Full text of "History of Solano County...and histories of its cities, towns...etc. .."

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HISTORY

SOLANO COUNTY

COMPRISING

ACCOUNT OF ITS GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION; THE ORIGIN OF ITS NAME;
TOPOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY AND SPRINGS; ITS ORGANIZATION; TOWN-
SHIP SYSTEM; EARLY SETTLEMENT, WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF
SCENES AS VIEWED BY THE PIONEERS, THE FIRST AMERI-
CAN ARGONAUTS OF CALIFORNIA; THE HEAR FLAG;
THE DISCOVERY OF GOLD ; THE PROGRESS OF
POPULATION AND AGRICULTURE; THE MENU
CAN GRANTS ; THE PRINCIPAL MURDERS ;
INCIDENTS OF SETTLEMENT, ELEC-
TIONS, AND TABLE OF COUNTY
OFFICERS, AND HISTORIES

OF ITS

CITIES, TOWNS, VILLAGES, CHURCHES, SCHOOLS,

SECRET SOCIETIES, ETC.

AS, ALSO,

A FULL AND PARTICULAR

BIOGRAPHY OF ITS EARLY SETTLERS

AND PRINCIPAL INHABITANTS.

ILLUSTRATED.

SAN FRANCISCO, CAL. :
WOOD, ALLEY & CO., EAST OAKLAND.

I«7 9 .

> . • « * .

THE NEW Y<

PUBLIC LLBR.

309719

ASTOR, LENOX t
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.

R if. L

; ,*:."*• - Sk-N ^Pkancisco :

H. S. CROCKER & CO.
Stationers, Printers and Lithographers.

PREFACE

In presenting the following pages to our subscribers we will draw
their attention to the fact that reliability of data has been our aim,
rather than the elegance of diction and the verbiage of language.

It has in many instances been a matter of extreme difficulty, the
compiling the facts we have here put together. Want of precision
in the dates of the earlier occurrences in Solana county have been
found a great stumbling block, while a sequence of events has been
difficult to gain. Our task has been no easy one. What is there
more depressing than to be told in one's researches, " Oh, there is
nothing to write about here ;" or, " I have nothing to tell in my
biography," forgetting that no more interesting records exist than
those of the doings of the Argonauts of California, a record which
each and all should feel proud in perpetuating in some form that
will bear the brunt of time, and hand down their names and their
doings, even unto the third and fourth generation ; hence, our
Biographical Sketches will be found not the least interesting
portion of our work.

Doctor Levi Cornell Frisbie, of Vallejo, himself a pioneer of no
ordinary experience, has spontaneously penned us the following
letter, which we reproduce, not so much as a testimonial, but as a
proof of how our labors are appreciated by men of profession and
judgment.

Vallejo, May 23d, 1879.
Messrs. Wood, Alley & Co. :

Dear Sirs. — Your enterprise in collecting, preserving

and presenting in an enduring form facts and incidents connected

with the early history of Solano county, is one that pre-eminently

commends itself to the favor and support of all our people. Like

all Californians, and especially Solanoites, we are very proud of
our county, and believe we have the best climate, the most pic-
turesque scenery, and most fertile soil within the borders
of the State. So important was deemed this locality that
under the old Mexican regime was located here, the National Rancho
" Suscol," as being the finest grazing and best watered tract within
the whole Province, while adjoining this magnificent domain was the
extensive and fertile valley of Suisun, granted by the Mexican
Government to the great Chief, Solano, for the use and benefit of
his tribe, who were acknowledged to be by far the bravest and most
intelligent of all the California Indians, and proved ever to be the
staunch friend of the existing government, being often called upon
by General Vallejo to protect the property of the National Rancho
and the inhabitants of the adjoining Mission and town of
Sonoma, repelling by force immensely superior numbers of the wild
and savage tribes that inhabited the north as far up as the bound-
aries of Oregon.

Here, too, in early days, after the change of government, at the
city of Benicia was located the headquarters of the Pacific division
of our army, under command of General Persifer P. Smith ; and at
a little later day, at the city of Vallejo, the United States Navy
Yard, destined, when completed according to the projected plans, to
be the finest naval station in the world. On the western borders
of our county we have the beautiful land-locked harbors of Vallejo
and Benicia, large enough to accommodate the shipping of the
world, while along our eastern border runs the Sacramento river
and its numerous tributaries, furnishing admirable shipping facilities
for all the products of the county. The California Pacific Rail-
road, a branch of the " Great Central," traverses the entire length
of the county, and passes through all the considerable towns-
There is known to exist large bodies of cinnabar, coal, iron,
marble and building stone of superior quality. Medicinal springs,
thermal, chalybeate, and alterative are numerous throughout the

Vll

county, which have already become the resort of the invalid and
pleasure-seeker from every part of the State. We cultivate suc-
cessfully all the fruits and products of both temperate ■ and semi-
tropical zones, and, " sitting thus under our own vine and fig-tree '
are, as we ought to be, par excellence a happy and contented people.

Very respectfully yours,

L. Cornell Frisbie.

Of a necessity, where we were not afforded the requisite informa-
tion, it has been impossible to produce histories, notably in the
instances of those schools and churches under the rule of the
Catholic body, and the large flour mill of Messrs. A. D. Starr &
Co., the railroad corporations, and Wells, Fargo & Co's Express —
their omission has been no fault of ours.

In conclusion, we would tender our best thanks to those ladies
and gentlemen of Solano county who aided us ; more especially do
we offer our acknowledgements to Mrs. Thomas Brownlee and herrel-
atives, who were the first to give us a regular start in our
undertaking, while to the whole of the county officers, without
exception, and to Messrs. Wendell & Richardson, of the Vallejo
Chronicle, George Roe, of Ijhe Solano Times, C. F. Montgomery, of
the Solano Republican, Alfred B. Nye, of the Dixon Tribune, and
E. A. McDonell, .of the New Era of Benicia, for their kind assist-
ance, while such names as those of Messrs. Fitch, County
Surveyor, A. Dunn, County Clerk, G. A. Gillespie, Deputy County
Clerk. S. C. Gray, of San Francisco, L. L. Palmer, of Suisun, and
A. J. Dobbins, of Fairfield, should not be forgotten, nor indeed
should those of our own staff, Messrs. W. A. Slocum, W. N. Bowen,
and L. L. Bowen, to whom we are indebted for much valuable time

and information.

WOOD, ALLEY & CO.
East Oakland, July 1, 1879.

J. P. MuNRO FRASER, Historian.

INDEX

HISTORICAL.

Page.

History of Solano County 17

Geographical Situation and Area. 1 7

Topography 20

Geology 23

Springs, Soil and Valleys 24

Its Streams 25

Organization 26

Origin of the Township System
in the U. S. and its Extension

to California 26

Montezuma. 30-40-44

Suisun 39-42

Green Valley 31-39-41

Vacaville 31-42

Benicia 32-41

Vallejo 32-41

Tremont 34_40_43

County Seat Convention 34

Maine Prairie 39-43

Silveyville 42

Rio Vista 43

Denverton 44

Elmira 44

The Settlement 49

The American Pioneers of Cali-
fornia 53

Agricultural Lands 74

Grazing Lands 76

Swamps and Overflowed Lands. . 76

Mineral Lands 77

Timber 77

Live Stock 77

Improvements 78

Assessed Value of Property for

1876 80

Good Templars' Home for Or-
phans 81

White Sulphur Springs 88

Tolenas Springs 91

Marble Quarry 93

POLITICAL HISTORY.

Early Political History 103

Table showing the State, County,
and Township Officers from the
year 1850 to 1879, inclusive. . 121

MEXICAN GRANTS.

Page.

Suscol 130

Suisun 131

Tolenas 133

Los Putos 136

Rio Los Putos 136

Ulpinos 267 §

MURDER AND OTHER TRIALS.

The People vs. Edward Crocker. 137
The People vs. William Kemp .,. 138
The People vs. Beverley G. Wells 138
The Killing of Jonathan Cook by

George K. Mann 140

The People vs. Robert B. McMil-
lan 141

The People vs. Philander Arnold 141
The People vs. Joseph Zaesck. . . 142
The People vs. Merrill James. . . 142
The People vs. D. H. Fitzpatrick 143
The People vs. Frank Grady. ... 143
The People vs. William West-

phal 143

The People vs. D. G. Gordon. . . 144
The People vs. James Campbell

and Annie ' Robinson 144

The People vs. Pancho Valencia

and Guadalupe Valencia 144

The People vs. James Mall on. . . 145
The People vs. James Lawther. . 145

TOWNSHIP HISTORIES.

Benicia 146

Young Ladies' Seminary 171

College of St. Augustine 1 75

Benicia Lodge,No. 5,F. and A. M. 177

Benicia Chapter, No. 7, R. A. M. 1 78

Solano Lodge, No. 22, 1. O. O. F. 178

Pioneer Tannery 179

Benicia Tannery 180

Brown's Tannery 181

Pacific Cement Company 181

Benicia Brewery 182

Solano Hotel 182

Historical. — continued.

Page.

Vallejo 184

Methodist Episcopal Church 203

First Presbyterian Church 205

Church of the Ascension 206

First Baptist Church . 209

Advent Christian Church 211

Naval Chapter, No. 35, R, A. M. 212

Naval Lodge, No. 87,F. and A. M. 212
Solano Lodge, No. 229, F. and

AM 213

Golden State Lodge, I. O. 0. F. 213

Washington Lodge, No. 7, K. of P. 214
Sanioset Tribe, No. 22, I. O. of

KM 214

Farragut Post, No. 12, G. A. P. 215
Vallejo Lodge, No. 75, A. O. U.

W 216

Society of California Pioneers ... 216

Masonic Hall Association 217

Masonic and Odd Fellows Ceme-
tery 219

St. Vincent's Benevolent Society. 220-

Post Office 221

Homestead Association 221

Land and Improvement Co 222

City Water Co 223

Gas Light Co 224

• Bank of Vallejo 225

Savings and Commercial Bank. . 225

Pioneer Brewery 225

Empire Soda Works 226

Foundry and Machine Works. . . 226

Sash Factory 226

Solano Brewery 227

Pioneer Marble Works 227

Farragut Hall 227

Alert Boat Club 228

Bernard House 229

Howard House 230

Vallejo Chronicle 230

Solano Times 230

Vallejo Elevator 231

Carquinez Cemetery 235

Military Organizations 235

Fire Department 235

San Pablo Engine Co. No. 1 236

Vallejo Schools 236

Mare Island 247

Rio Vista 265

Geology, etc 266

Early Settlement 267

Rio Vista 272

Page

Rio Vista Lodge, No. 208, F.

and A. M 275

Rio Vista Lodge, No. 180, I. O.

O. F 275

River View Encampment, No. 6.

C. of R. C 275

Rio Vista H. & L. Co 276

Congregational Church 276

M. E. Church 277

Catholic Church 277

St. Gertrude's Academy 277

Public Schools 277

Newspapers 278

Business Directory 278

SlLVEYVILLE 280

Dixon 281

Silveyville Lodge, No. 201, F.

and A. M 282

Dixon Chapter No. 28, R. A. M. 282
Hyacinthe Rebecca Lodge, No.

26 282

Montezuma Lodge, No. 172, I. O.

O. F 282

Othello Lodge, No. 31, K- of P. 283

Dixon Lodge, I. O. G. T 283

Dixon Lodge, No. 50, A.O.U.W. 283

Bank of Dixon 283

Fire Company 283

Qatholic Church 284

M. E. Church South 284

M. E. Church , 284

Dixon Baptist Church 286

Dixon Tribune 287

Suisun 288

Suisun City 290

Fairfield 290

Court House and Jail 291

M. E. Church, Fairfield 294

Grace Church 294

St. Alphonsis Church, Suisun.. 295

Congregational Church, Suisun. 295

Suisun Lodge, No. 55, F & AM. 296

Suisun Lodge, No. 78, I. O. O. F. 297

Suisun Lodge, No. 49, A.O.U.W. 297

Bank of Suisun 298

Fire Department 298

Water Company 299

Suisun City Mills 299

Suisun Glee Club 301

Newspapers 301

County Hospital 302

Historical. — continued.

Page.

Denverton 303

Schools, Churches, etc 304

Denverton Lodge, I. O. G. T. . . 305

Maine Prairie 306

Lodge of Good Templars 308

Binghamton M. E. Church 309

M. E. Church 309

Cumberland Presbyterian Church 309

Montezuma 311

Collinsville 312

Schools and Churches 313

Vacaville 314

Vacaville 317

Vaca Valley and Clear Lake R.

R. Co../ 318

Page.

Baptist Church 318

Seventh-Day Advent 319

Christian Church " 319

Davis Hotel 319

California College 319

Green Valley 322

Cordelia 323

Bridgeport -. . . 323

Rockville 324

Elmira' 325

Elmira 325

I. O. O. E. of Elmira 326

A. O. U. W 326

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

VALLEJO.

Alvord, Luke

Anderson, M. D., Walter Duncan.

Aspenall, William

Ay 1 ward, Thomas

Bergwell, Gustaf

Bingham, George

Brooks, William S

Brown, Calvin

Brown, Samuel

Brownlie, Alexander J

Brownlie, James

Brownlie, John

Brownlee, Robert

Brownlee, Thomas

Butler, O. H

Callender, John

Carman, A. S

Colhoun, Edmund R., U. S. N. .

Condon, James

Connolly, Henry

Dare, John T

Deininger, F

Derwin, Michael S

Doyle, James

Drake, Simon S

Edwards, William P

Egery, B. D

Farnham, John

Forstenfeld, M

Frisbie, Eleazer

Frisbie, Gen. John B

Frisbie, Levi C

Frost, James, M. D

329

331

332

334

335

336

338

341

342

343

344

345

346

347

348

349

351

352

Gookin, Thomas P 352

Gorham, Abraham 352

Hanks, J. G 353

Harrier, Daniel W 353

Harvey, Hon. Joel A 354

Hilborn, Hon. S. G 355

Hobbs, Isaac 355

Hubbard, John E 357

Hubbs, Hon. Paul K 357

Hubbs, Charles H 364

Hunter James 365

Jefferis, P. E 366

Jones, Rev. Edward J 366

Kennedy, John E 367

Kitto, Samuel 367

Klink, Rev. K B 368

Kloppenburg, D. W 368

Lamont, James A 369

Mallett, George F., U. S. N 370

Much, George W., U. S. N 370

MacDonald, Rev. David F 371

McCudden, James 371

McDermott, Robert 372

McDonald, T. P 372

McDonald, William 372

McGettigen, Edward 373

Mclnnis, J. A 373

McKnight, Andrew 374

McKnight, A. J 375

McLeod, John C 375

McPike, A. J 376

Murphy, Charles 377

North, John 378

Xll

Biographical. — continued.

Page.

O'Brien, Thomas . 378

O'Grady, Frank 378

Pearson, Gustavus C 379

Powell, A 383

Richardson, H. D. 385

Robinson, A. T 386

Roe, George 387

Roney, .James 387

Saunders, James 388

Sheehy, Robert 389

Shirland, Frank , 389

Simonton, George W 391

Smith, James G 392

Steffen, J 392

Taylor, W. E., M. D . 393

Page.

Thompson, J. D 393

Thompson, H. M 394

Thornton, T. A 394

Tobin, J. F. . . 394

Vanderbilt, W. W 394

Walker, W 395

Ward, James 395

Weniger, Charles 396

Wentworth, John 396

Wilson, E. J 397

Wilson, John 397

Wilson, Joseph 397

Williston, J. E 398

Young, A. J . . 398

SUISTTN.

Alden, E. B ■ 399

Barbour, Nathan 399

Bateman, J. K 399

Bafceman, John M. K 400

Bauman, J. H 400

Chrisler, P. J , 400

Clayton, David J 401

Coghlan, O. R 401

Crocker, Asa 402

Davisson, Obediah 402

Davisson, W. G : 402

Downing, M. D., W. G 403

Dunn, Alexander 403

Edwards, James G 403

Fitch, William Wayne 404

Gillespie, Edgar Ferguson 404

Gillespie, George A 405

Goodwin, B. H 408

Gregory, John M 409

Green, George. 409

Haile, Hon.^R. C 4-10

Hale, David 411

Hammond, E. A 411

Hooper, Thomas P 412

Hoyt,W. K 412

Hubbard, Henry 412

Jones, John M 413

Kennedy, W. T 414

Kerns, J. W 414

Kinloch, John G 414

Lamont, George A 414

Le Gro, Richard P 415

Leithead, William 415

Lemon, John B 415

Manka, Christley 416

Marshall, Charles Knox 416

Maxwell, J. C 417

Miller, Allen C 417

Miller, John 4L7

Miles, James L 418

Murray, Alexander 419

McCreary, D 419

McDonald, D. C . 419

Palmer, L. L 419

Palmer, S. G 420

Pangburn, G. H 420

Pearce, John W 421

Perkins, E. D 421

Quick, W 421

Rice, Harvey 422

Richardson, J. B 422

Bobbins, R D 422

Robinson, W. H 423

Rush, B. F 423

Spence, M. D., A. P 424

Staples, Earnest H 424

Staples, F. O . 424

Stockman, D. E. (deceased) 425

Stockman, D. M 425

Swan, Hon. T. M 425

Turner, W. H 426

Taylor, W. H 427

Vance, M. D, James M 427

Vest, John ■. . . 427

Waterman, Robert H 428

Wells, James T 428

Wendell, J. F 428

Wing, Joseph (deceased) 428

Wing, Joseph Jr 429

Wolf, William 429

Wolfskill, Mathias 429

Woods, John 430

Berry, George M 430

Xlll

Biographical. — continued.
GREEN VALLEY.

Page.

Baldwin, J. M 431

Bihler, Henry 431

Hatch, A. T 431.

Humphreys, James H 432

Jewell, W. T 433

Paqk.

Jones, F. S 433

Pittman, C. J 433

Pierce, Lewis 434

Schultz, C. & Co 434

Wilson, Curtis 435

BENICIA.

Bennett, William F 436

Brown, John R ." 436

Burns, James 436

Chisholm, A 436

Clyne, James 437

Cummings, Francis 437

Dalton, Alfred 437

Demming, Captain John 438

Dillon, Patrick W 438

Durner, George Adam 439

Enos, Joseph 441

Fischer, Joseph 441

Gray, Samuel C 441

Hanbrick, Peter 441

Hastings, D. N 442

Hoyt, Joseph 443

Kinstrey, Thomas T 443

Kuhland, William 443

McKay, Thomas 444

McNally, Bernard 444

Mizner, L. B 444

Nichols, J. B 445

Nichols, William H 446

Opperman, Julius 446

O'Donnell, John 446

Peiin, Aaron 447

Preston, William E 447

Quigg, Charles 447

Raum, E. C 447

Riddell, George H 448

Rose, Elisha L 448

Rueger, John 448

Ryerson, A. P 449

Sage, Timothy 449

Spalding, Charles 450

Von Pfister, E. H 450

Walsh, Captain John 452

Westaby, Richard 453

VACAVILLE.

Ammons, Henry B 454

Baker, Geo. H 454

Bassford, H. A 454

Bassford, J. M 455

Brinck, H. W. . . , 455

Buck L. W 455

Campbell, Robt. G 455

Connelly, James 456

Cummons, John Harbert 456

Davis, W. B 457

Davis, I. F 457

Day, M. D., Edward W 457

Downey, D. M 458

Dutton, David D 458

Esquivel, A. M 459

Eversole, H 459

Elliott, J. M 459

Getchins, W. W 460

Johnson, W 460

Kidd, W. B. R 461

Korns, Levi 461

Long, S. W 461

Marshall, R C 462

Morton, Henry 462

Pena, Demetrio 462

Pleasants, W. J 462

Rogers, J. R 463

Scarlett, J. E 463

Seaman, H 463

Smith, W. W 464

Stahl, J 464

Thissell, G. W 464

Troutman, G. W 465

Wooderson, G. F 465

Elliot, G. T.

MAINE PRAIRIE.
466 | Tuck, J .

467

XIV

Biographical. — continued.
RIO VISTA.

Page.

Beguhl, H 468

Brown, D. B 468

Bruning, J 469

Butler, N. C 469

Carter, R. C 470

Currie, A 470

Dozier, W. G 470

Enrigh, T. P 471

Ferguson, Wni 471

Fiscus, J. B 472

Gardiner, J. H 472

Page

Gurnee, J 473

Johnson Capt. J 474

Menzies, T 474

Pietrzycki, M. D., Marcel 475

Pond, D. A 475

Sickal, M. T 475

Sidwell, J. M 476

Smyth, Hon. Michael 477

Squires, W. K 477

Stoll, C. M 478

ELMIRA.

Barrett, J. H 479

March, R. B 479

Melbourn, T 479

McMurtry, J 480

Wells, J. C 480

Wight, F. M 481

DENVERTON

Arnold, O. D 482

Barkway, R H 482

Buckley, T 482

Fotheringham, J 483

MONTEZUMA

Kerby, C 483

Nurse, S. K 484

Prevost, L 4*5

Arnold, J. W 486

Bird, J 486

Bond, J. C 486

Donell, W 487

Hooper, T. T 487

Hosking, W 488

Meins, R 488

Page, W 48*

Upham, E. J 488

Winter, H. E 489

TREMONT.

Asee, C. C.

490

Cloutman, J. F 490

Foster, Geo. W 491

Guthrie, B. J 491

Hyde, S. F 492

Hyland, W 492

Snead, S. M 493

SILYEYVILLE.

Brown, C. P 494

Coleman, N. B. S 494

Cotten, J. W 495

Currey, R. J 495

Dashiell, W. A 495

Dickson, T 496

Dinsmore, Rev. J. M 496

Dudley, J. M 496

Ellis, J. A 49"/

Frahm, G 497

Hall, R 498

Mack, D 498

Mayes, J. S 499

Merryfield, J. C 499

McKinley, G. C 499

McPherson, A 500

Nye, A. B 500

Reddick, H 500

Rohwer, H 501

Silvey, E. S 501

Simmons, Jr., Rev. J. C 501

Smythe, P \ 502

Timm, P 502

Udel, Dr. O. C 503

Weihe, E 503

LITHOGRAPHIC PORTRAITS.

Paoe.

Brownlee, Robert 96

Brownlie, John 208

Dudley, J. M 240

Dutton, D. D 80

Frisbie, Gen'l John B 48

Frisbie, M. D., L. C 160

Gillespie, George A 192

Hastings, D. N 272

Hilborn, S. G 64

Hobbs, Isaac 304

Page.

Hunter, James. . .' 416

McKinley, George C 176

McPike, A. J : 288

Mizner, L. B 144

Nurse, S. K 352

Palmer, L. L 336

Pearson, G. C 256

Powell, A 224

Sheehy, Robert 320

Vallejo, M. G 32

HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION AND AREA— DERIVATION OF NAME
OF COUNTY — ITS TOPOGRAPHY — GEOLOGY— SOIL,
SPRINGS— MINES— QUARRIES— VALLE YS,
WATER-COURSES, Etc., Etc.

Solano County has a position about midway between the northern and
southern extremities of the State of California, lying between thirty-eight
degrees, and thirty-eight degrees and thirty minutes north latitude, and
between one hundred and twenty-one degrees thirty minutes, and one hun-
dred and twenty -two degrees thirty minutes longitude west from Green-
wich. It is bounded on the north by the Rio de Los Putos, commonly
called Putah Creek — this stream beina; the dividing line between Yolo and
Solano counties ; on the east, for twenty miles, by the fresh water tules, or
marsh lands, adjacent to the Sacramento river, and in Yolo county. The
remainder of its eastern, and the whole of its southern boundary, is an un-
interrupted navigable water-front for the space of sixty-one miles — twenty-
five miles of which are on the Sacramento river, eighteen on Suisun bay,
six on the Carquinez straits, and twelve on Napa bay and creek. The
dividing ridges of the Napa mountains bound Solano on the west, and
separate it from Napa county.

The origin of the name of the county is thus described in a report to the
Legislature of California, in the year 1850, by General M. G. Vallejo, on the
derivation and definition of the various counties of the State. He thus
alludes to Solano: " This is the second name of the celebrated missionary,
Francis Solano, and was borne by the great chief of the tribes originally
denominated Suisuns, and scattered over the western side of the river Jesus
Maria, now Sacramento. The residence of this chief was the valley of the
Suisun, which is bounded by the hill near Suscol. Before receiving the
baptismal name of Solano, the chief was called Sem-Yeto, which signifies
the brave, or fierce hand. In 1817 a military expedition (under command
of Lieutenant Jose Sanchez, and by order of the commandant of San Fran-
cisco Jose Arguello), crossed the straits of Carquinez (on rafts made of
rushes, as there were no regular ferries in those days), for the double pur-
pose of exploring the country and reducing it to Christianity. On crossing
the river they were attacked by the Suisun tribe, then headed by their
chief, Malica, who caused them considerable loss. The Indians fought

18 THE HISTOKY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

bravely and to the utmost extreme, but they were in turn attacked with
such force and perseverance as to oblige them to retreat to their rancheria
(somewhere in the present Suisun valley), where, being still hotly pursued
and believing their fate sealed, these unfortunate people, incited by their
chief, set fire to their rush-built houses and perished in the flames with
their families. The soldiers endeavored to stay their desperate resolution,
in order to save the women and children ; but even those preferred this
doom to that which awaited. them from the hands of their enemies. Thus
perished the chief, and thus was the hearth and the home of his people
destroyed."

We are indebted to Mr. William Wayne Fitch, County Surveyor, for the
following able remarks on the Topography, Geology, and other knowledge
of Solano County.

The Townships are twelve in number, and range as under:

VALLEJO.

Fraction of Township 3 North, Range 4 West.

South-east of Township 4 North, Range 5 West.

South-east of Township 4 North, Range 4 West.

South of Township 4 North, Range 3 West.

West part of Township 3 North, Range 3 West.

BENICIA.

Fraction of North-east corner of . . Township 2 North, Range 3 West.

Fraction of Township 2 North, Range 2 West.

Eastern part of Township 3 North, Range 3 West.

West part of Township 3 North, Range 2 West.

South-west corner of Township 4 North, Range 2 West.

South-east corner of Township 4 North, Range 3 West.

GREEN VALLEY.

Eastern part of Township 4 North, Range 3 West.

West part of Township 4 North, Range 2 West.

West part of Township 5 North, Range 2 West.

Eastern part of Township 5 North, Range 3 West.

SUISUN.

Small part of North-east corner of . Township 3 North, Range 2 West.

Fractional Township 3 North, Range 1 West.

Fractional Township 4 North, Range 1 West.

Most of Township 5 North, Range 1 West.

East part of Township 4 North, Range 2 West.

East part of Township 5 North, Range 2 West.

Small part of Township 6 North, Range 2 West.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 19

VACAVILLE.

West part of Township 6 North, Range 1 West.

East part of Township 6 North, Range 2 West.

Most of Township 7 North, Range 1 West.

Most of Township 7 North, Range 2 West.

South fraction of Township 8 North, Range 2 West.

SILVEYVILLE.

North fraction of Township 7 North, Range 1 West.

South fraction of Township 8 North, Range 1 West.

All of Township 7 North, Range 1 East.

South part of Township 8 North, Range 1 East.

North-east corner of Township 6 North, Range 1 East

North-west corner of Township 6 North, Range 2 East.

South-west corner of Township 7 North, Range 2 East.

TREMONT.

South part of Township 8 North, Range 2 East.

North and East part of Township 7 North, Range 2 East.

North-east fraction of Township 6 North, Range 2 East.

ELMIRA.

North-east corner of Township 5 North, Range 1 West.

North-west corner of Township 5 North, Range 1 East.

West part of Township 6 North, Range 1 East.

East part of Township 6 North, Range 1 West.

MAINE PRAIRIE.

South-west part of Township 6 North, Range 1 East.

South part of Township 6 North, Range 2 East.

Northerly part of Township 5 North, Range 1 East.

North part of ,. . Township 5 North, Range 2 East.

West part of Township 5 North, Range 3 East.

North-west Township 5 North, Range 3 East.

DENVERTON.

North part of Township 4 North, Range 1 East.

West tier of Sections in Township 4 North, Range 2 East.

South part of Township 5 North, Range 1 East.

South-west part of Township 5 North, Range 2 East.

RIO VISTA.

South part of Township 5 North, Range 2 East.

East part of Township 5 North, Range 3 East.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

VACAVILLE — continued.

East part of Township 4 North, Range 2 East.

North-west part of Township 4 North, Range 3 East.

North-easterly part of Township 3 North, Range 2 East.

MONTEZUMA.

Fractional Township 3 North, Range 1 East.

West tier of Sections in Township 3 North, Range 2 East.

South tier of Sections in Township 4 North, Range 1 East.

And Section No. 31 in Township 4 North, Range 2 East.

A glance at the following table will inform the reader as to the acreage of
these individual townships, while appended thereto are remarks as to the
portions of each which are under water :

TABLE SHOWING THE ACREAGE OF SOLANO COUNTY.

Name of Townships.

Acreage.

Remarks.

Vallejo

40,000
25,600
31,500
110,000
66,790
56,640
31,360
26,880
58,120
40,000
57,500
32 ; 120

Of which 19,000 acres are water.

Benicia

Of which 3,000 acres are water.

Green Valley

Suisun

Vacaville

Of which 10,000 acres are water.

Silveyville

Tremont

Elmira

Maine Prairie

Denverton

Rio Vista

Of which 1,700 acres are water.

Montezuma

Of which 3,000 acres are water.

Total acres

576,510

The total area of the county is therefore five hundred and seventy-six
thousand five hundred and ten acres, including land and water ; of this
amount ninety thousand acres are swamp and overflowed lands ; ten thous-
and acres are mud flats left bare at low tide, leaving in the vicinity of four
hundred and fifty thousand acres as land fitted for agricultural and pastoral
purposes.

TOPOGRAPHY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

Ten thousand acres of the county are swamp and overflowed land and
mud flats bare at low tide. These lands border the Sacramento river in the
south-easterly part of the county, and Suisun bay on the south boundary,
with San Pablo bay on the south-west, and are ovei flowed a few inches in
depth at ordinary high tides.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 21

The Montezuma hills occupy the south-eastern portion of the upland of
the county, in Townships 3 and 4 N. R. 1 E. and 3 and 4N.R.2 E. These
elevations are from fifty to three hundred feet above tide-water, and inter-
sected by narrow ravines or hollows (so called), the water-shed being gen-
erally in an easterly and southerly direction.

The Townsend Hills, in the south-west part of Township 4 N. R. 1 E.
occupy three or four sections, and are of a similar character.

The Potrero Hills, in the northern part of Township 4 N. R. 1 W.
occupy about eleven or twelve sections of land, and are surrounded by
swamp and overflowed lands, except a narrow neck of low valley on the
north side. The higher ridges are two hundred feet above tide-water, re-
ceding in elevation as they approach the border of level land adjoining the
tula.

Robinson's island is upland, rising out of the tides, on Section 13, in
Suisun township, and contains one hundred and sixty acres of land. There
are other small islands of upland rising from the swamp-land, in different
localities, Suisun City, at the head of Suisun Slough, on Section 3G, Town-
ship 5 N. R. 2 W. being located on hard land of this nature.

Mostly all of that portion of the county embraced within a line drawn
nearly east, following the border of the swamp-land eight miles to Denver-
ton, and thence north-easterly six miles to Linda Slough, and north-easterly
along the swamp-land, four miles to Maine Prairie village, at the head of
Cache Slough, and thence easterly to the south-east corner of Section 36,
in Township 6 N. R. 2 E. at the corner of Yolo county, and thence north
along the east line of the county, fifteen miles to the old sink, or bed of
Putah creek, and up the centre of the same, and up the centre of Putah
creek westerly eighteen miles to the residence of S. C. Wolfskill, and thence
nearly south, skirting the hills ten miles to the town of Vacaville, and thence
south-westerly nine miles to the county seat at Fairfield, is level, with the
exception of a slight ridge running across Section 3, and south-easterly a few
miles through Township 5 N. R. 1 W. and other unimportant risings in a few
localities. The land thus described embraces an area of about two hundred
thousand acres, which may be properly called plains, having an average
elevation of one hundred feet above tide-water.

A spur of rolling hills extends from Vacaville, nearly north to Putah
creek, which will average three miles in width, the slopes, benches, and
small valleys being celebrated for early fruits and vegetables. West of
these hills and running parallel with them, lies Pleasant Valley, extending
to Putah creek ; this vale is also celebrated for its genial climate, early
fruits and vegetables, it sending the first into market from any part of the
State.

The eastern portion of Sections 24, 25, and 36, in Township 6 N. R.
2 W. and the western portion of Sections 19, 30, and 31, in Township 6

22 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

N. R. 1 W. are usually called Lagoon valley, where is located the celebrated
cherry orchards of Bassford & Sons.

The north-west corner of Township 6 N. R. 2 W. is a high rocky region
covered with dense chapparal, as is also the western portion of township
7 N. R. 2 W. and the western part of Township 8 N. R. 2 W.

The crest of the Vaca mountains, beginning on the first standard, north
of Mount Diablo, at a point fifteen chains west of the south-east corner of
Section 34, Township 6 N. R. 2 W. and running northerly to the centre
of Putah creek, is the boundary line between Solano and Napa counties,
and rises gradually, proceeding northerly, which, on Section 15, in Township
6 N. R. 2 W. becomes a perpendicular cliff on the west side, the vertical
part varying from fifteen to fifty feet in height. The greatest altitude of
this ridge of the Vaca mountains is that portion lying in Sections 5, 7 and
8, in township 7 N. R. 2 W. called the Blue mountain, and is about three
thousand feet above the ocean. From this position the ridge descends
towards Putah creek, while immediately south of the creek, on the east side
of the ridge, are cliffs, nearly perpendicular, of from three to five hundred
feet high. On Section 20, in Township 8 N. R. 2 W. the Rio de los Putos
breaks through the chain in a rough, rocky chasm, called Devil's Gate.
The lower portions of the sand-rock here change their clayey color, become
blue and hard, and are traversed by divisional planes or joints dividing the
rock into rhomboidal blocks of considerable regularity, a feature which is
common to the great overlying mass of sand-rock in Solano and the ad-
joining counties.

The Suscol Hills, or Sierra de Napa, occupying Townships 3, 4 and 5 N.
R. 3 W. in the south-west part of the county, are a series of rolling
highlands, in some places rising to rocky peaks and precipitous crags.
Among the most prominent of these is the Sulphur Spring mountain,
which attains an elevation of five hundred feet above the bay, and is situated
about five miles east of the city of Vallejo. The Elkhorn, or Ramsay's
Peaks, on Section 33, in Township 5 N. R. 3 W. twelve miles north-
easterly from Vallejo, rises to the height of one thousand feet. The
Sisters Peaks, eight miles north-west of Fairfield, are sixteen hundred feet in
height ; while Millers Peak, fifteen miles north of the county seat, on the
crest of the hills separating Pleasant Valley from the plains, is the sharpest,
most abrupt, and best defined summit in the county ; it is one thousand feet
high. The Suscol range embraces an area of sixty thousand acres, it being
interspersed with beautiful glens skirted with live oak, willow, and Cal-
ifornia laurel ; at their western base lies a border of valley land of an
undulating surface, a few miles wide, and extending from Vallejo north to
Napa county. The crest or divide of these hills forms the western boundary
of the county, from Section 33, in Township 4 N. R. 3 W. north twelve
miles to the first Standard North.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 23

GEOLOGY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

The great overlying mass of rock in the hilly portions of the county, is a
massive siliceous sandstone, in many localities changing to arginaceous sand-
rock, with the divisional plains or joints less defined.

The erosion of this rock sends down to the benches and valleys large
quantities of debris, which, mingled with the harder clayey deposits, makes
a light, loose, and warm soil,' particularly healthy, producing the earliest
fruits and vegetables in the State. On the lower slopes in several localities,
are found extensive areas of alluvial sandstone, formed by beds of sand
cemented by iron and carbonate of lime.

Below the massive sandstone first named, beds of clay slate, alternate
with slaty schistose sandstone, as seen in the face of the bluff at South
Vallejo, and in those along the Straits of Carquinez, in the ravines of the
Suscol hills, and on the slopes of the Vaca mountains.

Underlying the above are vast beds of Volcanic Tufa, composed of
cemented, volcanic earth, light and porous, containing a large percentage of
magnesia, giving the rock a light gray color, which hardens by exposure, is
a perfect firestone, and of sufficient durability for building purposes, as has
been proved by the erection of the following structures : the dwelling of
Colonel Charles Ramsay, in Green Valley ; that of Samuel Martin, L. B.
Abernethie, and W. W. Scarlett, in Suisun Valley, which are all constructed
of this material ; as is also the Stone Church at Rockville, and an exten-
sive barn, the property of J. M. Baldwin, near that place. There is a fine
quality of this rock in the hills, on the lands of J. R. Wolfskill, whose
spacious dwelling-house is built of it. It is absolutely fire-proof.

The lowest formation necessary to mention, are alternating strata of sand-
stone, shale, slaty sandstone, and coal. Subjacent to the foregoing is a bed
of hard blue clay.

Black basalt, or dolerite, occurs on some points of the hills and ridges in
the vicinity of Brideport, in the Lomas de Suisun, and on the hills east and
west of Green Valley ; also on the old Dorris Farm, five miles north-east of
Benicia, and on the land of Lewis Pierce, nine miles from there, on the
Bridgeport road. It is extensively quarried and sent to San Francisco for
paving purposes.

At the Soda Springs, on Section 2, Township 5 N. R. 2 W. five miles
north of the County seat, there is a quarry of beautiful white Crystal-
line marble, which proves to be a chemical deposit ; the strata is made up of
waived or undulating laminre, showing that the deposition was made upon
an uneven surface. Where the laminae are corrugated and tortuous, it shows
a beautiful finish, similar to bird's-eye maple. On Section 8, in Township
5 N. R. 2 W. four miles north-east of Fairfield, there is a quarry of varie-
gated marble, the coloring matter of which is for the most part oxide of iron.

24 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

Hydraulic limestone, or cement-rock, is found in abundance in the hills
near Benicia, and at the bluffs on the north side of Carquinez Straits.

Sulphur Spring Mountain is the termination of the Sierra de Napa, and
of the great quicksilver range, and contains large deposits of cinnabar-rock,
the most extensive being at the St. John mine, six miles northeast of Val-
lejo; the John Brownlie mine, six miles east of Vallejo; and various other
localities show outcrops of this rock.

Serpentine, micaceous schistase, sandstone, hornblende, and several others
of the class of rocks, usually accompanying this mineral are found on and
along the slopes of this ridge.

SPRINGS IN SOLANO COUNTY.

The Soda and Sulphur Springs, in the Armijo Kancho, five miles from
Fairfield, and the White Sulphur Springs, hear Vallejo, are beginning to be
appreciated for sanitary purposes.

SOIL OF SOLANO COUNTY.

The soil of the swamp and overflowed lands is composed of decayed
vegetation ; guano, sedimentary deposits from overflow of streams, mixed
with a large percentage of preserved roots, the principal preservative agent
being tannic acid, of which considerable beds occur, resembling peat, and
when cut and dried makes excellent fuel. These lands produce abundantly
when reclaimed, there being about thirty thousand acres leveed in, and
several thousands under cultivation.

The Montezuma hills are not excelled as natural grain land. Some por-
tions of the plains district are alkaline soil, and poor. Other sections are
dead soil, without much organic matter. The rolling hills, to the summit,
are excellent grain or grazing lands. Indeed the greater portion of the un-
dulating lands and the plains may be denominated as one vast grain field.

THE VALLEYS OF SOLANO COUNTY.

Suscol Valley lies west of the Suscol hills, runs from the city of Vallejo
to the northern part of the county, eight miles long and three in breadth,
Napa bay washing its whole length.

Sulphur Spring Valley runs up from Suisun bay, two miles north of
Benicia ; has a width of from one to four hundred yards, and winds through
the Suscol hills for five or six miles.

Green Valley lies to the eastward of the Suscol hills, four miles east of
Suscol valley; is six miles in length, one and a half in width, and derives
its name from their being a large portion of it always green.

Suisun Valley is about six miles square, and lies to the north of Suisun
bay and east of Green Valley. It opens out on the east into the valley of
the Sacramento, and has an exceedingly fertile soil.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 25

Vaca Valley, formerly known as the Ulattis valley, lies to the north-
east of Suisun ; it is five miles in length, and one and a half in breadth,
runs between two ranges of hills of considerable altitude, and opens out
into the great Sacramento Valley. It, and its two offshoots, Laguna or
Lagoon Valley and Pleasant Valley, are the admiration of all travelers.

Sacramento Valley extends as far as the eye can reach, and is in' a few
words the farmer's paradise.

THE STREAMS OF SOLANO COUNTY.

Rio de los Putos, or Putah Creek, rises in Lake county, and flows in
an easterly direction, winding through a rich, lovely, fertile plain, for
twenty miles, and loses itself in the extensive tides which lie between the
plains and Sacramento river. It is not navigable, but affords great facilities
for the watering of stock, while in certain parts it is noted for the magnifi-
cence of its scenery.

Sweeny Creek rises in the Vaca hills, six miles north of the town of
Vacaville ; flows in a north-easterly direction for the distance of eight
miles ; thence in a south-easterly course to the vicinity of Maine Prairie,
and empties itself into Cache Slough.

Ulattis Creek rises in the Vaca hills, about five miles west of Vacaville ;
flows through that town in an easterly direction, and empties into the. west
branch of Cache Slough.

Alamo Creek rises about four miles west of Vacaville ; runs in a south-
erly direction, through Elmira, and enters Ulattis creek, near Binghampton.

Pleasant Valley Creek rises »about two miles west of Mr. R. Miller's
property; runs in a north-easterly direction through Pleasant valley, and
empties into Putah creek.

Suisun Creek rises in Napa county, flows in a south-easterly direction,
and empties into the Salt Marsh, about one and a half miles east of Bridge-
port.

Green Valley Creek rises in the south-west corner of Township 5 N.
R. 2 W. and runs in a south-easterly course about eight miles, emptying into
Cordelia slough, at Bridgeport.

Sulphur Springs Valley Creek rises near the centre of Township 5
N. R. 3 W. runs in a south-easterly course through Sulphur Springs valley,
and empties into the salt marsh two miles north of the United States
barracks at Benicia.

Sulphur Springs Creek has its source at the White Sulphur Springs,
three miles north-east from Vallejo ; runs in a north-easterly course, and
empties into Napa bay three miles north of Vallejo.

In addition to these water-courses there are several estuaries, such as
Cache Slough, with its tributaries of Bounds, Linda, Prospect, Miner's, and
Elkhorn sloughs ; Grizzly Slough, Roaring River, in Montezuma township,
with a host of others too insignificant to enumerate.

26 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

OEGANIZATION.

ORIGIN OF THE TOWNSHIP SYSTEM IN THE UNITED STATES — ITS EXTENSION
TO ""CALIFORNIA — ORGANIZATION OF SOLANO COUNTY— TOWNSHIPS — BENICIA
— VALLEJO — SUISUN — VACAVILLE — SILVEYVILLE — TREMONT — MAINE PRAI-
RIE — RIO VISTA — MONTEZUMA — DENVERTON — ELMIRA — BENICIA THE
COUNTY SEAT — REMOVAL TO FAIRFIELD — REMOVAL TO VALLEJO — BACK TO
FAIRFIELD, ETC., ETC.

The first organization of counties in the United States originated in Vir-
ginia, her early settlers becoming proprietors of vast amounts of land, liv-
ing apart in patrician splendor, imperious in demeanor, aristocratic in feeling,
and being in a measure dictators to the laboring portion of the population-
It will thus be remarked that the materials for the creation of towns were
not at hand, voters being but sparsely distributed over a great area. The
county organization was, moreover, in perfect accord with the traditions
and memories of the judicial and social dignities of Great Britain, in
descent from whom they felt so much glory. In 1634, eight counties were
established in Virginia, a lead which was followed by the Southern and
several of the Northern States, save in those of South Carolina and Louis-
iana, where districts were outlined in the former, and parishes, after the
manner of the French, in the latter.

In New England, towns were formed before counties, while counties were
organized before States. Originally, the towns or townships exercised all
the powers of government swayed by a State. The powers afterward as-
sumed by the State governments were from surrender or delegation on the
part of towns. Counties were created to define the jurisdiction of Courts
of Justice. The formation of States was by a union of towns, wherein
arose the representative system ; each town being represented in the State
Legislature, or General Court, by delegates chosen by the freemen of the
town at their stated town meetings. The first town meeting of which we
can find any direct evidence, was held by the congregation of the Plymouth
colony, on March 23, 1621, for the purpose of perfecting military arrange-
ments. At that meeting a Governor was elected for the ensuing year ; and
it is noticed as a coincident, whether from that source or otherwise, that the
annual town meetings in New England, and nearly all the other States,
have ever since been held in the spring of the year. It was not, however,
until 1635, that the township system was adopted as a quasi corporation
in Massachusetts.

The first legal enactment concerning this system provided that whereas :
" Particular towns have many things which concern only themselves, and

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 27

the ordering of their own affairs, and disposing of business in their own
towns ; therefore, the freemen of every town, or the major part of them,
shall only have power to dispose of their own lands and woods, with all the
appurtenances of said towns ; to grant lots, and to make such orders as may
concern the well ordering of their own towns, not repugnant to the laws
and orders established by the General Court. They might also impose fines
of not more than twenty shillings, and choose their own particular officers,
as constables, surveyors for the highways, and the like." Evidently this
enactment relieved the General Court of a mass of municipal details, with-
out any danger to the powers of that body in controlling general measures
of. public policy. Probably, also, a demand from the freemen of the towns
was felt, for the control of their own home concerns.

The New England colonies were first governed by a " general court," or
legislature, composed of a Governor and Small Council, which court con-
sisted of the most influential inhabitants, and possessed and exercised both
legislative and judicial powers, which were limited only by the wisdom of
the holders. They made laws, ordered their execution, elected their own
officers, tried and decided civil and criminal causes, enacted all manner of
municipal regulations ; and, in fact, transacted all the business of the
colony.

This system, which was found to be eminently successful, became general,
as territory was added to the Republic and States formed. Lesser divisions
were in turn inaugurated and placed under the jurisdiction of special
officers, whose numbers were increased as time developed a demand, until
the system of township organization in the United States to-day is a matter
of just pride to her people.

We will now consider this topic in regard to our special subject.

On the acquisition of California by the Government of the United States,
under a treaty of peace, friendship, limits and settlement with the Mexican
Republic, dated Guadalupe Hidalgo, February 2, 1848, the boundaries of
the State were defined. This treaty was ratified by the President of the
United States, on March 16, 1848; exchanged at Queretaro, May 30, and
finally promulgated July 4th, of the same year, by President Polk, and
attested by Secretary of State. James Buchanan. In 1849, a Constitutional
Convention was assembled in Monterey, and at the close of the session on
October 12th, a proclamation, calling upon the people to form a government,
was issued " to designate such officers as they desire to make and execute
the laws ; that their choice may be wisely made, and that the Government
so organized may secure the permanent welfare and happiness of the people
of the new State, is the sincere and earnest wish of the present executive,
who if the Constitution be ratified, will, with pleasure, surrender his powers
to whomsoever the people may designate as his successor." This historic
document bore the signatures of " B. Riley, Bvt. Brig. Genl. U. S. A., and

28 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

Governor of California," and " Official — H. W. Halleck, Bvt., Capt. and
Secretary of State."

In accordance with Section Fourteen of Article Twelve of the Constitu-
tion, it was provided that the State be divided into counties, and Senatorial
and Assembly Districts, while the First Session of the Legislature, which
began at San Jose on December 15, 1849, passed on February 18, 1850, "An
Act subdividing the State into counties and establishing seats of justice
therein." The boundaries of Solano county being as follows :

" Beginning at the mouth of Napa creek and running up the middle of
its channel to the mouth of the Suscol creek ; thence following up said
creek to the eastern boundary line of Napa county ; thence along said
boundary line to the northeast corner of Napa county ; thence in a direct
line to the nearest point of Putah creek ; thence down the middle of said
creek to its termination in the Tule marsh ; thence in a direct line to the
head of Merritt's slough ; thence down the middle of said slough to its
mouth ; thence down the middle of Sacramento river to its mouth ; thence
down the middle of Suisun bay to the Straits of Carquinez ; and thence
through the middle of said straits to the place of beginning." It was
ordered that Benicia should be the seat of justice.

Prior to this time the county had been included in the District of Sonoma>
a division which had originated with the Mexican authorities during their
power ; it had not been interfered with on the accession of American rule,
but retained the official nomenclature given by the Spaniards ; their being
no law, the government was administered as it seemed best to the holders
of office.

To Judge Joseph Winston is the honor of first dividing Solano into
townships, the county being partitioned in order to determine the limits
wherein two Justices of the Peace and two Constables should be voted for
at an election to be held on May 25, 1850. The order directing the dimidi-
ation reads : " The line of division commencing at the Suisun embarcadero
and running thence in a direct line to Suscol creek, by way of what is called
Suscol ranch; thence down Suscol creek to Napa creek; thence down Napa
creek to the middle channel of Carquinez straits ; thence up the middle of
Carquinez straits to Suisun bay at a point opposite the embarcadero;
thence up the middle channel of the Suisun bay to the Suisun embarcadero,
the place of beginning; and it is further ordered that the district of county,
composed within the boundaries above set forth, be designated and known
as Benicia township, and that all the residue of the territory of said county
lying between said boundary lines of Benicia township and the boundary
lines of said county, in every direction, be known and designated as Suisun
township."

On April 11, 1850, An Act of the Legislature was passed organizing a
Court of Session and defining its composition to be as follows : The Court

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 29

consisted of the County Judge, who should preside at its sessions, assisted
by two Justices of the Peace of the county as Associate Justices, they being
chosen by their brother justices from out of the whole number elected for
the county. The duties imposed upon this organization were multifarious.
They made such orders respecting the property of the county as they
deemed expedient, in conformity with any law of the State, and in them
were vested the care and preservation of such property. They examined,
settled, and allowed all accounts chargeable against the county ; directed
the raising of such sums for the defraying of all expenses and charges
against the county ; by means of taxation on property, real and personal,
such not to exceed, however, the one-half of the tax levied by the State on
such property ; to examine and audit the accounts of all officers having the
care, management, collection, and disbursement of any money belonging to
the county, or appropriated by law, or otherwise, for its use and benefit.
In them was the power of control and management of public roads, turn-
pikes, ferries, canals, roads, and bridges within the county, where the law
did not prohibit such jurisdiction, and made such orders as should be neces-
sary and requisite to carry such control and management into effect ; to
divide the county into townships, and to create new townships, and change
the division of the same as the convenience of the county should require,
was among their duties. They established and changed election precincts ;
controlled and managed the property, real and personal, belonging to the
county, and purchased and received donations of property for the use of
the county, with this proviso, that they should not have the power to pur-
chase any real or personal property, except such as should be absolutely
necessary for the use of the county. To sell and cause to be conveyed, any
real estate, goods, or chattels belonging to the county, appropriating the
proceeds of such sale to the use of the same. To cause to be erected and
furnished, a court-house, jail, and other buildings, and to see that the same
be kept in repair, and otherwise to perform all such other duties as should
be necessary to the full discharge of the powers conferred on such court.
Terms were ordered to be held on the second Monday of February, April,
June, August, October, and December, with quarterly sessions on the third
Monday of February, May, August, and November of each year.

In conformity with this enactment, the court held a special term on
March 13th, 1851, when it was decreed that Benicia township, which was
of an unwieldy size, should be divided into two portions, the division line
to commence where the western corner of the town tract of Benicia strikes
the bay, thence to the north-western corner of said town tract of Benicia,
thence due north to the boundary line of the county of Solano, and all the
territory lying east of said division line, shall hereafter be known as
Benicia township; and all the territory lying west of said division line shall
hereafter be known as Vallejo township. This is the first mention we

30 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

have of the Vallejo township; at the time, the city of that name was
known as Eden, but on account of the strenuous efforts made by General
Vallejo to have the seat of government removed thither from San Jose, the
claims of the spot made itself felt, and it was therefore given township
rights.

In 1852 emigration had set into the fertile valley of the county ; it was
therefore found necessary to apportion once more the large extent of terri-
tory comprised in the Suisun township into two divisions ; to this end, the
Court of Sessions, at a special term held at Benicia on November 1st,
directed that Suisun should be partitioned off into two townships, the lines
to run as follows : " Commencing at the southwest points of the Potrero
Hills ; thence in a direct line to the branch opposite (on the west side) the
house of Mr. Cutler ; thence up said branch to its source ; thence in a north-
west direction to the county line, and all the county east of said line, and
south and south-west of Putah creek, is called Vacaville township. With
this last apportionment, Solano county was divided into four parts, but
still it was found to be of too vast proportions for official purposes ; there-
fore, we find the court once more holding a sederunt, on August 8th, 1853,
and establishing a new township, to be taken off those of Benicia and
Suisun. The limits were described and designated as follows :

" To commence at the Tule, on the southwest end of Mr. Thompson's
farm, and running in a direct line to the Jerry House, as it is called, on the
south-west edge of Green Valley ; thence following the edge of the Tule,
east to the mouth of the Suisun creek ; thence up said creek to the cross-
ing of the county road, near L. Alford's ; thence along said road west to the
house of Mr. S. Martin ; thence due north to the county line ; thence fol-
lowing said county line west to place of beginning." This tract was named
the Green Valley Township.

Affairs had not yet, however, righted themselves ; the districts were still
too unwieldy in size. A further contraction had therefore to be inaug-
urated ; hence we find the Court of Session ordering, on August 15th, 1854,
that Solano county shall be divided into townships, as follows :

MONTEZUMA TOWNSHIP.

" A new township is hereby created and established, to be called Mont®*-
zuma township, which said township is designated and bound as follows :
Commencing at a point in Suisun bay, where the meridian line running
north from Monte Diablo crosses the line of Solano county; thence north
with the meridian line to the north-east corner of Section 25 of Township
5 N. R. 1 W. according to the government survey ; thence due east to
Cache Creek Slough, or the eastern boun dary of the county or Cache
Creek slough to the Sacramento river ; thence down said river and Suisun
bay with the line of the county to the place of beginning."

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 31

SUISUN TOWNSHIP.

"And the township heretofore known as Suisun township is hereby
changed in its boundaries so as to conform to the following description,
to-wit : Commencing at the point where the meridian line running north
from Monte Diablo crosses the county line of said county ; thence north
with said line to the north-east corner of Section 25 of Township 5
N. R. 1 W. thence in a direct line to the white point of Long's mountain ;
thence in a direct line to the residence of E. B. Witt, including his resi-
dence ; thence in the same direction to a direct line to the northern
boundary of the said county ; thence with said northern boundary in
a westerly direction to the foot of the hills on the west side of Suisun
creek ; thence down said creek along the foot of said hills to a point
opposite the residence of William B. Brown, in Suisun Valley; thence
down the middle of Suisun creek to its mouth ; thence continuing the
same general course to the southern boundary of the county in Suisun bay;
thence up said bay with the line of the county to the point of beginning."

GREEN VALLEY TOWNSHIP.

" And the township known as Green Valley township is hereby changed
in its boundaries so as to conform to the following description, to-wit :
Commencing at the mouth of Suisun creek and running from thence up
the middle of said creek to a point opposite the residence of William B.
Brown; from thence in a northerly direction running with the foot of the
hills on the west side of Suisun creek to the boundary line between
Solano and Napa counties; thence in a south-west direction, following said
boundary line to the point where the public road leading from Benicia to
Napa City crosses Suscol creek ; thence easterly to the house near the tule
on Suisun bay, and on the road leading from Benicia to Suisun Valley,
known as the ' Jerry House ; ' thence east to the county line in Suisun bay
to the southwest corner of Suisun township ; thence in a direct line to the
mouth of Suisun creek, the place of beginning."

VACAVILLE TOWNSHIP.

" And the township known as Vacaville township is hereby changed
in its boundaries so as to conform to the following description, to-wit :
commencing at the north-east corner of Section 25 of Township 5 N. R.
1 W. according to the government survey, being the north-west corner of
Montezuma township, running from thence to the white point on Long's
mountain ; thence in a direct line to the residence of E. B. Witt ; thence
in the same direction in a direct line with the eastern boundary of Suisun
township to the northern boundary of the county ; thence north-easterly
with the boundary of the county to Putah creek ; thence down said creek

32 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

to its sink in the tule, and continuing with the line of the county in a
south-easterly" direction to a point due east of the point of beginning ;
thence west to the point of beginning."

BENICIA TOWNSHIP.

" And the township known as Benicia township is hereby changed in its
boundaries so as to conform to the following description, to-wit : commenc-
ing at the south-west corner of a tract of land purchased by Robert Semple
and Thomas 0. Larkin, from M. G. Vallejo, and on a part of which is situ-
ated the city of Benicia ; from thence with the western boundary of said
tract of land to the north-west corner of the same; from thence due north to
the line of Green Valley township ; thence in a south-easterly direction on
said boundary line to the ' Jerry House,' so called, near the tule on Suisun
bay ; thence due east to the boundary line of the county in Suisun bay ;
thence down said bay and the Straits of Carquinez to a point due south of
the point of beginning ; thence due north to the point of beginning."

VALLEJO TOWNSHIP.

" And the township known as Vallejo township is hereby changed in its
boundaries so as to conform to the following description, to-wit : commenc-
ing at the south-west corner of a tract of land purchased by Robert Semple
and Thomas 0. Larkin, from M. G. Vallejo, and commonly known as the
Benicia tract ; thence with the western boundary line of said tract to the
northwest corner of the same ; thence due north to the boundary line of
Green Valley township ; thence in a north-westerly direction with said
boundary line of Green Valley township to the boundary line between
Solano and Napa counties, at the point where the public road crosses the
Suscol creek ; thence with said creek to Napa bay ; thence down said bay
and up the Straits of Carquinez, including Mare Island, to the southwest
corner of Benicia township ; thence due north to the place of beginning."

In 1855 a change had come o'er the spirit of the governmental dream of
the county. The Court of Session was abolished and an Act passed on
March 20th, entit]ed " An Act to create a Board of Supervisors in the
counties of this State, and to define their duties and powers." For better
reference the ninth section of the above Act is quoted in full : " The Board
of Supervisors shall have power and jurisdiction in their respective counties:
First, to make orders respecting the property of the county, in conformity
with any law of this State, and to take care of and preserve such property.
Second, to examine, settle, and allow all accounts legally chargeable against
the county, and to levy, for the purposes prescribed by law, such amount of
taxes on the assessed value of real and personal property in the county, as
may be authorized by law : provided the salary of the County Judge need

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 33

not be audited by the Board; but the County Auditor shall, on the first
judicial day of each month, draw his warrant on the County Treasurer in
favor of the County Judge for the amount due such j udge as salary, for the
month preceding. Third, to examine and audit the accounts of all officers
having the care, management, collection or disbursement of any money
belonging to the county, or appropriated by law, or otherwise, for its use
and benefit. Fourth, to lay out, control and manage public roads, turnpikes,
ferries, and bridges within the county, in all cases where the law does not
prohibit such jurisdiction, and to make such orders as may be requisite and
necessary to carry its control and management into effect. Fifth, to take
care of and provide for the indigent sick of the county. Sixth, to divide
the county into townships, and to change the divisions of the same, and to
create new townships, as the convenience of the county may require.
Seventh, to establish and change election precincts, and to appoint inspectors
and judges of elections. Eighth, to control and manage the property, real
and personal, belonging to the county, and to receive by donation any pro-
perty for the use and benefit of the county. Ninth, to lease or to purchase
any real or personal property necessary for the use of the county; provided
no purchase of real property shall be made unless the value of the same be
previously estimated by three disinterested persons, to be appointed for that
purpose by the County Judge. Tenth, to sell at public auction, at the
Court-house of the county, after at least thirty days' previous public notice,
and cause to be conveyed, any property belonging to the county, appropri-
ating the proceeds of such sale to the use of the same. Eleventh, to cause
to be erected and furnished, a court-house, jail, and such other public build-
ings as may be necessary, and to keep the same in repair \ provided that the
contract for building the court-house, jail, and such other public buildings,
be let out at least after thirty days' previous public notice, in each case, of a
readiness to receive proposals therefor, to the lowest bidder, who will give
good and sufficient security for the completion of any contract which he
may make respecting the same ; but no bid shall be accepted which the
Board may deem too high. Tivelfth, to control the prosecution and defense
of all suits to which the county is a party. Thirteenth, to do any and per-
form all such other acts and things as may be strictly necessary to the full
discharge of the powers and jurisdiction conferred on the Board. To these
various duties, in themselves of a most difficult nature, were added the oner-
ous responsibilities of canvassers of election returns the investigation of
bonds required to be given by newly elected officers, and a general superin-
tendence of all the monetary transactions in which the county, through her
officers, has any interest. The members of these supervisors were three, and
held their first meeting at Benicia, on May 7, 1855.

On August 11th, 1855, the Board of Supervisors directed that yet another
township be formed, to be named

34 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

TREMONT TOWNSHIP,

to be made, formed, and constituted on Putah creek, in Solano county,
bounded as follows, to-wit : commencing at and including the farm of Mr.
Priddy, on Putah. creek, about two miles above the crossing of said creek,
near Manuel Vaca's; thence running south on the township line to the inter-
section of the dividing line between Montezuma and Vacaville townships ;
thence east to the boundary line of Solano county ; thence in a northerly
direction, following the boundary line of Solano county, to the sink of Putah
creek; thence up Putah creek to the place of beginning. The county was
now divided into seven townships, and on August 21, were apportioned into
supervisorial districts, as under:

District No. 1, comprised the townships of Vallejo and Benicia.
District No. 2, comprised the townships of Green Valley and Suisun.
District No. 3, comprised the townships of Vacaville, Montezuma, and
Tremont.

In the following years the upper part of the county had become thickly
populated, while the towns of Suisun and Fairfield had commenced to
spring into prominence, and some feeling had begun to evince itself in res-
pect to a new location for the county seat. Benicia was found to be at too
great a distance from the townships of Vacaville and Tremont ; a more cen-
tral position was therefore sought, and a County Seat Convention was
formed, which, having appointed delegates to canvass the matter, held a
meeting, a report of which is now extracted from the Solano County Herald,
of August 14th, 1858.

COUNTY SEAT CONVENTION.

Pursuant to notice, the delegates elected met at Suisun City, August 7,
1858, for the purpose of selecting some suitable and central location, to be
voted for at the next election, for the County Seat of Solano County.

" The convention organized by electing the following temporary officers :
H. G. Davidson, President ; Phillip Palmer, Vice-President ; Geo. A. Gilles-
pie and H. B. Amnions, Secretaries.

" Upon motion of A. M. Stevenson, the Chair appointed a committee on
credentials, one from each township. The committee consisted of P. Palmer,
E. A. Townsend, Wm. G. Fore, Samuel Martin, and R S. Phelps. Having
retired for a few moments they returned into the convention and reported
the following named gentlemen as duly elected delegates to this convention:

" Suisun Township. — Phillip Palmer, R. D. Pringle, H. Russell, P. 0.
Clayton, John Wayman, John Smithers, John A. Payton, V. Hawkins,
Frank Aldridge, and J. P. McKissick.

" Vacaville Township.— H. B. Ammons, F. J. Bartlett, W. G. Fore, H. G.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 35

Davidson, E. L. Bennett, E. S. Silvey, Mason Wilson, J. M. Dudley, J. W.
Anderson, and Geo. A. Gillespie.

"Montezuma Township.— E. A. Townsend, C. J. Collins, and John B.
Carrington.

" Tremont Township.— R. S. Phelps and J. B. Tufts.

Green Valley Township. — G. B. Stevenson, A. M. Stevenson,, Samuel G.
Martin, W. P. Durbin.

" Upon motion, report received and committee discharged.

" On motion of A. M. Stevenson, the temporary officers were declared the
permanent officers of the convention. The following resolution was then
offered and adopted :

"Resolved, That we, the delegates assembled in convention, for the pur-
pose of selecting a suitable location, to be voted for at the next annual
election, hereby pledge our votes and influence for whatever place the
convention may select.

" The following places were put in nomination : Mr. Stevenson nominated
Fairfield ; Mr. Palmer, Suisun City ; Mr. Bartlett, Vacaville ; Mr. Carring-
ton, Denverton.

" The following propositions were submitted in writing to the convention:
Suisun City, through Mr. A. P. Jackson, proposed giving $5,550 in money
and a certain lot 100 by 120 feet, known as ' Owen's Tavern Stand.' He
offered to enter into good and sufficient bonds for the performance of the
same, provided the county seat should be located at Suisun City.

" Fairfield, through Mr. R. H. Waterman, proposed, in case the county
seat should be located at that place, to deed to the Board of Supervisors of
Solano county a certain piece of land containing about sixteen acres, known
upon the plat of the town of Fairfield as ' Union Park ;' also, four blocks,
each block containing twelve lots, to be selected as follows : two from the
north and two from the south, or, two from the east and two from the west
of ' Union Park ;' he offering to enter into bonds for the performance of the
same.

" Vacaville, through Mason Wilson, offered to give four blocks of lots,
$1,000 in money, provided the county seat should be located there.

" Denverton, (Nurse's Landing) through Mr. Carrington, proposed to run
upon its own merits. After a long and animated discussion, the convention
proceeded to take the vote, when Mr. Clayton, of Suisun, was appointed
teller to assist the secretaries. The Chair announced the result to be as
follows :

" Fairfield, sixteen votes ; Suisun City, twelve votes ; Denverton, one
vote. Whereupon Fairlield was declared the unanimous choice of the con-

36 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

vention. Upon motion of G. A. Gillespie, a committee of five, consisting of
one from each township, were elected to act in connection with the Board
of Supervisors in receiving proper bonds from Mr. Waterman for the faith-
ful performance of his proposition. This committee consisted of Phillip
Palmer, Mason Wilson, J. B. Tufts, J. B. Carrington, and A. M. Stevenson.

" Upon motion, it was resolved that the ' Solano County Herald ' be
requested to publish the proceedings of the convention.

"Upon motion, the convention adjourned sine die.

H. G. Davidson, President.

Geo. A. Gillespie, j^.,,
H. B. Ammons, I secretaries.

In pursuance of Mr. Gillespie's motion Mr. R. H. Waterman entered into
the following bond : " Know all men by these presents, that I, Robert H.
Waterman, of Fairfield, in the county of Solano, and State of California, am
held and firmly bound unto the Supervisors of Solano county, in the sum
of ten thousand dollars lawful money of the United States, for which pay-
ment will and truly be made. I bind myself, my heirs, executors, and
administrators, firmly by these presents. Sealed with my seal and dated
the twelfth day of August, 1858.

" The condition of this obligation is such, that whereas, the said Robert
H. Waterman did agree to donate to the county of Solano, for the use of
the people thereof, free of charge or cost, the following described land,
situated in the town of Fairfield, county of Solano, State of California, and
further described as Union Park, a public square in the town of Fairfield,
and also four blocks, containing each twelve lots adjoining said park,
according to plat of said town, as surveyed by E. H. D'Hemecourt, County
Surveyor; these blocks to be selected by the Supervisors of the county,
either on the north, east or south side of said park ; and further, the said
park shall be kept open and free for the use of the public ; and further, the
proceeds of sales of the four blocks shall be appropriated to the erection of
the public buildings of the county ; and further, that the County seat of
Solano county shall be lawfully located at Fairfield.

Now, therefore, if the said county seat of Solano county shall be lawfully
located at said town at the coming election in September next, after date
hereof, and if the said Robert H. Waterman shall, and does procure and
deliver to the Supervisors of said county a good and sufficient deed to the
said Union Park and lots herein described, according to the conditions of
this obligation, then, and in that case, the above obligation shall be void;
otherwise, of full force.

(Signed) R. H. Waterman. [seal."]

On the second day of September, 1858, the general election took place,

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 37

when the following locations for the county seat were put forth for candi-
dature, with the following result :

Total votes cast 1,730

Number of votes for Benicia 625

Fairfield 1,029

Denverton 38

Vallejo 10

Eockville 2

Suisun 26

Total votes 1,730

The consequence, therefore, was the triumph of Fairfield over Benicia.
It is supposed, and with much reason, that Vallejo in her inmost heart had
long borne a grudge against Benicia, for having in 1852 deprived her of the
capital and its attendant glories ; now, there opened a chance for vengeance,
and the votes of the Vallejoites went to swell the list of the voters for
Fairfield, notwithstanding that by so doing they moved the county seat
further away from them than if they had permitted it to remain at Benicia.
In this regard, the Solano Herald, then published in that city, announces
the disaster in these words :

" In every general engagement, however glorious the bulletin of victory,
there necessarily follows the melancholy supplement of casualties.

In the list of killed and wounded in Wednesday's battle, our eye falls
mournfully on the name of Benicia — Benicia ! the long suffering, mortally
wounded, if not dead — killed by Vallejo's unsparing hand ! That the
people of Suisun and the adjoining region should have desired a removal of
the county seat, was by no means surprising ; but Vallejo ! et tu Brute !
In the house of our friends we were wounded.

While we hold in grateful remembrance the majority of the citizens of
Vallejo, let us not forget those aspiring gentlemen who dealt us the deadly
blow. ' Lord keep our memory green,' for good and evil. "

The grass was not allowed to grow under the feet of the Supervisors.
In October following, a brick building erected at Fairfield, by Captain
Waterman, for County Clerk and Treasurer's offices, was completed and
handed over to them, and at once occupied ; while at the Board meeting
held January 22, 1859, Mr. Waterman's bond, quoted above, with all its
provisions, was accepted. Tenders were at once advertised for to construct
the necessary edifices, when, at a Supervisoral sederunt held on March 14th
of that year, the undermentioned bids were ratified :

For Court-house and Jail, Larkin Richardson .... 824,440 00
For Court-house for temporary use of County. . . . 1,373 00

38 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

And on September 1st, the county buildings were handed over to the
Board of Supervisors.

In 1862 "An Act to organize townships and regulate their powers and
duties, and submit the same to the vote of the people," was approved by
the Legislature on May 15th. The provisions of the act were that town-
ships should be corporate bodies and have capacity :

First — To sue and be sued in the manner prescribed by law.

Second — To purchase and hold lands within its own limits for the use of
its inhabitants, and for the promotion of education within the limits of the
township.

Third — To make such contracts, and to purchase and hold such personal
property as may be necessary to the exercise of its corporate and adminis-
trative powers.

Fourth — To make such orders for the disposition, regulation or use of its
corporate property as may be deemed conducive to the interests of its
inhabitants.

The corporate powers and duties of these townships were to be vested in
a Board of Trustees, to consist of three qualified electors of the township,
to be voted for by qualified electors within said township, when, at the
same time, were to be elected certain officers for especial service within the
township. Such trustees were to be endowed with powers appertaining to
the peace, order and good government of the townships to which they were
chosen by the public vote, and were to collect taxes, which were to be paid
into the office of the County Treasurer. The Act was ordered to be sub-
mitted to a vote of the people at the general election. In those counties in
which the affirmative should have the majority, the law should take effect ;
but in those (like Solano, where the majority against it was sixty-one) in
which the negative has the preponderance of votes, the act should not
apply or be in force.

At the same election, September 3, 1862, the proposed amendments to
the Constitution of California, suggested in the following :

Article IV — The Legislative Department.
" V — The Executive Department.

'• VI — The Judicial Department.

IX— Education.

were put to the popular voice, with the result as stated below :

Yes 4,800 :

No 657

Majority for the yeas 4,143

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 39

On August 12, 1863, a petition from 0. Bingham and others was pre-
sented to the Board of Supervisors, when, in conformity with the prayer
therein set forth, it was ordered that a new township be formed, to be
called

MAINE PRAIRIE,

to be bounded as follows, to wit : commencing at the corners of Sections
7, 8, 17 and 18, in Township 5 N. R. 1 E. of Monte Diablo meridian, and
running thence north to the corners of Sections 5, 6, 7 and 8, in Township
6 N. R. 1 E.; thence running east to the eastern limit of Solano county, on
the line between ranges 2 and 3 east ; thence with said line south to the
township line between Townships 5 and 6 north ; thence with said line
east, to the centre of Sacramento river, the eastern limit of Solano county ;
thence down Sacramento river and Steamboat or Merritt slough to where
the line between townships 4 and 5 crosses said slough ; thence with said
line west to the centre of Cache Creek slough ; thence up said slough to
the mouth of Linda slough to the line between ranges 1 and 2 east ; thence
with said line north to the north-west corner of Section 18, in Township
5 N. R. 2 E. ; thence west to the place of beginning.

SUISUN TOWNSHIP.

The township heretofore known as Suisun township, is hereby changed to
conform to the following description, to-wit : beginning at a point on the
southern boundary of Solano county, in Suisun bay, where a section line
two inches west of the meridian line, passing over Monte Diablo and run-
ning with said line north to the township line between townships 5 and 6
north ; thence with said line west to the east boundary of Green Valley
township, as previously established ; thence with said boundary, southerly,
to the south boundary of the county, in Suisun bay ; thence with said
boundary, easterly, to the place of beginning.

VACAVILLE TOWNSHIP.

The township heretofore known as Vacaville township is hereby changed
to conform to the following description, to wit : commencing at a point on
the Putah creek where the line between ranges 1 and 2 east, crosses said
creek, and running thence with said range line south to the southeast
corner of Section 1, Township 6 N. R. 1 E. ; thence west to corners of
sections 5, 6 and 7 and 8 of said township and range ; thence south to
the corners of Sections 7, 8, 17 and 18, in Township 5 N. R. 1 E. ; thence
west to the corner of Sections 10, 11, 14 and 15, in Township 5 N. R.
1 W. ; thence north to the township line between townships 5 and 6
north ; thence with said line west to the western boundary of Solano

40 -THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

county, on the ridge of the Vaca mountains ; thence northerly with said
ridge to the centre of Putah creek ; thence down said creek, and following
its sinuosities to the place of beginning.

MONTEZUMA TOWNSHIP.

The township heretofore known as Montezuma township, is hereby

changed to conform to the following boundaries, to-wit : commencing on

the south line of the county of Solano, in Suisun bay, where the section

lines two miles west of the meridian line passing on Monte Diablo would

intersect said limit, and running thence north to the north-west corner of

section number 14, in Township 5N. R. 1 W. ; running thence east to

the line between ranges 1 and 2 east ; thence south on said line until it

intersects the first slough or fork of Linda slough ; thence down said slough

to Cache Creek slough ; thence down Cache Creek slough to where the line

between townships numbers 4 and 5 north, intersects said slough ; thence

with said line east to the eastern boundary of the county, on Steamboat, or

Merritt slough ; thence with said boundary and following its sinuosities to
the place of beginning.

TREMONT TOWNSHIP.

The township heretofore known as Tremont township, is hereby changed
to conform to the following description : commencing at the south-west
corner of Section number 6, Township 6 N. R. 2 E. of the meridian and
base of Monte Diablo, and running thence north on the line between
ranges 1 and 2 east, to the centre of Putah Creek, the northern limit of
Solano county; thence with said limit eastward, to the eastern limit of said
county, in the line between ranges 2 and 3 east ; thence with said limit
south, to the south-east corner of Section number 1, in Township 6 N.
R. 2 E. ; thence east to the place of beginning.

There was still some difficulty in conforming the townships into some-
thing like natural and equable divisions ; the supervisors, therefore, on
February 6, 1866, ordered " that the following described portion of Tre-
mont township be set off and attached to Vacaville township, and the bound-
aries of said townships hereafter shall conform to this change. Said por-
tion is described as follows : beginning on the eastern boundary line of
said Vacaville Township 7 N. R 2 E., and running thence east on the
Government line two miles ; thence north six miles ; thence west two miles,
to the north-west corner of said township 7, on said boundary line of said
Vacaville township, and thence south on said line six miles to the point of
beginning.

On June 27th of the same year the county was again distributed into
townships, as under :

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 41

BENICIA TOWNSHIP.

The township known as Benicia township is hereby laid down so as to
conform to the following boundaries, to wit : commencing at the south-west
corner of a tract of land purchased by Robert Semple and Thomas 0. Larkin
from M. G. Vallejo, and on a part of which is situated the city of Benicia,
from thence with the western boundary of said tract of land to the north-
west corner of the same ; thence in an easterly direction to where the line
of said tract intersects the boundary of the stone purchase known as the
stone line ; thence along said stone line in a northerly direction until the
same intersects the north line of Section 34, Township 4 N. R. 3 W. ; thence
east on north line of Sections 31 and 32, Township 4 N. R. 2 W., contin-
uing east to Cordelia slough ; thence down said slough to Suisun slough ;
thence down Suisun slough to Suisun bay ; thence down said bay and
Straits of Carquinez to a point due south of the point of beginning.

VALLEJO TOWNSHIP.

The township known as Vallejo township is hereby laid down so as to
conform to the following boundaries, to-wit : commencing at the south-west
corner of a certain tract of land purchased by Robert Semple and Thomas
O. Larkin from M. G. Vallejo, and commonly known as the Benicia tract ;
thence with the western boundary line of said tract to the north-west corner
of the same ; thence easterly to where the line of said tract intersects the
boundary of the stone purchase known as the stone line ; thence along said
stone line in a northerly direction until the same intersects the north line of
Section 34, Township 4 N. R. 3 W. ; thence west on said north line
to the intersection of said line with the boundary line of Napa and Solano
counties ; thence south along said county boundary line to a mound of stones
established by R. Norris ; thence due west along said boundary line between
Napa and Solano counties to Napa bay ; thence down said bay and up the
Straits of Carquinez, including Mare Island, to the south-west corner of
Benicia township ; thence due north to the place of beginning.

GREEN VALLEY.

The township known as Green Valley township, is hereby laid down so
as to conform to the following boundaries, to-wit : Commencing at a rock
mound on the crest of hills on Section 34, Township 4 N. R. 3 W.
established by R. Norris for a boundary between Napa and Solano counties ;
thence northerly along the boundary line of said counties, to the north line
of Township 5 N. R. 3 W. ; thence east along said township line to the
dividing ridge running to the peak called " Twin Sisters ;" thence south-
erly along said divide to Suisun creek, passing on the line of A. Blake and
William Brown's land ; thence down said creek to the south-east corner of

42 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

Hiram Macy's land ; thence south to the north line of Section 16, Townshid
4 N. R. 2 W. ; thence west to Cordelia slough ; thence down said slough
to the north line of Sections 31 and 32, Township 4 N.R2W.; thence
west along said north line to the boundary line of Solano and Napa
counties.

SUISUN TOWNSHIP.

The township known as Suisun township is hereby laid down so as to
conform to the following boundaries, to-wit : Beginning at the mouth of
Cordelia slough, thence up said slough to a point due west of the north line
of Section 16, Township 4 N. B. 2 W. ; thence east to a point due south
of the south-east corner of Hiram Macy's land ; thence north to the
mouth of the Suisun creek ; thence up said creek to the line of Alexander
Blake's and William Brown's land ; thence northerly along the ridge or
divide running to the peaks called " Twin Sisters ;" thence northerly
along said divide to the county line ; thence easterly along the county line
to the top of the ridge at the south-east corner of Napa county ; thence
easterly on the boundary of the Armijo rancho to the north-east corner of
Section 3, Township 5 N. B. 1 W. ; thence south on section lines to the
main Suisun bay ; thence westerly along said bay to the mouth of Sui-
sun creek ; thence up said creek to the mouth of Cordelia slough, the place

of beginning.

VACAVILLE TOWNSHIP.

That a township be established to be known as the Vacaville township,
commencing at the north-east corner of Section 18, Township 5 N. B. 1
E. ; thence west on section lines to the south-west corner of Section 3,
Township 5 N. B. 1 W. ; thence north to the north-east corner of Section
3, Township 5 N. B. 1 W ; thence west on the township line to the
boundary of the Armijo rancho at the north-west corner of said township ;
thence north and west, following said boundary to the county line at the
south-east corner of Napa county ; thence northerly along the boundary
between Napa and Solano counties to Butah creek ; thence down said creek
to a point one mile west of Mount Diablo meridian ; thence south on section
lines to the south-west corner of Section number 1, Township 6 N. B. 1
W. ; thence east two miles ; thence south to the place of beginning.

SILVEYVILLE TOWNSHIP.

That a township be established to be known as the Silveyville township,
and to conform to the following boundaries, to wit : Beginning at the south-
east corner of Section number 5, Township 6 N. B. 2 E. ; thence west
to the south-west corner of Section number 1, Township 6 N. B. 1 W. ;
thence north to the county line, centre of Butah creek ; thence easterly
down said creek to the line between ranges 1 and 2 east ; thence south on

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 43

said line to the northwest corner of Section 7, Township 7 N. R. 2 E. ;
thence east to the north-east corner of Section number 8, Township 7
N. R. 2 E. ; thence south to the place of beginning.

TREMONT TOWNSHIP.

That a township be established to be known as Tremont township, and
to conform to the following boundaries, to wit : Beginning at the south-east
corner of Section number 5, Township 6 N. R. 2 E. ; thence north six
miles to the south-east corner of Section number 5, Township 7 N. R. 2
E. ; thence west two miles to the line between ranges 1 and 2 E. ;
thence north to the centre of Putah creek at the county line ; thence
easterly down said creek to the east line of the county on the line between
ranges 2 and 3 east ; thence with said line south to the south-east corner of
Section 1, Township 6 N. R. 2 E. ; thence west to the place of beginning.

MAINE PRAIRIE TOWNSHIP.

That a township be established to be known as Maine Prairie township,
and to conform to the following boundaries, to wit : Beginning at the north-
west corner of Section 17, Township 5 N. R. 1 E. ; thence north to the
north-west corner of Section 8, Township 6 N. R. IE.; thence east to
the east line of Solano county ; then with the said county line south to
the line between townships 5 and 6 north ; thence along said line east to
the north-west corner of Section number 4>, Township 5 N. R. 3 E. ; thence
south to the southwest corner of Section number 21, Township 5 N. R.
3 E. ; thence west to Prospect slough ; then up Cache slough to Linda
slough ; then up Linda slough to the line between ranges 1 and 2 east ;
thence north on said line to the north-west corner of Section number 18,
Township 5 IS . R. 2 E. ; thence west to the place of beginning.

RIO VISTA TOWNSHIP.

That a township be established to be known as Rio Vista township, and
to conform to the following boundaries, to wit : Commencing on the Sacra-
mento river at the point where the section line, one mile east of the
township line between Townships 1 and 2 east, intersect the river ; thence
running north on said line until it intersects Linda slough ; thence down
said slough to Cache slough ; thence down said slough to Prospect slough ;
thence up Prospect slough to the section line of Section 17, Township 5
N. R. 3 E.; thence east to the south-east corner of said section; thence
north on said section line to the Yolo county line ; thence east on said
county line to the Sacramento river; thence down the river to the place
of beginning.

44 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

MONTEZUMA TOWNSHIP.

That a township be established to be known as Montezuma township,
and to conform to the following boundaries, to wit : Beginning at the
Sacramento river on the line between ranges 1 and 2 east, Mount Diablo
meridian; thence down said river and Suisun bay to the line between
Sections 22 and 23, Township 3 N. R. 1 W. ; thence north on section lines
to the north-west corner of Section number 35, Township 4 N. R. 1 W.;
thence east to the north-west corner of Section 32, R. 2 E. ; thence south
to the Sacramento river ; thence down said river to the place of beginning.

DENVERTON TOWNSHIP.

That a township be established to be known as Denverton township, and
to conform to the following boundaries, to wit : Beginning at the north-
west corner of Section number, 32, Township 4 N. R. 2 E. ; thence west on
section lines to the north-west corner of Section 35, Township 4 N. R, 1
W. ; thence north to the north-west corner of Section number 14, town-
ship 5 N. R. 1 W. ; thence east to the north-west corner of Section number
18, Township 5 N. R. 2 E.; thence south to the south fork of Linda slough;
thence down said slough to the east line of Section number 19, Township 5
N. R. 2 E. ; thence south to the place of beginning.

The western boundary line of this township was, however, subsequently
changed on May 4, 1868, to the Mount Diablo meridian line, and on
November 10, 1870, it was ordered by the Board of Supervisors that
" Robinson's Island, and being a portion of Sections numbers 3 and 24, in
Township 4 N. R. 1 W., Meridian of Mount Diablo, be and is set over as
part of Denverton township," while on May 22, of the following year the
under mentioned district was planned and authorized.

ELMIRA TOWNSHIP.

It was ordered that a new township be formed out of portions of
Vacaville, Silveyville, and Maine Prairie townships as follows, to wit :
"Beginning at the south-west corner of the south-east quarter of Section
number 3, Township 5 N. R. 1 W., Mount Diablo meridian and base ;
running thence north seven miles to the quarter-section corner on the
north line of Section 3, Township 6 N. R. 1 W. ; thence along said town-
ship line six miles ; thence along quarter-section lines south seven miles
to the quarter-section corner on the south line of Section number 3, Town-
ship 5 N. R. 1 E. ; thence west six miles along the section lines to the point
of beginning. And it is further ordered that the said township be known
and designated as Elmira township."

On August 8, 1872, the boundary line between Silveyville and Vacaville
townships was changed to conform to the following : " Commencing at a

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 45

point on the north and south line between Silveyville and Vacaville town-
ships, and at the corner of Sections numbers 1, 2, 11, and 12,' in Town-
ship number 7 N. R. 1 W., Mount Diablo meridian ; thence west five
miles to line between ranges 1 and 2 west ; thence north one mile, more
or less, to Putah creek ; thence along and down said creek to where the
present line of Silveyville township intercepts the same ; be and the same is
hereby set over to and become part of said Silveyville township." It was
then also ordered that the western boundary of Suisun township be and
the same is as follows, to wit : " Commencing at a point on the north line
of Section 3, Township 5 N. R. 1 W., which point is the intersection of the
boundary line of Elmira township ; thence south on half -section line one
mile to the southern line of Section 3, Township 5 N. R. 1 W. ; thence
east on section line two and one-half miles to Mount Diablo meridian line ;
thence south on said meridian line to the southern boundary line of Solano
county."

With this last adjustment of the boundaries the distribution of townships
was so far completed, and leaves these twelve districts as the present parti-
tion of the county.

In 1873 Vallejo had a sudden accession of success, and the conception of
having the county seat moved thither took permanent shape by the pre-
sentation of a petition by E. H. Sawyer and others to the Board of
Supervisors on September 23, praying that a public vote should be taken
in this regard. On the sounding of Vallejo's trumpet the other towns and
cities sniffed the battle from afar, champed their bits and tossed their flow-
ing manes. A bitter fight waged between the newspapers of the county,
while Benicia and her cohorts vented every conceivable argument, not so
much that she might be once more endowed with the county honors, but
that she should prevent. the acquisition of so great a triumph to her former
enemy. She had not forgotten the stormy days of 1858. Leader after
leader and argument upon argument appeared in the public prints; meet-
ings were held all over the county, while in Vallejo an executive county
seat committee was appointed, having as its officers Messrs. J. B. Frisbie,
President ; E. H. Sawyer, Vice-President ; J. B. Robinson, Secretary ; J. K.
Duncan, Treasurer, who framed the following address to the citizens of
Solano county, which we cull from the columns of the " Solano Democrat "
of that period:

Your attention is invited to the following reasons why the county seat
of Solano county should be removed from Fairfield to Vallejo :

First — It is evident to all who have given the matter any thought, that
Fairfield cannot be the permanent county seat of a great and growing
county like Solano.

The entire lack of accommodations for the persons attending court, and

46 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

the fact that those accommodations are growing worse as the town con-
tinues to decay, and that there is no hope of any improvement, is a matter
of consideration.

We cannot compare the dreary, treeless plain upon which our county
seat is located, and meagre accommodation for visitors, with the pleasant
location and ample quarters provided by other counties, without a feeling
of shame. The great county of Solano will not always endure this.

Second — Assuming, then, that a change in the county seat must ulti-
mately come, we say that it should come now. An immediate expenditure
of many thousand dollars will be necessary to make the present county
buildings answer the purpose for which they were designed. Fire-proof
rooms or vaults must be provided for the county records, and the papers
and records of the courts. It is criminal to neglect this longer. Consider
the confusion, the litigation, the utter ruin that would result from the
destruction of the records of our courts and of our titles. And yet at pre-
sent they are scarcely more secure than they would be in an ordinary
frame-house. Is it wise to make these extensive improvements upon build-
ings which in a few years at most must be abandoned ? Is it not best that
the change should be made now, and a new location selected which shall be
permanent, that the county may derive some lasting advantage from the
expenditure of its money ?

Third — If the location of a county seat for our county was a new ques-
tion, there would be no doubt of the propriety of adopting Vallejo. A line
of railroad traverses the whole length of i^he county, terminating at Vallejo.
Regular water communication can always be had from Rio Vista, Collins-
ville, and Benicia, to Vallejo, enabling the inhabitants of these places to
reach the county seat at all seasons of the year without interruption from
floods or impassable roads ; and that other and large -class of tax-payers and
property-owners of our county, who reside in San Francisco and other
counties, would be best accommodated at Vallejo.

Vallejo is now, and promises in all future to be, the leading town in the
county. It has good streets and sidewalks, convenient means to travel and
good hotels, and is, indeed, the only place in the county capable of furnish-
ing accommodations for the large number of people who are at any time
liable to be called together by an important term of our District Court.

The only two arguments that can be urged in favor of retaining the
county seat at Fairfield, are these : 1st. That it is near the geographical
center of the county. 2nd. The expense of its removal. The first of these
reasons, to-wit, its central position — if it was good at the time the county
seat was located at Fairfield, when people came from all parts of the county
in carriages or on horseback, no longer holds good. The days of stage-

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 47

coaches are passed. New means of travel have sprung up, and geographical
centers have given way to centers of travel. The whole population of the
county could rally at Vallejo at less expense, and greater ease and comfort,
than at any other point in the county, and could live more comfortably
while here. As a rule, county seats are not located in the center of coun-
ties. Sacramento City, Stockton, Oakland, Marysville, Yuba City, Napa
City and San Rafael, are not situated at the geographical centers of the
respective counties of which they are the county seats.

As to the second objection, in respect to the cost of removal. The pre-
sent county buildings are said to have cost forty thousand dollars, and
cannot be estimated at present at a higher valuation than twenty-five
thousand dollars. The City of Vallejo and its citizens have bound them-
selves by proper guarantees : 1st. To furnish, free of cost, suitable office
room for county officers, court-rooms and jail, until the permanent county
buildings are built. 2nd. That they will donate to the county the neces-
sary grounds for the location of county buildings, to be selected by the
Board of Supervisors of Solano County. 3rd. They pledge themselves
to use all their influence with the Board of Supervisors to restrict the
expenditure for the erection of county buildings (which will be the sole
expenditure of the county) to fifty thousand dollars ; and they offer the
guarantee of their most responsible citizens, and the City of Vallejo, that
buildings shall be built (according to a plan now on exhibition at the City
Hall, in Vallejo, copies of which will be sent to each precinct in the county),
suitable for the county for many years to come, and vastly superior to the
present buildings, for the sum of fifty thousand dollars. And the payment
of this small amount need not be made at once. Bonds may be issued
bearing seven per cent, interest, payable in twenty years, and an annual
tax of five thousand dollars will pay the interest and leave a large surplus
towards the extinguishment of the debt. Estimate the taxable property
in the county at ten millions of dollars, which is about the present figure,
the man who owns a thousand dollars worth of property will be taxed the
sum of fifty cents per annum for the removal of the county seat. How
insignificant is this sum compared with the great advantages to be derived.

All that we ask of the voters of Solano county is, that they will consider
this question dispassionately and without prejudice, looking only to the
best good of the whole county in the future, and we are satisfied they will
agree with us that the county seat should be immediately removed to
Vallejo.

On the 9th of October, 1873, the question of removal was brought before
the Board of Supervisors, but there being a question existing of how many
of the names which were annexed to the petition were those of bona fide
voters, forty or fifty names were selected, making the total number of sig-
natures 1,097, leaving 300 to be still examined.

48 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

Naturally, Suisun, from its proximity to Fairfield, was on the side of
non-removal; therefore, every stone was turned to gain their point. Coun-
sel was engaged on her side who urged, under the provisions of the law, in
the event of the county seat being once removed, a petition for a second
removal must contain a number of signatures equal to one-third the names
on the great register ; that the county seat of Solano had been already
removed from Benicia to Fairfield, and that the present case came within
the provisions of the law. The examination of the last great register of
the county, they stated, shows a total of 5,600 names, one-third of which
was 1,867. The counsel, therefore, submitted that the number of signatures
was inadequate, and that in consequence, the petition was invalid.

It was finally decided by the Board that the number already passed upon
was sufficient, and an order was made premising with the recitation that a
petition had been presented to their body, praying that an election, to de-
termine the place of the county seat, might be held ; that said petition con-
tained 1,325 names; and that so far as examined, they had found upon it
1,097 legal names; and that the same being more than one-third of the
number of votes, they therefore ordered, in accordance with the prayer of
the petitioners, an election to be held on the last Wednesday in November.
A protest from the counsel for Suisun was spread upon the minutes, stating
in substance, that on such a day the county seat was removed from Benicia
to Fairfield : that the archives of the county and county officers were
ordered there ; that the Great Register of the county contained 5,000 uncan-
celled names at the time, and that it required one-third of that number of
signatures to constitute a legal petition for an election, which number was
not on the petition upon which the Board had taken action.

The " Weekly Solano Republican," published at Suisun, writing on Octo-
ber 30, 1873, remarks : "We object to the removal, because —

First — The county seat is centrally located now, which makes the expense
and trouble of reaching the seat of justice more nearly equal to all than
any other location can ; and we deny the justice of any arrangement which
makes any man pay two dollars, or travel two miles, in order that two, or
ten other men, may save one dollar each, or avoid travelling one mile each.

Second — The county now possesses, unincumbered by debt, buildings
fully adequate to its wants for the next ten years ; and we denounce the
policy which will add the cost of even less serviceable buildings to the
heavy debt the county is now carrying and groaning under.

Third — The removal of the county seat will work a huge injustice to a
very large majority of the tax-payers of the county, whether the cost of
removal be much or little. Vallejo contains half of the population of the
county, but only one-third of the taxable property ; and whatever may be
the cost of removal, two-thirds of that expense will be paid by that half of
the population, whose interest will be injured by the removal."

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 49

At length the long looked for election day — November 26, 1873 — arrived
and ended, the ballot showing at its close, a majority for Vallejo over Fair-
field, of 333. Benicia's rancor was of no avail ; but retribution was near
at hand. It was directed that the county offices should be removed on Feb-
ruary 9, 1874, to Vallejo, and that that city be declared the county seat,
through the public newspapers. In time a few of the offices were carried
thence, notably those of residents in that city, when arrangements were
made for the temporary location of the several departments.

But the northern part of the county had conceived the reasonable idea
that the election of Vallejo was not carried out in as clear and straightfor-
ward a manner as it should have been ; they, therefore, proceeded to Sacra-
mento, and while the Legislature was in session, had a bill passed through
both the Assembly and Senate, creating Vallejo into a county seat in its
own right, since it was so ambitious of provincial honors. This, to the
eyes of the Governor, seemed too preposterous a scheme, acknowledging at
the same time the justice of the objections, he, therefore, vetoed the bill,
but informed the complainants that another one, locating the county seat
at Fairfield, would be favorably considered. Thus, for the present, all
heart-burnings were ameliorated, and ruffles smoothed, and the question
finally set at rest by the Act of the Legislature, approved March 28, 1874,
whose first section pronounces the doom of Vallejo, in the following ver-
dict : " Tii£ county seat of Solano County shall be Fairfield, in said county."

THE SETTLEMENT OF SOLANO COUNTY.

In the old days, long ago, somewhere in the year 1817, as has been shown
in another part of this work, Jose Sanchez, then a Lieutenant in the Span-
ish Army, was despatched with a small force to subjugate the Suisun tribe
of Indians, an expedition which was attended with but little loss on one
side, and sad havoc on the other. As time dragged out its weary course,
but little was gained ; the aboriginals were coerced into the service of their
taskmasters, and without doubt endured many a torture of mind and body,
when brought under the yoke of the Mexican Government. It is not for a
moment to be- imagined that, though the savages were driven into bondage,
they suffered all the distress supposed to be a part and parcel of their thral-
dom ; this is not the case ; for General Vallejo, who had the lands of Suscol
granted to him, held as lenient a sway over his aboriginal vassals as was
possible under the circumstances ; and, indeed, was the first to prove the
soothing influences of even a partial civilization ; yet, these people have
now vanished, whither it is impossible to trace ; the advent of a dominant
race was more than they could cope with; hence, they are nowhere to be

50 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

found ; and it is only at distances, few and far between, that traces of their
former locations are to be discovered. It is believed that those who inhab-
ited the valleys with which we have especially to deal, were thinned by the
hostilities in which they were engaged with the Spaniards, materially aided
by a djecimating scourge of small-pox that carried off numbers of the half-
fed and ill-clothed savages. This epidemic broke out in the year 1839, and
such was the devastation which ensued that almost an entire race was ship-
wrecked, leaving but few survivors of the catastrophe. They died so rap-
idly that the usual funeral rites were abandoned: huge pits were dug, and
the pestilential corpses placed therein by twenties while they were covered
up, when filled, with a rude mound of earth ; many of them forsook the
land of their birth, now become accursed on account of the presence of the
odious intruder ; their wives and daughters, by the maltreatment received
at the hands of these half -civilized soldiers from the Spanish Main, had
ceased to bear children, and thus they drifted out of ken, until now they
are a thing of the past, their presence in Solano County being at best but a
memory which only lingers in the mind of the early pioneer.

A short distance from the small town of Rockville, situated at the foot of
Suisun valley, on the property of Lewis Pierce, stood a rude cross, which
was popularly believed to mark the resting place of Sem-Yeto, otherwise
Francis Solano, the Chief of the Suisuns. It is said that this tribe removed
in 1850 to Napa county, taking with them all their grain, to the amount
of several hundreds of bushels which had been held in reserve in their rude
granaries near the above-mentioned site. This exodus would appear to
mark the arrival of the hated white man.

It has long been, and in all human probability, it will be many a year
before it shall be authentically decided who was the first settler in Solano
county. That General Vallejo and his troops were the actual pioneers of
the district now known as Solano, is conceded on every hand ; but they
can scarcely be classed among the settlers, for though a great district of
some ninety thousand acres had been granted to him by the Mexican Gov-
ernment, still, he never had, until later, any actual domicile in the county,
his residence being at Sonoma, whither he had been ordered to fix his head-
quarters, and lay out a town.

The people immediately succeeding the aboriginal Indians were Span-
iards ; or, more properly speaking, natives of Mexico, a race who were by
no means calculated to improve and lay out a new country. Born in a warm
and enervating climate, they were prone to pass their days in indolence.
To be able to get sufficient food to allay the pangs of hunger and enough
of water to assuage their thirst was to them satiety. In their own land
they had made no change, nor in any way advanced their home interests by
any civilizing influence save that of a forced Christianity, since the days
when Montezuma was so barbarously and treacherously murdered by Cortez

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 51

and his pirate crew ; therefore, this country wherein they had cast their lot,
was allowed to rest in its state of tangled confusion. Happily all of those
who came from this southern clime were not of this somniferous kind, as
the following remarks will show. The Baca (now pronounced Vaca, and in
some law deeds Americanized into Barker) and Pefia family arrived in Los
Angeles, and after a residence of one year, came, in 1841, to the valley
which now bears the name of the former, and there settled, building adobe
houses for themselves ; that of Juan Felipe Pefia being constructed in
Laguna (Lagoon) valley, and Manuel Baca's about one mile north-east there-
from. These structures still stand on their original sites, the former being
occupied by the widow of Pefia, while the latter is the dwelling of Westley
Hill. In the succeeding year (1842) there arrived the Armijo family, who
took up their grant in the Suisun valley, built an adobe, and entered into
residence about five miles north-west of Fairfield, the present county seat.
With these three families to take the lead, others, as a matter of course,
followed, not so much to labor in their own interests and toil for their
wealthier fellows, but that they loved the dolce far niente mode of living
to be found on the Haciendas of the rich. A certain amount of state was
maintained by the rancheros of those days, which they had learned from
the splendor-loving cavaliers of old Spain ; they seldom moved abroad ;
but when they did, it was upon a handsomely caparisoned horse, with at-
tendant out-riders, armed, to protect their lord from wild animals, which
infested the country. The earlier locators of land brought with them herds
of cattle, which, in the natural sequence of things, became roving bands of
untamed animals that provided the Spanish master and his servile crew
with meat ; while enough grain was not so much cultivated as grown, to
to keep them in food, as it were, from day to day. Their mode of travel-
ing was entirely on horseback ; accommodation there was none ; when
halting for the night, an umbrageous tree was their roof ; the fertile valleys
their stable and pasture ; while, when food was required, to slay an ox or a
deer, was the matter of a few moments.

Mention has been made of the adobe houses of the early Californians.
Let us consider one of these primitive dwellings : Its construction was
beautiful in its extreme simplicity. The walls were fashioned of large
sun-dried bricks, made of that black loam known to settlers in the Golden
State as adobe soil, mixed with straw, with no particularity as to species,
measuring about eighteen inches square and three in thickness ; these were
cemented with mud, plastered within with the same substance, and white-
washed when finished. The rafters and joists were of rough timber, with
the bark simply peeled off and placed in the requisite position, while the
residence of the wealthier classes were roofed with tiles of a convex shape,
placed so that the one should overlap the other and thus make a water-
shed ; or, later, with shingles, the poor cententing themselves with a thatch

52 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

of tide, fastened down with thongs of bullocks' hide. The former modes of
covering were expensive — the Pena family, it is said, having given a man a
considerable piece of land for shingling their house — and none but the
opulent could afford the luxury of tiles. When completed, however, these
mud dwellings will stand the brunt, and wear and tear of many decades, as
can be evidenced by the number which are still occupied in out-of-the-way
corners of the county.

Thus were these solitary denizens of what is now the prolific garden
known as Solano county, housed in the midst of scenery which no pen can
describe nor limner paint. The county, be it in what valley soever we wot,
was one interminable grain field ; mile upon mile, acre after acre, the wild
oats grew in marvelous profusion, in many places to a prodigious height —
one great glorious green of wild waving corn — high over head of the way-
farer on foot and shoulder high with the equestrian. Wild flowers of every
prismatic shade charmed the eye, while they vied with each other in the
gorgeousness of their colors and blended into dazzling splendor. One breath
of wind and the wide emerald expanse rippled itself into space, while with
a heavier breeze came a swell whose waves beat against the mountain sides,
and, being hurled back, were lost in the far-away horizon. Shadow pursued
shadow in a long merry chase. The air was filled with the hum of bees,
the chirrupping of birds, an overpowering fragrance from the various
plants, causing the smallest sounds, in the extreme solitude, to become like
the roar of the ocean.

The hill-sides, overrun as they were with a dense mass of almost impene-
trable chapparal, were hard to penetrate ; trees of a larger growth struggled
for existence in isolated sterile spots. On the plains but few oaks of any
size were to be seen, a reason for this being found in the devastating
influence of the prairie fires, which were of frequent occurrence, thus
destroying the young shoots as they sprouted from the earth ; while the
flames, with their forked tongues, scorched the older ones, utterly destroying
them, leaving those only to survive the rude attack which were well ad-
vanced in years.

This almost boundless range was intersected throughout with trails
whereby the traveler moved from point to point, progress being, as it were,
in darkness on account of the height of the oats on either side, and rendered
dangerous in the lower valleys by the bands of wild cattle, sprung from the
stock introduced by the first settlers. These found food and shelter on the
plains during the night; at dawn of day they repaired to the higher grounds
to chew the cud and bask in the sunshine. At every yard, cayotes sprang
from the feet of the voyager. The hissing of snakes, the frightened rush of
lizards, all tended to heighten the sense of danger; while the flight of
quail, the nimble run of the rabbit, and the stampede of antelope and elk,
which abounded in thousands, added to the charm, making him, be he

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 53

whosoever he may, pedestrian or equestrian, feel the utter insignificance of
man, the " noblest work of God."

At this time, as now, the rivers, creeks, and sloughs swarmed with fish
of various kinds that had not, as yet, been rudely frightened by the whirl
of civilization. The water at the Green Valley Falls, that favorite picnic
resort of to-day, then leaped as it e'en does now from crag to crag, splashing
back its spray in many a sparkle. Then, the shriek of the owl, the howl of
the panther, or the gruff growl of the grizzly was heard. Now, the scene
is changed ; it has ceased to be the lair of the wild beast, but civilization
has introduced the innocent prattle of children, and the merry tones of
womanhood, causing one to stay and ponder which be best, the former wild
solitude, or the pleasing pleasant present sunshine of sparkling voices and
sparkling water.

Let us here introduce the following interesting resume of the experiences
of the first of America's sons who visited California :

THE AMERICAN PIONEERS OF CALIFORNIA.

The following: interesting: record of the adventures of the first American
argonauts of California is abridged from an article which appeared in " The
Pioneer" in the year 1855 :

The first Americans that arrived in California, overland, were under the
command of Jehediah S. Smith, of New York. Mr. Smith accompanied the
first trapping and trading expedition, sent from St. Louis to the head
waters of the Missouri by General Ashley. The ability and energy dis-
played by him, as a leader of parties engaged in trapping beaver, were
considered of so much importance by General Ashley that he soon proposed
to admit him as a partner in the Rocky Mountain Fur Company. The
proposal was accepted and the affairs of the concern were subsequently
conducted by the firm of Ashley & Smith until 1828, when Mr. William L.
Sublette and Mr. Jackson, who had been engaged in the same business in
the mountains, associated themselves with Mr. Smith and bought out
General Ashley. They continued the business under the name of the
Rocky Mountain Fur Company until the summer of 1830, when they
retired from the mountains, disposing of their property and interest in the
enterprise to Messrs. Fitzpatrick, Bridger, Solomon, Sublette, and Trapp.
Mr. W. L. Sublette subsequently re-engaged in the business.

In the spring of 1826 Mr. Smith, at the head of a party of about twenty-
five men, left the winter quarters of the company to make a spring and fall
hunt. Traveling westerly he struck the source of the Green river, which
he followed down to its junction with Grand river, where the two form the
Colorado. He there left the river and, traveling westerly, approached the
Sierra Nevada of California. When traveling in that direction in search of
a favorable point to continue his exploration towards the ocean, he crossed

54 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

the mountains and descended into the great valley of California near its
south-eastern extremity ; thus being not only the first American, but the
first person who, from the east or north, had entered the magnificent valleys
of the San Joaquin and Sacramento, or who had ever seen or explored
any of the rivers falling into the bay of San Francisco.

The following winter and spring he prosecuted with success the catching
of beaver, on the streams flowing into the lakes of the Tulares, on the San
Joaquin and tributaries, as also on some of the lower branches of the Sac-
ramento. At the commencement of summer, the spring hunt having closed,
he essayed to return, by following up the American river ; but the height
of the mountains, and other obstacles which he encountered, induced him
to leave the party in the valley during the summer. He accordingly re-
turned ; and, having arranged their summer quarters on that river, near the
present town of Brighton, prepared to make the journey, accompanied by a
few well tried and hardy hunters, to the summer rendezvous of the Rocky
Mountain Fur Company, on the eastern slope of the Rocky mountains.
Selecting favorite and trusty horses and mules, Mr. Smith, with three com-
panions, left camp to undertake one of the most arduous and dangerous
journeys ever attempted. Ascending the Sierra Nevada, he crossed it at a
point of elevation so great, that on the night of the 27th of June, most of
his mules died from intense cold. He descended the eastern slope of the
mountains, and entered upon the thirsty and sterile plains that were spread
out before him in all their primitive nakedness ; but his horses were unable
to accomplish the journey.

Next to the Bedouin of the great African desert, if not equally with
him, the trapper of the wilds of the American continent worships the noble
horse, which not only proudly carries his owner up to the huge bison, when
hunger presses the hunter, and swiftly flees from the overpowering horde of
savages who seek his life ; but while the solitary, benighted, and fatigued
hunter snatches a few shreds of repose, stands a trusty sentinel, with ears
erect and penetrating eye, to catch the first movement of every object
within its view, or with distended nostril, to inhale the odor of the red man
with which the passing breeze is impregnated, and arouse his affectionate
master. What, then, were the feelings of these men, as they saw their
favorite steeds, which had long been their companions, and had been
selected for their noble bearing, reeling and faltering on those inhospitable
plains. Still worse when they were compelled to sever the brittle thread
of life, and dissolve all those attachments and vivid hopes of future com-
panionship and usefulness by the use of the rifle, which, at other times,
with unerring aim, would have sent death to the man who should attempt
to deprive them of their beloved animals.

They hastily cut from the lifeless bodies a few pieces of flesh, as the only
means of sustaining their own existence ; and in this manner they supported
life until they passed the desert and arrived on foot at the rendezvous.

THE HISTpRY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 55

A party was immediately organized, and, with such supplies as were
required for the company, left for California, Mr. Smith hastening his de-
parture. Traveling south, to avoid in some degree the snow and cold of
winter, he descended and crossed Grand river, of the Colorado, and, contin-
uing south-westerly, he approached the Colorado river from the east, near
the camp of the Mohave Indians. In the attempt to transport his party,
by means of rafts, over this river, in which he was aided by the Mohaves,
who professed great friendship and hospitality, he was suddenly surprised
by the treacherous Indians, who, upon a pre-concerted signal, simultaneously
attacked the men who were on each bank of the river, and upon a raft then
crossing, massacred the party, with the exception of two men and Mr.
Smith, who escaped, and after great suffering arrived at the Mission of San
Gabriel, in California. They were immediately arrested by the military
officer at that place, because they had no passports. This functionary
forwarded an account of the arrival and detention of the foreigners to the
commandant of San Diego, who transmitted the same to General Echandia,
then Governor and Commander-in-Chief of California.

After a harassing delay Mr. Smith was permitted to proceed to Monterey,
and appear before the Goverrior. Through the influence and pecuniary
assistance of Captain John Cooper, an American, then resident of Monterey,
he was liberated, and having procured such supplies as could be obtained in
that place, partially oh account of beaver-fur to be sent from the summer
quarters on the Sacramento river, and partly on credit, he hired a few men
and proceeded to the camp of the party which he had previously left in the
Sacramento valley. After forwarding the fur to Monterey, he travelled up the
Sacramento, making a most successful hunt up this river and its tributaries
within the valley. Ascending the western sources of the Sacramento, he
passed Shasta mountain, when he turned westerly and arrived on the coast,
which he followed south to the Umpqua river. While Mr. Smith and two men
were in a canoe, with two or three Indians, engaged in examining the river
to find a crossing, his camp was unexpectedly surprised by the Indians, who
had, up to this time, shown the most friendly disposition, and the entire
party, with the exception of one man, were murdered. Mr. Smith and the
men with him in the canoe, after wandering many days in the mountains,
where they were obliged to secrete themselves by day and travel by night,
to avoid the Indians, who were scouring the country in pursuit, succeeded
in escaping from their vicinity, and arrived at Fort Vancouver, a post of
the Hudson's Bay Company, on the Columbia river. The man who escaped
from the camp at the massacre of the party was badly wounded, and without
arms to defend himself or procure food, succeeded in sustaining life and
making his way through many vicissitudes for a period of thirty-eight days,
when he reached Fort Vancouver. On his arrival there Mr. Smith con-
tracted with the superintendent to sell him the large quantity of fur which

56 THE HISTOKY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

had fallen into the hands of the Indians on the Umpqua, provided he would
assist in recovering it, and to furnish a guide to lead a trapping party into
the Sacramento valley. A company was fitted out under the command of
Lieutenant McLeod, which proceeded to the scene of disaster, and after re-
covering the fur, with which Mr. Smith returned to the fort, continued
south, under the guidance of one of Smith's men, to the Sacramento valley,
where a most valuable hunt was made. A large number of horses from
California were also obtained, with which the party attempted to return in
the fall of 1822. In crossing the mountain they were overtaken by a violent
snow-storm, in which they lost all their horses. From the hasty and un-
suitable manner in which they attempted to secrete their valuable stock of
fur from the observation and discovery of the Indians or other body of
trappers, it was found in a ruined state by a party sent to convey it to the
fort in the following spring, and McLeod was discharged from the service of
the company for his imprudence in attempting to cross the mountains so
late in the fall.

Another band was fitted out from Fort Vancouver, by the Hudson
Bay Co., under Captain Ogden, of New York, who for some time had been
in the employ of that corporation, with which Mr. Smith left the fort on
his final departure from the Pacific shore, for the rendezvous of the Rocky
Mountain Fur Co. This company traveled up Lewis river, in the direction
of the South Pass, when Mr. Smith pursuing his journey with a few men,
Captain Ogden turned south, and traveling along the eastern base of the
Sierra Nevada, entered the valley of the Tulares, on the trail which Smith
had made in 1826. McLeod having left the valley before he was en-
countered by Ogden, who spent the winter of 1828-9, and the following
summer returned to the Columbia river with a valuable hunt.

One of the survivors of the massacre of Smith's party on the Rio Colorado
remained in California. He was a blacksmith by trade, and obtained em-
ployment at the Missions of San Gabriel and San Luis Key. His name was
Galbraith, and while in the mountains previous to his advent to California,
was recognized as the most fearless of that brave class of men with whom
he was associated. His stature was commanding, and the Indians were
awed by his athletic and powerful frame, while the display of his Herculean
strength excited the surprise of all. Many were the incidents that occurred
in California during his residence, of which he was the principal actor. On
one occasion, while employed at the Mission of San Luis Bey, he became
riotous while under the exciting influence of agwadiente, and was warned
that unless he conducted himself with greater propriety it would be necessary
to confine him in the guard-house. This served to exasperate instead of to
quiet his unruly passions. A corporal with two men were ordered to arrest
Galbraith. On their arrival at the shop, they found the follower of Vulcan
absorbed in anathemas, which he was pouring fprth in rapid succession

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 57

against the Reverend Father, soldiers, and neophites. Having delivered
himself he enquired what they wanted. On the corporal's replying that he
had been sent to conduct him to the guard-house, Galbraith seized a sledge,
and swaying it above his head rushed upon the soldiers, who, intimidated at
the gigantic size of the blacksmith, whose broad and deep chest was swell-
ing with infuriated passion, horror stricken fled in dismay. With uplifted
hammer he pursued them across the court of the Mission, and to the guard
house in front of the Mission, where the affrighted corporal and soldiers
arrived among their comrades, closely followed by the terrific mountaineer,
who, alike fearless of Spanish soldiers as he had ever been of Indians, drove
the trembling forces, a sergeant and twelve men, to their quarters, where
they were imprisoned. He then hastily loaded with grape shot a fine piece
of artillery which stood in front of the quarters, and directing its mouth
towards the Mission, he gathered up the arms which the soldiers in the
confusion had abandoned, and prepared to act as exigencies might require.
The priest, seeing the course events were taking, sent a messenger to open
communications with the victor, who, from the sudden burst of passion and
violent exercise had dispelled the effects of the brandy, and with its removal
his choler had subsided.

In the early part of 1839 a company was made up in St. Louis, Missouri,
to cross the plains to California consisting of D. G. Johnson, Charles Klein,
David D. Dutton and William Wiggins. Fearing the treachery of the
Indians this little party determined to await the departure of a party of
traders in the employ of the American Fur Company, on their annual tour
to the Rocky Mountains. At Westport they were joined by Messrs. Wright,
Gegger, a Doctor Wiselzenius and his German companion, and Peter Lasson,
as also two missionaires with thier wives and hired man, bound for Oregon,
as well as a lot of what were termed fur trappers, bound for the mountains,
the entire company consisting of twenty-seven men and two women.

The party proceeded on their journey and in due time arrived at the
Platte river, but here their groceries and breadstuff gave out ; happily the
county was well stocked with food, the bill of fare consisting henceforward
of buffalo, venison, cat-fish, suckers, trout, salmon, duck, pheasant, sage-fowl,
beaver, hare, horse, grizzly bear, badger and dog. The historian of this expedi-
tion thus describes this latter portion of the menu. " As much misunderstand-
ing seems to prevail in regard to the last animal alluded to, a particular
description of it may not be uninteresting. It is, perhaps, somewhat larger
than the ground squirrel of California, is subterranean and gregarious in its
habits, living in ' villages ; ' and from a supposed resemblance in the feet,
as well as in the spinal termination, to that of the canine family, it is in
popular language known as the prairie dog. But in the imposing technology
of the mountain graduate it is styled the canus prairie cuss, because its
cussed holes so often cause the hunter to be unhorsed when engaged in the
chase."

58 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

After enduring a weary journey, accompanied by the necessary annoy-
ances from treacherous and pilfering Souix, hail-storms, sand-storms, rain
and thunder-storms, our voyagers arrived at Fort Hall, where they were
disappointed at not being able to procure a guide to take them to California-
This was almost a death-blow to the hopes of the intrepid travelers ; but
having learned of a settlement on the Willamette river, they concluded to
proceed thither in the following spring, after passing the winter at this fort-
Here Klein and Doctor Wiselzenius determined to retrace their steps ; thus
the party was now reduced to five in number — Johnson going ahead and
leaving for the Sandwich Islands. In September, 1839, the party reached
Oregon, and sojourned there during the winter of that year ; but in May,
1840, a vessel arrived with Missionaries from England, designing to touch
at California on her return, Mr. William Wiggins, now of Monterey, the
narrator of this expedition, and his three companions from Missouri, among
whom was Mr. David D. Dutton, now a resident of Vacaville township, in
Solano county, got on board ; but Mr. W., not having a dollar, saw no hope
to get away ; as a last resort, he sent to one of the passengers, a compara-
tive stranger, for the loan of sixty dollars, the passage-money, when, to his
great joy and surprise, the money was furnished — a true example of the
spontaneous generosity of those early days. There were three passengers
from Oregon, and many others who were " too poor to leave." In June,
they took passage in the " Lausenne," and were three weeks in reaching
Baker's bay, a distance of only ninety miles. On July 3rd, they left the
mouth of the Columbia, and, after being out thirteen days, arrived at Bo-
dega, now in Sonoma county, but then a harbor in possession of the Russians.
Here a dilemma arose of quite a threatening character. The Mexican Com-
mandant sent a squad of soldiers to prevent the party from landing, as they
wished to do, for the captain of the vessel had refused to take them farther
on account of want of money. At this crisis, the Russian Governor arrived,
and ordered the soldiers to leave, be shot down, or go to prison ; they, there-
fore, beat a retreat. Here were our travelers, at a stand-still, with no means
of proceeding on their journey, or of finding their way out of the inhospit-
able country ; they, therefore, penned the following communication to the
American Consul, then stationed at Monterey :

" Poet Bodega. July 25, 1840.

" To the American Consul of California :

" Dear Sir — We, the undersigned citizens of the United States, being
desirous to land in the country, and having been refused a passport, and
been opposed by the Government, we write to you, sir, for advice, and claim
your protection. Being short of funds, we are not able to proceed further
on the ship. We have concluded to land under the protection of the Rus-
sians ; we will remain there fifteen days, or until we receive an answer from

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 59

you, which we hope will be as soon as the circumstances of the case will
permit. We have been refused a passport from General Vallejo. Our ob-
ject is to get to the settlements, or to obtain a pass to return to our own
country. Should we receive no relief, we will take up our arms and travel,
consider ourselves in an enemy's country, and defend ourselves with our
guns.

" We subscribe ourselves,

" Most respectfully,

David Dutton,
John Stevens,
Peter Lasson,
. Wm. Wiggins,
J. Wright."

To John R. Wolfskill is the honor due of being the first American settler
in Solano county. In 1838, his brother William and himself came to Los
Angeles, and there remained until 1842, when the former received a grant of
four leagues of land, situated on both sides of the Rio de los Putos, which,
under a family arrangement, the latter located on in that year. John R. Wolf-
skill, being, therefore, the actual American pioneer of the county, we have made
it our duty to personally consult him by visiting him at his magnificent man-
sion on Putah creek. Having ridden on horseback from Los Angeles, where
he had been laboring for years for a miserable pittance, he drove with him
ninety head of cattle, and ultimately arrived at his destination after a weary
journey, cheered by no society save the growling of wild beasts and the low-
ing of his own kine. When he arrived on the northern side of the bay of San
Francisco, he made for Napa, and here procured a horse from George Yount,
the pioneer of that county, and crossing the mountains, struck into Green
valley, and thence into that of Suisun, and thus travelling, passed through
the present site of Vacaville, and arrived on the banks of the Putah. On
his attaining his haven, the country had the appearance of never having
known the foot of man ; Indians there were none ; cattle there were none
save those which he had brought with him ; but there were evidences on
every hand of bears, and other wild animals. Mr. Wolfskill, inured as he
had been to hardship almost from his birth, thought little of these things ;
he had early served a hunter's craft in the wilds of unsettled Missouri,
whither he had accompanied his father in the year 1809, from his native
State of Kentucky; had learned the bitterness of being cooped up in
Cooper's Fort, now Howard County, Mo., during the war of 1812, and
could check-mate the tricky savage at his own game, and prove a match for
the ferocious grizzly on his own ground. The first night on his new domain
the lonely voyager passed high up on the fork of a tree away from the
possible hug of prowling bears and the presence of creeping things ; the

60 THE HISTOKY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

dawn found him with gun on shoulder on the search for food ; no time was
lost in making arrangements for a permanent location. A position for his
future home was chosen on a site near to that where now stands the house
of his brother, Sarshel Wolf skill, and, half a mile from his own present
dwelling ; what timber was necessary was cut, and in a short time, with
the assistance of a stray Indian or Mexican, the pioneer hut was completed,
and the energetic backwoodsman had once more the comfort of a roof over
his head, with more ample security from the lurking animals without.

At this time Wolfskill's nearest English-speaking neighbors were, on the
one hand, at Napa, on the other, at Sutter's Fort, now Sacramento ; dis-
tances of forty-five and thirty miles, respectively. Many a time was the
never-ending solitude broken by a ride and return on the same day to these
places, undertaken simply for the pleasure of a short conversation, which,
when accomplished, again would recur a season of prolonged lonesomeness,
varied only by the toil of clearing ground, the pursuit of game, and the
prosecution of a deadly war with grizzlies, of which Mr. Wolfskill has killed
a large number. One evening alone he having, in a distance of a mile and
a half, while riding along the course of the Putah creek, sent five to their
long account.

Uncle John Wolfskill, as he is familiarly spoken of in the district in
which he resides, carries his seventy-five years well, and, but for the extreme
whiteness of his beard and a slight bend of his shoulders, would still be
considered a man in the prime of life. Fortune has smiled upon him in the
fullness of his years. Portions of his estate he has sold or rented, but he,
with his son and brother, have a large tract under cultivation. His resi-
dence stands nearly three hundred yards from the banks of the Putah creek,
surrounded on every side by a splendid orchard of fruit trees of every
variety, including oranges, olives, figs, and grapes, one vine having tendrils
of forty feet in length that form a magnificent arbor ; while the building-
is of fine, soft, smooth stone, found on the property in considerable quanti-
ties, which has a beautiful appearance, and combines all the comfort of an
old country establishment, with the advantages of habitation, which a
glorious climate affords.

Thus we have satisfactorily traced the establishment of the first American
in Solano county, but emigration had not, as yet, come into California, for
no sign of gold had then been found, nor, indeed, had the remarkable adapt-
ability of the soil for agricultural as well as pastoral purposes been given
to the world. Those who occupied the lands did so in peace, and continued
so to do for years. It was not until 1846 that any positive influx in the
population of the county made itself apparent. In this year Benicia was
first settled, but ere relating this portion of Solano's history, let us draw
attention to the circumstances which induced to the selection of the site by
Doctor Robert Semple.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. Gl

In the early part of 1846 the United States and Mexico were at war. A
fine fleet of the best ships of the Union proudly bore the flag on the Pacific
ocean and along its coast. Fremont, the intrepid, with a small force of
regulars, were engaged on the frontier of California on a supposed scientific
survey. Great Britain and France, through their representatives, were
watching with keen anxiety the out-turn of affairs, being ready at a
moment's notice to take advantage of any loop-hole that might present
itself, and assume a protectorate over the coast, or take forcible- possession
of the country. The native Californians were not numerous ; those were
divided in council, scattered over a vast territory and poorly equipped with
defensive weapons. At this juncture affairs culminated to a point, and the
little town of Sonoma was called upon to play a part in the history of the
west, which was finally settled by the acquisition of California to the
United States.

On the morning of June lGth a band of thirty-three Americans, recruited
from Sutter's Fort and the adjacent .districts, marched into the town of
Sonoma, captured the garrison and took General Vallejo, the officer com-
manding the Province of California, a prisoner. The company who carried
out this hiffh-handed action were under the orders of one of their number
named Merritt, whom they had elected to the position of Captain. They
proceeded entirely on their responsibility, committed no excess, but still
were determined in their policy.

Being without authority/ to use the flag of the United States, a banner of
their own was therefore resolved upon, and three men, Ben Duell, (now of
Lake county) Todd, and Currie, manufactured the standard, the two former,
who were saddlers it is believed, sewing the stripes of red, white, and blue
together, while they with the bear, from which the color received its name,
were painted by the latter. A narrator of these events naively remarks :
" The material of which the stripes were made was not, as has been stated,
an old red flannel petticoat, but was new flannel and white cotton, which
Duell got from Mrs. W. B. Elliott, who had been brought to the town of Sono-
ma, her husband, W. B. Elliott, being one of the bear-flag party. Some blue
domestic was found elsewhere and used in making the flag. The drawing
was rudely done, and, when finished, the bear resembled a pig as much as
the object for which it was intended." The idea of adopting the insignia of
a bear was that having once entered the fight, there should be no surrender
until the thorough emancipation of California was accomplished. The
bear-flag is still preserved as a choice relic by the Society of California
Pioneers, and on notable occasions it sees the light in a procession by the
Association.

In the meantime after a few fights, and the murder of one or two of the
independents, Fremont made his appearance on the scene, and fitted out an
expedition to pursue the Californians whicn he did with much vigoi', finally

62 THE HISTOKY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

driving Castro, their commander, with his forces, out of the district. While
these events were being enacted, the American flag was hoisted at Monterey
on July 7th, by direction of Commodore Sloat ; on the following day it was
opened to the breeze on the plaza at Yerba Buena, and, on July 10th, the
revolutionists received one with every demonstration of joy ; down came the
flag of independence, the inartistic bear-flag, and up went the stars and
stripes, thus completing the conquest of the district of Sonoma of which
Solono county then formed a portion.

The detachment to escort General Vallejo to Sutter's Fort, wherein he
was to be held as a prisoner of war, was placed under the command of
Doctor Robert Semple, then a captain serving under the bear flag, who,
while proceeding by boat along the shores of the Carquinez straits, casually
observed to the general on the remarkable eligibility of the present site of
Benicia as one on which to found a city. At the time the matter was
referred to simply as a topic of conversation; on the return journey, how-
ever, after the short detention of the- General, he once more brought up the
subject, which terminated in his promise to make a concession for that
purpose of five miles of water front and one in depth ; this we find on
reference to the county records was finally carried out, by deed of gift, on
May 19th, 1847, the name of Thomas 0. Larkin, consul for the United State
at Monterey, being associated with those of General Vallejo and Doctor
Robert Semple, the deed containing certain provisions which will be treated
on in the history of the city of Benicia.

Thus the first town in Solono county was located and soon after settled.

We must now return to the doings of the year 1846. In this year
immigration was greater than on any previous one, among those arriving
being Landy Alford and Nathan Barbour. What their experiences were let
us here relate. Starting from Andrews county, Missouri, for this, then
almost " undiscovered country," they crossed the plains and came to the
banks of the Feather river in October, 1846. The waters being in flood it
was too deep to ford, they, therefore, with that wit which becomes sharpened
by a stern necessity, devised the following mode of reaching the opposite
bank. Taking the box, or bed of their wagons, they fastened to each corner
an empty keg, thus making a raft or float ; in this they conveyed, not only
all their household goods, but also their entire families, the live stock which
they were bringing with them being compelled to swim across. Not long
after this our party found themselves at Wolfskill's ranch, already referred
to, and here they divided, the Alford's going to Sonoma accompanied by
Barbour's wife, while Barbour remained behind for a few days, and finally
enlisted in the battalion that Fremont was at the time recruiting, with
which he went to Sacramento and served five months. In the end of March,
1847, Mr. Barbour followed his friends to Sonoma where he, with Alford,
framed two houses which they intended erecting on a couple of lots given

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 63

them for the purpose. On one occasion while at work shaping out their
posts and beams, they were found by Thomas 0. Larkin who made them an
offer of a startling nature, this being no less than a proposal to take both
their houses to Benicia free of charge, to give them one thousand dollars
each for them, they having the privilege of living in them during the
winter, only with this simple proviso, that they should be erected on certain
specified lots in that city. The offer was accepted and they moved to
Benicia in October, 1847. With the same train in which started for Cali-
fornia those mentioned above, traveled Daniel M. Berry, who with his
family arrived in September, 1846, and at once proceeded to Rio Vista, but
in the following spring removed from there and came into the Suisun valley
and pitched a tent on what is now the farm of Joseph Blake, situated about
six miles west of Fairfield. In this year there also located in Vaca valley,
Albert Lyon, John Patton, J. P. Long, Willis Long, and Clay Long, who
commenced the business of stock-raisers. At this time there also lived in
the adobe at Rockville, formerly occupied by Solano, the proselytized chief
of the Suisuns, one Jesus Molino, an Indian who farmed some land.

Captain Von Pfister, a most worthy gentleman of Benicia, who arrived in
that city in the month of August, 1847, possesses a set of books, a day-book
and journal, used in his business, which impart a fund of information in
regard to the early settlement of the county, and in a measure serves as a
directory for that year. When the captain landed in Benicia, one William
McDonald was then building an adobe, which Von Pfister rented on com-
pletion, and opened the first store in the county. From this establishment
the neighborhood for many miles around was supplied, including residents
in Contra Costa, notably the Spanish family of Martinez, who founded the
pleasant town of that name on the opposite shore of the Carquinez Straits.
The books above referred to inform us that there then lived in the county the
following gentlemen — of course there were others whom it has been impos-
sible to trace — all of whom did business at this pioneer emporium. Robert
Semple, Edward Higgings, Charles Hand, Benjamin Furbush, David A*
Davis, William Bryan, George Stevens, James Thompson, Stephen Cooper,
F. S. Holland, Landy Alford, Benjamin McDonald, William Russell, William
Watson, William I. Tustin, Henry Mathews, while Ward & Smith, and
Robert A. Parker, then the principal merchants of Yerba Buena, were the
wholesale establishments with which Von Pfister did business.

The foregoing names are produced merely to give a sort of general idea
of who some of the original settlers were, but it must be by no manner of
means inferred that they were the first to locate in that section. It is fair
to assume that Doctor Robert Semple was the first to appear with any
defined ideas of taking up a permanent residence on the spot, for to him
and two others did the land belong ; there were no houses wherein to live ;
so those who came were per force content to dwell in their wagons and

64 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

tents. Yet this was for no lengthened period, as in 1847 we find on record
that houses were constructed by William I. Tustin, now of San Francisco.
Robert Semple, William Bryan, William Russell, Thomas O. Larkin, Stephen
Cooper, Nathan Barbour, Landy Alford, and a man named Benedict.

In this year, too, Samuel Green McMahon arrived in the northern part of
the county and located on certain lands in the WolfskiD grant, on Putah
creek, while in the previous year Don Juan Bidwell, an American, who had
adopted a Spanish synonym of his name, and had served against the Bear-
flag party with the Spaniards, received a grant of land in what is now Rio
Vista township. About this time William McDonald, of Benicia, purchased
a farm in the Sulphur Spring valley, on what was for many years after
known as the Wood's ranch, and there broke the first ground in the south-
ern portion of the county, and produced crops, principally of vegetables,
which were a marvel to those early residents who had come from the
Eastern agricultural States.

In the fall of the year 1847, Captain Von Pfister, traveling overland,
visited the site of the present State Capital. His journey was made through
that portion of the district now known as Solano County, he having started
from Benicia and forded the Rio de los Putos, somewhere between Wolf-
skill's house and that portion of the marsh where the creek loses itself in
the tules, presumably at the point where the old Spanish trail crossed that
stream. There were then only five houses between these two points, at
four of which the captain visited. The first was that of the Indian, Jesus
Molino, at Rockville ; here he found about one hundred acres of ground
under cultivation, producing beans, peas, wheat, barley, and other cereal and
bulbous plants with which the producer was wont to purchase his necessary
stores ; his farming implements were of the most primitive kind, the plough
used being the crooked limb or elbow of a tree, armed with a pointed,
rough, iron socket, which was unevenly dragged through the soil. He next
visited the Berry ranch, in Suisun valley, and here found a clap-board house,
the only one in the district of the kind ; and hence he proceeded in turn
to the ranches of Armijo and Vaca and Pena, and made his exit from the
county as already described.

This year of 1847 may be said to close the pre-historic days of the State,
for it was not until the following year that California became a household
word and had her name tremblingly and hopefully pronounced by eager
lips. As things were then, matters progressed smoothly, but it was little
calculated what was in store for the county in the future ; what there was
we shall attempt to define as we go on.

The year 1848 is one wherein reached the nearest attainment of the dis-
covery of the Philosopher's stone, which it has been the lot of Christendom
to witness : on January 19th gold was discovered, at Coloma, on the
American river, and the most unbelieving and cold-blooded were, by the

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'HE
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PUBLIC LIBRARY

Foundations,

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 65

middle of spring, irretrievably bound in its fascinating meshes. The wonder
is that the discovery was not made earlier. Emigrants, settlers, hunters,
practical miners, scientific exploring parties, had camped on, settled in,
hunted through, dug in and ransacked the region, yet never found it ; the
discovery was entirely accidental. Franklin Tuthill, in his History of Cal-
ifornia, tells the story in these words : Captain Sutter had contracted with
James W. Marshall, in September, 1847, for the construction of a saw-mill,
in Coloma. In the course of the winter a dam and race were made, but
when the water was let on, the tail-race was too narrow. To widen and
deepen it, Marshall let a strong current of water directly into the race,
which bore a large body of mud and gravel to the foot.

On the 19th of January, 1848, Marshall observed some glittering particles
in the race, which he was curious enough to examine. He called five car-
penters on the mill to see them ; but though they talked over the possibility
of its being gold, the vision did not inflame them. Peter L. Weimar claims
that he was with Marshall when the first piece of the " yellow stuff " was
picked up. It was a pebble, weighing six pennyweights and eleven grains.
Marshall gave it to Mrs. Weimar, and asked her to boil it in saleratus water
and see what came of it. As she was making soap at the time, she pitched
it into the soap kettle. About twenty-four hours afterwards it was fished
out and found all the brighter for its boiling.

Marshall, two or three weeks later, took the specimens below, and gave
them to Sutter, to have them tested. Before Sutter had quite satisfied
himself as to their nature, he went up to the mill, and, with Marshall, made
a treaty with the Indians, buying of them their titles to the region round
about, for a certain amount of goods. There was an effort made to keep the
secret inside the little circle that knew it, but it soon leaked out. They had
many misgivings and much discussion whether they were not making
themselves ridiculous ; yet by common consent all began to hunt, though
with no great spirit, for the " yellow stuff " that might prove such a prize.

In February, one of the party went to Yerba Buena, taking some of the
dust with him. Fortunately he stumbled upon Isaac Humphrey, an old
Georgian gold-miner, who, at the first look at the specimens, said they were
gold, and that the diggings must be rich. Humphrey tried to induce some
of his friends to go up with him to the mill, but they thought it a crazy ex-
pedition, and left him to go alone. He reached there on the 7th of March.
A few were hunting for gold, but rather lazily, and the work on the mill
went on as usual. Next day he began " prospecting," and soon satisfied
himself that he had struck a rich placer. He made a rocker, and then com-
menced work in earnest.

A few days later, a Frenchman, Baptiste, formerly a miner in Mexico,
left the lumber he was sawing for Sutter at Weber's, ten miles east of
Coloma, and came to the mill. He agreed with Humphrey that the region

66 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

was rich, and, like him, took to the pan and the rocker. These two men
were the competent practical teachers of the crowd that flocked in to see
how they did it. The lesson was easy, the process simple. An hour's
observation fitted the least experienced for working to advantage.

Slowly and surely, however, did these discoveries creep into the minds of
those at home and abroad ; the whole civilized world was set ao-oof with the
startling news from the, shores of the Pacific. Young and old were seized
with the California fever ; high and low, rich and poor, were infected by it ;
the prospect was altogether too gorgeous to contemplate. Why they could
actually pick up a fortune for the seeking it ! Positive affluence was within
the grasp of the weakest ; the very coast was shining with the bright metal
which could be obtained by picking it out with a knife.

Says Tuthill : Before such considerations as these, the conservatism of
the most stable bent. Men of small means, whose tastes inclined them to
keep out of all hazardous schemes and uncertain enterprises, thought they
saw duty beckoning them around the Horn, or across the plains. In many
a family circle, where nothing but the strictest econonomy could make the
two ends of the year meet, there were long and anxious consultations,
which resulted in selling ofT a piece of the homestead or the woodland, or
the choicest of the stock, to fit out one sturdy representative to make a for-
tune for the family. Hundreds of farms were mortgaged to buy tickets for
the land of gold. Some insured their lives and pledged their policies for an
outfit. The wild boy was packed off hopefully. The black sheep of the
flock was dismissed with a blessing, and the forlorn hope that, with a
change of skies, there might be a change of manneis. The stay of the
happy household said " Good-bye, but only for a year or two," to his charge.
Unhappy husbands availed themselves cheerfully of this cheap and reput-
able method of divorce, trusting Time to mend or mar matters in their
absence. Here was a chance to begin life anew. Whoever had begun it
badly, or made slow headway on the right course, might start again in a
region where Fortune had not learned to coquette with and dupe her
wooers.

The adventurers generally formed companies, expecting to go overland or
by sea to the mines, and to dissolve partnership only after a first trial of luck
together in the " diggings." In the Eastern and Middle States they would buy
up an old whaling-ship, just ready to be condemned to the wreckers, put in
a cargo of such stuff as they must need themselves, and provisions, tools, or
goods, that must be sure to bring returns enough to make the venture pro-
fitable. Of course, the whole fleet rushing together through the Golden
Gate, made most of these ventures profitless, even when the guess was
happy as to the kind of supplies needed by the Californians. It can hardly
be believed what sieves of ships started, and how many of them actually
made the voyage. Little river-steamers, that had scarcely tasted salt water

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 67

before, were fitted out to thread the Straits of Magellan, and these were
welcomed to the bays and rivers of California, whose waters some of them
ploughed and vexed busily for years afterwards.

Then steamers, as well as all manner of sailing vessels, began to be adver-
tised to run to the Isthmus ; and they generally went crowded to excess
with passengers, some of whom were fortunate enough, after the toilsome
ascent of the Chagres river, and the descent either on mules or on foot to
Panama, not to be detained more than a month waiting for the craft that
had rounded the Horn, and by which they were ticketed to proceed to San
Francisco. But hundreds broke down under the horrors of the voyage in
the steerage, contracted on the Isthmus the low typhoid fevers incident to
tropical marshy regions, and died.

The overland emigrants, unless they came too late in the season to the
Sierras, seldom suffered as much, as they had no great variation of climate
on their route. They had this advantage, too, that the mines lay at the end
of their long road ; while the sea-faring, when they landed, had still a
weary journey before them. Few tarried longer at San Francisco than was
necessary to learn how utterly useless were the curious patent mining con-
trivances they had brought, and to replace them with the pick, shovel
pan, and cradle. If anyone found himself destitute of funds to go farther,
there was work enough to raise them by. Labor was honorable ; and the
daintiest dandy, if he were honest, could not resist the temptation to work
where wages were so high, pay so prompt, and employers so flush.

There were not lacking in San Francisco, grumblers who had tried the
mines and satisfied themselves that it cost a dollar's worth of sweat and
time, and living exclusively on bacon, beans, and " slap-jacks," to pick a
dollar's worth of gold out of rock, or river bed, or dry ground ; but they
confessed that the good luck which they never enjoyed abode with others.
Then the display of dust, slugs, and bars of gold in the public gambling-
places ; the sight of men arriving every day freighted with belts full, which
they parted with so freely as men only can when they have got it easily ;
the testimony of the miniature rocks ; the solid nuggets brought down from
above every few days, whose size and value rumor multiplied according to
the number of her tongues. The talk, day and night, unceasingly and
exclusively of " gold, easy to get and hard to hold," inflamed all new
comers with the desire to hurry on and share the chances. They chafed at
the necessary detentions. They nervously feared that all would be gone
before they should arrive.

The prevalent impression was that the placers would give out in a year
or two. Then it behoved him who expected to gain much to be among the
earliest on the ground. When experiment was so fresh in the field, one
theory was about as good as another. An hypothesis that lured men per-
petually farther up the gorges of the foot-hills, and to explore the canons

68 THE HISTOKY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

of the mountains, was this : that the gold which had been found in the
beds of rivers, or in gulches, through which streams once ran, must have
been washed down from the places of original deposits farther up the
mountains. The higher up the gold-hunter went, then, the nearer he
approached the source of supply.

To reach the mines from San Francisco, the course lay up San Pablo and
Suisun bays, and the Sacramento — not then, as now, a yellow, muddy
stream, but a river pellucid and deep — to the landing for Sutter's Fort;
and they who made the voyage in sailing vessels, thought Mount Diablo
significantly named so long it kept them company and swung its shadow
over their path. From Sutter's the most common route was across the
broad, fertile valley to the foot-hills, and up the American or some one of
its tributaries ; or, ascending the Sacramento to the Feather and the Yuba,
the company staked off a claim, pitched its tent or constructed a cabin, and
set up its rocker, or began to oust the river from a portion of its bed. Good
luck might hold the impatient adventurers for a whole season on one bar ;
bad luck scattered them always farther up.
* * * * * ***

Hoards sought the mining camps, which did not stop to study roads.
Traders came in to supply the camps, and, not very fast, but still to some
extent, mechanics and farmers to supply both traders and miners. So, as
if by magic, within a year or two after the rush began, the map of the
country was written thick with the names of settlements.

Some of these were the nuclei of towns that now flourish and promise to
continue as long as the State is peopled. Others, in districts where the
placers were soon exhaused, were deserted almost as hastily as they were
begun, and now no traces remain of them except the short chimney-stack,
the broken surface of the ground, heaps of cobble-stones, rotting, half-
buried sluice boxes, empty whisky bottles, scattered playing cards, and
rusty cans.

The " fall of '49 and spring of '50 " is the era of California history, which
the pioneer always speaks of with warmth. It was the free-and-easy age
when everybody was flush, and fortune, if not in the palm, was only just
beyond the grasp of all. Men lived chiefly in tents, or in cabins scarcely
more durable, and behaved themselves like a generation of bachelors. The
family was beyond the mountains ; the restraints of society had not yet
arrived. Men threw off the masks they had lived behind and appeared out
in their true character. A few did not discharge the consciences and con-
victions they had brought with them. More rollicked in a perfect freedom
from those bonds which good men cheerfully assume in settled society for
the good of the greater number. Some afterwards resumed their temperate
and steady habits, but hosts were wrecked before the period of their license
expired.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 69

Very rarely did men, on their arrival in the country, begin to work at
their old trade or profession. To the mines first. If fortune favored they
soon quit for more congenial employments. If she frowned, they might
depart disgusted, if they were able ; but oftener, from sheer inability to
leave the business, they kept on, drifting from bar to bar, living fast, reck-
less, improvident, half -civilized lives ; comparatively rich to-day, poor
to-morrow ; tormented with rheumatisms and agues ; remembering dimly
the joys of the old homestead ; nearly weaned from the friends at home,
who, because they were never heard from, soon became like dead men in
their memory ; seeing little of women and nothing of churches ; self-reliant,
yet satisfied that there was nowhere any " show " for them ; full of enter-
prise in the direct line of their business, and utterly lost in the threshhold
of any other ; genial companions, morbidly craving after newspapers ; good
fellows, but short-lived.

Such was the maelstrom which dragged all into its vortex thirty years
ago ! Now, almost the entire generation of pioneer miners, who remained
in that business, has passed away, and the survivers feel like men who are
lost and old before their time, among the new comers, who many be just as
old, but lack their long, strange chapter of adventures.

No history of a county in California would be complete without a record
of the rush to this coast at the time of what is so aptly named the " gold
fever;" hence use has been made of the graphic pen-picture quoted above.
Where there were so many homeless, houseless wanderers, the marvel is
not so much that thousands should have succumbed to sickness, as that
there was no epidemic to sweep off the entire reckless population.

In the winter of 1849-50 large numbers of miners repaired to Benicia>
and there pitching their tents, plunged into the most head-long dissipation.
Saloons and gambling hells were in full blast, large sums of money being
spent on and in these canvass palaces, ornamented and embellished with the
wildest display of meretricious splendor. In the spring of the year, when
the weather opened, the majority returned to their will-o'-the-wisp pursuit
after wealth in the mines, while those who remained, heart-sick at hope
deferred, cast aside their rockers and picks, and betook themselves to the
ploughshare, so to try their luck at fortune-making by the production of
golden grain, as against the acquiring it from golden sand. In these years
commenced the arrival, in numbers, of settlers in Solano county, a goodly
share of her oldest and most worthy residents having each had, at one time
or another, a long or a short spell at the mines, and truly do they love to
narrate their experiences in these eventful years, which is usually done
with a simplicity at once " child-like and bland."

But to return to the settlement of Solano county : In 1848, John Stilts,
who had two years previously visited the district, returned and settled in
Green Valley, where he was shortly after followed by W. P. Durbin and

70 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

Charles Ramsey. In the following spring came Landy Alford from Benicia
to the Suisun Valley, and located on the farm now owned by Lewis Pierce.
Alford was of that class of whom the most stolid citizens are made. He
was a man brought up on the frontier, and, as usual with such characters,
lacked those more refined qualities which education and contact with society
brings. A man who was passionately fond of hunting, and when not
engaged in the pursuit of deer, bear, or other wild animals, or recounting
his exploits to interested listeners, was silent, reserved, and almost moody.
After his coming to this township, and when civilization became more
advanced and game became sparse, he pushed on to the valley of the San
Joaquin, where he died a few years ago. He, with many of the early set-
tlers, have been gathered to their fathers on the brighter shores of the Great
Beyond. A few are left awaiting the summons to join those who have gone
before, but who shared with them the hardships and privations incident to
pioneer life in this part of the Pacific slope, erst the home of Solano and
his tribe of Suisuns.

In this year, too, there established themselves in Yaca valley, J. H., W.
B., and Garard Long, who were soon after followed by Marshall M. Basye ;
General J. B. Frisbie, too, at this time arrived in Benicia : while there were
others, who it has been impossible to trace, arriving almost daily. Most of
these have been gathered to their fathers ; while some have left the county
to reside in other parts of the State. In the fall of 1850, John R. Wolfskill
was joined by his brother Mathias, on his grant on Putah creek ; the same
season Nathan Barbour transferred his residence to Suisun valley ; while in
that year, among the arrivals in the county, were J. H. Bauman, W. A.
Dunn, and his family (among whom was Alexander, the present County
Clerk of Solano), who located in Fairfield in December, but afterwards
moved permanently to Vaca valley ; Dr. Frisbie, and Paul K. Hubbs and
his family, in Benicia ; S. W. Long, in Vacaville ; and Harvey Rice, of
Suisun.

In 1850, Benicia had assumed considerable proportions as a city ; while,
through the auspices of General Vallejo, another town, within seven miles
of it, was commencing to spring into existence. This is now the city of
Vallejo, which was to have been called Eureka, and at one time actually
bore the name of Eden. It is known to all how this county became the
possessor of the legislature — it fluctuating between Vallejo and Benicia,
until it was gobbled up by Sacramento — the full history of these doings
appear in another portion of the work ; and also to this period belongs the
credit of seeing the erection of the first two-storied frame building in the
county. This was built by Daniel M. Berry, in the summer of 1850, and is
now occupied by his son, Elijah Berry ; it being located on the farm of

THE HISTOEY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 71

Joseph Blake. The following years still saw the population on the increase ;
in 1851, came E. F. Gillespie, to the upper end of Suisun valley, where he
commenced farming and haying ; Robert and Thomas Brownlie, with their
families, to Vallejo ; James G. Edwards, to Suisun, locating on the farm now
owned by John McMullen ; Charles Ramsey, to Green valley ; about this
time there settled, also, Captain Wing. In the following year, among those
who cast their lot in the county, were W. G. Davisson, George A. Gillespie,
the present Deputy County Clerk, a most worthy gentleman, and a complete
encyclopaedia of information in the various affairs of the country since the
date of his location in it ; J. B. Lemon, the present County Treasurer, in
Green valley ; Christley Manka, in Suisun township ; Elijah S. Silvey, in
Silvey ville, from whom that village and township takes its name ; and Dr.
O. C. Udell, on Putah creek. At this epoch of the county's history, there
was only one blacksmith shop ; it was situated at the foot of Suisun valley,
and kept by J. M. Perry ; to this establishment had the farmers from miles
around to come to get their ploughs repaired, their harrows mended, and
horses shod, consuming, in many instances, two entire days. In 1852, the
first store was opened in the Suisun valley, by J. W. Seaver, on the ground
now occupied by Sam. Martin, which lessened the distance to procure the
necessary commodities for existence. The country had now become well
populated ; the wild oats of earlier years showing a commencement of van-
ishing before the enterprise of the new-comers ; they for the while contented
themselves with but scant covering from the rude winds ; a log cabin, of
proscribed dimensions and primitive build, was all that the greater number
could afford. True, John R. Wolf skill had already built a fine frame dwell-
ing on the banks of Putah creek, the timber for which he had procured
from Benicia, a distance of forty miles, which cost him a " bit" a foot, and
for transporting which, he providing horses and wagons, he paid a driver
sixteen dollars a day. The later arrivals were not thus blessed ; their mode
of getting along was different. A few acres would, at the outset, be enclosed
by a ditch and mound, with brushwood heaped on top, to protect the rising
crops from the depredations of the wild oxen and other animals ; timber
was not to be procured save under disadvantageous circumstances of fatigue
and risk ; while a still greater enemy was ever to be feared in the firing of
the uncut portions of the wild oats, which, when ignited, burned with
fearful rapidity. Civilization had, however, made its impress upon the
land. Hay was made ; grain was grown ; and though the markets were at
a long distance from the producer, even at this early date small crafts found
their way to the Suisun embarcadero, and transported the freight, to what
was then, the thriving city of San Francisco.

72 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

We quote from the abstract of the census of 1852, of the State of Cali-
fornia, the following return, having reference to Solano county :

Population 2,835

Whites, male 2,324

Whites, female 402

Citizens, United States, over 21 years of age 1,298

Negroes, male 26

Negroes, female 2

Mulattoes, male 35

Mulattoes, female None.

Indians, male 31

Indians, female 15

Foreign residents, male 790

Foreign residents, female 101

The quantity of land under cultivation in 1852, was five thousand nine
hundred and forty-nine acres, which was situated chiefly in the Suscol,
Sulphur Spring, Green, Suisun, Ulattis, Vaca, and Putah valleys.

The number of horses, cattle, and live stock generally, is appended :

Horses 1,957

Mules 187

Milch Cows 2,185

Beef Cattle 1,085

Hogs 2,264

Sheep 2,000

Oxen 1,149

The quantity of produce raised in the county was :

Bushels of Barley 105,630

Bushels of Oats 13,870

Bushels of Corn 3,555

Bushels of Wheat 8,395

Bushels of Rye 100

Bushels bf Potatoes 25,905

Tons of Hay ••••.. 2,146

Number of Grape Vines 5,811

Number of Fruit Trees 1,961

Thus is seen what gigantic strides had been made towards the establish-
ment of Solano county as a centre of agricultural production, and with
what just pride may we now refer to those of our relations and friends who
are still alive, who did so much towards bringing the valleys, and now some
of the mountains, within the influence of the plough. Jt is not within the

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 73

province of this work to follow individual by individual in his location in
the county ; it has been a sufficiently intricate task to particularize those
few whom we have enumerated ; how much more difficult, therefore, would
it be, were it possible, even to account for the two thousand and more who
were already settled in the county in the year 1852. As year followed
year, the cry of immigration was "still they come;" as month succeeded
month the wants of the communities were supplied. Churches were built,
schools established; peace, order and good government were maintained as
effectively as could be ; while the judicial system had been put into practi-
cal operation.

The first hotel opened in the county was naturally at Benicia, the then
metropolis of Solano. It was carried on in an adobe house, by Major
Stephen Cooper, and named the " California House." The Major kept it
but for a short time, when it passed into the hands of Captain E. H. Von
Pfister, at a rental of five hundred dollars a month. The first church was
one for the Presbyterian order, constructed by the residents in 1849, the
frame having been imported from one of the Eastern States, and occupied
by Doctor Sylvester Woodbridge, now of San Francisco. The first school
was opened in 1849. The first birth was that of a daughter to the wife of
Nathan Barbour; the first marriage occurred on December 16, 1847, being
that of Doctor Robert Semple to Miss Fannie Cooper, daughter of the Judge
of the Court of First Instance, Major Stephen Cooper, at which there was
considerable merriment ; and the first record of a death, is that of John
Semple, a young man of twenty-one years of age, and son of the Doctor by
a former marriage.

In December, 1851, the plat of the town of Vacaville was filed, the origi-
nal grantors of the land being sponsors for the same ; while in every portion
of the county immigrants arrived, and locations taken up on all sides. Such,
indeed, was the influx of settlers into these valleys, the fertility of which
had already been noised abroad, that we find, in the year 1853, the estab-
lishment of a post-office at Cordelia, a small village, which now only exists
in name. In this year, Doctor S. K. Nurse established himself at a spot,
which he named Nurse's Landing, now known as Denverton, where he
built a residence, and in 1854, continued his enterprise by building a wharf
of considerable size, and a store as well.

Let us now consider what the prospects of the county were in 1855,
as we gather from statistics. In that year the amount of land within the
county, was 535,000 acres, of which there were under cultivation, 18,500
acres, divided as follows :

Mowed for Hay 4,000 acres— yield 6,000 Tons.

Planted in Wheat 7,500 acres— yield 150,000 Bushels.

Planted in Barley 5,200 acres— yield 156,000 Bushels.

Planted in Oats 700 acres— yield 28,000 Bushels.

74 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

Planted in Com 700 acres — yield 21,000 Bushels.

Planted in Potatoes . . 200 acres — yield 30,000 Bushels.

Planted in Onions ... 50 acres — yield 50 Tons.

Planted in Broom-corn 135 acres — yield

Planted in other crop. 26 acres — yield

The estimated stock of animals was :

Horses 3,000.

Cattle 24,000.

Mules 300.

Sheep. 18,000.

Goats 200.

Hogs 17,000.

While the value of animals slaughtered was approximately stated to be
$100,000, an emphatic proof of the increase of population. This, however*
did not rest here, railways were mooted, steamboats already plied to Suisun,
which daily left loaded to the water's edge with produce for the San Fran-
cisco market. Early every morning strings of wagons, sometimes of forty
or fifty in number, arrived with large loads of grain and vegetables, which
were borne down the muddy slough and through the vast bleak expanse of
tule to the centre of traffic. Suisun was then the outlet for all the surroud-
ing country ; the county, through the energies of successive governments?
had been intersected in every direction by good roads, making travel easy
and pleasant ; the fertile valleys were becoming more thickly peopled as
day succeeded day ; a ready market was found for produce, and all went
" merry as a marriage bell." The attention of the reader is called to the
following report of the County Assessor in 1862 as an example of what
remarkable progress was made in the first ten years of the agricultural
history of Solano.

Description. No. Acres.

Valley Land adapted to tillage 292,000.

Mountain and Hill Land suitable for grazing purposes.. . 118,440.

Swamp and Overflowed Lands, lying principally on the

eastern and southern side of the county, about 92,000.

The Bays and Estuaries within the borders of the county

cover the surface of 43,000.

Total 545,440.

AGRICULTURAL LAND.

Of the two hundred and ninety-two thousand acres of tillable land,
there is not probably upon the face of the globe, so large an amount of

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 75

farming land, lying in a compact form, that presents more alluring induce-
ments to the husbandman than this. Experiments have proven it to be
susceptable of the highest state of cultivation, yielding abundant harvests
of the grains and fruits indigenous to every zone. Wheat, barley, oats, rye,
corn, buckwheat, peas, beans, potatoes, yams, onions, etc., flourish luxuriantly
while the growing of flax, hemp, tobacco, cotton, rice, broomcorn, and
Chinese sugarcane, has been pronounced a success. Here also grow beauti-
fully, the apple, peach, pear, plum, cherry, nectarine, quince, apricot, fig,
orange, olive, pomegranite, pineapple, almond and prune trees ; and goose-
berry, raspberry, strawberry, and grape vines, are yearly laden with fruit.
We have according to statistics :

Description. No. Acres.

Land enclosed 115,774.

Cultivated 44,454.

In Wheat 14,256.

Barley 15,687.

Oats 580.

Rye 320.

Corn 970.

Buckwheat 36.

Peas 120.

Potatoes 1,473.

Onions 462.

Hay 42,160.

Alfalfa 23.

Broom Corn 170.

Of fruit trees and vines, we have :

Description. Number.

Apple trees, acres 15,996.

Peach trees 32,381.

Plum trees 1,592.

Pear trees 3,573.

Cherry trees 1,486.

Apricot trees 2,144.

Fig trees 1,772.

Grape vines 520,630.

Wine, manufactured, gallons 10,580.

Brandy, manufactured, gallons 460.

It will thus be seen that the inhabitants of Solano are not unmindful of
the comforts that surround civilization, and make happy homes ; and as the
great drawback on California, the land titles, are becoming adjudicated, new
evidence of thrif tiness and industry are being added to those already inau-
gurated.

76 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

GRAZING LAND.

This portion of the county (one hundred and eighteen thousand four
hundred and forty acres) consists of the mountain spurs of the Coast
Range, and lie on the eastern side of the dividing ridge between this county
and Napa, and the low hills that are adjacent to, and form a portion of the
shores of the Suisun bay. The surface is covered with a dense growth of
" bunch grass " and wild oats, the former growing upon the summits and
the north sides of the highest peaks, being green nearly the whole year, and
a grass of hardy growth, nourishing best upon the most sterile hills. It is
valuable to the farmer, being very nutritious for stock.

Of the wild oats it would seem almost superfluous to speak, being indig-
enous to the soil, and familiar to nearly every inhabitant of California.
But, lest there were some who -have not visited this portion of the State
when its growth is most abundant, I will endeavor to describe it : The seed
bears a strong resemblance to the tame black oats, with this difference: it
is smaller, and has a hirsute appendage that grows upon the base of the
grain and nearly envelops it. This seemingly useless appendage has its
uses. In the fall, the soil, after many months of uninterrupted sunshine, is
hard and impenetrable, and would be impossible to seed were it not for the
cracks that are produced by contraction. The oats ripen in the months of
July and August, and are shattered by the action of the wind.

Falling upon the hard and impervious earth, they could not take root if
they did not make their way to these cracks, which they do in two ways :

First. — The heavy fibres that surround it act as legs, and prevent the
grain from lying close to the earth, at the same time being a sort of sail
that catches the lightest breeze that blows, thus turning it over and over
until it is safely lodged in the nearest crack, to await the coming rains of
winter.

Second. — The action of water upon these fibres has a singular and novel
effect. The first rains falling upon the seed, produce a desire for locomo-
tion, or a crawling propensity, and, by a curious process, the grain will
move itself several inches, thereby falling into cracks that are yawning to
receive and nourish it. Early in the winter, the oats, sprouting from these
cracks, give the earth the appearance of being spread with a beautiful net-
work.

This grass is the stand-by of the farmer. It nourishes his stock in the

spring, fattens them in summer and fall, and sustains them in winter. From

it he makes his hay, which is pronounced by good judges to be the best that

is used.

SWAMP AND OVERFLOWED LAND.

As before remarked, our estimate of the quantity of this land laying in
this county is about ninety-two thousand acres. A few years since, this

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 77

portion of our State was deemed valueless ; but more enlightened and recent
experiments are awakening the public mind to the fact that it will be quite
an important element in enhancing our future wealth. The manner of its
disposal, as marked out by the Legislature of 1858, in a law enacted during
that session, was a wise termination of this previously mooted question.
Since the passage of that law, these lands are being rapidly taken up, and
are yielding an increasing revenue to the State. Moreover, there is no one
now who doubts the fact that these lands are a more speedy way to reclam-
ation by private energy and enterprise than they would have been had they
been jobbed out in large quantities to corporate associations and irrespon-
sible parties. The more elevated portions of these lands in our county are
being tilled to good advantage, and the day is certainly not far distant
when this now neglected soil will be made .to furnish support and susten-
ance to thousands of immigrants arriving upon our shores.

MINERAL LAND.

This county has long since been denominated a " cow county ;" therefore
little will be expected under this head. Gold has been found, however,
within our borders. There are about seven thousand acres of mountain
and hill laying on the north of Township No. 7 N. R. 2 W., and on the
south side of Township 8 N. R. 2 W., in the vicinity of Putah creek, from
which gold dust has been taken to the amount of fifteen hundred dollars, in
the past year.

Stone has been found in several localities suitable for building purposes.
Still, our quarries are inferior to those of Folsom. Our marble quarries
have gained considerable celebrity, furnishing a peculiar kind of striped,
variegated marble, that admits of the highest polish, and is elegantly
adapted for ornamental uses. These quarries are located upon the summits
of the hills that surround Suisun valley.

TIMBER.

The timber of Solano comprises several species of oak, pitch-pine, ash,
cotton-wood, etc., growing upon the mountains, in some of the valleys, and
on the margin of streams. It is worthless for any mechanical use, and
serviceable only for fuel. It is the opinion of many, that as soon as the
land is all fenced, and the annual fires prevented from ravaging the country,
timber can be grown here as successfully as upon the prairies of Illinois or
elsewhere.

LIVE STOCK.

We come now to a branch of industrial pursuit that, next to our agricul-
tural interests, surpasses all others in point of importance. The rearing of
stock of every species has occupied the attention of our citizens for years ;

78 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

and upon no other avocation has the same amount of money been expended
as upon this. Stallions, bulls, jacks, and rams of the choicest breeds, have
been imported from Europe and the older States. If the same interest that
is now taken in regard to the improvement of our breeds of stock, remain
unabated, with the healthful climate we possess, the time is not far distant
when we will proudly take rank with the stock-raising localities of the
East. According to our statistics, we have as follows :

Description. Number.

Horses, American 1,343

Horses, Spanish 2,667

Mules 269

Cattle, American 25,652

Cattle, Spanish • 3,634

Oxen (Yoke) 169

Sheep 132,000

Hogs 11,737

Chickens 12,960

Turkeys 2,452

Ducks 560

Geese 128

Wool, American, pounds 154,000

Wool, Spanish, pounds 220,000

IMPROVEMENTS.

Our buildings are beginning to assume an appearance of stability. Red-
wood shanties are being supplanted by comfortable frame and brick dwel-
lings ; substantial plank fences are taking the place of the miserable ditches
so long used ; and barns and stables are becoming indispensable to every
farmer.

Of our public improvements we have : First — The United States Navy
Yard, at Mare Island. This island lies near the southern shore of the
county, opposite the town of Vallejo. It was formerly the property of
General Vallejo, and was purchased by Government of Wm. H. Aspinwall,
for the sum of eighty thousand dollars. The immense sum of four millions
five hundred thousand dollars has been expended in building docks capable
of raising vessels of the largest class, and the following named buildings,
which are constructed in the most durable manner, of brick and stone :
four naval store-houses, sixty-five by four hundred feet each ; blacksmith
shop, two hundred by two hundred and fifty feet ; foundry, five hundred by
nine hundred feet — said to be the largest building of the kind in the United
States ; thirteen elegant residences for officers ; a magazine, sixty-five by
one hundred feet, and a sea-wall or bulkhead four hundred feet long.

The Pacific Mail Company. — This company has, at Benicia, two build-

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 79

ings of large dimensions, used as a foundry and machine shop. Here they
repair and coal their steamers, besides doing an immense amount of work
for other parties.

Marysville and San Francisco Railroad. — Of this road, forty-eight
miles are located in Solano county. Twenty-two miles — from Putah creek
to Suisun — are graded at a cost of about one thousand dollars per mile-
Our county owns stock in this road to the amount of two hundred thousand
dollars.

Court House and Jail. — Our county has recently completed a new
Court House and Jail, at a cost of thirty-five thousand dollars. The
amount was raised by special assessment.

Grist Mills. — We have two grist mills — one built of stone, and not yet
finished ; is to have four run of stone, and to cost fifteen thousand dollars.
The other is built of brick, at a cost of twenty-five thousand dollars. It
has three run of stone, and is propelled by a forty-horse-power engine ; has
ground two thousand five hundred and twelve tons of grain during the past
year, and is capable of making seven hundred and eighty barrels of flour per
week.

assessments.

Assessed value of real estate 1860 $1,217,472.48

Assessed value of improvements 704,516.00

Assessed value of personal property 1,960,712.50

Total $3,882,700.98

It can be gathered from the foregoing report how much the prosperity
of Solano county had increased. With the establishment of the Navy Yard
on Mare Island, a full account of which will be found elsewhere, a new line
of labor was imported, whereby the skilled mechanic was introduced to this
portion of the State, who brought a variety of excellent qualities which
have made many of them citizens worthy of the best confidence of their
fellow residents. Among these may be named Messrs. A.' Powell, John
Wentworth, Honorable C. B. Denio, and others, who have taken prominent
positions in the supervisoral chair, county offices, and the political rostrum.

In later years the Pacific Mail Company have almost entirely withdrawn
their interests from Benicia ; these works, therefore, have fallen into disuse.

Let us now present the statistical report for the year 1876 furnished to
the Surveyor-General by the Assessor for Solano county, which shows a
most flourishing condition of afl'airs when taken in contradistinction with
those which we have already alluded to :

80 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

Description. Number. Number.

Land inclosed — acres M 9,652

Land cultivated — acres 109,394

Wheat — bushels and acres 1,965,175 93,575

Barley — bushels and acres 553,665 15,819

Oats — bushels and acres 4,700 145

Corn — bushels and acres „ 5,980 237

Beans — bushels and acres 400 25

Potatoes — tons and acres 60 20

Sweet potatoes — tons and acres 23 11

Hay — tons and acres 19,515 13,502

Butter — pounds 118,800

Wool — pounds 427,240

Value of fruit crop — dollars 112,000

Bearing orange trees 264

Grape vines — acres 1,387

Wine— gallons 149,710

Brandy — gallons 2,200

Breweries 3

Beer— gallons 180,000

Horses 5,476

Mules 622

Horned cattle 12,790

Sheep 71,146

Cashmere and Angora goats 35

Hogs 8,322

Grist mills (steam power) 3

Flour made — barrels 312,000

Corn ground — bushels 1,000

Miles of railroad 56

ASSESSED VALUE OF PROPERTY FOR 1876.

Description. Value.

Real estate $6,350,519

Improvements . 1,560,895

Personal property 1,327,248

Total valuation $9,238,662

Estimated total population 20,750

<Jk&i€,yr^>

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 81

Among the many improvements that have been worked in the county,
more especially those of a public nature, which attract the largest share of
attention, is the

GOOD TEMPLARS' HOME FOR ORPHANS.

This beautiful structure is situated on an eminence commanding a fine
view of the city of Vallejo, Mare Island Navy Yard, Vallejo and Napa bays,
the Straits of Carquinez, and the varied and beautiful mountain scenery
adjacent thereto, including Mounts Diablo and Tamalpais. It' is a frame
building 110x71 feet, three stories high, with a Mansard roof, and will
accommodate about three hundred inmates. The rooms in each story are
lofty and well ventilated, the general plan being well adapted for the pur-
poses for which it was designed ; while the interior and exterior archi-
tectural design and finish are highly beautiful.

This noble work is the property of the Good Templars of California and
Nevada, and will ever stand as a monument of their enterprise, disinter-
ested benevolence, and charity. Its doors are open to all orphans under
fourteen years of age, without distinction. The origin of this orphanage is
ascribed to Mrs. Elvira Baldwin, of Sacramento.

In December, 1867, W. H. Mills, then the Grand Worthy Secretary of the
Order of Good Templars, being inspired with the idea suggested, visited
George W. Simonton at Vallejo, and they formed the plan, and were the
originators of the Orphans Homestead scheme. On December 3d, by request
of Mr. Mills, Mr. Simonton introduced the subject to the officers and mem-
bers of Vallejo Lodge No. 64, I. O. G. T., at which time the following
committee was appointed to consider the matter : George W. Simonton, A.
D. Wood, and S. C. Baker. This committee immediately placed itself in
communication with the Executive of the Grand Lodge, Messrs. R. R. Mer-
rill, G. W. C. T. ; W. H. Mills, G. W. S. ; Mrs. F. L. Carlton, G. W. V. T. ;
A. C. McDougal, G. W. Counsellor. After considerable correspondence
between the two committees, that first named proposed to " incorporate a
Homestead Association, purchase a tract of land, donate twenty acres to the
Grand Lodge as a site for a Home for Orphans, divide the remainder of the
tract into lots for the Homestead, to be sold at $100 each, and, after paying
for the land and all incidental expenses, the excess of money should be
placed in the hands of the Trust Committee of the Grand Lodge and the
Directors of the Association, to be expended in the erection of suitable
buildings on the site donated for the Home." The propositions were
accepted by the Executive Committee of the Grand Lodge and one hundred
and three acres were immediately purchased of John B. Frisbie, Edward
Frisbie, and A. D. Wood ; Messrs. Wood, Simonton, Mills, Baker, E. H. M.
Bailey, and C. A. Kidder, perfecting the Articles of Incorporation, Associa-
tion, By-Laws, etc., with the following named persons as the original
incorporators : A. D. Wood, W. H. Mills, George W. Simonton, Mary F.
6

82 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

Carlton, S. C. Baker, Harriet T. Hildreth, E. H. M. Bailey, and C. A. Kidder.

On January 22, 1868, a meeting of the Directors was had at the office of
S. G. Hilborn, Esq., when A. D. Wood was elected interim President, and G.
W. Simonton, Secretary pro tern. At a subsequent meeting had, January 29,
1868, the same gentlemen, with E. H. M. Bailey as Treasurer, were named
the permanent officers of the Association.

On May 4, 1868, the stockholders held their first meeting, at which time
the same officers were selected, and S. C. Baker, C. A. Kidder, E. Giddings,
J. F. Coffey, C. S. Haswell of California, and Adolphus Waitz of Nevada,
were chosen Directors of the Association.

The enterprise was liberally supported by the members of the Order
throughout the jurisdiction, many paying up the full price of the lot or
shares subscribed for, viz., $100, at once. In the report of the Secretary,
G. W. Simonton, presented September 23, 1868, the following interesting
statistics appear :

Total number of shares in the Association 334

Total number of shares sold 242

The following named stockholders have paid for their shares in full :

Shares.

Elijah Wadsworth. . . . Yreka 1

J. N. Chappelle Sacramento 2

Henry Miller Sacramento 2

Henry Ashcroft Sacramento 2

W. C. Ralston San Francisco 1

Horace L. Hill San Francisco 1

Alexander Badlam . . . San Francisco 1

G. H. Greenwood Vallejo 1

N. Smith Vallejo 1

Benjamin F. Cole Folsom 2

The following Lodges of Good Templers also subscribed for stock, as follows :

Shares.

Pacific Lodge No. 1, of Santa Cruz, California. . 1

Union Lodge No. 4, of Carson City, Nevada. ... 2

Rainbow Lodge No. 9, of Washoe City, Nevada... . 2

Roseville Lodge No. 255, of Roseville, California. . 1

Morning Star Lodge No. 25, of Marysville, California. . 1

California Lodge No. 7, of San Francisco, California. 2

Reform Lodge No. 287, of Lincoln, California. ... 1

Vallejo Lodge No. 64, of Vallejo. California 1

Maine Lodge No. 100,of Binghampton,California. 2

Sylvania Lodge No. 12, of Grass Valley, California. 2

Red Bluff Lodge No. 1 92, of Red Bluff, California. . 1

Evening Star Lodge No. 114,of SanFrancisco,California. 1

Taylor Lodge No. 222, of Forbestown, California. 1

Grand Lodge of California 20

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 83

In his annual address delivered before the Grand Lodge at its ninth
session in 1868, G. W. C. Templar, R. R. Merrill, speaking of this matter
said : " This enterprise needs no vindication at my hands. It bears upon
its face its own recommendations ; its affairs have been faithfully and
honorably conducted and its merits are so patent to the common sense of
all men, that I feel confident it will be fully appreciated without further
encomium. The thanks of this Grand Lodge are due in an eminent degree
to Brothers W. H. Mills, George W. Simonton, A. D. Wood, and others, for
their energy, enterprise and zeal, in conducting its affairs to its present
gratifying state of success."

It should have been mentioned that at the eighth annual session of the
Grand Lodge in 1867, a resolution was adopted authorizing a levy of one
dollar for each member of the Order for the support of the Home. This
appears to have been the first action taken towards raising money for the
purpose of meeting the current expenses of the institution. At the ninth
session the Constitution of the Grand Lodge was amended by the adoption
of Article XVII, whereby the financial system of the Home was perfected.
At this session the following persons were elected to serve as the first Board
of Trustees for the Home : for the long terms, Doctor C. S. Haswell of
Sacramento, George F. Mallett of Vallejo, and Joseph Middlemiss of Sacra-
mento, those for the short terms being the Rev. N. B. Klink of Vallejo, J.
A. Albertson of San Francisco, F. A. Hornblower of Sacramento, and M. H.
Eastman of Marysville. At this session also the plans and specifications
reported by the committee were approved by the Grand Lodge, and adver-
tisements soon appeared for proposals to construct the building ; when the
time expired, however, the committee or Board of Trust found themselves
without a single bid ; under these circumstances it was resolved by the
Board after due consideration, to build the Home by day work, and it was
unanimously agreed to employ Bro. E. M. Benjamin to superintend the
same ; and as soon as practicable a force was set to quarry and supply stone
for the foundation, which, fortunately, was obtained in the vicinity of the
Home grounds. On May 11, 1869, the corner-stone was laid with appro-
priate ceremonies and the construction of the building progressed very
rapidly. In his annual address to the Grand Lodge at its tenth session,
held in the Assembly Chambers at Sacramento, September 28th of that
year, the G. W. C. T., A. D. Wood, speaking of the Home said : " But few
can realize the labor which the successful prosecution of this enterprise has
involved. The Order and the Cause owes a debt of gratitude to the pro-
jectors of this scheme, and when its history is referred to, the names of
Brothers Mills, Wood, Simonton and Benjamin should be remembered ; nor
should the names of Carrington, Hornblower, and others be forgotten." At
the same session the Grand Secretary, W. H. Mills, closed his report on
Orphan's Home matters in the following language : " In closing my official

84 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

relations with this institution, I may be indulged in the reflection that its
existence and interests have occupied much of my time and thought, and I
feel assured that its importance to our Order will be better understood and
more fully appreciated in coming years. I indulge no fears of its failure
and decline, for the Orphan's Home is in the line of true policy. If there
are any who regret this and kindred undertakings, they are destined to be
numbered with those who are to be forgotten when the true actors of this
temperance reform come upon the stage. That reform will not go back-
wards. Men may desert it ; they may renounce it ; they may fall by the
wayside ; they may prove wanting in faith to believe, or courage to endure ;
but others will arise to take their places, and the cause will finally triumph.
In success or failure our Orphan's Home will be a proud landmark in the
history of our cause. Greater achievements than this are yet to be accom-
plished before this warfare is over ; greater labors are to be endured ;
greater sacrifices made than any we are proposing to ourselves to-day, so,
whatever may be the fate of our Home, it will have served a grand purpose,
and one which cannot now be defeated."

During the session of 1869, Brothers W. H. Mills, R R. Merritt, and F.
A. Hornblower, were appointed a Committee to memoralize the Legislature
at its next session, praying for a portion of such moneys as the State may
set apart for the maintenance of orphans, in the State of California. This
seems to have been the first step taken to secure State aid. At this session,
G. W. Simonton, M. J. Wright, of Vallejo, W. H. Mills, and Brother East-
man, of Sacramento, and C. B. Proctor, of Healdsburg, were elected trustees
of the Home. In accordance with a resolution passed by the Grand Lodge,
on September 29, 1869, the Home was declared open for the admission of
children ; on and after October 1st, when it was dedicated, with imposing and
impressive ceremonies Doctor C. S. Haswell, P. G. W. C. T., delivering the
address in the presence of a large number of the friends of the institution.

To convey some idea of the deep interest taken by the members of the
Order in this admirable undertaking, it may not be out of place to state
that on the third day of the Grand Lodge Session, September 29th, Mrs.
Tlomteaux and Mrs. Hayden were appointed a committee to raise a collec-
tion in the Grand Lodge, for the benefit of the Home. In a very short
time they reported as collected :

Gold ' $248 50

Currency 25 00

And the following individual pledges :

A. D. Wood $ 100 00

J. Bartlett 50 00

F. A. Hornblower 50 00

J. V. B. Goodrich 20 00

J. T. Counts 20 00

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 85

N. V. Wagner 15 00

R Swarbrick 10 00

E. G. Houston 10 00

T. H. Woodworth 10 00

And others 20 00

Vallejo Lodge, No. 64 1,000 00

Sacramento 500 00

Brooklyn Lodge, No. 384 100 00

Star of Hope Lodge, No. 32 100 00

California Lodge, No. 7 100 00

Athens Lodge, No. 286 100 00

Union (of Nevada), No. 4 100 00

Woodland, No. 237 100 00

Eleven other lodges, $50 each 550 00

San Francisco Dramatic Club 50 00

Thirteen lodges 340 00

Making a total of $3,618 50

At every succeeding session of the Grand Lodge, liberal donations and
pledges were made in support of this noble charity. From 1867 to 1878,
inclusive, the donations and pledges thus made and paid into the Home
treasury have amounted to $31,003 61, besides $12,504 75, per capita,
tax raised by the Grand Lodge, for the same purpose.

While touching on the financial history of the Home, it will be proper
here to repeat the closing remarks of Bro. George W. Simonton, Secretary
of the Orphan Homestead Association, in his report under date September
19th, 1870 : " In conclusion, permit me to say, that at the time the associa-
tion was organized, we claimed the benefits to be derived from the associa-
tion, to the Grand Lodge, for the Orphans' Home, would be twenty acres of
land, and $20,000. Our figures above show twenty acres of land and
$23,120 76, $3,500 of which is represented by thirty-five lots remaining
unsold."

The following Table will clearly explain the financial position of the

Orphans' Home :

Nucleus of the Home Building Fund was $23,120 76

Donations from members of the Order to 1878.. . . 31,003 61

Per capita tax paid by Grand Lodge 12,504 75

Earnings of the Home, by fees, farm, etc 27,509 77

Aid from the State 24,186 02

General Bi dwell, Chico (donation) 1,000 00

Sundry donations 149 25

Making a grand total of $119,474 16

raised for the erection and maintenance of the institution, up to September
30th, 1878.

86 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

At the Twelfth Annual Session of the Grand Lodge, held in 1871, G. W.
Simonton, W. H. Mills, A. G. Clark, and J. B. Carrington, were elected
trustees of the Home. It was at this session also that Grand Secretary W.
H. Mills, in his report, advised the creation of a Board of Lady Managers 5
to have charge of the domestic affairs of the Home ; and the Grand Lodge,
acting on the suggestion, elected the following as a Board of Lady Managers :
Mrs. E. J. Wilson, Mrs. N. B. Klink, Mrs. G. W. Simonton, Mrs. E. M. Ben-
jamin, of Vallejo ; Mrs. E. C. Fowler, Valley Ford; Mrs. M. M. Carpenter,
of San Francisco, and Mrs. C. P. Huntoon, of Sacramento.

The first Board of Trustees chosen by the Grand Lodge, at its Ninth
Session (the subsequent Boards are given seriatim), were elected in :

1868 — Doctor C. S. Haswell, Joseph Middlemiss, of Sacramento ; George
F. Mallett, Rev. N. B. Klink, of Vallejo; J. A. Albertson, F. A. Hornblower,
and M. H. Eastman.

1869— W. H. Mills, G. W. Simonton, M. J. Wright, F. A. Hornblower,
C. B. Proctor, G. F. Mallett, and Joseph Middlemiss.

1870— C. S. Haswell, G. W. Simonton, M. H. Eastman, William Carpenter'
M. J. Wright, Joseph Middlemiss, and G. F. Mallett.

1871— G. W. Simonton, G. F. Mallett, C. S. Haswell, A. G. Clark, J. B.
Carrington, H. dwell, and W. H. Mills.

1872— G. W. Simonton, President; W. H. Mills, C. S. Haswell, A. G.
Clark, I. S. Haisey, J. B. Carrington, and Rev. N. B. Klink.

1873— W. H. Mills, S. Kitto, C. S. Haswell, G. W. Simonton, I. S. Haisey,
J. B. Carrington, and A. G. Clark.

1874 — W. H. Mills, President ; George B. Katzenstein, Secretary; I. S.
Haisey, treasurer ; S. Kitto, C. S. Haswell, G. W. Simonton, J. B. Carring-
ton, and A. G. Clark.

1875 — J. B. Carrington. President ; W. Crowhurst, Secretary ; I. S. Haisey,
treasurer; W. H. Mills, C. S. Haswell, A. G. Clark, and S. Kitto.

1876 — A. G. Clark, President; W. Crowhurst, Secretary; I. S. Haisey,
treasurer ; A. D. Wood, R. Thompson, W. H. Mills, and S. Kitto.

1877— AG. Clark, President; C. H. Haile, Secretary; I. S. Haisey,
Treasurer; W. H. Mills, Robert Thompson, J. B. Carrington, and S. Kitto.

1878 — George B. Katzenstein, President ; C. H. Haile, Secretary ; I. S.

Haisey, Treasurer ; W. H. Mills, S. Kitto, A. G. Clark, Bagley, of

Stockton, and T. T. Heald.

The G. W. C. Templar and G. W. Secretary are ex officio members of all
meetings of the Board of Trustees.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 87

The first Board of Lady Managers chosen by the Grand Lodge (the sub-
sequent Boards are given seriatim) was composed of the following ladies,
who were elected in the year

1871 — Mesdames N. B. Klink, President; G. W. Simonton, Secretary;

E. J. Wilson, E. M. Benjamin, of Vallejo; C. E. Fowler, Valley Ford; and
C. P. Huntoon, of Sacramento.

1872 — Mesdames Klink, President ; Benjamin, Secretary ; Wilson, Fowler,

F. L. Carlton, Huntoon, and Alsip.

1873 — Mesdames Wilson, President ; Robbins, Secretary; Huntoon, Alsip,
Carlton, C. B. Thompson, and Benjamin.

1874 — Mesdames Carlton, President ; Robbins, Secretary ; Wilson, Ben-
jamin, Thompson, A. G. Clark, of Napa, and M. M. Carpenter, of* San
Francisco.

1875 — Mesdames Carlton, President; J. Macarty, Secretary; Wilson,
Alsip, Benjamin, Carpenter, and M. E. Partridge, of Oakland.

1876 — Mesdames Carlton, President; Klink, Secretary; Wilson, Car-
penter, Alsip, Partridge, and Clark.

1877 — Mesdames Klink, President; Carpenter and Partridge, Secretaries;
Clark, Thompson, Alsip ; V. A. Rix, of Washington Corner ; and M. G.
Morris, of Vallejo.

1878 — Mesdames Klink, President ; Carpenter and Thompson, Secretaries ;
Aslip, Clark. Rix, and Partridge.

The first matron was Mrs. R. C. Armitage ; the second matron was Mrs.
M. L. Pexton ; the third matron was Mrs. H. M. Chandler ; the fourth ma-
tron was Mrs. Geo. Morris, (nee Mattie Parker) ; the fifth matron was Mrs.
B. Derby ; the sixth and present one, Mrs. L. Stewart.

The teachers are Mr. and Mrs. N. Smith. The average number of child-
ren who have been admitted to the Home for Orphans since its foundation,
is about four hundred ; while the approximate yearly attendance has been
in the vicinity of fifty and sixty. Present number one hundred and three.

The school is managed under the direction of the Board of Lady Man-
agers, and the Vallejo Board of Education, with a daily attendance of about
eighty pupils, twenty of whom are admitted from the outside. The school-
rooms have been newly furnished with the best double desks, at a cost of
about three hundred and fifty dollars, and paid for by voluntary subscrip-
tions of members of the Grand Lodge, while visiting the Home in October
last. We next draw attention to the

88 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

NAPA AND SOLANO AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL ARTS SOCIETY.

Was incorporated on June 24, 1872, under the Presidentship of M. R.
Miller, with Messrs. J. B. Frisbie, and John M. Gregory, Jr., as Treasurer
and Secretary, respectively ; and has for its object the holding of a District
Fair, embracing the counties of Napa, Solano, Yolo, Lake, Mendocino, So-
noma, and Marin, when premiums are offered in the following departments :
Live Stock, Cereals, Fruits, Wines, and Dairy Products, as well as for all
manner of Agricultural Implements made in the district ; Domestic Manu-
factures ; Carriages, Buggies, etc.; Saddlery, Harness, etc.: Painting, Orna-
mental Work, etc.; Embroidery, Needlework, etc.; Bread, Crackers, etc.;
Plants, Bouquets, etc.; with a special class where prizes are offered to child-
ren. Special premiums are open to competitors ; while there is a speed
programme which is carried out on each of the days during which the fair
is held. The exhibition grounds and park are situated on the Napa road,
about three miles from Vallejo, and cover an area of sixty acres, having
buildings for the benefit of exhibitors ; while there is accommodation for
from two to three hundred animals. The hotel is a two-storied erection of
handsome appearance ; the sheds are all in the very best condition ; while
nothing is wanting that may ensure the comfort of the visitor. The race track
is declared to be, by men of experience, one of tbe very best in the country
for speed, while it possesses many other advantages. Up, until last year,
the Society was more or less a private one ; but by operation of the Legis-
lature last session, a sum of fifteen hundred dollars was granted to them,
which now officializes their position, and calls for a yearly report from them
to the State Board of Agriculture. The officers for the present year are :
President, John B. Carrington ; Vice-President, John T. Dare ; Secretary,
A. J. McPike ; Treasurer, J. K. Duncan ; Directors, John E. Williston, L. B.
Abernethie, Robert Brownlee. W. P. Durbin, John Neate, John Callender,
J. B. Hoyt, Stephen Eaton, John Wilson, William Carter, H. Connolly, John
Brownlie, D. W. Harrier, C. Hartson, Luke Kelly, A. Goodyear, W. A. Fisher,
J. C. Wolfskill, John Farnham, J. M. Thompson, S. S. Drake.

Meetings are usually held in September of each year.

We have, in the commencement of this chapter, entered upon the appear-
ance of the county in the days when but few white men had penetrated
into its wilds. A faint attempt was made to picture the beauties of the
wild waste, as described by the first settlers in Solano ; we now select a
spot whither to allure the reader, namely, the

WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS.

Of all the spots worthy of a visit in the vicinity of Vallejo, none can,
probably, compare with the White Sulphur Springs in regard to the beauty

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 89

of its surroundings. Originally being included in the grant to General
Vallejo, he disposed of them to Milton Brockman, who, in turn, sold them
to Henry Connolly, from him they were purchased by General J. B. Frisbie,
and latterly, falling into the hands of the Vallejo Land and Improvement
Association, the property was bought by James Kelly, the present proprie-
tor, for the trifling sum of twenty-five thousand dollars. When the Springs
became the property of General Frisbie he, with a taste which it would be
next to impossible to excel, ornamented the grounds in the most lavish
manner, expending no less a sum than one hundred and thirty thousand
dollars in beautifying the property which consists of about one hundred
and sixty acres. The management of the White Sulphur Springs is now
vested in Mr. James Condon, than whom no more hospitable a host exists.
These Springs lie in a north-easterly direction from Vallejo, with which
city they are connected by coach, which runs the distance of four miles,
direct from the railroad depot, and are situated in a hollow of the hills,
which rise in easy slopes, surrounding them on all sides and protecting the
grounds from the rough breezes of the bay. The road passes through a
country of rare cultivation, cattle may be seen browsing on a thousand
hills ; while the residences of the thriving farmers, with the bright sun
glittering on their whitened walls, add an appearance of life to the scene,
which goes a great way towards enlivening the prospect. For rare beauty
the environs cannot be surpassed. In spring and summer the flowers and
foliage attain their truest perfection ; the former in their brilliant colors,
forming a charming contrast against the darker leaves of the trees. A small
lake has been excavated, around which are secluded walks and cosy seats,
placed within the shadow of the spreading weeping willow. An island in
the centre, which is gained by a bridge or boats, is laid out with marvelous
skill, revealing many a gorgeous vista of color ; here, again, the weary may
find rest, the social enjoy their tete-a-tete, or the book- worm be free from
intrusion. Summer houses and kiosks are built along the margin of the
water, arranged with tables and rustic chairs, where the merry tea or enchant-
ing kettle-drum may be partaken ; while labyrinthine walks traverse the
grounds in all directions, amply shaded by umbrageous trees, offering seclu-
sion to those who may wish to converse with " ling' ring sweetness long-
drawn out." Canopied bowers and bosky dells, evergreen shrubbries, flower
gardens and vineyard, diversify the sloping surface and give a fairy-like
effect to the landscape that cannot well prove otherwise than enchanting to
the visitor. Nature has given the White Sulphur Spring a magnificence of
position which recalls the most perfect spots of Swiss scenery, and forms a
watering place where the votary of pleasure may find delight, and the hard-
worked city merchant obtain relaxation from the cares of business.

90 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

THE SPRINGS

Are cosily placed in a recess in the mountain side forming a small pond of
about forty feet in circumferrence and built around with a rockery over
which creepers and lichens cling in tangled confusion. The water presents
a pale bluish color, imparting at first a slightly unpleasant odor, and is
protected from the rays of the sun by a large weeping willow, while con-
tiguous to it is a circular seat and table whereat the invalid or the curious
may take the waters, which is not by any means unpleasant to the palate.
The liquid it is believed has never been properly analyzed but it is princi-
pally composed of sulphur with a very slight proportion of iron. To prove
that there is nothing obnoxious in its flavor, this water is generally used on
the premises, while the stock on the ground drink it with great relish.
Adjacent to those already described there is a sweet water spring bubbling
forth the clearest and most delicious beverage for those who may not appre-
ciate the medicinal properties of the former.

THE BUILDINGS

On the grounds are all of framework and of elegant design approached by
a well kept carriage drive. The first erection which is passed on arrival
is a kind of bachelors' home, for on the first floor is the saloon, containing
bar and billiard room which connects by an archway ; the appointments in
these appartments are of the first order and in themselves should be an
inducement to visitors. Off these there are lesser rooms, one being fitted
up with a telegraphic apparatus, the wires of which connect with Vallejo
and thence to San Francisco, while the other is used as a barber's shop and
office. The second story is divided into one parlor or club-room, seven bed-
rooms and a large and convenient bath-room with all the necessary improve-
ments. Some fifty yards from this building stands the main structure, of
two stories in height and protected on three sides by a spacious verandah.
A wide flight of steps flanked on either side by well laid out parterres of
flowers leads to the piazza from which entry is made into a dining room of
grand proportions capable of accommodating one hundred and fifty guests,
while adjoining it are spacious and well furnished sitting parlors. The
upper floor is entirely devoted to bed chambers of which there are sixteen
of various sizes and all furnished with a view to the comfort of the occu-
pants. Near the lake there is a neat detached building called Knoll Cottage,
while in close proximity to the sulphur spring there are two others named
respectively Spring and Linda Vista Cottages. These detached residences
each contain one large room with alcove for bed, and three small single
rooms, with lavatory, all furnished and carpetted with every regard to com-
fort. These tenements are also provided with verandahs, those of the two

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 01

latter commanding a prospect of the most ravishing order, situated as they
are, half-way up the mountain, a panorama of the country is had, with all its
variations of hill and dale, light and shadow ; while in the distance a glimpse
is caught of the church towers and higher situated houses of Vallejo, backed
in the distance by the expanse of water of the San Pablo bay and the coast
range of mountains. The cottages are all that could be desired for families,
or a party of friends.

The Baths are eight in number, and are connected with the Springs
by means of pipes, and thence distributed into the different rooms, where
the receptacles are tin-lined. In a large room attached, is a monster boiler
from which hot water is conveyed, which may, with a shower in each, be
used at will.

The Stables, too, are a feature on the premises, there being stalls for
twenty-five horses ; sheds for buggies, and the necessary harness-rooms,
with water laid on throughout.

Gas is the means by which the different buildings are illuminated, which
is manufactured in a gasometer, some distance off, and which answers ad-
mirably.

No description of the White Sulphur Springs can be considered complete
without reference to the high mountain at the foot of which it stands.
Capped, as it is, by large, unwieldy boulders, heaped upon each other in
utter chaos, the ascent to which is gradual and smooth, and will well repay
the adventurer to its summit; for from thence a grand and magnificent view,
which brings, on a clear day, the city of San Francisco within its ken, is to
be obtained. Nowhere within such easy distance of the coast metropolis
does there exist so pleasant a locality for recreation ; and with the many
advantages of comfort and accessibility, which the Springs now possess,
their is no reason why it should not be the most fashionable resort in Cali-
fornia.

TOLENAS SPRINGS.

Among the various wonders that nature has so lavishly bestowed upon
California, but few are more deserving of notice than her Mineral Springs.
As though intending that every physical ill should be provided with an
antidote, healing waters are made to rush forth from the bowels of the
earth, and bubble up on the tops and sides of mountain chains. In these,
the counties of Solano and Napa seem to be the most favored.

The Solano, or Tolenas Springs — to the description of which the attention

92 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

of our readers will now be confined — are situated about five miles north of
Suisun City, at an elevation of eleven hundred feet above the level of the
sea, and in the midst of the most beautiful climate and romantic scenery.
For more than half the distance the road from Suisun runs across the level
valley, that, in the spring, is carpetted with green turf and variegated with
flowers of every hue. Groves of dark green oaks, with an occasional farm-
house peeping from among the foliage, and here and there live stock quietly
reposing, or eagerly feeding, display a scene of beauty which can be rarely
surpassed.

Ascending the steep but smoothly sloped and gently rounded hills,
dotted with trees, a panorama of vast extent and great beauty is
rolled out before you. To the south-east a broad plain extends as far as the
eye can reach ; to the south Mount Diablo is the crowning point of a long
chain of hills ; to the east, and north-east, the shimmering tops of the snow-
covered Sierra Nevadas shine through the deepening haze, with a richer
glow than the glittering gold that is hidden deep beneath their icy crest.

Arriving at " Empire Spring," and looking down the canon, is the " White
Sulphur Spring." Before going further perhaps it ought to be mentioned
that there are several mineral springs in this chain of hills, the principal of
which seem to be the Empire, White Sulphur, Seltzer, and Congress. The
former is located near the head of a ravine, on the south side of Soda
Spring Canon. This spring furnishes a considerable volume of water, that
issues in a jet, with a gurgling noise at intervals of from one to two seconds.
The numerous bubbles that rise to the surface would indicate the pressure
of a larger amount of carbonic acid gas in this than in any of the other
springs ; but a careful analysis has failed to confirm it.

The White Sulphur Spring, as I have said, is near the foot of the canon,
some 200 feet above the bed of the small stream that runs through the
latter. The flow of water from this spring is small, probably not more
than from three to four gallons daily, but it is highly impregnated with
sulphur, the smell of which is perceptible for some- distance. From this
spring can be seen the famous Suisun marble quary.

The Congress Spring is but a short distance from the Empire, and very
much resembles the latter, except that the escapement of gas is less.

The Seltzer Spring is on the west side of the divide, overlooking the
upper portion of Suisun valley. Its pellucid and sparkling waters are equal
in taste to the best soda water ever drank, eclipsing in flavor at least, the
more celebrated Congress and Empire. Each of the springs, with the
exception of the White Sulphur, issues from the tissues of a light, porous
calcareous rock, of singular formation.

These mineral waters have been known to, and even the resort of native
Californians, for many years; but they have received but little attention
until recently, when the following careful analysis of two of the springs by

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 93

Dr. Hewston of San Francisco, discovered the valuable medicinal properties
they contain.

Component Parts. Congress. Empire.

Specific gravity 1.0056 1.0132

Iodide of Potassium 0.24 1.64

Chloride of Potassium 0.71 1.66"

Chloride of Sodium 26.90 90.83

Carbonate of Soda 6.67 14.38

Biborate of Soda 2.57 6.44

Carbonate of Lime 6.04 4.46

Carbonate of Magnesia 1.36 4.57

Carbonate of Iron 0.08 0.09

Alumina 0.12 trace.

Selica 0.20 0.40

Dry solid matter in 1 pint 45.00 124.47

Free Carb. Acid gas, cub. in 33.735 26.297

Their value will be better appreciated by the persual of the following
note from Drs. I. Powell and B. A. Sheldon, and with which we shall close
this description.

" We have carefully examined the results of Doctor Hewston's analysis
of the waters of the Congress and Empire Springs, and believe them
possessed of remedial virtues superior to any other of the vaunted waters
of California, and equal to any in the world. Their tonic, alterative,
antacid and aperient qualities render them invaluable, when judiciously
administered, in the treatment of various chronic affections."

The consumption of these waters is becoming general throughout the
State, superseding in a great measure that from Napa county.

Mention has elsewhere been made of the

MARBLE QUARRY

Near Suisun, the property of Judge Swan. We append verbatim the report
to that gentleman of a Geological Survey of the locality, made by Mr.
Charles Pueger in 1876.

" From the examination of your property above specified, as made in
your company, I have come to the following conclusions ; of course such a
local examination of the grounds specified, does not enable me to give a
correct picture of the geology of the entire vicinity, or an idea of the
mineralogical value of lands adjoining near and far. My problem has been,

94 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

as I conceived, merely to determine what of useful mineral is to be found
on your property, above specified. That is to say, what I have not examined
I cannot judge of.

The rock formation on the above lands consist of alternating strata or
layers of sandstone, limestone and argillaceous shale with an abundant
variety of transition rocks ; particularly of marls.

The strata have the strike, or course, of the Coast Range, the eruption of
which was evidently . the cause of their upheaval in ages past. Their dip
is therefore naturally to the north-east, the strike being N.W. — S.E. This
agrees with the general position of the stratified rocks of the slate, and
therefore serve as to guide the identification of strata in their continuation
at a distance.

There are many peculiarities in these strata that point to the coal forma-
tion as the one to which they are probably to be ranked, even if they did
not stand in line with the Mount Diablo coal deposits. Nothing of a fossil
nature was found, however, to support or confirm such an opinion. Of
course even the presence of strata, incident to the coal formation, would not
necessitate the presence of coal strata, but merely makes it possible. The
experience and geology of many regions shows this, and more. In Switzer-
land, for instance, the coal formation is largely represented, and coal found
in many places, but a number of companies have failed in the vain effort
to find a paying deposit. They have been found invariably to be of limited
extent, though often of good quality.

In order to make my remarks better understood, I subjoin an outline ot
the topography of the locality from the county map, and have sketched in
the approximate position of the various strata, as observed* The figures
give the source of the specimens of corresponding number, as accompanying
this report. The dotted lines show the courses taken in three days' exami-
nation of the ground.

The course over the Marble Quarry Hill, gave the following observations
of importance :

The hill consists mainly of sandstone strata forming the north-east side
and a limestone strata on the south-west side, inter-stratified with sand-
stone. The hill in which the old quarry and the lime-kilns are situated,
seems to be, partially, at least, a pile of debris, agglomerated by a calcareous
deposit of speml.

The variegated marble in the quarry, occurs in disconnected masses in the
debris, which, although facilitating, on account of its looseness, the quarry-
ing work, predominates to an extent, and is in itself so worthless as to
outweigh the advantage mentioned.

These detached blocks of variegated marble would probably lead ulti-

*The sketch referred to above, is, unfortunately, not procurable.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 95

mately to a continuous main deposit. This, I think, would be found some-
what higher on the slope, or farther east, and prove to be a contiuuation of
the marble vein, which is found abruptly cut off or dislocated, near the
boulders and cliffs forming the brow of the hill adjoining on the north.

Following our course, we find on the west slope of the hill, the dense, red-
rish-yellow limestone No. 2. This will burn pretty white, and make a good
mortar lime.

On the point of the north-west slope of the hill, we find the dense, cream-
colored limestone No. 3, distinguishable from a distance by its marked light
color. This is certainly the best limestone found by me on the whole
ground. It burns very white, slacks very readily, and makes a rich lime.

The value of the limestones, Nos. 2 and 3, is enhanced by the fact that,
in them is situated the well defined ledge or vein of variegated marble
No. 4. This, together with the situation on the slope of the hill, would
make it possible to combine the quarrying of the two, and, therefore, render
the operation, more profitable than if they were apart.

The vein of variegated marble above spoken of, runs in a line from there
to the top of the hill in a south-easterly direction, dipping No. 3, and is two-
fourths feet thick. It is distinctly defined for a distance of several hundred
feet, and, I have no doubt, reaches to a considerable depth. The marble,
when polished, is of great beauty, and would be made of considerable
value in countries where labor is cheap. It is only fit, however, for inside
ornamental purposes, such as mantles for fire-places, etc.; is a fissured struct-
ure, favoring destruction by atmospheric action. At the marble works of
Mr. Heverin, on Jackson street, between Montgomery and Lawrence, in this
city (San Francisco), specimens of finished work from this marble can be
seen in form of a fire front, and a block for the Vienna Exposition, both of
which show the peculiarities and great beauty of this marble to the best
advantage.

At the top of the hill this marble vein strikes the sandstone strata, which
then forms the wall-rock of another smaller vein of the same marble, strik-
ing in from the north-east. This vein cuts off or dislocates, the main vein ;
at any rate, they are both lost in the boulders and precipitous cliffs forming
the south side of the brow of the hill. It is probable, however, their con-
tinuation will be found on the south-west slope, and that the quarry marble
is from this continuation. The dislocation is also apparent in the sandstone
and limestone strata.

Crossing the sandstone in an easterly direction, we find on the east slope
of Quarry Hill a number of soda springs. One of these — the highest up
on the hill — shows an oily scum floating on top of the water. This is the
only acknowledged indication of the presence of coal that I have found on
the premises. That this indication is too indefinite to be of any value,
needs, I think, no explanation to any one at all acquainted with the origin,

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 97

fibrous powder, assuming, at the same time, a permanent brownish-gray
color. This powder, when treated with water, shows no sign of slacking.
These reactions would indicate the mineral to be dolomite ; but this is belied
by its form, its inferior hardness, and the readiness with which . it emits its
carbonic acid and dissolves in coal muriatic acid. It may be classed, there-
fore, a dolomitic, calcite or magnesian limestone.

It has been satisfactorily proven that certain magnesian limestones make
excellent hydraulic mortar and cement, particularly adapted for salt water
work. I, therefore, at once tested the mineral for its qualities in this direc-
tion, but with unsatisfactory results. It is lacking in the proper proportion
of magnesia. With the discovery of a magnesia deposit of suitable nature,
the rock could be made valuable — not otherwise, to my knowledge.

It is needless for me to express my opinion in regard to the mineral or
soda springs in this section of your premises ; anyone who has seen them
and tasted the water must bear witness to their good qualities.

As regards its practical value, I can form but an imperfect opinion. It
seems to me its best day is past, and that now it is merely a question of
successful competition and, perhaps, attraction of locality. The experience
of European springs of note, has shown that after their situation, other
chance circumstances determine their fate, ahead of their intrinsic qualities.
I cite Carlsbad, Ems, Wiesbaden, Baden-Baden. In dreams of the future
and its possibilities, I cannot indulge.

Following our course of examination in a southerly direction, the extent
of the deposit of dolomitic limestone was evident, from the pieces of it
strewn over the hills, within the boundaries of the limestone strata, for a
distance of over a quarter of a mile. Crossing, then, the limestone going
east, there is found on the southern slope 'of the hills, a top-ground of
decomposed limestone containing, however, considerable clay. This, on
account of its softness, would probably make excellent material for agricul-
tural purposes, to mix with soils requiring lime — tule lands, for instance.
No. 11.

My attention was then drawn by Judge Swan to lumps of the radical
fibrous mineral, No. 12, which, at first sight, I thought might be fibrous
gypsum. This, however, was at once disproved by its hardness ; gypsum
yielding to the nail, this barely to the knife. It is arognite — a peculiar
quality of carbonate of lime — and of no value except for a mineral collec-
tion.

The further examination elicited nothing more of interest.

The third day's course of examination began at about D, and was made
with a particular view to the discovery of coal indications.

Following up the creek bed, from the point where it is claimed specimens
of coal were found in 1862, I crossed the limestone, sandstone, and clay
shale strata, common to the locality, without discovering in the drift any-

98 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

thing new except specimens of hornblendic rock — a peculiar conglomerate —
and some new varieties of argillaceous limestone or marl, similar to those
found on marble-quarry hill; Nos. 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, are specimens from
both places, having, more or less, the characteristics of what is termed
cement rock than any other found. My examination of it has shown it to
be such, of serviceable quality. All of the other rocks, of the same class
enumerated, could be made serviceable for the manufacture of cement,
though it would probably need judicious mixture of different varieties to
attain good results. Nothing but experiments on a large scale could settle
these points satisfactorily, since it is a well-known fact to cement manu-
facturers of experience, that a material may contain all the necessary
constituents of cement in proper quantity, and yet not make good cement.

My course was thence taken to the east, as far as the road, to visit another
point, where coal is claimed to have been found in digging a well ; thence
up the ravine to the north, going west, crossing the sandstone and shale
strata both ways. The course, from the top of the hill, was taken south-
ward, down the deep ravine, forming the main branch of the creek in which
the coal was found. At the head of this ravine are found thick beds of a
sandy shale, in their distorted laminae, No. 20, indicating an irruptive action
in the vicinity. Further down was found the bed of peculiar conglomerate
before mentioned, No. 21. I speak of this because such conglomerates, of
the most varied kind, are oftenest met in the coal formations, and are
valuable as giving a clue to the nature of the rocks of the less immediate
vicinity. The shells in this specimen are not perfect enough to be deter-
minejd, otherwise they would be a clue.

Farther down, I found boulders of synite, and the solid rock itself,
protruding on the east side of the ravine. This explains the distortion of
the strata in the vicinity — Nos. 22 and 23.

Part of this synite is exceedingly rich in hornblende ; more so than the
small piece attached. May not such massive hornblende have been mista-
ken for coal, since the latter seems to have been found (12) only in the
vicinity of this hornblendic rock ? I, at least, can find no indication of its
presence than the vagueness mentioned.

Cinnabar, or other quicksilver ore, will not be found, I think, on your
land.

The examination developed nothing more of interest.

Resume. — The materials on your premises, which may be considered in
the question of value, are : The limestones, Nos. 2 and 3 ; the variegated
marble, No. 4 ; the soda springs, and some of the varieties of cement rock
mentioned.

In considering the cost of burning limestone, it may be mentioned that
Santa Cruz lime, of superior quality, is sold here (San Francisco) at the rate
of $2 per barrel of 250 pounds, gross — say 230 pounds, net.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 99

In regard to the cost of production, I have tried to obtain notes on the
experience in this State, but, as might be expected, did not succeed. T can
only give the following :

In the best kilns at present used in Germany, the results are :.

For 3 J tons lime, 1| cords wood, (kind not given) or 1 ton of good coal.

Production about 10 tons per day in kilns of the largest build. As much
as 3f tons of lime is burned in some places with the above proportion of
fuel.

Kilns of the foregoing kind, as were generally used, burn only 6-7 tons
lime per twenty-four hours.

A somewhat different kind — simpler — kiln used near the Rhine, is only
about half as large, and turns out per day one and a half and one and three
quarters tons of lime, with a consumption of say one cord of good, dry pine
wood.

The patent furnaces of Hoffman & Licht, such as are used by the Patent
Brick Company of San Francisco, to burn brick, will .turn out 6-8 tons lime
per day, consuming only 2,900 to 3,900 pounds good coal.

These furnaces are all expensive to build, especially the first and last
mentioned .

A cheap form of kiln is also much used, in which the fuel is mixed with
the limestone, as in burning cement at Benicia. It will turn out 5-5 \ tons
lime, with a consumption of two tons of coal.

Taking the last form of kiln as a basis, an approximate calculation of the
total cost of delivering lime to market, I calculated it to be 50 to 60 dollars
for five tons, or, say 40 barrels. This makes $1.25 to $1.50 per barrel.
Santa Cruz lime, as above, selling at $2.00, it would not be safe to count on
more than $1.75.

From this I judge that with the use of coal as fuel, and a good kiln, lime
burning could be carried on with good profit on your premises at the point
specified. I do not think it would be more than a profitable business.

In respect to the value of marble, I can give the following :

Italian marble, per cubic foot $3 00 to $12 00

Vermont " " " 5 00" 5 50

Variegated foreign marble, per cubic foot .... 3 00 " 5 00

Suisun marble, per cubic foot 1 00 " 1 50

I have been to a number of marble yards in this city, but could get no
offer or estimate out of anyone for the Suisun marble, though they all
admitted that it was a fine stone, etc. Mr. Heverin seems to be the only
one that takes any interest in the matter, and he will therefore be best able
to determine what can be done with the marble. The marble, it seems, is
more difficult to work than the imported, and the preference of the product
to others is a matter of taste, and therefore a high price asked. These con-

100 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

siderations limit the market for it, and make its intrinsic value more ques-
tionable than in the case of a large deposit of a less rare material. As I
said before, Mr. Heverin is at present best able to give positive information
on this.

Although the material is abundant for the manufacture of Portland
cement, it "Would be difficult at present to compete with the factory at Benicia,
I think, since they have also found an abundance of rock near their factory."

We will now draw this already lengthy chapter to a close ; it has been
impossible to follow every outline of the settlement of Solano county up to
its present state of prominent prosperity, while it has been a hard task to
verify the dates of the earlier arrivals. All would appear to have gone
through the earlier toils of pioneer life without any special regard to the
flight of time, save wherein it was to bring them to their desired goal ;
hence it has been no easy task to arrive at the information we now lay
before the reader. In bidding adieu to the subject of settlement, therefore,
the sad story of the Donner party may not be uninteresting, especially as
some of the survivors are well known to residents of Solano.

Tuthill's History of California tells us : " Of the overland emigration to
California, in 1846, about eighty wagons took a new route, from fort
Bridger, around the south end of Great Salt Lake. The pioneers of the
party arrived in good season over the mountains ; but Mr. Reed's and
Mr. Donner's companies opened a new route through the desert, lost a
month's time by their explorations, and reached the foot of the Truckee
pass, in the Sierra Nevada, on the 31st of October, instead of the 1st, as
they had intended. The snow began to fall on the mountains two or three
weeks earlier than usual that year, and was already piled up in the Pass
that they could not proceed. They attempted it repeatedly, but were as
often forced to return. One party built their cabins near the Truckee Lake,
killed their cattle, and went into winter quarters. The other (Donner's)
party, still believed that they could thread the pass, and so failed to build
their cabins before more snow came and buried their cattle alive. Of course
these were soon utterly destitute of food, for they could not tell where the
cattle were buried, and there was no hope of game on a desert so piled with
snow that nothing without wings could move. The number of those who
were thus storm-stayed, at the very threshold of the land whose winters are
one long spring, was eighty, of whom thirty were females, and several
children. The Mr. Donner who had charge of one company, was an Illino-
isian, sixty years of age, a man of high respectability and abundant means.
His wife was a woman of education and refinement, and much younger
than he.

During November it snowed thirteen days ; during December and Janu-
ary, eight days in each. Much of the time the tops of the cabins were
below the snow level.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 101

It was six weeks after the halt was made that a party of fifteen, includ-
ing five women and two Indians who acted as guides, set out on snow-shoes
to cross the mountains, and give notice to the people of the California
settlements of the condition of their friends. At first the snow was so light
and feathery that even in snow-shoes they sank nearly a foot at every step.
On the second day they crossed the " divide," finding the snow at the sum-
mit twelve feet deep. Pushing forward with the courage of despair, Ihey
made from four to eight miles a day.

Within a week they got entirely out of provisions ; and three of them,
succumbing to cold, weariness, and starvation, had died. Then a heavy
snow-storm came on, which compelled them to lie still, buried between their
blankets under the snow, for thirty-six hours. By the evening of the tenth
day three more had died, and the living had been four days without food.
The horrid alternative was accepted — they took the flesh from the bones of
their dead, remained in camp two days to dry it, and then pushed on.

On New Years, the sixteenth day since leaving Truckee Lake, they were
toiling up a steep mountain. Their feet were frozen. Every step was marked
with blood. On the second of January, their food again gave out. On the
third, they had nothing to eat but the strings of their snow-shoes. On the
fourth, the Indians eloped, justly suspicious that they might be sacrificed for
food. On the fifth, they shot a deer, and that day one of their number died.
Soon after three others died, and every death now eked out the existence
of the survivors. On the seventeenth, all gave out, and concluded their
wanderings useless, except one. He, guided by two stray friendly Indians,
dragged himself on till he reached a settlement on Bear river. By midnight
the settlers had found and were treating with all Christian kindness what
remained of the little company that, after more than a month of the most
terrible sufferings, had that morning halted to die.

The story that there were emigrants perishing on the other side of the
snowy barrier ran swiftly down the Sacramento Valley to New Helvetia,
and Captain Sutter, at his own expense, fitted out an expedition of men and
of mules laden with provisions, to cross the mountains and relieve them. It
ran on to San Francisco, and the people, rallying in public meeting, raised
fifteen hundred dollars, and with it fitted out another expedition. The
naval commandant of the port fitted out still others.

The first of the relief parties reached Truckee Lake on the nineteenth of
February. Ten of the people in the nearest camp were dead. For four
weeks those who were still alive had fed only on bullocks' hides. At
Donner's camp they had but one hide remaining. The visitors left a small
supply of provisions with the twenty-nine whom they could not take with
them, and started back with the remainder. Four of the children they
carried on their backs.

Another of the relief parties reached Truckee Lake on the first of March.

102 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

They immidiately started back with seventeen of the sufferers ; but, a heavy
snow storm overtaking them, they left all, except three of the children, on
the road. Another party went after those who were left on the way;
found three of them dead, and the rest sustaining life by feeding on the
flesh of the dead.

The last relief party reached Donner's camp late in April, when the snows
had melted so much that the earth appeared in spots. The main cabin was
empty, but some miles distant they found the last survivor of all lying on
the cabin floor smoking his pipe. He was ferocious in aspect, savage and
repulsive in manner. His camp-kettle was over the fire and in it his meal
of human flesh preparing. The stripped bones of his fellow-sufferers lay
around him. He refused to return with the party, and only consented
when he saw there was no escape.

Mrs. Donner was the last to die. Her husband's body, carefully laid out
and wrapped in a sheet, was found at his tent. Circumstances led to the
suspicion that the survivor had killed Mrs. Donner for her flesh and her
money, and when he was threatened with hanging, and the rope tightened
around his neck, he produced over five hundred dollars in gold, which,
probably, he had appropriated from her store."

In relation to this dreary story of suffering, this portion of our history
will be concluded by the narration of the prophetic dream of George Yount,
attended, as it was, with such marvelous results.

At this time, (the winter of 1846) while residing in Napa county, of
which, as has been already remarked, he was the pioneer settler, he dreamt
that a party of emigrants were snow-bound in the Sierra Nevadas, high up
in the mountains, where they were sufhering the most distressing privations
from cold and want of food. The locality where his dream had placed
these unhappy mortals, he had never visited, yet so clear was his vision
that he described the sheet of water surrounded by lofty peaks, deep-covered
with snow, while on every hand towering pine trees reared their heads far
above the limitless waste. In his sleep he saw the hungry human beings
ravenously tear the flesh from the bones of their fellow creatures, slain to
satisfy their craving appetites, in the midst of a gloomy desolation. He
dreamed his dream on three successive nights, after which he related it to
others, among whom were a few who had been on hunting expeditions in
the Sierras. These wished for a precise description of the scene foreshad-
owed to him. They recognized the Truckee. now the Donner Lake. On
the strength of this recognition Mr. Yount fitted out a search expedition,
and, with these men as guides, went to the place indicated, and, prodigious
to relate, was one of the successful relieving parties to reach the ill-fated
Donner party.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 103

THE POLITICAL HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

EARLY POLITICAL HISTORY — FIRST CIVIL OFFICER COMMISSIONED — GOVERNOR
BOGGS AND STEPHEN COOPER APPOINTED ALCALDES — PEOPLE OBJECT TO A
MILITARY GOVERNMENT — PROCLAMATION OF BRIG.-GENERAL RILEY — THE
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION — SUPERIOR TRIBUNAL OF CALIFORNIA IN

1849 — APPOTNTMEET OF JUDGE OF FIRST INSTANCE — FIRST ELECTION
TICKETS — FIRST ELECTION IN SOLANO COUNTY — ELECTION MATTERS FROM

1850 TO 1877 — TABLE OF OFFICERS FROM 1850 TO 1877.

The early political history of Solano county is enveloped in considerable
mystery. Prior to the acquisition of California by the Government of the
United States, the large District of Sonoma, which included all the territory
between the Sacramento river and the ocean, and Oregon and the Bay of
San Francisco, was under the rule of the Mexican Government, who pro-
mulgated their laws after the year 1835, when General Vallejo took
command, from Sonoma. The District was apportioned into Prefectures,
amenable to a grand council at that town, the holders of office being known
as Alcaldes.

The first civil officer commissioned, after the American occupation, was
John Nash. He had a very exalted idea of the dignity of his office ;
assumed ministerial as well as judicial powers ; signed himself " Chief
Justice of California," and otherwise made himself and his office ridiculous.
Squire Nash, as his neighbors called him, was a good-natured, illiterate, but
honest man, who was employed by several persons to proceed to the mines
on the discovery of gold in 1848. He returned with gold dust to the value
of eight hundred dollars, and shortly after, going to Mormon Island with a
company of Sonoma miners, he died there during the winter. He was
succeeded in office by Lilburn W. Boggs, Ex-Governor of Missouri, in the
office of Alcalde ; a like appointment being made for Benicia City, as will
be seen by the accompanying commission :

" Know all men by these presents, that I, Richard B. Mason, Colonel 1st
Regiment of Dragoons, United States Army, and Governor of California, by
virtue of authority in me vested, do hereby appoint Stephen Cooper an
Alcalde at Benicia City, at present in the District of Sonoma.

" Given at Monterey, the Capital of California, this third day of January,
A. D. 1848, and of the Independence of the United States the 72d.

(Signed) "R. B. Mason,

[official seal.] " Col. 1st Dragoons,

"Governor of California."

Let us see what was the state of the political horizon at that time.
According to Tuthill — as to civil law, the country was utterly at sea. It
had a governor in the person of the commandant of the military district it
belonged to, but no government. While the war lasted California, as a

104 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

conquered province, expected to be governed by military officers who, by
virtue of their command of the Department, bore sway over all the territory
that their Department embraced. But after peace had come and the suc-
cession of military governors was not abated, a people who had been in the
habit of governing themselves, under the same flag and the same constitu-
tion, chafed that a simple change of longitude should deprive them of their
inalienable rights.

General Persifer F. Smith, who assumed command on arriving by the
California, the first steamship that reached San Francisco (February 28,
1849), and General Riley, who succeeded him (April 13, 1849), would have
been acceptable governors enough, if the people could have discovered any-
where in the Constitution that the President had power to govern a territory
by a simple order to the commandant of a military department. The power
was obvious in time of war • but in peace it was unprecedented. Left en-
tirely to themselves, the people could have organized a squatter sovereignty,
as Oregon had done, and the way into the sister-hood of States was clear.

They felt that they had cause for complaint, but in truth they were too
busy to nurse their grievance and make much of it. To some extent they
formed local governments, and had unimportant collisions with the mili-
tary. But, busy as they were, and expecting to return home soon, they
humored their contempt for politics, and left public matters to be shaped at
Washington. Nor was this so unwise a course under the circumstances, for
the thing that had hindered Congress from giving them a legitimate con-
stitutional government was the ever-present snag in the current of American
political history, the author of most of our woes, the great mother of mis-
chief on the Western continent — Slavery.

When it was found that Congress had adjourned without doing anything
for California, Brigadier-General Piley, by the advice, he said, of the Presi-
dent, and Secretaries of State and of War, issued a Proclamation,- which
was at once a call for a convention, and an official exposition of the Admin-
istration's theory of the anomalous relations of California, and the Union.
He strove to rectify the impression that California was governed by the
military arm of the service ; 'that had ceased with the termination of hostili-
ties. What remained was the civil government, recognized by the existing
laws of California. These were vested in a governor, who received his ap-
pointment frftn the supreme government or, in default of such appoint-
ment, the office was vested in the commanding military officer of the de-
partment, a secretary, a departmental or territorial legislature, a superior
court with four judges, a prefect and sub-prefect, and a judge of the first
instance for each district, alcaldes, local justices of the peace, ayuntanien-
tos, or town councils. He moreover recommended the election, at the same
time, of delegates to a convention to adopt either a State or Territorial Con-
stitution which, if acquiesced in by the people, would be submitted for ap-
proval to Congress.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 105

In accordance with these announcements we find that the " Superior
Tribunal of California " existed at Monterey in 1849, for in September of
that year a " Tariff of Fees for Judiciary offices " was published, with the
following order of the Court : " That the several officers mentioned in this
order shall be entitled to receive for their services, in addition to their
regular salary, if any, the following fees, and none other, until the further
order of this Court." Here is added a list of the fees to be appropriated by
Judges of First Instance, Alcaldes and Justices of the Peace, Clerks of the
several courts, Sheriff, or Comisario, District Attorney, and Notaries Public.

Stephen Cooper, already alcalde of the city of Benicia, was appointed by
General Riley, in August, Judge of First Instance, and commenced his
labors in that function in October, 1849, as appears in the only record of the
proceedings of that Court extant in the office of the county clerk, at Fair-
field.

The record of one of the cases tried is reproduced as an instance of the
short but quick justice that was doled out in 1849 :

" The People of California Territory,
vs.
George Palmer.

" And now comes the said people by right their attorney, and the said de-
fendant by Semple and O'Melveny, and the prisoner having been arraigned
on the indictment in this cause, plead not guilty. Thereupon a j ury was
chosen, selected, and sworn, when, after hearing the evidence and argument
of counsel, returned into Court the following verdict, to wit :

" The jury, in the case of Palmer, defendant, and the State of California,
plaintiff', have found a verdict of guilty on both counts of the indictment,
and sentenced him to receive the following punishment, to wit :

" On Saturday, the 24th day of November, to be conducted by the sheriff
to some public place and there receive on his bare back seventy-five lashes,
with such weapon as the sheriff may deem fit, on each count respectively,
and to be banished from the district of Sonoma within twelve hours after
whipping, under penalty of receiving the same number of lashes for each
and every day he remains in the district, after the first whipping.

"(Signed) Alexander Riddell,

" Foreman.

" It is therefore ordered by the Court, in accordance with the above ver-
dict, that the foregoing sentence be carried into effect."

The manifesto calling a Constitutional Convention divided the electoral
divisions of the State into ten districts ; each male inhabitant of the
country, of twenty-one years of age, could vote in the district of his resid-
ence, and the delegates so elected were called upon to meet at Monterey, on
the 1st day of September, 1849. The number of delegates was fixed at
thirty-seven, five of which were apportioned to San Francisco. Those
elected from the district of Sonoma, were General Vallejo, Joel Walker, R.

106

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

Semple. L. W. Boggs was also elected, but did not attend. As resolved,
the Convention met at Monterey on the date above named, Robert Semple,
of Benicia, one of the delegates from the district of Sonoma, being chosen
president. The session lasted six weeks ; and notwithstanding an awkward
scarcity of books of reference and other necessary aids, much labor was per-
formed, while the debates exhibited a marked degree of ability. In framing
the original Constitution of California, slavery was forever prohibited
within the jurisdiction of the State; the boundary question between
Mexico and the United States was set at rest ; provision for the morals and
education of the people was made ; a seal of State was adopted with the
false Greek, though now more famous motto of Eureka, and a quantity of
other matters discussed. It was submitted to the people in English and
Spanish ; and on November 13th, was ratified by them.

The Constitution was adopted by a vote of twelve thousand and sixty-
four for it, to eight hundred and eleven against it ; there being, besides, over
twelve hundred ballots that were treated as blanks, because of an inform-
ality in the printing.

The following are two of the tickets which were voted at the time and
were destributed in and around Sacramento and the upper portion of the
State.

people's ticket. people's ticket.

FOR THE CONSTITUTION.

FOR GOVERNOR,

John A. Sutter.

FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR,

John McDougal.

FOR REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS,

William E. Shannon,
Pet. Halsted.

FOR STATE SENATORS,

John Bidwell, Upper Sacramento,
Murray Morrison, Sacramento City,
Harding Bigelow, Sacramento City,
Gilbert A. Grant, Vernon.

FOR ASSEMBLY,

H. C. Cardwell, Sacramento City,
P. B. Cornwall, Sacramento City,
John S. Fowler, Sacramento City,
J. Sherwood,
Elisha W. McKinstry,
Madison Walthall, Coloma,
W. B. Dickenson, Yuba,
James Queen, South Fork,
W. L. Jenkin, Weaverville.

FOR THE CONSTITUTION.

FOR GOVERNOR,

Peter H. Burnett.

FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR,

John McDougal.

FOR REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS,

Edward Gilbert,
George W. Wright.

FOR STATE SENATORS,

John Bidwell, Upper Sacramento,
Murray Morrison, Sacramento City,
Harding Bigelow, Sacramento City,
Gilbert A. Grant, Vernon.

FOR ASSEMBLY,

H. C. Cardwell, Sacramento City,
P. B. Cornwall, Sacramento City,
John S. Fowler, Sacramento City,
H. L. Ford, Upper Sacramento,
Madison Walthall, Coloma,
W. B. Dickenson, Yuba,
James Queen, South Fork,
Arba K. Berry, Weaverville.

THE HISTOKY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 107

The result of the election was : Peter H. Burnett, Governor ; John Mc-
Dougal, Lieutenant Governor ; and Messrs. Wright and Gilbert were sent to
Congress. In regard to our especial subject General Vallejo was then elected
to the Senate, his seat, however, was first given to Jonas Spect, but on the
22d of December the official return from one of the polls gave' Spect but
two votes instead of twenty-eight, a total of but one hundred and eighty-
one votes against General Vallejo's one hundred and ninety-nine. Mr. Spect
then gave up his seat to the General, who during that session of the Legis-
lature, made his memorable report on the derivation and defination of the
names of the several counties of the State ; a report unsurpassed in its style
and its store of interesting and valuable information.

On Saturday, December 15, 1849, the first Legislature of the State met —
it will, however, be unnecessary here to enter into its movements until finally
located at Sacramento, such will be found fully discussed in the history of
the city of Vallejo.

The earliest record of an election in Solano is one held on April 1>
1850, to chose the following State and county officers, viz.: Clerk of the
Supreme Court, District Attorney, County Judge, Clerk, Attorney, Surveyor
Sheriff, Recorder, Assessor, Coronor, and Treasurer. L. B. Mizner being
appointed Inspector ; William McDaniel and Sarshel Cooper, Judges ; with
Joseph Winston and W. Rowe, Clerks. The officers being duly sworn by
Stephen Cooper, Judge of the District of Sonoma, the polls were opened,
and one hundred and seventy-six duly qualified electors deposited their
ballots.

The result of the election was :

Votes.

For Clerk of Supreme Court E. H. Tharp 142

For District Attorney R. A. Maupin 107

For County Judge James Craig 88

For County Clerk Sarshel Bynum 107

For County Attorney D. R. Wright 94

For County Surveyor Benjamin W. Barlow. . 137

For County Sheriff Frank Brown 86

For County Recorder Sarshel Bynum 143

For County Assessor Stephen Cooper 174

For County Coroner W. F. Peabody 178

For County Treasurer David F. Beveridge 100

The foregoing poll included the votes of officers and soldiers of the United
States Army, and the officers and sailors of the Navy, to the number of
forty-three, as is shown by the statement submitted by the President and
Canvasser, on April 8th. The election was held pursuant to an Act of the
Assembly of the State, approved March 2d, 1850.

108 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

It was found, however, that James Craig, the nominee for the County
Judgeship, had failed to qualify according to law ; the office was therefore
declared vacant, and a new election called in accordance with the above
quoted Act, by F. M. Warmcastle, Judge of Contra Costa County, to be held
on May 11, 1850, at two precincts in Solano County, which he had named,
viz., the Court House at Benicia, and the residence of Daniel M. Berry,
in Suisun Valley, the Inspectors being respectively George H. Riddell,
of Benicia, and D. M. Berry. The result was the election of Joseph
Winston, with sixty-six votes, as against forty-seven for William McDaniel.
Thus, Judge Winston was the first Judge for Solano County who actually
took his seat; and on the assumption of his office, almost his first duty was the
organizing of the county into the two townships of Benicia and Suisun, and
fixing certain boundaries, consequent on the necessity to elect two Justices
of the Peace and one Constable for the newly partitioned districts. This
election was called for May 25th, and on June 1st the elected Justices were
directed to meet at the City Hall, in Benicia, for the purpose of electing two
of their number as Associate Justices, to sit with the County Judge, to form
the Court of Sessions of said County of Solano. There is, unfortunately, no
record of the names of the Justices then elected. In the meantime, the
office of County Attorney was declared vacant, and C. Gillis, being the
only candidate, was duly elected July 22, 1850. On October 7, 1850,
another election was held for the appointment of a Clerk to the Supreme
Court ; Superintendent of Public Instruction ; Attorney General ; District
Attorney, for the district composed of the counties of Marin, Sonoma, Napa,
Solano and Mendocino ; Senator for the district composed of the counties of
Marin, Sonoma, Napa, Solano, Mendocino, Yolo, Colusa, and Trinity ; and a
Member of the Assembly, for the District composed of the counties of
Marin, Sonoma, Napa, and Solano, while the votes of the people were called
to settle the location of the seat of government, with the following result :

Votes.

For Clerk of the Supreme Court E. H. Tharp 96

For Superintendent of Public Instruction. .Fred. P. Tracy 56

For Attorney General James A. McDougal ... 98

For District Attorney J. D. Bristol 132

For Senator Martin E. Cook 101

For Member of Assembly. . John S. Bradford 113

While, for the location of the seat of government, Vallejo received one
hundred and eighty-six votes, as against one for each of the cities of San
Jose and Monterey. Shortly after this, the offices of Sheriff and County Sur-
veyor, held by Messrs. Francis Brown and Benjamin W. Barlow, had become
vacant ; another election was held on December 21st, when B. C. Whitman
was chosen for the first named office, and A. F. Bradley for the latter.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 109

Thus the electoral interests for the year 1850 were brought to a close.
In this year party spirit had not yet run very high. The bulk of the early
settlers were pretty evenly divided between the Whigs and Democrats,
while of the officers elected, the opposing factions shared the honors more
or less equally.

On January 25, 1851, Calvin Brown and J. G. Dennis were respectively
elected to the offices of Justice of the Peace and Constable for Benicia
Township, while, in March, two more vacancies occurred in the offices of
Sheriff and County Attorney, consequent on the resignation of Messrs. B. C.
Whitman and C. Gillis. To fill these offices a special election was called, as
also to choose two Justices of the Peace and one Constable for each of the
townships of Vallejo, which would appear from the Petition of Electors to
have then been named Eden and Suisun. At this epoch of the county's
history, the list of votes was : For Benicia Township, 174 ; for Vallejo,
29 ; and for Suisun, 72. The result of this election, which was held on
March 24th, was :

Votes.

For County Sheriff Paul Shirley 83

For County Attorney Thomas M. Swan . . 128

For Justice of the Peace, Vallejo Township. >- j ! ^ ai ,^ e " ' '

For Justice of the Peace, Suisun Township. \ TT ^ ^ ' rr ^' " no

r ( U. P. Degman 63

For Constable for Vallejo Township. . ..William E. Brown, D. C. . 28
For Constable for Suisun Township . . . .William Munn 69

On the 9th September, 1850, California was admitted into the Union,
and the pleasing, though foreordained intelligence, was hailed with much
enthusiasm when brought to San Francisco, on the 18th October, 1850. On
September 3, 1851, the first gubernatorial election was held under the new
order of things. The event being so important a one, we reproduce the
entire vote throughout Solano County, as gleaned from the official records
of the county.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

FOR GOVERNOR.

Reading, Pierson B.

No. of Votes.

Benicia. . 182

Vallejo 93

Suisun 67

Vacaville 51

Bigler, John.

Benicia 98

Vallejo 77

Suisun . .„-„-.;-. .... 41

Vacaville-. 17

LIEUT. GOVERNOR.

Baldwin, Drury P.

Benicia. . 166

Vallejo 91

Suisun 67

Vacaville 49

Purdy, Samuel.

Benicia 112

Vallejo 78

Suisun 41

Vacaville 17

justice supreme court.

Heydenfeldt, Solomon.

Benicia 110

Vallejo 77

Suisun 43

Vacaville 17

Robinson, Todd.

Benicia 159

Vallejo 92

Suisun 65

Vacaville 50

Total.

393

233

ATTORNEY-GENERAL.

Hastings, S. C.

No. of Votes.

Benicia 114

Vallejo 78

Suisun 44

Vacaville 16

Fair, W. D.

Benicia 162

Vallejo 90

Suisun 64

Vacaville 50

state comptroller.

373

- 248

Pierce, Winslow T.

Benicia Ill

Vallejo 78

Suisun 42

Vacaville 17

Abell, A. G.

Benicia 166

Vallejo 90

Suisun 64

Vacaville 49

Houston, John S.

Benicia 1

247

SURVEYOR-GENERAL.

366

Eddy, Wm. M.

Benicia 119

Vallejo 77

Suisun 41

Vacaville 17

Herron, Walter.

Benicia 159

Vallejo 89

Suisun 66

Vacaville 49

Total.

252

366

248

369

254

363

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

Ill

STATE TREASURER.

Roman, Richard.

No. of Votes.

Benicia 118

Vallejo 130

Suisun 43

Vacaville 27

Burt, J. M.

Benicia 159

Vallejo 38

Suisun 65

Vacaville 39

Gift, Col. W.

Benicia 2

CONGRESSMAN.

McCORKLE, JOS. W.

Benicia 107

Vallejo 82

Suisun 42

Vacaville 19

Marshall, E. C.

Benicia 118

Vallejo 86

Suisun 43

Vacaville 27

Kewen, E. J. C.

Benicia 170

Vallejo 87

Suisun 65

Vacaville 49

Moore, B. F.

Benicia 157

Vallejo 88

Suisun 64

Vacaville 38

Bryan, D. C.

Benicia 34

Vallejo 4

Suisun 18

Va aville 7

Total.

318

301

250

274

371

347

Dorland, James.

No. of Votes.

Benicia 48

Vallejo 8

Suisun 47

Vacaville

Total.

103

STATE senator to represent the

COUNTIES OF SOLANO AND NAPA.

Bradford, John S.

Benicia 157

Vallejo 9

Suisun 50

Vacaville 5

Estell, James M.

Benicia 129

Vallejo 147

Suisun 52

Vacaville 46

Long, James H.

Vacaville 2

Sawyer, Jesse.

Benicia 1

Vacaville 1

Semple, Rorert.

Vacaville 1

221

374

memrers of assembly to represent
solano county.

Graham, James S.

Benicia 122

Vallejo 117

Suisun 28

Vacaville 45

Semple, Robert.

Benicia 85

Vallejo 28

Suisun 17

Vacaville 15

312

145

112

HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

COUNTY SHERIFF.

Shirley, Paul.

No. of Votes.

Benicia 195

Vallejo 122

Suisun 84

Vacaville 62

Stocker, James.

Benicia 91

Vallejo 38

Suisun 26

Vacaville 6

COUNTY CLERK.

Bynum, Sarshel.

Benicia 259

Vallejo 148

Suisun 107

Vacaville 65

Jones, J. W.

Benicia 1

DISTRICT ATTORNEY.

Swan, Thos. M.

Benicia 145

Vallejo 102

Suisun 65

Vacaville 43

Blair, J. D.

Benicia 134

Vallejo 48

Suisun 35

Vacaville 14

COUNTY CORONER.

Peabody, Wm. F.

Benicia 169

Vallejo 18

Suisun 57

Vacaville 45

Total.

463

161

579

355

231

289

Hamm, Samuel F.

No. of Votes.

Benicia 109

Vallejo 122

Suisun 41

Vacaville 14

COUNTY TREASURER.

Evans. O. H.

Benicia 194

Vallejo 77

Suisun 73

Vacaville 43

Hayden, C. W.

Benicia 73

Vallejo 52

Suisun 21

Vacaville 14

Leviston, Geo.

Benicia 1

COUNTY SURVEYOR.

Loring, F. R.

Benicia 153

Vallejo 76

Suisun 67

Vacaville 43

Bradley, A. F.

Benicia 124

Vallejo 56

Suisun 34

Vacaville 14

COUNTY ASSESSOR.

Vaughan, Singleton.

Benicia 192

Vallejo 78

Suisun 47

Vacaville 33

Total.

286

387

160

339

228

350

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

113

COUNTY ASSESSOR.

Howell, E. P.

No. of Votes. Total Votes.

Benicia 69

Vallejo 53

Suisun 54

Vacaville 25

201

Cooper Stephen.

Benicia 16

Suisun 7

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR OF SOL. CO.

Currey, John

Benicia 136

Vallejo 76

Suisun 71

Vacaville 43

Leviston, Geo.

Benicia 135

Vallejo 51

Suisun 24

Vacaville 14

326

Luce, S. W.
Benicia .

224

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE FOR BENICIA.

Riddell, Alexander
Wetmore, C. E. .
Gillis, Calvin . . .
Hyam, B. D . . . .
McDougal, John
Lowry, Dick. . .
Bennett, Bill . . .

CONSTABLES FOR BENICIA.

Brown, A. W . .
Brown, Jno. S.
Siddons, Wm. .
Mitchell, I . . . .
Jones, John W
Brown, W. C. .
Andrews, J. H .

150

199

188
169
126
1
1
1
1

DISTRICT JUDGE 7TH JUDICIAL DIST.

Total Votes.

Hopkins, Robert 1

Boggs,T. J 1

Whitman, B. C : 1

Lee, Harvey 1

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE FOR VALLEJO.

Hook, Henry 101

Tierney, E. P 36

Leslie, Lyman 77

Shipley, David 31

Veeder, Charles 13

Loveland, J. E 3

CONSTABLES FOR VALLEJO.

Brown, W. A .....116

Bryant, W. T 87

Dupaix, Henry 13

JUSTICES OF PEACE, SUISUN.

Berry, D. K.

Suisun 67

Vacaville 9

Degman, U. P.

Suisun 50

Vacaville 49

Beveridge, David F.

Suisun 54

CONSTABLES FOR SUISUN.

Stevenson, G. B.

•

Suisun

. . 62

119

Munn, Wm.

Suisun

.. 49

Lindsey,.Wm.

Suisun

. .

.. 23

Scattering:

.. 6

114 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

On September 11th, notice was given in accordance with the Fourth
Article of the Constitution of California, by Robert Semple, of his intention
to contest the election of James S. Graham to the seat in the Assembly ;
there is no reason to believe, however, that the case ever came to a recount.

The division of votes showed a democratic preponderance for the State
offices ; while for those of the county, the Whig party had the majority of
positions.

In this contest, Bigler, who received twenty-three thousand seven hun-
dred and seventy-four votes in the State ; while Pierson B. Reading, his
Whig opponent, got twenty-two thousand seven hundred and thirty-three,
had the assistance of that new power which had commenced to creep into
the State, in the shape of the squatting element. He was Democratic in
his manners, being " hale fellow " with all. Not so his opponent, who was
a gentleman of more genteel bearing than the kind-hearted, unambitious,
landless Governor, who was always mindful of his friends. Bigler, in all
his messages, urged economy, but found it difficult to prevent an office being
made for a friend. Tuthill remarks: "It was his pet project to unite the
Southern and Western men of his party, and let the free-soilers shift for
themselves ; but it is not in that direction that party cleavage runs. The
Southeners scorned the alliance. They were ' high-toned,' and looked down
upon a Missourian as little better than a man from Massachusetts. The
Governor's project would not work. He carried water on both shoulders,
and spilt very little on either side."

In regard to the election of officers to fill the positions required in those
years, it was very hard to find those willing to, or capable of, undertaking
the arduous duties : besides, everyone was on the qui vive for news of gold
on the first receipt of which, judges and constables alike, would leave their
more dignified duties, and make for the mines, caring not who their succes-
sors might be, or how they were appointed.

But few changes of any political moment occurred in 1852, save the
establishment of a polling precinct at the Suscol rancho, at the residence of
L. Curtis ; and the Presidential election of November 2nd, when we find
the three well-known names among the successful candidates for county
honors, of Judge E. W. McKinstry, now of the Supreme Bench of Califor-
nia, then elected for his first term as Judge of the Seventh Judicial District;
Andrew J. Bryant, the present Mayor of San Francisco, then a Constable
of Benicia township ; and Dr. Sylvester Woodbridge, Junior, the eloquent
pastor of a Presbyterian Chuich, in San Fiancisco, at the time of which
we write, a resident of Benicia, and the first Commissioner of Common
Schools in the county.

On February 19th, of the following year, Sarshel Bynum, resigned his
office, when Joseph P. Vaughn was appointed interim County Clerk, in
which charge he was confirmed, at the general election of 7th September.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 115

On May 18th, an Act, apportioning the State into certain Senatorial and
Assembly districts, was passed ; the " Tenth Senatorial District," being com-
prised in the counties of Solano, Napa, and Yolo, with power to elect one
Senator, while one member of Assembly was to be returned from each.

It would appear that at this juncture the number of residents in the
county had so increased, that greater facilities had to be given to the public
for recording their votes. The distances from the principal locations of the
townships being so great, new precincts were made ; the city of Benicia
being divided into two wards ; the headquarters of one being at the Pacific
Works, and the other at the Court House. The Vallejo township comprised
Vallejo and Suscol. Wolf skill's and Montezuma belonged to Vacaville ;
while Suisun and Green Valley each had their polling places. At their De-
cember term, the Court of ^Sessions ordered that the salary of the District
Attorney should be fixed at one hundred and twenty-five dollars per month,
or fifteen hundred dollars per annum,, commencing from the first Monday
in October.

In the year 1855, a vacancy occurring in the office of County Treasurer,
by the death of John C. Gulick, Jabez Hatch was appointed in his stead.
In this year, too, the Court of Sessions was abolished, and a Board of Su-
pervisors created in lieu thereof. The first Board consisting of Lloyd A.
Rider, A. W. Rodgers, and John C. Fisk, met at Benicia on May 7th, under
the Presidentship of the first-named gentleman, when they appointed
George Leviston to be a Justice of the Peace, vice Alexander Rid dell
deceased.

On May 4, 1855, an Act of the Legislature was approved, "to take the
sense of the People of the State, at the General Election in A. D. 1855, on
the Passage of a Prohibitory Liquor Law ;" the provisions of which were,
that the manufacture and sale of all spirituous and intoxicating liquors,
except for mechanical, chemical, medicinal and sacramental purposes, should
be prohibited. On being put to the vote in Solano county, the result was :

Yes 143 votes.

No 378 "

The precincts for polling purposes were divided by the Supervisors in
this year, to be as under :

Green Valley 1

Suisun 2

Vacaville 2

Montezuma 1

Tremont 1

Benicia 1

Vallejo 1

On November 13, J. W. Jones was appointed to the position of County

116 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

Coroner, vice Larkin Richardson, who had failed to file his certificate of
election. On August 21, 1855, it was directed by the Board that the Su-
pervisoral districts be changed, as under :

( Benicia.

District No. 1 <

( Vallejo.

C Green Valley.

District No. 2 <

( Suisun.

f Vacaville.

District No. 3 < Montezuma.

( Tremont.

In the years 1856 and '57, nothing of any moment occurred in the county,
in regard to its political aspect. In 1858 the removal of the county seat
occurred, a full account of which will be found in the chapter on County
Organizations, in this work. On January 22, 1859, the Board of Supervis-
ors accepted the Bond of Captain Waterman, in respect to the handing
over certain lands in Fairfield, for county purposes. On March 14th, they
opened the bids for the erection of the Court House and Jail there, viz :

Larkin Richardson, for Court House and Jail $24,440

J. D. Perkins, for temporary Court House, etc 1,373

And on September 1st, the buildings were handed over by the contractors.
By an Act of the Legislature, approved April 28, 1857, the Supervisors
of the county of Yuba were authorized to subscribe a sum of $200,000 to a
railroad company which should connect the city of Marysville, and either
the city of Benicia or any point on the Sacramento River, at or near
Knight's Ferry or Sacramento City. In May, of the same year, the Super-
visors of Solano county proposed that $250,000 worth of stock should be
taken in the Sacramento and San Francisco Railroad, another company
which had been started with warm advocates in Benicia. The newspapers
of the time ardently urged the adoption of this scheme, and its submission
to the vote of the people, which was afterwards done, and carried by a large
majority. In a little while the Marysville company awoke to a sense of their
danger in the opposition of the contemplated Sacramento road, when the
former association filed their articles of incorporation forthwith, and
commenced operations. The road is set forth as commencing at Marysville,
and extending through Yuba, Sutter, Yolo, and Solano counties, to a point
on the San Pablo Bay, near Vallejo, eighty -five miles in length, which was
expected to cost $3,000,000. The bill was duly introduced into the Senate,
and approved. On April 16, 1859, an Act authorizing the county of Solano
to subscribe $200,000 to the capital stock of this railroad, was approved,

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 117

subject to the accepting thereof by the people, which was submitted to their
vote at the general election of 1859, with the following result :

Yes 796

No 661

The Supervisors were empowered to issue bonds bearing interest at the
rate of seven per cent per annum from date of issue, payable half-yearly.
Only $100,000 of these bonds were paid, however, to the company, who, not
having fulfilled the contract under which the amount was subscribed,
an amended Act was submitted to the Legislature, during the regime of
Messrs. Mizner and J. B. Frisbie, as Senator and Assemblyman respectively,
and approved March 26, 1868, by which the California Pacific Railroad
Company, a new corporation which had been started and duly incorporated
under the general laws of the State, were to have assigned and transferred
to them all stock subscribed for the San Francisco and Marysville Railroad
Company. This was not to be limited to the first named corporation, how-
ever, for section 14 of the Act directs : " The said Supervisors are hereby
authorized and empowered to issue and deliver to the proper officers of any
railroad company which may, within two years from the passage of this
Act, complete and have in running order a railroad from the Straits of
Carquinez, or Vallejo Bay, to the northern boundary line of said Solano
county, the same amount of bonds as the said San Francisco and Marysville
Railroad Company would have been entitled to, had its said road have been
fully completed in the year 1861, less the amount already issued." Of the
original stock there is still $112,000 outstanding, which is being reduced at
the rate of $9,000 a year.

An Act, approved May 13, 1861, to separate from the office of County
Clerk, the office of County Recorder took effect on the first Monday of Octo-
ber, and an election for the latter office was also ordered to be held at every
succeeding general election. To the duties of Recorder were added those of
Auditor. An Act was also approved on the 14th of May, in which it was
provided that Road Masters be elected, so soon as the County shall have
been divided into Road Districts, at the general election of Sept. 4th, whose
duties were " to have the care and general supervision of the public roads
within the district, to maintain them in as good repair and to erect such
necessary bridges and culverts as the means at his command will permit ;
and he shall also, by direction of the Supervisors, cause suitable guide-
boards to be erected at the intersection of inrportant roads. He shall
oversee and direct the labor expended upon the roads, and see that teams,
ploughs, scrapers and other implements, are furnished for the road service.
He shall, between the first day of October and the first day of June, in
each year, give to each person in his road district, who is liable to pay road
tax, at least three days notice of the time and place at which such person
shall appear for the purpose of working on the public roads," etc.

118 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

In February, 1867, the county was divided into assessment districts con-
forming to those which elected Supervisors, offices which were afterwards
discontinued as being unwieldy.

Nothing of any particular importance to affect the county occurred in the
few following years until 1871 — the year of the Tapeworm ticket; the
following history of which has been kindly supplied by Mr. George A.
Gillespie.

FAC-SIMILE OF THE TICKET.

Republican State Ticket. — For Governor, Newton Booth. For Lieutenant Governor, Roraualdo Pacheco. For Secretary of State, Prury Melone.
For Controller, James J. Green. For State Treasurer, Ferdinand Baehr. For Surveyor-General, Robert Gardner. For Attorney-General, John L.
Love. P'or Clerk of the Supreme Court, Grant I. Taggart. For State Printer, Thomas A. Springer. For Harbor Commissioner, John A. McGlynn.
For Amend, to Art. 1 of the Const.— Yes. Refund Debt.— No. For Congressman— Third District, John M. Coghlan. For Assemblyman, M. J. Wright.
For Sheriff, Joseph Jacobs. For Treasurer, E. D. Perkins. For Recorder, Geo. C. McKinley. For Clerk, Chas. A. Kidder; For District Attorney, J. F.
Wendell. For Assessor, Joseph Hoyt. For Surveyor, Win. W. Fitch. For Supt. of Schools, Wm. H. Fry. For Pub. Administrator, Hazen Hoyt.
For Coroner, C. E. Holbrook, For Supervisor, 1st Dist., A. D. Starr. For Constables, Ed. Longan and W. Markey. For Roadmaster, A. E. Thurber.

The so called " Tape-worm Ticket," the use of which at Vallejo, at the
election of 1871, caused so much comment and adverse criticism, both in
and without the State, and even in the United States Congress, had its
origin in this wise : The Navy Yard, at Mare Island, after the election of
Abraham Lincoln to the Presidency, passed into the control of the Republi-
can party, and, especially during the war, a very large number of mechanics
and laborers were given employment there. These men, or a large majority
of them, prior to each general election, became enrolled members of Repub-
lican clubs, and were to all ajjpearances, supporters of the Republican ad-
ministrations, but it was found at the counting of ballots at each election
there were an uncomfortably large number of Democratic votes in the
ballot boxes. To remedy this, various kinds of " non-imitative " and " non-
scratchable " ballots were devised, both printed and engraved, but in every
case the Democrats, by the use of tissue-paper " pasters," and other devices
circumvented the vigilance and craft of the administration politicians and
managed to have a large number of Democratic votes put into the ballot
boxes by these professed Republicans. At a meeting of the Republican
County Central Committee of Solano in August, 1871, after it had made
arrangements to supply all the precincts of the county with a sufficient
quantity of Republican ballots — save Vallejo, the members from that
section announced to the committee that it would be necessary to have a
new and different style of ballot for that precinct in order to prevent
imitation, pasting and scratching. After some deliberation the matter was
left to a sub-committee of two persons, with orders to have printed three
thousand ballots of a design which it should adopt. This sub-committee
subsequently went to San Francisco, and applied to the printing stationers,
William B. Cooke & Co., to have the proposed ballots printed. They were
not decided as to the plan or style of the ballots needed, so Mr. Cooke
suggested to them that he would have several different designs prepared by
his foreman-printer during the day, and if they would call on the following

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 119

morning they could make their selection as to which they would order.
Four or five designs were prepared, and among the lot was this " tape-worm
ticket," which in the judgment of the committee seemed specially designed
" to fill the bill," and it was selected by them and an order given to print
the required three thousand. These ballots were sent to Vallejo, and on the
night previous to the day of election they were parcelled out to the Navy
Yard foremen, who in turn reparcelled them out to their workmen, and they
were very extensively voted during the day, carrying the precinct largely
for the Republican party. But even with all the intricacy of its design
and make up, one hundred and twenty-eight of these ballots were scratched
and pasted by Democratic voters. Hundreds of these ballots were preserved
by the curious as mementoes of political intimidation, and one of them in
the hands of Senator Casserly, found its way to the United States Senate
where it was exhibited to the gaze of astonished Senators as the acme
of " bull-dozing " acumen. This episode in Solano's political history, dis-
graceful as such proceedings were claimed to be, was not without a benefi-
cial result, for beyond 'a doubt, to this tape-worm ticket and its use are we
indebted for our present wise, and satisfactory uniform ballot law.

On May 7, 1873, the offices of Recorder and Auditor were consolidated,
by direction of the Board of Supervisors, whose numbers were in this year
increased from three to five, while the new office of Commissioner of High-
ways was created ; but after one term it was abrogated, the duties of the
office lapsing into the hands of road-masters, as before. At the Judicial
Election, held on October loth, the votes for County Judge resulted in a tie,
as under :

O. B. Powers receiving 1,241 votes ; John M. Gregory, Jr., receiving a
like number. A new election was therefore called for December 16th, when
Judge Gregory received 1,286 votes, as against 1,212, obtained by Mr.
Powers.

An Act to permit the voters of every township or incorporated city in
the State to vote on the question of granting licences to sell intoxicating
liquors was approved by the Legislature, March 18, 1874. It was famil-
iarly known as the " Local Option Law," and was put to the voters of
Solano County on May 30th of that year, showing :

For liquor license 1,022

For no liquor license 904

Majority of 118 for license.

The office of Auditor was established and made separate from that of
Recorder by Act of the Legislature, approved March 30th, T. P. Hooper
being the first incumbent of the former office. The same Act also pro-
vided that the County Treasurer should be ex ojficio Tax Collector, thus

120 THE HISTORY OP SOLANO COUNTY.

abolishing that office, while the offices of Public Administrator and County
Coroner were united and consolidated on May 11th, 1875.

We now come to the last great event in the political history of Solano
county, namely, the order for a new Constitution of the State, and its ulti-
mate passage by an immense majority, that in Solano being two hundred
and ninety -three.

It was found that the provisions in regard to taxation and property were
of too vague a nature to be allowed to hold at this period of progress. At
the time when the old Constitution was framed in Monterey, it was never
contemplated that the State would be ever anything but a purely mining
country ; and as each mining section had its own local laws, more distinct
terms in regard to what was legally meant by property and taxable pro-
perty, were not thought to be necessary. At last the day came when a de-
cision of the Supreme Court ruled that credits are not property in the
sense in which the word property is used in Section 13 of Article XI of the
Constitution, and cannot be assessed for taxes, or taxed as property, even if
secured by mortgage. (The People vs. Hibernia Bank, Cal. Exports, 51.)

The popular voice became clamorous on this decision for a change of rule ;
and though having been before mooted, and successfully balked by former
sessions of the Legislature, an Act to provide for a Convention to frame a
new Constitution for the State of California was approved on March 30,
1878 ; and by a Proclamation of the Governor an election throughout the
county of Solano was ordered to be held on June 19, 1878, for the pur-
pose of electing delegates to a Constitutional Convention, to meet at Sacra-
mento, on September 28th. Thirty-two delegates were to be elected by the
State at large, of whom not more than eight should be residents of any one
Congressional District. One delegate was allowed for the counties of
Solano and Yolo, jointly, and three for Solano county alone. The result
was :

Delegate for Solano and Yolo counties, jointly :

C. F. Reed (of Yolo) 741 votes.

For Solano county :

Joel A. Harvey 859 votes.

J. M. Dudley 821 "

S. G. Hilborn 769 "

The election for the adoption or rejection caused a deep seated feeling
throughout the entire State, and for months the county was in a perfect
ferment ; at last the 7th of May arrived ; the following morning the news
was flashed throughout the length and breadth of the land of the adoption
of California's new organic law ; and now nothing but Time can solve the
riddle as to whether the decision was a wise one or not.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

121

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THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

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P. McEIroy, Vallejo

R. S. Maguiness, Vallejo

H. Norton, Benicia

R. E. Bournes, Benicia. .
W. A. Field, Green Val-
ley.
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C. Loomis, Suisun

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130 THE HISTORY OP SOLANO COUNTY.

MEXICAN GRANTS.

BY A. J. DOBBINS.

SUSCOL— SUISUN — TOLENAS — LOS PUTOS — RIO LOS PUTOS —

ULPINOS.

When California was acquired by the United States by treaty with the
Mexican Government, the larger portion of the five hundred and forty-five
thousand four hundred and forty acres included in the present boundary
lines of Solano county was covered by, and claimed under, six Mexican
grants, distributed as follows :

" The Suscol," lying in the southern and western portion of the county,
including the townships of Vallejo and Benicia, and containing about eighty-
four thousand acres.

The " Suisun," lying to the eastward of the Suscol, including within its
limits the whole of Suisun valley, together with the towns of Suisun and
Fairfield, and containing seventeen thousand seven hundred and fifty-two
acres.

The " Tolenas," or " Armijo," lying to the north and east of the Suisun,
and containino- thirteen thousand three hundred and fourteen acres.

The " Los Putos," or Vaca and Pena, lying to the northeast of the Armijo,
covering the town of Vacaville and the whole of Vaca valley, and contain-
ing forty-four thousand three hundred and eighty acres.

The " Eio Los Putos," or Wolfskill, lying to the northwest of the Los
Putos, and on both sides of Putah creek, in both Solano and Yolo counties.
That portion situated in Solano county, containing eight thousand eight
hundred and eighty acres.

The " Ulpinos," or Bidwell, located in the eastern portion of the county, at
the junction of the Sacramento river and Cache Slough, covering the town
of Rio Vista and the Montezuma hills, and containing seventeen thousand
seven hundred and fifty -two acres.

By the terms of the treaty of Guadaloupe Hidalgo, the United States,
upon proper showing of titles by grantees of the Mexican and Spanish
Governments, was found to confirm them, and not only were perfect titles
acquired by the inhabitants under Mexican domination agreed to be
respected, but also such equitable claims as had their origin in the action
of the Mexican Government, but were undeveloped and incomplete at the
date of the treaty ; and it was stipulated that such steps should be taken
as were necessary to protect the same. The rights of property of the
citizens of the ceded territory were to remain unchanged. By the law of

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 131

nations those rights were sacred and inviolable, and the obligation passed
to the Government of the United States to protect and maintain them by
proper legislative action when the requisite protection could not be afforded
by the ordinary course of judicial proceedings in the established tribunals
or by existing legislation.

In many instances, however, the boundaries of the grants were indefinite,
and the titles to some being imperfect, for years the affairs of the county
were in an unsettled condition, consequent upon the frequent recurrence of
acts of violence and bloodshed growing out of the litigation of land titles.
Surveying parties were frequently forced to desist and driven off by armed
gangs of squatters, who destroyed and removed monuments and land-marks,
obstructed the officers of the law in the discharge of their official duties, and
who carried their lawlessness to such an extent that many bona fide pur-
chasers willingly disposed of their claims for a nominal sum and betook
themselves to some more quiet county, where the danger of loss of life or
limb was not a necessary concomitant upon the ownership of real estate.

The bitter and protracted controversy which arose out of the dispute as
to the location of the line between the Suisun and the Armijo Grants, pre-
sents a striking illustration of the indefinite and uncertain manner in which
these grants were located by the original grantees, at a time when the
question of a few hundred, or even thousand, acres was a matter of so little
importance as to be unworthy of attention. But, subsequently, as the years
rolled on, and the increase in values required the boundary lines to be
distinctly and permanently settled, the latitude which had formerly been
allowed to the original grantees in locating their grants, as necessity or
convenience dictated, proved a source of almost interminable annoyance
and vexation, as well as a heavy expense to those who purchased under
them.

On the 16th of January, 1837, Francisco Solano, the chief of the tribe of
Indians known as the Suisunes, presented to Commandant-General M. G.
Vallejo a petition for a grant of land in the following terms :

" To the Commandant-General :

" Francisco Solano, principal chief of the unconverted Indians and born
captain of the ' Suisun,' in due form before your Honor represents ;

" That, being a free man, and owner of a sufficient number of horses and
cattle to establish a rancho, he solicits from the strict justice and goodness
of your Honor, that you be pleased to grant him the land of the Suisun,
with its known appurtenances, which are a little more or less than four
square leagues from the ' Portzuela to the Salina de Sacha.' Said land
belongs to him by hereditary right from his ancestors, and he is actually in
possession of it, but he wishes to revalidate his rights in accordance with
the existing laws of our Republic and of the order of colonization recently
decreed by the Supreme Governement.

132 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

" He, therefore, prays that your Honor be pleased to grant him the land
which he asks for, and procure for him, from the proper sources, the titles
which may be necessary for his security, and that you will also admit this
on common paper, there being none of the corresponding stamp in this
place.

(Signed) " Francisco Solano.

" Sonoma, January 16, 1837."

To this petition the Commandant-General responded by issuing a decree,
in which he granted to Solano, temporarily and provisionally, the use of
the land petitioned for, to the amount of four square leagues, at the same
time instructing the grantee to ask from the governmental of the State the
usual titles, in order to make valid his rights in conformity with the order
of colonization.

Accordingly, on the 15th of January, 1842, Solano presented a petition to
Governor Juan B. Alvarado, accompanying it with the above petition to the
Commandant-General, together with the temporary grant made by that
officer, and asked for a permanent and perpetual grant of the premises.

In answer to this petition, Governor Alvarado, on the 21st of January,
1842, issued a grant in due form, of which the following is a copy :

[seal.] " Juan. B. Alvarado,

" Constitutional Governor of the Department of the Californias.
" Whereas, The aboriginal, Francisco Solano, for his own personal benefit
and that of his family, has aske*d for the land known by the name of Suisun,
of which place he is a native, and chief of the tribes of the frontier of Sono-
ma, and being worthy of reward for the quietness which he caused to be
maintained by that unchristianized people ; the proper proceedings and
examinations having previously been made as required by the laws and
regulations, using the powers conferred on me in the name of the Mexican
nation, I have granted to him the above mentioned land, adjudicating to
him the ownership of it, by these presents, being subject to the approbation
of the most excellent Departmental Junta, and to the following conditions,
to- wit :

1. " That he may inclose it, without prejudice to the crossings, roads, and
servitudes, and enjoy it freely and exclusively, making such use and culti-
vation of it as he may see fit ; but within one year he shall build a house
and it shall be inhabited.

2. " He shall ask the magistrate of the place to give him Juridical posses-
sion of it, in virtue of this order, by whom the boundaries shall be marked
out ; and he shall place in them, besides the land-marks, some fruit or forest
trees of some utility.

3. " The land herein mentioned is to the extent of four ' sitios de ganado
mayor,' (four square leagues) with the limits, as shown on the map, accom-
panying the respective expediente. The magistrate who gives the possession

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 133

will have it measured according to ordinance, leaving the excess, that may
result, to the nation for its convenient uses.

4. " If he contravene these conditions he shall lose his right to the land
and it may be denounced by another.

" In consequence, I order that these presents be held firm and valid ; that
a register be taken of it in the proper book, and that it be given to the
party interested, for his voucher and other purposes.

" Given this twenty-first day of January, one thousand eight hundred
and forty-two, at Monterey.

(Signed) "Juan B. Alvarado.

(Signed) " Manuel Jimeno, Secretary."

In September, 1845, the Committee on Vacant Lands submitted to the
Departmental Assembly a report in which the approval of the grant was
recommended ; and, thereupon, in the following month, that body issued
the following order :

"Angeles, Oct. 3, 1845.
" In session of this day. the proposition of the foregoing report was
approved by the most excellent Departmental Assembly, ordering the
original expediente to be returned to His Excellency, the Governor, for
suitable purposes.

(Signed) " Pio Pico, President.

(Signed) " Augustin Olona, Secretary."

A copy of the order of approval was issued to Solano on the same day.
The first application of Armijo for his grant was made some two years
subsequent to that of Solano, and was in the following language :

" Senor Commandant- General :

" Jose Francisco Armijo, by birth a Mexican, before your Honor, in the
manner which may be best for me in the law, say : That having four
sons, natives of the same country, without owning any lands to cultivate,
finding myself owner of about one hundred head of cattle, the product of
which I annually lose, supplicate that your Honor will be pleased to con-
cede to me the place known to ine by the name of Tolenas. That in
company with my son, Antonio Maria, I dedicate myself to the cultivation
of my own land and the breeding of cattle, with the understanding that the
land which I solicit is from the place already mentioned to Ololatos creek,
containing about three leagues of land, more or less, and it joins with the
Suisun rancho.

" For this I pray that you will be pleased to decree as 1 have petitioned,
for which I respectfully forward, herewith, the map.

" This favor I shall perpetuate on my memory.

[Does not know how to sign.]
" Sonoma, Nov. 22d, 1839."

134 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

Immediately upon the receipt of the petition the Commandant-General
made an order upon its margin, in which permission was given to Armijo
to occupy the premises described therein upon condition that he should not
in any manner molest or disturb the wild Indians who lived upon it ; but,
on the contrary, he should endeavor to inspire them with confidence in the
whites ; and should any act of rebellion occur among them he should imme-
diately communicate the same to Solano, the chief of the " Suisunes," with
whom, by reason of his proximity with both parties, it would be convenient
to advise as to whatever might conduce to the lives and tranquility of the
settlers. Armijo, upon this order, entered into the possession of the land,
and subsequently presented a petition substantially the same as the one to
the Commandant- General, to Jose Castro, the Prefect of the First District,
asking for a permanent grant, in accordance with the law of colonization.

This petition the Prefect referred to the Governor, together with his
Report upon the same, as follows :

" Most Excellent Senior Governor :

" The Prefecture being informed of the petition which Jose Francisco
Armijo makes in claiming the land which he indicates, and of the order
of the Senor Commandant-General, no objection is found to the concession
which the Government ought to decree, provided the party interested ob-
tains the necessary requisites to be attended to, and that the place which he
solicits is found to be entirely vacant.

(Signed) Jose Castro."

In response to the petition, Governor Alvarado, on the 4th of March,
1840, issued a grant to Armijo for the three square leagues, to which grant
the same conditions were annexed as were contained in the grant to Solano,
relative to the manner of acquiring possession, establishing boundary lines,
and the planting of trees within its limits, to which an additional condition
was annexed that through no motive whatever should he in any manner
molest the Indians who were there located, nor the immediate neighbors
with whom he would adjoin.

The grant was issued in all respects with due regard to form, with the
single exception that it never received the approval of the Departmental
Assembly, as was the case in the Suisun grant. However, it was subse-
quently decided by the Supreme Court of this State that such lack of ap-
proval did not in any way impair its title.

Solano's title to the Suisun grant was subsequently acquired by M. G.
Vallejo, by purchase, and that of Armijo to the Tolenas, upon his death, in
1849, by his son Antonio.

Before the death of the elder Armijo, some time in the year 1847, a dis-
pute arose between M. G. Vallejo, Solano's grantee, and Armijo, concerning

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 135

the location of the boundary line between the two grants, which resulted in
the institution of an action of tresspass by Vallejo against Armijo, before
Alcalde L. W. Boggs, Armijo claiming that a certain arroyo seco, or dry
gulch, formed the line, and Vallejo placing it some distance to the north-
ward, the difference in question involving several thousand acres- of land.
It was finally, agreed, however, that the matter be submitted to two arbi-
trators, whose decision should be final. Accordingly one Cajetano Juarez
was selected as arbitrator on the part of Vallejo, and one Salvador Vallejo,
on the part of Armijo.

The arbitrators held a meeting in August, 1847, at which time proofs and
documents on both sides were presented to them, and on the 16th of that
month they submitted the following award :

" We, the undersigned, appointed arbitrators by and for Mariano G. Vallejo,
and Francisco Armijo, to decide upon the question existing between them
for having the last trespassed his limits, and usurping part of the land be-
longing to the farm of the first, as it is expressed in the complaint presented
before the Alcalde of the jurisdiction, L. W. Boggs ; and after hearing the
declaration of both parties, and examination made of the proofs and docu-
ments presented to us, we find that the limits of each farm are clearly deter-
mined, in their respective titles, being those of the Tolenas farm, according
to the said, the Suisun creek, which runs to the N. N. E. of Suisun, and be-
ginning from thence, at the first limits mentioned there are to be measured
three leagues running at E. N. E. as the ridge (Sierra) runs ; leaving the said
ridge the natural limits lying between the two farms, separate them, leaving
one at the north and the other at the south. Thus neither of the both
parties is prejudicated, and the titual meaning of the respective titles to
both farms are fulfilled with, and in order to so not burden one part more
than another, the costs of the judgment and those of the tribunal ought to
be paid equally by both parties.

"And for the fulfillment of the contents of this present writing, we sign it
by our hands and seals before the Alcalde of this jurisdiction, on the 16th
day of August, A. D. 1847.

(Signed) Cajetano Juarez,

Arbitrator for M. G. Vallejo.

(Signed) M. G. Vallejo.

(Signed) Salvador Vallejo,
Arbitrator for Francisco Armijo.

(Signed) Francisco Armijo."

This award as before stated, was made upon proofs and documents pre-
sented by both parties, and was recived as a victory for the Armijo faction.
For a time the matter was regarded as settled ; but the question subse-
quently came again into dispute between purchasers under the respective
claimants, in which the Armijo faction claimed that the award was final

136 THE HISTOKY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

and conclusive of the action in their favor, and they also offered testimony
to show that Vallejo and others claiming under him had stated to certain
parties that the arroyo seco, or dry gulch, in reality formed the north line
of the Suisun grant, and contended that such admissions fixed the boundary
at that point.

One Archibald A. Ritchie had in the meantime purchased Vallejo's in-
terest, and procured a United States Patent for a large tract of land, which
included in its limits that in controversy. The Ritchie purchasers claimed
that the patent was in effect superior to the award made by the arbitrators,
though issued at a later date, and for a time a bitter warfare, not un-
attended with frequent acts of violence and bloodshed, was waged both in
and out of Court. The matter finally culminated in the celebrated case of
Waterman vs. Smith, in which it was decided upon appeal to the Supreme
Court that the award was only conclusive until the action of the General
Government.

The dispute was continued for several years, however, until all the land
in controversy was finally settled by compromise, or otherwise, and the
danger which had formerly been attendant upon its ownership being
removed, it rapidly increased in value, amply repaying those who had suc-
ceeded in retaining their claims after so many years of stubborn and tena-
cious warfare.

The most noted litigation almost in the annals of the State, grew out of
the Suscol and the so-called " El Sobrante," or Luco grants. In the case of
the former, it was claimed that General M. G. Vallejo had at various times
during the Mexican troubles furnished the Government with large sums of
money and other supplies ; and in consideration of these favors and in part
payment for his services as an officer in the Government employ, the Suscol,
an eleven leagued grant, had been deeded to him. The title subsequently
came into dispute ; and after a most vexatious and expensive contest in the
Courts, the grant was declared invalid and became public land. The Con-
gress of the United States came to the relief of purchasers under the Vallejo
title by the enactment of a special Pre-emption Act, allowing them to enter
such lands, at $1.25 per acre.

In the case of the " Sobrante," one Juan Luco claimed to have purchased
from a Mexican vaquero a grant which he had received from the Mexican
Government, of the stupendous quantity of two hundred and eighty-four
thousand acres ; but this grant, after a number of years of litigation, was
rejected by the Courts, and that vast extent of territory added to the public
domain.

In respect to the Vaca and Pena grant, nearly the entire property has
gone out of the hands of the original grantees, they farming and owning but
a very small portion of the original estate, while a history of the Los Ulpino
grant will be found in the description of the township of Rio Vista.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 137

MURDER TRIALS OF SOLANO COUNTY.

THE PEOPLE VS. EDWARD CROCKER — WILLIAM KEMP — BEVERLEY WELLS —
GEORGE K. MANN — ROBERT B. MCMILLAN — PHILANDER ARNOLD — JACOB
ZAESCK — MERRILL JAMES — D. H. FITZPATRICK — FRANK GRADY — WILLIAM
WESTPHAL — D. G. GORDON — PANCHO VALENCIA — GUADALUPE VALENCIA —
JAMES MALLON — JAMES LOWTHER.

Mention has been made in another portion of this volume, of the estab-
lishment of Perfectures, and a Judge of First Instance; while the judg-
ment decreed in a suit heard in the court of the latter, has been copied
verbatim.

With the acquisition of California by the Government of the United
States, and the increase of population, better provision was made for carry-
ing out the law. County Courts were established, and the Seventh Judi-
cial District Court, among others, inaugurated. The first Judge of this
Court was Robert Hopkins, who was succeeded by E. W. McKinstry, now
of the Supreme Court.

In the following resume of the chief trials which have taken place in
Solano county, we have confined ourselves to those of individuals who have
been arraigned for the crime of murder. It has, however, been deemed best
to refer to the following curious case as a starting point.

The People v. Edward Crocker. — This was a case instituted at the
instance of S. G. Hastings, Attorney-General, complaining that the defend-
ant had intruded himself into the office of County Treasurer, and un-
lawfully held and exercised the duties of said office, and received the
emoluments thereof. The plaintiff represented the different appointments
to the office from its incipience in 1851, until the election of November,
1852, when George Leviston was preferred to fill the unexpired term for
which Osgood H. Evans, the original Treasurer, since dead, had been
elected. That in due time his certificate of election had been granted
and bond filed ; but, on demanding the books from S. C. Gray, the ap-
pointee of the Court of Session as the locum tenens of Evans, prior
to the general election, he refused to deliver them to the said Leviston, and
continued to exercise the duties of the office and receive the emoluments
until the 14th of December, 1852, when he left the county. That on or
about the 16th of December, the defendant, Crocker, intruded himself into
the office without legal authority, and unlawfully held the books and papers
from Leviston, to the detriment of the public interests.

138 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

In answer, the defendant gave a general denial to the case as set forth in
the complaint, which, on going to trial, Judge McKinstry, on February 3,
1853, found for the plaintiff with costs. »

The People v. Peter William Kemp. — The first murder trial in Solano,
county was that of Peter William Kemp, for the killing of Thomas Sullivan
on the night of February 1, 1855. The victim was a fireman on board of
one of the steamers then lying in the port of Benicia, while the slayer was
a workman in the blacksmith's shop of the Pacific Works there. From the
evidence adduced at the trial, it would appear that Sullivan and Kemp,
who lived together, had a quarrel as to which of the two should cook their
supper, and that the latter took up a Mississippi rifle which was within
reach, and followed the former into a room, in the act of doing which the
piece exploded, killing Sullivan. The verdict at the trial was one of not
guilty.

Among the witnesses examined in this case for the prosecution were Bev-
erley Wells, whose trial for murder immediately follows this, and that of his
boon companion, John C. Heenan, the " Benicia Boy," of prize-fighting fame.

The People v. Beverley T. Wells. — The facts of this distardly deed
are these : James H. Dunn, was Third Assistant Engineer of the Pacific
Mail Steamer " Golden Gate ;" he was killed by Beverley Wells, under the
following circnmstances : It appears that Dunn and Wells had been inti-
mate friends for some time ; that whenever the " Golden Gate " was in port
they were constant companions, and never had any difficulty previous to
the 17th February, 1856. On that morning they went out together to take
a pleasure ride in a buggy. In the evening they returned and proceeded to
the steamboat landing. After remaining there a short time, Wells got into
the buggy, and started up town ; Dunn ran after him, saying, " Hold on ! "
what, are you going without me ?" and caught the horse by the head. Some
angry words passed between them, when W T ells proceeded to the stable of
the American Hotel with the buggy, and paid the bill. He then went to
the store of Mr. T. Pander, and purchased a large knife, and then walked
down towards the wharf. When about half-way along the plank road lead-
ing from the ferry house to the landing, he was met by Dunn and a man
named James Morgan. Dunn said : " Hallo Beverley ;" and immediately
Wells struck him with the knife several times in quick succession. Dunn
fell, crying : " Morgan, run for a doctor — I'm stabbed ; Oh, Mother ! Mother !
Mother ! " He expired in about ten minutes. On examining the body, four
ghastly wounds were found, one in the abdomen at least six inches long,
through which the bowels protruded ; one in the right breast ; one in the
right thigh, six or eight inches long, and another on the right arm, near the
right shoulder, completely severing the muscles. Wells was a large, power-

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 139

ful man : Dunn, about the medium size, slightly built. The murderer was
at once arrested ; but there being no jail in Benicia, where the foul deed
was perpetrated, he was confined in Martinez prison, Contra Costa County.

The trial of the accused commenced on June 17th, and lasted the two
following days; and was fully argued on both sides, when on the 19th the
following verdict was brought in : " The jury in the case of the People of
the State of California vs. Beverley T. Wells, find the said Beverley T.
Wells guilty of the crime of murder. John Doughty, Foreman."

Monday, the 23rd of June, was fixed by the Court to pronounce sentence,
which was done as follows : It is ordered, adjudged and decreed by this
Court, that the said Beverley T. Wells be remanded to jail in charge of the
Sheriff, from whence he be taken to some suitable place, to be selected by
said Sheriff, in Solano county, on Friday, August the eighth, A. D. 1856,
between the hours of ten A. M. of that day, and four P. M. of the same
day, and then hung by the neck until he be dead.

As the execution of Wells was the first to take place in Solano county,
we reproduce an account of it from the " Herald " of August 9th, 1856 :

" Upon examination, it was found that our jail did not afford the neces-
sary room, and no other place could be procured in town (Benicia) for the
purpose. It was, therefore, necessary to have the scaffold erected in as
secluded a spot as possible, in the hills adjacent to the town. «

' The ferry-boat, ' Carquinez,' being laid up, repairing, the Sheriff found
it necessary to provide a small vessel to transport the prisoner from Marti-
nez (where he had been confined). An escort of twenty men was detailed
from the Solano Engine Company, at the request of the Sheriff, to perform
guard duty, and all left at an early hour for Martinez. The prisoner had
been attended by the Rev. Mr. McDonald (at present writing, pastor of the
Church of the Ascension, at Vallejo), and he was immediately taken on
board the vessel, which arrived at the wharf at half -past eight — Rev. Mr.
Woodbridge met them there. The prisoner appeared quite weak from loss
of blood, but was calm, and expressed himself as prepared to die. He had
a short interview with one of his counsel, to whom he renewed his assur-
ance of the truth of his former statements of the affair, and referring to a
letter he had written about the time of his first attempt to commit suicide,
requested that it might be published after his death.

" At precisely ten o'clock the procession moved to the place of execution,
accompanied by a large number of people. On arriving at the place,
he ascended the scaffold, attended by the Rev. Messrs. Woodbridge and
McDonald, Mr. Sheriff Shirley, and one of his deputies.

' The Sheriff immediately proceeded to read the warrant, and, upon its
conclusion, informed the prisoner that he could then have an opportunity
to say anything he might wi.-:h Whereupon, he stepped forward firmly,
and in a clear, unbroken voice, spoke, substantially as follows :

140 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

" ' Gentlemen — This is a malicious murder ! James Morgan has perjured
himself on the trial, not once, but fifteen or twenty times ! He is my mur-
derer ! The homicide of Dunn, I am sure was justifiable ! I forgive Morgan.
I am about to die like a man. I commit myself to God, and die on ami-
cable terms with all men.'

" He then stepped forward on the drop ; his arms and limbs were tied by
the Sheriff, and the prayers of the Episcopal Church were read by the Rev.
Mr. McDonald; at their conclusion, and at the given signal, the drop fell.
To all appearances he died instantly ; and after one or two slight convulsive
struggles, all was still.

" The execution was witnessed by about four hundred people, all of whom
seemed deeply affected, and throughout the entire scene the most perfect
decorum prevailed. Mr. Paul Shirley, the Sheriff, and Messrs. Estell and
A. J. Bryant, Under and Deputy- Sheriffs, respectively, performed their re-
spective duties in a highly satisfactory manner."

The following is a letter which Wells wrote while in Martinez jail at the
time when suicide was contemplated by him :

" To the Public — Gentlemen : My life is a burden to me at this present
time ; and being of a proud spirit, and the way that I have been so unjustly
dealt with, I have come to the conclusion to dispose of myself in the man-
ner which you here observe. I think that I am in my rational mind, al-
though sorely afflicted with my present position, together with the false
heart and flattering tongue of James Morgan, has caused me to commit
myself in the manner that I have, and to present my soul to Almighty God
for forgiveness of the so-called unpardonable sin. My exposition on the
23rd of June, in the Court House, at Benicia, was the truth, and is my
dying declaration. I die, knowing that he, James Morgan, has swoi'n to
several malicious and absolute falsehoods knowingly ; but yet I forgive him.
I hope that I leave this world on amicable terms with all mankind. After
this publication let my name be ignored.

" Beverley T. Wells.

" Martinez Jail, July, 1856."

It may be interesting here to note that Sheriff Shirley is now Senator
from Contra Costa county ; Under-Sheriff Estell is Under-Sheriff of Sacra-
mento county ; and Deputy-Sheriff Bryant, the Mayor of San Francisco.

It should here be observed, that as early as 1854 a case of homicide
occurred in the count}^. when Jonathan Cook was killed by a gun-shot from
George K. Mann ; but, owing to the absconding of the culprit, with Sifford,
an accomplice, the case was never brought to trial. The facts are these :
Cook, it appeared, had missed a considerable amount of money, and charged
Mann with the theft of it, which was indignantly denied ; while Cook was
warned not to repeat such an accusation. He disregarded the warning ;

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 141

angry words ensued, which was followed by the killing of Cook as above
described. This deed was done in the presence of a Justice of. the Peace,
and others ; yet the prisoner escaped.

The People v. Robert B. McMillan. — This was a case of killing which
occurred in Vacaville, whereby the defendant was indicted for the murder
of John Parks, by reason of a dispute which took place through the alleged
trespass of certain stock, the property of the defendant. The case was
brought for trial before the District Court; but on September 30, 1859, the
venue was changed to Yolo county, on motion of the attorney for the
defendant.

The People v. Philander Arnold. — The defendant was indicted and
tried for feloniously killing one John M. Sweeney, at a certain corral in the
township of Montezuma, in Solano county. The plea put in was that the
homicide was in self-defense. The testimony, was, however, somewhat con-
flicting as to the facts occurring at the time of the killing ; or, at least, was
claimed to be so by the defendant. The reason for the shooting would
appear to have been, that a difficulty occurred on the 24th of August, 1859,
between Philander Arnold and Sweeney, in the course of which the former
discharged a double-barrelled shot-gun at the latter, the charge taking effect
in his thigh, causing Sweeney to fall forward, from the effects of which he
died on August 27th. At the time of the charge of murder being brought
against the defendant, the charge of aiding and abetting was preferred
against Oscar D. Arnold, the son, who had brought the weapon to his father.
The Court, in its instructions to the jury, took occasion to make the follow-
ing logical remarks, which for forcible diction, cannot well be surpassed :
" When you were being impanelled, certain of your number declared that
they were strongly opposed to the infliction of capital punishment, but were
not prepared to say that this opposition would preclude them from finding
a verdict of guilty. I understood them to indicate only that as citizens —
by vote and influence — they would endeavor to bring about such a change
of legislative policy as would abrogate the death penalty, and substitute
another punishment in its stead. This repugnance to taking part in a pro-
ceeding which may result in depriving a human being of that life which we
can never recall, is natural. I am not prepared to say that it is not highly
proper ; at least, when it is not indulged in to such an extent as to cause
us timidly to shrink from one of the duties which, as freemen, are imposed
upon us as the means of preserving our liberties, among which, trial by
jury, has ever been regarded as one of the most valuable of our privileges.
I trust that, not only those of your number who are opposed to capital
punishment, but all of the jurymen, have well considered the consequences
to this defendant, of a verdict of murder in the first degree. Upon such
verdict will follow an ignominious execution — the disgrace of an interesting

142 THE HISTOET OF SOLANO COUNTY.

family — and, whether or not, he be prepared for the awful separation — the
dissolution of those mysterious bonds which unite the soul to its earthy
tenement.

" Logically, it might be argued that the jury have nothing to do with all
this ; that their task is simply to ascertain whether the prisoner at the bar
be guilty or not guilty of the offense charged in the indictment. But it
would be demanding too much of human nature, as it is constituted, to ask
that these incidents shall be disregarded ; nor do I think it desirable to
require twelve rational men to shut their eyes to the consequences of their
own acts. Accord them all due importance to these considerations. They
can do no harm ; while they operate to urge you on to a full and candid in-
vestigation into the facts of this case. I would have you feel the weight of
the responsibility imposed upon you. But I would also have you summon
all the faculties of your mind— especially all your moral courage — that you
may make yourselves equal to the responsibility. I would have you prove
yourselves worthy of the position you occupy — worthy of the confidence
reposed in you, not only by the prisoner and the Court, but also by the
District Attorney, the representative of the People. Remember the evil
consequences, if you permit a mistaken clemency to overwhelm the dictates
of reason. Although they may not seem so distinctly visible and immediate,
they are no less certain than those which flow from an error in the opposite
direction. If, through your instrumentality, an innocent man should suffer,
or a guilty man escape, you may not cast the fault upon the court, the
counsel, or even upon the witnesses ; for you must say whether the latter
are to be believed or not. You must endeavor in such case to satisfy your
own violated consciences, and make peace with the offended God, in whose
name you have sworn ' a true verdict to render, and true deliverance to
make: — according to the evidence.' "

After a full trial, the jury brought in a verdict of manslaughter.

The People v. Joseph Zaesck. — The above case is another of those of
trespass, with a resort to violence, to enforce what was thought to be right.
It would appear that the defendant had ordered off Daniel Thompson, and
his brother, Ole, the man killed by Zaesck, off certain grounds, situated on
the Montezuma hills, and also refused to give up certain sheep, their prop-
erty, which had strayed into the flock of one Ambrose, for whom defendant
had been a herder. A dispute ensued, which resulted in the stabbing of
Ole Thompson, by Zaesck, inflicting a wound, from the effects of which he
died on the 14th day of November, 1861, the day succeeding the commis-
sion of the crime. A verdict was rendered of guilty, on May 20, 1862,
and he was finally sent to the State prison for four years.

The People v. Merrill James. — This was a case in which the defendant
shot one Ashford Ashbrook, when at a dance at Mr. Fowler's in Green
valley. James effected his escape, and has never been brought to trial.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 143

The People v, D. H. Fitzpatrick. — This was one more of those cases
arising out of a trespass, where the use of firearms was resorted to by Fitz-
patrick, to assert his rights, resulting in the shooting of one Croesdale, a
squatter, on the Potrero Hills. The trial was had in due course, and on
Saturday, May 21, 1864, defendant was sentenced to ten years in the
State prison : but, after serving two years, through the indomitable perse-
verance and energy of his wife, he was pardoned.

The People v. Frank Grady. — This was a cutting affair which occurred
at the election polls at Bridgeport, on the 6th of September, 1865, in which
a man named English was killed and two others fearfully wounded, while a
third received two shots in his breast and shoulder from a pistol. The cir-
cumstances attending the emeute are briefly these : About this time
English aud his two sons, Charles and Perry, were cutting wood on land
owned by Perry Durbin, and the latter restrained them by injunction, on
account of which, it is supposed Charles English made complaint to the
military authorities at Benicia and caused the arrest of Durbin, Ramsey,
Lamoree, Stilts and others for rejoicing over the assassination of President
Lincoln. While at the polls, as above stated, English and Durbin were
conversing ; English gave the lie to Durbin ; Durbin made a motion as of
drawing a weapon, whereupon Charles English drew his revolver and com-
menced firing, two of the shots taking effect upon Durbin, hitting him in
the left breast and shoulder. Durbin then drawing his knife, turned upon
Charles, who, in attempting to escape, ran out of doo s, but stumbled and
fell, and commenced cutting at his throat, presenting a most horrible sight.
Perry English on seeing his brother in a critical position, ran to his assist-
tance, but just as he reached the contending parties, Frank Grady drew
his revolver and shot Perry just at back and under his right ear, killing
him instantly. Grady mounted his horse and left for parts unknown. The
father then went to the relief of his son Charles, when Durbin turned upon
the old man, and stabbed him in the breast three times, making fearful
wounds. Durbin and the elder English were brothers-in-law. In due
course Grady was captured and twice tried, when on 19th September, 1866,
he was acquitted.

The People v. William Westphal. — The facts of this case are : Two
Prussians, Fritz Poizing and William Westphal, were engaged in hauling
barley from Westphal's ranch, about five miles south-east of Denverton, to the
residence of Poizing, and when near the latter place went to the house and
informed Mrs. Westphal, half sister of Poizing, that he had fallen from the
wagon, and had been killed by being run over. She at once repaired to the
spot and found Poizing still living and able to raise upon his elbow and
signify by motions that he wanted water. She at once started to procure

144 HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

the required beverage for the wounded man, when, after proceeding a short
distance, on looking around, she saw Westphal strike Poizing three times
upon the head with an axe, exclaiming " I will fix you out this time," and
on again returning to the spot found life extinct. The defendant was found
not guilty in the May term, 1866.

The People v. D. G. Gordon. — The particulars of this case are : The
crime was committed at Vacaville by the killing of William Byron by
David G. Gordon. It appears that Byron and Gordon had been on terms
of enmity for some time, and during the day had been using severe language
towards each other. Just before the occurrence Byron was playing billiards
in a saloon with Antonio Do Santos, and was just preparing to make a play,
when Gordon came in somewhat intoxicated. The latter approached Byron,
put his arm around him, and the two talked for a little while apparently
very amicably. They then shook hands, but as Gordon turned to go away
Byron struck him with his cue, raising it to strike him again, when Gordon
drew his pistol and shot Byron in the stomach. The latter then ran out of
the back door and Gordon pursued him to the creek, firing at him four
different times, each shot taking effect. Byron fell near the creek and ex-
pired in a few moments. On 21st May, 1868, Gordon was convicted of
manslaughter.

The record of crime of this man Gordon did not cease here, for he has
since in the State of Missouri been found guilty of murder and sentenced
to death, which was afterwards commuted to imprisonment for life.

The People v. James Campbell and Annie Robinson. — This was a case
of poisoning which took place on the 25th January, 1869, whereby Jabez
Robinson lost his life by the administering of strychnia at the hands of
the defendants. Campbell, who though only an accessory before the fact,
was indicted and tried as a principal and convicted and sentenced to death.
Against this judgment he appealed to the Supreme Court, on the grounds
that the verdict was insufficient inasmuch that the jury had omitted to
specify the degree of murder in their finding. This was held to be good in
law by Judges Crockett, Rhodes, Temple and Wallace of the Supreme
Court. Judgment was therefore reversed and the cause remanded for a
new trial. This was appointed to take place on January 23, 1871, and one
hundred persons were summoned for difficulty was expected in the selection
of a jury. One, however, was impanelled, who brought in a verdict of not
guilty.

The People v. Pancho Valencia and Guadalupe Valencia. — The cir-
cumstances attending this murder are briefly these : On the night of the
3d March, 1871, at seven o'clock, after the family of Joseph W. Hewitt
had taken supper and retired to the parlor with some visitors, one of the
family went to the door, in opening which she discovered two men crouch-
ing low and approaching the house; finding they were observed they

TH2

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 145

straightened up and coming towards her asked for " the man of the house."
The little girl, Lizzie, who had gone to the door, went into the inner room
and called her father, who came to the door ; she followed him. Upon this
one of the men asked Hewitt if they could stay there all night. Hewitt
replied that in consequence of there being company in the house, and his
barn having been burnt but a few weeks ago, he could not accommodate them,
but informed them that they would be able to obtain the desired lodgings
at the next ranch where there was a barn. The man who had questioned
him at first, now asked him if he would mind coming out a little way and
point out to them the direction. Hewitt complied and stepping off the
porch walked down the yard a few paces, and while raising his hand to
direct them, the larger of the two men — he who had spoken during the
interview — drew a pistol and shot Hewitt who fell crying " I am murdered."
The defendants were traced into Contra Costa county, arrested, brought
home and put upon their trial for murder. Guadalupe was discharged, but
Pencho was convicted and sentenced to death, said sentence having been
carried out on November 24, 1871, making the second execution in Solano
county.

The People v. James Mallon. — A case of wife murder which occurred
at Benicia on the evening of the 23d May, 1877, where the defendant came
home drunk and beat his wife until death ensued. He was in due course
arrested, tried and convicted of murder in the first degree, and on Septem-
ber 25th, was sentenced to imprisonment for life.

The People v. James Lowther. — On Sunday, June lGth, 1878, the town
of Rio Vista was thrown into a high state of excitement by the killing of
John Thompson by a stranger, and apparently in cold blood, without cause or
provocation. The shooting occurred on Thompson's door step and in full
view of his wife. The murderer gave himself up to the officers and was
lodged in jail, and in due time tried. At the trial the following facts were
developed : The murderer's name was James Lowther, a resident of San
Francisco. He had a sister named Rebecca to whom it was alleged that
Thompson had been engaged to be married at one time, and while so en-
gaged to her had seduced her. It came to Lowther's ears that Thompson
had made his boast of his seduction, whereupon Lowther took the steamer
the following Sunday for Vallejo, thence by rail to Fairfield, thence in
a ' sulky ' across the country to Rio Vista. Once there he inquired for
.Thompson and was shown his house. (Thompson was married to another
woman and was living in his own house). Lowther went to the door,
knocked, and Thompson came to the door. A very few words passed be-
tween them when Lowther drew a revolver and shot Thompson, the ball
taking effect in the region of the heart. Thompson lived but a few
minutes. Lowther was tried twice for the murder, and both times the
jury disagreed. He is at present out on bail.
10

146 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

BBNICIA.

The following interesting record of the township and city of Benicia has
been most kindly furnished to us by S. C. Gray, Esq., an old pioneer of that
city. We reproduce it, because a fuller and more concise record would be
hard to find ; and we take this opportunity to thank the author for his
kindness in extending to us the permission to allow it to form a no mean
portion of the history of Solano county :

"RECOLLECTIONS OF BENICIA.

A Lecture— By S. C. Gray.

From the Pacific Ocean, whose waters press the shores of California,
along a coast line scarcely less than one thousand miles in extent, between
the 117th and 124th parallels of W. longitude, and from the 32d to the 42d
parallel of N. latitude, the main entrance into this great State for the ship-
ping and commerce of all nations, is through the world-renowned " Golden
Gate," the outlet for the waters contained within the Bay of San Francisco.

The striking features of the " Golden Gate " have been described again
and again, by many writers ; and its praises will continue to be sounded so
long as the soul of man is touched by those beauties of nature that are pre-
sented to his appreciation through the medium of his sight.

As a counterpart, or, perhaps, a continuation of this" charming " Golden
Gate," may be regarded the less renowned but equally beautiful, " Straits of
Carquinez," constituting the passage from the San Francisco and San Pablo
bays into Suisun bay, that receptacle for all the interior waters of the State,
which from the length and breadth of the Sacramento and San Joaquin
valleys, have here descended to flow on their way to the sea through the
deep and commodious channel of these Straits.

On account of their bold shores and beautiful outlines, the Straits have
been likened to the Bosphorus, near Constantinople ; and it may well be
predicted, that in time when these hillsides have been subjected to the
culture and adorned with the improvements of which they are susceptible,
they will fairly rival that famous highway in attractiveness.

On the north side of these Straits, at a distance of twenty-eight miles
from San Francisco, by the usual traveled route on steamer, but of not more
than twenty-three miles north-eastwardly, in an air line, is situated the
whilom city of Benicia, the scene of the reminiscences which are to be made
the subject of this brief sketch. And what claim has Benicia, or its history,
to our present consideration ?

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 147

As we proceed, it is hoped that in due time this shall be made satisfact-
orily to appear.

Occupying a site, acknowledged to be rarely equalled for its natural
advantages, on account of its capacious, land-locked harbor, having a great
depth of water (not less than ten fathoms in mid-channel), its continuous
water front for miles, the shores gently sloping up to the hills in the back-
ground, thus affording a perfect natural system of drainage, its position as
a center towards which the great lines of travel must necessarily converge,
and of its picturesque surroundings, it early attracted the attention of ad-
venturous travelers, a few of whom, at least, confidently believed it to be
fitted by nature, and destined to become in time, a commercial city of very
considerable importance.

For a time, within the present generation, this view seemed likely to be
realized ; but that time has passed ; and if it is to be renewed, it must be
in the uncertain future, farther than the most gifted are permitted now to
discern.

The panorama visible from the highest point within its limits, is one of
surpassing beauty, such as few cities anywhere can boast, and needs but
to be seen to be admired. From this point, which is easily reached, at the
moderate elevation of 400 feet above the level of the bay, and distant but
two miles from the water-front, may be seen, looking northward at a dist-
ance of about 20 miles, the twin peaks of the Suisun mountains, which
separate Napa valley from Suisun valley, with a glimpse of the Vaca mount-
ains, distant about 30 miles ; N. E. the range of Green valley hills, which
hide from view Suisun and the great valley of the Sacramento ; eastward,
the whole extent of Suisun bay, bounded by the Montezuma hills, 20 miles
distant, with the white line of the Sierra Nevada rising in majesty, 100
miles beyond; S. E. the Black Diamond coal hills, and grand old Mount
Diablo, which, though 20 miles distant, looks scarcely more than five, in all
its full proportions, from base to summit, towering above the valley which
bears its name ; S., the village of Martinez, snugly embowered in its cosy
shelter under the lee of its own wooded hills, with the great coast range of
mountains stretching out beyond ; S. and S. S. W., the placid Straits of Car-
quinez, hemmed in by the Contra Costa hills, which conceal from view the
cities on the lower bay, but cannot prevent stern Mount Tamalpais from
asserting itself prominently against the. south-western sky ; then westward
the eye rests and lingers enchantedly on this second " Golden Gate " of the
Straits, opening out into San Pablo Bay, of whose broad bosom the view is
only limited by the distant hills of Marin county, some 25 miles away ;
then W. N. W., the city of Vallejo and Mare Island Navy Yard, in the fore-
ground, with the hills near Petaluma in the distance ; and finally, in the N.
W., the Sonoma mountains, and in the N. N. W., the Suscol hills, amid
which, the view ends with Sulphur Spring mountain, some five miles dis-

148 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

tant, as its most distinct and prominent object in that direction. In this
panorama, which takes in a circuit of many hundreds of square miles, and
a great variety of scenery the central object, spread out at your feet and
skirting along the shore of the Straits, is the village of Benicia, resting as
if in quiet and undisturbed repose, for no sound comes from its smooth
streets, which are still comparatively in a state of nature, neither cobble-
stones, nor basalt blocks, nor carbonized brick, nor any other patent
pavement having, as yet, profaned them, the plank-road leading to the
steamboat landing, alone furnishing the kind of music that responds to
passing wheels. In close connection with the village, and flanking it on the
east, looms up the Military Post, including Benicia Barracks, the Arsenal
buildings and greatly embellished grounds, the magazine, hospital, store-
houses, etc. These occupy the point fronting on Suisun bay, and overlook-
ing Martinez on the opposite shore.

As early as in 1844, this peninsula had attracted the attention of our
highly-esteemed fellow citizen, Senor Don'M. G. Vallejo, a native of Mon-
terey, who soon became the possessor of its territory, as is shown by the
grant from the Mexican Government, (referred to in another part of this
work.)

It was in the fall of this year, 1844, that Henry Clay was defeated, and
James K. Polk elected President of the United States. Upon this fact
hinged the momentous issue of the annexation of Texas, and the consequent
war with Mexico in 1846-7, one of the results of which was the conquest
of California, and its absorption by the United States, under the treaty
concluded at Guadalupe Hidalgo, on the 2d of February, 1848.

Among the irregular proceedings in California during the war with
Mexico, was the raising of the Bear Flag, by Capt. Granville Swift and his
party, of whom Dr. Robert Semple was lieutenant, and the co-operation
with them of Col. John C. Fremont, in the surprise and capture of Sonoma.
They took Gen. Vallejo prisoner, and sent him in charge of Dr. Semple on
a launch up to Sutter's Fort, where Gen. J. A. Sutter was in command, as
well as supplying stores and war materials to Fremont. On the way up, the
vessel necessarily passed through the Straits of Carquinez, which were then
seen for the first time by Dr. Semple. This was in June, 1846. General
Yallejo remained a prisoner at Sutter's Fort about a week, when he was
released by Commodore Stockton (Governor of the conquered territory), on
his parol of honor, and Dr. Semple accompanied him back to Sonomo. Pass-
ing through the Straits again on their return, Dr. Semple became greatly
impressed with the advantages here presented for the location of a city,
which he explained to the General, who had been so kindly treated, that he
not only ceased from opposing, but became friendly to the invaders of his
native State, and to encourage them to come within and settle it, not long
afterwards donated to Dr. Semple the site which had impressed him so
favorably.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 149

In pursuance of this agreement the site was surveyed by Jasper O'Far-
rell and Lieutenant Warner, and the plat of this survey became substan-
tially the map of Benicia. At that date no habitation of man adorned or
disfigured the face of the land, which was absolutely in a state of nature,
a luxuriant growth of wild oats holding undisputed sway over its un-
dulating and treeless hills.

And now commences the story of its early times. About the last of June,
Mr. William I. Tustin, a native of Virginia, subsequently a resident of Il-
linois, whence he had emigrated to California, and was sojourning at
Sonoma, having heard that a town was being laid out on the Straits, came
with his wife and son, a lad of four years, to take up his residence in the
newly surveyed place. These constituted the first man, first woman and
first child of the white race that ever settled and lived in Benicia. It is
probable that the aboriginal Indians may have some time preceded them,
but there was nothing to indicate it. They found nothing but the sur-
veyor's stakes, and no human being in sight, save the surveying party just
going away over the hills towards Suisun Valley, having completed their
labors for the time being. This family of three camped a few days among
the wild oats, until the arrival of Dr. Semple with a cargo of lumber which
he had brought in a brig from Bodega. Having made arrangements with
the Doctor for two lots on which to build, Tustin dug a well and com-
menced making " adobes."

In making his adobes, Mr. Tustin had the assistance of a new comer, a
well educated and worthy young man named Charles L. Benedict, who was
provided with unusually large feet, and who remarked that he never knew
before what they were good for. He speculated on the prospect of some
day becoming an old man, and narrating to his grandchildren this exploit
of his youth, the honor of tramping in the mud to make adobes for the first
house ever built in Benicia, This house, now nearly thirty years old, still
stands with its thick walls in a good state of preservation, and constitutes
part of the residence of Jerry O'Donnell.

The second house built was a one-story and attic frame, put up for and
occupied by Dr. Semple himself. This house became the scene of some of
the most interesting transactions of those early days. After, passing
through several hands, and being now greatly improved, it belongs to Mrs.
J. W. Jones, and is occupied by George A. Hastings and family. It was my
residence in 1849-50. *

The third house was an adobe built by Benjamin McDonald, and first oc-
cupied by Capt. E. H. Von Pfister as a store, subsequently by the firm of
Bicker & Evans. This is also in a good state of preservation, and is now
occupied as a residence.

Quite a number of houses were built in the Fall of 1847, and families
came in and set f led. Among these were Major Stephen Cooper, bringing

150 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

with him a load of cabbages from Napa, Mr. Landy Alford, Mr. Nathan
Barbour, their respective families, and others.

About this time the settlement of Yerba Buena having adopted the name
of San Francisco, and becoming known thereby, the name of Dr. Semple's
town which at first had been called Francesca, was changed to Benicia, to
avoid complications. This name was given as required by the original con-
veyance from General Vallejo, and in compliment to his wife, Francesca
Benicia Felipsa Carrillo, daughter of one of the influential families of this
department. The signification of the name is blesssed!

In August or September, 1847, Capt. E. H. Von Pfister, a native of New
York City, who had been in the habit of trading on this coast, arrived from
Honolulu, bringing with him a stock of goods, which he opened and dis-
played in the adobe store just spoken of. This being 25x40, was commo-
dious enough to constitute the rendezvous of the whole town by day, and
to accommodate everybody in want of lodgings by night. The Captain
being one of the jovial and hospitable sort, everybody was at home in his
presence or under his roof.

Major Cooper's family occupied the house which had been built for Dr.
Semple, and furnished board to quite a number of the Captain's lodgers. A
year or two later, the Major kept a real Hotel.

About Christmas, 1847, the Major's eldest daughter, Miss Frances
Cooper, was married to Dr. Semple, ex-Gov. L. W. Boggs, formerly of Mis-
souri, but then Alcalde of Sonoma, officiating. The Governor made the
journey from Sonoma to Benicia expressly to perform the ceremony.

As this was the first marriage ever celebrated in the place, the boys deter-
mined to honor the event with all the eclat possible. They found in Capt.
Von Pfister's stock of goods a lot of white linen pants, and a dozen blue
cloth dress coats with brass buttons, and of most approved swallow tail cut.
The following are the names of the parties who decked themselves in a
suit of this kind for the occasion, viz. : Landy Alford, Wm. Bryant, David
A. Davis, Benj. Forbush, Charles S. Hand, Edward Higgins, F. S. Holland,
Henry Matthews, Benj. McDonald, Wm. Russell, Geo. Stevens and Wm.
Watson.

These twelve good and true men, having first imbibed some good " old
rye," the generous beverage of that day, which the Captain had first brought
out by the decanter, but as that did not suffice, then by the bucketful, and
being thus fortified in the inner man against the overpowering bashfulness
that is generally experienced when faultlessly attired in store clothes,
marched in procession up to Major Cooper's mansion, and were ushered into
the august presence of the bridal party, and it is doubtful if ever on any
similar occasion heartier congratulations were extended or reciprocated than
on this.

Twenty-nine years later the hearty old Captain who was an eye-witness

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 151

of the scene, relates the event with as much gusto as if it had occurred but
yesterday. He alone of all that company, still resides in Benicia.

The second marriage, that of Mr. Benjamin McDonald with a daughter
of Landy Alford, was solemnized by Major Cooper, who in January, 1848,
had been appointed Alcalde by General Mason.

Some years previous to this date, the peninsula had been visited by a
restless native of Yankee land, who recognizing the advantages of the
position conceived that some day he would come again, possess himself of
the land and perhaps found a city upon the Straits, whereby to make him-
self great, and perhaps perpetuate his name. At a subsequent visit, about
this time, late in 1847, or early in 1848, to carry his design into effect, he
found he was too late, the chivalrous son of Kentucky having anticipated
him and gained the prize. In full faith, however, of the future greatness
of the place, he obtained a number of its vacant lots, determined to share in
the development then so confidently looked for, but died ere he saw any
likelihood of his dreams being realized. On Cemetery Hill his resting-
place is marked by a plain, white marble monumental shaft, bearing this

inscription: —

The Mountaineer's Grave,

Here he sleeps, near the Western Ocean's wave !

Miles M. Goodyear,

Born in New Haven, Conn., February 24, 1818.

Died in California, November 12, 1849.

Selected as his future home, Benicia, where he wished to live, and to be
buried at his death.

Dr. Semple was one of the remarkable men of his day and generation.
When standing erect he was about seven feet in height, and being rather
spare in figure did not impress one as being well proportioned. His hands
and feet were large, as well as his mouth, which was seldom untenanted by
a chew of his favorite tobacco. He was so long limbed that when astride
of a mustang or mule, his feet nearly reached to the ground (within six
inches), rendering it necessary for him to attach his spurs to the calves of
his boots instead of to his heels. From having to stoop so much when
entering or leaving doors of ordinary dimensions, his form was somewhat
bent, and it seemed necessary for him not to stand upright, in order the
more conveniently to carry on conversation with his fellow-men. In tem-
perament he was sanguine and impulsive, in disposition kind and con-
siderate, but quite determined to have his own way, in judgment rather
erratic, and disinclined to accept the counsel or advice of others, feeling
convinced that he knew better than they. Some illustrations of these char-
acteristics may possibly appear in the course of this narrative.

It is related of him that a few weeks after his marriage, business called

152 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

him to Monterey. Crossing the Straits with his horse on the open scow
ferry-boat, he left directions with the ferrryman to be on the lookout for
his return. After wending his way through San Ramon Valley, San Jose
and Salinas, to his destination, in the course of two or three weeks he was
back again to where Martinez now stands, but the boat was on the Benicia
side, and all the signals he could make failed to induce Captain Davis to
venture out against the strong head wind that was blowing, and the Doc-
tor had to sleep on the ground in his blankets. This state of things con-
tinued for two days, and on the third the patience and endurance of the
Doctor having been tried to the utmost, he considered that something must
be done to enable him to reach home. He could not swim, and even if he
could, a swim of two or three miles was a hazardous undertaking, so he
finally managed to secure two or three pieces of scantling and a plank,
with which by the aid of his riata he improvised a raft, on which with a
fair wind and tide he set out astride, pushing himself along as best he
could. An hour or two later he was discovered by some of the friends on
shore, who did not know what to make of the singular looking object ar-
rayed in a bright colored serapa, and holding aloft a signal violently wav-
ving. A boat was immediately manned and sent to his relief, and great was
the surprise and joy of the men when they found they had rescued the fore-
most man of the village. His objurgations on account of the apparent neglect
to which he had been subjected were rather more emphatic and vehement than
classic or polite, but good humor was soon restored, congratulations ex-
tended, jokes cracked, and the Doctor's health drank in something stronger
than water. In fact the Doctor had water enough in getting across. They
got up a yarn that he was wading across, which made him mad.

A year or two later, the doctor had his scow ferry boat worked by horse-
power, having fortunately come into possession of two such machines, for
which there was no other use.

Four years latter, when Capt. 0. C. Coffin put on the steam ferry boat
" Ion," which could go against wind and tide, the Dr. was heard to apostro-
phise steam, and sing in praise of Fulton, who had first succeeded in
harnessing it to such use.

Hitherto the immigration into California has been attracted by the fact
that it was a new country, just coming under the jurisdiction of the United
States and likely soon to become a part of its territory. It was known to
have some characteristics of climate peculiarly its own, on the whole rather
pleasant, and it apparently offered the opportunity for that free and easy
out-door life so fascinating to frontiersmen. To the vivid imagination, the
land of the getting sun was some degrees nearer paradise than any in the
same latitude on the continent, and doubtless it would gradually have
developed into an ordinarily prosperous and inviting country. But what
might have been is not in order to discuss. The turning point in its destiny
had now been reached.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 153

Simultaneously with the signing of the treaty at Guadalupe Hildalgo, in
February, 1848, occurred that wonderful discovery near Sutter's Mill at
Coloma, which soon afterward electrified the nation, set the whole world in
motion, and has since been the means of adding a thousand millions to the
gold and silver treasures of the earth. It was a month or two before the
incredulity of Californians could be overcome, and their belief in the reality
of the discovery assured.

Early in April, the men of Benicia who usually congregated at Von
Pfister's rendezvous, were sitting there discussing the future prospects of
the country under its new ownership, and the conversation turned upon
coal mines, and the great advantage that would result from their discovery,
which was much hoped for. They little dreamed that within 25 miles of
them, among the foot-hills near Mt. Diablo, the " Black Diamond " mines
were awaiting the prying eyes of the prospector. During the conversation,
a man named Bennett, who had been engaged with John W. Marshall, at
Coloma, in building a mill for Gen'l Sutter, and who was on his way to
Monterey, listened quietly for some time, and finally said that something
better than a coal mine had been discovered where he had been at work,
something which was believed to be gold, and General Sutter had paid his
expenses to Monterey to see Gen'l Mason, and have some specimens that he
had with him tested, no acid being obtainable at Sutter's Fort. He then
displayed about four ounces in small pieces such as had been discovered
when the water was first applied to turn the mill. Of course this display
produced a profound impression, and much difference of opinion was ex-
pressed, Dr. Semple declaring that he would give more for a good coal mine
than all the gold mines that were likely to be discovered.

Bennett went on his journey, and had not been gone more than 5 or 6
days when a number of Mormons came along with quantities of the shining
dust, fully convinced it was gold. Sam Brannan, who had been up to
Sutter's Mill to learn the truth of the gold discovery, stopped at Benicia on
his return to the Bay, said to Von Pfister : " Come, Von, break up here and
go in copartnership with me, and we will establish a business near this new
gold mine." Von Pfister did so, put all his goods on Dr. Semple's ferry boat,
hoisted a sail, made the trip to Sacramento (then known as the " embarca-
dero "), and in due time arrived at Coloma. On the return of the ferry
boat to Martinez after an absence of two weeks, there were 40 or 50 wagons
waiting to cross the straits on their way to the new El Dorado.

Von Pfister continued in business with Brannan until October, when he
sold out to another partner of Brannan's at Sutter's Fort, named Stout
being moved thereto by grief at the loss of his brother who had. just arrived
from Honolulu, and who was inhumanly murdered by an entire stranger on
the night of his arrival, before Von Pfister, who was temporarily absent
had the opportunity of seeing him. The murderer fled, and Von Pfister

154 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

pursued, but after an unavailing search of nearly a year he finally gave up
the chase and returned to Benicia, where for the last quarter of a century
he has constantly resided ; sometimes filling offices of honor if not of profit.

On the night of Sam Brannan's arrival at Benecia a high tide had drifted
Dr. Semple's ferry boat some 200 or 300 yards upon the tule, and leaving
her high and not exactly dry, and disappointing our friend Tustin, who
being engaged getting out lumber for Thos. 0. Larkin, was anxious to get
back to the redwoods, which he had temporarily left for a day or two to
look after his family at Benicia. So he built him a raft of tule reeds some
6 or 8 feet long, making it about 2 feet wide, and a foot thick, on which he
proposed to make the crossing. His friends remonstrated with him and tried
to dissuade him from going, but to no purpose. Go he would, and so with
an old shirt for a sail, and a high wind blowing, he set out. The tide took
him down about two miles to Dillon's point, then it turned, drifting him the
other way, and by the aid of the wind, notwithstanding his frail bark after
getting saturated, bent double under his weight, he finally got across and
landed in a mud flat, where he met a man who wanted to cross over to
Benicia, and who asked him if he might have his raft. He told him yes,
but doubted if it would be of much use to him. However the gift was
accepted and the man had a very hard time getting over, for the tide took
him some distance up Suisun bay, and it was a day or two before he was
rescued, in a forlorn and nearly starved condition. Friend Tustin (now a
successful windmill builder in San Francisco) has since attained to alder-
manic proportions, quite unsuited to the repetition of his rash experiment.

The natural effect upon Benicia, of this gold discovery and excitement,
was to draw away from it its male population, leaving some twelve or
fifteen families of women and children only. In common with all other
settlements near the bay and the sea, it was neglected for the superior
attractions offered by the gold placers. Towards the end of the year, Dr.
Semple realizing that the fame of the gold discovery had now gone abroad
over the whole earth ani foreseeing that there would be a great immigration
into the State, mostly of course by sea, and that sooner than he had antici-
pated his opportunity to found and establish an important commercial city
would be presented, began to cast about for the means and appliances to
aid him in realizing his dream. During the winter of 1848-9 he became
acquainted with Bethuel Phelps, with whom he made a bargain for the
erection of the needed improvements.

As a further step in the way of progress, he formed a copartnership with
Wm. Robinson, John S. Bradford, and L. B. Mizner, under the firm name of
Semple, Robinson & Co., for the transaction of general business. This firm
purchased the Chilian bark " Conf ederacion," with an assorted cargo of East
India goods, and about the 1st of March, 1849, she sailed up to Benicia and
was moored along side the bank to be used as a landing place in lieu of a

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 155

wharf. She was dismantled and afterwards known as the " jld hulk," and
most of her cargo was transferred to the mines. To facilitate access to and
from the upland, the firm laid down, across the tule, a large number of
boxes of tobacco, the market already being so glutted with the article as to
render it comparatively valueless. The firm were so well pleased with
their business that within the year they built a substantial two-story ware-
house for its accommodation, a short distance from the landing. Subse-
quently, however, as the town began to grow and competition became
active, the members found attractions in other vocations. Dr. Semple was
elected delegate from Benicia to the Convention which framed the State
Constitution, and was President of the Convention, the labors of which
were completed on the 13th of October. Bradford was elected to the
Senate, and served Solano county in the first session of the Legislature at
San Jose in 1850. He subsequently returned to Illinois and became Mayor
of Springfield. Robinson went to Shasta county and was elected County
Judge. He afterwards joined the fortunes of Gen. Flores in South America.
In September, '49, Mizner and S. K. Nurse started a 4-mule stage or mud-
wagon, making tri-weekly trips from Benicia to Sacramento, connecting
with San Francisco by sloop. This continued a month or two until the
arrival of steamers from the East to be put on the Sacramento river, when
they hauled off their stage " in double quick," as Nurse expresses it, and
sold their mules. Nurse has lived in Denverton since 1854, and has been
Postmaster most of the time. Mizner became a lawyer and removed to
San Francisco, but some ten years since returned to Benicia, where he now
resides. He was State Senator for Solano county in the session of 1871.

Bethuel Phelps was active in the performance of his contract, and during
1849-50 a large number of dwellings and stores were erected, being
occupied before finished and ready. In fact the demand for houses was
greater than the supply. With lumber ranging from $300 to $G00 per thous-
and, sometimes more, and carpenters' wages at $16 to $20 per day, it is not
very surprising that complaint should have been made of slow progress in
building. So the firm of Henry D. Cooke and Wm, M. Stewart, who were
somehow concerned in the sale of the bark " Confederacion " and her cargo
to Dr. Semple, became interested in Benicia, and contributed largely to its
development. Of their agency something may be said after mentioning
others, whose influence was brought to bear in advance of them.

Among the passengers on the bark " Confederacion," from Saucelito to
Benicia, were Gen. Persifer F. Smith, U. S. A., with some of his staff, and
Mr. C. E. Wetmore and wife, who had been in San Francisco since July,
1848. Mr. Wetmore had purchased the house heretofore mentioned as the
first frame built for Dr. Semple, and had come with his family to settle.
Gen. Smith was so convinced of the importance of the point that he imme-
diately entered into negotiation with Semple, the result of which was that

156 THE HISTOEY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

the portion of the town site bordering on Suisun bay was secured for the
Government as a Military Reservation, on which have since been erected
Benicia Arsenal, Benicia Barracks, magazines, hospital, Quartermaster's
store houses, etc., and many troops have from time to time been stationed
here.

Com. Thomas Ap. Catesby Jones, U. S. N., had preceded Gen. Smith a
few weeks, having taken up to Benicia the first Government vessel that
ever entered the straits, the U. S. store ship " Southampton." In honor of
her the shoal water space on the north side of the straits and just west of
Benicia was called Southampton bay, and is known as such to this day.
Special reasons, varying very much from one another, have been given for
conferring this name. Com. Jones was enthusiastic in his admiration of
the site — the harbor and surroundings — and predicted that the commercial
emporium of the coast would here be established. Being in command of
the fleet, he had the vessels severally brought up and anchored in the
harbor for the benefit of the fresh water. The 74-gun ship " Ohio," then
the largest ship in the navy, the frigate " Savannah," the " Congress," the
" Preble," the " Falmouth," the " Vandalia," and the transport " Fredonia,"
were among them. The propeller " Massachusetts " was kept moving on
frequent trips between Benicia and San Francisco.

After the establishment of the military post, the French ship "Julie" was
sent up with stores and moored along side the bank near where Benicia
Arsenal now stands. Col. Silas Casey, TJ. S. A., the first commander of the
post, was quartered on board this old hulk from the 1st of May for some
five months with his family, until quarters were erected for them on shore.
The ribs of this vessel may be seen to this day at low tide, where she finally
sunk at her moorings. Col. Casey had arrived on the ship " Iowa," com-
manded by Capt. John Deming, and having on board Gen. Riley and staff,
two companies of the 2d Infantry, and other troops from Monterey. Gen.
Riley located the Arsenal.

The very favorable opinion expressed, followed by really substantial
movements on the part of such men as Com. Jones, Gen. Smith, Gen. Riley,
and other Government officers, naturally had the effect of inducing a portion
of the immigration then coming into the State to locate at Benicia. Among
the earliest was the Rev. S. Woodbridge, by whose instrumentality a Presby-
terian Church was organized on the 10th of April, which is claimed to have
been the first Protestant church ever founded in California. Among its
original members were Prof. Shepherd, Col. S. Casey, Mr. C. E. Wetmore,
and Mr. 0. P. Evans. Mr. Woodbridge also opened and kept a day school,
and kept the records of the township. In August a school house was built
which was used on Sundays for divine service, under his ministration, for
some two years thereafter. This modest little building, little used of late
years, having been superseded by more pretentious edifices, is still standing,

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 157

a monument of the foresight displayed by the founders of the town regard-
ing the educational needs of the hoped-for rising generation. The church
edifice, which took its place in 1851, stood for about 20 years, when it was
taken down and put to other use, the society having disbanded and its
members scattered. Dr. Woodbridge is now pastor of a church lately built
for and named after him in this city near the Mission Dolores.

In April W. S. Ricker and O. P. Evans started a bakery and country
store in the adobe that had been occupied first by Von Pfister. Ricker was
the jovial and Evans the serious man of the firm. Profits were large, but
their small establishment was six months afterwards overshadowed by the
large stocks introduced by the adventurous immigrants that then began to
flock in by way of the sea. Evans was gathered to his fathers more than 20
years ago. Whether Ricker still survives is unknown.

In May the large adobe building known as the California Hotel was
erected. Capt. Von Pfister rented it at $500 per month, and kept it a year,
when he sold out to Capt. Winn. Subsequently it was kept by Major
Cooper, father-in-law of Dr. Semple. During a part of this time, owing to
the great drought of 1850-51, there was a scarcity of such food as is usually
provided at hotel tables. Col. Casey one day asked Mr. Woodbridge about
the fare, and his reply was that they had beef and molasses for breakfast
and molasses and beef for dinner. In those days onions were $2 per pound.
Major Cooper is still living at Colusa, a well preserved man, who will com-
plete his 80th year in March next. For the last 20 years this establishment
has been owned and occupied by Mr. John Rueger and family, and known
as the Benicia Brewery.

Before Col. Casey got his family into quarters on shore in the summer of
1849, he was ordered in command of an expedition for the first exploration
ever made for a railroad route across the Sierra Nevada. The surveying
party, when about 70 miles from the valley of the Sacramento, in the
mountains, were attacked by the Pitt River Indians, and the Engineer
officer in charge, Capt. Warner, was killed. This fact, connected with the
ravages of fever and scurvy, forced a return of the party without fully
accomplishing its object. Col. Casey lay twenty-five days in the mountains
sick with a fever, and all but two, in a party of thirty-five, were taken
sick. Gen. Casey is still living at a ripe old age in Brooklyn, New York, on
the retired list. His son, Commander Casey, U. S. N., is stationed in San
Francisco.

In May F. W. Pettygrove and A. E. Wilson formed a co-partnership for
the transaction of a general business. They built a frame hotel, which
they called the Benicia H ouse. They brought with them from Oregon nine
frame buildings, which were erected in different parts of the town, and
some stand to this day.

On the 7th of June the writer of this sketch, with his young wife, came

158 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

upon the scene. The women who ventured to come to California in those
days were few in number, but courageous in spirit. We had left Baltimore
on the last of January ; New York the 15th of March ; crossed the Isthmus
about the 29th; and after a detention of seven weeks in Panama, em-
barked on board the good steamship Panama, Captain Bailey, on the
17th of May, on her first trip to San Francisco, which was accomplished
in seventeen days, calling only at San Diego on the 1st of June. Among
our fellow passengers were Mrs. Fremont and her daughter Lilly, Mrs.
Alfred De Witt, Mrs. Robert Allen (now living in San Francisco,
Hon. Wm. M. Gwinn, John B. Weller, Col. Joseph Hooker, Lieut. Derby
(afterwards known as Squibob and John Phenix), John Bensley, Hall
McAllister, F. F. Low, afterwards Governor of this State, S. W. Holladay,
Dr. S. P. Harris, and other well known citizens that have since attained
distinction.

Having come to California at the suggestion of my brother-in-law, Mr.
C. E. Wetmore, and on arrival finding him located at Benicia, I was in-
duced to join him there. We formed a co-partnership for the transaction
of a general business, and soon after commenced the erection of a frame
building, 30x60 feet, for a store and warehouse none too large for the exten-
sive stock of goods afloat for us on several vessels then on their way around
Cape Horn, and bound for the land of gold.

With little or no previous experience as business manager (I had thus far
been principally a thorough accountant), and with others to provide for, we
could not see the way clear to locate in San Francisco ; and as it really
seemed an open question which place should take the precedence and
become the commercial center, it was comparatively easy to make up our
minds to settle in the one that apparently possessed the most attractions or
prospective merits, and so our lots were cast in Benicia.

For ten or fifteen years I was satisfied of the correctness of this choice,
and on every return from a temporary visit to San Francisco, or elsewhere,
regarded Benicia as a charming and blessed place, little short of Paradise.
Since then, however, the thought has sometimes occurred that our location
there was a mistake ; but as that is a problem that may not be solved in
this life, the attempt will not be made. It is useless to speculate on ' what
might have been ;' and therefore as our living there has had its influence in
various ways and upon others, probably the wisest conclusion is that ' it
was all for the best.'

Sometime in the summer of 1849, Dr. W. F. Peabody established a hos-
pital, and soon secured a large and paying patronage from returning miners.
After a residence of fifteen years Dr. Peabody located elsewhere, and has
since established himself in San Francisco. [I am happy to say he is a
member of the C. U., &c] His former associate in the hospital, Mr. J. W.
Jones, has remained in Benicia to this day, a well known business man, and

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 159

prominent citizen. In July and August ships began to arrive in numbers,
bringing adventurers, some of whom, with their stocks of goods, thought
best to locate in Benicia. Among these were Webb, Beveridge, and Miller,
and McConkey & Hall, with goods from Baltimore (per " Greyhound," and
" Jane Parker "), brought upon brig " Josephine," and bark " Hebe," and J.
Hatch & Co., who had come from Boston on the " Edward Everett."

The ship " Leonore," which arrived in Benicia on the 8th July, brought
the first side-wheel steamer ever built in California. It was framed at the
East, put together at Benicia, and finished about the middle of August.
They called her the " New England," but her machinery proved to be so
powerfully weak as to render her practically useless for a steamboat.
During the summer three other small steamboats were built here, called re-
spectively the " Linda," the " Edward Everett," and the " Phenix." They
made a few trips up the Sacramento river, but their day was short, for late
in October (the 26th and 28th, if I mistake not), the propellers " Hartford,"
and " McKinn," commencing running for passengers and freight on the
route between San Francisco and Sacramento, via Benicia. These were the
first sea-going steamers to make this trip. They were succeeded by the
side- wheel steamer " Senator," which commenced her trips on the 3d day of
November, charging $30 fare from San Francisco to Sacramento, and $15
from Benicia to either place. The " Senator " is said to have earned millions
of dollars in a few years. And now, 27 years later, she is still running as a
sea-going steamship.

Later in November the little iron steamer " Mint " commenced making
trips to Stockton. She was brought out on deck of ship " Samoset," in
September.

On his return from Monterey, where he had presided over the Constitu-
tional Convention, in the winter of 1849-50, Dr. Semple became impressed
with the idea that steam-boating must be a profitable business, and ac-
cordingly he determined to build one on correct principles, that should
astonish the natives, but all lookers on. So far as the hull was concerned,
this was easily managed, as material was readily obtained. His favorite
idea that her bow must be made duck-breasted, was carried into effect ;
and when launched her appearance on the water was rather attractive. But
it was when the machinery was to be applied that the " true inwardness " of
the Doctor came to the surface. Steam-engines were not so plenty in those
days as in these, a quarter century later ; and so as two could not be had
that were exactly alike, he obtained two of different make, one being fully
twice as large as the other. When the absurdity of furnishing the boat
with engines varying so greatly in power was pointed out to the Doctor,
his genius rose equal to the occasion. He could manage that. But how ?
asked the practical, common sense, incredulous observer. Why, by gearing,
of course. With cog-wheels, and other appliances, we'll gear up the one

160 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

engine, so as to equalize its power with that of the other. In spite of re-
nt onstance, argument, ridicule, and other elements of opposition, this idea
was adhered to, and the natural result followed as a matter of course. On
her first trip she was at the mercy of the current and the wind. The strong
engine overpowered the weaker one, giving her a forward movement in the
direction of a great circle, the tendency being to bring her round to the
point started from. However, by the help of the tide and other favoring
circumstances, they managed to reach Colusa with her, for which place she
was named. Her first trip, though, proved to be her last as a steamboat.
The engines had to be disposed of, and she was converted into a barge.
Her builder, Mr. F. P. Burch, with his family, still resides in Benicia ; and
her engineer, Mr. R B. Norman, has for many years been a well known
citizen of Sacramento.

The last exploit of Dr. Semple's that occurs to me was his building a
house for the use of his family, with an inverted roof — so that what is
usually the peak or highest part, was in this instance the lowest, and the
roof slanted upwards towards the eaves, instead of downwards, there being
but one eave trough, and that in the middle of the roof. What his reasons
were for this peculiar construction may have been explained at the time,
but are not now remembered. Some are sarcastic enough to say it was
from motives of economy in the matter of eave trough.

Among the many early settlers in Benicia was Capt. John Walsh, whose
family arrived from Valparaiso in November, 1849, occupying at once the
house he had built for them. The captain is a well known citizen, whose
fame has gone all over those parts of the world that are visited by ships. He
is a privileged character, of whom many amusing incidents are related,
some of which he tells at his own expense. Although old and infirm, being
now in his eightieth year, and bereft of kindred, who have all preceded him
in their flight to the spirit land, he retains much of his original vivacity,
and is generally ready to provoke a smile from any visitor by his ready
wit. He is able to attend to his duties as Custom-house Inspector, which
are performed satisfactorily to the Department. A favorite grandson is the
only relative living near him, or in California.

Dr. Semple and his associates, Larkin, Phelps, Stewart, and Cooke, did
much to improve Benicia, and make it attractive ; and they spared no pains
in publishing to the world its advantages, but they failed lamentably
in the very particular most necessary to make their enterprise a success.
They placed too great a valuation upon their lots, and by demanding high
prices drove away from them the very persons they should have induced by
liberal terms to settle and build up the town. This was unjust to those
that had already settled, and who hoped to see others coming in and pro-
moting its substantial growth. But so convinced was the Doctor that the
town must develop into a great city, and that nothing could prevent it, that

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THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 1G1

nothing could prevent it, that he would listen to no suggestions on this
head. On several occasions men wanting to buy property gave up the idea
on account of the terms. Had each one of them been presented with a lot,
the object of the proprietors might have been accomplished, and themselves
rewarded by prosperity and affluence, instead of reaping the disappointment
which followed.

A notable instance of their fatuity occurred immediately after the great
fire of 4th May, 1851, which destroyed the entire business portion of the
eity of San Francisco. A large number of her influential merchants were
so disheartened at the repeated misfortunes thus befalling them that they
were ready and anxious at onca to transfer their business to Benicia, and a
delegation waited on its proprietors to see on what terms they would be
received and provided for. The terms were too exacting ; the application
failed, and the opportunity was lost — absolutely thrown away. The appli-
cants were angered at their failure, and embittered against Benicia, a feeling
which survives measurably to this day — while the bona fide settlers of
Benicia, who would have welcomed their San Francisco brethren, were dis-
gusted with the cupidity and bad management of its founders.

As another illustration of events in these days, it should not be forgotten
that Capt. Lyon, who had been sent out to punish the Indians that were
hostile and troublesome, came very near being killed by the awkwardness
of some of his own men, a bullet from one of them passing through his hat
from back to front. In mentioning it to General Riley on his return, and
exhibiting the hat, he claimed that that shot did not come from an enemy.
The General's reply was, it certainly did not come from a friend. This
brave officer was afterwards, during the war of the Rebellion, the lamented
General Lyon, who fell at the battle of Lexington, Missouri, in August, 1861.

Among the immigrants of 1849, were some old farmers from the East, to
whom the alternation of the wet and dry seasons appeared to present in-
superable objections to the idea of this ever being an agricultural country.
The laws of nature to which they had been accustomed were here set at
defiance, and their conclusion was that cultivation of the ground would be
useless in the absence of summer showers. Yet here on these rolling and
dry hills waved the luxurious, almost rank growth of wild oats, four or five
feet in height. The soil being adobe, and two or three feet in thickness,
has since nullified the opinions of these good old farmers, and still persists
in yielding fine crops of grain, notwithstanding fifteen years of cultivation.

In the remarkably wet winter of 1849-50, it was no easy task to walk
on this adobe ground where traveled upon, without being in danger of
losing a boot when drawing: one's feet out of the mud. and so it came to
pass that long rubber boots were at a premium.

As an offset the following winter, that of 1850-51, to which this present
one of 187G-77 bears a close resemblance, was correspondingly dry, and
rubber boots proved a bad speculation.

162 THE HISTOEY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

The Constitution of the State of California, which had been framed by
the Convention at Monterey, in October, was adopted by the people at an
election held on the 13th November, 1849, and in accordance with its pro-
visions the first Legislature met in January, 1850, at the Pueblo de San
Jose, the first Capital of the State. The first two cities incorporated by
this body were Monterey and Benicia, both on the same day, the 27th of
March, 1850. Some days afterwards, San Jose, Sacramento, Stockton and
Los Angeles were incorporated. San Francisco followed, on the 15th day
of April.

Under its charter, Benicia had nine Mayors, as follows:

Capt. James Kearny, from May 1850, to May, 1851.
Dr. W. F. Peabody, from May, 1851, to May, 1852.
Capt. D. M. Fraser, from May, 1852, to May, 1853.
Capt. Alex. Riddell, from May, 1853, to May, 1854.
Charles French, from May, 1854, to November, 1855.
W. S. Wells, Acting from November, 1855, to May, 1856.
J. M. Neville, from May, 1856, to May, 1857.
T. B. Storer, from May, 1857, to May, 1858.
Charles Alison, from May, 1858, to May, 1859.
The charter was amended in 1851 and 1854, and repealed in 1859, since
which time the government of the city has been vested in a Board of
Trustees. The city charter was found to be an expensive luxury, by means
of which the city debt was incurred little short of $100,000 in 1859. This
has since been reduced, uutil at the present time an arrangement has just
been effected by which it can all be redeemed for the sum of $6,000, and
the taxpayers breathe freer.

Mayors Kearny, Fraser, Riddell and French died some years since.
Mayors Peabody, Wells, Neville and Alison are residents of San Francisco,
and Mayor Storer lives in Virginia City.

A. J. Bryant, who was City Marshal of Benicia in 1854, is now Mayor of
San Francisco.

At the same first session of the Legislature, Benicia was named the
county seat of Solano county, and so continued for eight years, when it
was superseded in 1858 by the present county seat, Fairfield.

The first Sheriff of the county was B. C. Whitman, afterwards Clerk of
the Common Council, subsequently a leading lawyer in Benicia, and now an
ex- Judge of the Supreme Court in the State of Nevada. The second Sheriff
was Paul Shirley, who held the office several years. He now resides on the
other side of the Straits, in Martinez, and is State Senator from Contra
Costa county.

The fourth session of the Legislature was held in Benicia early in 1853,
and on the 18th of May of that year an Act was passed making it the
permanent seat of Government, but as no appropriation was made for the

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 1G3

erection of public buildings, and the Capital in those days was notoriously
on wheels, it was not a difficult matter at the fifth session to move it again,
and so on the 1st day of March, 1854, the Legislature and attaches, furni-
ture and all, left Benicia on the steamer Antelope for Sacramento, where
the Capital has since remained with some show of permanence. This move-
ment was brought about by a combination between the workers for Sacra-
mento and the friends of the lamented David C. Broderick, who desired
and expected thereby to be elected to the United States Senate, but who
was disappointed in that expectation, although in a subsequent Legislature
he was successful. Broderick was absent from Benicia when the vote was
taken on the removal question, and there was no telegraphic communica-
tion then with San Francisco. If there had been, the result probably
would have been different. Either Broderick would have been elected
first, or the Capital would have remained at Benicia. On such slender
threads does the fate of communities sometimes depend.

In those palmy days Benicia boasted among its residents, some of the
prominent and distinguished men of the State, among whom may be men-
tioned Judges S. C. Hastings, John Currey, S. F. Reynolds, E. W. McKinstry,
and others, who have since been absorbed by the commercial metropolis.

The Masonic Order made an early start in Benicia. Benicia Lodge, No.
5, was formed in 1850. Masonic Hall was built in 1850, and is a substan-
tial edifice to this day. The lower floor was occupied as the Court House,
County Clerk and Recorder's office until the State House was built in 1852.
The State House became the Court House until 1859, when on account of
the removal of the County Seat, it became the property of the Board of
Education, and has ever since been occupied as the Public School, one of
the most commodious and substaintial in the State, and being of brick is
likely to last for several generations. The attendance is large.

The Odd Fellows organized somewhat later than the Masons, but have
flourished so successfully as to possess a fine brick edifice of their own
which affords them most desirable and satisfactory accommodations. They
are known as Solano Lodge, No. 22.

Several newspaper enterprises have from time to time been established in
Benicia, but none of them now remain. The Benicia Gazette was published
in 1851, by St. Clair, Pinkham & Co. A bound volume of this publication
is in the possession of the Society of California Pioneers. The Benicia

Vedette was published by Mathewson in 1853. The Solano County

Herald commenced its publication in November, 1855, and three years after-
wards was moved to Suisun, where it still flourishes under the altered name of
the Solano Republican. The " Pacific Churchman " was published here in
1869-70, since which time it has been established in San Francisco. The
The " Benicia Tribune" was published by R. D. Hopkins in 1872-73 ; since
then it has been transferred to Dixon, where it still flourishes as the Dixon

164 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

Tribune. There was a Benicia Sentinel at one time, but it was a short-
lived affair.

In 1850-51 when it was difficult for masters of vessels to retain their
crews, on account of their disposition to desert to the gold fields, and try
their hands at digging or mining, as many as 60 or 70 ships were to be seen
at anchor in Benicia harbor, most of them loaded with lumber, which
became a drug in the market and was offered for freight and charges.
After the 4th of May fire in San Francisco this state of the lumber market
was remedied, and the ships gradually withdrawn.

The P. M. S. S. Co., for whom Alfred Robinson and Geo. W. P. Bissell
were agents, established the depot for their shop and supplies at Benicia
early in 1850, when their first wharf was built. In 1853 they increased
the size of the wharf to its present dimensions, and put up the machinery
shops and foundry.

From this time on for 16 years or more the company enjoyed an era of
unexampled prosperity, every attempt at opposition helping as much as
hindering it. By steady accumulation and the growth of its business its
capital was increased from year to year until in 1869 it amounted to not
less than ten millions. In 1869 came its first encounter with its great
competitor, the Overland Railroad. Up to this time Benicia had been
greatly benefited by the location of the company's works, and its liberal
disbursements. As long as the company remained at Benicia they were
prosperous. Then came a dispositson to branch out, to water the stock and
provide for the friends of the new management. All this was not so con-
veniently managed while the works were located at Benicia, so it was
determined to move everything to the city. From that time the history of
the company shows a series of questionable managements, and a departure
from its old prosperous ways. From being worth about $150 or more per
share its stock has fallen to $20 — the present price being about $24.
Benicians remember the periodical visits of the California, the Oregon, the
Panama, the Tennessee, the North ener, the Golden Age, St. Louis, Sonora,
Golden Gate, Golden City, Sacramento, John L. Stephens and others with
regret, that the noble ships which succeed them come not in their place.

The Marysville & Benicia R. R. Co. was incorporated in 1853, with a
capital of $3,000,000 ; $10,000 was spent in surveys, by Wm. S. Lewis, Esq.,
as Chief Engineer, with the celebrated Mr. Catherwood as consulting engi-
neer.

So strongly impressed was Mr. Catherwood of the feasibility of this
scheme, that he went to England to present the plan there ; and with the
aid of a brother of his, who was one of the cashiers in the Bank of England ,
he raised $1,000,000, which was one-third of the capital ; but on his return
to this country from England, went down in the ill-fated steamer " Arctic,"
off Newfoundland, which put an end to that project,, which would mater-
ially have advanced the fortunes of Benicia.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 165

This imperfect sketch of the " Early Times in Benicia," cannot properly
be brought to a conclusion without a brief reference to the educational and
religious movements of the place. To Benicia belongs the honor of having
established the first Young Ladies' Seminary in the State, under the auspices
of the Protestant churches. In June, 1852, the enterprise was proposed,
and immediately enlisted the favor and hearty symyathy of many friends.
A Board of Trustees was organized, a suitable building purchased, and the
school opened about the 1st of August, with Mrs. S. A. Lord as Principal,
and Miss Georgia Allen, and Miss F. A. Allen, as Assistants. The second year
Miss J. M. Hudson became Principal, with the same Assistants. The third
year, the school became the property of Miss Mary Atkins, whose fame as
a teacher has since become part of the educational history of this State.
The school became deservedly popular and successful ; and its graduates,
under Miss Atkins' administration, have since taken rank in society as
among the best educated and most cultivated women in our State. After
twelve years spent in her high vocation, Miss Atkins sought rest ; and in
186(3, transferred the school to Rev. C. T. Mills and wife, who kept it up in
a high state of efficiency and prosperity, until 1871, when they, having
been induced to move to Alameda county, disposed of the school to Rev.
Chas. H. Pope, who, during the year that he held it, made some valuable
additions and improvements. Since 1873, the school has been under the
management of Miss Mary Snell, who, with her sisters, and other accom-
plished teachers, have maintained its excellent reputation as one of the best
schools in the State. In October, 1871, under the auspices of the Rev. Mr.
Pope, then Principal, a re-union of graduates and pupils was held in honor
of the visit then paid to the institution of its former proprietor, Mrs. Mary
Atkins-Lynch, with her husband, the Hon. John Lynch, then U. S. Surveyor-
General for the State of Louisiana, and during the past year, Centennial
Commissioner for the same State. His duties in that capacity will detain
him in Philadelphia until March next, after which time Mr. and Mrs. Lynch
will take up their permanent residence in California.

In June next, the Young Ladies' Seminary, of Benicia, will celebrate the
25th anniversary of its fdundation. Two of its original Board of Trustees
have died — the other seven are still living, and one of them stands before
you.

On the 1st of January, 1853, St. Catharine's Acadamy, under the charge
of the Roman Catholic Sisters of St. Dominic, was established at Benicia,
having been removed from Monterey to this, as the more eligible location.
This school for young ladies has been uniformly well attended, and appears
to have enjoyed a satisfactory degree of patronage. Everything about it
wears an air of comfort, cheerfulness, and prosperity, and it enjoys an ex-
cellent reputation. The grounds are extensive and well cultivated, and the
buildings commodious.

166 THE HISTOEY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

In the summer of 1853, the Rev. Charles M. Blake established a boarding
school for boys, which a year or two afterwards passed into the hands of
Mr. C J. Flatt, under whose proprietorship it was known as the Collegiate
Institute, connected with which some ten years later was a Law School.

In December, 1867, Mr. Flatt disposed of the property to the Pacific
Coast Mission, of which the Rev. Dr. Breck was the head, and the school
then became the nucleus of what has since grown to be St. Augustine's
College, with the history of which this audience should be somewhat famil-
iar. The premises have been greatly enlarged and improved, affording
accommodations for one hundred boys, which number, however, has not yet
been secured, though the institution well deserves them. Not less than
fifty thousand dollars have been expended upon the property, which is in a
good state of preservation and cultivation, making it an attractive seat of
learning. The college owns fifty acres of land within the city limits, which,
in time, must constitute for it a valuable domain. The whole is under the
special supervision of Bishop Wingfield, who, with his family, has his Epis-
copal residence on the premises.

One of the objects of the Pacific Coast Mission was to establish a church
school for girls. Accordingly, in June, 1870, the Rev. Dr. Breck purchased
a block of land in the vicinity of St. Augustine College, and commenced the
erection of the buildings for " St. Mary of the Pacific." A year or two later
these were completed, and has ever since constituted the chief ornament of
the town. The garden and surroundings of St. Mary's, make it an attractive
spot. The school grew and prospered steadily under the fatherly care of Dr.
Breck, until his untimely death, which took place on the 30th of March
last, at which time the school was so full that the good Doctor had had it in
contemplation to put up additional buildings, in case his health was restored.
But it was not so to be, for our all-wise Heavenly Father was then pleased
to take him to Himself. As a natural consequence of his death, the school
has since fallen off some ; but is now recovering, and will doubtless soon
enter upon a renewed career of prosperity, under the rectorship of the Rev.
John H. Babcock, who, with his wife, have just been placed in charge of the
establishment by Bishop Wingfield. By former Experience and present in-
clination, Mr. Babcock is well fitted for the position and its various duties.

Reference has already been made to the Presbyterian Church, which was
founded here in 1849, and abandoned in 1869, for want of adherents. It
flourished until 1861 — the first year of the civil war — when it began to
decline rapidly on account of dissatisfaction in the congregation at the de-
determined political stand taken by the pastor, who was several times a can-
didate for office on the unpopular side. Two years before its final abandon-
ment, it was supplanted by the First Congregational society, who built, and
still possess, a very comfortable house of worship, with a parsonage at-
tached. The bell in its tower was cast in 1853, at the P. M. S. S. Co's.
works, and was in use there until the works were abandoned.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 167

The Methodists maintained an organization for a year or two, while
Benicia was the Capital of the State ; but thereafter they withdrew from
the field, and their insecure little building was blown down and destroyed in
a S. E. gale which visited this part of the State, the 1st of January, 1855.

One or two attempts were made in early times to form a Baptist society,
but without success.

The Roman Catholics founded their church of St. Dominic in 1851. It
has always been sustained liberally by its adherents, and is apparently
flourishing. In its tower is a large and very fine-toned bell, equal to some
of the best in our city churches. The well-known Father Villarassa is the
ehief pastor here. A substantial, two-story edifice, has recently been added
to the premises, as a home for the Brothers, and a Theological School.

The first regular service of the Protestant Episcopal Church in Benicia
was held on Sunday the 24th of September, 1854, in the court room of the
City Hall. Major E. D. Townsend, U. S. A., a lay reader appointed by Rt.
Rev. Bishop Kip, read the service and a sermon. On Sunday, the 22d of
October, the Bishop himself officiated, and administered the Holy Commun-
ion. From this time the services were regularly maintained, and a chapel
was fitted up in the Masonic Hall early in 1855. On the 13th of February,
1855, a parish was formed under the name of St. Paul's Parish, to which
the Bishop gave his approval on the 22d. The Vestry then organized,
electing Paul K. Hubbs, Senior Warden ; Eugene Van Ness, Junior Warden ;
the other Vestrymen being John Curry, Joseph Durbrow, C. W. Hayden, J.
Howard, and John Taylor. Some of these names must sound familiar here,
even at this late day. Col. Van Ness and Col. Hubbs have gone to the
eternal world. Gen. Townsend is now Adjutant-General of the United
States at Washington, where, also, Mr. C. W. Hayden resides. Judge
Curry and Mr. Durbrow are among the honored citizens of San Francisco.
Among the others that have since been Wardens and Vestrymen of St.
Paul's, may be mentioned the names of Gen. John S. Mason, U. S. A., Hon.
E. W. McKinstry, Dr. Robert Murray, Hon. S. F. Reynolds, Capt. F. F. Flint,
Dr. Cooledge, Col. J. McAllister.

The first missionary to St. Paul's Church was the Rev. David F. McDon-
ald in 1856. He had then recently been ordained deacon in San Francisco.
He is now a D.D. ; rector of a church in Dardanelles, Arkansas.

Since his time the church at Benecia has been served with more or less
regularity by Rev. E. W. Hager, Rev. James Cameron, Rev. E. G. Perryman,
Rev. Dudley Chase, Rev. Henry G. Perry, and Rev. J. L. Breck, D.D. Mr.
Cameron was rector from 1860 to 1865, and Dr. Breck from 1868 to 1876.
Since the death of Dr. Breck, Bishop Wingfield has accepted and exercised
the office of rector.

A church edifice was erected in the fall of 1859, and consecrated in
February, 1860. In 1863 it was greatly enlarged and improved by the

168 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

addition of transepts, mainly through the liberality and exertion of the
Rev. James Cameron, who, at the same time, presented the church with a
very acceptable pipe organ, that is still in use. At the same time a par-
sonage or rectory was built and presented to the church by Col. Julian
McAllister, now Senior Warden of the Parish. In 1873, under the admin-
istration of Dr. Breck, the church was again enlarged by lengthening the
nave, and it is now, in its interior arrangements, one of the best planned
and most attractive churches in California. Being attended regularly by
the pupils of St. Mary's school and St. Augustine College, and a goodly
share of the town's people, the congregations are generally large and the
services full of interest, being participated in very heartily. It is quite
refreshing to one accustomed to the low murmur of our city congregations
to listen to the outspoken responses characteristic of this wide-awake
assemblage.

There are many other topics that might properly have been introduced
into this sketch and have proven, perhaps, more interesting than those
actually touched upon, such as the history of military officers and their
operations at the arsenal; the barracks and the Quartermaster's department;
the pleasant character of the society that for so many years, during Benicia's
palmy days, became a distinguishing feature in its history ; the visit of
Com. Perry's squadron in 1854, after its voyage around the world and its
brilliant achievement in causing the ports of Japan to be opened to our
commerce ; the many attempts at railroad building that have from time to
time been unsuccessfully made and the hopes still entertained of success in
the near future ; the many fires that have destroyed once valuable property;
the founding and maintenance of manufacturing establishments for cement,
leather, flour, etc., as well as personal reference to many friends, once resi-
dents, now scattered all over California and other parts of the United
States; but it is already too long, and this task must be considered com-
pleted.

It has cost much time, application, research, labor, and self-denial, but if
it shall have afforded entertainment, instruction, and food for thought to
you who have so courteously bestowed upon it your attention, it will not
be in vain that the sacrifice has been made."

With reference to the Deed mentioned in the foregoing lecture of Mr
Gray, the tenor of it is in a few words : Five miles of land in the Suscol
estate was ceded, transferred, and bestowed, freely and spontaneously to
Don Thomas O. Larkin and Don Robert Semple, and their heirs and success-
ors, by General Vallejo, as per measurement made by Don Jasper O'Farrell:
" Beginning at a stone marked ' R. S.' and running N. 76 degrees W. to a

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 169

corner or angle five English miles ; from thence in the direction S. 14
degrees W. to an angle one mile, a little more or less ; thence following the
sinuosities of the bay, of the straits to the place where the measurement
commenced., which, altogether, makes an extent of five English miles ; fol-
lowing the turn of the bay, the sinuosities of the land, according to the
measurement of plan above referred to." To this gift were attached the
under-mentioned provisions : " First. — The grantees were to bind them-
selves to found a city to be named Francesca or Benicia, and to divide the
land into lots to be disposed of by sale, and establish ferry boats on the
Staits of Carquinez. Second. — As soon as the city should contain one
hundred families a magistrate or municipal authority shall be named. The
ferry boats, together with the landing places, shall belong to the town, and
their products used for the establishment of public schools. Third. — Until
such hundred families are established the ferry boats and landings to belong
to Robert Semple." The deed was executed on May 19, 1847, before Lilburn
W. Boggs, Alcalde of the District of Sonoma.

This transaction afterwards proved invalid, the General, it was held, not
having a good title to the lands of Suscol ; therefore a new form was gone
through to establish the claim of Messrs. Semple and Larkin. Pursuant to
an Act of the Legislature of the State of California, entitled "An Act to settle
the title of lands in the town and city of Benicia, in the county of Solano,
approved February 20, 1866," and in accordance with an Act of Congress,
entitled " An Act to quiet the title to certain lands within the corporate
limits of the city of Benicia and the town of Santa Cruz, in the State of
California, approved July 23, 1866," notice was given to claimants to file
their respective claims for lots and parcels of land.

An Act to incorporate the city of Benicia was passed April 24, 1851,
bounding the site thus : " And that tract of land lying on the north side of
the Straits of Carquinez, as surveyed by Benjamin W. Barlow, Esq., late
City Surveyor, and designated by his map now on file in the office of the
Clerk of Solano county, the southern boundary shall extend to the middle
of the channel of the Straits of Carquinez." Following this the city was
divided into two wards. Article two of the Act provides for the election of
city officers ; article three apportioned their duties and powers ; article four,
their compensation ; article five, the establishment of Recorder's and Jus-
tice's Courts. Supplementary to the foregoing, was passed on April 13,
1854, an Act incorporating the city and granting additional powers to the
Council ; while the water front was ceded to the corporation by Act of the
Legislature approved May 3, 1855.

After the survey of the site in 1847 it was laid out in streets and squares,
there being twenty lots retained for public uses, besides the City Hall lot and
two half blocks for parks, etc, From its start until April 18, 1859, the city
was governed by a Mayor and Corporation, when on that date an Act to

170 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

repeal the several Acts incorporating the city of Benicia, was approved, and
placed the town under the government of Trustees, who were to be elected
to serve, thus : The party receiving the highest number of votes was
chosen for three years, the second, for two, and the third for one year ; and
each following year, one Trustee should be elected for three years. A list of
the Mayors has been already given, let us now present one of the Trustees :
Those called upon to serve during the first term were George H. Riddelh
three years, May, 1859 ; John J. Barry, two years ; C. W. Hayden, one year,
Thereafter there ensued a yearly election for a term of three years : 1860 —
C. W. Hayden, G. H. Riddell, J. J. Barry. 1861— S. C. Gray, C. W. Hayden,
G. H. Riddell. 1862— T. B. Storer, S. C. Gray, C. W. Hayden. 1863— E. Dan-
forth, T. B. Storer, S. C. Gray. 1864— S. C. Gray, E. Danforth, T. B. Storey
(resigned), C. B. Houghton, (elected). 1865 — C. B. Houghton, S. C. Gray,
E. Danforth, (resigned), J. Hatch, (elected). 1866— E. H. Von Pfister, C. B.
Houghton, S. C. Gray. 1867— J. F. Swain, E. H. Von Pfister, C. B. Hough-
ton. 1868— C. B. Houghton, J. F. Swain, E. H. Von Pfister. 1869— E. H.
Von Pfister, G. B. Houghton, J. F. Swain. 1870— J. F. Swain, E. H. Von
Pfister, C. B. Houghton. 1871— C. B. Houghton, J. F. Swain, E. H. Von
Pfister. 1872— James Flannery, C. B. Houghton, J. F. Swain. 1873—
John J. Barry, James Flannery, C. B. Houghton. 1874 — C. B. Houghton,
J. J. Barry, James Flannery. 1875 — J. R. Brown, C. B. Houghton, J. J-
Barry. 1876— J. J. Barry, J. R. Brown, C. B. Houghton. 1877— C. B"
Houghton, J. J. Barry, J. R. Brown! 1878— D. N. Hastings, C. B. Hough-
ton, John J. Barry. 1879 — James Barry, D. N. Hastings, C. B. Houghton.
The office of City Clerk was filled by the following gentlemen: 1850-51 —
B. D. Hyam and John B. Dow. 1851-54— B. C. Whitman. 1854-56—
David F. Beveridge. 1856-57— E. H. Von Pfister. 1857-59— J. W. Kin-
loch. Since the election of Trustees one of their number has officiated as
Clerk until 1878. The City Assessors were : 1850-51 — Stephen Cooper.
1851-53— Singleton Vaughn. 1853-54— H. P. Ammons. 1854-55— H.
Norton. 1855-56— J. W. Kinloch. 1856-58— Peter Wright. 1858-59—
H. Norton. From this year up until 1877, inclusive, the county officials
assessed, collected, and disbursed the funds. In 1877 E. H. Von Pfister was
elected to the office, a position which he still retains. The City Marshals
have been : 1850 — John S. Brown. 1851 — Beebe Robinson. 1852-53—
A. H. Estell. 1854-55— A. J. Bryant. 1856— D. F. Beveridge. 1857-58—
Luke Bond. From this period until the year 1872 the city was without a
Marshal; in that year Jeremiah O'Donnell was appointed. In 1873 he again
held the office. 1874— Patrick McNally. 1875-77— A. J. Glover, and
1878-79 — F. P. Weinmann. The City Treasurers have been during that
period, respectively : Messrs. D. F. Beveridge, Edward Crocker, R. M.
Holladay, John J. Barry, with a long interregnum wherein the County
Treasurer performed the duties for the city, when, in 1877, the present

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 171

incumbent, John Reuger, was chosen to fill the office. Space will not per-
mit of our entering more fully into the names of the other officers who
served Benicia, indeed it has been an arduous task, the tracing these we
have enumerated. Suffice it to say that among the City Attorneys we find
such well-known names as Leslie and Wells ; while her Surveyors were
Barlow, Patton, and De Hemmecourt.

Mention has, in a general way, been made of the schools of Benicia. We
will now present the reader with a slight sketch of two of the principal
seats of learning in the city :

The Young Ladies' Seminary. — This school was established in 1852,
and was managed by a Board of Trustees for two years and a half. The
following named gentlemen served on the Board : Hon. S. Bvnam, Hon. S.
Cooper, Capt. D. M. Fraser, S. C. Gray, B. W. Mudge, Dr. W. F. Peabody,
Capt. J. Walsh, C. E. Wetmore, Rev. S. Woodbridge, E. Crocker, J. W. Jones,
D. N. Hastings.

During the latter part of 1854, Miss Mary Atkins became the Principal of
the school ; but in January, 1855, the proprietorship and sole management
passed into her hands.

For nine years she labored successfully to bring the institution up to the
highest standard, and when, in 1864, she was compelled to take a season of
rest, she rented the Seminary to Miss Lammond, it then having about one
hundred and fifty pupils, and an unequaled reputation for giving thorough
training and a solid education.

Within a year Miss Atkins returned to her school, and found so few
pupils that much of the work of building up had to be done once more. By
untiring energy she re-established it, and it took, again, its place as the first-
class school of the State.

In 1865, worn by years of unceasing labor, Miss Atkins retired from
teaching. She sold the Seminary to Dr. and Mrs. C. T. Mills. They faith-
fully labored to maintain the high position of the institution, and had six
years of uninterrupted success. In 1871 they removed from Benicia to
Seminary Park, Alameda county, where they had" erected large and well-
adapted school buildings.

Rev. Charles H. Pope then took charge of the Benicia Seminary, a trust
which he faithfully administered for three years, when he removed from
the State, and the school came under the principalship of Miss Snell.

In the spring of 1878 Miss Snell organized a school in Oakland, and Miss
Atkins, after years of pleasant wandering, full of rich experience, has come
back to the old roof-tree.

The following address was delivered by the Rev. Sylvester Woodbridge,
D.D., of San Francisco, on October 11th, 1878, at a re-union of former
pupils, held for the purpose of organizing a society to perpetuate the history

172 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

of the school, as well as making a presentation to Mrs. Atkins-Lynch on
her return to Benicia :

" Memory and Hope are two angels that with golden chains bind the past
to the future. We cannot afford to lose either. Without the former, our
identity of being would cease, our treasures be lost, our responsibility be
overwhelmed in the cold waves of oblivion. Without the latter, the future
could have no encouragement, nor could we press forward and upward to
success, reward, and the crown of glory.

THE PAST.

We cannot live over the past. We would not if we could. What once
was vivid in its freshness and novelty would now seem cold and effete.
The pleasures that once stirred the pulses to impetuous rebound, would
cause them to thrill no more. The pains, then half neutralized by the daily
stimulus of duty and zeal, would cling with iron grasp to us till we sank
down exhausted.

But when we relegate the past to Memory's bright domain, the sweep of
her magic wand spreads enchantment over the scene. The pains become
but the foil and the background which serve to set off the successes and the
joys, and bring them out in more brilliant colors. There we see the fields
of usefulness, where the precious harvests were reaped ; there the forms of
beauty that ' are a joy forever ; ' there were awakened the friendships,
whose light will endure beyond the shining sun.

THE BENICIA YOUNG LADIES' SEMINARY.

Radiant in the history of this State of California, lighted up by the glory
of past years of success and great usefulness, stands this distinguished
institution of learning. It began when innumerable and apparentty insur-
mountable obstacles stood in the way of success. But the need of its
establishment, and the pressure of what they esteemed to be duty, rested
upon those who felt called upon to engage in the enterprise. Therefore they
manfully undertook the task, girded themselves for the arduous duty, made
the great and needful sacrifices of money, time and toil, and in the year
1852, the Seminary was launched forth on the perilous seas of California's
fluctuating fortunes. Often was the institution near bankruptcy and de-
struction. But a kind Providence still and ever interposed, and in nothing
more decidedly than when that eminent teacher to whom to-night we render
the just honor which is her due, took charge of the Seminary.

THE PREVIOUS TEACHERS.

We would diminish nothing from the respect due to the principals and
teachers who had charge of this institution during the earliest years of its

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 173

existence. Mrs. Wells, assisted by an able corps of teachers, took charge at
the inception of the work, and toiled faithfully and successfully. Then
Mrs. Nevins, whom we are pleased to see present to honor this occasion, and
who labored unweariedly at her task. But the difficulties, chiefly pecuniary,
and the burden of carrying the institution when there were so few young
ladies yet in the State, and so small a proportion of that number seeking a
liberal education, was calculated to paralyze the energies of the patrons of
the institution. "

MRS. MARY ATKINS-LYNCH.

At the hour of utmost discouragement, Miss Atkins (that was, and she
will allow me to recall the name which is so fragrant in our memories)
became principal of the Seminary. She took upon herself with daring zeal
all the responsibilities of its management and pecuniary liabilities. She
became by purchase the owner of the buildings and other property, and
boldly went forth to meet the dangers of the way.

Let no one suppose them to have been small. What perils were encoun-
tered ; what lonely hours of weakness, weariness and discouragement were
passed ; what tears flowed, and saddened prayers were offered, and pangs of
disappointment were suffered before the sunlight rose, God only perfectly
knows. It is well that the memory, or at least the vividness of the memory
is hidden in the sombre shadows of the night of the past.

Then the Seminary began to rise before our people in all its excellence.
Miss Atkins' high repute spread abroad. As fast as her means would allow,
she surrounded herself with teachers of superior excellence. Classes of
young ladies from the best families in the State gathered in these halls,
The successful examinations, the fine exhibitions of talent at the Commence-
ment exercises, the eclat given by the learning, refinement and superiority
of the graduated pupils, placed the Benicia Young Ladies' Seminary in the
front rank with the best institutions in America.

And the credit of this is due to Miss Atkins. Her pupils have made
their mark in the world, and speak for themselves. They are among the
most distinguished women in this State for all that makes women pre-emi-
nent in intelligence, position and piety. On this platform I see one lady,
(Mrs. Kincaid,) a graduate of this institution, who has made teaching her
profession. She is one of the most distinguished and successful teachers in
the Girls' High School in San Francisco. Everywhere in the families, the
neighborhoods, the schools, the cities of our State, have the instructions
and influence of Miss Atkins left an impression, deep, broad and abiding.

Nor is that influence confined to us. Many of the bright pupils who once
lent radiance to these scenes, have left the dark earth, guided by that
divine faith which led their steps up the heavenly way. The earliest and
foremost of the graduates (Mrs. Walsh Ferguson) thus departed in the hope

174 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

of glory. Others have followed her. But last week there was one in San
Francisco (Miss Mary Dollarhide) who hoped to have been present on this
occasion. But this very week we have been called to follow all of her that
was mortal to the house appointed for all living. But it is believed by
many that the dead are sometimes permitted to revisit the earth, and
though unseen by us, pass through our midst and rejoice in our joy. It is
in speaking of the faithful dead that the Scriptures say : ' Seeing therefore
that we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses!'' The beautiful
dead who have gone up from us may return to hail and applaud our con-
tinued zeal and efforts for good.

HOPE.

The Word of God forbids us to dwell amid the former scenes ' Forgetting
the things that are past, press toward the mark for the prize ' which God
from on high is calling to us to attain, Mr. Moody's favorite song is one that
it behooves us all to sing :

' More to follow, always more to follow ! '

It is consumate folly always to be dawdling over what might have been.
The past is gone. Nothing can recall it. The present and the future, un-
der God, are ours.

It was a most noble suggestion to bring back to this school the person who
at an early day made it so famous. She comes indeed under better auspices
than before. She is no longer alone, but with her much esteemed and
honored husband (Mr. Lynch) she brings accumulated force and courage to
her grand task. It seems to us that there is almost everything to encourage
and hope for in this renewed undertaking. Certainly the field is very
different from what it was formerly. Schools for young ladies, distinguished
for the character of the teachers and their elegant adornings, are numerous.
The public schools are aiming at the most thorough training of their pupils.
But this Seminary, under the experienced, skillful 'and kindly direction of
Mrs. Lynch, need not fear to enter into competition with any or all of them.
Her reputation goes before her, and is known of all. The many superior
ladies, graduates of this school, who adorn California society, are her stand-
ing advertisement.

We tender to the citizens of Benicia our hearty congratulations for the
great acquisition to this Young Ladies' Seminary of its eminent former
principal, and to Mr. and Mrs. Lynch our best wishes and prayers that they
may secure the triumphant success they justly deserve."

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 175

OFFICERS OF GOVERNMENT AND INSTRUCTION FOR 1879-80 ARE

Mary Atkins Lynch, Principal; Martha Hathaway, Latin, Litera-
ture, History and Geography ; Francis C. Bauman, Mathematics ; Anne C.
Craig, Natural History, Elocution and Drawing ; A. Roger, French ;
Josephine Abele, French, German and Piano ; F. Corbaz, Piano ; Susie
I. Morgan.. Singing ; Harrie H. Riddell, Painting ; Eliza E. Crocker,
Matron ; Laura Lamme White, Assistant Matron and Teacher of Saving.

The College of St. Augustine — Was founded A. D. 1867, and in-
corporated in 1868. It is under the Rectorship of the Rt. Rev. J. H. D.
Wingfield, D.D., LL. D., and is governed by a Board of Trustees and a
Board of Instructors ; is located at Benicia, California. The buildings oc-
cupy an elevated site and command an extensive view of the Straits of
Carquinez and the beautiful hills beyond, with Mount Diablo on the left
and San Pablo Bay on the right. The grounds are sixty acres in extent, a
portion of which is tastefully laid out and decorated with flowers, orna-
mental trees and shrubberry. Having been erected expressly for Academical
purposes, the buildings are strictly adapted to the needs of the students,
being commodious and inviting, well ventilated and heated. In the
domestic arrangements eveiy care is taken to unite the culture and comforts
of a Christian home with the strict discipline of a school. Attention is paid
to the personal habits and manners of the Cadets. They sleep in single al-
coves, in dormitories, under the charge of Teachers and Military Officers.
The Teachers and Cadets meet as one family in a commodious Dining Hall,
and attend Divine Service daily in the College Chapel.

It is designed in this Institution to combine with moral and mental
education a thorough course of Military instruction, consisting of daily ex-
ercise in Infantry, Cavalry and Artillery Tactics, in which every Cadet is
required to participate. In all the routine of duties, each Cadet is subject
to a system of regulations, designed to make him prompt, systematic, and
gentleman-like. This Military Discipline, by its thoroughness and impar-
tiality, is eminently fitted to perfect the physical man, and to give habits of
quick obedience, order, politeness and manliness.

The spacious parade-ground affords a superior and attractive place for
drill and physical recreation, while a large building, erected for the
Eulexian Literary and Dramatic Society, and for an Armory, with Gym-
nasium attached, furnishes the Cadet with unusual advantages of in-door
exercises.

In the work of instruction, the Rector is aided by a Corps of Experienced
and Competent Professors and Teachers, who devote their time exclusively
to the business of the College.

Each Instructor has been selected because of his peculiar fitness for the
Department to which he is assigned, and is held responsible for the faithful

176 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

discharge of his duty to his classes. In order to satisfy himself of the
proper advancement of all Cadets, the Rector frequently examines the
respective classes.

The College Session consists of Two Terms of Twenty Weeks each.

Trinity Term begins on the Thursday after the 28th of July, and closes
on the Thursday next before the 23d of December. After a vacation of
four weeks, the EASTER TERM begins on the second Thursday in January,
and closes on the Thursday next after the first Wednesday in June.

Punctual attendance on the first day of the term is imperative. To insure
high standing, the Cadet must answer at the roll-call at 7 o'clock on the
evening of the opening day. No alcoves are reserved, the first on the
ground has the first choice in the Dormitory to which he may be assigned.

Every Cadet, on his arrival, shall immediately report himself to the
Rector, the Commandant of the Corps, and the First Sergeant.

No furloughs are granted after entrance. Patrons are urged not to ask
permission for Cadets to leave the College for any cause. Under no cir-
cumstances can any Cadet be received for less than a term. He is expected
to remain at least one Session of two terms, during which period his whole
time and energies are required. New Cadets will be admitted at any time ;
and, after the first • month will be charged from date of entrance to the end
of the term.

No visitors are welcome on the Lord's Day.

There are, besides these two Academies, the School under the Catholic
clergy, and the College of St. Mary.

While on the subject of schools, we would here draw attention to what
has been done for the education of the yonng of the county in the past
thirty years.

If there is one man more than another to whom praise is due for the
present educational prosperity of the State, and therefore of Solano county,
in which he was especially interested, that man is the late Hon. Paul K.
Hubbs. From the first arrival of this accomplished statesman in California,
he strove manfully and ardently to systematize its educational interests.
He served for a long time as the head of that especial department in the
State Legislature, and it is worthy of note that during his tenure of that
responsible office, in three years, the number of schools in the State in-
creased from twenty to three hundred and sixteen, while the attendance
rose from three thousand three hundred and fourteen to twenty-six
thousand one hundred and sixty. This was more than twenty years ago;
what are the school statistics of the county at present !

On the 30th of June, 1878, the number of first grade schools in Solano
county were twenty-six ; second grade, thirty-eight ; and third, seventeen.
Of these one school-house is built of brick — -that at Benicia, formerly the

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THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 177

State Capitol, and fifty-two of wood, while four new school-houses have
been erected in the last year. These schools are taught by eighty-one
teachers, of whom fifty are females and thirty-one males, the former having
an average monthly salary of $63.52, and the latter $91.16 ; eighteen of
these preceptors hold life certificates. In the year ending, as per above
date, two schools were maintained less than six months, twenty-four for
more than six and less than eight, while twenty-one were continued for
eight months and over. Within that period fifteen certificates were
granted to male, and thirteen to female teachers, and twenty applicants
rejected, while there were twenty-three certificates renewed. Five students
from Solano were at that date attending the State Normal School, and in
regard to the county's division there are forty-eight districts, three of
them being fractional, and in one of these the school-house is situated
without the limits of the county. The rate of county school-tax levied
to October, 1877, was 25 per 100. County assessment roll of taxable
property for 1877, $9,022,101 ; amount received from county taxes, $23,-
157 59 ; amount received from poll-tax, $3,771 85 ; cash drawn from un-
apportioned County Fund for Board of Examination, $244 55 ; cash drawn
from unapportioned County Fund for postage, stationery, etc., $25. The
value of the school lots, houses and furniture to that date was $98,600 ;
cash in hand in various districts on June 30, 1878, $16,809 67 ; received
from State Apportionment School Fund, $36,119 89 ; from County Appor-
tionment in total, $28,355 55; from City and District Taxes, $4,212' 47,
and from miscellaneous sources, $945. Teachers' salaries have been paid to
the amount of $49,443 92 ; fuel, rent, etc., $9,151 08; libraries, $1,397 61 ;
apparatus and other necessaries, $138 10, and sites, furniture, etc.,
$9,675 43. Thus it is seen to what vast proportions the educational in-
terests of one county may spring in what is not quite half a life-time.

Secret Societies, Associations, Etc. — All cities, how small they may
be, have each their lodge, brotherhood or guild; as is natural, Benicia is not
without such representation ; indeed she would appear to have been one of
the first to whom was extended the right hand of brotherly love.

Benicia Lodge No. 5, F. and A. M. — Has a history of rare mark. On
June 5, 1849, certain Master Masons received from the Grand Lodge of
Louisiana, permission to congregate into a Traveling Lodge, to be held in
California. A Lodge, und.er this Dispensation, was opened by L. A. Besan-
con, one of the original number, who appointed D. B. Hyam, W. M.; James
H. Saunders, S. W.; and L. B. Mizner, J. W., the officers in the original Dis-
pensation of that rank, being permanently absent. The first meeting of the
Lodge was held and officers appointed, on March 6th, 1850. On application,
a Charter was granted by the Grand Lodge of California ; on the 26th of
12

178 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

November, of the same year, the first officers appointed, being D. B. Hyam,
W. M.; L. B. Mizner, S. W.; and Alexander Rid dell, J. W. The number of
members on the roll are now about forty -five ; while the officers for the
current year are : W. M., George Poor ; S. W., Murdoch McArthur ; J. W.,
Louis Weinmann ; Treasurer, John Reuger ; Secretary, Charles Spalding ;
S. D., William R. Carnpbell ; J. D., John Mounce ; Marshall, F. P. Wein-
mann ; Stewards, F. D. Blake, and Edwin Esty ; and Tyler, T. Sage. The
Trustees are : R. Westerby, T. McKay, and V: Newmark. It meets on the
Wednesday of, or preceding, the full moon ; and we are happy to say that
this old institution flourishes, it having a cash-balance on hand, as well as
owning the hall wherein the craft meet, and the lot on which it has been
erected.

Benicia Chapter No. 7, R. A. M. — This Chapter received its Charter
on May 1, 1855 ; the members applying, and whose names appear on the
parchment, being Charles French, John L. Sanborn, Thomas Farmer, Wil-
liam McGufnck, Thomas Brownlee, Henry Hook, B. Robinson, J. C. Stone,
R. N. Woode, H. Wheeler, John Tucker, and Sydney Maupin. The first
officers who served after the institution of the Chapter, were : John L.
Sanborn, High Priest ; Charles French, King ; and Thomas Farmer, Scribe.
The present office-holders are : High Priest, Timothy Sage ; King, Thomas
McKay ; Scribe, Murdoch McArthur ; Treasurer, John Reuger ; Secretary,
Charles Spalding; Captain of Host, George Poor ; Prin. Sojourner, Wm.
R. Campbell ; Roy. Arch. Captain, L. B. Mizner ; Master, 3rd. Vail, E.
H. Von Pfister ; Master of 2nd Vail, Joseph Green Johnson ; Master of 1st
Vail, Archibald McDonald; Guard, Robert Steuart. Past High Priest,
Timothy Sage. The members on the roll at present are twenty-three in
number ; while they meet on the Tuesday of, or preceding, the full moon.

Solano Lodge, No. 22, I. 0. 0. F. — This, another of California's first
organized Lodges, was instituted by Right Worshipful Grand Master, S. H.
Parker, on April 8, 1854, having, for its Charter members, George H. Rid-
dell, Paul Shirley, Charles W. Hayden, George Leviston, and John S. Brown.
The first officers who served, were : George Leviston, N. G.; Paul Shirley,
V. G.; C. W. Hayden, Secy.; and T. B. Storer, Treas., who, on being installed,
at once held a meeting, and conferred degrees upon several applicants. The
number on the muster-roll of the Lodge now, is sixty-two ; while the officers
jn the different chairs, are; N. G., Dr. V. Newmark; V. G., (vacant) ; Sec-
retary, Charles Spalding ; Treasurer, S. J. Filer ; W. Warden, Willaim
Fox ; Conductor, H. A. Booth ; O. G., William Kuhland ; I. G., A. P. Whit-
man ; R. S. to N. G., D. E. Roberts ; L. S. to N. G., John Binnington ; R. S-
to V. G., Daniel Cameron ; L. S. to V. G., Joseph Roskilly ; R. S. S., Fred.
Fried ; L. S. S., George Roskilly. Trustees, J. R. Brown, A. P. Whitman,

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 179

William Kuhland. This Lodge owns its hall wherein the brethren meet ;
and we are happy to announce that it was never in so properous a condit-
ion as it is to-day. Meetings every Monday evening.

Industries. — Without doubt the industries of Benicia are centred in its
tanneries, of which there are three of extensive proportions in operation,
giving employment to nearly three hundred men. The day has gone, when
in the workshops of this, then thought to be the rising city of the Pacific
coast, the noise and bustle of manufacture was heard. The works of the
Mail Company, which used to pay out as much as $60,000 per month in
wages alone, have long ago been abandoned ; and Mr. Westerby, the present
proprietor, who has lately acquired the property, is now hunting the tule
for old chains, for many years hid by mud and rushes. Ditches have ceased
to be dug, or streets to be graded ; and but for its tanneries, this fair city,
which once had such fair prospects, would be a city of the dead indeed.

The Pioneer Tannery. — This establishment, as its name signifies, was
the first tannerry started in Benicia. About eleven years ago, J. R. Brown
and Thomas McKay decided to try the experiment of running a tannery
at this place. They started in with four tan vats, and only a few hundred
dollars in money, but with a whole fortune of pluck. By hard work,
superior skill, and close attention to business, they made the enterprise
a success from the start, when failure was prophesied from all quarters ;
and now the Pioneer tannery is one of the most important in the State.
It has a reputation that extends to Boston. The buildings and yards
occupy between four and five acres of ground. They have two currying
shops that are 35x45 feet in size ; a beam house that is 75 feet long
by forty wide ; a splendid wharf, with a building on it, 75 feet long
and two stories high, that is used as a warehouse, drying-room, and
bark-shed. They "have other buildings, consisting of numerous bark-
sheds, bark-mill, engine house, boarding house, etc. The machinery of the
establishment is run by a 15 -horse power engine. They have here all the
latest improved machinery, consisting of a glassing jack, roller, slicking-off
machine, etc. Some idea of the amount of capital required to run this
place may be formed from the fact that they have on hand between eight
and ten thousand dollars' worth of tan bark alone. Some thirty men find
steady employment here. The tannery is producing now six hundred sides
per week. The manufactures of this establishment consists principally of
sole, harness, buff, shoe and polish leather. Mr. Alexander Chisholm, shortly
after the tannery was started, was taken in as a partner, and in July last,
he and Mr. McKay bought out Mr. Brown's interest, and the tannery is now
owned and run by McKay & Chisholm, who were both almost raised tan-
ners. They give their personal supervision to the mechanical department,
which may in part account for the success of the institution.

180 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

The Benicia Tannery. — Some five years after the starting of the
Pioneer, Mr. Robert Stewart started a tannery near it. After a year
or two's proprietorship, he was succeeded by Messrs. Moore & Cummings.
The new firm had hardly got in good working order, when the whole
establishment, in a few short hours, was destroyed by fire. This was a
severe blow to the young men composing the firm ; but Mr. E. Dan-
forth, an old resident of Benicia, having confidence in their business
qualifications, skill and enterprise, furnished them means to build and
conduct the tannery now owned and run by them at the foot of First
street. The establishment occupies two acres of land for its buildings,
yards and sheds. The currying shop is 40x60 feet, and three stories
high, connected with which are drying-rooms, bark-mill, beam-house, etc.,
nearly 200 feet in length. Near this building is an immense bark shed,
which holds between five and six hundred cords of bark — worth $10,000 —
which is laid in every fall to carry over to the next season. They have also
warehouse room for storing leather and material used in the manufacturing.
They make eighteen different kinds of leather here. They have between
thirty and forty hands, and have between fifteen and twenty thousand dol-
lars invested in stock all the time. Their monthly pay-roll for wages
amounts to about $2,000. They manufacture about 3,000 sides per month.
Mr. Chas. Moore attends to the business department, and Mr. Frank Cum-
mings to the mechanical department. The latter gentleman is a manufact-
urer of some twenty years' experience in the Eastern States, where he
acquired a thorough and practical knowledge of making all the finer grades
of leather ; such as glove kid, Russia, pebble goat, shoe, buff and leather for
hand satchels or bags. To him for the skill, and to Messrs. Brown &
McKay for the enterprise, is the State indebted for adding these to the
wealth of California manufactures. The manufacture of the hand-bag
leather has led to the establishment of a manufactory of those articles in
San Francisco, and Messrs. Moore & Cummings have the orders for the
leather. Mr. Cummings, when he arrived in California, went to nearly
every tannery and sought to introduce the manufacture of these fancy
leathers, and especially buff leather, which was at that time extensively
shipped to this State. His efforts were fruitless until he met with Messrs.
Brown & McKay, who were clear-headed enough to see the advantage and
profit of making that leather in California, and had the pluck to run the
risk of the experiment. The result was all that Cummings claimed, and all
Brown & McKay expected. It soon gave to Benicia the reputation of being
the hub of the tannery interest of the State. The Benicia tannery has a
large amount of its leather made up into boots and shoes in San Francisco,
and they intend that as soon as it can be accomplished, to have that manu-
facturing done in Benicia. The different varieties of leather manufactured
at this tannery were displayed at the Mechanic's Fair in a very attractive

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 181'

manner, and was examined by a large number of experts who pronounced
the display in the highest degree creditable to the exhibitors. The manag-
ers of the institution awarded them the Grand Medal for the finest display
in their line of goods. On the 1st of January next there will be a change
in the firm's name, the new firm will be composed of Mr. C. J. Moore, F.
Cummings, and Mr. E. P. Danforth, who will own equal interests. Success
to them.

Brown's Tannery. — Mr. J. R. Brown some months previous to selling out
his interest in the Pioneer Tannery had started a small tannery near the old
establishment on his own responsibibity and after settling up with his old
partners immediately went to work to put his small establishment on an equal
footing with his neighbors in facility and capacity. He erected new buildings,
put in a steam engine, bought more land, and soon had an establishment that
was creditable to Mr. Brown's enterprise and a substantial addition to the
manufacturing interests of Benicia. The main building is 100x30 feet in
size with three floors. A short distance from it is the bark mill, also a beam
house. Mr. Brown gives employment to some twenty hands, and is now
manufacturing from 75 to 100 sides per day. Dan. Chisholm, a practical
tanner of great experience, is the foreman. The production of this tannery
is principally sole, harness and light leather. The machinery of the estab-
lishment is run by a fifteen horse-power engine and the steam is furnished
by a thirty horse-power boiler. Both were built by J. L. Heald, of Vallejo.
The engine is a beautiful piece of mechanism. About one-half of the pro-
duction of the tannery is bought from the city tanneries partly tanned and
is finished here. Since the 1st inst. he has increased the size of his beam
house, and has a force of carpenters at work increasing the number of his
vats. Mr. Brown is not only an enterprising and successful tanner, but is a
most valuable citizen. He is at present one of the City Trustees, and ever
on hand to give his personal aid and time to assist any project of public
character or enterprise of benefit to Benica.

Pacific Cement Company — P. Martin, proprietor and manager, was estab-
lished in 1864 and is situated on blocks 35 and 36 in the city of Benicia.
The establishment is comprised in seven buildings, viz.: Kiln-house, mill-
house and warehouses, with cooper's shops, etc. The machinery used is
worked by a steam engine of twenty horse-power, with a capacity of turn-
ing out 140 barrels of cement a day. The material used is obtained from
within a circuit of six miles ; it is easily procured and of the first order,
the quality of the cement, when mixed, being asserted to be equal to that
of the best Rosendale. There is a capacity for the employment of fifty
men on the works, while every facility for shipment, in regard to wharves
and warehouses, are to be found on the premises. The company owns a
schooner of its own which plies between the works and San Francisco.

'182 THE HISTOKY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

Benicia Brewery. — The Benicia Brewery stands on lot sixteen, block
twenty, and is the adobe building erected by Major Stephen Cooper in 1847,
and used first by him and after by Von Pfister as the California Hotel. In
the month of August, 1855, the structure was purchased by John Reuger
who started a brewery, a portion of the materials and machinery being
brought by him from Marysville where he had previously engaged in the
business. The structure has, since its abobe days, been considerably im-
proved by brick and wooden additions, making now a main building 62x46
feet of two and one-half stories, with necessary cellars. The front portion
of the first floor consists of six rooms, used as a saloon and for dwelling
purposes, the second floor has five sleeping rooms, and the third is the air
drying-room for malt. Besides these there are in other buildings, the malt
house, the granary, brewing room and beer cellars. On the floor above the
brewing room is a beer kettle of fifteen barrels capacity, a crushing mill
for malt, and the beer cooler. Mr. Reuger's establishment is one well
worthy a visit, while his business, we are informed, considering the times
is fairly prosperous.

Hotels. — The old original hotels mentioned in these pages have long
since made way for others, but with no marked success, it is to be presumed
in regard to the number of guests or the returns to their tills; mayhap the
railroad may do some good ; if it should, time will tell. To-day the hotel
proprietors would not seem to be reaping a golden harvest ; in olden days
affairs were different in the matter of houses of entertainment. In 1849,
when Capt. Yon Pfister was proprietor of the California House, he paid his
cook $150 a month, two stewards $125 each, a dishwasher $65, a house-
keeper and bar-tender $100 each, while with a rental of $500 per mensem,
he cleared, for eleven months, a free sum of $1,000 for each month. In
1852, Tom Maguire, the present lessee and manager of Baldwin's Theatre
in San Francisco, arrived in Benicia and built a gorgeous " gin mill " near
where the Solano Hotel now stands, indeed the place is now the barber's
shop. This saloon was at the time the finest in the State ; two large bars
were kept constantly at work, while the attractiveness of the establishment
was materially enhanced by the presence of a noble band of music — these
were the days of reckless squanderings and riotous living.

Solano Hotel — Is the principal hostelry in the city where the traveler
will receive every attention to his wants, and be courteously treated by the
host, F. P. Weinmann. The building was owned and carried on as a hotel
by his father before him, and to-day the establishment receives most of the
patronage which comes to Benicia.

It is now in contemplation to change the present route of the overland
train, bringing it from Sacramento by way of Suisun and Benicia, thence

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 183

crossing the straits of Carquinez to the line now running to Martinez and
Oakland. Large ferry slips are being built Tor this purpose, but it will be
some months ere the works are completed.

In conclusion we will draw attention to Benicia as a place for manufactures.

We have before this alluded in general terms to the advantages which
Benicia possesses, and pointed out several classes of such enterprises to which
it presents exceptional facilities. The list of these can be easily extended.

We do not know of a town in the State which offers a better location for
a box manufactory than Benicia. Boxes can, in the first place, be made
cheaper here than in San Francisco, the present great center of the business.
The lumber can be brought here directly from the Coast mills and as
cheaply as to San Francisco, and the ground for the establishment can be
bought or leased a great deal cheaper. This later is no small item. Box
manufactories require a great deal of extra ground to hold their stock of N
lumber and furnish a place for seasoning it. There is one box manufactory
in San Francisco the value of grounds alone is worth, if our memory serves
rightly, over a hundred thousand dollars. This represents an extra amount
of capital which its business requires, and in reality increases the expenses
of the building by about one thousand dollars a month or whatever the
interest on the valuation may be.

Now as to the market. Benicia is right at the door of as good a local
market, at least for some classes of boxes, as there is in the State. For
fruit boxes the demand in this section is immense. There are the orchards
and vineyards of Napa county, of Green Valley, Pleasant Valley, and in
fact of the whole of Solano county — an area embracing one of the most
abundant fruit producing sections of the State. All this section could be
supplied to advantage from a Benicia factory. Last and by no means least
are the immense and prolific orchards of the Sacramento river, but a step as
it were from our city. Here is a supply of fruit requiring three or four fruit
steamers to carry it to market ; and the product rapidly increasing. This
section promises to be one vast orchard before many years, as to supply
almost the State with some kinds of fruit. A Benicia manufactory ought
to be able from its position to meet at least a large share of the box con-
sumption required in this immense business.

A sketch of the newspapers that have been published in Benicia has been
given elsewhere. At the present time there exists The New Era — which
was first printed on December 22, 1877, edited and published by F. A.
Leach, manager of the Vallejo Chronicle Publishing Co. On January 12,
1878, Mr. E. A. McDonell was admitted a partner in the concern, and on
May 22, 1879, owing to ill-health Mr. Leach withdrew from the firm dis-
posing of his interest to Mr. McDonell, his partner. The Era has a circula-
tion of about seven hundred, while most of the " old timers " who now reside
in other parts of the United States are on the subscription list. We wish,
prosperity to the pleasant sheet and its pleasant and kind editor and proprietor

184 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

VALLEJO.

To General Mariana Guadalupe Vallejo belongs the honor of selecting the
spot on which the city which bears his name now stands. The Suscol
ranch had been granted to him by the Mexican Government, and in it was
comprised what is now Vallejo city. As far back as 1837, then what may
be considered the dark ages of the Pacific coast, the district had no resident
save the aboriginal Indians, the herds of undomesticated cattle and horses,
the beasts of prey, and the fowls of the air. Wild oats grew in every valley
and on every hill-top. Trees of any size were few and far between. The
rivers and bays teemed with fishes. ; while game, both large and small, of
every kind found shelter in the nooks and crevices of the canons. In that
year, or, perhaps, the following, the General undertook a pilgrimage to
these fair leagues of his from Sonoma — a town which he had already laid
out by direction of the Commander-in-Chief — accompanied by his youthful
bride ; both were full of promise, high in spirits and exultant in aspirations;
the journey Was an arduous one for the fair Senora, but made as comfort-
able as circumstances would permit, as might be expected for the wife of
a heroic soldier. Seated in her chair-saddle (the precursor of those of a
later date), she passed through mile upon mile and acre after acre of her
husband's possessions, looking with satisfaction upon a territory worthy, in
her eyes, of so great a hero. Her retinue were silent with wonder at what
they saw, and conversed in whispers ; while the proud owner of so fair a
domain, with head erect and eagle eye, pointed out the more prominent
land-marks. Coming in view of a hill, which he named the Balcony, about
six miles north of the present city, they rode to its summit and called a halt
to enjoy the ravishing prospect, and here the General, after the manner of
De Foe's hero, inferred :

" I am monarch of all I survey,

My right, there is none to dispute ;
From the centre all round to the sea,
I'm lord of the fowl and the brute."

Resuming their voyage of discovery they arrived on the site where the
Capitol was afterwards built, and ascended the knoll ; from this vantage
ground could be viewed the undulating wastes promising a rare fertility,
the sloping hills, the level shore, the Carquinez straits and the bay with its
many inlets and well protected harbor, and from this height, almost in the

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 185

spirit of prophecy he declared that here should he found a city, a city
which would not only hand down his name to posterity with honor, but
make a name for itself in the annals of the world — he not only foreshadowed
the line o f railway which now stretches its giant arms across this vast
American continent, but he also told of how ships of every flag would
peacefully ride upon the placid bosom of her bays, and how every nation
under the blue canopy of heaven should join in the busy whirl of business
and this future city of his become the vast emporium of trade on the Pacific
Coast, and the half-way house of commerce between Europe and Asia. To
this the lady listened with bated breath and answered that she feared he
was too visionary and far ahead of the times ; he may have replied thus, if
not in so many words, assuredly he did so in spirit — mark my words ! what
I have to-day spoken shall come true. I feel a spirit within which tells me
that this Hacienda of mine shall be the neuclus of a vast State, of which I
shall be Governor. It shall be bounded on one side by the Isthmus of
Panama, the northern sea shall only check its limits on the other hand,
while the Rocky mountains, high though they be, shall only encourage me
to surmount them, so that my Province may be widened ! ! ! 'Twas from
this spot that the Senora Vallejo cast longing eyes upon the fertile slopes
of Mare Island, at the time expressing an implied wish that it was hers,
when her magnanimous liege spoke forth " it is yours," and thereafter it
was looked upon and known as her own private property.

For twelve years after the above described journey General Vallejo ruled
his miniature kingdom of some 90,000 acres. The Aborigines were a happy
and pastoral race, knowing no guile and living in a state of nature, they
had quietly acknowledged the superior influence of the mighty mind and
paternal government of their white chief, who had never hurt their feelings
or ridiculed their prejudices. The Christian religion was expounded to
them by missionaries capable of undertaking so high a labor while with
filial obedience they looked to the General as their protector. He built an
adobe house on the Suscol fresh water creek, about eleven miles from the
sea, where he established Solano, the chief of the Suisun tribe, and former
lords of the soil, and after his death, one of his eleven wives found shelter
for years under the roof of this large hearted man. The following interest-
ing, remarks are taken from the Vallejo directory of 1870. " The toilet of
the women was more pretentious (than that of the males), consisting only
of a scanty apron of fancy skins or feathers, extending to the knees. Those
of them who were unmarried wore also a bracelet around the ankle or arm
near the shoulder. This ornament was generally made of bone or fancy
wood. Polygamy was a recognized institution. Chiefs generally possessed
eleven wives, sub-chiefs nine, and ordinary warriors two or more according
to their wealth or property. But Indian-like they would fight among
themselves long before the Spaniards came, and bloody fights they often

186 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

were. Their weapons were bows and arrows, clubs and spears, with which
they were very adroit. They had also a kind of helmet make of skins. In
times of peace they kept up the martial spirit by sham fights or tourna-
ments. Their women participated in their battles not as actual belligerents
but as a sanitary brigade ; they followed their wairiors and supplied them
with provisions and attended them when wounded, carrying their pappooses
on their backs at the same time. These Indians believed in a future exis-
tence and an all powerful Great Spirit. But they likewise believed in a
Cucusuy.. or Mischief-maker, who took delight in their annoyance, and to
him and his agent they attributed all their sickness and other misfortunes."

It may not be out of place to relate the following legend : When the
Spaniards were crossing the mountain called Bolgones, where an Indian
spirit was supposed to dwell, having a cave for his haunt, he was disturbed
by the approach of the soldiers, and, emerging from the gloom, arrayed in
all his feathers and war paint, with very little else by way of costume,
motioned to them to depart, threatening, by gesticulation, to weave a spell
around them ; but the sturdy warriors were not to be thus easily awed.
They beckoned him to approach ; this invitation, however, the wizard
declined, when one of the men secured him with his lasso to see if he were
" goblin damn'd " or ordinary mortal. Even now he would not speak, 'but
continued his mumblings, when an extra tug caused him to shout and pray
to be released. On the relation of this, the Indians pointed to Bolgones,
calling it the mountain of the Cucusuy, which the Spaniards translated into
Monte Diablo. Hence the name of the mountain, which is the meridian of
scientific exploration in California.

The first authentic record of a carriage to be found is that in which Gen-
eral Vallejo's family traveled from Sonoma to Benicia in the year 1848.
The undertaking was a difficult one enough. The country was innocent of
roads or bridges, so that when a creek was gained the horses were unyoked
and forded over, while the vehicle was lifted bodily and carried to the
opposite side. This may be called the first streak of daylight in the hith-
erto darkness of locomotion on this part of the coast. About this period
would-be settlers first made their appearance, and, after viewing the country,
returned to whence they came. In the following year, with the discovery
of gold, people from every quarter of the habitable globe flocked to Cali-
fornia, which was admitted into the United States of America. The
position of this hitherto unpopulated spot was brought prominently forth.
Government Surveyors commenced operations, and towards its latter end
the settlement of the city may be said to have commenced. No accurate
data can be procured of what transpired in the first settlement of the city,
or who were the very first families to locate here ; but this is beyond dispute,
that in the spring of 1850, the name of Vallejo was given to the city out of
compliment to that gentleman, who had worked so indefatigably in its behalf,

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 187

with what result will be hereafter shown. It had been decided that the Capi-
tal should be removed from San Jose hither — a decision which was carried
by an almost unanimous vote of the people — therefore the State House was
finished toward the end of that year, and, to celebrate the event, the follow-
ing card of invitation was issued for a grand re-union in the State building.
There being few of these now extant, while, from the eminence since gained
by many of the managers, this historical card — historical alike to California
as a State and Vallejo as a city — has been deemed worthy of being repro-
duced in its entirety :

" A grand Christmas ball will be given at Vallejo, on the evening of the
25th instant, in the Senate and Assembly Chambers of the new State
Capitol, on which occasion the Hon. Isaac E. Holmes will address the
ladies and gentlemen at 7\ o'clock.

M , the pleasure of your company is respectfully

requested."

MANAGERS.

Hon. Isaac E. Holmes ; Gen. P. A. Morse ; Hon. T. Butler King ; Hon. L.
M. Boggs ; Hon. William Smith ; Hon. Martin Cook ; Hon. Robert Hop-
kins ; Hon. Daniel Fisk ; Hon. E. Heydenfelt ; Hon. B. F. Keene ; Hon.
Geo. Walton ; Hon. James Walsh ; Hon. Wm. H. Lyons ; Hon. J. C. Fre-
mont ; Hon. P. W. Keyser ; Hon. Jas. Hudspeth ; Hon. James Law ; Hon.
G. D. Hall; Hon. A. J.' Cost; Hon. N. Smith; Hon. Jas. F. Graham; Hon.
Jas. F. Burt ; Hon. J. B. Weller ; Hon. T. J. Henley ; Gen. M. G. Vallejo ;
Gen. D. F. Douglass ; Gen. John E. Addison, Gen. A. M. Winn ; Gen. S. M.
Miles ; Gen. D. P. Baldwin ; Gen. Richardson ; Gen. Thomas J. Green ; Gen.
A. McDowell ; Gen. G. F. Rains ; Majors P. B. Reading ; S. Cooper ; George
Wyatt ; Loring, U. S. A. ; E. H. Fitzgerald ; N. Davis, U. S. A. ; Wm. Mc-
Daniel ; Robt. Allen ; F. A. Sawyer ; Colonel J. Hooker, U. S. A. ; Gens. J.
M. Estell, and S. A. Booker ; Captains Folsom, U. S. A. ; John A. Sutter ; H.
Riddell ; J. B. Frisbie ; Steel, U. S. A. ; Doct. Dyerlie, U. S. A. ; Lieut. G.
Page,U. S. A. ; Captains J. Watkins, P. M. S.Co. ; Randall, P. M. S. Co. ; Totten,
P. M. S. Co.; Walsh, P. M. S. Co. ; Cols. John C. Hays ; William Smith ; H.
Clay Mudd ; J. B. Starr ; Captains C. Hyatt ; George Yount ; Sam Graham ;
Wm. McMickle ; E. Barry ; J. W. Hulbert ; S. Smith ; Thomas Hunt : Col.
R. Rust ; Harvey Sparks, Esq. ; H. Lee, Esq. ; Hon. J. C. Winston ; F. C.
Ewer, Esq. ; Judge M. Lewis; L. P. Walker, Esq.; M. T. McLeland, Esq. ;
Judge Stark ; Judge Kilbourn ; M. Combs, Esq. ; Wm. Baldridge, Esq. ;
George M. Cornwell, Esq. ; J. D. Bristol, Esq. ; J. S. Cripps, Esq. ; J. O.
Farrell, Esq. ; E. L. Stetson, Esq.; F. Vassault, Esq.; J. E. Lawrence, Esq.;
L. B. Mizner, Esq. ; T. J. Harnes, Esq. ; S. Barnum, Esq. ; James Cooper,
Esq. ; L. Q. Wilbur, Esq. ; E. F. Willison, Esq. ; John Nugent, Esq. ;
Samuel Martin, Esq. ; Col. John R. Boyd ; Dr. Robert Semple ; Dr. Morse ;

188 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

B. F. Osborne, Esq. ; Capt. F. Marryatt ; Capt. W. A. Howard, U. S. R. S. ;
George N. Shaw, Esq. ; Dr. P. C. Pope ; Cols. J. C. Johnson ; A. M. Latham ;

C. K. Fish; Stewart Perry; Dr. Pickering; Dr. Nicholas Parr; Hon. P.
Tompkins ; Major John Caperton ; Col. J. Long ; E. C. Kemble, Esq. ; F.
Argenti. Esq.; Charles P. Strode, Esq.; Richard Maupin; Dr. Levi
Frisbie ; S. C. Massett, Esq.; Major Burney ; Dr. Archibald Tennant;
Richard Barry, Esq. ; J. L. L. F. Warren, Esq. ; T. K. Batelle, Esq. ; Col.
Gregory Yale ; E. G. Austin, Esq. ; F. R. Loomis, Esq. ; W. F. Kelsey, Esq. ;

E. M. Hayes, Esq. ; L. D. Slamm, TJ.'S. N. ; Capts., U. S. N. : Aug. Case ; J.
Alden ; S. R. Knox ; G. W. Hammersly; Lieuts., TJ. S. N. : T. H. Stevens ; L.
Maynard ; T. B. King, Jr., Esq. ; Wm. H. Davis, Esq. ; Hon. S. E. Wood-
worth ; R. H. Taylor, Esq. ; Capts. A. Bartol, Douglass Ottinger, TJ. S. R. S. ;
Col. Geo. McDougal ; Capts. W. D. M. Howard, C. G. ; N. H. Wise ; Henry

F. Joseph, Esq. ; J. H. Redington, Esq. ; Dr. Hitchcock, U. S. A. ; Hon. H.
Fitzsimmons ; James Hubbard, Esq. ; Theodore Payne, Esq. ; Wm. H. Tal-
mage, Esq. ; Dr. H. M. Gray ; Hon. P. A. Morse ; Charles L. Case, Esq., and
Joseph C. Palmer, Esq. On the reverse side of the card the names of the
committees were printed, as under :

Red Rose.

COMMITTEE OF ARRANGEMENTS.

Captain John Frisbie; Major Robert Allen; Gen. T. J.Green; Capt.

Edward Barry; Major Wyatt; C. H. Veeder, Esq.; F. Argenti, Esq.; H.

Clay Mudd, Esq.

Blue Rose.

COMMITTEE OF RECEPTION.

Hon. Isaac E. Holmes ; Hon. John B. Weller ; T. Butler King ; Capt. J.

Alden, U. S. N. ; Col. J. Hooker, U. S. A. ; Hon. B. F. Keene ; Major F. A.

Sawyer; Capt. G. W. Hammersley, U. S. N. ; Col. E. J. C. Kewen; Hon.

Tod Robinson.

White Rose.

BALL-ROOM COMMITTEE.

For Senate Chamber — Gen. S. M. Miles ; Gen. J. E. Addison ; Col. Hervey
Sparks ; Levi D. Slamm, U. S. N. For Assembly Room — Dr. Dierly, TJ. S.
N. ; Capt. F. Marryatt ; Dr. L. Frisbie, and E. L. Stetson, Esq.

Thus by a ball of the most magnificent proportions was Vallejo inaugur-
ated as the seat of Government.

Let us now consider the establishment of the State offices, the erection of
the Capitol, its removal, its return, and then its final exit from Vallejo.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 189

In the year 1850 General Vallejo, who had previously been elected to the
Convention called to frame a State Constitution, became convinced that the
capital of California should be established at a place which he desired to
name Eureka, but which his colleagues, out of compliment to himself, sug-
gested should be called Vallejo. To this end the General addressed a mem-
orial to the Senate, wherein he graphically pointed out the advantages pos-
sessed by the proposed site over other places which claimed the honor,
dated April the 3d, 1850. In this remarkable document, remarkable alike
for its generosity of purpose as for its marvelous foresight, he proposed to
grant twenty acres to the State, free of cost, for a State Capitol and grounds,
and one hundred and thirty-six acres more for other State buildings, to be
apportioned in the following manner :

Ten acres for the Governor's house and grounds.

Fives acres for the offices of Treasurer, Comptroller, Secretary of State,
Surveyor-General, and Attorney-General, should the Commissioners
determine that their offices should not be in the Capitol building.

One acre to State Library and Translator's office, should it be deter-
mined to separate them from the State House building.

Twenty acres for an Orphan Asylum.

Ten acres for a Male Charity Hospital.

Ten acres for a Female Charity Hospital.

Four acres for an Asylum for the Blind.

Four acres for a Deaf and Dumb Asylum.

Twenty acres for a Lunatic Asylum.

Eight acres for four Common Schools.

Twenty acres for a State University.

Four acres for a State Botanical Garden ; and

Twenty acres for a State Penitentiary.

But with a munificence casting this already long list of grants into the
shade, he further proposed to donate and pay over to the State, within two
years after the acceptance of these propositions, the gigantic sum of three
hundred and seventy thousand dollars, to be apportioned as under :

For the building of a State Capitol $125,000

For furnishing the same 10,000

For building of the Governor's house 10,000

For the furnishing the same 5,000

For a State Library and Translator's office 5,000

For a State Library 5,000

For the building of the offices of the Secretary of
State, Comptroller, Attorney-General, Surveyor-
General, and Treasurer, should the Commissioners

190 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

deem it proper to separate them from the State

House 20,000

For the building of an Orphan Asylum 20,000

For the building of a Female Charity Hospital 20,000

For the building of a Male Charity Hospital 20,000

For the building of an Asylum for the Blind 20,000

For the building of a Deaf and Dumb Asylum 20,000

For the building of a State University 20,000

For University Library 5,000

For scientific apparatus therefor 5,000

For chemical laboratory therefor 3,000

For a mineral cabinet therefor 3,000

For the building of four Common School edifices... . 10,000

For purchasing books for same 1,000

For the building of a Lunatic Asylum 20,000

For a State Penitentiary 20,000

For a State Botanical Collection 3,000

In his memorial, the General states with much lucidness his reasons for
claiming the proud position for the spot suggested as the proper site for the
State Capitol. Remark the singleness of purpose with which he bases
these claims : " Your memorialist, with this simple proposition " (namely,
that in the event of the Government declining to accept his terms it should
be put to the popular vote at the general election held in November of that
year), " might stop here, did he not believe that his duty as a citizen of
California required him to say thus much in addition — that he believes the
location indicated is the most suitable for a permanent seat of government
for the great State of California, for the following reasons : That it is the
true centre of the State, the true centre of commerce, the true centre of
population, and the true centre of travel ; that, while the Bay of San Fran-
cisco is acknowledged to be the first on the earth, in point of extent and
navigable capacities, already, throughout the length and breadth of the
wide world, it is acknowledged to be the very centre between Asiatic and
European commerce. The largest ship that sails upon the broad sea can,
within three hours, anchor at the wharves of the place which your memo-
rialist proposes as your permanent seat of government. From this point,
by steam navigation, there is a greater aggregate of mineral wealth, within
eight hours steaming, than exists in the Union besides ; from this point the
great north and south rivers — San Joaquin and Sacramento — cut the State
longitudinally through the centre, fringing the immense gold deposits on
the one hand, and untold mercury and other mineral resources on the other;
from this point steam navigation extends along the Pacific coast south to
San Diego and north to the Oregon line, affording the quickest possible

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 1<>]

facilites for our sea-coast population to reach the State Capital in the fewest
number of hours. This age, as it has been truly remarked, has merged
distance into time. In the operations of commerce and the intercourse of
mankind, to measure miles by the rod, is a piece of vandalism of a by-gone
age ; and that point which can be approached from all parts of the State,
in the fewest number of hours and at the cheapest cost, is the truest centre.

" The location which your memorialist proposes as the permanent Seat of
Government is certainly that point.

" Your memorialist most respectfully submits to your honorable body,
whether there is not a ground of even still higher nationality ; it is this :
that at present, throughout the wide extent of our sister Atlantic States,
but one sentiment seems to possess the entire people, and that is, to build,
in the shortest possible time, a railroad from the Mississippi to the Bay of
San Francisco, where its western terminus may meet a three weeks'
steamer from China. Indeed, such is the overwhelming public sentiment
of the American people upon this subject, there is but little doubt to ap-
prehend of its early completion. Shall it be said, then, while the world
is coveting our possession of what all acknowledge to be the half-way house
of the earth's commerce — the great Bay of San Francisco — that the people
of the rich possession are so unmindful of its value as not to ornament her
magnificent shores with a Capital worthy of a great State?

" To enumerate more especially the local advantages of this position your
memorialist will further add, that it is within two hours' steaming of San
Francisco, and six hours from Sacramento and Stockton cities, and between
these points much the largest travel in the State daily occurs. From this
point three days' steaming will reach either Oregon on the north, or San
Diego on the south ; besides, the above named location is unsurpassed for
abundance of lime and other building materials, with large agricultural ad-
vantages in the immediate neighborhood."

Upon receipt of General Vallejo's memorial by the Senate, a committee
composed of members who possessed a thorough knowledge of the country
comprised in the above mentioned document, both geographical and topo-
graphical, were directed to report for the information of the President, upon
the advantages claimed for the location of the Capital at the spot suggested,
in preference to others. The Report, in which the following words occur,
was presented to the Senate on April 2, 1850. " Your Committee cannot
dwell with too much warmth upon the magnificent propositions contained
in the memorial of General Vallejo. They breathe throughout the spirit of
an enlarged mind and a sincere public benefactor, for which he deserves the
thanks of his countrymen and the admiration of the world. Such a prop-
osition looks more like the legacy of a mighty Emperor to his people than
the free donation of a private planter to a great State, yet poor in public
finance, but soon to be among the first of the earth."

192 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

The Report, which was presented by D. C. Broderick, goes on to point
out the necessities which should govern the choice of site of California's
Capital, recapitulates the advantages pointed out in the memorial, and fin-
ally recommends the acceptance of General Vallejo's offer. This acceptance
did not pass the Senate without some opposition and considerable delay.
However, on Tuesday, February 4, 1851 ; a message was received from the
Governor, Peter H. Burnett, by Mr. Ohr, Private Secretary, informing the
Senate that he did, this day, sign an Act originating in the Senate, entitled
''An Act to provide for the permanent location of the Seat of Government."
In the meantime General Vallejo's bond had been accepted, his solvency
was approved by a Committee appointed by the Senate, the Report of the
Commissioners appointed to mark and lay out the tracts of land proposed to
be donated by General Vallejo was adopted, and on May 1, 1851, the last
session was held at San Jose, but the archives were not moved to the new
seat of government then, which was a source of dissatisfaction among the
members. The Legislature first met at Vallejo on January 5, 1852, bring-
ing with it the concomitant influx of settlers, the Capitol being erected on
a piece of ground situated on what now is called York and Main, and
facing Sacramento street. It was a two-storied building, in the upper one
of which sat the Senate, the lower one the Assembly, while in the base-
ment was a saloon and ten-pin alley, which rejoiced in the nick-name of the
Third House. The office of the Secretary of State stood on Main street,
above Sacramento, but it was afterwards removed to Georgia street, when
the original building was converted into a drug-store by Doctor James
Frost. This erection was some years subsequently destroyed by fire. The
offices were built of hewn planks from the Sandwich Islands.

Vallejo was now in reality the Capital of the Golden State. The gen-
erosity of General Vallejo had been appreciated ; houses commenced to
spring up on every side, but there was wanting that vortex of dissipation
which would appear to be necessary in the seat of every Central Govern-
ment. With these Sacramento abounded, from her close proximity to the
mines. The Assembly, therefore, with a unanimity bordering on the mar-
velous, passed a bill to remove the session to that city, ball tickets and
theatre tickets being tendered to the members in reckless profusion. The
bill was transferred to the Senate, and bitterly fought by the Hons. Paul
K. Hubbs and Phil A. Roach. The removal was rejected by one vote.
This was on a Saturday. The people were greatly rejoiced at the prospect
of retaining the prestige conferred by the presence of the Legislature ; but
never was the proverb of we know not what the morrow may bring forth,
more fully brought to bear upon any consideration. Senator Anderson
found an extra sized louse on his pillow. On Monday morning he moved
a reconsideration of the bill. The alarm was sounded on every hand, and
at 2 P. M. on January 12, 1852, the Government and Legislature was find-

C&J&tffaic',

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 193

ing its way to Sacramento by way of the Carquinez Straits. Retribution
for Vallejo was at hand, however. On the 7th of March, 1852, a devast-
ating flood overwhelmed Sacramento, and where the Senators had before
feared contamination, they now feared drowning. The Legislature ad-
journed at Sacramento May 4, 1852, the next session to be held at Vallejo.
On January 3, 1853, the peripatetic Government met again at Vallejo,
whither the offices of State and a portion of the archives had been removed
in May. Once more the spirit of jealousy was rampant ; Sacramento could
not with any grace ask for its removal back thither ; but she, working with
Benicia, the Capital was once more on wheels and literally carted off to
the latter town for the remaining portion of the session, when a bill was
passed to fix the Capital of the State at Sacramento, and thereafter
clinched by large appropriations for building the present magnificent
Capitol in that town. The last sitting of the Legislature at Vallejo was
held on February 4, when it was resolved to meet at Benicia on the eleventh
of the month, the vote being concurred in as follows : Ayes — Messrs.
Baird, Denver, Estill, Hager, Hubbs, Hudspeth, Keene, Lind, Lott, Lyons,
McKibben, Roach, Smith, Snyder, Sprague, Wade, Wombough — 17.
Nays — Crabb, Cofforth, Foster, Gruwell, Ralston, Walkup — 6.

As has been remarked above, there is no reliable information in regard
to the exact date of the founding of a settlement, but with the advent of
the Legislature, affairs took a forward movement. In 1850 Captain Frank
Marryatt, the author of that most interesting work entitled " Mountains
and Molehills," who was a son of the famous nautical novelist, imported
some corrugated iron houses from Liverpool, in England, which he erected,
and at once found tenants for them. In the Fall of this year Mrs. Burns
built the first boarding-house, erecting it on the spot where it now stands,
on Georgia street, directly opposite the Post-office, while there were run up
about the same time the Virginia Hotel by Veeder, Social Hall by
Capt. Stewart, and Central Hotel by Major Wyatt.

The few buildings then comprised in the town were situated between
Pennsylvania street on the south, Georgia on the north, Sonoma on the
east, and the Bay on the west. The country is described as beautiful in
the extreme ; the rising grounds on every side were green with wild oats,
interspersed with flowers of the richest hue, resembling one vast sea when
stirred by the freshening breeze. To the right and left, on the hills and
in the hollows, the most luxuriant vegetation abounded, growing shoulder
high with a man on horseback, while here and there the path of rushing
cattle could be traced as they were driven away from a too close proximity
to the settlement. This, however, is certain, that in June, 1851, the
Vallejo House, then kept by Capt. Stewart, was in full blast, while it is be-
lieved that this gentleman was the first to build a house on the site of the
present city. During the following year it has been shown that the seat of

194 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

government was at Vallejo, and but few of those who followed its varied
fortunes found an abiding place there. The only information, therefore,
which has been procured having any semblance of authenticity is from the
month of December, 1852. Prior to this a family of the name of Swift
were located, but they left with the removal of the Government in 1853,
leaving behind Mr. and Mrs. Beegor, Major Wyatt and his wife, Mr. Os-
borne and wife, Mrs. Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Mann, Robert Brownlee and his
wife, Thomas Brownlee, his wife and son Alexander J., now City Clerk, who
was the first white child in the city, and a few unmarried men. These
were not what might be termed halcyon days. Affairs were in a most
primitive state. There was but one span of mules and a wagon, who
acknowledged one Lemuel Hazelton as the proud possessor ; he also kept
some goats, which in the exigencies of the culinary art became mutton
when served at table. The Legislature had left after its short-lived session
of eight days, the places of business had followed it, leaving Vallejo a
deserted village without a store. In the meantime a two-horse stage had
been established by "William Bryant between Benicia and Vallejo, by which
means the residents were wont to procure their domestic commodities,
while a small sloop made monthly trips to San Francisco, when other
necessaries were purchased. Moving about on horseback was, however, the
principal and most favorite mode of locomotion, for Macadam had not yet
cast his influence on the ways of the district. If there were no stores, how-
ever, the small community was well provided in the matter of stimulants, for
there were no less than three places where whisky was sold. At this time
the government of the city was vested in a Justice of the Peace and one
Constable, who held office by vote, and were elected to serve one term.
The former office was inaugurated in 1851-2, and filled by Major Hook,
while Aleck Forbes held the latter. In September, 1852, the first batch of
artisans arrived to commence the Dry Dock on Mare Island. This subject,
however, will be treated in the history of that place.

In December, 1852, there were in all about a dozen houses, including the
empty State offices. The Central hotel — the building is still standing, on
the corner of Main and Marin streets — was kept by Major Wyatt, while the
Vallejo House had passed into the hands of Major Burney, who had left
Mariposa county, and settled here. A portion of the frame- work and cor-
rugated iron roof of the former was among those imported by Frank Mar-
ryatt.

With the return of the Legislature a slight impetus was given to the pros-
perity of Vallejo, which only lasted as long as the Government remained.
Then was established the first dry-goods store, opened by Wetmore, and the
first grocers, kept by Dan Williams. With the departure of the Senate and
Assembly, people at once took themselves off to Benicia, many of the houses
being bodily removed to that place, leaving behind only two families — the

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 195

Brownlees — and some happy bachelors. Times were so dull, socially, that
the workmen would come across from the dock then building, to chat
by the hour with the only two ladies of which Vallejo could boast ; while
on their pa**t the many kindly offices granted were sure of receiving the
highest appreciation. In April, 1853, the first social event was received
with delight. The birth of Miss Delia Curtis was hailed with a heartiness
of wishes for the welfare of babe and parents only to be found among those
inured to hardships. This event was quickly followed by another source of
rejoicing in the first marriage, that of Mrs. Perkins to Henry Vanvalken-
berg.

On July 4, 1853, we find the first celebration of Independence Day, in
Vallejo, by a dinner at the Vallejo House, and bonfire. At the former there
sat down two ladies and eight gentlemen, Mrs. Robert and Thomas Brow-
lee, Captain Stewart, Squire Hook, Edward H. Rowe (elder), West Rowe,
Lemuel Hazleton, B. F. Osborne, with Robert and Thomas Brownlee. At
an early hour Captain Stewart had donned his full uniform and called on
all to celebrate the day with becoming ceremony. A few tar barrels had
been procured from the dry-dock and dragged up to the top of what is now
called Capitol hill ; a pile of brushwood was heaped up to an immense
height, and " lashings of whisky " had not been forgotten. At dark the
hill was ablaze, making the surrounding country as light as day. Success
to the Union was drank amidst much enthusiasm ; the glass and merry
song went round ; speeches were the order of the day, or rather night,
while intense loyalty gave place to noisy enthusiasm, to be replaced by
morbid toast making, until one by one the heroes who had braved so many
dangers sank to rest on the bosom of mother earth in a slumber which the
mighty Bourbon had invoked. In the fall of 1853 there arrived in Vallejo
Colonel Leslie, who was the first representative of the majesty of the law
who established himself in the city. It is reported that on one occasion,
shortly after his arrival, a Mr. Reid was out hunting, and, firing his gun,
the charge by mistake shattered the colonel's window and lodged in the
wall of the room wherein he lay in bed. In towering wrath he arose,
dressed, and remembering that he had somewhere been made a Justice of
the Peace, he effected the arrest of the culprit with his own hands, and in
turn formed himself into prosecuting attorney, jury, witness, and judge;
mulcted Reid in the sum of ten dollars ; but to what authority the fine
went was never divulged. This is the first record of judicial proceedings in
Vallejo. In October, 1853, we have intimation of the first birth of a boy in
the person of Robert Brownlee, junior, while death had commenced his havoc
by calling away one Joe Sparrow, a native of Virginia, where he left a
family. The medical pioneer of the city was Doctor Frisbie, who estab-
lished himself in 1851 ; but there was also a Doctor Davis, who practiced
shortly after ; while the first store where medicine was sold was opened by

196 THE HISTOKY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

Daniel Dodd. It will thus be seen that the little city was fast assuming
something like shape ; the different trades had been established. Ben Os-
borne had sometime before commenced working at his business of a carpen-
ter, while Thomas Browlee had opened a forge, where, like Vulcan of old, he
wielded his ponderous hammer. It is true that sugar and tea were hard to
obtain, and then at an exorbitant figure. Cabbages were sold at 30 cents per
head ; pork at 30 cents per pound ; eggs at 5 dollars per dozen ; milk at 50
cents a gallon ; and Major Burney, it is said, paid at Napa, whither he had
gone on a visit, as high as 16 dollars for a rooster and hen ; while for a
brace of cats he gave the same price, getting for their progeny a sum of 4
dollars each ; but if these prices prevailed fuel was cheap, for the shores of
the bay and straits were covered with drift-wood, which had come down
the Sacramento and other streams, and was to be had in any quantity
simply for the collecting. In this year Robert Brownlee purchased Major
Burney's farm, about two miles north of the city, near where the cemetery
of the Odd-Fellows and other associations is now inclosed, which in 1857 he
exchanged with land lying in another part of the county to General John
B. Frisbie. Cows at this time cost from 125 dollars each, and horses were
correspondingly high. The district swarmed with wild geese, which com-
mitted great depredations, as they do to-day, on the sown ground. Still,
notwithstanding their number, the price one fetched on being sold was 25
cents.

In 1853 General Vallejo disposed of a league of land, including the town
site, to Sam Purdy, Lieutenant-Governor of the State, James Wadsworth,
Martin E. Cooke, and General Denver, for the sum of thirty thousand dol-
lars. They in turn sold out a portion into lots for fifteen thousand dollars ;
but owing to the great revulsion in business which had set in and the con-
sequent failures of certain banks, the whole amount was never paid to the
original owner. General Frisbie, therefore, to smooth matters, returned
the fifteen thousand dollars, and agreed to accept a conveyance of the pro-
perty, which was done.

In the year 1854 the value of property rose considerably, owing to the
United States Government have taken possession of Mare Island, with the
intention of establishing a Navy Yard upon it. This of course gave a great
impetus to immigration ; land had to be taken in and surveyed (the different
dates of which will be given hereafter), and houses built for the accommo-
dation of the hundreds of workmen and their followers, who would find
employment in the yard. Affairs assumed a rosier hue ; for with this influx
of labor the circulation of money would be increased, while a life of pros-
perity might be looked for. It was a happy choice which sent Captain
David G. Farragut to assume command of the yard, in 1854. This year was
one of plenty for Vallejo.

On the last day of the year a heavy gale visited the city ; throughout

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 197

the night it blew with terrific violence ; the vessels in the harbor which had
arrived with dock stores dragged at their anchors, while the iron roof of
the Union hotel, on what is now Georgia street, close to the wharf, was
rolled up and driven to a distance of a block and a half, such Was the force
of the wind.

In 1855 we have mention of the first minister in the Reverend William
Willmott who was in charge of a circuit of the Methodist Body, and organ-
ized a church at Vallejo. Mrs. Farragut, the Misses Turner and others had
however formed a Sunday school which would appear to be the basis on
which Mr. Wilmott founded his congregation. In this year prosperity
would appear to have still attended Vallejo ; the tide of immigration which
had set in the previous year remained unimpeded ; a daily steamer looked
into the harbor on its way from San Francisco to Napa, while a postmaster
was appointed in the person of Eleazer Frisbie and mail matter could be
looked for with greater regularity, although in the prepostal days Whitmore
conducted the distribution of letters with commendable punctuality.
Colonel Leslie held the office of postmaster during the years when the legis-
lature sat in the city. On Thursday, November 22, 1855, the inaugural
number of the " Vallejo Bulletin " made its appearance as the first represen-
tative of the fourth estate in the city. It was published every Thursday
evening by A. J. Cox and E. B. Eaton, the latter being the editor, and con-
tains matter of varied interest, the first item being The Psalm of Life, by
Longfellow, the opening stanza of which would appear to be a grim satire
on the short-lived career of this periodical.

" Tell me not in mournful numbers
Life is but an empty dream ;
For the soul is dead that slumbers,
And things are not what they seem."

The Bulletin numbered exactly four pages of a size slightly larger than
legal foolscap. It consisted of six columns of original matter and reports
with three of advertisements, while the last page was occupied by clippings
from the most prominent exchanges of the old and new world. One article
is reproduced. Improvements in Town. — A fine substantial wharf is just
completed at the foot of Main street, which, we are informed, is built in a
manner that reflects great credit upon the contractors, Messrs. Morrison &
Bates. The wharf is about 250 feet in length and 25 feet in width with a
" T " 30x60 feet, capable of affording ample accommodations to the largest
class steamer. At low water there are about seven feet. It would not sur-
prise us to see, in a few months, this old and once principal street of the
town lined on either side with handsome buildings, as it is certainly a very
desirable locality for private residences. The United States Hotel, a large

198 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTT.

and popular house, is near the wharf, and not far off is Capt. James War-
ner's elegant brick residence, the first of the kind erected in the
town. The public are mainly indebted for this valuable improvement
to Capt. Chas. J. Stewart, W. R. Woods, J. B. Frisbie and the Messrs.
Bromleys (Brownlees ?). From the advertisements we cull, that Daniel
Dodd kept a variety store on Georgia street next door to Doctor
Collins' office, where he offered fruits Protestant and Catholic prayer
books, powder, bibles, nuts and game bags. Frisbie & Rowe and
Wyatt & Co. had livery stables on York street. Here we find
the card of Pendleton Colston, District Attorney, Solano county,
office, adobe, lately occupied by Register of Land office, Benicia, while we
find the U. S. Mail between Vallejo and Benicia left the former place at 7
A. M. and 4 P. M. daily, and that the steamer " Guadaloupe," Captain Good-
rich, plyed from San Francisco to Vallejo and Napa via. Mare Island and
Suscol three times a week. The " Vallejo Bulletin " lived six weeks.

From the year 1855 matters can be said to have proceeded well for Val-
lejo ; the opening of the Mare Island Navy Yard was a source from which
much benefit was derived. In subsequent years the growth of the city was
healthy, and a better class of buildings, public as well as private, were
erected, and Vallejo promised to occupy the place on the coast which was
always predicted for it. In 1859 and '60, however, the incendiaries' hand
was at work, and many houses, which were the land-marks of by-gone days,
were destroyed, among them the State House. Progress, was, happily, the
watchword, however, and the former unpretentious edifices made way for
others of a more noble character, until there are some blocks in the city
which will bear favorable comparison with those in any other part of the
country. In 1857, Colonel Stockton, of San Francisco, made his appear-
ance, and formed a joint-stock company for establishing a telegraph line
between Vallej j and Benicia ; preliminaries being satisfactorily settled, the
line was in working order in the fall of the same year. In the spring of
1859 it was extended to Napa, and has ever since proved an inestimable
boon to the district. W. W. Chapman was the first operator ; but Chaiies
H. Hubbs, of Vallejo, was the first who actually manipulated the wires on
the new line.

For ten years the prospects of the city were steadily improving; many
houses of a more substantial character had given place to the earlier wooden
erections, until, in 1867, the " Vallejo Recorder " informs us : " There is not
a vacant cottage in town ; buildings are engaged two or three months before
the lease expires. There were five applications for one residence this week.
Lots 50x13 feet cost $200. Lumber is worth from $25 to $30 per thousand."
A sure sign of the prosperity of the times was evidenced by the establishment
of many Associations calculated to bring good to the public generally, his-
tories of which will be found further on ; and in that year the California

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 199

Pacific Railroad, from Vallejo to Sacramento, traversing the counties of
Solano and Sutter, was commenced. At this interesting epoch, Vallejo had
a population of some 3,000 ; but owing to the impetus given to labor of all
kinds, it doubled its numbers in two years after, the expectation being that
it would become a great entrepot for trade ; therefore, arrangements were
made for a large shipping business.

Prior to the year 1866, as has been remarked above, the peace, order
and good government of Vallejo had been invested in a Justice of the
Peace and a Constable ; on the 23rd of July of that year, however, a meet-
ing was held and duly organized, by the election of William C. Greaves,
President ; Eben Hilton, Treasurer ; William Aspenall, Secretary, with
Amos M. Currier, and S. G. Hilborn, as Town Attorneys, when ordinances
were passed, regulating the health and cleanliness of the town, and other-
wise providing for its government. In the following February an Act was
passed by the Legislature, incorporating the city within the limits ; " begin-
ning at the north-east corner of the present town of Vallejo, as recorded by
plan drawn in 1856, and running east 3,000 feet ; thence running south to
the water of the bay of Vallejo, or Napa river ; thence running up the
channel of said bay, or river, to a point west of the place of beginning ;
thence running east to place of beginning." The first Board meeting after
the incorporation of the city, was held on April 1, 1868, when the following
officers were elected: Trustees — A. Powell, President ; George W. Lee, H.
W. Snow ; Marshall, J. L. Likens ; Treasurer, J. E. Abbott ; Assessor, J. W.
Batchellor ; Receiver, C. W. Riley ; R. D. Hopkins ; Health Officer, Dr. L.
C. Frisbie ; Surveyor, E. H. Rowe. This year, though one wherein Vallejo
reached the proud distinction of having a charter of her own, it was one
not unattended by disaster. On the morning of February 18th, the Alpha
Block, one of the best and most substantial structures in the city, situated
on the south-east corner of Georgia and Santa Clara streets, and owned by
E. H. Sawyer, was destroyed by fire. The buildings stood on what was,
until this catastrophe, the business portion of the town, and consisted of
elegant brick buildings, and their destruction, at a loss of over $40,000, was
a sad blow to the interests of the city for a time. But yet another misfor-
tune visited Vallejo this year, namely, the shock of earthquake, which
nearly laid San Francisco level with the ground, on the 21st of October,
1868. Vallejo, however, escaped any great damage ; though one chimney
was laid low, many yards of plastering displaced, and such articles as
clocks, mirrors, and lamps broken. On Wednesday, the 24th of June, rail-
road communication between Vallejo and Fairfield, and Suisun, was inaugu-
rated by an excursion, wherein the Masonic Lodges took part, and it is also
to this year that the incorporation of a water company must be credited,
In looking back upon the year 1868, it must be put down as one of great
excitement to Vallejo, for General Vallejo's prophecy of this city of his be-

200 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

coming a great emporium for trade, was on the brink of realization ; eight-
een months before the town was comparatively small, and its trade and
intercourse with the outside world almost nil ; then the California Pacific
Railroad existed only on paper, and its ultimate construction was among
the probabilities only. True, the bare probability of such a road being
built, drew thousands to the spot, who had never seen the place before, and
for years had not even heard of it, save when mentioned in connection with
the Navy Yard. As the certainty of the construction of the road began to
be realized, Vallejo began to awake from a Rip Van Winkle sleep of fifteen
years, and to show signs of real life. Hotels, stores, shops and dwellings be-
gan to arise in every direction, and the old resumed an appearance of returning
youth. But the railroad had not yet been built, and it was soon found that
the little business awakened had been prematurely aroused, and began to
relapse into its former somnambulistic state. As the last spring opened,
however, the iron horse started from the water front and began to make its
way eastward, returning with well laden cars freighted with grain of the
rich and abundant harvests of Solano and Yolo ; while ships of foreign
flags bore it away to other climes ; and travelers from beyond the snow
mountains and from every part of the State, took part in the whirl of busi-
ness, and the future of Vallejo was thought to be secure beyond a perad-
venture. Alas ! that this success should have been so short-lived ! ! !

On the 13th day of November, 1868, the second Board of Trustees was
organized under Philip Mager, President, Henry Connolly, and Edward
McGettigan, Trustees ; Lyman Leslie, City Recorder ; George Edgar, City
Marshal ; J. E. Abbott, City Treasurer ; Elisha Whiting, City Assessor ;
Paul K. Hubbs, Clerk ; A. H. Gunning, City Surveyor, and L. C. Frisbie,
Health Officer.

For the next few years affairs progressed right merrily. The propriety
of erecting street railroads was early mooted, for which a franchise was
granted in February. A steamer was put on the line to San Francisco,
plying twice a day, in connection with the cars ; while a grain elevator was
being built. This edifice afterwards fell in 1872, from the want of proper
foundations. Vallejo boasted five schools, which were said to be filled with
scholars ; a large flour mill had been started, and the city fathers looked
after the interests invested in them.

On the morning of the 7th of November, 1871, Vallejo was again visited
by a destructive five which desolated one of the principal blocks in the city.
The fire broke out under the saloon of John O'Sullivan, on Virginia street,
and, from information gained at the time, there is but little doubt that it
was caused by the blackened hand of the incendiary. The damage was
estimated at considerably over $50,000.

Let us now draw this sketch of Vallejo to a close. Her interests
prospered through the successive regimes of Trustees and other officers.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 201

Appointments had been made whereby the public coffers were filled and
trade was brisk ; so much so, indeed, that the possibility of a decline never
presented itself to the minds of the people. With General John B. Frisbie
as a moving spirit, this conception of prosperity was almost reasonable; but
there came a day when his helping hand was of no avail, and the years of
plenty, in a great measure enhanced by the presence of the dock yard, gave
way to a season of decline, which commenced in 1874, when trade dimin-
ished to a lamentable extent, continuing its downward course until 1878,
when it, in a measure, again revived, and left its lessened population once
more on the increase, with a distant propect of some day recovering the
ground already lost.

The officers of succeeding Boards were as under :

1869— Trustees, A. Powell, President, S. G. Hillborn, Eben Hilton, A. P.
Voorhees, and E. T. Starr; City Recorder, Charles C. Hall; Marshal, Joseph
L. Likins ; Treasurer, J. E. Abbott ; Assessor, J. W. Batchellor ; Clerk, C.

A. Kidder. In this year a term of service of two years was first inaugura-
ted. The fourth Board was organized on September 16, 1871, with John

B. Frisbie as President, having for his colleagues A. Powell, S. G. Hillborn,
A. P. Voorhees, and E. H. Sawyer ; Treasurer, J. E. Abbott ; Assessor, J. W.
Batchellor ; Marshal, J. J. Watkinson ; Recorder, T. H. % Lawlor ; Clerk,
Judson Haycock ; Surveyor, E. H. Rowe. During the tenure of office of
this Board an Act was passed whereby the corporation were empowered to
borrow $50,000 as a fund to protect the city from fire, the principal to be
paid off in twenty years, and bearing interest at the rate of eight per cent
per annum. This Act was passed on January 11, 1872. The original
intention was to appropriate this fund for the building of a reservoir on
Bolsa hill, an elevation to the north of the town, but the project was aban-
doned on the formation of a water company. SI 5,000 of it was used on
digging and planking the Fifth street cut, between North and South Vallejo;
$8,000 were expended on the construction of the City Hall ; while a consid-
erable sum was spent on the City Park, which to-day only shows a result
in a few pickets and eucalyptus trees. Other expenses of a desultory nature
were incurred, swallowing the entire original sum, and, though the interest
is met with becoming punctuality, the principal debt remains unpaid. South
Vallejo had in the meantime claimed an interest in the governing affairs of the
city; therefore, on May 12, 1872, Messrs. J. B. Robinson and Luke Doe were
first elected from that portion of the town. On the 6th of March, 1873, John
M. Gregory, Jr., was elected City Clerk and Attorney, and on December 24,
1873, J. E. Abbott was elected City Clerk and Attorney vice Gregory,
resigned, and J. R. English as City Treasurer vice Abbott, resigned. The
election of the 26th of March, 1 874, resulted in the following selection :
Trustees, W. Aspinall, President, C. B. Denio, E. H. Sawyer, D. W. Harrier,
Henry Connolly, and J. E. Williston ; Treasurer, J. R. English ; Assessor,

202 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

William Tormey ; Marshall, S. J. Wright, and City Clerk, J. E. Abbott. In
the year 1876 a new era had commenced in the municipal election, for a
system of elections by wards had been inaugurated, with the accompanying
result : First Ward — William Aspenall, Ed. McGittigan, H. K. Snow ;
Second Ward— E. J. Wilson, President, P. R. Walsh, Charles Weideman ;
Third Ward— John P. Dare ; Treasurer, J. R. English ; Assessor, George
Rounds ; Marshal, Charles Derby ; H. H. Snow, City Clerk. The election
of March 26, 1878, and the second by wards, resulted ; First Ward — D. J.
Reese, J. A. Mclnnes, J. H. Green ; Second Ward — E. J. Wilson, President,
S. C. Farnham, W. C. Greaves ; Third Ward — F. Deininger ; Marshal, W.
McDonald ; Treasurer, J. R. English ; Assessor, W. A. Brace ; City Clerk, A.
J. Brownlie. The Board meets on the first Tuesday of each month.

On the 13th of May, 1878, the Board of Health was organized, and their
first meeting held on June 6th, when the following officers were elected :
President, James Frost, M.D. ; Secretary, A. J. Brownlie ; with a Board
composed of James Topley, F. Deininger, and John Callender. Meetings
held on the last Thursday of each month.

In reference to the different surveys of the city, the first was made in the
year 1850 by Surveyor- General Whiting, Edward Rowe, Mason Fay, and
Doctor L. C. Frisbie, attended by three or four vaqueros to drive away the
wild cattle while the lines were being run. Only that portion of the pres-
ent city lying south of Georgia street was laid out as then surveyed. It
contained about 160 acres of land. In 1856 another survey (already alluded
to) was made, embracing a league of land ; while a third was made when
the town took its rapid start in 1867 or '68.

The site of the city of Vallejo is undoubtedly picturesque ; the undulating
hills which forty years ago General Vallejo had looked upon with becoming
pride, have now been occupied by hundreds of beautiful homes, nearly all
of which are snugly ensconced in their own gardens, surrounded by flowers
of the richest hue and rarest perfume, while for miles around, the hills which
promised so rare a fertility, are now sprouting with a crop, finer than which
no other country can produce. To the right and to the left, as far as the
eye can reach, we gaze upon nought but the progress of civilization and the
richest vegetation. Standing on Capitol hill the placid bay lies at our feet,
its surface without a ripple, and glancing from its peaceful bosom the many
shadows reflected from the shore. The busy Navy Yard breaks what
would otherwise be the monotonous water view ; on its other side we have
the San Pablo bay, while here and there a white shimmering sail proclaims
the passage of some sailing craft, and a cloud of smoke defines the locality
of the fast traveling steamboat, and again, as it were the background of the
picture, Marin county shows its well marked outline. The Coast range of
hills are followed in their uneven line, and grand old Mount Tamalpais
stands like a stolid sentry over its lesser brethren. Below is marked the

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 203

busy landing-place, whither flock passengers bound to all points of the com-
pass ; the shrill shriek of the locomotive is heard above the other sounds, as
it is brought back by many an answering echo. Now we hear the more
hollow whistle of the steamer, as she arrives or departs with her freight of
human beings. Again comes the toll of the time bell giving the hour to
the weary workman in the Yard; while the scene is filled in with vessels of
great tonnage riding cosily at anchor at the piers, awaiting cargoes of
precious wheat to be taken across the seas. To the north the fertile Napa
valley stretches away for miles, presenting a landscape of the most ravish-
ing order, backed as it is by mountains of very fantastic shape, while in
the foreground we have that glorious monument erected by the Sons of
Temperance for all orphans whose parents have been called upon to
cross the dark river. A noble thought, nobly executed! Pity 'tis that the
cares of rude business should blot so fair scene ! !

It may not be uninteresting here to produce among the curiosities of
literature connected with Vallejo, the specimens of ways in which it can be
spelt. It is one of the axioms of English grammar that there is no rule for
the spelling and pronunciation of proper names, a rule which would appear
to have been carried out with remarkable unanimity by the correspond-
ents of residents in the city. The list was collected in six months from the
Vallejo Post-office, and is without doubt a most curious specimen of
orthography. They number about one hundred, and are as follows : Val-
laho, Valahoe, Valaho, Valao, Vallajo, Vallajoe, Vallajo, Valajoa, Vala Jae,
Valaja, Vallago, Valago, Vallaiho, Valeejo, Valeajo, Valeijo, Valoege, Valegoa,
Valegio, Valego, Valejo, Vallejo Valle Jo, Vallejoe, Vallejio, Vallejaio,
Valler, Vallejeo, Vallegeo, Valleo, Vallejho, Vallerio, Vallesso, Valeyo, Val-
leyo, Valleyoe, Valleyio, Valley Joe, Valleygo, Valleya, Valeyegoy, Vaeygo,
Valgeo, Valgo, Valiego, Valigo,Valliejo, Vallijo, Valligo,Valigeo, Valliju, Valljo,
Vallo, Valgho, Vally Joe, Valley Jog, Valyo, Vallyo, Vealejo, Veleajho,
Velajo, Velaow, Vellajo, Velegio, Veleijo, Velego, Velegoe, Veleo, Vellejo,
Vellego, Velleijo, Velighlow, Velijo, Velioe, Veljaho, Vel Ja, Vialojo, Villeiu,
Villigj, Villejo, Villgo, Vallejalahoe, Ballejo, Bellejo, Billejo, Salliegro, Levejo,
Falesso, Ralejo, Wallajo, Wallego, Wallejo, Walleja, Walleio, Welayego,
Yallejo, Yalleyjo, Valley Joow and Valahough.

Churches — Schools — Associations — Industries — etc. — of Vallejo.

Methodist Episcopal Church. — The appended historical sketch of the
Methodist Episcopal Church of the City of Vallejo has been supplied by
the Rev. E. I. Jones, the present Pastor — About the middle of 1855, Rev.
William Willmott was appointed in charge of a circuit which included
the towns of Benicia and Vallejo. During that year and a part of the

204 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

one following, he preached at Vallejo and partially organized a Methodist
church. Before his advent, Mrs. Commodore Farragut, the Misses Turner
and others had conducted a Sunday school, which seems to have been the
nucleus around which Mr. Willmott gathered his congregation.

In January, 1856, Gen. John B. Frisbie donated and deeded the present
church site to David G. Farragut, David Turner, Simeon Jenkins, Charles
H. Oliver and James H. Green " in trust for the use of the Methodist
Episcopal Church in the town of Vallejo, etc." Upon this lot, and largely
through the exertions of Farragut, was built a small, rough structure which
served for a time the double purpose of chapel and school-house. Mr.
Willmott went to the Atlantic in the summer of 1856 and his pulpit was
supplied by Rev. Geo. B. Taylor.

Rev. C. V. Anthony who became pastor in September, 1856, perfected
the organization. Written by him and preserved among the church records
is a quaint narrative from which the following extract is taken. " The church
was built of planks placed endwise and battened with narrow strips.
Only the casings and cornice were planed ; the other parts were rough and
washed with yellow ochre and lime. The pulpit was a high, old-fashioned
concern, with a trap door under the preachers feet, where the sexton who
was generally preacher also, kept the sperm oil and other things for light-
ing the church. In former times this room under the pulpit had served
another purpose. The pastor who built the church put a cot down there
and, when he retired, simply lifted the trap-door and went to bed, leaving
the door up. During my first year, we succeeded in paying the old debt of
four hundred dollars. More comfortable seats were provided, the church
was painted and a fence put around it. Aforetime, it had been a convenient
place for cattle to shade themselves, and on Sundays we were often dis-
turbed by their contentions and sometimes shaken by their scratchings
against the corners of the church."

At the close of this pastorate the church had fourteen members. This
number does not, however, indicate the actual size or strength of the con-
gregation, which included among its most zealous workers the adherents of
other churches which then had no organizations in the town. In Mr.
Anthony's narative, David Turner and Mrs. Farragut, Episcopalians, and
Nehemiah Smith, Presbyterian, are mentioned as having been notably
active and helpful. Dr. Woodbridge, Presbyterian, held services in the
church every Sunday afternoon but had no organization.

The following named pastors succeeded, their terms beginning in Septem-
ber of the years specified : James Hunter, 1858 ; Kilpatrick, 1859 ; W. B.
May, 1860 ; J. W. Hines, 1861 ; B. F. Myers, 1863; P. L. Haynes, 1865.

During the pastorate of the last named, the membership nearly doubled
and the church was greatly improved by the addition of a vestibule and
bell tower.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 205

Rev. Galen A. Pierce became pastor in September, 1867, and had a
notably acceptable term of two years, at the close of which there were fifty-
five members and a property valued at $4,600.

Rev. Charles E. Rich followed in August, 1869. The city was more pop-
ulous and prosperous during his term than before or since. The congrega-
tion so increased that the church was lengthened fifteen feet, a vestry-room
was added, and the whole edifice so improved as to be substantially, a new
one. A debt was, however, incurred which greatly embarrassed the church
for about seven years. In August, 1870, there were ninety-five members
and property valued at $7,000, including the present parsonage, then but
recently acquired.

Rev. A. K. Crawford was pastor for one year from September, 1872, re-
porting fifty-five members at the close of his term.

Rev. W. S. Urmy followed in 1873 and remained three years, at the end
of the second of which he reports the membership at one hundred and
$2,600 as having been expended upon the church property, mostly in partial
payment of the debt heretofore mentioned. At the close of his term the
membership had decreased to seventy-one and nearly one-half of these
were nominal or non-resident.

Rev. Ed. I. Jones, the present pastor — 1879 — became such in September,
1876, at which time removals had so deciminated the membership and
business depressions so discouraged those remaining, that this pastorate
opened unhopefully, especially, in view of the fact that there was still an
indebtedness of about $1,500. On Sunday eve, December 8, 1878, the
church was almost totally destroyed by fire, originating, it is supposed in
a defective flue. The proceeds of an insurance policy for $1,500 were
applied upon the indebtedness. The society now numbers about fifty, owns
the fine church site, upon which is a vestry-room and a parsonage. Geo.
W. Smith, James H. Green, Samuel Kitto, John Q. Adams and Frank L.
Carlton are the trustees.

Throughout its twenty-five years of existence this church has been
peculiarly impeded by the floating character of the population and by suc-
cessive drafts upon its original resources consequent upon the organization
of four other Protestant churches in the town. Its officers not vanquished
by move than ordinary obstacles, are hopefully planning for the future.

First Presbyterian Church. — Previous to the arrival of the present pastor,
Revd. N. B. Klink, in Vallejo, the Reverend S. Woodbridge, D. D. of Beni-
cia, had preached to a congregation in this city for several years on the
afternoon of every sabbath. At the time there was no Presbyterian church ;
service was therefore held in the Methodist Episcopalian building. On as-
certaining that it was Mr. Klink's intention to reside permanently in Vallejo
Dr. Woodbridge resigned the duties to him ; and the Methodists, being now
without a minister, invited him to supply them, and granted the use of their

206 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

house of worship until September, 1863. The First Presbyterian Church
was organized in the month of November, 1862, while they were still wor-
shipping in the Methodist Church. According to public notice, the congre-
gation met in the Methodist Episcopalian Church, November 22, 1862, for
the purpose, if the way be clear, of organizing a Presbyterian Church. The
meeting was called to order, and opened with prayer. The Reverend N. B.
Klink was chosen chairman of the meeting, and Henry Blackman, secretary.
The following named persons being present with letters of dismission from
other Presbyterian Churches, and voluntarily wishing to be associated to-
gether for Divine and Godly living, were, on motion, formed into a Presby-
terian Church of the " old school," within the bounds of Benicia Presbytery
and Synod of the Pacific : Mrs. Helen Williamson ; Carrie E. Frisbie ;
Susan Callender ; Elizabeth Chapman ; Isabella Rule ; Eliza Roloff ; Phebe
A. Frisbie ; Sylvia M. Burns ; J. Wright ; J. Tessroe, with Messrs. Stephen
Klink and E. H. M. Bailey. There being none present who were willing to
accept the office of " Ruling Elder," the church was only provisionally or-
ganized.

The Confession of Faith of the Presbyterian Church in the United States
of America, and also the Form of Government and the Directions for Wor-
ship, were adopted as their standards of Faith and Order ; and A. Powell,
Daniel Williamson, James Topley, E. H. M. Bailey, and Stephen Klink,
were elected a Board of Trustees, and were also chosen as a building com-
mittee, when immediate steps were taken for the erection of a house of wor-
ship on two lots on the northwest corner of Marin and Carolina streets,
which were the gift of General John B. Frisbie.

During the summer of 1863 the building of the church was proceeded
with ; and on the first Sunday in September in that year the opening ser-
mon was preached by the Reverend A. Fairbairn; yet, though incomplete,
worship was maintained in it for full two years, when, on November 5,
1865, it was solemnly dedicated to the worship of Almighty God by the
Reverend Doctor Woodbridge. The edifice, along with the bell, cost $8,500.

In April, 1866, Messrs. E. H. M. Bailey and L. G. Oliver were elected
Ruling Elders ; and on May 8th, they having been ordained, were duly in-
stalled as officers of the church, on which ceremony its organization became
complete. The present session consists of Samuel Duncan, C. B. Towle,
and Robert B. Barr, with whom is associated the acting pastor. The whole
number of members received from the organization is 185 ; the number now
in membership being 77, while the Sabbath School, under the superinten-
dency of Elder Robert B. Barr, numbers about 100.

The Church of the Ascension — Protestant Episcopal. — For many years
prior to 1867, service, according to the form of the Protestant Episcopal
Church, had been held in Vallejo; but it was not until the 21st of July, of that

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 207

year, that any steps had been taken to form a permanent association of the
kind. On that Sunday the services were conducted by the Bishop of the Dio-
cese, the Right Reverend Wilbraham Kip, and the Reverends Messrs. Tread-
way and Perry, during which, intimation was given that a meeting of the
association would be held at the office of the Honorable Paul K. Hubbs, on the
Monday following. The meeting was duly convened, and an association in-
corporated under the laws of the State, and the Diocese of California, under
the name as given above, the following gentlemen subscribing to the Decla-
ration and Articles of Association : Paul K. Hubbs, T. H. Gardner, R. D.
Hopkins, W. H. Lamb, Paul Shirley, Jas. Price, L. C. Fowler, Win. Taylor,
Jr., Casper Schenck, Thomas A. Thornton, Ed. A. Willats, Jas. A. Green, A.
T. Hawley, W. C. Root, Geo. Loomis, Wm. A. Parker, J. W. Haskin, and W.
H. Stanley. The subjoined vestrymen were, thereupon, elected : Messrs.
Paul K. Hubbs, Wm. H. Lamb, L. C. Fowler, J. H. K. Barbour, Wm. A.
Parker, J. W. Browne, W. C. Root, Wm. Taylor, Jr., J. W. Haskin, Philip
Hickburn, and R. D. Hopkins, with Messrs. Fowler and Hubbs, as Senior
and Junior Wardens, and Messrs. Hopkins and Lamb, Secretary and Treas-
urer respectively. After the election of these officers the Rev. A. C. Tread-
way was unanimously chosen the first Rector of the Church of the Ascen-
sion, at Vallejo. In the course of time laws and by-laws, for the governing
of the executive body, were framed and brought into effect. On the 29th of
July, a building committee was appointed, with power to solicit subscriptions
in aid of the erection of a church. General John B. Frisbie generously pre-
sented them with two lots whereon to erect the sacred edifice ; plans and
specifications were gratuitously prepared by Mr. Gunning, architect, of Mare
Island ; and a Fair was held by the ladies of the congregation and their
friends, to still further augment the funds. The foundation stone was laid
on the 4th of May, 1868.

On the 8th of April, 1868, Mr. Tread way, in a letter of -great feeling,
tendered his resignation, which was duly accepted, in fitting terms, in meet-
ing assembled, when it was resolved to invite the Rev. Dr. Breck to take
charge of the parish, in connection with the Associate Mission, which he had
established in Benicia. In the meantime, Mr. Treadway had returned to New
York ; but such was the estimation in which he was held, that it was unani-
mously resolved on the 15th of July, to invite him to return to his former
charge, which he signified his willingness to do ; and on the 10th of December
he once more presided at a vestry meeting of the parish. During this period
the building of the church progressed satisfactorily. On the evening of the
9th of March, 1870, the introduction of gas into the building was com-
pleted ; and on Sunday, the 13th, the edifice was duly consecrated by the
Bishop of California, before an overflowing congregation. On the 5th of
August, 1871, Mr. Treadway once more tendered his resignation, the accept-
ance of which was declined, on the plea " that the interests of the church

208 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

would not prosper so well under the ministry of any other person," when
the Rector signified his willingness that the question of his retirement re-
main in statu quo ; he, however, again opened the question on the 7th of
February, 1872, stating his intention of returning home to the East in
April or May following.

Still, the vestry were unwilling to part with their pastor, who, they sug-
gested, should be tendered a leave of absence ; but at last he prevailed, and
his resignation was accepted, to take effect on the 31st of December, 1872.
His farewell sermon is described as being a deep utterance of pastoral love,
which was both appropriate and impressive. A successor was found in the
Rev. Adam A. McAllister, who was nominated to the vacant Rectorship on
the 13th of November, 1872. On the 21st of December, the vestry lost, by
death, one of its most active members, in Paymaster Mead, IT. S. N., when
condolotary resolutions were directed to be forwarded to his family ; the
meeting, however, whose painful duty it was to pass the foregoing, had a
more pleasant one in thanking the " ladies of the Episcopal Benevolent
Association of Vallejo, for having realized the means, and by their generosity,
devoted them to the liquidation of the debts of the Church of the Ascension
from embarrassment, and enabling the church, unfettered by pecuniary
obligations, to renew and enlarge its work." On the 5th of January, 1874,
Mr. McAllister now resigned, when the pulpit was offered to and accepted
by the Rev. E. L. Greene, who, on account of family affliction, sent in his
resignation on the 18th of February, 1875 ; it was accepted ; and on the
25th of the same month, the Rev. W. H. Moore was offered the parish. At
a meeting of the vestry, held on the 16th of June, 1875, it was resolved to
move the church back 25 feet, which was subsequently carried out, and the
ground graded, a fence built, shrubbery planted, and the premises
otherwise adorned. The funds of the parish were in somewise aided by a
bequest from the late Senior Warden, Paul K. Hubbs, who had died on the
17th of November previously. In the death of this gentleman, the church
and parish lost one of its staunchest supports ; it was mainly to his good
offices that the " Church of the Ascension " was organized ; and the esteem
in which he was held is touchingly alluded to in the resolution directing
realization of the bequest. On the 6th of April, 1876, death had again en-
tered in ; once more there was a vacancy among the wardens ; this time, in
the person of Mr. W. C. Root, the first person confirmed in the parish. He
was elected a vestryman at the time of the organization of the parish, and
had been one of its officers in successive years.

At a meeting held on the 18th of April, the Reverend W. A. Moore an-
nounced his wish to resign, which took effect on the 15th of May. Mr.
McAllister once more temporarily occupied the pulpit until the appointment
of a successor, who was found in Dr. Chapman, who in his turn left the
parish for his home in Sacramento in August, and was succeeded by the

pi4srfsisl£>

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 209

Reverend George B. Allen, on the 23d October, 1876. He now resigned on
the 22 November, and again was the Church of the Ascension without an
officiating clergyman of its own. The parish was then offered to the Rev-
erend R. T. Kline, whose acceptance was made known on the 2d of January,
1877. This clergyman remained with his congregation the better part of
eleven months, when he handed in a letter of retirement on the 21 of
November of the same year. Mr. McAllister again occupied the pulpit
from Sunday to Sunday, until on December 23, 1877, it was resolved to
call the Reverend David F. MacDonald, D. D. from Arkansas. This gentle-
man is the present incumbent.

Dr. MacDonald was, as far back as 1856, the first missionary of the Pro-
testant Episcopal Church in this county. He was located by the Bishop of
the Diocese at Benicia, where he labored amongst all classes with much
zeal. He had often conducted services in the parish where he is now rector
in a small building used as a Methodist church, and it was a graceful re-
membrance of former efforts which suggested, after the lapse of so many
years, the tendering of the pulpit to him. Long may he live to fill it.

The Church of the Ascension is situated on Georgia street, between Napa
and Sutter, and stands on an elevated knoll which commands a fine view of
the harbor and surrounding country, and has a seating capacity of two hun-
dred and fifty. A magnificent bell has been presented to it by Henry Sanger,
Esq. Sunday services are held at 11 A. M., and Sunday-school at 2.30 P. M.
There has been no evening service during the present winter. The members
number eighty. The superintendent of the Sunday-school is Wilberforce
Dudley ; the vestrymen — Professor W. F. Roe, Wilberforce Dudley, Thomas
Thornton, J. W. Breed, A. S. Carman, S. R. English, John Harris, O. W.
Vanderlip, C. H. Hubbs, R. B. Loyall, and J. C. Edgecumbe ; the senior and
junior wardens, and secretary and treasurer being respectively Messrs.
Hubbs, Roe, Breed, and Thornton.

First Regular Baptist Church. — This church was organized on November
21, 1869, a meeting being convened by public notice calling on all those
interested in establishing a regular Baptist church in Vallejo, to meet at
Red Men's Hall. The Reverend W. W. Hickie was chosen moderator, and
Eben Hilton, clerk. Each of the brethren and sisters herein named pre-
sented themselves, and were accepted by each other in unanimous vote of
fellowship for the purpose of organizing a gospel church, and being fellow
members of the same : W. W. Hickie, Eben Hilton, Esther Hilton, Stephen
Hathaway, Eleazer Frisbie, H. H. Dwyer, J. C. Voorhees, Anna Case, San-
ford Baker, G. W. Morgan and wife.

On motion of Mr. Frisbie, the Articles of Faith and Church Covenant, as
given in the Baptist Manual, published by the American Baptist Publication
Society, Philadelphia, was read, and by unanimous vote, as follows : pastor,
14

210 THE HISTOKY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

Rev. W. W. Hickie; deacons, H. H. Dwyer and Eleazer Frisbie ; treasurer,
Eben Hilton ; clerk, Sanf ord Baker, was adopted. The Rev. W. W. Hickie
continued his labors with the church until June 1st, following, when he
abandoned the profession, and public worship was discontinued until Dec-
ember 2, 1870, when the church called the Rev. J. H. Ruby as a successor,
and then commenced to hold worship in Farragut Hall ; and on June 13,
1871, an unanimous call was extended to Mr. Ruby to become its pastor.
He accepted, and continued in that capacity until September 1st, when he
resigned. On November 17, 1871, the church called the Rev. E. B. Hatch
to its pastorate.

On January 7, 1872, the American Baptist Home Mission Society hav-
ing granted material aid towards the building of a suitable house for public
worship, a committee was appointed with power to solicit subscriptions for
building the same. In November following they reported having received
subscriptions enough to warrant the commencement of a proper building,
and that General J. B. Frisbie had donated a lot and executed a deed for
the purpose ; but the piece of ground not being in a desirable locality, it
was thought best to purchase a plot on Capitol, between Marin and Sonoma
streets. A committee to superintend the structure was chosen, and the
work begun. On March 1, 1873, the church and lot, which had cost over
$4,000, was dedicated to the service of God.

The Rev. E. B. Hatch continued to be its pastor until February 1, 1876,
when, tendering his resignation, it was accepted. On that date the Rev. R.
F. Parshall was appointed to the pastorate, and, entering upon his duties on
March 26th, he continued to perform them until December 13, 1876, when he
resigned.

The church was without a pastor and public worship until April 1, 1877,
when the Rev. T. A. Gill, Chaplain U. S. N., was ordered to the Navy Yard.
On his arrival a committee was appointed to wait upon him, with the
request that he preach on Sunday mornings, with which petition he cheer-
fully complied and entered upon the duties for an indefinite period. Mr.
Gill and his wife labored with the church until May 28, 1878, when he was
detached from the Yard, thus leaving the church once more without a
pastor. At this juncture Rev. Frank B. Rose, U. S. N., Chaplain on board
U. S. S. " Pensacola," volunteered his services and continued them until
October 13, when he, too, left the district. On October 27, 1878, the Rev.
E. H. Gray, D.D., was called from Washington, D. C, and he now directs
the religious welfare of the First Regular Baptist Church.

The present membership of the church is sixty-nine, the officers being as
follows: Pastor, Rev. E. H. Gray, D.D.; Deacons, H. H. Dwyer, Eleazer
Frisbie, and P. E. Jeffries ; Treasurer, H. H. Dwyer ; Clerk, W. B. Vankirk ;
Trustees, H. H. Dwyer, Eleazer Frisbie, P. E. Jeffries, A. McKannan, and
W. B. Vankirk.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 211

The Sunday School connected with the church was organized February
1, 1870, Henry Hall, Superintendent. In June, 1871, J. C. Voorhees was
elected in that capacity, and filled it till January 1, 1879, when Mrs. Veeder
was appointed and now holds the position.

The Advent Christian Church of Vallejo. — The Advent doctrine was first
introduced into Vallejo by Elder D. D. Reid, of Santa Clara county, in the
fall of 1870. The first sermon was preached in the Methodist church. The
first series of meetings were held by Elder Miles Grant, of Boston, Mass., in
the Presbyterian church, the pastor most warmly encouraging and supporting
the good work. No attempt was at this time made to organize a church, as
it was supposed the converts would be well nourished and fed by the pastor
of the Presbyterian Church, who had been so blessed in the revival. But
very soon after Elder Grant's departure he began to oppose the doctrines
which had done so much good, and it became evident that the believers
must organize a church of their own. This was done on June 13, 1871, in
the building known as George's Place, a building bought in New York and
shipped around the Horn to San Francisco, set up and used in that city
and then taken down and removed to Vallejo. It had been used for the
vilest purposes of those early times, and it was indeed a novelty to hear
within its walls the voice of prayer, of praise, and of truth. The building
had been thoroughly cleansed and refitted for its new work.

The charter members were Job Washburn, Samuel Jamison, A. J. Young.
David West, George Redden, Mrs. George Redden, Mrs. Statira Snow, Mrs,
Ella P. Pettis, Mrs. Hannah P. Moore, and Mrs. A. J. Young. Many others
were in sympathy with the organization, but did not unite till afterward.
The officers consisted simply of a deacon and a clerk, Job K. Washburn and
A. J. Young, respectively, holding the positions. This church was organized
under Elder D. D. Reid. The first pastor was Elder 0. R. Fassett, from Min-
nesota, who had charge of the church for two years, preaching one-half the
time; while Mrs. Fassett preached the other half. They resided in San
Francisco. During this pastorate the chapel was built on Capitol Hill, on a
lot donated by General J. B. Frisbie. (Lot 14, in block 306). It was a
plain, unpretending structure 32x52, and cost about one thousand dollars.
The house was dedicated on Sunday, March 24, 1872, Elders Fassett and
Reid officiating. Experience soon proved the location of the chapel too
inaccessible to the people, especially in the rainy season, and it was decided
to move it. In April, 1874. it was moved to Georgia street and located on
lot No. 6, block 284, owned by Mr. Tripp and leased to the church for this
purpose, where it still stands. One hundred and fifty persons in all, from
time to time, have become members, but removals into other places have
reduced the membership to fifty, which has been the average number since
the first year of its history. Elder H. F. Carpenter became pastor of the

212 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

church on July 1, 1875, preaching his first sermon on July 4, and remains
its pastor at the present time, February 21, 1879. During every year of
his ministry he has done work of the most satisfying character and made
many converts. The church has maintained three prayer meetings every
week, characterized by warmth of devotion ; while the Sunday congregations
have usually been very good. The chapel has been neatly refitted within,
and, while the exterior is not particularly inviting, the inferior is very
pleasing and commodious.

A Sunday-School was organized December 10, 1871, which numbers at
present between forty and fifty members. Its interest and numbers are
now increasing. Its present Superintendent is George W. Morton. The
Church, in spite of the severest financial depression, has been always enabled
to meet its obligations without resorting to fairs, festivals, lotteries, grab-
bags and other unwarrantable methods, and is to-day out of debt. The
present officers are: Samuel Jamison, Job K. Washburn, Elders ; William
H. Pennell, John Thompson, Deacons ; John Pettis, Treasurer ; and Andrew
J. Young, Clerk.

Secret Societies, Associations, Etc. — Vallejo is second to no other city
in the State of California in the condition of its Lodges, save, perhaps,
with the single exception of San Francisco. The Masonic Order, as well
as that of the Odd Fellows, is in a most flourishing condition, while the
benefits which they confer is dispensed with a due regard to the lessons in-
culcated by the several Orders.

Naval Chapter, No. 35, R. A. M.~ The above Chapter was organized
under dispensation on May 20, 1868, and granted a charter on October 20th,
of the same year, its chartered members being : Lyman Leslie, J. M. Brown,
B. J. Taylor, P. B. Miller, Dan. Harrington, Benjamin Benas, E. G. Moden,
T. J. Crowlie and Philip Hichborn, the officers being Lyman Leslie, High
Priest ; J. M. Brown, King ; B. J. Taylor, Scribe. Since its first institution
the number of members has considerably augmented, there being now no
fewer than ninety-four on the roll. The officers for the current year are :
H. P., M. Myers; K., F. D. Mead; S., E. J. McDaniel; C. of H., Jonathan
Bond ; P. S., James Eoney ; R A. C, E. K. Holmes ; M. of 3d V., A. B.
Bertoschky ; M. of 2d V., O. H. Butler ; M. of 1st V., J. H. Jordan ; Guard,
John Thompson. The Chapter meets on the second Wednesday of each
month.

Naval Lodge, No. 87, F. & A. M. — This is the oldest Lodge in Vallejo,
and was organized under dispensation on July 17, 1855. The first meeting
was held on August 4, 1855, when the following officers were appointed:
William Wilmot, W. M. ; Henry Hook, S. W. ; Joseph R. Bird, J. W. ;
Robert Brownlee, Treas. ; William Aspenall, Secy. ; L. W. Bean, S. D. ; Denis

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 213

Meagher, J. D.; John Lee, Tyler. On May 7, 1856, the Charter was
granted, the members being Abraham Powell, W. M. ; William Aspenall,
S. W. ; and Isaac Hobbs, J. W. The first meeting held under the new
charter was convened on May 28, 1856, with Deputy Grand Master William
S. Wells, presiding, when the following were elected to the various offices :
Joseph R. Bird, W. M.; Benjamin R. Mitchell, S..W. ; William Aspenall,
J. W. ; Robert Brownlee, Treasurer ; Alexander Guffy, Secretary ; L. W.
Bean, S. D. ; Denis, Meagher, J. D. ; and John Lee, Tyler. The present of-
ficers are : W. M. Christian Theodore B. Hallen ; S. W., George William
Simonton ; J. W., Martin J. Wright ; Treasurer, John E. Abbott ; Secretary,
George F. Mallett ; S. D., William Brownlie ; J. D., James H. Jordan ;
Stewards, Daniel W. Harrier and Rimmer Johann Rimmers Aden ; Marshal,
Andrew Jackson McPike ; Organist, Nathaniel G. Hilton; Tyler, Henry
Dexter; Trustees, John Brownlie, Martin J. Wright, George F. Mallett.
The number of members at present on the roll is one hundred and two.
The Naval Lodge meets on the third Tuesday of each month, at the .
Masonic Hall, N. W. corner of Virginia and Marin streets.

Solano Lodge, No. 229, F.& A. M. — Was organized under dispensation on
May 14, 1873, and received the charter on the 18th October, 1873, the
chartered members being: John Quincy Adams, P.M.; Ellis Edward Hartwell ;
Frank E. Brown; Orren H. Butler; William Carter; Frank W. Cushing;
John F. Denning; George C. Demmon; John K. Duncan; Joseph C. Edge-
cumbe; John Farnham; John Frey; William E. Frisby; Alden L. Hathe-
way; F. D. Higson; Adam A. McAllister; Edwin A. McDonald; Charles A.
Moore; Mattison Myers, P. M.; William H. Pettis; George P. Plaisted; Am-
brose J. Plummer; William F. Roe; John B. Robinson; David W. Rogers;
George E. Sides; Edward T. Starr; George Thompson; Joseph F. Wendell;
John T. Wells and John W. Winton. The officers under dispensation were:
F. W. Cushing, W. M.; J. T. Wells, S. W.; W. H. Pettis, J. W.; E. T. Starr,
Treasurer; A. L. Hatheway, Secretary; Rev. A. A. McAllister, Chaplain;
John Farnham, S. D.; George C. Demmon, J. D.; J. C. Edgecumbe, Marshal;
Frank E. Brown, organist; O. H. Butler, W. E. Frisby, Stewards; Henry
Stahl, Tyler, who continued to hold office until the next election. The
Solano Lodge is in a flourishing condition. There are seventy-four members
on the roll, who meet on the first Monday of each month. The present
officers are: R. W. M., O. H. Butler; S. W., James Roney; J. W., A. B. Ber-
toschky; Treasurer, A. J. Plummer; Secretary, G. C. Demmon; S. D., D. M.
McCool; J. D., J. W. Van Meeder; Marshal, John Harris; Stewards, J. W.
Winton, D. M. Hilliard; and Tyler, John Thompson.

Independent Order of Odd Felloivs, Golden State Lodge No. 216. — Was
organized in 1872, the chartered members being: John Hamill; V.W. Beck-
ford; I. M. Ruton; I. S. Halsey; F. J. Trapp; S. E. Wilson; S. N. Jamison;

214 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

A. Clark; C. H. Hubbs; Jos. Burton; C. H. Hodgkins; H. Bruce; M. M.
Moore; J. P. Fraser; J. Hobbs; George Woods; M. Handford, and S. E.
Wright. The first officers who served were: F. J. Trapp, N. G.; I. S. Halsey.
Y. G.; S. E. Wilson, R S.; C. H. Hubbs, P. S., and I. M. Ruton, Treasurer.
This lodge is in a most flourishing condition, there being 130 members on
its roll, the officers for the present year being: William Fraser, N. G.; John
McDonald, V. G.; George W. Martin, R S.; William Pressy, P. S., and E. M.
McDonald, Treasurer. Day of meeting, Wednesday of each week. Trus-
tees, I. S. Halsey, C. H. Hubbs, and B. Benas.

Knights of Pythias, Washington Lodge, No. 7. — Of all the charitable
organizations in the country, perhaps no other has labored under greater
disadvantages, and with more beneficial results, than the Knights of Pythias.
The first lodge was organized in Washington, D. C, February 19, 1864, in
the midst of civil strife, when society was in a disrupted state, and all secret
organizations considered political. Its importance and numbers have, how-
ever, steadily advanced, and now its condition is most flourishing.

Washington Lodge, of Vallejo, No. 7, was organized on September 17,
1869, and is the only one in the State which can claim the honor of being
organized by the Supreme Chancellor of the world.

The number of chartered members was eighty-eight, while the first offi-
cers who served were as under:

C. C, A. J. Perkins; V. C, C. M. Price; R S., A. C. Doan; F. S., R S.
Williams; B., G. A. Poor; G., E. A. Hersey; I. S., John Kennedy; 0. S.,
J. W. Williams.

The number of members on the roll for the present year is forty-two,
while the officers elected on January 1, 1879, were: P. C, J. Pincomb; C. C,
H. M. Moore; V. C, C. H. Bennett; K. of R and S, J. W. Jeffries; M. of
E., H. Englebright; M. of F., George A. Buxton; Prelate, J. W. Williams;
M. at A, T. K. Watson; I. G., W. H. Kenyon; O. G., H. J. Pelham. The
Knights of Pythias meet at Bed Mens' Hall, every Thursday evening.

Improved Order of Red Men, Samoset Tribe, No. 22. — Was instituted June
4, 1869, with the undermentioned chartered members : W. C. Lemon ; 0. L.
Henderson ; H. J. Ford ; C. M. Price ; Benjamin D. Egery ; Philip Mager ;
W. Williston ; J. Brownlie ; A. P. Alexander ; I. G. Martin ; L. M. Knibbs ;
T. W. Woodward ; James Currier ; J. G. Smith ; Henry Dexter ; W. H.
Green ; M. G. Winchell ; W*. E. Bristow ; Joseph Anderson ; James Borton ;
John Lawrence ; Wm. M. Starr ; Frank A. Leach ; J. H. Powell ; A. S.
Carman ; L. C. Kincade ; John Thompson ; Van B. Smith ; John W. Wil-
liams ; Frank R Currier ; James Frost ; Martin J. Wright ; John S.
Souther ; Ed. D. G. Fields ; Aug. M. Street ; 0. H. Bryant ; Edward W.
O'Brien; M. D. Tobin ; F. R Arnold; L. S. Patriguin; Charles E. Young;

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 215

O. K. Doan ; George Bassford ; George L. Quant ; M. C. Whitney ; John C.
Hale ; Thomas Evans ; James Blessington ; A. J. Chapman ; R. Caverly ;
J. N. Sanct ; James Jordan ; Con. Lunney ; J. G. Cornwall ; A. J. Perkins ;
0. B. Edwards ; W. M. Sullivan ; Charles J. Eger ; Wm. Moore ; F. C.
Bageley ; D. M. McCool ; John Reidfee ; Wm. M. Stannus ; Thomas Mc-
Farland ; Benjamin F. Pressey ; J. N. Stevenson ; A. J. McPike ; J. R.
Hogan ; A. C. Doan ; John McCarthy ; Walter F. Patterson ; H. S. Chap-
pelle ; John Lambert ; George A. Poor ; John Hesketh ; George P. Plais-
ted ; N. D. Toby ; James G. Massey ; F. D. Higson ; N. Carmichael ; I. M.
Ruton ; W. G. Walsh ; Milton Warner ; John McPhee ; James Carter ;
Alexander Anderson. The officers of the Tribes first appointed were W. C.
Lemon, Sachem ; O. L. Henderson, Senior Sagamore ; H. J. Ford, Junior
Sagamore ; C. M. Price, Chief of Records ; B. D. Egery, Keeper of Wam-
pum ; P. Mager, First Warrior ; W. Williston, Second ; J. Brownlie, Third ;
A. P. Alexander, Fourth ; J. G. Martin, First ; L. W. Knibbs, Second ; O. C.
Chamberlain, Third ; T. W. Woodward, Fourth Braves ; James Currier,
First ; J. G. Smith, Second Powwow ; Henry Dexter, Guard of Forest ; W.
H. Green, Guard of the Wigwam ; M. G. Winchell, First ; W. E. Bristow,
Second Sannap ; and Joseph Anderson, Prophet. The membership at one
time reached 98, but there are now only 30 on the roll. The Order is in
good standing ; it owns their hall furniture, a burial plot in the Union
Cemetery, all of which property is unincumbered, while the Tribe is free
from any financial embarrassment. The officers for the year are : Sachem,
Thomas Raines ; Senior Sagamore, Charles H. Bennett ; Junior Sagamore,
P. McArdle ; Chief of Records, John E. Hubbard ; Keeper of Wampum, M.
G. Winchell ; Financial Chief, James G. Smith ; Prophet, J. O. Allison ;
First Sannap, John W. Williams ; Second Sannap, B. D. Egery ; First War-
rior, James Jury ; Second Warrior, James Blessington ; Third Warrior, Ed.
W. O'Brien ; Fourth Warrior, O. C. Chamberlain ; First Brave, James
Frost ; Second Brave, R. W. Burton ; Third Brave, Alex. S. Smith ; Fourth
Brave, John Lorson ; First Powwow, H. D. Richardson ; Second Powwow,
Frank R. Currier ; Guard of the Forest, Van B. Smith ; and Guard of the
Wigwam, Barnard Tissell.

Grand Army of the Republic, Farragut Post, No. 12, G. A. R. — The
objects and aims of the Association are attending to the sick and wounded
soldiers who served honorably during the great rebellion ; the burial of
their departed comrades, and to cherish and encourage friendly feelings for
one another, which should animate the bosoms of all true patriots. This
post was organized on February 19, 1868, and re-organized in accordance
with general orders from Head Quarters in August, 1869. The chartered
members were Edward G. Haynes, William G. Oberend, N. C. McMegone-
gal, R. L. Duncan, E. C. Taylor, E. H. Forrester, E. S. Jenkins, John Ashton,

216 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

Joseph Anderson and John L. Gamble, of whom Messrs. Duncan and Taylor
are now deceased. The first officers elected to serve were J. L. Gamble,
Post Commander ; W. G. Oberend, Senior Vice-Commander ; Ed. C. Taylor,
Junior Vice-Commander ; Ed. G. Haynes, Post Adjutant ; E. H. Forrester,
Quartermaster. The number of members at present on the roll is thirty-
one while the officers for the present term are : Post Commander, George
L. Voorhees; Senior Vice-Commander, James Blessington; Junior Vice-
Commander, Thomas Riley ; Quartermaster, George A. Buxton ; Chaplain,
John Smith ; Officer of the day, Robert K. Hall and Officer of the Guard,
James L. Cilley. It is gratifying to remark that the funds of the Post are
in a satisfactory condition, no less a sum than four thousand six hundred
dollars having been paid out of its coffers between the date of its organiza-
tion and January 1, 1879.

Ancient Order of United Workmen, Vallejo Lodge No. 75. — This society,
a new one in the State of California, was organized and chartered on the
6th day of January, 1879. It has already a roll of eighty-three members,
while its officers are : P. M. W., Sanruel Kitto ; M. W., George F. Mallett ;
G. F. M., G. Winchell ; 0., William McWilliams ; recorder, James G. Smith ;
financier, Robert B. Barr ; receiver, S, S. Drake ; guide, G. W. Martin ; J.
W., Charles H. Bennett , O. W., George W. Edgecumbe. Days of meeting,
Monday in every week.

The " Vallejo Society of California Pioneers." — Was first established on
the 27th of May, 1869, having for its object the cultivation of social inter-
course and union among its members, and the creation of a fund for charit-
able purposes in their behalf ; to collect and procure information connected
with the early settlement and subsequent history of the county, and to form
such libraries and cabinets, and pursue such literary and scientific objects as
from time to time be determined, and in all appropriate matters to advance
the interests and perpetuate the memory of those whose sagacity, energy
and enterprise induced them to settle in the wilderness and become founders
of a new State. The chartered members of the association were Thomas
Aylward, Milo J. Ayers, Gustave Bergwell, Henry Buckland, Henry Clay-
ton, Fred Coyan, Henry Englebright, George Edgar, George B. Edgecumbe,
W. P. Edwards, John B. Frisbie, Thomas Gunderson, Alexander Guffy.
Jacob F. Griffin, George Gordon, Joseph G. Garrison, R. D. Hopkins, J.
Hamill, G. N. Hutchinson, I. S. Halsey, Isaac Hobbs, Henry Hendrickson,
Paul K. Hubbs, John G. Hudson, Ernest Hauff, Charles C. Hall, W. D.
Jones, Thomas Keating, John L. King, James R. Lee, Peter Laughran, John

A. Lay, O. A. Munn, Lyman Mitchell, Charles Murphy, James Mann, Wil-
liam McKenna, F. Marion, John C. McLeod, W. Narvaez, Charles O'Donnell,

B. T. Osborn, A. Powell, George A. Poor, R. Palmer, John Rose, William

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 217

Rawson, John Roache, E. C. Reynolds, D. C. Ross, W. S. Ricker, J. Regan,
O. H. Spencer, Henry Stege, Charles C. Southard, John Spruce, A. J. Shute,
E. T. Seavy, W. H. Vandine, John Woodall, Thomas K. Watson, Edward
Welsh, William Williams, John Ward. At this time General M. G. Vallejo
was elected an honorary member, while there were also admitted John Mor-
gan, J. D. Cornwall, W. Sullivan, C. C. Hall, John Walker, C. M. Poor, W.
C. Brooks, J. M. Findlay, J. V. Saunders, A. Strohsohl, E. B. Campbell, W.
H. Cheever, J. C. French, J. H. K. Barbour, M. Morrison, A. Peterson, J. A.
Carnahan, E. Whiting. The first officers elected were : president, John B.
Frisbie ; vice-presidents, Paul K. Hubbs, Gustave Bergwell, Abraham
Powell ; corresponding secretary, Robert D. Hopkins ; treasurer, Isaac S.
Halsey ; directors, Isaac Hobbs, 0. H. Spencer, Thomas Aylward ; and mar-
shal, Thomas K. Watson.

Many of these early pioneers have long ago been gathered to their fathers,
while there are still a few of the old-timers left whose grey hairs tell of
Time's onward flight. They, too, will ere long be called upon to make the
mysterious journey ; happily, therefore, that their sons still live to perpetuate
the noble example set by their fathers in the establishment of so well fav-
ored a society as is that of the California Pioneers. The number of members
at present on the roll of the association is thirty-five, with Charles H.
Hubbs, president ; George Nye, Frank Shirland, and W. S. Brooks, vice-
presidents ; William P. Edwards, secretary ; Isaac S. Halsey, treasurer ;
Thomas K. Watson, marshal, and Thomas Aylward, John C. McLeod,
and J. A. Saunders, directors. The honorary members are General M. G.
Vallejo, Captain Paul Shirley, and Rear- Admiral Enoch G. Parrott, of the
United States Navy, and General John B. Frisbie.

Vallejo Masonic Hall Association. — At a regular meeting of Naval
Lodge, No. 87, F. & A. M., held at their hall in Vallejo on April 19, A. d.
18G6, the following named persons were elected trustees to organize, incor-
porate and manage the affairs of a joint-stock company, for the purpose of
erecting a Masonic hall building in Vallejo, and that the names of the Trus-
tees be P. D. Grimes, J. M. Rutan, Joseph L. Likins, Philip Hichborn, and
Eben Hilton.

The capital stock of the association was $8,000, divided into 320 shares of
the par value of $25. The number of trustees, as provided in the Articles
of Incorporation, to direct the affairs of the association for three months,
was five ; and the names of those gentlemen were these above-named.

The annual meeting of stockholders was held on the second Wednesday
evening in January, for their election.

At the regular meeting of the stockholders the representation of at least
a majority of the stock issued was necessary for the transaction of business.

No shareholder could serve as a trustee unless he was a Master Mason in

218 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

good standing, and was a member of some lodge within thirty miles of
Vallejo, and the holder of at least two shares of stock.

Dividends of the profits of the association were declared annually, at a
regular meeting of the trustees. The By-Laws also provided that a divi-
dend of the profits should not be declared to exceed 12 per cent, per annum
on the capital stock issued. It was provided that all revenues exceeding 12
per cent, per annum be reserved as a sinking fund for the redemption of
the capital stock, and that Naval Lodge No. 87 shall have all the benefit of
this sinking fund for the purpose of redeeming the stock of the association.

Naval Lodge, No. 87, by the By-Laws, was to have the full control of
the hall, ante-rooms, entrance-hall to the same, and all the upper part of
the building, for the term of its existence, to occupy, lease, and rent the
same, by paying to the association a monthly rent of twenty dollars, and a
free lease of so much of lots seven and eight, at the corner of Virginia and
Marin streets, as miedit be needed for the buildinsc and its uses. Three hun-
dred and eighteen shares of the stock were issued and fully paid up, and
the building was erected in the fall of 1866 by A. Powell, contractor, and
A. H. Gunning, architect and superintendent. P. D. Grimes and Eben Hilton,
at the election, were chosen president and treasurer, respectively ; and A.
P. Voorhees, secretary of the first Board.

At the annual meeting held January 23, 1867, P. D. Grimes, J. M. Rutan
P. Hichborn, Eben. Hilton and A. Powell, vice J. L. Likins, were chosen
Trustees. The new Board organized by electing the officers of the previous
year, who were nominated to fill the same position year by year until 1871.
In November, 1870, Mr. P. Hichborn, who was about to leave for the East-
ern States, resigned, and at the regular annual meeting in the January fol-
lowing, Messrs. P. D. Grimes, A. Powell, A. P. Voorhees, N. G. Hilton and
John M. Browne were elected Trustees, Messrs. Grimes, Voorhees and N.
G. Hilton being President, Treasurer and Secretary. On January 17, 1872,
the same Trustees were elected, save Dr. J. M. Browne, whose place was
filled by Alexander Hichborn, the same officers serving as on the previous,
year. January 8, 1873, the same Board directed the affairs of the Associa-
tion, excepting A. Hichborn, who was succeeded by J. M. Rutan, the same
officers officiating. At the elections held on January 14, 1874, and 25,
1875, there was no change in the direction. On January 12, 1876, Mr.
Powell gave place to Mr. Charles Daly, while on that of January 19, 1877,
Dr. I. S. Halsey was elected in the place of Mr. Daly, no other change
being made. An adjourned meeting was convened on February 11, 1878,
when the following were elected Trustees: I. S. Halsey, George F. Mallett,
J. M. Rutan, John Brownlie and George W. Simonton, Messrs. Rutan,
Brownlie and Simonton being subsequently called upon to fill the res-
pective positions of President, Treasurer and Secretary, while on January
14, 1879, no change was made save by filling Dr. Halsey's place on the
Board by the return of C. T. B. Hallin.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 219

The Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery Association of the City of Val-
lejo. — The preliminaries to the incorporation of the above Association were
instituted in January, 1875, when Naval Lodge, No. 87, F. and A. M. ;
Solano Lodge, No. 229, F. and A. M. ; San Pablo Lodge, No. 43, I. 0. O. F.,
and Golden State Lodge, No. 216, I. O. O. F., appointed a Committee
consisting of the following gentlemen, viz. : George F. Mallett, to represent
Naval Lodge; Frank E. Brown, to represent Solano Lodge; Anson Clark,
to represent Golden State Lodge, and Sylvester Warforcl, to represent San
Pablo Lodge ; authorizing them to select and enter into a contract for the
purchase of a tract of land suitable for a cemetery for the exclusive use
of Masons and Odd Fellows, to inter the remains of their brethren and
their wives and children.

In pursuance with that authority, the Committee seclected a tract of
land owned by Ira Austin, containing about fifteen acres, and made their
report to the various Lodges, who reappointed the same gentlemen to serve
as a Committee, with power to add a fifth member whereby a Board of
Trustees should be constituted, with power to enter into and incorporate
the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery Association of the City of Vallejo.

In accordance with instructions, the Committee met at the office of S. G.
Hilborn, Esq., on February 20, 1875, and appointed Peter D. Grimes as
Trustee, after which a Board was organized with the following officers :
P. D. Grimes, President ; Anson Clark, Treasurer ; and George F. Mallett,
Secretary. On February 23, 1875, the Articles of Incorporation were re-
ceived from the Secretary of State, the text of which is given below,
stating the object for which the Association is formed, and authorizing
Messrs. Grimes, Clark, Warford, Brown and Mallett to serve as Trustees
until their successors be elected and qualified.

Articles of Incorporation of the Masonic and Odd Fellows Ceme-
tery Association of the City of Vallejo.

1. The name of the corporation is the Masonic and Odd Fellows Ceme-
tery Association of the City of Vallejo.

2. The purpose for which it is formed is to purchase and hold a tract of
land near the City of Vallejo, in Solano county, State of California, and to
establish and maintain a cemetery thereon.

3. That its principal place of business is the City of Vallejo, Solano
county, California.

4. That the term for which it is to exist is fifty years.

5. That the number of its Directors or Trustees be five.

The annual meeting for the election of Trustees and the transaction of
general business is held on the last Tuesday in the month of March, and it
is ordained that no person may be a Trustee unless he be a Mason or Odd

220 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

Fellow in good standing, or the owner of a lot. Each Lodge is entitled to
a vote for the election of a Trustee, a like privilege being also held by the
lot owners.

St. Vincent's Benevolent Society. — This Society is formed for the purpose
of promoting each other's temporal . and spiritual welfare ; for affording
spiritual consolation and substantial aid to its members in time of sickness,
and securing to them, after death, decent and Christian interment, in accord-
ance with the faith of the Holy Catholic Church ; for the performance of
works of mercy and charity towards distressed persons of the parish, and
encouraging each other, by good example, in the duties of Christian life, and,
above all, the exercising of a spirit of fraternal charity. The establishment
of this most meritorious association was effected on February 3, 1867,
having, for its first officers : John Louis Daniel, O. P., Chaplain ; Michael
S. Derwin, President ; Daniel J. Brennan, Vice-President ; John L. Daniel,
O. P., Bursar ; Michael J. Cunningham, Secretary ; the members of the
Council, being : James Doyle, Edward McGettigan, Lawrence Walsh, Hugh
Cunningham, John Perryman, Daniel Wynn, James McGarvey, John Cron-
nin and John Kennedy. The organizers of the St. Vincent's Benevolent
Society, were : Lawrence Walsh, Ed. McGettigan, Hugh Cunningham, D. J.
Brennan, Thomas Lynch, Patrick Crawley, Thos. Woods, Daniel Hayes, Jas.
McGarvey, Edward O'Malley, Peter Lyden, John Leary, Benjamin Martin,
Thos. Ryan, Peter Bourke, Robert Casey, Charles White, John Walsh, Henry
Buckland, Anthony Murray, W. J. Cunningham, James Doyle, Thos. Gan-
non, Thos. Grannen, John Casey, Owen Behan, H. B. Hendrickson, John
Crannin, John McManus, Thos. Hollern, Daniel Wynn, Thos. Kenney, Pat-
rick O'Malley, John Mullin, John McGuire, Richard Walsh, John Kennedy,
John Perryman, Nicholas Clavo, Richard Palmer, Edward Lynch, Bartholo-
mew Turner, Patrick Kelly, Patrick Lynch, John Hurley, Joseph Sullivan,
Patrick Murphy, Lawrence Barry, Patrick Crotty, Henry Knowles, John
Brennan, Thos. Carroll, Patrick Delehunty, Chas. Cunningham, Angus
Mclnnes, Denis Driscol, Wm. Browier, Wm. Flynn, Michael Sullivan, James
Toland, Patrick Tracy, John Wise, James Lane, C. Quinlan Henry McCul-
lough, T. J. Baldwin, Daniel Donovan, Lawrence Dempsey. Honorary
Members — Michael Derwin, Edward C. Doran, Lieut. F. Harrington, John
Drennan, John O'Grady, Patrick Londregan, and Mrs. Lawrence Walsh.

It is gratifying to announce that this Society is in a most prosperous con-
dition, financially, and otherwise. The office bearers for the present term,
are : P. C. Lynch, President ; M. L. Kelly, Vice-President ; John Cunning-
ham, Secretary ; Council Members — Robert Couerdale, Patrick Tracy,
Charles Barr, James Costello, Hugh Cunningham, Thomas Smith, James
McGarvey, Nicholas Clavo, James Mitchell, Timothy Conners, Thomas Reed.
The number of active members are 127 ; Life Members, 1, with 3 Honorary
Members.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 221

Vallejo Post Office. — This office comes under the second-class post offices
of the United States, and carries with it a salary of $2,100 per annum. It
is also a money order office, transacting business in domestic, British, and
Italian orders. It receives and despatches seven mails per day : Mails from
San Francisco and Sacramento twice a day, and Eastern mails every even-
ing. Issues about 2,500 money orders, amounting to about $00,000 a year,
and pays about $6,000 in the same time. The first money order issued was
dated May 20, 1867 ; while the date of the first one paid was the 27th of
the same month. This post office registers on an average 1,100 letters in a
twelve-month ; receives about 800 letters daily and forwards nearly the
same number ; has 400 lock-boxes ; while the total receipts for stamps, etc^
is in the vicinity of $5,000 yearly. The present officers* in charge of this
establishment are M. J. Wright, Postmaster, and W. F. Wright, Deputy,
gentlemen of much merit and extreme courtesy. Appended is a list of
appointments, obtained from the Post Office Department at Washington,
since the establishment of the office at Vallejo: Eleazer Frisbie, January
19, 1855 ; Wm. W. Chapman, March 3, 1857 ; Joseph S. Mclntyre, May
28, 1860 ; Edson J. Wilson, June 28, 18G1 ; Edwin H. Sawyer, January
27, 1864 ; George P. Wescott, June 17, 1864 ; Edson J. Wilson, Decem-
ber 27, 1865 ; James E. Ryan, June 5, 1868 ; Miss Mary J. Falls, April
16, 1869 ; Edson J. Wilson, October 23, 1869 ; Martin J. Wright, December
10, 1873, reappointed January 25, 1878.

Homestead Associations. — Of all the important features necessary to
be observed in the progress of a rapidly-rising city, the organization of home-
stead associations is one which bears a satisfactory impress, for these, by
consolidated capital and united effort, place it within the reach of every
industrious person to obtain a tract of land that he can call his own, where-
on he may erect that typical castle which is usually held to be sacred
against the aggressions of the outside world. By a payment of a small sum
into the capital stock, and the disbursement of a trifling amount in stated
assessments, one and all may, through this channel, which is within the
grasp of each and every one, become, in a short time, the possessor of a site
for a homestead free from encumbrances of any kind. To the proprietors or
shareholders, associations of this nature have always been of benefit ; while
the advance of real estate, secured in this manner, has been marked and
rapid, the investments in nearly all instances having proved safe and
profitable.

The Vallejo Homestead Association was incorporated on April 25, 1867,
under the direct auspices of the following gentlemen : Elisha Whiting,
George W. Simonton, J. F. Smith, William C. Root, H. B. Bell, M. L. Torn-
bohm, and Sanford C. "Baker ; Mr. Whiting being elected President, and Mr.
Simonton Secretary and Treasurer.

222 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

The capital stock of the Association was $27,000, and was to continue in
existence for the term of three years, from and after the date and the filing
of the certificate, as above stated.

Each member taking a share of stock paid into the treasury two dollars
on each share taken, as a fund for defraying the current expenses of the
Association, and five dollars per month, in advance, on each share, to be
known as the " Homestead Fund," to be used in the purchase of land and
improvements thereon.

At the regular monthly meeting, held July 13, 1867, an election of officers
was held, resulting in the returning of E. Whiting, President ; G. W. Simon-
ton, Secretary and Treasurer, and five Directors, viz : J. F. Smith, H. K.
Snow, M. L. Tormbohm, H. B. Bell, and W. W. Skinner, who held office until
the annual meeting of the stockholders, which was held on the first Monday
in May of each year.

The By-Laws provided for a standing committee of three members of the
Board of Directors, to attend to all matters relative to investment in real
estate, title, price, terms of sale, etc., and the President appointed J. F. Smith,
E. Whiting, and M. L. Tornbohm.

At a meeting of the Board of Trustees, convened on June 24, 1867, it was
ordered that the report of the committee on the purchase of land be adopted,
viz : " That we purchase of General J. B. Frisbie five full blocks of land
situate in the town of Vallejo, and numbered on map of said town, blocks
392, 394, 395, 398, and 399, containing eighty lots 50x130 feet, at a cost of
$8,000.

Thirty lots in blocks 396, 397, and 400 were bought on October 12, 1877,
at the same rate as first purchase, viz : $3,000, making in all one hundred
and ten lots.

On November 9, 1867, the land was distributed among the shareholders
by drawing for choice of lots, with the understanding, which was voted
in public meeting, that, as the Association had been at the expense of fenc-
ing in the property, those drawing corner lots should defray the extra cost
of inclosing the same, to the extent of ten dollars.

The lots, when fully paid up, including the outlay of fencing, recording
deed, and other incidental expenses, cost the holders $122 25 for corner lots,
and for those on the inside $112 25.

Many of the owners, in the fall of 1867 and the following season, built
houses and made other improvements, so that in three or four years nearly
every lot had its comfortable home, and to-day the property is one of the
prettiest in the city of Vallejo.

Vallejo Land and Improvement Company. — This company was incor-
porated on the 27th day of October, 1871, with a capital stock divided into
40,000 shares, of $100 each, the whole capital being $4,000,000. The ob-

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 223

jects of the corporation were to purchase, and sell, and convey lands in
the county of Solano; to erect and maintain wharves and docks on the
same for the purposes of manufactures, trades, business and commerce; to
reclaim lands, purchase and otherwise improve the same by buildings, fix-
tures and erections, to be placed thereon for warehousing and other pur-
poses; to lay out public streets, avenues, boulevards, squares and pleasure-
grounds across, over and upon the land purchased, and dedicate the same
to the public use. It was then declared that the time of existence of said
company should be fifty years, and the following trustees were elected to
manage the affairs of the company, viz.: John B. Frisbie ; Faxton D. Ather-
ton; Leland Stanford; Milton S. Latham; Alexander De Laski, and E.
H. Green; the officers being: President, John B. Frisbie; Vice President, F.
D. Atherton; Secretary, J. K. Duncan; Treasurer, Milton S. Latham.

The first annual report of the company puts forth the state of the associa-
tion as being most flourishing. When submitted, on January 17, 1872, their
property consisted chiefly of 2,000 acres of land in and near the town of
Vallejo, the value of which was estimated at nearly $3,000,000. One thou-
sand acres were situated within the town limits, including much in the best
localities, and six hundred acres along the water-front. The portion lying
inside the town limits was laid out in lots, while the balance was suburban
lands, and other tracts of considerable value. At this time the prospects of
Vallejo had reached its zenith, and the relapse which has since occurred was
not then deemed probable.

Throughout the following years the Vallejo Land and Improvement Com-
pany has been on the wane, monetarily speaking. Owing to the declension
of trade, and other losses, the association is not in as flourishing a condition
as might be expected, yet there is every prospect of its recovering the
ground lost. Its property is unquestionably valuable. It owns large ware-
houses in most desirable localities, which cannot but prove advantageous in
the near future.

The Board of Trustees for the year 1878 are: Hon. S. G. Hilborn, Vallejo;
Messrs. E. J. Wilson, A. T. Robinson, Vallejo; Hon. C. Hartson, Napa; and
Messrs Edmund R. White, and J. K. Duncan, of San Francisco and Vallejo;
while the officers are: President, Hon. S. G. Hilborn; Vice President, E. J.
Wilson; Treasurer, Hon. C. Hartson, and Secretary, J. K. Duncan.

Vallejo City Water Company. — Was incorporated in 1870. The present
directorship is: Messrs. A. Chabot, of Oakland, President; Louis Pierce,
and J. C. Edgecumbe, Superintendents; J. E. Abbott, Secretary, and A. J.
McPike, Cashier, Book-keeper, and acting Superintendent.

The main reservoir of the company is situated near the Napa road, three
miles north of the city, being constructed on a portion of 425 acres pur-
chased by the company at a sum of $42,000. The dam covers an extent of

224 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

160 acres; it is three hundred feet wide, by forty feet high, with 150 feet at
the base, and 100 feet at the apex. Its capacity is said to be 8 or 900,000,-
000 gallons. From this immense receptacle the fluid is conducted to the
city through twelve-inch cast-iron pipes, and thence distributed by branch
pipes aggregating more than sixteen miles in length. The town is watered
by two systems of piping, as follows: On the top of Capitol Hill there is a
reservoir which is filled by means of pumping, and thereafter distributed
by lesser pipes to those high positions which the water from the main reser-
voir will not reach. The pump in use is a No. 8 Hooker, driven by a sixty-
horse-power engine, and has a pumping capacity of about 500,000 gallons
in the twenty-four hours. Where the pump is located there is yet another
reservoir which has a capacity of 200,000 gallons, and is used to feed
the dam on the summit of the hill, when there is not sufficient pressure
from the main reservoir. The company also supplies the Mare Island
Navy Yard with 1,000,000 gallons per mensem, transmitted by means
of a sub-marine cast-iron pipe with flexible joints, a distance of two thou-
sand feet, across the bed of the Napa River. This water is used for irri-
gating purposes, as well as through the buildings and machine-shops, and with-
out doubt its acquisition has been a great saving to the government. Be-
sides this vast supply, the company provides the railway establishments, the
flour-mills, and the steamers which ply to San Francisco, with water. From
thirty to sixty ships per annum, after loading with grain, fill their tanks
from the company's pipes ere sailing for foreign lands, while the home con-
sumption amounts to fully three-fourths of the population.

The elevation of the main dam is eighty feet above the level of the sea ;
that on the hill is one hundred and fifty feet. In conclusion, there is an
admirable system, whereby, in case of fire, connection is made between the
Capitol Hill dam and the main pipes, which gives a pressure of 150 feet;
besides, in this regard, thirty five hydrants, of the very latest patterns, have
been placed at the most convenient street-corners.

Vallejo Gas Light Company — Incorporated July 23, 1867, with a capital
of $40,000, under the Directorship of J. B. Frisbie, President, and Harvey
W. Snow, Secretary. The Company erected their first buildings on Main
street, near the water front, by contract, for the whole of the original cap-
ital of $40,000, but these have given place to more spacious offices on Mary-
land, between Marin and Sonoma streets. In November, 1871, the capital
stock of the Company was increased to $250,000, when a new Retort
House was built to contain fifteen retorts capable of yielding 60,000 cubic
feet of gas per day. The consumption, however, is about 10,000 feet
daily. Gas is distributed through the city in main pipes aggregating about
five miles in length, which was first brought into requisition to light the
town towards the end of 1867. The present officers are J. K. Duncan,
President ; Hon. S. G. Hilborn, Secretary ; and P. B. Fegan, Superintend-
ent, who has held the position since the first organization of the Company.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 225

Bank of Vallejo — Was incorporated on September 25, 1876, with an
authorized capital of $150,000, under the management of D. W. Harrier as
President, and J. E. Abbott, Cashier, with Eben Hilton, Joseph Wilson,
Thomas Matthews, J. C. Edgecumbe, W. C. Greaves, N. Vanderlip, D. W.
Harrier, John Brownlie, Charles Widemann, as Directors. The present
management is as follows : W. C. Greaves, President ; S. C. Farnham, Vice-
President ; J. E. Abbott, Secretary and Cashier ; F. D. Mead, Assistant
Cashier, the Board of Directors being W. C. Greaves, S. C. Farnham, J. E.
Abbott, John Wilson, Joseph Wilson, Charles Widemann, G. B. Richart,
C. Hallin and 0. C. Chamberlain.

The Bank of Vallejo transacts its business in the Bernard Block, situated
on Georgia street, where it carries on a general banking and exchange
business. Draws on National Gold Bank and Trust Company of San
Francisco.

The Vallejo Savings and Commercial Bank. — This Bank was incor-
porated on May 3, 1870, with an authorized capital of $300,000, under the
management of J. B. Frisbie, President, and Henry Mackie, Cashier, the
Directors being J. B. Frisbie, H. Mackie, J. F. Tobin, Capt. C. H. Baldwin,
U. S. N., L. C. Fowler, D. C. Haskin and Edward McGettigan. The present
management is under E. J. Wilson, President, with J. R. English, Cashier,
the Board of Directors being E. J. Wilson, C. Hartson, A. T. Robinson, M.
Fletcher, P. W. Dillon, J. K. Duncan and S. G. Hilborn.

The building in which the Bank transacts its business is an imposing
structure, standing on the northwest corner of Georgia and Sacramento
streets, where it does a general banking and exchange business. Cor-
responds with Wells, Fargo & Co., of New York and San Francisco.

Pioneer Brewery, Messrs. Smith, Lessees — Is situated on the northeast
corner of Marin and Carolina streets, and was established in 1862 under the
name of the Vallejo Brewery, by Edward McGettigan, his partners being
A. Murray and J. McGarvey. Under the exigencies of trade the building
was brought to the hammer in 1865, when it was bought by Mr. McGet-
tigan who rebuilt and put nuw machinery into it and changed its appella-
tion to the Pioneer Brewery, which it now bears. As a brewing establish-
ment it ranks second to none in the State.

The main building occupies an area of 60x80 feet, and is one story high,
with a basement, in the latter of which is the Malt floor and fermenting
tubs, the up-stairs being devoted to the malt kiln, malt mill, hop and sample-
rooms, while there is in use a patent refrigerator, one of three on the coast.
In connection with the brewery there are the usual out-houses of stables,
sheds, and other buildings, all of which are in excellent condition. The
beer made by the establishment is a strong and healthful beverage, for
which a large sale is found in Napa, Calistoga and the other interior towns,
while the home consumption is quite an item, the demand being always on
the increase.
15

226 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

Empire Soda Works. — O'Grady & Co., proprietors, is a two-storied frame
building, standing on the corner of Sonoma and Florida streets, covering an
area of 30x40 feet. The first floor is divided into two parts, one being occu-
pied as a saloon, run in connection with the business ; while, in the other,
stands a soda machine, by Smith, of San Francisco, with a capacity of
twenty-five gallons, and capable of manufacturing five hundred bottles of
soda water per diem. The reservoir connects with a patent bottling and
corking machine, made by John Matthews, of New York. There is also a
patent bottle-washer on the premises. The former machine is the only one
in the district, a royalty of $75 per month being paid on it ; while a charge
of about $398 had to be met before the use of it was permitted in the
county. In the winter months the consumption of soda is necessarily
smaller than in summer ; but seventy-five dozen per diem may be taken as
the average out-turn. All kinds of effervescing liquors, such as cider, por-
ter, gingerale, and lemonade, are bottled on the works ; while they have a
good business both in town and country, with every prospect of its exten-
sion to the adjacent counties. The present premises have only been occupied
since 1866, the original works having been erected fourteen years ago, by E.
McGettigan, on the corner of Sonoma and Carolina streets, who has now
sold out of the business.

The Vallejo Foundry and Machine Works — Is the first establishment
of its kind started in Vallejo. It stands, according to the new survey, at
the south-east corner of Block No. 791. This building is situated in South
Vallejo, and was erected in August, 1869, by the enterprising firm of Heald
& McCormick. In 1874, however, the former gentleman purchased the in-
terest of the latter, since when, the business has been carried on by Mr.
Heald alone. It is a source of gratification to remark that since the first
establishment of the undertaking, it has generally increased in importance,
the work turned out being first-class. A specialty is made of Straw Burn-
ing Threshing Machines ; while nearly all the rolling stock of the California
Pacific Railroad is manufactured on the premises. Every class of machin-
ery can be designed and moulded there ; the proprietor taking a just pride
in securing all the latest improvements in each department of his business.
The works employ continuously, a staff of twenty workmen; the capital
invested is about $20,000 ; while a general business is done to the extent of
$75,000 per annum. The machinery employed on the premises is of first-
class workmanship, and is driven by an engine of 26 horse-power.

Pioneer Sash, Doors and Blind Factory — Situated on Block No. 752,
at the corner of Bice and Fifth streets, South Vallejo, was established by
the present proprietors, Messrs. D. G. Barnes & Co., in the year 1869, on the
premises which they now occupy. This is the only branch of the industry

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 227

in the city, to which it does much credit. The building is of wood. The
The capital employed is entirely invested by the proprietors, who employ
ten men on the premises. They turn out all kinds of mouldings, and
house furnishings, as well as making, for the grape-growing ■ districts of
Napa and Sonoma, a large number of wine and water tanks. The machin-
ery is worked by a steam engine, made by William Reardon & Co., of
Brooklyn, N. Y. This factory is the first of its kind erected in Vallejo;
and from the position which it holds, and the easy access it has to communi-
cation, both by steamer and rail, in a country which is daily increasing in
population, the efforts of the proprietors are being rewarded by a thriving
and increasing business.

Solano Brewery — Is located on the corner of Kentucky street, on north
half of lots 1 and 2, block 264. It was erected in the year 1870 and is
built of brick, the area covered being 42x88 feet. On the ground floor is
the Sample Room 40x24, with the beer cellar immediately under it of the
same demensions; adjoining the former is the brewing room 40x24 containing
the furnace and malt tub. On the second story there is a brewing tub
capable of holding sixteen barrels, besides which there is a separate store
room built of brick 42x36. The entire premises were constructed by
Messrs. Widemann & Rothenbusch, the present proprietors, at a cost of
about $24,000. This is the largest brewery in Vallejo and has its principal
custom within the city limits.

Pioneer Marble Works. — James Doyle, proprietor of the above works
occupies a one story wooden structure measuring 100x25 feet with a yard
attached. He employs two men who dress the rough stone into monuments,
mantel-pieces and other work of a like nature. The marble used is im-
ported in its natural state from San Francisco while the granite is brought
from the Penryn quarries, Placer county, in this State. Mr. Doyle no longer
works at this branch of industry ; he is Constable for the city of Vallejo.
The business was first started in 1862.

Farragut Hall. — This commodious hall was built by the late Admiral D.
G. Farragut in the year 1869 on Georgia street. Its dimensions are 50x80
feet ; in the northern or upper end of which there is a stage fitted with all
appropriate paraphernalia for theatrical representations, besides five dressing
rooms. The original size of the building was too small, so 30 feet were
added to it making one of the largest rooms in the county. It is lit by a
sun burner gas jet in the center while brackets are placed at intervals
along the walls. It is well ventilated and built of brick. All public meet-
ings, social and political are usually held here, it having a seating capacity
of eight hundred.

228 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

The Alert Boat Club was organized July 16, 1872, by A. J. Brownlie,
W. S. Risley, Osgood Hilton, Wm. McDonald and A. J. McKnight.

It immediately began operations by electing new members and building
their first boat, which was done by the members themselves in the old
United States Hotel. The first race rowed was between crews from the
Riversides of Sacramento, and the first crew of the Alerts on January 1,
1873, the Riversides entering R. C. Lowell, W. Barry, W. A. Butterfield and
H. Thiel ; the Alerts, Jno. Reed, W. S. Risley, James Kane and Wm. Mc-
Donald. This race was for a set of racing oars, and was won by the River-
sides by ten boat lengths.

The next race occurred the same day between crews of Farragut Boat
Club of South Vallejo, and the junior crew of the Alert. The Farragut
seating Jas. A. Lamont, A. S. Carman, M. Dozier, Jno. T. Dare, and Alerts,
A. J. Brownlie, A. J. McKnight, H. E. Brown and Geo. Gorham. This race
was for a set of boat-house colors, and was won easily by the Alerts, beating
their opponents one-quarter of a mile. Shortly after this the Alerts sent
east for a four-oared paper shell, which arrived in due time and was the
only four-oared paper boat on the Coast. With this boat they entered the
grand regatta held in Vallejo July 4, 1873.

The first race that day was for the second class four-oared boats. The
Alerts and Pioneers entering. The distance was one and a half miles and
return, making three miles, which distance was rowed by the Alerts in
22-8, beating the Pioneers badly. Next race for first class single scullers.
Wm. Daily of the Alerts being entered against two others of San Francisco.
This was won by Daily by half a length, it being the best race of the day.
Third race for second class single scullers. W. S. Risley and Austin Steven-
son of the Alerts being matched against three other boats from other clubs.
The honor of this race also was the Alerts, for Risley won easily, Steven-
son also of the Alerts, second. The grand race of the day was for four-
oared boats, there being in all seven entries. The Alerts entering J. J
Smith, G. E. Taylor, W. S. Risley and Wm. Daily. The Riversides won
this race, nearly all the other boats having been swamped in the rough
water. The Farraguts of South Yallejo coming in second. Shortly after
this a set of champion colors for Vallejo waters was purchased jointly by
the Farragut and Alert clubs of Vallejo, and the first race was rowed for
these on January 1, 1874. The Farragut boys winning by two seconds or
half a boat's length in 21-29J.

On June 6, 1874, another race for the colors was rowed by the same
clubs. This being won by the Alerts in 21.20, beating the other boat 175
yards.

Nothing more in the rowing line was done until October, 1878, when
the Alert Club was represented by A. J. McKnight, Chas. B. Bond, Richard
McKnight and A. J. Brownlie at Oakland in the race for the McKinley

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 220

Challenge Cup. Here the Alerts were unfortunate, having made a poor
start, a worse turn, and breaking a seat on their road home. They came in
third however, making good time.

Thanksgiving day at Vallejo was the scene of another boating contest
between the junior crews of the Farragut and Alert Clubs. The Farragut's
boat being rowed by Jno. T. Dare, H. D. Lazelle, Chas. Morse and Henry
Gedge, and the Alerts by Geo. B. Hanna, Geo. Roe, Lyle Roe and Osgood
Hilton. The race was rowed for the honors, and resulted in a complete
victory for the Alert boys, they having distanced their competitors and
winning in 20-30f , the best three mile time ever made on this Coast.

The Alert Club membership is composed of some of the finest young men
in the place ; in numbers, 28. The Club owns their boat-house which is
situated on Georgia street wharf, one four-oared wood shell, one four-oared
paper shell, one racing barge, lately built, and launched February 21, 1879.
She is a beauty and pronounced (by those who are good judges) likely to be
very speedy. There is also in the boat-house two Rob Roy Canoes of Mc-
Gregor model and fame. Value of Club property, $1,300.

Present officers : Frank B. Lemon, President ; Frank T. Winchell, Vice-
President ; A. J. McKnight, Secretary ; Wm. McDonald, Treasurer ; Geo.
Gorham, Captain.

This Club was not organized for gain financially, but to promote good
feeling among its members, encourage boating, and benefit all by the physi-
cal exertion necessary in rowing. They do not row for money, but for the
honors of the occasion.

The Club appears to be in a flourishing condition and is rapidly increas-
ing in numerical strength, while it is growing in the esteem of the people.

Hotels. — There is no city on the Pacific Coast which is so well pro-
vided with accommodation for the traveler as is Vallejo, indeed some of
these structures are a feature of the town, while the principal hotel would
do credit to a place of double the pretensions. The first hotels, already men-
tioned in this work, have long ceased to enfold the weary traveler in their
hospitable arms. Some of the original buildings still stand, as it were to
mark the course of time, while others have been pulled down to make way
for more eligible structures, or been utterly wiped out by the devouring
flames which have on occasion visited the city.

Barnard House — .Chief among the present hotels is this elegant build-
ing occupying an area of 1^0x130 feet', on Georgia, the principal business
street in Vallejo. It was completed and opened on August 10, 1872, by
John M. Staples, the present proprietor of the Arcade House in San Fran-
cisco. The Bernard House is a large, square building, containing forty-five
bed rooms, a large dining room up stairs, and a restaurant on the ground

230 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

floor. It is fitted with every modern improvement necessary for the com-
fort of visitors, and has two entrances, one on Georgia, the other on Sacra-
mento street. The street car passes it on its way to the railroad depot twice
a day, and the rate for board and lodging varies from two to three dollars
per diem. The present proprietor is Adrian H. Izirar, who is a most popu-
lar landlord.

The Howard House, situated on 116 and 118 Georgia street, was com-
menced in September and finished in December, 1876. Has a frontage of
50 feet, and can accommodate 150 guests with comfort. It derives its name
from Amos Howard, its first proprietor, who died a few months after its
completion, the business being now carried on by his widow and her present
husband, R. J. Harrington.

In addition to these there are the Sherman House, Washington House,
and others, which all find ample patronage from the employes on the Navy
Yard.

Newspapers. — The Vallejo Qhronicle was founded by F. A. Leach and
William Gregg, the first issue being printed June 20, 1867. It appeared
as a weekly edition of modest size and pretensions, and was continued as a
weekly until November, 1868, when the present daily was established. In
April, 1869, Mr. Leach bought the interest of his associate and became sole
proprietor of the establishment. On assuming the full control he began the
issue of the Weekly Chronicle, which had been suspended by the daily.
The politics of the paper, which owing to the conflicting principles of the
two proprietors had before been independent, were changed, and it became
independent Republican, and has ever since steadily advocated the views of
that party. In November, 1875, the ownership of the establishment was
merged into a stock company, incorporated under the State laws ; Mr. Leach,
however, still retaining all but a fraction of the stock and continuing in the
absolute management and control of the business. March 1st, 1879, feeble
and still failing health compelled him to dissolve his connection with the
journal, and he sold his whole interest therein to Thomas Wendell, a part
proprietor and the editor of the Chronicle for several years preceding. Mr.
Wendell, on entering into charge, united in himself the duties of business
manager with those of editor. The Chronicle has been a prosperous journal
from the date of its establishment and has increased in stability and reputa-
tion with its growing years. The circulation of its daily edition is found
chiefly in Vallejo and places along the line of the two branches of the Cali-
fornia and Pacific Railroad ; the weekly edition is found through every part
of the interior of Solano, and in Napa and Lake, besides having a very con-
siderable circulation among the vessels of the Pacific squadron of the Navy,
where its navy intelligence makes it an interesting journal.

The " Solano Daily Times " made its first appearance on the morn-

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 231

ing of September 28th, 1875, in its present form, 12x18, twenty col-
umns. It rose from the columns of the Daily Independent The type,
presses, etc., of the Independent had been purchased by George Roe, who,
forming a partnership with A. B. Gibson, commenced the publication of the
Times. About a month after this A. B. Gibson withdrew from the paper,
and George Roe formed a company, which was known as the " Times Pub-
lishing Company," and which was composed, besides himself, of W. V.
Walsh, H. J. Pelham, and Thad. McFarland. McFarland and Pelham here-
after seceded from the Times, which now was issued under the firm name of
Roe & Walsh.

In January, 1876, the Solano Weekly Times made its appearance in con-
nection with the daily. It is made up of all the reading matter that appears
in the daily during each week, and its columns are, consequently, well filled.
The Solano Weekly Times is 23x32 in size, of twenty-eight columns, and
has a fair circulation in Solano and adjacent counties.

The Valtejo Elevator. — In the year 1867 Mr. G. C. Pearson, a gentleman
of Chicago, came to the coast for the benefit of his health, and among
other places visited Vallejo, where he conceived the plan of erecting an
elevator after the manner of those in use in other grain producing States.
Among those to whom he imparted his idea was Dr. D. W. C. Rice, the presi-
dent of the California Pacific Railroad, who was so struck with the practi-
cability of such a scheme that he became anxious to share in the building and
participate in its advantages, suggesting that a joint-stock company should
be formed, which was done without delay, it being floated with a capital of
$500,000. On investigating the laws of the State, Mr. Pearson found that
there was none regulating the storage of warehouses whereby property
could be transferred upon endorsement. He therefore drafted a bill, with
the idea of regulating such, but it was, unfortunately, never passed by the
Legislature, although in each successive session presented to the Assembly.
Mr. Pearson thereupon seceded from any participation in the scheme, and
returned to Chicago, leaving the plans and specifications in the hands of Dr.
Rice. A company was organized, composed of Dr. Rice, with Dr. Ryder,
Messrs. Roelofson, D. C. Haskins, J. B. Frisbie, Dr. Spencer, and Messrs.
Hudson and Bauchius, of Marysville, who were" afterwards joined by I.
Friedlander, he having obtained a controlling interest by the purchase of
one-fifth of the stock. On his return to Chicago, Mr. Pearson had, not-
withstanding his connection with the elevator had ceased, engaged, at the
request of Dr. Rice, the services of Mr. Robert Mackie as architect and over-
seer of the construction ; and through the influence of Dr. Ryder, Mr.
Charles Wheeler, of Oswego, New York, was appointed superintendent.
These gentlemen arrived in the summer of 1868, but headway was not made
with the building till the following year. The piling was effected in Nov-
ember and December of 1868, and the erection commenced on January 4, 1869.

232 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

As far back as 1838 the practicability of shipping grain in bulk was dem-
onstrated when cargoes of wheat were shipped from Germany and other
countries to the United States, which arrived in better condition than did
that in sacks or boxes. There was therefore no reason why such should not
be equally practicable in 1869.

" Experience had shown," says Mr. Pearson, " the impossibility of storing
large amounts of grain in the old style warehouse, built with heavy timber
frames, the toughest oak being inadequate for sustaining the pressure of
even the small amount that it was possible to store in the shallow, flat bins
of the period. Various materials were tested without success, until the
plan was hit upon of using wooden strips, 2x6 to 3x12, resting flatwise,
one upon another, and thoroughly spiked together ; any mechanic will un-
derstand the impossibility of breaking down or rending asunder a building
composed of compartments or bins interlocked or dovetailed together in this
manner ; the whole fabric is one piece, possessing relatively more strength.
The Elevator building is simply an aggregation of bins resting upon pieces
of wood stone-bound together with iron bands and rods; surmounting the
bins is a light frame, serving to carry the roof and for operating the mach-
inery directly connected with elevating, spouting and weighing grain. Into
these bins (which are numbered in all the larger elevators) the grain is
bulked, i. e., stored loosely, which not only protects it from destruction by
rats and mice, but allows the formation of grades of uniform character,
whereby the value is recognized in the market at once by reference to
samples. An elevator's capacity consequently depends upon the number
and size of its bins. In this respect they vary from one to five hundred,
with storage room for 300 tons for the smaller, to 48,000 tons for the
larger."

"The Vallejo elevator stands on over 900 piles, of an average length of
forty feet, driven through about eight feet of mud and detritus, and into the
rocky bottom from four to six feet, forming a secure foundation against
settling. To secure it against the danger of careening over from earthquake
vibrations, Mr. Mackie had heavy timbers, well spliced together, placed all
around the outside piling, and these were firmly tied to the pier clumps or
clusters on the inside of the building with heavy iron rods, which are car-
ried below high-water mark, or about eleven feet below the top of the piles.
A portion of the area was then filled with rock and earth, from eight to ten
feet in depth, adjacent to the inside piles, and then raised in a mound form
to the centre, where the depth is thirty feet.

It will thus be seen on what a massive foundation this elevator was built.
It is never known when an earthquake may be experienced on the coast.
Former years have proved what devastation may be caused by one of them,
and it is never safe to erect a bulky building of this nature on any but the
soundest foundation.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 233

" The construction of the building is most massive. The first and second
stories of the elevator are frame work of 12x1 2-inch — interspersed with
10x10 timber— Puget Sound timber. The number of posts worked in is
260, which are capped by 12xl8-inch timbers, running crosswise the build-
ing, a width of 85 feet. These joists are crossed by 12x1 6-inch timbers, in
four tiers, running at right angles the whole length of the building, a
distance of one hundred feet, and firmly attached to the underlying tim-
bers. Upon this structure commences the third story, or grain bins, which
are built up crib fashion, of an oblong form, 10x20 feet, hoppered at the
bottom, in which there is a casting with a slide for drawing out the contents
when required for shipping. The bins, of which there are thirty-nine, are
constructed of 2x6 plank, spiked on each other flatwise to a height of forty
feet. Above these is the cupola, forty-two feet in width, with a depth of
one hundred feet, running longitudinally through the building, and rising
a height of forty feet to the eaves, from the level to the top of the bins. This
structure is three stories high, with an attic, in which is the principal portion
of the elevating machinery. This is driven by a belt, weighing over 1,400
pounds, from a pully in the engine shaft below. The third story of the
cupola is designed for receiving and weighing grain from the cars. The
two lower stories are adapted for distributing the grain through wooden
spouts, or shutes, to the different bins. The scales for weighing the grain
in bulk are of Fairbanks' patent, and the three have each respectively a
capacity of fifteen tons at a draft, and their hoppers will hold five hundred
bushels. There are three receiving elevators — or, as they are termed in the
Western States, car elevators — and two elevators for shipping. The latter
are provided, each, with a pair of 250-bushel hopper scales. There is one
elevator, or " leg," on the south side, which is built into the building in a
frame, which is so arranged as to be capable of being lowered or raised into
barges or schooners for discharging grain. When not in use the foot rests
on the wharf, but when employed in unloading, the foot is carried into the
vessel to be discharged, sunk into the loose grain, a slide opened, and the
the cargo very rapidly elevated by buckets, or cups, attached to an endless
belt. These cups will contain about one-twelfth of a bushel, and three
hundred and eighty of them pass up in a minute of time ; equal to an
aggregate lifting capacity of from 1,500 to 1,800 bushels per hour. The
grain is received in a garner and weighed out in 100-bushel drafts, which
are received in the foot of the distributing elevator and carried thence to
the attic, to be distributed to the respective bins, according to the grade of
the grain. The method is different in receiving grain from the cars, which
are run on tracks into the lower story, opposite the elevators. The grain is
rapidly thrown out by steam shovels into a hopper, or sink, from which it
runs into the elevating buckets, and thence emptied into the scale of hop-
pers for weighing, and then distributed into the proper bins. In discharging

234 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

from the bins, the grain is drawn into the foot of the shipping elevators ;
thence carried to the top of the building and weighed in four hopper scales —
one of 500, two of 300, and one of 250 bushels — and afterwards discharged
through spouts into the ship to be loaded. The whole mechanism and
methods of receiving and discharging are very simple and expeditious in
operation. The storage capacity of the building will approximate 350,000
bushels, or 10,000 tons of wheat, inclusive of store room for 250 tons of
sacked grain. The handling capacity is 35,000 bushels per day, though it
can be weighed and run into a ship's hold at a speed of from 8,000 to 1 0,000
bushels ; equal to 250 to 300 tons per hour. The engine and boilers are
located in a separate fire-proof building, 30x35 feet in dimensions, from
which rises a smoke-stack, three feet in diameter, to a height of 118 feet.
The cylinder of the engine is 18 inches bore and 42 inches stroke. The
engine was built at the Union Iron Works, San Francisco. For regulating
the running speed, there is attached to the engine one of Scott & Eckart's
patent adjustable cut-offs and governor. The steam is supplied by two
boilers, 56 inches in diameter and 16 feet in length, containing thirty-five
3-inch tubes each ; also manufactured by Booth & Co., which firm manu-
factured the shafting, pulleys, etc. There are 200 feet of shafting, ranging
from 6 inches down to 1\ inches in diameter. Of belting, there are 3,150
feet. The main driving belt is 226 feet long and 20 inches in width, and
runs from a 6-foot pully on the engine to a 10-foot pully on the main line
of shafting in the top of the building. There are 3,150 feet of belting in
service, viz : 226 feet, five-ply, 20 inches wide ; 1,200 feet, four-ply, 20
inches wide ; 132 feet, four-ply, 18 inches wide ; 127 feet, four-ply, 16
inches wide, and 258 feet, four-ply, 8 inches wide. The aggregate total of
lineal feet of timber and lumber, used and employed in erecting the elevator,
figures up 1,076,000 feet, exclusive of 35,000 lineal feet of piles, used in con-
structing the building. The roof is of tin, put on by W. H. Lamb & Co.,
who also supplied the elevator buckets, hardware, nails, screws, etc. The
outside of the building is covered with smooth iron."

The above technical information has been in the main taken from the
Vallejo directory of 1870, but, as many of the figures therein given were
incorrect, the present ones quoted were supplied by Mr. Luke Alvord, who
was foreman on the building during its erection.

On the afternoon of the 16th of September, 1872, the Vallejo elevator
was no more ; it fell with a terrific crash, carrying with it some 4,000 tons
of wheat which were stored inside, and 1,000 more upon the wharves around
the building, all being the property of I. Friedlander, the Grain King. The
total loss was estimated at $100,000. The cause of collapse is by some
asserted to be on account of defective piling, while others declare that the
catastrophe was the result of the two lower stories not being properly
' braced, i. e. up to a distance of 25 feet from the base of the building. For

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 235

several days prior to its collapse, the elevator had evinced decided symptoms
of settling. Doors had become cramped, crackling sounds had been heard
all over the building, but this gave no cause for alarm ; yet down it went
in one confused heap, happily taking with it no human lives.

Carquinez Cemetery. — This beautiful plot of ground, like many others for
a public purpose, was donated to the City of Vallejo by General John B.
Frisbie in 1857, and contains twenty-five acres. It is situated on the sum-
mit of the rising ground, and is on the direct road to Benicia. A road run-
ning through the center divides the grounds equally and is apportioned, the
eastern half to the Catholic and the western half to the Protestant. The
government of the burial-ground is vested in Trustees and a Superintendent.

Militay Organization. — Vallejo boasts one company of Rifles, composed
of a fine body of men who are in every way capable as citizen soldiers. The
time was when there mustered in its ranks many men who had served in
the war of the rebellion. These have in a measure given way to not less
worthy successors, who have brought the standard of their corps to a high
state of perfection. Captain Frank O'Grady may well feel pleasure in his
command, and. California be proud of this portion of her National Guard.

Vallejo Fire Department. — Among the many institutions in the
United States in which her sons may truly feel a just pride, none are more
prominently brought forward than are her fire companies. Every city or
town, however small, boasts of its brigade, who, whether paid or from love,
give their energies at the first stroke of the fire alarm to save life and prop-
erty. The Fire Department in Vallejo was established in the year 1865, the
inaugural election having been held on December 4th of that year. At this
meeting, and for the following years the officers elected were: Chief En-
gineer, William Aspenall ; January 10, 1868, Chief Engineer, Philip Hich-
born ; January 10, 1870, Philip Hichborn was elected Chief Engineer; Jan-
uary 12, 1872, Alexander Hichborn was chosen Chief and John L. King,
First Assistant Engineer; May 4, 1873, Joseph Edgecumbe, Chief, Van B.
Smith, First, and John Welch, Second Assistant Engineers ; May 9, 1874,
O. L. Henderson, Chief, Gilbert Clayton, First, and B. D. Egery, Second As-
sistant Engineers ; May 7, 1875, Van B. Smith, Chief, Thomas McDonald,
First, and George Gorham, Second Assistant Engineers; May 16, 1876,
William McGill, Chief, E. J. Colby, First, and J. F. Nugent, Second Assist-
ant Engineers; May 3, 1877, Van B. Smith, Chief, J. J. Smith, First, and
R. W. Burton, Second Assistant Engineer ; May 20, 1878, William Beards-
ley, Chief, Daniel Skully, First, and Steven Price, Second Assistant En-
gineers ; May 2, 1879, Steven M. Price, Chief, Daniel Skully, First, and Peter
Wright, Second Assistant Engineers.

236 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

San Pablo Engine Company, No. 1. — This company was organized on
February 23, 1865, under the following officers, who were elected at the
first meeting, held on the above mentioned date: Foreman, John King;
First Assistant, H. P. Soames ; Second Assistant, Edward Fitzmorris ;
Treasurer, F. S. Carlton ; Secretary, Laurence Ryan ; Financial Secretary,
John Kennedy. The location of the Engine is at the Masonic Hall, on
Virginia street. It is of the fourth class and weighs, exclusive of supplies,
3,700 pounds. The boiler is M. R. Clapp's Circulating Tubular Patent,
made of the best material and of sufficient strength to bear twice the
pressure usually required. Steam can be engendered from cold water in
from four to six minutes from the time of the lighting of the fires. The
boiler is covered with German silver, and banded with the same substance
and Princess metal. The cylinder is fitted to a bed-plate which contains
all the steam passages, thus preventing leaky joints and condensation of
steam. It is fitted with self-adjusting packing, requiring little or no atten-
tion from the Engineer. The steam cylinder, steam chest and bed-plate are
cased in German silver and Princess metal. The main forcing-pump is
double-acting, and made of a composition of copper and tin and highly
polished. It is so constructed that it can be taken apart or put together in
a few miuutes if required ; there is also a circulating valve for the purpose
of feeding the boiler when steam is cut off. The large copper air chamber
is of Princess metal, with a nickel-plated water pressure attached. The
steam cylinder is eight inches m diameter, and eight inches stroke ; the
pump is 4| inches in diameter and 8 inch stroke ; the forward wheels are 4|
and the rear ones 5 feet high. The engine is thoroughly equipped with
tongue rope, hose-brake lamps, headlight and all the paraphernalia for
ordinary use. The hose cart is two-wheeled and carries 500 feet of car-
bolized hose, and is in good condition. The officers of the Company are :
Alexander Hichborn, Foreman ; J. W. Van Meeter, First Assistant ; Alex-
ander Morrison, Second Assistant ; James Topley, Treasurer ; T. S. Gilbert,
Secretary; J. W. Winters, Engineer; Louis Rosine, Stoker. There are
fifty-eight members in good standing. The Engineer, Stoker and Secre-
tary are permanently employed ; these, together with the Foreman, two,
Assistants and fifty-one members constitute the entire Company.

Vallejo Schools — Early Beginnings. — During the summer of 1855, a
Mr. Wilmott, a Methodist minister, solicited subscriptions to raise funds for
the erection of a building to be used jointly as a church and school house.
Admiral Farragut was then in command of the Navy Yard, and Isaiah Hans-
com, Naval Constructor. The paper wss circulated among the men on the
yard and one thousand ($1,000) dollars subscribed ; many of the men giving
a day's pay. General J. B. Frisbie donated two lots on Virginia street,
between Marin and Sonoma. The building was soon erected, most of the

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 237

work having been contributed by the different mechanics in town. Miss
Frost, a relative of Mr. Hanscom, opened a school in this building the same
summer, and continued it for several months. The church people desiring
to plaster the room requested the school to vacate, and it was therefore
moved into the old building, now standing on the corner of Maine and
Marin streets, and known as " Smith and King's blacksmith shop." (It is
not known whether this teacher was paid in full by tuition bills, or in part
from public money).

Miss Frost was succeeded in 1856 by Mr. George Rowell, who, afterwards,
in the fall of that year, moved into an old building known as the " Virginia
House," now standing on Sonoma street, near Pennsylvania. In the spring
of 1857 a public meeting was called, to see what action should be taken rela-
tive to building a public school house. Responding to the call the people
assembled at the old State House, then standing near where Eureka Hall is
now located (afterward burned), and General J. F. Houghton was chosen
moderator. At this meeting it was voted to build a house, and money was
raised by subscription to pay for the same. Three lots were donated by
General J. B. Frisbie, on Carolina street, at the corner of Sonoma, James
Newbert being the contractor and builder. The original building was about
forty feet square, with ceiling some fourteen feet high. At about this time
there were several teachers, who succeeded each other at short intervals ; a
Mr. Farmer, Miss Coyle, Miss Casson, Mr. Mason, Mr. N. Smith. Up to this
time, spring of 1858, we have been unable to learn whether the teachers
were paid in part with public money or entirely by tuition bills, but there
is reason to believe some public money was received as early as 1857. Mr.
E. M. Benjamin, now of San Francisco, was one of the trustees, and em-
ployed Mr. Newbert to build the house in 1857.

In the fall of 1859, or spring of 1860, Mr. Fred. Campbell (now Superin-
tendent of Schools, Oakland) took charge of the public school and remained
until the spring of 1861. In June of that year Miss Root, now the wife of
Hon. S. G. Hilborn, taught for one month, when Mr. Isaiah Hurlburt entered
the school as principal, and Miss Root as assistant ; they remained until June,
1862, when they were succeeded by Mr. Atchinson and wife, who remained
about one year. Mr. J. E. Fliggle then took charge of the school, assisted by
Miss Casebolt, who remained until the spring of 1864, when Miss C. resigned,
and Miss Alice Pickle was appointed in her place ; they continued the school
up to September 5, 1864, when Mr. Geo. W. Simonton took charge as princi-
pal and Miss Sophia A. Simonton, now Mrs. Harris, as assistant. Prior to
1864 there had been several boards of trustees. E. M. Benjamin was one of
the first. J. W. Farmer, E. J. Wilson, A. Powell, M. J. Wright, and others,
but there is no data to fix either the date or order. Mr. Wright, however,
was a trustee in 1864.

At the time Mr. Simonton entered the school there were two rooms in the

238 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

school building, the one built by Mr. Newbert for the principal, and a small
room some twenty feet square, added subsequently for the assistant. There
were at this time in both rooms about seventy scholars.

The school was ungraded and its entire management left to the principal.
During all these years and up to about 1867 the salary of teachers had been
paid, in part at least, by rate bills, levied pro rata on all the children. From
1864 to about 1871 the increase of children in public schools was very rapid,
and it was with great difficulty the trustees could furnish sitting room for the
children. Taxes were levied on the people and paid cheerfully, to build
school rooms. In 1867 there were five rooms, with as many teachers, packed
w T ith children, each having from seventy to one hundred and twenty, fre-
quently compelled to sit on the stage, on boxes or stools, for whole terms.

Present Results. — No city in the State has shown more interest in the
matter of education than Yallejo. Her people have ever been alive to the
importance of giving the rising generation a liberal education. From 1867
to 1869 the influx of population was so great that the school trustees found
it very difficult, with the limited means and accommodation at their com-
mand, to provide rooms and school furniture for the constantly increasing
pupils. In 1869 the board of trustees, viz.: J. G. Lawton, M. J. Wright and
I. S. Halsey, determined to submit to the people the question of taxing
themselves for the purpose of raising money to build a new school house,
and, to their credit be it recorded, the proposition was carried by a large ma-
jority and the tax was levied. Plans having been advertised for those pre-
sented by Messrs. Hoagland & Newsome, of San Francisco, were approved
and the contract for constructing a large, commodious three-story building
was awarded to J. W. Newbert, a citizen of Vallejo, for the sum of $14,000.

With a desire to extend the efficiency of the school department, J. G,
Lawton, acting under instruction of the trustees, prepared a special school
law for the city of Vallejo, providing (among other things) for a Board of
Education, to consist of a superintendent and four school directors, naming
the following gentlemen, who should serve until the next charter election^
viz.: J. G. Lawton, Superintendent and ex-officio President of the Board;
M. J. Wright, Secretary; E. M. Benjamin, B. T. Osborn and I. S. Halsey,
Directors. The law was passed by the legislature; and signed by the gov-
ernor March 25, 1870. The gentlemen above named having been clothed
with the proper authority, entered at once into the work assigned them, and
labored assiduously for the promotion of the educational interests of the
city. On the 6 th of July, 1870, the new school-house was turned over to,
and accepted by the Board; and although the third story remained un-
finished, still the accomodation afforded greatly relieved the pressing de-
mands upon the department. The following description will convey a very
correct idea of this beautiful structure: The building is forty-eight feet

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 239

front, by sixty-eight feet deep. Ells eight feet wide. Single story, rear
wing, 14x30 \ feet. It is three stories high, with Mansard roof, all inclosed
in rustic style. Two wings, each eight feet wide, set out at each end of the
building, furnishing broad entrances and stairways; these wings are sur-
mounted with observatories. The centre of the building rises to a higher
elevation, and upon its crown rests a turret, which serves both as a ventil-
ator and belfry. The class-rooms are lighted from the front by four double,
oval-topped windows, and the side elevations are equally well provided with
large windows. The first floor is four feet from the ground, and the first
and second stories fourteen feet six inches high, and the third fourteen feet.
On the first floor, three large school-rooms are arranged for, each having
entrance from the wings. Iron columns support the upper floors, and plat-
forms for teachers occupy convenient positions. In the rear are two private
rooms for teachers; halls wash-rooms and wardrobes. The second story is
also conveniently partitioned off", affording four good-sized class-rooms. The
general style of building is neat, with no excess of ornamentation. Prior
to the building of this house, the trustees were compelled to hire rooms in
various and unsuitable parts of the city, paying therefor heavy rents; the
colored school being in one of the rooms of the United States Hotel. On
July 9th, 1870, the Board adopted the classification and course of study in
use in the public schools of Providence, R. I., with such modifications as
were deemed proper by the Board. The following corps of teachers was
employed to teach under the new and improved system: G. W. Simonton,
principal of the High-school, W. F. Roe, and Isabella Murphy, assistants ;
A. W. Dozier, principal of the Grammar department, with William Crow-
hurst, Miss Lawrence, and J. McFadden, as assistants; Miss Sophia
Simonton, Miss Mary Turtelott, Miss Foye, Miss Delia Sweatland, Mary G.
Hall and Miss Rutherford, teachers of the Primary department, and Miss
Wundenburg, teacher of the Colored school; W. M. Cole, Janitor.

The salaries paid at this time were from $50 to SI 50 per month, aggre-
gating, including Superintendent, Secretary and Janitor, $1,151 per month.
The regulations adopted by the Board provide for a ten-months' school,
divided into two terms of five months each, with a mid-term vacation of
one week. The school-money received from the state and county was
found inadequate, and to make up the deficiency, the following schedule of
rate-bills was adopted, payable monthly: "High-school department, each
pupil, $2 50; first and second grade, Grammer, $2 00; third grade, Gram-
mar, $1 75; fourth grade, Grammer, $1 50; Primary department, $1 00.
At the end of the first month after the adoption of this order, viz.: from
Jan. 4, to Feb. 15, 1871, the teachers reported to the Board, collections
amounting to $543 70. At the end of May, 1871, the following teachers
were elected for the next term: G. W. Simonton, W. F. Roe, and Miss Julia
Benjamin, for High-school; A. W. Dozier, Misses Sweatland, Tourtelott,

240 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

Benjamin, Murphy, and Mrs. C. A. Kidder (nee Simonton) Misses Kate Hall,
Anderson, Rutherford, Foye, and Wm. Crowhurst, principal of the South
Vallejo school; and Miss Mary Tobin, Etta Thompson, and Miss Watson,
teacher of the colored school.

On the 15th of September the following gentlemen, having been elected
by the people as provided in the new City School law, were duly qualified,
and took their seats as the second Board of Education of Vallejo: Rev. N.
B. Klink, Superintendent; I. S. Halsey, Secretary; Luke Doe, J. H. Green
and E. H. M. Baily, Directors. The newly-elected members entered at
once into the good work begun by the previous Board, and the Vallejo
schools soon became famous throughout the adjacent counties, many pupils
being sent here for instruction, and large numbers of most excellent teach-
ers making application for positions as instructors.

The first question of importance presented to this Boai'd for its considera-
tion related to the finances of the department. The school-money received
from the state and county was only sufficient to maintain the schools for
eight months. A special tax of thirty-five cents on each $100 valuation on
the assessment-roll was therefore provided for in the special law before-
mentioned, to make up the deficiency. This tax was assessed and collected
by the county officials, in the same manner and at the same time of assess-
ing and collecting the state and county taxes, and without cost to the school-
fund. This arrangement worked well, and gave great satisfaction to the
public; but, unfortunately, the State Board of Equalization the next year
decided that all such laws throughout the state were unconstitutional, and
issued an order restraining County Assessors and Collectors from assessing
or collecting township and district taxes. They further promulgated this
principle in the matter of taxation, viz.: "That all taxes levied and col-
lected for township and district purposes must be assessed and collected
by officers elected by the people to be taxed." This rendered a revision
of the Vallejo School Law necessary. The matter was referred to the
Secretary of the Board with instructions to procure legal assistance and
so revise the Special School Law as to secure the assessing and collecting
of the usual special tax. On the 5th of January, 1874, J. G. Lawton, Esq.,
presented the revised law to the Board, which, after some modifications, was
approved, and the Secretary instructed to forward it to the Hon. J. L.
Heald, member of assembly, by whom it was introduced for legislative
action; on the 25th day of February following it was signed by the Gover-
nor, and has ever since been the school law of Vallejo township. The
changes made related more especially to the matter of including the entire
township of Vallejo in the school district, and making provision for the
election of a township Assessor and Collector as required by the order be-
fore-mentioned, emanating from the State Board of Equalization.

At the close of the school year ending December, 1871, Messrs. Gregory,

$8mt

THE

/ York

Fou

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 241

Hilborn, Lawton, Ashbrook, Dr. L. C. Frisbie, and Rev. C. E. Rich, assisted
the Superintendent, Mr. Klink, in making the usual term-examination,
and the report made by these gentlemen was highly creditable to teachers
and pupils, and quite satisfactory to the Board. On January 2, 1872, the
Board adopted a course of study, rules and regulations, and had the same
printed in pamphlet form for gratuitous distribution among the people.
During this year, Mr. Simonton, the principal, obtained permission of the
Board to give a number of public school entertainments, for the purpose of
raising money to purchase a suitable bell for house No. 1. His efforts were
successful beyond expectation, and the fine bell thus secured to the school
department has ever since been ringing out notes of praise to all who par-
ticipated in this worthy object. The cost of the bell was $325.

The teachers elected for the term beginning January, 1872, were the same
as last term, with the exception that Mrs. Kidder resigned and J. McFadden
was elected and assigned to the South Vallejo school.

On the 23d day of April, 1872, Mr. Simonton, after so many years of
faithful service in the cause of education, was compelled to hand in his
resignation on account of failing health. After several ineffectual attempts
on the part of the Board to induce him to continue, his resignation was
finally accepted on the 7th of May, 1872. After accepting the resignation
of Prof. Simonton, the following resolutions were unanimously passed by
the Board:

"Resolved, That it is with unfeigned regret we are called upon to part
with our late Principal, O. W. Simonton, he having filled that position for
years with honor to himself, profit to the children of Vallejo, and the per-
fect satisfaction of the Board.

Resolved, That the thanks of this Board are due, and are hereby tendered
to him for many valuable suggestions, and his unremitting efforts in assist-
ing us to arrange and perfect our present school system.

Resolved, That we cordially recommend him to all interested in educa-
cational matters as a gentleman in every way competent, and worthy of
their entire confidence and esteem."

On June 11, 1872, the following teachers were elected for the term com-
mencing July next :

C. B. Towle, Principal of the High School ; W. F. Roe, Teacher of Lan-
guages ; Miss Kate Hall, First Assistant in the High School ; Miss Julia
Benjamin, Second Assistant, High School; Miss Mary Tourtelott, Third
Assistant, High School; A. W. Doziei, Principal of the Grammar Depart-
ment ; Miss F. A. Frisbie, Miss Delia Sweatland, Mrs. C. A. Kidder and Miss
J. Belle Murphy, Assistants ; Wm. Crowhurst, Principal of the Primary
Department ; Miss C. F. Barney, Miss Etta Thompson and Fannie Watson,
Assistants ; J. A. McFadden, Principal of the South Vallejo School ; Miss
Mary Tobin, Assistant.

242 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

On July 13, 1872, a petition having been received from a number of
citizens residing near the Orphans' Home asking the Board of Education to
open a public school in the Home building, and the consent of the officers
of that institution having been obtained, it was agreed to by the Board, and
Prof. N. Smith was elected to teach the school, all to be under the same
rules and regulations governing the Vallejo Public School.

It may here be interesting to give the amount of money disbursed the past
school year as appears from the Secretary's report dated June, 1872. Sal-
aries, $13,745.45 ; interest on Mackay's note, $750 ; interest on money bor-
rowed to pay teachers, $510.40 ; repairs and improvements, $1,020.39;
school supplies, $691.99 ; school furniture, $354.25 ; rents, $337 ; insurance,
$264.35 ; grading and constructing sidewalks, $175.40 ; fuel, $148.33 ; water,
$114.80; printing, $121.25; incidentals, $129.55; library, $50; expressage,
$20— total $18,433.16.

The receipts for the same year were from the following sources : Balance
in Treasury at beginning of the year $69.36 ; received from the State Fund,
$4,741.35 ; received from the County Fund, $7,842.65 ; received from the
District Special Tax, $4,234.29 ; received from the City Special Tax,
$2,415.21— total $19,302.86.

On July 13, 1872, the death of E. H. M. Baily one of the School Directors
was announced and suitable resolutions of respect and condolence passed
by the Board.

On November 4th following, Mr. F. Carlton having been duly appointed
School Director by the Superintendent to fill the vacancy in the Board
occasioned by the death of Mr. Baily, he qualified, and took his seat.

January 20, 1873, the Board of Education elected the following named
teachers to act as City Board of Examination : N. B. Klink, President ; C.
B. Towle, W. F. Roe, Melville Dozier, Wm. Crowhurst, A. W. Dozier and W.
H. Fry, County Superintendent.

The following teachers were elected for the term beginning in January,
1873 : C. B. Towle, Principal of High School ; W. F. Roe, Professor of
Languages ; Miss Kate Hall, Assistant in High School ; A. W. Dozier, Prin-
cipal of Grammar Department ; G. W. Simonton, Second Grade ; Miss Delia
Sweatland, First Division, Third Grade ; Miss Julia Benjamin, Second Divi-
sion, Third Grade ; Miss P. A. Frisbie, First Division, Fourth Grade ; Miss
Isabelle A. Murphy, Second Division, Fourth Grade ; Wm. Crowhurst,
Principal of Primary Department ; Miss Etta L. Thompson, Second Grade ;
Miss Mary Tourtelott, Third Grade ; Miss Jennie S. Klink, Assistant in
Third Grade ; Mrs. C. A. Kidder, Fourth Grade ; Melville Dozier, Principal,
South Vallejo ; N. Smith, Principal Orphans' Home ; Miss Jane Anderson,
Colored School.

The year 1873 was made memorable in the history of the Vallejo schools
by the erection of the new and and beautiful school house now standing on

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 243

the corner of Carolina and Sonoma streets. This improvement was made
for additional accommodation for the Grammar and Primary Departments.
This work was done under a contract with Mr. Charles Murphy, a citizen of
Vallejo, for. the sum of $6,500.

It was also during this year that the Board adopted a Diploma to be pre-
sented to the graduates from the Vallejo High School. The first graduates
receiving this mark of distinction were Misses Maggie Tobin, Mary Mc-
Knight, Hattie Dempsey and Mary Long.

On Monday, March 16, 1874, the first election was held under the provis-
ions of the amended School Law, resulting in the choice of the following
named gentlemen : J. G. Lawton, Superintendent ; I. S. Halsey, Secretary ;
L. Doe, J. Q. Adams and A. J. McPike, Directors ; G. T. Plaisted, Assessoi
and Collector; and on the 6th day of April they qualified took their scats,
and immediately entered upon the duty assigned them.

Through the kindness and courtesy of the City Trustees, early in the
year 1874 the Board of Education was furnished with a very pleasant room
in the City Hall to hold their meetings and transact their business.

June 5, 1874, Mr. G. W. Simonton having previously obtained permission
of the Board to give an entertainment for the purpose of raising money
with which to purchase a piano for the Grammar Department, of which he
was Principal, reported $190 as the proceeds of the undertaking. A short
time afterward the instrument now in use was secured.

Graduating Class of 1874 — Misses : Mary S. Halsey, Mary Wynn, Etta
Foye, Mary Hobbs, Margaret Wakely, Josephine Sundquest, and Margaret
Dunn.

Teachers elected in June, 1874 — C. B. Towle, W. F. Roe, Jennie Dickin-
son, Dora Harris, Mary Congdon, G. W. Simonton, J. T. Royal, Win. Crow-
hurst, J. S. Congdon, N. Smith, Mrs. C. A. Kidder, Julia Benjamin, Miss C.
H. Pinkhani, Belle Murphy, Etta Thompson, Mary Tobin, Miss P. A. Frisbie,
Mary Foye, Jennie Klink, and D. P. Whitney, janitor.

The Census Marshal for 1874. J. H. Green. Esq., reports : Whole number
white children in the township, between 5 and 17 — boys, 800 ; Girls, 762.
Total, 1,562. Colored children— boys, 13; girls, 3. Total, 16. Mongolian
under 17—20. Blind— 1. Total, between 5 and 17—1,599. Number of
children between 5 and 17, who have attended Public school during the
year: White — 998; Negro, 14. Total — 1,012. Number who have attended
private schools — 263. Number who have not attended any school : White
-305 ; Negro, 2 ; Indian, 1. Total— 308.

Number of children native born, and having native parents — 865. Num-
ber native born children, having one native born parent — 301. Number of
children native born, having both parents foreign — 1,292. Number of
children foreign born — 15.

At a meeting of the Board, held July 3, 1874, a resolution was intro-

244

THE HISTOKY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

duced to abolish the colored school, and admit the pupils thereof to the
graded schools. The question was fully discussed by members of the Board,
the citizens present, with one exception, favoring the proposed change. The
resolution was adopted ; and Vallejo took the lead in the important question
by being the first city to admit colored children to the graded schools, and
thus conferring upon them equal privileges with the white children. The
whole number of children enrolled July, 1874, were 1,011.

On December 30, 1874, Prof. G. W. Simonton, and Miss Belle Murphy,
resigned. April 2, 1875, School Director, L. Doe, having removed to Oak-
land, tendered his resignation, which was accepted, and David Rutherford
was appointed to fill the vacancy. It should here be stated, to the credit
of Mr. Doe, that, while acting as a Director, he ever evinced a strong desire
to advance the best interests of the Vallejo School Department; always
punctual in his attendance at the meetings of the Board, and taking a lively
interest in all questions presented. On the 2d of June, 1875. the Board,
being in session, much interest was manifested on a proposition to abolish
the department of languages. Mr. Halsey moved the adoption of the fol-
lowing : Whereas, " It having come to the knowledge of this Board that an
effort will be made to induce its members to abolish the department of lan-
guages, now in the High School course ; and, Whereas, Under the present
arrangement, the children of the poorest of our citizens stand on an equality
with those more fortunate, securing to them the same opportunity to secure
a High School diploma, entitling them to the privilege of entering the
State University ; and Whereas, The proposed change would result in a
serious drawback to the educational interest of Vallejo, and be looked upon
as a step backward in the hitherto onward progress of our city. Therefore,

Resolved, That we deem it expedient, and for the best interests of Vallejo
and her citizens, to continue the Department of Languages in the High
School course."

The question was discussed by members of the Board, and a number of
citizens, including Messrs. J. E. Abbott, G. W. Simonton, Hon. M. J. Wright,
C. B. Towle, J. P. Garlick, and County Superintendent C. W. Childs. Many
interesting and instructive ideas were presented, all tending to show the
deep interest the people of Vallejo feel in educational matters. The resolu-
tion was finally adopted, and the department of languages thus continued.

On the 28th of May, 1875, Masters Lewis G. Harrier and Samuel Irving,
received their diplomas as graduates of the Vallejo High School. It is
worthy of note to state in this connection, that both of these young men
were at once admitted to the State University.

The teachers for 1875 and '76, were : C. B. Towle, Principal of the High
School ; W. F. Roe, Professor of Languages in the High Schoo] ; J. P. Gar-
lick, Principal of the Grammar Department ; Viola R. Kimball, Second
Grammar Department ; Sophia A. P. Kidder, Second Grammar Department ;

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 245

Anna R. Congdon, Third Grade Department ; Dora B. Harris, Third Grade
Department ; Beverley Cox, Fourth Grade Grammar Department ; Jennie
B. Chase, Fourth Grade Grammar Department ; Wm. Crowhurst, Principal of
the Primary Department ; Mary Wynne, First Grade Primary Department ;
Jennie Klink, Second Grade Primary Department ; Etta L. Thompson, Third
Grade Primary Department ; Lucy Gilman, Third Grade Primary Depart-
ment ; Charlotte M. Barry, Fourth Grade Primary Department ; Mary G.
To bin, Fourth Grade Primary Department ; J. S. Congdon, Principal of the
South Vallejo School ; Mary A. Foye, Assistant of the South Vallejo School ;
Nehemiah Smith, Principal of the Orphans' Home School ; Fannie E. Smith,
Assistant of the Orphans' Home School. ,

School Census Marshal's Report — 1875. Number of children from 5 to
17 : boys, white, 826 ; girls, white, 790 ; total, 1,625. Number of colored
children from 5 to 17: boys, 4 ; girls, 7 ; total, 11. Number of children
under 5, 788. Colored, 79. Children in Public Schools, 963. Colored, 8.
Children in Private Schools, 331. Children not attending school, 351.

This Board of Education was elected in March, 1876: J. E. Abbott, Super-
intendent, ex-officio President. School Directors — John Farnham, C. H.
Hubbs, D. Rutherford, A. J. McPike ; I. S. Halsey, Secretary.

Committees — On Grounds, Buildings, Repairs, Fuel and Warming School
Houses — McPike, Rutherford, Abbott. On Janitors, School Furniture, School
Library and Apparatus — Hubbs, Farnham, Abbott. On Teachers, Rules
and Regulations, and School Discipline — Rutherford, Hubbs, Abbott. On
Finance and Accounts — Farnham, McPike, Abbott.

Board of Examination — J. E. Abbott, City Superintendent, ex-officio
President ; C. W. 'Childs, County Superintendent ex-officio ; C. B. Towle,
Secretary ; J. P. Garlick, W. Crowhurst, J. S. Congdon.

Teachers— C. B. Towle, Principal of the High School ; W. F. Roe, Pro-
fessor of Languages in the High School ; J. P. Garlick, Principal of the
Grammar Department ; Sophia A. P. Kidder, Second Grammar Department ;
Viola R. Kimball, Third Grade Department ; Dora B. Harris, Third Grade
Department ; Hettie Dempsey, Fourth Grade Grammar Department ; Mag-
gie Dunn, Fourth Grade Grammar Department ; William Crowhurst, Prin-
cipal of the Primary Department ; Mary Wynne, First Grade Primary De-
partment ; Jennie Klink, Second Grade Primary Department ; Ettie L.
Thompson, Third Grade Primary Department ; Lucy Gilman, Third Grade
Primary Department ; Charlotte M. Barry, Fourth Grade Primary Depart-
ment; E. P. Fouche, Fourth Grade Primary Department; J. S. Congdon,
Principal of the South Vallejo School ; Mary Tobin, Assistant of the South
Vallejo School ; Nehemiah Smith, Principal of the Orphans' Home School.

In 1876, the Graduates were Misses: Ida Hobbs, Susan Cheesman, Carrie

246 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

Frasier, Gemi Martin, Carrie Barbour, Annie Crocker, Hat tie Klink, with
Masters Edward Lawton, Louis Long and Charles Batchellor.

On September 29, 1-876, Mr. Abbott resigned the position of Superin-
tendent, owing to pressing business in connection with the Vallejo Bank,
and the Rev. N. B. Klink was elected to fill the vacancy.

Graduating Class, 1877 — Edward Frisbie, Jr., Thomas Robinson, Thomas
Dempsey, John Frisbie, Mary Rowe.

Teachers' Election, May, 1877— High School— C. B. Towle, W. F. Roe.
Grammar School — J. P. Garlick, Sarah Farrington, Florence Goodspeed,
Jennie S. Klink, Mary L. McKennan, Hettie Dempsey, Maggie Dunn.
Primary — Mrs. Sophia Kidder, Mary Wynne, Mary Hobbs, Etta Thompson,
Lucy Gilman, C. M. Barry, E. C. Fouche, J. S. Congdon, Alice Blank, A. T.
Stiles. Janitors — D. T. Whitney and H. D. Lazell

School Census Report of J. S. Congdon, Marshal, for 1877, was : Boys,
from 5 to 17, 745 ; girls, 733 ; colored, boys, 1, girls, 4 ; Indians, boys, 0,
girls, 1. Total, 1,484. Number under 5 years of age — Boys and girls,
white, 795 ; negro, 2. Native born and parents native, 706 ; native born
and one parent foreign, 384; native born and both parents foreign, 1,149;
foreign born, 53. Early in 1878 the Board purchased three additional lots,
adjoining the school property, and had the same planted in evergreen trees,
and vines. The grounds are intended as play-grounds for the girls and will
afford recreation very much needed.

On the 25th day of March, 1878, the indebtedness on the Vallejo school
property amounting to $5,000 was paid, leaving the property entirely un-
encumbered.

On March 18, 1878, an election for School officers was had, resulting in
the choice of J. E. Abbott, Superintendent ; John Farnham, D. Rutherford,
D. W. Harrier C. H. Hubbs, Directors ; T. W. Chamberlain, Assessor and
Collector.

On April 1st the Board was organized, having duly qualified, and I. S.
Halsey was elected Secretary.

Graduating Class — 1878 — Maggie Kavanaugh, Lottie Kitto, John Perry-
man, Katie Brew, Maggie Murphy, Emma Frey, George Greenwood, Minnie
Engelbright, John M. Williamson, Abbie Dyar, Julia Stotter, Wells Whit-
ney, Eunice Hobbs, Lutie Dixon, Charles H. Dexter, Lizzie Cox, Florence
Devlin, George Klink, Mary Sundquiest.

The teachers for 1878 were : High School, C. B. Towle, W. F. Roe ; Gram-
mar, H. W. Philbrook, Sarah J. Farrington, Annie Klink, Josephine Sund-
quiest, Hettie Dempsey, Maggie Tobin ; Primary, Mrs. M. P. Morris, Mary E.
Brown, Mary Hobbs, Mary Wynn, Lucy Gilman, C. M. Barry, Mrs. E. P.
Veeder ; South Vallejo, J. S. Congdon, Jennie S. Klink.

The Census Marshal's Report for 1878, was : White children from five to
seventeen years, 1,481; negro, 7 ; mongolians, 24, showing a total of 1,512.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 247

Add to these 753 children under five years — makes a grand total of 2,265.

The amount of money required to meet the expenses of the Vallejo School
department may be gathered from the following exhibit, taken from the
Annual Report of the Secretary, for the year 1878 : Receipts — Balance on
hand at beginning of year $5,122 84. Total received from State and
county, $18,681 20. Total, $23,804 04. Expenditure— Current expenses,
$17,132 80. Lots purchased, $522 50. Paid off mortgage, $5,000 00.
Sundries, $313 08. Balance in treasury, $835 QG. Total,$23,804 04.

At this term, 1878-79, there are employed twenty teachers, receiving
salaries ranging from $50 to $150 per month. The monthly pay-roll of
teachers and school officers aggregates $1,625 83. The session lasts ten
months of the year, while the revenue is derived from the State and County,
and Special District Taxes, the amount required annually being about
$20,000. The value of the school property, including a library of several
hundred volumes, many of them standard works of reference, is $50,000,
while there is yearly expended, for library books, under the provisions of
the State law, a sum of $150. The graduates of the High School in Class
1879 were : James McCauley, Edward E. Kavanagh, A. Lulu Frisbie, Netta
Meek, Kate S. Klink, Annie L. Wynne, Helen May Towle, and Louise J.
Grinnage.

MAKE ISLAND.

Much curiosity has been excited by the peculiarity of name given to this
island; the origin of its appellation is related as follows: In former days
there was only one ferry-boat on the waters near Vallejo and Benicia, a
crude one at that, being made principally of oil-barrels obtained from whal-
ing ships, which were secured together by beams and planking ; the craft
was divided into compartments for horses and cattle, the transportation of .
which was its principal use. On one occasion, while the boat was making
its way from Martinez, on the opposite shore of the Carquinez Straits, to
Benicia, a sudden squall overtook her, causing her to pitch dreadfully. The
animals, then on board, being for the most part horses, became alarmed and
commenced to kick, causing the weak partitions to give way. The vessel
was capsized and the living cargo thrown into the bay. Some reached the
shore, while others were drowned. Of the former was an old white mare
owned and much prized, by General Vallejo ; its capture was effected on the
island a few days after the disaster, when the General dubbed the place
" Isla de la Yegua," or Mare Island.

The island forms a portion of the eastern side of San Pablo bay, its south-
erly end making the intersection of the Straits of Carquinez and Mare
Island Straits, the former, which is the outlet of the two largest rivers of

248 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

California, the Sacramento and San Joaquin, and the latter, constitutes the
improved front of the Navy Yard, as well as that of the city of Vallejo, on
the opposite shore, and also the outlet of the Napa creek, which drains the
fertile valley above. The distance from San Francisco is twenty-six miles.
The island is 2* miles in length by O^ in width, and is of an oblong form,
having a direction from northwest to southeast, while its area is 876 acres.
The upland is diversified into hills and level sloping plains, the shore of the
bay presenting vertical bluffs lined with a rocky back until nearing the
southern extremity, where it terminates in high, rolling hills, with steep,
inaccessible slopes to the water. The highest point on the island is at its
southern end, where it is 280 feet in altitude. The soil is, away from the
marsh or tule lands, of which there are 135 acres, adobe loam and clay over-
lying stratified sandstone and shale ; some good building stone has been
found in small quantities, while brick clay of a good quality is to be pro-
cured. Small quantities of hydraulic limestone have also been discovered,
as has also a few springs of inferior water.

At the northern end of the island there are three large Indian mounds or
graves covered over with burnt mussel-shells, upon which nothing will
grow. Sometime ago one of these was opened and a large number of skulls,
bones, bows, arrow-heads, etc., were found. Each of these mounds has a
legend attached to it. They were probably made during the small-pox epi-
demic which committed such havoc among the native Indians in the year
1839.

The position of Mare Island is admirably adapted for a Naval station.
The straits separating it from the mainland is a quarter of a mile wide, and
has a depth of five fathoms. The mean rise and fall of the tide is 4 X q feet ;
while, when the rivers are swollen, the water loses all brackishness. The
channel is remarkably direct and easy of navigation, the only defect being
a limited shoal called " Commission Rock," which lies at a point nearly
opposite the island and about mid-way in the stream. There is deep water,
however, on either side of the rock, the deepest being on the side next to
the island ; and good anchorage is to be found anywhere, the bottom being
of a soft and sticky nature.

The first historical fact in connection with Mare Island, with which it
has been possible to become cognizant, is that in the year 1850 it was
granted to one Castro by Governor Alvarado, and purchased from him by
John B. Frisbie and Bezer Simmons, for the sum of $7,000, who, in turn in
1851, sold it to W. H. Aspinwall and G. W. P. Bissell, in consideration of
the sum of $17,500.

By an Act of Congress, dated 30 June, 1851, appropriations were made,
and subsequently a contract entered into between Messrs. Dakin and
Moody, and Messrs. Gilbert and Secor, on the one part, and the United
States Government on the other, for the construction of a floating sectional

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 249

dock on some point on the Pacific coast ; and after inspecting positions of
likelihood at Benicia and Racoon Straits, Mare Island was selected as the
spot offering the greatest facilities for the purpose desired. The dock, of
which the. measurements will be hereafter given, was first constructed in
New York, and then taken to pieces and shipped in four vessels named the
" Empire," " California Packet," " Queen of the East," and " Defiance," and
despatched round Cape Horn, all of which arrived at Mare Island in the
fall of 1852. At this time the entire sphere of the island was overgrown
with wild oats and overrun with wild cattle, horses, mules, and one ass, who
stood in loco parentis to the latter ; a solitary squatter occupied a dingy hut
among the rank verdure, his principal occupation being the tending of
stock ; while on the opposite shore, where now the city of Vallejo rears its
head, there were but two or three occupied houses. The shores were not as
they are to-day. . Silting had not then commenced ; the mud from the mines
had not yet been despatched into the bay by way of the Sacramento river,
and it -was easy for ships to make fast to the shore. Discharging cargo for
the dock was first attempted by means of rafts from mid-stream ; a storm
coming on, however, caused the vessels to drag their anchors, and thus dis-
covered the depth of water in shore, and helped to solve the riddle of land-
ing dock stores.

The first party to arrive in charge of stores and machinery for the sec-
tional dock was that under D. Peckham, who came in the month of Septem-
ber, 1852 ; twenty days later the second detachment consisting of six
mechanics arrived with Theodore Dean, Manager and Superintendent in
charge. Many of the passengers on the vessels who were mechanics sought
and obtained employment at the docks, among whom are a number of Vallejo's
most worthy citizens, while laborers being few and hard to get, their places
were principally filled by sailors who proved to be invaluable workmen in
unloading ships, rigging derricks and performing dock-work generally.
Labor was proceeded with in such earnestness thatthe in fall of the following-
year the dock was completed. Wages were high, the rate at the time being
for first class mechanics $5 and $6 per day, but when vessels were under-
going repairs, ship carpenters and caulkers got as much as $9 a day with a
glass of grog as an extra inducement to toil. Before the work was handed
over to the government the contractors had the privilege of using the dock
for a certain number of years which they would appear to have done.

Affairs had arrived at this stage when on August 31, 1852, an Act of
Congress was passed authorizing " the Secretary of the Navy to select a
site for a Naval Yard and Naval Depot in the bay of San Francisco, the
same to be surveyed and a plat thereof to be recorded in proper form, the
said Secretary to establish a Navy Yard and Naval Depot on the site and
erect a foundry, machine shop, blacksmith's shop, boiler shop, engine house,
pattern house, carpenters shop and store houses." The amount of appro-
priation being $100,000.

250 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

A Board consisting of Commodore John D. Sloat, Commander W. S.
Ogden, Lieutenant S. F. Blunt and W. P. S. Sanger, Civil Engineer, were
deputed to make the necessary surveys, eventuating in the selection of Mare
Island ; and it was purchased by the United States from.W. H. Aspinwall,
G. W. P. Bissell and Mrs. Mary S. MacArthur for the sum of $83,000, on
January 4, 1853, and on February 28th of that year Aspinwall and Corn-
stock bound themselves in the sum of $200,000 to convey the whole of the
island to the authorities. The expenses of the Board were deducted from
the original appropriation as was also the cost of erecting buildings, making
the first layout on the part of the government to be : Cost of Mare Island,
amount paid to Aspinwall, Bissell and Mrs. McArthur, $83,000 ; expenses of
Board of Survey, $11,508.20 ; erection of building for use of yard, $5,491.80.
Total, $100,000.

As has been remarked above the selection of the site for a Navy Yard
was the result of an Act of Congress, approved by the President of the
United States, of the 31st August, 1852, and on March 3, 1853, another ap-
propriation of $100,000 was voted by Congress, for building blacksmith's
shop, carpenter shop, store-house and wharf, " Provided, That before this
sum shall be expended, the Attorney General of the United States shall
decide that the United States have good title to the land upon which the
buildings are to be erected." The same Act directs the Secretary to com-
plete and carry into execution the verbal contract for a basin and railway
in California in connection with the floating dock already referred to, and
on August 5, 1854, a further grant of $200,000 was appropriated for the
continuing of the buildings mentioned above.

The first Commandant of the Yard was appointed on September 16,
1854, Commander David G. Farragut being the officer chosen. At the time
of his assumption of office, the island was a mere grazing locality, there
being visible only squatters, one or two humble dwellings, and a few
sheds which had been put up by the builders of the sectional dry dock.
Arrangements for the occupation were pushed with characteristic vigor by
Captain Farragut, and on October 3, 1854, the National flag was first
hoisted on its newly acquired property.

In the archives of the Commandant's office is preserved a Log in the
handwriting of the officer who afterwards achieved such glory for his coun-
try and name at New Orleans, when he caused himself to be tied to the
shrouds of his flagship, the " Hartford," and ran the gauntlet of the enemy's
guns. The pages of Farragut's diary may become tarnished by time, the ink
may fade, but his memory will remain untinged as long as the United
States will have a history, and be cherished in the hearts of his country-
men in such a manner as is only done for the great and the good.

" September 16, 1854. — Commander Farragut took charge of the Island,
and forthwith ordered all of the squatters off — Vara, Gilbert and Antonio
Pintro were their names. Weather clear.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 251

" September 17, 1854. — Looked around the Island for the localities speci-
fied in the plan of the Navy Yard ; also engaged in examining the amount
of property on the island that could be advantageously used by Govern-
ment. Weather clear.

; ' September 18, 1854. — The sloop-of-war " Warren " came up to be moored
as a store-ship for the accommodation of the Yard. Also employed Vara,
who was a carpenter, to put up a flag-staff. Paid $500 for towing up the
ship, and $192 for pilotage. Weather clear.

" September 19, 1854. — Made arrangements to dock the " Warren," and
employed three or four more to work on the Yard and fix foundation for
flag-staff. Also sent to San Francisco for lumber and other appliances to
work with. Weather cloudy.

And so does this interesting relic go on ; day by day are the facts re-
corded with like simplicity until now it is regarded as evidence, the authen-
ticity of which can never be doubted.

The year 1855 began with great bustle; on January 24th, the stone foun-
dation for the smithery was commenced, and that for the residence of the
Commandant was started on the March following, while on April 2Gth the
annexed entry is found in Captain Farragut's Log : " Received by the
' Napa City,' the copper-plate for the corner-stone engraved with the fol-
lowing words, viz., ' This Navy Yard was founded September 18, 1854.
Franklin Pierce, President of the United States ; J. C. Baffin, Secretary of
the Navy ; Charles Smith, U. S. N., Chief of Bureau, Docks and Yards ;
D. G. Farragut, Commandant of Yard; D. Turner, Civil Engineer, A
Powell, Master Carpenter, R. S. King, Master Blacksmith, Mr. Warner,
Master Mason. The corner-stone of this building was laid January 23,
855.

During the year the Commandant found it his duty to address the men
on desertion and the aiding and abetting it, for this offense had become alto-
gether too common ; the word in season had its reward, for those employed
became steadier, and there was a marked decrease in the number of malcon-
tents. On July 21 , an interesting series of experiments was inaugurated in
regard to the testing of native woods when Puget Sound timber was found to
be very much stronger than Eastern oak and Georgia pine, a result scarcely
to be anticipated. On October 26th, we find that the Astronomers of the
Exploring Expedition erected the Observatory on the highest point of the
island, while the year was wound up by a ball given under the auspices of
the Dry Dock Company, who it will be remembered retained possession of
the dock for some years subsequent to its completion.

It will thus be seen that the new Navy Yard was assuming something
like shape ; on the fourth day of the New Year, the planting of trees was
commenced. Early in the following month three of the forges in the
smithery were completed and ready for use, while the basin to admit the

252 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

sectional dock was being completed with all speed. On the 7th of August,
1856, this was effected, water being admitted into it, and on the 25th of
September the " Warren " was hauled ashore from the sectional dock and
basin, which was the first use of the basin and railway. In the following
year another test on the relative strengths of different woods was made, on
this occasion between teak and Puget Sound timber, the latter of which
again carried off the honors.

Space will not permit of entering into a full detail of the yearly occur-
rences at the yard ; such, indeed, would but tax the patience of the reader ;
suffice it to say, that but few idle days were admitted into the roll of time ;
the construction of buildings was pushed with becoming energy, until the
works are not to be excelled on any portion of the globe. As the Island
looks to-day, it is a credit to all concerned ; the buildings are noble speci-
mens of the mason's art ; the grounds are neatly laid out and pleasantly
wooded ; while the rising ground behind shows that its cultivation has not
been forgotten, there being 350 acres under the plough, its produce being
entirely used for Government purposes, what others may say to the con-
trary notwithstanding.

Since the appointment of Captain Farragut, up to the present time, in-
clusive of the present holder of the office, there have been altogether fifteen
commandants at Mare Island, as, under :

Commander D. G. Farragut, September 16, 1854 ; Captain R. B. Cunning-
ham, July 16, 1858 ; Captain David McDougal, March 13, 1861 ; Captain
W. H. Gardner, June 5, 1861 ; Captain Thomas O. Selfridge, May 27, 1862 ;
Captain David McDougal, October 17, 1864 ; Commodore Thomas S. Craven,
September 5, 1866; Commodore James Alden, August 1, 1868; Captain
Reed Werden, March 17, 1869 ; Rear- Admiral Thomas S. Craven, April 15,
1869 ; Commodore John R. Goldsborough, January 1, 1870 ; Commodore
E. J. Parrott, April 15, 1871 ; Rear- Admiral Thomas O. Selfridge, Septem-
ber 3, 1872 ; Rear- Admiral John Rodgers, July 3, 1873 ; Commodore E. R.
Calhoun, April 17, 1877.

The Sectional Dock: — On Mare Island, is the first erection of the kind
ever attempted on the Pacific coast, and was commenced in the year 1852.
It is composed of 11 sections, each 130 feet long and 33 feet wide, each sec-
tion standing 6 inches apart. The extreme length of the construction is
325 feet, and is capable of accommodating a ship of 3,000 tons burthen.
The dock basin, in connection therewith, is 400 feet long by 150 feet wide,
with a proper depth and ways, 350 feet in length. To get a vessel on to
the dock, it is first sunk to a sufficient distance, when she is floated on to it ;
the water is then pumped out by steam engines, built expressly for the pur-
pose, when the entire structure rises ; it is then floated into the basin, being-
hauled by hydraulic power ; the basin is then emptied by means of pump-
ing, and the dock sinks on to the floor, where it becomes a fixture.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 253

The operation of sinking the dock, is to open the gates that are at each
end of the main tank ; as they fill, they sink, because the combination of
wood and iron, of which they are constructed, has made them heavier than
water. To. keep them under the command of the dock-master, the floats are
set in operation by the machinery connected to the steam engines situated
in the houses on top of the frame work. The master speaks not a word,
but calls the attention of the attendants by a whistle, and by mystical signs
conveys his orders to them, and the dock sinks slow or fast, as he wills, to
the depth required. The gates being shut, the buoyancy of the floats keeps
it in that position.

The vessel is then floated in ; the centering beams or shores lowered to a
level, run against the sides of the ship, each side being adjusted forward or
back, till the numbers on each correspond. Then the vessel is in the center
of the dock, ready to be raised. The operation of raising the dock is to
pump the water out of the sections and keep it level with the floats. As
the water is taken out, the dock rises. To effect this, each section has three
pumps on each end, each one with capacity to throw three hundred gallons
a minute. They are connected to the machinery above by long rods, and
run to the pump, on the deck of the section.

When the vessel is in position, ready to be raised, the pumps are set in
operation by a sign, and as soon as the sections lighten a little, the floats are
started, and they move downwards on the gear posts just as fast as the post
rises, so that the floats keep the same depth on the surface. When the
vessel is lifted about twelve inches, the bilge-chocks are run under to sup-
port her all around. They are large oak blocks, built up, one on top of
another, and connected together by iron dogs, so that they can be made
high or low, as the shape of the vessel may require. These slide on ways
fastened to the deck of the section, and are held to them under water by
bended iron clamps, that slide freely. They are drawn under the vessel by
rope and chain, worked by the attendants on the platform of the dock.
After the bilge-chocks are set the dock is put in full operation. The floats
keep it traveling, by the fast or slow machinery, as the pumps discharge
the water, causing the dock to rise' the master governing the operation as
he wills, stopping each pump as his judgment dictates and the necessities of
the operation requires, till the dock is above water.

The Stone Dock : — Now in course of construction, will be, when finished,

the finest piece of workmanship of its kind in the United States. Its

dimensions are :

Feet.

Length between inside line of invert and first altar 418.

Length of keel block from inside of caisson 440.

Length from outside line of apron to outside line of invert. 7.9

Length of invert 41.

254 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

Eeet.

Width of floor 30.

Width of floor on line of keel blocks 58.

Extreme length of dock over all 525.9

Extreme length of invert over all 126.

Extreme length of invert, inside 114.

Depth of water at mean high tide on invert 27.6

Depth of water at mean high tide on floor of dock 32.

Width of entrance to dock 78.

The cost of this prodigious undertaking was estimated at $2,149,099;
the masonry alone being put down at $1,307,877 ; but concrete has been
substituted instead of mason work, as was originally intended, whereby,
the expense, it is expected, will be lessened by at least twenty per cent. The
cost, up to the fiscal year, ending June 30, 1879, will be $1,094,146 73. It
is built on the principle of an inverted arch, the pressure being entirely
from the outside towards the centre ; this design serving the purpose of
keeping the floor intact should the contingency arise of water sapping
underneath. The concrete work, which is, as it were, the shell of the struct-
ure, is quite new to America, the idea having been brought from France by
Mr. Calvin Brown, the Civil Engineer of the dock ; while the lining is of
dressed granite ; the flooring is composed of granite blocks, averaging five
and a half tons in weight, which are placed in position by means of a der-
rick, and what is technically known as a" Lewis," an iron pin, which is
larger at the bottom end than at the top, having a wedge of iron fitted into
it, and fixed in a socket in the block. The strain of hoisting causes this
to tighten, making the hold secure, while to disengage it requires but a few
taps of the hammer. The blocks, by these simple contrivances, are moved
at will, and eventually rested on a thickness of four feet of concrete. In
connection with this undertaking, there is a concrete mixing machine, which
is fitted at the top with two hoppers, into which gravel and sand are put ;
when started, the contents of the two hoppers meet before arriving on the
second floor, where ' another one is met charged with cement; hereafter
they shoot doAvn in a zig-zag fashion towards the floor of the clock, mixing
as they descend, until it is discharged, amalgamated in proper proportions!

It was originally intended to construct the dry dock entirely of rubble
stone work, but this substitution of concrete will be a vast saving to the
Government. The building is provided at its upper end with two timber
shoots, while its sides will be constructed after the manner of a staircase.
When completed the largest men-of-war that float will be able to be repaired
at Mare Island ; no little source of pride in itself, yet it is unfortunate that
for want of sufficient appropriations by the Government the work can not
be proceeded with as rapidly as could be desired, while it is feared that a
delay of year after year may have the effect of weakening some portions of
the work when nothing but dire catastrophe would result.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 255

Water: — Is supplied to the Navy Yard by the Vallejo City Water Com-
pany to the extent of 1,000,000 gallons a month, transmitted to the island by
means of a submarine cast iron pipe with flexible joints, a distance of two
thousand feet across the bed of the straits. Besides this quantity, which is
used in the officers' quarters and machine shops, there are thirteen cisterns,
capable of containing 1,500,000 gallons of rain water, while there is a reser-
voir, built during the time of Admiral Rogers' command, which cost $35,000
(received over and above the appropriations made during his term of office).
It is 680 feet in length, with an average width of 265 feet, a depth of 32
feet, and a capacity at present of only 14,000,000 gallons, which could be
considerable increased by further excavation. Connected with the reservoir
is a tunnel, to connect with the supply pipe, 600 feet long, which is laid in
concrete and will fill all the ditches, which are about three miles in length

Foundry and Machine SI102): — Which comprises the following divisions,
viz.: the foundry, machine, boiler, blacksmith, pattern and coppersmith's
shops, is situated at the northeast end of the island and is a magnificent con-
struction of red brick. The dimensions of the machine shop are 365x55,
and contains an upper story which is used as the pattern shop. In the lower
story of this building are located all the different appliances requisite to turn
out the very heaviest machinery which might be required for naval pur-
poses, all of which are put in motion by a condensing engine of eighty horse
power. The foundry, forming a wing of this building, has the capacity of
making castings of 100 tons, and has room to employ 150 moulders. The
floor is 300 feet long by 60 feet wide, and has a depth of 6 feet of moulding
sand, which is procured from San Francisco. Within the structure are five
cranes, these having a lifting power of 15 tons, while the others are capable
of hoisting 25 tons ; there are also four cupolas for melting iron, with the
following capacity: two of 40 tons, one of 20, and one of 10 tons ; in connec-
tion with these are two ladles of 20 and 10 tons respectively, while there are
three ovens, used for drying purposes, with tracks and carriages to match, of
the respective measurements of 20x40, 12x20, and 8x15 feet. The foundry is
also supplied with ten brass furnaces, while the elevators and blowers are
worked by a separate engine of 20 horse-power. When these works were
visited moulding for a screw propeller for the U. S. S. "Iroquois" was
being made, which, when finished, will have a weight of about 8,000 lbs.
avoirdupois. Castings of 8-inch water pipes, for the use of the yard, were
being also proceeded with.

The Ordnance Department : — Is in keeping with the other remarkably
elegant buildings with which the Navy Yard abounds. It consists of the
Ordnance Store-house of 200x60 feet, two stories in height, and built of
brick ; the Shell House, also of brick, of one story, and occupying a space

256 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

of 25x28 feet, and two Gun carriage sheds, one of brick and the other of
wood, having a measurement respectively of 150x30 and 100x45 feet. In
connection with this branch are two magazines, one of one story in height,
fire and bomb-proof, 160x50, and the other 100x45, both being constructed
of stone and brick, while in addition there are the Filling House and Shell
House, each 100x30 feet, and the Gunner's and Watchman's Quarters. The
Magazine Reservation alone occupies an area of 22.45 acres, and is situated
at the extreme southern end of the island ; in the building are included
the Filling and Shell houses referred to above, there being also tanks to
hold powder and other rooms appertaining to buildings of this nature ; the
entire structure is covered with a slate roof. The precautions against fire
are numerous and ample. In close proximity to it is a reservoir containing
one million gallons of water, which would be used if needed to flood the
magazine ; in addition, no vegetation of any kind whatsoever is permitted
to grow near the premises, for fear of ignition ; no painting is done on any
portion of the edifice, lest that the oil should by chance ignite, while a par-
ticular costume is worn by the employes, (a long smock-frock and shoes of
canvas with soles of chamois leather) so that buttons, nails or like sub-
stances may not be hastily struck and cause a spark.

On the Yard there is altogether stored about 500,000 pounds of powder ;
100,000 projectiles (shot and shell) varying from 12 to 400 pounds ; 644
ordinary cannon, howitzers and large guns, the largest size being 15 inches
in diameter, the smallest 4f inch or 12-pounder howitzers ; of small arms,
i. e., rifles, bayonets, cutlasses, boarding pikes, etc., there are 2,722, all of
which are intended purely for the fitting out of United States vessels- of -war.

This establishment is the very perfection of neatness, indeed so are all
of the others, and finds continuous employment for thirteen men, while it
is the only department on the Yard that has telephonic communication with
the office of the Commandant.

Construction and Repair Workshops : — Are of two stories in height, built
of brick and cover an area of 400x65 feet. The first of these is used as a
block, boat and cooper's shops, with convenient tool-rooms attached. The
upper floor of the building is occupied by the office for this department, as
also the workshops of the pattern makers and shipwrights.

The Construction and Repair Store Houses : — Are also of brick, of two
stories, and occupy a space of 400x65 feet. It is used entirely for the
storage of all articles of ship chandlery, with the exception of a small space
in the east end of the second story, which is occupied by the store clerks,
and the

Bureau of Navigation : — Whose particular duties are to supply such ship's
gear as charts, compasses, chronometers, nautical instruments generally,

':>iira*i.

€>-l^t

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 257

lanterns, and all lights and flags. In this office are stored the charts of
every known survey in the universe, while there are on its shelves a large
and complete collection of the best works bearing on nautical lore.

The Smithery : — Is one of the first buildings erected after Mare Island be-
came the property of the United States Government, and is thus appor-
tioned ; the main structure is 268x55 feet, and has, two wings, each of
145x55 feet. The first named, and the northern wing, is used by the Bureau
of Construction and Repair as Blacksmiths' and Coppersmiths' shops, while
in the south wing are contained the Blacksmith shop and Gas Works, under
the direction of the Bureau of Yards and Docks.

The. Blacksmiths' Shop: — Is a marvel of cleanliness and neatness. Its
capacity is sixty fires, the forges being all of cast iron with improved water
backs. There are three steam hammers in use : the first with 100 pounds of
steam has a striking force equal to 30 tons ; the second, under like circum-
stances, 10, and the third 5 tons. In addition, there are two hollow fires,
or forges ; 4 feet 4 Blooming furnaces with a capacity of 600 pounds per
hour ; 2 large cranes capable of raising 30 cwt. each ; 1 Sturtevant blower
with capacity for 60 fires ; 3 eyebolt steam dropping hammers used for
stamping work, the whole machinery being driven by an engine of 24-horse
power.

Blacksmith's Shop, (Yards and Docks): — There are eight forges with
Sturtevant blowers, and here is done all iron work used in the building of
ships, houses, derricks, and general work required on the Yard, including
horseshoeing.

"&•

Gas: — Is manufactured on the Yard* from gasoline, a substance which was
formerly procured from rosin and fish oils, but now it is the first running
from petroleum. The consumption of the oil is about 850 gallons a month,
producing 175 cubic feet of gas per gallon, with a quality of light, clear,
good, and safe, of fifteen candle power. The manufacture of this gas, on
Mare Island, is entirely effected by one man, although there is employment
for four ; while he has in his charge the supply of meters, lamps, etc. The
works are well supplied with all the necessary gasfitters' tools. The

Store House: — One of the earlier erections, is a brick building of 400 feet
in length by 55 in width, and has, besides two stores, a cellar underneath.
This erection is divided, the southern half being occupied by the stores
necessary for the bureau of provisions and clothing ; while the northern
end contains the requisite impedimenta for the bureau of steam engineering.
Directly east of the above stands the splendid

258 • THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

Workshops for Equipment and Repairs: — Also a two-storied building with
cellar, and covering an area of 190x55. In the cellar are stored such arti-
cles as tar, oil, etc., while the two upper floors are respectively used as a
rigging and sail loft. This is without doubt the finest erection on the Yard,
built, as it is, entirely of compressed bricks.

The Equipment and Repairs Store House: — Is. a brick building two stories
in height, of the area of 200x60 feet, and used entirely for the storing of
sails, cordage, and general running gear.

Yards and Docks Workshops: — This erection occupies 400x60 feet of
ground, is also of two stories, the first being used as a machine shop, lumber,
and store room ; while the upper is apportioned into joiners' shop, paint
shop, and offices.

Iron Plating Shop: — Is a one-story brick building of 200x70 feet dimen-
sions, with a wing 58x60. It is erected on the site of the old ordnance
building, but is at present unfinished.

Saiv Mill: — The main building of this establishment is 150x55, having
two stories, with a cellar. There is also a brick wing attached 55x55, one
story in height. The cellar and first story of this building are used as the
saw mill, and the second as a mould loft.

Timber Shed:— -Is a one-story brick edifice 200x70 feet, used for the pur-
pose which its name denotes.

The Office Building. — This structure is of most elegant design, and
commands an imposing position on a knoll in the centre of the other con-
structions. It occupies a space of 130x50 feet; is of two stories in height, of
brick, with a cellar, used as a store room, boiler room, water closets, etc.
The first story is devoted to the offices of the Paymaster and clerks ; Exec-
utive officer; Naval Constructor, clerks, and draftsmen; Civil Engineer,
clerks, and draftsmen ; Assistant Naval Constructor and Post office. The
second story is occupied by the Commandant, clerks, printer, school room,
watchman, library, and court room, used temporarily as a chapel.

Marine Barracks: — Is a two-storied brick building of 500x40 feet, wherein
are the men's quarters, armory, store room, etc, as well as the residences of
the officers of that corps, the Commandant having a house in the reserva-
tion, which comprises an area of 24.68 acres, or thereabouts.

Yard Stables: — A two-storied brick building 150x40 feet, the upper
portion being used for the storage of grain, hay, etc., while the lower one is
divided into stables for mules and horses, cart sheds, etc.

Barn: — Is a wooden structure 150x40 feet.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 259

Naval Hospital: — This noble structure is located on the southern part of
the island, near to and on a line with the Marine Barracks, and is a build-
ing worthy of a great government. It is 250 feet long, with an average
width of 30 feet, with wings and projections, three stories and an attic in
height, with Mansard roof. It is an imposing edifice of elegant design,
and, from its elevated position, can be seen afar off. The building is of
brick, of which one million and a half were required. The walls are of
great thickness, and the entire superstructure is of unusual solidity. It is
hard finished throughout, and the inside wood-work is of white pine. The
whole structure is arranged with special reference to the object to which it
is devoted, note having been made of all the recent improvement in this
regard, including an elevator, whereby patients and goods are raised and
lowered, with ease and comfort, from one part of the building to another.
Particular attention has been paid to light and ventilation. Water tanks
of large dimensions are placed upon the roof, and a cistern for rain water has
been built. In a word, it is all a first-class hospital building should be. To
it is attached a stable and gas house. The reservation, in which the hos-
pital buildings stand, occupies an area of about 31.21 acres.

In addition to these already-mentioned buildings, there are the officers
quarters, including the residence of the Commandant, all of which (five and
a half double and one single house) are built on a beautiful avenue some
distance back from the water front and parallel with it. They are a few
yards from the sidewalk and possess well laid out gardens in front of them ;
while on the outside of the walk there is a row of magnificent shade trees.
The rooms are spacious and have all the modern improvements, including
gas, bath-rooms, etc.

Among the other most prominent erections on the yard are the Bishop's
derrick, capable of raising forty tons; the railroad track, laid from the
foundry to the saw-mill, a distance of about 3,000 feet ; and the Kearsarge
column, on the capital of which stands the "fiddle," or figure-head of that
famous vessel, while there is a cemetery and light-house reservation, which
comprise 6.6o, and 4.89 acres respectively.

The following is a list of the naval, marine, and civil officers and attaches
of the Navy Yard and Station, Mare Island, on March 29, 1879: — Commo-
dore Edmund R. Calhoun, Commandant; Captain P. C. Johnson, Executive
Officer. Commandant's Office: — William R. Cox, Jr., Chief Clerk; C. W.
Mornington, Second Clerk; B. F. Calhoun, Writer. Department of Yards
and Docks: — Calvin Brown, Civil Engineer; E. A. Willats, Engineers' ami
Time Clerk; C. C. Hall, Store Clerk; Thomas O'Connor, Writer. Depart-
ment of Navigation: — Commander C. J. McDougal, Navigation Officer;
Lieutenant-commander, Charles H. Craven; Lieutenants, Leonard Chenery,
C. W. Christopher; Master, J. S. Abbott; Clerk, Wm, G. Overend. Depart-

260 THE HISTOEY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

ment of Ordnance: — Commander C. J. McDougal, Ordnance officer; Gun-
ner E. A. McDonald, in charge of magazine; E. J. Overend, Clerk. Depart-
ment of Construction and Repair: — Naval Constructor, George W. Much;
Assistant Naval Constructor, George F. Mallett; Constructors' and Time
Clerk, George W. Simonton; Store Clerk, John A. Day; Writers, John O.
Watkins, Herbert Mallett, N. B. Klink. Department of Steam Engineer-
ing: — Chief Engineer, M. Fletcher, in charge of department; Chief Engin-
eer, Geo. F. Kutz, in charge of stores; Passed Assistant Engineer, James
Entwistle; Engineers' and Time Clerk, A. L. Hathaway; Store Clerk, St.
Clair Fletcher. Department of Equipment and Recruiting: — Commander,
Louis Kempff, Equipment Officer; Boatswain, John Keating; Sailmaker,
Thomas 0. Fassett; Clerk, A. H. McCobb. Department of Provisions and
Clothing: — Paymaster, George Cochran; Paymaster's Clerk, Hobart Ber-
rien; Writer, Daniel Hubbard. Department of Paymaster of Yard: — Pay-
master, George E. Hendee; Paymaster's Clerk, L. T. Binder; Writer, G. S.
Gregson. Department of Medicine and Surgery — Naval Hospital: —
Medical Inspector, John M. Browne; Passed Assistant Surgeons, R. A. Mar-
mion, Hampton Aulick; Assistant Surgeon, C. H. H. Hall; Apothecary,
John G. Taylor: Navy Yard Surgeon, George W. Woods; Apothecary,
John R. Whittaker. Marine Barracks: — Major C. D. Hebb, U. S. M. C,
Commanding; First Lieutenants, 0. C. Berryman, H. G. Ellsworth; Second
Lieutenant, Andrew Stevenson. Receiving-ship Independence: — Captain
John Irwin, Commanding; Lieutenant-commander, Samuel S. Wilson; En-
sign, N. R. Usher; Mate, P. C. Van Buskirk; Passed Assistant Paymaster,
Fred C. Alley; Assistant Surgeon, D. O. Lewis; Paymaster's Clerk, John
A. Kelly; Boatswain, J. Harding; Gunner, Stephen Young.

There are at present the following vessels of the U. S. Navy In Ordinary
at the Yard, Mare Island: Sailing sloop-of-war "Cyane;" steam sloops-of-
war "Iroquois," (old) "Mohican," "Narragansett," "Nyack," "Saco," "Benicia,"
and the iron-clads "Monadnock," and " Comanche." In commission, are the
frigate "Independence," steam-tug "Monterey," and yard-schooner "Freda."
There have been built, and are now building, the U. S. side-wheel steamer
"Saginaw," and the steam sloop-of-war (new) "Mohican." The first of these
was constructed in the year 1859, and was of the following dimensions:
Register length, 158 feet; breadth, 26 feet; depth, 11.3 feet, and tonnage,
282 tons; she was wrecked on Ocean Island, in October, 1870. In refer-
ence to the loss of this vessel, the following interesting record, which is
attached to one of her boats, now suspended in the construction-store,
is produced: "Gig of the U. S. S. "Saginaw," which vessel was
wrecked on Ocean-island reef, Lat. 28 deg. 36 min. N., Long. 178 deg. 25
min. W., October 29, 1870. This boat was fitted out on Ocean Island,
manned by a crew of five, who volunteered to sail to Honolulu, distance
1,600 miles, for the purpose of saving their ship-mates. Sailed November

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 261

18, 1870, arrived off Kanai (one of the Haiwaiian group) evening of De-
cember 18, 1870; capsized morning of 19th of December, in surf, while
trying to land at Kalihi, Kdai, island of Kanai. Four of the five volun-
teers were drowned, viz.: Lieut. J. G. Talbot, drowned ; Seaman J. Andrews,
drowned; Quartermaster P. Francis, drowned; Seaman J. Muir, drowned;
Coxswain W. Halford, sole survivor." Halford, for his heroic conduct, was
promoted to the rank of Gunner in the Navy, and presented with a bronze
medal by the Government. He is now serving on board of the U. S.
S. "Lackawanna."

The steam-tug "Monterey," and schooner "Freda" were also built at Mare
Island. Besides these, the following ships have received large repairs there:
The sloop-of-war "St Mary's," paddle-wheel "Saranac," steam sloop-of-war
"Onipee," "Lackawanna," "Resaca," •'Kearsarge," "Pensacola," "Benicia,"
"Tuscarora," and "Iroquois." The vessels now attached to the Pacific station
are: "Pensacola," (fiag-ship), "Alaska," Jamestown," "Tuscarora," "Adams,"
with the store-ship "Onward" at Callao, Peru.

In the fore-going remarks mention has been made of the "Monadnock."
She now lies in honorable retirement in the straits at Mare Island, her sides
and turrets showing the marks of having been in many a hard-contested
fight prior to having made the risky journey around "The Horn." A new
"Monadnock" is now being built, a few remarks on which we append: The
"Monadnock," United States double-turretted monitor now in course of con-
struction at Vallejo, is an item of considerable historic interest to the county,
more especially in regard to its shipping interest. The Navy Department
at Washington having, for some reason best known to themselves, granted
the building of this craft to private individuals, under the plea that it could
be so done at a less cost than if built in any of their own yards, gave the
contract to Mr. Phineas Burgess, of Brooklyn, New York, to construct a ves-
sel to take the place of the old ship of the same name, bringing into use what-
soever portion of her gear as might be found suitable ; the work carried on
to be under the supervision of the Government Naval Inspector; Mr. Burgess
having as his representative Mr. Wm. W. Vanderbilt, for many years con-
nected with the service of the Pacific Mail Company, on this coast as well as
elsewhere. There were three separate contracts entered into : First, the
frames, deck-beams, etc., were to be erected by Mr. Burgess; second, the plat-
ing-contract, as it may be called, was to put on the inner and outer skin, com-
plete all bulkheads and the iron deck-plating; and third, to place the armor
and its backing, to remove the turrets from the old "Monadnock" and erect
them on the present ship ; to lay wooden berth and main decks, and other-
wise to complete the monitor for sea to the approval of the Government
Inspector.

The dimensions are as under: Length between perpendiculars, 250 feet;
length over all, 2G3.G feet; breadth moulded and lower side of armor shelf

262 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

55.0| feet; breadth, moulded abreast the armor, 50.8| feet; breadth, ex-
treme, over armor, 55.10 feet; depth, from bottom of flat keelson plate to
top of main deck-beams, 14.8; projection of ram built in hull, 10 feet.

The vessel is to all intents a double one, she having both an inner and an
outer skin, the thickness of the latter being f and f inches thick, while f
inches is the dimensions of the former. Between these two skins there are
84 water-tight compartments, which will add materially to her natural
buoyancy, there being besides three athwart ship water-tight bulkheads,
which are more particularly to keep her afloat should any unforeseen dis-
aster occur. Her turrets, which are to be two in number, will carry two guns
in each, of 15 -inch calibre. She will be driven by two pair of compound
engines of 500 horse-power each; she will be provided with a twin-screw
propeller of 11 feet in diameter; all her machinery will be below the water
line ; her outside armor plates will be 7 inches in thickness of solid iron,
and will extend for three feet below the water line ; her smokestack is to
be armored for a certain distance ; it will also have a telescopic working ;
she will be rigged with one mast; her draft will be 14 feet; she will have
a freeboard, i. e., there will be exposed above the water 30 inches of plat-
ing, and her displacement is calculated to be about 5,000 tons. When
ready for sea the " Monadnock " will be supplied with a steam launch, and
the other necessary small boats, five in number, and her complement of of-
ficers and men will be one hundred and fifty.

Unfortunately work progresses but slowly on this magnificent specimen
of naval architecture for want of the necessary Government appropriations ;
were such to be made she could be completed in a year, but under present
circumstances it is hard to say when she will be launched and ready for
sea. Were the work proceeded with, it could not be otherwise than a great
boon to Vallejo, for a decided impetus would be naturally imparted to labor,
and bring money, that source of all good, into circulation.

In concluding this sketch of Mare Island's admirable N avy Yard, and
with it the Township of Vallejo, no more appropriate leave can be taken
than by introducing the story of that maritime pioneer which now lies so
peacefully alongside the sea-wall of the Arsenal.

The " Independence." — The " Guerriere," 44, the first frigate that had
been put into the water, on the seaboard, by the American Government
since the year 1801, was launched at Philadelphia June 20, 1814. It was
intended that the " Independence," 74, should have gone off the same day
at Boston, but she stuck on the ways. She was got safely into the water
on the 20th July, however, and was the first two-decked ship that ever
properly belonged to the American Navy, the " America," 74, having been
given to the King of France while yet on the stocks.

Cooper's Naval History thus gives us the date when the old ship was

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 2(53

launched, to do her part in showing to the world the American flag, and, if
necessary, to protect it from and to resent its insults. She made her first
cruise as flag-ship of Commodore Bainbridge, in the Mediterranean sea.
She was commanded on this cruise by Captain William McCrane, and then
by Captain C. G. Ridgeley, sailing from Boston on July 3, 1815, and fin-
ishing the cruise by arriving at the same port on December 7, 1815.

Her second cruise was as flag-ship of Commodore J. B. Nicholson, to
Europe and Brazil. Commanded by Lieutenant Alexander Slidell, she
sailed from Boston on May 21, 1837, carrying out Mr. Dallas, as the Amer-
ican Minister to Russia, and arriving at Cronstadt on the 29th July. After
leaving her distinguished passenger with our friends at Cronstadt, she
sailed for the Brazil station, stopping a few days at Madeira. Finishing
her duty in Brazil, she returned home, arriving at New York March 30,
1840, under the command of Lieut. John Pope.

Her third cruise as the flag-ship of Commodore Charles Stewart, was
made in the home or West India squadron. She sailed from New York
May 14, 1842, and went to Boston, where Capt. L. Gallagher was relieved
by Capt. H. Stringham as Commanding Officer. She then sailed from Bos-
ton on September 29th, and made her cruise about the " Indies," returning
to New York. Sailing again from that city on June 2, 1843, she visited
different ports on the coast and returned to her station, Boston, on Decem-
ber 3, 1843.

Her next cruise was to the Pacific Coast, bearing the flag of Commodore
William B. Shubrick, and commanded successively by Capt. E. A. Lavalette
and Lieutenant R. L. Page. Sailing from Boston on the 29th August, 1846,
and stopping at the different ports of the coast, visiting San Francisco
several times, and making a safe and successful cruise, she returned to Nor-
folk, Va., on the 23d May, 1849.

Her fifth cruise then was made by going a second time to the Mediter-
ranean. This cruise she bore the flag of Commodore C. W. Morgan, and
was commanded by Captain T. A. Conover, at her sailing from Norfolk on
July 26, 1849. During most of the cruise she was commanded by Com-
mander George S. Blake, and returned to Norfolk on the 25th June, 1852,
under command of Captain William Jameson.

The last cruise the old vessel made was in 1855 as flag ship of Commo-
dore William Marvine. Captain W. B. Nicholson was Elect Captain, and
Captain Tatnall Commander of the ship. Since then her cruising days are
over and she has been used as a receiving ship both at San Francisco and
Vallejo, and has often changed commanders. Among them were Captains
Carter, Shirley, Phelps, Commander Gherardi and other distinguished officers.
She now lies securely moored and comfortably roofed in as a home for old
men-of-war's men, some of whom knew her when she was first launched,
and raw recruits who take their first lessons in drill.

264 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

The old ship although launched too late for the war of 1812 has done
good service, especially while on the Pacific Coast under command of Com-
modore Shubrick, for the " Independence " crew and officers figured in almost
every action with the Mexican towns of the coast, and Cooper gives several
instances where the American flag was hoisted on shore in token of victory
under a salute from the guns of this vessel.

She was superintended in her building by Commodore W. B. Shubrick,
and the solidity of her timbers and knees and their present freedom from
rot show the care used and skill exercised in the performance of his duty.
Built as a 74, it was found that she carried, on her first cruise, the sills of
her midships lower-gun-deck-ports only three feet above water. She was
razeed in 1836, thereby making her a 54 gun frigate ; and besides being the
first double decked ship that ever went to sea under the American flag, she
was the first 74 that was converted in the U. S. Navy.

" She was always called a good sailor and said to behave well at sea.
During her cruise in the Pacific from 1846 to 1849 she averaged 140 knots
per 24 hours for 400 consecutive days." Her record also says, " Is sure in
stays, stiff under canvass, inclined to gripe, and is hard on her cables."
(1849-52) " It has been recommended to dispense with the popo and top-
gallant fore-castle, and ten tons of ballast ; to shorten the lower masts, and
to do away with the tiller on the gun-deck, as it interferes with the work-
ing of stern guns."

The good old vessel is now stationed at Mare Island Navy Yard as a
receiving sjiip, and she is as sound in every respect as she was fifty years
ago. Although the new order of ships of war have come into use, there are
none that are built more substantially than the " Independence."

The seclusion of Vallejo harbor with its beautiful surroundings, is a fit
retirement for this Naval Argonaut of California.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 265

RIO VISTA.

BY L. L. PALMER, A. M.

Geography. — The township of Rio Vista is situated at the extreme north-
eastern corner of Solano county. It is bounded on the north by Maine
Prairie township and Yolo county, on the east and south by the Sacramento
river, on the west by Montezuma and Maine Prairie township. Its bound-
ary line runs as follows : Beginning at a point on Sutter slough where the
Yolo county line intersects said slough; thence in a southerly direction
along the bank of said slough to its junction with Steamboat slough, a dis-
tance of about four miles ; thence southwesterly along the bank of Steam-
boat (or Marietta) slough to its junction with Cache slough, a distance of
about six miles ; thence in a southwesterly direction along the west bank
of the Sacramento river to the intersection of the Montezuma township
line, a distance of about twelve miles ; thence north to the intersection of
the line with the south fork of Linda slough, a distance of about thirteen
miles ; thence easterly along the south bank of Linda slough to its intersec-
tion with Cache slough, a distance of about five miles ; thence northeasterly
along the east bank of Prospect slough, a distance of about two and one-half
miles ; thence east a distance of about one mile ; thence north to the Yolo
line, a distance of about three miles ; thence east to the point of beginning,
a distance of about three and one-half miles. The entire distance around
the township is fifty miles. The eastern boundary line extends along
the Sacramento river and its tributaries, a distance of twenty miles.

The greatest width is ten miles. The township is located in north range
four, east two.

Topography. — The topography of Rio Vista Township varies from the
lowest swamp and overflowed lands to the boldest hills. The swamp lands
lie in the northern end of the township, extending down as far as Cache
slough, and comprising several large islands. A narrow belt of the character
extends entirely along the eastern side, bordering on the Sacramento river.
From Cache slough southward for a distance of from one to ten miles the
land is very level, and is termed locally " the plains." The surface of the
country, as we go southward from the plains, begins to undulate gently ;
and the further south we go the more marked and distinct do the hills
become until you reach the very steepest and most abrupt of the famous
Montezuma hills. From Rio Vista southward these hills come out to the

266 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

river, presenting bold bluffs, the facade of which is broken here and there
with canyons and ravines. The swamp lands are comprised of what is
termed " tule lands."

Geology. — The township does not present any marked geological character,
yet, as far as its alluvial formation is concerned, is a study well worth the
attention of the scientist. The tule lands are of a character similar to all
others in the Sacramento valley, viz., an alluvial deposit intermingled with
the deposits of decaying vegetation. The formation of these lands has nec-
essarily been slow, and it has doubtless taken almost countless years to fill
the great basins of the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers from the Granite
mountains, from whence the supply must come. This loam extends from a
depth of a few feet to nearly 100 feet, and the whole body of it is an hetero-
geneous mass. Underneath this, and what once formed the bottom of the
great inland sea, lies a stratum of argillacious clay called locally the " hard
pan." The formation of the " plains " is a kind of clay, pregnant with
alkali. Occasional spots of adobe also appear in this section. The hills are
formed entirely of adobe, varying through all the grades of that peculiar
soil. The formation of and peculiar phenomena presented by the hills would
afford ample matter for a long dissertation.

Character of Soil. — The soil of the swamp districts is a rich loam, alluvial
in formation, and very rich and productive. Almost all kinds of grains and
vegetables thrive well. The soil of the plains is clayey, and adapted mostly
to grazing, with occasionally a small spot fit for cultivation. The hills are
entirely adobe, and well suited for growing grain, but of little value for
other purposes.

Products. — The products of Rio Vista Township are as varied as the
State of California itself. In the warm, rich loam of the lowlands are per-
fect hot-beds, and produce almost everything. Grain, vegetables, fruits,
berries, &c, do well. On the plains only grain grows to any extent, al-
though there are some fine garden spots, where vegetables and fruits thrive
with proper irrigation. The hills are adapted almost exclusively to the
growing of grain. Wheat and barley are the cereals grown in this town-
ship.

Climate.— The climate of the township is quite uniform — being mild, cool
and pleasant. The cool and refreshing trade winds prevail during the sum-
mer season, which modifies the temperature, and causes the climate to be
the most salubrious.

Shipping Facilities. — Probably no township in the State enjoys such
extended shipping facilities as this. The Sacramento river extends along
its entire eastern and southern boundaries, while Cache, Elk, Miner, and

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 267

other sloughs extend through portions of it. Ships of any burthen can
come to the very doors of the farmers and receive their products. The
stage of water up the river as far as Rio Vista will accommodate vessels of
any size.

Early Settlement. — So much for the general features of the township.
We now pass to its settlement. The earliest record we can find of any
settlement is that established by General John Bidwell, in 1844. In the
case of John Bidwell vs. the U. S. Ulpinos grant, one Samuel J. Hensley
testified as follows : " In the fall of 1844 I took Mr. Bidwell on board of a
schooner to the land (Ulpinos, or Bidwell grant) with some hands to make
a settlement. They remained there and built an adobe house, in which an
Englishman, who had charge of the building, remained during the winter.
The next season a small part of the land was cultivated, and in the winter
of 1845-46 the house was occupied by P. B. Reading and hands." This
house was located on the land now owned by Geo. H. Jenkins. The hands
spoken of in the above were mostly Indians. There was quite a rancht'i ie
of them there during that and the following winter, and they were known
as " Bid well's Indians." During the year 1846, a party of emigrants arrived
from the East. As this was before the days of gold, an eligible agricultural
location was always sought for by these hardy pioneers — the advance
ripples of the great flood-tide of immigration which was so soon destined to
flow in upon the great Pacific shore. This party was induced by Bidwell
to go down the Sacramento river and spend the winter on his grant, hoping
to dispose of portions of it to them in the spring. The winter was a severe
one on the poor settlers, and for many days during the rainy season starva-
tion seemed to stare them in the face. The Indians were reduced to a
fearful extremity also ; and, as the days passed wearily and drearily by,
their frequent exclamation was " hale-che-muk," which means nothing to
eat. For years that name was applied to the Bidwell settlement, and in
many of the real estate tranfers on record the grant is mentioned as the
Hale-che-muk grant. In the spring of 1847 the party of immigrants left
never to return to Hale-che-muk, the city (?) of starvation. Most of
them passed over into the valleys on the western side of the county, and
some of their descendants remain there at the present time. Perhaps, before
going further in this history, it would be well to give the recorded history
of the Ulpinos Grant. In 1844 General John Bidwell sent the following-
petition to Micheltorena, Governor and General-Commandant of the Depart-
ment of the Californias, under the Mexican Government :

" Monterey, April 30, 1844.
"To His Excellency, the Governor:

"Juan Bidwell, native of the United States, with the most profound
respect, presents himself and sets forth :

268 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

" That, having been naturalized a Mexican, and desiring to devote himself
to agriculture, he beseeches your Excellency to vouchsafe to grant him the
tract known by the name of 'Sillac' or ; Ulpinos,' which tract is unoccupied.
It consists of four ranges (sitios) for meat cattle, as shown by the design
which he duly annexes, and its boundaries are: On the N. W. unoccupied
lands, to the N. E., the " Ulpinos Slough," (Estero), to the S. E., the river
Sacramento, and to the S. W. unoccupied lands. Wherefore he prays your
Excellency to vouchsafe to accede to this his humble petition, and give
orders that said tract be adjudicated to him in colonization, wherein he will
receive a grace. He makes the necessary verifications.

" Juan Bid well.

"Monterey, April 30, 1844."

J. A. Sutter duly certified that the tract was then occupied. Upon the
receipt of the petition, the Secretary suggested to the Governor that it
might be well to allow the matter to remain in suspense till such time as
the Governor might make a visit to the river Sacramento. Whereupon the
Governor so ordered. This evidently did not satisfy Bidwell, for we find
that under date of July 26, 1844, the Governor issued the following order :
" Let him occupy it provisionally till I go up, when I will dispatch the
business." It does not appear whether Governor Micheltorena ever paid
that visit or not, but in November, 1844, he issued the following order and
decree :

" Monterey, November, 1844.

" In view of the petition, wherewith these proceedings originate, the
reports and all other things that were brought forward, and were proper to
to be kept in view, conformably to the laws and regulations affecting the
matter, I declare Don Juan Bidwell, a naturalized Mexican, the absolute
owner of the tract known by the name of Los Ulpinos, (here follows bound;
ary as above) containing four ranges (sitios) for meat cattle. Let the proper
patent be issued, be entered of record in the proper book, and let these
minutes of proceedings be forwarded to the most excellent the Departmental
Assembly for its approval.

" His Excellency, Don Manuel Micheltorena, Brigadier-General of the
Mexican Army and Adjutant- General of the staff of the same, Governor,
General-Commandant and Inspector of the Department of the Californias,
has so ordered, decreed, and subscribed, which I certify."

Very shortly after the above was issued from the Governor- General, he
saw fit to issue to Bidwell a true grant to the rancho in due and legal form.
This paper bears date of November 20, 1844. The following is a copy of
the translation of that grant as filed in the office of the Clerk of the Board
of Land Commissioners in San Francisco :

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 260

" First-class stamp, eight dollars. Issued provisionally by the Customs
of the Port of Monterey, in the Department of the Californias, for the years
1844 and 1845.

[SEAL.] " MlCHELTORENA,

" Pablo de la Guerra.

" The citizen, Manuel Michelt'a, Brigadier-General of the Mexican Army,
Adjutant-General of the staff of the same, Governor, General-Commandant,
and Inspector of the Department of the Californias."

Whereas, John Bidwell, a naturalized Mexican, has solicited, for his own
benefit and that of his family, the tract known by the name of "Los Ulpinos,"
bounded at the N. W. by waste lands, at the N. E. by the Ulpinos Pond, at
the S. E. by the Sacramento River, at the S. W. by waste lands, the necessary
legal steps and investigations having first been duly taken, as provided by
the laws and regulations, by virtue of the faculties conferred on me, in the
name of the Mexican nation, I have come to grant to him the tract afore-
said, declaring the same to be his property, by these presents, letters subject
to the approval of the Hon. Departmental Assembly, under the following con-
ditions :

1st. He shall have no ' power to sell it, to alien it, to encumber it with
rent-roll, lien, bond, mortgage or other encumbrance of any kind, nor shall
he even have power £o donate it.

2d. He may fence it without, prejudice it without, prejudice to the
cross-roads, highways and rights of way, he shall enjoy it freely and exclu-
sively, applying it to the use or custom which best may suit him, but within
one year he shall construct a house which shall be inhabited.

3d. After confirmation to him of the title, he shall solicit from the Judge
who has jurisdiction that judicial possession be given to him, by virtue of
the grant, and thereby shall be marked out the boundaries, in the lines of
which he shall place, beside the corner marks, some fruit or forest trees of
some utility.

4th. The tract hereby conceded is of four (sitios) ranges of large cattle, as
set forth by the design relating hereto. The Judge who may give posses-
sion will cause the same to be measured according to law, the surplus remain-
ing the property of the nation for its own proper use and benefit.

5th. If he shall break these conditions he shall lose his rights to the tract,
and it may be claimed by others.

Wherefore, I order that these presents, being his title deeds, be considered
firm and valid, that they be recorded in the proper book, and delivered to
the party in interest for his security and other uses.

Given at Monterey, November 20, 1844.

Manuel Micheltorena.
Manuel Jimeno, Secretary.

This grant is recorded in the proper book, pp. 12 se.

Jimeno.

270 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

In a few years more the Mexican Government lost its claim to California'
and Bidwell thinking, doubtless that the obligations which bound him not
to dispose of any portion of the grant were null and void, began to sell por-
tions of the grant. The first sale was made to Jacob D. Hoppe and Lucy
Hoppe, his wife, deed bearing date of October 15, 1847. The consideration
was $500, and the land transferred was "an undivided one-fourth of the
tract of land known by the name of ' Hela Chammac,' ' being one league
square. The deed was a warranty deed, and was witnessed by L. W. Boggs.
It was acknowledged before George Hyde, 1st Alcalde of San Francisco.
Numerous other tracts were disposed of by Bidwell, all being undivided
fractional portions of the grant. A full list of these transfers will be found
in the list of transfers farther on.

After the United States obtained possession of California the titles of
Mexican grants began to get a little " shaky," and required, in many instances,
a considerable " bracing up." This grant was no exception to the rule,
and we find that on the 3d day of September, 1852, John Bidwell brought
his claims to the Ulpinos grant before the Board of Land Commissioners at
San Francisco for confirmation. The matter was before the commissioners
for a long time, and on the 17th day of January, 1854, " Commissioner
Thompson Campbell delivered the opinion of the Board confirming the claim."
The opinion of the Board is a full and complete review of the case in all its
legal and historical bearings, and is well worthy a perusal. The measure-
ment of the grant was now declared to be 20,000 varas by 5,000 varas, con-
taining four leagues. On September 13, 1854, the United States took the
initiatory steps toward appealing the case to the United States District Court.
The appeal was filed July 16, 1855, and petitioned the Court for a reversal
of the decision of the Commissioners. John Bidwell filed his answer on the
20th of July, 1855, and prayed that the decision of the Board be affirmed.

On the 29th day of October, 1855 the decree of the United States District
Court for the Northern District of California, Ogden Hoffman, Jr., Judge,
was filed, confirming the decision of the Commissioners. On the 10th day
of January, 1857, Hon. Caleb Cushing, Attorney General of the United
States, wrote to Wm. Blanding, U. S. District Attorney, stating that this case
would not be prosecuted any farther by the United States. Upon receipt
of this letter the United States District Attorney instructed Judge Hoffman
to make the final decree of confirmation. This final decree of confirmation
was made by Judge Ogden Hoffman on the 21st day of March, 1857. The
matter ran along very smoothly for nearly ten years, when a patent was
issued by the United States to John Bidwell for the grant. This patent is
dated August 9, 1866, and is signed by A. Johnson, President. The num-
ber of acres contained in this grant, as specified by the Surveyor General, is
seventeen thousand, seven hundred and twenty-six (17,726). So much for
the legal history of the grant insomuch as John Bidwell is concerned and the
validity of his title to it.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 271

Proceedings in Partition. — From time to time Bidwell had sold to vari-
ous parties undivided fractional portions of the grant, until it was in a
badly jumbled state, as regards boundary lines. On the 10th day of August,
1855, in the District Court of the Seventh Judicial District, in and for
Solano county, one of the claimants, Samuel J. Hensley, entered a suit for
partition. At that time the ownership was vested as follows : Samuel J.
Hensley, one-eighth ; Sarah B. Gillespie, one-sixteenth ; Chas. R. Bond and
J. Tuttle Smith, assignees of C. V. Gillespie, one-fourth ; Alex. G. Abell, one
twenty-fourth ; E. H. Board, one twenty-fourth ; Phoebe S. Van Nostrand,
one thirty-second ; Charles L. Ross, one-twelfth and one-eighteenth ; D. L.
Ross, one-twelfth, also an interest in 2,000 acres claimed by Chas. L. Ross ;
I. C. Woods, an interest in 2,400 acres of the interest of Chas. L. Ross ; John
Denn, one-eighteenth ; Hiram Grimes, one thirty-second ; David N. Hawley,
one thirty-second ; John Curry, one thirty-second ; R. B. Norman, one-six-
teenth, including the claim of John Curry ; Samuel Price and Fred. Green,
(Price & Co.), an interest in the interest of R. B. Norman; Mary P. Buckley,
two hundred and fifty-four thousandths ; Chas. L. Ross also claimed seven
hundred and sixty-four thousandths by virtue of a tax title. It was prayed
by the plaintiff that a sale be made and the proceeds equally divided among
the claimants. Col. N. H. Davis was the attorney for plaintiff. Due sum-
mons was to said claimants issued from the Court. Several of them filed
answers, all favoring the idea of an equitable and legal adjudication of the
entire matter. B. C. Whitman, of Benicia, was appointed as referee. The
referee proceeded at once to make arrangements for the sale. The entire
rancho was divided into twenty equal tracts, the measurement being made
along the river front, and extending back one league. The sale occurred on
the 3d day of December, 1855, in front of the Court House door in the town
of Benicia. The purchasers and the amount given for each tract is as
follows : Lot No. 1, N. H. Davis, $125 ; No. 2, Josiah Knowles ; $141 ; No.
3, N. H. Davis, $40 ; No. 4, J. Denn, $225 ; No. 5, C. V. Gillespie, $250 ; No.
6, A. G. Abell, $275 ; No. 7, same, $220 ; No. 8, S. C. Hastings, $200 ; No.
9, C. V. Gillespie, $145 ; No. 10, same, $150 ; No. 11, S. C. Hastings, $185 ;
No. 12, J. Wilcoxson, $55 ; No. 13, C. V. Gillespie, $80 ; No. 14, N. H. Davis,
$80; No. 15, same, $50; No. 16, same, $50; No. 17, same, $95; No. 18.
Robt. Beasley, $75 ; No. 19, same, $75 ; No. 20, same, $75. Total, $2,591,
In less than a quarter of a century the value of this land has advanced so
much that at a forced sale, similar to this one, it would doubtless be sold
for more than $50,000. It is noticeable that the referee was allowed $500
for his services and costs of reference, an amount equal to about one-fifth
of the proceeds of the sale, and that amount was taken from the proceeds
of the sale. The desired result of the sale was secured, and there has since
been no litigation, nor is there liable to be, as the title is almost absolutely
perfect.

272 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

In the year 1851 Robt. E. Beasley located on the southern end of the
Ulpinos grant and built what was always known as the " twin houses."
This was one of the houses which came around the horn in an early day
already framed. The purchaser had no idea of the style of architecture
of his house when he bought it, and was surprised when he began to con-
struct it to find that it was framed as a double house. The site of the house
was about 200 yards above the present location of Toland's Landing. Beasley
established a ferry at this point, between Sherman Island and the main
land, using a flat boat and a chain. Robt. E. Beasley was a peculiar genius ;
a veritable Utopian. All old settlers will remember his (locally) famous
pronunciamento of peace, issued by him during the war of the Rebellion, in
which he supposed he had solved all the questions of dispute, and set forth
a plan for the amicable adjustment of all differences between the North and
South. Poor Beasley died without seeing a realization of any of his many
vast projects, and his body was shipped by express to the nearest cemetery,
and no friend followed him to his last resting place.

Development. — For years the land of this township was considered fit for
nothing but grazing purposes. It was never dreamed that grain would
flourish in any portion of it. Small portions of land were planted in grain
about 1862, and it was found that they flourished well. The year 1864 was
exceedingly dry and crops an entire failure ; but after that the merits of
the rich adobe soil became rapidly to be appreciated, and that township
now ranks among the first in the county.

Rio Vista. — Rio Vista is the only town in the township. In the fall
of 1857, Col. N. H. Davis surveyed and recorded a town plat on lot No. 3
of Ulpinos grant. The site of this proposed town was situated about one
mile below the mouth of Cache slough. It was called Brozos del Rio,
(Arms of the River) from the circumstance that it was situated so near
three branches of the Sacramento river. The name, however, was changed
three years later to Rio Vista, (River View) at the suggestion of Mrs. Dr.
Kirkpatrick ; a very appropriate name also. At that time Col. DaVis' resi-
dence was the only house on the site.

The next building placed upon the town site was a store-house moved
from Sidwell's Landing, on Grand Island, and occupied by A. G. Westgate
for mercantile purposes. This building stood on the corner of Front and
Main streets. This was followed in rapid succession by a butcher-shop by
A. J. Bryant, a hotel by W. K. Squires, a blacksmith-shop by Simon Fall-
man, a salmon cannery by Carter & Son, a store by S. R. Perry, a drug
store by James <fe Thomas Freeman, (they also had an hotel), a livery-
stable by James Hammel, and several private residences, making in all
quite a little village.

NEW

LAB***

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 273

In the spring of 1858 Colonel Davis constructed a wharf 24x75 feet.
John M. Sidwell was the builder. In 1859 the California Steam Navigation
Company came into possession of the wharf and enlarged it to 150x48 feet.
The magnificent steamers " New World," " Antelope," " Eclipse " and " Sen-
ator " were then plying the Sacramento, touching daily at Rio Vista.

Colonel Davis established a post-office in the town, probably in 1858, and
that made it a sort of headquarters for all the surrounding country, as there
was not an office within twenty miles at that time.

At this time there was an untold abundance of salmon in the river, and
hundreds of men were engaged in fishing. As there was no other landing
between Sacramento and Benicia, there were thousands of fish shipped from
this point daily, and, as a consequence, the town was full of men, and money
was spent with a lavish hand.

Everything flourished in the new town for five years, when a circum-
stance occurred which was destined to sweep the town out of existence at
one swoop. Sometime in the Fall of 1861 it commenced raining, and con-
tinued almost incessantly for the fabled forty days and nights. The con-
sequence was the water increased to unheard of heights. During the last days
of December, 1861, the water rose high enough to sweep away all the smaller
buildings in the town, but it was reserved for January 9, 1862, to be the
culmination of the fearful tragedy whereby a whole village should be swept
out of existence and its people escaping barely with their lives. On that
day the water stood twelve feet deep at the foot of Main street. For miles,
in all directions, the face of the earth was covered with a wild waste of
waters. All day a fearful rain-storm prevailed and a southeast gale swept
over miles and leagues of seething sea. The angry waves in their wild
confusion dashed against the buildings with giant force, and. all were total
wrecks long before night. The houseless and homeless people gathered
together on the top of a mound a short distance below the town. They
brought a few things with them and managed to eke out a most miserable
existence for a few days until steamers came and took them off. Those
days and nights of misery and privation are, perhaps, among the hardest
the early pioneers of California were called upon to undergo ; and no in-
cident recorded in song or story, either truth or romance, is more replete
with pathos than the recital of the scenes and incidents of those eventful
days. All that is now left to mark the site of the once thriving village are
a few decaying piles which formed a part of the wharf. A few strangers
sleep in unknown graves near there. Cattle now graze in peace and
quietude where was once the busy mart of trade.

Shortly after this, perhaps in the month of March, 1862, several of the

former residents of the old town began casting about for a more secure

place whereupon to pitch their tents — a location above the reach of the

raging floods and angry waves. A party of four men, consisting of William

274 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

K. Squires, S. R. Perry, J. M. Sidwell and Isaac Dunham, went to see Mr.
Joseph Bruning, who owned a ranch on the upper edge of the Montezuma
hills. Negotiations were at once entered into, and the northeast corner of
Mr. Bruning's ranch was the site chosen for the new town. Accordingly
Mr. Bruning surveyed and recorded the town plat of " New Rio Vista," in
1862. T. J. Mc Worthy, who then owned the Gardiner ranch, surveyed and
recorded an addition to the town. Main street is located on the line of
division of the two ranches, and the town has grown up on either side of it.

The first store was erected by S. R. Perry. This was followed by an hotel
by J M. Sidwell, an hotel by Wm. K. Squires, and many other business and
private buildings. Many of the people who had lived in the old town
settled in the new town, and went on with their former occupations just as
if nothing had ever occurred. The new town grew rapidly, and in a short
time far exceeded the old town.

The post-office was established at S. R. Perry's store with S. R. Perry as
postmaster. The wharf was built by Joseph Bruning in the Spring of
1862. In 1866 the steamer " Yosemite " blew up at this wharf, killing
about eighty persons. Of this number about thirty were Chinamen.

The first church building erected in Rio Vista was the Catholic. It was
built in June, 1868. The only other church building in town is the Con-
gregational, which was erected in August, 1868. The first public school
was established in the Fall of 1862. James U. Chase was the first teacher.

The present site of Rio Vista is 64 miles from San Francisco, 50 miles
from Sacramento and 25 miles from Fairfield. It lies on the western bank
of the Sacramento river, in the eastern part of Solano county. It is in the
heart of one of the most prosperous agricultural districts in the State. The
Montezuma hills, at its back, is unrivalled for grain, and vast bodies of
swamp and overflowed lands lie in front of it extending far away to Stock-
ton, all in process of reclamation. These lands will prove, when reclaimed,
to be an inexhaustible source of fruit, vegetables, grain, etc.

There are two lines of steamers which land here, going each way, daily,
with the addition of an occasional opposition steamer. The C. P. R. R.
Company's steamers carry Wells, Fargo & Co's express and the U. S. Mails.
The California Transportation Company's steamers run up Old river, and
ply chiefly in the fruit trade.

Rio Vista is the present terminus of the Montezuma telegraph, which
affords great facility of communication with the markets, and the outside
world generally.

The town is supplied with water from the Sacramento river. It is lifted
by steam and placed into large tanks situated on an eminence near the
center of the town ; thence it is distributed through the town by mains and
service pipe. The manager of this enterprise, R. C. Carter, is an old pioneer

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 275

of the town. Abundance of water can also be had by boring, and at no
great depth.

The great amount of hay and grain grown in this vicinity demand ware-
houses with large storage capacity. In the town there are three, with room for
the storage of 6,000 tons of grain and 6,500 tons of hay, while at New Town
Landing, about a mile above Rio Vista, there are warehouses with a storage
capacity of 4,000 tons of grain and 3,500 tons of hay. There are also houses
at Toland's Landing, on the river a few miles below Rio Vista, which have a
very large storage capacity. A large portion of the grain is also taken to
Bird's Landing.

For a statement of the various kinds of business conducted in the town
we refer our readers to the business directory. Other matters of importance
will be found under their appropriate headings.

F. and A. M. — Rio Vista Lodge No. 208, Free and Accepted Masons, was
organized June 5, 1870. The following named gentlemen were charter
members : Robert Martin, G. H. Bell, C. A. Pine, Jas. Johnson, G. W.
Kynock, J. Pool, Chas. Martell, S. P. Sorenson and J. S. Cook. The first
officers were: Robert Martin, W. M.; C. A. Pine, S. W.; Geo. H. Bell, J. W.
Following is a complete list of the W. M's from the date of organization to
the present time: Robert Martin, 1870; J. S. Cook, 1871; C. A.Pine,
1872; Josiah Pool, 1873; Rev. A. F. Hitchcock, 1874; T. P. Emigh, 1875,
re-elected 1876 ; Dr. M. Pietrzycki, 1877 ; Jas. Johnson, 1878. The follow-
ing named gentlemen are the officers elect for the ensuing year : E. C.
Doziei, W. M.; J. E. T. Smith, S. W.; W. B. Pressley, J. W.; A. H. Peterson,
Treasurer ; J. C. Kraus, Secretary. The present membership is 43. The
order is in a very prosperous condition.

/. 0. 0. F.—Rio Vista Lodge No. 180, Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
was organized September 21, 1870. The following named gentlemen were
charter members : Jas. Johnson, S. P. Sorenson, A. H. Hawley, M. S. Stone,
John Davis and Chas. Davis. The following named members have served
as N. G's : M. S. Stone, 1870 ; S. P. Sorenson and A. H. Hawley, 1871 ; Jas.
Johnson and E. W. Westgate, 1872; J. D. Ingersoll and Wm. Ferguson,
1873; J. M. Perry and Rev. A. F. Hitchcock, 1874; Jos. Nevin and J. C.
Kraus, 1875; John O'Haraand J. E. Pratt, 1876; J. E. Pratt, (re-elected) and
John Davis, 1877; A. H. Peterson and S. Neilson, 1878. Following is the
list of officers elect for the ensuing term : Simon Neilson, N. G. ; Jerome
Emigh, V. G. ; J. C. Kraus, Secretary ; S. P. Sorenson, Treasurer. The pres-
ent membership is 65.

C. of R. C. — River View Encampment No. 6, Champions of the Red Cross,
was organized October 4, 1872. The following is a list of its charter mem-

276 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

bers : J. D. Ingersoll, J. D. Tillery, Wm. Ferguson, Jas. Williams, Mrs. H.
W. Stone, S. C. Edwards, Mrs. Emeline Westgate, C. A. Pine, Mrs. M. E.
Kraus, J. T. Hadley, R. C. Sidwell, Thos. E. Morgan, Mrs. M. E. Morgan.
The following named persons are the officers elect for the ensuing term : J.

F. Morey, Com.; Mrs. M. Davis, J. C; H. H. Hudson, R. S.; Jas. Williams,
Treas.

Rio Vista H. and L. Co. — The Rio Vista Hook and Ladder Company was
organized October 21, 1871. The following named gentlemen were organ-
izing members : S. Craner, R. C. Sidwell, Jas. Donovan, Chas. Scarlett, G.
W. Roberts, Chas. Green, R. C. Carter, J. M. Sidwell, W. W. Elliott, Jas.
Johnson, Geo. Clarridge and H. Craner. R. C. Carter was the first Fore-
man. The company have always been in a very prosperous condition, and
the present membership numbers 30. S. Nielson is the present Foreman,
he Tcompany, with the aid of the citizens, has supplied the town with 72
buckets, several hooks, ladders, axes, etc., and with their own private means
have purchased 500 feet of four-inch hose at an expense of $300, and have
lately constructed a building at an expense of $245.

Congregational Church. — The " First Church of Christ in Rio Vista " was
organized by Rev. J. H. Warren, Superintendent of the American Home
Missionary Society for California, and Rev. S. B. Dunton, Acting Pastor
of the Congregational Society in Rio Vista, on the 29th day of May
1869. The following are the names of the original members of the Church:
Rev. S. B. Dunton, Mrs. H. W. Stone, Mrs. N. J. Munson, Mrs. Virginia E.
Brown. M. S. Stone, Jos. Munson, Dr. L. F. Dozier, Josiah Pool, Dr. S. C.
Brown, Mrs. Mary E. Hawley, Jarvis Emigh, Peter H. Hamilton, Mrs. A. E.
Pool, Barton Dozier, Margaret Brandon, Neil Cook, Rob't Watson, Mrs. Mary
A. Watson, D. McCormac, Mrs. Catherine McCormac, Mrs. Ann Denoville.
The following-named gentlemen have acted as pastors since its organization :
Rev. S. B. Dunton, acting Pastor from May 29th to November, 1869 ; Rev.
J. J. Powell, elected October 24, 1869, installed March 2, 1870 ; Rev. A. F.
Hitchcock, elected December 29, 1872, installed March 19, 1873; Rev. G. F.

G. Morgan, elected May 1, 1875; Rev. G. H. Smith, elected September 24,
1876. The present membership is forty-six.

Congregational Sunday School: — A Sunday School was organized in
the Congregational Church on the 11th day of July, 1869. The following
is the list of Superintendents and time of election: S. C. Brown, elected
July 11, 1869; re-elected July, 1870. Rev. J. J. Powell, elected August 1,
1871; re-elected July 2, 1872; L. L. Palmer, elected July 14, 1873; Rev.
A. F. Hitchcock, elected July, 1874; H. S. Vining, elected May, 1875; Wm.
Ferguson, elected March, 1876, and still continues in office. The present

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 277

scholarship is about sixty-eight. The Sunday School is ably managed, and
there is a considerable interest taken in it by the scholars and teachers.

M. E. Church: — This Church organization was effected in the. latter part
of 1877, by Rev. T. H. Woodward, who served as Pastor till September,
1878. Rev. R. E. Wenk supplies the pulpit at present. The membership
at present is not very large, but is increasing. They have no church build-
ing of their own; as yet, but have a very acceptable place of worship rented.
There is a Sunday School connected with the Church, which was organized
December 1, 1878, with L. L. Palmer as Superintendent. The average
attendance is thirty-five.

Catholic Church: — This was the first church edifice erected in Rio Vista.
It was built in 1868. It is in the same parish with the church at Suisun,
and the same priest serves at both places. The first priest who officiated
here was Rev. Father Auger. He served the church until December, 1872,
since which time Rev. Father McNaboe has officiated. The membership is
quite large, and the church services well attended. Father McNaboe is an
energetic, hard-working man, and is well liked by all his parishioners.

St. Gertrudes Academy : — This Academy for young ladies, under the
direction of the Sisters of Mercy, is beautifully situated on an eminence in
the pleasant and accessible town of Rio Vista. The location is remarkably
healthful, the building new and well furnished with all that contributes to
the health and comfort of the pupils. The pleasure-grounds are extensive,
and well adapted to healthful exercise. Pupils of all persuasions are equally
received. The course of instruction embodies all the useful branches of a
solid education. The academy building was erected in 1876, by the munifi-
cence of Mr. Joseph Bruning, and was formally dedicated by Bishop Ale-
many on the 10th day of December, 1876. There are nine Sisters engaged
in teaching, which constitutes a most efficient corps of teachers. The Acad-
emy is justly popular with its patrons, and we are sure the time is not far
distant when its sphere will be extended so much that new and larger build-
ings will be required. We bid it "God speed."

The Public School: — The first school building in Rio Vista was erected
during the summer of 1862, on the site of the present building, on a lot
donated by Joseph Bruning, for that purpose. The first teacher was James
U. Chase, who opened the first school during the fall of 1862. We could
find no records until the year 1870, hence are unable to give an authentic
list of the teachers who have taught, but the following list is tolerably cor-
rect: J as. U. Chase, Byron Hunt, Mr. Burdell, Miss Mary Burns, Mrs. R.
Thrush, Miss Sweetland, Miss Stone, Miss Fannie Davis. On the records
which begin with 1870 we find the following-named teachers: Anthony
Dozier, M. C. Winchester, H. W. Fenton, *Miss Irene Canright, W. E. Mc

278 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

Intyre, Miss V. P. Stevens, *Miss D. M. Stone, Miss Bertha A. Bicknell,
*Miss Mary S. Warren, L. L. Palmer, *Miss Mary Linton, *Miss Jennie
Robertson, M. T. Sickal, *Miss Florence Sickal. In 1871 the school was
graded into Grammar and Primary Departments, and those marked with an
asterisk (*) were teachers in the Primary Department. There are at present
three grades in the school: Primary Department, Miss Florence Sickal,
teacher; Intermediate Department, Miss Jennie Robertson, teacher; Gram-
mar Department, M. T. Sickal, teacher.

The present building was erected in 1875, and is a large, neat-looking
structure, being truly an ornament to the town. It is two stories high, with
basement. It contains two school-rooms on the first floor, and one school-
room and two rooms for library purposes on the second floor. The building
is located on a quarter-block 120x120 feet, on the corner of Fifth and Mon-
tezuma streets. The location is very good, and is central. The following-
named persons comprise the present Board of Trustees: Dr. M. Pietrzycki,
Win. K. Squires and Wm. Ferguson. Dr. M. Pietrzycki is Clerk of the
Board.

Newspapers: — On the 6th day of September, 1877, the Rio Vista Weekly
Gleaner made its first appearance, being the first paper ever issued in the
town. L. L. Palmer was the editor and publisher. The printing was done
in Suisun, at the Solano Republican office, and conjointly with that paper.
On the 22d of September, 1877, the Rio Vista Enterprise made its appear-
ance. John H. Whitmore and W. A. Bushnell were proprietors and pub-
lishers. They put in a news office, type, press, etc. On the 17th of April,
1878, L. L. Palmer opened an office in Rio Vista, putting in a full line of
news and job type, news and job press, etc., in which the Gleaner was
printed. The Gleaner was continued till February 22d, 1879, when it was
discontinued, and the publisher became connected with the Solomo Repub-
lican at Suisun. The Enterprise continued for three months longer, and
issued its last number on May 30th, 1879.

Business Directory: — Folio wing is a full and complete business directory
of the town on December 31, 1878: Bruning, Jos., warehouse; Brown, B.
B., River View Hotel ; Bell, P., tinsmith ; Christiensen, M., wharfinger C. P.
R. R.; Carter, R. C, water- works; Clarridge, Geo. A., Western Hotel; Craner,
S., merchandise; Craner, A. H., merchandise; Currie, John, harness-maker;
Chase, Ed., news-dealer; Davis, C, contractor and planing-mill ; Davis,
John, contractor and builder; Erlanger & Galinger, merchandise; Fiscus,
John B., livery stable; Eraser, George, meat market; Fallman Bros., black-
smiths; Ferguson, Wm„ wagon-making, etc.; Gurnee, J., saloon; Hawley,
R. H., wharfinger C- T.; Hunter, R. C, drugs and medicine ; Hadley, Sam'l
T., blacksmith; Halderback, Jos., blacksmith; Ingersoll, J. D., fruit and

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 279

vegetables; Johnson and Emigh, warehouse; Kiernan, Thos., undertaker;
Kearney, Jas., boot-maker; Kalber, F., wagon-maker; Kelly, J. A., con-
tractor and builder; Lawson, H., saloon; Malone, John A., boot-maker and
Manager S. V. Tannery; Matthewson, S. R., vegetables, etc., Merritt, Chas. &
Co., drugs and medicines; Miller, Louis, painter and grainer; McGrah, Dan'l,
saloon; Nelson, C, saloon; Nielson, S., contractor and builder; Nesbitt,
Jos., wharfinger C. S. N. Co.; Ostrander, J. D., soliciting agent; Perry, J.
M., merchandise;' Pond & Knox, meat market; Peterson, A. H., livery stable;
Parker, Miss A. E., millinery, etc.; Pietrzycki, M., physician and surgeon;
Palmer, L. L., publisher Gleaner; Roberts, G. W., saloon; Runk, Mrs. L. C,
Central Hotel; Stanton, J. C, dentist; Squires, W. K., Squire's Hotel;
Stumm, F. I., jeweler; Smith, Jas., saloon; Smith, J. E. T., truckman;
Stoll, C. M., harness and saddlery; Sorenson, S. P., furniture; Thompson,
Geo., saloon; Whitmore & Bushnell, publishers Enterprise ; Westgate Bros.,
merchandise; Williamson, Wm., flour mill; Weslar, Geo., barber; Whit-
man, D. G., plasterer; Wadsworth, Wm., fruits and vegetables; Wilcox
Ruble & Dozier, merchandise.

Official Directory: — Notary Public, M. Smyth; Justices of the Peace,
J. D. Ingersoll, Lewis Chase; Constable, James Dobbins; Deputy Sheriff,
John B. Fiscus; Postmaster, L. C. Ruble; W., F. & Co's agents, Westgate
Bros.

The Future: — So much for the past and present of the beautiful and
thriving town; a word for the future and we will close this sketch. The
town is so located that it is sure to be prosperous in the years to come.
There are natural advantages which but few towns possess. Cheap trans-
portation is insured, and that is one great factor in the prosperity of a town.
The unbounded resources of the tule lands will always pour a goodly stream
of gold into its coffers. The hills will always yield a handsome income for
the town. They need more industries. There is no reason why this should
not become a great manufacturing center. They have every facility possi-
ble. The climate is the most salubrious and healthful. The temperature is
universally moderate and mild. Strong winds prevail there during the
summer months, which serve to keep the atmosphere cool and refreshing.

280 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

SILVETYILLE.

Geography. — Silveyville township is bounded on the north by Yolo
county, on the east by Tremont township, on the south by Maine Prairie
and Elmira townships, and on the west by Vacaville township. The Rio
Los Putos extends along its northern boundary.

Topography. — The surface of the entire township is almost perfectly level.
The land is rolling in places, but not hilly. One is reminded very much, in
passing through it, of the prairies of Illinois and Iowa.

Soil. — The soil of this township is alluvial in formation and character.
It is a sandy loam, for the most part, with scarcely any adobe m it. It is
very fertile and productive, and the finest farms in Solano county are
located here. Everything about these farms betoken thrift and prosperity.

Climate. — The climate in this township differs very materially from that
in the townships in the southern parts of the county. Here the sea
baeeze is shorn of its dampness and force, and sweeps as gently over the
country as a zephyr. Ordinarily the temperature is several degrees higher
here than at Suisun. A person will often find a linen coat burdensome in
Dixon at 4 p. M., and after a 40 minutes ride on the train arrives at Suisun,
and finds that he needs an - overcoat. The wind prevails from the north
more here than further south, and this wind is burdened with sultry oppres-
sive heat, and also oftentimes with electricity, which seems to oppress and
enervate everything. Fortunately these siroccos are not very common.
The atmosphere is comparatively free from malarial poisons, and is, on that
account, quite healthful.

Products. — The principal products of this township are wheat and barley.
Fruits and vegetables do quite well in all parts of the township, though but
little more is grown than home consumption demands, except along the line
of Rio Los Putos, where are some of the finest orchards and gardens in the
State. In this section oranges, figs, dates, olives, lemons and bananas thrive
equal to any section of the State, and the quality is said to excel that grown
in Los Angeles county.

Early Settlement. — To this township belongs the honor of having the first
permanent white settler in Solano county. In 1842 Wm. Wolf skill, then a

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 281

resident of Los Angeles, secured a grant from the Mexican government for
a tract of land one league in width and four leagues in length, lying on either
side of Rio Los Putos. Some time during the same year he sent his brother,
John R., with a band of cattle to take possession of the new grant, accord-
ing to law. From this time on, an occasional settler would locate somewhere
on the Rio Los Putos, until in 1852 there was quite a neighborhood, with
houses, ranging from three to ten miles apart. Upon the outbreak of the
gold fever the most practicable road to the mines from San Francisco passed
from Benicia to Sacramento, through this settlement. For the accommoda-
tion of these travelers, Elijah S. Silvey, in 1852, built a house and stock
corral. He at first called his house the " Half-way House". In those early
days the trail was not very well defined, and the belated traveler was liable
to lose his way and wander about the plains all night. To obviate this,
Silvey used to hoist a red lantern high in air every night, so that it might
serve as a beacon light to the wanderer, and guide him safely into the haven
of Silvey's hotel. The hardy pioneer, Silvey, came to an untimely death by
accidentally falling from a porch. His widow still lives on the old site of
those early scenes of the early life of California and of Solano county. The
next building at this point was a blacksmith shop, built by Messrs. Wm.
Dryden & Noble. On Christmas day, 1856, Geo. A. Gillespie began the
foundation of a store building. From this time on Silvey ville began to
assume quite goodly proportions, and reached its zenith about 1865, at
which time there were, perhaps, 150 inhabitants in the town. Quite early
a post-office was established at this place with E. S. Silvey as post-master.
It was called Putah. There was, at one time, a telegraph office there also.
But all this is now among the dead past, and another quarter of a century
will banish all traces of the town, and only in legend and on these pages
will any knowledge of it exist.

The history of Silveyville would remain incomplete without honorable
mention being made of a newspaper being published at that place, by Wm.
J. Pearce. The type was set and the forms made up in Silveyville, but
they were sent to Sacramento to be printed from. The paper was strongly
Democratic, and soon after the editor got into a political altercation with
one Dr. J. C. Ogburn, a strong Union man, in which Pearce shot the doctor,
and was forced to flee the country.

Dixon. — The place to which all the business and houses of Silveyville
went was Dixon. In 1868 the C. P. R. R. was completed. Seeing a
probability of its completion, and realizing the fact that it was a good point
at which to build a town, W. R. Ferguson purchased an acre of land from
Thomas Dickson, and built a dwelling-house upon it. This was the first
house built in the town. He immediately afterwards erected a stone
building. On the 7th day of July, 1868, he opened his store for public

282 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

patronage. The next building was erected by Bernard Greinburg. He
used it for hotel purposes. It was called the " Empire." Messrs. Eppinger
& Co. were the next to engage in a mercantile enterprise in the town. The
second family which located in town was that of Jasper Kattenberg. The
town was named in honor of Mr. Thomas Dickson, who donated ten acres
for the purposes of a depot and town site. The difference in orthography
is accounted for in the fact that the first consignment of goods which came
to the town were marked " W. R. Ferguson, Dixon." The spelling being
simpler it was at once adopted by all. The present population is about
1,200. It was incorporated by a special Act of the Legislature during the
session of 1877-8. It is a beautiful town nestled amid a grove of shady
trees, which gives it a cosy and cheerful appearance. It is growing, and
evidences of prosperity are visible on all sides.

Free and Accepted Masons.— Silveyville Lodge, No. 201, F. & A. M., was
organized June 25, 1869, at Silveyville. It was moved to Dixon September
12, 1871. The following named gentlemen were its charter members :
James W. Howard, Wm. H. Wells, H. E. McCune, John P. Kirsch, Walter
Ellis, Wm. Killibrew, B. Meyer, Henry Goeffort, J. S. Garnett, Chas. Wolf,
C. M. Robinson, Daniel King. The following gentlemen have been honored
with the office of W. M. , J. W. Howard, W. H. Wells, Jas. A. Ellis, A.
Hockheimer, John Sweeney. The present membership is 65.

Royal Arch Chapter. — Dixon Chapter, No. 48, R. A. M., was organized
February 9, 1875. The charter members were as follows : J. A. Ellis, A.
Hockheimer, A. G. Summers, B. Ethiger, H. Eppinger. J. C. Merryfield, H.
Wilcox. H. Goeffort, H. E. McCune, John Sweeney, Geo. C. McKinley, M.
Blum, Wm. Steele, D. Longmire, A. Fraser, J. C. North, J. P. Kirsch, E. M.
Tyler, J. W. Sallee. The following gentlemen have been elevated to the
dignity of High Priest : Jas. A. Ellis, John Sweeney, H. Eppinger, George
C. McKinley. The present membership is 51.

Rebecca Degree Lodge. — Hyacinthe Rebecca Degree Lodge, No. 26, was
organized May 26, 1875. The present officers are Jas. K. Vansant, N. G. ;
Mrs. Sarah McPherson, V. G. ; Edward Weihe, R. C. ; and Mrs. Nancy Van-
sant, Treasurer. The present membership is 70.

I. 0. 0. F.— Montezuma Lodge, No. 172, I. O. O. F., was organized June
20, 1870. The following named gentlemen comprise its charter members :
R. S. McKinley, D. Mack, J. D. Carey, Wm. M. Bernard, Geo. W. Smith,
Thomas Kelley, James M. Clark, John Patterson, T. A. Buckles and R. E.
Hewitt. The following named gentlemen have had the honor of presiding
as N. G.'s : Wm. Bernard, T. A. Buckles, R. E. Hewitt, J. Kline, A. Kirby,

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 283

R. R. Neirell, J. Fredrickson, V. A. Collins, P. Siebe, I. Rhodes, J. K. Van-
sant, W. H. Northcutt, Charles Schirmer, R. C. Christian, A. J. Kasten,
Edward Weihe. The present membership is 100.

Knights of Pythias. — Othello Lodge, No. 31, K. of P., was organized June
29, 1875. The following named gentlemen were charter members : E. L.
H. Bibby, J. B. Bloom, S. Blum, J. R. Creighton, John Ferguson, John
Fredrickson, H. Goeffort, R. D. Hopkins, D. B. Huff, Wm. Johnson, Wra.
Johnson, C. W. Johnson, J. 0. Johnson, J. D. Johnson, A. Levy, S. G.
Little, J. P. Martin, C. J. McCoy, E. Wenf elder, H. A. Ross, E. W. Striplin,
Dr. A. H. Pratt, Chas. Schirmer, F. A. Schnitzlein, P. Siebe, Wm. Simms,
Wm. Straub, J. Sweeney and H. West. The following gentlemen have
been honored with the office of Chancellor : R. D. Hopkins, John R.
Creighton, H. A. Ross, Dr. A. H. Pratt, J F. Hamilton, S. G. Little and P.
Olmstead. The present membership is about 40.

Independent Order of Good Templars: — -Dixon Lodge, I. 0. G. T., was
organized February 5th, 1870. Following are the charter members: Mrs.
Julia A. Ferguson, J. R. Beane, E. H. Beane, J. C. Graves, Thomas Pritch-
ard, C. M. Daffield, J. Sullivan, Mrs. A. F. Beane, Mrs. M. Bernard, G. S.
Dudley, Mrs. E. Dudley, H. McGale, Thomas Doody, L. A. Moore and J. F.
Cook. The following members have held the office of Worthy Chief Tem-
plar: J. R. Beane, Mrs. F. A. Beane, J. M. Dudley, Joseph Kline, H. Ever-
ingham, J. H. Peters, W. B. Wyman, Rev. George Morris, W. H. Northcutt,
A. R. Storey, M. T. Sickal, J. K. Bateman, W. T. Mayne, Wm. Olmstead,
Miss Ella Hoovey, George Martin, and Stewart McBride.

Ancient Order of United Workmen: — Dixon Lodge, No.- 50, A. O. U. W.,
was organized September 11th, 1878. The present officers are : A. J. Kasten,
M. W., A. J. Buckles, P. M. W., Charles Donahoe, G. F., Charles Schrivner,
O. B. Ethiger, Receiver, J. M. Dinsmore, Financier, A. R. Storey, Recorder.
The present membership is 27.

Bank of Dixon: — The Bank of Dixon was organized and incorporated in
October, 1873, but was not opened for business until April, 1874. The
authorized capital stock is $500,000. The original board of directors was
as follows: J. S. Garnett, S. G. Little, James Millar, Ed. Wolfskill, Hanse
Rohwer, James Porter and D. B. Huff. The presidents of the bank have
been, S. G. Little, James Millar, J. C. Merryfield. The cashiers have been,
Ed. Wolfskill, H. B. Sheldon, G. W. Wyman, A. J. Kasten and Robert
Harkinson.

The Dixon Fire Company : — This company was organized October 15th,
1872. Their present aparatus consists of one Babcock engine, hooks, lad-

284 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

ders, and other appliances necessary to make them a very efficient depart-
ment. The following gentlemen have acted as foreman : J. Fredrickson, W.
A. Dashiel, E. Weihe, H. Eppinger, W. S. Hinman, George King, Owen
O'Niel, George Frahm.

Catholic Church: — This church building was erected in 1868, by Rev.
Father Auger. It is located on Second street, between A and Mayes
streets. It is a frame building, 48x32, with a seating capacity of 140.
From floor to ceiling is 16 feet. The ceiling is hard-finished, walls wains-
coted, and finished with redwood tongued grooved and painted. The
pastors who have served this church are, Rev. Fathers Auger, McNaboe,
Powers, Moore, Ward and Nugent.

The Methodist Episcopal Church, South: — Was organized in Solano
County, in the town of Suisun and vicinity, in the year 1852 or 1853.
Afterward a society was formed near the present site of Vacaville. This
was called the Vacaville circuit.

A neat and substantial stone church was built at Rockville in 1858.

In 1861 the M. E. C. South built a college known as Pacific Methodist
College, at Vacaville. Its first president was Rev. J. C. Stewart. After
the first year Rev. W. T. Luckey, D. D., was elected president, which position
he held for eight years.

Rev. J. R. Thomas, D. D., LL. D., was the next president. In 1871 this
college was removed to Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, where it is now
located.

Three years ago a beautiful church building was erected at Elmira. The
church at Vacaville was destroyed by fire in 1877, where it was rebuilt a
few months thereafter.

In the Fall of 1878 a church was purchased in Dixon, and a minister was
sent by the conference to fill the pulpit. There are at present three min-
isters actively engaged in the work, residing in the county. Rev. J. C.
Simmons presides at the present time.

M. E. Church — Dixon and Binghamton. — In the month of March, 1858,
a few persons living in and around old Silveyville desiring to worship God
according to Methodistic belief and forms, organized themselves under the
direction of Rev. J. W. Leach into a methodist class, which numbered
twelve persons, viz.: J. W. Leach, preacher in charge; John A. Leach, Marian
Leach, Ellen Proxil, Emily West, Charles West, Charles K. Seeley, Solena
Seeley, John J. Reed, Joseph Reed, E. B. Reed and Wm. Reed. At the close
of the year, these twelve had increased to upwards of thirty souls. They
held their meetings in a school house about one mile and a quarter north of
Silveyville. This was the rise of methodism in this place and its increase

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 285

for the first year. From 1859 to 1863, the society was without any regu-
larly appointed minister, and it was with difficulty it maintained its exist-
ence ; only two persons, namely, Charles and Emily West are left from the
original twelve ; during this period of struggling without a pastor. They
worshipped in a hall over a saloon in Silveyville and were strengthened from
time to time by the labors of Rev. Father White and Rev. Henry Howlit.
In 1863, J. W. Murphy was appointed to the work. He found the small
band badly scattered, but, by indifatigable effort, made quite an increase in
the society. He was a man of robust constitution, fiery disposition, radical
in views, plain spoken — a man for the times. He was succeeded in 1865 by
Rev. A. P. Hendon, who was regularly appointed to the work.
A. P. Hendon reorganized, gathered in others of like faith and entered
upon the field with renewed vigor. The result was success ; methodism
became a settled fact in this place during his pastorate. In 1866, under his
management, a fine church edifice was erected in Silveyville, at a cost of four
thousand three hundred dollars. A. P. Hendon was a young man of rare
qualities, tall, slim and gaunt, rather eccentric, positive and thoroughly de-
voted to his work. He was followed by Dr. Morrow, who, by his personal
character and pastoral qualifications, endeared himself to the hearts of all.
The work under him , flourished and, at the close of his two years' labor,
there were ninety-eight persons connected with the church. The' following-
year the circuit was divided, W. S. Corwin was stationed at Silveyville and
S. L. Hamilton appointed to Binghamton ; little is known of the growth or
struggles of the society this year, save that there was some increase in the
work. Geo. Larkin succeeded W. S. Corwin in 1869. Bro. Larkin, owing
to difficulties that arose in the church, did not finish the year. S. L. Ham-
ilton, of Binghamton, filled the pulpit of Silveyville the last part of the year.
In 1870, Bro. G. R. Belknap was appointed to Silveyville and I. B. Fish to
Binghamton. The M. E. Church was moved by Bro. Belknap from Silvey-
ville to Dixon, a flourishing town on the Central Pacific Railroad, three
miles southeast of Silveyville, where it now stands. In 1871, the two parts
of the work that had been divided were again united, and J. M. Hinmin
was appointed to take charge. He labored for one year and left only forty-
six on the entire work in full fellowship. He was succeeded by J. H.
Peters in 1872. There was an increase during this year of twenty-nine. J.
H. Peters remained on the work for three years, doing faithful service and
building up the society in all its departments, at the close of his pastorate
he reports seventy-seven members in full connection. Arnold was appointed
his successor in September, 1875. Bro. Arnold, on account of ill health,
retired before the close of the year and S. Snidery sent to complete the
year. W. T. Mayne was placed over the circuit in 1876, and built an addi-
tion to the parsonage with $1,000. The work proving too hard for him, at
the close of the year the circuit was again divided and T. H. Woodward

286 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

was appointed to Binghamton in connection with Rio Vista ; during this
year the M. E. Church South was organized out of the M. E. Church,
Dixon, which drew heavily upon the original society. The following year
the two fractions of the work were again united and T. H. Woodward was
appointed to take charge of the entire held. The work looked discourag-
ing, but a sweeping revival broke out during this year, Rev. J. W. Ross was
present holding meetings day and night for three weeks ; again the society
sprang to its feet and persons were added daily to the church. The society
at the present numbers about 100, and owns about seven thousand dollars
worth of property in Dixon. Sabbath school was organized in 1863 and
now numbers about seventy. Alex. McPherson is the present Superintend-
ent ; Trustees : Judge Merryfield, J. M. Dudley, N. Earns, E. L. Mann, J. M.
Bell, D. S. Stuart and W. R. Ferguerson.

Dixson Baptist Church. — This church was organized at Pleasant Retreat
school house, Vaca Valley, Solano county, October 19, 1856. Its constituent
members were : Rev. Daniel King, Rev. Joseph Roberts, William G. Fore,
Thomas C. Maupin, H. E. McCune, Lewis Huchinson, Sidney C. Walker,
Mrs. E. Roberts, Mrs. Susan King, Mrs. H. M. Fore, Mrs. A. R. Maupin, Mrs.
M. J. Walker, Mrs. Sarah J. Williams, Mrs. Barbara B. McCune. Rev. J.
Roberts preached a sermon from I Peter, 2, 4, 5. "To ivhom coming, as
unto a living stone, disallotved indeed of men, but chosen of God and prec-
ious. Ye also as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priest-
hood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ."
The text seemed a truly prophetic one, and, together with the earnest ser-
mon, was attended by the Divine blessing to the little band of humble be-
lievers, which, like a river of life, clear as crystal, has never ceased to flow,
The church had the ministerial labors of Revs. Roberts and King, until June.
1857, when the latter was chosen pastor, in which relation he was held with
much love and esteem until the time of his death, which occurred at Dixon,
October 3, 1877. This venerable servant of God was thus the leader of this
church for more than twenty years, and was an example to them in faith,
in perseverence, in well-doing, in sacrificing for Christ and his cause. In
the organization Lewis Huchinson was chosen Secretary and Sidney Walker
Deacon.

The school house was used as a meeting house until January, 1860, when
the Hall of the Academy in Vacaville, the property of Rev. Mr. Anderson,
was obtained as a meeting place for one Saturday and Sunday in each month,
for the sum of fifty dollars per year. The church held its meetings there
until March 1861, then moved to the Dry Slough school house, which then
stood near the present Batavia. In this place, regular monthly meetings were
held. At the meeting of the church, held April, 1861, a report of a com-
mittee, consisting of H. E. McCune and T. S. Bayley, of the Baptist Church
and Rev. Mr. Fairbairn and Mr. G. B. Stevenson, Esq., of the Presbyterian

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 287

Church, 0. S., together with one outside party, whose name we do not find,
submitted a report, consisting of a written agreement to build a meeting
house at Silveyville, to be owned and used jointly by the two denominations.
This report was adopted by both churches, and work of building went on.
This house was dedicated on the third Sunday in November, 1861, Rev. Dr.
Peck, of the Presbyterian Church, and Rev. D. King, of the Baptist Church
officiating. These denominations held this property in partnership, with
great harmony, until May, 1868, when the Baptists bought the half interest
of the Presbyterians, and became sole proprietors of the property. This was
the home of the Baptist Church, where their labors were greatly blessed,
until October, 1876, when the church dedicated its brick building at the
town of Dixon, where it still holds its meetings.

The Rev. Daniel King, being much of the time of his long pastorate of
this church enfeebled by sickness, and more latterly by age, the church, by
his request, employed the following ministers as assistants to the pastor: In
January, 1860, Rev. Orin Critenden was employed, who served with great
zeal and efficiency until April, 1863. Then the Rev. J. E. Barnes was em-
ployed for one-half of his time, until May, 1868, and then they employed
all his time, until January 8th, 1871. From then until June 1st, 1872, Rev.
D. King labored alone as pulpit supply, and then Rev. John T. Prior, of
Georgia, was called as an assistant to the pastor, and continued for one year.
In November, 1872, Rev. J. L. Blitch began to preach to the church as an
assistant to the pastor, and continued as such until the death of Rev. D.
King, which, as above stated, was October 3d, 1877. Then he was chosen
pastor of the church, and continued to serve as such until July, 1878. The
church then, through their committee on pulpit supply, engaged the services
of Rev. 0. C. Wheeler, Rev. C. A. Bateman, Rev. C. C. Bateman, Rev. C. A.
Buck bee, Rev. John Frances, Rev. C. W. Hughes and Rev. James E. Barnes.
The last named began to supply the pulpit on September 7th, 1878, and lias
continued to do so, and is still doing so at the present writing.

Including the constituent members, this church has had connected with
it 249 members, and now has a membership of 106. They have a church
property worth about $12,000.

Newspapers — Dixon Tribune: — The "Tribune" made its appearance at
Dixon on the 14th day of November, 1874. R. D. Hopkins editor, and R.
D. Hopkins & Co. publishers. About one year after it was started Hopkins
became sole proprietor, and continued its publication until April 1, 1877,
when it went under the present management of Alfred B. Nye. The
"Tribune" was started as a neutral paper in politics. In 1875 it was Demo-
cratic. Under the management of Mr. Nye the paper is independent and
non-partisan. Size, 24x36 inches. It is a weekly, and has a circulation of
about 600 copies.

288 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

SUISUN.

Suisun Township is bounded on the north by those of Elmira, Vacaville
and Napa county ; on the west by the townships of Green Valley and
Benicia ; on the south by Suisun bay, and on the east by Montezuma, Den-
verton, and Maine Prairie townships. It is the largest in the county, and
was originally one of the two first divisions into which Solano was parti-
tioned. Included in it are the following islands, which form a portion of
the delta of the Sacramento river, which debouches into the bay above
named : Joice, Grisley, Hammond, Wheeler, Gray. Rich, Long Point, Rowe,
Chips, and two smaller ones not named. The present limits of the town-
ship were settled on June 27, 1866, and took its name from the Suisun
Indians, who were the lords of the soil when the settlement of the district
was commenced. Suisun has an area of 110,000 acres, 10,000 of which are
water, its general characteristics being a large level plain of some six miles
square in extent, which opens out on the east into the vast valley of the
Sacramento. The Potrero hills occupy about twelve sections of this ex-
panse, and are surrounded on either side by swamp and overflowed lands,
except a narrow neck of low valley on the north side. The higher ridges
are two hundred feet in height, and recede in elevation as they approach the
border of level land adjoining the tule swamps. It is also well watered,
the principal stream within its limits being the Suisun creek, which has its
rise in the adjoining county of Napa, thence flowing in a south-easterly
direction, empties into the Salt marsh, nearly a mile and a half east of
Bridgeport. Its springs, marble and other quarries are also famous ; it
will, however, be unnecessary here to dwell upon them, as an exhaustive
description thereof will be found on page 91 and the following, of this
work.

Early Settlemerd. — As has been previously remarked, the Suisun Indians
were the original occupiers of this fertile domain, while Rockville, a small
town at the foot of the valley would appear to have been their head-
quarters ; at any ra u e, in 1850, they moved their lares et penates from there
to Napa county. It has been shown in our chapter on Mexican grants that
in January, 1837, Francisco Solano, the chief of this tribe, applied for a
grant of the land which he claimed belonged to him by right of primo-
geniture, which was finally made to him in January, 1842. The applica-
tion of Solano was, in 1839, followed by one from Jose Francisco Armijo, a
Mexican by birth, requesting that the lands known as Tolenas should be

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 289

ceded to him, which was done in March, 1840. It was subsequently decreed
by the Supreme Court of California that owing to the non-approval of the
Departmental Assembly of the cessions, the grants were informal: there-
fore, in 1849, the title to the land held by Solano was acquired by General
Vallejo by purchase, while that of Armijo, upon the death of the elder, by
his son Antonio, in the same manner. In 1846, we hear of one Jesus
Molino, an Indian, having certain ground under cultivation at or near
Rockville, while in the spring of 1847 Daniel M. Berry with his family
settled in the valley and pitched his tent on land now farmed by Joseph
Blake. He was in the spring of 1849 followed by Landy Alford, who located
on the site of the farm of Lewis Pierce, and Nathan Barbour, who had crossed
the plains with him, but had gone to Sonoma and thence to Benicia, but so
few were the people that in 1847, when Captain Von Pfister made his jour-
ney to Sacramento, then Sutter's Fort, there were only three houses within
what was then Suisun township, namely, the adobes of Molino at Rockville,
Berry's residence and the Armijo rancho. In December, 1850, there also came
to the valley J. H. Bauman, a German, who. camped on arrival at or near the
farm now owned by Mr. Bucher, afterwards moving to various places as a
sheep herder until 1853, when he settled in the Montezuma hills. He is now a
resident of this valley. In this year Robert Waterman, an old sea-captain,
of thirty years' standing, also arrived from New York City. He now oc-
cupies a beautiful farm a few miles to the northwest of Fairfield. In 1851,
E. F. Gillespie (deceased), a native of Watertown, N. Y., came to the upper
end of the valley. There also permanently located in this year on what was
called the Island, now the site of Suisun City, Captain Josiah Wing, who
had during the previous summer commenced running boats up the creek to
the embarcadero. In October, 1851. there also arrived James G. Edwards
who settled on the farm of John McMullen. Colonel D. D. Reeves came to
the township on November 14, 1852, and built a blacksmith shop on the
farm occupied by Mr. Ledgewood, where he worked at his trade until 1857,
when he moved into Suisun city, and in conjunction with his brother Co
P. Reeves, erected some of the largest and most substantial brick buildings
in the town. In this year there arrived also J. B. Lemon, the present
County Treasurer, and Allen C. Miller, and last, though by no means least
among the early settlers who had helped to subdue this valley to fertile
grain fields, establish manufactories and well conducted business enterprises,
are the names of John M. Jones, Under Sheriff, who settled in 1853, Asa
Crocker, in 1854, John W. Pearce, in 1856, D. E. and D. M. Stockman, the
former in 1856 and the latter arriving in 1858, when there also located
J. Frank and Moses Dinkelspiel. In 1857 there came William J. Costigan.
In 1860 R. D. Robbins arrived; P. J. Christler in 1862, while among the
first settlers were J. B. Hoyt and E. P. Hilborn ; we have been, however,
unable to glean the precise date of their arrival. -
19

290 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

Suisun City. — This city stands on an island in the midst of the tule lands
which form a marshy desert lying between the Potrero hills and Benicia.
As far back as the year 1850, Curtis Wilson and Dr. John Baker sailed up
the Suisun creek in an open boat, and landed on the present site of the
city. To them is due the honor of its discovery. They did not, however,
remain long enough to give them the rights of residents of the place, but it
is supposed left in search of places bearing a more captivating impress.
Mention has been made of Captain Josiah Wing having been engaged in
the running of schooners, or other craft, to this island in the summer of
1850 and of his settlement on it in 1851. In this year he built the first
building erected on the present site of the city, it being a warehouse, on the
place now occupied by the livery-stables of George W. Hall, on the east
side of the Plaza, situated opposite the Post-office. In the summer of this
year the first store was opened by John W. Owens and A. W. Hall, while
in the following years others came and commenced building up the city of
Suisun. In the year 1868 a petition signed by the residents of the now
flourishing country town was handed to the Board of Supervisors of the
county, requesting that steps might be taken whereby Suisun should re-
ceive the rights and privileges of a city, which prayer was granted on
October 9th of that year, when she developed into an incorporated city.

Suisun, as it is to-day, is a flourishing little town of about 1,800 inhab-
itants. Its streets are, as a rule, well filled with people, while its stores
of which there are some very handsome ones, appear to have a fair share of
business. It is connected with Fairfield, the county seat, by a plank walk
of nearly a mile in length, there being situated half way between the rival
towns the California Pacific Railroad depot, under the charge of J. C.
Maxwell.

Fairfield. — This little town is the county seat of Solano, it having at-
tained to that proud distinction by a vote of the people canvassed on Septem-
ber 2, 1858, when it was declared to be the choice of the voters by a major-
ity of 404 over Benicia. This selection of Fairfield was made, in the first
place, on account of its central position, and secondly on account of the gift
to the county by Captain R. H. Waterman of certain lands, should the
county seat be legally located there. The town site was surveyed by Capt.
Waterman and A. E. Ritchie, and the plat filed for record on May 16, 1859,
and the new County Capital named in honor of the birthplace of the
Captain in Connecticut. The first residence erected on it was that of J. B.
Lemon, the premises being those now occupied by him. Fairfield is a pretty
little town of considerable promise, and possessing, as it does, the county
buildings, there is considerable bustle to be observed during the sessions
of the different Courts. Its houses, for the most part, are enclosed by neat
fences and well kept gardens, vineyards and orchards, while the streets are
wide, though not much worn by traffic.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 291

Court House and Jail. — On September 13, 1858, the Board of Supervisors
met and canvassed the votes of the general election for that year, and,
among other things, it was declared that Fairfield had been selected as
the county seat, and also a new Board of Supervisors were elected, viz : J.
G. Gardner, D. B. Holman, and E. F. Gillespie. The new Board met and
organized on the 2nd day of November following.

The county records having been moved from Benicia, and a temporary
Court House built and certain buildings rented from Waterman and Wil-
liamson, for the temporary use of the county officers, on November 18,
1858, the following order was entered in the minutes of the Board : " Or-
dered by the Board of Supervisors that specifications of a plan for the
Court House and jail, for Solano county, be advertised for in the Solano
County Herald for the term of two weeks, and that the amount of fifty
dollars be allowed to the architect whose plans shall be received and
approved by the Board. Said specifications to be handed in on or before
the 5th day of December, A. D. 1858. Said jail to be 35 feet square ; the
Court House to be 40x50 feet, to contain rooms for the county officers and
jury rooms."

On January 21, 1859, the Board of Supervisors passed an order requesting
" our Senator and Assemblyman " to pass an act authorizing the Board of
Supervisors to levy a special tax, for the term of two years, of fifty cents
upon each one hundred dollars, upon the assessed value of property of said
county, for county purposes ; for the purpose of building Court House and
jail for said county. On the following day the plans and specifications,
submitted by James H. White for a Court House and jail for Solano county,
were accepted and approved.

On February 9, 1859, the vote adopting the plans and specifications
submitted by James H. White was reconsidered, and the plans and specifi-
cations submitted by George Bordwell were accepted and adopted February
10, 1859. Ordered that sealed proposals be received for building the Court
House and jail, according to the plans and specifications of George Bordwell,
adopted by the Board, up to the 14th day of March, 1859, and that the
same be advertised by the Clerk in the Solano Coibnty Herald for thirty
days ; and it is further ordered that George Bordwell be appointed architect
to superintend the erection of said buildings. March 14, 1859, they met to
open the proposals received, and award the contract for building the pro-
posed Court House and jail. Bids were received as follows : From William
B. Carr, $28,400; A. Barrows, $38,500 ; George W. Cord, $28,200; E. M.
Benjamin and N. Smith, $27,200 ; C. Murphy, T. Collins, and J. J. Doyle,
$31,200 ; Samuel T. Carlisle, $37,745; J. J. Denny, $31,000 ; John B. Sanford,
$27,350 ; William McCarty, $29,500 ; Charles B. Tool, $34,300 ; Larkin
Richardson, $24,440. The bid of Larkin Richardson being the lowest, the
contract was duly awarded to him, upon his filing a bond in the sum of

292 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

$48,880, being twice the amount of his bid, the conditions being that the
buildings were to be completed according to the plans and specifications —
the jail by September 1, 1859, and the Court House by September 1, 1860.
Subsequently an order was made that the Court House should be built on
Union Square so as to front on Union street, and to run 40 feet back to the
centre of the square east and west, and that the jail be located on a line
with the Court House, eastward, half way of the block ; and it was further
ordered that the County Surveyor run the necessary lines.

And it was also ordered that the architect superintending should be
allowed seven per cent upon the contract price ($24,440) for his services.
The percentage was afterwads changed to eight per cent.

It appears that an Act was passed by the Legislature in accordance with
the request of the Board of Supervisors, for on April 11, 1859, the Board
ordered that a tax of fifty cents, upon each hundred dollars of the taxable
property of the county, be levied and assessed for the building of the Court
House and jail, in pursuance of the provisions of an Act of the Legislature.

On September 1, 1859, the following appears on the minutes of the Board:
" Whereas, the contract for building a county jail and Court House was
awarded to Larkin Richardson, and the time for the delivery of the same,
completed, has arrived ; be it, therefore, resolved, that the said Richardson
be and he is hereby required to deliver to the county the said jail, finished
according to his contract, and upon his failing to do so, to be held respon-
sible for all damages ; and that he be furnished with a copy of this
resolution."

November 10, 1859, the following order is entered upon the minutes :
" Ordered that the public building known as the jail in Fairfield be now
received from the contractor, Larkin Richardson ; the Board reserving the
right to claim damages, and Richardson reserving the right to subsequently
present his bill for extra work."

And it was, thereupon, ordered that the prisoners (which had heretofore
been confined in the jail of Contra Costa county) be removed to the Fair-
field jail.

On March 12, I860, the contract was let to A. P. Jackson to fit up the
court room and offices in the new Court House for the sum of $1,994.
Jackson's contract was subsequently cancelled, and on April 21, 1860, a new
contract, for fitting up the rooms, was entered into with J. W. Batcheller,
at the sum of $1,963.

On April 21, 1860, the following order was entered : " Ordered by the
Board of Supervisors of Solano county, that the public buildings of said
county, known as the Court House and jail, in Fairfield, be and the same
are hereby received from the contractor, Larkin Richardson. The said
Richardson hereby giving up and releasing all claims and demands against
the said Board of Supervisors on occount of said buildings ; the said Board

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 293

having made the said Richardson an allowance in full amount due on the
original contract, and for all extra work done on said buildings."

On the completion of Batcheller's contract, shortly after, an order was
made for the county officers and courts to remove from the temporary
buildings used into the new Court House, which was at once complied with,
and these buildings are in use at the present date.

The old frame Court House, used temporarily, was, a few years after the
completion of the new building, removed to the present Court House block
and placed on the west side of the Court House, about the same distance
from it as the jail is upon the east.

The Hall of Records. — At the session of the Legislature of 1877-8, an
Act was passed authorizing the Board of Supervisors of Solano county to
issue $15,000 of bonds, bearing seven per cent, per annum interest, to create
a fund to be called " The Court-House Improvement Fund," and also to levy
an annual tax for their redemption, for the purpose of erecting a fire-proof
addition to the Court House for the safe preservation of the records of the
County Clerk's and County Recorder's offices. In 1878, these bonds were
prepared and, after advertising for proposals to purchase them, were sold to
Sutro & Co., Bankers of San Francisco, for $15,356. The board then pro-
ceeded to build the desired edifice, plans and specifications were prepared
by George Bordwell (the former architect of the Court House) which
were approved and accepted and proposals were immediately
invited for the erection of said fire-proof building. A large num-
ber of bids were received and, at the opening thereof by the board, the
contract was awarded to Richard and John McCann, of San Francisco, for
the erection of said building according to the plans and specifications, at
the sum of $11,597. The building is located twenty feet from the Court
House on the west side ; and is sixty feet long by thirty feet in width, and
two stories in height, and is fire-proof in all particulars, connecting with the
Court House by an iron bridge, crossing in the second story. The contract
was let in July, 1878, and it was completed in November of that year ; the
furnishing contract was let to John B. Lucksinger & Co., of San Francisco,
for $2,000 ; and after all the extra work done by both contractors was paid
for and certain other extra articles furnished — the whole outlay amounted
to the sum of $15,400.

This building has the Recorder's office on the first floor, with an excellent
fire-proof vault for the records in the rear of the front office, and the
County Clerk's office in front on the second floor, with the Supervisor's
room in the rear — being one of the best arranged and satisfactory buildings
of the kind to be found anywhere in the agricultural counties of the
State.

294 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

M. E. Church — Fairfield. — The first methodist sermon preached in Suisun
Valley was at the house of D. M. Berry, in November, 1849, by Rev. Isaac
Owens. Rev. S. D. Simonds was the first regularly appointedcircuit preacher
and his jurisdiction embracing " all north of the bay." He was appointed
February 1, 1851. Rev. M. C. Briggs had preached occasionally prior to
this. The first class or society was organized by S. D. Simonds, in the
Spring of 1851, the following were members : Jas. Dorland and his wife,
Benjamin Davisson, Jasper S. Sheldon and Charlotte Berry. The first
Sunday school was organized the last of March, 1851, at D. M. Berry's by
S. D. Simonds, S. D. Simonds was succeeded in August, 1851, by Jas.
Corwin ; he traversed the same territory until February, 1853. The head-
quarters of this extensive circuit was at Sonoma. In February, 1853, E.
A. Hazen was appointed to Suisun and Napa circuit ; he remained until
May, 1855 ; during this time a small church was built about three miles
west of Suisun, which was known for years as the " Valley Church." In
May, 1855, Jas. Corwin and Colin Anderson were appointed to the circuit
as colleagues. In September, 1857, Jas. Hunter was appointed and the
Suisun circuit established. He remained until September, 1859 ; during the
year 1858, lots were secured in the then newly laid out town of Fairfield,
and about the same time the present parsonage was erected. In September,
1859, Rev. J. W. Hines was appointed; he remained two years, until Sep-
tember, 1861 ; during the first year of his pastorate the construction of the
present brick church in Fairfield was commenced, but remained unfinished
until the next year ; it was then completed and dedicated in the Summer
of 1861. Its total cost was about $8,000. In September, 1861, Jas. Corwin
was appointed pastor. In September, 1862, H. J. Bland was appointed. In
September, 1863, W. S. Urmy. He remained until September, 1865 ; during
this time the debt on the brick church was paid and it has since remained
free of debt ; during this period the Valley Church was sold and, after re-
moval, was converted into the present school house in Gomer District. The
subsequent pastors have been as follows : September, 1865, W. S. Corwin ;
September, 1866, John Daniel ; September, 1867, W. S. Turner ; August,
1869, R. W. Williamson ; September, 1870, 0. S. Frambies ; August, 1871,
A. R. Sheriff; September, 1872, J. M. Hinman; September, 1874, E. E.
Dodge; September, 1875, G. D. Pinneo; September, 1877, M. D. Buck;
September, 1878, R. E. Wenk, present incumbent. During these years the
church has had fluctuating prosperity. The present membership is thirty.
A Sunday school has been maintained throughout the whole history of the
church ; the present number is sixty ; Superintendent, R. E. Wenk.

Grace Church, Suisun — Episcopal : — What is now known as Grace
Church was the first place of worship erected in Suisun, being built A. D.
1857, under the auspices of the "Old School Presbyterians." Captain

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. *>95

Richie of Fairfield offered a lot in that town ; but the people of Suisun offered
to give the land and put up the building. Their proposition was accepted,
and Mr. Joseph Merrill received the contract for building the Church. Mr.
Reubin Pringle gave the lot. The Rev. Mr. Wood was the first minister in
charge. He was succeeded by the Rev. Mr. Fairburn, who only remained a
short time, as the zeal of the people had weakened, and he was not sup-
ported. The church remained without a pastor for some time, and in the
year 1861 it was sold to the Methodists. The first minister of this denomi-
nation was the Rev. Mr. Baily. He was succeeded by the following named
ministers : Rev. W. B. Gober ; Rev. 0. P. Fitzgerald ; Rev. Samuel Brown ;
Rev. O. Fisher ; Rev. A. P. Anderson ; Rev. T. E. Barton ; Rev. Samuel
Brown ; Rev. T. H. B. Anderson ; Rev. Samuel Brown ; Rev. W. F. Comp-
ton. The first Episcopal service was held April 28th, 1867, by the Rev.
Henry G. Perry, at that time rector of St. Paul's Church, Benicia. These
services were continued by the same clergyman, at intervals, until August
25th, of the same year, when he resigned the mission to the Bishop of Cali-
fornia. The parish was organized July 28th, and the Bishop made his first
visitation in company with the Rev. Mr. Perry, August 25, 1867. From
this time until 1872 the following clergymen held service at this place :
Rev. Messrs. Smith, Gray, Breck, Cowan, Powell, Brotherton and Kelly. In
the winter of 1872 the church was purchased by the Episcopalians, and the
Rev. Geo. R. Davis was called from Nebraska, and assumed the rectorship
of the parish, March 10. Before the year closed he accepted a call to Ma-
rysville, and the parish was again vacant. On the sixth Sunday after Trinity,
1873, the Rev. T. E. Dickey took charge of the parish, and on the 28th of
September, 1874, he resigned his rectorship, and accepted a call to Silver
City, Idaho. The Rev. Giles Easton held services in this church from
August, 1875, to May, 1878. The present rector, Rev. E. C. Cowan, as-
sumed his duties on the 1st of August, 1878.

St. Alphonsis, Catholic: — Was established about the year 1860, Father
Dyeart officiating. He was followed by Fathers Ougar and McNaboe, the
latter being still in charge. The construction of the present church edifice
was begun in 1868, and a debt of $6,000 incurred by its building, which has
been entirely liquidated under the able management of Father McNaboe.
This year (1879) they are building an addition. The membership of this
church is about three hundred.

The above history is taken from the county atlas, as no other could be
obtained, notwithstanding repeated efforts to get it — indeed such has been
the case with the churches of the Catholic persuasion throughout the
county.

The Congregational Church, Suisun: — Preliminary steps were taken at a
meeting held at the residence of E. P. Hilborn, on October 30, 1876, J. W.

296 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

Warren, D. D., presiding, for the purpose of organizing a congregation to
worship under the Congregational form of religion, at Suisun, when a com-
mittee was selected, who appointed to meet on the 5th of November follow-
ing, to take into consideration the formation of a permanent organization of
that body. Success would appear to have attended their efforts, for we
find the 22d day of December of the same year set apart for the holding of
appropriate inaugural services, the following churches being represented by
their pastors: First Congregational Church of San Francisco; Plymouth
Congregational Church of San Francisco; First Congregational Church,
Oakland; Congregational Church, South Vallejo; Congregational Church,
Dixon; Congregational Church, Sacramento; with J. H. Warren, D. D.,
Superintendent of American Home Missions. The sermon was preached by
J. E. Dwinelle. The first membership numbered seventeen, who were under
the pastorate of the Rev. J. W. Brier, Jr. All the services of this church
have been held in an edifice erected by the people of Suisun, on Morgan
street. In July, 1878, Mr. Brier resigned, when he was succeeded by the
Rev. A. F. Hitchcock, the present incumbent. Not the least interesting
record in connection with this church is its admirable Sunday School, the
classes of which give frequent exhibitions, each of them being attended with
more than ordinary success. The first superintendent of the school was C.
W. Childs, the present holder of the position being A. C. Wood. The church
membership is about twenty-seven, while the number of school children is
sixty.

Suisun Lodge, No. 55, F. and A. M.: — This lodge was chartered by the
Grand Lodge on May 4, 1855, the chartered members being J. H. Griggs,
Miles Dean, W. B. Brown, C. Manka, S. Maupin, P. 0. Clayton, Charles
Maul, Sampson Smith, Jacob Cutter, Philip Palmer, D. D. Reeves, John W.
Owen, M. A. Long, A. P. Jackson and G. W. Hays. The lodge was instituted
in the Armijo adobe, in Suisun Valley, and held a number of its meetings
there during the year 1855. Shortly after, however, a move was made by
the brethren to erect a lodge building, and the result was that in the Fall
of 1855 a neat wooden structure, two stories in height, was erected at what
was then known as Barton's Store, in Suisun Valley. The lower story of
the building erected was used as a school-room, and the upper story was
used by the craft. In 1856 the town of Suisun began to assume some im-
portance, and the brethren, after considerable parleying, decided to move
the lodge to Suisun, and just at that time Bro. Hiram Rush began the erec-
tion of a large brick store-room in Suisun, and the brethren bargained with
him to add a third story to his building for a lodge-room for the Order.
This he did, the lodge paying all the expenses of the third story, and on its
completion Bro. Rush deeded it, the property, with a right of way of ingress
and egress. For about twenty-three years the lodge has occupied its present

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 297

hall, and which is to-day one of the most comfortable and suitable Masonic
halls in Solano County. The lodge has prospered from the first, and at the
present time numbers about seventy-five members. The present officers
are: W. G. Davisson, W. M.; J. Frank, S. W.; William Leithead, J. W.; Co.
P. Reeves, Treasurer; George A. Gillespie, Secretary; J. B. Richardson, S.
D.; John A. Lockie, J. D.; N. Anderson, Tyler.

Suisun Lodge, No. 78, I. 0. O.F.: — Was organized September 13, 1858,
by C. W. Hayden, D. D. G. Master District No. 15, with John Doughty, D.
M. Stockman, J. M. Duncan, A. E. Charles and J. Frank as charter mem-
bers. On the night of its institution W. H. Stephens and W. Farmer be-
came members by deposit of card, and T. J. Owen, M. Meehan, M. Dinkel-
spiel, Albert Knorp and M. A. Wheaton were admitted by initiation. The
first officers of the lodge were as follows: N. G., John Doughty; V. G., D.
M. Stockman; R. S., J. M. Duncan; Treas., J. Frank; R. S. N. G., M. Dinkel-
spiel; L. S. N. G., Albert Knorp; R. S. V. G., T. J. Owen; L. S. V. G., W.
H. Stephens; Warden, M. A. Wheaton; Cond., A. E. Charles; I. G, W.
Farmer; O. G., Maurice Meehan.

The first meetings of the lodge were held in the second story of the brick
building, over J. Frank & Co.'s store, and continued to be held at that place
until about the year 1866, when the lodge made arrangements with the
Masonic lodge and moved into their hall. In 1872 the lot and building
where the present hall now stands was purchased, at a cost, including the
improvements for hall purposes, of about $8,000. The new hall was dedi-
cated April 26, 1873, R G. Master Charles N. Fox presiding. This hall
is a beautiful one, well ventilated, and with its present furniture, which
was recently purchased at an expense of about $1,000, places it among the
most pleasant halls of the Order in the State.

From the time of its organization 228 persons have held membership
therein, and its present roll, from last report, numbers 113. The following-
Past Grands have held the appointment of D. D. G. Master for this district:
John Doughty, 1860-61; M. Dinkelspiel, 1864-65; Henry Hubbard, 1866-
67; Valentine Wilson, 1868-69. The lodge at present is nearly out of debt,
and its assets amount to about $13,000.

The present officers of the lodge are as follows: C. N. Edwards, N. G.;
John R. Morris, V. G.; Rev. A. F. Hitchcock, R. S.; H. Hubbard, P. S.;
George W. Greene, Treas.; John Henry, Warden;, J. M. Jones, Cond,; J. W.
Kerns, I. G.; W. J. Morris, O. G.; George T. Whitley, R. S. N. G.; Fred.
Frank, L. S. N. G.; H. Hansen, R. S. V. G.; H. Manuel, L. S. V. G.; Frank
Whitby, R. S. S.; William Trudgeon, L. S. S.

Suisun Lodge, No. Jfi, A. 0. U. W.: — This lodge was organized September
3, 1878, the chartered members being D. M. Miller, Rev. A. F. Hitchcock,
John Krause, and ten others. The first officers elected to serve were: J. M.

298 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

Gregory, P. M. W.; Alexander Dunn, M. W.; H. Robinson, F. W.; S. G.
Palmer, 0.; 0. R. Coghlan, Recorder; A. P. Spence, Financier; John Henry,
Receiver; W. N. Bowen, Guide; John Wagoner, I. W.; C. F. Montgomery,
O. W. The objects of this Order are too well known to be stated at length.
It embraces, in addition to the mutual-aid principles common to many secret
societies, an insurance of $2,000 on the life of each member. Its system of
mutual aid and life insurance is almost entirely free from the risks and
failures of ordinary life-insurance companies. The Order now numbers
over 10,000 members in this State, and is rapidly increasing, as it meets the
wants of the great mass of men who wish to make provision for their fami-
lies in the safest and most economical way.

Bank of Suisun:- -This bank was established February 7, 1876, with an
authorized capital of $100,000, under the management of R. D. Robbins
president, and W. Wolf, cashier, the directors being R. D. Robbins, C. F.
D. Hastings, E. P. Hilborn, W. H. Turner and J. B. Hoyt. It does an ordi-
nary banking business, and corresponds with the Anglo-Californian Bank
of San Francisco, and J. and W. Seligman & Co. of New York.

Suisun Fire Department. — The history of the Fire Department of Suisun
City may not unfairly be said to have commenced March 24, 1860, when the
Solano Herald (A. R. Gunnison, editor,) modestly urged the necessity of an
organization, and said that " the first step in the matter of preparation is to
build two or more cisterns on the plaza, which may be kept always full of
water and ready to meet any emergency." "A large force-pump, with hose
attached," was considered sufficient apparatus for a beginning. In the next
issue of the paper an anonymous advertisement appeared, calling for " a pre-
liminary meeting of firemen, April 4th, at Wheaton's Hall," inviting all to
be present who " were interested in the matter of protection against fire."
At the time specified, as appears by an item of April 7th, a meeting was
held and " a committee was appointed to take the matter into consideration,
ascertain the cost of cisterns, force-pumps and other apparatus, and report
April 11th at Chrisler's Hall. The next week's paper contained an item
headed " Fire Wardens," showing that " at a meeting of those interested in
protection from fire, Messrs. D. Ballard, D. E. Stockton, and J. B. Lemon,
were elected Trustees, to receive the money subscribed by the citizens, ex-
pend the same in building cisterns and superintend the construction thereof."
Another item shows that " at a meeting of Union Fire Co. No. 1, held on
April 11th, John S. Miller presiding, T. J. McGarvey, J. Frank, and P. A.
Wood, were appointed a committee on laws, and they thereupon presented
a copy of the Constitution and By-laws of Weber Co. No. 1. of Stockton,
which was adopted with slight amendments. The first officers elected were:
Win. J. Morris, Foreman; J. C. Owen, 1st Assistant; T. J. McGarvey, 2d
Assistant ; D. Ballard, Secretary ; J. H. Marston, Treasurer.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 299

After a season of struggles sufficient means was finally procured to pur-
chase an engine, and it reached town on the steamer Rambler August 22,
1861, escorted by Ex-Chief F. E. R. Whitney, and half a dozen of the "How-
ard" boys of the Fire Department of San Francisco. It was manufactured
by Hunneman & Co., of Boston, in 1857, and was the last one made by that
firm for that city prior to the introduction of the steam engines now in use
there. The reception was enthusiastic, and the " boys " had a good time at
the " social hop " in the evening. In June, 1862, the paper referred to the
needs of the department, and recalled the facts that since the first advocacy
of its formation " the company had constructed two capacious cisterns,
furnishing an ample supply of water, at a cost of $400, and purchased an
engine at a cost of $1,600, and still owed for 550 feet of hose." September
12, 1862, John W. Owen and his associates in title donated the lot whereon
the present engine-house was built. Since its formation, the company has
passed through various grades of adversity and occasional prosperity, but
since April 8, 1874, when the present foreman, John T. Hammond, was ap-
pointed to its leadership, it has been steadily progressing toward perfection
and efficiency. It is now out of debt, owning its house, lot and apparatus,
and is fairly officered and manned. Five public and two private cisterns in
different parts of the town, averaging a capacity of 10,000 gallons each, help
to insure the place against devastation by fire.

Suisun and Fairfield Water Company. — Was organized as a joint stock
company, with one thousand shares of one hundred dollars each, on April
24, 1866. The officers, after permanent organization, were: Samuel Breck,
President ; M. Dinkelspiel, Vice-President ; F. O. Staples, Treasurer ; George
A. Gillespie, Secretary, and W. K. Hoyt, Superintendent. There were five
directors, from which the above officers were elected, except Hoyt. The re-
maining director being D. M. Stockman. The tanks, pumps, etc., were erected
on land bought by the company, formerly owned by John Doughty and W.
S. Wells, situated about one-half mile from Fairfield. Work was commenced
soon after organization and completed March, 1868. There is a large " main"
laid from the tanks through Fairfield to the south side of Suisun, a dis-
tance of 1^ miles, and is made of cement, the smaller ones, leading to dwel-
lings, etc., are iron. The present officers are : E. P. Hilborn, President ;
Lewis Pierce, Vice-President ; Harvy Rice, Treasurer ; D. M. Stockman, Sec-
retary, and Josiah Wing, Jr., Superintendent. The company have erected
this year (1879) two new tanks of 10,000 gallons capacity, and one tank-
house.

Suisun City Mills. — At the head of the industries of California stands
the growing of wheat; second in the catalogue is the manufacture of flour.
The latter branch is steadily increasing, to keep pace with the demand, and
the rapid progress being made in the cultivation of wheat.

300 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

First among the industries of this town is the turning of wheat into flour.
The flouring mill of Suisun is not only an honor to the city, but a credit to
the county. Solano county being one of the banner wheat counties of the
State, a milling interest has obtained here that deserves more than a pass-
ing notice in this volume.

J. G. Edwards and S. C. Reed commenced the erection of a frame mill on
the site where the present brick structure stands, May 1, 1854. It was a
two-story building, in which were but two run of stone, and was only used
as a custom mill. It was run by steam, and did its first work on October
1st of that year. In order to give place to a larger and better structure,
this mill was torn down and moved away in the spring of 1858, a portion of
which is now the Roberts' Hotel.

This firm the same spring commenced the erection of what is known as
the Suisun City Mills. It turned its first wheel in October of that year.
The main structure is 42x52, three stories high. The foundation story or
basement is a solid system of stone masonry, two feet thick. The two stories
above the basement are brick, with pitch and gravel roof over all. On the
first floor is where the wheat is received. There are elevator spouts, screen
spouts, and a garner in which the wheat is dampened for grinding, also the
line of shafting, which drives the stones above, are located on this floor On
the second floor are four run of stone, supported by wooden hurst frames,
one wheat garner and one revolving wheat screen. In the third story is
where the wheat cleaning is done. There are two smutters, one National
cut separator and one suction fan. There are also three hoppers, two for
wheat and one for middlings, which feed the stones below. On this floor,
but separated from the cleaning room, is the bolting chest and five reels.

To the east and rear of the main building is the engine room, 30x60 feet,
built of brick, in which is a forty-horse steam engine, the main shaft of
which rests on a solid stone foundation, thereupon hanging a balance wheel
weighing one ton.

To the south of the engine room is located the boiler room, in which are
two (36) tubular boilers, sixteen feet long.

S. C. Reed sold his interest in this mill to Jerry Marston, in October, 1859,
and the enterprise was conducted under the firm name of Edwards & Mars-
ton until July, 1860, when Edwards sold to Stockman Bros. D. E. Stock-
man sold to Marston in 1866, and D. M. Stockman on August 3, 1867. This
firm erected during the year 1866 a warehouse, one and two stories high, of
brick, running east and north of the main building. It is 62x110 feet, with
a capacity of one thousand tons. The office occupies a portion of this room,
and there is also a car track running the entire length of the building to the
slough dock, which affords the shipping facilities for the entire building.

Jerry Marston sold to E. P. Hilborn & Co., July, 1872, who are at present
conducts the business, with Richard P. Le Gro as manager.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 301

Suisun Glee Club. — This club was temporarily organized at the residence
of D. M. Stockman, on June 14, 1878, and took permanent shape by the
adoption of a constitution on the 12th of July following, with D. M. Stock-
man, President ; T. G. Whitley, Treasurer and Secretary, and J. K. Bateman,
Director. The present officers are S. B. Saunders, President ; T. G. Whit-
ney, Secretary and Treasurer, and J. K. Bateman, Director. The member-
ship is thirty-seven. This club has already rendered the Cantata of Queen
Esther, on four occasions, with marked success, and in a manner which would
put into the shade towns and societies of greater pretensions ; indeed, so
much musical talent is seldom found in so small a compass. Let the Suisun
Glee Club proceed ! ! !

News Papers: — The first paper published in Suisun Township was the
Solano County Herald. The first number of this paper was issued on the
2d day of October, 1858. This paper had been published at Benicia, having
been established there in November, 1855, by Messrs. George and Cellers.
At the time of its removal to Suisun it was under the management of Wm.
J. Hooton & Co., the late Judge Wm. Wells being the other member of the
firm. It was printed in a building on the south side of the plaza. Decem-
ber 17, 1859, J. G. Lawton, Jr., assumed control of the paper as" editor and
publisher, although he had been the editor previously. On the 10th of May,
1860, the management was again changed, Powers & Gunnison assuming con-
trol, with Gunnison in the editorial chair. Later in that year E. E. Hatha-
way became connected with the business, and the firm name was changed to
O. B. Powers & Co. In 1862, H. Hubbard & Co. began the publication of
'the Solano Press, and continued the publication until September, 1866, when
they disposed of their interest to G. A. Gillespie and Woodford Owens. In
the fall of 1869 the Press and Herald were consolidated, and a new name
given to the paper. It was called the Solano Republican. October 13th,
1875, O. B. Powers, who was the sole proprietor, disposed of the paper to
Messrs. C. F. Montgomery and W. N. Bowen. Previous to this the paper
had always been a six-column folio. At this time the subscription-list did
not exceed one hundred, and the advertising patronage was merely nominal.
The size of the paper was increased to a seven-column folio the second issue
under the new management. The business prospects of the paper began at
at once to get brighter. The subscription-list was increased during the first
year to nearly one thousand, and the advertising patronage increased in
proportion. In the spring of 1877 a quarter-medium Nonpariel job press
was purchased, and a full assortment of job type. In October, 1877, the
paper was again enlarged, to a six-column quarto, (8 pages) and in June,
1878, it was again enlarged, to a seven-column quarto, which is its present
size and form. Feb. 14th, 1879, the management again changed hands, W. N
Bowen disposing of his interest to L. L. Palmer, and the business is now

302 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

conducted under the firm name of Montgomery & Palmer, with C. F. Mont-
gomery as editor and L. L. Palmer as associate editor. The Republican is
a fearless defender and advocate of the rights of the people, and is a wel-
come weekly visitor to nearly every house in the upper portion of Solano
county.

The Solano County Democrat, with Thompson & Sinthicun, publishers,
was established at Suisun, April 30, 1868. In 1870 it was moved to
Vallejo.

The County Hospital. — This building is situated about three miles to the
east of Fairfield, the county seat, and covers an area of 30x64 feet. It is a
building two stories high, on the first floor there being the office of the
physician and drug store, the dining room, general sitting room, and six
small wards, and bath houses as well. On the upper floor there are four
large wards, while in the rear there is an addition for cook, stewards, and
store rooms. It is throughout fitted with every modern improvement, its
system of drainage being connected with a creek at the distance of a quarter
of a mile. The physicians are Doctors A. T. Spence and W. G. Downing,
both gentlemen well practiced in their profession.and much liked in the
district.

The Embarcadero : — Time was when the scene was busy on this landing
place. Before the railroad came to fly off with the large profits of grain
from the upper part of the country, wagons by strings were wont to arrive
to start their precious sacks of cereals, boxes of fruit, and hampers of vege-
tables to market, on board of schooners, sloops, and steamboats which then
plyed to this point. A warehouse of considerable proportions was con-
structed for the storage of freight, and all " went merry as a marriage bell."
To-day a few regular traders arrive and depart at stated intervals ; while a
steamer makes the journey to San Francisco thrice a week. On the wharf
are deposited tons of cobble stones, procured in the mountains near Kock-
ville, and heaps of marble from Swan's quarries, awaiting shipment to San
Francisco, there to be utilized, but, there is not much sign of life, for portions
of the warehouse have fallen in and much desolation abounds.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 303

D.ENVERTON.

Geography : — Denverton township is bounded on the north by Maine
Prairie township, on the east by Rio Vista Township, on the south by
Montezuma township, and on the west by Suisun township. It is rect-
angular in shape, and is a little longer north and south than east and west.
Nurse's slough extends through a portion of the south-west portion. It is
navigable for small craft as far up as Denverton. The western boundary
line is the Mt. Diablo meridian line. Hence it lies in range 1 east, and it is
in range 4 north, Mount Diablo Meridian.

Topography: — The western and northern portions of the township are
comparatively level, but the southern and eastern portions, including a large
part of the central portion, is quite hilly. This is especially eo of the south-
eastern portion, which extends into the heart of the Montezuma hills.

Soil: — The soil in this township is as varied as the State itself. The
southwest portion is a salt-marsh, on which the tule thrives. It is not con-
sidered productive. Further northward, the soil is alluvial and adobe in
sections, and white alkali and hardpan in other sections. The belt of alkali
and hardpan extends along the northern portions of it. The eastern and
south-eastern portions are almost exclusively adobe, and is very rich and
productive. Of course nothing but a short, wild grass ever grows on the
alkali land. It is used principally for grazing purposes. There is a gravel
belt of very peculiar formation extending through the western portion
of the township. It seems to be the bed of some old-time and long-
since-forgotten stream, although at present it is not in the least depressed as
compared with the adjacent land. The boundary lines of this gravel belt
are clearly definable, to a single rod. The gravel ranges in size from a pea
to a boulder a foot in diameter. This is an interesting topic for the
geologists to discuss.

Climate: — The climate of this township is very similar to Rio Vista.
The cold, damp west winds sweep the entire surface of the country, making
the weather delightfully cool in mid-summer, while only a few miles to the
northward they are suffering with heat.

Products: — Wheat and barley are the only grains which thrive to any
great extent in this township. Little or no fruit or vegetables are grown
except in occasionally favored spots. The yield of the former is fair on

304 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

most of the arable land in the township, but they are grown with unusual
success in the Montezuma hill section.

Schools : — The school interests are represented by two districts, viz : Den-
verton and Montezuma. Only one teacher is employed in each of these
schools, and the attendance is not very large.

Churches : — The Cumberland Presbyterians have a church building and
organization near the location of the Montezuma District School-house.
This church organization is the outgrowth of a Sunday school, started in
November, 1864, with Mr. Parish as Superintendent. The building was
erected in 1870. In 1875 it was destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt in 1876.
The organizing members were : Mrs. E. D. Carey, Wm. Wight, Mrs. T. R.
Stewart, Daniel Barnett, Nancy Barnett, Jas. L. Barnett, Sam'l Barnett.
The pastors have been, Rev. D. E. Bushnell, who served till Jan. 1, 1874,
and Rev. J. M. Crawford, who has served the church ever since. It is
known as the Shiloh church. This is the only church building or organiza-
tion in the township.

Totuns : — Denverton is the only town in this township. It is located 10
miles east of Fairfield, at the head of navigation, on Nurse's slough, and
was formerly called Nurse's Landing. Its name was changed to Denverton
in 1858, at which time the post-office was established there. It was so
named in honor of J. W. Denver, at that time member of Congress from this
district. It contains a few houses and perhaps 50 inhabitants. It is sup-
plied with city water — a private enterprize of Dr. Nurse's.

Early Settlement : — The first house erected in the township was built by
Dr. S. K. Nurse in 1853. The entire country was then one great stretch of
wild oats, reaching to a man's shoulder while on horseback, through which
herds of elks, antelope and deer roamed at will. This building was soon
followed by a residence erected by D. K. Barry, located about one-half mile
to the eastward of Nurse's house. The old house was standing in 1878, on
its original site. In 1854 Dr. Nurse built a store-house. He also con-
structed a wharf, with 100 feet frontage. It has since been extended to 300
feet. Mr. Stewart and his son Samuel, the Arnolds, Daniels, Cooks, and
others, followed in rapid succession, until the land was all taken.

Etcetera: — In 1866 Dr. Nurse erected a fine brick store building. In
1867 he built a brick warehouse, 60x160 feet, with a storage capacity of
2,500 tons. The post-office was established in 1858, and Dr. Nurse ap-
pointed postmaster ; he has held the office without interruption ever since,
thus making him an incumbent for 21 years. He is probably the veteran

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THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 305

officeholder in Solano county, if not in California. In 1875 Dr. Nurse con-
structed a telegraph line, connecting Denverton with Suisun. In 1876 this
line was merged into the Montezuma Telegraph Company, of which Dr.
Nurse has always been president. In 1870 the Good Templars erected a
building for lodge purposes. The lodge has thrived and sustained a good
membership at that place for a great many years. Nurse's Slough is the
intended outlet of the drainage canal which it is proposed to open from the
head of Cache slough to the head of Nurse's slough. The canal will pass
diagonally through Denverton township, but Maine Prairie and Rio Vista
townships would be the ones who would reap the benefit of this.

Denverton Lodge, I. 0. G. T. : — Was organized November 16, 1866, with
twenty-three charter members. The dedication took place in Dr. S. K.
Nurse's hall, where they continued to meet until 1870, then in the School-
house in Denverton until after the erection in November, 1871, of their
new hall. The charter officers were Judge J. B. Carrington, W. C. T, ; Mrs.
S. K. Nurse, W. V. T. ; and Miss E. D. Kerry, Secretary.

306 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

MAINE PRAIRIE.

Geography : — Maine Prairie township is bounded on the north by Silvey-
ville and Tremont townships, on the east by Yolo county and Rio Vista
township, on the south by Rio Vista and Denverton townships, and on the
west by Elmira township. It is located in range 2 and 3 east and 5 and 6
north, M. D. M. Linda slough, an offshoot from Cache slough, and quite
a stream of water, forms the line of division between it and Rio Vista
township on the south. Prospect slough, another offshoot of Cache slough,
is the boundary line between it and Rio Vista township on the east ; Cache
slough, from its intersection with Prospect slough, extends in a northwest-
erly direction through the township for a distance of about ten miles ; near
the head of Cache slough it branches, and the north branch is known as
Bounds slough ; Cache slough is navigable for small vessels and light
draught steamers.

Topography : — The entire surface of this township is almost a perfect
level. The southeastern portion of it is tule land, which, as you pass north-
ward or westward, passes off into a vast level plain.

Soil: — We are sorry that we cannot say as much in favor of the soil in
this township as in some others in the county. Of course the tule land is
the usual rich alluvial soil of that class of land, but the most of the other
land is composed of alkali soil and " hard pan," as it is called, old " salt
licks," and " buffalo wallows," are numerous in that class of land. There is
some adobe, and it is the most productive of all the land except the tule.
A number of years ago the most of the land bordering on the tules on the
west side of them was entered by settlers in small tracts from 80 acres to
640. In less than five years every settler had found out his mistake and
had left for a more productive section, and to-day their deserted houses dot
the plains, a sad faced finger-board pointing to blasted hopes and wasted
fortunes. Where those hardy pioneers hoped some day to see happy homes
and prosperous families, there is nothing but desolation. All these farms
have been bought up by persons for sheep ranges.

Climate : — The climate of this township is milder than that in Rio Vista
on its south, yet not so warm as that in Tremont on its north. Being so
level the winds have a fair sweep across the vast stretch of plain and moor.
The barrenness of these plains causes the heat to reflect to a great extent,
and rising from the earth it mollifies and tempers the cold damp sea breeze,

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 307

making it one of the most delightful zephyrs. But on the other hand,
when the north wind blows, it converts it almost into a veritable sirocco.
In common with the entire county, it is very healthful.

Products : — The principal products of the township are wheat and barley.
A considerable number of the farmers in the township are engaged in
dairying on a limited scale. The yield of grain is seldom very great to the
acre. Fruit and vegetables grow but very indifferently in all parts of it,
except in the tule land.

Early Settlement: — Maine Prairie Township was mostly settled in the Fall
of 1861, and in the years 1862 and 1863, it being included in what was known
as the Luceo grant, which was previously in litigation but finally decided in
favor of the United States, was immediately opened as public land for entry,
the survey being made in the Summer of 1862. Among the earliest settlers
in this vicinity were Mr. J. F. Brown, J. B. Jameson, Sherman Brown, who
came in 1861, Albert Bennett, D. B. Brown, James Ourk, H. N. Bentley, in
1862. The above-named are nearly all of the first comers that remain until
the present time, very many having remained but a few years, others coming
to take their places. The early settlers being mostly thorough-going Ameri-
can citizens, they thought the first thing to do was to establish schools and
have a place for meeting; so a school district was petitioned for, taking in
all vacant territory, it being about ten miles square, known as the Maine
Prairie School District; since which time the districts of Bingham ton, Morn-
ing Light and Enterprise have been carved out. A subscription was at
once started, and some six or seven hundred dollars was received, with
which two school-houses were enclosed and made to answer the purposes of
school-room and church, free to all denominations, one at what is now Bing-
hamton, and one at Maine Prairie Landing, George King (now of Dixon), J.
B. Jameson and Albert Bennett being the trustees. For several years all
efforts in this direction were heartily seconded by the older settlers who
were carrying on business at Maine Prairie Landing — Mr. J. C. Merrithew,
John N. Utter, Widow Lewis (the hostess of Maine Prairie Hotel), Deck &
Co. (Mr. Deck, H. Wilcox, W. D. Vail), J. k Charles S. Gushing, merchants.
On the completion of the C. P. Railroad the main business of Maine Prairie
was cut off, the thousands of tons of grain and other products being trans-
ported by rail to market, instead of being shipped by water at the landing.

Mr. W. D. Vail at present carries on the business of warehousing, lumber-
yard, etc.

Captain James A. French has a large and well filled store. F. W. Petrus
carries on blacksmi thing in all its branches; also owns a farm, a mile or so
out of town, which he farms.

The Widow Lewis keeps the only hotel in town.

The public school at present is taught by Miss Lizzie Furgerson.

308 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

Formation of a Military Company: — During the Summer of 1863, when
the country was in great excitement growing out of our civil war, our patriotic
and loyal citizens thought it advisable to organize a military company.
Many were more than anxious to enroll themselves as soldiers, subject to
the call of the State. The company was speedily formed, under the laws of
California, and enrolled as a company of the State militia, receiving the
name of "Maine Prairie Rifles," on the 19th day of September, 1863, Leland
Stanford then being Governor, and William C. Kibbe Adjutant General.
About sixty men were enrolled at the organization, subsequently numbering
seventy-two. At the first election of officers Albert Bennett was elected
captain (still residing at Maine Prairie); John Low (now of Capaz Valley),
first lieutenant, A. S. Hopkins (now of Sacramento) and James Bingham
other lieutenants. Binghamton was chosen as the headquarters of' the com-
pany. It was soon decided by the company to build an armory, resulting
in the erection of a brick fireproof building, about 35x50 feet, one story high.
The many meetings of the company for drill, target practice, picnics and
other things which grew out. of the formation of the company, had a most
salutary and happy influence in binding the whole community together in
that harmony and good feeling for which Binghamton has been so noted.
The company continued in a healthy condition until disbanded. The
" Maine Prairie Rifles," together with about half of the companies of the State,
were disbanded under the administration of Governor Haight; Albert Ben-
nett, having been the captain of the company during its existence, being
from time to time almost unanimously re-elected. The company sold its
armory to Mr. D. L. Munson, who was engaged in merchandising, he fitting
it up for a store, adding another story for a public hall. The building was
subsequently sold to the school trustees for a school-house — the former
school-house having been destroyed by fire — the lower story being fitted for
school purposes, the hall being for public use. Mr. F. M. Righter is the
the present efficient and popular teacher.

Lodge of Good Templars : — Was organized at Binghamton, June 9, 1863.
Mr. H. N. Bentley and wife, Jos. Bingham and wife, O. Bingham, and G. W.
Frazer and wife being among the charter members. It became a large and
flourishing lodge, numbering, at one time, about one hundred and twenty-
five members. It has continued from its organization until the present time
without a break — nearly sixteen years. At present its membership is about
thirty.

The late H. N. Bentley was one of its most efficient and earnest workers.
A book containing the names of those initiated, from the organization until
now, is kept, showing at present nearly four hundred names.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 309

The M. E. Church of Binghamton : — Was organized about the year 1865.
There had grown to be, during the two previous years, quite a large and
flourishing society, under the name of " Union Service," as the christian
population was of almost all denominations. A large Sunday School, in the.
meantime, had developed.

The M. E. Church, with its accustomed shrewdness and tact, made the
first organization as a church. Nearly all fell in with the new order of
things, and thus was permanently established the M. E. Church of Bing-
hamton, always having a good influence on the community at large. The
Sunday School was carried on without being especially under the control
of the M. E. Church until November 11, 1866, when a resolution was
adopted " to reorganize and place the school under the especial care and
supervision of the M. E. Church." Mr. Geo. C. Mack, now of Westminster,
Los Angeles county, was chosen Superintendent.

Binghamton and Dixon, at present, constitute the circuit ; T. H. Wood-
ward, preacher in charge.

Protestant Methodist Church : — About the year 1865 an organization of
the Protestant Methodist Church was made at Maine Prairie Landing.
Among its movers were Rev. T. New, Rev. G. B. Triplett, and Revs. Dunton
and Graves, and a few others. The enterprise entirely failed in a year or
two.

Cumberland Presbyterian Church: — About the year 1871 a Cumberland
Presbyterian Church was formed at Maine Prairie Landing by Rev. Mr.
Bushnell, then of Suisun, now of San Jose ; continuing his ministrations
until his removal to San Jose, since which time Rev. J. Naff. Crawford has
afficiated as pastor.

The town of the township is known by the township name — Maine
Prairie. It is a shipping and trading point at the head of navigation on
Cache slough. It lies eighteen miles north-east of the county seat. In the
year 1859 Capt. Merrithew, in company with J. H. Utter, located on the
south bank of the slough, and began a general merchandise, grain, and
lumber business. The following year, 1860, H. G. Deck, H. Wilcox, and
W. D. Vail formed a co-partnership, known as Deck & Co., and began a
general merchandise business on the north side of the slough, opposite Mer-
rithew & Utter. In 1860 a hotel was built by George King, and other
houses rapidly followed until quite a little village was built up ; but the
flood of 1862 swept things here as at Rio Vista. There was nothing left
to mark the site of the town. The water stood twelve feet deep in the
streets, and as deep for miles in every direction, which was lashed into a
seething sea by the howling south-east storm winds, sweeping everything
from existence, and blotting the town out of existence in its relentless fury.

310 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

As soon as the waters had subsided most of the settlers came back again ;
but, while some rebuilt on the old site, many preferred to go farther up the
slough where the land was a trifle more elevated. Accordingly Mrs. Rebec-
ca Lewis surveyed a town plat on her ranch about one-fourth of a mile
above the old site. This new town received the name of Alton, being so
named by a pioneer settler in the town, Mr. S. R. Perry, a former resident
of Alton, Illinois. The first business conducted in the town was by Cushing
Bros. (C. S. and J. H.) They were dealers in general merchandise. Perry
& Co. were the next to locate here. The firm consisted of S. R. Perry and
Wm. 0. Palmer, both now residing in Rio Vista. They carried a full stock
of general goods, also dealt in grain and lumber. They built a handsome
brick store building, also an extensive warehouse, both of which stand
to-day. as mute witnesses to the fact that " The best laid plans of mice and
men gang aft aglee." The buildings were erected before the railroad era in
California, and there was no more promising point for a business of that
nature in the State. The grain from all the valleys, away to the north and
westward, centered there for shipment, and the amount shipped from there
yearly was exceeded by no place in the State except Stockton. The year
of 1863 -was an uncommonly bountiful one, and in the fall the grain came
teeming forth from all directions in enormous quantities. One team is
reported to have drawn 36,800 pounds of wheat, at one load, from Putah
creek. During this year there were 50,000 tons of grain shipped from this
point alone. It is said that it was a common occurrence to see 180 wagons
in town with grain in a single day. But it might be of interest to note
that during the following season only one load of barley was brought to
the town. This was a dry year, and a hard one, too, it proved for the
farmers of California. Mrs. Lewis built a hotel there during the year, and
continues to this day to dispense rest and refreshments to the weary traveler
who chances to stray so far away from the line of ordinary travel. The
post office was established in 1862, Capt. J. C. Merrithew being appointed
postmaster. A branch office of the Western Union Telegraph Company was
established there in 1870. Since the days of railroads the town has been
on the down grade. The immediate surrounding country would support a
town of any size, and the outside supply was shut off, of course, by the
railroad. The town looks old ; the buildings are unpainted, rickety, and
dilapidated. A general air of lonesomeness and desolation seems to pervade
the place, and a stranger is glad to get away from the place. It is a good
shipping point, and the time may come when it will regain some of its pris-
tine glories, but this is doubtful.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 311

MONTEZUMA.

Geography: — Montezuma township is bounded on the north by Denver-
ton township, on the east by Rio Vista township, on the south by the Sac-
ramento river and the bay of Suisun, and on the west by Suisun township.

Topography : — By far the major portion of this township consists of
large, steep hills, known as the Montezuma hills, from whence the township
derives its name. To one traveling over the level plains of the northern
townships, these hills seem like small mountains, and it is a great surprise
to strangers to learn that they are cultivated. On the southern and western
borders there is a belt of swamp and overflowed land, but it bears a small
relation to the entire township.

Soil: — The soil of the Montezuma hills is mostly adobe, and it is unex-
celled for growing grain, but is of little use for other purposes. The
marsh soil is alluvial, but as it is a salt-marsh, it is good for but little except
pasturage.

Climate: — The trade winds sweep over this township with great force,
bearing with it more or less dampness. It is very healthful throughout,
even on the marsh land. The climate cannot be called delightful, although
it is in California, but is doubtless preferable for many reasons to warmer
sections further north.

Products: — The principal products are grain and hay. Wheat and bar-
ley thrive magnificently on these hills, while the growth of wild oats is still
luxurious wherever they have a chance. Fruits and vegetables do not thrive
very well; the adobe soil is too stiff and cold for vegetables, while the strong
winds destroy the trees.

Industries: — The principal industry of the people is farming, but the
fishing for salmon, and canning the same has of late years assumed consid-
erable proportions. There are two canneries located at Collinsville, and one
on Chipps Island. The three combined have a capacity of about 60,000
one-pound cans a day. They afford employment to about 300 men, and
about 250 more are engaged in catching the fish.

Early Settlement: — Among the first houses built in Solano County was one
erected in this township. It was an adobe, and still stands, and is occupied
by Mr. L. P. Marshall. This house was constructed in 1846, by L. W.

312 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

Hastings. He was a Mormon agent, sent into California to seek an eligible
site for the location of a colony of Mormons. He chose this point, at the
head of Suisun Bay, and near the junction of the two great rivers of the
country — Sacramento and San Joaquin — and laid out a town site. Owing
to the fact that there was no timber land conveniently located, the Mormons
refused to settle there. Bayard Taylor, in his "Eldorado," mentions the
"Montezuma House," as it has always been called, ""as "the city of Monte-
zuma, a solitary house, on a sort of headland, projecting into Suisun Bay,
and fronting its rival three-house city, New-York-of-the-Pacific." Hastings
established a ferry between the site now occupied by Collinsville, and the
Contra Costa side of the bay, for the accommodation of travelers passing
either way. This was probably the first ferry ever established on the Sac-
ramento or San Joaquin rivers. Hastings remained at this place about
three years, but when " the gold-excitement broke out he went into the
mines. In the winter of 1853, L. P. Marshall and his sons John and C. K.,
arrived from the States with a band of cattle. In passing down the Sac-
ramento river they came upon the adobe house built by Hastings, and
were glad to take shelter in it from the storms. The house was in a very
dilapidated condition, but was easily repaired, and served well the purpose,
of a shelter. In and about the house they found numerous appliances for
the manufacture of counterfeit coin, such as crucibles, dies, copper, etc. It
is supposed that a band of counterfeiters had found the place deserted, and
taken possion of it. It is possible, however, that Hastings had used them
in coining money to be used by the Mormons when they arrived. Hastings
had a sqatter's claim to the premises, which was bought by John Marshall
for his father (the latter being at the time absent from the State) who gave,
as a consideration, two mules and six head of cattle, all valued at $1,000
The second house built in the township was a frame-building, erected by
F. O. Townsend, in 1853. It was located on what is now known as the
Kir by farm. Lucco laid claim to all the land in this and Denverton town-
ship as a Spanish grant, but he failed in establishing his claim, and in 1855
the land was declared to be Government land, and open for pre-emption.

Collinsville: — Collinsville is the only town in the township ; it is a ship-
ping port on the Sacramento river, just at the de bouchure of that stream.
In 1859, C. J. Collins pre-empted the land where the town now stands. In
1861, he surveyed a town plat and built a wharf and store ; previous to
this time the steamers, which plied the Sacramento river, had never stopped
at this point. The embryotic town was christened for its projector — Col-
linsville. Some time during the same year a post office was established
here, and Geo. W. Miller was appointed the first Postmaster. In 1867, Mr.
Collins sold his property to S. C. Bradshaw, and he changed the name of the
place to Newport. The old Calif ornians well remember Newport and the

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 313

enterprise displayed by its proprietor in the disposition of town lots, and,
perhaps, a few at the East have cause to remember him also ; huge maps of
an extensive town plat were placed into the hands of agents, who visited
all the principal Eastern cities, and sold and resold lots covering all the
swamp land in that section ; excursions were gotten up in San Francisco,
and a person paid a certain amount ($10, we think) for a round trip ticket,
which included a claim to a town lot in the flourishing (on paper) town of
Newport. At the end of about five years, the property again changed
hands, E. I. Upham becoming the owner ; he changed the name back to the
original, and so it continues to this day. Mr. Upham is an energetic man,
and he has made quite a business and shipping point out of the town ; two
lines of steamers stop there, going each way, daily ; it is connected with the
outside world by the Montezuma telegraph.

Schools and Churches: — There is only one school house in the township ;
this one is situated near the town of Collinsville ; strange to note, there is
not a church in the township. Here is a broad and fertile held for some
zealous missionary.

It is also the chief salmon fishing ground in California, and large num-
bers are shipped daily to San Francisco. At certain seasons of the year there
are vast numbers canned for export to various parts of the world.

The village has two hotels, three saloons, billiards, etc., two stores, post-
office, telegraph office, and an agency of Wells, Fargo & Co.'s Express.

The first salmon canning establishment in California was erected here by
A. Booth & Co., who afterwards discontinued and was succeeded by E. Cor-
ville & Co. who have carried on the business for two years. Other canneries
have since been erected and are now conducted by the Sacramento River
Packing Co.

314 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

VACAYILLE.

Boundaries: — In the last apportionment of Solano county into townships
on June 27, 1866, that of Vacaville is ordered as follows : Commencing at
the N. E. corner of section 18, township 5 N., R. 1 E.; thence west on sec-
tion line to S. W. corner of section 3, township 5 N., R. 1 W.; thence north
to the N. E. corner of section 3, township 5 N., R. 1 W.; thence west on the
township line to the boundary line of the Armijo rancho at the N. W. cor-
ner of said township ; thence north and west, following said boundary to
the county line at the S. E. corner of Napa county; thence northerly along
the boundary line between Napa and Solano counties to Putah creek ; thence
down said creek to a point one mile W. of Mount Diablo meridian ; thence
south on section lines to the S. W. corner of section No. 1, township 6 N.,
R. 1 W.: thence east two miles ; thence south to the place of beginning.

Topography : — The area of Vacaville township is 66,790 acres, and is
diversified into mountains and valleys of the finest soil in the county. A
spur of hills extends from its boundary, and runs nearly north to the Putah
creek, the range having a general average . of three miles in width ; the
slopes, benches and valleys being renowned for early fruits and vegetables.
West of these hills lies Pleasants' valley, which extends to the above men-
tioned creek; also famed for its particularly genial climate and growing
properties, it sending the first fruits and vegetables into market from any
part of the State. The great Vaca valley, formerly known as the Ulattis>
lies to the north-east of that of Suisun, is five miles in length, and one and
a half broad: it runs between two ranges of hills of considerable altitude*
and opens into the Sacramento valley. It, and its two off-shoots, Lagoon
and Pleasants' valley, are the admiration of all travelers. This township is
also well favored as regards streams ; for we find that the Sweeny creek
rises in the Vaca hills, six miles north of the town of Vacaville, flows in a
north-easterly direction for the distance of eight miles ; thence in a south-
easterly course to the vicinity of Maine Prairie, and empties into Cache
slough. There is also the Ulattis creek, which rises in these hills, about five
miles west of the town, and after flowing in an easterly direction finds its
way into the west branch of Cache slough ; and the Alamo creek, which
rises about four miles from Vacaville, as also the Pleasants' valley creek,
which flows in a north-easterly direction through the valley of that name,
and discharges itself into the Rio de los Putos.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 315

Early Settlement : — The first settlers in this portion of Solano county, as
has been mentioned elsewhere, were the two Spaniards, Vaca or Baca, and
Pena, who, having received a grant from the Mexican government, settled
here in the year 1841. In accordance with the provisions of all the grants
of land of those days, these early pioneers commenced the erection of
houses, the tilling of land, the planting of trees, and the rearing of stock.
Adobe residences were constructed, wherein they dwelt ; while others were
erected in far off corners for the shelter of their herders and laborers. Fol-
lowing the Vaca and Pena families, were Albert Lyon, John Patton and
three others who came with them, namely, J. P. Willis, and Clay Long.
These men entered into, the then, only occupation which offered itself, that
of stock-raising. Two or three years later there arrived J. H., W. B., and
Garard Long, who were shortly after followed by Marshall M. Bayse. This
was in the year of '49. In 1850 there came Dollarhide and his three sons.
Up to this year there had only two women arrived in the valley, they being
the wives of Messrs. Lyon and Hollingsworth ; though where the latter
family located we have been unable to trace. In 1848, Hollingsworth, and
a companion named Newman, while on their way to the mines, were mur-
dered by Indians. The bodies were shortly after found by one of the Messrs.
Longs and a party, while on a prospecting tour, and by them decently
buried. Hollingsworth's family remained in Vaca valley for ten or twelve
years after his death, when they broke up and removed to various parts of
the State. Settlers, after this era, would appear to have arrived more, rap-
idly.

In 1851, J. P. Long brought with him the first flock of sheep that had
ever crossed the plains to this State. They were three thousand in number
— he started with ten thousand head — which he drove to Vaca valley. Mr.
Long remained in the township until 1854, when he returned to Missouri,
and in 1859 went to Texas, where he follows farming, besides having a
large cotton plantation.

In 1852, Edward McGeary, John Fisk, Mason Wilson, McGuire and his
family, J. G. Parks, W. R. Miller, Richardson and S. W. Long, and W. A.
Dunn and family, located in the township, and affairs partook of a settled
appearance. The wonderful fertility of the district had been tested, and
the rank growth of vegetation was fast falling before the arts and sciences
of agriculture and - commerce.

Let us glance at the Vacaville township of to-day !

As viewed from the head of Pleasants' valley no more picturesque land-
scape can be found throughout the length and breadth of the Golden State
than that stretching to the southward. This glorious glen, though compara-
tively prescribed in breadth is possessed of a soil of the richest kind of al-
luvial sediment, formed mostly from the debris of the adjacent mountain
sides. Within the scope of vision there is nought to be seen but one

316 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

vast orchard and vineyard, arriving at a perfection which could only, in less
favored spots, be attained by the tenderest care of forcing and
training. Passing below the above-mentioned natural conservatory,
the eye wanders over the wider and more extended Yaca val-
ley. Here the orchards become less large and vast fields of

grain present themselves " long fields of barley and of rye,"

as Tennyson hath it; though on this occasion the latter cereal gives
place to wheat, a prospect which brings with it rare content, content
to the eye, as it rests on the limitless expanse of green, and content to the
mind as the thought is flashed back of the number of hungry mouths and
eager hands which will be fed and aided by the produce of these fields, in
every quarter of the habitable globe.

The first settler in Pleasants'' valley was J. M. Pleasants, who located
there in the year 1851. Mr. Pleasants has some eight hundred acres of val-
ley and hill land, that along the banks of the creek being well adapted for
the growing of fruit and vegetables, while back towards the hills the soil is
admirably adapted for the cultivation of grain. The hills offer abundant
pasturage. Mr. Pleasants has here a very fine orchard. To the south of
his lands lie the Pleasants' valley school, while at no great distance is the
mill lately erected by him. The motive power is oxen working on a tread-
wheel. Five of these animals are now used, but these have been found to
be inadequate to perform the required task; the power, therefore, will
shortly be augmented by the addition of others. Everything is ground in
this mill, from barley to XXX flour.

The residence of W. J. Pleasants is situated on the opposite bank of the
creek to the mill in the midst of a splendid orchard and fine grounds. This
gentleman is the possessor of one thousand and fifty acres of magnificent
valley and hill lands.

As a criterion of what can be done in the matter of fruit trees and grape
vines, we would here enumerate the numbers of each that a few of the prin-
cipal growers have on their lands: John Dolan, Sr., has about ten thousand
vines and about one thousand each of peach and apricot trees ; M. R Miller
has one hundred acres in fruit and vines alone ; L. W. Buck has one hun-
dred and fifty-six acres on his ranch, ninety of which he has in cultivation,
where he has twenty-seven thousand vines of choice varieties, fourteen
thousand having been set out this spring (1879); twelve thousand cherry
trees, as well as a large number of apple, peach, and apricot ; he has also one
hundred and twenty-five orange and lemon trees in a most flourishing con-
dition, with every prospect of a speedy maturity ; while W. W. Smith has
as many as four thousand cherry trees in a prosperous condition. In addi-
tion to this particular line of cultivation, as we have already mentioned,
there are several large farms throughout the district, that of Dr. W. J. Dob-
bins, which contains about fourteen hundred and ninety-five acres, being

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 317

among the largest. In May of this year a visitor to the district writes :
" The crop prospect in that section is simply immense. The grain crop could
not look better, and, judging from the present outlook, there will be a heavy
yield this year. The outlook for fruit is very encouraging indeed. The
trees are fairly groaning under their burden, and we noticed limbs which
had broken off, owin^ to the amount of fruit on them. We were informed
that from one hundred to one hundred and fifty tons of fruit were shipped
daily from Vacaville during some months of the year. This will give a
person some idea of the amount of fruit grown in that section."

Vacaville. — On August 21, 1850, Manuel Cabeza Vaca deeded to Wil-
liam McDaniel nine square miles of land, the consideration for which was
that McDaniel should lay out a town site on one of the square miles, name
it Vacaville, and deed M. C. Vaca certain lots in said town, as well as pay
the sum of three thousand dollars. Here follows the document : " Deed of
Manuel Cabeza Vaca to William McDaniel. August 21, 1850. Considera-
tion $3,000. Doth grant, bargain, sell and convey unto second party, all
his right, title and interest in and to a certain tract of land in the County
of Solano, and known and described as follows : The point at which the
boundary. of this tract of land was found is one mile and a half a mile due
north of the point where the county road crosses the water beach or arroya
deoagua about one mile and a half east of said Manuel Cabeza Vaca's
Rancho, thence due west to the base of the mountains in a southerly direc-
tion three English miles, thence due east three English miles, thence due
north three English miles, thence west to the place of beginning. So as to
include three English miles square or nine square miles of land, and it is
hereby agreed that the said McDaniel is to lay off on any one mile square of
said land a town to be called Vacaville, and 1,055 of the lots in said town
are to be deeded to him, the said M. C. Vaca, said lots to be average lots.

his

Signed, Manuel x Cabeza Vaca. [seal]

mark

Witness : L. B. Mizner.

Acknowledged August 21, 1850, before B. D. Hyam, N. P.
Recorded August 22, 1850.

William McDaniel, on August, 1850, deeded to L. B. Mizner, an undi-
vided half interest in this tract of land. They laid out a town site about
the centre of the township and in accordance with the deed of M. C. Vaca
named the place Vacaville, deeded to him two hundred lots on October 16,
1850. The town was surveyed by E. H. Rowe and a plat thereof duly
recorded on December 13, 1851. So much for the birth of the town of
Vacaville. The first building was erected in 1850 by William McDaniel ;
the second one put up was a rude edifice used as a hotel by James McGuire.

318 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

The first store was opened by E. F. Gillespie on block No. 16, it being a
small tool-house owned by Mason Wilson. The following year he removed
to a building he had erected on block No. 20, having previously purchased
the entire block. The stone building is still standing and is the property
of M. Blum. The first death which occurred in the township was in the
year 1852, it being that of a stock-raiser named McGuire,-who also kept a
house of entertainment in the village. The situation of the town is very
beautiful, surrounded as it is by such extensive farms ; it is a most ex-
cellent point for trade, the places of traffic of all kinds doing a thriving
business. About two years ago Vacaville was laid low by a fire which to-
day leaves no traces. The business houses are located on either side of
Main street, west of the Ulattis creek and embody all the variety of stores
required for the center of a largely populated district.

Vaca Valley and Clear Lake Railroad Co: — Chief among the interests of
the town, and which adds considerably to its prosperity is the railroad
which now extends fiom Elmira to Madison in Yolo county passing through
Vacaville and Winters. In the summer season this line does a prosperous
business in freight and passengers. At present its managers are busily en-
gaged in supplying the C. P. R. R. with gravel for ballasting their track.
The road was incorporated and built in the year 1869 from Elmira to Vaca-
ville to accommodate the shipping of fruit and vegetables. In 1876 it was
extended to Winters, Yolo county. In 1877 it was incorporated as the
Vaca Valley and Clear Lake Railroad Co., and extended to Madison, Yolo
county, making the entire distance now laid about thirty miles. The officers
are : President, A. M. Stevenson ; Treasurer, T. Mansfield ; Secretary, E.
Allison ; General Superintendent, G. B. Stevenson ; General Freight Agent,
T. Mansfield.

Churches. Baptist Church: — The Baptist Church of Vacaville was
organized in the chapel of the California College with seventeen constituent
members. Mr. P. C. Dozier was elected church clerk ; Professor M. Baily
being requested to fill the pulpit when no other preacher was provided by
the church. Ministers from abroad filled the duties until February, 1873,
when Rev. J. B. Saxton was appointed pastor and W. J. Sandefur, church
clerk. Mr. Saxton resigned his charge in August, 1877, as did also Mr.
Sandefur, since when the following gentlemen have officiated as church
clerk : Prof. Kelly, J. T. Wallace, C. C. Bateman, M. Young and J. Donald-
son. On October 13, 1877, the Rev. S. A. Taft, D. D. was elected to the
pastorate and served for several months. In January, 1879, the Rev. W.
Gregory, D. D. was called to the pulpit and is the present incumbent. The
following have been the Deacons since the organization of the church :
Professor M. Baily, elected February 8, 1873, Messrs. Brier and Walker,
elected February 9, 1878, and J. Donaldson on March 16, 1879.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 319

The Church of Seventh-day Advents : — In December, 1877, there came to
Vacaville B. A. Stevens, who commenced a series of lectures which resulted
in the organizing of a church community under the above doctrine, consist-
ing of between fifty and sixty members. This congregation has been ever
since kept up by the indulgence of the members. There is no resident pas-
tor, but occasionally the pulpit is supplied from San Francisco or elsewhere.

The Christian Church : — This church was organized in 1855 about two
and a half miles from Vacaville with eleven members, but shortly after
they moved into the town. Before this, 1874, their membership numbered
two hundred. The first pastor was the Rev. Mr. McCorkle who remained
with his congregation for two years when he was followed by various
preachers, the last being Alexander Johnson. The value of the church
property is $1,500.

Davis Hotel : — This house is situated on the northeast corner of block
No. 14 and fronts Main street. It was built by Mason Wilson in 1858 and
finished in October of that year. The main building is 30x65 feet, two
stories, of brick ; there is an L 18x45 feet, two stories high with a kitchen
extending east which is 12x16 feet, all of brick, while the establishment
contains thirty rooms as well as a large double parlor. The building cost
$14,000 including fixtures. On April 20, 1874, it was purchased by E. S.
Davis, when his brother, J. F. Davis, took charge of it and has been the
proprietor ever since. To the west and rear of the hotel is a garden with
neatly laid out walks, ornamented with flowers and beautified by shade
trees, while to the east of the property, and having the same owner, is a
grove of Eucalyptus trees fronting Depot street, forming a favorite resort
for picnics and such like.

California College : — This institution was started by Professor Anderson,
of San Francisco, in the year 1855, as a private school, the building being
one of the earliest erected away from the city of Benicia and the rising
town of'Vallejo. This school Professor Anderson maintained until the year
1858 ; it was a frame building, but his undertaking having been crowned
with a certain amount of success he, in the meantime, erected a building of
brick 50x80 feet as a College, while attached to the principal erection, at a
distance of about 75 feet, a temporary structure was built two stories in
height. There was also constructed a boarding-house of brick for the
female department, and other houses in the grounds, for the males. The
building, as originally erected by Mr. Anderson, was situated on the south
side of Ulattis creek, on block No. 8.

In the year 1861, or, possibly later, the Rev. J. C. Stewart, by dint of ex-
treme labor, received an endowment from the people of Solano, and the ad-

320 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

jacent counties, to the amount of $20,000, which, with the interest on this
sum, was the Pacific Methodist College started by the Pacific Methodist
Episcopal Church, South. Its first President was the Rev. J. C. Stewart,
who would appear only to have served a year. The next President was
the Rev. W. T. Lucky, D.D., an office he maintained until the spring of
1865. During his regime, though, it was then reported for political reasons,
the college was burned. This did not, however, interfere with the pros-
perity of the school, for on the destruction by fire of the principal edifice, a
temporary use was made of a tent until after the exhibitions. The fol-
lowing term was commenced in a boarding-house arranged for the purpose,
whre they continued until the completion of the present building, which is
of brick. Considerable delay was caused, however, in the attempt to con-
struct the edifice of concrete ; this was a failure, from the consequences of a
storm which washed all the necessary amalgamations away. The loss to
the M. E. C. S., was considered to be between five and six thousand dollars.
Almost immediately thereafter, a brick building of 60x90 feet was in the
the course of construction on an elevation of land overlooking the town
that had been originally owned by Mason Wilson, who had exchanged it
for other property to the M. E. C, S., and which was completed in the year
1866 at a cost of $25,000. Shortly after the erection of the new college,
Dr. Lucky resigned the presidency and was succeeded by the Rev. Mr.
Gober, who held the position for one term and was in turn succeeded by
Rev. J. R. Thomas, D.D., LL.D., who held it until 1871, when the College
was removed to Santa Rosa, in Sonoma county.

The College then would appear to have changed hands, as will be gleaned
from the following excerpt from the report of C. L. Fisher, Chairman of
the Committee on Education, at the fourteenth anniversary of the Pacific
Baptist Association held at Petaluma, Sonoma county, in October, 1871 :

" On the first day of December, A. D. 1870, we came into the possession of
the well known college property of the Southern Methodist denomination
at Vacaville, Solano county, California, valued at $25,000. By the payment
of $4,000 on the 3d day of November, A. D. 1870, this property was formally
accepted by our denomination through an Educational Convention duly
called for that purpose ; who also at that time elected a Board of Trustees,
to whom was intrusted its future management and control, and who
adopted a Constitution and By-Laws for their guidance. Being thus at
once put in possession of a property valuation sufficient to enable us to
secure a college charter under the laws of our State, on the day of

the present month such charter was duly received under the name of
" California College."

" On the 4th day of January, 1871, by the election of the aforesaid
Trustees, Professor Mark Bailey, of Petaluma, assumed the Presidency of
the College and opened its first session with fourteen scholars. Since that

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 321

time its cause has been onward ; its influence widening ; and under God's
blessing, with the fostering sympathy and encouragement which is due from
us as a denomination, its success assured."

A settlement made by Rev. J. E. Barnes, and appended to the report
quoted above, shows the amount received up to May 16, 1871, to be
$2,971 38. Of this amount there was paid to teachers, agent, and inci-
dental expenses, $1,193 15, leaving a balance of $1,778 23 to be paid on
notes given for the purchase of the college.

As is seen, Professor Mark Bailey, who was the first President, held his
office until the spring of 1873, when Dr. A. S. Morrell, of Kentucky, was
elected. In November, 1875, he was superseded by the election of T. W.
G. Green, who held office until May, 1877, when Dr. S. A. Taft, of Santa
Rosa, was chosen President until 1878, when the present Principal, Dr. U.
Gregory, was elected.

Endowment : — In April, 1873, at a convention held at Vacaville, there
was subscribed the sum of $3,700, a large portion of which was given by
the residents of the town for the purposes of endowment, which, in the
same summer, J. B. Saxton, on the same plan, increased by $6,000, when
the financial work was handed to Dr. Morrell, who swelled the amount by
84,000.

The institution has in money and remunerative land $20,000, as an en-
dowment. A valuable farm of 255 acres, within two miles of the college,
has been given by Deacon Lankershim, of the Metropolitan Church, San
Francisco. The Trustees have authorized the President to raise a fund of
$3,000, the semi-annual interest of which is to be applied in the purchase
of books for the college library, which now contains about 2,500 volumes.
The Degrees of Master of Arts and Bachelor of Arts are conferred.

322 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

GREEN VALLEY.

Geography: — On June 27, 1866, the boundaries of Green Valley town-
ship were finally ordered to be as under : Commencing at a rock mound
on the crest of hills in section 34, township A, N. R. 3 W., established by R
N orris for a boundary between Napa and Solano counties ; thence northerly
along the boundary line of said counties, to the north line of township 5, N.
R. 3 W.; thence east along said township line to the dividing ridge running
to the peak called " Twin Sisters ; " thence southerly along said divide to
Suisun creek, passing on the line of A. Blake and William Brown's land ;
thence down said creek to the south-east corner of Hiram Macy's land ;
thence south to the north line of section 16, township 4, N. R. 2 W.; thence
west to Cordelia slough ; thence down said slough to the north line of sec-
tions 31 and 32, township 4, N. R. 2 W.; thence west along said north line
to the boundary line of Solano and Napa counties.

Topography : — This picturesque valley lies to the eastward of the Suscol
hills, four miles east of Suscol valley, is six miles in length, one and a half
in breadth and derives its name from a large portion of it being green the
year round ; it is watered by the Green Valley creek which rises in the
south-west corner of township 5, N. R. 2 W., and runs in a south-easterly
course for about eight miles and finally empties itself into Cordelia slough
at Bridgeport.

Green Valley : — This is without doubt the acme of perfection as regards
scenery, no finer could scarcely exist anywhere. Starting from Bridgeport
and taking a northerly direction, following the creek as it meets us with
many a babble and rush, we enter the narrow gorge which brings us into
Green Valley proper. To the left are the bold and well defined mountains
which separate Solano from Napa county ; to the right are those which
mark the boundary of Suisun valley, while in front is a prospect of ravish-
ing beauty of hill and glade, interspersed with wooded knolls and shady
ravines, which almost defy description. On either side are well laid out
grounds having residences placed in the midst of gardens gladdening the
eye with every color of flower and foliage, while on the hill sides appear
acre upon acre of grape vines, arranged with the regularity and perfection
of extreme nicety. After passing through what may be termed the throat
of the vale, the scene extends into a wide amphitheatre of untold glory ; at
the upper end are the famous Green Valley falls developing a prospect

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 323

which repays any amount of fatigue and toil. From either hand the speak-
ing rills pour their murmuring waters into the parent stream, after purling
down the mountain sides in many a beauteous rapid and cascade ; shady
pools give promise of rare sport to the followers of the gentle art, high
rocks suggest the lair of snakes and other creeping things ; wild flowers n
inaccessible spots add quietude to the scene, while the swooping hawk high
over head acts as a terror to the merry songsters as they Hit in frightened
excitement from branch to twig and back to, branch again. Our feeble pen
can give no semblance of an idea as to the beauty of this scene ; appreciation
can only be attained by seeing it for oneself.

Grape Groiuing Interest : — This enterprise was commenced by John Voly-
pka, an Austrian, who located a farm at the foot, or near the foot of the
" Twin Sisters " mountain in the spring of 1858, planting a vineyard at that
date and commencing the manufacture of wine in 1863. In the fall of 1860
Henry Shultz planted out a vineyard, being joined by his brother in the
fall of the year, the firm now being C. Shultz & Co. They have on their
grounds a wine cellar 38x100 feet in dimensions in which are about twenty-
five casks with a capacity of from five to thirteen hundred gallons each.
In the cellar there are also ranged pipes and barrels, making the entire
capacity in the vicinity of about ten thousand gallons. S. F. Jones, the
largest manufacturer, settled in Green Valley in the year 1860, where he
has erected a very complete cellar capable of containing fifty thousand
gallons, and having all the necessary appliances appertaining to an estab-
lishment of this nature. From Mr. Jones we learn many most interesting
facts connected with the making of wine. He has ninety acres laid out in
vines from which he distills about six thousand gallons per acre when
crops are good. Henry Brown also commenced the business in 1863. The
foregoing are among the more important names interested in the develop-
ment of this special trade ; there are, however, many others, but want of
space precludes our mentioning all, save those of the principal manufacturers.

Cordelia : — Next to Benicia this is the town of longest life in the county.
Originally it was situated in Green Valley, about one-half mile north of the
present town of Bridgeport, on the old stage road between Sacramento and
Benicia. As far back as the year 1853 there was a post office established
here, but it was afterwards removed to Rockville and thereafter to Bridge-
port. The place, which now only exists in name, has been the scene of
many of the meetings of the early county conventions, but the require-
ments of the times, plus the railroad, have absorbed it.

Bridgeport : — The successor to the glories of the above described town
is a station on the California Pacific Railroad situated about fifteen miles

324 • THE HISTOEY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

from Vallejo. It is located upon the banks of a navigable slough which
falls into Suisun bay, and is situated at the entrance to Green valley. It
has one Episcopal church, a school, railroad depot, hotel, box factory, etc.,
and possesses a population of about three hundred souls.

Rockville : — This hamlet lies on the old stage road about five miles
west of Fairfield. A stone church, a school house, and a solitary village
blacksmith's establishment make up the present city. It formerly had a
post office, hotel, and store, but now, Ichabod, the glory is departed ! Rock-
ville is a veritable " deserted village." It has a slight history, however, if
little else, for here was the headquarters of the Suisun Indians, and indeed
in this locality was the first cultivation of grain carried on. Here, too, was
the anvil's music first heard from the forge of John M. Perry, who was
wont to produce in those good old days, a rude ground tearer or plough at
the moderately low figure of $65.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 325

ELMIRA.

Geography : — On May 22, 1871, it was ordered by the Board of Supervi-
sors that a new township should be formed out of portions of Vacaville,
Silveyville, and Maine Prairie townships, the boundaries being: "Beginning
at the south-west corner of the south-east quarter of section No. 3, town-
ship 5 N., R. 1 W., Mount Diablo meridian and base ; running thence north
seven miles to the quarter-section corner on the north line of section 3,
township 6 N., R. 1 W.; thence along said township line six miles ; thence
along quarter-section lines south seven miles."

Topography : — The topography of Elmira township is not hard to desig-
nate. It is that portion of the plain of Suisun valley described in the
foregoing boundaries. Comparatively speaking, not an inch of it is there
but what will fructify and produce ; still, from its position and the want of
any perennial streams, it is a matter of difficulty, in the seasons of drought,
which, happily, though rare, will occur in California, to find water save by
the digging of wells, and this has been done to some purpose.

Settlement : — The settlement of Elmira township is coeval with that of
the Suisun valley. In the days when it was settled, and for many years
later, Elmira was still a portion of other townships. As the increase of
population made itself felt, the necessity to make a new partition arose, and
thus, those who erst belonged to the adjacent townships, suddenly found
themselves included in entirely new boundaries.

Elmira. — The thriving little town on the line of the California Pacific
Railroad, formerly called Vaca Station, was renamed after the city of
Elmira, in the State of New York. It is the junction of the above named
railroad, which passes in a direct line through Solano county ; and the Vaca
Valley and Clear Lake Railroad, which, up to the present time, has thirty
miles of track laid to Madison, in Yolo county, with stations, of much com-
fort and easy of access, at Vacaville, and Winters, on the Yolo county side
of Putah creek, on the route to its terminus. Elmira is located on the
south-west quarter of section 19, township 6 N., R. 1 W. The plat of the
city was filed for record October 20, 1868. The site comprises about forty
acres of ground, and was originally the property of Stephen Hoyt, who laid
out the town in 1868.

The settlement of the county may be said to have commencd with ■ the

326 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

location of Stephen Hoyt, Charles Pearson, and Jediah Williams in 1853.
In 1854 Hazen Hoyt and Allen Van Fleet settled near the present town site,
while, at much about the same time, Wellington and James Boone became
settlers on what is usually known as the Hawker's place. The first crops
of barley were raised by Stephen Hoyt and A. Van Fleet. Sacramento, at
the time, was the principal market for the products of the township.
Elmira is distant ten miles, in a north-easterly direction, from the county
seat of Fairfield. The population is about 500.

The churches, and schools as well, are creditably represented ; while its
commercial relations are fairly prosperous, there being two stores, doing a
general merchandise business, two hotels, two warehouses, a lumber yard,
livery stable, and three blacksmiths' shops, as well as extensive premises,
the property of both railroad companies.

In connection with the prosperity of Elmira, we should not omit to
mention the name of John H. Barrett, the present County Assessor. His
residence is in the town. He was the first Justice of the Peace elected for
the township ; has the welfare of the embryo city in his thoughts ; while a
community may well feel grateful at having so energetic a member in its
midst.

/. 0. 0. F., Elmira : — This Lodge was organized January 15, 1873, the
first officers being : John H. Barrett, N. G.; M. D. Cooper, V. G.; L. David-
son, Recording Secretary ; J. A. Collier, Treasurer.

A. 0. U. W.; — This is a new order in the country, and had been only
instituted but a short time when we made our appearance.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 329

VALLBJO.

ALVORD, LUKE, was born in Syracuse, State of New York, on Septem-
ber 16, 1812, and remained in that city and neighborhood working at his
trade and farming until February, 1850, when he sailed in the " Tennes-
see" for California, arriving in San Francisco in April, having been
detained in Panama three weeks awaitino- her arrival. At once went to
Tuolumne county, at Wood's creek, four miles above Jacksonville, and
remained there engaged in mining until July 12, 1851, when he left to
return home. In February, 1853, he again left Syracuse for California,
on this occassion accompanied by his family. On his arrival he went
back to the mines, moving from place to place, principally in Sacramento
and Amador counties, having lived for twelve years in Volcano. In 1867,
he came to Sacramento city and in the following year took up his resi-
dence in Vallejo, where he has remained ever since. Is a carpenter by
trade, and was foreman on the grain elevator when it was built. Mr.
Alvord married at Syracuse on November 12, 1834, Miss Henrietta S-
Childs of Saratoga, New York, by whom he has : Cass, born September
13, 1836 ; Marion, born May 9, 1840, died 1844; and Helen Burnett, born
August 30, 1845, married at Volcano, 1867, Professor W. H. Tripp, of
Vallejo.

ANDERSON, M. D., WALTER DUNCAN, was' born in Tatamagonche*
Colchester county, Nova Scotia, April 17, 1840. At fourteen years of age
he moved to Canada, where he resided for seven years, at the expiry of
which he returned to Nova Scotia ; thence to Boston, Massachusetts, where
he studied medicine and graduated at the Harvard Medical School on
March 9, 1864. Dr. Anderson practiced for three months in the Magda-
len Islands, two years in Wallace, Nova Scotia, and on December 23, 1866,
came to Vallejo, where he still resides. Married Mary Jane, daughter of
Thomas Wallace, machinist, on 5th February, 1879.

ASPENALL, WILLIAM, arrived from Panama, in the ship " Harriet Rock-
well," in June, 1850. On landing in San Francisco, he found letters in-
forming him of the whereabouts of former friends and companions in
arms, of the Mexican campaign, among them being Col. James M. Stuart,
Postmaster of the present House of Representatives, Major Cooper and

330 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

N. K. Swope, ex-Captain of Mexican fame. Mr. Aspenall soon after
started for the southern mines, and * arrived in Jamestown, Tuolumne
county, in July, 1850, and there engaged in mining, with some success,
for two years. In 1852, the Scott-river excitement broke out and he,
with five others, determined to organize themselves into a party and pro-
ceed thither. At that time, provisions were exhorbitantly high. They
purchased a pack train of mules, in Sacramento, consisting of fifteen head
besides saddle animals, loaded them with flour, sugar and tobacco, and
made a successful voyage to Trinity valley. When here, the Indians
stampeded the animals belonging to the expedition, when everything was
lost save two mats containing two hundred pounds of China sugar. The
entire party got snowed in when crossing the Trinity mountains, being
twenty-one days in working their way to the summit, which is known as
the Devil's Backbone. They endured many hardships on this occasion ;
food was scarce ; they, therefore, contented themselves with mule's flesh
and sugar ; yet, ultimately, arrived at Scott's river bar in time to take a
hand in the Rogue-river war, which was then being carried on against
the Indians ; the hostilities were soon terminated on the capture of fifty
squaws by Governor Joe Lane. We next find Mr. Aspenall in Oregon, on
the banks of the Willamette river, where he had built himself a log-
cabin, but, getting weary of the solitude of the Oregonian forests, in 1852,
he once more returned to California and, for a second time, proceeded to
Jamestown, Toulumne county, where he was appointed Deputy, under
his friend, Sheriff Swope. In March, 1853, he was joined by his family
from New Orleans, who had sustained shipwreck on their journey. In
1854, Mr. A., with others, took a prominent part in the contest which re-
sulted in the location of the county seat of Tuolumne county, at Sonora,
whereupon, he, with Charles M. Scott, ex-Member of Congress, James M.
Stuart, already mentioned, and Captain Arnix, left Jamestown, the two
first going to the county seat at Sonora, while the latter came to Vallejo,
where they purchased some property, Arnix, after a while, giving up all
his possessions, on account of faulty titles. Mr. Aspenall now erected a
store in Vallejo, which was opened on June 1, 1855. It was his original
intention to make this a one-storied building, but, finding a few Brother
Masons in the city, he added another story to it and helped to start a
Masonic Lodge in September, 1855, and the Odd Fellows' Lodge in the
same building in October of that year. Was elected a Justice of the
Peace, in 1856, for Vallejo Township, and, on the incorporation of the
city of Vallejo by the Legislature, in 1865, Mr. Aspenall was on the first
Board of Trustees. In 1874. he once more was elected to the Board of
Trustees and became their President for two years, and, in 1877, was
again elected a Justice of the Peace for Vallejo township, a position
which he still holds.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 331

AYLWARD, THOMAS, was born in Quebec, Lower Canada, where he re-
mained till October G, 1837, when he left for New York, arriving there
in the same month, where he bound himself apprentice sailmaker with
Stout & Blackledge, 144 South street. In 1846 he went to Virginia,
being employed in the Gosport Navy Yard as sailmaker for five months
and twenty-seven days, where he assisted in fitting out the men-of-war
"Mississippi," "St. Lawrence" and "St. Mary's." Returned to New York
in May, 1847, when he was dispatched' in charge of some men to New
London, Connecticut, where he worked for three months. He then was
removed to Sag Harbor, remaining there three months, and was again
changed to Greenport, Long Island, when, at the end of six weeks, he
went back to New York, and shortly afterward returned to Greenport,
where he stayed till November 5, 1848. It was Mr. Aylward's intention
to have left Greenport on November 3d, but owing to a terrific snow-
storm which prevailed he delayed his depaiture, and well for him that he
did so, for the train which he should have traveled by was run into and
more than twenty lives lost, and a large number wounded, those who
escaped having done so by jumping into the snow. He remained in New
York till March 12, 1849, when he sailed in the ship "Salem," owned by
a stock company, who were on board, the captain, George Douglas, being
part owner. Spending eighteen days in Hio de Janeiro and fifteen at
Talcahuana, they arrived at San Francisco October 12, the voyage having
occupied precisely seven months. The day after Mr. Aylward arrived he
set to work at his trade, making as high as one hundred dollars a day,
but this he was forced to relinquish on account of a neuralgic affection,
which the fogs of San Francisco enhanced. He therefore got his party
together, chartered a schooner and sailed for Stockton, en route for the
mines. From Stockton they went to the Chinese Camp in Tuolumne
County, where he remained a fortnight, and then removed to Murphy's
Camp, prospecting; and, returning to Chinese Camp, took his whole party
back to Murphy's, in Calaveras County, in March, 1850, and there re-
mained until November 21, 1853, when he left for San Francisco. It was
now Mr. Aylward's intention to go to the Amazon, but he did not. Sev-
eral of his party started thither, however, but nearly all of them perished
from cholera, in Callao. One month after returning to San Francisco he
went into business as a sailmaker, on the corner of Clay and Davis streets,
which h'e carried on till May, 1856. He then sold out, and recommenced
mining operations in Oroville, Butte County, remaining there six days,
when he moved to Forbestown. In October he left this district for San
Francisco, and commenced working as a journeyman sailmaker, and as
such continued till 1858, having occasional jobs in the Mare Island Navy
Yard. In the Spring of that year he restarted on his own account, at the
corner of Clark and Davis streets, remaining in business there till May,

332 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

1860, when he left his partner in charge and once more went himself to
the mines, his destination Toeing Washoe, now known as the district
around Carson and Virginia Cities. Remained there till October 20, and
again returned to San Francisco, remaining at his business till the Spring
of 1861, when he was called to the Navy Yard at Mare Island as a jour-
neyman sailmaker, was put in charge of the sailmakers' department in
1865, and remained in charge till the 23d of February, 1872, when he was
superseded, along with fourteen others. In 1876 Mr. Ay 1 ward visited the
Centennial Exhibition — his first trip to the Eastern States since he first
left them in 1849. He sojourned there three months, during which he
visited Missouri, Kentucky, New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Portland,
Quebec, Montreal, and elsewhere, and started for California on the 13th
of July, 1876. Is a member of the Society of California Pioneers, of
which association he is one of the charter members ; he being also a
member of the Vallejo Lodge, No. 64, I. O. G. T. Mr. Aylward has made
nearly all the sails for the several vessels which have been built in Vallejo.

BERGWELL, GUSTAF, (deceased), born in Sweden in 1810, and came to
America in or about the year 1840, and to California via Panama, arriving
at Monterey July 4, 1849. In that year he commenced the dry-goods
business in San Francisco, which he continued up to the fire of 1851,
when he moved to Sonoma, where he remained till 1855, and moved to
Vallejo in the following year, where he died on July 10, 1871 ; since
which time his mercantile affairs have been carried on by his widow.
Mr. Bergwell was a member of the Vallejo Pioneer Association, being
Vice-President of the society for some •"• time. He was also a member of
the Scandinavian Society of San Francisco. Married in Grace Church,
in that city, April 20, 1852, Miss Laura Kamp, a native of Denmark, by
whom there are two children — Jennie, born in Sonoma, February 4, 1853,
married William York, April 17, 1873 ; and Gustaf A., born in Vallejo,
July 14, 1861.

BINGHAM, GEORGE, was born in Philadelphia, May 1, 1820. At the age
of seventeen he went to learn the trade of bookbinding, with the firm
of R. P. de Silver & Co.; and the next year he shipped on board the
sloop-of-war " Dale," as first-class boy, and sailed to join the. Pacific squad-
ron, of which Commodore Jones was in command. Was present at the
hoisting of the American flag at Monterey in August, 1831, when the
coast was taken by the United States Government, eight days after re-
turning it to the Mexicans. Remained on the coast about two months,
then sailed to Callao, where he was transferred to the " Yorktown," and
proceeded to New York, where he arrived in July, 1843. From 1843 till
1846 he remained in the Eastern States, and in the latter year he volun-

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 333

teered for the war in Mexico. In December of that year left Philadelphia
to join the expedition ; was present at the capture of Vera Cruz, Cerro-
Gordo, taking of Conteras, Cherubusco, Molino del Rey, Chapultepec,
and the storming of the city of Mexico ; was with the forces two years,
when, on the proclaiming of peace, he returned home, where he remained
until 1849, when, on May 5th, he sailed for California, and arrivedin San
Francisco September 15, 1849. On arrival, joined the police force on its
first organization, under Malachi Fallon, John W. Geary being Alcade.
Resigned in the spring of 1850, and went to the mines at Long bar,
Yuba river, immediately prior to the discovery of gold in that part ; re-
maining there one month he started for Slake creek, staying there until
the Gold Lake excitement, when he proceeded thither. From there he
went to Grass Valley, now American, and followed up the different ranges
of mountains between the Pitt and Feather rivers to the head-waters
of the latter at Goose lake, but found nothing. Returned to Nelson
creek, where he struck good claims ; stayed there a few day, then went
to the east branch of Feather river and arrived at Rich Bar, where he re-
mained two weeks, after which, he returned to San Francisco. Remained
in that city five months, establishing himself in a saloon, but was burnt
out in the fire of November, 1850. After this catastrophe he once
more returned to Feather river ; but, not being successful, he proceeded
to Yreka, where gold diggings were found in Humbug creek. In 1851
Mr. Bingham again arrived in San Francisco, paid a visit to the Sandwich
Islands ; returning shortly after, he proceeded to the southern mines, in
Sonora, from whence he went back to Yreka, and remained there six
months, at which time the Gold-beach fever started every one in that di-
rection, he amongst the others. In June, 1853, he found his way to Scott's
bar, and, after two months, again removed to San Francisco, staying there
for some time, when he once more departed for Sonora, and lived there
seven years, at the end of which he returned to San Francisco, and at the
outbreak of the rebellion, enlisted in the Second Cavalry, (Sacramento
Rangers) in Company F, in which he remained for nine months, serving in
the Provost's Guard at San Francisco, receiving his discharge there in
1862, when he came to Vallejo. From 1865 he worked for six years in
the completing of the capitol at Sacramento, and returned to San Fran-
cisco, where he sojourned for one year, then locating in Vallejo in 1873.
In 1876 visited the Centennial Exhibition, and finally came back to Val-
lejo, where he has since resided. Is a member of the Vallejo Pioneer's
Association. Mr. Bingham's grandfather served in the Revolutionary war,
under George Washington, and his father took part in the war of 1812.
He married in the Sandwich Islands in 1850, and has one daughter,
Madeline, who was born in Honolulu in 1851. '

334 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

BROOKS, WILLIAM S., was bom in Franklin County, New York, in 1820.
When quite young he removed with his parents to New Orleans, and at
twelve years of age returned to Brooklyn, New York. In 1832 shipped
on board the "Henry Clay," then the largest vessel sailing out of the port
of New York, and made a voyage to Liverpool, England, following a sea-
faring life up to 1846, when he shipped in the United States sloop-of-
war "Prebble," as convoy to Stevenson's regiment, which was then on
its way to California, and arrived in San Francisco in March, 1847. The
vessel lay two months in that harbor, during which time a party of eight-
een men, under command of Lieutenant Lanman, afterwards Commodore,
was despatched up the Carquinez straits in search of a boat reported
missing, which was conveying $80,000, or thereabouts, pay for the troops
at Sutter's fort. (The boat has never since been heard of.) On the cruise,
landed at what is now called Mare Island, where he remained about two
weeks. On making the island, they saw two wigwams standing where
the magazine and flagstaff now are, while on the Vallejo side, there was
one at the foot of Main street, of to-day. Since then he has, on more
than one occasion, dug up the bones of Indians who had been buried on
the spot where Woods Hotel is built, on that street. On another occasion,
a party landed where Starr's flour-mills are now, in South Vallejo, to
shoot beef, but after killing one animal, the cattle gave chase, when they
were driven back to the boat. Up till 1850 was in government employ,
on board of men-of-war, during which time he visited China, Japan,
and the Sandwich islands ; then shipped on board the Revenue brig
"Lawrence," and was wrecked in her outside the heads at the Golden
Gate in 1852. Afterwards was employed in the Appraiser's store of the
Custom House in San Francisco, where he remained seven years and four
months, then came to the Navy Yard in Vallejo, in 1858, where he has
ver since been employed. Has been Acting Gunner of the U. S. S. "In-
dependence," guard ship at the Yard, and is now Machine Tender to the
sectional docks there.

Mr. Brooks married, firstly, at San Francisco, B. M. Maguire, in 1856,
(died 1858) by whom he has one son, William Charles, born 1856. Sec-
ondly, Catherine Irena Coen, married 1860, by whom he has : George T.,
born October 30, 1862 ; Mary Emma, born April 8, 1865 ; James C, born
June 26, 1868 ; John, born March 26, 1870 ; Gertrude B., born January
26, 1873, Loretta Anna, born January 28, 1876 ; and Angeles Agnes, born
February 18, 1878.

BROWN, CALVIN, Civil Engineer in charge of Department of Yards and
Docks, Marelsland, a gentleman of rare attainments, was educated at Rox-
bury Grammar School, 'Mass., where he graduated in 1828. In 1834, he
commenced the study of civil engineering in Boston, serving undejr several

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 335

of the leading engineers of the time, when, in 1841, he was appointed to the
post of Civil Engineer to the United States Navy Yard at Kittery, Maine,
where he remained five years, during which time he carried on the con-
struction of the Quay wall at that place, where was first introduced into
the United States the practice of blasting rocks in deep water. Thereaf-
ter he was engaged in sundry works, principally railroads, until 1852>
when he was appointed Civil Engineer at the Navy Yard, Norfolk, Vir-
ginia. During his term of office of nine years at this post he superin-
tended the erection of a lame number of the buildings there, and carried
on the construction of the Quay wall. In 1861 Mr. Brown was ordered
from Norfolk to Mare Island, where he has been ever since, with the ex-
ception of from 1S64 to 1809, when he constructed the large dam and
reservoir at Pilercitos valley for the Spring Valley Water Works, and ex-
ecuted the surveys, designs and location of the canal and locks at the
Willamette Falls, Oregon. For a portion of the time he was connected
with the Board of Commissioners on the Central Pacific Railroad, and was
subserpiently appointed one of the Government Commissioners both on
that and the Southern Pacific line of railroads.

On May 13, 1869, he was reappointed Civil Engineer to the Mare Is-
land Navy Yard, and continues to hold the office. During his connection
with the yard Mr. Brown has made most of the additions on that admira-
bly fitted-out establishment. He has constructed a large portion of the
foundry and machine shops, built the saw mill, the ordnance and the office
building, one of the large timber sheds, the iron-plating shop ; superin-
tended the construction of the Marine Barracks, and was one of the su-
perintendentents, with Dr. J. M. Brown, U. S. N., of the Naval Hospital.
Designed and built the stone Dry Dock, one of the largest in the world,
as far as it has now progressed ; superintended the construction of the
new powder magazine, and also that of the reservoir, known as Lake
Rogers. Not the least of the many distinctions to which Mr. Brown may
lay claim is that, from under his training, several of the most dis-
tinguished engineers of the day have developed and are now a credit to
their country as well as to the scientific preceptor, who labored with them
during their tutelage. His family are among the oldest in the country,
having come to America in the year 1632. The subject of this sketch
was born at Roxbury, Mass., now known as Boston Highlands, on March
25, 1816, and married, in 1838, Miss Susan W. Sager, of that place, by
whom he has now living Harriet E., born 1840 ; Frank E., born 1841, and
Wilfrid L., born 1846.

BROWN, SAMUEL, born in Ireland in 1826, and came to the United States
in 1843, first settling in New York city, where he remained until 1856,
when he came to Vallejo. Followed the sea from 1843 till 1856, but on

336 THE HISTOEY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

coming to California he engaged in farming, and in May, 1870, he opened
his present meat market, on Virginia street, in Vallejo. Married in New
Orleans, 1854, Catharine Morris, a native of Ireland, by whom he has
Mary M., Robert H., Samuel J., Martha M., and Catharine.

BROWNLIE, ALEXANDER J., was born in the State of Arkansas, Octo-
ber 3, 1851. Accompanied his parents to California in 1852, being the
first white child to arrive in Vallejo. Was educated in the public schools
of that city. Is now a civil engineer in the employ of the Navy Yard at
Mare Island, where he has been continuously engaged for thirteen years.
Was appointed City Clerk, April, 1878. Is a member of the I. O. O. F.
Golden State Lodge and Mount Moriah Encampment, also Vallejo Lodge ;
No. 64, I. O. G. T., and takes a prominent interest in all matters of public
benefit to Vallejo and its community.

BROWNLIE, JAMES, Grocer of Vallejo, was born in the villiage of Car-
luke, in Lanarkshire, Scotland, on the loth day of August, 1836. In 1858
he left his native shores for California, arriving in the month of July of
that year, when he settled in Vallejo, but shortly after removed to Beni-
cia, where he was employed by the Pacific Mail Co. to repair the old
steamship " Oregon." After three months he started for the Klamath
river, in Humboldt county, and engaged in mining, but in four months
returned to Vallejo, and worked at his trade, that of carpenter and joiner,
which he continued until 1869, when he established his present business.
In March, 1869, Mr. Brownlie married Miss Mary Howie, the daughter of
Peter McMillen, of Campbelltown, Scotland, having issue one son, John
Alexander.

BROWLIE, JOHN, is a native of Scotland, and passed his early years
in that part of Great Britain, where he was apprenticed for some time
to the grocery trade, in Glasgow. On October 7, 1852, with some of his
relations who had revisited the " land o' cakes," he sailed from Liverpool
in a Cunard steamer for New York, where he remained a short time,
and then took passage for California in the S. S. " N orthern Light," but
was landed at Acapulco, from whence he proceeded to Barbacos ; thence
up the river by native boat to Gorgona, from which place he performed
the balance of the journey on foot to Panama. The hardships of this
walk were trying to our youthful voyager ; when but halfway his boots
gave out and were discarded ; in crossing the rivers he held on to the
tails of mules, and was thus ferried over ; and on the next day completely
prostrated, he and his party, with whom he had caught up, reached their
destination, only to find that their steamer for San Francisco, for which
they had tickets, had been burned in Valparaiso. The " Cortez " was on

' T ;-'^

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 337

the berth for California, but she was full ; a passage, could not, therefore,
be procured by her ; thus, in the meantime, with so large a party, money
gave out, and he was obliged to dispose of his through ticket, so as to
provide the means of subsistence for the company, and rely on the prom-
ise that money should be remitted to him from California. Shortly after
his companions sailed for the Golden State, leaving the subject of our
memoir alone, moneyless, and friendless, in Panama. With that resource
» which the hardy sons of Scotia derive from their early training, Mr.
Brownlie cast about him looking for employment, whereby to occupy his
time, and provide food; this he soon obtained in the Louisiana hotel, at
the wages of sixty dollars per month ; but such is the fatal effects of the
climate that but few live to see the month out. While at his avocation
in this hostelry, he was prostrated by a swelling of the feet from jiggers,
contracted during his bare-foot tramp across the Isthmus, to add to which
he was seized with the Panama fever, but stoutly refused to be taken to the
hospital ; day by day he got lower, when an event occurred which may
have done much towards preserving the life of John Brownlie. Let us
tell it in his own words : " It was a Sunday morning, when, by luck, who
should come to my relief, but an uncle — one whom I had not seen since I
was a child. Of course, I did not know him, nor he me, until he asked
after my parents, and his brothers and sisters. I was so charmed that I
jumped right gut of my sick bed. He asked how I came to be at Pan-
ama, and how I came to be left by the party ; after explaining which, he
told me that he had just bought a ticket for California, and if I wanted
to get there he would give it to me, while he returned to Toboga (where
he had been working for some time), to earn enough to pay his passage
by another steamer." Thus, by the merest chance, at noon on the day on
which he parted with his new-found relative, Mr. Brownlie steamed away
from Panama on board the " Winfield Scott," bound for San Francisco.
On this voyage he again endured much suffering, and though many of his
fellow-passengers died, he lived, happily, to arrive at his destination, after
a passage of eighteen days.

On arrival, he fortunately met his uncle, Robert Brownlee, and with
him went to Vallejo, arriving when the Legislature was about to meet
and at once obtained work there ; on the removal of the seat of govern-
ment to Benicia, he followed them, and being employed in that city for a
short time, he finally went to Mare Island and obtained labor with the
Dry Dock Company, who were then constructing the sectional dock ; from
laboring work he rose to be a helper in the blacksmith's shop, and, being
of an economical turn of mind, he soon purchased a share in a livery
business ; after a lapse of some time he eventually became the sole
proprietor, and has ever since kept a stable in Vallejo. In 1858, in con-
junction with his livery business, Mr. B. purchased a farm of 500 acres,
22

338 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

and matters progressed favorably for him until the year 1873, when,
being connected with the Vallejo Bank, he was forced into the position of
Cashier of that concern by the Directors and Stockholders ; but such was
the revulsion in business at the time that the Bank was wound up, and
all creditors satisfied. Mr. Brownlie visited his native land, in the years
1857, and '67, and made the tour of the three kingdoms ; has served
as a Notary Public for two years ; a Supervisor for one term ; and is now
besides his above mentioned business, a real estate agent ; and also agent'
for a Fire and Life Insurance Company. Mr. B. was born in the year
1833, and married, December 22, 1874, Miss Margaret Wakely, by whom
he has Gracie May, born October 16, 1875, and Robert Arthur, born Nov.
11, 1878.

BROWNLEE, ROBERT, emigrated to America in the year 1836, and set-
tled in the city of New York, where he sojourned four months, working
at his trade of stone cutter. In September of that year he proceeded to
North Carolina, and was employed for thirteen months in the capital of
that State ; at the expiration of which he moved to Arkansas, arriving in
Little Rock on Christmas day, 1837. He there prosecuted his calling for
four years, working on the Capitol and State Bank, when he embarked
in the cultivation of land. In 1848 he retired from the occupation of
farming, and commenced prospecting for lead, getting blown up during
this employment. Mr. Brownlee was a resident of the State of Arkansas
altogether thirteen years. In 1849 the world was set agog by the dis-
covery of gold in California, and he was one of the many hardy sons of
toil who crossed the plains, enduring all its hardships, hoping occasionally
against hope, and putting aside any knowledge of fear; laboring incessantly
to buoy up those who were bordering on despair, allaying the woes of the
suffering and cheering the despondent. In this year, after a journey oc-
cupying six months and a half, coming by way of Santa Fe, this band

• crossed the Colorado river in the latter end of August and entered Cali-
fornia, the land of promise, on the first day of September, 1849. For
days before this event, water with them had been scarce, the canteens
which they wore slung over their shoulders being nearly empty ; at
last, however, pools of water were discovered, and he, riding at the head
of the cavalcade, was the first to lave his parched throat with the wearily
looked for liquid. Dipping his pan deep into the pool, to procure the
water in its. coolest state, he found it on drinking to be potently charged
with alkali ; to resort to the first rude method of counteraction, namely,
the eating of quantities of fat pork, was the work of a moment, and he
recovered ; not so two of the others, who, even when cautioned, recklessly
partook of the beverage, both dying in great suffering on the evening of
the same day. They were buried by their comrades, while one of the

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 339

number, gifted above his fellows with the power of speech, offered up a
prayer at their graves, which, for impressive eloquence, Mr. B. asserts he
has never heard equalled. From the oldest to the youngest there was not
a dry cheek. Let us now follow the fortunes of Mr. Brownlee. He ar-
rived in Mariposa county in the first rains. He labored in the mines for
six days, in the first hour and a half of which he dug up eightv dollars
worth of ore, his only implements being his jack-knife and tin pan. This
was in October, 1849. With this sum he entered into partnership with
John W. Clarke of Vermont, who had also been moderately lucky, pur-
chased a team of six pack-mules, and commenced what is known as a
"packing" business, between Stockton and Ajuafria, two towns, one
hundred miles apart. The first trip took these two pioneers some six
weeks to accomplish. The roads were so bad from the excessive rains
that the hardships endured were sufficient to deter men of less persever-
ance ; always at their destination, however, such matters were treated
lightly, for, after all, their business prospered, and miners would pay a
dollar and a quarter per pound for tea and flour, while other necessaries
commanded as high a price. Mr. Brownlee thus describes some of his
experiences on this eventful first trip. On leaving the Stanislaus River,
an eight-mule team, drawing a boiler, was come up with, but such was
the deplorable state of the roads that mules, boiler and truck had sunk
into the mud, nothing being left to view but the heads of three mules and
the highest point of the boiler. Here was a fix ! What was to be done ?
Quick of resources, desperation lending wit to native acumen, the team-
sters incontinently drove their animals on to the boiler, from which perch
they daintily picked their steps on to the backs of their less fortunate
brethren, one after the other, until once more terra Jirma was reo-ained.
There were four of these adventurers — -James Mc Vicar, Mr. B., his part-
ner, and a negro. During a blinding snow storm they proceeded on-
wards; and arrived at Dry Creek, where each mule had to be repacked,
the cargo having shifted, on account of the many slips and falls which the
quadrupeds had sustained. On relieving them of their burdens and
placing the sacks of flour on the clay, the first two tiers sank out of sight,
causing no inconsiderable damage. There was not the wherewithal to
build a fire whereby food might be prepared, so they supped on flour,
mixed with water, and raw fat pork ; cold and hungry, they lay on the
saddle blankets, striving to wheedle the gentle goddess — the four of them
— Mr. Brownlee next to the negro. During the night the snow and sleet
ceased, and a hard frost set in, making the cold intense. The water in a
pair of long boots, the property of the darkey, froze to a solid mass, which
was not perceived until he had tried to put them on ; but, whether on
account of the size of his feet or the frigidity and rigidity of the ice, they
would not be coaxed into their proper resting place till thawed by the

340 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

water of a convenient stream. The morning, however, lent a brighter aspect
to the state of things, for daylight showed where fuel was to be obtained,
a hearty meal was made off coffee and flapjacks, which they enjoyed, for,
on the principle of hunger being the best sauce, McV. would, now and
again, observe, "Eh, man, Bob, but aren't they good !" On the following
day the Tuolumne River was gained, in another snow storm, they camp-
ing in a " wash " of the river. This night a splendid fire was built. Three
large trees, which were lying in the bed of the now dry stream, were
piled over with brush and set alight, while the banks gave shelter from
the driving sleet and snow ; and comparative comfort, with a certain
amount of satisfaction, was being taken out of the burning mass of tim-
ber, some forty feet in length. Of a sudden, without the slightest warn-
ing, their gigantic hearth was seen to float away ; the water rose with in-
credible speed, so that they were wet to their waists while securing their
packs. At length all was made snug, and the quartette, climbing up to
the fork of a tree, out of the reach of the now rushing stream, in the driv-
ing snow, philosophically awaited the dawn of day. Of such were the
hardships endured on this memorable journey.

In the spring of the year 1850, the subject of our memoir established a
store, having a mule team in connection therewith. The former combined
all the mining luxuries cf a boarding-house, ten-pin alley and card-room,
as well as the agency for Adams' Express. At the time when the first
snow fell, Mr. B. found himself with a large accumulation of staple goods
for which there would be a ready market; he therefore turned out his
animals to pasture on what was known as the Texine ranch, when on
one day he was informed that a force of Indians had been seen driving
them off. This was a cause of the hastening of another Mariposa war.
On the receipt of this intelligence Major Burney, then Sheriff of the
county, raised a company of twenty-two volunteers started in pursuit,
and overtaking the Indians engaged them for three or four hours, when
they fled leaving behind them partially eaten portions of the beasts which
had been cooked between the time of their capture and the conflict. At
this juncture the war had assumed proportions which were likely to
develop. The Major, therefore, appealed to Governor Burnett at San
Jose for aid, when he despatched Neely Johnson to organize three com-
panies of militia in Mariposa county, Mr. Brownlee being suttler of the
battalion, and as such he found himself possessed of a large amount of
scrip, paid to him by the force, which he wished to have recognized by
the officers of the State. To gain this was the object of his first visit to
Vallejo in 1851, on which occasion he remained only two months, return-
ing to Mariposa county, and thereafter visited Sacramento in 1852 on the
same errand, after which he once more went back to Mariposa, wound up
his affairs and started to return to Scotland, but having missed the steamer

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 341

from San Francisco to Panama, he remained for three weeks in Val-
lejo. On the 1st day of March, 1852, Mr.Brownlee sailed from San Fran-
cisco, visiting en route Arkansas and Kentucky, where he met his wife,
went to Scotland, but in two months from his arrival, having visited a
few of the most noteworthy places in his native land, once more turned
towards the United States and landed in New York, where he was
married soon after his arrival. In October, 1852, we find Mr. Brownlee
on his second voyage to California, on this occasion accompanied by his
bride and his brother, his wife and son, traversing the route, not by the
plains as he had done three years before, but by the more pleasant and
swifter one of Panama, arriving in San Francisco in the end of Novem-
ber, and having pleasant recollections of Vallejo, immediately thereafter
proceeded thither, where both families located in December, 1852.
Early in the next year he commenced farming and a dairy business on a
small scale, purchased a tract of fifty acres of land two miles north of the
town limits, which he afterwards exchanged with General John B. Frisbie,
in 1857 for his present place, now in Napa county, but which was then
in that of Solano. Since his arrival, up to the present time, Mr. Brown-
lee has been inseparably connected with Vallejo and its associations, and
though he does not reside in the county, he is still spoken of by all as
the most reliable source of information in regard to the doings in early
days. His residence is a magnificent two-storied building, having rooms
of fine proportions, situated about fourteen miles from Vallejo ; he farms
over 1,100 acres of land, 650 being in Solano county, while this season he
has under wheat and barley no less than 1,100 acres. The line of rail-
road to Sacramento from South Vallejo passes his gate, while there is an
averagely good road to his dwelling. A more genial companion, a bet-
ter citizen or hospitable host does not exist than Robert Brownlee.
He was born at Bunkle, in the parish of Oambusnethen, in the county of
Lanark, Scotland, in 1813, married Annie Lamont October 24, 1852,
born in Tamhorn, in the Carse O'Gowrie, Perthshire, Scotland, in 1834,
by whom he has Robert A., born October 14, 1853, (the first white boy
born in Vallejo) ; Mary J., born August 1, 1855 ; Margaret R., born June
4, 1857 ; Gracie A., born July 10, 1862 ; George, born February 23, 1864 ;
William, born November 25, 1866, died March 17, 1868 ; and Frederick
J., born August 19, 1870.

BROWNLEE, THOMAS, was born in Cambusnethan, Lanarkshire, Scotland,
in the year 1816, where he remained until the year 1842 when he emi-
grated to America and settled in the State of Arkansas. In the year
1846 he enlisted in the Arkansas Regiment, under command of Colonel
Yell, and with it served in the Mexican war for one year, being present
at the engagement at Buena Vista. On the expiration of his service he

342 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

returned to Arkansas and there remained till 1852 when he came to
California, and was in that year among the very first to settle in Vallejo
where he was the original blacksmith of this now thriving city. Is a
charter member of the Benicia Lodge of F. and A. M., being one of the
few originators of that lodge who are now living ; is also a charter mem-
ber of the Masters Lodge of F. and A. M. of Vallejo. Married June 29,
1849, Mary Lamont, by whom he has Alexander J., Annie, and John.

BUTLER, 0. H., was born in Utica, N. Y., in May, 1829, and there re-
mained until 1833, when, with his parents, he moved to Michigan, resid-
ing there until 1842. In this year he went to Illinois, and worked at his
trade of a mason at Chicago, Bloomington, Peoria, and finally settled there.
In 1855 he moved to Livingston county, Mo., where he resided until
1862, when he crossed the Plains to California, and settled at Woodland,
Yolo county, and there established a brick-yard, combining this business
with that of a contractor. At the end of two years he moved to Santa
Kosa, Sonoma county, and there erected a flour mill, with water power, on
Markwest creek. This enterprise he conducted for five years, when, in
1869, he sold his property and came to Vallejo, where he has since re-
sided. Was appointed Quarterman-mason on the Navy Yard at Mare
Island, July 22, 1872, and is still employed there. He married July 22,
1851, Julia A. Michael, of Bloomington, Ills.

CALLENDER, JOHN, was born in Bucks county, Pa., November 16, 1822,
and after two years residence here he, with parents, moved to Philadelphia,
where he learned the carpenters' and joiners' trade, following that oocu-
pation until March 19, 1852, when he started for California, arriving in
San Francisco on the 13th day of August following. Having brought
his carpenters' tools with him, he work in the city for one month, when
he came to Vallejo on the ship " Empire," it being the same he crossed
the ocean on to San Francisco. We record his arrival here on September
13, 1852. There being no house in which he could live he had to remain
on the boat until a temporary dwelling was erected on Mare Island, in
which he lived until the Navy Yard was established there by the Gov-
ernment, when he moved on the Vallejo side, and, in company with John
North, opened the Central House, but continued working at his trade. In
1859 he commenced the livery business, and in 1864 established the
undertakers' trade, both of which he has followed to the present time.
Married Catherine Fraser, daughter of James P. Fraser, a native of Phil-
adelphia, Pa. They were married in Vallejo, September, 1858. They
have had three children, all of which are deceased. Mr. C. has served
two terms as Supervisor, and in 1871 ran for Sheriff and was only beaten
by 653 votes, which was owing to the " tape- worm ticket."

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 343

CARMAN, A. S., is a native of the province of New Brunswick, where he
was born on September 7, 1849. Entered a mercantile and ship-building
firm at the age of fourteen, and, after remaining there two years, entered
the employment of a mercantile, ship-building, and grindstone manufactur-
ing company, where he continued for one year, when he left for California,
arriving there in September, 1867, and entered into the lumber business
with Houghton & Lee, of Vallejo. Afterwards was engaged by the firm
of Doe & Moore, of South Vallejo, as salesman and later as bookkeeper,
who having sold out to Pope & Talbot, he was appointed manager to the
new firm, a position which he still occupies. Married in November, 1876,
to Miss Estelle Davenport, of Monterey, a native of Michigan, and has
one son. '

COLHOUN, EDMUND R., U. S. N., Commandant Mare Island Navy Yard,
was born in Pennsylvania, May 6, 1821 ; appointed midshipman from
Missouri, April 1, 1839 ; attached to sloop "'Marion," Brazil Squadron,
1839-41 ; frigate " Congress," Mediterranean and Brazil Squadrons, 1842-
44 ; Naval School, Philadelphia, 1845 ; promoted to passed Midshipman,
July 2, 1845 ; frigate " Cumberland," Home Squadron, 1846-47. Com-
modore Colhoun took part in the Mexican war, being present at the
first attack on Alvarado, under Commodore Connor, and that at Tabasco,
under Commodore Perry, which resulted in its capture. Served as passed
Midshipman on board the armed prize schooner "Novata"; attached to
the receiving ship " Philadelphia," 1850-51 ; frigate " St. Lawrence,'
Pacific Squadron, 1851-53; resigned, June 27, 1853. Re-entered the
service as Acting Lieutenant in 1861; comm?.mded steamers "Shawsheen"
and "Hunchback," North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, 1861-62. Was
present at and took part in the following engagements : Battle of Roan-
oke Island, February 7 and 8, 1862 ; capture of Newbern, March 14,
1862 ; engagements on the Blackwater river, below Franklin, Virginia,
October, 1862 ; received his commission as Commander November 17,
1862; commanded steamer " Ladona," North Atlantic Blockading Squad-
ron, 1863; commanding monitor " Weehawken," South Atlantic Block-
ading Squadron, 1863 ; was present at the different actions with Forts
Sumter, Wagner, Beauregard, etc., from July 10 to September 15, 1863 ;
commanded the monitor " Saugas," North Atlantic Blockading Squadron,
1864-65 ; engaged Howlett's Battery on James river, June 21, and again
on December 5, 1864 ; took part in the bombardment of Fort Fisher,
December 25, 1864, and the different engagements therewith until its
capture on January 15, 1865 ; was on special duty at New York, 1866 ;
Fleet Captain, South Pacific Squadron, 1866-67, and commissioned as
Captain 1869; commanded iron clad "Dictator" 1869-70; appointed
in 1873 to command the flag-ship " Hartford," on the Asiatic Station ;

344 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

was in command of that Station four months, when he was transferred
to the " Richmond " flag-ship, on the South Pacific Station, where he
served from August, 1874, to July, 1875. The Commodore's next official
duties were in connection with the Centennial Exhibition at Philadelphia,
where he was three months, when he was placed on the Examining Board
at Washington, serving on it for six months. Promoted to the rank of
Commodore April 26, 1876, and, having been appointed to Mare Island
Navy Yard, he relieved Admiral Rodgers of the command April 17, 1877.
Commodore Colhoun is married and has a family.

CONDON, JAMES, born in Ireland, in 1826, and came to America in 1848,
first settling in New York. In 1855, he came to California and located
at Sacramento, engaging in the nursery business in connection with A. B.
Smith, whose agent he was until 1862. In that year he went back to the
Eastern States, returning to California in 1864, and once more settled in
Sacramento, where he stayed four years, after which he engaged in farm-
ing in Yolo county, and remained there until he took the management of
the White Sulphur Springs near Vallejo, where he now resides. In 1855,
he married, in New York, Miss Rose Maclean.

CONNOLLY, HENRY, was born in 1826, in the county of Fermanagh,
Ireland, from whence he emigrated to the United States in 1846, and
settled in New York city, remaining there till 1853, when he left for
California and settled in San Francisco. In 1857, he removed to Vallejo,
where he commenced business in the Washington Hotel, which he carried
on for many years and which property he still owns. In connection there-
with, he opened a livery business 'in 1859, which he still continues. Mr.
Connolly also opened a wholesale wine and liquor store in 1875. He
married Catharine Elliott in 1853, who was born in county Fermanagh in
1826.

DARE, JOHN T., is a native of Brook Haven, Long Island, New York,
and born March 27, 1843. Here he was educated in the common schools,
and, at the age of thirteen, went to sea as a cabin boy, going up through
all the different grades to that of first mate. This occupation he followed
eight years. In May, 1861, he arrived in San Francisco on the ship " W.
L. Richardson," being second in command of that craft, but left her on
his arrival and shipped for the South Sea Islands and return. In 1862,
went to Shoalwater Bay, oystering, returning the same year with a large
number of oysters, planting them in San Pablo bay ; but the high water
in the Winter of 1862-3 destroyed them. The following year, read law
with C. Greenwich Howard, of San Francisco. About the time of the
El Dorado Canyon or Colorado river gold excitement, he went to that

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 345

locality and, after experiencing the changeable fortunes incident to a miner,
he returned and settled in Los Angeles, and was engaged in driving team
for other parties. Next we find him in the employ of the Government,
under Major Morris, at Drum Barracks", running trains across the desert.
During Brigadier General John S. Mason's expedition through Arizona
1 Territory, Mr. Dare accompanied them as master of transportation. After
making a complete tour of the Territory, he selected Prescott, in the Ter-
ritory, as a place of residence ; here he established the first pony express
from Prescott to California, via Fort Mojave, riding the pony himself,
without escort, through bands of hostile Indians, for six months ; then
run a wagon train from Prescott to Colorado river. In 1867, he was
elected to the lower house of the Arizona Legislature, and was the framer
of several bills which still are a part of the laws of that country. Soon
after the expiration of his office, the large wagon train he was then run-
ning, was captured and destroyed by Indians, his train-master losing his
life in the battle. Becoming disgusted with the country on account of
the hostilities of the savages, he returned to California, settling in Vallejo,
in 1868. Here he worked at various occupations, then a freight clerk in
the office of Cal. P. R. R., and eighteen months thereafter was A. D. Starr
& Co.'s cashier and book-keeper. In the Fall of 1877, he was elected to
the lower house of the State Legislature, doing the State excellent service
in framing: and working through the Bank Commission Bill, also the Fish
and Game bills, and a strong advocate of the Postal Savings Bank bill.
He has made a continuous residence in south Vallejo since his coming in
1868, and is now one of its business men. Married in this place Miss
Anetta, eldest daughter of George H. Martin, of Albany, New York, on
January 18, 1872, their children are Ellen S., Starr D. and Edith.

DEININGER, F., born in Bavaria, Germany, in 1832. In 1856, came to
America and settled in San Francisco, where he remained but a short
time, then removed to Los Angeles where he engaged in the brewery
business. In the Summer of 1857, he established a brewery at Long
Bar, Yolo county, and the same time commenced farming on a large scale
nine miles from Marysville. In 1866, he moved to Meadow Lake, Nevada
county, and opened a brewery there, which he continued until 1870, when
he established a like undertaking in Vallejo, in which city he now resides.
Married at Marysville, in 1858, Madelina Young, by whom he has : Jessie,
Louisa, Daisy, Jacob, Mary, Lena, Maggie and Rose.

DERWIN, MICHAEL S., was born in County Galway, Ireland, in 1812,
and resided there till 1834, when he emigrated to America, first settling
in Philadelphia. In 1837 he went to the Florida war, being connected
with the quartermasters' department, and leaving there, came to New

346 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

York in March, 1841, proceeding thereafter to Philadelphia. In that city
he embarked in a grocery business, which he continued till 1848, when
he moved to New Orleans, where he lived till 1852, in which year he left
for California, via Panama, arriving in San Francisco on February 28th
of that year. In March he paid a flying visit to Vallejo, and thence pro-
ceeded to Stockton, from which place he went to the mines in Tuolumne
County, where he engaged in mining for one year. At the end of that
period he returned to San Francisco and began draying, which business
he prosecuted for eight months. In the latter part of the year 1853 he
returned to Philadelphia and then to New York, in which city he started
the wholesale and retail liquor trade. In July, 1854, he once more turned
towards the Golden State, arriving in San Francisco in August, and took
up his abode there until January, 1855, when he moved to Vallejo and
located in that city, and was employed for fifteen months in the Navy
Yard at Mare Island. In 1856 he started for the mines in Oregon, so-
journing there for one year and a half, at the expiration of which he
came back to Vallejo, where he has since resided. In 1870 Mr. Derwin
visited his friends in Philadelphia, and having returned to Vallejo, em-
barked in the grocery business. Mr. D. is a member of the firm of Der-
win & McCudden, is married, and has a family.

DOYLE, JAMES, born in Montreal, Canada, December 25, 1828, and re-
sided there till 1846, when he went to New York City, and on April 1,
1852, sailed from there on the ship "North America," for California,
arriving in San Francisco September 1 of that year. Remained in that
city till 1855, and then proceeded to Vallejo, where he has since remained
a permanent resident. Mr. Doyle started the Pioneer Marble Works in
Vallejo in 1862, which he still owns, and was elected Constable for the
Township of Vallejo on September 5, 1877, and commenced his official
duties in the month of March following. He married in New York, De-
cember 25, 1849, Anna Fleury, by whom he has Sarah A., Thomas, Mary
E., Addie, Jonas, Robert E., Annie, Elizabeth, Charles and Gertrude.

DRAKE,. SIMON S., farmer, Section 16, post-office, Vallejo; was born in
Chichester, New Hampshire, September 15, 1831, and remained there till
1848, but did not leave the State till the Spring of 1854, when he. moved
to Fillmore County, Minnesota, there engaging in general merchandising,
pre-empting land, and farming, until the early part of 1857, when he re-
turned to the Eastern States and settled in Massachusetts, but remained
there only two years. On January 6, 1859, he sailed from New York, via
Panama, arriving in San Francisco in February, and immediately went to
Sacramento, and there worked on a dairy farm till the following Septem-
ber, when he proceeded to South San Francisco and entered the employ-

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 347

ment of John J. Haley, then proprietor of the International Hotel. In
the Spring of 1860 he moved to Contra Costa County, and rented a farm
from Victor Castro, but in the following Spring he left that portion of
the country and sought employment in the Mare Island Navy Yard, in
the plumbers' department. Leaving Mare Island in the Fall of that year,
he proceeded to Idaho Territory, and commenced mining on Newsom
Creek, which he prosecuted till November, 1862, keeping also a miners'
store, when, at that date, he once more returned to San Francisco. In
February of the following year Mr. Drake proceeded to Austin, Nevada,
and was employed as engineer at different mills till 1865, when, on Feb-
ruary 10th, he once more went to San Francisco, from which city he pro-
ceeded to his home* in the East, on the loth of the month. While at
Lynn, Massachusetts, he engaged with his brothers in the grocery and
provision business, which he continued till April, 1866, when he left
for Minnesota, and from thence went to Kansas City, Missouri, arriving
there July 4, 1866. He next proceeded to Ray County, Missouri, where
he worked as an engineer for two years. On October 7th, 1868, he was
married to Miss Mirza C. Craven, and soon after left for California, but
after a few months returned to Missouri for his wife, coming back to Cali-
fornia in November, 1869, and settled on his present farm of 360 acres.
Mr. Drake is a member of the Grangers, as well as of the Ancient Order
of United Workmen and Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He has by
his wife three children — Walter Frank, born in Ray County, Missouri,
September 18, 1869; Harry Clyde, born April 14, 1871, at Vallejo; and
Joey Howard, born September 23, 1872.

EDWARDS, WILLIAM P., was born in London, England, on July 8, 1821,
and in 1837 came to New York, to which place his father had preceded
him. Was employed in different mercantile houses in New York and
Philadelphia until May 5, 1849, when he set sail from the latter city in
the bark " Ralph Cross " for San Francisco, where he arrived November
5, of the same year. Mr. Edwards had brought with him a machine for
cutting shingles, which he erected on what was known as the Widow
Reed's Ranch, in Marin county, but he was forced, after giving it a trial
to succumb to the want of experience in this particular industry. Mr.
Edwards thereafter went to the Middle Fork of the Yuba River, to a
place called Snow Camp, in the summer of 1850, but returned to San
Francisco in the fall of the same year, and after a time engaged in mer-
cantile pursuits, which he continued until 1865, when he settled in
Vallejo. Has been Secretary of the Association of California Pioneers
since its formation, with the exception of two terms, he is also a member
of Vallejo Lodge No. 64, I. O. G. T.

348 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

EGERY, B. D., of the firm of Egery & Lamont, was born in Penobscot
county, Maine, on December 12, 1838, remaining there until 1859, when
he came to California. First engaged in mining in Butte county, remov-
ing therefrom one year after, when he removed to Chico, and from there
to San Francisco, from whence he went to Owen's river, where he again
engaged in mining. In the fall of 1863 he obtained employment as a clerk
in San Francisco, at which he remained until January, 1867, when he left
for Vallejo and opened a grocery, fruit and provision store, which was
destroyed by fire in the following June. He then became a clerk with
E. T. Starr. In September, 1869, he entered into partnership with John
E. Williston, whose interest his present partner purchased in Septem-
ber, 1870, when the firm of Egery & Lamont was started. Mr. Egery
married November 24, 1871, Miss Carrie G. Lambert, a native of Phila-
delphia, who was born in 1846, by whom he has Lambert D., John A.,
Benjamin C, and Eugene.

FARNHAM, JOHN, Clothing, Gents' Furnishing Goods, Trunks and Valises.
The subject of this sketch was born in Bucksport, Maine, in 1840, and in
1860 took to the sea as a profession, which he followed for four years.
In the natural course of his calling he arrived in San Francisco in 1863,
and proceeding to Mare Island he at once obtained employment in the
Navy Yard. In 1867 he returned to his native town and engaged in the
hardware business, under the style and firm of S. A. &. J. Farnham. In
1868 he disposed of his interest in that firm and once more returning to
California came to Vallejo and established his present business, under the
name of Farnham & Voorhees, which partnership continued until the
year 1871, since when he has been alone. Mr. F. has also a dry goods
business in Salem, Oregon. Vallejo has few more public spirited citizens
than John Farnham. In 1877 he was elected to fill the chair of the Re-
publican County Committee ; again in 1878 the like honor was con-
ferred upon him, and, never being behind-hand where duty in the public
interest is demanded, he has served on the Board of Education, and filled
other responsible offices. In 1868 Mr. Farnham married Mary L., daugh-
ter of Andrew J. Ketcham, of Brandon, Vt., who was born in 1841. In
this connection an episode occurred which may here be mentioned :
When returning home, in 1867, the " Santiago de Cuba," the steamer on
which he had taken passage, was wrecked on the coast of New Jersey,
near the city of Atlantic ; seven of the passengers were drowned, but Mr.
Farnham, at the imminent risk of his own life, succeeded in saving that
of Miss Ketcham, the young lady whom a year later he made his bride.
The union so romantically forecast has been blessed by three children,
John W., Frank B., and Mary Louise.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 349

FORSTENFELD, M., was born in Germany in the year 1841, and came to
America in March 1855, and settled in New York, where he remained till
1861, at which time he came to California and first resided in San Fran-
cisco, remaining there until 1863, and then removed to Vallejo. In July,
1875, he entered into partnership with Jacob Steffen, in keeping a meat
market, which business they still continue. He married in Vallejo, in
September, 1867, Miss Lizzie Snider, a native of New Orleans, who was
born February 9, 1852.

FRISBIE, ELEAZER, was born in Albany, N. Y., in 1829, and remained
there until September, 1846, when he sailed for California with Steven-
son's Regiment, arriving in San Francisco in March, 1847. Was quar-
tered in that city till the spring of 1848, when he accompanied a detach-
ment of his regiment to the mines to look for deserters, of whom there
were a number. This service occupied two months. The force was em-
barked on a government schooner, which took ten days to reach Sutter's
Fort (Sacramento) from San Francisco. On the return they took some
Government horses, and drove them to the city, after which Mr. Frisbie
was taken ill with a fever, from the effects of which he did not recover
for a whole year. In 1848 the regiment was disbanded. He then, by the
advice of his physician, proceeded to Sonoma for the benefit of his health,
and, after recovering, opened a store in that city, remaining there until
1850, when he removed to Benicia, and carried on a butchery business,
shipping meat to San Francisco for two years. About this time the city
of Vallejo was started, he therefore moved thither. In 1854 Mr. Frisbie
was elected a Justice of the Peace, served as an Associate Justice, and was
the first regularly appointed postmaster for the city of Vallejo. an office
he held from 1855 to 1857. Mr. F. resided continuously in Vallejo, from
1851 to 1865, when he removed* to Russian River Township, Sonoma
county, CaL, and there lived till the fall of 1870, being, for that period,
engaged in farming. In that year he returned to Vallejo, and was em-
ployed by the Cal. P. R. R. Co. as wood agent. In 1872 was in the em-
ployment of the Vallejo Land and Improvement, and Vallejo Gaslight
Companies, as collector, till Nov., 1875 . In February, 1876, he commenced
a dairy business, at Point Farm, one mile from South Vallejo, which he
still carries on, shipping large quantities of milk to San Francisco daily,
as well as supplying the surrounding district. Mr. Frisbie married at
Fairmount, N. J., June 25, 1858, Carrie E. Klink, of Syracuse, N. Y., by
whom he has seven children living ; John B. ; Steven H. ; Cynthia J. •
Phcebe A. ; Edward E. ; Carrie E. ; Alice K.

FRISBIE, JOHN B., the second son of Eleazer B. Frisbie and Cynthia
Cornell Frisbie was born at Albany, N. Y., on the 20th day of May A. D.

350 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

1823, and after having finished his academic course of study at the Al-
bany Academy, entered the law office of District Attorney Wheaton one
of the ablest lawyers at the New York Bar ; with whom he remained
for four years or until he was of legal age and admitted to practice in
the courts of the State of New York. He immediately took a prominent
position in the politics of the State, and received, for a young man, a large
patronage and remunerative business ; after some two years of close at-
tention and continued study, having somewhat of a martial spirit, he was
elected Captain of the Van Rensselaer Guards, acknowledged to be the
best drilled and finest looking independent company of the State. At
this time, 1846, war existed with Mexico, and a number of the officers
and privates of this corps being desirous to enter the army in
the campaign against Mexico, Captain Frisbie joined them and
recruiting a full company in the city of Albany, he attached it as
Company I to the regiment of Col. Jonathan D. Stevenson, then at
Governor's Island and about to sail for the then distant Province of
California. The regiment arrived after a six months passage at San
Francisco, then nothing more than a little hamlet situated in a little cove
of the harbor and called " Yerba Buena." This was in March, 1847, and
the resfiment continued in service until disbanded after the close of the
war in July, 1848. Capt. Frisbie then immediately engaged in business
with Gen. Vallejo and occupied himself in the management of that
gentleman's extensive estate, and in projecting great public improvements
at both the cities of Benicia and Vallejo. To secure the location of the
Mare Island Navy Yard at Vallejo he purchased the island from Victor
Castro and obtaining from Commodore Appleton P. Jones and Gen. Per-
sifer F. Smith and other influential gentlemen a favorable report for that
locality. The government made it the United States Naval Station of
the Pacific. Not satisfied with the achievement to advance the interests
of the new city, with indomitable will he set to work to open up railroad
communications with the interior of the State and inaugurated the Cal-
ifornia Pacific to connect the cities of Marysville and Sacramento with
Vallejo. This road was speedily built and for a time gave a marked
impetus to the growth and importance of the town. The population
rapidly increased, fine wharves and warehouses were built and it speedily
became the great shipping port for the whole of the northern portion of
the State. Branches or feeders to the main line were then projected to
tap the valleys of Napa and Sonoma and the Russian river country, but
the immense expenditures consequent upon the prosecution of these im-
provements so embarrassed the original company that they were compelled
to succumb, and the road and its property fell into the hands of a rival
company, whose business interests were antagonistic to the growth of the
little city ; as a consetpience Vallejo soon lost its prestige of becoming a

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 351

great commercial city, and in its decline carried ruin to its projectors and
disappointment to all interested in its welfare. But Gen. Frisbie was not
the man to yield to mere temporary embarrassment and fortunately at
this time (our relations with the neighboring republic of Mexico being in
a critical condition) he was called to Washington to confer with the au-
thorities, and was dispatched by the President and Secretary of State to
the city of Mexico. As the result of his mission amicable relations were
established between the two countries, and the President, Gen. Diaz,
recognized by our government. But Gen. Frisbie during his residence in
the city of Mexico became so captivated with 'the country and was so
generously treated by its people that he determined to make it his future
home and he removed his family to Buena Vista, a beautiful suburb of
the city of Mexico, and is now engaged in developing some very rich
mines in the Real del Monte district some sixty miles from the capital.
It will thus be seen Gen. Frisbie has always been pre-eminently a public
spirted man, of great energy, enterprise, and of unbounded hospital-
ity and in all public positions was ever regarded as the peer of the ablest
men among all the pioneers of the golden State.

FRISBIE, LEVI C, the elder son of Eleazer B. Frisbie and Cynthia Cor-
nell Frisbie, was born in the city of Albarfy, N. Y., on the 1st day of May
A. D. 1821; after a preliminary course of education in his native city, he
completed his academic term in the Buffalo Academy and commenced
the study of medicine in the office of Dr. William Bry and surgery with
Dr. Alden March in the year 1837, and graduated at the Albany Medical
College February 23, 1841. Immediately after receiving his diploma he
commenced practice with his old preceptor in the city of Albany and
continued the same without interruption until the year 1850 ; when from
overwork during the cholera epidemic of 1849, his health became so un-
dermined as to necessitate entire suspension of business and compel him
to seek mental quietude and physical recuperation from travel and change
of scene and association. After four years thus spent his health was so
far restored as to enable him to resume practice in the year 1854, since
which time he has been an active practitioner of his profession in the city
of Vallejo and is now the oldest one in the county of Solano. He has
been twice elected president of the medical society of his native county
and has officiated as the first President of the Pacific Medical Society,
comprising the counties of Solano, Sonoma and Napa. In the year 1851
in connection with Gen. Vallejo and Gen. John B. Frisbie he laid out the
plan of the city of Vallejo, which the same year by a majority vote of
the people of the State and a two-thirds vote of the Legislature became
the capital of the State. In the year 1858 he married Adela Vallejo the
second daughter of Gen. Vallejo, by whom he has one child, now the

352 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

wife of D. McCarthy, Jr., Treasurer of the city of Syracuse in the State of
New York. The Doctor is now in his fifty-eighth year and having de-
voted the best years of his life to his profession, has retired from active
practice, and in the enjoyment of an ample competence is content to pass
the remainder of his days among the people and amid the scenes he loves
so well.

FROST, JAMES, M. D., arrived in California in 1856 and settled as an
apothecary on Mare Island, where he continued till 1866, when he
removed to Vallejo and opened his present place of business. Doctor
Frost graduated at the Medical Department of the State University in

1877, and is now one of Vallejo's practicing physicians. On May 18,

1878, he was elected to fill the high position of President of the Board of
Health, which honor he still retains, with credit alike to himself and his
fellow citizens ; is also examining physician to the United Order of
Workmen, as well as holding the same position to the Knights of
Pythias. The subject of our memoir married on February 6, 1859, the
daughter of John and Mary Foley, of Albany, New York, by whom he
has six children, Arthur H., Edmund F., Mary E., Amelia G., Frances J.,
and Elizabeth E.

GOOKIN, THOMAS P., was born May 9, 1824, in Portsmouth, New Hamp-
shire, where he remained till the year 1848, when he went to Boston,
Mass., residing there until January 1, 1849, on which date he left for
New York City, sailing therefrom, on January 27, for California, and
arrived in San Francisco on July 6th of the same year. Has since been
a permanent resident of this State and county. He is a member of the
Pioneer's Association of this place.

GORHAM, ABRAHAM, foreman painter in the Department of Yards and
Docks, Mare Island Navy Yard, was born in England, October, 1826. In
1837 he went with his parents to South Australia, where he served his
apprenticeship to the painter's trade, and in 1850 came to California, arriv-
ing in San Francisco in August of that year, where he worked at his trade.
In 1852 he leased the boarding house known as the Thistle Inn, which
then stood near the corner of Sansome steeet and Broadway, carrying
it on with good success till 1854, when he went to Santa Clara valley and
pursued farming for one year. In April, 1855, he came to Vallejo, and
entered into partnership with David Hudson in the building and painting
business, which he prosecuted for one year ; and in 1858 he commenced
work on Mare Island, where he has been engaged most of the time since.
In 1864 Mr. Gorham purchased the property, known as the Eureka
Hall, which he owned till 1878.

$ K //u*M*^

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 353

He married in October, 1848, Miss Elizabeth Ide, by whom he has,
Henry, born in August, 1849 ; George, born in August, 1851 ; Abraham
James, born September, 1853 ; Thomas Robert, born March, 1856 ; and
Franklin Walter, born Marcb.,1865.

HANKS, J. G., a detective of Vallejo, was born in Summit county, Ohio,
on August 6, 1829, where he resided until 1849, when he sailed from New
York on May 13th for Calfornia on board the ship " Far West." Off the
coast of Barbados they were wrecked, and, being picked up by a whaling
vessel, were taken to Panama. On the voyage up the Pacific coast our
subject once more suffered shipwreck in the loss of the "Chimera," at
Monterey. He per force landed and found his way thence to San Fran-
cisco on foot. Mr. Hanks arrived in Solano county on March 11, 1850,
coming first to Vallejo, and after, going to Benicia, and there opening a
blacksmith's shop. Leaving this business, however, he next proceeded to
the mines in El Dorado county, but in 1855 once more returned to Val-
lejo only for two months, when he again went to the mines and there
stayed until 1860. We next find Hanks mining in Nevada. Here he
became a member of the police force of Virginia City. After five years
service he established an express line at Crystal Peak, Cisco, which he
maintained till 1869, when, in connection with his father, he commenced
an hotel business at Truckee, being also Deputy Sheriff of the county,
under C. Gentry. Has been instrumental in several of the noted captures
of both this and the State of Nevada, and to-day enjoys the confidence of
the officials and his friends. In 1871 he established a brickyard in Val-
lejo, many of the buildings of the city being manufactured from material
off his premises.

HARRIER, DANIEL W., Groceries. Born in Maryland, in 1834, but re-
moved to Bedford county, Penn., with his parents when still very young.
In March, 1852, he emigrated to Jefferson county, Iowa, leaving it in
1854, for California ; he first settled in Sierra county in August of that
year, and at once commenced mining operations. In 1861 he removed to
Nevada City, Nevada county, and started a livery stable, at the same
time running the stage and express line from that point through Lake
City, North Bloomfield, Wolsey, Moore's Flat, and Eureka South, a dist-
ance of thirty miles. In March, 1866, the subject of our memoir came to
Vallejo, and taking charge of the Metropolitan Hotel (now the Sherman
House) ; he remained its occupant for eighteen months. Seceding from
the hotel, Mr. Harrier engaged in the occupation of stock buying, purchas-
ing, also, in connection therewith, the butchering business, of John Burch-
am. This transaction was effected on August 5th, 1868, and the above
undertaking was carried on by him until the month of December, 1875.
23

354 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

On the 27th of January, 1879, he purchased the business of J. E. Willis-
ton, in the premises now occupied by his grocery store. D. W. Harrier is
one of the leading men in the city. He was among those who started
the Vallejo Bank, and was its President from 1876 to 1878. In 1873
he was elected City Trustee, which office he held for two years ; served
on the Board of Supervisors in 1876 ; and was enrolled a School Trustee
in the fall of 1877. Mr. H. married March 5, 1865, Mrs. Sarah M. Walker,
the daughter of John Lee of this city. Their children are, Lizzie R.,
Lewis G., Victor V., Jessie V., Daniel W., Maud, and Austin.

HARVEY, HONORABLE JOEL AINSWORTH.— The subject of this me-
moir was born on June 24, 1838, at Herkimer, in the county of that name,
State of New York. His early days were passed on the slopes of the
Hassancleaver Hills, and at the Fairfield Academy, New York, where he
was grounded in that education which has, in after life, so well fitted him
for the prominent positions which he has since maintained, with credit to
all. In 1857 he left the Eastern States, and located in Elgin, Ills., which,
after a residence of about two years, he left for California, in the spring
of 1859, taking the route across the Plains, and arriving in the Golden
State in the fall of that year, at Placerville. At the time the great
Washoe excitements of 1860 were the talk of every one and stirred all
into a phase of excitability, recalling the halcyon days of the earlier dis-
coveries, he with the rest penetrated into Nevada, but not having a like
fortune with others, he drifted back with the unlucky, and finally halted
at Genoa, in Carson Valley, then the capital of Western Utah.
. When the Territory of Nevada was first organized, Mr. H. was ap-
pointed Clerk of Douglas county, of which Genoa was the county seat,
and retained the position, from term to term, until the first month of the
year 1867. While retaining this responsible office, he studied law with
such success that he was admitted to its practice, and during the follow-
ing year removed therefrom, and resided successively at San Francisco,
Reno and Wadsworth, being employed at the latter place as agent for
Wells, Fargo & Co., whence, in 1869, he was transferred to their Vallejo
office. In 1871 Mr. Harvey organized the Vallejo and San Francisco Ex-
press, the affairs of which he managed until 1874, when he was elected
to the County Clerkship of Solano county, which distinguished position
he held for two terms, and was then nominated by the Republican party
for County Judge, but was defeated by the present holder, Judge John
M. Gregory, Jr. In March, 1878, he resumed his practice at Vallejo,
where he now resides. The honorable career of Mr. Harvey has thus far
culminated in his being sent to the Convention, in June, 1878, as county
delegate, he having received the largest majority of any delegate on the
Republican ticket. He married August 13, 1863, Alameda L. Hub-

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 355

bard, at Carson City, IS evada, by whom he has one son and five daughters,
viz : Joel H. ; Amanda L. ; Mary A. ; Inez A. ; Blanche L., and Maude F.

HILBORN, THE HONORABLE S. G.— The subject of this sketch is a na-
tive of Winot, Androscoggin county, Maine, having been born there on
December 9, 1834. In early lire he and his brother, E. P. Hilborn, were left
orphans, when the labor of working the home-farm devolved upon these
two youths. In the meantime, E. P. Hilborn emigrated to California, in
the midst of their agricultural pursuits, leaving his brother to attend to
the farming business, and his education ; which, as the following record
shows, was crowned with success for both, E. P. Hilborn being now a
prominent grain merchant of Suisun. Mr. Hilborn received the elements of
that education which has brought him into such prominence in California,
first at Bethel Hill, Oxford county, Maine, and afterwards at Tuft's Col-
lege, where he graduated in 1859 ; afterwards becoming principal in Oak
Grove Academy, Falmouth, Maine, where he remained a year, at the end
of which he entered the law office of the Hon. William Pitt Fessenden, at
Portland, Maine, being admitted to the bar in 1861. In this year he emi-
grated to California, arriving at San Francisco, via Panama, in the month
of August of the same year. Having passed a few months in the office
of Whitman & Wells, a legal firm of Suisun, he removed to Vallejo, and
there established himself in the practice which he now enjoys. The Hon,
S. G. Hilborn is a man of mark in his county, as his public record will
show, while privately he is known to be worthy of the highest esteem
and respect. Since his arrival in Vallejo he has held, in order, the follow-
ing places of trust and honor : City Attorney, in the year when it was
incorporated ; a City Trustee for two terms ; Supervisor and Senator ;
while his last work of distinction has been in connection with the Consti-
tutional Convention, to which he was a delegate. Mr. H. has also prac-
ticed his profession with marked ability, and has been retained in a large
number of the leading and most intricate cases that have had their inci-
pience in the county. He is President of the Vallejo Land Improvement
Company, as well as a participator in other schemes of a public and pri-
vate nature. He married Lou E., second daughter of Caleb and Louisa
Root, a native of Madison county, N. Y., in 1863, and has one child,
Grace A.

HOBBS, ISAAC, (deceased,) born in Sanford, Summerworth county, State
of Maine, 27th November, 1821. In the yeai 1839 he left his birthplace
and went to South Boston, but remained there only a short time. From
there he proceeded to Great Falls, New Hampshire, where he worked at
his trade, that of millwright, remaining there till 1844, when he went to
to Glowchester, New Jersey, being employed in his own trade till the

856 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

spring of 1847, when he went to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and set in opera-
tion the machinery of several cotton mills in that place. In March, 1849,
he started across the plains to California. ' On reaching Gila river, he, in
company with three others, manufactured a " dug-out," and proceeded
down the Pino river, calculating that the jouney would only occupy three
daysman d laid in provisions accordingly, but they were twenty- one days
on the trip, and on getting to their destination, found the rest of the
the party had preceded them by eight days. Continued the journey to
San Francisco, where they arrived in October, 1849. Mr. Hobbs, asso-
ciated with some others, organized a company, and, going to Bodega
erected a saw-mill, but at the time, lumber could be secured in San Fran-
cisco for the simple" freight ; the mill was therefore not put in operation.
He again returned to San Francisco andembarked in thebusiness of a house-
carpenter, at"" sixteen dollars a day, wages. This was in the summer of
1850 ; in the fall of that year he visited the southern mines and engaged
in prospecting until the spring of 1852, at which time he began farming
on the Feather river, but, contracting fever and ague, in the fall of the
year he was obliged to abandon agriculture and return to San Francisco.
In April, 1853, he returned to the Atlantic coast and his native home, and
on May 31 of the same year married, at McConnellville, Ohio, Miss Sarah
A. Maxwell, at the residence of her sister, Mrs. C. L. Barker; she was
born in Chester county, Pa., October 18, 1826. With his bride he returned
to California via Panama, arriving in San Francisco November 5, 1853,
when he once more commenced business as a house-builder, which he
continued till 1855, when, with his family, he came to Vallejo and en-
gaged as millwright, on Mare Island. In the fall of 1859 he moved to Eel
river, Humboldt county, and began farming, and remained there till the sum-
mer of 1861, when they returned to Solano county and located 160 acres of
land, in section 34, township 4, range 3, on the Suscol ranch, but on March 3,
1863, a bill was passed by Congress giving the land back to its original
owner, (who claimed it under the Spanish grant,) when they were removed
by the Sheriff of the county. Mr. H. then returned to Vallejo, in 1865,
and was elected Sheriff in 1869 for a term of two years. Once more Mr.
Hobbs visited (in 1876) the scenes of his youth, as well as the Centennial
Exhibition, returning to Vallejo, but never again engaged .in active busi-
ness up to the time of his death, which occurred on February 12, 1878.
He was a Mason of old and high standing, as also a member of the Val-
lejo Pioneer Association. Their children are: Mary B., born at Vallejo
April 17, 1857 ; Ida S., born April 7, 1859 ; Eunice Esther, born at Eel
river, Humboldt county, February 26, 1861 ; Charles B., born in Sulphur
Spring valley, Solano county, August 22, 1863 ; Heila Grace, born in Val-
lejo, November 21, 1865, and Maxwell, born May 17, 1872. There are
two infants deceased : George, born August 17, 1855, and died July 27,
1864 ; Isacc, born December 21, 1865, and died September 27, 1869.

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 357

HUBBARD, JOHN E., retail dealer in domestic wines, cigars, etc., was
born in Santiago, Chile, South America, in 1842, and in 1848 came with
his parents to San Francisco, where his father opened the first brass
foundry and coppersmith shop on the coast. Remained in San Francisco
till 1852, when the family removed to Santa Clara county, the subject of
this sketch being sent to school there. In 1857 he accompanied his pa-
rents back to Chile, and with them returned to California after a stay of
two years in South America. In 1860 Mr. Hubbard proceeded to Santa
Clara, and there was engaged by the firm of Hobich & Bros., general
merchants, as clerk ; in 1862 he returned to San Francisco and entered
the office of the Provost Marshal, continuing there till 1864, when he
visited the Eastern States with his father and sister. At the end of four-
teen months he returned to California, and having resided for four months
at Benicia, he went to San Jose, where he was employed for the best part
of four years in the firms of T. W. Spring & Co., and N. Hayes. In 1869
he once more visited San Francisco, where he was appointed a Deputy
Sheriff. He visited Mexico and Oregon in 1870, and arrived in Vallejo
in the fall of that year, after which he proceeded to Napa, Humboldt bay,
the Sandwich Islands, and in 1871, returned to Vallejo, where he has
since permanently resided. He opened his present business in February,
1877. Is unmarried.

HUBBS, THE HONORABLE PAUL K., (deceased), one of that class of
Pioneers whose memory those who are left behind delight to honor, and
who labored to bring the State of California into the proud position of
being one of the foremost in the Union, was a descendant of another class
of Pioneers, his ancestors being of that band of Quaker families who
emigrated from England to America in Anno Domini 1650, and settled in
Rhode Island. He was born on March 27, 1800, near Woodstown, in
Salem county, New Jersey, and received his schooling in Philadelphia,
where he was well grounded in the necessary education of the period.
Early in life Mr. Hubbs essayed work on a farm, which in a sketch of his
life he describes thus : " My father again moving to the old homestead
and requiring all possible help, I had to leave the old frame school-
house, corner of Race and Juniper, and at eleven years old take charge
of a team and go through a course of agricultural studies ; more health-
ful I thought to the body than the mind. All the steam then that con-
tributed to the plowing was raised from the person of man and horse-
The reaping was done as in the time of Ruth. We shelled corn by hand
across an iron bar and done flail threshing on rainy days, nor was our
mowing accomplished by patent. Don't talk about good old times ;
those were weary days to the farmer — up before daylight to wade through
snow and sleet and slush and rain and ice to prepare and donate feed for

358 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

horses preparatory to a day's work, ending late in the evening. Yet the
toil and hardship of the day gave us good appetites and sweet sleep
preparatory to a renewal of the same lack of variety, save the change
from storm to sunshine and from sunshine to storm, and from intense
cold to man-melting heat. Thanks to Almighty God, the small com-
munities of those days were strictly honest, with rare exception. The
Bible and the newspaper were read with equal confidence in their truth."
Mr. Hubbs did not long pursue farming as an occupation, for he shortly
afterwards received a position in a wholesale dry goods store on No. 23
North Front street, Philadelphia, and while there it happened that Judge
Kinsay, after whom he had been named, had arrived in the city to pur-
sue his professional practice, and at once took young Hubbs in hand,
keeping him reading law or attending law courts during the evening.
About this time he entered into his first mercantile transaction on his
own account. He had been noticed by the mate of a vessel trading to
Porto Rico, who inquired how much capital he had at his disposal. The
reply was " nine dollars." With this sum his friend advised him to in-
vest in twelve barrels of apples, which he did ; his goods were taken by
the brig, and two months thereafter he found gazetted in the morning
paper of Imports " 20 bags coffee to Paul K. Hubbs." From his extreme
youth, then but 13 years, he had some difficulty in convincing the Cus-
toms authorities of his honesty ; eventually, however, his produce was
cleared, a position in the store was granted to him whereat he might dis-
pose of his consignment, which he soon did, realizing the sum of $140, to
him a fabulous outturn indeed. He was not carried away by this turn
of Fortuna's wheel, however, for with the proceeds of this venture he in-
vested still further, always attended with a reasonable profit. Mr. Hubbs
next visited New York for the first time, on certain legal business, which
place he reached by stage and steamer, the latter commanded by Cor-
nelius Vanderbilt, with whom he had a little passage of words, which
would appear to have made so deep an impression on the Captain that
the point urged by Hubbs was gained. At this period the British were
before Baltimore and Philadelphia was alarmed. Citizens were called
upon to throw up breastworks over the Schuylkill and other defensible
points in the construction of which he entered with the vigor of youth,
and shortly after, when on a collecting tour in Virginia, he saw the havoc
of war and the ruins of houses and homesteads occasioned by the hos-
tilities which then raged between the United States and the British. On
his return, through the failure of the firm in which he had served, Mr.
H. found himself out of employment, and after for a while suffering the
heartburnings and misery of seeking for work, answering advertisements
and seeing his little ready coin dwindling into insignificance, he was
taken into the counting-house of J. and M. Brown and M. D. Lewis, the

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 359

leading firm of Philadelphia, with whom he worked as book-keeper
and afterwards as cashier, and at the end of a lease of
faithful service he was established by the firm, whose business
had greatly increased, in a branch of the house situated on the
south side of Market street, under the name of Paul K. Hubbs, in
which he was admitted" a partner, which in 1826, at the time of a great
crisis, was dissolved by mutual consent, and the assets divided. As a
proof of the marvelous uprightness and proper feeling of Mr. Hubbs, the
following anecdote is taken from his note book : " Nicholas Biddle, then
the great financial spirit of the United States, remarked one day to a
coterie at the Exchange, as I passed, 'There goes the sharpest man of
Market street!' I heard it, and it pained me. I sought almost imme-
diately an interview and remarked, 'Mr. Biddle, you have ruined me; I
heard your remark as I passed; we are all of us afraid of sharp men.
Say that I am industrious and know my business, but don't, I pray you,
ever call me sharp.' ' Well, Hubbs,' said he, 'this only convinces me that
I was right, but I am enlightened by the truism of your suggestion! ' " In
his manhood, though attending with strict devotion to the cares of his
business, the subject of this sketch found time to take a part in the
philantrophies of the time, which were then being largely cared for by
Mathew Carey, a name which will remain engraven on the early history
of Philadelphia as an advocate of American manufactures and home in-
dustry generally. In 1827, Mr. H. erected the first calico print works in
Pennsylvania at "The Lagrange," on the Pennepack near Bustleton, now
the twenty-third ward of the city of Philadelphia, and in 1828 we find
him acting as Secretary for " The Society of Internal Improvement
of Pennsylvania," having associated with him Chief Justice Tilghman,
Peter S. Duponceon, John Sergeant, John J. Borie, Charles J. Ingersoll,
and five merchants who formed an active committee of ten. It was dif-
ficult to obtain a Legislature willing to take hold of so vast an enter-
prise. Mr. Hubbs thus describes a session where a startling innovation
was mooted ; " The committee was assembled at the ' Indian Queen,'
Fourth street, one evening. The sub-committee reported the situation
above named. John Sergeant, (candidate for Vice-President with Mr.
Clay afterward), Chairman of Committee, in his seat and I at his side as
Secretary. We were busy about details, when Mr. Ingersoll came in.
He at once commenced : ' Mr. Chairman, I have a matter that I deem to
be of great importance to the committee ; I think we can eclipse New
York. I am reliably informed that transportation can be successfully
made at cheap rates by running wagons prepared for the purpose over
parallel bars of iron. The experiment has been successfully tried at an
English colliery, reducing their expenses two-thirds, with mere play for
the horses. Let us apply.' Mr. Ingersoll!' ejaculated Mr. Sergeant from

360 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

the chair, ' we are just completing our well laid plans of success in mak-
ing a grand canal, and I hope you will not come here with your flights of
fancy.' ' Well,' says Mr. Ingersoll, 'dig your ditch, but I shouldn't be
surprised to see it some day covered by parallel bars of iron.' This was
the first I ever heard of railroads, and I took occasion to remark that
' such a thing might do in England, but our Pennsylvania frosts would
forbid it here.' We went on, and after wonderful log rolling obtained a
law and a canal and a final debt of $42,000,000 to Pennsylvania." In
1830 he visited Europe, staying at many of the most picturesque spots in
Great Britain, and happened to be in London at the time of the corona-
tion of King William IV., which is thus amusingly described by Mr.
Hubbs : " My banker was too late for Westminster Abbey, but obtained
me a stand in a parlor nearly opposite St. James' Palace, whence the
cavalcade would issue, and where the children of the Lord Mayor and
myself could see everything of the move. The Duchess of Kent would
not let little Vic, then some fourteen years old, go in the procession.
Earl somebody, one of Billy's naturals, fixed up the whole matter, and
Vic's place was not the right one, and she didn't ride then ; but she did
afterward, God bless her ! William looked very like old General Cadwal-
ader. The Queen had a square face and a princely Dutch nose indicative of
bad humor. They shouted, 'Long live King William the Fourth ! ' I
shouted, ' Hurrah for Billy Guelph ! ' I thought that was about the right
sort of American manner, and let it out." After his sojourn in England,
Mr. Hubbs crossed over to France with which he was much charmed, and
after visiting many places of mark he once more sailed to America in the
packet " Sally," commanded by Captain Pell, but as the voyage thither
was undertaken solely for the purpose of bringing his wife to share with
him the pleasures of sight-seeing, he once more sailed from American
shores. The port of destination this time was Marseilles, through the
Straits of Gibralter and up the Meditereanean, and again he landed
in la belle France ; and on April 4, his son Anthony was born in Lyons ;
and it was in this city that he received his first taste of Revolutionary
France, in the year 1834.
From this city, Mr. Hubbs made the tour of Europe. To follow him
on, which is impossible, for want of space ; and early in 1836 he took
ship for home from Havre ; but encountering a hurricane in the English
Channel, being saved from shipwreck on the rock-bound coast of Devon-
shire, as it were, by a miracle, he landed in New York without further
adventure, and proceeded thence to the home of his youth. The change
found in Philadelphia after so protracted an absence was very marked.
Men whom he had left struggling, he found in opulence ; while those who
were at the top of the ladder of commercial and financial fame had suc-
cumbed to make or mar no more. In 1837 Mr. Hubbs owned the Mil-

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 361

hausen Print Works, then located below the Navy Yard, in Philadelphia,
which were destroyed in September, 1839, by fire, through mismanage-
ment on the part of the fire company ; but with that rectitude of mind
which has always characterized his dealings, and that perseverance which
would stand no brooking, he paid off every dollar lost by the fire, and
bought in a large portion of the Pennypack Mills. Hereafter he took
part in the politics of the State, which led him into much prominence,
and in 1841 was elected Colonel of the Third Regiment, Pennsylvania
militia, which had a share in the subduing of the fanaticism that culmi-
nated in the church riots. In the midst of the great excitement of the
retirement of Henry Clay, whom Col. Hubbs in his sketch, eulogizes in
glowing terms, he was offered by Mr. Tyler, the Consulate at Paris, and
subsequently by Mr. Polk, the like position at San Francisco, which he
declined, for what were to him good and sufficient reasons ; and was pres-
ent in Washington during the excitement of the declaration of war
against Mexico. Mr. Dalles was then enthusiastic to procure California
as well as Oregon, then comprising what is now all west of the Missouri
between 42 and 49 of latitude ; and it was when in the Capital that he
was first introduced to General Winfield Scott, the veteran and accom-
plished Chief of the American army.
A new era now opened itself for Col. Hubbs. California had become
the popular talk of the Eastern States ; he had read Emory's Notes on the
country south from Salt Lake to California, and Fremont's Rocky
Mountain and California campaign ; then came reports of gold, he, there-
fore, for his star had not latterly been in the ascendant as regards finan-
cial success, determined to emigrate, his first idea being to attempt the
overland journey, which he agreed to undertake in company with his
cousin, Ira Burdsall, Frank Tilford, a Mr. Wingate and Bryant, the
author of " What I saw in California." Falling sick, however, this
journey was given up by him, but, nothing daunted, he wound up his
affairs, resigned his posts of honor, responsibility and trust and, notwith-
standing inducements of a flattering order being held out, he finally sailed
for California on May 3, 1849, in the ship " Susan G. Owens," his wife
and children accompanying him. His description of the scene on the
wharf is full of pathos and teems with humane feeling, clothed in words
which, though in prose, vie in interest with the immortal lives of Childe
Harold's Farewell from the halls of his youth. The good ship, with its
precious freight of human beings, proceeded on its journey and, with the
exception of one or two disagreeables, incidental to a long sea voyage
touched at Rio de Janiero and Valparaiso and arrived in San Francisco at
noon, on October 12, 1849. The first impressions of Californian life are
graphically described by his son, for Col. Hubbs did not live to finish the
sketch of his life with his own pen. In December, 1849, we find the

362 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

Colonel, along with his eldest son, en route to the San Jaoquin valley,
finally reaching Stockton one week after leaving San Francisco. The
description of the city of Stockton, as it then was, is worthy of being-
quoted : " The inhabitants were employed : some in gambling, others in
prayer, and every diversity of occupation. Some of those who were the
strongest advocates of temperance, when in the Eastern States, might
here be seen dealing out liquor with greater vigor than all the others of
the same profession. Shoemakers by trade would here be lawyers by
occupation. The mud was knee-deep, and most of the inhabitants ap-
peared as though they liked it too well to brush it off, and to wash their
faces or comb the hair, that they considered was a once-a-month job." In
this canvass cosmopolitan city, the Hubbs', father and son, purchased a
camping outfit of frying-pan, bean-kettle, coffee-pot, cups and plates of tin,
butcher knife and other necessary impedimenta and started for the Stanis-
laus river, which they reached on the second day, crossing at Hyslop's
Ferry and camped at Texas Jack's ranch, where they were entertained by
" Big Mouth Bill," " Three-fingered Jack," and others of like kith. Here
he located 640 acres of land, three miles above Texas Jack's, opposite
Cotton's Ferry, and named it Camp Washington, the ford being called
Hubbs' Ford. These acres are now known as the rising town of Oakdale.
Here a house of six feet square, composed of rushes, closed in on the
eastern and southern sides, was erected ; and, though it did not keep out
the wild beasts, with which the country then abounded, it served the
necessary purpose of a shelter. These two carefully nurtured gentlemen
here commenced the veritable hardships of a pioneer's life, trees com-
menced to drop under their untiring axes, a vegetable garden was planted
and then he sent for his wife and children and went to Stockton to re-
ceive them, but the usually trim Colonel was scarcely recognizable in his
slouch hat, grown beard and carelessly tied neck -handkerchief . The warm
and affectionate heart still was there, however, and as proper arrange-
ments as could be made in those days were perfected, and the family pro-
ceeded to their home on the Stanislaus, Mrs. Hubbs being the first white
lady to cross its waters, where they were received with much joy by their
eldest boy. So great a novelty was the appearance of a lady on the
Stanislaus, that the news of her arrival spread like wild-fire, and she was
visited by hundreds of rough looking miners who, notwithstanding their
uncouth exterior, held soft and warm hearts within, and would feel quite
homesick in the presence of the fair gentlewoman. While he lived in
Tuolumne county, which then swarmed with horse thieves, assassins and
outlaws, their house was often the haven where the outraged traveler
sought protection, which was always obtained, while in the sketch from
which this memoir is condensed, we gather that that desperado, Joaquin
Murietta, was, under an assumed name, a constant visitor at his house ;

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. S63

judge of the surprise on recognizing the head of the outlaw as the same
individual who had so often petted his children and partaken of his
hospitality.
In 1850, Colonel Hubbs entered public life in California, as Alcalde, or
Justice of the Peace, for Tuolumne ; and, in the following year, he was
elected to the Senate, by the Democratic party from Tuolumne county,
and, in December, 1851, he with his family arrived at Vallejo, then the
State Capital, ready to enter upon his Senatorial duties. Col. Hubbs fol-
lowed the fortunes of the Legislature on its cruises in search of a perma-
nent location ; he fought hard against every bill which favored the removal
of the capital, as he considered it an unnecessary expense to the State.
To him is the credit due of introducing the Bill entitled " Providing
Revenue for the support of the Government of this State," one of the
most popular bills of the time, although it had some enemies. He was also in
connection with the Honorable Frank Soule, the framer of the bill which
was enacted and which formed the basis of the existing laws enCOUrag-
ing the system of education for the young at general expense, which is
so great a, pride to the State. Col. Hubbs was President, pro tern., of the
Senate, and, while occupying the Chair of that body, performed an act
for which, to this day, the citizens of San Francisco feel grateful, for
having saved much to her, as also it did to the State, when the first of
the bulkhead scheme's bill came up on its final passage. His was the
casting vote which was given in favor of the city of San Francisco and
against the project of throwing the whole water front of that city into
the hands of speculators. Colonel Hubbs was one of the most industri-
ous of Senators, he worked earnestly in the cause of education, for which
he was afterwards rewarded by being placed at the head of the Educa-
tional Department, State Superintendent of Public Instruction ; but it is
not only in this sphere alone in which he shone, the Acts he laid before
the House are too numerous to mention in this place, suffice it to say that
they were all devised for the benefit of the State. He had at heart the
design to enact just and wholesome legislation, that served alike for the
best interest of the agriculturist as well as the miner ; while he had the
forethought to make the foundation for the preparatory necessities of the
large influx of population which afterwards found its way to the shores
of California. During his tenure of office as State Superintendent of
Public Instruction, the number of schools in the State, in three years, in-
creased from twenty to three hundred and sixteen, while the advance in
attendance was from three thousand three hundred and fourteen to
twenty-six thousand one hundred and sixty. Many of his friends desired
to renominate him for a second term, while others wished that he should
become a candidate for the United States Senate, both of which he de-
clined, favoring an intimate friend, Andrew J. Moulder, to be his successor.

364 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

At the death of his wife, which took place on September 30, 1856, Colonel
Hubbs retired from public life and, having visited Puget Sound, he set-
tled at Port Townsend, Washington Territory, following his profession of
attorney and counsellor at law ; he succeeded in building up a large prac-
tice and was known throughout the Territory as one of its most eminent
lawyers and statesmen. In 1860, he was elected to the Territorial
Council, representing the counties of Jefferson, Claim Island and What-
com. In the following year he was chosen President of the Council and,
in 1866, he was prominently spoken of as a probable candidate for
Congress ; business, however, called him to California, and he ultimately
located at Vallejo. While a resident of this city, he was one of its mov-
ing spirits, he occupied many positions of trust ; to him is due, in a great
measure, the establishment of an Episcopal Church in Vallejo. On Tues-
day, November 17, 1874, at noon, he was, to all appearances, well, shortly
after he was taken ill, and at five minutes to two, in the afternoon of that
day, he died, honored by all ; respected by all ; loved by all, and without
an enemy.
Colonel Hubbs married Miss Eliza Hedelius, in 1830, daughter of Capt.
Hedelius, who fought with Paul Jones on the Bon Homme Richard, to
join whom he ran away from an English University. They leave Paul
Kinsey, born near Nashville, Tennessee, on September 20, 1832. He is
now a resident of Washington Territory. Anthony was born in Lyons,
April 4, 1832 ; is now book-keeper in the State Controller's office at Sac-
ramento ; Virginia, born in 1841 ; Charles Henry, born September 17',
1843, now of Vallejo. In 1857 Col. Hubbs married secondly Margaret
Gilchrist, at Benicia, by whom he had Bayard Ingersoll, born Octobe'r 19,
1858, and Helen May, born May, 1862.

HUBBS, CHARLES H., third son of the Hon. Paul K. Hubbs, was born in
Pennypack, now a portion of the City of Philadelphia, on September 17,
1843, and accompanied his parents, in the ship " Susan G. Owens," leav-
ing Philadelphia May 3d, and 1 arriving in San Francisco October 12, 1849-
He first attended Doctor Vermehr's school, then the only one in that city.
During the legislative sessions of 1852 and 1853 was Page of the Assem-
bly, being Chief Page in the latter year, with Virgil C. Bartlett and Wil-
liam Fosbender as assistants. During these sessions he received ten dol-
lars a day as compensation, and out of the salary saved, a sum of twenty-
five hundred dollars, which was invested for him by his father, the inter-
est paying for his schooling and other necessaries. Was educated at the
Collegiate Institution, Public School, and High School of Benicia, and in
1857 entered the telegraph service as messenger in the Benicia office. During
the fall of the year he came to Vallejo, for the purpose of instructing W.
W. Chapman in the art of telegraphy, and in April, 1858, when the

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 365

Northern Telegraph was being constructed from Marysville to Yreka, by
Messrs. Strong and Hubbard, he accepted a position on that line, being
the first operator at Tehama, where he taught Charles Harvey. While
there was promoted to be Chief Operator on the line. From thence he
proceeded to Horsetown, where he was preceptor in telegraphy to Judge
James N. Eby, and after Frank W. Blake at Weaverville, Trinity county,
whence he returned home, having resigned his position. He next went
to Shaw's Flat and there received propositions to proceed to Napa to
open the office of the line which was being extended from Vallejo to that
city. This he, however, only held for a few weeks, when he was called
by his father to accompany him to Washington Territory. In 1865, when
James Gamble, the General Superintendent, was extending telegraphic
communication from California through Oregon and Washington Terri-
tory, to meet the Collins' line, which was proposed should cross at Behr-
ings Straits to Asia, Mr. Hubbs again entered the telegraph service, and
was appointed agent at the Swinomish station, which was the office where
all the business between the offices north of that station had to be repeated.
In 1868 he was transferred to Fort Vancouver, and here purchased a book-
store, which business he followed, in conjunction with that of telegraphy
and photography. In 1869 he sold out his book-store and proceeded to
Stockton, Sacramento, and Marysville, in the employ of the Western
Union Telegraph Co., when, in October, 1870, he was installed as Manager
of the Vallejo office.

In 1875 Mr. Hubbs was appointed a Notary Public by His Excellency
Governor Irwin, and reappointed in 1877. In the following year he was
selected by Governor Robinson Commissioner of Deeds for New York.

In 1876 he was elected a member of the Board of Education for Val-
lejo Township, and took strong grounds against excessive taxation and in
favor of promoting the advancement of the educational interests of Val-
lejo, which was appreciated by his constituents, who re-elected him, giv-
ing him the largest vote of any candidate who had opposition for office.

HUNTER, JAMES — Is a native of Ireland, but of Scotch parentage, who
had moved to the place of his nativity a few years previous to his birth, on
March 27, 1827. In 1840 his parents emigrated to America, settling near
Cedar Rapids, Linn county, Iowa ; where James was educated in the com-
mon schools. On May 1, 1849, Mr. Hunter and his brother left Iowa City,
Iowa, crossed the Plains, arrived at Lawson's rancho on the 23d of Octo-
ber following. During that winter he prospected for gold at Bidwell's
Bar, and meeting with fair success, but left the place the following spring,
going to Feather River, where his mining operations were more remune-
rative. In 1851 he located on the southeast branch of Feather River, but
in the fall of that year moved to Shasta county, Cal., and was the pro-

366 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

prietor of a feed and sale stable. From here he came to Vallejo township,
settling on his present farm in the Suscol hills. Here he owns 844 acres
of fertile valley land, and in Mendocino county 3,500 acres, as well as a
saw-mill and store.

From the foregoing it will be seen that the subject of this sketch is
connected, by direct descent, with the best Scottish blood, and came hon-
estly by the virtues which have characterized and advanced his private
life. He was never actively engaged in politics, but during his long resi-
dence and business career in this county, is regarded as an excellent citi-
zen, a quiet, energetic business man, enjoying the marked respect and
esteem of his neighbors and friends.

Married, by the Rev. Pierpoint, Presbyterian minister, at Petaluma,
Sonoma county, Cal., Miss Celia, daughter of Samuel C. Stewart, on Oct.
25, 1858. James William, born Aug. 5, 1859, Flora J. born Aug. 16, 1861,
Sarah A. born April 20, 1863, Harry S. born Feb. 4, 1873, Alena Maud
born Sept. 12, 1875, are their living children. Maggie Bell, born Oct. 12,
1865, died April 1, 1877; Frank Guss, born Jan. 27, 1868, died March 22,
1877 ; John Calvin, born Sept. 19, 1870, died March 23, 1877. These
children died of small pox.

JEFFERIS, P. E.— Born in Chester county, Pa., in the year 1828, where
he remained till 1846, having learned the trade of carpenter at Union, in
that county. He then removed to Wilmington, Delaware, and having
resided there for eighteen months went to Philadelphia and engaged in

the dry goods business until 1851, when he came to California, arriving in
San Francisco on February 8, 1852. In that year he went to Nevada
county, and for eighteen months prosecuted mining, at the end of which
he returned to Philadelphia and embarked in the furniture business, con-
tinuing it up to the spring of 1854, when he once more sailed for Califor-
nia. On his arrival he proceeded to Sierra county, leaving it in the fol-
lowing summer for Nevada county, where he commenced the livery busi-
ness, which he prosecuted for about fourteen years. On February 8, 1869,
he visited Vallejo, but it was not till May, 1870, that he permanently
settled in that city, when he obtained employment on Mare Island Navy
Yard, at which he was engaged till 1874, when he received the appoint-
ment of Foreman House-Joiner, in the Department of Yards and Docks,
a position which he still holds. Mr. Jefferis married in Philadelphia, on
September 26, 1854, Sarah, daughter of John Hinecle, of that city, by
whom he has Ida Florence ; Lizzie H. ; Mary L. ; and Enos P.

JONES, REV. EDWARD INSKIP, was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, December
3, 1844,and came to San Francisco in May, 1850, where he attended the Pub-
lic Schools, continuously, till May, 1856. He accompanied his parents to

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 367

San Jose, in 1862, whither they had gone to farm. Mr. Jones attended
the " University of the Pacific." at Santa Clara, and taught school over
two years, at intervals, between 1862 and 1867. Had ministry in view,
and made preparations, while at college and during his teachings, but
began the study of law in May, 1867, at San Francisco. Was admitted
to the Supreme Court of California in April, 1870, and practiced in that
city till September, 1871, at which time he joined the California Confer-
ence of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Was appointed to Ferndale,
September, 1871 ; to Eureka, September, 1873, and to Vallejo, Septem-
ber, 1876. Mr. Jones married October 8, 1876, Theresa I., daughter of
A. F. Broderick, of Eureka, Humboldt county, who was born in Colches-
ter, Nova Scotia, on March 1, 1861, by whom he has one child, Broderick,
born February 14, 1878.

KENNEDY, JOHN E., general merchandise, insurance agent and notary
public, was born in the count} 1 - of Kerry, in Ireland, in 1833. In 1849 he
emigrated to America, settling in Boston, Massachusetts. In 1854 he
arrived in California, and in 1856 proceeded to Mare Island. Two
years later he returned to Boston on a visit, but came back the same year.
In 1867 his present business was first established, and he was enrolled a
notary public in 1876. Mr. Kennedy was the first assessor after Vallejo
received its charter; while he is agent for the Imperial of London, London
of London, Northern of Liverpool, and Queen of Liverpool fire insurance
companies, with aggregate cash assets of $38,000,000. In 1863 he married
Catherine, daughter of John Deermy, of County Tyrone, Ireland, who
was born in 1843, by whom he has no issue.

KITTO, SAMUEL, is a native of Cornwall, England, having been born
there on April 19, 1830. In 1851 he came to San Francisco, in the ship
"Fairlie," of London. On his arrival he at once proceeded to Rich Bar, on
the North .Fork of Feather River, and began mining, remaining there till
1858, when he paid a visit to Old England, being absent for eight months.
He returned to his mining interests in 1859; after which he came to
Vallejo, where he has since resided. Mr. Kitto has been a trustee of the
M. E. Church since 1869; is also a prominent mover in the Temperance
cause, in which he has always taken a deep interest. In 1873 he was
elected one of the trustees of the Good Templars' Home for Orphans, a
position which he still holds. He married in Vallejo, May 9, 1861, Miss
Margaret Carter, a native of Ireland, by whom he has Margaret Loftee,
born April 5, 1862; Edward August, born May 29, 1864; Harriet Eliza-
beth, born November 27,1865; Samuel Henry, born October 10,1868;
and Lilian May, born April 30, 1873.

368 THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY.

KLINK, REV. NATHANIEL B., pastor First Presbyterian Church, Vallejo,
was born in the townhsip of New Scotland, county of Albany, State
of New York, on February 5, 1823. His early education was ob-
tained in the public schools. He spent three years in the Albany Acade-
my, when Dr. T. Romeyn Beck was principal, and entered Union College
in 1845, and graduated July 26, 1847. In the Fall of 1848 he entered
the Theological Seminary of Princeton, and graduated from that institu-
tion in May, 1851. From this latter seminary he went directly to Oneida
Valley, where he passed one year in missionary labor. Thence he moved
to West Galway, Saratoga County, where he remained until June, 1853,
when he was called to the Presbyterian Church of Balston Spa, where he
was ordained and installed as pastor. Resigned this charge in 1855, and
was then called to the Presbyterian Church in Fairmount, Huntendon
County, New Jersey, remaining there until December, 1859, when he re-
signed this charge and came to California. He arrived in San Francisco
with his family on December 26, 1859, but, remaining there only a few
days, at once proceeded to Vallejo, where he has since resided, with the
exception of one year and three months, when he was acting-pastor of the
Presbyterian Church of Sacramento. Mr. Klink married, in 1853, Eliza-
beth, daughter of Timothy Seymour, a deacon in the North Dutch Church,
Albany, New York, by whom he has a family.

KLOPPENBURG, DANIEL WILLIAM, was born in Hanover, Germany,
November 16, 1822, where he remained till 1840, when he came to
America, first settling in New York City. Here he remained till August,
1846, and then joined Colonel Stevenson's regiment, which was bound for
California, but was persuaded by his brother not to proceed with it. On
August 2, 1846, he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, and in partnership with his
brother opened a saloon in that city, which he continued till April 2,
1849, when he sailed for California, in the steamer "Lewis," of Cincinnati,
for -St. Louis, Missouri, and thence went to St. Joseph, Missouri, in com-
pany with three men who were to be his companions across the plains.
On arriving at St. Joseph, however, the party broke up and their impedi-
mento sold at auction. Mr. K. reserved to himself one mule, and, having
purchased a horse, using the mule as a pack animal, started on horseback
to cross the plains to California alone. After three days' travel he over-
took a party of Bostonians, and kept in their company until he reached
Fort Laramie. Here the whole cavalcade converted their train into one
for pack animals, setting fire to the wagons, with such articles as could
not be conveniently taken with them, and again started on their journey,
he traveling with them till they made Smith's trading post on Bear
River, where, seceding from the party, he proceeded alone to Green River,
Indian Territory. While pursuing his solitary ride he was taken seriously

THE HISTORY OF SOLANO COUNTY. 869

ill, and for three days lay in the sage-brush. Fortunately he soon re-
covered, and finding his animals had not strayed from his vicinity, he
once more was on the move, and when nearing the fifty mile desert
at the Sink of the Humboldt River he fell in, by chance, with a single
traveler from St. Louis. With him he crossed the weary waste, the two
keeping company till they reached the Golden State.

Mr. Kloppenburg first began mining at Wever Creek, near Hangtown
(now Placerville), where he continued for a short time, and then went to
Sacramento, and there remained till the Spring of 1850, when he moved
to Marysville; from thence to Rough and Ready mines, in Nevada County,
and here engaged in mining with good success till 1851, when he returned
to Marysville and entered into partnership with a Mr . Kennedy, in the
bakery business. In the Fall of 1851 he went to Greenwood Valley, El
Dorado County, and pursued mining operations till the Spring of 1852,
when, in company with others, he took up a claim at Spanish Bar, on the
American River, where he worked till driven away by the rainy season.
He again commenced the bakery business at Spanish Bar Bridge, which
he continued till early in 1853, at which time he went to Michigan Bluffs,
in Placer County, and established a like connection at that place, continu-
ing it till 1856, when he left for San Francisco. In the Summer of 1857
Mr. K. proceeded to Sacramento, where, on August 3, 1857, he married
Margaret A. Harrison. He then returned to Michigan Bluffs, bought back
his former business, and in connection with it opened a hotel, which he
carried on till 1867, during which time his establishments were twice
burned. In this year the subject of this sketch returned to San Fran-
cisco and started a grocery, which he managed till 1868, when he removed
to South Vallejo, and engaged principally in the draying business. Mr.
Kloppenburg is a member of the Vallejo Pioneer Association, and of the
Naval Lodge of F. and A. M., No. 83. His children are Annie, Otto and
William, and two deceased — Eddie and Etta.

LAMONT, JAMES A., born in Cuyahoga county, Ohio, in 1842, July 9th,
where he resided for the first six years of his life, after which he was
taken by his parents to Little Rock, Arkansas, and remained there
two years, thence moved to Nashville, Tennessee, and afterward to Boone
county, Kentucky, where he resided for five years. Came to this county
with his parents in 1854, where he engaged in farming for several years.
In 1865 Mr. Lamont graduated at the Benicia College and Law School,
and was admitted to the bar, practiced in Napa