to Mich-
igan. They will not forget the years they spent in the pleasant places
of Alameda.
The following petition for a franchise was received by the Board
of Supervisors, on July 25th, and referred to the proper committee :
To the Hon. Board of Supervisors of Alameda County :
The undersigned petition your honorable body to gi-ant them and
their associates or assigns the right to lay down, construct, o]ierate
and maintain, for a period of twenty-five years, an iron railroad, to
run cars thereon and to cany passengers and freight from tlie Mis-
sion San Jose to the City of Oakland, upon the following route,
to-wit : Commencing at the Mission San Jose, Alameda County,
thence westerly and southerly along the main county road through
the villages of Washington Corners, Centreville, Alvarado and San
24
370 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Lorenzo, to San Leandro ; thence upon and along the main public
road to Adams Avenue, extended, and along and upon Adams
Avenue, extended, to the Oakland city limits. E. L. Beard, J.
West Martin, S. Huff, Robt. Simpson, Wm. Meek, A. W. Swett,
W. F. B. Lynch, James Larue.
Nothing has yet been done to show that said petitioners were in
earnest.
A fire broke out in the storehouse of the C. P. R. R. Co., at
Pleasanton, about 2 o'clock, on July 26th, which resulted in the
destruction of property belonging to the company, estimated at the
value of $10,000 to $12,000. Besides the storehouse, the passenger
station was also destroyed. These buildings were on either side of
the railroad track, which also received some injury. The telegraph
wires wex'e destroyed, and for some time communication was sus-
pended.
In the east end of the warehouse resided Mr. Stewart, the Station-
master, with his family, who lost everything he possessed, including
a quantity of money. In a ve»y brief space of time, let it be said to
the credit of the people of Pleasanton, a sum of $200 was collected
for his relief.
At a baby show in San Francisco, the prize for the smallest speci-
men of humanity was taken by a child born in East Oakland, which
weighed but two pounds. It was leased for exhibition as a curiosity,
which it certainly was, and probably went the rounds of the world.
At the State election, this year, one of the candidates for office
was the notorious absconder, Geo. M. Pinney, who set up for the
position of State Senator and made a promising canvass of the county.
Before the party nominations, however, he withdrew, leaving the
field clear for Messrs. Spauldmg and Howard — other candidates for
the Republican nomination. Neither, however, won the prize.
Pinney gave as a reason for his withdrawal from the contest that the
fact that he had killed a man in Helena, Montana, in 1868, in self-
defense, was being used to his disadvantage by his enemies. There
were other reasons besides this for his withdrawal, which was only
used as a pretense.
The contract for constructing a map of the county was awarded
August 4th, to G. F. Allardt, he having undertaken to do the work
for the sum of $6,750, One lai-ge map was to be furnished for the
Supervisors' room, and fifty copies of a smaller size, printed or photo-
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 371
lithographed. The following were the specifications for the construc-
tion of said map :
After the boundaries of the county are established, the work of
preparing a map to proceed as follows :
1st. The division of the county into townships, and the area of
each given.
2d. The location of each Spanish grant, and the area thereof as
confirmed ; the name of the grant and date of confirmation.
3d. The location of all sobrante grants (so called), and the esti-
mated area of each, and the date of confirmation, if contii-med.
4:th. The public lands and the estimated area of such, whether
occupied or not, and the subdivisions of such by sections and one-
fourth section lines (Mount Diablo base and meridian).
5th. The location of all the School and Supervisor Districts,
properly defined, and the names of each.
6th. The location of all the public roads in the county, and the
survey number of each.
7th. All the railroads and railroad stations in the county, and the
names thereof.
8th. The location of all the principal creeks, by actual survey,
and the general topogi-aphy of the county.
9th. The location of all cities, towns and villages, with plans of
streets, if laid out.
10th. The location of each rancho, farm or tract of land compris-
ing forty acres or more, and the name of the owner thereon.
11th. The location of homestead tracts and names and smaller
subdivisions as far as practicable, but without the name, the names
of lessees and what are known as squatter claims should not be
given.
12th. The location of the swamp and ovei-flowed and salt marsh
lands, and subdivisions of the same, according to the surveys of the
State and Tide Land Commissioners' survey.
13th. The segregation line between the marsh and upland, as
established by the State.
14th. The maps shall be made on a scale of forty chains to the
inch ; also, one map to be made on the scale of twenty chains to the
inch, and hung on rollers.
By order of the Boai-d of Supervisors of Alameda County.
J. V. B. GOODKICH, Clerk.
By C. G. Reed, Deputy.
Oakland, July 8th, 1873.
The Republican County Convention was held in San Leandro, on
the 11th of August, Geo. M. Pinney acting as Chairman. Chas.
Webb Howard was nominated for State Senator, and Messrs. W. J.
Gurnett and I. A. Amerman, for Assemblymen. With the excep-
372 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
tion of Senator and Treasurer, all the nominees of the Republican
Convention were elected.
The Independent Reform Convention was held at the call of the
Democratic County Committee, August 23d, when a full ticket was
nominated.
Dr. Bevei'ly Cole was appointed Chairman, and J. M. Estudillo,
Secretary, of the Convention.
Hon. Edward Gibbons, Independent, received the nomination for
State Senator, and Hon. J. W. Dwinelle, Republican, and Hon.
Daniel Inman, Democrat, both former representatives of the
county, were nominated for Assembly. For Treasurer, Robert Far-
relly was nominated by acclamation. Mr. Farrelly had been a
candidate before the Republican Convention, having hitherto co-
operated with that party ; but, by one of those mysterious political
manoeuvre, which sometimes surprise people, the nomination was
snatched from him. This was believed to be done through the in-
fluence of a secret politico-religious organization, known as the
" Crescents," which had a strong delegation in the Convention, and
Mr. Farrelly felt free to accept the Independent nomination, which
he did. Ellis E. Haynes, a Republican, was nominated for Sheriff;
J. M. Estudillo, Democrat, for County Clerk; Eben C. Farley,
Democrat, for Recorder ; Henr)^ Evers, Republican, for Auditor ;
W. W. Foote, Democrat, for District Attorney ; Newton Ingram,
Democrat, for Tax Collector ; Thos. W. Millard, Democrat, for As-
sessor ; V. S. Northey, Independent, Commissioner of Highways ;
John Doherty, Democrat, Surveyor ; Eugene Thurston, Democrat,
for Superintendent of Schools ; S. W. Mather, Republican, for
Coroner ; and Dr. W. P. Gibbons, Republican, for Public Adminis-
trator.
The election took place on the 3d of September, the result showing
that, with the exception of Senator and Treasurer, the Republicans
elected their whole ticket. The majoi-ities were as follows : Gib-
bons (Independent), for State Senator, 345 ; Amerman, for Assem-
bly, 272 ; Gurnett, for Assembly, 326 ; Farrelly (Independent), 515;
Goodrich, for Clerk, 1098; Borein, for Auditoi-, 1165 ; Stevens, for
Tax Collector, 363 ; Moore, for District Attorney, 775 ; Marsten,
for Recorder, 954 ; Morehouse, for Assessor, 893 ; Castro, for Sur-
veyor, 924 ; Lynch, for Superintendent of Schools, 526. Mather
and Gibbons (for Coroner and Administrator) were Avithout opposi-
tion, having been endorsed by both parties.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 373
At the September session of the County Court, Judge Nye deli-
vered a charge to the Grand Jury on the abuse of the ballot and the
necessity of punishing offenses against the elective franchise. It was
charged that corrupt practices had been resorted to in the late
election, and the Judge desired the jury to investigate the matter.
No inquiry was made, however, and the matter was allowed to rest.
The price of grain this year was good. In September, 1872, wheat
sold in San Francisco for $1.90 per hundred; the same month, this
year, it brought $2.27 to $2.35. The harvest was not so large, but,
in addition to better prices, freights were much lower.
On the 25th day of September the State University reopened at
Berkeley, when the first session there was formally commenced.
The People's Independent party was organized this fall in Califor-
nia, with the Governor, Newton Booth, at its head.
On September 29th the new time table of the San Francisco and
Oakland Ferry and Eailroad, making half-hourly trips, went into
operation.
On the 30th a contract was signed between Jolin A. Ball and Seth
H. Wetherbee, on the one part, and Henry Durant, Mayor of Oak-
land, on the other, for the dredging of the Oakland bar, the cost of
the work having been fixed at $20,000.
The County Teachers' Institute met in the Oakland High School
building on the 30th, when there were about 100 teachers in attend-
ance.
At the judicial election, held on the 15th of October, there were
four candidates in the field for Judge of the Supreme Court. McKee
was the Democratic nominee, McKinstry the Independent, and Dwi-
nelle the Republican. The Republicans ran a second candidate,
Judge Brunston, to fill a possible vacancy. McKinstry, the Inde-
pendent nominee, was elected by a large majority in the whole State,
but McKee carried his own county by a very large majority, the fig-
ures being as follows : McKee, 1,316; McKinstry, 465 ; Dwinelle,
400.
At a meeting, held to organize a Grange, the second in the county,
at Livei-more, the following ofiicers were chosen : Daniel Inman, M.;
J. A. Neal, 0.; E. M. Carr, L.; J. T. Taylor, S.; E. P. Bragdon, A.
S.; E. S. Allen, T.; F. R. Fassett, Sec; W. W. Wynn, C; J. H.
Brackett, G. K.; Mrs. A. P. Francis, Ceres; Mrs. Mattie Rinaldo,
Pomono ; Mrs. M. Taylor, Flora ; Mi-s. J. J. Inman, Lady Assistant
Steward.
374 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
The calendar of the Third District Court, for the October term,
was an extremely long one. The case of Bartolo Sepulveda, con-
victed at the last term of murder in the first degi-ee, but applying for
a new trial, was continued till the 11th of November. Sebastian
Flores was indicted for the murder of Francisco Garcia.
County Assessor Hunt was arrested on the 21st of October, on a
warrant, issued by Justice Asa Howard, charging him with appro-
priating to his own use money belonging to the county. The sum
to be accounted for was $8,085.20. It was understood there was
$5,102 of the amount on deposit. Judge McKee gave a decision in
the case on the 2d of December, and sustained the demurrer to the
complaint on the ground that the provisions of the Political Code,
authorizing assessors of counties to collect poll-taxes, Avere inap-
plicable to those officers who were elected before the adoption of
the Code.
Mr. Northey, who was elected Commissioner of Highways at the
general election, was refused a certificate of election by the Coxanty
Clerk, on the ground that the law did not authorize the office in this
county. Mr. Northey applied to tbe District Court for a writ of
mandate to compel the issuance of the certificate asked for. On the
5th of December Judge McKee rendered a decision against the exist-
ence of the office.
E.ev. Frederick Buel, a well-knoAvn Presbyterian minister, died at
Ms home in East Oakland, on the 27th of October. He organized
the Califoi-nia Bi-anch of the American Bible Society, and was its
agent for about twenty years. He took an active interest in educa-
tional matters on this side of the bay. He was a graduate of Yale
College, and a native of Litchfield, Conn. "When California was a
territory of Mexico, Mr. Buel was in the Bay of Monterey as the
first officer of a ship then trading to this coast. There had not been
rain enough for two seasons to produce a crop, and Mr. Buel sent
ship-bread ashore to supply the natives. Deceased was aged 60
years, and left a large family.
The trial of Flores, for the murder of Garcia, commenced in the
Third District Court, on the 6th of November. Flores had once
been the principal witness agamst Garcia, in a trial for murder at
San Jos6, but the evidence was not sufficient to convict, and Garcia
was cleai'ed. From that time a gi-udge existed between them.
They met on the 12 th of August, at a wake, which was held over
the body of a young Spanish girl, at the house of Higuera, at
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 375
Warm Springs, and a slight difficulty occurred between them during
the evening. About 10 o'clock they left the house and went a
shoi't distance together down a road, where another altercation took
place between them, and Garcia received a wound from which he
died a few days afterwards. "When found, he lay on the ground
with his throat cut. After several days' trial and an elaborate
charge by Judge McKee, the jury brought in a verdict of man-
slaughter. The prisoner was sentenced on the 21st to five yeara'
confinement in the State Prison.
The rare occurrence of a strike among vegetable-growers took
place in November, in consequence of the San Francisco authoiities
disallowing them the use of Sansome Street on which to longer sell
their produce. Even in this vicinity they refused to sell until their
troubles were settled. The result was, a dearth for some days of
garden stuS", for which Oakland was largely relying on the San Fran-
cisco market, the strange anomoly existing of Alameda producers
sending their stufi" fii-st to San Francisco and Oakland consumei-s
buying it back again from them.
Colonel Harry Linden died at the residence of his brother-in-law,
James Beebe, at Temescal, on the 2 2d of November. Deceased was
forty -three yeai-s of age and a native of Pemisylvania. He came to
Calif oi-nia in 1850, and lived in this county duiing the greater part
of his residence in the State. He was appointed Lieut .-Colonel on
Gov. Haight's stafi"; was at one time Public Administrator of the
county, and, for several years prior to his death, served as Commis-
sioner of the Third District Court ; he was also, until recently, a
member of the Board of Commissionei-s and Treasurer of the Deaf,
Dumb and Blind Institute. He was always an active citizen, and
took a prominent part in politics, having been an ardent Democrat.
The work of dredging the Oakland bar, under the new contract
with Ball's di-edger, commenced on the 1st of December.
The very unusual spectacle of a snow-storm was witnessed in this
county on the morning of the 3d of December. The storm did not
last long, but, while it contitiued, communicated a chill feeling and
bleak appeai-ance. The amount of snow on the ground was trifling
— hardly sufficient to indulge in the luxury of snow-balling, wliich,
however, was generally indulged in. Soon the flaky substance was
converted into slush, and the unusual meteorological visitor disap-
peared, to be remembered as a wonder.
The Harvest Feast of the Temescal Grange, the first gi-ange of the
376 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
county, lield in Oakland on tlie 4th of December, and the fii-st of
its kind, was not largely attended on account of the severity of the
•weather. The other granges, however, in the county were represented,
and a good social time was enjoyed by those who participated in the
feast. The fourth degree was conferred^ and the work of all degi'ees
exemplified. Interesting speeches were made by Wm. M. Jackson,
W. A. S. of the State Grange, from Woodland ; Capt. Wm. M.
Haynie, Secretary of Sacramento Grange ; Eobert Hellar, W. M. of
Eden Grange, Hay wards ; John Kelsey, A. S.; W. B. Ewer, A. M.,
(editor of the Rural Press), and other brothei-s and sisters of Temes-
cal Grange.
The State Legislature met on the 1st of December this year, it
being the first Monday of the month. Senator Gibbons voted for
the Hon. Wm. Irwin, as President pro tern, of the Senate. The
first notice of a measure in the Assembly was Amerman's Re-appor-
tionment Bill. Mr. Amerman soon found himself the leader of the
Republican minority in the House, a position which his tact, parlia-
mentary knowledge and address entitled him to. Mr. Gurnett was
given positions on important committees.
The death of the last of the fraudulent Oakland titles — the Kate
Hayes' title — which claimed to cover all of Oakland Township out-
side of the old charter line, was proclaimed. On Monday, December
8th, the Supreme Court sustained the decision of Judge McKinstry,
in favor of the settlers, thus' forever setting the claim of Carpentier
at rest.
The Hon. Walter Van Dyke received from Washington, on the
11th of December, the appointment of United States District At-
torney. Mr. Van Dyke stood high in the councils of the Republican
party, having been Chairman of the State Central Committee at the
time of his appointment.
A bill was introduced in the Legislature to change the sittings of
the Supreme Court from Sacramento to Oakland. Mr. Rogers, of
San Fi^ancisco, was the author of the bill ; but it did not succeed.
Rev. E. A. Winning, Presbyterian, and Rev. C. W. Anthony,
Methodist, lately arrived, were the first stationary Protestant clergy-
men in Livermore.
The reports of the several County Assessors at the end of the
year showed that Alameda County had attained the proud pre-
eminence of being the first rural county in the State, and was second
only to San Francisco in population and wealth, surpassing Santa
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 377
Clara and Sacramento. The population was variously estimated at
from 35,000 to 40,000 persons.
The county assessment-roll, for the several parts of the county,
"was as follows :
Oakland Township, - $ 4,279,540
Oakland City, ._---- 14,202,630
Brooklyn Township, 2,678,820
Brooklyn To^vTi, ------ 2,192,705
Alameda Township and Town, - . - - 1,838,660
Eden Township, 2,868,505
Town of San Leandro, 396,465
Washington Township, 3,409,250
Murray Township, - - - - - - 3,287,490
Total, - - - $35,154,065
The total State and County tax was $413,344.16.
FINANCIAL CONDITION OF THE COUNTY INDEBTEDNESS.
Oakland Bar Bonds, $34,000.00
Oakland Bridge Bonds, . - - - 20,000.00
Niles Bridge Bonds, 15,000.00
Total funded debt, - - - $69,000.00
Ten per cent. Warrants, - - - - 14,102.26
Seven per cent. Warrants, - - - - 103,522.87
Total indebtedness, - - -$186,625.13
The only property owned by the county was the Infirmary and
Court-house Block, valued at $18,000.
RAINFALL TO JANUARY IST.
Inches.
Total.
1868-69, -
- 6.21 - -
- 20.69
1869-70, - -
- - 7.75 -
- - 19.58
1870-71, -
- 3.25 - -
- 12.16
1871-72, - ■
- - 20.15 -
- - 32.69
1872-73, -
- 9.55 - -
- 16.42
1873-74, - ■
- - 10.47 -
- -
During the year 1873 there were placed on record 2,073 deeds
and 867 mortgages, besides the large number of releases, liens and
other documents.
378
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Q^lkniedk County ©f^i:\dl\^
^ «
DO lI;
I I I
« -S ® ♦ A
Prompt in the Adjustment and Payment of Losses.
O I^ P^ I O E3,
No. 924 BROADWAY, OAKLAND,
ALAMEDA COUNTY.
The net Income of this Branch is deposited and invested in
Alameda County, as an additional security to policy-holders — a feature
peculiar to this Company.
H. A. Craig, Secretary.
R. H. MAGILL, Manager.
W. W. Haskell, Special Agent.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. :^79
CHAPTER XXVL
THE EVENTS OP 1874.
The Green Point Dairy Company Incorporated — Memm'ials to Con-
gress Praying for the Imjirovement of Oakland Harbor — $100,000
Appropriated — Windstorm in Livermore Valley— Failure of a
propositiooi to Incorporate the town of Berkeley — A Proposition to
Annex Alameda Territory to Santa Clara Defeated — Tide Land
on Lake Merritt Ceded to Oakland — Third and Last Year of the
County Seat Controversy — County Clerk Goodrich Refuses to
Audit Contractor Bahcock's Bill for Work on Jail — Goes Before
the Supreme Court ami Decision Favorable to Babcock — The City
Council of Oakland Aiithorized by the Legislat^ire to Deed the
Plazas to the County ^Supervisors Reject the Offer — Aid Sought
hy the City from the Legislature — Views of the County Delega-
tion — ^^ An Act to Provide for the Erection of County Buildings
in Alameda County and for the Issuance of Bonds Therefor " — •
Mayor Durant Sends the City Council a Message Suggesting Di-
vision — Mass Meeting in Oaklaml — Proceedings at Sacramento —
A Compromise — The Bill Passed and the County Buildings to be
Located on the Plazas — The Local Option Elections — The Contest
in Washington, Oakland, Brooklyn, Alameda, Murray ami Eden
Townships — Oaklaml and Brooklyn Favor the Law — The Other
TowTixships Opposed — Extraordinary Electioneering Scenes — A
Majority o/" 51 in the County for License — The Law Declared
Unconstitutional — The College of Letters Investigation — Sundry
Matters of Interest — The Granges and Professor Carr — Wharf
Finished — Death of Hon. S. P. Wright — Proposed Martinez and
Livermore Narrow-Gauge Railroad — Grangers' Reunion — Legis-
lature of 187 4:-5.
Tlie Green Point Dairy and Transportation Company filed its cer-
tificate of incorporation in the Secretary of State's Office, on January
6tli. The objects of the Company were stock-raising, daiiying, etc.,
380 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
in Alameda County, and navigating tlie bay of San Francisco and
tributaries. Capital stock $250,000, with 500 shares of $50 each.
Directors: E. B. Perrin, R. F. Tracy, J. T. Brown, A. L. Gurney, B.
B. Minor and G. F. Thornton. Green Point is on the bay, two or
three miles from Centreville, in Washington Township, but now
known as Dumbarton Point.
The Board of Supervisors, at their meeting January 1 2th, adopted
a memorial to the Senate and House of Representatives of the United
State Congress, praying for the improvement of the Oakland Harbor,
as follows:
Whereas it is now understood by your petitioners that an official
survey has been made by officers of the United States for the purpose
aforesaid, and that a plan is about to be reported by the Board of
Engineers of the Pacific Coast.
Wherefore, Your petitioners, on behalf of the citizens of Alameda
County and of the City of Oakland, and in view of the very impor-
tant geographical location of the harbor of the City of Oakland, rel-
ative to the marine and land traffic and travel connecting the shores
of Asia and Europe across the continent of America, and joining the
Atlantic and Pacific seaboards of the United States, most respect-
fully ask that your honorable bodies will be pleased to grant such an
appropriation for the improvement of the harbor of Oakland, Cali-
fornia, as may be recommended by the Board of Engineers of the
Pacific Coast and indorsed by the Chief of Engineers of the United
States Army. And further, your petitioners will ever pray.
The Board of Trustees of Town of San Leandro also memorialized
Congress at the same time on the same subject, as well as the City of
Oakland, and the result was an appropriation by Congress of $100,000
for the commencement of the work.
A fearful wind-storm prevailed in the county on Jan. 15th. It
continued in Livermore all night, commencing at 7 o'clock. Several
buildings were badly injured. The grain warehouse, recently built
by Joseph Wilkinson, was completely demolished. The blacksmith
shop of Hatch &, Holmes was also totally wrecked. The frame of
the new Presbyterian church, in course of erection, was totally de-
stroyed. Barns and poorly constructed dwellings were blown down,
but no loss of life occurred. The buildings blown down were loosely-
constructed frames, large and open, and such as to easily fall victims
to a good blow.
A meeting of Bei'keley property-owners was held on Jan. 20th, to
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 381
cousitler the question of incorporation. The call Avas signed by Pro-
fessor Durant. The principal property-owners were present, inchiding
John W. Dwinelle, A. B. Dixon, Henry Durant, F. K. Shattuck, Chas.
Dwinelle, John Kelsey, J. D. Colby, Peter Mathews, E. D. Hiirmon,
John Kearney, James Edgar, H. E. Carlton, Arthur Edgar, Horace
W. Carpentier, Capt. Jacobs, Mr. Newell, Peter McGee, Mr. Ashby,
Mr. Townsend, James McGee, Mr. Higgins, Mr. Boleta, Mr. Morse,
J. T. Fowler, Professor Ri.sing.
Prof. Durant presided and Mr. Kelsey acted as secretary. The
object was to consider the question of incorporation. Carpentier sug-
gested incorporation with Oakland ; Mr. Dwinelle wanted to keep out
of the jaws of Oakland ; Mr. Shattuck said San Leandro was at an
exjjense of only about $500 per year. Judge Dwinelle spoke fui-ther
in favor of an incorporated town of Berkeley. It was necessary that
some system of sewerage should be adopted.
The motion to organize a town was amended to define the southern
boundary at the centre of Alcatraz avenue.
A motion of Mr. Kearney to make the northern line of the county
the northern point of the town, was next adopted against the pro-
testations of Cai-pentier. The motion to incorporate was lost, finally,
and the meeting adjourned, the farmers being unfavorably inclined
towards the proposition.
A bill was introduced in the Legislature to take a strip of about
two miles off the southern extremity of Alameda Coimty, and annex
it to Santa Clara ; but it failed in its object.
The Tide Land Commissioners were about to sell a piece of tide
land at the head of Lake Merritt, but by a bill passed in the Legis-
lature it was ceded to the City of Oakland.
THIRD AND LAST YEAR OP THE COUNTY SEAT CONTROVERSY.
The county seat conflict opened in January, 1874, in the Supreme
Court. It appears that County Auditor Goodrich declined to allow
Contractor Babcock's claim for work done on the jail, and the latter
applied to the Court for a peremptory writ of mandate to compel the
County Auditor to allow his claim. The cause was argued on the
20tli of January, when Messrs. Cope &■ Wilson, Attorneys, appeared
for Babcock ; and Chas. A. Tuttle for Goodrich. The various alle-
gations in the matter were fully discussed, and the Court rendered
a decision in favor of the plaintifi". Subsequently, a bill was passed
through the Legislatui^e to allow $1,000 for his costs.
382 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUXTY.
A bill was introduced in the Legislature and passed, authorizing
the Council of the City of Oakland to deed the plazas to the county
for county seat purposes, and empowering the Board of Supervisors
to accept them, should they see fit. The plazas, by this Act, were
to revert to the city if county buildings were not erected upon them
in four years.
At the meeting of the Board held on the 11th of February Mr.
Shattuck called attention to the bill, which was read ; also a certified
copy of a resolution passed by the Oakland City Council, together with
a deed of the plazas duly signed, and moved that the deed be accepted.
The usual majority were opposed to it. The county members said
they were expressing the will of their constituents in refusing to
accept the proposition. Mr. Case contended that the lease was not
legal. He had no evidence that a majority of the people of the county
desired a change ; and finally Case moved that the resolution be post-
poned indefinitely.
The subject was renewed at the following meeting, held Febi-uary
13th. Capt. Wilcox said the donation of the plazas was equivalent
to $100,000. Mr. Neale said in opposing a relocation he was doing
what the people of his township wanted him to do. Mr. Hardy was
sorry Mr. Neale's people Avanted him to remain in tlie stench. Mr.
Case said the issue at the last election, upon which four of the mem-
bers were elected, Avas the removal question. Between the present
location and the plazas there was not much choice in the score of
"stink," as the plazas were in the midst of dens of the vilest kind, a
gas works, and contiguous to the marsh lands. Capt. Wilcox and Mr.
Case indulged in a spicy discussion xipon "stench" and the delicacy
of the Captain's olfactories. The latter gentleman would urge remo-
val, and if necessary advocate force to have the buildings removed.
The motion to indefinitely postpone the resolution was put and car-
ried by the usual vote of four to three.
This ended the matter so far as the Board of Supervisors were con-
cerned. The city had exhausted all its i-esources in that quarter, and
set its mind on legislative relief. What could be done thei-e? The
County Delegation at Saci-amento could only be pai-tially relied upon.
Senator Gibbons had expressed no opinion on the matter, and had
made no pledges on the matter when before the people of the county,
seeking election. He had, in fact, refused to commit himself, and had
consequently met with opposition where he would otherwise have
gained votes. He was an Oakland man, to be sure, but then he had
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 383
the example of Senator Tompkins, who had incurred the hostility of
the country people on account of his alleged special advocacy of Oak-
land, to warn him. Assemblyman Amerman, until the time of the
removal to Brooklyn, had conducted the fight for San Leandro, and
it could not be supposed that his support would be forthcoming.
Mr. Gurnett alone, of the three delegates, was the only man who
could be relied upon to warmly espouse the cause of Oakland in the
Legislature, and this, of course, he did.
Then there was the question — "What could the Legislature legally
do that had not been already done?" Could it properly interfere in
deciding what part of a town a Court-house was to be located inl The
matter, at any rate, was to be tested, as Oakland had already exhaust-
ed every other resource.
At a meeting of the City Council held Februaiy 16th, Mayor Du-
rant sent in a message in which he urged the Council to take the ini-
tiative in a movement for the division of the county with a view to
the erection of the city of Oakland and the adjoining townships into
a separate county, to be called the County of Oakland. No action,
however, was taken on this message, which no doubt was merely
meant as a thi'eat to be put in force under certain contingencies,
"With the aid of the daily papers, which had very warmly entered into
the controversy in favor of the claims of the city, public opinion was
aroused to action and the legislative remedy sought.
The best legal opinion was obtained, and a bill drawn up to suit
the emergency, at the instance of a committee having the matter in
hand, called the Citizens' Union, which consisted of prominent
property-ownei-s. By this bill, which was entitled : " An Act to
provide for the erection of county buildings in the County of Ala-
meda and for the issuance of bonds thei-efor," the Board of Super-
visors was directed to issue 8 per cent, twenty years' bonds, to
the amount of $150,000, to be redeemed by an annual tax, which
raised $1,000. The Governor was required to appoint five Commis-
sioners, who were to have sole management of the money. They
were to take possession of the Oakland plazas, and proceed to erect
such county buildings as they might deem proper. They were
authorized to complete the Jail, then erecting on Block 22, if they
saw fit. The bill contained many restrictions, and it was intended
that the Supei'visors should not have any control over it, or in any
way defeat the progress of the work, even by resigning.
Dr. Gibbons introduced the bill without comment in the Senate,
384 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
and it soon went before the Committee on Corporations. Both, sides
were advised, and, on the evening of the 3d of March, the matter
was discussed. Supervisor Case, E. G. Mathews and Wm. Meek,
were heard on behalf of the Supervisors. W. W. Foote followed as
counsel for the city, speaking for more than an hour. Then Senator
Gibbons declared himself. He was in favor of the bill, but said he
had offered a compromise to locate the county seat in the vicinity of
Tubbs' Hotel, but the idea was not tolerated. Then followed a
speech by Mr. Gurnett, before and after which there was a running
cross-fire of assertions and contradictions from both sides.
It will be seen that so far Mr. Amerman had taken no part in
this year's internecine warfare. The Sacramento correspondent of the
News, Mr. Harwood, who took a very zealous part in the contro-
versy, and may be said to have kept the life in it for the Oakland
people, wi'ote very despondingly one day that Amerman would
" oppose any legislation intended to break the ring in the Board of
Supervisors," and this left the matter in not an altogether encourag-
ing condition. The Chairman of the Committee on Corporations, too,
was Senator Farley, who, two years ago, had championed the
cause of San Leandro in the Senate, in opposition to Senator
Tompkins.
On the 5th of the month, the committee met again and heard
further statements in reference to the question. The chairman said,
on calling the committee to order, the question before them was
whether they should take from the Board of Supervisors certain
functions they were vested with by law ; whether it was good policy
in this case for them to do so.
Supervisor Shattuck appeared and made a full statement of the
existing troubles. He cited the example of San Francisco, where
the erection of county buildings had been taken out of the hands of
the supervisors' and vested in commissionei's.
The question of title to the plazas was discussed, when Mr. Shat-
tuck stated how the plazas were donated and what they were worth;
and Senator Gibbons said the original owners of the town site, Hayes
& Caperton, had recognized the plazas as public property, and for
twenty yeai-s they had been so considered. Mr. Gurnett read a let-
ter from Judge Glascock, attorney for Hayes & Caperton, stating that
he was authorized and would execute any kind of deed that was
required. The chairman asked what was the general sentiment of
the people on the question. Shattuck replied that they denounced
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 385
the action of the Supei-visors. Senator Laine asked how the vote of
the county woiikl stand on the proposition, when Shattuck answered,
"two to one." Case asked if the Jail tlien buikling woukl be sacri-
ficed. Shattuck then went into a statement of the buihling diffi-
culty ; showed how the Supervisors were elected for three yeai-s inider
the Code ; how they had endeavored to obtain a classification of the
Board as to years of service, and been defeated ; and how, under a
late decision of the Supreme Court, the Board could raise |400,000
annually by taxation and put up fine buildings at the expense of the
people. F. J. Clark, of Livermore, said those who voted for removal
in his township were in favor of the plaza proposition. Mr. Shat-
tuck said, in Washington Township many representative men were in
favor of the Oakland plazas. Case said that the Jail would be com-
pleted in thirty days. Senator Gibbons stated that he had received a
letter from >Samuel Marston, of Centre ville, stating that a majority
of the people of Wasliington Township favored the pending bill.
Mr. Mathews read an article from the Oakland News, which stated
that, if the Brookljm people would annex to Oakland, her plazas
shoiild be included in an ofier to the county. Senator Gibljons
replied to this that he had offered to compromise in favor of the
plaza near Tubb's Hotel, in Brooklyn, a most beautiful location, but
Mr. Case paid no attention to the proposition. Case and Mathews
said they would be very glad to give up the Court-house and get back
their town government, and be once more independent of Oakland.
And here follows another pause in the controversy before the final
and abrupt close of the protracted farce.
After this Mr. Harwood wrote to his paper that success was quite
certain, if the bill was got through the Senate. Gurnett could get it
easily through the Assembly, whether Amerman opposed it or not.
A day or two after there was suddenly a talk of compromise in favor
of the Washington (Brooklyn) plaza, near Tubb's Hotel ; then an
open declaration that Case would agree to a compromise by which the
Jail would remain on Block 22, and the Court-house be built near
Tubbs' Hotel ; and that Senator Gibbons was a party to the com-
pi'omise.
Then came a cry of " treason," and a declaration that Oakland was
■withovit a particle of public spii'it. There was a sudden awakening,
how-ever. Senator Gibbons' course was criticised, and a public meet-
ing called by " Many Tax-Payers " on Saturday evening, March 14th,
in Brayton Hall, whose rallpng cry was "no compromise." Hon.
25
386 HISTORY OP ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Zach Montgomery, on motion of Judge Ferris, was moved to the
Chair ; W. D. Harwood and A. W. Bishop, the editors of the News
and the Transcript, were appointed Secretaries. Then followed a long
list of Yice-Pi'esidents. Judge Ferris moved, the first resolution in-
structing " our Senators and Members of Assembly to use their best
endeavors to pass, without delay, the original bill in relation to the
removal and location of the county buildings, and opposing their
location elsewhere than upon the Broadway plazas. Senator Gib1:)ons
was called for, but was not forthcoming. Mr. Gaskill said he was at
the Grand Central Hotel, and moved the appointment of a committee
to wait upon him, and he was accordingly waited upon by Messrs.
Gaskill, Wilcox and E. Bigelow. They subsequently reported they
had seen the Senator, but he excused his non-attendance on the gi'ound
of illness. He admitted being a party to the compromise, and would
not pledge himself to the removal to the plazas, as contingencies might
arise that would influence him. Mr. Shattuck gave his version of
the new development, with which he associated the name of A. A.
Cohen. He said Senator Farley would report the bill on Monday,
unless he 'received instructions to the contrary, and expressed the
opinion that the people were opposed to any compromise. Judge
Blake followed in a speech, wondering at the conduct of Senator Gib-
ibons, and opposing a compromise. The compromise was to let the
,,J^il renriain on Block 22, and pay the Larue estate $12,000 for the
Jai^^d. Hon. R. C. Gaskill followed in a " ringing " speech, condemn-
jiag the course of the Senator, and declaring the Senate would pass the
bill ill spite of him. Supervisor Wilcox made a speech in v/hich he
.described the power of a " stench," and said he would prefer to have
the county buildings back to San Leandro, or even Alvarado, than
ithat they ^should remain where they were. He favored " no com-
promise." He accused the members of the Board of Supervisors of
telegraphing each other with their thumbs, whenever a vote on this
question was taken. Marlin had told him he would vote for the
plazas, but wheu thumbs went up he " fell down." Mr. Foote accused
some of the members of the Board with perjury, and spoke encour-
:agingly of the bill. He believed Dr. Gibbons would withdraw his
support from the compromise ; he knew that Amerman, who was a
prospective candidate for Congress, would not dai"e to oppose it ; and
Gurnett, he was sui-e, was in favor of it. The resolution was unani-
mously carried, and a committee of five appointed to go to Sacra-
jinento, to assist in the passage of the Senate bill. The proceedings
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 387
concluded by taking up a subsci'iption to defray expenses. The Sec-
retaries were instructed to furnish the deU^gation with a copy of the
resohition, and then the meeting adjourned, feeling that success would
surely follow.
The meeting had its effect, and the result was an immediate sur-
render. The committee appointed proceeded to Sacramento on
Sunday. They met at Amerman's apartments and talked the matter
OA'er. It was stated that Case would not oppose the bill if the Com-
missioners were stricken out and the Supervisors allowed to erect
the buildings. All but Judge Ferris agreed to this. Senator Gib-
bons said the bill should be so altered ; it was the weak part of the
bill, and the concession was a trifling one. Amerman said he had
taken no part in the contest, but could not, as expected, champion
Block 22. He favored the bill with the Commissioners sti'icken out.
Gurnett did not care who did the work, so long as the buildings wei*e
placed on the plazas ; so that the whole delegation were united, and
the bill would go through both Houses without a word of dissent.
About midnight Case was called upon. He was not in favor of
the bill in any shape, but as all Alameda County's representatives
had united to pass it, as an officer of the law he should obey. He
"would not do anything to obstruct the erection of the buildings, and
as a Supei-visor he would act in connection with all building
operations on the Broadway plazas, just as if they were on the loca-
tion of his first choice.
The praise of Mr. Case, as a man of honor, who had made a
gallant fight for his section and his friends, then followed. He had
never broken his promise or violated his word, and all that remained
to end this prolonged county seat controversy, to finish this three
years' local warfare, was the arrangement of the formalities. On
the following Thursday Senator Farley reported a substitute for the
original bill. Gibbons moved the suspension of the rules, in order
to consider the bill at once. Edgerton opposed it, and said he
had been requested to oppose it, and wanted time to consider their
reasons. Evans said the committee had heard both sides, and the
substitute was the result. Gibbons explained ; and on a call of ayes
and noes there were 13 noes to 18 ayes, showing that the Brooklyn
party were far from being ^vithout strength, even after this com-
promise was concluded ; and it is doubtful, considering that this was
within twelve days of the end of the session, if the fight had been
kept up, the original bill could be carried through.
388 HISTORY GF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
A few clays after there was a hitch ; some of the Brooklyn men —
Larue and Duncan Cameron — having heard what wks going on, pro-
ceeded to Sacramento and rather disjointed matters. Some new
arrangement was effected, however, and the parties appeased ; and on
the 19th the bill passed the Senate unanimously, and went to the
Assembly. It provided for the issue of bonds to the amount of
$200,000, instead of $150,000 as at first proposed, and allowed the
deeding back to James Larue of Block 22, should the County Jail
be removed. In case the Jail sliould be completed on Block 22, the
Supervisors were to pay Mr. Larue a reasonable compensation for the
property. Mr. Larue, however, did not want the Jail on his property,
and simply asked for a retui'n of the land, which of course could not
be, and was refused. There were several Brooklyn gentletiien pres-
ent, who did not relish the turn things had taken, as several of them
had invested largely in the company to put up the temporary county
biiildings ; and it was no wonder if they felt as if they had in some
way been deceived.
The bill passed the Assembly on the 20th, and at 4 o'clock on the
25th it was signed by the Governor and became a law. Until the
very last there was some opposition to it, and there remained yet a
dread that the majority of the Supervisors would carry on a hostil-
ity, or that the legality of the bill would be tested in the courts.
Indeed, a slight move in this direction was made, but all opposition
was soon abandoned. The Jail building on Block 22 was pulled down,
and the material removed to Washington Plaza, where it Avas recon-
structed. This little matter cost the county about $20,000. A bill
was passed through the Legislature allowing Mr. Babcock, the con-
tractor, $1,000 for his law expenses in his contest with the Auditor,
who very injudiciously put the county to that and other expenses, in
taking a position that the Judges made clear to him he had no right
to take, in dispixting an order of the Supervisors.
In looking over the whole of this protracted contest, the writer
cannot help thinking that the greater part of the acrimony and p;
sion that entered into it might have been avoided, and all that was
desired accomplished by the use of conciliation and a clearer fore-
cast. At the start the agitation for removal was consigned to the
management of one man, who, however active and zealous, was not
the proper person to conduct so delicate a business. Mr. Linden
was suffermg from ill health, dyspeptic and crabbed, and was not able
to use that argument of the manner which pleases, if it does not con-
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 389
vince. Had only one of the outside townships been won, the battle
was assured for Oakhmd. A respectable deputation from the city at
the proper time would have done it. But, instead of persuasion,
there was too much wordy warfare — too much assumption, for con-
ciliation. The Supervisors, however improper their conduct might
have been, when violently attacked received the sympathy of their
constituents, and an opposition was constructed so inflexible as
nearly to conqtier and endanger the decision of the county. That
Block 22 was not a desii-able location, no one will now pretend to
maintain ; but in it was centered the local pride of a spirited com-
munity, who believed that they were entitled by an vln^vritten com-
pact to the county seat. Again, the southern section of the county,
formerly the ruling portion of it, saw the seat of justice gi-adually
slipping away from it — from Alvarado to San Leandro ; from San
Leandro to Brooklyn — and it was only natural that they should
resLst its establishment on Broadway as an Oakland aggression and a
centralization of power and advantages. But it is very doubtful, if
the location wei'e open to disturbance to-morrow, that the slightest
eflbrt would be made to effect another change.
Since the close of the contest a fine structure has been erected,
which, notwithstanding some defects, is an ornament to the city and a
proud emblem of the importance of the county. It is hoped that by
its cost, completeness and convenience, an end is forever put to all
further county seat agitations. The latter is an ordeal which almost
every county in the land has some time to pass through. We have seen
the trouble crop out here first in 1835, with our Mexican predeces-
sors, -who desired to see the seat of justice for this district removed
from San Francisco to San Jose, where laws for the Contra Costa were
first administrated. When Contra Costa was organized, in 1 850, there
appears to have been no trouble in effecting the location at Martinez,
because Alameda was virtually without population, a location or a
champion; but when the creation of Alameda came, there was the
first bitter warfare between the northern and southern sides of the
county. The south was then the strongest, and won. It had the pop-
ulation and the resources. The removal to San Leandro was an
assertion of the growing power of the north; and the removal to
Brooklyn was a piece of strategy that obtained its advantage from
peculiar position and tact. The final transfer to Broadway was sim-
ply the evidence of cumulative power and the irresistible force of a
rapidly augmenting business center, and a spiiit that would brook no
390 HISTOBY OP ALAMEDA COUNTY.
resistance and yield to no compromise. All the localities that have
lost the boon of the county seat at various times, made gallant con-
tests for its maintenance, and there is no just reflection to be indulged
in now, only that they had to yield to the inevitable.
THE LOCAL OPTION ELECTIONS.
One of those moral epidemics that sometimes sweep over a commu-
nity, visited the State this year. Reference is made to the Local
Option excitement, which found its way to this State from Ohio. It
was a new phase of the crusade against intemperance, and had its em-
bodiment in a law which allowed municipalities to detennine by a
vote of the people whether the sale of liquor should be licensed with-
in them or not.
A bill to gi-ant this privilege was mtroduced in the last Legislature
by Senator Pendegast, of Napa, and unexpectedly became a law. It
was familiarly known as the Local Option Law, on account of its
granting to every separate town or townshij) the right to determine
the license question for itself. The temperance organizations were
not slow to take advantage of it, and [female "Crusaders," as they
were called, were soon in the held, exhorting people in favor of the
law with as much zeal as Peter the Hei-mit, of old. Here was an op-
portunity, they thought, to rid the land of the evils of intemperance
by closing up the liqvior saloons with the force of a legal statute.
The law, as it passed in the California Legislature, required that
on the presentation of a petition containing the names of one-fourth
of the legal voters of a township, duly authenticated, the Board of
Supervisors of the county in which such to-sviiship was situated
should name a day and call an election to determine, by a majority
of the votes cast, whether license to sell less than one gallon of
intoxicating liquors or beer should be allowed in such township or
not.
The first petition for an election in this county came fron "Wash-
ington Townsliip, and was presented at a meeting of the Board of
Supervisors, held on the 2 2d of April. The petition was signed by
270 persons. An election was ordered for the 23d of May, tlnis
allowing one month for prei)aration. There were three or four tem-
perance organizations in the township, wdiile the number of saloons
was said to be 25 or 30. Both sides prepared for battle. The tem-
perance people calculated on an easy victory, especially as they had
the names of a majority of the votei's attached to their petition.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 391
"Wlien election day came, however, they were disapi)ointed, for tliere
were cast in favor of their cause but 167 votes, to 184 votes in favor
of license. The vote at the different precincts was as follows :
Alvarado — for license, 70 ; against, 52. Centreville — for, 67 ; against,
84. Mission San Jose — for, 47 ; against, 31 — a very light vote.
In the meantime petitions for elections were circulating in other
townships, and the friends of the cause were active secui'ing the
names of voters in both Oakland and Brooklyn Townshijis. Those
most active in the work were women. They soon enlisted most of
the churches in the work. Organizations were formed- committees
set at work, and public meetings held. The enthusiasm was rapidly
kindling, and some of the most addicted tipplers wei'e soon giving
their adhesion to the movement. A mass meeting, under the auspices
of the Oakland Woman's Temperance Union and the Alameda
County Temperance Alliance, was held in Brayton Hall, on the 23d
of April. The meeting was called to ox'der by the leading Crusader
of the county, Mrs. Hariett E. Bishop, a lady recently from the
East, and who had initiated the movement in Oakland. Clergymen,
business men and county officials took part in the proceedings, and
the agitation was regularly inaugurated. The petitions for an elec-
tion were rapidly being signed, one of the morning papers (the A^eios)
had come out openly and advocated the strange doctrine, and the
feeling on the question was soon at a white heat. At a meeting of
the Temperance Union, held on the 28th of April, nearly 1,000
signatures were reported to the petition, and, at the session of the
Board of Supervisors, on the 4th of May, said petition was presented,
with the names of 1051 voters of Oakland Township attached.
An election was ordered to be held on the 30th of May, and then
the real work commenced.
On the same day a petition was presented from Brooklyn Town-
ship, but, not having contained a sufficient number of signatures, was
not acted upon ; but having been presented at the next meeting, with
a sufficient number of names, an election was ordered for the 6th day
of June.
At first the saloon-keepers and liquor dealers were not much
alarmed ; but they soon became uneasy, and finally were forced into
activity. They, too, commenced to hold meetings, to collect a cam-
paign fund and register votes. The County Clerk's office became the
scene of unusual activity, naturalization papers were in demand, and
the Great Register was the recipient of several hundred additional
392 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
As tlie day of election approached the excitement and interest in-
creased. The ladies left no stone unturned. A large tent, belonging
to the Seventh-day Adventists, was placed at their disposal, and there
men and women held forth nightly on the evils of intemperance, and
the benej&ts of the local option law. The clergy made it the prom-
inent theme in their pulpits, confirmed tipplers made temperance
speeches, daily prayer meetings for the success of the cause were held,
the papers were full of local option discussions, and crowds came over
daily from San Fi-ancisco, especially temperance people, to lend a help-
ing hand. Among those who addressed temperance meetings before
the election, besides the clergymen of Oakland, were Hon. William
Wirt Pendegast, the framer of the law ; Dr. C. S. Haswell, of Sac-
ramento ; W. E. Turner, an Oakland attorney, who took a very
prominent part in the contest; S. H. Garter, of Red Bluff; Mrsn
Emily Pitts Stevens, of San Francisco ; Miss Sallie Hart, Wm. Yan
Voorhies, Judge Chamberlain, Mr. Redstone, Dr. Myrick,Mr. Battei-s,
of San Francisco ; Judge Blake, Dr. Henry Gibbons, and several
others.
At last the anxiously-looked-for 30th xlay of May arrived. The
ladies had carefully arranged their plan of battle. With bountifully-
supplied lunch-tables, situated in convenient localities, with an abund-
ance of boquets, tastefully prepared for the button-hole, and with
sweet smiles and bewitching ways, they prepared to meet the cohorts
of rum. Early in the day they were all at their well-appointed posts,
distributing ballots inscribed with the portentous words, " Against
License," and soliciting votes. The " big tent," near the City Hall,
was the grand rendezvous, but every polling precinct in the city had
its guard-house, and was well watched and provided for. AVith bo-
quet-baskets in hand and pleasant smiles on countenance, the most
zealous would promenade in the vicinity of the polling places. Nay,
some were so intrepid as to boldly penetrate rough crowds of men,
clamorous for the protection of their personal liberties against this
new-fangled notion, and ai-gue the point with them like experienced
politicians. It was, for the female heart, a joyous taste of freedom.
To be sure they did not vote, but they made votes. They were not
candidates for office, but they enjoyed the i'ai*e privilege of openly
expressing their sentiments in front of the ballot-box.
The 30th day of May was not a pleasant one. It was very chilly ;
the wind was high and the dust was driven in clouds, and it was
anything but comfortable to be in the streets ; yet the ladies did not
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 393
give way nor coiuplaiai, but manfully held their phices. "Have you
voted, sir T woukl be their sahitation to every male they nu^t ; or
" Will you have a boquet ?" to draw on a conversation and ascertain
the subject's sentiments. A " hard case " would be coaxed into the
tent or refreshment place, plied with cakes and coffee, sandwiches,
ibc, and converted. A deputation of the dear creatures woiikl some-
times accompany him, as an escort, to the ballot-box, and thus secure
his vote beyond pei-adventure. And thus they worked all day long,
at times receiving rebukes, and often saluted with cheers. Insults
were seldom openly offered ; but when an instance of the kind oc-
curred, woe to the guilty one, for he was hastily hustled by a
clamorous crowd to the City Prison.
The "For License" men, although for the time being unpopular,
and, in the feminine mind, little short of monsters, kept well up their
side of the fight. They were not without friends. Although the
bai'-rooms were all closed, in compliance with the law, they found
plenty of sympathizers ; and, for the greater part of the day, it was
considered a very doubtful contest. The first precinct, it was sup-
posed, would give a large majority for license ; and the second, a
large one against it ; while the Point and Temescal, it was thought,
would be about equally divided. Towards evening, however, the
conviction gained that the women were victorious, as was shown at
the close of the count, when it was found that there was a majority
of 253 against license, in the aggregate. The following was the vote
by precincts: First Precinct — For license, 510; against license,
469. Second Precinct — For license, 249 ; against license, 524.
Third Precinct — For license, 171 ; against license, 183. Fourth
Precinct — For license, 108 ; against license, 115. Of course there
was great rejoicing when the result was ascertained. There were
congratulatory speeches, sei-enading and general exultation.
On the second night after the election there was a grand rally of
the victorious femmine forces, in the tented field, on the corner of
Fourteenth and Washington Streets, where the leaders of the army
were crowned with victors' laurels, and the soldiers received con-
gi-atulations and thanks.
Another battle was before them in a few days. The field of East
Oakland was to be contested on the 7th of June. The ladies had
fleshed their maiden swords, and the thirst for carnage was now upon
them. More whiskey was to be spilt, more kegs of beer placed hors
de combat. The army of Oakland determined to reinforce the anny
394 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
of Bx'ooklyn en masse. The forces there were ah-eady well drilled
and organized, and the Oakland victory had immensely improved
their morale. Mr. E. Gr. Mathews was chosen Commander, with
Messrs'. Sumner, Ford, Steen, Pensam, Lynde and Watson as Lieu-
tenants. All the ladies of the town hastened to enroll themselves ia
the Army of the East, while a large number of gentlemen volun-
teered their services as an active reserve. Whatever element of suc-
cess that might have been overlooked or forgotten in the Oakland
battle was here used to advantage. Duties were assigned to every
one willing to lend a helping hand ; the organizers of the Oakland
victory lent their aid and encouraged the cohorts.
But the other side was not idle. Defeat had not disheartened
them ; it only made them more energetic. Nightly they met to raise
the " sinews of war," and plan their battle ; every voter was can-
vassed, and a victory assured. Aid was invited from San Francisco
and Oakland, and it came. There was a mightier marshalling
of forces on both sides. Captain Badger was chosen general of
the spirituous host ; and he called to his aid Hatch, of Santa
Clara. Against the latter was pitted the Rev. Otis Gibson, of San
Francisco, who led the singing host. Both armies met for review in
sight of each other, the night before the battle. Martial music rent
the air, and both sides shouted for victory, and were confident it was
within their grasp on the morrow. As in Oakland, the temperance
host took the field in a tent. The Union Hotel served the license
legion for a camp. Hatch harangued his followers at great length,
and proved the superior morality of the license cause, and the great
evils of no license. In the tent, license was torn to tatters, and all
the bottles and glasses smashed.
The eventful morning arrived. The very atmosphere seemed con-
scious of the desperate character of the approaching conflict, and
held its breath. The sun shone sei'enely in the heavens, equally
favoring both sides with the effulgence of his rays. The polling-
place was Judge Howax-d's old oflice, equi-distant between the two
hostile camps.
In the " no license " camp the refreshment brigade and the boquet
battalion were early in motion. Hot coffee and cakes, ham sand-
wiches and cold turkey were never so abundant on this side of the
bay before, or since. The odor of flowers perfumed the au', and
sweet smiles, bright eyes and soft words wooed the unwilling voter to
cast his ballot against rum.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 395
But the champions of vum were not idle either. They, too, had
learnt a lesson from the Oakland encounter, and took advantage of
several neglected aids. The streets swarmed with tlie valiant war-
riors from near and far. Male and female mingled in the moral
melee. Martial music rent the air. The war chant of the crusader
cari-ied dismay to the heart of the enemy at every street corner.
Sallie Hart, leading the light infantry of the local option army, was
distinguished for the rapidity of her movements and her sanguinary
encounters. From Tubbs' Hotel to Tum Suden's — from the Railroad
Depot to Adams Street, was the battle fiercely waged and every inch
of ground disputed. Load after load of reinfoi'cements were carried
to the battle-field. Never before, since the world began, was there
such a wordy warfare. Tongues cut sharper than swords. There
was bullyi'agging and brow-beating, badinage and braggadocio, coarse
invective and sharp recontre, pointed jests and biting sarcasms,
ridicule and rodomontade.
The " license" band-wagon would drive through a tempei*ance
crowd and defiantly display its banners, inscribed with tlie legends
of " Equal Rights " and " No Blue Laws for Brooklpi ;" and the
band strike up with its stirring strains; when the Temperance Glee
Club would gather a multitude around it and respond with a chorus
that awakened the echoes in the distant mountains, and the refrain
of " Grlory, glory, hallelujah ! " pierced the hills.
At last the polls closed ; the combat ceased ; and victory had once
more perched on the temperance tent-top. A majority of 84 had
decided against license. The vote was as follows :
Brooklyn Precinct — For license, 181 ; against license, 273.
Fitchburg Precinct — -For license, 86 ; against license, 78.
Thus closed the most remarkable election that ever took place in
this State, and perhaps anywhere else in the ^world. It vv-as com-
puted that 500 women were on the sti*eets of Brooklyn that day,
doing battle against the bottle. Not a breach of the peace was com-
mitted, nor an arrest made — wluch fact spoke well for the conduct of
the men who Avere battling for the protection of their business, or
repelling what they believed to be an encroachment upon their natui-al
rights.
Immediately after the Brooklyn election was formed the Oakland
Township Temperance Alliance, the objects of which were the pro-
motion of temperance principles by all suitable means and the secur-
ing of the best laws to that end.
396 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
It was recommended by the Supervisors that no prosecution be had
against those who kept their saloons open after the election, until the
first of July following, and that recommendation was acted upon in
Oakland and Brooklyn.
The next election ordex-ed was in Muri-ay Township. It took place
on the 27th day of June. The largest vote ever polled in the town-
ship was cast, and was largely for license. Livermore Precinct gave
241 votes for and 125 against; Pleasanton Precinct, 120 votes for,
and only 33 against; Summit Precinct, 23 for, and 12 against —
making a total vote in Murray Township of 554, and giving the
license side a majority of 214. It was evident from this that the
extreme ends of the county were widely at variance on the^liquor
question, and each side had won important victoi'ies. Two town-
ships had now gone for Kcense, and two against, and two — Alameda
and Eden — remained to be heard from.
As was the case elsewhere, the preparations for the fray in Ala-
meda were very vigorous. Dr. Henry Gibbons marshalled and
animated the option host. He had abundance of assistance ; but
the ladies, on account of the difference in the population — Alameda
being largely German — did not turn out so numerously as they did
in Oakland and Brooklyn. The liquor men dropped the policy they
had hitherto pursued, of making few public demonstrations, and em-
ployed speakers and held meetings, making a good canvass. The
election was held on the 2d day of July. That usually quiet place
underwent a siege which will be remembered by all who witnessed it
as long as they live. The scenes that took place almost beggared
description. Ladies from Oakland, Brooklyn and San Francisco,
with many gentlemen, were present. A tent was used as a rallying-
place, as in Oakland and Brooklyn. The usual lunch-tables were
laid out and the flower-girls were on hand. The singing host, headed
by the Rev. Otis Gibson, was there, too, and the fighting host under
Turner. The wildest enthusiasm was excited. Here lager was
attacked in one of its strongholds, and lager met ifc in no laggard way.
A policy of ofiense was determuaed upon, and the ladies were Avarned
to look out. The little town was regularly besieged. Hundreds
came over from San Francisco, where the liquor men had organized
a league. A detachment of this organization, headed by a band of
music, marched through the town, singing Bacchanalian songs. Sally
Hart was present with her light infantry (an organization of young
men and women), but she was overwhelmed by the physical force
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 397
pitted against her. It was no longer pretty talk and good-natured
discussion. Affairs took a decidedly rude turn, and the ladies were
finally forced to yield the streets and retreat to their tent, while the
battle at the ballot-box went largely against them. The result at
the close was that 201 votes were given for license, and only 108
against. The newspaper controversy that followed was very warm.
The San Francisco Post and Chronicle, and the Oakland News were
very severe in their comments on the conduct of the license men ;
while the Alia and Transa-ipt espoused their cause, and defended
them against the onslaughts of their adversaries.
License was now in' the ascendant in the county, having carried
three out of the five township elections held, and Eden alone remained
to determine whether it should be an equally divided victory or an
overwhelming defeat for the temperance army. The election was
fixed for the 11th day of July. The rudeness practiced at Alameda
it was feared would be renewed in Eden, and matters took a deci-
dedly belligerent turn. A strong police force, headed by Sheriff
Morse, was on hand to prevent disorder, and many of the temperance
men went armed. Even giins were held in readiness. The most
prominent men and women in each toAvn in the township — wliich
embraced Haywards, San Leaudro, San Lorenzo and Mount Eden —
were ranged with the temperance ticket, regardless of pai-ty or poli-
tical proclivity. Here Judge Russell, head of the Temperance Al-
liance, was at home. The usual workers on both sides at the other
elections were on hand, women as well as men. No disturbance took
place, and tlie only arrest made was of a couple of contraband kegs of
lager at San Leandro. These were carried off from their hiding place
on the margin of the creek, in triumph, and confiscated by the Slieriff.
The contest promised to be very close, but the count of the ballots in
the evening unfolded another license victoiy. The majority was
small, but it confirmed the unpopularity of the new law.
Following were the returns received from each polHng place : San
Leandro — For License, 79; against, 87. Haywards — For License,
101; against, 93. San Lorenzo — For License, 79; again.st, bo.
Mount Eden — For License, 49 ; against, 9. Total majority for Li-
cense in the township, 61.
Summing up the total result in the county by townships, the fol-
lowing result was obtained :
For License.
Against.
- 201
108
- 267
3.51
- 308
244
- 1,038
1,291
- 384
170
- 184
167
398 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Alameda Township, - -
Brooklyn " - - -
Edeii " - -
Oakland " _ . .
Murray " ...
Washington " - - -
2,382 2,331
Showing a majority of 51 in favor of the license cause.
The total resvilt, however, did not influence the result in each se-
parate township, which was to exercise its own local option.
In Oakland and Brooklyn the saloons did not close at the apj^ointed
time, and forty-four warrants were served by the Sherilf in one day,
for violations of the law. Convictions were had; but an appeal was
in the mean time made to the Supreme Court against the unconstitu-
tionality of the law, and Judge Nye reserved his decision until the
Supreme Court had passed upon it. The ground taken was that the
law operated unequally, as under it liquor could be sold in one locality
and not in another. The Constitution of the State declares that all
laws must be equal in their operation, and on this ground the Su-
preme Court quashed the whole business, and the Pendegast Act was
repealed at the last session of the Legislature. And thus fruitlessly
closed a series of the most exciting, odd, and probably most re-
markable election contests that ever took place in the w-orld.
During the winter of 1874 took place the celebrated legislative
investigation into the management by the Board of Regents of the
erection of the College of Letters of the State University. The build-
ing had been constructed the previous summer, at a cost to the State
of $130,000, and it was maintained by some that this amount was in
excess of what it should rightly have cost by about $24,043.12. Two
investigations were held — one by an Assembly and the other by a
Senate Committee. It was shown that the Regents left the manage-
ment of the erection to Dr. Merritt, who was Chairman of the Build-
ing Committee, and that he had let the work to certain favorite con-
ti-actors, in order that he might, himself, make a profit thereon. The
attack on Dr. Merritt and the Regents was led by Assemblyman
Tyrrell, of San Francisco, who was himself a builder, and anxious at
the time to bid on the job; but according to his own statement, was
advised by Mr. Miller, the millman, that it would be useless for him
to do so, as the firm of Power & Ough were sure to have the work, no
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 399
matter who bid or what their offers were. Mr. Miller, however,
denied on oath that he had made any such remark. A great many-
witnesses were examined and much time taken up with the enquiry.
Power &. Ough, who had in the meantime left the country, asserted by
letter that all that they had made by the contract was 3^ per cent.,
and that the State had in the College of Letters the cheai)est of all
its structures. The fact that Dr. Merritt was the owner of a lumber
yard, and supplied material for the building, was much commented
upon, although the Doctor declared that he had furnished lumber as
cheap as anyone else could have done. At any rate, the reports of
the Special Committees were condemnatory of the manner in which
the work had been carried out ; but nothing more was done about it,
excepting Judge Nye calling attention to the matter in his subse-
quent charge to the Grand Jury.
The Parshall case was another of the events of this year which
made it remarkable, the facts of which are fresh in most people's
minds.
This year, too, we had Sheriff Morse's celebrated pursuit of Vas-
quez, which proved ineffectual, as the celebrated detective never got
. near the notorious outlaw, who, however, was captured soon after
Morse gave up the chase, near Los Angeles.
Oakland witnessed the famous Grand Central Hotel suit —
Merritt vs. Wilcox ; was entei-tained and puzzled with the Clarke
ghost mystery ; the introduction of public drinking-fountains ; and
the establishment of a Board of Public Works.
Prof. Wm. Swinton, a gentleman who was associated with the
University since its establishment, as Professor of English Language
and Literature, resigned his position and went East. He carried
with him the regrets and well- wishes of his colleagues in the Univer-
sity. The resignation took place early in March.
Captain Hii-am Thorne, a member of the Oakland Board of Fire
Commissioners, and an old resident of Brooklyn, died suddenly of
heart disease, on the morniag of the 13th of March. He was a
native of ISTew York, and about 60 years of age at the time of his
death. The flags of the City Hall and engine-houses were placed at
half-mast in respect to his memory.
There was much discussion on the water question in Oakland, as
the supply then obtainable was altogether inadequate.
The Oilman claim against Contra Costa County, for the l;)uilding
of the first Oakland bridge, was up before the Legislature again this
session, with no other than the usual result — defeat.
400
HISTORY OP ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Tlie Livermore Grange of tlie Patrons of Husbandry passed a series
of resolutions, at a meeting held on the 1st of August, protesting
against the action of the Board of Regents in removing Dr. CaiT
from the position of Professor of Agriculture in the State Univer-
sity, and condemning the management of the College of Agriculture,
which were followed by many others of similar character in various
portions of the State.
Mr. S. A. Penwell, Secretary of the Berkeley Land Company, gave
notice, in August, that the wharf was completed, and that all ship-
pers were entitled to the use of the same, free of charge. It is 1,360
feet in extreme length, and 80 feet wide at its lower portion, and at
its upper portion, 30 feet. It is a strong structure.
Hon. S. P. Wright, late Disti-ict Attorney of Alameda County,
died at Santa Bai'bara on the 24th of July, after a protracted illness.
He was formerly State Senator from the counties of Humboldt, Kla-
math and Del Norte, and served a term as President ^;ro tern. He
was an able and honest man. At the time of his demise his plac^
of residence was East Oakland, where he left a wife and two chil-
dx'en to mourn his loss. At the following meeting of the County
Court, resolutions of regret and condolence were passed.
A meeting of persons interested in the construction of a narrow-
gauge railroad from Martinez to Livermore, was held at Danville,
Contra Costa County, on the 3d day of October. Nathan Jones, of
Walnut Creek, occupied the Chair ; and F. R. Fassett, of Livermore,
acted as Secretary. A committee, consisting of Daniel H. Inman,
of Livermore ; Mr. Baldwin, of Limerick ; Chas. Wood, of Danville ;
W. W. Camron, of Green Valley ; John Larkey, of Walniit Creek ;
Lafayette Fish and Dr. Strentzel, of Martinez, were appointed a
committee to complete the organization. The distance from Mai-tinez
to Livermore is 35 miles, and a railroad would run nearly all the
way over a level gi'ade, through the Pacheco, San Ramon, Amador,
and Livermore Valleys. Several other meetings were subsequently
held, but, after a time, the enterprise was allowed to drop.
A reunion of the Grangers of Alameda County took place at Hay-
wards on the 17th of October, at which wei'e represented Eden
Grange, Thos. Hellar, Master ; Centre ville Grange, Jas. Shinn,
Master; Sunol Grange, E. M. Carr, Master; Livermore Grange,
Daniel H. Inman, Master; Temescal Grange, Dr. Ezra S. Carr,
Master.
During the year 1874 the new Court-house was started in Oakland.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 401
It is situated on the west, or Washington Phiza, on Broadway, be-
tween Fourth and Fifth streets. It is constructed of wood, stone,
brick and iron, and is an elegant and imposing structure ; in dimen-
sions, 175x100 feet. The contract price was $148,550; but the
extras and alterations have raised it to over $200,000. A Jail was
also erected this year, on tlie same block of ground, immediately
west of the Court-house. It is built of brick and stone, and its
dimensions are 40x75 feet, two stories high, with wings. Cost,
$39,000; but, with building at Brooklyn, taking down and rebuild-
ing, the total charge to jail account is $70,000.
The local legislation for the year 1874 embraced the following
enactments :
Introduced by Senator Gibbons :
An Act to prevent the sale of liquor within two miles of the State
University.
An Act to fix the salaries of officers in Alameda County.
An Act to abolish the office of County Assessor, create Township
Assessors, and define the duties thereof.
An Act to authorize the Mountain View Cemetery Association to
issue bonds to the amount of $13,000.
An Act to define the boundary line between San Francisco and
Alameda Counties. [The old line included a portion of the railroad
w-harf within the limits of San Francisco County ; the line deter-
mined by this Act is drawn at a distance of 500 feet west of the
railroad wharf.]
An Act authorizing the Supervisors of Alameda County to erect
buildings on Washington and Franklin Squares, in the City of Oak-
land, and to issue bonds to the amount of $200,000 therefor.
An Act to authorize the Governor to select five Commissioners,
who shall have concurrent power with the Council to purchase, con-
struct or condemn water-works. [Bonds to the amount of $800,000
may be issued and the credit of the city pledged.]
An Act supplementary to the city charter. [Makes office of City
Attorney elective ; fixes salaries of officers ; prohibits the incurring
of debts, etc.]
Bills introduced by Assemblyman Gurnett :
An Act granting tide-lands north of Lake Peralta to the City of
Oakland.
An Act to provide for the ei-ection of a bridge from Alameda to
26
402 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
•
Bay Island. [Appropriated $8,000 from the County for this pur-
pose.]
An Act confirming the action of the City Council in paying City
Marshal Johnson the damages recovered against him by property-
holders on Eighth Street.
An Act to construct a main sewer from the lake westerly to the
bay.
An Act to provide for the issue of $100,000 of bonds, to fund the
debt of tlie city. [$12,000 is provided for the new school-house in
Brooklyn ; and the creation of further debts in excess of the city's
revenue is prohibited.]
An Act to legalize an assessment in Brooklyn, for the construction
of a sewer ordei*ed by the former town authorities.
An Act to legalize the action of the City Council of Oakland in
paying AV. W. Foote $500 for legal services rendered the ^ity.
An Act to postpone the city election this year until the first Mon-
day in May.
An Act to ratify the action of the City Council of Oakland in
paying J. M. Bailey for a sidewalk.
An Act to fix the compensation of the Deputy-Sherifi" at $1,500
per annum.
An Act to authorize the City of Oakland to issue eight per cent,
bonds, and use the money to I'edeem the ten per cent, bonds now out-
standing.
Mr. Amerman is the author of the following acts :
An Act to revise an Act, entitled an Act to incorporate the Town
of San Leandro.
An Act declaring Alameda creek, in Alameda County, a navigable
stream, and providing for the removal of obstructions therefrom.
An Act to amend an Act entitled an Act to incorporate the Town
of Alameda.
An Act to authorize the trustees of the First Congregational Reli-
gious Society of Oakland to convert certain real estate belonging to
said society in the City of Oakland and County of Alameda.
An Act to provide for the collection of district school taxes in
Townsend and May School Districts, in Murray Township, in the
County of Alameda.
An Act in relation to certain streets in the Town of Alameda.
An Act supplementary to an Act, entitled an Act to establish a
Police Court in the City of Oakland, and define its jurisdiction,
.duties, and fees of Court, and its officers.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES.
403
An Act to authorize the Board of Supervisors of Akiiueda Couuty
to pay the claim of Geo. W. Babcock.
Mr. Amerman was also the author of "An Act to define the Sen-
atorial and Assembly Districts of this State, and to apportion the
representation thei-eof," whereby^ the representation of Alameda
County was increased from one to two Senators, and from tv/o to
three Assemblymen.
404
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
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UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 405
CHAPTER XXVII.
THE EVENTS OF 1875.
Destruction of the Deaf, Dumb and Blind Asi/him by Fire — Death
of Mayor Durant — New Mineral Discoveries in Brooklyn
Township— $100,000 More for Oakland Harbor — Death of
General Heath — Women Petitioning for their Rights — Newark
Land Association — Appearance of the Oakland (German) Jour-
nal — Regidation for Tree-Planting — The Right to Impose a High
Rate of Liquor License Affirmed — Livermore Incorporation —
Great Odd Fellows^ Celebrationis — May-day Festivities — The
Hammond Religious Revival — First Brick House in Livermore
Dedicated — Rhode Island Celebration and Clam Bake — Grangers^
Reunion — Rejmblican Convention — The Alameda Independent
— The County Offices Removed to the New Court-house — Heavy
Rain Storm in June — Death of Alonzo D. Fames- — A Lively
Democratic Primary in Oakland — Independents^ Convention —
Fourth of July at San Lorenzo — Com,ments of a Grand Jury
on the Court-House — What Alameda Paid the State — Republican
County Convention — Democratic County Convention — Refuse to
Join with the hulependents, Who Make a Separate Ticket —
County Infirmary Investigation — Death of Governor Weller —
Demise of Rev. F. S. Lacy — Great Stringency in Money Matters
— The Votes at the General and Judicial Elections — A Bill of
Damages — Light-house on Goat Island — Death of '■'■Father'^
Bryant — An Old Pioneer Dies — -Santa Clara and Alameda
Narrow-gunge Railroad — Abscoiuling of Geo. M. Pinney —
Harry Meigs Intending to Settle in Oakland — Death of Geo. M,
Blake — Of Francisco Aurrecoech^ar-^^J,ameda and Contra Costa
Railroad Company Organized-^-^Progress at Berkeley — Death of
Mrs Larue — Sudden Demise of J. Ross Browne — County Statis-
tics — Alameda in tJie Legislature.
The year 1875 is remarkable in our county annals for the number
of deaths that occui-red among old citizens, for the many new enter-
406 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
prises commenced, the increase of our means of intercourse, the rapid
augmentation of our population, the fullness of our cereal and fruit
crops, the tightness of the money market, caused by the temporary
failure of the Bank of California ; the number of our political con-
ventions, the multiplicity of parties, and the partial restoration of
the Democratic pai-ty to power.
The destruction by fire of the Deaf, Dumb and Blind Asylum took
place on Sunday afternoon, January 17th. It was situated in the
foot-hills, half a mile south of Berkeley ; was constructed of stone,
and constituted one of the most solid and valuable buildings in the
State. It was built and maintg-ined by public funds, and in its
destruction over $200,000 was lost to the people. There were ninety-
one inmates of the Asylum at the time of the fire, all of whom were
removed in safety.
An investigation into the cause of the fire took place a few days
after, by the Board of Directors, when it was declared to be purely
accidental, and no blame attached to any of the oflicei-s or servants of
the institution. Temporary buildings were at once constructed.
Rev. Henry Durant, Mayor of Oakland, and the firet president of
the State University, died at his residence, at half past three o'clock
on Friday afternoon, January 22d, of congestive chills. His death
was sudden, as he had been on the streets the day before, attending to
his usual avocations. He was seventy-two yeai's of age. No man
was ever more regretted. A sketch of his eventful life will be found
in another part of this volume.
In the latter part of January a vein of silver ore was discovei-ed
in the liills between Brooklyn and San Leandro, by Thomas P.
Gilmore, a nephew of the celebrated musician, then employed in
the California Reduction "Works. It was estimated to yield $25 to
the ton, but no steps were taken to work it. A serpentine belt
was found by Mr. Gilmore, almost two miles and a half long, run-
ning in' a northeasterly and southeasterly direction. On the west
side of it is a range of hills, containing a conglomerate heavy gravel
deposit, which in some places is 100 feet thick. On the east side of
this serpentine belt, auriferous quartz has been found with limestone,
showing a good })rospect of copper. At a subsequent date Mr. Gil-
more took samples of rock fi-om the croppings alluded to above to
San Francisco and had the same assayed. Mr. R. J. Kohler, after
testing one sample, stated that it yielded $58 per ton in silver, with
a trace of gold. Another specimen assayed produced $18.25 in sil-
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 407
ver, and ,|5 in gold, besides 5 per cent, in copper. Mr. Gilmore pur-
chased the land on which the mine was located, and desired to
associate some capitalists with him to open and work the mine, but
nothing has yet been done.
A second appropriation of $100,000, towards the improvement of
Oakland Harbor, was made by Congress, the news of which was
received in Oakland with much rejoicing, early in February. Senator
Sargent and Representative Page were accredited with having secured
this second fiivor, as they did the first.
General R. W. Heath, an old resident of Oakland, died at his
residence near St. Helena, Napa County, on the 7th of February.
Deceased was a native of Bladensburg, Maryland, and was aged 52
years and 7 days. The funeral service took place at St. John's
Chui'ch, Oakland, two days after, his remains having beei; removed
here for interment in Mountain View Cemetery. Many prominent
citizens were present.
At the Republican City Convention, held in Oakland in February,
Dr. Newcombe presented a voluminous petition from a number of
women and citizens of Oakland, accompanied by a memorial
addressed to the Convention, asserting the right of women to hold
two places on the Board of Education. The names of 365 ladies
and 350 voters were signed to the petition.
The Newark Land Association was incorporated in February, with
the intention of founding a new town on the borders of the bay, in
Washington Township, to be named after the manufacturing city of
New Jersey. Several strong capitalists engaged in the enterprise,
which was under the management of Mr. Charles Peters, of San
Francisco.
The first number of the Oakland Journal, a weekly newspaper in
the German language, made its appearance on the 27th of February.
It was published, then as now, by Messrs. Schmidt, Wieymer &
Schutt, the latter gentleman being manager. It was a very hand-
some sheet, of the dimensions of 24x36, and still flourishes.
At a meeting of the Board of Supervisors held on the 8th of
March, Mr. Shattuck presented the following resolution, which was
adopted :
Besolved, That all shade trees planted on public highways in Oak,
land Township, shall be as follows : Roads of the width of 100 feet,
shade trees shall be planted 16 feet from the outer edge thereof,
Roads of the width of 85 feet, shade trees shall be planted 13 feet
408 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
from the outer edge thereof. Roads of the width of 85 feet, shade
trees shall be planted 14 feet from the outer edge thereof. Roads of
the width of 66 feet, shade trees shall be planted 12 feet from the
outer edge thereof Roads of the width of 60 feet, shade trees shall be
planted 10 feet from the outer edge thereof. The width of sidewalks
shall be as follows : On public roads 100 feet, the sidewalks shall be
20 feet; on public roads 80 feet wide, the sidewalks shall be 16 feet ;
on public roads of the width of 60 feet, the sidewalks shall be 14
feet wide. All shade trees shall be planted not less than 12 feet
apart.
In a test case brought before Judge McKee, in the Third District
Court (The People vs. Wm. Hurll), to determine the power of the
City Council of Oakland to exact a high rate for licenses, the Judge
decided that they had ])ower to exact any sum for license they thought
proper. He stated, in objection to the plea that the sum demanded
for liquor license was unequal when compared with other brandies of
business, that the Legislature had conferred this power upon them,
and what was a reasonable fee, was a practical question the City
CouncU was better able to determine than the Court.
A meeting was held in Livermore, April 3d, for the purpose of tak-
ing into considei'ation the advisability of incorporating the to^vn. It
was determined to hold a public meeting on the following Saturday,
to ascertain the opinion of a majority of the citizens on the subject.
The meeting was held, but the most of those in attendance were
opposed to incorporation ; the project did not die, however, and was
kept alive by those interested until the meeting of the last Legisla-
ture, when an Act of incorporation was presented and passed.
The Odd Fellows of San Francisco celebrated their fifty-sixth anni-
versary by a monster picnic at Badger's Park, Oakland, on the 26th
of April ; and the Oakland Odd Fellows held their celebration at
Scheutzen Park, Alameda. Games of various kinds and dancing-
were pai-ticipated in, and both celebrations, in point of attendance,
enjoyment and results, were highly satisfactory.
May- Day, as usual, was celebrated throughout the county with
balls and picnics, crowning of the May Queen, etc. At Dry Creek,
near Decota, jbhe students of Washington College celebrated the day
with becoming cei-emouy, and made a veiy pleasing display.
The great excitement of this year was the reHgious revival season
inaugurated by the Rev. E. B. Hammond in Oakland. The meet-
ings were held in a large tent, situated on the coi'ner of Washington
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 409
and Fourteenth Streets, and were very largely attended, the interest
having been kept up for several weeks.
Friday, the 30th day of April, was a gala day in the town of I.iv-
ermore, the occasion being the dedication of the first brick building
— erected by Mr. Esdon — a handsome two-story structure. The
lower part consists of stores, and the upper of a public hall. The
tire company turned out with a band of music in honor of the event,
and paraded the town ; speeches were made, and in the evening a
ball was given in the hall.
The natives of Rhode Island, in this State, held a reunion at the
Piedmont Hotel, Oakland Township, on the 21st of May, where they
enjoyed the luxury of an old-fashioned clam bake. An original poem
Avas read by Mr. D. P. Moore, and an eloquent speech was made by
Hon. Nathan Porter. A society was formed, and the following offi-
cers, who were mostly residents of Alameda County, were elected
President, William Sherman; Vice-President, E,. B. Woodward
Second Vice-President, Allen Gladding ; Secretary, E. H. Smith
Treasurer, William ISTorris ; Executive Committee, George B. Knowles,
Nathan Porter, Stephen H. Smith, Jr.
The Grangers of Alameda County held their annual reunion in
the San Lorenzo Grove, on the 29th of May. The day was delight-
ful, the time propitious, and the attendance large. At the literary
exercises the assemblage was called to order by Joel Russell, Esq.,
of Haywards, President of the Council for Alameda County, who was
nominated as President of the Day. An original poem, " The
Patrons' Declaration of Principles," was read by Mrs. J. V. Web-
ster, of Fruit Vale. A short address was delivered by Mrs. Dr.
Carr, who gave a history of the Order in the State, and referred to
woman's place in the Order. Addresses were also made by other
prominent members of the Order, and a pleasant and profitable time
passed.
A new accession was made to the press of the county in the
beginning of June, when the Alameda Independent appeared at
Washington Corners. It is publislied by W. W. Theobalds & Co.,
is ably conducted, and the only paper now printed in the valley be-
tween Brooklyn and San Jose.
The Republican County Convention was held in Oakland on the
11th of June, when there was a full attendance of members. The
Convention was called to order by Geo. M. Pinney, Chairman of the
County Central Committee. Thos. Eagar was elected Temporary
410 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Chairman ; and A. W. Bishop, Secretary. Resolutions expressing
confidence in the National Administration, and in Congressman
Page, were passed, and delegates appointed to the State Convention,
At the State Convention, held in Sacramento, a few days later. Dr.
Ezra S. Carr, of this county, was nominated as candidate for Superin-
tendent of Public Instruction ; and F. K. Shattuck, a member of the
State Central Committee.
The Board of Supervisors met for the first time in their room, in
the new Court-house, on Monday, June 14th. The County officers
took possession on Tuesdaj^, the 8th of the same month, having
occupied the temporary quarters in East Oakland until then. It
was proposed to get up a celebration in honor of the completion of
the new building, but the proposition was not acted upon.
June of this year was remarkable for the rain storm that occurred
in the middle of the month. It rained more or less during three or
four days. Rain set in on the morning of the 15th, about 8 o'clock,
and continued steadily until the afternoon. The wind was from the
south-east and strong, and a poi-tion of the time the rain poured down
very heavily. The storm ceased at 6 o'clock in the evening, having
done some damage to stacked grain and hay. From Sunday the 1 3th,
to Wednesday the 16th, the total rain-fall was one and sixty-five
hundreths of an inch. From the record kept by Mr. Thomas Tennant,
it appears that rain fell during the month of June, in the years 1849,
1850, 1851, 1852, 1853, 1855, 1859, 1863, 1864, 1865, 1867, 1870,
1871, and 1874, but there had been no such fall as this since 1849.
Information was received in Oakland that Alonzo D. Eames, one
of the pioneers of Oakland, had died at Lone Pine, Inyo County, on
the 17th of June. Deceased was elected a member of the first City
Council of Oakland in 1854, and was re-elected in 1855, 1861, and
1862; in 1865 and 1866 he was City Clerk, and the predecessor of
Mr, Hillebrand.
The first session of the Third District Court held in the new Court-
house, was commenced on the 21st day of June,
A Democratic Primary Election was held in Oakland on the 19th
of June, when two tickets were placed in the field. The largest vote
ever polled at a Democratic primary was cast, and the opposition
ticket (anti-chivalry) elected. About 600 votes were polled, all at
one polling })lace, on the corner of Broadway and Fifth street. The
successful ticket was headed by F. J, Brearty, and the unsuccessful
by Col, J, C, Hayes. As the defeated ticket contained the names of
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 411
several distinguislied Democrats, such as those of Wm. Van Voorhies,
Malichi Fallon, Theodore F. Bagge, D. W. Gelwicks, D. Ghirardelli,
Wm. Hoskins, and other old steady and constant Democrats, the
result was the cause of much comment. The County Convention was
held on the 26th day of June, when the contest between the contend-
ing elements was renewed. It ended in the defeat of the Oakland
delegation, who found nearly all the county delegates against them,
and they lost the control of the Convention. The contest was for
seats in the State Convention, for which the Irish friends of Hon.
Philip A. Roach made a bold push. Although defeated, a majority
of the delegation selected favored the nomination of that gentleman
on the first ballot, at the State Convention. As the following elec-
tion was the first in which occurred a Democratic victory in this
county for many yeai-s, it is appropriate to mention the names of the
delegates chosen. They were, for Oakland, F. J. Brearty, S. D. Cro-
nin, and Joseph Becht; for Alameda, M. W. Peck; Bi'ooklyn, Thos. "W.
Badger; Washington, Edward Niehaus; Eden, S. W. Cull; Murray,
Jos. F. Black. The Convention met at iTnion Hall, San Francisco,
on the 29 th of June, when Hon. Wm. Irwin and all the present State
Ofiicei-s, excepting Dr. Carr, were nominated. No one from Alameda
County was placed upon the State ticket. At the Democi-atic Con-
gressional Convention, held at the same time, Hon. Henry Lai-kin, of
El Dorado County, was nominated to oppose Mr. Page, for Congress.
An Independent County Convention was held in Oakland, Avhen
delegates to the State Convention of the party, held at Sacramento,
were appointed. The principles of this party were reform in the
administration of public affairs, the correction of local abuses, oppo-
sition to monopolies, and the reconciliation of the North and South.
The Convention met at Sacramento, on the 2 2d of June, when a
platform was adopted, and a State ticket, headed by Genei-al John
Bidwell, of Chico, for Governor, was nominated. No one from Ala-
meda County was placed on the ticket ; but Hon. Chas. E. Tuttle, of
Oakland, received the Congressional nomination.
At the Fourth of July celebration, at San Loi-enzo, the Declai-a-
tion of Independence was read by J. V. B. Goodrich, County Clerk ;
Mr. Jacob Price, of San Leandro, was Poet of the Day ; Hon. Ste-
phen G. Nye, Orator ; and Rev. W. F. B. Lynch, Master of Cere-
monies. An attempt had been made to get up a celebration in Oak-
land ; but it ended in foilure. The County Court met in the new
Court-house, in Oakland, for the first time, on the 10th of July.
412 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
The Grain! Jmy on tliat day made its presentment, and, among
otlier observations, made the following strictures on the completion
of the new Conrt-house :
" In examining the proceedings of the Board of Supervisors, the
jury were led to examine tlie contract for building the Court-house,
and found material, as well as minor, discrepancies between it and
the building as completed. Particularly as to the front steps. The
contract calls for steps fifteen inches wide ; speaking-tubes and
whistles are called for between the Court-rooms and certain offices ;
while none are found. The jury considered that the architect has
been negligent in duty, and, to say the least, censurable, if not liable
therefor • and that it was the duty of the Building Committee and
Board of Supervisoi-s, before accepting the building, to see that it
was completed according to contract, and this they evidently did not
do. Tlie construction of the floors in the Supervisors' and Recorder's
rooms is very faulty, and more pillars or other suppoi-ts are needed
under the floors. We consider it a great oversight in a climate like
this, in allowing the plastei'ing to be put upon the brick, instead of
furring the walls. The rooms are cold and damp, and, in conse-
quence, the walls are nearly all discolored. The whole interior con-
struction and arrangement of the building is, in our opinion,
excellent ; and the upholstering and furnishing, except in the Sur-
veyor's office, tasteful ; but, at the same time, unnecessarily expens-
ive and extravagant for county purposes."
During the last fiscal year Alameda County paid into the State
Treasury the large sum of $241,141.51, or $6 for each man, woman
and child in the county. A portion of this came back in the appro-
priation for school purposes ; but even on the item of school money
we paid out $20,000 per annum more than we received in return.
The Republican Convention for making nominations for legislative
and county officers, was held in the Academy of Music, Fifth Street,
Oakland, on the 2d of August. Delegates were present from all
parts of the county, numbering 115 persons.
Mr. E. B. Mastick, of Alameda, was nominated for State Senator ;
Messrs. John L. Beard, of Centreville, A. T. Coville, of San Leandro,
and J. V. B. Goodrich, of Oakland, were nominated for Assembly,
with a full list of county officers, whose names will appear hereafter.
Delegates were also appointed to attend the Judicial Convention, for
the nomination of candidates for County and District Judges. Mr.
Mastick subsequently declined to be a candidate for Senator, and
Mr. Jas. W. Shanklin, of Oakland, was substituted in his stead.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 413
At the Democratic County Convention, held on the 24th of July,
at the Academy of Music, a full and exclusive Democratic ticket was
nominated, witli Jas. Beazell at its head for State Senator. It was
undei-stood that the Democrats and Independents woukl make a joint
ticket, but from some motive, not explained (probably a promise of
the railroad support), the Democrats did not enter into the an-ange-
ment, and three separate tickets were put into the tield.
The Independent Convention, which met in the City Hall the
same day, appointed a committee to make a selection of names, and
report at a subsequent meeting. The committee consisted of Casper
T. Hopkins, Brooklyn TowTiship ; J. F. Walker, Washington Town-
ship ; Myron Smith, Alameda Township ; Walter Blair, Oakland
To\vnslup ; W. W. Winn, Murray Township ; Wm. Heller, Eden
Township ; C. W. Phelps and J. H. Redstone, Oakland Township.
On the 7th of August they reported the names of their choice of
candidates, naming Hon. Henry Robinson, of AJameda, for State
Senator ; endorsing Dixon (Democrat), of Washington, for Assem-
bly, adding Walter Blair, of Oakland, and Joseph Tayloi-, of Mur-
ray. L. C. Morehouse, of San Leandro, was nominated for Sheriff,
and the remainder of the candidates were taken from both the
other tickets, as will be seen in the classification of candidates here-
after.
A committee of the Board of Supervisoi*s, appointed to investi-
gate the management and condition of the County Intii-maiy,
reported, Augiist 7th, that they found everything satisfactory, with
the exception that the Infirmary physician was in the habit of pre-
paring skeleton figures on the premises, a practice wliicli they con-
demned. Only three skeletons, all for scientific purposes, had been
prepared.
Information was received here, on the 19th of August, that John
B. AVeller, formerly Governor of the State and a resident of Fruit
"Vale in this county, had died in New Orleans, two days previous, of
small-pox. He was bom in Oxford, Ohio, in 1812, and Avas there-
fore 63 yeai's of age. Governor WeUer's career was an eventful one.
He was admitted to the bar at an early age, and was at one time
Democratic candidate for Governor of his native State, and although
defeated, was twice elected to Congress. He sei'\'ed with distinction
in the Mexican war, and was appointed, by President Polk, one of
the Commissioners to locate the boundary line between Mexico and
California. He came up from Panama on the first trip of the steam-
414 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
ship Panama, and on the first day of June, 1849, was landed at the
old hide house, on the beaoh at San Diego, with Major Emory,
Captain Hardcastle, Lieutenant Derby (Phoenix) and the members
of the surviving party. He was elected Governor of California in
1857, just after the Know-nothing party collapsed. He subsequently
lived for short periods in Utah and Idaho. During the last fi\'f
years of his life he practiced law in New Orleans, but had visited liis
old home here since his settlement in that city. He was four times
married, and one of his sons is a lawyer in San Francisco. Governor
Weller was regarded and esteemed as an honest public man, and iu
social life had many warm friends.
Another notable death was that of the Rev. E. S. Lacy, Congi'e-
gational clergyman, which took place near St. Helena, Napa County,
on the 23d day of August. Deceased was a minister of the gospel
in this State for 23 years, and Avas well and widely known. He was a
native of Saratoga County, N. Y., and at the time of his death 48 years
of age. He graduated at Hamilton College with distinguished honors,
and, after his admission to the ministry, came to California. He first
went to Crescent City, and, as early as 1854, temporarily supplied
the pulpit of the fii-st Protestant church in San Francisco, of which
Kev. S. H. Willey, subsequently Vice-President of the College of
California, in Oakland, was pastor. In 1856 Mr. Lacy succeeded T.
Dwight Hunt as pastor of the First Congregational Church, in San
Francisco. He continued as pastor for nearly ten years, during
which time no minister on the coast acquired more influence, or used
it more beneficially than did the subject of this notice. He was a
large-hearted, genial, sympathetic man, quick and warm in his im-
pulses, a steadfast friend and an earnest and persuasive preacher.
About 11 years previous to his death, an attack of hemorrhage of
the lungs forced him to retire from the active duties of the ministry.
He traveled in Europe for two years, and on his return settled down
on a farm near Martinsburg, Virginia, and was for a time Superin-
tendent of Schools for the county in which he resided. After several
years of out-door life thei*e, at the earnest solicitation of many of his
friends, he returned to California, and was tendered charge of the
new church at Seminary Park, near Mills Seminary ; but his health
failing soon after, again he retired from the active duties of his pro-
fession, still hoping for a longer lease of life. Death came gently
and closed the career of a man of large-hearted benevolence and use-
ful life. To do good was his pleasure, to be a time Christian his pride.
Mr. Lacy left a wife and family to mourn his untimely death.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 415
The death of Wm. C. Ralston, and the temporary faihire of the
Bank of California, were severe blows to the business and industry of
the State, from which they did not recover for many months. Our
local monetary institutions were not specially aflected, but tliere set
in a monetary stringency and a depression of business that was
severely felt here as well as in San Francisco. The bank closed its
dooi-s temporai-ily on the 26th day of August.
The General Election, State and County, took place on the 1st of
September. There were four tickets in the field : Democratic, Re-
publican, Independent and Temperance. The vote in this county
was as follows :
For Governor—'^ \\i. Irwin (D.), 2,433 ; T. G. Pheljis (R.), 1,956 ;
John Bidwell (I.), 895 ; W. E. Lovett (T.), 45.
Lieutenant-Governor — -Jas. A. Johnson (D.), 2,398 ; J. M. Cavis
(R.), 1,991 ; Romualdo Pacheco (I.), 997 ; W. D. Hobson (T.), 40.
Secretary of State^T\\o^. Beck (D.), 2,450 ; E. H. Hallet, (R.),
2,215 ; Wm. Rousch (I.), 756.
Controller— 3 a^. W. Mandeville (D.), 2,238; Jas. J. Green (R.),
2,260; Lauren E. Crane (I.), 827; Joel Russell (T.), 58.
Treasurer— 3. G. Estudillo (D.), 2,306; Wm. Beckman (R.),
2,270 ; Ferdinand Baehr (I.), 806 ; C. P. Thompson (T.), 47.
Attorney-General — Jo. Hamilton (D.), 2,471 ; E. D. Sawyer (R.),
2,243 ; Peter Van Clief (I.), 681.
Surveyor-General — AVilliam Minis (D.), 2,437 ; Robert Gardner
(R.), 2,155 ; Edward Twitchell (I.), 784.
Clerk Supreme Court— J). B. Woolf (D.), 2,336 ; Grant I. Tag-
gart (R.), 2,393 ; Paul Morrill (I.), 684. .
For Congress — Henry Larkin (D.), 1,870 ; Horace F. Page (R.),
2,895 ; Chas. A. Tuttle (I.), 660.
For State Senator— Jas. Beazell (D.), 2,618 ; J. W. Shanklin (R.),
2,033 ; Henry Robinson (L), 769.
Three Assemblymen —^I. W. Dixon (D. and L), 3,163; D. W.
Gelwicks (D.), 2,419 ; Theo. F. Bagge (D.), 2,399 ; J. V. B. Good-
rich (R.), 2,273 ; John L. Beard (R.), 2,208 ; A. T. Covell (R.),
2,059 ; Walter Blair (I.), 863 ; Joseph H. Taylor, 820.
County Clerk — Spencer C. Bro^vne (D.), 2,551 ; Chas. G. Reed
(R. and I.), 2,760 ; J. A. Chase (I.), 53.
Sherif—ThoH. O'Neil (D.), 2,080; Henry N. Morse (R.), 2,091 ;
L. C. Morehouse (L), 1,242.
416 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
County Treasurer — Joseph Becht (D. and I.), 2,757 : Clias. E.
Palmer (R), 2,666.
County i?ecm7er— Thos. A. Smith (D. and I.), 2,941 ; P. R. Bo-
rein (P.), 2,483.
District Attorney — John P. Ghiscock (D. and I.), 3,105 ; Albert
A. Moore (P.), 2,289.
County Surveyor — George "W. Dougherty (D.), 2,383 ; Lnis Cas-
tro (P. and I.), 3,022.
County Superintendent Schools — B. F. Haislip (D.), 2,308 ; "\V. F.
B. Lynch (P.), 2,309 ; Mrs. L. P. Fisher (I.), 779.
Puhlic Administrator — William Hoskins (D.), 2,474 ; C. B. Puth-
erford (P. and I.), 2,924.
(;'oro;^er— William Helmer (D.), 2,584 ; S. H. Mather (P.), 1,947 ;
Chas. S. Kittredge (I.), 854.
Of the various candidates for State officers, but two belonged to
Alameda County — Grant I. Taggart, Pepublican candidate for Clerk
of the Supreme Court, and Joel Pussell, Temperance candidate for
Controller — neither of whom, it will be seen, was elected.
TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.
Supervisors : District No. 5, Oakland — Peter Pumyea (P.), 529 ;
S. Hirshberg (D.), 381. District No. 2, Washington— H. Overacker,
139 ; J. McKeown, 119 ; M. W. Listen, 18 ; J. A. Chadburne, 50 ;
M. B. Sturges, 82 ; G. W. Cook, 92 ; C. A. Plummer, 13.
Assessors: Oakland Township — E. Hunt, 1,122; J. F. Steen,
521 ; J. E. Whitcher, 441. Brooklyn Township— A. B. Webster,
321 ; John Carey, 201. Alameda Township — E. Minor Smith, 195.
Eden Township— A. P. Hall, 272; Thomas Heller, 83; Joseph
Pimentel, 205. Washington Township— L. S. Osgood, 337 ; W. T.
Palph, 122 ; S. Martin, 1. INIurray Towiiship — Newton Ingrara,
422 ; P. Wilson, 93 ; H. Bailey, 1 ; J. F. Black, 1.
Constables: Oakland Township— W. T. Miles, 1,442; G. H.
Tilly, 1,273 ; S. G. Crawford, 257 ; two required. Brooklyn Town-
ship— J. W. Still, 213; E. Yates, 166; Jas. Triplet, 273; J. B.
Merritt, 71 ; John Shearer, 136 ; two required. Alameda Towu-
ship— H. S. Barlow, 12; W. P. Valentine, 137; S. Fish, 126; S.
OiT, 144; W. K. Jacqueth, 22; two required. Eden Township —
P. B. Cooley, 50; G. H. Horn, 284; J. S. Rivers, 211 ; J. H.
Sherley, 312 ; G. H. Richardson, 160; two required. Washington
Township— C. Nail, 128; J. A. Trefry, 341; C. O. Babb, 62; R.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 417
Denmark, 82 ; E. Huff, 3 ; W. Lattin, 3 ; J. White, 1. Murray
Townsliip— S. M. Conkey, 365; E. Faville, 490; D. Eegan, 104;
R. Sanders, 115.; J. Atwell, 16; two required.
The vote for Sheriff and County Superintendent was so close that
a re-count was demanded, at the next meeting of the Board, by Mr.
O'Neal and Mr. Haislip. The result, by process of law, when
obtained, was that the majorities of Mr. Morse and Mr. Lynch were
increased, the foi-mer having 38, and the latter 82, Mr. Haislip's
name having been wrongly spelled on 90 ballots.
The judicial election took place on the 20th of October, and
resulted in the following vote :
For State Siiperintendent — Ezi-a S. Carr, of Alameda (E. & I.),
2,448; O. P. Fitzgerald, of Sonoma (D.), 1,090.
Judge Third District Court — Samuel Bell McKee (D.), 2,7G^i^
Lewis Sheai-er (E.), 783.
County J'^w/ye— Stephen G. Nye (E.), 2,095 ; W. Gibbons (D.), 1,451.,
Justices of the Peace: Alameda — J. W. Clark, 185; C. M. Ead-
cliffe, 163; Wm. Holtz, 74; H. Hoag, 147. BrookI\T)i — . Jas..
Merritt, 214; Asa Howard, 194; M. Hawes, 183. Eden-^as,
Collingridge, 275; S. Wootten, 200; Wm. Pearco, 12o ; J. A.
Gallett, 39; scattering, 15. Oakland— Jas. Lentell, 1>120; "Wmi.
M. Graham, 1,003 ; B. B. Taylor, 960. Murray— A. M. Church,
274; L. A. Coats, 390; M. P. H. Love, 165. Washington— Jos.
McKeown, 59; L. G. Yates, 154 ; Henry Smith, 96 ; W. H\ Geary,
47 ; Joseph Herbert, 80 ; Geo. W. Bond, 37 ; a B. Eobinson, 20 ;
scattering 2.
The two candidates receiving the highest number of votes in each
township were elected.
A claim was presented to the Board of Supervisors, on September
6th, by Juana M. Estiidillo, for the following items :
For value of iron vault taken from old Coui-t-house,
in San Leandro, --...- §5,000
For nine iron cells, - - ^ - - - 8,000
Eent of premises, from June 25th to Janxxary 25th,
1875, at 0150 per month, ----- 2,850
Eent from January 25th to August 25th, 1875, at
8100 per month, ------ 700
Damages to premises (Coui-t-house), - . - 1,500
Total claim, . . - - $18,050
The vault referred to in the foregoing claim is th.e Ti-easurer's
27
4:18 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
vault, now in the new Court-house, for the possession of which a suit
had also been mstituted by F. Rhoda, the owner of the temporary
Court-house in East Oakland. Both parties' claims were based on
the ground that it became a permanent fixture in the respective
buildings. The bill of Juana M. Estudillo was x-eferred to the
County Attorney, and on the 29th of September was rejected by the
Board,
A light-house was erected on Goat Island, hj the Light-house
Board, in September. Thei'e had been a fog-bell and fog-horn erected
previously, but in foggy weather the bell could not be distinctly
heard on the pilot-houses of vessels.
The Independence of Mexico and Chili was celebrated at Liver-
more, in September, by natives of those respective countries.
On the 27th of September, died at Hay wards, Father Bryant,
father of the Bev. J. W. Bryant, of Haywards, and Rev. Wm. S.
Bryant, of San Leandi'O. Deceased was 75 years of age, and left
behind him his wife, who had attained the advanced age of 69 years.
An old pioneer of the county, named Wm. H. Hawthorne, was
found dead about a mile from Niles bridge, on the 23d of September.
He lived for many years in Washington Township. Of late years he
had resided in San Francisco. His remains were accompanied by a
large concourse of friends, to the Centreville Cemetery. Deceased
formerly owned a valuable i~anch in Washington Township, and was
noted for his hospitality.
■ The grading of a new narrow-gauge railroad — the Alameda and
Santa Clara — was commenced on the 27th day of September. The
proposed line is between the town of Santa Clara and Dumbarton
Point, on the Bay of San Francisco, and in Alameda County. Its
completion was expected in a few months. It promised to be of great
advantage to the inhabitants of the southern part of Alameda County,
and it was proposed to connect it by a tram-way with Mission San
Jos6, some ten miles distant.
The disappearance of Ceo. M. Pinney, a prominent politician,
Naval Paymaster's Clerk in San Francisco, a heavy o}3erator in mines
and mining stock, and a resident of Oakland, caused much anxiety
in San Francisco, where he had embezzled a large amount of money.
He absconded on the 4th of July, and for a long time nothing was
heard of him. He left behind him, in Oakland, a wife and family,
and carried off a large amount of money, estimated as high as $1,000,-
000, partly belonging to individuals and partly to the government.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 4H)
No sucli bold adventurer as Pinney had ever appeared or disappeared
in California. Much speculation existed and still continues, as to his
whereabouts.
Harry Meiggs, a former heavy defaulter and absconder from San
Francisco, and who has since made much money in South America,
was favored in the last Legislature by an Act passed allowing hini to
return to this State, which it was his intention then to do, and settle
in Oakland; but subsequent events prevented. He was so ill in July
of this year, at his residence in Lima, that his life was at one time
despaired of, and much anxiety existed in consequence.
Judge George M. Blake, one of the oldest residents of Alameda
County, and a pioneer of Oakland, died suddenly while out on a hunt-
ing expetlition with Dr. Paixlee, at a place called Davis' Ranch, about
sixty miles from Shasta. There was great grief in Oakland on the
receipt of this news. The sad event took place on the 16 th day of
October. Resolutions of regret and condolence were passed by the
bar of Alameda County, at a meeting held in the Court-house on the
following 18th; and a mass meeting of citizens was held in the City
Hall, to express the sorrow of the community for the loss they had
experienced in the death of so valuable a citizen. The obsequies took
place on the afternoon of the 19th, at 2 o'clock. The funeral service
was performed at the First Congregational Church, by Rev. J. K.
McLean. The funeral was attended by a large number of citizens,
City Council, the Bar, and the members of the Masonic Fraternity.
While the cortege was moving to deposit the remains of the lamented
gentleman in their last i-esting place, the bells of the city tolled a sad
farewell, and the last earthly rites were performed by depositing the
body in the gi-ave at Mountain Yiew Cemetery.
There was buried at Mission San Jose, on the 11th of October, an
old and well-known citizen of Alameda County — Francisco Aiirrecoe-
chea. Deceased had been a resident of this county since 1852. He
was a native of Spain, and was born in the town of Bilboa. For
eral years he was engaged in mercantile business at Mission San
Jose, but subsequently retired upon his landed possessions in Liver-
more Valley, which had assumed large proportions, demanding his
undivided attention. He was always known as a warm-hearted and
honoi-able man ; generous by nature, and always helping any public
charity or deserving person. His extensive estate was for many
years a gi-eat temptation to settlers, and Mr. Aurrecoechea was much
annoyed by squatters. His name appears quite often upon the Court
420 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
records, as plaintiff in forcible entry and detainer suits. But his titles
had been pei-fected for some time, and bis lands were all clear at
the time of his demise. The deceased was about fifty years of age.
He is succeeded in his property by his brother, Jos6 Aurrecoechea.
In October, of this year, the idea of tunnelling the Contra Costa
hills, and constructing either a railroad or improved wagon road, was
revived. Some two years previovTsly, Messrs. J. E. Whitcher and
W. F. Boardman, civil engineers, made a careful survey for a narrow-
gauge railway between Oakland and Walnut Creek. A short, easy and
feasible route was found, which included a tunnel, about half a mile
in length, at the summit, and situated a short distance north of Lake
Chabot. The idea of a railroad was taken up by a number of wealthy
capitalists and a company formed, named the Oakland and Contra
Costa Railroad. A meeting of the stockholders was held at the
Grand Central Hotel, Oakland, on the evening of the 21st of Decem-
ber, at which the following directors were elected, viz : Thomas H,
Williams, W. W. Camron, J. M. Walker, Joseph Becht, E. Chappel-
let, H. B. Berryraan, S. N. Puttnam, A. J. Snyder, John P. Jones,
Mack Webber and L. W. Kennedy. The Board selected the follow-
ing otficers : President, Thos. A. Williams , Treasurer, Joseph Becht ;
Secretary, L. W. Kennedy. It was understood that Mr. Camron
would act as General Superintendent.
A committee appointed on pi'elirainary survey reported progress,
Engineers were then in the field, and a favorable report followed in
a few days. The length of the proposed road was to be about twentj
miles, and the chief question to determine would be the route to hi
taken from Oakland. It was afterwards determined to be via Berke
ley. As will be hereafter seen, the chief difliculty in the way of thf i
new company was to secure a desirable right of way through the Cit}
of Oakland. Upon this matter tvirned the subsequent city election
The progress going on about this time, at Berkeley, warranted th(
ex})ectation that the beautiful suburb would, ere long, swell into i k
town of considerable dimensions. A steamboat was making severa
trips daily between there and San Francisco, and the stakes wertj*
driven to mark the line of a steam railroad between Berkeley anc
Oakland. The California Watch Factory had located there, and wa
putting up a lai'ge building ; the Standard Soap Company was als<
putting u}) a large building ; and great progress was visible at botl pi
the University and water front sides of the new town. Water work
were being erected, and building progressing very rapidly, while thi
demand for lots was constant.
UNDER THE STAHS AND STRIPES. 421
A new Ti'auscoutineutal Telegi'aph Company was organized in New
York during the latter half of 1875, with A. A. Cohen, of Ak\meda,
as President.
On the 19th of November died, at East Oakland, Mrs. Sarah La-
rue, relict of the late Jas. B. Larue, the pioneer of Brooklyn. Mrs.
Larue was one of the first American ladies that settled in Alameda
County, and was a woman possessed of great fortitude, sound head
and good heart. She was a native of New Jersey, came to Califor-
nia in 1854, and settled with her husband in Brooklyn. At the time
of her demise she was aged 69 yeai-s, 2 months and 14 days.
J. E,oss Browne, the celebrated traveler and author, and one of the
early settlers of Oakland, died suddenly on the morning of the 8th
of December. He was taken ill with spasms on the pi-evious even-
ing, on his return from San Fraiicisco to his residence north of Oak-
land. Mr. Browne was born in Ireland, in 1817, and, at the time of
his demise, was in his 58th year.
The total value of real estate in Alameda County, in 1875, as re-
turned by the assessors, was $32,168,903. The value of personal
property was $6,672,822 ; of assessable property, $38,841,725. The
tax for State purposes was $234,992.44 ; for county purposes, $217,-
018.52, making a total tax of $452,010.96, levied in the county for
State and county purposes.
The funded debt of the County was $247,944, showing a large in-
crease since the previous year on account of the cost of the Court-
house and Jail buildings. The floating debt was $112,743.64. The
rate of interest was 7 per cent. The cash in the Treasury was $50,-
175.04. The value of the County property, including the two plazas
ionated by the city of Oakland, was estimated at $300,000. The
fate of taxation was $1.30 on each $100.
The taxable property of Alameda had grown to be $10,000,000
cnore than any county in the State, excepting San Francisco, having
ately outgrown Sacramento, which hitherto held the second position,
[ts rate of taxation was lower than any other county, excepting San
Joaquin and San Benito. Sacramento and Santa Clara levied the
same rate.
The Legislature was in session, and Alameda was represented for
■ike first time with her full delegation of five, secured by the new a])-
3ortionment passed into law in the previous Legislature, through the
sfibrts of Mr. Amerman.
422 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Oakland Daily Transcript
— AND —
Alameda County Gazette.
POWERS & CHAMBERLAIN, Editors and Proprietors.
The Oakland Daily Transcript is nearly nine years old,
and has a wide circulation. It is the official organ of the United States
and County of Alameda, and is conceded to be one of the leading
Republican papers of this State.
The Alameda County Gazette is over twenty-one years
old — the oldest paper published in the County, and one of the oldest
in the State. It is full of local, current and general news.
The price of the Daily is $7.00 per year, $3.75 for six months,
and $2.00 for three months, and is served by carriers at 1 5 cts. per week.
The Weekly is $2 .00 per year, $1.50 for six months, and de-
livered by carrier per year for $2.50. A limited number of advertise-
ments is only taken, and it is the cheapest weekly journal published
west of the Rocky Mountains.
The Transcript has the largest circulation of any Morning Paper,
and the Alameda County Gazette of any Weekly Paper published in
this County,
This large circulation makes these papers the best advertising
mediums in the County.
O. B. POWERS, ) Editors and
WM. H. CHAMBERLAIN, ) Proprietors.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 423
CHAPTER XXVIII.
THE EVENTS OF THE CENTENNIAL YEAR.
Legislative Committees visit the University and Deaf arul Dumb and
Bliml Institute — Death of Ux- Mayor Williams, of Oakland —
Franchise granted for the Northern Railway — Uxtension of
Eighth Street, Oakland, and the Building of Another Bridge Pro-
posed—The San Leandro Town Trustees Reduce the License Fee —
Oakland Districted Into Wards — The Oakland, Berkeley and Corir
tra Costa Railroad Company Ask the City Council for the Right
of Way Through Market Street — Petition Refused — The Municipal
Election Turns Up>on the Question — Dr. Pardee Elected Mayor
Upon the Issue — Another Franchise Demanded by the Central Por-
cific Company — The Folly of Political Nominations in Munici-
pal Affairs — Final Defeat of the Franchise — The City Elections
— The Repxiblican Nominees Generally Successful — Death of Gen-
eral Shxiey — A Nonagenarian — Repuhlican County Convention
— Centennial Fund Committee — Incorporation of the Town of
Uaywards — Death of WiUiam Hillegas, a Pioneer of Oakland —
Election of Town Officers of Alameda, San Leandro, Hay wards,
ayid Livermore — Death of County Treasurer Becht — $30,Q00
Damages for Rev. R. F. Parshall, against P. H. Sumner— Chas.
Palmer Appointed County Treasurer — Democratic Convention —
Delegates to Cincinnati and Saint Louis — Suicide of Judge Fer-
ris — Anti-Chinese Mass Meeting in Oakland — The Lightning
Train from New York to Oaklaml — Death of Jas. S. Latham —
Reimblican and Democratic Ratification Meetings — A Champion
Bigamist — Opening of the Berkeley Railroad — State Conventions
for Choosing Presidential Electors — The Oakland Assessor' Reports
$22,000,000 Assessable Property in the City — New City Direct-
ory — Neiv Wharf at Foot of Broculway — The Creek Route Re-
opened — Centennial Celebrations atul Festivities — West Oakland
Rejoices — Acts of the Legislature of 1875-6 relating to Alameda
County — Completion of the Southern Pacific Railroad to Los
Angeles.
424 HISTORY OP ALAMEDA COUNTY,
The year 1876 is memorable as the Centennial year of American
Independence. At the beginning of this year our Legislature was in
session, and many important measures affecting the interests of Ahi-
meda County were passed. During this year the city of Oakland
was districted into Wards ; and the towns of Hayward and Liver-
more incorporated. It was to us a year of great pul)lic enterprises;
the second year of the construction of the seawalls for the protection
of Oakland Harbor ; year of the dredging out of the chamiel, and the
re-opening of the Creek route. During it the pi'omoters of the Con-
tra Costa Railroad Company made a protracted struggle for the right
of way through Market street to ship channel; during it v/as the
West Oakland and Berkeley Branch Eailroad, of five and a quarter
miles, built and put in operation; the building of the Noi'thern Rail-
way by the Central Pacific Company commenced ; the Southern Pa-
cific Railway, with Oakland as its northern terminus, completed to
Los Angeles; and the Alameda section of the Dumbarton, Santa
Clara and Santa Cruz Narrow-Gauge Railroad, completed. There
was besides built and pu.t in operation the Brooklyn and High street
horse railroad; the Piedmont horse railroad from Seventh street,
Oakland to Mountain View Cemetery, It is a year remarkable in
the annals of Oakland for its numerous and important building enter-
prises, the improvement of its streets, and a great increase in its
population. It is to be regarded as a year of general abundance — of
good grain, fruit and vegetable crops, throughout the countiy. And
finally, it is of farther importance as the year of a presidential election.
The commencement of the year was marked by the appearance of
Legislative Committees appointed to examine into the condition of
the University property and the management of the Deaf, Dumb and
Blind Asylum. The Univei-sity Committee found some fault with
the management of the Regents in regard to its water rights ; and the
Hosjjital Committee recommended that the useful branches of educa-
tion only be taught to the pupils in the Deaf, Dumb and Blind Insti-
tute, The general management of both institutions was a}>proved,
A. Williams, an old i-esident of Oakland and an Ex-Mayor, died at
the residence of Benjamin H. Wyman, corner of New Broadway and
Bay Place, at 5 o'clock, on the afternoon of January 1 9th. His com-
plaint was pneumonia, a disease conti-acted while returning from the
States to California, some few weeks previously. He was se^-enty-
six years of age, and served the city in the capacity of Chief Magis-
trate during the yeai-s 1857 and 1858.
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 425
At tLe meeting of the Oakland City Council, held January 24th,
the JSTortheru Railway Company, by Leland Stanford, Clias. Crocker,
et al., representing the company, petitioned to Council to grant them
the privilege of constructing a double track for railroad purposes
along certain streets. Mr. Crocker was present, and by request
explained the object of the road. The Northern Railroad Company
was organized to build a road fx'om Oakland to Tehama, via Car-
quinez Straits. It will be built in connection with the Bantas Road,
coming into Oakland on the old survey of that road wth certain
changes to bring it to the Central Pacific grounds. The company
had procured the right of \fa,j along the route, and intended to
commence work immediately. They had thi-ee ships just arrived
with steel rails which they would put on this road. It would be the
gi'eat thoroughfare of the State, over which would pass all the travel
overland from the northerly part of the State and Oregon. It would
shorten the time between Oakland and Sacramento some two hours.
The road was to run along Cedar street. The petition was referred
to the Street Committee, and subsequently granted.
On the 5th of February a meeting of property-owners was held
in the City Council Chamber, Oakland, to consider the proposition to
cut Eighth street through from Oak street to the estuary, and bridge
the same, thus securing a second avenue of communication with the
eastern section of the city. The cost of the bridge was limited to
$30,000. After a good deal of consideration and several subsequent
meetings, the project was determined upon, and the street has been
cut through the property of General Kirkham ; but nothing has yet
been done towards the construction of the proposed bridge.
At tlie same meeting a petition was pi-esented from Thos. H. "VVil-
Kams, President of the Oakland and Contra Costa Railroad, for per-
mission to lay down iron rails for railroad purposes, from the noi'th-
ern limits of the city to its junction with Market street. Mr.
Kennedy, agent of the company, was present, and explained that the
company were about commencing work on the road, and hoped the
Council would report favorably upon the petition at an early day,
as the road would be of the utmost advantage to the city. Both
petitions were referred to committees, and that of the Northern
Railroad subsequently reported favorably upon and granted, while
that of the Contra Costa Road excited hostility.
The Board of Ti-ustees of the town of San Leandro, at a meeting
held in February, resolved to abandon their policy of high license,
426 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
before acted upon, and reduced the fee from $75 per quarter to $30.
With the previous high tariff the Trustees were able to carry on the
business of the town on a taxation of fifty cents on the $1,000. The
result was an immediate increase in the number of saloons to nearly
double.
The new county officers assumed the duties of their respective
departments on the first Monday in March.
Among the measures introduced and carried through the Legisla-
ture, early in the session, was one to divide the City of Oakland into
wards. It was a favorite project of the Democratic party, by wliich
it hoped to gain some advantages. According to the old system, of
electing candidates at large, a hardship was done to some sections of
the city, fi'om the fact that the City Hall Precinct had controlled the
election of Councilmen and School Directors in all the other pre-
cincts. The bill was hurried through the Legislature by its friends,
in order that the approaching city election, to be holden on the 1 3th
day of March, might take place under the new subdivision and mode
of representation which it provided. The ward bill divided the city
into seven districts, as follows :
The First AVard to constitute that poi'tion of the city lying west
of Adeline Street, and extending from the estuary to the north city
limits, and including the Point, or West Oakland ; the Second Ward,
that poi-tion of the city lying north of Twentieth Street, and extend-
ing to the Charter line, and east of Adeline Street to Lake Avenue ;
the Third Ward, that poi-tion bounded on the west by Adeline Street,
on the north by Twentieth Street, on the east by Broadway, and on
the south by Tenth Street ; the Fourth Ward, that portion bounded
on the west by Adeline Street, on the north by Tenth Street, on the
east by Broadway, and on the sovith by the estuary ; the Fifth
Ward, that portion bounded on the west by Broadway, on the north
by Delger Street, on the east by Lake Mei'ritt, and on the south by
Tenth Street ; the Sixth Ward, that portion bounded on the west by
Broadway, on the north by Tenth Street, and on the east and south
by the estuary ; the Seventh Ward, that portion constituting East
Oakland, or Brooklyn.
At the meeting of the Oakland City Council, held on the 2 2d day
of Februaiy, an ordinance was introduced to grant the right of way
to the Oakland, Berkeley and Contra Costa Railroad Company to
lay down an iron railroad ti-ack and run cai-s propelled by steam On
Market Sti'eet from the northern line of the city to the water front,
UNDER THE STARS AXD STRIPES. 427
the track to be commenced and completed witliin one year from the
date of franchise, with other safeguards. It was referred to the Ordi-
nance and Judiciary Committee. The Committee, by Mr. Shanklin,
at once referred it back, and recommended that it do not jiass.
At a subsequent meeting the question was again brought up, and
the proposition to grant the franchise defeated by a vote of four to
thi'ee. A petition to the Legislature was then drawn up and pre-
sented, signed by 1200 voters of the city of Oakland, pi-aying that
that honorable body would grant the franchise asked by them, as per
bill presented by the Hon. D. Gelwicks. No action was had in the
Legislature on the matter, as it properly belonged to the province of
the City Council ; and the first election following the division of the
city into wards, turned upon this railroad question — -a purely local
affair — ^which demonstrates the absurdity of making municipal man-
agement a political partisan issue. Membei's of both parties were in
favor of granting the franchise, and othei-s were opposed. Doctor
Pardee, the Rei^ublican nominee for Mayor, was strongly in favor of
it, as were also many of the leading Democrats in the city. What
must the latter do — vote for the Republican candidate for Mayor on
this important question, or for the Democratic nominee, Judge Stan-
ley, and endanger the success of an important local enterprise ] As
might be expected, many exei'cised theu- rights, irx-espfective of party
trammels, and voted for the man for Mayor who was strongly in fa-
vor of furthering the important enterprise referred to. Division fol-
lowed — ^the natural outcome of an arbitrary rule in such mattei's.
The city Republican Convention for the nomination of candidates
for Mayor and other city officers took place on the 26th of February.
J. E. Whitcher, chairman of the Republican Central Committee,
called the convention to order. There were eighty-eight delegates
present.
For the office of Mayor, Dr. Pardee was nominated. Judge JajTie
was nominated for Police Judge ; Perry Johnson, for City Marshal ;
F. M. Campbell, for City Superintendent of Schools ; Henry Yroo-
man, for City Attorney. The Central Committee chosen consisted of
the following gentlemen : First "Ward, N. B. Hoyt ; Second Ward,
John A. Hobart ; Third Ward, W. A. Walter ; Fourth Ward, J. E.
Whitcher ; Fifth Ward, O. H. Burnham ; Sixth Ward, M. M. Howe;
Seventh Ward, P. H. McGrew. There were subsequently nominated
the followiug candidates for ward offices :
For School Directoi-s : First Wai-d, -Herman Cordes ; Second Ward,
428 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
L. L. Alexander ; Third Ward, C W. Kellogg. For Councilmen :
Second Ward, C. Brier ; Third Ward, W. A. Walter ; SLxth Ward,
William Sohst.
The Democratic City Convention was held on the evening of the
1st of March, in the Academy of Music, Fifth street, to make nom-
inations for city officers. After transacting some business, it ad-
journed to the 6th of the same month, when the following candidates
were nominated :
For Mayor, Judge John A. Stanley ; for Police Judge, F. J.
Brearty ; for City Marshal, John R. Piice ; for City Attorney, Hon.
E.. A. Redman ; for Superintendant of Schools, Kii'k W. Brier.
For School Directors : First Ward, Rev. B. Akerly ; Second Ward,
H. A. Craig ; Third Ward, Capt. John Hackett. For Councilmen :
Sedond Ward, H. H. W^atson ; Third Ward, Ferdinand Kluger ;
Sixth Ward, Capt. J. Callaghan. The wards mentioned were the
only ones in which there were vacancies. The following Central
Committee was appointed : First Ward, B. McQuade ; Second Ward,
S. D. Cronin ; Third Ward, John Hackett ; Fourth Ward, J. G.
Riley ; Fifth Ward, A. P. Moore ; Sixth Ward, Thos. O'Neil ; Sev-
enth Ward, L. Wintringer.
Republican and Democratic clubs were formed in every ward, and
a vigorous campaign commenced.
Following were the polling places appointed by the City Council
for the new Wards, and the Inspectors and Judges of Election for
the same :
First Fan:?— Office of D. Bushen, 1,801 Railroad Avenue, West
Oakland. Inspector, Dr. William Bolton ; Judges, O. W. Hawkett,
W. S. Palouze.
Second Ward — J as. Hutchison's store, corner Telegraph Avenue and
Bay Place. Inspector, C. Brier; Judges, T. B. Simpson and W. K.
Rowell.
Third Ward— City Attorney's Office, City Hall. Inspector, J. J.
Porter ; Judges, S. K. Hassinger and Walter Blair.
Fourth Ward — Alta House, corner Washington and Eighth Streets.
Inspector, John Cook ; Judges, Jesse Robinson and William Searing.
Fifth Ward—O&ice of James Lentell, Odd Fellows' Hall build-
ing. Eleventh Street, near Webster. Inspector, James Lentell ;
Judges, John Cushing, Thos. Yolland.
Sixth Ward — Office of Geo. H. Fogg, 814 Broadway. Inspector,
W. D. Harwood ; Judges, J. L. Bromley, J. Fallon.
UNDER THE STARS AXD STRIPES. 429
Seventh THm/— Office of Asa Howard, G26 East Twelfth Street,
Brooklyn. Inspector, L. J. Rector ; Judges, A. W. Sweet, Asa
Howard.
The election took place on the 13th day of March, with the fol-
lowing result, Pardee having a large majority, and the Eepublican
ticket being generally siiccessful :
For Mai/or—K H. Pardee, 1,681 ; J. A. Stanley, 1,063.
Fo7' Police Judge — A. H. Jayne, 1,590 ; F. J. Brearty, 1,129,
For City Marshal— Vervy Johnson, 1,502 ; J. R. Price, 1,246.
For City Attorney — H. Yrooman, 1,573; E. A. Redman, 1,051,
Fo)- Superintende)it of Schools — -F. M. Campbell, 1,973 ; K. W.
Brier, 745,
Councilmen: Second "Ward — H. N.Watson, 171; C. Brier, 127,
Third Ward— W. A. Walter, 182 ; F. Kruegel, 155. Sixth Ward—
Wm. Sohst, 266; J. Callaghan, 140; D. Nearny (1.), 15.
For School Directors : First Ward — Herman Cordes, 211; Rey.Benj,
Akerly, 213. Second Ward— L. L. Alexander, 153; H. A. Craig,
147. Third Ward— C. W. Kellogg, 255 ; Adam Koob, 75.
- For Justice of tJie Peace— Geo. H. Fogg, 1,039 ; S. F. Daniels,
320. Both the latter were Republicans.
The result, of course, was a triumph for the Oakland, Berkeley and
Contra Costa Railroad Company, and a defeat for the Democracy,
who had injudiciously linked their fortunes with those opposed to the
Market street franchise.
With a Mayor and a presumed majority of Councilmen fayoi-able
to the project, it was natural to s^^ppose that the railroad franchise
through Market street was considered assured ; but it was not. A
large pubHc meeting was held, in opposition to it ; the fears of prop-
eli:y-o^^^lers in the Broadway district were excited, lest a new San
Francisco and Oakland Ferry would be started, haying its terminus
on Market street, and thus divide the ti-avel ; and the Central Pa-
cific Railroad Company, alarmed at the danger to itself, exerted its
influence against it. The latter sent in a petition, as an offset, for a
franchise for a steam railroad from the water front, through Webster
street, to the foothills, A bill was also slyly passed thi-ough the
Legislature prohibiting the passage of any new railroad through the
town excepting by the unanimous consent of the members of the City
Council. An open aii' mass meeting, presided over by the Mayor,
was held on the corner of Ninth street and Broadway on the evening
of the 24th of March, protesting against the approval of such a bill,
430 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
and it was vetoed by the Governor. The same meeting passed a
resokition recommending the City Council to grant the Market street
franchise. Ward meetings wei-e also held favorable to it.
At a meeting of the City Council, held March 27th, the ordinance
was introduced a second time. It was well guarded, prohibiting the
assigning or consolidating with any other company, and providing
that no Chinese labor should be employed ; and that if not completed
within one year from the first day of October following, the franchise
to revert to the city.
Another proposition before the same meeting was the location of a
railroad avenue, for the use of all railroads entering the city. Only
Messrs. Ford and Watson favored this resolution.
An application was in the meantime made in the name of Joseph
S. Fogg, to the Supreme Court, to restrain the City Council from
granting a franchise to run steam cars on Market street, asserting
that Judge McKee, of the Third District Court, was an interested
party. On the 13th of April, the Court denied the motion, on the
gi-ound that the District Court was the proper tribunal possessing
jurisdiction in the case.
At a meeting of the Council held on the 24th of April the Ordi-
nance and Judiciary Committee finally reported, refusing the franchise
to the Conti'a Costa Company, assigning as reasons: first, that sufii-
cient notice had not been given; and second, that two-thirds of the
property-ownei's along the street had not signed the petition, as re-
quired by a former resolution. The report was signed by Messrs.
Ford, Miner, and Huntington; and was adopted, with only Sohst
voting ISTo. No further efi'ort has since been made to obtain the fran-
chise, and the company has not felt justified, in its absence, to further
prosecute their enterprise.
General Martin Shuey, a native of Lebanon Co., Pennsylvania,
died at his son's residence, Fruit Vale, on the 12th day of February,
Deceased was aged ninety years, four months and fourteen days. He
was a soldier of the war of 1812 and a pioneer of the States of Ohio
and Indiana, as well as a resident of this county since 1859, having
settled that year in East Oakland. His wife, who was eighty yeai-s
of age at his demise, survives him. His descendants consist of ele-
ven children, twenty-nine grand children, and forty-nine great-grand
children, nearly all residing in this State. General Shuey was a
devoted member of the Baptist Chux-ch.
At the Republican County Convention held April 22d, the follow-
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 431
ing geutlemen were appointed Delegates to State Convention at Sacra-
mento, for nominating Presidential Candidates and electors: Ala-
meda, Orville "W. Ames; Brooklyn, Walter Van Dyke, Hiram
Tubbs; Washington, S. I. Marston, E. H. Dyer; Eden, J. B. Mar-
lin, M. C. LaGrange; Murray, J. A. Neal, C. J. Stevens; Oakland,
J. M. Miner, S. F. Gilcrist, W. "W. Crane, Jr., C. B. Rutherford, J.
W. Shanklin, John A. Hobart, A. C. Hemy, J. W. Pearson, E.
Surryhne, F. K. Shattuck.
The following Centennial Fund Collection Committee was appointed
at a meeting held in the City Council Chambei', Oakland, April 2 2d:
Herman Cordes, F. K. Hassinger, W. Graham, B. F. Stillwell,
Wm. Sohst, H. Tabbs, W. C. Mason, O. F. Fuller, J. B. Ford, W.
Everson, J. W. Pearson, L. Alexander, J. W. Shanklin, D. Hersh-
berg, Dr. S. Merritt, L. G. Cole, W. W. Camron, Wm. Searing, J.
M. Cronin, W. H. Higby, O. H. Burnham, W. A. Walters, J. Green-
hood, A. C. Henry, E. C. Sessions, B. F. Mann, Israel Knox, J. M.
Walker, F. J. Brearty, M. de la Montanya, George C. Potter, and
D. H. Band. The Executive Committee consisted of Dr. E. H. Par-
dee, J. B. McChesney and J. M. Miner. Their labors did not prove
a very great gain to the fund, as their report showed.
An Act of incorporation having been passed in favor of the town
of Haywards, by the Legislature of the State, the citizens held a
meeting on the 28th day of April to prepare for electing their town
officers, when i-esolutions were passed in favor of preserving the
streets at their original width, and retaining all property then belong-
ing to the town, according to a map made by William Castro, and
tiled for record in 1856. Candidates for office were desired to make
known their views on the street question and saloon license — whether
the latter should be high or low.
William HiUegas, a pioneer of Berkeley and Oakland, died at his
residence, near Berkeley, April 26th. Deceased was born in Berks
County, Pennsylvania, in the year 1827. He arrived in California,
via the Isthmus, in August, 1849. Early in 1850 he associated him-
self in business with F. K. Shattuck, and foi-med a partnership that
contmued to exist till the day of his death. In 1851 Messrs. Shat-
tuck & Hillegas established themselves in the hamlet then known as
Contra Costa, and subsequently incorporated as the town of Oakland.
Here deceased amassed a handsome fortune, and built himself a
handsome residence in the locality since become well known through-
out the State as Berkeley — the seat of the State University, Mr.
432 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Hillegas, with his partner Mr. Shattuck, carried on successfully the
business of livery-keeping, farming and coal mining. In all his bus-
iness and social relations Mr. Hillegas was fortunate and happy. The
society of California Pioneers, of which he was a member, passed
resolutions of regret and condolence, and attended his funeral in a
body.
Joseph Becht, an old resident of Oakland, and, at the time of his
demise. County Treasurer, died at his residence in that city, on Sun-
day, May 7tli, aged 47 years and 18 days. He suffered a long and
painful illness. Deceased came to California in the month of March,
1850. He settled in Oakland in 1859. He was a native of Bavaria.
During the Hecker revolution, in 1849, he came to America to
escape conscription. As soon as he had attained his majority he
became naturalized, and up to his death he took an active interest in
public affairs. Mr. Becht was a public-spirited citizen ; was a mem-
ber of the Masonic, Odd Fellows, Druids, and Red Men's Associa-
tions. He was a steadfast member of the Democratic party, and
took an active part in every movement for the benefit of the town,
and his personal popularity was very great.
Bev. R. F. Parshall, formerly pastor of the Baptist Cliurch in
Oakland, brought an action for slander against one P. H. Sumner,
in the Third District Court, and got a verdict for $30,000. The his-
tory of this case reveals one of the darkest conspiracies and deep-laid
pieces of villainy to injure an innocent man that was ever brought to
light. Some time previous the defendant's character and conduct
had been publicly exposed, and he suddenly left California for the
East. An effort to bring him back to justice failed.
At a meeting of the Board of Supervisors, held May 15th, Chas.
E. Palmer, late Deputy County Treasux-er, was appointed County
Treasurer in place of the late Joseph Becht. Mr. Palmer was the
Republican candidate opposed to Mr. Becht at the general election.
The Treasui-er is also Tax Collector. The security bonds i-equired for
the former office amount to $200,000, and for the latter, |1 00,000.
At the Democratic County Convention, held May 21st, in Oak-
land, to appoint delegates to the State Convention at San Francisco,
the following delegates were appointed : Oakland — J. West Martin,
M. V. O'Brien, Theo. Bagge, P. Duffy. Brooklyn— L. Wintringer,
Walter Turnbull. Eden — Joseph Demont, John Kauffman. Mur-
ray— F. J. Clark, J. F. Black. Washington— Henry Smith, Dr. S.
G. Buteau. Alameda — H. H. Haight.
UNDER THE STAUS AND STRIPES. 433
Tlie following were elected a County Central Committee : Newton
Ingram, Murray ; Capt. E. Hackett, J. W. Tliurman, Oakland ;
Joseph Demont, Eden ; H. E. Wilcox, Brooklyn ; Michael E-ogan,
Washington j R. H. Magill, Alameda. Capt. Hackett was chosen
Chairman, and Mr. Wilcox, Secretary.
The Eepublican State. Convention selected E. H. Dyer, of Alva-
rado, as one of the delegates to the National Convention at Cincin-
nati ; and the Democratic Convention appointed Col. John C. Hays,
of Oakland, one of the delegates to represent them at St. Louis.
One of the most lamentable personal events that ever occurred in
Oakland, was the suicide of Benjamin F. Ferris, by drowning, in the
Sacramento river, about 4 o'clock on the morning of the 20th of
May. He had taken passage in the steamer Amador, at San Fran-
cisco, the previous afternoon, and when the boat was near Sacra-
mento, in the vicinity of what is known as the Chicory Eanch, he
threw himself overboard and was drowned. His remains were found
in due course and conveyed to Oakland. Deceased was Mayor of
the city in 1865, and was Justice of the Peace for severad years.
He was frequently a member of the City Council, and was one of the
founders and the first President of the First National Gold Bank of
Oakland. The cause of the rash act was temporary insanity, caused
by financial embaiTassment.
An anti-Chinese mass meeting was held in Oakland on the even-
mg of the 27th of May. It was under the auspices of the Oakland
Anti-Coolie Club ; was held in front of the City Hall, and was
id'.lressed by E. J. Kelley, the President of the club. Gen. A. M..
Winn, Hon. T. P. Ryan and Dr. O'Donnell, of San Francisco, and
jtliers. A large number of persons signed the roll of the club,, and
memorial to Congress, pi'aying for relief from Coolie imniigi-ation,
vas adopted. Also, a series of resolutions. This was the second
nass meeting of a similar character.
The great event of interest in the month of June, was the Avonder-
ul trip of the lightning train, chartered by the New York theatrical
Qanagers, Messrs. Jarrett & Palmer, to convey their company, with
Liawrence Bai'rett as star, from New York to San Francisco, in the
hortest possible time. The train started from Jersey City, opposite
^ew York, at one o'clock on Thursday morning, the 1st of June,
nd crossed Broadway, Oakland, at twenty-twt) minutes past nine
clock, on Sunday morning, the 4th day of June. The actual
une occupied in making this unprecedented ti-ip between Jersey
434 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
City and Oakland Wliarf was 83 hours 39 minutes and 16 seconds,
People were out, lining the front streets of the city, from early morn
ing, looking out for the fast ti'ain, which dashed through Oakland a1
the rate of 50 miles an hour. Cheer after cheer greeted it at ever}
station in Alameda County. This unprecedented journey was lookec
upon as the greatest railroad feat ever performed.
One of the notable deaths of this year was ^that of James S. La
tham, a pioneer citizen of the State, and a prominent resident oj
Oakland. News of his death was I'eceived in Oakland on the 12tl:
of June, having been telegraphed from Queenstown, Ireland. Mr.
Latham, at the time of his death, was on an ocean voyage, visitint
Europe for the benefit of his health, accompanied by his wife. Ht
was forty-four years of age, a native of Ohio, and brother of Miltor
S. Latham, one of the early governors of the State. He was a mar
of wealth, and possessed one of the finest mansions iu Oakland. H^
was a genial and hospitable gentleman, but had lately been sufiering
much from ill health.
The first Republican meeting of the presidential campaign tool?
place in Oakland on the 19 th of June, to ratify the nomination oJ
Hayes and Wheeler. It was held iu the open air, in front of th€
Transcript ofiice, on Broadway. Hon. E. H. Pardee, Mayor of Oak
land, acted as president, and the meeting was addressed by S. F
Gilcrist, Hon. A. C. Henry, D. L. Emerson, Charles IST. Fox, L. L.
Alexander, Heniy Vrooman and Hon. J. E. Benton. There was
much unanimity shown and satisfaction expi-essed with the nomina
tion.
The Democrats held their first campaign mass meeting on tlie eve-
ning of the 15tli of July, when they ratified the nomination of Tilder
and Hendricks. Hon. John A. Stanley was president of the meeting
The speakers wex-e Judge Robert Ferral and R. W. Clarken, of Sar.
Francisco, Judge Lamar and Hon. Theodore Bagge, of Oakland.
The Democratic State Convention, to select candidates for Presi
dential Electors, was held in San Francisco July 26th, when T. P
Bagge, of Alameda, was chosen an alternate elector for the Seconc
District.
One of the most noted bigamists ever known turned up in Easi
Oakland, on the 24th of July, in the person of Henry D.Wakefield
who was arrested on a charge of bigamy, on the complaints of twt
of his recent wives, Ennna Graebe and Mary J. Hall, and tried foi
the alleged ofiense, when it was proved that he was the husband oj
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES. 435
no less than eiglit wives, all ludng. He was sentenced to a term of
imprisonment in San Quentin.
Tlie first section of the Berkeley or Bay Shore Railroad was inau-
gurated on the 27th of July, the distance being two miles, from Oak-
land Point to the Willows.
At the Republican County Convention, held in Oakland, August
7th, for the selection of delegates to the State Convention at San
Francisco, for the nomination of Presidential Electors and a Congress-
man for the Second Senatorial District, nineteen delegates were
appointed. Resolutions were passed — one pledging 1,.500 Republican
majority for Hayes and Wheeler; and one endorsing the Hon. Frank
Page for re-election to Congress for the Second District. The follow-
ing Central Committee was appointed: Oakland, Dr. L. H. Cary,
A. W. Collins, W. S. Pelouse, J. J. Porter; Alameda, J. T. McLean;
Brooklyn, W. C. Mason; Eden, C. W. Hathaway; Murray, C. J.
Stevens; Washington, J. P. Chamberlain.
Joseph M. Dillon, City Assessor, completed and presented his As-
sessment Roll for 1876, in the Clerk's Office, on the 7th day of
August. It footed up $22,000,000. Mr. Dillon's first assessment of
the city of Oakland, made in 1863, amounted to $240,000, quite a
contrast in thirteen jeaxs time.
The new City Directory of D. M. Bishop & Co., published August
8th, contamed 10,260 names. The number of houses was set down
at 3,413, and the population estimated at 35,910.
At the Republican State Convention, held August 9th, in San
Francisco, John B. Felton, of Oakland, was chosen Presidential
Elector for the Second District; and N. W. Spaulding, one of the
State Central Committee, and F. K. Shattuck, one of the Executive
Committee.
The building of the new wharf at the foot of Broadway, and the
construction of the slip, some months in progress, having been com-
pleted, the Creek route was re-opened to freight and passengers on
the 1st of July, when the rebuilt steamer Capitol, belonging to the
Central Pacific Railroad Company, commenced to make regular trips
between Oakland and San Francisco, making four trips each way
each day. By this route has since been conveyed express wagons,
carriages, etc. The rate of passage is the same as by the Point
route, and commutation tickets are received just the same. This
event was looked forward to with a good deal of interest, especially
by the residents of the lower end of the city. The small progress
436 HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
made in dredging tlie bar, liowever, was a hindrance to the popularity
of the route, as the boat was unable to make her trips as i*egidarly
and rapidly as she does now.
THE CENTENNIAL FESTIVITIES.
On tlie evening of the first of July a grand Centennial Charity
Ball w\as given, in Tubbs' Hotel, East Oakland, under the auspices
of the Ladies' Aid Society, of Oakland, which was largely and
fashionably attended.
The Centennial festivities were very generally observed thi-oughout
the county. Nearly every town and hamlet held its celebration.
The attractions of four days' festivities in San Francisco, drew the
people over there from Oakland, and consequently the celebration
here was not on as extensive a scale as would otherwise be the case.
The people of the First Ward, however, did themselv 
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