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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
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HISTORY
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San Bernardino Valley
FROM THE PADRES
TO THE PIONEERS
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lUUUSTRKTED BV CONSTKNCB RKRRIS
COPYRIGHT 1902
BY REV. FATHER JUAN CABALLERIA.
TIMES-INDEX PRKSS
SAN SEKNAKDINO, O AZ.*
12122G0
Table of Contents.
t
I
Vlntroductory
J'Early Spanish Explorers — Cabiillo ....
VViscaino ...
jComing of the Missionaries
v,The Franciscans - - .
wjFather Junipero Serra ...
V^The Missions --.-..
^NFounding of the Mission San Gabriel Arcangel
Tolitana — The First Christian Settlement in the Valley
The Patron Saint of the Valley ....
The Indians --....
Religious Belief of the Indians ....
Primitive Indian Language - ...
Social and Domestic Condition of the Indians
Indian Ceremonies and Superstitions
Building of San Bernardino Mission ...
Secularization - - . ...
Abandonment of San Bernardino Mission
Early Land Titles — Mexican Land Grants
Early Mexican Pioneers .....
Mexican Pioneers. Battle at Chino ...
New Mexican Pioneers — La Placita — Agua Mansa
New Mexican Pioneers — Religious, Social and Domestic Customs
American Colonization — Morman Pioneers
CHAPTER
I
II
III
- IV
V
VI
VII
VIII
IX
X
XI
XII
XIII
XIV
XV
XVI
XVII
XVIII
XIX
XX
- XXI
XXII
XMII
JNTKODUCTORY.
History may be compared to a skciu of tangled threads,
gathered here and there. After a time, often many years,
these strands are taken up, straightened and woven into a
fabric that may satisfy the weaver — for the story is not of
his day. So, as the present weaves Ihe story of the past, it
prepares the web of its own story, for the future to weave.
The shears of Atropos n3ver rust.
These brief chapters of the history of San Bernardino Val-
ley have been prepared by Father CabalJeria Avith tlie sole
purpose of preserving some historical facts that are in dan-
ger of being overlooked and forgotten. The later days have
many chroniclers, but of events prior to American colojazation
nothing has been written. These events form an important
link in the historical chain; they provide a starting point, be-
yond which there is no record, no tradition.
As the early history of San Bernardino Valley is inter-
woven with mission history, it is well to outline the principal
events preceding the first settlement of the valley. This will
cover briefly the Spanish occupation of California and what
is known as the missionary era.
No person is more competent to write of mission histor"
than Father Caballeria. Endowed with a love for ancient
historical lore, and the spirit that impels men to search foi
knowledge, he deems no effort or labor too great if knowl
edge may be gained. He found in the Indian and mission
history of California an interesting field to which he has de-
voted much time, study aud research. His profession is tho
"open sesame" to doors sealed to the average student. The
faded, musty old records of a by-gone age and generation
written in the seclusion of cloistered missions, need no trans-
lation to tell to him their story; for the language in which
they are written is his mother tongue; the men who made
the early history of California, by faith, race and land o?
birth, his kindred.
Father Cabal leria is already well known as the author of
several philosophic works in Spanish. He has written a his-
tory of Santa Barbara Mission which has been translated in-
to English. All this gives value to the work of his pen and
is assurance of a thorough comprehension of the subject upon
which he now writes.
AMY DUDLEY.
San Bernardino, Cal., January, 1902.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY. 17
CHAPTER L
THE EARLY SPANISH EXPLORERS— CABRILLO.
Long before the caravel of the first explorer touched the
western coast of North America, marvelous stories had reached
the ears of the Spaniards of a wonderful island lying afar off in
unknown seas, called California. In these stories nothing
was lacking to excite the imagination and appeal to the cu-
pidity of man. It was said to be a land of enchantment, in-
habited by a race of people unlike the Europeans, who lived
ill wonderful cities &,nd were garbed in raiment glittering
with gold and precious stones. It was a dream of oriental
splendor rivaled only by the tales of the Arabian Nights.
These fables at last bore fruit. In them is foun.l the lur«-
that beckoned the early explorers to California. In this re-
spect the history of the world reads the same today as yester-
day; and though men follow the ignis fatuus of personal am-
bition to bitter disappointment and death, it has ever served
its purpose as a beacon light of civilization. Through the
f.olfishness of a few, in time, comes the betterment of many.
In this may be traced the master hand of human destiny —
the Will of God.
Among the Spaniards, the true pioneers of the New World,
the names of Cortez, Nuno de Guzman, Hurtado, Manzuela,
Ximenes, Alarcon and Coronado are interwoven with the an-
nals of the earliest explorations of the western coast, and to
the northwest of Mexico. The colonization of Baja-Califor-
nia was begun as early as 1530. But, passing over the his-
i8 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY.
tory of the Spanish conquest and settlements in North Am-
erica, that of California begins with the expedition under
command of Admiral Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo.
On the 27th of June, 1542, Cabrillo sailed from Navidad,
for the purpose of discovering "a shorter route, in a wo.sterly
direction, from New Spain, or Mexico, between the North and
the South Sea." He was in command of two sailing vessels,
the Victoria and the San Salvador. After leaving the coast
of Lower California he entered the unexplored waters of the
then called Mar del Sur. On the 28th of September he sailed
into a harbor, to which he gave the name of San Miguel, but
now known as San Diego Bay. These were the first vessels
to enter the waters of that bay; and these the first white men
to set foot on the land which Cabrillo named Alta-California.
An account of this voyage, published by Juan Paez, is the
source from which writers of history have drawn their in-
formation. It abounds in errors and inaccuracies which
make it difficult to detei'mine the extent of the voyage. How-
ever, Cabrillo remained at San Miguel six days. They landed,
made explorations and give a very good description of the
country, with some mention of the Indians inhabiting that
section of the coast. These Indians are described as well
formed and clothed in the skins of animals. They appeared
suspicious of the white men and could only be approached
with difficulty.
About the 10th of October they anchored in a small bay,
now believed to be San Pedro. From there a party proceed-
ed inland some distance, where they obtained a view of
high mountains and again saw the Indians. On the 17th
of November, Cabrillo discovered the Bay of Monterey, but
was unable to make a landing on account of the roughness
of the sea. He continued the voyage as far as 44 degrees lat-
itude, but owing to the inclemency of the weather and the un-
safe condition of his vessels, he decided to return to the San-
ta Barbara Islands and remain for the winter.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY.
19
The latter part of this voyage was accomplished under
serious diflBculties. The brave commander was suffering
from severe injuries, the result of a fall received during tho
month of October, and constant exposure and lack of proper
attention caused inflamation which resulted in his death
January 3, 1543. This occurred on the island now known a.-;
San Miguel, where his remains received burial. The com-
mand of the expedition devolved upon Lieut. Bartolome Fer-
rer, who, not daring to continue the explorations, returned
to New Spain.
Cabrillo sleeps in an unknown grave, but history has built
for him an enduring monument, and while the record of the
deeds of brave men adorn its pages, the name of Cabrillo will
not be forgotten. He was a man of sterling qualities, a fear-
less navigator and the discoverer of Alta-California,
20 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY,
CHAPTER II.
VISCAINO.
Sixty years elapsed before Spain made any attempt to pro-
ceed with the work of discovery and exploration which the
untimely death of Cabrillo postponed.
On May 1, 1603, a fleet sailed from Acapulco for the pur-
pose of establishing a harbor on the coast of California, where
vessels engaged in the Philippine trade could, in case of ne-
cessity, find shelter and supplies. This fleet of three frig-
ates, the San Diego, Santo Tomas and Los Tres Reyes, was
under command of Admiral Don Sebastien Viscaino. On No-
vember 10, they anchored in the bay where Cabrillo first land-
ed, and which Viscaino named San Diego de Alcala, althougn
Cabrillo had given to it the name of San Miguel.
Accompanying this expedition was a party of learned sci-
entists sent purposely from Madrid to take part in the explor-
ations. They were under direction of Fray Antonio de la As-
cencion, of the Order of Carmelite Brothers. He had as as-
sistants Fray Andreas de la Asuncion and Fray Tomas de
Aquino. They were the first to make maps of the coast and
of the islands lying off the coast of California.
A knowledge of the progress of this expedition may be
gained by following the Roman Calendar of Saints. These
pious fathers not only made the maps but named each place
visited by the expedition with the name of the saint whose an-
niversary occurred on the day of their arrival at the place.
California owes a debt of gratitude to these devout padres
for the beautiful names bestowed upon many of her now pop-
ular pleasure resorts and islands, these names having been
retained to this day.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY . 21
The expedition visited San Clements Island November 23,
and on the 25th, Sauta Catalina Island; on the 26th they land-
ed at San Pedro; thence northward to Santa Barbara, arriving
December 4, the anniversary of Santa Barbara day. On the
8th of the month they doubled Point Concepcion; and on the
16th dropped anchor in an excellent harbor which Viscaino
named Monte Rey — king's mountain. Here they landed, and
beneath the spreading boughs of a large oak tree near the
shore, beside which bubbled a spring of clear, cool water, a
solemn mass was offered by Fray Ascencion. The rough,
bearded sailors from the ships knelt in silent devotion while
the three priests, in their sacred vestments, chanted the mass
"In Gratiarum Actione," their voices uniting and ascending
in the devout prayer of thankfulness to God, who had so pre-
served and cared for them amidst the many perils that con-
stantly surrounded them. It was an impressive scene. On
one side the unbroken solitude of mountain and the vastness
of trackless wilderness; on the other side the immensity of an
unknown ocean. The moment was worthy of immortaliza-
tion and one destined to live in the history of the land.
This expedition did not go beyond 42 degrees latitude. The
maps, records and descriptions of the coast, climate and gen-
eral condition of California were accepted as authority, and
thus the expedition added to knowledge of the country; but
aside from this there was no benefit derived and no practical
use was made of the knowledge gained. Although Viscaino
solicited the opportunity of returning *^o California, desiring
to make a permanent settlement in the country, no provision
was made for that purpose and he died with the hope unful-
filled. Spain seemed content to rest until the trend of evints
far in the future, awoke her to a realization of the value and
importance of the rich possessions which for so many years
suffered neglect at her hands.
22 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDmO VALLEY.
CHAPTER HI.
THE COMING OF THE MISSIONARIES.
In the Seveuteenth century Spain was mistress of the
•world. Her diplomats were a power at every European court;
her ships sailed every sea; she was foremost of nations. Her
many interests had so absorbed her attention elewhere that
the vast territory of California, which she claimed, was appar-
ently overlooked or forgotten. This forgetfulness, however,
was only apparent. When the Russians, coming down from
their possessions in the north, seemed about to invade the
territory, Spain awoke to the necessity for immediate action
and there was no hesitancy in asserting her right of sover-
eignty. Carlos III., then king of Spain, issued a royal man-
date commanding Jose dp Galvez, viceroy of New Spain, to
make preparation for the immediate occupation of the country.
They were to establish military stations at San Diego and
Monterey — these points, according to Viscaino's maps being
the opposite extremities of California.
The object of this expedition was two-fold: the occupation
and colonization of the country by Spain, and the conversion
to Christianity of the native inhabitants.
The latter undertaking Was given to the Brotherhood of
the Order of Franciscans. They were to have entire control
of the religious movement, and the protection and co-oper-
ation of the military in furtherance of the important mission
entrusted to them.
It was deemed prudent to have this expedition consist of
four divisions — two to go by land and two by sea — the objec-
tive point of all being San Diego.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY. 23
On the 9th of January, 1769, the San Carlos sailed from
La Paz. Solemn religious services preceded the voyage. St
Joseph was named as patron saint of the expedition. Mass
was celebrated by Father Junipero Serra and divine blessing
invoked for protection and guidance to the ultimate success
of their undertaking. Fifteen days later, after similar ser-
vices, the San Antonio followed the San Carlos. Another
ship, the San Jose, was fitted out and set sail on the 16th of
June, but this vessel was probably lost at sea. It was never
heard from again.
In the meantime, the land expeditions were well under
way. The first division, under command of Rivera y Moncada,
captain of "soldados de cuera," was composed of soldiers,
muleteers and neophytes of the Lower California Missions.
They took with them cattle, horses, mules, sheep, and a sup-
ply of garden seeds. Padre Juan Crespi, whose diary of this
and later expeditions has been a valuable and fertile source
of information to historians, accompanied this expedition.
The second land division was commanded by Gaspar de
Portala, a captain of dragoons, who had been appointed gov-
ernor of Alta California. At Vellicata he was joined bv the
Venerable Fray Junipero Serra, the Missionary President, who
made the journey with them to the field of his future labors.
After great physical hardships, difficulties and delays,
the four divisions comprising the expedition met at San Diego,
July 1, 1769. The last to arrive was that of Govempr
Portola.
On the 16th of July. 1769, the mission San Diego de Alcala
was founded. This day was selected as most appropriate, it
being commemorative of the Triumph of the Most Holy Cross
over the crescent in 1212, and also the feast day of Our Lady
Mount Carmel. This was the beginning of the missionary
work in California.
After resting a few days an expedition started to dis-
cover the harbor of Monterey, but failing to recognize the
24 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY.
place returned to San Diego disappointed and disheartened.
A second expedition was more fortunate and the desired har-
bor located, all unchanged as described by Viscaino. Here
was the mountain, the ravine, the spring of sparkling water,
the oak tree under which so many years before Fray Ascen-
sion had offered his mass of thanksgiving, and the hearts of
the pilgrims leaped with joy as their voices shouted the glad
tidings of recognition and discovery. The words of the be-
loved Father Junipero can best tell the story. In a letter
to his life-long friend, Father Francis Palou, he writes: "On
the great feast of Pentecost, June 3rd, close by the same
shore, and under the same oak tree where the Fathers of
Viscaino's expedition had celebrated, we built an altar, and
the bell having been rung, and the hymn Veni Creator intoned,
we erected and consecrated a large cross, and unfurled the
royal standard, after which I sang the first mass which is
known to have been sung at this point since 1603. I preached
during the mass, and at its conclusion we sang the "Salve
Regina.' Our celebration terminated with the singing of the
Te Deuni; after which the officers took possession of the land
in the name of the King of Spain. During the celebration a
salute of many cannons was fired from the ship. To God
alone be honor and glory."
Thus was founded, on June 3, 1770, the Mission of San
Carlos Borromeo, the second of the missions of California.
Messengers were at once dispatched to carry the glad tid-
ings to the City of Mexico. The occupation of California by
Spain w*as considered complete.
HISTORY OF SAJ? BERNARDINO VALLEY, 25
CHAPTER IV.
THE FRANCISCANS.
The history of the world can show no nobler efforts in
the work of civilizing savage races than that put forth by the
Roman Catholic Church in North America. Perfection is
not of earth. Living up to a high ideal, and entire and un-
failing devotion to duty may so purify and strengthen the
soul of man as to enable him to overcome many inherent ten-
dencies and weaknesses, but it will not immediately eradicate
them. The missionaries may oftentimes have erred through
a mistaken sense of duty, but their mistakes were rather
those of the time in which they lived, and were brought about
by conditions from which they themselves suffered. In the
main, their lives were heroic in devotion to duty and sacri-
fice of self. No hardship was too great and no personal dis-
comfort ever considered or permitted to stand in the way of
the work to which their lives were consecrated. They pene-
trated the wilds of the great Northwest; they tramped bare-
footed and alone over the barren waste of desert in the South;
no tribe of Indians too remote or too savage for their minis-
try; even though in going they knew they were facing almost
certain death, and death in its most horrible form. Such
were the men who planted the cross on the Western Contin-
ent; such the men selected to Christianize Alta-Califomia.
The Franciscans held high place among the religious or-
ders of that time. Their founder, St. Francis, was bom in
the village of Assissi, Italy, in 1182. In early manhood,
after prolonged meditation on the evil and sins of life, he
sold all his possessions, gave the proceeds to the church and,
renouncing the world, became a religious devotee. Clad in
26 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY.
the roughest clothing, he went about performing acts of char-
ity and mercy, literally following in the footsteps of his Di-
vine Master. Soon his devotion attracted the attention of
ohers, who, joining him, endeavored to emulate him in his
good works. In 1209 the religious order of Franciscans was
organized, and though the regulations and discipline of this
order were most severe and trying, they rapidly increased in
numbers. The death of St. Francis occurred in 1226, and his
canonization in 1228. In less than fifty years the order num-
bered over two hundred thousand members, and had estab-
lished many schools and colleges.
Spain reposed the fullest confidence in the Order of Fran-
ciscans. Their work in California started under most favor-
able auspices. They had figured in every conquest Spain had
made and were active in promoting the Catholic faith in the
new lands. Among their numbers were men of high eccle-
siastical and political standing, and in beginning their work
in California they brought to bear a direct influence with the
Spanish crown, and a power was given them granted to no
other religious order of that period.
The Franciscan Missions in Mexico had prospered in every
way. The Franciscan missionaries were men of marked execu-
tive ability. They were experienced in the work and well able to
cope with any difficulty that might confront them in the new
field of labor about to be opened.
In taking up the work in Alta-California, these mis-
sionaries brought minds single to one purpose, and that pur-
pose the sowing of the seed of Christianity. If they succeeded
in their undertaking the wealth and honors were always for
the order; the individual reaped neither material gain nor
glory. The life of every missionary was one of toil, priva-
tion and danger; his hopes were not for earthly riches; his
reward, that which surely comes to all who labor unselfishly
for the good of humanity.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY. 27
FATHER JUNIPERO SERRA.
2S mSTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY.
CHAPTER V.
FATHER JUNIPERO SERRA.
Father Junipero Serra, the first Apostle of Christianity to
Alta-California, was born in the village of Petra, in the island
of Mallorica, November 24, 1713. His parents were of the
poorer class of people, but mindful of the advantages of relig-
ious training, early instilled in the mind of their son the
principles which governed his after life. His quickness ol
perception attracted the attention of the priests of his na-
tive city, who encouraged the lad by teaching him Latin auu
to sing. [Later, he entered the college of San Bernardo de
Palma, where he advanced rapidly in all his studies. At the
age of seventeen years he donned the habit and took the
vows of the Franciscan Brotherhood, determined even then to
become a missionary and devote his life to the saving of sav-
age souls.
In the meantim«*, m obedience to the desires of his su-
periors, he took up the study of theology and philosophy and
became an instructor in those branches, his learning obtain-
ing for him the degree of Doctor of Divinity. His discourses
attracted much comment and large audiences greeted him
whenever he spoke publicly; but in spite of the flattering at-
tention of his numerous admirers, his desire to devote him-
self to missionary work did not lessen. His faith and pa-
tience was at last rewarded. On the 28th of August, 1749,
in company with his lifelong friend and brother priest. Father
Francisco Palou, he Bet sail from Cadiz, Spain, for America.
After a long, tempestuous voyage, and much suffering from
sickness, they arrived at Vera Cruz, and from there went
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY. 29
to the mission of Sierr a Gorda, in the north of Mexico, where
he had been assigned for duty, arriving January 1, 1750. There
he lived and taught nine years. His mission work prospered
and he was soon able, with the help of his Indian neophytes.
to build a new church, which was the admiration of the
whole country. He learned the language of the Indians;
taught them to build houses, sow grain, prepare clothing, and
in all ways advanced them far on the road to civilization.
Leaving the peaceful mission he went to the city of
Mexico and while there learned of the need of a miss'onarv
to go among the treacherous Apache Indians in the Northwest.
Though going meant almost certain death, he volunteered his
Services. Circumstances, however, prevented the sacrifice on
liis part, and the next seven years were passed in the City of
Mexico preaching the gospel and converting many sinners to
Christianity.
His energy, zeal and untiring devotion to the faith emi-
nently fitted him for the great work to which he was chosen
— that of President in charge of the mission of Alta-Califor-
nia.
All unsolicited the call came to him and though it found
him miles away in the interior of the country, he was ready
for it and made immediate preparation for his journey. Owing
to a badly ulcerated leg he was not able to start until March
28, 1769, eighteen days behind the expedition under the com-
mand of Governor Portola, whom he overtook at the fron-
tier. Traveling so aggravated the swelling on his leg that he
could proceed only through great suffering. He was re-
peatedly urged to abandon the journey, but insisted on going
forward with the expedition, saying that he "had put his faith
in God and if He willed that he should die among savages he
was content." Father Junipero's abiding faith in, and trust
in Divine guidance, brought him through the difficult journey,
and his faith and trust was amply rewarded.
Combined with his faith was a belief that he was the
30
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY
instrument chosen by God, and under Divine direction, for the
prosecution of the work in Alta-California. Though phy-
sically weak and suffering in health, this belief filled his soul
with sublime inspiration and he entered upon his labors fully
alive to their importa nee, with a spirit imbued with energy
and determination to bravely meet all difficulties, and, with
the help of God, to overcome all obstacles in the path to suc-
cess. He lived to see the mission system well established and
many natives converted to Chritianity. He fell asleep in the
Lord, passing from life peacefully at his mission of San Car-
los, August 28, 1784, at the age of seventy-one years.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY. 31
CHAPTER VI.
THE MISSIONS.
When the Franciscans, under the able leadership of Jun-
ipero Serra, arrived in California, their first work was to se-
lect locations for the missions which they were instructed to
establish. To this en d, expeditions were formed for the pur-
pose of exploring the country between San Uiego and Mon-
terey. It was their plan to have these missions situated not
more than one day's journey from each other. This was in
order to afford mutual protection in case of attack from In-
dians, and also to lessen the fatigue to travelers on the long
journey between missions situated at a considerable distance
from each other.
The missions were usually located in close proximity to
soma oi the numerous Indian rancherias where there was to
be found an abundance of water. The consent of the Indians
would first be obtained and then the work of building the mis-
sion begun. First, an enramada of green boughs was pre-
pared as a place for holding temporary religious services. Af-
ter arranging an improvised altar the bells would be swung
from the branches of some near-by tree, and then ringing
them to call the soldiers, the ceremony of consecration took
place. The soldiers formed themselves into a square about
the padres and waited the raising of the cross. The won-
dering natives, in the background, gazed in awe on the
strange proceedings and watched until their close. The
padre, in snowy alb and stole, advanced and invoked the
blessing of God on the work about to commence, and with
the chanting of the hymn the cross was raised. After this
32 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY.
ceremony, mass was celebrated at the altar, and with the
singing of the "Te Deum Laudamus," the services ended. The
military ceremonies then followed and consisted in unfurling
the royal standard and formally taking possession of the
country in the name of the king of Spain.
Temporary shelter was next prepared and the work of
erecting permanent buildings begun. The church, naturally,
was considered of principal importance and received the
greatest attention. It usually occupied a commanding po-
siton. Then came the buildings for the padres, soldiers and
Indian neophytes. Whatever material was conveniently at
hand was used for the buildings, consequently some were of
stone and others of sun-baked brick or adobe. They were
built around a hollow square, inclosing the court-yard, into
which all the buildings opened. CNew buildings were added
from time to lime as work-shops for the different trades es-
tablished at the missions.
The missions were conducted on the patriarchal plan. The
inmates lived as one large family, their interests general and
identical. Separation of the sexes was rigidly enforced from the
beginning. A "majordomo," usually a soldier, was appoint-
ed to take charge of the men. The women occupied a por-
tion of the building called the "monjerio" and were carefully
watched over by "la maestra," the wife of a soldier, or some
old Indian woman, who guarded her charges with the utmost
vigilance. After arriving at a proper age they were permitted
to marry. The padres endeavored to teach the Indians of
both sexes the sanctity of the marriage relation, and to thus
lay the foundation of the family among them. After mar-
riage provision was made for them outside of the mission
buildings, and villages of natives governing themselves soon
became a part of the mission system.
While in the missions the Indians were taught the various
domestic arts. The men learned trades and to plant and
harvest crops of grain and vegetables. As vaqueros they
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY.
33
have never been excelled. The women were taught to weave,
sew aud spin. The Indians had some natural skill at dye-
ing and were taught to weave blankets from native wool, on
looms set up at the missions. So skilled did they become In
this art that the missions furnished all the blankets used in
the country after 1797. Hemp was ulso raised and used.
Mission life was one of industry. At day-break the
whole place was awake and preparing for labor. After at-
tending mass, the first meal of the day was served. This
usually consisted of "atole," or ground barley, a staple article
of food at the missions. The noonday meal consisted of
atole accompanied with mutton in some form and an occas-
ional addition of frijoles. At five o'clock the evening meal
was served. The Indians were always allowed to bring to
their tables nuts and wild berries. At sunset the Angelus
called to prayers and benediction, after which all retired to
their respective quarters. The working hours at the missions
were from four to six hours for a day's labor. Not more
than half the Indians were employed at the same time.
The mission Indian was naturally docile and submissive.
After a few years of training at the mission, the unclothed,
degraded savage, living a life of sloth and immorality was
transformed into an industrious Christian with fair ideas of
religion and morality .
54 HISTORY OF SAJ^ BERNARDINO VALLEY.
CHAPTER VII.
FOUNDING OF THE MISSION SAN GABRIEL ARCANGB?,-
San Gabriel was the fourth mission to be built in Alta-
California— the others, San Diego, Monterey and San Antonio.
This mission was founded on the 8th of September, 1771-
It is still in a very good state of preservation. It is one of
the oldest of the mission buildings now existing. In material
prosperity it was second only to San Luis Rey mission.
Many romantic tales are told of the mission of San Ga-
briel— most of them having little or no foundation in fact, and
therefore without historical value.
On the 6th of August, 1771, Fathers Pedro Cambon and
Angel Somera, with an escort of ten soldiers, left San Diego
for the purpose of founding a mission to be dedicated to San
Gabriel Arcangel. After traveling forty leagues and making
several explorations they selected a place about ten miles east
of where the city of liOS Angeles Was afterwards built. Tbe
Indians in the vicinity were inclined to resent the coming of
the Spaniards and made some warlike demonstrations; where-
upon one of the padres unfurling a banner bearing a represen-
tation of the Blessed Virgin, held it up before the natives.
Upon beholding this picture, the Indians fell upon their knees,
laid down their weapons and brought gifts of beads and sheilr
which they laid before the banner in token of submission.
After the customary ceremonies of the raising of the cross,
work was commenced on the temporary buildings. The native^;
seemed anxious to take part in the work and rendered material
assistance to the soldiers in preparing shelter. The location
of the mission however, did not prove satisfactory, and a new
A ,<.-.A../rtJ,2oU
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY . 35
site was selected, about one mile from the original location.
After makiug arrangements with the natives occupying the
place, the mission was removed to the site it now occupies.
The material progress of the mission of San Gabriel was
assured from the beginning, and after the first few years, the
spiritual progress was equally marked. From 1771 to 1831,
the mission records show the baptism of 7,709 persons; 5,4a4
burials, and 1,877 marriages. In 1817 the mission had a pop-
ulation of 1701 souls.
Important industries were established in this mission to
teach the Indians useful trades. A shoe-shop, soap factory,
and carpenter shop gave constant employment to the natives
while others opei'ated a saw.mill and a grist-mill. The re-
mains of the latter building, "el Molino," are still visible
There was an extensive vineyard planted, and the San Gabriel
wines and brandies were famous throughout the ten'itorr.
Vast herds of cattle and horses roamed the plains, and a tan-
nery converted the hides into leather from which was made
shoes, saddles and other articles, besides exporting large quan-
tities of tallow and many hides. A most wonderful cactus
hedge was planted by Father Jose Maria Zalvidea in 1809, a
portion of which still remains and excites the wonder of the
tourist visiting the mission.
The mission is an imposing structure. In dimensions it is
about 138 feet in length and 30 feet in height. The walls
and foundation of masonry, are five feet thick and as firm as
solid rock. The interior has been somewhat changed from the
original by enlarging the windows and replacing the arched
roof with timbers heavy enough to assist in preserving the
building and rendering it secure from possible damage through
earthquake, from which it once suffered severely.
Many articles of interest still remain in this mission. The
ancient pictures of the Apostles and saints have been restored
and are now in an excellent state of preservation. A very
ancient baptismal font brought from Spain still serves the
36
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY,
needs of the present generation, while censers and other ves-
sels of copper of the same age claim the attention of the vis-
itor to the historic place.
One of the most familiar of the pictured mission represen-
tations is the belfry of San Gabriel. It was originally intend-
ed for six bells, though but four remain. Two of these bells
are much older than the others; one dedicated to the Blessed
Virgin ig without date; another bears date of 1828; that of a
third, "A. D., '95," and the other 1830.
t
Jai:? Gabriel /{isslon.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY. 37
CHAPTER VIII.
THE FIRST CHRISTIAN SETTLEME NT IN THE VALLEY-
POLITANA.
The missionaries not only contemplated the conversion
and civilization of the Indians in the immediate vicinity of
the missions, but aimed to reach out into the surrounding
country and enlarge the radius of work until the whole terri-
tory came within the boundaries of some one or other of the
missions.
As soon as a mission was established, expeditions were
sent out into the adjoining territory to make surveys and to
ascertain the names of the different tribes, or rancherias, and
the number of Indians inhabiting that section of the country.
As rapidly thereafter as possible the padres founded "asisten-
cias," or branch chapels, at locations not too far distant from
the mission, making them dependencies of the different mis-
sions. !Los Angeles, Puente, San Antonio de Santa Ana and
San Bernardino all came within the jurisdiction of San Ga-
briel mission.
The history of San Bernardino Valley begins with the
coming of the missionary priests into the valley.
In 1774, Juan Batista de Anza, Captain of the Presidio of
Tubac, was directed by the viceroy to open a road betweem
Sonora in Mexico and Monterey in California. He came from
the Colorado River to San Gabriel across the desert trom
southeast to northwest, by a route practically the same as that
afterwards followed by the Southern Pacific Railway — by the
way of Yuma, San Gorgonio Pasa and through San Bernardin*
Valley.
38 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY .
The Anza expedition was an extensive outfit — 240 persons, men, wom-
en and Indians, and 1050 beasts. They entered the valley on the 15th
of March. Tney gave to San Gorgonia Pass and San Timeto Canon the
name Puerto de San Carlos or St. Charles Pass. San Bernardino valley
was called valle de San Joseph, and Cucuamunga, Arroyo de los Osos
or Bear Gulch.
San Gabriel mission became an important stopping place
on the road, and the first place where supplies could be pro_
cured after crossing the desert. In the course of time, as
travel over this road increased, it was arranged to establish
a supply station at some intermediate point between the mis-
sion and the Sierras on the ncrth, in order to lessen the hard-
ship of this journey by providing ti-avelers with a place where
they could rest and obtain food.
With this object in view, a party of missionaries, soldiers
and Indian neophytes of San Gabriel mission, under the leader-
ship of Padre Dumetz, were sent out to select a location. On
the 20th of May, 1810, they came into the San Bernardino
Valley. This, according to the Roman Calendar of Saints,
M'as the feast day of San Bernardino of Sienna and theynamea
the valley in his honor.
They found here an ideal location. The valley was well
watered and luxuriant with spring-time verdure. It might be-
come to the weary traveler a perfect haven of rest. The In-
dian name of the valley, Guachama, when translated, signitie*;
"a place of plenty to eat." The Indians inhabiting this sec-
tion of the valley were known as Guachama Indians and hart
here a populous rancheria. A number of other rancherias
were scattered throughout the valley, each bearing a name sig_
niflcant of the place where it wag situated. Many of the'
names were retained by settlers of a later day and applied to
ranchos granted by the government. These Indian names
make a very interesting study. Those near San Bernardino
Valley, are as follows:
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY. 39
San Bernardino — Guachama — A place of plenty to eat.
Cucamonga — Cucamungabit — Sand place.
Riverside — Jurumpa — Water place.
San Timoteo (.Redlands) — Tolocabit — Place of the big
head.
Homoa — Homhoabit — Hilly pllace.
Yucaipa — Yucaipa — Wet lands.
Muscupiabe — Muscupiabit — Pinon place.
The supply station was located at the Guachama ranch-
cria, which was near the place now known as Bunker Hill, be-
tween Urbita Springs and Colton. The location was chosen
on account of iin abundance of water in that vicinity. Here
M "capilla" was built, which was dedicated to San Bernardino,
the patron saint of the valley. After completing the building
of the station the padres returned to San Gabriel leaving the
chapel, station and a large quantity of supplies in charge f>f
neophyte soldiers, under command of a trustworthy Indiau
named Hipolito. The settlement, or rancheria of mission In-
dians, taking its name from this chief became known as Po-
litana.
During the next two years the padres made frequent vis-
its to the capilla; the Guachama Indians were friendly; grain
was planted and the settlement seemed in a fair way to per-
manent pros-perity.
The year 1812, known in history as "el ano de los tem-
blores." (the year of earthquakes), found the valley peaceful
and prosperous — ^it closed upon the ruins of Politana. The
presence of the padres and Christian neophytes among the
gentile Indians of the valley had been productive of good re_
suits and many of them became converted to Christianity.
When the strange mmblings beneath the earth commenced
and frequent shocks of earthquake were felt, the effect was
to rouse the superstitious fears of the Indians. The hot springs
of the valley increased in temperature to an alarming ex-
40 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY.
tent; a new "cienegata" or hot mud spring, appeared near
Politana, (now called Urbita.) This bo excited the Indians
that by direction of the padres the spring was covered with
parth, hoping to thus allay their fears. These hot springs
were regarded by the Indians with superstitious veneration.
They were associated with their religious ceremonies and
were known to them as medicine springs. When these changes
became so apparent they were filled with apprehension of
danger bordering on terror. This, accompanied by the fre-
quent shocks of "temblor," so worked upon their superstitious
natures that, looking for a cause, they came to believe it was
the manifestation of anger of some powerful spirit displeased
at the presence of the Christians among them. Desiring to
appease this malevolent deity and avert further expression oi
his displeasure, they fell upon the settlement of Politana,
massacred most of the mission Indians and converts and de-
stroyed the buildings.
The Guachamas rebuilt the rancheria and inhabited it
until long after the decree of secularization. A few Indians
remained there at date of American colonization, and older
settlers of the country retain a recollection of the rancheria
of Politana. As the country settled the Indians decreased
in numbers and dispersed; the few miserable habitations fell
into decay, and there is now no trace of the rancheria, ex-
cept as the plow of the rancher may occasionally bring to
the surface a piece of tile, sole relic of the first Christian set-
tlement in San Bernardino Valley.
Very few descendants of the early Guachama Indians re-
main. Here and there may be found one understanding the
language and somewhat familiar with the history of the tribe.
The Indians now living in the valley are principally of the
Cahuillas— originally belonging to San Luis Key mission—
and of the Serranos, or mountain tribes. These Indians have
intermarried and the language spoken is a mixture of dialects.
HISTOKY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY .
41
The burial place of the Christian Indians of San Bernar-
dino Valley was at Politana. Until brought under the influence
of the missionaries they cremated their dead, burning not only
the body but all of the belongings of the deceased. The
padres taught them the rites of Christian burial. This ceme-
tery -was to them a sacred spot, a place of veneration. It wae
used by the Indians of the whole valley until comparatively
recent years. The place where it was situated is now on the
left side of the new electric railway as it turns north from
Colton on Mt. Vernon Avenue, but no trace of this cemetery
remains. 'As settlers came into the valley their greed lor
possession of land did not spare the Indian burial place; tne
graves were leveled and the land placed under cultivation. A
thriving orange grove now blossoms and bears its treasure of
golden fruit over the crumbling bones of a dead and forgotten
generation. But they sleep none the less peacefully, even
through the land where their forefathers roamed free and un-
tranielled, and of which they were the sole and original own-
ers, denies them a place of undisturbed sepulchre. Los
muertos con la corrupcion de sus cuerpos alimentan ahora li>s
arboles que dan fruto para los vivos; solo su espiritu se halla
elevado sobre la materia y goza de la immortalidad. "Quia
Dominus dedit eis lumen ut viderent eum."
42 HISTORY OF SAJ? BERNARDINO VALLEY .
THE PATRON SAINT OF THE VALLEY.
CHAPTER IX.
From the earliest dawn of civilization men and women
who have devoted their lives to the betterment of humanity
have been awarded the respect and gratitude of the whole
world. The pages of history are filled with names of men
who have been potent factors in the advancement of the
world through the different branches of learning, of arts and
of science. These names arc immortalized because the men
who bore them bequeathed i^omething of worth to the race,
something which left imprinc upon the liistory of the world.
Their words and deeds are imperishable and will endure as
long as the human race enduies. Who studies philosophy and
forgets the names of Cicero, Seneca, Socrates and Plato? Who
reads of war and conquest and sees not the names of Han-
nibal, Alexander, Caesar, Napoleon, Washington and Bolivar?
Who studies the masterpieces of poetry and fails to find Ho-
mer, Anacreon, Virgil, Dante, Milton? Who opens the pages
of the history of early Christianity and reads not of St. Au-
gustine, St. Anselm, St. Thomas and Santa Teresa, and other
zealous workers, who constituted the bulwark of the Christian
religion.
lit is the custom of the Roman Catholic church, from
early times, to canonize those men and women, who, through
sublime acts of faith, devotion and self-sacrifice, performed
valuable and heroic service for the cause of Christianity. It is
not for the commendation of the world. It is a recognition
of the worth and work of the noble sons and daughters of
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY . 43
the church who, having passed to their eternal reward, need
not the praise of the multitude; but the church, desiring to
perpetuate the memory of their deeds, inscribes their names
upon her calendar of saints that they may be kept before the
world as examples worthy of emulation and remembrance.
San Bernardino was born 'at Sienna, Italy, on the 20th of
May, 1382. It was a time of severe affliction. Bigotry and
infidelity had corrupted the minds of men; and blasphemy was
carried even to the extent of denying the divinity of Jesus
Christ, the Saviour of mankind. France, Spain, Italy and
other countries suffered from persecution directed against the
church. Sacred buildings were desecrated and destroyed; po-
litical factions were arrayed against each other in bitterest
dissension, and the whole of Europe on the verge of warfare.
When San Bernardino arrived at manhood he warmly es-
poused the cause of the church and dedicated his life to tho
service of Christianity. He was a man of superior intellec
tual ability, 'd powerful speaker and a logical and forcefui
writer of theological works. His sermons, still preserved, are
considered 'among the treasures of church literature. Gifted
with the power of eloquence, like St. Paul, he went from town
to town throughout the land preaching in the name of the
Lord Jesus. He was instrumental in overcoming the spirit
of blasphemy and in bringing peace to the church. Three
times he was offered a bishop's mitre as a reward for his
services, but, deeming it better to serve the cause through
evangelical labors, he declined all honors that he might con-
tinue his efforts without the responsibilities attached to so
high an office. San Bernardino died at the city of Aquila
in 1448, dt the age of sixty-six years, and his name was after-
v/ards placed on the calendar of the Rom.an Catholic church
As a Saint of God.
It is not to be marveled at that the padres coming into
this beautiful valley in the month of May— when N'dture, rer-
cling in luxuriance of vegetation had clothed the foothills and
44
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY .
plain with gorgeous vegetation and bloom — should rejoice and
find pleasure in bestowing upon the earthly paradise the name
of San Bernardino. It is small wonder if they saw in the
smiling heavens the beautiful azure skies of Italy; or if the
balmy air reminded them of the caressing breezes of the sun-
ny land across distant seas. And so the name San Bernardino
of Sienna has a peculiar fitness to the place and remains as a
happy inspiration of the padres — the first white men to set
foot within the beautiful Valley.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY . 46
CHAPTER X.
THE INDIANS.
Writers of early California history generally characterize
the type of Indian inhabiting the country at the coming of
the Spaniards as stupid, brutish and utterly lacking in intel-
ligence. Father Venegas, one of the earliest writers, says of
them: "Even in the least frequented corners of the globe there
is not a nation so stupid, of such contracted ideas, and weak
both in body and mind, as the unhappy Californians. Their
characteristics are stupidity and insensibility, want of knowl-
edge and reflection, inconstancy, impetuosity, and blindness
to appetite; an excessive sloth and abhor'-ence of fatigue or
every kind, however trifling; in fine, a most wretched want ot
everything which constitutes the real man and renders him
rational, inventive, tractable, and useful to himself and so-
ciety."
Notwithstanding all this, the fifty years following the
advent of the missionaries demonstrated the fact that these
Indians were capable of civilization. Under the tutelage ol
the padres they developed wonderfully. Without the help ot
the Indians the material progress of the missions would have
been impossible. The padres were the directing minds; but
the unskilled hands of the Indians built the mission struc-
tures, the ruins of which are still the wonder and admiration
of all who visit them. With their help, vast tracts of land
were brought under cultivation; they constructed a system oi
irrigation; planted orchards and vineyards; manufactured
many articles of domestic use, and accomplished much that
would have been considered extremely diflicult among rac?s
46 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY .
farther advanced in civilization.
But it cannot be denied that the nati^^e Indians were low
in the scale of humanity. They were wholly unlike the East-
ern Indians. They lacked the social organization of the
Ilieblos. There were no powerful tribes among them, as the
Sioux of the north and the Apache of th'^ southwest. Their
settlements, or rancherias, were independent of each other.
Each rancheria had a name of its own, and a different lan-
guage was spoken, the inhabitants of one rancheria many
times being unable to understand the language of another.
The Indians of San Bernardino Valley differed in no re-
spect from those of other portions of California. The early
missionaries found in the valley six Indian rancherias. Af-
ter the Indians had become converted to Christianity, and the
padres were able to estimate their numbers, they found each
rancheria contained from two to three hundred people. This
estimate would show about fifteen hundred people inhabiting
San Bernardino Valley.
Their dwellings were circular in form. They were built
from poles stuck in the earth and bending over at the top to
form the roof. This was covered with brush, tules and mud,
leaving at the top an aperture to allow the smoke to escape.
They were similar in construction and appearance to the Nav-
ajo "tehogane" of the present day.
The early Indians did not cultivate the soil. They sub-
sisted upon wild roots, herbs, nuts, field mice, worms, lizards,
grasshoppers and other insects, birds, fish, geese, ducks 'ana
small game. The flesh foods were consumed raw or only
slightly cooked. They were very fond of acorns, which, dur-
ing their season, were gathered in large quantities. These
were often prepared by grinding in mortars or on stone slabs
similar to the Mexican "metate." They were sometimes
placed in woven baskets of reeds, and boiled in water heated
with hot stones, then kneaded into a dough and baked on hot
stones in front of a fire. A small, round seed, called "chia,"
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY ,
47
T^'as also used. This was prepared by drying and making
into a flour called '"atole." Their subsistence was often versr
precarious and their habits somewhat migratory, going from
place to place in search of their food supply, which varied
with the season of the year.
In personal appearance the California Indians were not
prepossessing. There was little physical beauty among them.
They were undersized, broad-nosed, with high cheek bones,
wide mouths and coarse black hair. Their personal habits
were uncleanly. Their clothing extremely scanty; that of
the men "in naturalibus," but the women partially covered
themselves with skirts of woven grass reaching from the
waist to the knees. They were fond of ornaments of various
kinds and decorated their faces and bodies with paint, often
in a most grotesque manner.
Upon the coming of the Americans they were classed
without distinction under the term "Diggers."
48 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY.
CHAPTER XI.
THE RELIGIOUS BELIEF OF THE INDIANS.
,ln studying the history of a people the point first takea
into consideration is their religion. By that standard the in-
tellectual development of the race, nation or tribe is meas-
ured and determined. This will apply to the higher forms
of civilization as well as to the lowest fetish worshipers.
With the first light of intelligence the savage, conscious of
the unknown which surrounds him, builds a shrine to some
vaguely comprehended power which he personifies in his im-
agination and clothes with attributes which seem to him su-
perior. This he calls his God. His mind can comprehend
nothing better or more powerful than this deity. It is the
summit of his intellectual capacity.
The Indians of San Bernardino Valley had a crude form
of religious belief. It was similar to that of other native
tribes of Southern California. Their beliefs differed some-
what 'according to locality. They were never thoroughly un-
derstood. The Padres were so :sealously engaged
in teaching the natives the Christian religion that they gave
practically little attention to beliefs previously existing among
them; and as the Indians had neither writings, pictured repre-
sentations or records of any description, the origin and growth
of their religious ideas is lost in obscurity.
This much, however, is known: The early Indians were
not idolators. Their religion might properly be termed a
form of Manicheism. They worshiped both the good and the
evil principle. The latter, typified by the coyote, was evi-
dently considered the more powerful, as their dances and re-
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY. 49
ligious ceremonies were generally propitiatory aud usually
in honor of the evil one, the obj(!Ct being to placate hira aul
avert the consequences of his displeasui';.
According to the belief of the Indians of San Bernardino
Valley, the god Mutcat created the earth, the sea and 'all tue
animals, birds, fishes, trees, and lastly man. Then, desiring
to view the work of his hands, he descended from his heavenl/
abode of Tucupac, to visit Ojor, the earthly creation. Wishing
to express his satisfaction and still further beautify the earth
he gave to man the various seeds, plants and flowers. Know-
ing that in employment man finds happiness, he taught theiii
to build their houses and the many arts whereby they might
pass their time in contentment and usefulness.
For a period of time all was peace and serenity. Men
lived together in brotherly love and harmony 'and no discord
came among them in their relations with one another. The
earth j'ielded fruit in abundance to supply all their needs,
and no want of man was unsatisfied. Earth was itself a
paradise inferior only to the abode of the god Mutcat, and
death had never entered to bring sorrow and separation to
mankind.
Unfortunately the peace was broken. Isel, the evil god,
became envious of the happiness of men and set about devis-
ing means to accomplish their downfall and destruction. H«'
caused death to come into the world, brought famine and pes-
tilence and sowed the seed of discord among men. But as
Isel was moved solely by envy, it was believed his anger
could be appeased and favor obtained through gifts of food,
chanting, dances and feasts in his honor.
On the other hand, Mutcat, the spirit of good, was ever
solicitous for the welfare of his earthly children. Observing
the faithfulness of men, and their affliction, he directed them
to increase their number, and promised that, though they must
first die, after death they should be admitted into his paradise
of Tucupac where the dominion of the wicked Isel would
50 HISTORY OF SAN BEKNAEDENO VALLEY.
cease and he could not follow and could no longer work them
harm.
This was the foundation of the Indian religious belief.
The whole fabric was woven around these incidents.
Bach tribe had its sorcerers or medicine men. They wei-e
the guardians of the traditions of the tribe, directed all cere-
monies and were regarded with superstitious awe on account
of the mysterious supernatural powers that Lhey claimed to
possess. Every lancheria had a place for religious ceremonies
where incantations and secret rites wer^ perfor-med. The
sorcerers were more powerful than the chiefs, who yielded
obedience to them. They claimed to cure disease, bring rain,
ward off misfortune and were called upon to decide all matters
of importance pertaining to the tribe or ranclieria.
The missionaries experienced the greatest difficulty in ov-
ercoming the evil influence of the sorcerers^ They were us-
ually vicious men steeped in vileness, wickedness and duplic-
ity. They naturally resented the interference of the padres
and exerted all their influence to keep the Indians under their
own control. Thus, the teaching of Christianity while work-
ing great moral good to the Indians, could not immediately
overcome and eradicate this superstitious fear of the medi-
cine man. Their influence was everywhere apparent and
came to be dreaded by the Indians as well as disliked by the
padres. In hidden recesses of the mountains, far away from
the missions, the padres often discovered shrines erected for
the worship of the coyote, and evidence of their continued
use. The poor, weak nature of the Indian, while honestly
embracing the new belief, could not rise above a feeling of
timidity, and this prompted him to secretly steal away with
isome pi'opitiary gift to the evil deity wliose vengeance he still
feared. Though in time Christianity predominated among
them and most of the old rites passed away and were for-
gotten, the Indian was never completely free from superoti-
tion. Even to this day, whoever can gain the confidence of
HISTORY OF SAN BEENARDIKO VALLEY ,
51
the Indian sufficiently to study his characteristics and learn
his true nature, finds — in spite of Christianizing influences
and the years of contact with civilization — ^there still remains
curiously intermixed with their modem religious belief some.
of the ancient superstitions of their savage ancestors of gen-
erations long past. Et sic quia quod non venit ex natura
"turarura."
52 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY .
CHAPTER XIL
THE PRIMITIVE INDIAN LANGUAGE OF SAN BERNAR-
DINO VALLEY.
TliG grammatical construction and peculiarities of the
Indian language, as preserved by the padres, cannot fail to
be interesting to students of philology. The Smithsonian In-
stitute has attempted to gather up, classify and preserve these
early records, but the work is one of Hi^nulean proportions.
Father Lasuen, successor to Father jTinipero Sierra as
missionary President, states in a letter that there were no
less than seventeen different languages spoken by the natives
l)etween San Diego and San Francisco. This does not take
into account the various dialects. Every rancher ia had ai>
idiomatic language of its own, which wag frequently unintelli-
gible to the neighboring rancherias, perhaps separated only
by a few miles. These dialects could hardly be dignified by
the name of language.
One of the first tasks of the missionaries was to familiar-
ize themselves with the native language and to teach to the
Indians the Spanish language. Until this was accomplished
the work of Christianizing them could not begin. The var-
iance in the language of the Indians added in no small degi-ee
to the difficulties encountered, and to overcome them required
minds schooled to the mastery of patience, with an abiding
faith that the end, however remote, would fully justify the day
of small beginnings. This was the spirit that animated the
padres and gave such marvelous success to their enterpiise.
For example, three distinctly separate langujiges were
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY. 53
spoken in the neighborhood of San Gabriel Mission. The
Qulchi language was spolcen by the Indians of Los Angeles,
San Gabriel and as far east as Ciicamonga. Another language
was spoken all along the Santa Ana River and in Orange
County, while the language of the Guachama was spoken by
the Serrano tribes, among whom were the San Bernardino
Indians.
The Guachama language was gutteral and principally mon.
osyllabic. The orthography, recorded by the padres, is, ot
course, phonetic. In analogy the nouns formed plural by pro-
fixing the word "nitchel." The conjugation of the Guachama
\erbs is exactly the same as in other Indian languages of
Southern California. Pronouns, and the different tenses of
the verb are also expressed by prefixes.
The system of numeration, like other mission Indian lan-
guages, counts only to five. The number with the prefix one
(con) is repeaed to express six, seven, etc.
Vocabulary of the Guachama, the language of the tribe of
Indians located in the San Bernardino Valley:
NOUNS.
Man — nejanis Woman — nitchul.
Father — jana. Son — mailloa
Daughter — puUen. Sister — nau.
Brother — iua. Friend — ^niquiliuj.
Enemy — panajanucan. Head — toloea.
Eyes — japus. Mouth — tama.
Hand — jamma. Foot — jai.
Sun — ^tamit. Moon — mannuil.
Mountain — temas. River — uanish.
Tree — paus. Water— paL
Fire — cut. Stone — cauix.
Night — tuporit House — jaqui.
Bow — yujal. Arrow — penyugal. ,,
Rabbit — tabut Cold— yuima.
Name — esen.
ADJECTIVES.
Good — utcha. Bad — elecuix.
Small — cum. Large — lul.
54
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY,
NUMERALS.
One — supli.
Three — pa.
Five — namacuana.
Seven — conuil.
Nine — conuitchu.
I — nehe.
He — pe.
You — eheh.
To eat — gua.
To cook — culcu.
To walk — ^nacaix.
To wish — nacocan.
To rain — nenix.
To fight — nucan.
To cure — tinaich.
To be — yanash.
Two — uil.
Four — uitchu.
Six — consupU.
Eight — conpa.
Ten — namachuma.
PRONOUNS.
Thou — eh.
We — chem.
They — pehem.
VERBS.
To drink — paca.
To sleep — culca.
To wash — paixjanx.
To have — nauca.
To be sick — mucal.
To paint — piecuaquis.
To give — anaixgam.
ADVERiiS.
Nearer — sunrhi.
Tomorrow — paix.
Not — quihi.
Plenty — chama.
Today — iach.
Yesterday — ^tacu.
Many — meta.
PRESENT.
Conjugation of the verb
Example of conjugation:
Tculcu (to cook).
I cook — neheculcu. Thou cookest or you cook — ehculcu.
He cooks — peculcu.
We cook — chemculcu. You cook— ehehculcu.
They cook — pempemculcu.
PAST.
I cooked — ^tocu neheculcu.
cooked — ^tocu ehculcu.
He cooked — ^tocu peculcu.
You cooked — tocu ehehculcu.
tilcu.
Thou cooke.3t, or you
We cooked — tocu chemculcu.
They cooked — ^tocu pempemc
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY. 55
FUTURE.
I shall cook — paix neheculcu. Thou wilt cook, or you will
cook— i'uix ehculcu.
He will cook — paix peculcu. You will cook — paix ehehculcu.
They will cook — paix pempemoulcu. We will cook — paix
chemculcu.
The Lord's Prayer in the Guachama language is used as
•a specimen of the work performed by the padres. Having no
word in Indian to express God, the Spanish Dios is used. The
same applies to the word pan (bread). The staple article ot
food among the Indians was acorns. Not wishing to ask f >r
acorns the Spanish word is substituted to give the idea ol the
article asked for.
THE LORD'S PRAYER IN INDIAN.
Dios Janna penyanash Tucupac sajitificado ut cha et en
pennacash toco jahi cocan najanis Tubuc aix.
Guacha pan meta tamepic penaixjan chemyanaix ut cha
panajanucan quihi elecui suyu Amen.
C.9-
66 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY.
CHAPTER Xin.
THE SOCIAL AND DOMESTIC CONDITION OF THE EARLY
INDIANS OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY.
After the coming of the padres the tribes of Indians all
over California were given Spanish names; these names gen-
erally applying to the part of the country which they inhab-
ited. The Guachama and other Indians living in San Bernar-
dino Valley, became known as Serrano Indians, the name Ser-
rano signifying of the mountains. The Indians known as
the Cahuillas came into the valley at a later date, having orig-
inally belonged to the country around San liUis Rej^ Mission.
Other tribes contiguous to the valley were the Piutes, Chime -
huevas, Mohave and Yumas; the first frequenting the desert
north of the Sierras, and the other tribes inhabiting the des-
ert and country all along the Colorado River. The Yumu
and Mohave Indians are of a race superior in many ways to
the California Indians. They are more intelligent and more
warlike, and were ever a menace to the peace of the valiej'
and in their frequent raids a constant source of disturbance to
the natives of the ralley.
The Indians of California were not united either socially
or politically. Their rancherias were independent of each
other, they spoke different idioms, though often related, and
sometimes banding together for the purpose of making a raid
on or defending themselves against some other tribe. They
were sometimes friendly, sometimes hostile to each other, but
could never be relied upon.
The Indians were not endowed with personal courage.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY. 5?
They were cowardly in battle, and consequently a few soldados
de cuera were able to control a large community and could
easily bring them into subjection in case of an uprising. Their
weapons were bows and arrows, spears and ;> rude kind of stone
knife. This further placed them at a disadvantage in at-
tempting to cope with the white men.
Each community was governed by a chief, called by the
Spaniards, "el capitan." The office of chief was usually her-
editary. The chief was generally respected and his com-
mands obeyed without question. When war against a neigh-
boring rancheria was contemplated the tribe, and their allie.s,
if there was combination, gathered together, when the chiefs
would state the grievance, and after certain ceremonies and
incantations the matter would be decided according as the
sorcerers found in favor or otherwisa In battle there was
no concerted action. Each chief assumed leadership of his
own band and fought or ran away as the impulse moved him
The Indians soon learned their independent rights accord-
ing to the ideas of the white men. Several instances are re-
lated where the Indians demanded certain things of the gov-
ernment and the justice of their demands conceded, by their
requests being granted.
The marriage customs of the Indians were similar to that
of uncivilized people all over the world — ^that is to say, they
had no ceremony of marriage, though marriage was recog-
nized. Sometimes, if the parties were of sufficient importance,
a feast was prepared. In all cases the daughter was subject
to the command of the father and was usually bought and sold
without regard to her own preferences or desire. The price
paid varied according to the desirability or the girl and the
ability of the purchaser to pay. There were occasions when
marriage by capture was resorted to. This was when the
woman belonged to some other tribe, or when obstacles were
in the way to other possession.
The birth of the first child was made occasion for rejolc-
58 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY .
ing. Sterility was deplored as a great misfortune. The ma-
ternal instinct was very strong in the Indian mother and the
children were invariably treated with much affection. The
infant was carried in a rude basket "cuna" strapped upon the
back of the mother, and thus encumbered she attended to the
usual labor of gathering and preparing food for the tamilj.
The life of the Indian woman was one of toil and privation,
and she received little consideration at the hands of her sav-
age lord. The men were notoriously idle and lazy, their only
occupation that of hunting small game and fishing. Their
food supply of acorns, when gathered, was prepared by crush,
ing in stone mortars, or on flat stones, after the manner noAV
in vogue among the Mexicans. This converted the nuts into a
meal from which was made "atole." It was sometimes pre-
pared by boiling in water heated with hot stones. The women
were expert in the making of cunningly woven baskets. These
were of different shapes and were used for all domestic pur-
poses.
Polygamy was common among many of the tribes, but
there were exceptions to the practice. Adultery was sometitr.es
pimished, but gross immoralties and vices were prevalent
among them and their moral condition was unaccountably do-
graded.
These marriage ties were not considered binding and ocp-
aration or divorce was easily obtained by consent of parties
interested.
This, in brief, covers the social and domestic condition of
the Indians of San Bernardino Valley, and of California. Mor-
ally, intellectually and physically they were the inferiors of
any race of natives on the North American continent. Tnat
the missionaries accomplished their work with these Indians
and brought them to a degree of civilization is little less than
marvelous.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY. 59
CHAPTER XIV.
INDIAN CEREMONIES AND SUPERSTITIONS.
The subject of Indian ceremonies and superstitions, when
approached in a spirit of honest investigation and not of mere
curiosity, is one of great interest.
No race or people can be declared entirely free from supei-
stitious beliefs, and a very little inquiry will show that super-
stitious beliel's are not so exclusively confined to the ignorant
as many suppose. If verification of this statement is needed
it can be readily found in any community, and the seeker will
further discover that superstitious beliefs are surprisingly
prevalent among educated men and women. The spirit which
moves the untutored savage to seek the sorcerer, prompts
members of the higher civilized race to invest in "charms,"
"fortune-telling" and divination of various kinds, while
"signs" and omens innumerable are observed to the ultimato
of "reductio ad absurdum." In view of these facts it is not
becoming to treat the subject of Indian ceremonials and super-
stitions with contempt.
Whatever may be said of Indian dances it is certain that
the Indians never did, and do not, indulge in their dances for
the mere pleasure of dancing. Their dances always signify
something, though the meaning is often too obscure and dif-
ficult for white men to determine. Survivals of ancient cere-
monial dances are still common among certain tribes of semi-
civilized Indians. In some instances the government has at-
tempted to suppress the dances, but with indifferent results.
The so-called ghost-dance of the Northern Indians is looked
60 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY.
upon by white men as premonitory of approaching trouble,
and as indicating a state of unrest and dissatisfaction among
the Indians. The Indian tribes living along the Columbia
River indulge in a wierd kind of dance with the idea of pro-
pitiating the spirit believed by them to rule the winter. This
dance is called the Chinook-dance and is exceedingly barbar-
ous and revolting on account of self-inflicted torture. The
Moki Indians of the Arizona desert have several interesting
tribal dances. Their periodical Snake dance has received much
attention and is a religious ceremonial which the Moki Indians
firmly believe produces rain. In early times the Indians of
Northern California indulged in a very grotesque dance called
the Dance of Death, which has been graphically described by
the missionaries.
The time set for ceremonial dances and feasts was always
fixed by the sorcerers, in whom the Indians placed the most
implicit confidence. Seldom an undertaking of any kind was
entered into without first invoking the aid of supernatural
powers, and this was always done by feasting and dancing.
The ceremonies often lasted a number of days and nights.
Those taking part in the dances made elaborate preparations
by decorating their bodies with different colored paints and
donning ceremonial costumes. In some tribes the women and
men danced together, in others only the men danced, while
the women would form a circle outside by themselves. Some of
the old men and women of the tribe, seating themselves in a
circle accompanied the dancers with a peculiar chant, others
at the same time, playing on bone flutes and beating rude
drums. The dancing was often indulged in to the point of
extreme exhaustion, the dancer falling to the ground insensi-
ble.
Among the principal dances of the Indians of San Bernai'-
dino Valley were those known as the Hawk-Feast, the Dance
pf Peace, the Dance of Plenty, the Dance of Victory, and the
Dance of Deprecation. Another of their peculiar ceremonial
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY. 61
dances was designated by the padres as "tatamar ninas" or
"roasting young girls." This custom filled the padres with
great horror and they made every effort to induce the Indians
to abandon the practice. The ceremony of "tatema" took
place upon the first evidence of maturity. A hole was dug
in the ground and filled with stones previously heated in the
fire until very hot. Over this was spread a covering of leaves
and branches and the girl laid upon it and then nearly covered
with heated earth. The result was a profuse perspiration
which was kept up for twenty-four hours and sometimes
longer. At intervals the girl was taken out, bathed and again
imbedded in the earth. During the whole time constant dan-
cing and chanting was kept up by young girls, attended by
hideously painted old women who had charge of the ceremon-
ies. At the close, a great feast was prepared in which all
joined and which lasted several days and nights. The girl
was then considered ready for marriage, which usually took
place soon after.
The Dance of Deprecation took place when a member of
the tribe fell sick with some unusual disease. The disease was
always attributed to the influence of an evil spirit. The
whole tribe would assemble each person bringing a food offer-
ing, and all the gifts were placed in a large basket. The dan-
cing would then begin. Significant words were chanted by
the women, children and old men, while the younger men kept
up the dance in the ordinary way beating time with arrows.
After awhile the sorcerer would arise and present the offering
to the supposed offended spirit. In making the offering he
moved from left to right, and then in a circle, all the time
mumbling mysterious words. During the time the sorcerer
was engaged the people observed complete silence. At the
close of the ceremony the dance broke up. The offerings
would be cooked and left until the following day. This act
was believed to appease the evil spirit whose baneful influence
62 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY.
would then be removed and the sick person allowed to recover
in the usual way.
The Indians looked upon their medicine men as beings en-
dowed with superior knowledge and skill in the art of healing.
The medicine men practiced their art through mystical incan-
tations and also used various herbs, balsams and healing
leaves, to effect their cures. When a person was taken sick
the medicine men were always called. They approached the
patient with an air of solemn mystery, and after diagnosing
the case and locating the pain proceeded to work a cure. The
principal point was to first impress the patient, and those
around him, with their importance, and in order to do this
incantations, passes, contortions and gesticulations were mado
by the medicine men, after which it would sometimes be an-
nounced that the disease was due to some extraneous matter,
whereupon one of the medicine men would apply his lips to
the affected part and soon produce the alleged cause of the
disease. This cause was usually a stick, stone, thorn, flint or
piece of bone. The patient often experienced immediate re-
lief and a marvelous cure followed. There is no doubt onz
some very wonderful cures were effected in this way. Modern
materia medica admits the potency of the imagination as a fac-
tor in both the cause and cure of diseases.
The Indians of San Bernardino Valley were fully aware
of the medicinal properties of the hot springs in the vicinity
of the valley. They regarded these springs with much ven-
eration and believed them to be a cure for many diseases. The
springs were also visited frequently by Indians from a distance.
The "temescal" or sweat-house was another mode of cur-
ing diseases among the Indians, and it was also used by In-
dians in good health. These sweat-houses were built by first
excavating the earth to some depths for a foundation, theit
building above it a hut and covering the exterior with mud
until it resembled a huge mound. A hole was left at the
bottom barely sufficient to allow a person to crawl in and out
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY . 63
of the hut. Light and air was almost entirely excluded. In
the center a great fire would be built, around which the Indians
would sit or lie stretched upon the ground. Here they would
stay until nearly suffocated and in a profuse perspiration,
when they would climb out, make a wild dash to the nearest
stream of cold water and plunge into it. In many instancoa
this heroic treatment was very successful, but in some sick-
ness, like small-pox, it was quite likely to prove fatal.
The Indians of San Bernardino Valley burned their dead.
Their method of cremating was similar to that employed by
the desert Indians of the present day. As soon as death oc-
curred, material was collected and a funeral pyre built. Around
this the family of the deceased and members of the rancheria
gathered, the body was brought forth and placed on the pile
and the fire would be lighted by one of the sorcerers. Ail
clothing, utensils and other articles used by the deceased was
burned with the body. Oftentimes the house where the de-
ceased had lived and the domestic animals belonging to him
were burned in the same way. The women were especially
demonstrative on these occasions, their mournful wails and
lamentations, continuing for several days and nights, could be
heard a long distance away.
The early Indians did not eat the flesh of large game.
This came from a superstitious belief that the bodies of the
larger animals contained the souls of departed ancestors. This
same superstitious belief was held among the Mission Indians
even after they had learned to use some of the larger domestic
animals for food, and they could seldom be induced to eat
pork. If a wild animal devoured a dead body it was believed
the soul of the deceased was then compelled to take up its
habitation in the body of the animal. This belief was not
that of palingenesis as held by ancient races, but rather an
idea arising among themselves without theory or rational reas-
on to give for the belief.
64 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY .
XV.
THE BUILDING OF SAN BERNARDINO BRANCH MISSION
A feeling of tender reverence unconsciously associates it-
self with thoughts of the old Missions of California. Imag-
ination rehabilitates the ruined walls and recalls from the van-
ished past the brown-robed padres — most of them saintly souls
— who, offering their lives on the altar of their faith, firmly
planted the cross of Christianity in the new land. Again the
fertile fields are tilled by dark-skinned natives, and as the
vesper bells chime softly the evening call to prayer, they flock
to the mission to receive the paternal priestly blessing, then
the benediction and to sleep and silence — a silence now long
unbroken. The hands that laboriously toiled day by day to
upbuild the walls, the hearts that beat high with hopes and
aspirations for the future, have long been dust. That which
they builded in the fulness of their faith outlasted the hands
of the builders, but only to fall at last into decay and ruin;
and amidst the desolation again may be read the world-old les-
son of the mutability of earthly things; the passing of all hu-
man hopes, ambitions, loves and fears.
Something of this same spirit hovers around the ruins of
"Old San Benardino Mission." Its place in mission
history is unimportant, yet it is a point of especial interest in
the history of San Bernardino Valley. It has been occupied
ill turn by the padres and Mission Indians; Mexican rancbf;ros;
Mormons, and then for many years as a homestead by one of
the later American families. Its ancient walls, blessed and
made sacred for holy use, first heard the chant of the Gloria
in Excelsis and the prayers of priest and penitent. It has
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY. 65
been baptized in blood and twice crumbled in the flames set
by the hands of infuriated savages, and lastly echoed the
gleeful voices and the laughter of happy children.
As a habitation it has long been abandoned and used only
as a corral for cattle. A portion of the walls are standing,
but not sufllcient to give any idea of the original building. The
ruins are surrounded by beautiful orange groves, watered from
the old zanja built by the Indians, under direction of the
padres, and which has been used constantly for irrigating pur-
poses from the time it was built to the present. This old zanja
was bordered by two rows of cottonwood trees, which, upon the
coming of the American colonists, gave to the place the name
of "Cottonwood Row," by which it was commonly known for
many years.
After the destruction of the mission station and "capilla"
at Politana the missionaries withdrew t'rom the valley and
several years elapsed before any special effort was made toward
resuming missionary work in the valley. In the meantime,
the Indians became accustomed to the presence of white men
and through the ministrations of the padres a number of
them were converted to Christianity at San Gabriel mission.
The Indians of San Bernardino Valley had ever manifest-
ed a friendship for the missionaries and gave them very little
trouble. On the other hand the Indians of the desert were
of a turbulent, warlike nature, constantly making incursion
into the valley, killing the peacefully disposed Indians and dis-
turbing the whole country. As the padres were unable from
their small garrison of soldiers at San Gabriel to provide pro-
tection for the missionaries in outlying districts, they were
compelled to await the time when missionaries could be sent
among the Indians with some assurance of personal safety. It
was due to this reason and not to any neglect on the part of
the missionaries that work in San Bernardino Valley was tem-
porarily abandoned at the time of the burning of the station
at Politana.
66
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY.
o
I— I
O
I— I
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY. 07
In 1819 the Guachama Indians requested the padres to
again establish themselves in the valley. The request was fav-
orably received and immediate steps were taken by the padres
to build another and larger branch mission. They selected a
location about eight miles from Politana and in 1820 the new
chapel and mi&sion buildings were ready for occupancy.
Again the chapel was dedicated to San Bernardino of Sienna
and the buildings occupied by a priest and several neophytes
from San Gabriel. A community of Indians settled around the
mission, a zanja was built, land brought under cultivation and
grain planted. A vineyard and olive trees were planted, and
as the valley furnished excellent grazing grounds for cattle
and horses, stock was brought from San Gabriel Under the
thrifty management of the padres the mission rancho not only
raised sufficient grain for its own use and that of the Indians,
but also furnished large quantities to the mother mission. The
herds increased rapidly until in 1830 five thousand head of cat-
tle were slaughtered in the valley and their hides taken to
San Gabriel to be sold from that mission.
The same system was employed at this branch mission as
at the larger establishments. One of the padres from San
Gabriel had general supervision. The first mayordomo at Old
San Bernardino Mission was Casius Garcia. He carried out
the work in detail and looked after the material welfare of the
Indians engaged in agricultural labors and as vaqueros on the
rancho. The hours of labor were short, the Indians content-
ed, and no serious disturbance occurred until 1831. In that
year the old enemies of the valley, the desert Indians, made a
raid on the mission. The usual devastation marked their
trail. The missionaries were surprised and unable to resist the
attack. The buildings were destroyed and the stock scat-
tered and driven away. The padres, accustomed to seeing the
work of their hands time and again ruthlessly destroyed and
time and again renewing their efforts, immediately set about
68
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY.
rebuilding the mission, making it more substantial than be-
fore.
The new mission was built on a cobble stone foundation.
The walls of adobe were three feet thick. The building, in di-
mensions, was about 250 feet in length, 125 feet in width and 20
feet in height. A corral extending nearly 100 feet beyond the
main building and the full width of the building, the outside
wall of which was very near the center of the road now pass-
ing the ruin. Another rectangular inclosure was surrounded
on three sides by the building itself, and inclosed on the north
side by a high wall of adobe, through the center of which a
huge gateway was cut. The whole inclosure formed a fort well
nigh impregnable to attack of desert Indians. Across the
south end of the building a porch was built, the roof of which
was supported by posts instead of the usual adobe pillars com-
mon to mission architecture. Another porch extended along
the outer wall on the north side of the building.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY . 69
CHAPTER XVI.
SECULARIZATION.
For over two hundred years Mexico was a colony of Spain.
Tile work of civilization and development of the territory was
carried on by the mother country until her destiny, under Di-
\ine Providence, was fulfilled. In 1821 Mexico revolted and
declared her independence. But the cry "Viva la Indepen-
dencia" had scarcely ceased to echo -ere it was followed by
"Viva el Emporador," in 1832, and Iturbide set up a mon-
archy. In 1824 the Mexicans declared a Republic, without even
comprehending what the word Republic signified. Then fol-
lowed a succession of "pronunciamentos," revolutions and res-
torations, each having its brief day of authority and vanishing
t,o be succeeded by another as ephemeral and unstable. There
was a procession of Generals, Dictators and Pl-esidents.
As Mexico suffered from this condition of affairs so did
California. The government was considered a prize to be
used for personal gain, and the territory of California was
called upon to contribute her proportion to the spoils. It was
an era of almost general maladministration. A stream can-
not rise above its source; a government can be no better than
the people. Under Mexican rule, California had thirteen gov-
ernors of varying degrees of good, bad and indifferent, the
latter qualities largely predominating. They began with
Pablo Vicente de Sola in 1822 and ended with Pio Pico in 1846.
The Missions of California could not escape the universal
spoliation. They were known to be rich, and the fertile im-
agination of envious and covetous officials added ten-fold to
the amount of possession. For years the missions were
70 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY.
threatened with despoilment and escaped only because no po-
litical party had been bold enough, or in power long enough,
to attack the property of the church in California without
warrant for their act.
In 1833 Antonio Lopez de Santa Ana proclaimed himself
Dictator of Mexico. He was an unscrupulous man, devoid of
sentiment or principle. He took pride in styling himself "El
Napoleon del Oeste." He knew well the value of the Mission
holdings in California and needed no urging to any act tend-
ing towards the enrichment of himself or of his followers and
favorites. But fearing that the masses were not so wholly
deadened to the sense of justice as to permit so unwarranted
an outrage as the despoilment of the church without authority
of excuse, the Mexican government set about preparing the
excuse. The work of the missionaries was discredited; they
were accused of enslaving the Indians, keeping them in bond-
age and maltreating them; and furthermore, — the greatest sin
of all — of conspiring against the republic inj the interests of
Spain.
This was sufficient. On the 17th of August, 1833,
a decree of secularization was issued by the Mexican Congress
against all mission property in California. This was virtu-
ally confiscation. It provided that the management of the
missions should be taken from the control of the padres, and
mission property placed in charge of "Administradores" selec-
ted by the government. It was the beginning of the end of
the missionary era in California. The downfall of the mis-
sions dates from that day. The magnificent structures, rep-
resenting years of toil, were doomed; orchards and vineyards
fell into decay, the Indian neophytes were turned out to pro-
vide for themselves as best they could, and in a few short
years the work of despoliation was complete.
This is the darkest page in the history of California. On
one side injustice and insatiable greed; on the other side er-
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY. 71
▼or committed while suffering from a sense of grievious
wrongs.
As secularization marked an -epoch in the history of Cali-
fornia, so it also marked an epoch in the history of San Ber-
nardino Valley. It was the cause of the final abandonment ol
the branch mission and the distribution of mission lands to
individuals, under the Mexican land grant system.
In 1833 San Gabriel Mission embraced within its boundar-
ies a princely domain. The ranchos belonging to the mission
were those of San Bernardino, San Gorgonio, Cucamunga, Yu-
caipa, Jurupa, Rincon, Chino, Azusa, Guapa, San Antonio, San
Pasqual, San Francisquito, Santa Anita, Puenta, San Jose,
Ybarras, Serranos, Coyotes, Serritos, Rosa Castilla, Las Bol-
sas, Alamitos, Jaboneria and Mission Viejo.
August 9, 1834, Jose Figuroa, then governor of California,
issued an edict putting into -effect the decree of secularization.
He ordered the immediate release of all Indians under control
of the padres at the various missions; and also that ten of the
missions should be changed into pueblos for the use of the
Indians, the latter order to take effect th-e year following.
Certain lands were set aside for the use of th>e Indians resid-
ing at the missions.
The result of this order was anything but satisfactory.
The Indians, removed from all restraining influences, rapidly
degenerated to their primitive condition. They refused to
work, became dissipated, lawless, and abandoned themselves
to all kinds of vices and excesses. Their later condition be-
came immeasurably worse than that from which they were
rescued by the padres. Lack of restraint, and contact with
the white race, brought to them nothing but absolute degreda-
tion, disease and death.
Many of the twenty-one missions eventually became pri-
vate property. In later years the Supreme Court of the Uni-
ted States declared the transfer of much of the mission prop-
erty illegal and void and ordered its return to the church; but
72 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY.
the ruin had been wrought and passed beyond remedy. Mien-
tias dure la historia, se recitaran para su eterna verguenza y
condenacioii las maldades de los despotas que sacrilegamente
arruinaron las monumentales missiones de California; y mien-
tras que los nombres de sus fundadores seran venerados con
los immarclbles laureles de la gloria' y de la immortalldad.
DISPOSAL OF MISSIONS UNDER MEXICAN GOVERNMENT
San Diego — Sold to Santiago Arguello, June 8, 1846.
Carnielo-Monterey.— Pueblo.
San Antonio. — Abandoned.
San Gabriel — Juan Bandini, Comisionado 7 838-40; sold
to Julian Workman and Hugo Ried 1846.
San Luis Obispo — Pueblo.
San Francisco Dolores — Pueblo.
San Juan Capistrano — Pueblo. A portion sold to Mc-
Kinley and Foster, 1845.
Santa Clara. — 1834-5, Ignacio del Valle, Comisionado ap-
tK)inted to cari'y out decree of secularization. The property
at this mission was valued at $47,000, exclusive of churcl>
lands. Of this amount $10,000 was distributed among the In-
dians of the mission, but where the money went to has ever
been a mystery. In 1839, it is related that the Indians of
this mission were ahsolutely destitute, their condidon border-
ing on starvation.
San Buena Ventura — Sold to Joseph Arnaz.
Santa Barbara — Leased and then sold to Nicholas Den,
June 8, 1846.
La Purisima Concepcion. — Sold to John Temple, Decem-
ber 6, 1845. In 1856 the U. S. Land Commission restored the
buildings to th'3 "inalienable possession of the Catholic
church."
Santa Cruz. — Abandoned.
La Soledad. — Sold January, 1846.
San Jose. — Don Jose Jesus Vallejo appointed Comisionado.
Whe nhe took charge there were at this mission about 1800
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY,
73
When he took charge there were at this mission about 1,800
Christian Indians. There were 8,000 head of cattle, 3,000 hor-
ses and 10,000 sheep.
San Juan Batista. — Pueblo.
San Miguel. — Disposition of this mission uncertain.
San Fernando. — Leased to Andreas Pico and sold in 184G
hy Pio Pico to Eulogio Cells for $14,000. It is related that
this mission was sold to raise funds to prosecute the war with
the United States.
San Luis Rey. — Sold to Antoine Cot and Andreas Pico.
1S46.
Santa Inez. — Leased to Jose Carillo.
San Rafael. — In charge of a padre.
San Francisco Solano. In charge of a padre.
74 HISTORY OF SAN BEKNAEDINO VALLEY.
CHAPTER XVH.
THE ABANDONMENT OF SAN BERNARDINO MISSION.
The enforcement of the decree of secularization com-
pleted the downfall of the mission system. For several year^s
prior to the decree a state of general unrest had pievailed. It
was a time of turbulence and excitement. In the nature of
things it could scarcely be otherwise. So radical a change
could not be made without friction and discord.
Many of th'^ padres left the country; others staid on an»i
contested step by step the infringement on their unques-
tionable rights. It was a hopeless contest for the padres.
The missions were doomed and the padres who remained saw
with bitterness of spirit, born only of despair, the destruction
wrought by the new order; saw the tearing down and ob-
literation of all they had toiled, hoped and prayed for during
so many years.
The process of the destruction of the missions was swift.
That of San Gabriel Mission is a fair example. It was, at
the date of the decree of secularization, one of the wealthiest
of the missions. Beside vast landed property it possessed
100,000 head of cattle. In two years they had all disappeared.
The plains for miles were literally covered with decaying an-
imal bodies and the whole country threatened with pestilence.
Rage, hate, and vengeance held unrestrained sway through-
out the land.
It was the avowed intent of the government to distribute
the mission lands among the Indians in an endeavor to make
the Indians self-supporting. The plan was a failure from
the very beginning. The Indians had been treated as chil-
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY. 75
dren by the padres and as children they must still be careil
for and controlled. To meet this condition the government,
through its appointed comisionados, attempted to manage the
mission properties. This plan also proved a dismal and dis-
heartening failure. The men appointed were so often in-
capable and corrupt that under their management the mis-
sion properties rapidly dwindled away, decreased in value
and soon fell into decay. The whole system teaded only t;-
individual enrichment. The condition of the Indians became
wretched in tlie extreme. They decreased rapidly in num-
bers. They were treated as outcasts, enslaved, beaten, and
starved until in sheer desperation many of them ran away
into the mountains and, banding together in lawlessness, be-
gan a series of raids and depredations which kept the coun-
try in a state of terror for many years and retarded its set-
tlement and development.
The restlessness of the Indians was a constant source of
trouble to the occupants of San Bernardino Mission. The
rancho afforded grazing ground for a large number of cattle
and this attracted predatory Indians to the vicinity and fre-
quent raids were made for the purpose of running off the
mission stock. However, excepting the loss of cattle, no
serious disturbance occurred until October, 1834, when a band
of Piute Indians, coming from the desert into the valley, at-
tacked San Bernardino Mission. A furious battle was waged
in which a number of Indians were killed, both sides sus-
taining loss. At last, when further resistance seemed futile,
it was decided to attempt an escape from the mission and re-
treat to San Gabriel Mission. The Indians defending San
Bernardino — under command of a neophyte chief named Per-
fecto — advanced upon the hostile Indians and succeeded in
driving them back from the mission buildings. The sacred
vessels and vestments used in church ceremonies, together
with some other valuable property, were collected and load-
ed into three carretas and the party started for San Gabriel.
76 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY.
The Piutes followed, but so well did the mission Indians cover
and guard the retreating party that the hostile Indians aban-
doned the pursuit at Cucamunga and returned across the
mountains from whence they came.
Order having been apparently restored, the padres re-
turned to San Bernardino, but only to face fresh disaster from
another quarter. In the latter part of December of the same
year an uprising of Indians took place. A war party of two
hundred Indians, under the leadership of two chiefs, ex-
neophytes of San Gabriel, en route to attack the mission San
Gabriel, stopped and laid siege to San Bernardino. After
repeated attacks entrance to the mission was gained through
the corral. The mission Indians, few in number, unable to
continue further resistance, surrendered. This time the mis-
sion buildings were sacked and set on fire in several places.
The priest in charge. Padre Estenaga, was made captive and
carried away to the mountains. He, however, suffered no
serious harm at their hands. Believing him to be a power-
ful medicine man the Indians feared to put him to death. He
was held prisoner for some time until finally the mission In-
dians were able to negotiate his ransom and by payment of a
quantity of provisions obtained his release. Padre Tomas Ellu-
tario Estena,'4;a was the last priest in charge of the mission of
San Bernardino. He was a native of Spain, a man of education
and refinement. He came to California in 1820, and died at
San Gabriel in 1847. The last of the mayordomos of San
Bernardino mission was Epomuceno Alvarado.
Tales of buried treasure are associated with every one of
the California Missions; and there are people still living who,
with all seriousness, relate the story of treasure buried by the
padres at San Bernardino at the tim"^ ot their hasty flight
from the mission. There is no foundation in fact for these
stories. San Bernardino was tributary to San Gabriel. Its
material wealth was poured into the lap of the mother mis-
sion and whatever gain there might have been went to fill the
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY. 77
coffers of that mission. But so long as the mind of man re-
tains its imaginative faculty so long will fertile fancy revel in
visions of lioarded treasure, green and moldy with age, deep
buried in the bosom of earth, where by some lucky chance it
may yet be discovered.
This closes the mission history of San Bernardino. It was
never again occupied by the missionaries.
Owing to the non-inflamable character of materials used
in constructing the last building, the fire set by Indians did
very little damage to the main structure; but that which es-
caped the hands of vandal Indians was aestined to fall prey
to the later agent of destruction which outrageously and wan-
tonly wrought the partial demolition of many of the missions
ot California. They were destroyed for the sake of obtain-
ing the building material in them.
A portion of the last mission had been roofed with hewn
timbers, brought from the mountains, and this was too val-
uable to long escape notice. Two well known citizens of Los
Angeles, with characteristic American foresight, saw the op-
portunity to make some money and did not hesitate to grasp
it. Mission property was anybody's property and the chance
of getting something for nothing appealed as forcibly to the
mind in those days as at present, while the opportunities ott-
ered were vastly in advance of today. Eleven carretas ot
material from San Bernardino mission were taken into Los
Angeles and used in the construction of Los Angeles build-
ings. But, however slow the mills of the gods grind, it is
unfailingly true they in time do measure, to a degree, with ex-
actness. The day came when some form of restitution was
demanded for many acts of vandalism committed against
mission property. The two estimable Los Angelenos eventu-
ally paid for that timber at the rate of .$3.00 per vara. As for
the adobes, no accounting seems to have been made. The
native Californian was not particularly energetic, unless in
the avoidance of labor, and as mission-made adobes were su-
78
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY.
perior articles, after the lapse of a few years San Bernardino
Mission was nothing hut a dismantled, crumbling ruin.
"So fleet the works of men back to the earth again^.
Ancient and holy things fade like a dream."
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY. 79
CHAPTER XVIII.
EARLY LAND TITLES— MEXICAN LAND GRANTS.
The subjeci of land titles is an interesting one. Their
history may be said to show the advancement of races through
various periods, patriarchial, feudal, mediaeval and modern;
communal, vassal, tenant and owner. They represent the
growth of the individual; the development of man from sav-
agery to civilization.
The history of land titles in California shows the influ-
ence of two races, widely divergent in character — the Latin
and the Anglo-Saxon.
The early Spanish and Mexican inhabitants of California
did not look upon the possession of land as did the later oc-
cupants. It was a pastoral age and they were a pastoral
people. They regarded land as of little value and were su-
premely indifferent to certainty of boundaries. Land was used
principally for grazing cattle and a description accurate
enough to obtain a grant was sufficient for all practical pur-
poses. If boundaries overlapped the possessions of a neigh-
bor here and there, it did not matter. There was land enough
for everyone.
All this changed with the coming of the Americans. Af-
ter the mad excitement over the discovery of gold had
abated somewhat, clear-headed men saw the value of the land
for agricultural purposes. The ranchers succeeded the Argo-
nauts. A sweeping tide of immigration set in from the older
Eastern States and from Europe. They were an alien race
and brought with them new manners, new customs and a new
language. With the new comers, possession of land amounted
80 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY.
almost to a passion. There must be no uncertainty of de-
scription. Tho title to the land must be absolute, and fixed
by metes and bounds, must be determined with exactness, and
when once determined no encroachment was tolerated.
The Americans found nearly all the desirable land claimed
under Spanish or Mexican grants. The treaty of Guadalupe-
Hidalgo, between the United States and Mexico, provided se-
curity for the inhabitants of the ceded territory and that they
should "be maintained and protected in the full enjoyment of
their liberty and property." This, in itself, was clear and
the Americans were bound to respect and abide by it. There-
fore title to these lands could only be secured by right of pur-
chase. Then came the important question of validity of title
under these Spanish and Mexican grants. In order to give
a good title to land a valid title must be shown. In many
cases this was impossible. In some instances as many as five
different grants had been issued to certain lands.
The first Spanish land grant in California was made In
1775. The first two large grants of land were made in 1784.
These were the ranchos of Santa Gertrudis and San Rafael, in
what afterwards became Los Angeles county.
After Mexican independence a number of new laws were
passed and land grants made, but these were comparatively
few in number until after the act of secularization in 1833.
Under this act the vast tracts of land held by the missions be-
came public domain and were opened to settlement under
Mexican colonization laws.
To obtain a grant of land, under the laws of Mexico, a pe-
tition was drawn up, giving, as near as possible, a descrip-
tion of the land desired; and also stating the age, nativity,
and occupation of the petitioner. This petition was then
forwarded to some local officer who would report upon the
matter. If the report was favorable a grant would be issued.
Memoranda of such action was sometimes recorded in a book
kept for the purpose, but as often as otherwise it was simply
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY . 81
filed away. Final proceedings to secure the grant consisted
in obtaining the approval of the territorial deputation, and
after California had become a department of the territorial
assembly, this was not difficult. Upon presentation of the
matter to the assembly it would be referred to a committee,
and the report of the committee having been made, upon ap-
plication to the secretary, a certificate was given to the
giantee. No formal record or registration was made outside
ol. the journals of the legislative body. Many of these jour-
nals became lost or were mislaid and when wanted could not
be found. This carelessness laid the foundation for litiga-
tion which later occupied the courts of the country for many
years and cost claimants immense sums of money.
No regular surveys were made under either the Spanish
«>r Mexican governments. Juridical possession was given the
grantee by the nearest alcalda or other magistrate, but the
title was considered complete without juridical possession.
The description and boundaries were designated by certain
landmarks. This was all the law and usage of Spain or Mex-
ico required. It made a perfect title to all intents and pur-
poses.
There were instances where attempt was made to fix boun .
daries by survey, but nothing like accuracy could be arrived at
through the methods employed. In such a case a reata of
al'out fifty \aras would be procured and this was used as a
chain. Stakes would be prepared and placed in position and
the surveyor, after setting his instruments, would take bear-
ings, with some far distant mountain, hill, rock, tree or river
as a landmark. He would then give command to his assist-
ants who would start in the directions indicated, urging their
horses at a rapid pace. Without pausing the stakes would
be set in the ground here and there, until the line had been
drawn. It was, however, only in exceptional cases that even
this crude attempt at survey was made. The maps made
would indicate a tree, a mountain, a river, with the number of
82 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY.
leagues distant from each other. This method of surveying'
was purely Mexican. It was not the system used in Spain.
After the departure of the padres from San Bernardino
Mission in 1834, the valley was in possession of the Indians
who roamed at will over the country. A rancheria of Indians
continued to make use of the mission buildings, but many of
the Indians formerly living at the mission removed to San
Gabriel and the different ranches in the south. There was
no attempt made to settle the country. It was impossible.
No inducement offered to settlers could overcome the lack of
security.
No land grants were made in this section of the State
until 1838. In that year the Jurupa Rancho was granted to
Juan Bandini. This rancho was then in Los Angeles County,
afterward in San Bernardino County and now in Riverside
County. I'^ consisted of 7 (or 14) leagues. It was sold to D. B,
Wilson in 1841 for $1,000 per league.
The Cajon de Muscupiabe was granted to Juan Bandini in
1839, but his claim to this grant was afterwards rejected by
the Land Commission.
In 1843, one league of land at the mouth of the Cajon de
Muscupiabe was granted to Michael White (Miguel Blanco.)
The boundaries of this grant, in later years, became the sub-
ject of extensive litigation.
Cucamonga, 3 leagues, granted Tiburcio Tapia in 1839.
Chino, or Santa Ana del Chino, was granted to Antonio
Maria Lugo in 1841. It consisted of 5 and 3 leagues of land.
Later it became the property of Colonel Isaac Williams. This
rancho received its name from a half-breed Indian vaquero
who had charge of the mission cattle at that place in early
days. This Indian was named Jose Maria, but by reason
of his curly hair was called "el Chino." The place became
known by that name and has retained it.
In 1841, Don Antonio Maria Lugo, of the Rancho San An-
HISTORY OF SAN BE RNARDINO VALLEY .
83
tonio, petitioned the Mexican government for a grant of the
Rancho de San Bernardino. The grant was obtained in the
name of his three sons, Jose del Carmen Lugo, Jose Maria
Lngo, Vicente Lugo and Diego Sepulveda, a nephew of Don
Antonio. Formal grant was made on the 21st day of June,
1842, and signed by Governor Juan B. Alvarado, then Consti-
tutional Govt^rnor of both Calif ornias. Juridical possession was
given by Manuel Dominguez, Juez de Primera Instancia. The
rancho is described as containing nine leagues or 37,000 acres
of land. "It is bounded on the east by the 'Sierra del Yu-
caipe' and on the west by the 'Arroyo del Cajon' and the
'Serrita Solo,' and on the south by the 'Lomerias,' and on the
north by the brow of the 'Sierra' (falda de la Sierra.)" This
grant included the entire valley of San Bernardino.
These Mexican land grants afterwards came within the
boundaries of San Bernardino County. They were all mission
ranchos, once the property of San Gabriel Mission.
84 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY.
CHAPTER XIX,
THE EARLY ME^^.ICAN PIONEERS,
The early Mexican pioneers of California were of Span-
;sn blood. They were proud of their descent, proud of their
l<irth and oi the traditions of the race from which they
sprung. This pride of lace is one of the ptrongest sentiments
of the human mind. It is noc an unworthy sentiment for
it tends to uphold the ideals of a nation and of the family,
and, in striving to emulate the traditional virtues the indi-
vidual is uplifted and the general tendency is toward the
elevation of all. Were it not for this feeling of national and
genealogical piide, men would scarcely know who they were
or where they came from.
This pride was one of the distinguishing characteristics
of the early Calif ornians. It may be said to have been meas-
ured in the individual by the degree of pure Castilian blood
possessed. In any case it dominated their actions and was
the fuel which fed the fire of their axnbitions. Generous and
hospitable to a fault; passioaate and excitable in tempera-
ment; careless with money; abhorring labor, still, they never
f'irgot for an instant what was due their birth. As time
passed the tlood became fused with that of other races; the
language deteriorated and lost its original purity; the cus-
toms of '>1'' Spain, though lingering long, at last gave way,
bi!t the pride remained.
The resources of the early Californinns were limited.
They lacked ttachers and were without schools. They had
IHtle con.^eptiou of anything outside of their own circum-
scribed sph"r:j. Spain, Mexico 'ind California was their world.
It is slight wonder that they viewed the approach of the
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY. 85
Anaerlcans Avilh distrust and showed little desire to encourage
American trade or American Ofoupancy of the territory. It
■was an indiinctive fear and, all unconsciously, they followed
Oiat immutable law of nature which, if heeded, points the
•clanger-signal to nations and to individuals, and endeavors to
shield the weaker from the stronger. They acted in the
light of what seemed best to them. They were forced, at last,
to succumb to the inevitable. The present understands the
Ijast as iittlo as the future will understand the present. These
■eaily Califoruians were of a type that has passed away. Let
their virtues, and they had many, be remembered; their faults
l>e forgotten.
A name well known in the early history of California is
that of Juan Eandini, grantee of the Jurupa rancho. Though
the Jurupa rancho was never, strictly speaking, any part of
Sail Bernardino Valley, it was once entirely within the boun-
daries of San Pernardino county and has a place in the early
history of the \ alley. A small portion of the original Jurupa
grant still remains within the line of San B'^rnardino county —
Agua Mansa. The Jurupa rancho was the first of the Mexi-
can land grants in the vicinity of the valley. Of the grantee,
Jaan Bandini, Bancroft's Pioneer Register gives the following
condensed account:
"Bandini (Juan) son of Jose, born at Lima in 1800. The
exact day of his arrival in California is not known. It is
possible that bo came with his father in '19 or '21. His pub-
lic life began in '27-8 as member of the diputacion; '28-'32
sub-comisario of revenues at San Diego; suplente congress-
man '31-2. In '31 he took a leading part in fomenting the
rf volution against Gov. Victoria, and in opposing Zamorano's
counter-revolt of '32. In '33 he went to Mexico as member
o°. congress, biic came back in '34 as vice-president of Hi jar
an J Padres' grand colonization and commercial company;
sipercargo of the company's vessel, the Natalia, and inspector
of customs for California. The disastrous failure of the col-
86 mSTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY.
ocy scheme, and the refusal of California to recognize his
authority as inspector, were regarded by Don Juan as the most
serious misfortunes of his whole life and of his adopted
country's history, his failure being rendered the more humil-
iating by the detection of certain smuggling operations in.
which he was engaged. In '36-8 Bandini was in several re-
svects the leading spirit of the southern opposition to Alvar-
ado's government; at each triumph of the arribenos he was
lucky to escape arrest, and lost no time in fomenting new re-
volts. His position was a most unwise one, productive of great
harm to California; his motive was chiefly personal feeling
against Angel Ramirez, whom he regarded as influential in the
new administration, for he had been a personal friend of the
northern leaders and supporters of their general views; and
his record as a politician throughout the sectional troubles
was neither dignified, patriotic, nor in any way creditable. Un-
der Carillo he was nominally m charge of the San Diego cus-
ton^ house. Ho was owner of the Tecate rancho on the fron-
tier, which was sacked by the Indians in '37-8, Bandini and
his family being reduced to poverty and serious want; but
Governor Alvarado made him administrator of San Gabriel
itiis.'sion '38-40, granting him alpo in '38 Jurupa, in '39 Rincon
and Cajon de IMuscupiabe, and land at San Juan Capistrano
'4L He was appointed fiscal of the tribunal superior '40-42,
was comisionado at the new pueblo of San Juan de Arguello
in '41, and sindico at Ij. Angeles '44, taking but slight part
i;i the troubles with Gov. Micheltorena. In '45-6 Don Juan
was Gov. Pico's secretary, and a zealous supporter of his ad-
ministration, particularly in mission affairs and opposition to
Castro, being also a member of the assembyl and originator
of the projected consejo general. Later, however, he es-
poused the LT. s. cause, furnished supplies for Stockton's
battalion, was offered the collectorship, and named as mem-
ber of the legislative council in '47, and alcade of San Diego
in '48. In '49 he declined a judgeship; is said to have im-
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY. 87
paired his fortune by erecting a costly building in '50 at San
Diego, where he kept a store; and subsequently appears to
have gone across the frontier, where the estate of Guadalupe
had been granted him In '46, lesuming his Mexican citizen-
ship and serving as juez in '52. He still dabbled to some
ext<nt in revolutionary politics, and as a supporter of Melen-
dres had to quit the country with all his live stock in '55. He
died at Los Angeles in 1859. It is evident from the preceding
resume of what is for the most part more fully told elsewhere
that Juan Bandmi must be regarded as one of the most prom-
inent men of his time in California. He was a man of fair
abilities and education, of generous impulses, of jovial tem-
perament, a most interesting man socially, famous for his
gentlemanly manners, of good courage in the midst of person-
al misfortunes, and always well liked and respected; indeed
his record as a citizen was an excellent one. He also per-
formed honestly and efficiently the duties of his various offi-
cial positions. In his grander attempts as a would-be
statesman, Don Juan was less fotunate. His ideas were good
enough, never absurd if never brilliant; but when once an idea
became fixed in his brain, he never could understand the fail-
ure of Californian affairs to revolve around that idea as a
center; and in his struggles against fate and the stupidity of
his compatriots he became ab.surdly diplomatic and tricky as
a politician. He was an eloquent speaker and fluent writer,
though always disposed to use a good many long words when
a few short ones would serve the better purpose. Bandini's
first wife was Dolores, daughter of Capt. Jose M. Estudillo,
whose children were Arcadia — Mrs. Abel Steams and later
Mrs. Robert S. Baker; Isadora, who married Col. Cave J.
Coutts; Josef a, the wife of Pedro C. Carillo; Jose Maria,
whose wife was Terese Arguel.o: and Juanito. His second
wife was Refugio, daughter of Santiago Arguello. whose chil-
d.-eu were Juan de la Cruz, A<?redo, Arturo and two daugh-
ter, who married Charles R. Johnson and Dr. James B. Wins-
88 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY.
ton. Bandini s daughters were famous ior their beauty; alS
or most of his children live iii Southern California in '85;.
some wealthy, all in comfortable circumstances and of respect-
able family connections."
The name of Lugo, however, properly heads the list of
Tyfexican pioneers of San Bernardino Valley. They were
grantees of the rancho de San Bernardino and this ranch©
practically took in the whole valley.
In the time intervening between the passing of the friars
and the coming of the Lugos there seems to have been an oc-
cupant of the rancho de San Bernardino in the person of Jose
Bermudas, who, with his family, came from Los Angeles
County about 1836 and "squatted" on the property afterwards
granted the Lugos. He built the historic "old adobe" dwell-
ing, afterwards the site of "the Mormon fort," and now tho
property of Wozencraft, on C street. Bermudas occupied the
property until dispossessed by the grant to the Lugos. It
i;-? doubtful if he ever made any regular claim to or applica-
tion for this property. At all events, the matter of his re-
linquishment was amicably settled and he removed to the
Yucaipe, having been promised a grant of land in that local-
ity. This promise was never fulfilled. Later, land was prom-
ised him in Canade de San Timoteo and he removed from
Yucaipe to the property now owned by his son. This son.
Miguel Bermudas, was born at San Gabriel, and was a child
c£ five years of age when his father moved into the valley. He
claims to be the oldest settler, in point of residence, of San
Bernardino Valley.
Juan Nepomuceno Alvarado may be said to have been an
almost continuous resident of the rancho San Benardino from
1830, when appointed by the padres moyor domo of the mis-
.sion, until the lands came into possession of the Lugos. He
was the last mayordomo, honest, industrious, faithful in tlie
performance of his duties, and implicitly trusted by the padres.
After the Lugos came he removed to Cucamonga and after-
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY. 89
■t\'ards settled on land near North Ontario, naming his place
San Antonio. He abandoned this property and removed to
Los Angeles, where he died in 1869.
Don Antonio Maria Lugo, grantee of the Santa Ana del
Chino, or Chino rancho, and father of Jose del Carmen Lugo,
Jose Maria Lugo and Vicente Lugo, grantees of the rancho de
San Bernardino, was born at the Mission of San Antonio de
Padua, in 1775. He was owner of the San Antonio rancho,
one of the earliest and richest of the Alta-California land
grants, given him in 1810, while serving as a soldier of Spain.
Don Antonio was a picturesque character. He was uneducated,
but a man of great energy, decision and strength of mind. He
was of commanding figure, fully six feet in height, spare and
sinewy. His face was of the purely Spanish type with
square-cut features and closely shaven; the naturally stem
expression relieved by an appearance of grim humor. He
was a superb horseman and retained his erect carriage to the
date of his death, at eighty-five years. This occurred in J8o0.
Bancroft's Pioneer Register states that he was "alcalde
of Los Angeles in 1816 to 1819; juez del campo 1833-34; a
member of the ayuntamiento and took part in the troubles
between the north and south."
Juez del campo, or judge of the plains, was an important
position in the early days. The person holding the ofiice
was, in a way, an autocrat. There was no appeal from his
decisions. His duties consisted in settling disputes between
rancheros relative to the ownership of cattle, etc.
H. D. Barrows, of Los Angeles, in one of the annual pub-
lications of the Historical Society of Southern California,
writes entertainingly of Don Antonio, and as he had the ben-
efit of a personal acquaintance is well able to estimate the
character of this early pioneer:
"Don Antonio Maria Lugo was, in most respects as thor-
oughly a Spaniard as if he had been born and reared in Spain.
With "Los Yankees," as a race, he, and the old Califomlans
go HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY .
generally, had little sympathy, although Individual members
of the race whom from long association he came to know in-
timately, and who spoke his language, he learned to esteem
and respect most highly, as they in turn, learned most highly
to esteem and respect him, albeit, his civilization differed in
some respects radically from theirs.
It is related of him that on seeing for the first time an
American mowing-machine in operation, he looked on with
astonishment, and holding up one long, bony finger, he ex-
claimed: "Los Yankees faltan ub dedo de ser el Diablo!"
The Yankee only lacks one finger of being the Devil!
To rightly estimate the character of Senor Lugo, it is nec-
essary for Americans to remember these differences of race
and environment. Although he lived under three regimes,
to-wit: Spanish, Mexican and Anglo-American, he retained to
the last the essential characteristics which he inherited from
his Spanish ancestors; and although, as I have intimated, he
had as was very natural, no liking for Americans themselves,
as a rule, or for their ways, nevertheless, he and all the better
class of native Californians of the older generations did have
a genial liking for individual Americans and other foreigners,
v^"ho, in long and intimate social and business intercourse,
proved themselves worthy of their friendship and confidence."
Jose del Carmen Lugo, son of Antonio Maria Lugo, ac-
cording to Bancroft's Pioneer Register, "was born at Los An-
geles 1813; regidor at Los Angeles '38-9; grantee San Bernar-
dino 1842; juez del campo 1844; prominent in Chino fight and
several Indian expeditions '46-7; alcalde Los Angeles '49.
After selling his ranch to the Mormons in 1851 he lived in
Los Angeles, in good circumstances until about 1865, when he
lost his property. He had a wife and four daughters.
"Jose Maria Lugo, son of Antonio Maria Lugo." Ban-
croft's Pioneer Register fails to give date of birth, but says:
"juez del campo at Los Angeles '36-8; one of the grantees of
San Bernardino."
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY . 91
"Vincente Lugo; one of the grantees of San Bernardino
1842; justice at San Gabriel 1850; supervisor Los Angeles
County '62-3."
"Diego Sepulveda," one of the grantees of San Bernardino
1842; was somewhat prominent in the Flores revolt at Los
Angeles '46-7." Sepulveda appears to have taken part in the
battle of the Chino and to have figured in political distur-
bances of the time.
Of the younger Lugos very little can be said. They came
into San Bernardino Valley in 1841 and secured a grant of
the San Bernardino rancho in 1842. They lived the life of the
average ranchero and, passing on, left very little impress on
the history of the valley. The valley, in their time, was
simply a vast tract of land, magnificently beautiful, but the
future possibilities, all undreamed of, waited the coming of
another race.
Jose del Carmen Lugo occupied the old adobe house, built
by Jose Bermudas. He afterwards removed to the old mis-
sion. Jose Maria Lugo built for himself a house at Homoa,
about four and one-half miles south of the present city of San
Bernardino. It was at the base of the foot-hills, then, and
for many years after, the site of an Indian rancherla. Vi-
cente Lugo lived at the rancheria of Politana and Diego Sep-
ulveda at Yucaipe.
A large number of cattle were brought from the Lugo
rancho San Antonio to San Bernardino. Stock-raising was
conducted on an extensive scale. The animals increased rap-
idly in number and it is said the Lugos never knew how many
head of cattle they owned. The work of caring for them was,
at first, principally performed by Indian vaqueros.
Throughout the whole period of the Lugo occupancy ihey
suffered much from Indian depredations which, however, were
confined to running off the stock. Horse and cattle stealing
was a recognized industry in those days and it was not until
after the advent of the Americans that it received a set-back.
92 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY .
CHAPTER XX.
MEXICAN PIONEERS— ISAAC WILLAMS— BATTLE AT
CHINO.
The Americans who came into California in the early days
were not ordinary men. As a rule they were men endowed
with unusual characteristics. It was not love of gold that
led them to face the perils of a journey across mountain, des-
ert, plain or ocean, for gold had not yet been discovered In
California. It was rather a restlessness of spirit that could
not brook the restraints of an older civilization and found iu
the freer life of the frontier that which appealed strongest to
their adventure-loving natures. Such men have ever been of
fbe vanguard in the progress of civilization. From out of
the old lands of a weary old world they crossed the stormy
Atlantic to the new lands of a newer world; then, step by step
across a continent until the calm, smiling waters of the Pa-
cific seemed to set a boundary beyond which they could noc
further go. But the wheels of Progress will not stay their
resistless course and men must advance, always to some far-
off ideal the end of which is beyond vision. So these Amer-
icans came to California and found here what appeared to
ihem limitless possibilities — wealth without labor, life without
toil. These big, strong, virile American men were favored
by the dark-eyed senoritas of the sunny land and with their
love went dower of rich lands and herds of fat cattle. Thos.)
that came in search of adventure stayed. Here was wealth,
beauty, pleasure, love, and the spell of it all soon bound them
in a thrall they did not care to break. It was lotus-land and
tile cooler northern blood was not proof against the languor*
I
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY. 93
ol the southern sun, and the desire to bask forever in U\e
soft, warm rays grew upon them until the wild spirit of ad-
venture which had thrilled their pulses and led them from
afar slumbered under the spell and no longer beckoned. Then
they took to themselves wives, the beautiful daughters of the
best families in the land . All that was required of them was
some slight formality in the way of change of faith — and their
leligious prejudices were not strong — and an allegiance to an-
other government than their own. This did not weigh heav-
ily upon them, so they embraced the new faith and tlie new
customs — and yet they became not so much a part of the
latter, for in return they infused into the new life that which
Vie native Californians lacked — a spirit of enterprise and tho
energy of the colder-blooded race.
Isaac Williams of the Rancho del Chino, was a typinal
American pioneer of that period. He was the first American
fo settle in this section of the State. His was a spirit born t:
command. Whole-souled, generous, hospitable, he kept open
house for every American passing his door. A hearty greet-
ing awaited every comer; the best the rancho afforded was at
their disposal and they were invited to regard it as their own,
and when at last the time came for departure, it was with
sincere expressions of regret that the genial owner of the
place bade them God-speed. Many a party of exhausted emi-
grants halted at the Chino rancho, and mf\ny a weary, foot-
sore wanderer found here a resting place. Not one amoag
his countrymen, if in need, left the home of Isaac Williams
empty handed . Indeed, it is stated, that Colonel Williams,
in his desire to aid his countrymen, sometimes came very near
to embarrassing himself. However, if he erred at all in this
respect it was on the right side, and if the blessings and rem-
oTnbrance of the weary, home-sick, heart-sick travelers in a
&trange land may count to his credit. Colonel Williams needs
no other monument.
Isaac Williams, generally known in California as Julian
94 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY.
Williams, was born in Wyoming Valley, Penn., Sept. 19, 1799
He came to Los Angeles in 1832 with Ewing Young's party of
thirty men who had been engaged in hunting and trapping on
the Gila River, in New Mexico. With this party alpo carac
Moses Carson, a brother of the celebrated Kit Carson. Mr.
Williams appears to have become prominent in local affa'r?
very soon atfer his arrival, as his name is mentioned in con-
nection with several matters. He was a member of the vig-
ilance committee in 1835. In 1839 he took the oath of al-
legiance and became a naturalized citizen of Mexico. Im-
mediately following he married Senorita Maria de Jesus Lugo,
daughter of Don Antonio Maria Lugo, and in 1841 became
owner of the Chino rancho, of which Don Antonio was the
original grantee. In 1843 he obtained an additional grant of
land adjoining his Chino property and settled down as a
lancher and stock breeder, devoting himself to the manage-
ment of his large estate. In 1846 he proposed to build a fort
Jit the Cajon, on condition that he be allowed to bring goods ■'o
the value of $25,000 into California, free of import duty, as ar
that time there was a tax of $600 on every vessel.
At the time of the American invasion of California the
Americans living in the territory were looked upon by the
Californians with more or less suspicion. While nominally
citizens of Mexico, the Americans saw the advantage which
■Hould accrue to California if brought under the government
of the United States, and many of them were pronounced in
advocating the change. This, naturally, was not pieaslng to
the native Californians who were Mexican in their sympathies,
and more or less coldness and friction resulted in consequence.
Open hostilities between the Californians and the Ameri-
cans began at Los Angeles, September, 1846, when Cervol V:i
rela attacked the Americans imder A. H. Gillespie, a Lieuten-
ant of Marines, left in charge as Military Commandant at Los
Angeles, by Commodore Stockton. D. B. Wilson, owner of
the Jurupa rancho, was then in command of a force of twenty
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY. 95
men stationed at Jurupa for the purpose of protecting the in-
liabitants and property on the San Bernardino frontier from
mdian raids. Wilson, ordered by Gillespie to come to lil^
aid, was en route to Los Angeles and stopped at the Chino
rancho, the property of Colonel Williams . The party waa
nearly out of powder and found Williams in the same condi-
tion. In the afternoon of the day of their arrival, while de-
1: berating as to future movements, Isaac Callaghan, a scout
fient out to reconnoitre, returned to the house with a bullet
in his arm and reported the approach of a party of Califor-
nians. After consultation it was decided that, taking all
things into consideration, the Americans were more than equal
to the Californians and they decided, notwithstanding their
lack of ammunition to withstand a siege.
The Californians under Varela, Diego Sepulveda and
Ramon Carillo, with fifty men, made up the attacking party.
They were later reinforced with twenty men from San Ber-
nardino rancho under command of Jose del Carmen Lugo.
The Californians were also short of weapons and ammunition.
The Chino ranch house was an adobe building fashioned
in the usual California manner, surrounding a courtyard. The
roof was of asphaltum. There were few doors and windov/s.
hut the walls were plentifully supplied with loop-holes. The
entire building was surrounded with an adobe wall and a
ditch.
Early in the morning of the 27th of September, an attacK
v.-as made on the rancho. The Californians, on horseback,
made a fierce onslaught firing as they approached the house,
to which the Americans responded. The horses of the Call
fornians became frightened and in attempting to leap the
ditch threw several of their riders who received injuries, and
ore man, Carlos Ballestros, was killed. Three men inside the
lanch house were wounded. The att.acking party succeeded
in reaching a secure position under the shelter of the walls
and from there set fire to the roof of the building. The
96 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY .
Americans finding themselves trapped and in danger of a.
scorching concluded to surrender, and in order to make as
good terms as possible induced Col. Williams, whose brother-
in-law was one of the captains in command of the assailants,
to take his children and presenting himself outside, make an
appeal to Lugo. The Americans surrendered. The Califor-
nia us then set about extinguishing the flames and afterwards
l-icceeded to loot the building. Enraged at the death of
Fiallestros, who was a general favorite among them, the in-
J'jriated men insisted on putting the prisoners to death, but.
jnil'Jer counsel prevailed and they were taken to Los Angelas,
Then- the more prcminnit ai them were held by Flores until
January, 1847. It is related that these men were promised their
liberty on condition that they agreed not to bear arms or use
their influence in favor of the United States, but to their cred-
it they refu'^ed to secure freedom on such terms. Among those
captured at the battle of Chino were D. B. Wilson, Isaac Wil-
liams, David W. Alexander, John Rowland, Louis Robidoux,
Joseph Perdue, William Skene, Isaac Callaghan, Evan Calla-
ghan, Michael White, Matt Harbin, George Walters.
Colonel Williams returned to the Chino rancho where he
resided until his death, Sept. 13, 1856. He sleeps in the old
cemetery at Los Angeles. He left two daughters, Maria Mer-
ced, wife of John Rains, and Francesca, wife of Robert Car
lisle.
Don Tiburcio Tapia, of Cucamonga rancho was a man of
considerable importance in his day and time. His name ap-
pears frequently in the history of the city of Los Angeles.
He is credited with being a man of "good sense, good char-
acter and some wealth." It is a very desirable combination
though possibly a trifle rare.
Tiburcio Tapia was born at San Luis Obispo in 1789. He
served his country as a soldier and was a corporal at the
Presidio of Santa Barbara. He was a member of the Puris-
HISTORY OF SAN BERNAEDINO VALLEY. 97
Itna Guards in 1824, and a member of the diputaclou from
1827 to 1833. After Mexico had adopted the centralized form
of government the seat of Prefecture for the Southern Dis-
trict of California was established at Los Angeles, and Tibur-
cio Tapia was first Prefect, holding the office from 1839 to
1841. He received a grant of the Cucumonga rancho in 1839.
Stories of buried treasure become slightly wearisome in
the history of California. San Bernardino valley has its
share and Cucamunga is one of the hiding places of money.
It is reported that a small portion of this treasure was discov-
ered a few years ago, but the larger portion still remains
within the bosom of earth. Men have resorted to all sorts
of methods to unearth the old Don's treasure. Magic wands
and electrical "gold finders" have been brought into use; and
not content with the inventions of mere mortal men, the hab-
itants of the realms of space in the upper and nether worlds
have been called to assist in the search for treasure. But
still the treasure eludes the hand of the seeker, and the seek-
ers still hope to find the treasure.
As the story runs, Don Tapia was believed to possess fab-
ulous wealth. In those turbulent days when government was
on the move and continually shifting from one side to the
other, with undreamed of possibilities in the way of change,
a man's best and safest place for the deposit of money was
not far removed from his hand. Don Tapia shared the gen-
eral distrust. He had money and he wanted to keep it. At
first some adobes were removed from the walls of bis house
and the money hidden within a cavity prepared for it. Time
passed until in 1846 the Americans, under General Fremont,
were dangerously near, too close to be interesting. The old
Don was in deep distress and at a loss to know exactly what
to do with his money. Night after night he tossed restlessly
on his bed and his sleep, when it came, was disturbed by
98 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY.
frightful dreams in which he saw the invaders ferreting out
the hiding place of his treasure. At last he conceived the
idea of burying it in some spot far enough removed from the
house to be secure from suspicion. One night, taking with
him two Indian servants, he loaded the treasure in a cart and
set out for the place selected. The distance from the house
can only be surmised. The treasure was buried and as the
morning light dawned the Don and his servants returned to
the rancho. In some way the Don was able to work upon
the superstitious fears of the Indians sufficiently to insure
their silence, for, though Don Tapia passed away with the
secret untold, no amount of persuasion could induce the In-
dians to divulge the hiding place. They were afraid to do
so. It is said the old Don's restless spirit still guards the
treasure and for many years the house was pointed out as a
"haunted house," the place of strange sights and mysterious
sounds.
After the death of Don Tapia the property passed into the
possession of his daughter, the wife of Leon V. Prudhomme.
Michael White.known also as Miguel Blanco, was one of
the first English-speaking settlers of Los Angeles. He was
a native of England, born February 10, 1801. At the age of
fourteen he shipped on a whaler and came out to the Pacific
ocean. He came to California in 1817. He landed at Cape
St. Lucas, in Lower California, and for a number of years was
engaged as seaman on vessels along the Mexican coast. In
1828 he was Captain of his own vessel, the "Dolly," engaged
in the coasting trade between San Francisco, Monterey, Santa
Barbara, San Pedro, and San Diego. Some people are unkinc^
enough to intimate that his marine operations were in the
line of smuggling. If so, it was not considered much of a
crime in those days.
Miguel Blanco received a grant of the Cajon de Muscu-
t
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY. 99
piabe rancho in 1843. He obtained this grant on condition
that he reside on the land and endeavor to keep the Indian
raiders out of the valley. The grant originally consisted of
one league of land, but it must have been of an expanding
nature, for it "grew and it grew" until it covered some eleven
leagues and caused considerable trouble.
In 1831 Miguel Blanco married Maria del Rosario Guillen.
She was a daughter of Eulalia Perez, who was famous as be-
ing a woman of advanced years, "the oldest woman in the
world," supposed to be many years over one hundred years of
age at date of death.
Mr. White owned considerable property near San Gabriel
mission, where he resided during the latter years of his life,
but finally losing his property, removed to Los Angeles, where
he died February 28. 1855. He left a large family of children
and grandchildren.
100 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY .
CHAPTER XXL
THE NEW MEXICAN PIONEERS— LA PLACITA DE LOS
TRUJILLOS— AGUA MANS A.
Foreigners visited California prior to 1825, but the high-
way over which they journeyed was the Pacific Ocean, and
whether from norm, south, east or west it was always
the same. The mountains and desert appeared to put an
impassable inland barrier between California and the terri-
tory on the east, and the land beyond the Sierras was terra
incognita which the feet of white men had not trodden.
Jedediah S. Smith of the Rocky Mountain Fur Company
was the first white man to enter California overland. He
started from the Yellowstone River, August, 1826, with a par-
ty of fifteen men, intent on a hunting and exploring expedi-
tion. Their course was down the Colorado River to the Mo-
jave villages, where they found two wandering neophyte In-
dians, who guided them across the desert to San Gabriel
Mission. They were not welcome visitors, and though the
Californians furnished them with supplies, of which the Smith
party were sorely in need, they were not invited to remain.
Smith appears to have camped in the vicinity of San
Bernardino, for from this place he sent a letter to Padre
Sanchez, of San Gabriel, begging for relief as they were in
a destitute condition. As they were supposed to have left
the country this fact aroused suspicion in the minds of the
Californians and orders were issued for the detention of the
whole party, but before the orders could be carried out
Smifh had left San Bernardino and was moving northward.
In this party were a number of New Mexican hunters and
I
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY. 101
trappers and through these men reports of California were
carried into New Mexico.
In 1830 a trapping party was organized at Taos, under
William Wolfskill and Ewing Young, to come into California
and hunt the waters of the San Joaquin and Sacramento Val-
leys. The party failed to cross the mountains between Vir-
gin River and the rivers diverging into the Bay of San Fran-
cisco, and the men becoming discouraged, through their suff-
erings with the cold, the line of travel was changed and the
party went to Los Angeles, where they arrived February,
1831.
They had brought with them a quantity of "serapes" and
"frasadas" (woolen blankets) for the purpose of trading with
fhe Indians, planning to exchange them for beaver skins.
They disposed of these blankets to the California rancheros,
exchanging for mules, and with them returned to New Mex-
ico. The mules were fine, large animals, superior to those of
New Mexico, and when their destination was reached, caused
much favorable comment. From this began a trade between
the two sections of country which flourished for ten or
twelve years. Caravans crossed the desert yearly bringing
woolen goods from New Mexico and exchanging them fo^
mules, silks and Chinese goods obtained in California.
Los Angeles was the central point for this New Mexican
trade. It came by the way of the Green and Virgin River
routes, through the Cajon Pass to Los Angeles. From there
it distributed over the country from San Diego to San Jose
and across the bay to Sonoma and San Rafael. After dis-
posing of the goods brought, the traders made purchase of
what they wished to carry back and what mules they could
drive, and again concentrated at Los Angeles for their yearly
return.
Between 1831 and 1844 a number of native New Mexicans,
and some foreigners, came through with these trading parties
102 HISTORY OF SAN BERNAKDtNO VALLEY .
in search of homes in this country. It was at a time when
owners of the large rauchos were experiencing much trouble
from tne depredations of Indians and they were very glad to
make allotments of lands to colonists, asking only in return
Ihe help of settlers in protecting the stock on the rancnes
from the Indians.
In 1842 Don Lorenzo Trujillo brought the first colony of
settlers from New Mexico to this section of the country. The
Lugos made them a donation of land about one-half mile south
of the Indian village of La Politana. Among these colonists
were William Walker, Julian Rowland and Benito Wilson.
Walker and Rowland had married Mexican women; and later,
Wilson married a daughter of Don Bernardo Yorba. Wilson
was at one time half owner of the rancho belonging to M.
Louis Rubidoux, on which the city of Riverside is now located.
Walker and Rowland removed to Los Angeles and afterwards
owned La Puente rancho.
After remaining about two years on the Lugo donation,
Don Lorenzo, and four other families of colonists were in-
duced to remove to a donation of land made them by Don
Juan Bandini of the Jurupa ranclio. This donation consist-
ed of a large tract of land extending along the Santa Ana
river bottoms for a considerable distance and which was fer-
tile and well watered. Here they founded the early settle-
ment known as "La Placita de los Trujilios," — the Little
Town of the Trujilios. The original settlers of the Placita
were: Don Lorenzo Trujillo; Jose Antonio Martinez; Juan
Jararuillo; Hipolito Espinosa and Dona Feliciana Valdez de
JaiaTiillo. The Placita was located on the west corner of
I.onia district in San Bernardino county.
The Placita was built in a semi-circle around a small
plaza. As soon as the Houses were completed a church
was built in the center of the plaza. It was a rude structure
with neitHer doors .windows or benches. An altar was
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY. 103
erected and services conducted by Padre Francisco Sanchez,
a priest from San Gabriel. Don Lorenzo Trujillo was appoint-
ed, by Don Bandini, commissioner to distribute ttie lands.
Miguel Ochoa taught the children of La Placita for many
years, and has the honor of being the first school teacher in
San Bernardino county.
In 1843 a second party of colonists, commanded by Doa
Jose Tomas Salazar, arrived at La PoHtana. In 1845 these
colonists removed one mile northeast of La Placita and there
founded the village known as Agua Mansa. The name Agua
Mansa, meaning gentle water, was descriptive of the smooth-
ly flowing, limpid waters of the Santa Ana river, along the
banks of which the settlement was located. Among the
settlers of this second colony were Louis Rubidoux and Chris-
tobal Slover. Both had married Mexican women. Rubidoux
afterwards removed to the Jurupa rancho, and Slover lived in
the neighborhood of the mountain bearing his name, near
Colton, and there continued to reside until on a hunting trip,
he met his death from the claws of a bear. Slover Mountain
was originally known by the Indain name of Tahualtapa —
meaning Raven Hill ,and which in the early days was nesting
place for large flocks of ravens.
Ignacio Moya was appointed first Alcalde of Agua Mansa.
but he resigned and the people appointed Don Louis Rubi-
doux to succeed him. His jurisdiction was La Placita and
Agua Mansa.
The colonists were employed not only as vaqueros on the
ranches, but also acted in the capacity of soldiers. The
famous Ute Indian chief Cuaka- -best known as Walker — was
very active about this time and his repeated depredations on
the stock of the settlers were very annoying. It was Walker's
boast that the rancheros were only allowed to remain in the
valley as stock raisers for his especial benefit. Nearly every
full moon he came down from tlie mountains with his band
104 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY .
of Indians and these incursions generally resulted in loss to
the settlers. The Indians were in the habit of running the
stock into the canyons, and there departing from the trails,
drive them up over the mountain and down the other side of
the range into tne desert. When they had accumulated a
sufficient number of horses they were taken across the desert
and they found no difficulty in disposing of the animals at
Salt Lake City, which was their usual destination. The set-
tlers were armed with rifles and were expert in their use. In
protecting the Bandini stock they had many fierce battles
with the Indians. They usually fought on horseback, but
sometimes it was necessary to follow the Indians into the
mountains and there dismounting, continue the pusuit on foot
until the Indians were overtaken and the stock recovered;
but they were not always successful in recovering the stock.
One of their fights took place in the mountains southeast of
where the town of Highgrove is now situated. The Indians,
after capturing sixty head of horses, escaped through a path
between the mountains. In this battle Doroteo Trujillo was
shot in the back with an arrow; Esquipula Trujillo was shot
through the nose, and Teodoro Trujillo was shot in the right
foot. They succeeded in recapturing the stock.
The church of La Placita, being only a temporary affair,
did not long withstand the action of the elements, and the
people, recognizing the necessity of a more substantial build-
ing, were called together in a public meeting to take steps
for building a new church. It was a community affair and
the settlers of La Placita and Agua Mansa responded to the
call. They chose as commissioners, for the purpose of rais-
ing funds and selecting a site: Don Ignacio Palomares, Don
Ricardo Bejar and Ramon Ybarra. After going up and down
the river the commissioners decided to build the new church
at Agua Mansa. As money was not plentiful, all the settlers
HISTORY OF SAN BERNAKDI^'0 VALLEY. 105
turned out and assisted in the work of building. Some made
adobes, others prepared cement, and otiiers hauled timbers
and lumber from the mountains. Joaquin Moya owned twelve
or fourteen yoke of oxen and hauled most of the lumber from
Aliso's mill; Pablo Velarde, a mason ,laid the adobes; Mig-
uel Biistamente roofed the building. They began the building
in IScl and completed it in 1852. When finished ,the church
>vas de^liccted to San Salvador, but it became better known as
the "I ittle Church of Agua Mansa." Padre Amable was
f.rst to c^ficinte, and from t'rat date to tl"'e present an unbrok-
en record of the marriages, births, and deaths of the parish
has been preserved. These records are now in keeping of
the church at San Bernardino.
The year 1862 was a year to be remembered by the set-
tlers of San Bernardino valley. This was the year of the great
flood, which culminated on the night of January 22, and
wrought great destruction and desolation. It rained contin-
uously for fifteen days and nights. The gentle Santa Ana
river became a raging torrent, which rushing, swirling and
seething, swept everything from its path. The settlers awokp
ir al?rm. The inhabitants of La Placita rushed to the Cerro
de Harpero — the hill west of Loma district; those of Agua
Mansa took refuge in the little church which seemed to offer
a place of safety. The church and the house of Cornelius
Jensen, opposite the church, were the only buildings on high
ground and the only ones that escaped destruction in the
flood.
When the morning dawned it showed a scene of desola-
tion. The village of Agua Mansa was completely washed
away, and where flowers bloomed and trees had been planted,
a waste or muddy, turbulent water met the gaze. Nothing re-
mained of the little village but the church, which stood upon
higher ground, some distance from the river. The settlers
were left entirely destitute and some assistance was sent
106 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY .
them from Los Angeles to enable them to build their homes
upon higher ground far enough from the river to escape future
-:anger from its overflow. The settlement again flourished,
but never did the people trust the river which had twice
treacherously deceived them and wrought destruction to the
work of their hands.
A local poet, Don Antonio Prieto, wrote of this flood as:
El veinte y dos de Enero
Que desgracia tan atroz
Bajo una grande corriente,
Por la voluntad de dios.
The Little Church of Agua Mansa remained standing for
many years, but at last, yielding to the ruthless hand of time,
t too passed away. Barely a trace of it remains. The bell,
^ist in the sands of the hillside near Agua Mansa, was dedi-
cated to ' Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe" — Our Lady of Guada-
lupe— stood for a long time outside of the church of the Holy
Rosary at Colton, but was at last elevated to the little church
'lelfry, where, old, cracked, and badly defaced, it still calls
the people to worship.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY . 107
CHAPTER XXII.
MEXICAN PIONEERS— RELIGIOUS, SOCIAL AND DO-
MESTIC CUSTOMS.
The law of life is change. Impermanency marks the
pathway of progress. Inanition is stagnation and stagnation
is death. So it is found in the customs of a people. Every
new influence, however slight, leaves an impress and all tend
toward the fulfillment of the immutable law.
The social and domestic customs of the early Mexican
pioneers of California were those of Spain, and yet not en-
tirely Spanish. To conform with life in the newer world and
to meet new surroundings and conditions, innovations were
necessary, and these, becoming engrafted upon older cus-
toms, individualized themselves and became a part of Mexi-
can life, with usages distinctly foreign to those of the people
from which they sprang. These customs in turn were sup-
planted by others and have in their turn passed away, until,
becoming traditional, they remain only in the memory of
a few surviving Mexican pioneers ,of whose life they were
once a part. This chapter on the religious, social and do-
mestic customs of the early Mexican pioneers is compiled
from manuscript furnished by Mr. M. M. Alvarado, a de-
scendant of one of the early Mexican pioneer families, and
F. V. Archuleta, whose kindness and genuine courtesy is here-
by gratefully acknowledged.
There Is much error prevailing with regard to the num-
ber of Mexican families in California in the early days.
When compared to the Americans, and other foreigners
lOS HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY.
they, of course, outnumbered them, but not to the extent
generally imagined.
At the coming of the Americans into the country there
were in San Bernardino valley four Lugo families: Diego
Sepulveda in Yucaipa; the Bermudas family in La Canada
de San Timeteo, and some twenty-five families of new Mexi-
cans on the Santa Ana river, from near Slover mountain to
about three miles below. There were a few families at San
Jose (Pomona and Spadra), San Gabriel, La Mission Vieja,
Los Nietos, and quite a town at Los Angeles, Santa Barbara
and Monterey; the other hamlets consisted of from one to
three dozen families, and such communities did not reacn
twenty in number. Another fact, which will give some idea
of the Mexican population, is that at the outbreak of the war
between the United States and Mexico, the whole number of
men that could possibly be pressed into service did not reach
six hundred.
It was quite natural that the Mexican families should be
intimately acquainted with each other. They were almost
entirely dependent upon themselves and their intercourse
with one another extended from San Diego to Santa Ba.rbara
and from Santa Barbara to Vallejo. A family would decide
to make a visit to some relative, or to attend a fiesta, at one
of the mentioned places. When preparations for the journey
Vi^ere completed the inevitable carreta, drawn by oxen, was
made ready for the women. The men always traveled on
horseback. The carreta v/as a rude conveyance, but the only
kind of wheeled vehicle in the country. It was constructed
entirely of wood and consisted of two wooden wheels, a
wooden axle and a wooden rack. It was manufactured
mainly with an axe, an adze and coyundas (hide straps).
Travel in this conveyance was necessarily slow; but on the
other hand it had its advantages in the benefit derived from
the pure air and magnificent scenery spread out before the
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY . 109
travelers like a panorama. The virgin land blossomed with
a profusion of brilliant hued flowers and luxuriant grasses,
varied here and there with wood-bordered rivers, barren
mesas, and deep arroyas. Large herds of cattle grazed
amidst the vegetation and for diversion to relieve the monot-
ony of the journey the men of the party occasionally engag-
ed in a dart on a coleada of cows or steers. A coleada con-
sisted in running at full speed, grasping a cow by its tail
and throwing her head-over-heels. It was considered great
sport and the participants enjoyed it immensely. When ev-
ening came the party would stop at some house where they
were acquainted and remain for the night. They were al-
ways heartily welcomed and hospitably entertained. All ate
at the same table and slept beneath one roof. Sometimes,
when circumstances favored, the evening was made merry
•:\ith music, dancing and singing. Care and attention were
lavished on the guests in unstinted measure, and the whole
effort of the host was to make the visitors feel at home. To
offer to pay for accommodation of this kind was considered
by the host as an insult.
While intercourse between families, whether near neigh-
bors or not, was much the same all over the country, it was
the invariable custom to keep the young people of both sex-
es separate. In mixed company and at social and religious
gatherings the young ladies were seated by themselves, and
the young men were instructed that it was ungentlemanly
to approach the young ladies except when social right and
privilege warranted. Opinion will always differ as to the
wisdom of this custom of restriction, but by avoiding un-
necessary freedom it certainly avoided immorality. In those
days young people arrived at manhood and womanhood with
all the pure, unsullied innocence of childhood coupled with
the vigor of ripening maturity.
Notwithstanding the restrictions surrounding the young
110 HISTORY OF SAI^ BERNARDINO VALLEY.
men and women, love found its way much in the same man-
ner as it does today. A young man wishing to get married
would notify his parents of his choice, and if they were fav-
orable to the match they would give their consent. If they
considered his choice unsuitable they endeavored to dis-
suade him from the match. Similar proceedings were taken
in the case of a young girl and an unworthy suitor, and so
well were children trained to obedience that they submitted
to the decisiion of the parents and the affair ended. Excep-
tions to this course were of rare occurrence. In case no ob-
jection existed on either side, the parents of the young man
would write a courteous letter to the parents of the young
lady requesting the hand of their daughter in marriage for
their son. The father of the young man would then take this
letter personally to the father of the young lady. After
waiting eight days the father of the young lady would bring
a written reply. After this, as soon as consistent with good
manners, the whole family of the young man's father
would visit the family of the young lady, taking with them
the "donas" — gifts, consisting of jewelry and money, which
were given to the parents of the bride-elect. After a sump-
tuous repast all the details of the marriage would be arrang-
ed by the contracting parties. Relatives and friends from
far and near were invited to the wedding fiesta which was
given. On the day of the marriage a large crowd was on
hand, some of the people coming from a distance of fifty, one
hundred and more miles. The marriage would sometimes
take place at the church, sometimes at the house of the
bride or the groom. As soon as the ceremony was completed
the guests manifested their joy and congratulations by firing
guns and by music prepared for the occasion. The newly
married couple would next repair to their parents and, kneel-
ing, ask the parental blessings. The wedding fiesta lasted
from three to eight days and during that time the guests
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY . Ill
gave themselves up to pleasure and enjoyment. The fiesta
entertainment consisted in singing, music, dancing and oc-
casionally a horse race, bull fight or a toreada, and plenty to
eat all the time.
Three religious holidays were especially observed by the
early Mexican pioneers of this vicinity — Corpus Christi, San
Juan and Noche Buena.
Corpus Christi, according to the established rules of the
church, comes on Thursday, sometimes in the month of May
and sometimes in June. Several altars were erected, a short
distance from the church, and in commencing the religio'.;s
ceremony the priest, robed in vestments proper for this cele-
bration, would form a procession, which he headed .carrying a
reliquary, or the Blessed Sacrament, and assisted by two
boys with the incensory, and other articles used in the cere-
mony, and these were followed by a number of girls, dressed
in white. After them came the people of the church con-
gregation. The Reliquary or Blessed Sacrament was placed
on each altar in succession, prayers were said, accompanied
by singing and the procession ended at the church where a
high mass was said. This ceremony was simple but most
beautiful and full of meaning, as are all the ceremonies of the
Roman Catholic church.
San Juan day was celebrated on the 24th of June each
year. After high mass the day was devoted to sports of
some kind.
Noche Buena, or Christmas, was especially important.
Three masses, with appropriate ceremonies, were held during
the first twelve hours of the day; the first at 1 a. m.. another
at 6 a. m., and the last, a high mass, at 10 a. m.
The people were possessed of a deep religious feeling
and veneration for things holy. They had many religious ob-
servances aside from these mentioned. Each Friday during
Lent the people met, either at some house or at the church,
112 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY .
where the prayers of the Via Crucis (Way of tie Cross) were
recited. From Wednesday to Friday night of Holy Week spe-
cial religious services and ceremonies were observed.
The early Spanish and Mexican pioneers were a sociable
people and indulged in several characteristic sports. Pelia
de gallos, or cock fights, were very popular. Some person in
nearly every hamlet or rancho was possessor of fighting cocks.
When two roosters were to meet in combat the owners pre-
pared them, by special trainirg. The trainers were inen who
understood the business — which was in itself as much of a
science as horse racing, and required of the trainer knowl-
edge, tact and judgment. A person without experience could
not hope for success. Much care was taken, especially in
tying the deadly "navaja" (a blade) just above the spur of the
rooster. This blade was four or five inches long, pointed
and sharp as a razor. When everything was in readiness
those v/ho had the roosters in charge would take them in
their arms, pique them against each other, and finally place
them on the ground two or three feet apart. In the fight
which followed one of the roosters, perhaps slightly wounded,
might run away, while at other times both roosters would
be killed on the spot. It is needless to say that bets of more
or less value were staked as a result of such fights.
"Corrida de gallos" was another popular sport. On the
afternoon of San Juan's day a large crowd would assemble in
some place where the ground was level and suitable for run-
ning at full speed. One or more roosters would be furnished
by some person with the given name of Juan or Juana. The
fowl was buried alive leaving only the head above the ground.
Men riding at full speed on horseback, as they approached the
rooster would lower themselves by the side of the horse and
make an attempt to pull the rooster out of the ground by
grasping its head. This was not an easy task and required
skill and daring horsemanship, for the cock would dodge its
HISTORY OF SAN BERNAEDINO VALLEY. 113
head whenever any one tried to grasp it. Whoever succeed-
ed in pulling it out of the ground would start on a full run,
followed by all the others who had taken part in the coursing.
If overtaken by one or more of the party, he had to look out
for himself as the competitor would, either by force or strat-
egy, take the rooster away. In retaining possession of the
rooster and defending himself from attack the captor was con-
sidered justified in striking his opponents right and left with
the yet living rooster. The cock being taken away from the
first man ,the scene was repeated, until the fowl being dead,
was severed into pieces in the affray. Then another cock
would be furnished, and yet another, if they wanted it, until
wearied of the sport all were ready to quit. Sometimes a
purse was buried in the ground with the rooster and th&
money went to the man who pulled il out. If anyone showed
anger during the course of the sport he was considered dis-
graced. -It was understood that those taking part in the sport
should not give way to exhibition of temper.
A bull fight and a toreada or capateada were two different
sports. A bull fight was an encounter between a bull and
a bear. Don Jose del Carmen Lugo, when living at Old San
Tiornardino, had a plaza de toros (an amphitheatre for buH
fights' where they engaged in that kind of sport on the 15th
of August for some years. That amphitheatre was simply a
rlace walled in by large adobes with seats built on the top
of tVie wall. Bears were numerous, and when they were
wanted they were usually procured in the neighborhood wherfe
the li.sane Asylum now stands at Highland. The bear would
be lassoed by some daring horseman and brought to the place
of the fight a few days previous to the day of the event. As
ferocious 8 bull as could be found would be brought in the
same way. £nd when the hour of the fight arrived both beasts
were turned loose together in the amphitheatre. It did not
take long for a genuine and terrible fight to Begin in which
114 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY .
the bull was always killed, but the bear was also left in a de-
plorable condition, gored almost to death.
In the sport called "torear," or "toreada," no bull was
killed. A wild bull would be turned loose in the corral, or
plaza de toros, and a daring vaquero on a well-trained horse
would ride in and tantalize the bull, until, goaded to despera-
tion ,the bull would attack them. The men being expert, and
on well trained horses, would easily evade the horns of the
bull, and though horses were sometimes gored it was seldom
fatally. Torear was a sport indulged in, not only in inclosed
places, but anywhere.
Horse races were the most common and the most popu-
lar of all the Mexican sports. Large sums of money were
staked on these races and numbers of stock were bet, and men
frequently traveled hundreds of miles to see or to make a
race. A place in open, level country was chosen, and the
race track laid out and prepared in straight lines. When the
(lay for the race arrived, men, women and children came, all
attired in their finest clothing and riding their gayest horses
bedecked with silver mounted bridles and saddles. If the
race was one on which large sums of money had been staked
r early all the people in the neighborhood attended and it was
considered no disgrace to bet with friends or neighbors. Peo-
ple won or lost without permitting it to make any difference
in regard to their friendly and social relations. After the
races passed, r.ll things went on as smoothly as before. It
T'v'as the only Fport that brought on a shade of rivalry, but in
^hat, only so far as to stimulate a desire of raising or owning
the swiftest horse. Races in those days were not as detri-
mental to the morals of the people as they seem to be today.
The money staked was usually deposited with some disinter-
ested person who had made no bet on the result of the races.
If horses were slaked in the race they wouia be tied together
in couples. Other stock might have been bet in advance.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY . 115
but as stated, some disinterested person always acted as
stalieholder.
Tliere were two ways of starting the horses in a race. One
called Santiago parado and the other Santiago andando. By
the first method both horses would be standing side by side;
by the second method both horses would be on a waiK, or a
short trot, and at the word "Santiago" would have to go. i-
at the given word, one of the horses failed to start, no excuse
was accepted, the race was lost. Men who made a business
of caring for race horses were called "magnates" and indeeo
they were magnates in their line of work, for it took brains,
patience and a certain knowledge to take care of and prop-
erly train a race horse.
The rodeo, or round-up, was a regular and needed insti-
tution of the country. There were many wealthy men who
owned cattle by the thousands, others had a few hundred, and
still others only a few head. As there were no large pas-
tures fenced in the stock roamed at large all over the country
and the cattle of different owners became mixed. When
branding, marking and gelding time approached, after the
calving season, the rodeos would be in order. For example,
if one was decided upon near Slover mountain on a certain
day, all the rancheros and their vaqueros of the surrounding
country were notified of the fact by the Juez de Campo. On
that day, early in the morning, all the men, in small squads,
from all around the objective point, would drive the cattle to
the rodeo where it would all be centered by nine or ten o'cloc):
in the morning. If there were any cattle belonging to other
than the ovmer of the ranch where the rodeo was held, it was
separated from the balance and driven home by its owner
until ready to brand. If there were only a few head this
branding was occasionally done at the rodeo. Usually though,
the process of branding, marking, and gelding followed the ro-
116 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY.
deo. The stock was driven to the corral where a few expert
"lazadores" (men who throw the riata) would lasso the cows,
steers or calves by their feet, throw them down; another man
would come with the hot fierro (branding-iron) and apply it
to the left hip of the fallen animal, and after that would cut
off a small piece, in some particular shape, or split the ear, and
finally geld it. There were men so expert in this kind of
work that it was not uncommon for one man to do it all, with
no assistance but his horse. There was a great deal of
work attached to cattle raising through all its different stages,
but no intricacies, and most any common horseman or vaquero
could attend to all branches. Rodeos were held at all the
large ranches on different dates, and men attending always
found their missing cattle.
This was not a farming community, but the people raised
nearly everything they used to eat. It was necessary to raise
grain and other foood products. Corn, wheat, barley, pota-
toes, lentils, chic peas, sweet peas, a very large bean called
haba, vegetables and garden products for seasoning were cul-
tivated. Among the last mentioned the principal were the
traditional chile verde (green pepper) onions, garlic, tomatoes,
coriander, majoram and saffron. Wheat and barley were cut
with sickles and made into small sheaves. Beans and peas
were pulled out and bunched and taken to the "era." The
era was a place cleaned out and irrigated, and then sheep and
other stock driven over it to harden the surface, and which
was finally inclosed with a strong fence. The grain, peas
or beans once in the era, a large band of horses were driven
in and around until it was threshed. The time taken to
thresh would depend on the size of the pile of grain. After
threshing, when the wind began to blow, the men would take
their forks and toss the straw up into the air and the wind
would carry the straw away leaving the grain. This work
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY. 117
was continued until very little straw remained, when the
"pala" was used to finish up. The pala was a piece ol: board
a foot and a half long by a foot wide attached to a long handle.
The time used for threshing and cleaning in this way was sev-
eral days and a few weeks of it amounted to a great deal and
required the use of several eras. Com was piled up in the
ear and beaten with a heavy stick having the effect of shelling
most of it. This was slow work, but it was the only way it
could be done in those days.
Mission grapes were abundant; the making of wine vv'as
common and understood by many. The grapes were picked
and spread out in the sun about long enough to wither them.
After this they were placed in tinas and trod thoroughly by
foot. The tinas were made from hides cleansed and pre-
pared specially for the purpose, and hung and arranged be-
tween four posts so as to hold the grapes and juice without
spilling. To crush the grapes at times a "trapiche" was used.
The trapiche was a simple contrivance of a roller with a han-
dle and worked by hand. When fermentation began the juice
was strained, placed in barrels and left for a certain length
of time. It was examined now and then and cared for to pre-
vent turning into vinegar. At the end of a few months the
wine was ready to use, but the longer it was kept the better
it grew with age.
It has been said that the Mexicans did not know how to
cook. Such assertions were made by people who did not know
them and had never associated with them. While they do not
cook the so-called fancy dishes, their food, especially in days
past, was nourishing, wholesome and digestible. Indigestion,
dyspepsia and kindred ailments were unknown, while today
they are as subject to these diseases as are other people.
There were no stoves in the early days, but in their stead
fireplaces of mud and stones. They were built in a semi-
118 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY .
circular form, varying from a foot and a half to three feet
long ,and from one to two feet wide, and about one foot high,
with bars across the top to hold the pots. To bake bread
"hornos" (ovens) were built of bricks and mud. on the same
principle as bakers' ovens are built at present. Tortillas were
oaked on large pieces of iron called "comales."
Everyone is familiar with the making of tortillas, tamales
and enchilades, but there were other foods prepared which are
not so well known, namely, puchero, estofado, albondigas and
colache.
To make puchero select pieces of meat were placed to
boil until it made froth, when that was thrown out. Then
to the meat and broth were added green corn, string beans,
garlic, onions, cabbage, squash, carrots and a few of the spicy
weeds, and all boiled until the vegetables were well cooked.
To prepare estofado, some pieces of meat with lard were
placed on the fire, and after a short time dry grapes were add-
ed and left until well cooked. Then slices of bread, sugar and
some spice were added and again placed on the fire for a short
while. Albondigas were made from the sirloin of the beef.
The meat was well ground on a metafe, or otherwise; to it
were added onions, black pepper, coriander and yerba buena
(a species of mint). All these were made into a dough or
paste, and from this little balls were shaped and cooked in
boiling water. Colache was a common dish, wholesome and
easily cooked. Some lard was thoroughly heated, and in that
squash cut up fine, green corn, also cut up, some cheese and
meat, all being cooked together.
The dress of the men was very much the same as shown
in the pictured representations. California was a stock coun-
try, and as nearly all were engaged in the occupation of stock
raising they wore what was called "botas de haya." These
were large pieces of leather, some of common and some of
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY . 119
fancy workmanship, wrapped and secured around the legs be-
low the knee. They were worn by men when chasing cattle,
to protect their limbs from trees or chaparral.
The dress of the women was not vastly different from that
worn at present, except in the articles of apparel known as
euaguas or tunicos, rebosos and tapalos. It was a common
thing, before the coming of the Americans, for the women to
wear enaguas or tunicos (gowns) of pure silk, which, of
course, differed in color and pattern. The material from
which such garments were made was brought from Spain di-
rectly to Mexico; thence to New Mexico, California and other
places. Such garments were high priced and frequently
banded down as heirlooms from one generation to another.
Tl^e reboso was a long shawl of different colors with fringes at
the borders; some of pure silk and some mixed with other ma-
terial. The tapalo was also a shawl, but a square one with
fringes on its four sides and plenty of fancy embroidery all
o^ er it. These were of pure silk, very costly and only a few
women could afford them. The rebosos and tapalos were
gracefully used by women so as to cover the head and then
thrown over or around the shoulders and chest. A beautiful
woman wearing one of these fancy tapalos presented a most
charming and elegant picture.
The early Mexicans had so mucb respect for their word
that it was not lightly given and when once given it was sa-
credly kept. In business affairs of all kinds, in social inter-
course or particular doings a man's word once pledged was
held binding. Written documents were not considered neces-
sary. Sometimes writing was used, but not generally. If a
contract between two or more parties was entered into it was
done by verbal agreement, observed and adhered to strictly.
A person might make a deal, trade or purchase from another
about stock, land, money or any other matter, and their word
"was their document, binding and kept sacred until death.
120 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY .
These methods no doubt seem lax and unbusinesslike, viewed
in the light of today; and yet such was the native virtue of
these people that pecuniary loss was welcomed sooner than
soil or tarnish their honor. As an example it is worthy of
emulation and practice.
Unfortunately a change came, and that change, under
such circumstances, was ruinous to their welfare. Take for
example holders of land. There were large numbers of fami-
lies who could not present a better title to ownership than
possession and the word of another, perhaps dead, or bought
out. Such facts could not avail or help them against estab-
lished or newly enacted laws which clearly defined matters
regarding ownership or acquisition of land. It was not
strange then to see individuals or corporations take advan-
tage of such state of affairs in order to acquire either small or
large tracts of land, frequently lawfully, but many times un-
justly. These doiugs gave rise to endless litigation and de-
spoiled many Mexican families of their land all over the
State.
Much could be writter illustrative of their filial love and
courage. Children, whether grown or not, for the sake of
their love to their parent'^, would make any sacrifice, how-
ever great, if it would save them from a tear or sorrow.
Young men, on the point of leaving home for a short or pro-
longed absence, on their knees would ask for the parental
blessing; they would depart carrying engraved in their mem-
ory, always Bearing in their heart, the advice and undying
love of the dear ones left behind.
Two short anecdotes will be sufficient to illustrate their
courage. On one occasion, Don Antonio Maria Lugo and his
son Jose Maria, when on one of their rounds after cattle, las-
soed a bear. The old gentleman handed his son a machete
(a short sword) and told him to get down and kill the beast,
which the young man did without hesitation. Francisco Alva-
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY . 121
rado, son of the Mayor-domo at San Bernardino, Viejo, once
lassoed a half grown bear, tied him to a juniper tree from on©
end of the riata, then cut a stick of wood about a yard long
and approached the animal as though he would allow himself
to get hugged. The bear would rise on his hind legs and
reaching out with his fore feet would try to reach Alvarado.
Quick as lightening Alvarado would give him a blow on his
paws, when the brute would draw them back and howl.
Again the act would be repeated, until Alvarado, tired of the
fun, killed the bear with his knife, taking the skin home as a
trophy.
This is a brief description of a few of the religious, so-
cial and domestic customs of the early Mexican pioneers. In
honor, honesty and true manliness the men of that day will
stand comparison with the men of any nation; the women
were marvels of love, purity and devotion unsurpassed by
those of any nation or clime. The time was one of primitive
simplicity and social equality. The people as a whole were
happy and contented.
The passing years have wrought many changes to the
people and to the State. Most of the old pioneer settlers hav*
passed away. Their descendants are scattered, some of them
having fallen on evil days, are the victims of distressing pov-
erty; but many of them, in spite of the disadvantages unde>
which they labor, still maintain the traditional virtues of
their fathers.
Those now residing near the old La Placita, which they
founded, are: Antonio Atencio, bom in 1838; Esquipula Gar-
cia, born 1S18; Tomas Archuleta, bom 1834; Jose Antonio
Martinez, bom 1842; Mrs. Teodoro Trujillo (Miss Peregrine
Gonzalez), bora 1828; Mrs. Jose Antonio Martinez (Miss Flor-
entine Garcia), bom 1828; Mrs. Miguel Alvarado (Miss Ascen-
cion Martinez), who was born at La Politana a few months
before her parents removed to La Placita.
In the county remain three other Mexican pioneers who
122 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY .
should receive mention in these pages. Miguel Bermudaz of
San Timeteo canyon, who, despite his years, is active in mina
and body, is doubtless the oldest settler in the valley. Igna-
cio Reyes of Reche canyon, born at Los Angeles in 1816, is a
marvel of physical activity and considers it as little of a hard-
ship to mount his horse for a ride to Los Angeles as he did
in the years before steam had lessened the distance between
the Rancho San Bernardino, and ere the city bearing that
name had been founded. His wife was Francisco Lugo, a
granddaughter of Don Antonio Maria Lugo. Reyes had charge
of the vaqueros in the removal of cattle from the rancho after
its purchase by the Americans. They drove 11,000 head of
cattle from the valley at one time; then returned and drove a
herd of 500 bulls and a large number of horses to the San An-
tonio rancho of Don Antonio. He is a remarkable type of the
old-time Mexican, and sits on Eis horse with the grace and
vigor of the days when men and horses were inseparable com-
panions and fighting wild Indians or wild animals their daily
task.
Miguel Bustamente came to California in 1849 and settled
in Agua Mansa in 1852, taking a prominent part in the affairs
of the colony until, mindful of advancing years, he declined
furtlier honors. For thirteen years, from 1867, he served as
Justice of the Peace of San Salvador township. He was first
Postmaster of Agua Mansa and a school trustee and road su-
pervisor for many years. Though physically infirm his men-
tality is unimpaired and as keen and bright as in the days of
his active life.
These pioneers serve to link the past with the present;
they are still a part of the one and had their share in making
possible the other; for as tomorrow is dependent on today, so
today is dependent on yesterday. Each generation Kas its
part in the sum of the whole; each must bear its proportion
in the maldng of history; for nations, like individuals, are de-
pendent upon each other.
mSTOEY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY .
CHAPTER XXIIL
AMERICAN COLONIZATION— THE MORMON PIONEERS.
The presence of gold in California was known to the pa-
dres long years before the Americans came into the country.
It was on land belonging to the Mission San Fernando, in the
Sierras north of the mission, that gold was first discovered.
But it was on the 19th day of January, 1848, that the great dis-
covery was made. Two weeks later the treaty of Guada-
lupe Hidalgo, whereby a vast territory came into the posses-
sion of the United States, was signed. California, languid in
the golden sunshine, awoke from eons of dreaming. The
pastoral era was at an end.
Then it was the name of California echoed and re-echoed
to the outermost parts of the civilized world. Men, mad with
excitement, fevered with the wild thirst for quickly acquired
riches, rushed through the gateways of the mountains and
over the vast expanse of ocean to the new "el dorado," where
gold could be had for the picking up Never m the history
of the world had there been such an excitement. But the
Argonauts cared nothing for California. They saw not the
glory of her sunshine, the beauty of her mountains, the fertil-
ity of her valleys. It was for the golden treasure hidden in
the bosom of earth, and for that alone they came. To all
the rich possibilities of the marvelous land they were blind.
The story is old and worn threadbare in telling. The years
filled with excitement and terror, the bitterness of disappoint-
ment and the heart-aches have left their record, and the suc-
cesses also. In the history of the golden gamerings of the few
124 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY.
the woes of the many have been forgotten. It is material
success in life which appeals strongest to men. But time, al-
ways kind, has soothed the wounds and smoothed the rough-
ness the years w^rought, and "the days of gold, the days of
'49" are paged in the annals of romantic history of the Gol-
den State.
San Bernardino Valley was far removed from the scene
of early gold excitement. Now and then tales were brought
to the Mexican settlers herding their flocks in the valley; now
and then some of the young men would wander forth to find
how true the tale. But, as a rule, the Mexicans of the valley
were not disturbed by the stories. They pursued the even
tenor of existence, content with the life they lived, and hav-
ing contentment desired naught else — had caught else to gain.
The causes which led to the colonization of San Bernar-
dino Valley by Americans antedated the war with Mexico and
might even be said to have remote origin in the exodus of
the Mormons from Nauvoo.
The dominating minds, or mind, which governed the in-
terests of the Mormon people fully recognized the great pos-
sibilities of the whole Western Territory. Mormon mission-
aries were actively engaged in the work of proselyting, not
only throughout Europe, but in Asia, South America, Austra-
lia and the Islands of the Pacific. They were numbering
their converts by hundreds. Brigham Young's fondest hope
was to colonize the whole Pacific coast and to extend the do-
minion of the Mormon churcli even to the City of Mexico It
was another dream of empire with Its capitol at Salt Lake
City. California was especially desirable and important to
the carrying out of his plan, which anticipated the planting
of colonies of immigrants throughout the territory and these,
forming a chain of settlements, would provide resting places
for "saints" en route from the coast to Salt Lake City, the
Mecca of their faith. It was a brilliant conception, well wor-
HISTOKY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY . 125
thy the master-mind that conceived it, and but for the war
between the United States and Mexico might have developed
into more than an iridescent dream.
It was toward the close of the war between the United
States and Mexico that a regiment was recruited from among
the Mormons for service in the U. S. army. This regiment
was known as the Mormon Battalion. After their return
from Mexico they were quartered for some time in Southern
California and while here received final discharge from ser-
vice. They were law-abiding, God-fearing men and gained
the respect of the people of California. Indeed, the citizen r^
of San Diego found tiem so useful and desirable as neighbor?
that a general petition was circulated and signed by every
inhabitant of the town requesting them to make a permanent
settlement among them, and many of them remained in that
part of California.
Captain Jefferson Hunt v/as the first of the Mormons to
come into San Bernardino Valley and it was chiefly througl:
his efforts that the Mormons colonized here. He was a man
of more than average energy and ability and whose honesty
and integrity of character was unquestioned. He was instru-
mental in organizing the Mormon Battalion and was commis-
sioned Captain of Company "A." This company was sta-
tioned for seme time at Los Angeles, and while there Captain
Hunt became acquainted with many of the Spanish rancheros
and made it a point to familiarize himself with the whole sur-
rounding country. After the regiment mustered out of ser-
vice, Captain Hunt, with his two sons, went into theh north-
ern part of the State to the gold mines. He returned to Salt
Loke Cityy in the fall of the same year by the Humboldt route
which was then only a trail between Utah and California. In
the spring of 1850 he made a trip to California, coming
through by way of Southern Utah, the Mojave Desert and
Cajon Pass, the first white man to enter California by this
126 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY.
route, which was afterwards known as the Mormon Trail, or
southern route to California. He stopped in San Bernardino
Valley and purchased 300 nead of catCTe and 150 horses of the
Lugos, and packing the latter with provisions, which he pur-
chased of Rowland and Workman, he engaged 20 Indian va-
queros to take care of the stock and returned over the same
route to Utah.
In 1850 Captain Hunt engaged to pilot a party of emi-
grants, en route to Sutter's Fort, as far as San Bernardino
Valley. After they were well on their way some dissention
as to the advisability of the route chosen caused a division of
the party, the dissenting members taking an old Spanish trail
which they believed was a more direct route to their destin-
ation. This was the party of emigrants who met so tragic
a fate in Death Valley. Those under Captain Hunt reached
their destination with no mishap other than incident to over-
land travel of the time. Returning to Salt Lake City Captain
Hunt began agitating the question of the formation of a col-
ony of Mormons to locate in San Bernardino Valley. This
coincided with the plans of Brigham Young, who encouraged
the move and used his influence In furtherence of the plan.
In March, 1851, a large party of emigrants, consisting ol
about 500 persons, with cattle, horses, etc., left Salt Lake for
San Bernardino Valley. This train was under command of
Captain Hunt who was to take the lead and pilot them
through to their destination. As it was impossible for them
to travel as one company, on account of scarcity of forage and
water in crossing the desert, the train was divided into three
sections. The first section, under Captain Hunt, came into
San Bernardino Valley and encamped at Sycamore Grove, at
the mouth of Cajon Pass, on St. John's day, the 24th of June,
185L
Amasa Lyman and Charles C. Rich, two of the original
Twelve Apostles of Brigham Young, were with this party of
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY . 127
colonists. They at once opened negotiations with the Lugos
for the purchase of the Rancho de San Bernardino. During
the summer the transfer was effected and they took posses-
sion of the property. The purchase price was $7,500.00. The
colonists did not have the money to pay for the property and
Elders Lyman and Rich, with Captain Hunt as agent, went to
San Francisco, where they negotiated a loan for the amount.
The money was borrowed of Haywood and Morley and was
paid in three installments.
It is not within the province of this chapter to criticize or
discuss doctrinal points, tenets of faifh or the circumstances
which brought the Mormon church into conflict with the gov-
ernment of the United States. It is suflBcient to say that the
Mormons who first came to San Bernardino Valley were ideal
colonists. They were farmers, mechanics and artizans of the
various crafts. So far as material advantages went there
was perfect equality. There was no wealth and no poverty
among them. The system upon which the government of the
Mormon church was based was purely patriarchial and it was
carried out in the religious, domestic and social life of the
Morhon people. They were the extreme of conservatives, and
sufficient unto themselves did not desire or tolerate outside in-
fluence or interference. As a community they were honest,
industrious, law-abiding, peaceful citizens, and under their
thrifty management the beautiful valley blossomed into mar-
velous productiveness. The church laws were sufficient to
regulate all public matters until state laws were established.
All minor dissensions among themselve s were carried into
the church council and there submitted to arbitration. There
was no appeal to other tribunal. Their moral conduct was
beyond reproach. Idleness, drunkenness, gambling and vice
was unknown among them until a later day w?ien another
class of people came to mingle with them.
128 HISTOEY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY.
Such were the people who colonized San Bernardino Val-
ley. Let credit and honor be given where credit and honor
are due.
When the colonists came into the valley there was a
rancheria of about 500 Cohuilla Indians, under Chief Juan
Antonio, near the old mission. During the summer Indians
from Potrero came in and together they committed some dep-
redations and in a few instances drove the settlers on the out-
skirts into the camp. Anticipating further disturbance it
was decided to build a stockade fort. This fort was located
in the vicinity of the block between Third and Fourth streets
and C and D streets. Houses for the settlers were construc-
ted inside the palisades which furnished a good protection.
Most of the settlers moved into the fort, only a few families
remaining outside. Though the Indians quieted down with-
out any serious disturbance many of the colonists continued
to reside in the fort, which they occupied for about Tour years,
when it was demolished.
Bishop Tinney was the first to occupy the old mission.
The mission building was used as a tithing house. Charles
C. Rich occupied an adobe house on the site of the homestead
property of Joseph Brown, on E street. Captain Hunt was
President of the High Council of the Mormon Church of San
Bernardino.
In r855 San Bernardino Valley was a part of Los Ange-
les county. Captain Hunt was one of the two representatives
of the county in the State Legislature. In 1853 he presented
a petition to that body asking the segregation of a portion o*
the county, the part set aside to be known as San Bernardino
county. An Act was passed and approved April 26, 1853 au-
thorizing the segregation and providing for an election to lo-
cate a county seat. Isaac Williams, David Seeley, H. G.
Sherwood and .Tohn Brown were appointed commissioners to
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY. 129
designate election precincts and to appoint inspectors of elec-
tion. At this election the town of San Bernardino was cho-
sen county seat of the new county. In the first years of the
settlement the town was commonly known as "The Camp'
and to the Mexicans as "El Campo de los Mormones." Old
San Bernardino was called San Bernardino, or Cottonwood
Row, taking the name from the rows of cottonwood trees bor-
dering the mission zanja.
During the first two or three years the land was used as a
whole by the community. Each settler was allotted the am-
ount of land he wished to cultivate, and planted whatever he
desired. After the county was established and the town plat-
ted the land was surveyed, subdivided into tracts and sold to
individual purchasers.
The town plat of San Bernardino was filed for record at
the request of Amasa Lyman and Charles C. Rich, on July 20
1854, R. R. Hopkins, Recorder. The streets were laid oui
due north and south, east and west, and numbered as they
stand at present, but the lettering of the streets is of more
recent date. On the original plat A street was Kirtland
street, B street Camel street, C street Grafton street, D street
Salt Lake street, E street Utah street, F street California
street, G street Nauvoo street, H street Independence street,
I street Far West street.
The town was controlled by the Mormons until 1857 when
Brigham Young, desiring to centralize the church interests
in Utah, Issued the recall to Zion. Many obeyed the mandate
and sacrificed their property to do so; others elected to abide
in the land they had colonized.
Thus was founded the Imperial county of the United
States. Its history since that dale has been varied. Though
far removed from the scene of civil strife the citizens, keenly
alive to all the Issues at staTve, were agitated with the momen-
tous question of loyalty or secession until Internecine war
130 HISTORY OF SAN BERNAKDINO VALLEY.
threatened to develop. The city of San Bernardino has Known
its reign of terror and lawlessness incident to frontier towns
of the far west; but the better element prevailed and from
disorder came peace and prosperity. It has had its periods of
depression and its periods of prosperity; but always looking
to the future it has ever kept abreast with the chariot of pro-
gress.
What the future may have in store for the beautiful val-
ley no man may know, for no man can know the scheme of
human destiny. Sublimely grand and ever watchful towei
the mountain peaks of San Bernardino, San Gorgonio and San
Jacinto, "Sentinels of the Valley," where grim and silent as
now they saw it emerge from the primeval ocean; saw it lie
for centuries desolate and barren of life saw It gradually em-
erge from its desolation until, reveling in a wilderness of ver-
dure, it laughed up to the cloudless sEies as thougn Intoxica-
ted with the exuberance of living. Civilized man followed
savage man and harnessed Nature to the plough of his needs.
From the tangled wilderness of untamed beauty he developed
an earthly paradise, for here Nature and Art comDIned touch
perfection. And the work of man in the valley is within the
memory of men still living. They have cultivated the land
until it teems with blossom and fruitage; the> riave dotted the
valley with thriving cities and villages. The mountains, pa-
tient and silent can afford to wait for they know the possi-
bilities of Time; but man, ever conscious of the briefness of
his day, grows impatient, and looks toward the ever elusive
Future for the fruition of his happiness.
But here Contentment should reign, for they who dwell
within the shadow of her mountains, beneath the sunlight of
her skies can say in truth, there is no fairer spot on earth
than San Bemardlino Valley.
"Finis coronat opus"
"Los Bons tails no se los manjan los dropus."
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