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INGERSOLL'S
CENTURY ANNALS
o
OF
San Bernardino County
1769 to 1904
PREFACED WITH
A Brief History of the State of California
SUPPLEMENTED WITH
An Encyclopedia of Local Biography
Embellished with Views of Historic Subjects and Portraits of Many of its
Representative People.
(xo
0|.~j ^^qI l. a. ingersoll
' _ , , Los Angeles
StL.S'+A
1622156
PREFACE.
The publication of these Annals is the outgrowth of efforts made in
the year 1898, which contemplated a booklet to cover the history of San
Bernardino County in concise form, with other information, so arranged as
to serve the purpose of a guide book. The movement met with due encour-
agement and support ; but the officially expressed wish of the San Bernar-
dino Society of California Pioneers, seconded by many good citizens not
members of that organization, that the history of their "Imperial County"
might be preserved in some more permanent and fitting form, induced the
abandonment of the original plan and the adoption of the present one, which
by suggestion is largelv theirs.
In preparing this book the aim has been to give a concise history of the
state, a comprehensive history of the county through all the different stages
of its development and a biographical record of the men and the women who
have made this history. Throughout the work I have had the invaluable aid
of Rose L. Ellerbe, whose signal abilities, literary acumen and untiring de-
votion to editorial duties have materially contributed to the historical ex-
cellence of the publication.
The "Brief History of California" printed as an introduction to the
County History will, without doubt, be appreciated by the reading public.
It comes from the pen of a recognized authority upon the history of the
state. Professor J. M. Guinn, of Los Angeles.
The Hon. Horace C. Rolfe, has rendered a great service in writing his
recollections of the Bench and Bar of San Bernardino County. His long
and continuous residence, his intimate relations with his professional col-
leagues and his clear memory of past events have made him the fitting per-
son to do this work. From the inception of my book, Judge Rolfe has
been constantly referred to for historical facts and consulted upon points
of uncertainty and the unfailing courtesy and willingness of his responses
and the valuable information furnished, have placed me under the deepest
obligation to him.
The late Miss Eleanor Freeman collected the data and largely prepared
the history of Ontario before her untimely death, and much credit is due
to her memory for the careful labor which she expended on her work. The
history of Highlands was written by E. J. Yokam, one of the first perman-
ent settlers of that community, who has been in close touch with its develop-
ment. Mrs. E. P. R. Crafts, of Redlands, furnished much material of value
concerning the early history of San Bernardino and the East San Bernar-
dino Valley and of the early churches, particularly the Congregational
IV PREFACE
churches of San Bernardino and Redlands. The scholarly article upon the
Geology of the San Bernardino mountain ranges and San Bernardino Valley
by the Rev. George Robertson, of Mentone, elucidates a subject upon which
little has been written. The excellent story of Mill Creek zanja, written
by Professor Charles R. Paine, gives the reader new facts upon an interest-
ing subject of hitherto uncertain information.
A large number of manuscripts, interviews and reminiscences which
are of great value, since they furnish historical material which would other-
wise be entirely lost, have been supplied by the pioneer residents of the
county. The San Bernardino Society of California Pioneers has freely
opened its archives; Miguel Bustamante, of Agua Mansa; the late Marcus
Katz, and William McDonald, deceased ; Sheldon Stoddard and the late
Mrs. Stoddard; Mrs. Harriet Mayfield, W. F. Holcomb, F. T. Perris, John
Brown, Jr.. Sidney P. Waite, all of San Bernardino ; John Isaac, now of
Sacramento; Bishop Verdaguer, of Brownsville, Texas; Bethel Coopwood,
of Loredo, Texas ; Richard Gird, Los Angeles ; E. G. Judson, William M.
Tisdale, Frank E. Brown, Scipio Craig, Robert Hornbeck, Mrs. E. B. Sey-
mour, of Redlands ; Dr. James P. Booth and Justice L. V. Root, of Needles,
as well as many others, have furnished data and personal reminiscences
which have gone far toward making this work of value and interest.
One of the most valuable sources of information has been the files of
the newspapers. It is here we find the most authentic record of local his-
tory. The files of the following papers and magazines have been con-
sulted :
The Los Angeles Star, Los Angeles Library ; The San Bernardino
Guardian and Argus, furnished by John Brown, Jr. ; The San Bernardino
Times, from 1879 to 1888, supplied an invaluable fund of information, cov-
ering that period ; the files of the Redlands Citrograph, from the first pub-
lication in 1887 to the present, were placed at my disposal by the editor,
Scipio Craig, and have furnished not only local history, but much valuable
data on horticultural, agricultural and irrigation topics; the early numbers
of the Riverside Press and Horticulturist gave data regarding the begin-
nings of citrus culture and marketing; the early numbers of the Rural Cali-
fornian supplied much useful information.
"The Land of Sunshine" and Out West, Overland Monthly, Journal of
Electricity. Power and Gas; the Colton Chronicle, Redlands Daily Facts;
Chino Champion, San Bernardino Daily Sun, San Bernardino Times-Index;
Ontario Observer, and many other newspapers and pamphlets were re-
ferred to.
The following authorities have also been consulted :
History of California, H. H. Bancroft.
History of California, Theodore H. Hittell.
Publications of the Historical Society of Southern California.
On the Trail of a Spanish Pioneer, Elliott Coues.
Diary of Padre Juan Crespi, translation published in Los Angeles Times.
PREFACE V
Spanish Colonization in the Southwest, F. W. Blackmar.
Franciscans in California, Z. Engelhardt.
Life in California, Alfred Robinson.
In Pioneer Days, W. H. Davis.
Reminiscences of a Ranger, Horace C. Bell.
California in 1839, A. Forbes.
Old California Days, James Steele.
Special Reports on Mission Indians, B. D. Wilson; H. H. Jackson.
Annual Reports of Agents for Mission Indians.
Present Condition of Mission Indians in California, Helen Hunt Jackson.
History of San Bernardino Valley, Father Juan Caballeria.
Ethno-Botany of the Coahuillas, C. P. Barrows. .
Centennial History of Los Angeles, J. J. Warner.
San Bernardino County — Its Climate and Resources, W. D. Frazee, 1876.
History of San Bernardino County, 1883, Warren Wilson.
History of Southern California, Lewis Publishing Company.
History of Los Angeles County, Lewis Publishing Company.
History of Los Angeles County. J. M. Guinn.
History of Utah, H. H. Bancroft.
Conquest of New Mexico and California, Col. P. St. George Cooke.
History of Mormon Battalion, D. Tyler. (This book, which is ex-
ceedingly rare, was furnished through the courtesy of Dr. J. A. Munk, of
Los Angeles.)
The Story of the Death Valley Party, W. Manley.
Death Valley, John R. Speare.'
Reports of the State Board of Horticulture.
Reports of the State Board of Agriculture.
Orange Culture, Thomas A. Garey.
Culture of the Citrus in California, B. M. Le Long.
Irrigation in Southern California. Wm. Hamilton Hall.
Reservoirs for Irrigation, Domestic Supply and Power, J. R. Schuyler.
The Water Question in Redlands, William M. Tisdale.
The Biographical Supplement will doubtless prove not the least valu-
able feature of the book. It records so much of the personal experience of
those who have contributed to the material development of this county
and have borne an honorable part in the direction of its public affairs, that
it constitutes a fairly comprehensive encyclopedia of local biographical
reference. These sketches have not been printed for the purpose of gratifying
the desire of any person to appear conspicuously in print and no compensation
has been solicited, or received, for such publication. Neither have these
notices been limited to people who have patronized my enterprise. This
feature of the work has required a vast amount of labor. More than one
thousand personal interviews have been made; upwards of two thousand
personal letters have been written and posted — not to mention the rigid ex-
actions in the labor of editing the material furnished. The facts, in the
main, have been gleaned by personal talks with those represented, or with
relatives of those who have passed away. To insure accuracy the written
articles have been submitted to those from whom the information was ob-
VI PREFACE
tained. In some instances the sketches have not been returned corrected,
and in such cases errors may have been printed, for which I must disclaim
responsibility.
The histories of churches and fraternal societies are, in many cases, not
so complete as I desired, because the necessary data was not obtainable.
It would hAve been impossible to illustrate the volume so liberally but
for the public spirit of people who, in many instances, have shared with me
the burden of expense.
It is a matter of no little satisfaction that such a work, costing so much
effort and so large an expenditure of money is, however imperfect, a realized
fact. I am still further gratified with the thought of having rescued from
oblivion a historical story which, with the rapid passing of the true pioneers
and the destruction of other evidences indispensable to the writing of his-
tory, will soon be entirely out of the reach of human effort, and I trust that,
to some future historian this work will prove an inspiration, and serve as a
basis for the more perfect completion of his labors.
LUTHER A. INGERSOLL.
Los Angeles, California, October 19, 1904.
"No community can claim to be highly
enlightened which is content to remain
ignorant of its antecedents, or in other
words, ignorant of the prime causes that
have made it what it is." — H. D. Barrows.
CONTENTS
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
THE SPANISH ERA.
CHAPTER I.
DISCOVERY.
Sandoval's Mythical Island — Jiminez's Discovery — Cortez's Attempts
at Colonization — Origin of the Name California — Ulloa's Voyage — Cabrillo's
Discoveries — Francis Drake — Sebastian Viscaino.
CHAPTER II.
COLONIZATION.
Missions in Lower California — Explorations of Father Kino — Expulsion
of the Jesuits — Galvez fits out Four Expeditions for Alta California — Father
Junipero Serra — The Four Expeditions United — 'Founding of San Diego
Mission — Gov. Portola's Expedition to Monterey Bay — Discovery of San
Francisco Bay — Founding of San Carlos Mission — Founding of Other Mis-
sions— Description of Missionary Establishments.
CHAPTER III.
PRESIDIOS AND PUEBLOS.
Military Establishments — Anza Explores Colorado River Route — Agri-
cultural Colonies, or Pueblos — Founding of San Jose — Founding of Presidio
at San Francisco — Founding of Los Angeles — Restrictions on Commerce.
Struggle for Mexican Independence — Bouchard, the Privateer — Hard Times
in California.
THE MEXICAN ERA.
CHAPTER IV.
FROM MONARCHY TO REPUBLICANISM.
Transition — Empire — Republic — Royalist Friars — Russians — Other For-
eigners— Hide Droghers — The Beginning of Revolution.
CHAPTER V.
REVOLUTION AND SECULARIZATION.
Expulsion of Governor Manuel Victoria — Dual Governors — Governor
Figueroa — The Hijar Colony — Secularization of the Missions — The Pious
Fund of California — Slaughter of Cattle — Death of Figueroa — Chico — First
Vigilance Committee — Guitterez Deported.
CHAPTER VI.
THE FREE STATE OF ALTA CALIFORNIA.
The "Hijos del Pais" in Power — The Monterey Plan — California De-
clared a Free and Sovereign State — Los Angeles Rebels — War Between the
"Uppers" and the "Lowers" — Los Angeles Surrenders — Carlos Carrillo Ap-
pointed Governor — Los Angeles the Capital — Alvarado and Castro Invade
VIII CONTENTS
the South— Battle of San Buenaventura — Carrillo Flees to San Diego — Battle
of Las Flores — Carrillo Surrenders and is Sent Home to His Wife — Alvarado
Takes the Oath to Support the Constitution'of 1836 — The "Free State" ceases
to Exist — Alvarado Appointed Governor by the Supreme Government — The
Graham Affair — Commodore Jones Takes Possession of Monterey.
CHAPTER VII.
CLOSING YEARS OF THE MEXICAN ERA.
Micheltorena Governor — His Army of Convicts — Meets Commodore
Jones at Los Angeles — His Extravagant Demands — Angelenos Weary of the
Cholos — On to Monterey — Micheltoreno Establishes Schools — Rebellion
Against Micheltorena — Bloodless Battle of Cahuenga — Micheltorena Sur-
renders— Pio Pico Governor — Los Angeles the Capital — Castro's Rebellion.
Fremont's Arrival at Monterey — Castro's Threat — Fremont Marches North-
ward— Overtaken by Lieut. Gillespie — Returns — The Bear Flag Revolution.
Commodore Sloat Raises the Stars and Stripes in Monterey.
THE AMERICAN ERA.
CHAPTER VIII.
CONQUEST OF CALIFORNIA.
Commodore Sloat Departs — Commodore Stockton in Command- — Fre-
mont's Battalion Arrives at Monterey and is Sent to San Diego — Stockton's
Proclamation — Pico and Castro at Los Angeles — Stockton at San Pedro —
March Against Los Angeles — Fremont and Stockton Join Forces — Flight of
Pico and Castro — Captain Gillespie garrisons Los Angeles — Revolt of Cali-
fornians — Gillespie Evacuates Los Angeles — Captain Mervine Arrives at San
Pedro — March to Recapture Los Angeles — Battle of Dominguez Rancho —
Defeat of the Americans — Arrival of Stockton at San Pedro — Departs for
San Diego — Fremonts Battalion Comes Down the Coast — Defeat of Kearney
at San Pasqual — Stockton and Kearny March for Los Angeles — Battle of
Paso de Bartolo — Battle of La Mesa — Surrender of Los Angeles — Fremont
Reaches San Fernando — Treaty of Cahuenga — Fremont Governor — The
Mormon Battalion — Kearny Governor — Fremont Deposed — Mason in Com-
mand— Arrival of Stevenson's Regiment — Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo —
Large Immigration — The Donner Party.
CHAPTER IX.
TRANSITION FROM A CONQUERED TERRITORY TO A FREE
STATE.
Discovery of Gold — Rapid Growth — Military Government — Dissatisfac-
tion— Call for a Convention — Constitution Making — The Great Seal — Elec-
tion of State Officers — Opposition of Slave-holding Element to the Admission
of California — A Self-constituted State — Admission into the Union — Great
Rejoicing in San Francisco.
CHAPTER X.
VIGILANCE COMMITTEES. GROWTH AND PROSPERITY.
Vigilance Committee of 185 1 — Production of Gold — Vigilance Commit-
tee of 1856 — Filibustering — State Capitals — Civil War — Mining — Cattle In-
dustry— Railroad Building — Education.
CONTENTS
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
ANNALS.
INTRODUCTORY.
CHAPTER I.
SPANISH ERA.
Spanish Missionaries in New Spain 60 San Bernardino Mission Station 83
Early History of Indians 72 Later History of Indians 84
Tribes of San Bernardino County 75 Mexican Rule 84
Indians Under Mission Rule 76 Our Shame 84
Description of San Gabriel TJ Coahuilla Chiefs 87
Mission Settlements in San Bernardino Mojaves in Later Days 89
County 80 Coahuillas of Today 92
Politana 81 San Manuel Reservation 94
CHAPTER II.
MEXICAN ERA.
Jurupa Grant 95 Irving Affair no
Agua Mansa 97 El Cajon de Muscupiabe in
Cucamonga 101 Other Grants 113
Rancho Santa Ana del Chino 105 San Gorgonio Grant 114
Battle of Chino 107
San Bernardino Grant 108
Indian Troubles no Cattle on a Thousand Hills
Los Dias Alegres 114
CHAPTER III.
MORMON ERA.
History of Mormonism 125 First Fourth of July 144
The Mormon Battalion 126 Troubles Between Mormons and Gen-
San Bernardino Colony 130 tiles 144
Organization of Colony 131 Fort Benson 146
Fort of San Bernardino 133 The Recall 147
Settlement ■■■••■••■ • .- • ■ ■ ■ ■ • • ■ ■ ■ *35 Character of the Mormons 148
Segregation of San Bernardino C ountv. . 1A1 „ . T _
First Election 14' Captain Jefferson Hunt 149
The Town of San Bernardino 142 Death Valley Party 151
CHAPTER IV.
A BETWEEN PERIOD— 1858-1875.
General History 153 The Bee Business 161
Agriculture iSS Schools 162
The Town of San Bernardino.
~rade 157
Sawmills and Lumbering 158
Manufacturing 159 First Telegraphic Communication 164
Mining 161 Railroads 166
CHAPTER V.
PROGRESSION— 1875-1890.
General History 167 City of San Bernardino • 168
Agriculture and Horticulture 168 Expansion — the Boom 169
CONTENTS
CHAPTER VI.
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
Development of Resources
Public Buildings
Roads
County Divisions
The Forest Reserve
Agricultural Experimental Station.
The Development of Electrical Power. . . 190
Floods 192
Drouths 194
Earthquakes 194
Rainfall Tables 196
CHAPTER VII.
AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE.
Agriculture 197 Associations, Packing Houses 212
Statistics 200 Trade. Marks and Labels 214
Alfalfa 201 Transportation 215
Wineries, Canneries and Dried Fruits. .202 Present Situation 215
Citrus Culture — General History 203 rtr„ e.;„ „„j tt u;i,;»„ „Ti
Washington Navel Oranges. . . . 20s ? " • Exhibits 216
First Orange Trees in County 210 Statistics 218
Marketing of Oranges 211 Horticultural Commission 219
CHAPTER VIII.
IRRIGATION.
San Bernardino Valley 223 Bear Valley Reservoir and Bear Valley
The Water Supply 224 Company 231
Early Irrigation 224 Arrowhead Reservoir System 237
Mutual Water Companies 227 Artesian Basin and Wells 239
The Wright Irrigation District Law. . . .228 Water Litigation 242
CHAPTER IX.
TRANSPORTATION.
First Travelers 245 Santa Fe Shops 266
Staging^ and Freighting ... . .246 oil Burning 268
Railroad History 249
Southern Pacific 251
Rate War 269
Santa Fe System 257 Salt Lake Route 271
CHAPTER X.
MINING.
General Review 273 Borax 278
Bear and Holcomb Valleys 277 The Desert Districts 280
Lytle Creek District 277 The, Geology of the County 285
CHAPTER XI.
THE SCHOOLS.
Early History 293 Present Condition 296
H. C. Brooks 295 Statistics 297
CHAPTER XII.
THE BENCH AND BAR.
Early Legal Affairs 299 District Attorneys. Attorneys of Rec-
First County Judges 300 ord ' ,,7
I he Bar of San Bernardino County 302 —. T „ T •, r
Lis) Of County Judges. Superior Judges, ' lle Lau L,brary ^
CONTENTS XI
CHAPTER XIII.
THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC AND FIRST BATTALION.
California in the Civil War 321 First Battalion, Seventh California In-
Organization of the G A. R 323 fantry u. S. V 331
W. R. Cornman Post No. 57 325 r v 00
Woman's Relief Corps 327
Company K 337
A Heroine of the War 328 Company G 340
CHAPTER XIV.
CRIMES AND LAWLESSNNESS.
Ainsworth-Gentry Affair 343 Bear and Holcomb Valleys. . 345
Piercey-Showalter Duel 344 Crimes 345
CHAPTER XV.
REMINISCENCES AND BITS OF THE PAST.
Marcus Katz 348 .Assessment of Louis Rubidoux 365
Mrs. E. P. R. C. .raft 352 Report of Grand Jury, June 18, 1859 365
''Father Peter" 353 San Bernardino's Stock Company 366
Daniel Sexton 357 First and Last May Day Picnic 368
W. F. Holcomb 357 Some Bear Stories 369
Captain Joseph Garcia 361 Legends of Arrowhead 374
CHAPTER XVI.
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO— 1885-1904.
Chronological History 377 Postoffice 399
Banks 387 Schools 401
San Bernardino Valley Traction Com- Public Library 404
pany 391 Newspapers 406
Gas and Electric Company 393 Churches 409
Water Supply and System 394 Societies 416
Fire Department 395 Resorts 427
CHAPTER XVII.
REDLANDS.
Old San Bernardino 431 Transportation 491
Crafton 432 Schools 495
Lugonia 435 Postoffice 499
Kenwood Colony 440 Smiley Brothers and Library 501
The Settlement of Redlands 440 Newspapers 509
The Town of Redlands 449 Board of Trade 511
The City of Redlands 455 Visitors 513
Business Growth 457 Parks, Drives and Resorts 515
Homes of Redlands 469 Fire Department 518
Hotels 471 The Saloon Question.... 521
Water Companies and Water Problem. .476 Women and Their Work 525
Mill Creek Zanja 483 Churches 529
Fruit Growing 486 Societies 544
CHAPTER XVIII.
Charcoal Sketch of Pioneers 548 Fruit Exchange 561
General History 551 Water Supply 562
Portland Cement Works 558 Schools 563
Other Industries 560 Churches 564
XII CONTENTS
CHAPTER XIX.
ONTARIO.
General History 565 Schools
Water Supply 581 Churches
Fruit Industry 582 Fraternal Societies
CHAPTER XX.
CHINO.
General History 590 Chino Beet Sugar Factory 595
Schools 594 How Beet Sugar Is Made 598
CHAPTER XXI.
HIGHLAND.
General History 603 East Highland 611
Irrigation in Highland District 605 West Highland 613
The Town of Highland 606 Brookings Lumber and Box Co 613
CHAPTER XXII.
OTHER TOWNS AND SETTLEMENTS.
Cucamonga 615 Rialto 619
Etiwanda 616 Upland 622
Iamosa 617
CHAPTER XXIII.
THE DESERT AND ITS TOWNS.
The Desert 626 The Colorado River 627
Needles 631
PIONEERS.
THE EARLIEST PIONEERS.
A Tribute to the Pioneers 637 Mormon Pioneers and Occupants of
Our Pioneers 638 "Old Fort" 640
New Mexican Colonists 639
THE SAN BERNARDINO SOCIETY OF CALIFORNIA PIONEERS.
History of the Society 643 Biographies of Members 649
Other Pioneers 673 Biographical Supplement 708
INDEX OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Agua Mansa, Little Church of 98
Bells of San Gabriel ■jy
Bear Valley Dam 234
Bear Valley Reservoir Site 232
Cabrillo 69
Camp Rochester 274
Chapel, San Bernardino Mission 82
Court House, San Bernardino 62
Court House, Old 177
County Officials — 1874 160
Colton Pioneers 548
Colton, Business Corner 550
Chino, Gird School House 594
Desert Dwellers 626
Fort Benson 146
Fort San Bernardino 132
Grist Mill, Built by Mormons 136
La Praix Sawmill 158
Lugonia in 1881 435
Mojave Buck 76
Mormon Council House 143
Needles Smelter 280
Old Fire Engine 396
Ontario, General View 575
Ontario, Gravity Street Railway 578
Original Plat of San Bernardino 142
Redlands and Lugonia, From the
Heights, 1890 442
Redlands, From 'Canyon Crest Park.... 451
Junction of Citrus Ave., Orange and
Cajon Sts 454
State Street, 1890 461
Casa Loma • ■ 475
Prospect Park 515
Residence A. C. Burrage 469
Residence J. W. England 846
Rose Brand 489
Smiley Library 430
Rialto, First Congregational Church. .. .619
San Bernardino in 1852 124
San Bernardino City High School 292
Pavilion 384
Public Library 378
Masonic Temple 417
First M. E. Church 410
St. Paul's M. E. Church 409
San Bernardino Whoop 263
Salt Lake Officials 270
"Shorty" 90
Stage Advertisements 248
Uplands, Hotel Algonquin 623
Victorville, Bridge 628
INDEX OF PORTRAITS
Alvarado, Francisco 638
Amos, J. Wayne 662
Andreson, John Sr 380
Andreson, John Jr 423
Armstrong, Royal M 865
Bagley, Malon A 716
Bailey, Charles F 843
Bandini, J uan 96
Barton, Dr. Ben 156
Barton, John H 887
Bedford, Alfred D., M. D 815
Benjamin, Isaac 710
Black, Simon H 747
Blakeslee, Henry D 866
Bledsoe, Benjamin F....-- 312
Bledsoe, Robert E 314
Boggs, William S 713
Boren, A D 300
Boren, Wilford A 664
Bradford, Daniel M 678
Brazleton, James A 682
Breed, Dr. J. B 471
Brookings, J. E 614
Brooke, Henry C . .295
Brown, Frank E 230
Brown, John Sr 637
Brown, John Jr 646
Brown, Philo R 446
Brush, Frederick M 877
Bublitz, G. H ■•... .715
Bustamante, Miguel 99
Byrne, John J 264
Campbell, John Lloyd 309
Carlisle, Robert 108
Chaff ey, George B 566
Clapp, T. J. S 717
Clarke E. P 572
Clock, Charles L. . . . 542
Clusker, Charles C . . 698
Conn, W. A iy
Colton, D. R 563
Conner, Henry 807
Conrad, F. W 402
Cook, George A • ■ 438
Coopwood, Bethel 304
Cornman.VW. R 326
Corwin, W. S 612
Cox, Mr. and Mrs. S. C, Sr 706
Cox, Mr. and Mrs. S. C, Jr 706
Cov, Louis 1 718
Crafts, Mrs. E. P. R S3i
Crafts, M. H 665
Craig, Scipio 508
Craig, Dr. and Mrs. William 538
Cram, Lewis F 675
Curtis, Robert T 423
Curtis, William 711
Daniels, H. H.
Davies, Benjamin
Davis, John W. Sr.
XIV
CONTENTS
Davis, John W. Jr 829
Denman, A. C. Jr 392
Desmond, Louis A 608
Drew, H. L 382
Duckworth, Thomas W 808
Dunham, Edward L 709
Dunn, Frederick W 746
Ellerbe. Rose L 62
England. J. W 847
Esler, Fred J 885
Fisk, John P 464
Flagg, John . . 879
Fowler, . Benjamin 875
Fowler, Charles D 773
Fowler, William T 453
Fox, William R., M. D 553
Freeman. INI i s s Eleanor 565
Galbreath, Mr. and Mrs. Brenton K 850
Garcia, Joseph S 362
Gay lord, Cass 844
Gazzola A. B 339
Gibson, James A 311
Gilbert, Milo 554
Gifford, Charles T 494
Girard, Isaac C 863
Gill, Joseph B 790
Gird, Richard 592
Gird. Mrs. Richard 596
Glatz, Albert 398
Glover, J'. B 182
Godfrey, William M 701
Godf rev, Mrs. Lucia 701
Goff, T. H 335
Goodcell, Henry Jr 806
Goodcell, Henry Sr 866
Graham, E. S 472
Graham, H. L 512
Green, Thomas J 828
Gregg. Frederick W 805
Gregory, John 696
Gregory, Mrs. Mary 696
Guernsey. Henry A 854
Guinn, J. M 1
Gustafson, Victor 595
Haight, Ira C 842
Haight, L. G 488
Hamilton, Rev. J. F 539
Harbison. R. C 407
Harris, O. W 884
Hartzell. Joshua 222
Hattery, J. L 327
Hattery. Mrs. J. L 787
Hayes, Benjamin 306
Hayes. Samuel J 478
Henderson, Win. McD 681
Henderson, Mrs. Isabel 681
Hixon, William ? 830
Holcomb, W. F 358
Holt. L.
.170
Holt, W. F 522
Hubbard, A. G
Hubbard, Francis M
Huff, Samuel G, M. D 820
Humeston, Monroe W 778
Hunt, Capt. Jefferson 150
Huntington, C. P 252
Hutchings, James 809
Ingersoll, L. A. (Frontispiece)
Ingersoll, Joseph 883
Isaacs, John 257
Jacobs, Lewis 386
Jacobs, B. H 543
Jennings, Thomas R 864
Jensen, Cornelius 674
Jensen, Mercedes Alvarado 674
Johnson, A. .K., M. D 816
Johnson, Mrs. F. M 180
Johnson, J. F. Jr 857
Jones, Isaac 774
Keir, Mr. and Mrs. Alexander 704
Kelley, Stephen F 399
Keuniston, Almyra Moses 886
King, Lyman M 511
Knight, Augustus Sr 670
Knox, John T 400
Kurtz, Christian 697
Leeke, William T 624
Leonard, Frank A 811
Lester, Edward 699
Light, J. E 547
Liles, Abraham B 783
Linville, H. H 712
Lockwood, Dr. William E 535
Lord, George 642
Lord, Isaac W 1 76
Luce, G. W 256
Lytle, Andrew 126
Lyman, Amasa 130
Marshall, Seth 741
Martin, Earnest 804
Martin, H. B 408
Martin, W. P 621
Mashek, V 765
Mayfield, Mrs. Harriet 685
McDonald, Alexander 797
McDonald, William 667
McKinley, Mr. and Mrs. J. R 763
McKie. R. M 598
McManus, Edward 839
MeNealy, W. T 301
McPherron, A. S 293
Mellen. T. J 714
Meredith, Wm. M 782
Mever, John, M. D 819
Milliken. Daniel B 788
Millikin, Henry L, D. D. S 822
Mnnaghan, Frank 632
Morris, Cramer B 812
Murphy, M. A 556
Nichols, Frederick C 793
Nisbet, Henry W 808
Norton, W. A 764
Noyes, W. T 604
CONTENTS
XV
Oakey, J. L 389
Oster, F. F • -3i8
Otis, George E 3*5
Owen, Charles E 660
Paddock, Aland B 794
Paine, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. R 803
Paris, Andrew B 316
Pease, S. A 220
Perris, Fred T 259
Petsch, J. B Adolph 618
Pettijohn. Ernest A 780
Pfeiffer, Louis A 845
Phillips, Louis 840
Phillips, Mrs. Louis 842
Pine, Mr. and Mrs. S. C. Jr 605
Pine, Mr. and Mrs. S. C. Jr 696
Pittman, Henderson, M. D 813
Polhemus, Jacob 799
Prescott, Frank C 332
Rabel, Mrs. E. A 692
Rabel, Henry 690
Rains, John 103
Randall, Wm. Henry 880
Rasor, E A 39-4
Reeves, Truman 708
Rich. Chas. C, 131
Rich, Joseph E 422
Richardson, N. A 4°3
Robbins, Ellison 294
Roberts, J. W 388
Roberts, E. D 390
Roberts, Wm. M 876
Robertson, Rev. George R 285
Rolfe, H. C 298
Root, Leroy V 631
Rubio, Andrew 580
Satterwhite, John W 3°7
Searles, John W 276
Sepulveda, Diego 109
Shaw, Rev. Mark B 834
Shaw, Hon. David A 658
Shorey, F. A N87
Shuman, Abraham W 77°
Sibley, Mr. and Mrs. B. E 620
Slaughter, Mr. and Mrs. F. M 663
Slaughter, Frank E 792
Sloat. Maj. 0. P 33'
Smiley, Albert K 502
Smiley, Alfred H 506
Smith, Hiram H 800
Smith, Lewis T]\
Smith. Wm. M., M. D 814
Smithson, Mr. and Mrs. J. B 656
Sparks, Q. S 303
Spring, A. D 562
Squires, J. P 7i9
Starbuck, Granville Ellis 869
Steele, Robert C 827
Steinbrenner. Prof. Leopold 754
Stevenson. O. M 397
Stillman, Dr. J. D. B 427
Stoddard, Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon 654
Stowell, N. W 568
Suess, J. J 459
Suttonfield, G. W 657
Swarthout, Mr. and Mrs. Nathan 661
Sweet, Mr. and Mrs. 0 57°
Thomas, Calvin L 648
Thompson, Albert. M. D 821
Thompson, Wesley, M. D 818
Thurman, Mr. and Mrs. Sylvanus 760
Tisdale, Wm. M 498
Troxall, Francis P., M.* D 817
Tuck. J. W 870
Tyler, Hoell, M. D 546
Underwood, E. J 341
Van Frank, M. H 751
Van Luven, Earl F =;6i
Vardaguer. Father Peter 354
Vestal, W. L 323
Wade, K. H 268
Waite, Everett R 425
Wagner, W. D 423
Waters, Byron 308
Waterman, R. W 179
Weeks, Mr. and Mrs. John C 873
Wells, Curtis 482
Wells, Karl C 480
West, J. H 634
Westland, W. C 625
White. Theo. F 183
Wilcox, W. W 560
Williams, Col. Isaac 104
Willis, Henry M 305
Wilsey, Mr. and Mrs. E S 802
Wilson. John S 832
Wilson, J. W 462
Wiltshire. J. E 777
Wood, Adolph 2^37
Woodward. De La M 165
Wright, W. H 784
Wozencraft. Oliver M 686
Wyatt, H. C 468
Young, Nicholas S 769
INDEX TO BIOGRAPHIES
Abbey, Charles C 862
Adams, Charles E 715
Adams, S. H 720
Alford, John 713
Allen, Jared Ethan 747
Allen, Halsey W 805
Allen, Oliver A 721
Alvarado, Francisco 674
Alverson, David B 719
Alvidson, Fred 709
Ammann, F. X 711
Amos, John Wayne 662
Anderson, Casper 716
Anderson, John Y 680
Anderson, Louis 832
Andreson, John Sr 693
Andreson, John J'r 708
Andrews, Joseph 707
Aplin, Alfred M 709
Arborn, Robert 701
Armstrong, John S 715
Armstrong. Royal M 865
Atwood, George Arnold 705
Atwood, Henry L 837
Babson, John W 881
Bagley. Malon A 816
Bagnell, J. H 769
Bailey, Charles F 843
Bailey, Dwight B 724
Baillie, Fred H 726
Baker, Calvin 727
Baker, Dr. Ira S 823
Bandini, Juan 96
Barker, George H 723
Barrett, S. H 745
Barton, Dr. Benjamin 677
Barton, H. M 723
Barton, John H 886
Bates, Nelson S 868
Baxter, James 1 740
Bean, W. H 722
Bedford, Alfred D., M. D 815
Bedford, Lyman N., D. D. S 815
Behlmer, John Peter 775
Bemis, Edwin 702
Bemis, Levi A 702
Bemis, William 702
Benjamin, Isaac 710
Bennette, John T 740
Bennington, Thomas R 740
Bennink, Cornelius G. H 739
Benson, Alfred William 705
Bentien, Troels F 736
Berryman, Robert F 744
Bessant, Joseph H 707
Black, Simon H 747
Blair, W. J 727
Blakeslee, Henry D 866
Bledsoe, Benjamin F 313
Bledsoe, James Blair 730
Boalich, George 733
Bodenhamer, William J 722
Boggs, William Stewart 713
Bohannon, Charles H 725
Bohnert, Henry 713
Booth, Dr. James 725
Boren, Alley Dennis 664
Boren, Beverly C 664
Boren, Wilford A 664
Borthwick, John P 730
Bowler, Robert L 743
Bradford, Daniel McKenzie 678
Bradford, James .745
Brazleton, James A 682
Breed, Dr. J. B 734
Brenell, C. W 738
Brenner, John F 729
Briggs, E. J .729
Brimmer, Porter 733
Brink, Charles Edwin 739
Bristol, F. M 839
Bristol, Irvin 838
Brookings, John Emory 731
Brookings, Walter Dubois 732
Brooke, Henry C 295
Brooks, James S 745
Brooks, S. F 728
Brown, Charles T 731
Brown, David Rowland 738
Brown, James R 728
Brown, John Sr 649
Brown, John Jr 651
Brown, Philo R 745
Browning, John F 833
Bruckman, Rudolph A 743
Brunn, I. R 689
Brush, Frederick M 877
Bublitz, G. H 715
Bufnngton, Mrs. Susan C 737
Bunting, Samuel J 743
Burgess, Clarence W 724
Burkhardt, Charles 739
Burrage, Albert C 742
Butterfield, Minor C 768
Byrne, John J 834
Byrne, Mathew 684
Cadd, Thomas 697
Campbell, John Lloyd 309
Campbell, Samuel R 303
Canterbury, Milton F 869
Cantwell, Mathew B 729
Carpenter, Daniel J 739
Carroll, James 744
Carson, Milton L 733
Cave. William Pemberton 714
Chaffee. Edwin P 738
Clapp, T. J'. S 716
Clark, Albert H 304
CONTENTS
XVII
Clark, A. R 715
Clark, John D 705
Cleghorn, John M 866
Cleghorn, Mathew 867
Clemmons, Coston P 813
Clemmons, Thomas Benton 816
Clock, Charles L 735
Clothier, Alfred T 748
Clucker, Charles C 698
Coburn, James A 705
Cole, Frank H 732
Coleman, Leonidas W 7>8
Collier, Albert A 74°
Colli ver, Dr. Jefferson T 824
Colliver, Dr. John A 824
Conner, Henry 807
Conrad, Francis W 720
Consolidated Abstract Co 731
Cook, George A 804
Cook, Marion L 718
Coopwood, Bethel 3°4
Corwin, Walter S 612
Cox, J. H 736
Cox, Silas C 706
Coy, Louis 1 718
Crafts, Myron H 665
Crafts, Mrs. E. P. R 665
Craig, Scipio 831
Craig, Dr. William 726
Cram, Henry 676
Cram, Lewis F 676
Cruickshank, William 718
Cunningham, George D 73°
Cunningham, John D 727
Currier, L. G 736
Curtner, James 735
Cushing, David J 734
Curtis, Jesse William 809
Curtis, Robert T 7"
Curtis, William 7"
Curtis, William Jesse 311
Daley, Edward Sr .656
Daley, J'udson M 683
Dalgliesh, Orrin W 716
Daniels, H. H 737
Darrow, Clyde 7*7
Davenport, N. 736
Davies, Benjamin A 877.
Davies, William H, M. D 820
Davis, John W. Jr 829
Davis, Lewis Smith 7J2
Davis, William Watson 769
Dav, Asa 732
Day, Edwin M 732
Dean, Otis 734
Decrow, Albert A 744
Decrow, George W 744
Delphey, William H 734
Desmond, Louis A 720
Des Noyers, Vincent 733
Denton, Richard A 719
Dickey, Clarence D, M. D 818
Dickey, Dudley R., M. D 66r
Donald, D. M 769
Downer, Jonathan 721
Downey, William A 707
Driskell, Joseph 717
Driver, J. W 885
Duckworth, Thomas W 808
Dunham, Edward L 709
Dunn, Frederick W 746
Easton, W. H. H 734
Edwards, James 748
Edwards, William 772
Elam, Charles S 772
Elam, Tilman F 772
Elkins, Samuel L 777
England, J. W 847
Esler, Fred J 885
Evans, M. H 755
Ewing, Thomas A 77°
Fabun, Clark S 681
Fay, John Lyman 680
Fish, Gail B 75 1
Fisk, John P 722
Flagg, John 879
Fleming, James 802
Folz, Walter F 753
Foote, Ephraim S 753
Ford Byron 700
Fowler, Benjamin 875
Fowler, Charles D 773
Fowler, George S 773
Fowler, William T 755
Fox, William R., M. D 812
Foy, Charles W 859
Foy. John M 859
Franklin, Reuben H 73°
Frazer, Charles L 863
Frazer, Guy L 863
Freeman, Miss Eleanor 766
Freeman, W. R, M. D 818
Frink, Alonzo M 7°3
Frink, Horace Monroe 7°3
Frink, Marcus L 703
Fuller, Elijah P 753
Fuller, Joseph P 694
Fuqua, John M 756
Galbreath, Benton K 850
Garcia, Joseph S 361
Garner, B. F 859
Gass, Octavius Decatur 694
Gaylord, Cass 844
Gazzola, A. B 860
Gibson, James A 3"
Gifford, Charles T 812
Gilbert, Milo 755
Gilbert, J. D 668
Gill, Joseph B 791
Girard, Isaac C 863
Gird. Richard 599
Glasgow, N. B., D. D. S 815
Glass, Mrs. A. M 844
Glass, Zachariah, M. D 816
Glatz, Albert 751
XVIII
CONTENTS
Glover, James B 686
Godfrey, William M 701
Gooding, Leonard 732
Goodrich, W. H .862
Goodcell, Henry, Jr 806
Goodcell, Henrv, Sr 666
Goff, T. H 750
Gray, Robert W 77°
Green, Thomas J 828
Gregg, Frederick W 805
Gregory, John 696
Grow, Samuel L 753
Grundy, Isaac 671
Guernsey, Henry A 854
Gustafson, Victor 710
Guthrie, Harrison H., M. D 822
Hadden, Thomas 765
Hagerman, Harrison W 763
Haight, Ira C 842
Haile, Smith C 798
Halsey, Robert J 826
Hamer. N. J 752
Hamerly, John W 750
Hamilton, Charles B 757
Hamilton, John W 746
Hamilton, Rev. J. F 721
Hammer, Carl 748
Hanford, J. J 761
Harbison, R. C 836
Harmon, Frank H 719
Harris, C. S., M. D 824
Harris, O W 886
Harris, Will A 807
Hart, Dr. O. P 821
Hartley, Seth 787
Hartman, Hiernonymus 835
Hartzell, Joshua 766
Harwood, A. P 749
Harwood, Charles E 749
Hattery, Lewis 0 787
Hattery, Jeremiah L 787
Hauck, Michael 766
Haven, George D 835
Hayden, George B 752
Hayes Benjamin 306
Hayes, Samuel J 752
Heap, J ames 703
Hebberd, M. A 754
Hecht, Milton E .754
Henderson, William McD 680
Henderson, William T 787
Hendrickson, Nelson T 868
Henslee, George Thomas 788
Hill, Claudius M 748
Hill, William 749
Hixon, William 830
Hoagland, Lucas 667
Hobbs, William A 683
Holcomb, William F 651
Holden, John A 736
Holt, W. F 756
Hooper, William Swayzer 837
Houghton, Lazona D 750
Hubbard, A. G 781
Hubbard, Frances M 881
Hubbard, Walter 750
Huff, Jacob 752
Huff, Samuel G.. M. D 820
Hughes, Henry S 873
Humphrey, David T 748
Humeston, Monroe W 778
Hunt, Ambrose 6qi
Hunt, F. M 788
Hunt, Captain Jefferson 149
Huntoon, William 770
Hutchings, James 809
Illingsworth, James 872
Ingersoll, Joseph 883
Ingersoll, Luther A 881
Ingersoll, Thurlow 885
Ives, Willis C 836
Jacobs, Bernard H 764
Jacobs, Lewis 678
Jackson, Alden 302
James, William C 844
Jansen, Chris 860
Jennings, Thomas R 864
Jensen, Cornelius 673
Jessen, Christian 737
Johndrew, Joseph 67o
Johnson, A. K., M. D 816
Johnson, Charles N 804
Johnson, Emil 764
Johnson, Frank M 786
Johnson, J. F. Jr 857
Jones, Alonzo E 671
Jones, Henry H 728
Jones, J. P 759
Jones, Isaac 774
Jones, W. H 765
Jordan, George 729
Katz Marcus 659
Keir, Alexander 704
Kelley, Stephen F 799
Kellogg, T. D. Dr 817
Kendall, George T 774
Kenniston, Almyra M 886
Kincaid, Madison Moss 789
King, John C 776
Kingsbury, Rev. Chas. A 773
Knight, Augustus, Sr 670
Knight, Augustus, Jr 772
Knoblaugh, John N 775
Kohl, O. H 723
Kohl, Walter 723
Kouts, Jacob W 775
Kuesthardt, G. W 855
Kurtz, Christian 697
Kylling, George P 773
Lackey, Thomas H 725
La Follett, Charles F 774
LaNiece, James 784
Lamar, C. P 768
CONTENTS
XIX
Lamar, W. F 768
Lane, J'. Lansing 779
Langford, Julius D , . . . .804
La Praix, William S 683
Lathrop, Asel A 672
Laurance, John 839
Leach, E. E 783
Leahy, Patrick H 785
Leavens, John W 786
Leedom, Andrew J '. 781
Leeke, William T 747
Leffen, John Tempest 672
Leonard, Frank A 811
Lester, Edward 699
Letts, Archie D 860
Lewis, Judson 797
Lewis, Silas J 780
Levick, William R 660
Light. John E 808
Lightfoot, W. E. W 768
Liles, Abraham B 783
Lindner, Charles H 781
Linfesty, J. P 783
Linville, Henry Herbert 712
Little, Samuel M 759
Littlepage, Louis W 798
Littlewood, William 860
Lockwood, Dr. William E 792
Loehr, William 781
Logsden, W. H 863
Longmier, Charles W 789
Longmier, Rufus E 789
Lord, George 649
Loubet, J. P 775
Louthian, R. L 833
Lugo, Antonio Maria 108
Lujan, Manuel 686
Lyman, Cornelius 772
Lyman, Eugene H., D. D. S 824
Lyman, Lorenzo Snow 684
Mack, J. A. M. D 824
Magill, C. W 758
Mark, Julius 785
Marr, Joseph S : 757
Marshall. Seth 741
Mart, John A 797
Martin Earnest 804
Martin, E. 1 728
Martin, Frank B 762
Martin, H. B 833
Martin, Howard J 759
Martin, John S 862
Martin, Moses 704
Martin, Robert J 730
Martin, William P 761
Matinez, . ..ntonio Jose 704
Mashek, V 765
Mayfield, John 685
Mayhew, J. T 697
Meyhew, Jesse 695
McBride, John 798
McCain, John R 874
McCain, W. P 759
McConnell, Clyde E 856
McDonald, Alexander 797
McDonald, John 0 785
McDonald, William M 667
McGarvey, John A 778
McGarvey, George N 778
Mcintosh, Thomas W 77g
McKie, R. M 796
McKinley, J. R 763
McKinzie, William H 859
McLain, Henry L 724
McManus, Edward 8^9
McNally, Henry J. 758
McPherron, Asbury S 757
McRae, George W 798
McWelthy, Marshall 828
Mecham, Augustus 861
Mecham, George F 861
Mecham, Lafayette 669
Mellen, Thomas J 714
Mellon, J. A 775
Menkin, John R 826
Meredith, William M 782
Meserve, Frank P 864
Mespelf, August 767
Meyer, Christopher 782
Meyer, Henry 795
Meyer, John H., M. D 819
Middlemiss, Robert H 767
Miller, George 879
Milhken, Daniel B 788
Millikin, Henry L., D. D. S 822
Mills, James W 758
Miner, Arthur D '. .874
Moffatt, James 794
Moffatt, Thomas 794
Mogles Harvey E 874
Monaghan, Frank 731
Monaghan, Patrick 838
Moore, F. C 779
Morris, Cramer B 812
Morrison, Frank P 861
Morse, Clement Ray 756
Morse, Henry 689
Mort, Joseph 758
Moyse, Maurice 797
Muel, David C 786
Murphy, M. A 776
Myers, Winifred A 786
Newcomb, Leroy E 778
Nichols. Frederic C 793
Nisbet, Henry W 808
Nish, J. N... 870
Noble, John 869
Norton, W. A 764
Noyes, William Tobey 795
Nye, William E 795
Oakey, John Lewis 837
Oehl. Julius 767
Oster, Frank F 3M
Otis, George E 315
CONTENTS
Oweger, Frank 767
Owen, Charles E 660
Oxley, W. E 795
Packard, O. M 777
Paddock, Aland B 794
Paine, Charles R 803
Painter, Dr. Edwin Thomas 843
Paris, Andrew B 316
Parker, Edward C 763
Parker, Lemuel 723
Parks, Arthur 687
Parrish. Enoch K 726
Pate, James W 871
Payton, J. E., M. D 819
Peacock, Dr. J. C 658
Pease, Stillman A 771
Peck, James W 796
Perris, Fred T 858
Peters, Emanuel 871
Petsch, J. P. Adolph 762
Pettijohn, Earnest A 780
Pfeiffer, Louis A 84s
Phillips, Louis 839
Pickett, William 304
Pine, Edward 696
Pine. Myron 697
Pine, Samuel C, Sr 695
Pine, Samuel C, Jr 696
Pittman, Dr. Henderson 813
Polhemus, Jacob 799
Polhemus, William 799
Poole, Edward 707
Poole. James H 838
Poppett, Robert 671
Porter, Burton S 765
Porter, L E 767
Powell, John Clark 796
Pozell, W. B 762
Prader, Thomas 761
Pratt, Dr. Armstrong C 819
Pratt, James Ellis 668
Preciado. Antonio P 860
Prescott, Frank C 810
Rabel, Frederick H 601
Rabel, Henry 691
Rabel, Hiram D 691
Randall. William Henry 880
Rapp, Christ 767
Rasor, C. M 876
Rasor. E. A 876
Reed. H. A 877
Reirl. E. W., M. D 823
Reimers, Reimer 785
Reimers, Francis 786
Rcnwick, George 877
Reynolds. William 838
Reeves. Truman 708
Rhea, A. R„ M. D 823
Rhodes, Edwin 796
Rich, Joseph E 855
Richardson, D. Hartley 8=7
Richardson, E. E 880
Richardson, Noble Asa 8s2
Richardson, W. W 880
Richenberger. Louis 856
Rightmier, William C 826
Riley, Joseph H 845
Robarts, Orlando Perry 858
Roberds, R. Thomas 653
Roberts, Berry 667
Roberts, Edward David 711
Roberts, J. W 710
Roberts, William M 876
Robertson, Rev. George 849
Robidoux, Louis 100
Robinson, William Henry 674
Rohrer, Charles H 874
Rolfe, Horace C 305
Root, Leroy V 858
Ross, Thomas Benton 825
Rouse, Charles A 759
Rubio, Andrew 693
Ruedy, Charles 850
Sandoz, Henry 783
Satterwhite, John W 307
Schaefer, Jacob W 866
Scheerer, Clem 872
Schindler, B 778
Scott, Josiah P 852
Scott, L. S 760
Schlott, Dwight C 852
Schumacher, Charles 859
Searles, John W 679
Sell, William 828
Sexton, Daniel 357
Seymour, Mrs. Ellen Brown 726
Shafer, William E 867
Shaw, John Gerald 717
Shaw, Rev. Mark B 834
Shaw, David Augustus 658
Shay, Walter A, Sr 662
Shay, Walter A., Jr 664
Sheld, Leander 851
Sherlock, George K 791
Shephard, George 860
Sholander, Peter 864
F. A. Shorey . . 887
Shuman, Abraham W 770
Siblev, Benjamin E 826
Skinner, William W 82s
Skinner, George P 868
Slade, E. W 848
Slaughter, Frank E 702
Slaughter,. Fenton M 663
Sloan, Joseph G 8s,3
Sloat, O. P 85.1
Smiley, Albert K 507
Smiley, Alfred H .so?
Smith, Burgess W 801
Smith, Lewis H 771
Smith, Hiram H 801
Smith, Howard B 721
Smith, John Hartley 833
Smith, William M., M. D 814
Smithson. John Bartley 65s
CONTEXTS
XXI
Snow, H. L 789
Sparks, Q. S 302
Spring, Adolphus D 867
Squires, Josiah P 719
Starbuck, G. E 869
Starke, August Henry 8v
Stearns, A. G 869
Steele, James B 827
Steele, Robert C 827
Steele, William A 827
Steinbrenner, Leopold 754
Stewart, Jerre F 874
Stewart, Munroe 672
Stewart, William B 86s
Stewart, William 867
Stevenson. O. M 702
Stiles, Edward 1 703
Stillman, J. D. B.. M. D 861
Stine, Charles R 872
Stine, Rollie A 872
Stine, William A. S72
Stoddard, Sheldon 653
Stroven, Henry 791
Stuart, Zebulon B 811
Sutherland, John H 774
Suttonfield, George W 657
Swarthout, Nathan 661
Sweesey, Mathias V 875
Swinney, Robert H 868
Tasker, B. W 853
Taylor, John 694
Terrell, W. P 849
Thaxter, George E 848
Thayer, P. L 849
Thomas, A. B 876
Thomas, Calvin L 6=9
Thomas, Charles F 8s7
Thompson, Dr. Albert 821
Thompson, Robert S 794
Thompson, Wesley, M. D 818
Thorns, Charles F 857
Thornton, Hugh 853
Throop. W. S 871
Thurman. Svlvanus 760
Tibbott. C. E 871
Tisdale, William M 842
Tittle, John H 879
Tolle, Robert S 874
Troxall. Francis P., M. D 817
Tuck. J. W 870
Turner, George N 871
Turner, John W 791
Turner, John C 851
Turner, Robert 851
Tyler, Charles N 698
Tyler, Charles Y 702
Tyler, J. B 699
Tyler, Hoell, M-. D 813
Vale, Milton 838
Van Frank, M. H 751
Van Leuven, Anson 679
Van Leuven, Orson 680
Van Leuven, Lewis F 865
Van Luven, Earl F 799
Van Slyke, W. E 855
Verner, Peter 848
Victor, J. N 82s
Wagner, Joseph H 831
Wagner, Walter Douglas 831
Waite, Everett R 855
Waite, Edward R 829
Waite, Russell .8^6
Wallace, William 727
Wallin, John V 702
Walsh. Henry A 856
Warner, Henry Clay 816
Warren, Alva" A.... 670
Waters, Byron 308
Watson, Charles D., M. D 819
Watson, James B 865
Watt, Robert F 84s
Watts. George E 789
Weaver, Duff G 66q
Weaver, Warren 66o
Weir, Cyrus D 848
Weir, Richard 671
Weimar, George 839
Weeks. John Carter 873
Welch, Charles Courtney 793
Wells, Karl C 746
Wells, Louis 703
Weller, James Edward 853
West, John H 836
Westland, W. C 870
White. D. W.. Dr 814
Whiting, D. G 830
Wickersham, Levi 829
Wilcox, W. W 837
Wilkinson, Ralph E 848
Wilkinson, Samuel J ' 849
Williams, Isaac 105
Williams, J. R. .0 831
Willis, Henry M 305
Wilsey, Edwin S 802
Wilson, Benjamin D 99
Wilson, H. B 832
Wilson. John S 832
Wilson. John W 833
Wilson. Sylvester K 873
Wiltshire, Joseph E 777
Windle, Stephen M 79»
Woodward. De La M 65S
Wozencraft, Oliver M., Dr 686
Wright. W. H 784
Yerkes. Tames H 755
Yokam, E. J 801
Young, Nicholas S 769
Zeus. Carl C 836
XXII
C< )NTEXTS
SPANISH VOCABULARY
Acequia, ditch canal.
Administrador, administrator.
Agua, water.
Alabado, hymn in praise of the sacrament.
Alegres, joyful.
Aliso. alder tree.
Arroba, 25 pounds.
Arroyo, stream or stream bed.
Ayuntamiento. body of magistrates.
Baja, below.
El Benito, prayer used in Catholic service
Blanco, white.
Bueno, good.
Cajon, box, chest.
Campo santo, graveyard.
Capilla, chapel.
Carreta. cart.
Castillo, fort.
Cienega, marsh.
Ciudad. city.
Compadre, friend, comrade.
Dias, days.
Deputation, deputy, committee.
Embarcadero, embarking in a ship.
Espanol, Spaniard.
Ensenada, creek, small bay.
Fandango, dance.
Frey. father of a religious order.
Frijoles, beans.
Junta, assembly.
Juez del campo, Judge of the plains
Lomeras, ridges of hills or mountains
Manteca, lard, fat.
Matanza, slaughter-yard.
Mayor-domo, steward, overseer.
Metate, a curved grinding stone.
Mezcal, a liquor made from the maguej
plant.
Ojo, eye.
Olla, a round earthern pot, a stew.
Oso, bear.
Padre, father.
Palacio, palace.
Pais, country.
Pesos, dollars.
Plaza, square, market p
Presidio, garrison, fortn
Primer, first.
Pronunciamiento, publ
ment.
Puebl& town.
announce-
Ramada. a brush house or shed
Rancheria. an Indian village
Ranchita, small ranch.
Rancho, farm, range.
Real. coin.
Rebosa, shawl.
Reglemento, regulation.
Riata (Reata). rope, lasso.
Seco, dry.
Serritos, hills.
Soberano, sovereign, supreme.
Sobrante, residue, left over.
Tortillas, litttle cakes, pancakes.
Vara, 33.385 inches.
Vaqucro, cow-keeper.
Vinero, one who cares for vin=s.
\'iva, hurrah.
Verba, herh.
Brief History of California
By J. M. GUINN, A. M.
Curator of the Historical Society of Southern California. Secretary of Pioneers
Society of Los Angeles, Cal. Member of the American
Historical Association.
SPANISH ERA.
CHAPTER I.
DISCOVERY.
Romance enters into the story of California with its very beginning.
When Gonzales de Sandoval, in 1524, gave Cortes an account of a wonderful
island, ten days westward from
the Pacific coast of Mexico, in-
habited by women only, and ex-
ceedingly rich in pearls and gold,
he no doubt derived his informa-
tion from Montalvo's romance,
"The Sergas of Esplandian."
Cortes seems to have given cred-
ence to his lieutenant's story, and
to have kept in view the discov-
ery of this wonderful island, Cali-
fornia. The discovery by For-
tuuo Jiminez, in 1534, of what is
now known as the peninsula of
Lower California, but which was
then supposed to be an island, no
doubt confirmed in Cortes' mind
the truth of Sandoval's story told
him a decade before. For, did
not the island of Jiminez, like the
island in Montalvo's fiction, lie
on the right hand of the Indies —
or of where the Indies were
then supposed to be? Pearls were found on it and gold, and — the Amazons
must be there, too.
Fortuno Jiminez, the discoverer of Lower California, was chief pilot
on one of the two ships which Cortez, in 1533, fitted out to explore the
a HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
northwest coast of Mexico. A mutiny broke out on the ship commanded
by Becerro de Mendoza. Mendoza was killed and his friends forced to go
ashore at Jalisco. The mutineers, commanded by Jiminez, sailed westerly
away from the coast of the main land. After several days' sailing out of the
sight of land they discovered what they supposed to be an island. They landed
at a place now known as La Paz, in Lower California, and there Jiminez
and twenty of his followers were killed by the Indians. The few survivors
of the ill-fated crew managed to navigate the vessel back to Jalisco where
they reported the discovery of an island rich in pearls.
Cortes, hearing the report and probably believing the island to be the
California of the story, fitted out an expedition to colonize it. With three
ships and a number of soldiers and settlers, he landed in May, 1535, at the
place where Jiminez was killed, which he named Santa Cruz; but instead of
an island peopled with women who lived after the manner of the Amazons
and whose arms and trappings were made of gold, he found a sterile coun-
try inhabited by the most abject and degraded of human beings. Disaster
after disaster fell upon the unfortunate colony. Some of the ships sent to
bring supplies were wrecked and others driven out of their course. Some of
the colonists died from starvation before the supplies reached them and others
died from overeating afterward. After two years of struggling against mis-
fortune, Cortes abandoned the attempt and the wretched colonists were
brought back to Mexico. Thus ended the first attempt to colonize Cali-
fornia.
Sometime between 1535 and 1537 the name California was applied to the
land still supposed to be an island ; but whether Cortes applied it in the hope
of encouraging his colonists, or whether the country was so named in de-
rison. is not known. The name was subsequently applied to all the land
along the Pacific Coast northward to 42 degrees, the limit of the Spanish
possessions.
The vast unexplored regions to the northward of that portion of Mexico
which he had conquered had a fascination for Cortes. He dreamed of finding
in them empires vaster and richer than those he had already subdued. For
years he had fitted out explorations by sea and by land to explore this terra
incognita; but failure after failure wrecked his hopes and impoverished his
purse. The last of these parties sent out by him was the one commanded bv
Francisco de Ulloa. Ulloa, in 1539, sailed up the Gulf of California on the
Sonora side to its head, and then down the inner coast of Lower California
to the cape at its extremity which he doubled and then sailed up the outer
coast to Cabo de Engano (Cape of Deceit). Here the two vessels of the expe-
dition, after being tossed and buffeted by head winds, parted companv in a
storm. The smaller, the Aguedo, returned to Santiago. Of the other, the
Trinidad, directly under Ulloa's command, nothing is definitely known, nor
of ITlna's fate. The only thing accomplished bv this vovasje was to demon-
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA 3
strate that California was a peninsula, although even this fact was not fully
accepted for two centuries after this.
Cortes returned to Spain in 1540, where after vainly trying to obtain
from the king some recognition of his services and some recompense for his
outlay, discouraged, disappointed and impoverished, he died.
The next voyage which had anything to do with the discovery and ex-
ploration of California was that of Hernando de Alarcon. With two ships,
he sailed from Acapulco, May 9, 1540, up the Gulf of California, or Sea of
Cortes, as it was sometimes called. His object was to co-operate with Coro-
nado. The latter with an army of four hundred men, had marched from
Culiscan, April 22, 1540, to discover and conquer the "Seven Cities of Cibola,"
which the romancing friar, Marcos de Niza, "led by the Holy Ghost" and
blessed with a fertile imagination, claimed to have seen somewhere in the
wilds of what is now Arizona. Alarcon, at the head of the gulf, discovered
the mouth of a great river. Up this river, which he named the Buena Guia —
now the Colorado — he claimed to have sailed eighty-five leagues. He was
probably the. first white man to set foot in territory now included in the state
of California.
While Coronado was still absent in search of the "Seven Cities" and of
Quivera, a country rich in gold, lying somewhere in the interior of the conti-
nent, the successor of Cortes entered into a compact with Pedro de Alvarado,
governor of Guatemala, who had a fleet of ships lying at anchor in the harbor
of Navidad, Mexico, to unite their forces in an extensive scheme of explora-
tion and conquest. An insurrection broke out among the Indians of Jalisco
and in trying to suppress it, Alvarado was killed. The return of Coronado
dispelled the myths of Cibola and Quivera and put an end to further ex-
plorations of the interior regions to the north of Mexico.
By the death of Alvarado, Mendoza became heir to his ships and it be-
came necessary to find employment for them. Five ships were placed under
the command of Ruy Lopez de Villalobos and sent to the Islas de Poniente
(Isles of the setting sun — now Philippines) to establish trade with the
natives. Two ships of the fleet, the San Salvador and the Vitoria, were
placed under the command of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo and sent to explore
the northwest coast of the Pacific. He sailed from Navidad June 2~, 1542.
Rounding the southern extremity of the peninsula of Lower California, he
sailed up its outer coast. On August 20th he reached Cabo de Engano. the
most northern point of Ulloa's exploration. Continuing his voyage along the
coast, he discovered a number of bays and islands. On September 28. 1542,
Cabrillo entered a bay called by him San Miguel, now known as San Diego
bay. October 3d, after three days' sailing, he discovered the islands, now
known as Santa Catalina and San Clemente, which he named San Salvador
and Vitoria, after his ships. From the islands, on October 8th, he crossed to
the mainland and entered a bav which he named Bahia de los Fumos (Bav
4 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
of Smokes), now San Pedro bay. The bay and mainland were enveloped in
smoke from the burning of the dry grass on the plains which was periodically
set on fire by the Indians to drive out the small game. On October 9th,
Cabrillo anchored in a large ensenada, or bight, supposed to be what is now
Santa Monica bay. Sailing northwestward he passed through the Santa
Barbara Channel and discovered the islands of Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa and
San Miguel. Continuing up the coast he found a long narrow point of land,
extending into the sea, which from its resemblance to a galley boat, he called
Cabo de la Galeria — the cape of the Galley — now Point Concepcion. Novem-
ber 17th, he doubled Point of Pines and entered Monterey Bay, which he
named Bahia de los Pinos — the Bay of Pines. Finding it impossible to land
on account of the heavy seas, he proceeded northward until he reached a point
on the coast in 40 degrees north latitude, as he estimated. On account of
cold weather and storms, he turned back and ran down to San Miguel, where
he decided to winter. Here, from the effects of a fall, he died January 3,
1543, and was buried on the islands. His companions named the island Juan
Rodriguez, after the brave commander, but subsequent navigators have
robbed him of this small honor. The discoverer of California sleeps in an
unknown grave.
The command of the expedition devolved on Bartholome Ferrelo, chief
pilot. Ferrelo prosecuted the voyage of discovery with a courage and daring
equal to that shown by Cabrillo. On February 28th he discoverd a point of
land which he named Cape Mendocino in honor of the Viceroy — a name that
it still bears. Passing this cape he encountered a furious storm which drove
him violently to the northeast and greatly endangered his ships. On March
1st the fogs lifted and he saw Cape Blanco, in the southern part of what is
now Oregon. The weather continuing stormy and the cold increasing,
Ferrelo was compelled to turn back. He ran down the coast and reached the
island of San Clemente. Here, in a storm, the ships parted and Ferrelo, after
a search, gave up the Vitoria as lost. The ships, however, came together
again at Cerros Islands and from there, in sore distress for provisions, they
reached Navidad April 18, 1543.
The next navigator who visited California was Francis Drake, an Eng-
lishman. He was not so much seeking new lands as a way to escape capture
by the Spaniards. Francis Drake, the sea-king of Devon, and one of the
bravest men who ever lived, sailed from Plymouth, England, December 13,
1577, in command of a fleet of five small vessels on a privateering expedition
against the Spanish settlements on the Pacific coast. When he sailed out
of the straits of Magellan into the South Sea, he had but one ship, the Golden
Hind, a vessel of one hundred tons burden; all the others had been lost or
had turned back. With this small ship he began a career of plundering among
Spanish settlements that for boldness, daring, and success, has no equal in
the world's history. The quaint chronicler of the voyage sums up the pro-
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA 5
ceeds of his raids at "eight hundred and sixty-five thousand pesos of silver,
a hundred thousand pesos of gold and other things of great worth." Plunder-
ing as he went he reached the port, Guatulco, on the Oaxaca coast. Surfeited
with spoils and his ship laden to her fullest capacity, it became a necessity for
him to find some other way of returning to England than the one that he
came. In the language of the chronicler, "he thought it was not good to re-
turn by the straits, lest the Spaniards should attend for him in great num-
bers." So he sailed away to the northward to find the "Straits of Anian,"
which were supposed to connect the North Pacific with the Atlantic. For
two hundred years after the discovery of America navigators searched
for that mythical passage.
Drake, keeping well out to sea, sailed northward for two months. The
cold, the head winds and the leaky condition of his vessel compelled him to
turn back. He sailed down the coast until he found a fit harbor under the
lee of a promontory, now known as Point Reyes. Here he repaired his ship,
took formal possession of the country in the name of his sovereign, Queen
Elizabeth, and named it New Albion from a fancied resemblance to Old
Albion (England).
He had his chaplain, Parson Fletcher, preach a sermon to the natives.
The savages were not greatly impressed with the sermon, but were delighted
with the psalm singing. After a stay of thirty-six days, on the 23rd of
July, 1579, Drake sailed for England by the way of Cape Good Hope. After
an absence of nearly three years during which he had circumnavigated the
globe, he reached home safely and was knighted by Elizabeth. Drake sup-
posed himself to be the discoverer of the country he named New Albion.
Sixty years passed after Cabrillo's voyage before another Spanish ex-
plorer visited California. The chief object of Sebastian Viscaino's voyage
was to find a harbor of refuge for the Philippine galleons. These vessels on
their return voyage sailed northward until they struck the Japan current
which they followed across the ocean until they sighted land in the vicinity of
Cape Mendocino, then sailed down the California coast to Acapulco. Vis-
caino sailed from Acapulco, May 5, 1602, with three ships and 160 men. He
followed substantially the same course that Cabrillo had taken. November
10th he anchored in Cabrillo's bay of San Miguel, which he named San Diego
in honor of his flag ship. He remained there ten days, then sailed up the
coast and on the 26th, anchored in a bay which he named Ensenada de San
Andres, but which is now San Pedro bay, named — not after the apostle Saint
Peter — but for St. Peter, Bishop of Alexandria, who suffered martyrdom
November 26th, A. D. 368. From the mainland he passed over to an island
which he named Santa Catalina — this was Cabrillo's San Salvador. Viscaino
also changed the name of Cabrillo's Vitoria to San Clemente. He then
sailed through a channel, to which he gave the name Santa Bar-
bara, and visited the different channel islands. He found many towns on the
6 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
main land but did not stop to visit them. The natives came oft" in canoes to
visit the ships and one enterprising chief, as an inducement to the Spaniards
to stop at his town, offered ten wives to each man who would visit him.
After passing Point Concepcion, heavy fogs obscured the land. On the 16th
of December, Viscaino rounded the Point of Pines and entered a bay to which
he gave the name of Monterey, after the viceroy who had fitted out the expe-
dition. The scurvy — that scourge of the sea in early times — had broken out
on his ships and sixteen had already died. The San Thomas was sent back to
Acapulco with the sick; twenty-five died on the way and only nine reached
their destination. With his two remaining ships, the San Diego and the
Tres Reyes (Three Kings), Viscaino continued his voyage northward. He
saw Cape Blanco — discovered and named by Cabrillo — and at this point
turned back. The scurvy had made fearful inroads on his crew. The Tres
Reyes had become separated from the flag ship and sailed about one degree
further north than Viscaino himself reached. On her return voyage her two
commanders and all the crew except five, died of the scurvy. After eleven
months absence, Viscaino reached Mazatlan, having lost nearly half of
his crew.
Viscaino wrote the king a glowing account of the harbor of Monterey and
the adjacent country, which he pictured as almost a terrestrial paradise. His
object was to induce the king to establish a settlement on Monterey bay.
In this he was doomed to disappointment. Delay followed delay until hope
had vanished. Finally in 1606 orders came from Philip III to the viceroy to
fit out immediately a new expedition for the occupation and settlement of
Monterey, of which Viscaino was to be made commander. In the midst of
his preparations for the dearest object of his life, Viscaino died, and the expe-
dition was abandoned. Had it not been for Viscaino's untimely death a
colony would have been planted on the Pacific Coast of California a year
before the first English settlement was made on the Atlantic Coast of
North America.
Two hundred and twenty-seven years had passed since the ships of
Cabrillo had first cut the waters that lap the shores of Alta California, and yet
through all these years the interior of the vast country wdiose sea-coast he
had visited remained a terra incognita — an unknown land. For more than
two centuries the Manila galleons had sailed down the coast on their return
voyages: but after the death of Viscaino and the colonization scheme that
died with him, no other attempt had been made to find'a refuge on the Cali-
fornia coast for the storm-tossed and scurvy-afflicted mariners of the Philip-
pine trade.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
CHAPTER II.
COLONIZATION.
The Jesuits began their missonary work among the degraded inhabitants
of Lower California in 1697. Under their devoted leaders, Salvatierra, Kino,
Ugarte, Piccolo and their successors, with a perseverance and bravery that
were highly commendable, they had founded sixteen missions on the penin-
sula. Father Kino, or Kuhn, besides his missionary labors, had made between
1697 and 1702, explorations around the head of the gulf of California and up
the Colorado to the mouth of the Gila which had clearly demonstrated that
the peninsula was part of the mainland instead of an island as was still
thought by some. Father Kino formed the design of establishing a chain of
missions around the head of the gulf and down the inner coast line to Cape
San Lucas, but did not live to complete his ambitious project. The Jesuit
missions of Baja California never grew rich in flocks and herds. The country
was barren and the few fertile valleys around the missions gave the padres
and neophytes, at best, but a frugal return for their labor.
For years there had been growing up in Spain a strong hostility to the
Jesuits, which finally resulted in the issuance of a decree by Carlos III, in
1767, banishing the order from that country and its American possessions.
Without previous warning the monks in California were forced to abandon
their missions and hurried from the country. The missions were turned over
to the Franciscan order. At the head of the Franciscan contingent that came
to California to take charge of the abandoned missions, was Father Junipero
Serra, a man of indomitable will and great zeal.
Don Jose de Galvez, visitador general of New Spain, had been sent to
the peninsula to regulate affairs — both secular and ecclesiastical — which had
been thrown into disorder by the sudden expulsion of the Jesuits. He had
also received orders to advance the scheme for the occupation and coloniza-
tion of San Diego and Monterey in Alta, or Nueva California. Galvez was a
man of energy and of great executive ability. As soon as he had somewhat
systematized matters on the peninsula, he set vigorously to work to further
the project of occupying the northern territory. Father Serra entered heartily
into his plans and church and state worked together harmoniously. Galvez
decided to fit out four expeditions — two by sea and two by land. These were
to start at different dates but all were to unite at San Diego and after occupy-
ing that place, pass on to Monterey.
On January 9, 1769. the San Carlos sailed from La Paz with sixty-two
persons on board, twenty-five of whom were soldiers under Lieutenant Fages.
She carried supplies for eight months. On the 15th of February, the San
Antonio sailed from Cape San Lucas, with two friars — Vizcaino and Gomez
8 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
on board beside the crew, and a few mechanics. The first land expedition
started from Velicata, the most northern settlement in Lower California, on
March 24th. It was commanded by Rivera y Moncado, and consisted of
twenty-five soldiers, forty-two natives and Padres Crespi and Canizares. The
last expedition which was under the immediate command of Governor Gaspar
de Portola, left Velicata, May 15th. It consisted of ten soldiers with a band
of Lower Californians and was accompanied by Father Serra.
The San Antonio, although the last to sail was the first to arrive. She
cast anchor in San Diego bay, April 11, 1769. The San Carlos, after a most
disastrous voyage, drifted into the harbor on April 29th. The crew were
prostrated with scurvy and there were not enough well men to man a boat to
go ashore. The sick were landed, but when the scourge had run its course
there were but few of the crew left. Rivera's land expedition, after an
uneventful march, reached San Diego. May 14th. On the first day of July,
Portola's command arrived and the four divisions aggregating 126 persons
who had come to remain, were united. The ravages of the scurvy had so
depleted the crews of the two vessels that only enough men remained to man
one vessel. The San Antonio was sent back to San Bias for supplies and a
crew for the San Carlos. A third vessel, the San Jose, named for the patron
saint of the California expedition, had been fitted out by Galvez and loaded
with supplies for the missionaries. She was never heard of after the day
of sailing.
On July 16th, Father Serra formally founded the first mission in Nueva
California, which was dedicated to San Diego de Alcala — St. James of
Alcala — a Franciscan friar who died in 1463 and was canonized in 1588. On
July 14th, Governor Portala with Padres Crespi and Gomez and a force made
up of soldiers and natives of Lower California, numbering in all sixty-five
persons, set out from San Diego to go overland in search of Monterey bay
and found the intended mission and settlement there. The route of the
expedition was mainly along the coast, with an occasional divergence inland.
On the second of August they camped on the future site of Los Angeles.
Along the coast of the Santa Barbara Channel they found many Indian vil-
lages, some quite populous. The explorers passed by Monterey bay without
recognizing it and traveled along the coast to the north. On November
2nd, some of the hunters of the party climbed a hill and saw what they
termed a "brazo de mar," an arm of the sea. This is the body of water thai
we know as San Francisco bay. Their provisions were exhausted and many
were sick. The expedition turned back and, following the trail it had made on
the northward journey, reached San Diego in January, 1770. Portola's expe-
dition had failed in its object — to found a mission on the harbor of Monterey,
but it had accomplished a far greater feat, it had discovered the bay of San
Francisco.
In April, 1770, Portola set out again with a force of twenty-five soldiers
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA 9
and natives for Monterey. At the same time Father Serra sailed on the
San Antonio for the same destination. On June 3, 1770, the mission of San
Carlos Borromeo de Monterey was formally established on the beach, with
solemn church ceremonies, accompanied by the ringing of bells, the crack of
musketry and the roar of cannon. Father Serra conducted the services and
Governor Portola took possession of the country in the name of the king of
Spain — Carlos III. A presidio, or fort, of palisades, was built and a few huts
erected. Portola, having formed the nucleus of a settlement, turned over the
command of the territory to Fages and sailed to Lower California on the San
Antonio, July 9, 1770. This was the end of his term as governor. The Mis-
sion of San Carlos, shortly after its founding, was transferred to the Carmelo
valley, about five miles from its former site.
The third mission, founded by Junipero Serra was that of San Antonio
de Padua, June 14, 1771. It was located on a branch of the Salinas river in
a beautiful oak-covered valley. The bells were hung from a live oak tree and
rung loudly; a cross was erected and President Serra said a mass beneath a
shelter made of branches ; but there were no Indians there to hear it. The
patron saint of the mission, San Antonio de Padua, was born in Lisbon, 1195,
and died at Padua 1231, and was canonized in 1232. His day in the church
calendar is June 13th.
The fourth mission established was that of San Gabriel de Arcangel on
the San Gabriel River, then known as the San Miguel. The founders, Padres
Somera and Cambon, with a supply train of mules set out from San Diego
August 6th ; following Portola's trail they reached the river San Miguel,
where a spot was selected and the mission founded, September 8, 1771. In
1775, the site was removed five miles north from its first position. The Padres
made slow progress at first in the conversion of the Indians. The soldiers
stationed at the missions as a guard were a bad lot and abused the natives.
Although christians, their morals were, if anything, worse than those of
the heathen.
The fifth mission established was that of San Luis Obispo (St. Louis,
the Bishop), founded September 1, 1772, by Father Serra. The mission sys-
tem may now be considered as firmly established in California. Father Serra
went to Mexico in 1773 and secured a number of concessions favorable to the
missions and an increase of supplies. With increased supplies and an addi-
tional force of missionaries, the work of founding new missions progressed
rapidly. The following list gives the names and the date of founding of the
twenty-one missions established in California, excepting those already named:
San Francisco, October 9, 1776; San Juan Capistrano, November 1, 1776;
Santa Clara, January 18, 1777; San Buenaventura, March 31, 1782; Santa
Barbara, December 4, 1786; La Purisima Concepcion, December 8, 1787; Santa
Cruz. August 28, 1791 ; La Soledad, October 9, 1791 ; San Jose, June 11, 1797;
San Juan Bautista, June 24, 1797; San Miguel, July 25, 1797; San Fernando
io HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
Rey, September 8, 1797; San Luis Rey de Francia, June 13, 1798: Santa Inez,
September 17, 1804; San Rafael, December 14, 1819; and San Francisco de
Solano, August 25, 1823.
It was not the intention of the Spanish government that these estab-
lishments should remain permanently as missions. According to the law.
at the end of ten years from the founding of each mission it was to be con-
verted into a municipal organization, known as a pueblo or town, and the
property of the mission, both personal and real, was to be subdivided among
the neophytes of the mission. But the training the natives received at the
missions did not fit them for self-government. They were forced to labor
and were instructed in some of the ceremonial observances of the church ;
but they received no intellectual training and they made no progress. The
padres persistently urged that the neophytes were incompetent to use and
manage property. During the time California was subject to Spain no at-
tempt was made to secularize the missions. In form the different mission
buildings resembled one another. Col. Warner thus describes them : "As
soon after the founding of a mission as the circumstances would permit, a
large pile of huildings in the form of a quadrangle, composed partly of burnt
brick, but chiefly of sun-dried ones, was erected around a spacious court. A
large and capacious church which usually occupied one of the outer corners
of the quadrangle was a conspicuous part of the pile. In this mission build-
ing, covered with red tile, was the habitation of the friars, rooms for guests
and for the mayor-domo and their families, hospital wards, store-houses
and granaries." A guard of four or five soldiers was kept at each mission
to control the neophytes. Each establishment held possession of large tracts
of land contiguous to its buildings. These lands were divided, for con-
venience, into ranchos, over which roamed vast herds and flocks under
charge of Indian vaqueros. The lands were supposed to be held in trust by
the padres for their Indian wards and were to be divided among the neophytes.
Some of the brighter Indians at each mission were taught mechanical trades
and became fairly good blacksmiths, weavers, tanners, shoemakers, saddlers
and brickmakers. The Indian received for his labor, food and scanty cloth-
ing. All the profits of these vast establishments, holding as they did in some
cases, millions of acres of land in their possession, went to the padres.
The neophytes, for the most part, were docile and easily managed, but
sometimes they rebelled. At the mission of San Diego, November 4. 1775,
three or four renegade neophytes stirred up a rebellion among the "gentile"
population outside of the mission who attacked the mission in large numbers,
killing one of the friars and two of the mechanics stationed there. The other
friar and the five soldiers escaped after a desperate fight.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
CHAPTER III.
PRESIDIOS AND PUEBLOS.
For the protection of the missions and to prevent foreigners from en-
tering California, military posts, called presidios, were established at San
Diego, Monterey, Santa Barbara and San Francisco. These enclosures
were in the form of a square and were surrounded by adobe walls ten or
twelve feet high. Within were the officers' quarters, the soldiers' barracks,
a guard house, chapel, granaries, or storehouses. A military force, usually
consisting of one company was stationed at each post under the command
of a lieutenant or captain. The largest force was kept at Monterey, the
capital of the territory. The governor, or commandante-general, who, under
Spanish rule, was always an army officer, was commander-in-chief of the
troops in the territory. The principal service of the soldiers was to keep in
check the neophytes, to protect the missions from the incursions of the "gen-
tiles" or wild Indians and to capture deserting neophytes who had escaped
to their unconverted relatives.
The mission fathers were opposed to the colonization of the country by
white people. They well knew that the bringing of a superior race into con-
tact with a lower would result in the demoralization of the inferior race.
As rapidly as they could found missions they arrogated to themselves all the
choice lands within the vicinity of each establishment. A settler could not
obtain a grant of land from the public domain if the padres of the nearest
mission opposed the action. The difficulty of obtaining supplies from Mexico
for the soldiers at the presidios, necessitated the founding of agricultural
colonies in California. Previous to 1776, the governor of "Las Californias"
as the country from Cape San Lucas to the most northern point of the Span-
ish possessions was called, resided at Loreto, in Lower California. In that
year the territory was divided into two districts and a governor appointed
for each. Felipe de Neve, who had succeeded Felipe de Barri in 1774, was
made governor of Nueva California, of which Monterey was designated as the
capital; and Rivera y Moncada was appointed governor of Lower California,
to reside at Loreto.
Hitherto all expeditions to California had come either, by the coast route,
up the peninsula, or by the sea. but in 1774. Captain Juan Bautista de Anza,
commander of the Tubac presidio in Sonora, with a company of thirty-four
men. explored a route by the way of Gila and Colorado rivers across the desert
and through the San Gorgon-io Pass to San Gabriel mission. On his return
to Sonora, he recruited a second expedition composed of soldiers and set-
tlers and their families, aggregating in all over two hundred persons, who
were designed to found a mission and establish a presidio on the San Fran-
12 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
cisco bay. After a long and toilsome journey this party reached California
in 1776. On the 17th of September, 1776, the presidio of San Francisco was
formally established and on the 9th of October following, the mission
christened for the founder of the Franciscan order of friars, San Francisco
de Asis, was founded.
Governor Felipe de Neve, on his journey overland in 1777 from Loreto
to Monterey, was instructed to examine the country from San Diego north-
ward and select locations for agricultural settlements. He chose two colony
sites, one in the south, on the Rio de Porciuncula, where Portala's expedi-
tion had camped in August, 1769, and named by Portala, "Nuestra' Sefiora de
Los Angeles," and the other in the north on the Rio de Guadalupe.
On November 29, 1777, Governor de Neve founded the pueblo of San
Jose on the site selected on the Guadalupe. The colonists were nine soldiers
from the presidios of Monterey and San Francisco and five settlers of Anza's
expedition. These with their families made a total of sixty-six. The site
of the pueblo was about a mile north of the present site of the city of San
Jose. Each settler was given a tract of irrigable land, a house lot. a soldier's
rations and ten dollars a month. Each head of a family received a yoke of
oxen, two horses, two cows, a mule, two sheep and two goats, a few farming
implements and seed for sowing. The colonists were to reimburse the royal
treasury for all the articles furnished them except their rations and monthly
pay. Payments were to be made in installments from the sale of fruits, grains
and cattle to the presidios.
A Spanish pueblo contained four square leagues, either oblong or in the
form of a square. The public lands were divided into stiertes, or planting
fields — so called because they were divided among the colonists by lot;
propios, lands rented for the purpose of raising a municipal fund ; dehesas,
or the great pasture lands, where the herds of the pueblo pastured in com-
mon and the realengos, or royal land, also used for raising revenue. Wood
and water were communal property.
Under Spanish domination the pueblo was governed by a comisionado,
a semi-civil, semi-military officer. There was also an alcalde who was
mayor and petty judge. A guard of soldiers were kept at the guard house,
partly for protection against the Indians and partly to preserve peace in
the pueblo.
In 1779, Rivera y Moncada, the governor of Lower California, was in-
structed to recruit in Sonora and Sinaloa settlers for the founding of a pueblo
on the Rio Porciuncula and soldiers for the founding of a presidio and mission
on the Santa Barbara channel. The settlers were to receive each $106.50 for
two years and $60 for the next three years, the payment to be in clothing
and other necessary articles at cost price ; also they were to receive live stock,
farming implements and seeds, to be paid for in installments. These libera!
offers secured but few recruits and those of poor quality. After a year spent
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA 13
in recruiting, Rivera had secured but fourteen settlers. Two of these de-
serted before the company left Sonora and one was left behind at Loreto when,
in April, 1781, the expedition began its march up the peninsula. The colon-
ists under command of Lieutenant Zuniga, arrived at San Gabriel, August
18th, where they remained until September 4th. The eleven settlers and their
families — forty-four persons in all, escorted by Governor de Neve and a small
guard of soldiers and accompanied by the priests of San Gabriel mission, on
September 4, 1781, proceeded to the site previously selected for the pueblo.
This was on the right bank of the Rio Porciuncula near the spot where
Portala's explorers had celebrated the feast of "Nuestra Sefiora de Los
Angeles de Porciuncula," from which circumstance was derived the name
of the pueblo and the river. A plaza, seventy-five by one hundred varas,
was laid off on the mesa above the river as the center of the settlement. A
mass was said by the priests of the mission, a procession was formed and
marched around the plaza, the soldiers bearing the imperial standard of
Spain and the women the image of "Our Lady of the Angels." The priests
blessed the plaza and the house lots. The services over, the governor and
his escort took their departure and the colonists were left to work out their
destiny.
Another pueblo called Branciforte was founded in 1797 near Santa
Cruz, but it never prospered. The settlers were discharged soldiers, unused
to labor and adverse to acquiring industrious habits.
A few grants of land were made to private citizens, but substantially,
during the Spanish era, all the land outside of the pueblos' used for grazing
or for cultivation was held by the missions.
The commerce of California at this period was limited to the supply
ships of the missions which usually came twice a year from San Bias with
supplies for the missions and presidios and took away the few commercial
products of the country, such as otter skins, hides and tallow of cattle.
About 1800 trie American smugglers began to come to the coast. ,The vessels
engaged in this trade were principally from Boston and were fast sailing
craft. They exchanged Yankee notions for otter skins. The authorities
tried to suppress this illicit traffic but were not often successful. The vessels
were heavily armed and when not able to escape the revenue officers by speed
or stratagem were not averse to fighting themselves out of a scrape.
Of the long and bloody struggle for Mexican Independence, beginning
with the insurrection led by the patriot priest, Hidalgo, in 1810, and con-
tinuing under various leaders for eleven years, but little was known in Cali-
fornia. The men who filled the office of territorial governor during the years
of the fratricidal struggle — Arillaga, Arguella and Sola — were royalists and
so were the mission padres, nearly all of whom were Spanish born. The
soldiers and the common people knew but little about what was going on in
i4 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
the world beyond and cared less. They had no ambition to be freed from
monarchical rule — they, too, were loyal to the king and the church.
The one event that disturbed the placidity of life in California during
the closing years of the Spanish rule was the appearance on the coast of
Bouchard, a privateer, with two frigates heavily armed. Bouchard was a
Frenchman cruising under letters of marque from the insurgent government
of Buenos Ayres, against the Spanish. He entered the harbor of Monterey,
November 21, 1818, probably to obtain supplies, but being coldly received,
he fired upon the fort. The Californians made a brave resistance but were
finally overpowered. Bouchard landed and sacked and burned the town.
He next appeared at Ortega's rancho, where he burned the buildings. Here
the Californians captured three prisoners who were exchanged next day,
when Bouchard anchored off Santa Barbara, for one Californian whom the
insurgents had captured at Monterey. Bouchard next visited San Juan
Capistrano. where his "pirates" drank the padres' wine and then he took his
departure from California. Four of Bouchard's men were left in California.
They became .permanent residents. They were Joseph Chapman, an Ameri-
can, and Fisher, a negro, who were captured at Monterey; John Ross, a Scotch-
man, and Jose Pascual, a negro, who deserted at San Juan. Chapman was
the first American resident of Southern California. He married Guadalupe
Ortega, a daughter of the owner of the Refugio rancho, which was plundered
by the insurgents. He settled at the mission San Gabriel and built there the
first flour mill erected in California.
The war of Mexican Independence caused hard times in California. The
soldiers received no pay and the mission supply ships came at long intervals.
Money was almost an unknown quantity. There were products to sell but
no one to sell them to — except an occasional smuggler, or a tallow ship from
Peru. The Independence of Mexico was finally achieved, September 21,
1821, by the insurgent army under Agustin Iturbide.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
THE MEXICAN ERA.
CHAPTER IV.
FROM MONARCHY TO REPUBLICANISM.
Pablo Vicente de Sola was governor of California when Mexico attained
her independence from Spain. He was of Spanish birth and was bitterly op-
posed to the Revolution, even going so far as to threaten death to any one
who should speak in favor of it. Although the rule of Spain in Mexico was
overthrown in September. 1821, it was not until March, 1822, that official
dispatches reached Sola informing him that the "Sovereign Council of the
Regency of Imperial Mexico" was the governing power. The "Plan of
Iguala." under which Iturbide finally overthrew the Spanish power, con-
templated the placing of Fernando VII on the throne of the Mexican Empire,
or. if he would not accept, then some scion of the royal family of Spain.
Such a termination to the revolution did not jar Sola's loyalist sympathies.
He called a junta to meet at Monterey and on the nth of April the oath was
taken to the new government and the day was closed with a blare of artillery,
music and an illumination in honor of the "Soberano Junto."
But Sola's royalist sympathies received a rude shock a few months later
when news reached California that Iturbide, by coup-d'etat, had overturned
the "Sovereign Council of the Regency," seized the government for himself
and been proclaimed Emperor with the imposing title of "Agustin I, by
Divine Providence and by the Congress of_ the Nation, first Constitutional
Emperor of Mexico." In September, 1822, the flag of Spain that for half a
century had waved over the palacio of the governor at Monterey, was low-
ered and the Imperial banner of Mexico took its place. California, from
the dependency of a kingdom, had become a province of an empire. Im-
portant events followed each other in rapid succession. Scarce half a year
after the flag of the empire floated on the breeze in California, before the
emperor was dethroned and forced into exile. The downfall of the empire
was followed by the establishment of a republic fashioned after that of the
United States. The country over which the viceroys of Spain had ruled
for three hundred years was divided into nineteen states and four territories.
The executive power was vested in a president and vice-president and the
legislative power in a senate and chamber of deputies. Only the states were
allowed representatives in the senate, the territories, of which Alta Cali-
fornia was one, were to be governed by a governor appointed by the presi-
dent and a diputacion, or territorial assembly, elected by the people. Each
16 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
territory was entitled to send a diputado, or delegate, to the Mexican con-
gress.
Luis Antonio Arguello succeeded Sola as governor, or "gefe politico"
(political chief), as the office was later styled under the republic. He was
elected November 9, 1822, president of the provincial diputacion and by
virtue of his office became temporary governor instead of Sola, who had
been elected delegate to the imperial congress. Arguello was the first gov-
ernor under the republic. He was a native Californian, having been born at
the presidio of San Francisco in 1784. He was a man of limited education
but made good use of what he had. Arguello, as well as Sola, had been a
pronounced royalist during the revolution, but with the downfall of Spanish
domination he had submitted gracefully to the inevitable.
The success of the revolution was most bitterly disappointing to the
mission padres. Through the long years of internicine strife between Mexico
and the mother country they bad hoped and prayed for the triumph of Spain.
In the downfall of Spanish domination in California and the rise of re-
publicanism, they read the doom of their feudal institutions, the missions.
On the promulgation of the Federal Constitution of October, 1824, in Cali-
fornia, Father Vicente de Serria, the president of the missions — a Spaniard
and a royalist — not only refused to take the oath of allegiance to it, but also
declined to perform religious services in favor of it, or to allow his imme-
diate subordinates to do so. An order was issued by the Supreme Govern-
ment for his arrest, but before it reached California he had been superseded
in the presidency by Father Narciso Duran, of San Jose. A number of the
padres were hostile to the Republic and evaded taking the oafh of allegiance
on the ground of obedience to the orders of their Superior. Their unfriendly
attitude to the Republic was one of the causes that led to the secularization
of the missions a few years later.
The Mexican government shortly after its inauguration, removed most
of the restrictions imposed by Spain against foreigners settling in Califor-
nia. The colonization law of 1824 was quite liberal. The state religion was
the Roman Catholic and all foreigners who settled in the country were re-
quired to embrace the doctrines and be baptized into that church. During
Spanish domination not more than half a dozen foreigners had been allowed
to become permanent residents in California. The earliest English settler
was John Gilroy, after whom the town of Gilroy was named. He was left
by his vessel at Monterey in 1814. Being sick with scurvy, he was allowed
to remain in the country. He married a daughter of Ignacio Ortega and
at one time owned a considerable body of land, but died poor. Joseph
Chapman, the first American settler was, as has been previously mentioned,
one of Bouchard's men captured at Monterey in 1818.
Beginning with Baron Rezanof's visit in the ship Juno, to San Fran-
cisco, in 1806, for the purpose of buying grain for the starving Russian
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA 17
colon}' at Sitka, the Russians made frequent visits to the California coast,
partly to obtain supplies, but more for the purpose of hunting seal and sea
otter. Their Aleut fur hunters in their bidarkas, or skin canoes, killed otter
in San Francisco bay and the Spaniards, destitute of boats or ships, were
powerless to prevent them. While hunting otter the Russians had examined
the coast north of San Francisco bay with the design of founding an agri-
cultural colony where they might raise grain for their settlements in the far
north. In 1812 they built a village and fort about eighteen miles north of
Bodega bay, which they named Ross. The fort mounted ten cannon. They
also maintained a port on Bodega bay. They had also a small station on
Russian River. The Spanish protested against this invasion of territory and
threatened to drive out the Russians, but nothing came of either their protests
or threats. The Russian ships came to California for supplies and were wel-
comed by the people and the padres, if not by the government officials. The
Russian colony was not a success; the ignorant soldiers and the Aleuts, who
formed the bulk of the three or four hundred inhabitants, knew little about
farming. After the decline of fur hunting the settlement became unprofitable.
In 1841 the buildings and stock were sold by the Russian governor to Cap-
tain John A. Sutter for $30,000. The settlement was abandoned and the fort
and town have long since fallen into ruins.
Among the foreigners who came to California soon after the establish-
ment of Mexican independence and became prominent in affairs may be
named W. E. P. Hartnell, Captain John R. Cooper, Win. A. Richardson,
Daniel A. Hill and Wm. A. Gale.
Win. Edward Petty Hartnell came to California from Lima as a member
of the firm of McCullock, Hartnell & Co., of Lima, engaged in the hide and
tallow trade. Hartnell was an Englishman by birth, well educated and
highly respected. He married Maria Teresa de la Guerra and twenty-five
children were born to them. He died at Monterey in 1859.
Wm. A. Gale came to California in 1810 as a Boston fur-trader. He
returned to the territory in 1822 on the ship Sachem, the pioneer Boston hide
drogher. The hide drogher was, in a certain sense, the pioneer immigrant
ship of California. It brought to the coast a number of Americans who be-
came permanent residents of the country. California, on account of its long
distance from the centers of trade, had but few products for exchange that
would bear the cost of transportation. Its chief commodities for barter,
during the Mexican era, were hides and tallow. The vast range of country
adapted to cattle raising made that its most profitable industry. After the
restrictions on commerce with foreigners had, to a great extent, been removed
by the Mexican government, a profitable trade grew up between the New
England ship owners and the Californians.
Vessels were fitted out in Boston with a cargo of assorted goods suitable
for the California trade. Voyaging around Cape Horn, they reached Cali-
i8 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
fornia, and stopping' at various points allong the coast thev exchanged
their stock of goods and Yankee "notions" for hides and tallow. It took
from two to three years to make the voyage out from Boston and return,
but the profits on the goods sold and the hides received in exchange were so
large that these ventures paid handsomely. Cattle raising, up to the time of
the discovery of gold in 1848, continued to be the principal industry of the
country.
During the first decade of Republican rule in California, there was but
little change in its political condition or in the views of the people con-
cerning the government. Mission rule was still dominant and the people
were subservient to the rule of the governors appointed over them. But
with the increase of foreigners and the advent of ex-revolutionists from
Mexico, the old-time native California!! loyalists gradually became imbued
with a kind of republicanism that transformed them into malcontents whose
protests against the sins of governmental officials took the form of pro-
nunciamientos and revolutions.
The first of the numerous revolts against the rule of the governors ap-
pointed by the Mexican government was that known as the Solis revolu-
tion which occurred in November, 1829. The soldiers at the presidios for
years had received but a small part of their pay and were but poorly clothed
and provisioned. The garrison at Monterey rebelled and seized and im-
prisoned their officers. Those at San Francisco followed the example of
their comrades at Monterey. Putting themselves under the leadership of
Joaquin Solis, an ex-revolutionist of Mexico wdio had been banished from
that country, they marched southward to meet Governor Echeandia. who
was moving northward with a force of about one hundred men from San
Diego, where he had established his capital. The two forces met at Dos
Pueblos, near Santa Barbara and a bloodless battle ensued. During two
davs the firing was kept up, then the revolutionists, having exhausted their
ammunition and their courage, took to their heels and fled to Monterey,
pursued — at a safe distance — by the governor's soldiers. The rebellious
"escoltas" (militia) were pardoned and returned to duty. Herrara, the de-
posed commissary-general, Solis and several other leaders were arrested and
sent to Mexico to be tried for high crimes and misdemeanor. On their ar-
rival in that land of revolutions, they were turned loose and eventually
returned to California.
The principal cause of the California disturbances was the jealousy
and dislike of the "hijos del pais" (native sons) to the Mexican born offi-
cers who were appointed by the superior government to fill the offices.
Many of these were adventurers wdio came to the country to improve their
fortunes and were not scrupulous as to methods or means, so that the end
was accomplished.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
CHAPTER V.
REVOLUTIONS AND SECULARIZATION.
Manuel Victoria succeeded Echeandia as gefe politico of Alta California
in January, 1831. Victoria was a soldier with but. little idea as to how to ad-
minister civil affairs. He was ' arbitrary and tyrannical. He refused to
convoke the diputacion. or territorial assembly. From the very beginning
of his term he was involved in quarrels with the leading men of the terri-
tory. Exile, imprisonment and banishment were meted out for small of-
fenses— and sometimes for none at all.
At length Jose Antonio Carrillo and Don Abel Stearns, who had been
exiled to Lower California with Juan Bandini and Pio Pico, residents of
San Diego, formulated a plot for the overthrow of Victoria, and issued a
pronunciamiento arraigning him for misdeeds and petty tyrannies. The
soldiers at the presidio, with their captain, Portilla, joined the revolt. Por-
tilla and the leading conspirators with fifty men marched northward. At
Los Angeles they released the prisoners from the jail and chained up instead
Alcalde Sanchez, the petty despot of the pueblo who had been very ready
to carry out the arbitrary decrees of Victoria.
The San Diego army, augmented by the liberated prisoners and volun-
teers from Los Angeles, to the number of 150 men, marched out to meet
Victoria, who, with a small force, was moving southward to suppress the
rebellion. The two armies met west of Los Angeles in the Cahuenga valley.
In the fight that ensued Jose Maria Avila, who had been imprisoned by Vic-
toria's orders in the pueblo jail, charged single-handed upon Victoria. He
killed Captain Pacheco, of Victoria's staff, and dangerously wounded the
governor himself. Avila was killed by one of Victoria's men. Victoria's
army retired with the wounded governor to San Gabriel mission and the
revolutionists retired to Los Angeles. Next day, the governor, who sup-
posed himself mortally wounded, abdicated ; later he was deported to Mexico.
Pio Pico, senior vocal of the diputacion, was elected gefe politico by that
body, but Echeandia, on account of his military rank, claimed the office.
Pico, for the sake of peace, did not insist upon his rights, but allowed
Echeandia to take the office.
Echeandia did not long enjoy in peace the office obtained by threats.
Captain Agustin V. Zamorano, late secretary of the deposed Victoria, raised
the standard of revolt at Monterey and pronounced against the San Diego
plan under which Echeandia and the diputacion were conducting the gov-
ernment. He raised an army of about one hundred men, some of whom were
cholos, or convicts. This army, under the command of Captain Ibarra,
marched southward and met no opposition until it reached El Paso de
20 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
Bartolo on the San Gabriel river. Here Captain Barroso, of Echeandia's
force, with fourteen men and a piece of artillery, stopped the onward march
of the invaders. Echeandia gathered an army of neophytes from the mis-
sions— said to have been a thousand strong. On the approach of this body
Ibarra's men retreated to Santa Barbara. Captain Barroso, with three
hundred of his neophyte retainers mounted on horses and armed with rude
lances, set out to capture Los Angeles, which at the approach of Ibarra's
army had acknowledged allegiance to Zamorano ; but at the intercession of
the repentant inhabitants, the recreant pueblo was spared and the neophyte
invaders were turned aside to San Gabriel, where — much to the disgust of the
padres — they were regaled on the fat bullocks of the mission. The neophyte
army was then dismissed.
The diputacion, which was really the only legal authority ir. the terri-
"tory, after much correspondence, finally effected a compromise between the
rival claimants. Zamorano was recognized as military chief of all the terri-
tory north of San Fernando, and Echeandia all south of San Gabriel,
while Pio Pico, who, by virtue of his rank as senior vocal, was
the lawful governor, was left without any jurisdiction. After this adjust-
ment all parties kept the peace and California, with its trio of governors, was
happier than with one.
On the 14th of January, 1833, about one year after the enforced departure
of Victoria, Jose Figueroa, "gobernador proprietario" of Alta California,
by appointment of the Supreme Government of Mexico, arrived at Monterey.
Zamorano at once turned over to him whatever authority he had in the
north and Echeandia at San Die.sjo, as soon as the arrival of Figueroa was
known to him, did the same.
Figueroa was Mexican born and of Aztec descent. He was a general in
the Mexican army and is regarded as one of the ablest and most efficient
of the Mexican governors of California. He instituted a policy of concilia-
tion and became very popular with the people. He inaugurated a number
of reforms and gave attention to the condition and treatment of the neo-
phytes. Two of the most important events in the history of California
during the Mexican era occurred in Figueroa's term of office. The first was
the arrival of the Hijar colonists and the second was the securalization of
the missions.
In 1833, Jose Maria Hijar, a Mexican gentleman of considerable prop-
erty, aided by Jose Maria Padres, who in modern times would be styled a
"promoter," set about organizing a scheme for the founding of a colony in
California. The colonists were to be enlisted in Mexico and were to be given
free passage from San Bias to California. Each man was promised a ranch
and each adult was to receive rations to the amount of four reals — and each
child two reals — per day. The colonists were to be allowed a certain amount
of live stock and tools. All of these allowances were to be repaid later in
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA 21
products of the farms. A corporation known as the "Compania Cosmopoli-
tana" was organized for the purpose of buying vessels and carrying on a
shipping business between California and Mexico.
About 250 colonists were recruited in and about the city of Mexico.
They left the capital for San Bias in April and in August. 1834, sailed from
that port for California on the brig Natalia and the ship Morelos. The
Natalia, on account of sickness on board, put into San Diego, September
1, 1834, where the passengers were landed. The Morelos arrived at Monterey
September 25th. The colonists were hospitably received by the Californians.
Hijar had been appointed gefepolitico by Vice-President Farrias, but
after the departure of the colonists. President Santa Ana, who had assumed
control of the government, countermanded the appointment and sent a
courier overland by the Yuma route with an order to Figueroa not to give
up the governorship. The courier, by one of the most remarkable rides
in history, reached Monterey before Hijar and delivered his message to Gov-
ernor Figueroa. Hijar, on his arrival at the capital, found himself shorn of
all authority.
Part of the scheme of Hijar and Padres was the sub-division of the mis-
sion property among themselves and their colonists. But the revocation of
his commission as gefepolitico deprived him of all power to enforce his
scheme. An attempt was made to form a settlement of the colonists at San
Francisco Solano on the northern frontier, but it was abandoned. The
colonists were finally scattered throughout the territory. Some of them
returned to Mexico, those who remained in California were incorporated
in the different settlements and formed a very respectable element of the
population. Hijar and Padres were accused of being the instigators of a
plot to overthrow Figueroa and seize the mission property. They were
shipped out of the country and thus ended in disaster to the promoters, the
first California colonization scheme.
The missions, as has been previously stated, were founded by Spain for
the conversion of the Indians and their transformation into citizens. As
originally planned by the Spanish government at the end of ten years from
its founding, each mission establishment was to be secularized and the
land divided among the Christianized Indians. Early in the history of the
missions it became apparent that although the California Indian might
be made a Christian, he could not be made a self-supporting citizen.
The Indians inhabiting the country between the Coast Range and the
ocean from San Diego to San Francisco, had been gathered into the various
missionary establishments and had been taught, by the padres and mayor-
domos, some rude industrial callings. While controlled and directed by the
priests and white overseers, the Indian could be made self-supporting, but
the restraint removed, he lapsed into barbarism.
Each of these religious establishments held possession, in trust for its
22 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
neophyte retainers, of large areas of the most fertile lands in the territory.
This absorption of the public domain by tbe missions prevented the colon-
ization of the country by white settlers.
The first decree of secularization was passed by the Spanish Cortes in
1813. but nothing came of it. Spain was engaged in a death struggle with
her American colonies and she had neither power nor opportunity to en-
force secularization decrees. In July, 1830, the territorial diputacion adopted
a plan of secularization formed by Echeandia in 1828, but before it could be
enforced, Echeandia was superseded by Victoria, who was a friend of the
padres and opposed to secularization. Governor Figueroa, after his arrival
in California, was instructed to examine into tbe condition of the neophytes
and report the best method of bringing about a gradual emancipation of the
Indians from missionary rule. His examination convinced him that any
general measure of secularization would be disastrous to the neophytes. A
few might be trusted with property and given their liberty, but the great
mass of them were incapable of self-support or self-government. Figueroa
visited the older missions in the south with tbe purpose of putting into
effect his plan for their gradual secularization. He found the Indians at San
Diego and San Luis Rev indifferent to the offers of freedom and caring
nothing for property of their own, unless they could immediately dispose of
it to gratify their passions. Out of all the families at these missions, only-
ten could Lie induced to try emancipation.
In the meantime the Mexican Congress, without waiting for informa-
tion from the governor, or those acquainted with the true condition of the
neophytes, ordered their immediate emancipation. August 17. 1833, a decree
was passed ordering the secularization of the missions in both Alta and
Lower California. This decree provided that each mission should consti-
tute a parish served by a priest, or curate, who should be paid a salary.
The regulars, or those who were connected with the great orders, as the
Franciscans and Dominicans, who had taken the oath of allegiance to the
republic were to return to their colleges, or monasteries, while those who
had refused to take the oath should quit the country. The expense of
putting in operation this decree was to be paid out of the "pious fund."
The "Pious Fund of California" was a fund made up of contributions
from pious persons for the founding and maintenance of missions in the
Californias. It began with contributions to the missions of Lower Cali-
fornia in 1607. ^ increased until it amounted to one and a half millions of
dollars in 1832. It was finally confiscated by the Mexican government; but
after long litigation the Catholic Church of California was given judgment
for its loss by the Hague tribunal in hjoj.
Figueroa and the territorial diputacion, under instructions from the
Supreme Government. June 31, 1834, adopted a plan for the secularization
of the missions of Alta California and the colonization of the neophytes into
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA 23
pueblos. Each head of a family was to receive from the mission lands a
lot not more than 500 nor less than 100 varas square. One-half of the cattle
and one-half of the farming implements and seed grains were to be divided
pro rata among those receiving lands for cultivation. Out of the proceeds of
the remaining property, which was to be placed under a mayor-domo, the
salaries of the administrator and the priest in charge of the church were
to be paid. No one could sell or incumber his land nor slaughter his cattle —
except for subsistence. The government of the Indian pueblos was to be ad-
ministered the same as that of the other pueblos in the territory. Before
the plan of the diputacion had been promulgated, Figueroa had experimented
with the neophytes of the San Juan Capistrano mission and a pueblo had
been organized there. For a time it promised to be a success but finally
ended in a failure.
For years the threat of secularization had hung over the missions, but
heretofore something had always occurred to avert it. When it became
evident that the blow would fall, the missionaries determined to save some-
thing for themselves before the final wreck came. There were, on the vari-
ous mission ranges, in 1833, nearly half a million head of cattle. San Gabriel,
the richest of the missions, had over fifty thousand head. Thousands of
these were slaughtered on shares for their hides alone and the carcasses left
on the ground to rot. So terrible was the stench arising that the ayunta-
miento of Los Angeles, in 1834, passed an ordinance compelling every one
slaughtering cattle for their hides to cremate the carcasses. The diputacion
finally issued a reglamento prohibiting the wholesale destruction of the
mission cattle. What remained of the mission property was inventoried bv
the commissioners appointed by the governor and a certain portion distrib-
uted to the Indians of the pueblos into which the missions had been con-
verted. The property was soon wasted : for the Indian was improvident and
indolent and took no thought for the morrow. He would not work except
under compulsion. Liberty to him meant license to commit excesses. His
property soon passed out of his hands and he became virtually the slave of
the white man, or else a renegade living by theft.
Governor Figueroa died at San Juan Bautista, September 29, 1835. and
was buried in the mission church at Santa Barbara. His funeral obsequies
were the grandest ever witnessed in the territory. He was called the "Bene-
factor of California."
Figueroa, before his death, had resigned his political command to Jose
Castro, primer-vocal of the diputacion. Castro held the office for four
months, when, by order of the Supreme Government, he delivered it over to
Col. Nicolas Gutierrez, who held the military command of the territory, until
the arrival in May, 1836, of Mariano Chico. the regularly appointed "gober-
nador proprietario." Chico was a man of inordinate self-conceit and of but
little common sense. He very soon secured the ill-will of the Californians.
24 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
Shortly before his arrival in California a vigilance committee, or as it was
called by its organizers, "Junta Defensora de la Seguridad Publica," the
first ever formed in California, had taken from the legal authorities at Los
Angeles, two criminals, Gervasio Alispas and Maria del Rosaria Villa, under
arrest for the murder of the woman's husband, Domingo Feliz, and had
executed them by shooting them to death. This violation of law greatly en-
raged Governor Chico and one of his first acts on taking office was to send
Col. Gutierrez with troops to Los Angeles to punish the vigilantes. Victor
Prudon, the president of the Junta Defensora, Manuel Arzaga, the secretary,
and Francisco Aranjo, the military officer who had commanded the members
of the junta, were arrested and committed to prison until such time as the
governor could come to Los Angeles and try them. He came in June and
after heaping abuse and threats upon them, he finally pardoned the three
leaders of the "Defenders of Public Security." Then he quarreled with
Manuel Requena, the alcalde of Los Angeles, who had opposed the vigilantes,
and threatened to imprison him. He returned to Monterey, where be was
soon afterward involved in a disgraceful scandal which ended in his placing
the alcalde of that town under arrest.
The people, disgusted with him, arose en masse and with arms in their
hands, assumed a threatening attitude. Alarmed for his safety, Chico took
passage for Mexico in a brig that lay in the harbor and California was rid
of him. Before his departure he turned over the political and military com-
mand of the territory to Col. Guiterrez. Chico had filled the office just three
months. He was a centralist, or anti-federalist, and was in sympathy with
the party in Mexico that favored a centralized government. Centralism vir-
tually placed the government in the hands of the president and made him a
dictator. The Californians were federalists and bitterly opposed to "cen-
tralism."
Gutierrez, like Chico, was a man of violent temper. It was not long
before he was involved in a quarrel that eventually put an end to his official
career in California. In his investigation of governmental affairs at Mont-
erey, he charged fraud against Angel Ramirez, the administrator, and Juan
Bautista Alvarado, the auditor of the custom house. A war of words ensued
in which volleys of abuse were fired by both sides. Gutierrez threatened to
put the two officials in irons. This was an insult that Alvarado, young,
proud and hot-blooded could not endure in silence. He left the capital and
with Jose Castro, at San Juan, began preparations for a revolt against the
governor. His quarrel with Gutierrez was not the sole cause of his fomenting
a revolution. He was president of the diputacion and the governor had
treated that body with disrespect, or at least, the members, of whom Castro
was one, so claimed. General Vallejo was invited to take command of the
revolutionary movement, but, while he sympathized with the cause, he did
not enlist in it.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA 25
News of the projected uprising spread rapidly among the rancheros of
San Jose and of the Salinas and Pajaro valleys. Castro and Alvarado with-
out much effort soon collected an army of seventy-five Californians. They
also secured the services of an auxiliary force of twenty-five Americans —
hunters, and trappers — under the command of Graham, a backwoodsman from
Tennessee. With this force they marched to Monterey. By a strategetic
movement they captured the castillo. The revolutionists demanded the sur-
render of the presidio and the arms. Upon the refusal of the governor a shot
from the cannon of the castillo crashed through the roof of the commandante's
house and scattered Gutierrez and his staff. This — and the desertion of most
of his soldiers — brought the governor to terms. November 5, 1836, he sur-
rendered the presidio and resigned his office. With about seventy of his ad-
herents he was placed on board a vessel in the harbor and a few days later
departed for Mexico.
CHAPTER VI.
THE FREE STATE OF ALTA CALIFORNIA.
The Mexican governor having been expelled, the diputacion, which
was composed of hijos del pais, was called together and a plan for the in-
dependence of California was formulated. This plan declared that "Cali-
fornia is erected into a free and sovereign state, establishing a congress which
shall pass all special laws of the country, also assume the other necessary
supreme powers." The diputacion issued a Declaration of Independence
which arraigned the mother country, Mexico, for sins of commission and
omission; and Castro promulgated a pronunciamiento ending with a "Viva
for EI Estado Libre y Soverano de Alta California." (The Free and Sov-
ereign State of Alta California.) Amid the vivas and the pronunciamientos,
with the beating of drums and the roar of cannon, the state of Alta Califor-
nia was launched on the political sea. The revolutionists soon found that it
was easy enough to declare the state free; but quite another matter to make
it free.
For years there had been a growing jealousy between Northern an '
Southern California. Los Angeles, through the efforts of Jose Antonio
Carrillo, had, by the decree of the Mexican congress in May, 1835, been raised
to the dignity of a city and made the capital of the territory. In the move-
ment to make California a free and independent state, the Angelenos recog-
nized an attempt on the part of the people of the north to deprive their
city of its honor. Although as bitterly opposed to Mexican governors and
as actively engaged in fomenting revolutions against them as the people of
Monterey, the Angelenos chose at this time to profess loyalty to the mother
20 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
country. They opposed the Monterey plan of government and formulated
one of their own, in which they declared that California was not free and
they wotdd obey the laws of the supreme government only.
Alvarado had been made governor by the diputacion and Castro com-
mandante general of the army of the Free State. They determined to sup-
press the recalcitrant sureiios (southerners). They collected an army of
eighty natives, obtained the assistance of Graham with his American riflemen
and marched southward. The ayuntamiento of Los Angeles bad organized
an arm}- of 270 men, part of whom were neophytes. This force was sta-
tioned at the Mission San Fernando. Before the northern troops reached
the mission, commissioners from Los Angeles met them and a treaty of
peace was patched up. Alvarado with his troops arrived in Los Angeles
January 23, 1837, and was received with expressions of friendship. An
extraordinary meeting of the ayuntamiento was called. Pio Pico expressed
the great pleasure it gave him to see a "hijo del pais" in office and Antonio
Osio, one of the most belligerent of the southerners declared that "sooner
than again submit to a Mexican governor, or dictator, he would flee to the
forest and be devoured by wild beasts." Alvarado made a conciliatory speech
and an agreement was entered into to support the "Monterey plan," with
Alvarado as governor pro tempore, until the Supreme Government should
decide the question. Quiet reigned in the south for a few months. Then
San Diego formulated a plan of government and the standard of revolt was
again raised. The San Diego plan restored California to allegiance to
the Supreme Government and the officials at San Diego and Los Angeles took
the oath to obey the centralist constitution of 1836; this, in their opinion,
absolved them from obedience to Juan Bautista Alvarado and his Monterey
plan for a "Free State."
In October came the news that Carlos Carrillo of Santa Barbara had bee'1
appointed governor of California bv the Supreme Government. Then con-
sternation seized the "Free State" men of the north and the sureiios of Los
Angeles went wild with joy. They invited Carrillo to make Los Angeles his
capital — an invitation which he accepted. December 6th was set for his
inauguration and great preparations were made for the event. Cards of in-
vitation were issued asking the people to come to the inauguration "dressed
as decent as possible." A grand inauguration ball was held in the governor's
palacio — the house of the widow Josefa Alvarado. the finest in the city.
Cannon boomed on the old plaza, bonfires blazed in the streets and the city
was illuminated for three nights. Los Angeles was at last a real capital and
had a governor all to herself.
Alvarado and Castro, with an army, came down from the north deter-
mined to subjugate the troublesome southerners. A battle was fought at
San Buenaventura. For two days cannon volleyed and thundered — at inter-
vals. ( >ne man was killed and several mustangs died for their country. The
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA 27
"surehos" were defeated and their leaders captured and sent as prisoners of
state to Vallejo's bastile at Sonoma. Los Angeles, Carrillo's capital, was
captured by Alvarado. Carrillo rallied his demoralized army at Las Floref.
Another battle was fought — or, rather a few shots were fired, at long range,
from the cannon. Nobody was hurt. Carrillo surrendered and was sent
home to his wife, at Santa Barbara, who became surety for his future good
behavior. Alvarado was now the acknowledged governor of El Estado
Libre de Alta California, but the "Free State" had ceased to exist. Months
before the last battle in the war for Independence, Alvarado had made his
peace with the Supreme Government by taking the oath of allegiance to the
constitutional laws of Mexico, and thus restoring California to the rule of
the mother country. In November, 1838, Alvarado received his formal ap-
pointment as "gobernador interino" of California, or rather of the Califor-
nias ; for under the new constitution creating twenty-four departments
instead of states, the two Californias constituted one department.
In their internecine wars and in their revolts against the Mexican gov-
ernors, the Californians invoked the aid of a power that would not down
at their bidding — that was the assistance of the foreigners. Zamorano in
his contest with Echeandia was the first to enlist the foreign contingent.
Next Alvarado secured the services of Graham and his riflemen to help in
the expulsion of Gutierrez. In his invasion of the south he and Castro again
called in the foreign element headed by Graham and Coppinger. Indeed the
fear of the American riflemen, who made up the larger part of Graham's
force, was the most potent factor in bringing the south to terms. These
hunters and trappers, with their long Kentucky rifles, shot to kill and any
battle in which they took part would not be a bloodless affair.
After Alvarado had been confirmed in his office, he would gladly have
rid himself of his late allies. But they would not be shaken off and were
importunate in their demands for the recognition of their services. There
were rumors that the foreigners were plotting to overthrow the government
and revolutionize California as had already been done in Texas. Alvarado
issued secret orders to arrest a number of foreigners whom he had reason to
fear. About one hundred men were arrested during the month of April,
1840. Of these, forty-seven were sent as prisoners in irons to San Bias. The
others were released. The prisoners were about equally divided in nation-
ality between Americans and Englishmen. They were confined in prison
at Tepic. Here the British consul, Barron, was instrumental in securing
their release — the American consul being absent. The Mexican government
paid them damages for their imprisonment and furnished those who had a
legal right to residence in California with transportation to Monterey, where
they landed in July, 1841, better dressed and with more money than when
they were sent away.
The most important event during Alvarado's rule that remains to be
28 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
noted is the capture of Monterey, October 19, 1842, by Commodore Thomas
ap Catesby Jones, commander of the United States forces of the Pacific.
Jones, who was cruising in the South Pacific, learning that Admiral Thomas,
in command of the English squadron of the Pacific, had sailed out of Callao
under sealed orders, suspected that the Admiral's orders were to seize
California. Knowing that war was imminent between Mexico and the
United States, Jones determined to take possession of California for the
United States, if he could reach it before the English admiral did. Crowding
on all sail, he reached Monterey October 19th and immediately demanded
the surrender of California, both Upper and Lower, to the United States
government. He gave Governor Alvarado until nine o'clock on the morn-
ing of the 20th to decide on his course. Alvarado had already been super-
seded by Micheltorena, who was then somewhere in the neighborhood of
Los Angeles. Alvarado at first decided to shirk the responsibility of sur-
render by leaving the town; but he was dissuaded from this step. The
terms of surrender were agreed upon and at ten o'clock the next morning 150
sailors and marines disembarked, took possession of the fort, lowered the
Mexican flag and raised the American colors. The officers and soldiers of
the California government were discharged and their guns and arms taken
possession of by the United States troops and carried into the fort. On
the 21st, at four p. m., the flags again changed places — the fort and arms were
restored to their former claimants. Commodore Jones had learned from
some Mexican newspapers found in the captured fort that war did not
exist between the two republics.
CHAPTER VIII.
CLOSING YEARS OF MEXICAN ERA.
For some time ill feeling had been growing between Governor Alvarado
and the commandante general, M. G. Vallejo. Each had sent commissions
to the Supreme Government to present the respective sides of the quarrel.
The Supreme Government decided to combine the civil and military offices in
the person of a Mexican officer. On January 22, 1842, Manuel Micheltorena,
who had seen service with Santa Anna in Texas, was appointed to this office.
He was to be provided with a sufficient number of troops to prevent the
intrusion of foreigners — particularly Americans — into California. The large
force promised him finally dwindled down to 300 convicts, known as cholos,
who were released from Mexican prisons on condition that they serve in the
army.
Governor Micheltorena had landed with his ragged cholos at San Diego,
in August, and was leisurely marching northward to the capital. On the
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA 29
night of October 24th he had arrived at a point twenty miles north of San Fer-
nando when news reached him of the capture of Monterey by Commodore
Jones. The valiant commander and his cholos retreated to San Fernando,
where they remained until they learned of the restoration of Monterey to
the Californians. Then they fell back to Los Angeles. Here, January 20,
1843, Commodore Jones held a conference with the governor, who made
some exorbitant demands — among others that the United States government
should pay $15,000 to Mexico for the expense incurred in the general alarm
and for a set of musical instruments lost in the retreat, and also replace
1500 uniforms ruined in the violent march. Commodore Jones did not deign
an answer to these ridiculous demands ; and Micheltorena did not insist upon
them. The conference closed with a grand ball — and all parties were pacified.
Micheltorena took the oath of office at Los Angeles, December 31, 184.?.
Speeches were made, salutes were fired and the city was illuminated for three
nights. With his Falstaffian army, the governor remained at Los Angeles
until mid-summer. The Angeleiios had, for years, contended with the
people of Monterey for the capital and had gone to war for it in Alvarado's
time. Now that they had the coveted prize, they would gladly have parted
with it, if, by so doing, they could have rid themselves of Micheltorena's
thieving soldiers. The men were not altogether to blame. Their pay was
long in arrears and they received but scant supplies of clothing or rations.
It was a case of steal or starve — and they stole.
In August, Micheltorena and his cholo contingent reached Monterey.
The Californians did not welcome the Mexican governor very heartily.
Micheltorena, while indolent and vacillating, was a man of considerable
ability. He began his rule with the intention of improving conditions in
California. One of his first attempts was to establish a public school system.
Education had been sadly neglected, both under Spanish and Mexican dom-
ination. Five hundred dollars was apportioned from the public funds for
the maintenance of schools in each of the larger towns and arrangements
were made for the opening of several schools for girls in the territory.
Heretofore the public schools had been open — when they were open at all —
only to boys. He restored what was left of the mission estates to the padres
and made an earnest effort to reconcile the sectional animosity that had
long existed between the arribenos (uppers) of the north and the abejenos
(lowers) of the south ; but with all of his efforts to be just and better the
condition of California, there was still an undercurrent of hostility to him.
Part of this was due to the thieving of his convict soldiers; but a more potent
cause was the ambition of certain hijos del pais to rule the territory. They
blamed the governor for retaining his cholos in the country, claiming that
they were kept for the purpose of subjugating or terrorizing the natives.
The appointment of Micheltorena to fill both the civil and military of-
fices was a bitter disappointment to Alvarado and Vallejo. They were
30 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
not long in discovering that much as they hated each other — they hated the
Mexican more. They buried the hatchet and combined with Castro to do
what the trio had done before — drive the Mexican governor out of the coun-
try. The depredations of the cholos had so imbittered the people that they
were ready to join the standard of anyone who would head a revolution. On
November 15, 1844, a meeting of the leaders of the dissatisfied was held at
Alvarado's Rancho del Aliso ; and a pronunciamiento against Micheltorena
was issued.
Alvarado and Castro headed a body of revolutionists, numbering about
thirty, who moved northward to San Jose, where they were largely reinforced.
Micheltorena set out in pursuit of them. The two forces maneuvered some
time without coming to battle. A treaty was finally effected between the
belligerents. Micheltorena pledged his word of honor to send back to Mex-
ico, within three months, his vicious soldiers and officers: while Alvarado
and Castro, on their part, agreed to go into winter quarters at San Jose, with
their troops, who were to constitute the military force of the territory after
the departure of the convict soldiers. Micheltorena returned to Monterey,
but the censure of his officers for the surrender caused him to break his word
and secretly plot for the capture of the insurgents. He secured the aid of
Captain John A. Sutter, a Swiss gentleman, who had an establishment at
New Helvetia — now Sacramento. Sutter had a company of Indians drilled
in military maneuvers and the use of arms. Beside his Indians, Sutter se-
cured for Micheltorena the services of a number of foreigners, mostly Amer-
icans. Alvarado and Castro learned of the perfidy of Micheltorena through
the capture of one of his messengers with a letter to Sutter.
Not being prepared to sustain an attack from the combined forces of
Micheltorena and Sutter, they hurriedly broke camp at San Jose and with a
portion of their force marched to Los Angeles, .where they arrived January
21, 1845. They endeavored to fire the southern heart against the governor,
but the old animosity between the abajehos and the arribehos was as strong
as ever and the southerners regarded with suspicion the friendly advances
of their old enemies. The Pico brothers were finally won over and Pio Pico,
who was primer-vocal of the "junta departmental," or assembly, called that
body together to meet at Los Angeles. It met on January 28th and de-
clared Micheltorena to be a traitor to the country who must be deposed.
Sutter with his force numbering about two hundred men, one hundred
of whom were Indians and the rest foreigners — mostly Americans, joined
Micheltorena at Salinas early in January. The combined forces — about four
hundred — began a leisurely march to the south. The fear of a raid by Michel-.
torena's cholos and Sutter's Indians had stimulated recruiting in the south.
Castro and Pico soon found themselves at the head of about four hundred
men. A commission from Los Angeles met Micheltorena at Santa Barbara
on February 7th with propositions for a settlement of the difficulty. The
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA 31
governor treated the commissioners with scant respect and offered but one
condition — unconditional surrender of the rebels.
A week later the departmental assembly met at Los Angeles and passed
resolutions deposing Micheltorena and appointing Pio Pico temporary gov-
ernor. In the meantime, disgusted with Micheltorena's slow movements,
about half of the foreigners in his army had deserted. February 7th, Michel-
torena's army, moving down by way of Encinas, and Castro's forces ad-
vancing from Los Angeles, met on the Cahuenga plains. Artillery firing
began at long range and continued at long range all day. A horse, or, some
say, a mule had its head shot off — this was the only blood shed. The for-
eigners in the respective armies got together in a ravine during the fight
and agreed to let the Mexicans and Californians settle their dispute in their
own way.
Toward evening Micheltorena undertook to make a flank movement and
marched his troops to the eastward, evidently intending to follow the river
down to the city. Castro and Alvarado moved back through the Cahuenga
Pass and again encountered the opposing force at the Verdugo rancho. A
few cannon shots were fired when Micheltorena displayed a white flag in
token of surrender. Terms of capitulation were drawn up by which Michel-
torena and his convict army were to be sent back to Mexico. Pio Pico was
recognized as temporary governor and Castro was made comandante gen-
eral of the military force. As a sedative to his military pride, Micheltorena
was granted permission to march his army to San Pedro with all the honor's
of war. trumpets sounding, drums beating and colors flying, taking with them
to San Pedro their three pieces of artillery, but the guns were to be given up
at the embarcadero (port). The governor and his soldiers were sent
in the Don Quixote to Monterey and there, joined by the garrison that had
been stationed at the capital, all were sent to San Bias, Mexico. Captain
Sutter was taken prisoner during the battle and was held under arrest for
some time after the departure of Micheltorena. He was at length released
and allowed to return, with his Indians, by way of Tejon Pass and the
Tulares, to New Helvetia — a sadder and perhaps a wiser man for the ex-
perience.
Pio Pico, by virtue of his position as senior vocal of the assembly became
governor and Castro, in accordance with the treaty of Cahuenga, was com-
andante general. Alvarado was made administrator of the custom house in
Monterey. Thus the hijos del pais were once more a power and the factional
fight between the "uppers" and the "lowers" was once more declared off.
Pico established his government at Los Angeles and that ciudad, ten
years after the Mexican Congress had decreed it the capital, became the
seat of government. Castro established his military headquarters at Mont-
erey and Jose Antonio Carrillo, one of the leaders of the "lowers," was made
comandante of the military in the south. Pico began his rule with a desire
32 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
to benefit the territory. He might have succeeded had he been able to control
the discordant factions.
As has been previously stated, Micheltorena restored, as far as possi-
ble, the mission property to the padres. It was impossible for the mission-
aries to establish the old order — even on a small scale. The few Indians re-
maining at the missions were unmanageable. Through the neglect or in-
competency of the administrators, debts had been incurred and creditors
were importunate. The padres in charge were mostly old men, unable to
cope with the difficulties that beset them on every side. Pico, with the con-
currence of the junta, decided to make a change in the mission policy of his
predecessor. In June, 1845, ne issued a decree, warning the Indians at San
Rafael, Soledad, San Miguel and Purisima to return to their respective mis-
sions. Failing to do so, they were to be declared vagrants and punished as
such. At Carmel, San Juan Bautista, San Juan Capistrano and Solano,
where pueblos had been established, the church and the curate's home were
to be reserved and the balance of the property sold at auction to pay the
debts of the missions. The abandoned missions (the Indians not returning) of
San Rafael, Solano, San Juan Bautista, San Miguel and Purisima and the
mission pueblos before mentioned were sold in December, 1845, and ten of
the missions were rented for a term of nine years. The proceeds of the sale
were to be used for the benefit of the Indians and the support of the padres.
In those rented, the Indians were at liberty to remain in the service of the
lessees. A portion of the proceeds were to be used for the support of re-
ligious services. The change brought no improvement in the condition of
the neophytes. They sank still lower in degradation; while the missions,
deprived of income and of power, ceased to exist.
Notwithstanding Pico's efforts to conciliate the discordant elements,
it soon became evident that the old spirit of turbulence was still dominant.
The first insurrectionary movement originated with Jose Antonio Carrillo,
Pico's own brother-in-law. This was suppressed and Carrillo and Yareles,
one of his auxiliaries, were shipped to Mexico for trial, but were released and
returned to California. Castro ignored Pico in military affairs and soon a bit-
ter quarrel was on between the gefe politico and the comandante general.
For a number of years there had been a steady influx of foreigners — mostly
Americans. Many of them had married into prominent families and had be-
come by naturalization Mexican citizens. In 1841, the first train of immi-
grants arrived in California overland. The immigration over the plains con-
tinued to increase after this. The leading Californians saw that it was the
manifest destiny of California to become a territory of the United States.
Texas had been wrested from Mexico by the same foreign element that
was now invading California. Early in 1846, Castro called a junta of his
officers at Monterey. This council issued a pronunciamiento declaring hostil-
ity to the United States and the members pledged themselves to defend the
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA 33
honor of .the Mexican nation against the perfidious attacks of its rivals — the
North Americans. In this council, Pico had been ignored and the hostile
feeling between the political and military chiefs grew more bitter. Pico had
been appointed constitutional governor by President Herrera and, April 18,
1846, in the presence of the territorial assembly and a large concourse of
people gathered at Los Angeles, he took the oath of office.
Castro and his associates were soon to be given an opportunity to test
their courage in the defense of -Mexican honor against the attacks of the
perfidious North Americans. Captain John C. Fremont, who had previously
led two expeditions through the Rocky Mountains, Oregon and California,
in January, 1846, arrived in California. His company numbered sixty-two
men, scientists, guides and servants. These he left encamped in the Tulare
country, east of the Coast Range, while he repaired to Monterey to secure
some needed supplies and to acquaint the comandante general with the ob-
ject of his expedition. As the expedition was scientific in its object and
Fremont expressed his intention of proceeding to Oregon as soon as his
men were rested and recruited, Castro made no objection to his remaining
in California during the winter. But when, a few weeks later, the whole
force of men marched into the Salinas valley, Castro ordered Fremont to
leave the country at once. Instead of leaving, Fremont marched his men
to Gabilan Peak (Hawk's Peak) about thirty miles from Monterey, where he
raised the Stars and Stripes and proceeded to fortify his camp. Castro
marshaled his force on the plains below out of range of Fremont's men.
After holding the fort on Gabilan Peak two days, Fremont, on the night of
March 9th, abandoned it and leisurely proceeded northward by way of the
San Joaquin Valley to Sutter's Fort, and from there, after a short stop, to
Lassen's Rancho on Deer Creek, where he remained until April 14th. Pie
then resumed his march toward the Oregon line.
On May 5th, he was encamped near Klamath Lake, when Samuel Neal
and William Sigler, two settlers of the Sacramento valley, rode into his
camp and informed him tbat a United States officer, bearing dispatches, was
endeavoring to overtake him. The officer had but a small escort and the
Indians being hostile, he was in great danger. Fremont next morning took
nine of his men and the two messengers and hurried to the relief of the
officer. The parties met that evening and encamped on the bank of a creek.
About midnight the Indians attacked the camp, killing three of Fremont's
men and losing their chief. The dispatch bearer proved to be Lieutenant
Archibald H. Gillespie, of the United States Navy. He had left Washington
in November, 1845, with instructions from the government. He had crossed
Mexico, disguised as a merchant and from San Bias had taken passage to
Honolulu and from there reached Monterey, April 17th. He had then fol-
lowed Fremont's trail until they met near the Oregon line.
Fremont, with his entire force, after punishing the Klamath Indians for
34 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
their treachery, returned to Sutter's Fort, where Lieutenant Gillespie, who
had gone ahead, met them with supplies procured from San Francisco through
Captain Montgomery of the Portsmouth. The substance of the dispatches
sent to Fremont from Secretary of State Buchanan was to prevent the occu-
pation of California by any European power and in the event of war with
Mexico to take possession of the country for the United States. It was well
known that England had designs on California and it was partly to circum-
vent these and partly to warn Fremont that war with Mexico was pending
that the dispatches had been sent. The report that a large immigration was
on its way to California from the United States was no doubt the cause of
the hositility of the authorities to Fremont and to the recently arrived immi-
grants. There were rumors that Castro was organizing a force to drive the
settlers out of the country. Many of the Americans were in California with-
out authority under the Mexican laws and a feeling of uncertainty pervaded
the country.
Believing themselves in danger and regarding Fremont as their pro-
tector, a number of the settlers repaired to Fremont's camp. The first
aggressive act of the settlers was the capture of 250 horses that were being
moved by Lieutenant de Arce and fourteen men, from the north side of the
bay to Castro's camp at Santa Clara. A party of twelve Americans, under
Ezekiel Merritt, captured the horses and made prisoners of the escort. The
prisoners were brought into Fremont's camp and there released. Hostilities
having been begun, it became necessary for the settlers to widen the breach
so as to provoke retaliation on the part of the Californians rather than
be punished for the seizure of government property without author-
ity. The next move was to seize the military post and the principal men
of Sonoma.
On the morning of June nth, twenty men under command of Merritt.
armed with pistols and rifles and mounted on fresh horses, set out from Fre-
mont's camp on Bear Creek for Sonoma. On the way their number was
recruited to thirty-two men. On the morning of the 14th. about daybreak,
they surrounded the town and took' Gen. M. G. Vallejo, Captain Salvador
Vallejo. his brother, and Lieut. Col. Victor Prudon prisoners. There seems
to have been no private soldiers at Sonoma — all officers. The military force
that had formerly been stationed there to guard the northern frontier against
the Indians had been disbanded or had dwindled away. The castillo, or fort,
contained about a dozen rusty old cannon and two hundred and fifty muskets.
Gen. Vallejo and his officers as prisoners of war gave their word of
honor not to take up arms against the revolutionists on a guarantee from
their captain to respect the lives and property of the prisoners, their fam-
ilies and the residents of the jurisdiction. The guarantee, signed by Merritt,
Semple, Fallon and Kelsey, was given in writing. The prisoners, although
they had given their parole, were taken to Sutter's Fort by a guard which
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA 35
included Merritt, Semple, Grigsby, Hargrove, Knight and five or six others.
Twenty-four men remained at the fort. The leaders of the party having gone
with the prisoners, W. B. Ide, who had come to the front on account of a
speech he made advocating a movement to make the country independent,
was chosen commander. X\>Jt2jL^?V>
Ide immediately set about formulating a Declaration of Independence
and Wm. Todd, one of his men, having procured a piece of manta, or coarse
cotton .cloth, about two yards long, set to work to fashion a flag for
the new republic. Todd, assisted by some others, painted a star in the
upper corner and in the center a figure supposed to represent a bear, but
which the natives called a "cochina" (pig). Below these figures he painted
in large letters, "California Republic." Along the lower edge of the flag
was stitched a strip of red woolen cloth said to have been a part of a red
woolen petticoat that had been brought across the plains. When completed
the famous "Bear Flag" of California was run up on the flag staff where
the Mexican colors had formerly floated. The cannon and muskets were
loaded, guards posted, military discipline established and the California
Republic duly inaugurated. On June 18th, the same day that Ide issued his
proclamation. Thomas Cowie and George Fowler, two of Ide's men. volun-
teered to go to Fitch's ranch to procure a keg of powder from Mose Carson.
On the way they were captured by a band of Californians under Juan Padilla
and brutally murdered. The news of this outrage reached Sonoma and later
a report that Todd, who had been sent to Bodega with a message, had been
captured. Captain W. L. Ford, with a force of twenty-three men, hastily
set out from Sonoma to capture Padilla. At Olampali Rancho Captain Ford
unexpectedly came upon the combined forces of Captain de la Torre and
Padilla. numbering eighty-three men. The Americans fell back into a willow
thicket. The Californians, supposing that they were retreating, charged upon
them but were met by a volley of rifle balls that some reports say killed
eight of the Californians. Todd, while the fight was going on, made his
escape and joined Ford's men, who fell back to Sonoma.
Fremont, who had been encamped at the Buttes, having learned of Ide's
attempt to establish a California Republic and that Castro would not attack
them to rescue the prisoners, but was gathering a force to recapture Sonoma.
broke up his camp and moved down to New Helvetia, where he put his
prisoners in the fort under guard.
On June 23d, Fremont, leaving his prisoners at Sutter's Fort, hastened
to Sonoma with a force of seventy-two mounted riflemen. He arrived June
25th. The force of Americans, including Fremont's men now numbered
two hundred. The next day Fremont and Ford, with a force of 135 men.
started out to hunt Captain de la Torre, who was in command of the Cali-
fornians north of the bay. Torre, it is claimed, wrote letters stating that
Castro was about to attack Sonoma with a large force. These were placed
36 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
in the boots of three of his men who allowed themselves to be captured. The
stratagem succeeded. Fremont and Ford hurried back to Sonoma, but the
three Californians were shot without trial. Authorities differ as to the cap-
ture of the letters on the three prisoners. If such letters were captured,
they were not preserved, and it is more than probable that the prisoners,
Berryessa and the two de Haro boys, were shot in retaliation for the murder
of Cowie and Fowler. Whether from the captured letters, or from some
other source, Fremont believed that Castro's force was north of the bay.
Castro, however, had not left Santa Clara. Captain de la Torre, taking ad-
vantage of the absence of his pursuers, crossed the bay at Saucelito and
joined Castro. Fremont finding himself deceived, returned to the pursuit the
next morning; but he was too late — the game had escaped and he marched
back to Sonoma, where he arrived July 3d. The Fourth of July was cele-
brated with great eclat by the Bears. Wine, gunpowder, eloquence and a
grand ball stirred up all the latent patriotism of the revolutionists. The
California Republic reached the zenith of its power that day. The next
day it collapsed. Ide was deposed by a vote of the Bears. Fremont was
chosen to head the movement for Independence.
On the 7th of July, Commodore Sloat raised the Stars and Stripes at
Monterey and took possession of the country in the name of the United
States. He had arrived on the Savannah on the 2d from Mazatlan, where he
had heard rumors of hostilities between the United States and Mexico, but
not having learned of any formal declaration of war, he was undecided what
course to pursue. Having heard of the Bear Flag movement and of Fre-
mont's connection with it, he presumed that Fremont had later information
from the United States and finally decided to take possession of the country.
Fremont, on July 6th, leaving Captain Grigsby with fifty men at Sonoma,
started with the rest of his battalion, about 160 men, for Sacramento with the
intention of making preparations to attack Castro. Captain Montgomery, of
the Portsmouth, had raised the flag at San Francisco, Lieut. Revere arrived
at Sonoma on the 9th; the Bear flag was lowered and the Stars and Stripes
unfurled. On the nth the flag was raised over Sutter's Fort and the same
day over Bodega. All Northern and Central California was now in pos-
session of the Americans.
For months there had been ill feeling between Governor Pico and the
comandante-general, Castro. Pico had made Los Angeles his capital, while
Castro had established his headquarters at Monterey. Their quarrel was
the old sectional jealousy of the "uppers" and the "lowers" — of the north and
the south — and their respective sections supported them in their dispute.
Castro was accused of plotting to overthrow the government. At the time
Sloat raised the United States flag at Monterey, Pico, with an armed body,
had reached Santa Barbara, intending to fight Castro, who was at Santa
Clara when Sloat seized the country. With a part of his force, Castro re-
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA 37
treated southward and joined Pico. They patched up a truce and, uniting
their forces, retreated to Los Angeles, where they began preparations to re-
sist the "perfidious North Americans."
CHAPTER VIII.
THE AMERICAN ERA.
THE CONQUEST OF CALIFORNIA.
The American era of California history begins with the raising of the
flag at Monterey on July 7, 1846. Within a week after that event all of the
territory north of Monterey had been taken possession of without oppo-
sition. Castro, with a part of his force had retreated to Los Angeles, and
those remaining behind had disbanded and retired to their homes Fremont,
as previously stated, had moved his battalion of about 160 men to a camp
on the American river above Sutter's Fort. Here he was encamped when,
on the nth of July, a messenger bearing Sloat's proclamation and an
American flag reached him. This flag was raised over the fort and saluted
with twenty-one guns. Immediately after the receipt of the news that Sloat
had taken possession of California. Fremont's battalion began its march to
Monterey, where it arrived on the 19th. Fremont had an interview with
Commodore Sloat which was not very satisfactory to either. Sloat was in-
clined to blame Fremont for acting without sufficient authority in precipitat-
ing hostilities and Fremont was disappointed because Sloat would not endorse
his scheme of making a campaign against Castro.
On the 15th of July, Commodore Stockton, on the Congress, arrived
at Monterey from Honolulu and reported to Commodore Sloat for duty. Sloat
was an old man, having entered the Navy in 1800: his health was failing and
he was anxious to retire from active service. He made Stockton commander-
in-chief of all the land forces in California. Stockton on taking command,
made Fremont a major ami Gillespie a captain. On July 26th, the battalion
was loaded on the Cyane which sailed the next day for San Diego. Sloat,
after transferring the command of the Pacific squadron to Stockton, sailed on
July 29th, on board the Levant for home.
Commodore Stockton, on assuming command, issued a proclamation in
which he arraigned the Mexican government for beginning hostilities against
the United States. He was very severe on General Castro, whom he called
a usurper, and upon the Californians for outrages committed on the American
settlers. "Three inoffensive Americans," said he, "residents of the country,
have been within a few days brutally murdered ; and there are no California
officers who will arrest and bring the murderers to justice — although it is
well known who they are and where they are." He ignored the brutal mur-
38 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
der of the three Californians, Berryessa and the two de Haro boys, who were
shot down in cold blood by Fremont's men while begging for quarter. Ban-
croft says of the proclamation : "The paper was made up of falsehood, of
irrevelent issues and of bombastic boasting in about equal parts." Commo-
dore Sloat read the proclamation at sea and did not approve of it.
Governor Pico and General Castro, on their arrival at Los Angeles im-
mediately set to work to organize an army. Every man between fifteen and
sixty was summoned for military duty and any Mexican refusing or excusing
himself on any pretext was to be treated as a traitor. Those physically un-
able to do military duty were required to aid with their property. The
response to the call of the leaders was not very enthusiastic: sectional jeal-
ousies, quarrels and feuds had destroyed, or at least, paralyzed patriotism.
The foreigners, who were mostly Americans, secretly sympathized with the
invaders. Money and the munitions of war were scarce. Castro had brought
about ioo men with him from the north and Pico had recruited about the
same in the south — these constituted the available force to resist Stockton
and Fremont. Stockton, with 360 sailors and marines, arrived at San Pedro
on August 6th. This force was landed and drilled in military maneuvers on
land. Castro sent a message by two commissioners, Flores and de la Guerra,
expressing his willingness to enter into negotiations with Stockton. The
commodore showed the messengers scant courtesy and dismissed them with
an "insulting threat." Castro and Pico finding it impossible to defend the
capital with the small force at their command, determined to quit the country.
On the night of August 10th, they took their departure: Castro accompanied
by his secretary Francisco Arce and eighteen men, going by way of the San
Gorgonio Pass and the Colorado river route ; Pico, by the way of San Juan
Capistrano and Santa Margarita, to Lower California.
Stockton began his march to Los Angeles on August nth. Two days
were spent on the road. On the 13th, Major Fremont, with his battalion of
160 mounted men. met him just outside the town and the combined force
entered the capital. The U. S. flag was* raised and possession taken of the
town. The reception of the Americans was not cordial. Some of the better
class of citizens had fled from the city, but these in a few days returned to
their homes. Fremont's cavalry scoured the country and brought in a num-
ber of the leading men who had held civil or military office: these were
paroled.
Stockton, on the "th, published a proclamation in which he announced
himself as commander-in-chief and governor of the territory of California.
This was a much milder production than the first; he stated that California
belonged to the UJnited States and would be governed by military law until
a civil government could be established.
Captain Gillespie was commissioned by Stockton as commandant of the
southern department with headquarters at Los Angeles. He was assigned
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
,W
a garrison of fifty men taken from Fremont's force. On September 29th,
Commander Stockton, with his sailors and marines, returned to their ships
at San Pedro and sailed for Monterey. A few days later Fremont, with the
remainder of his battalion, began his march northward for Sutter's .Fort,
where he expected to recruit bis force from the immigrants now arriving in
the country.
While the combined forces of Stockton and Fremont, numbering about
500 men, had occupied the town, the inhabitants had been quiet and sub-
missive. But with a small force left to keep them in subjection, they soon
began to manifest their old turbulent and revolutionary disposition. On
September 16th, the anniversary of Mexican Independence, a number of
young men. under the stimulation of wine, and probably more in a spirit of
mischief than with any serious intent, made an attack about midnight on
Gillespie's headquarters, which were in the old government house. The
garrison drove them off with a volley of musketry, in which three men were
killed — so Gillespie reported — but the dead were never found. The next day
Gillespie ordered the arrest of a number of leading citizens to be held as
hostages. He also vigorously enforced military law. In a very short time
he had a full grown' Mexican revolution on his hands. Some 300 men, under
the leadership of Flores and Serbulo Vareles, besieged his garrison. In the
corral of the government house were five or six old cannon that Castro had
spiked and abandoned. Gillespie had two of these unspiked and hauled up
Fort Hill, where they were mounted. He made cannon balls out of some lead
pipe that he found and cartridge covers put of a piece of red flannel captured
from a store. The Californians had a brass four-pounder, known as "the
Old Woman's Gun," because, on the approach of Stockton's army, an old
woman by the name of Rocha had buried the gun in her garden ; it had been
used in firing salutes at church festivals, and the old lady declared that the
"gringos" should not have the gun of the church.
While besieged on Fort Hill. Gillespie on September 24th. sent a messen-
ger, Juan Flaco (lean John) with dispatches to Stockton asking aid. By one
of the most wonderful rides in history, this man, John Brown, reached San
Francisco where Stockton had gone from Monterey, six hundred miles dis-
tance, in five days. Stockton, at once ordered Mervine, commanding the
Savannah, to go to the relief of Gillespie. On account of a dense fog. the
vessel did not leave San Francisco Bay until October 4th. Gillespie held out
bravely for seven days then capitulated, with honorable terms. On Septem-
ber 30th, with flags flying, drums beating and his two old cannon mounted on
carretas, he began his march to San Pedro. He was not molested by the
Californians. He spiked the two old cannon and threw them in the bay, then
went on board the Vandalia, a merchant ship lying at anchor in the harbor,
but did not leave San Pedro. On October 7th, Mervine entered the harbor.
At 6:30 a. m. of the 8th, he landed a force of 299 men, which included Gilles-
40 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
pie's volunteers. A small force of the enemy appeared and Captain Mervine
ordered Lieutenant Hitchcock, with a reinforcement of eighty men from
the vessel, to attack: but the enemy retreated and the detachment returned to
the ship. Captain Mervine and his men then started for the pueblo. They
took no cannon and had no horses. After a fatiguing tramp through tall
mustard and clouds of dust, they encamped about 2 130 p. m., at the Domin-
guez Rancho. The enemy, under the command of Jose Antonio Carrillo, and
numbering about eighty men, appeared on the foothills and some skirmishing
at long range took place. During the night, Flores arrived from the pueblo
with a reinforcement for the Californians of about sixty men and the "old
woman's" gun. They opened fire during the night on Mervine's camp with
this cannon, but did no damage. The next morning at six a. m., Mervine's
men resumed their march in columns and by platoons. They had not pro-
ceeded far before they encountered the enemy with his piece of artillery
drawn up by the roadside. The Californians opened fire, and Mervine,
fearing a charge from their cavalry, formed his troops in a hollow square with
their baggage in the center. A running fight ensued. The Californians firing,
then dragging the gun back with riatas, loading, and firing again. Mervine
finding he was losing men without injuring the enemy ordered a retreat. The
Californians fired a parting shot or two but did not pursue the Americans, as
they had exhausted their ammunition. Mervine reached San Pedro that
evening and went aboard his vessel. His loss was four killed and six
wounded. The dead were buried on the Isla de los Muertes, or Deadman's
Island. The Savannah remained in the harbor and the Californians kept a
small detachment at Sepulveda's ranch and another at Cerritos to watch the
Americans.
On the 25th, Commodore Stockton arrived at San Pedro on the Congress
and learned from Mervine the particulars of his defeat. Stockton remained
at San Pedro about a week, and although he had a force of about 800 men, did
not deem this number a sufficient force to recapture the capital. He greatly
overestimated the strength of the enemy. On November 1st, he sailed for
San Diego.
At the time of Flores' attack on Gillespie the American garrisons at
San Diego and Santa Barbara were driven out of these towns. The force at
San Diego went aboard the Stonington, a whale ship lying in the harbor.
Lieutenant Talbot with ten men was stationed at Santa Barbara. When
called upon to surrender, this party fell back into the hills and by traveling
through the mountains reached the head of the San Joaquin river where they
obtained food from the Indians. They traveled down the valley, subsisting
on the flesh of wild horses and finally, by way of Pacheco's pass, they crossed
over to the coast and joined Fremont's battalion at Monterey.
The departmental assembly, having been called together by Flores, met
at Los Angeles. October 26th. The members were all from the south. The
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA 41
first business in order was to fill the offices of governor and comandante
general left vacant by the flight of Pico and Castro. It was decided to com-
bine the two offices in one person. Jose Maria Flores was chosen commander-
in-chief and governor-ad-interim. He took the oath of office November 1st.
and was really the last Mexican governor of California. Flores and the mem-
bers of the assembly made some provisions for continuing the war, but their
resources were very limited. Their recent successes over the Americans had
somewhat encouraged them and they hoped to be able to hold out until
reinforcements arrived from Mexico.
Stockton, on his arrival at San Diego, had set to work to organize an
expedition against Los Angeles. The Californians had driven the cattle and
horses back into the mountains and the Americans found great difficulty in
procuring animals. Frequent forays were made into Lower California and
horses, cattle and sheep procured.
The remnant of Fremont's battalion, after taking from it garrisons for
San Diego, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, bad returned to the Sacramento
valley in September. Here it was recruited to 160 men. On October 13th,
Fremont sailed with his men from San Francisco on the Sterling, a merchant
vessel, with orders to operate against the rebels in the south ; but between
Monterey and Santa Barbara, he met the Vandalia and learned of Mervine's
defeat, and of the impossibility of procuring horses in the lower country.
The Sterling was put about and the battalion landed at Monterey on Octo-
ber 28th. Vigorous efforts were at once made to recruit men and horses. A
number of immigrants had arrived from the states. These were induced
to enlist on the promise of $25 per month pay. Horses were purchased, or
where owners refused to sell, were confiscated. A company of Walla-Walla
Indians was enlisted — these were known as the "Forty Thieves." Sutter's
"warriors in bronze" (Indians) were also enrolled for service. In the latter
part of November, the recruits were collected at San Juan. They numbered
about 450 rifle-men and forty artillery men. They represented many nations
and many different kinds of arms. They were divided into ten companies.
Fremont had been commissioned Lieutenant-Colonel in the regular army
and wras commander-in-chief of the battalion. The other officers were.
Archibald H. Gillespie, major; P. B. Reading, paymaster; Henry King, com-
missary: Jack R. Snyder, quartermaster: W. H. Russell, ordinance officer;
Theodore Talbot, adjutant; John J. Myers, sergeant-major.
While Fremont's officers and men wrere engaged in collecting horses an
engagement took place between a detachment numbering about sixty men.
under Captains Burroughs and Thompson, and the Californians under Manuel
Castro, who had been made commandante of the Californian forces in the
north. The Americans had gathered several hundred horses and were taking
them to the camp at San Juan. The advance guard, consisting of eight
scouts, encountered the Californians near Natividad. The scouts posted them-
42 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
selves in an "encinalito," or grove of little oaks, and a fight ensued. The
main body of the Americans coming up, a reckless charge was made. Captain
Burroughs and four or five others were killed and five or six were wounded.
The Californians lost about the same number. The result was a drawn battle.
The American consul, Thomas O. Larkin, had started for San Francisco
and had stopped at Gomez' ranch over night. A squad of Californians, under
Lieutenant Chavez, surrounded the house about midnight and made him
prisoner : he was held until the close of the war. The only other engage-
ment in the north was the so-called "Battle of Santa Clara," which took place
between a force of about ioo Americans under Captains Weber, Marston and
Aram, and an equal number of Californians under Francisco Sanchez. The
battle was fought at long range with artillery and so far as known, there were
no fatalities on either side.
On November 29th, 1846, Fremont's battalion began its march southward
to co-operate with Stockton in the subjugation of the rebellious Californians
at Los Angeles. And here we shall leave it to pursue its weary way while
we review the operations of the Californians and the Americans in the south.
The garrison at San Diego, after it had remained on the Stonington about
ten days, stole a march on the Californians by landing at night and recaptur-
ing the town and one piece of artillery. A whale boat was sent up to San
Pedro with dispatches and an earnest request for reinforcements. It reached
San Pedro October 13th. Lieutenant Minor and midshipmen Duvall and
Morgan, with thirty-five sailors of Mervine's force and fifteen of Gillespie's
volunteers were sent on the whale ship, Magnolia, to reinforce Merritt at
San Diego. This force upon arrival set to work to build a fort and mount
the cannon taken from the old presidio. Although continually harassed by
the Californians, they succeeded in building a fort and mounting six brass
nine-pounders.
About the first of November, Commodore Stockton arrived at San Diego.
He began fortifications on the hill and built a fort out of casks filled with
earth, on which he mounted guns. The whole work was completed in three
weeks. Provisions ran short and frequent forays were made into the sur-
rounding country for supplies. About December 1st. word reached Stockton
that General Kearny was at Warner's pass, about eighty miles from San
Diego, with 100 dragoons. Stockton sent a force of fifty men and one piece
of artillery, under Captain Gillespie to conduct this force to San Diego.
Gillespie joined General Kearny and on their return march the entire force
was surprised on the morning of December 6th by about ninety Californians
under Captain Andres Pico, near the Indian village of San Pasqual. Pico
had been sent into that part of the country to intercept and capture squads
of Americans sent out after horses and cattle. The meeting was a surprise
on both sides. The Americans foolishly charged the Californians and in
doing so, became strung out in a long irregular line. The Californians rallied
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA 43
and charged in turn. The Americans lost in killed. Captains Johnston and
Moore, Lieutenant Hammond and sixteen dragoons. The Californians es-
caped with three men slightly wounded. They captured one piece of artillery.
Three of Kearny's wounded' died, making the total American death list,
twenty-two. Less than one-half of Kearny's force were engaged in the battle.
After the engagement, Kearny took position on a barren hill, covered
with rocks. The enemy made no attack but remained in the neighborhood and
awaited a favorable opportunity to renew the assault. The night after the
attack. Lieutenant Godey, Midshipman Beale and Kit Carson, managed to
pass through the pickets of the enemy and eventually — by different routes —
reached San Diego with the news of the disaster. On December 9th, detach-
ments of sailors and marines, numbering in all about 200, from the Congress
and the Portsmouth and under the immediate command of Captain Zielin,
began a march to relieve General Kearny. They marched at night and
camped -in the chapparal by day. On the second night they reached Kearny's
camp about 4 a. m. and took him by surprise. Godey, who had been sent ahead
to inform Kearny of the relief, had been captured by the Californians.
General Kearny had destroyed all of his baggage and camp equipage, saddles,
bridles, clothing, etc., preparatory to forcing his way through the enemy's
lines. The enemy disappeared on the arrival of reinforcements. General
Kearny and the relief expedition reached San Diego after a march of two
days.
It is necessary to explain how General Kearny came to be in California
with so small a force. In June, 1846, General Stephen W. Kearny, com-
mander of the Army of the West, as it was designated, left Fort Leavenworth
with a force of regulars and volunteers to take possession of New Mexico.
The conquest of that territory was accomplished without a battle. Under
orders from the War Department, Kearny began his march to California
with a part of his force, in order to co-operate with the naval force already
there. Near Socorro, N. M., October 16th, he met Kit Carson with an escort
of fifteen men, enroute from Los Angeles to Washington with dispatches from
Commodore Stockton, giving a report of the conquest of California. General
Kearny selected 120 men from his force, sent the remainder back to Santa Fe,
and compelled Carson to turn back and guide him to California. After a toil-
some journey across the arid plains of Arizona and the Colorado desert, they
reached the Indian village where the engagement took place, destitute of
provisions and with men and horses worn out.
Stockton had been actively pushing prepartions for his expedition against
Los Angeles. His force numbered 600 men, mostly sailors and marines, but
he had been drilling them in military evolutions on land. On the 19th of
December this army started on its march for the capital. General Kearny
was made second in command. The baggage and artillery was hauled on
carretas, but the oxen being ill-fed and unused to long journeys gave out on
the way and the marines had to assist in dragging the carts.
44 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
Near San Juan Capistrano, a commission bearing a flag-of-truce met
Stockton with proposals from Governor Flores, asking for a conference.
Stockton replied that lie knew no "Governor Flores", that he — Stockton —
was governor of California. "He knew a rebel 'by the name of Flores, and if
the people of California would give' him up, he — Stockton — would treat with
them." The embassy refused to entertain such terms, saying that they pre-
ferred death to surrender under such terms. On January 8th, 1847, Stockton's
army encountered the Californians at "El Paso de Bartolo" (Pass of Bartholo-
mew) on the San Gabriel river and a battle was fought. The Californians
had planted four pieces of artillery on the bluff over the river with the design
of preventing the Americans from crossing. In the face of the artillery fire,
the Americans crossed the river, dragging with them through the quick-
sands, two nine-poundefs and four smaller guns. They placed their guns
in battery on the river bank and opened fire on the Californians with such
telling effect that one of their guns was disabled and the gunners were driven
away from the others. The California cavalry made a charge on the rear but
were repulsed by Gillespie's riflemen. The Americans charged the Californian
center, advancing their artillery in battery. The enemy were driven from
the heights but succeeded in taking their artillery with them. The battle
lasted about one and a half hours. The Americans lost two killed and eight
wounded. The loss of the Californians was about the same. The Ameri-
cans encamped on the battlefield while the Californians fell back toward the
the city and camped in plain view of their opponents; but they moved their
camp during the night.
Stockton resumed his march on the morning of the 9th. moving in a
northwesterly direction across the plains. The Californians had posted them-
selves in Canada de los Alisos (Canon of Sycamores) near the main road.
As the American column appeared the}- opened fire with their artillery and
an artillery duel, at long range, continued for several hours. Finally the
Californians, concentrating all their efforts' into one grand charge, dashed
down upon the American column. A volley from the rifles of Stockton's
men checked their advance, and turning, they fled in every direction, leaving
a number of their horses dead upon the field. The "Battle of the Plains," as
Stockton calls it. was over. The loss on the American side was five wounded ;
on the other side one man was killed and an unknown number wounded.
Stockton's force numbered about 600 men, hut not all of them took part in the
engagement. The Californians had about 300 men. The small loss on the
American side was due in part to the inefficient weapons with which the Cali-
fornians were armed and to the poor quality of their home-made gun powder,
manufactured at San Gabriel. The small loss of the Californians was due in
part to the long range at which most of the fighting was done and in part to
the execrable marksmanship of Stockton's sailors and marines. After the
battle, Stockton continued his march and crossed the river below the city
where he encamped on the right bank.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA 45
On the morning of the 10th. as he was about to resume his march, a flag
of truce, borne by De Celis and Alvarado, Californians. and Wm. Workman,
an Englishman, came into camp. The commissioners offered the peaceful
surrender of the city on condition that the Americans should respect the rights
of property and protect citizens. The terms were agreed to and Stockton's
army marched into the city, moving up the main street to the plaza to the
stirring strains of Yankee Doodle and Hail Columbia. The "gringos" as
the Americans were nicknamed, met with no hostile demonstrations, but it
was very evident that they were not welcome visitors. The better class of
the native inhabitants closed their houses and took refuge with friendly
foreigners or retired to ranches in the country ; the fellows of the lower class,
exhausted their vocabularies of abuse against the "gringos." Flores, after the
"Battle of La Mesa," retreated up the Arroyo Seco to the San Pasqual ranch,
where he established his camp. Stockton, not aware of the location of the ene-
my and fearful of an attack determined to fortify the town. On the nth, Lieu-
tenant Emory, of Kearny's staff, sketched the plan of a fort: on the 12th. the
site was selected on what is now Fort Hill, and work was begun and con-
tinued on the 15th and 16th.
We left Fremont's battalion on its march down the coast irom Monterey.
The rains set in early and were heavy; the roads were almost impassable and
the men suffered from the inclemency of the weather and from lack of sup-
plies. The horses nearly all died and part of the artillery had to be aband-
oned. On January nth, the battalion reached San Fernando valley, where
Fremont received a note from General Kearny informing him of the defeat
of the Californians and the capture of the city. The battalion advanced and
occupied the mission buildings. Jesus Pico had been arrested near San Luis
Obispo, having broken his parole. He was tried by court martial and
sentenced to be shot, but Fremont pardoned him and he became in conse-
quence a most devoted friend. He now volunteered to find the Californian
army and induce them to surrender to Fremont. He found a part of the
force encamped at Verdugo and urged Flores, who in response to a message-
had come from the main camp at San Pasqual, to capitulate to Fremont,
claiming that better terms could be secured from the latter than from Stock-
ton. A council was held and the Californians decided to appeal to Fremont,
but Flores resolved to quit the country and started that same night for Sonora.
Before leaving he transferred the command of the armv to General Andre*
Pico.
General Pico, on assuming command, appointed Francisco Rico and
Francisco de La Guerra, to go with Jesus Pico and confer with Colonel Fre-
mont. Fremont appointed as commissioners to negotiate a treaty. Major
P. B. Reading, Major W. H. Russell and Captain Louis McLane. On the
return of Rico and de La Guerra to the Californian camp. General Pico ap-
pointed as commissioners Jose Antonio Carillo and Augustin Olvera, and then
46 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
moved his army to a point near the river at Cahvtenga. On the 13th, Fremont
moved his camp from San Fernando to Cahuenga. The commissioners met
in a deserted ranch house at that place and the treaty, or capitulation, of
Cahuenga was drawn up and signed. The principal stipulations of treaty
were that the Californians should surrender their arms and agree to conform
to the laws of the United States. They were to be given the same privileges
as citizens of the United States and were not to be required to take an oath of
allegiance until a treat}- of peace was signed between the United States and
Mexico. General Pico surrendered two pieces of artillery and a few muskets
and disbanded his men.
On January 14th, Fremont's battalion marched through the Cahuenga
pass and entered Los Angeles, four days after its surrender to Stockton.
Commodore Stockton approved the treaty, although it was not altogether
satisfactory to him. On the 16th, he appointed Colonel Fremont governor
of the territory. General Kearny claimed that under his instructions from
the War Department, he should be recognized as governor. For some time
there had been ill feeling between Stockton and Kearny. This precipitated
a quarrel. General Kearny and his dragoons left Los Angeles on the 18th
for San Diego, and on the 20th, Commodore Stockton with his sailors and
marines left the city for San Pedro, where they embarked on a man-of-war to
rejoin their ships at San Diego. Stockton, was, shortly after this, superseded
in the command of the Pacific squadron by Commodore Shubrick. Colonel
Fremont was left in command at Los Angeles. Colonel P. St. George Cooke
arrived on January 27th, with his Mormon battalion, at San Luis Rev. This
force consisted of five companies of Mormons who had been recruited at
Kanesville, near Omaha, and after a long march by way of New Mexico and
Arizona had reached California too late to assist in its conquest. From San
Diego, General Kearny sailed to San Francisco and from there went ta
Monterey, where he established his governorship. California now had a gov
ernor in the north and one in the south. Colonel Cooke was appointed mill
tary commander of the south and brought his Mormon troops to Los Angeles.
Fremont's battalion was mustered out and he was ordered to report to General
Kearny at Monterey. He did so and passed out of office. He was nomi-
nally governor of California for two months. General Kearny turned over
the command of the troops in California to Colonel R. B. Mason, who became
military governor of the territory. General Kearny returned to the states
by the Salt Lake route. He required Colonel Fremont to accompany him,
and at Fori Leavenworth preferred charges against Fremont for disobedience
of orders. He was tried by court martial at Washington, found guilty and
dismissed from the service. President Polk remitted the penalty and ordered
him to resume his sword and report for duty. Fremont did so, but shortly
afterward resigned from the army.
The First New York Infantry had been recruited in eastern New York
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA 47
in the summer of 1846, for the double purpose of conquest and colonization.
It came to the coast well supplied with provisions and with implements of
husbandry. It reached California via Cape Horn, in three vessels. The first,
the Perkins, arrived at Yerba Buena. March 6th, 1847; the second, the Drew,
March 6th, and the third, the Loo Choo, March 19th. The regiment was
divided up and sent to different places on guard duty. Two companies, A
and B, under Lieutenant-Colonel Burton, were sent to Lower California,
where they saw some hard service and took part in several engagements.
Colonel Cooke resigned his position as commandant of the south and
Colonel J. D. Stevenson, of the New York volunteers was assigned to the
command. The Mormon battalion was mustered out in July and Companies
E and G, of the New York Volunteers and a company of U. S. dragoons did
guard duty at Los Angeles.
Another military organization that reached California after the conquest
was Company F, of the Third U. S. Artillery. It landed at Monterey, Jan-
uary 2j, 1847, under command of Captain C. 0. Thompkins. With it came
Lieutenant E. O. C. Ord, William T. Sherman and II. W. Halleck, all of
whom were prominent afterward in California and attained national reputa-
tion during the civil war.
During 1847-48, until the treaty of peace between the Uhited States and
Mexico was proclaimed, garrisons were kept in all of the principal towns.
The government of the territory was quasi-military. Attempts were made
to establish municipal government in the towns. In the northern towns
these efforts were successful : but in Los Angeles there was some clashing
between Colonel Stevenson and the "hijos del pais." There were rumors of
uprisings and of Mexican troops on the way to recapture the place. Colonel
Stevenson completed the fort on the hill, begun by Lieutenant Emory, and
named it Fort Moore. There were no hostile acts by the citizens and the
asperities of war were gradually forgotten. The natives became reconciled
to the situation.
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was concluded February 2, 1848.
It was ratified at Washington, March 10th ; at Ouerataro, May 30th and was
proclaimed by the President of the United States, July 4th. The news reached
California August 6th and was proclaimed next clay by Governor Mason. The
war was over and California had become a territory of the United States.
Governor Pio Pico returned to California from Mexico in August, 1847.
Colonel Stevenson, fearing that he might incite rebellion placed him under
arrest, but he was soon convinced that Pico's intentions were harmless and
gave him his liberty.
A large overland immigration from the United States arrived in California
in 1846 and 1847. The Dormer party, made up principally of immigrants
from Illinois, were caught in the snows of the Sierra Nevadas in October, 1846,
and wintered at a lake since known as Dormer's Lake. Of the original party,
48 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
numbering eighty-seven, thirty-nine perished of starvation and exposure ;
the remainder were brought to Sutter's Fort by rescuing parties sent out
from California.
CHAPTER IX.
TRANSITION FROM A CONQUERED TERRITORY TO A
FREE STATE.
While the treaty negotiations were pending between the United States
and Mexico, an event occurred in California that ultimately changed the
destinies of that territory. That event was the discovery of gold at what is
now known as Coloma, on the American River, in the foothills of the Sierra
Nevada Mountains, about thirty-five miles above Sutter's Fort. The dis-
covery was made January 24th, 1848.
Gold had previously been discovered on the San Francisquito Rancho,
about forty-five miles northwesterly from Los Angeles, in the spring of 1841.
Placers had been worked here, principally by Sonoran miners, up to the break-
ing out of the Mexican war. But the gold fields were of limited extent, water
was scarce, the methods of mining crude .and wasteful and this discovery
created little excitement.
Both discoveries were purely accidental. The first discoverer, Lopez,
was hunting for stray horses. While resting under an oak tree and amusing
himself by digging wild onions with his sheath knife, he turned up a nugget
of gold. Continuing his digging he found more gold. He made known his
discovery and a number of persons came from Santa Barbara and Los Angeles
to work in these placers.
James W. Marshall, who had made the second discovery, was at the time
engaged in building a saw mill for Captain Sutter, proprietor of Sutter's Fort
and owner of an extensive grant at the junction of the American and Sacra-
mento rivers. Marshall, to deepen the race, turned a head of water through
it. The next morning while examining the effect of the water, he picked up
in the race a round piece of yellow metal, which he thought might be gold.
Searching further he found several of these nuggets. He went to the Fort
to notify Sutter of his discovery. Sutter tested the metal with aqua fortis
and pronounced it gold. He returned with Marshall to the mill to make
further investigations. The men working on the mill had discovered the
nature of the metal and had also been collecting it. Sutter found several
nuggets and before leaving the mill exacted a promise from the men to keep
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA 49
the discovery a secret for six weeks. Beside the saw mill he was building a
large flouring mill near the fort and he feared all of his men would desert for
the mine. But the secret could not be kept. Mrs. Wimmer, who did the
cooking for the men at the mill, told a teamster and he reported it at the
fort. The news spread slowly at first and there were many who would not
believe the report. It was three months before the rush began. Kemble,
the editor of the California Star, visited the mines two months after their
discovery and upon his return to San Francisco pronounced them a sham
and advised people to stay away.
During April considerable quantities of gold were received in San Fran-
cisco and the excitement became intense. The city had been building up
rapidly since the conquest ; but now the rush to the mines almost depopulated
it. Houses were left tenantless, business was suspended, ships were left in
the bav without sailors, soldiers deserted from the forts and rancheros left
their grain unharvested.
The news did not spread abroad in time to bring many gold-seekers into
California during 1848. In the spring of 1849, tne great rush from the out-
side world began — both by land and by sea. Gold had now been discovered
over an area of more than two hundred miles and new fields were constantly
being opened. San Francisco, which was the great entry port for commerce
and travel by sea, grew with astonishing rapidity. At the time of the dis-
covery of gold the population of San Francisco was about 800, and the white
population of California about 6000. At the close of 1849, the population of
the territory numbered one hundred thousand, four-fifths of which had
reached the land of gold in that one year. During 1848, Sutter's Fort, or
New Helvetia, as it was called, was the great distributing point for the mines.
Sacramento was laid out in 1849, an^ soon became the chief commercial city
of the interior. At the end of the year its population had reached 5000.
California, at the time of the discovery of gold, was still held as a con-
quered country. The Mexican laws were in force and the government was
half civil and half military. The rapid influx of population brought complica-
tions in the government. After the treaty was proclaimed in California,
August 7th, 1848, Governor Mason promulgated a code of laws that were in-
tended to tide over affairs until a territorial government could be established
by Congress. It was not satisfactory to Americans.
Governor Mason was a faithful and conscientious military officer with
but little knowledge of civil affairs. He did the best he could under the cir-
cumstances, but he was able to exercise very little authority, either civil, or
military. His soldiers deserted to the gold fields and the municipal govern-
ments were anomalous affairs, generally recognizing no authority above them-
selves.
Colonel Mason, who had been in the military service for thirty years,
asked to be relieved. April 12, 1849. Brigadier General Bennett K. Riley
5o HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
arrived at Monterey and the next day entered upon the duties of his office as
governor. Brigadier General Persifer F. Smith, was made military com-
mander of the U. S. troops on the Pacific coast. Most of the troops he
brought with him deserted at the first opportunity after their arrival in
California.
A year had passed since the treaty of peace was sighed and California
became United States territory; but Congress had done nothing for it. The
pro-slavery element in that body was determined to fasten the curse of slavery
on a portion of the territory acquired from Mexico and all legislation was at
a standstill. The people were becoming restive under the mixed military
and civil government. The question of calling a convention to form a state
constitution had been agitated for some time. Conforming to the expressed
wish of many leading men of the territory, Governor Riley called an election
August ist, 1849, to elect delegates to form a state constitution, or a terri-
torial government, if that should seem best, and to elect judges, prefects and
alcaldes for the principal municipal districts. The convention was to consist
of thirty-seven delegates but forty-eight were elected and when the conven-
tion met at Monterey, September ist, 1849, i° Colton hall, this number was
seated. Colton hall was a stone building erected by Alcalde Walter Colton
for a town hall and school house. The money to build it was derived partly
from fines and partly by subscription and the greater part of the construction
work was done by prisoners. It was at that time the most commodious
public building in the territory.
Of the forty-eight delegates, twenty-two were from the northern states,
fifteen from the slave states, four were of foreign birth and seven were native
Californians. Several of the latter neither spoke nor understood English and
Wm. E. P. Hartnell was appointed interpreter. Dr. Robert Semple, of Bear
Flag fame was elected president; Wm. G. Marcy, secretary, and J. Ross
Browne, reporter. Early in the session the slavery question was disposed
of by adopting a section, declaring that "neither slavery nor involuntary
servitude, unless for the punishment of crimes, shall ever be tolerated in this
state."
The question of fixing the boundaries of the future state excited the most
discussion. The pro-slavery faction was led by Wm. M. Gwin, who had
recently come to the territory with the avowed intention of representing the
new state in the United States Senate. The scheme of Gwin and his southern
associates was to make the Rocky Mountains the eastern boundary. This
would create a state with an area of about four hundred thousand square
miles. They reasoned that when the admission of the state came before Con-
gress the southern members would oppose the admission of so large a territory
under a free state constitution and that ultimately a compromise would be
effected. California would be split in two from east to west, the old dividing
line, the parallel of 36 deg. 30 min. would be established, and Southern Cali-
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA 51
fornia would come into the union as a slave state. There were, at this time,
fifteen free and fifteen slave states. If two states, one free and one slave were
made out of California territory, the equilibrium would be preserved. The
Rocky Mountain boundary was adopted at one time, but in the closing days
of the session, the free state men discovered Gwin's scheme and it was
defeated. The present boundaries were established by a majority of two.
A committee had been appointed to receive propositions and designs
for a state seal. But one design was received, presented by Caleb Lyon, but
drawn by Robert S. Garnett. It contained a figure of Minerva; a grizzly bear
feeding on a bunch of grapes ; a miner with his gold rocker and pan ; a view of
the Golden Gate with ships in the bay and peaks of the Sierra Nevada in
the distance; thirty-one stars, and above all the word "Eureka." The con-
vention adopted the design as presented. The constitution was completed on
October 10th and an election was called by Governor Riley for November
13th. to ratify the constitution, elect state officers, a legislature and members
of Congress.
At the election Peter H. Burnett was chosen governor ; John McDougall,
lieutenant governor ; George W. Wright and Edward Gilbert, members of
Congress. During the session of the legislature, Wrrt. M. Gwin and John
C. Fremont were elected to the United States Senate.
San Jose had been designated as the state capital. On December 15th,
the state government was inaugurated there. The legislature consisted of
sixteen senators and thirty-six assemblymen. On the 22nd. the legislature
elected the remaining state officers, viz. : Richard Roman, treasurer ; John
S. Houston, controller; E. J. C. Kewen, attorney-general; Charles J. Whiting,
surveyor-general; S. C. Hastings, chief justice; Henry A. Lyons and
Nathaniel Bennett, associate justices. The legislature continued in session
until April 22nd, 1850. Although this law-making body was named the
"Legislature of a thousand drinks." it did a vast amount of work and did most
of it well. It divided the state into twenty-seven counties and provided for
county government. It also provided for the incorporation of cities and
towns, passed revenue laws and other necessary laws, both civil and criminal.
California was a self-constituted state. It had organized a state govern-
ment and put it into operation without the sanction of Congress. It had not
been admitted into the Union and it actually enjoyed the privileges of state-
hood for nine months before it was admitted.
When the question of admitting California came before Congress it
evoked a bitter controversy. The Senate was equally divided — thirty
senators from slave states and thirty from the free states. There were
among the southern senators some broad-minded men, but there were
many extremists on the subject of negro slavery — men who would sacrifice
their country in order to extend and perpetuate that "sum of all villainies" —
slavery. This faction resorted to every known parliamentary device to pre-
5^ HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
vent the admission of California under a free state constitution. On August
13th, the bill for admission finally- came to a vote; it passed the Senate —
thirty-four ayes to eighteen noes. Even then the opposition did not cease.
Ten of the Southern extremists joined in a protest against the action of the
majority. In the house the bill passed by a vote of one hundred and fifty to
fifty-six. It was approved and signed by President Fillmore, September 9th,
1850. On the nth of September, the California Senators and Congressmen
presented themselves to be sworn in. The southern faction of the Senate,
headed by Jefferson Davis, who had been one of the most bitter opponents to
admission, objected. But their protest came too late.
The news' of the admission of California as a state, reached San Francisco
on the morning of October 18th, by the mail steamer, Oregon. Business was
at once suspended, courts adjourned and the people went wild with delight.
Messengers mounted on fleet horses spread the news throughout the
state. Everywhere there was rejoicing. For ten months the state govern-
ment had been in full operation ; its acts were now legalized and it continued
in power without change or interruption under the officers elected in 1849 for
two years. The first state election after admission was held in October. 1851.
John Bigler was elected governor.
CHAPTER X.
VIGILANCE COMMITTEES— GROWTH AND PROSPERITY.
Tales of the fabulous richness of the California gold fields were spread
throughout the civilized world and drew to the state all classes and conditions
of men — the bad as well as the good. They came from Europe, from South
America and from Mexico ; from far Australia and Tasmania came the ex-
convict and the "ticket-of-leave" man ; and from Asia came the "heathen
Chinee."
In 1 85 1 the criminal element became so dominant as to seriously threaten
the existence of the chief city of the state — San Francisco. Terrible con-
flagrations swept over the city that year and destroyed the greater part of
the business portion. The fires were known to be of incendiary origin. The
bold and defiant attitude of the lawless classes led to the organization of the
better element into a tribunal known as the "Vigilance Committee." This
organization disregarded the legally constituted authorities, who were either
too weak or too corrupt to control the law-defying element and took the power
in their own hands. They tried and executed by hanging four notorious
criminals- — Jenkins, Stuart. Whitaker and McKenzie. Such vigorous meas-
ures adopted by the Committee soon purified the city from the vile class
that preyed upon it. Several of the smaller towns and some of the mining
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA 53
camps also formed "vigilance committees" and a number of the rascals who
had fled from San Francisco met a deserved fate in these places.
During the early fifties the better elements in the population of San
Francisco were too much engrossed in the rushing business affairs of that pe-
riod of excitement, to give time or thought to political affairs and conse-
quently the government of the city gradually drifted into the hands of vicious
and corrupt men. Many of the city authorities had obtained their offices by
fraud and ballot stuffing and instead of protecting the community against
scoundrels they protected the scoundrels against the community.
James King, an ex-banker and a man of great courage and persistence,
started a small paper called the Daily Evening Bulletin. He vigorously as-
sailed the criminal element's and the county and city officials. His denun-
ciations at last aroused public sentiment. The murder of United States
Marshal Richardson by a gambler named Cora still further inflamed the
public mind. It was feared that by the connivance of the county officials,
Cora would escape punishment. The trial resulted in a hung jury and there
were strong suspicions that some of the jury had been bribed. King con-
tinued through the Bulletin to hurl his most bitter invectives against the
corrupt officials. They determined to silence him. He published the fact
that James Casey, a supervisor from the twelfth ward, was an ex-convict
from Sing Sing prison. Casey waylaid' King at the corner of Montgomery
and Washington streets and in a cowardly manner shot him down. The
shooting occurred on May 14, 1856. Casey immediately surrendered him-
self to a deputy sheriff, Lafayette McByrne, who was near. King was not
killed outright but the physicians, after an examination, pronounced the
case hopeless. Casey was confined in the city jail and as a mob began to
gather there, he was taken to the county jail for greater safety. A crowd
pursued him crying, "Hang him, kill him." At the jail the mob was stopped
by an array of deputy sheriffs, police officers and a number of Casey's per-
sonal friends — all armed. The excitement spread throughout the city. The
old Vigilance Committee of 1851, or rather a new organization out of the
remnants of the old one, was formed. Five thousand men were enrolled with-
in a few days. Arms were procured and headquarters secured on Sacramento
street, between Davis and Front. The men were divided into companies.
William T. Coleman, chairman of the old vigilantes, was made the president,
or No. 1, and Isaac Bluxom, Jr., was the secretary, or No. 30. Each man
was known by a number. Chas. Doane was elected chief marshal of the mili-
tary division.
The San Francisco Herald, edited by John Nugent, then the leading
paper of the city, came out with a scathing editorial denouncing the vigilance
committee. The merchants at once withdrew advertising patronage. The
next morning the paper appeared reduced from forty columns to a single
page, but still hostile to the committee. It died for lack of patronage finally.
54 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
Sunday. May 18, 1856, the military division was ready to storm the
jail if necessary to obtain possession of the prisoners, Casey and Cora. The
different companies marched from their headquarters and completely in-
vested the jail. There were fifteen hundred vigilantes under arms. They
had with them two pieces of artillery. One of these guns was planted so as
to command the door of the jail. A demand was made on Sheriff Scannell
for the prisoners. Case)- and Cora. The prison guards made no resistance.
The prisoners were surrendered at once and taken to the headquarters of the
vigilantes.
On May 20th. while the murderers" were on trial the death of King was
announced. Both men were convicted and sentenced to be hanged. King's
funeral, the largest and most imposing ever seen in San Francisco, took place
on the 23d. While the funeral cortege was passing through the streets Casey
and Cora were hanged in front of the windows of the vigilantes' headquarters.
About an hour before his execution Cora was married to a notorious courte-
san, Arabella Ryan, better known as Bell Cora.
Gov. J. Neely Johnson at first seemed not inclined to interfere with the
vigilance committee : but afterward, acting under the advice of Volney E.
Howard and David S. Terry and others of the dominant proslavery faction,
issued a proclamation commanding the committee to disband — to which no
attention was paid. The governor then appointed William T. Sherman
Major General. Sherman called for recruits to suppress the uprising. Seven-
ty-five or a hundred — mostly gamblers — responded. Gen. Wool, in com-
mand of the troops in the department of the Pacific, refused to loan Gov.
Johnson arms to equip his "Law and Order" recruits and Gen. Sherman re-
signed. Volney E. Howard was then appointed Major General.
A squad of the Vigilance Committee was appointed to arrest a man
named Maloney, who was at the time in the company of David S. Terry
(then chief justice of the state) and several other members of the "Law and
Order" party. They resisted the police and in the melee Terry stabbed the
sergeant of the part}-. Sterling A. Hopkins, and then he and his associates
made their escape to the armory of the San Francisco Blues, one of their
strongholds.
When the report of the stabbing reached headquarters the great bell
sounded the alarm and the vigilantes, in a very short space of time, sur-
rounded the Armory, and had their cannon planted to batter it down. Terry.
Maloney and the others of their parts' in the building, considering discretion
the better part of valor, surrendered and were at once taken to Fort "Gunny-
bags," so named on account of a breastwork made of gunnybags filled with
sand, which the vigilantes had placed about the building used as headquar-
ters. Cannon were placed at the corners of the redoubt. The arms of the
"Law and Order" party at their various rendezvous were surrendered to
the vigilantes and the companies disbanded.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA 55
Terry was closely confined in a cell at the headquarters of the Com-
mittee. Hopkins, after lingering some time between life and death, finally
recovered. Terry was tried for assault upon Hopkins and upon several other
parties and was found guilty; but after he had been held a prisoner for some
time, he was released. He was forced to resign his office as chief justice. He
at once joined Johnson and Howard in Sacramento, where he felt safer than
in San Francisco.
On July 29th, Hethrington and Brace were hanged from a gallows
erected on Davis street, between Sacramento and Commercial. Both of these
men had committed murder. The Committee transported from the state
some thirty disreputable characters and a number of others deported them-
selves. A few. among them the notorious Ned McGowan. managed
to keep concealed until the storm was over. A few of the exiles returned
after the Committee was disbanded and began suit for damages, but failed
to secure anything. The Committee had paid the fare of the exiles and it
was only the high-toned rascals who had been given cabin passage, that
began the suits. The Committee finished its labors and dissolved with a
grand parade, August 18, 1856, after doing a most valuable work. For sev-
eral years afterwards San Francisco was one of the best governed cities
in the United States, instead of one of the worst. It is a noticeable fact
that the Vigilance Committee was largely made up of men from the northern
and western states, while the so-called "Law and Order*' party was com-
posed mostly of the pro-slavery, office-holding faction which then ruled the
state.
The rush of gold-seekers to California in the early fifties had brought to
the state a certain class of adventurers — many of whom were too lazy or too
proud to work. They were ready to engage in almost any lawless under-
taking that promised plunder and adventure. The defeat of the pro-slavery
politicians in their attempt to fasten their "peculiar institution" upon any
part of the territory acquired from Mexico made them very bitter. The more
unscrupulous among them began to look about for new fields over which
slavery might be spread. As slavery could only be made profitable in south-
ern lands, Cuba. Mexico and Central America became the arena for enacting
that form of piracy known as "filibustering." Although the armed invasion
of countries with which the LJnited States was at peace was in direct vio-
lation of international laws, yet the federal office-holders in the, Southern
States and in California — all of whom belonged to the pro-slavery party —
made no attempt to prevent these invasions, but instead secretly aided them,
or at least sympathized with them to the extent of allowing them to recruit
men and depart without molestation. One of the leading filibuster- from
California was a Tennesseean by the name of Walker. His first attempt was
against Lower California. He captured La Paz and established what he
called the "Republic of Lower California" and proclaimed it slave territory.
56 HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
He and his army plundered and robbed wherever there was anything to be
obtained. The country was so poor and his army so mutinous that he
was compelled to abandon his so-called republic. He shot several of his
dupes for desertion. After this he had a varied career as a filibuster in
Central America. He was captured in Honduras in i860, court-martialed
and shot.
The last filibustering expedition to enter Mexico was a body of 100. men
commanded by Henry A. Crabb, a Stockton lawyer and politician of the
southern school. He entered Sonora by way of the Yuma route and pene-
trated as far as Cavorca. Here he was attacked by a large force of Mexi-
cans. After holding out for five days in an adobe building he surrendered.
All the Americans, with the exception of a fifteen-year-old boy, were shot
the next morning.
STATE CAPITALS.
As has been previously stated, the Constitutional Convention of 1849
met in Colton hall in Monterey. During its sessions the question of locat-
ing the capital came up. San Jose offered to donate a square of' thirty-two
acres valued at $6o.oco for capital grounds and give the free use of a build-
ing for meetings of the legislature. The offer was accepted and the first
legislature convened there December 15, 1849. The first capitol of the state
was a two-story adobe building, 40 by 60 feet, which had been built for a
hotel. This building was destroyed by fire April 29, 1853. The accommo-
dations at San Jose were not satisfactory.
The Legislature next accepted a proposition from Gen. M. J. Yallejo to
locate the capital at his new town of Yallejo. He offered to donate 156
acres of land for a site and within two years to give $370,000 in money to be
expended in the erection of public buildings. When the members of the
legislature met at the new capital January 2, 1852, they found a large un-
furnished and partly unfinished wooden building for their reception. Ac-
commodations were very poor and even food was wanting for the hungry
lawmakers.
Sacramento then offered its new court house as a meeting place and
on the 16th the legislature convened in that city. The great flood of 1852
inundated the town and the lawmakers were forced t'o reacb the halls of
legislation in boats — again there was dissatisfaction.
Benicia now came to the front with the offer of her new city hall, which
was assuredly above high water mark. Gen. Vallejo had become financially
embarrassed and could not carry out his contract so it was annulled. The
offer of Benicia was accepted and on May 18, 1853, that town was declared
the permanent capital.
In the legislature of 1854 the capital question again came to the fore.
Offers were received from several aspiring cities, but Sacramento won with
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA 57
the offer of her new court house and a block of land between I and I. Ninth
and Tenth streets. Then the question of locating the capital got into the
courts. The Supreme Court decided in favor of Sacramento. Before the
legislature met again the court house burned down. A more commodious
one was at once erected and rented to the state at $12,000 a year. Then
Oakland made an unsuccessful attempt to secure the capital. Finally a bill
was passed authorizing the erection of a capitol building in Sacramento at a
cost not to exceed $500,000. Work was begun on the foundation in October,
i860. The great flood of 1861-62 inundated the town and ruined the founda-
tions of the capitol. San Francisco made a vigorous effort to secure the seat
of government but was not successful. Work was resumed on the building,
the plans were changed, the edifice enlarged, and finally after many delays
it was ready for occupancy in December, 1869. From the original limit of
half a million its cost, when completed, had reached a million and a half.
The amount expended on the building and the grounds to date is $2,600,000.
State Senator E. C. Seymour, representing Orange and San Bernardino
counties in the Thirtieth and Thirty-first sessions, introduced a bill to re-
move the capital to San Jose. The bill passed, but the scheme was defeated
in the courts.
CIVIL WAR.
The Civil War (1861-1865) did not seriously affect the prosperity of Cali-
fornia. During its progress about 16,000 volunteers enlisted in the Union
army. Much to their disappointment these men were retained on the Pa-
cific coast to fight Indians and keep the disloyal element in check. One bat-
talion of five companies paid its own passage to the east and joined the
Second Massachusetts Cavalry, in which it did splendid service in Virginia
and Maryland. Quite a number of Confederate sympathizers from Califor-
nia joined the Southern armies during the war. Those who remained in tire
state were closely watched by the federal authorities and were not able to
render much assistance to their friends of the South.
MINING.
Previous to i860 the chief industry of the state was mining. During
the decade between 1850 and i860 a number of rushes were made to new dig-
gings reputed to be rich in the precious metals. The most famous of these
were the Kern river in 1855 and the Frazer river in 1857 — both ended in
disaster to those engaged in them. In 1859 the silver mines of Washoe were
discovered and -a great rush made to these. The Comstock lodes were very
rich and many fortunes were made. Stock gambling became a mania in San
Francisco and fortunes were made and lost — mostly lost.
5S HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
CATTLE RAISING.
The southern part of the state was devoted to cattle raising and in the
earlv fifties this occupation was immensely profitable. The land was field
in large ranchos and at the time of the discovery of gold was mostly owned
by native Californians. The sudden influx of population consequent on the
discovery of gold greatly increased the value of cattle and made the stock
owners rich . With wealth came extravagant habits and when the decline
began they borrowed money at usurious rates and the high interest ruined
them. The terrible dry years of 1863-64, when thousands of cattle starved
to death, put an end to cattle raising as the distinctive industry of the south.
The decadence of cattle raising brought about the sub-division of the large
ranchos and the development of grain growing and fruit culture. In the
southern part of the state the culture of citrus fruits — the orange and lemon
— has become the leading industry. In favorable localities in the central and
northern sections of the state the production of deciduous fruits — the apple,
peach, prune, pear, etc. — takes precedence: while the great valleys of the
Sacramento and the San Joaquin are vast wheat fields.
RAILROAD BUILDING.
Several schemes for the building of railroads from the Atlantic to the
Pacific, or rather from the Pacific to the Atlantic, for most of them originated
on this side of the continent, were promulgated in California during the
fifties, but they all "gang aglee." The first railroad built in California was
the Sacramento Valley road. It was completed to Folsom in February, 1856,
and was twenty-two miles in length. The next was the road from San
Francisco to San Jose, fifty-one miles long, completed January 16, 1864. On
June 28, 1 86 1 , at Sacramento the Central Railroad of California was organ-
ized with Leland Stanford, president; C. P. Huntington, vice-president;
Mark Hopkins, treasurer; James Baily, secretary, and T. D. Judah, chief
engineer. The capital stock of the company was fixed at $8,500,000. The
whole amount of stock subscribed by its promoters would not have built
five miles of road ; none of the men at that time connected with the road were
rich and the whole affair seemed to be a huge joke. On July I, 1862, the
Pacific railroad bill was passed by Congress, authorizing the issuance of
government bonds to the amount of $16,000 per mile to the foot of the
mountains and of $48,000 per mile through the mountains. " Forty miles had
to be built and equipped before any bonds were issued. In addition to this
there was a government land subsidy of 12,800 acres per mile. Ground was
broken for the road at Sacramento February 22, 1863. The Union Pacific
was built westward from Omaha. On May 10, 1869, the two roads met
at Promontory near Salt Lake and were united.
The first road built in the southern part of the state was the Los An-
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA 59
geles and San Pedro, completed to Wilmington in October, 1869. This
connected Los Angeles with a seaport and greatly facilitated commerce.
The Southern Pacific railroad was completed to Los Angeles Septem-
ber 5, 1877. It had, in 1872, obtained a subsidy from Los Angeles county of
about $600,000 ; $225,000 being the Los Angeles and San Pedro railroad.
For this it was to build twenty-five miles of road north of Los Angeles and
the same distance to the east. The northern end met the extension of the
road south from Lathrop on the Central Pacific in the Soledad Canon
on September 5, 1877. and the last tie was laid and the golden spike driven.
The eastern end was completed in 1883 to El Paso, where it met the Texas
Pacific and thus gave California a second trans-continental line.
The Atlantic and Pacific uniting with the Atchison, Topeka and Santa
Fe, built jointly their main line from Albuquerque to the Colorado at the
Needles. From there the A. & P. built to Barstow about eighty miles north-
east of San Bernardino. From there the California Southern continued the
line to San Diego. The road was completed to Colton in August, 1882, and
opened from San Diego to San Bernardino September 13, 1883. In 1887 the
road was built westward from San Bernardino until it met the San Gabriel
Valley — which was built eastward from Los Angeles — at Mud Springs. The
different divisions of the road were united under one management with its
western terminus at Los Angeles, thus giving California its third trans-
continental line.
The growth of the state and particularly of the southern part of the
state since the advent of the railroads has been phenomenal.
EDUCATION.
The first public school in California was opened at San Jose in Decem-
ber, 1794, seventeen years after the founding of that pueblo. The pioneer
teacher of California was Manuel de Vargas, a retired sergeant of infantry.
Jose Manuel Toca, a ship boy, opened the first school in Santa Barbara in
1795. Maximo Pina. an invalid soldier, was the first schoolmaster of Los
Angeles. He taught during the years 1817 and 1818. During the Spanish
era the schoolmasters were mostly invalid soldiers — men of little learning —
about all they could teach was reading and writing and the doctrina Chris-
tiana. They were brutal tyrants and their school governments military
despotisms. The people were indifferent to education and as the school-
masters were paid by rate bills the terms were short and the vacations long-.
Mexico did somewhat better for public education than Spain. The
school terms were a little longer and the vacations proportionately shorter,
but it was not uncommon then for a vacation to last two or three years.
During the war of American conquest the schools were all closed. After
the cessation of hostilities in 1847 a school under army regulations was es-
6o HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
tablished in Los Angeles — or rather it was under the superintendence" of Col.
J. B. Stevenson, the military commander of the department of the South.
Dr. William B. Osburn was appointed teacher. This was the first English
common school established in California. After peace was declared and
the municipal governments organized, schools were opened in the large
towns. These were subscription schools, although in some cases the town
council appropriated public funds for the education of a certain number of
poor children who were entitled to attend some private school.
The first act to establish a common school system in California was ap-
proved May 3, 1852. Great advance was made in perfecting and building up
this system from 1863 to 1869 under the administration of State School Su-
perintendent John Swett, who has been called the Horace Mann of Cali-
fornia.
The first State Normal school for ''the training of teachers" was es-
tablished in San Francisco in 1863. It was afterwards removed to San
Jose. There are now five Normal schools in the state. The public school
system and the public schools of California rank among the best in the
United States.
HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
GOVERNORS OF CALIFORNIA
UNDER SPANISH, MEXICAN AND AMERICAN RULE
UNDER SPANISH RULE
Gaspar de Portala
Felipe de Barri
Felipe de Neve
Pedro Fages
Jose Antonio Romeu
Jose J. Arrillaga
Diego de Borica
Jose J. Arrillaga
Jose Arguello
Pablo Vincente de Sola. . .
From
To
1767
1771
1771
1774
1774
1782
1782
1790
1790
1792
1792
1794
1794
1800
1800
1814
1814
1815
1815
1822
| From I To
UNDER MEXICAN RULE
Pablo Vincente de Sola. .
Jose Maria de Echeandia
Manuel Victoria
Pio Pico
Jose Figueroa
Jose Castro
Nicolas Gutierrez |
Mariano Chico
Nicolas Gutierrez
Juan B. Alvarado
Manuel Micheltorena
Pio Pico |
1 822
1823
1825
1831
1832
1833
1835
1830
1836
1836
1836
1842
1845
1832
1833
183o
1836
1836
1836
1836
1842
1845
1846
AMERICAN ERA.
MILITARY GOVERNORS— 1846-1849.
Commodore John D. Sloat, July 7, 1846.
Commodore Robert S. Stockton, August 17, 1846.
Colonel John C. Fremont, appointed by Stockton, January 17, 1847.
General Stephen W. Kearney, proclaimed at Monterey, March 1. 1847.
Col. Richard B. Mason, proclaimed at Monterey, May 31, 1847.
Gen. Bennett Riley, appointed by the President, April 13, 1849.
UNDER AMERICAN RULE
From
Peter H. Burnett . . .
John McDougal
John Bigler
J. Neelv Johnson...
John B.' Weller
Milton S. Latham
John G. Downev. . . .
Leland Stanford.
Frederick F. Low. . . .
Henry H. Haight
Newton Booth
Romualdo Pacheco .
William Irwin
George C. Perkins...
George Stoneman ....
Washington Bartlett.
R. W. Waterman . . .
H. H. Markhani
James H. Budd
Henry T. Gage
G. D. Pardee
.December 20,
. . January 9,
. . January 8,
...January 9,
...January 8,
. . .January 9,
. . January 14,
. January 10,
.December 10,
.December 5,
.December 8,
. February 27,
December 9,
. January S,
. . January 10,
January 8,
Septembe'r 13,
January 8,
January 11,
. . . January 4,
. . . .January 4
iss::
anuary 8,
anuary 8,
anuary 9,
anuary 8,
anuary 9,
anuary 1 1 ,
anuary 10,
December 10,
1863| December 5,
1867 December 8,
February 27,
.December 9,
. . .January 8,
...January 10,
January 8,
September 12,
. . January S,
. . January 11,
. . . January 4.
. . . January 4,
I'.m::
1858
1860
1860
1862
1863
1867
1871
POPULATION OF CALIFORNIA 1850 TO 1900.
1850 i860 1870 1880 1890
9^-597 379.994 560.247 864.604 1.208,130
1900
1485.053
ROSE L. 1-1.1 I U\',l
HISTORY OF
San Bernardino County
By ROSE L. ELLERBE
INTRODUCTORY.
San Bernardino has been well named the "Imperial County;" her
position, her size, her resources, and her people all combine to make her
an empire within herself, and yet she is proud to be known as one county of
the Great Golden State.
The county is bounded on the north by Inyo county, on the west by Kern
and Los Angeles counties, on the south by Riverside county and 011 the east
by the state of Nevada and by Arizona. The area is 20,235 square miles,
which is divided about as follows: Agricultural, 575 square miles; dry lakes.
700; mountain ranges, 8,000, and deserts, 10,960 square miles. Its popula-
tion in 1900 was 27,929. It contains 12,902,400 square acres — an area almost
equal to that of Belgium and Holland combined, which two kingdoms possess
a population of about ten millions.
Its desert surface extends from the Sierra Madre mountains in the south-
west corner of the county to its northern boundary and eastward to Nevada
and the Colorado river. It is broken by innumerable short mountain ranges
and isolated peaks, by dry lakes and by tiny oases where springs are found. Its
one river, the Mojave, rises in the mountains and flows to the northeast until
swallowed up bv the sands. The arroyo. or river bed, is traceable for
nearly a hundred miles and at points the water rises to the surface in consid-
erable volume.
The Sierra Madre mountains in this county are rugged and precipitous,
their crest line ranging from six to seven thousand feet above the level of the
sea, and their peaks rising to nine, ten and nearly eleven thousand feet. Their
southern crest and ravines are well wooded. There is but one complete pass
through the entire range, the Cajon. The culminating peak, Mt. San Bernar-
dino, rises 10.680 feet, and between it and Greyback, of the San Jacinto
range, lies the San Gorgonio pass. Mt. Greyback. or San Gorgonio, is 11,485
feet, the highest point in Southern California.
Shut in by the Sierra Madre range on the north, the San Jacinto range
on the south and the Coast range on the southeast, lies the San Bernardino
valley, the largest and best watered in Southern California. In the upper
64 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
end of this valley, included in San Bernardino county, is the San Bernardino
basin, which is described thus : "Hemmed in on the north by the most abrupt
portion of the very abrupt Sierra Madre, overshadowed on the east by the
towering peaks of San Bernardino and Greyback, closed in on the south by a
high range of hills, extending southwesterly from the foot of the San Bernar-
dino mountains to the Coast range, this valley is open only to the west and in
that direction is still overlooked by the somewhat abrupt rising edge of the
Cucamonga plains."
This valley is a basin filled with a vast alluvial deposit of a compara-
tively recent geological placing. Coming into it from the northwest, at the
extreme northwest end, is the Cajon pass. Coming into it from the south-
west corner, from the San Gorgonio pass, and by a northwesterly course, is
the San Timoteo Canon. Entering at its extreme eastern end, crossing it
and emerging at the southwest corner, is the Santa Ana river. It is the
best watered valley in Southern California and one of the most inviting in
appearance. In area it is about one hundred square miles, of which about
twenty square miles are within the known limits of an artesian water-pro-
ducing basin, which occupies its lowest lands, just above the outlet on the
course of the Santa Ana river.
The geological history of this great area of desert, mountains, plains and
valleys is a wonderful story of the working out of nature's plans through
ages of change. Within this county are indications of many ages and periods,
of upliftings and of submergences, of volcanic and of glacial action.
The known history of man in this valley begins with the entrance of
the Spanish priests and soldiers, in 1774. They found the territory now
occupied by this county inhabited by Indians, who, while not so degraded
either physically or morally as many of their neighboring tribes, were still
far below the pueblo dwellers of Arizona and New Mexico in civilization.
There are evidences scattered through the county of an occupation prior to
the coming of these Indians, by a race far superior to them in advancement.
The time may come when the history of the pre-historic dwellers of this
section may be unfolded to us, but as yet we can but conjecture.
Since 1774, when Anza led his expedition across the Colorado desert
and through the San Gorgonio pass into the San Bernardino valley, we have
records, though often far too meager, of the changes and the developments
through which this section has passed. An attempt has been made in these
Annals of San Bernardino County, to tell briefly the story of the Indians
of the county, of the Mission period, the Mexican occupation, the Mormon
and New Mexican colonies, of the days of the Pioneers, and of these later
days of Progress when history is made so rapidly that no pen, or thought,
can keep pace with it.
In some features the history of San Bernardino county is unique — in its
isolated missions which seem to have prospered although left almost entirely
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 65
to the management of neophyte Indians — no Spanish soldiers and no priest
having ever been permanently stationed at either Politana or Old San Ber-
nardino, so far as our knowledge goes ; in its lonely frontier ranchos which
were in constant danger from the raids of the desert Indians; in its colonies
of New Mexican and Mormon settlers ; in its desert industries and
thriving desert towns ; and in the wide range of its resources.
No other county in the state possesses such a variety of valuable mineral
products; the mountains of San Bernardino furnish an extensive timber area;
her mountain streams furnish power, not only for herself, but for her neigh-
boring counties ; her great storage basin and her Santa Ana river furnish irri-
gation waters for all of the great San Bernardino valley, extending through
four counties; her deserts and barren mountain ranges contain mines that
have placed her in the front rank of mining counties; an infinitesimal por-
tion of her surface has made her the third county in the state in citrus
products ; her mountain passes have made her the gateway between the
Pacific coast and the great body of the United States, for three trans-
continental lines.
And the history of material development in this county is as yet in its
opening chapter. During the last fifty years the foundations have been laid;
we must look to the future for the completion and the fulfillment of the
promise.
ANNALS OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
March 14, 1774 — Anza and party entered San Gorgonio Pass.
January 1. 1776 — Anza forded Santa Ana river in San Bernardino valley.
March 21, 1776 — Garces came down through Holcomb and Bear valleys.
May 20, 1810 — Padre Dumetz of San Gabriel entered the valley and gave
it the name of San Bernardino.
1810 — Foundation of mission station of Politana.
1812 — Formation of Urbita Springs by earthquakes and destruction of
Politana by Indians
1822 — Building of mission San Bernardino and construction of Mill
Creek zanja.
1831 — Destruction of the mission by desert Indians.
1833 — Rebuilding of mission.
1834 — Revolt of mission Indians and plunder of mission which was then
abandoned by the San Gabriel priests.
1838 — Jurupa Rancho granted to Juan Bandini.
1839 — Cucamonga Rancho granted to Tiburcio Tapia.
1 841 — Santa Ana del Chino granted to Antonio Maria Lugo.
66 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
1842 — San Bernardino Rancho granted to Antonio Maria Lugo and his
sons.
1S42. Tuly 4 — Daniel Sexton raised American flag in San Gorgonio Pass.
1842 — The Lugos offered lands in the vicinity of Politana to a colony of
New Mexicans.
1843 — Lorenzo Trujillo and others settled at Agua Mansa.
1846 — Louis Robidoux built gristmill on Jurupa Grant.
April 12, 1847 — Detachment of Mormon Battalion sent to establish mili-
tary post at Cajon Pass.
April, 1848 — Party of Mormon Battalion passed through Cajon Pass
with wagon — first wagon to cross this route.
June n, 1851 — First party of Mormons reached Cajon Pass.
September, 1851 — Purchase of San Bernardino grant by Mormons.
1852— Erection of the Old Fort.
1852 — Erection of the grist mill by Mormons.
1852 — Building of road up Twin Creek canon.
1852 — Military post established on Jurupa.
1853 — April 26 — Act segregating San Bernardino from Los Angeles
county.
1853 — Townsite of the city of San Bernardino laid out.
1853 — Erection of Mormon Council House.
1854, April 13 — Act incorporating city of San Bernardino.
1854 — First stage service between San Bernardino and Los Angeles.
1855 — Volunteers under Captain Lytle went out into desert after Indians.
1855 — City purchased six school lots from the grant owners.
1856 — Trouble between Mormons and Independents.
1857 — Recall of the Mormons.
1858 — First Union Sunday School organized.
1858 — First May Day picnic.
1858— Butterfield stage route established.
1859 — Ains worth-Gen try fight.
i860 — Discovery of gold in Bear and Holcomb valleys.
i860, June 16 — First appearance of the San Bernardino Herald ; first
newspaper in county.
1861 — Toll road through Cajon Pass established with ferry across Colo-
rado river in connection.
j86i — C. W. Piercey, assemblyman for San Bernardino, shot in duel near
San Rafael.
1861 — Camp Carleton, United States troops, established on Santa Ana
river.
1862 — January flood; Agua Mansa swept away.
1862 — May — First educational convention held in the county.
1862 — First orange grove (of four acres) set out at old San Bernardino.
HISTORY OF SAX BERXARDIXO COUNTY 67
1863 — A. P. Andrews put on four-horse coach between San Bernardino
and Los Angeles.
1863 — First Republican victory in county; plurality of 83 votes for
Lincoln.
1865 — Banning & Company put on stage from Wilmington, via San Ber-
nardino to Yuma.
1867 — Party of rangers pursued a band of Indians and killed four of
them.
1867 — Establishment of the San Bernardino Guardian.
1867 — Stage line between San Bernardino and San Diego established.
1868 — First artesian well put down at Old San Bernardino and in city.
1868 — Railroad proposed between Anaheim and San Bernardino, and
"Pacific and San Bernardino line," incorporated.
1869 — Silk Culture Colony purchased Jurupa lands.
1870 Muscat grape vines introduced.
1871 — Foundation of Riverside begun.
1872 — Discovery of Borax lake in northwestern part of county.
1873. Sept. 18 — Completion of telegraph line from Anaheim to San
Bernardino.
1873 — Organization of Cucamonga Association and Val Verde >
pany — both to irrigate and cultivate fruit lands.
1873 — Slover Mountain Association formed — origin of Colton.
1874 — Erection of new Court House ; cost $25,000.
1874, October — Southern Pacific officials visited San Bernardino and rail-
road meeting was held to discuss the coming of the Southern Pacific railway.
1874 — San Bernardino honey took first prize at St. Louis fair.
1874 — First Washington Navel orange trees sent to Riverside.
1875 — July 30 — The Southern Pacific Railroad reached Colton.
1877 — Colton Land and Water Co., and Cucamonga Homestead Co., or-
ganized for irrigation on extensive scale.
1879 — Santa Fe officials first visited the county.
1879 — First Citrus Fair ever held in the world at Riverside. San Bernar-
dino county.
1880 — First cannery in county opened at Colton.
1881 — Redlands Water Company organized and colonization of Redlands
begun.
1881— City of San Bernardino first lighted by gas.
1881 — First overland train between San Francisco and Kansas City by
southern route.
1882, August 21 — Southern California road completed from San Diego
to Colton.
1882 — Colony of Ontario started by Chaffey Brothers.
68 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
1883, September 13 — First train on California Southern entered citv of
San Bernardino.
1883 — October — Bear Valley Reservoir Company incorporated.
1884 — Heaviest rainfall ever recorded in county.
1884 — Completion of Bear Valley Dam.
1884 — Riverside and Lugonia fruit took first prize and premiums against
the world at New Orleans.
1885 — November 15 — Completion of California Southern extension from
San Bernardino to Waterman and first overland train over Santa Fe.
1886 — "Rate war" started the "boom."
1886 — County Hospital erected.
1886 — Motor line between Colton and San Bernardino began operation in
November.
1886 — Citrus Exhibit in Chicago.
1887 — February 1st — First street-car line in city of San Bernardino put
in operation.
1887 — Town plats of Redlands and Lugonia filed.
1887 — Town of Chino laid out.
1888 — Railroad and motor lines completed to Redlands.
1888 — Motor line to Riverside opened for service in November.
1888 — San Bernardino, Arrowhead and Waterman Railway completed,
August 17th.
1888 — Chino Valley narrow gauge road built.
1888— Creation of the Board of Horticulture.
1890 — December 15 — Corner stone of Southern California Insane Asylum
laid at Highlands.
1891 — Board of Supervisors voted direct tax to build Hall of Records.
1891 — First Riverside bill for county division defeated, March 25th.
1891 — Erection of Chino Beet Sugar factory; machinery set in motion
August 28th.
1891 — Arrowhead Reservoir Company organized.
1892 — Hall of Records completed and tax levied for Court House.
1892 — Woman's Non-partisan Political Convention met in San Bernar-
dino, October 12th.
1892 — San Antonio and Redlands Electric Power companies formed.
1893 — February 24 — Riverside bill passed legislature.
1893 — Setting aside of San Bernardino Forest Reserve, February 25th.
1894 — Anti-Chinese riots.
1898 — Edison Electric Company purchased plants of Redlands and South-
ern California Electric Power Companies.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 69
CHAPTER I.
THE SPANISH ERA.
SPANISH MISSIONARIES IN "NEW SPAIN."
The story of the Spanish missions
and missionaries must always remain
--._::^zr—iZ--i-Z- ■ „ '■'"*' one of the most interesting and ro-
. . mantic chapters in American hist-
~~r~" ■-'» --«>*» . ,,1-y. So closely were the church and
-"--,. state united, that the history of the
Cabriiio and San Diego Bay missions is practically the history of
the Spanish rule in what is now the
territory of the United States. Of late years Americans have been inclined
to feel that "no good thing could come out of Spain" and to decry the Spanish
regime as one of self-interest and inertia alone : but, while the rule of the
Spanish on this continent was far from perfect, it may be questioned whether
the native races would have received wiser treatment at the hands of any
other European nation.
As early as 1534, the bishoprics of New Spain were established and
organized in Mexico, and from this time on the Church carried forward
active efforts to instruct and convert the natives. Monks and priests were
sent out "to make the natives give up their savage vices and teach them the
faith of our Holy Catholic Church." Missions and pueblos were established
and churches built and Indians were gathered about these stations and
taught what the priests considered necessary to their salvation. In order
that the establishments might be supported the Indians were compelled to
work for the priests and in time became dependent on their spiritual fathers
and entirely subject to the control of the Church. Such a system was, of
course, open to grave abuses. Yet the majority of the fathers who labored
among the natives seemed to be sincere and ready to sacrifice comfort — life
itself — in their devotion to their work.
Led by their zeal for souls and their desire to add new glory to Snain,
the friars pushed into unknown regions. Crossing barren plains, burning
deserts, and rugged mountain chains; footsore, suffering from hunger and
thirst, surrounded by unfriendly or hostile Indians, often driven back yet
never discouraged, these humble brothers worked northward through Mexico,
Lower California, along the Pacific Coast ; they followed the Rio Grande
and the Colorado, they reached Great Salt Lake and the Missouri, and thus
gradually explored the country and established their little oases of missions
throughout all the broad sweep of the southwest.
70 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
The first man to thread the deserts of Arizona and enter what is now-
New .Mexico, was Fray Marco, "the lying priest" as Coronado calls him,
after being induced through the priest's glowing accounts of the country to
make the same expedition.
After establishing a number of missions along the Sonora coast and mak-
ing many explorations of the gulf coast, Father Kino, a Jesuit monk, decided
that Lower California was a peninsula and not an island as was then com-
monly supposed. He conceived the idea of carrying a chain of missions
around the gulf and along the Pacific Coast, and labored unceasingly to carry
out this magnificent project, but for many years could gain no aid either
from the government or from his own brotherhood. All attempts to colonize
Lower California had been unsuccessful on account of the savage character
of the inhabitants and at last in despair the government offered to turn the
Peninsula over to tbe Jesuits. The Superior of the order in Mexico had no
desire to undertake so unpromising a task, but Father Kino and a colleague,
Father Salvatierra, were determined that the gospel must be carried here
and through their almost unaided efforts missions were established among
these heathen and Father Kino's chimerical plan became a reality.
In 1767 the Spanish government decided that a determined effort must
be made to colonize LTpper California. To this end, Don Caspar Portala was
appointed political governor of that territory and Fray Junipero Serra was
made President of the missions to be established.
Father Serra was a Franciscan monk of brilliant gifts and high rank, and
it was largely through his zeal and energy that the task of colonizing this
large territory and of civilizing, to an extent, at least, a great number of
savages, was accomplished.
As a beginning, three missions, one at San Diego, one on Monterey Bay,
and one between these points, were to be established. Three small vessels
were dispatched from Mexico with supplies, and Father Serra, accompanied
by Portala, made the trip overland, coming up through Lower California and
reaching San Diego in July, 1769. Many unexpected difficulties arose: one
of the ships was lost, many of the sailors on the other ships died en route and
after arrival ; the Indians at first curious, soon became indifferent and then
hostile, attacking the Spanish before the completion of the buildings and kill-
ing one man and wounding several. The party sent to examine the site at
Monterey returned without having been able to locate the Bay, and Serra.
being obliged to return to Mexico for supplies and new arrangements, did not
found the mission of Monterey until 1771.
At first all supplies for the missionaries had to be brought from Mexico,
and the Indians could only be induced to listen to the gospel through the gift
of "baubles" and food. But Father Serra lived to establish nine missions
between San Francisco and San Diego harbors; he baptized and confirmed
with his own hands between five and six thousand "gentiles ;" he saw his
HIST( )RY < IF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
mul
day
missions gather great numbers of neophytes about them, erect large and sub-
stantial churches, cultivate flourishing fields and orchards, and become not
only self-supporting but wealthy. Pueblos, or towns, sprang up in the
vicinity of the missions. Spanish settlers came into the country and California
became an important province of New Spain.
All of this was not accomplished
without unwearied vigilance on the
part of the president of the missions.
Frail of body, worn with constant
fastings, self-afflicted tortures and
an incurable disease, he traveled
constantly between the establish-
ments, administering affairs, preach-
ing, admonishing, and keeping close
watch upon every feature of the
mission life. Again and again he
made the toilsome journey to Mex-
ico, sometimes on foot, or riding a
sometimes pitching for weeks in one of the dreary little ships of the
He met and overcame opposition from the government, from his super-
iors, from his subordinates, vvi i'° 1-e constantly endured terrible spiritual
conflicts of his own. Surely Junipero Serra is worthy to rank with the
saints he so faithfully emulated.
The nine missions were increased to twenty-one and they continued to
grow in power and wealth until about the time of their secularization in
1832. At that time nearly all of the Indians in California had been brought
more or less directly under their influence. Many of the natives had collected
about the missions and under the instruction of the Padres had become valu-
able laborers. They were the workmen in building the churches: they built
the houses, store rooms, etc., necessary for a large settlement ; they dug with
the rudest of tools, irrigation ditches which would task modern appliances;
they cultivated the fields and cared for the stock. Some of them learned to
read and write, and many of them gained some knowledge of music. They
learned to use the Spanish tongue and to an extent adopted Spanish customs
and ideals.
They could have had but little comprehension of the doctrines so faith-
fully dealt out to them — for the salvation of their souls — and for the teacher's
salvation, too, perhaps: but they gained an abiding faith in the efficacy of
the church and its forms, and to this day the Indians of the southwest are
Catholics, and the word of the priest has more influence over them than all
the elaborate machinery that the United States has set in motion in their
behalf.
As the missions had prepared the way for the Spanish settlements, so. it
72 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
may be said, they made the way easy for the American conquest. The natives
had been prepared to furnish "cheap labor," the resources of the country had
been discovered, if not developed; the monks had demonstrated that the most
arid and unpromising soil would produce luxuriantly under irrigation ; they
had also introduced the grape and the sub-tropical fruits.
To the Spanish missionaries we owe the most of our knowledge con-
cerning the ancient history of our country. They made notes and kept careful
records of their journeyings. Some of them attempted to gather up the
traditions and legends of the Indians. The records and papers of the missions
furnish much valuable historical material.
The Franciscan fathers left behind them an architecture which was note-
worthy for its distinctive character, and for its fitness for the purpose and for
the conditions. Some of these buildings, now more than a century old, are
still in a fair state of preservation. We owe the missionaries much, also, for
the nomenclature they gave to the southwestern states. To the initiated
the fitness — and sometimes unfitness — in the names they bestowed is a con-
stant joy. As. for example, Sierra Nevada, literally the "saw with a fall of
snow upon it ;" Los Angeles was originally. "Nuestro Senora de Los Angeles
de la Porciuncula :" San Gorgonio pass was "Puerto de San Carlos," "door of
St. Charles," etc.
The Indians were not exterminated under Spanish rule as were the natives
of the north and west who came into contact with the English element. The
"mission system" had many and serious defects, and it left the Indians with
little ability for self government, but it must be admitted that under the
teaching of the fathers, the Indians made more progress toward civilization
than they have ever done under any other system applied to them, and we
must believe with the devout fathers, that they were "chosen" for the work
that they' did.
EARLY HISTORY OF INDIANS.
The various explorers who touched upon the coast of California prior to
the explorations of the interior, give conflicting accounts of the natives. All,
however, agree that they found a gentle, amenable people, not without some
intelligence and skill in providing for their wants, although they were far infe-
rior to the aborigines found upon the Atlantic coast or to the Aztecs of Mexico.
They made various tools, they wove baskets, hunted small game ; those in
the vicinity of Santa Barbara, made boats and went out considerable distance
from the shore to fish. They prepared acorns and various seeds for food,
and dressed skins for clothing. They lived in villages, or rancherias as the
Spanish named them, and ranged over the surrounding country, but seldom
went outside their limits. Although there was a strong resemblance in lang-
uage and customs between the various tribes or branches, there seems to
HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY 73
have been but little relationship between them ; yet the coast Indians were not
quarrelsome.
Yiscaino, who visited the coast of California in 1603, describes the natives
thus: "The country (around Monterey Bay) is thickly settled with people
whom I found to be of gentle disposition, peaceable and docile, and who can
be brought readily within the fold of the holy gospel and into subjection to
the crown of your majesty. Their food consists of seed which they have in
abundance and variety, and of the flesh of game, such as deer larger than
cows ( ?). and of bear and of neat cattle and of bisons and of many other ani-
mals. The people are of good stature and of fair complexion, the women
somewhat lesser in size than the men, and of pleasing countenance. The
clothing of the people of the coast lands consists of the skin of the otter,
abounding here, which they tan and dress better than is done in Castile; they
possess also in great quantity flax, like tbat of Castile, hemp and cotton, from
which they make fishing lines and nets for rabbits. They have vessels, very
well made, in which they go to sea with great dexterity, even in stormy
weather."
Evidently Viscaino was bent upon impressing the king with the import-
ance of his "find." and large allowance must be made for the truth of his
statements.
One of the most interesting and truthful accounts of tbe native Califor-
nians which we have is found in the diary of Father Crespi, who was a member
of the first overland expedition made in California — that of Caspar de Portala,
which set out from San Diego, July 14, 1769, to go to Monterey and found
the second of the proposed missions in California. Frey Crespi kept a daily
account of the journey and the simple directness and accuracy of this narrative
makes it valuable as a historical document and interesting as revealing the
sincere piety and sturdy manliness of tbe good father himself. The course
of their journey and the location of their camping places can still be traced,
so minutely does he describe tbe country through which they passed. He
notes the birds, animals and plants, marvels at the dry riverbeds which bear
the marks of mighty torrents, the sudden disappearance of streams in the sand,
tbe full currents of night where only a thread of water trickled at noon : he
sets down the appearance and manners of the various groups of Indians —
all of this almost without comment. Again and again he refers to the sweet-
ness of the wild roses, and frequently he points out the fact that some particu-
lar spot is especially fitted for the site of a mission. He mentions frequent
earthquakes in the vicinity of Santa Ana and named the river now known as
Santa Ana, "Rio del dulcisimo Nombre de Jesus de los Temblores" (River of
the sweet name of Jesus of the Earthquakes).-
The earlier part of their journey through the broad, rich valleys of
Southern California was not difficult, especially as the Indians met the
Spaniards with the greatest friendliness, bringing them food and guiding
74 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
them to the best springs. Father Crespi declares : "They came without
weapons, but with a gentleness that has no name, bringing as gifts to us
their poor seeds, and we in return gave them ribbons and gewgaws." The
priest made ever}' effort to preach the gospel to these poor "gentiles" : "I
made the gentiles say the acts of Faith, Hope and Charity, which, without
understanding one word, they repeated after me with such tenderness and
fervor that it found, in my heart, at least, an echo." The Spaniards were fre-
quently invited to remain at various rancherias. At one place, "fifty Indians,
with their captain, invited us by signs which we understood perfectly to come
and live with them ; that they would build us houses and give us grain and
the meat of antelopes and hares. They insisted on their offer, telling us that
all the land in sight, and it was much, was theirs and they would divide it
with us." Frequently the natives awaited the travelers with feasts already
spread and honored them with ceremonials and dances — sometimes to the
discomfort of the guests. At one place Father Crespi says. "Toward evening
we received the visits of the chiefs of each town, one after the other, who
came in all their finery of paint and overloaded with feather ornaments,
holding in their hands split reeds, the motion and the noise of which they
used as a measure to their chants and dances, and this they did so well and
so uniform that the effect was harmonious. The dances lasted all the even-
ing and we had hard work sending our guests home. We dismissed the gen-
tiles, begging them by signs not to come back and trouble us during the
night. But it was in vain ; as soon as night had set in they returned blowing
horns whose infernal noise was enough to tear our ears in pieces." The
comandante was obliged to resort to threats to secure sleep — the only place
in the journal where any mention of disagreement with the natives is made.
Thus we see how these people welcomed the race which was to work their
destruction. Father Crespi may have been somewhat prejudiced in favor
of these simple "gentiles" whose salvation he was most anxious to accom-
plish. But Constanzo, the civil engineer of the same party, was certainly free
from any undue bias in favor of the natives. He says : "These natives
(about San Diego) are of good figure, well built and agile. They go naked
without more clothing than a girdle. Their quivers, which the)- bind between
the girdle and the body, are of wild cat, coyote, wolf, or buck skins, and their
bows are two varas (66 inches) long. Besides these they have a species of
war-club, whose form is that of a short and curved cutlass, which they fling
edgewise and it cleaves the air with much violence. They hurl it a greater
distance than a stone ; without it they never go forth into the fields : and if
they see a viper (rattlesnake) they throw the club at it and commonly sever
it half from half. According to later experience, they are of haughty temper,
daring, covetous, great jesters and braggarts; although of little valor, they
make great boasts and hold the most vigorous the most valiant."
This report, while not so flattering as Father Crespi's, is still a far cry
from the lazy and degraded brutes whom Bancroft pictures.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 75
TRIBES OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
The principal tribes located in what is now San Bernardino county were
the Coahuillas, "masters" or "ruling people," who lived in the mountain
ridges and valleys east of San Bernardino mountain and in the San Jacinto
range and along the eastern border of these mountains. These Indians came
but little into contact with the Spanish and were never brought under mis-
sion influence so that we know but little of them until a later period.
The Serranos lived in the vicinity of San Bernardino valley. The name
signifies "mountain Indians," but they do not seem to have been so much
"mountain Indians" as were the Coahuillas. They were a more peaceable —
and a weaker — people than either the Coahuillas, or the desert Indians. The
Gauchamas, of San Bernardino valley, and probably the Cucamongas, be-
longed to this division.
East of the mountains we find the Chemehuevi, or Paiutes, belonging to
the great Shoshone tribe, the Panamints, to the north and tlhe Mojaves, a
branch of the Yuma tribe. These desert tribes were much more warlike and
aggressive than their coast neighbors.
CHEMEHUEVIS.
Father Garces, who made an entrada (journey) from the Colorado river
to San Gabriel in 1776, thus describes his experience with the Chemehuevis
in the southeastern part of what is now San Bernardino county: "February
26, 1776, I passed through a gap in a sierra that runs northwest and at its
base made a halt at some springs of water that I called. Ojito del Santo Angel
(little angel eyes), where I met some forty persons of the Chemehuevi na-
tion. Six Indians that were on a hill came down as soon as I called them,
with the speed of a deer and regaled us with some good mezcal. The garb
of these Indians is Apache moccasins, shirt of antelope skin, white head
dress like a cap with a bunch of those feathers which certain birds have in
their crest. These Indians gave me the impression of being the most swift-
footed that I have seen yet— they sow grain— they keep friendship with the
Apaches — they have a language distinct from all the nations of the river —
they are friends of the Jamadabs (Mojave). They also make coritas (bas-
kets). Thev conducted themselves with me most beautifully. By no means
were they thievish or molestful, but rather quite contrary."
MOJAVES.
"The Mojaves were the most populous tribe of the Yumas and formerly
the most warlike. In historic times they occupied the valley of the Colorado,
but mainly the eastern part between Black Rock and Needles. Their name
signifies 'big rock' or "mountain.' "
Father Garces followed on up the Colorado river on the California side
and on February 28th, he reached the vicinity of the Needles. He was the first
76
HISTORY OF SAN RERXARDIXO COUXTY
European to visit the country of the Mojaves. He thus describes them: "I
can say with entire truth that these Indians have great advantages over the
Yumas and the rest of the nations of the Colorado; they are less molestful and
none are thieves ; they seem valiant and nowhere have I been better served.
I showed them the picture of the Virgin ; it pleased them much but they did
not like to look at the picture of the lost soul. As I am the first Espanol that
has been within their land they celebrated it beyond bounds by their great
desire to become acquainted with the Espanoles : and considering them to
be very valiant they manifested extraordinary
joy at being now friends of a people so valor-
ous.
"February 29, 1776. I tarried here because
there came successively many people and
among them tnree captains, of whom one said
that he was the head chief of the nation,
against whose will was naught determined;
that he had come in order that I should tell
that which was for him to do; that I should
know him for what he was when I should see
him do out of goodness of his heart all that
which I might propose — and finally he said
that he would be baptized and married to a
woman, adding other good things of like tenor.
This is the captain general of them all and he
lives in the center of the nation. The female
sex is the most comely on the river, the male
very healthy and robust. These say that they
are very strong ; and so I found them to be es-
pecially in enduring hunger and thirst. There
came to visit me about twenty hundred souls.
Their language is different, but through con-
stant communication they understand well
enough the Yuma, They talk rapidly and
with great arrogance. I have not heard any
a Mojava Buck Indian who talked more or with less embar-
rassment than their captain general."
INDIANS UNDER MISSION RULE.
SAN GABRIEL.
On September 8, 1 771 . El Mission del Glorisimo Principe San Gabriel.
San Gabriel Arcangel, or San Gabriel de los Tcmblores (of the earthquakes)
as the mission was variously known, was formally dedicated. This was the
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
77
igjfclb <>/ SmGthmi.
fourth in order of the cordon of missions planned for Alta California. Its
founders, Padres Cambon and Somero, had been sent out from San Diego
with a party of fourteen soldiers, a supply train of mules and four muleteers.
Reid says that the site chosen was a
complete forest of oak with consid-
erable undergrowth — a lagoon near
by and a spring. The first build-
ings were rude and the growth of
the mission for the first two or
three years, very slow, owing prin-
cipally to the brutality of the soldiers
with the natives. The first site of
the mission was abandoned some
years after its founding and a new
one selected a few miles distant in
a more eligible location. In 1776,
when Font and Garces visited the
mission considerable progress had
been made. Father Font accompanied Anza on his second expedition from
Sonora and he has left a description of what he saw at San Gabriel, which
is such a graphic picture of the life of all the Indians at the missions, that
we copy it here from Elliott Coues "On the Trail of a Spanish Pioneer."
FONT'S DIARY, JANUARY 5, 1776.
"After breakfast I went with Padre Sanchez to see the spring of water
whence they bring the acequia for this mission, by means of which are con-
ferred the greatest conveniences ; for, besides being sufficient and passing in
front of the house of the padres and of the little huts of the Christian Indians
who compose this new mission, who will be some fifty souls of recent converts,
this acequia renders all the flats of the immediate site apt for sowing, so that
the fields are close to the pueblo; and it is a mission that has such good
adaptabilities to crops, and is of such good pasture for cattle and horses,
that no better could be desired. The cows that it has are very fat and give
rich milk, with which they make many cheeses and very good butter ; there is
a litter of pigs and a small flock of sheep, of which, on our coming, they
killed four or five muttons that they had, and I do not remind myself of
having eaten mutton more fat or beautiful ; and they also have some chickens.
It has enough of wood and other logs for building. ... At present the
whole building is reduced to one very large hovel, all in one piece with three
divisions, and this serves as the habitation of the padres, granary, and every-
thing else ; somewhat apart from this there is another square hovel which
serves as church ; and near this another which is the guardhouse, or quarters
of the soldiers of the escort, who are eight; and close by some little huts of
78 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
tule which are the little houses of the Indians, between which and the house
of the padres runs the acequia. In the spring of water grows herbs which
appear to be lettuces and some roots like parsnips ; and near the old site of
the mission, which is southward from this one about a league, grow great
abundance of water cresses, of which I ate enough; and, finally is the land, as
Padre Paterna says, like the Land of Promise, though indeed the padres
have suffered in it many needinesses and travails, because beginnings are
always difficult and more so in those lands where there was nothing. . . .
The converted Indians ... of this mission seem tame and of middling
good heart; they are of medium stature and the women somewhat smaller,
round faced, flat nosed and rather ugly ; their custom is in gentiledom for
the men to go entirely naked, and the women wear some kind of deer skin
with which they cover themselves, and also some small coat of skins of otter
or hare ; though the padres try to make the converts dress as well as they
can. The method which the padres observe in the reduction is not to force
anybody to make himself Christian, and they only admit those who volun-
tarily offer themselves and this they do in this fashion. As these Indians are
accustomed to live in the plains and hills like beasts, so if they wish to be
Christians they must not take to the woods, but the}' must live in the mission
and if they leave the rancheria, they will be gone in search of and punished.
Whereupon the padres begin to catechise the gentiles who voluntarily come,
showing them how to make the sign of the cross and the rest that is neces-
sarv, and if the Indians persevere in the catechism for two or three months,
with the same mind, being instructed therein, they pass on to baptism. The
discipline of every day is this: In the morning at sunrise mass is said regu-
larly . . . and the padre recites with all the Christian doctrines, which
is finished by singing the Alabado, which is sung in all the missions in one
way and in the same tone, and the padres sing it even though they may not
have good voices, inasmuch as uniformity is best. Then they go to breakfast
on mush, which is made for all, and before partaking of it they cross them-
selves and sing the Bendito ; then they go to work at whatever can be done,
the padres inclining them and applying them to work by setting an example
themselves; at noon they eat their soup (Pozole), which is made for all alike;
then they work another stint and at sunset they return to recite doctrines
and end by singing the Alabado. ... If any Indian wishes to go to
the woods to see his relatives, or to gather acorns, he is given permission for
a specified number of days, and regularly they do not fail to return and
sometimes they come with a gentile relative who stays to catechism, either
through the example of the others, or attracted by the soup which suits them
better than their herbs and eatables of the woods, and thus these Indians
are wont to be gathered in by the mouth. . . . The doctrine which
is recited at the mission is the brief of Padre Castani, with total uniformity,
without being able to add a single thing or vary it by a word ; and this is
HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY 79
recited in Castilian, even though the padre may understand the Indian
tongue
"In the missions it is arranged that the grown-up girls sleep apart in
some place of retirement and in the mission of San Luis Obispo I saw that a
married soldier acted as mayor-domo and his wife took care of the girls
and she by day kept them with her, teaching them to sew and other
things, and at night locked them in a room where she kept them safe from
every insult and for this they were called nuns, which seemed to be a very
good thing. Finally the method which the padres employ in these missions
seemed to me very good, and that which is done in one is done in all."
This is the clearest picture we have of life at the missions in early days
and though Font was himself a Franciscan, it bears every mark of truthful-
ness.
A later visitor, who was certainly not prejudiced in favor of the mis-
sions was Alfred Robinson, an American who visited San Gabriel about 1830.
He says: "In the morning at six o'clock we went to the church, where the
priest had already commenced the service of the mass. The imposing cere-
mony, glittering ornaments and illuminated walls were well adapted to capti-
vate the simple mind of the Indian, and I could not but admire the apparent
devotion of the multitude, who seemed absorbed, heart and soul, in the
scene before them. The solemn music of the mass was well selected and
the Indian voices ascended harmoniously with the flutes and violins that ac-
companied them. . . . There are several extensive gardens attached to
the mission, where may be found oranges, citrons, limes, apples, pears,
peaches, pomegranates, figs and grapes in abundance. The storehouses and
granaries are kept well supplied and the corridor in the square is usually
heaped up with piles of hides and tallow. Besides the resources of the vine-
yard the mission derives a considerable income from the sale of grain and
the weekly slaughter of cattle produces a sufficient sum for clothing and sup-
porting the Indians."
In 1806 Father Zalvidea was appointed to San Gabriel and for twenty
years he ruled the Indians and administered the affairs of the mission with a
vigor and a severity that fully entitles him to the phrase "clerical Napoleon,"
applied to him by Professor Guinn in his late history of Los Angeles county.
At the zenith of its power San Gabriel possessed some twenty-four
ranchos, including a million and a half acres of land and extending from the
ocean to the San Bernardino mountains. Among its possessions were Chino,
Cucamonga, San Bernardino, San Gorgonio, and San Jacinto ranchos. It
had small outstations at all of these points.
In 1817 there was a population of 1701 gathered about the mission and
its dependencies. This was the highest figure attained. In 1828, its cattle
were numbered at 26,300 head. In 1830 over 40,000 head of stock, including
8o HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
cattle, horses, mules, sheep and goats, is reported. Large yields of wheat,
barley, beans and grapes were annually produced.
The breaking up of the missions began about 1832 and so rapid was the
destruction that in less than ten years the population, the flocks and the
wealth of San Gabriel had all disappeared. Its lands were granted by the
Mexican government to various grantees, its stations were abandoned, and
the mission itself fell into ruins.
MISSION SETTLEMENTS IN SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
EL CAMINO REAL.
In the year 1773 the viceroy of Mexico commissioned Juan Bautista de
Anza, Captain of the Presidio of Tubac. to open a road between Sonora in
Mexico and Monterey in California. The expedition consisted of thirty-
four men, 140 horses and sixty-five cattle. Two priests, Fathers Garces and
Diaz, accompanied the party. Three of the soldiers and some of the stock
was left at the Colorado river, which was crossed at Yuma and the rest fol-
lowing very nearly the route of the Southern Pacific, reached "El Puerto de
San Carlos" (San Gorgonio Pass) March 14, 1774. On the 18th they passed
through "El Valle de San Jose" (San Bernardino Valley). On the 20th they
reached "Rio Sta Ana," which they crossed on a bridge of boughs and on
the 21st they encamped at "Arroyo de Osos or Alisos" (Cucamonga). This
was the first party of Europeans to look upon the beautiful valley of San
Bernardino. In a few weeks Anza returned to Sonora by the same route and
in 1775 he again came from Mexico, this time with a large number of soldiers
and colonists, who were intended to settle San Francisco, and also 695 horses
and mules and 355 cattle. They again camped in the San Bernardino valley.
Father Font, who accompanied this party has left a diary giving a full account
of the journey and Anza's official diaries and reports of both of these expedi-
tions are extant.
In 1775. Father Garces, who had been left by Anza to visit among the
Indians of the Colorado with a view to establish missions in that vicinity,
went up the Colorado river to a point near Needles. Accompanied only by two
or three Indians, he struck across the desert, camping on the site of Camp
Cady, exploring the. Mojave river, of which he was the discoverer, and entering
the San Bernardino valley, Bancroft says by way of Cajon Pass, but Elliott
Coues. who carefully went over the ground, following the daily itinerary,
states, by way of Holcomb and Bear Valleys, which he reached by following
up the watercourse from the Mojave, and then came down into the valley
through the Santa Ana Canon. He reached the valley March 21st, 1776, find-
ing here a rancheria of Indians, the Gauchamas, who greeted him "joyfully."
To Garces belongs the honor of first exploring a considerable part of'
this county, as well as first entering the Tulare country.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 81
POLITANA.
The overland route from Mexico by way of the Colorado river and San
Bernardino valley proved more practicable than the sea route. But the
revolt of the Colorado Indians in 1781 and the destruction of the two mis-
sions that had been established along the river, with good Father Garces, his
fellow priests, the soldiers and their families — fifty souls in all — gave travel
over this "camino real" a set back. This route continued to be used, however.
San Gabriel was the first stopping place after reaching California. But as
travel increased it was arranged to establish another station on the route be-
tween this mission and the Colorado river. Father Caballeria in his history of
San Bernardino valley says: "With this object in view a party of mission-
aries, neophytes and soldiers of the San Gabriel Mission, under the leader-
ship of Padre Dumetz, were sent out to select a location and on the 20th of
May, 1810, they came into the valley 'Valle de San Jose.' This, according
to the Roman calendar, was the feast day of San Bernardino of Sienna and
they renamed the valley in his honor. . . . The supply station was
planted at the Guachama rancheria, which was near the place now known as
Bunker Hill, between Urbita Springs and Colton. This location was chosen
on account of the abundance of water in this vicinity. Here a 'capilla' was
built and dedicated to the patron saint of the valley- — San Bernardino. After
completing the building of the station, the fathers returned to San Gabriel,
leaving the chapel, station, and a large quantity of supplies in the care of
neophyte (Indian) soldiers, under the command of a trusty Indian — Hipolito.
The settlement took its name from this man and became known as 'Politana.'
During the next two years the padres made frequent visits to the capilla, the
Gauchama Indians were friendly, grain was planted and the settlement
seemed in a fair way to permanent prosperity." The same author adds that
in 1812, the "year of earthquakes," the Gauchamas were so alarmed by the
frequent shakings that they believed the mission must be the cause of this
manifestation of the evil spirits and consequently massacred the mission
Indians and the converts and destroyed the buildings. Later these were re-
built and occupied for many years.
Within the memory of the first settlers in the valley there was still a
considerable settlement of Indians in the neighborhood of Politana, or "Ran-
cheria," as it was familiarly known. An old graveyard here was used by the
Indians for many years, but has now entirely disappeared.
HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY 83
SAN BERNARDINO MISSION.
About 1821 the Gauchama ranchita of Indians, according to the records,
asked the padres of San Gabriel to assist them in establishing agriculture and
stock raising in their valley. The fathers were only too glad to accede to this
request for they were in constant fear of attacks from the desert Indians
who made their entry into the coast districts through the San Bernardino
passes. In 1822 a priest was sent out and with the aid of the Indians an
adobe chapel was erected, probably on, or near, the site of the present ruins
of the old "mission" of San Bernardino. A mayor-domo. said by Father
Caballeria to have been Casius Garcia, was appointed, a zanja was con-
structed, fields were cultivated and large herds of stock soon accumulated.
The zanja, now known as Mill Creek zanja, has been in continuous use ever
since it was constructed. It now resembles a natural water course and with
its fringe of willows and alders is one of the most interesting and picturesque
bits of scenery in the county.
In 183 1 the desert Indians made a raid upon the mission, destroyed the
buildings and stole and scattered most of the stock. The church was rebuilt
in 1834 in a more substantial manner, having been 250 feet in length, 125 in
width, with walls three feet thick — corrals and enclosures intended to resist
the attacks of savage neighbors were also put up. A large granary of adobe
was built at some little distance from the main structures. The remains of
this were evident upon the old Curtis place for many years after the Ameri-
cans came in but were finally leveled. A large burying ground was located
at a point just opposite the Anson Van Leuven place, where now stands a
walnut grove.
In 1834 there was much dissatisfaction and uneasiness among the mis-
sion Indians all through Southern California, stirred up by Hijar's colonists,
a party from Mexico, says Hittell. The Indians in the vicinity of San Ber-
nardino finally revolted and a battle was fought between 200 Indians and a
body of troops sent from San Gabriel to subdue them. Later Father Este-
naga, with a military officer and troops, was sent to try and pacify the In-
dians, but the rebels took the father prisoner, robbed him and would only
give him up when a ransom was paid. More troops were sent against San
Bernardino, but they themselves revolted, robbed the church of the vest-
ments and ornaments and, after committing other crimes, took to the
mountains.
The decree secularizing the missions was already being carried into
effect ; the church was fast losing ground and no further attempts to hold
San Bernardino were made. For some years the country was left to the al-
most undisputed possession of the Indians. Some of them went back to
their old savage condition, but some of them seem to have remained at the
old mission and continued to cultivate land and raise stock. Daniel Sexton
states that when he first came into the country in 1842, the Indians were ir-
84 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
rigating and cultivating a considerable area around Old San Bernardino,
raising beans, wheat, grapes, etc.
When the San Bernardino Rancho was granted to the Lugos in 1842,
one of the brothers seems to have lived in the vicinity of the mission — prob-
ably in the building itself. When the Mormons came in Bishop Tenny settled
here and occupied the mission building.
Lieutenant Blake, who passed through here in November, 1852, de-
scribes the vicinity thus: "We soon reached the ruins of the old church or
rancho, located on slightly elevated ground and overlooking the whole valley
towards the east. It is surrounded by a broad area of excellent farming land
and a row of old trees (cottonwood row) set thickly together extends in
a straight line for three-fourth of a mile along the acequia. The building is
made of adobes, but is now in ruins. A part of it, however, is now occupied
as a farm house and granary.''
LATER HISTORY OF THE INDIANS.
MEXICAN RULE.
With the passage of the Secularization Act in 1823, when Mexico came
into power in California, began the downfall of the Missions. In 1833, it was
estimated that 30,000 Indians were connected with the various Mission es-
tablishments. By 1843 tne greater part of these Indians had been dispersed.
A few remained on lands that they had cultivated under direction of the
Padres ; others settled wherever they could find unoccupied land with water.
Those who remained in the vicinity of the pueblos rapidly yielded to the
vices, and became the slaves of white men.
It had always been the intention of the Spanish government to provide
the Indians with lands and divide a share of the riches accumulated by the
Missions among them. The Mexican government passed laws, which, if they
had been carried out. would have protected the Indian in his rights and given
him a chance to become self-supporting. But in the era of greed and utter
disregard of law or of justice, which followed the breaking up of the Mission
establishments, the Indian received nothing.
Still the Mexican holders of land grants left the Indians on their lands
undisturbed; the Indians were, in fact, the only laborers and carried on nearly
all of the work connected with the great stock ranges of the period. As re-
tainers of the great Ranchos, the Indians seem to have been treated with
fairness and to have been comfortably situated — except that they had no
rights to land or property.
OUR SHAME.
The history of the Indians of Southern California, under the United
States, is a chapter that every American must read with shame. Our gov-
HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY 85
ernment found land titles in a state of chaos when it took possession of the
territory of California. And in the scramble for possession that followed
and the endless litigations between grant owners, squatters, and the United
States government, the rights of the Indians — the first owners of the entire
state — seem to have been entirely overlooked. From 1849 down to this
year of grace, 1904, the Indians have been driven from the lands cultivated
and improved by them and their ancestors for generations, because they had
no legal title, approved by the government of Mexico, or by the United
States. Possession and occupation and bona fide improvements counted for
nothing, in the case of the Indian and when a white man wanted the land,
whole villages were evicted and their houses, orchards and other improve-
ments "appropriated." It is true that as early as 1852 the government began
setting aside "reservations" for the Indians. There are now thirty-three
reservations in Southern California, containing some 210.000 acres. But
the greater part of the lands thus reserved are absolutely worthless for agri-
cultural purposes and a very small area of the entire amount is suitable for
grazing. On some of these reservations allotments have been made ; but the
greater part of the land is still undivided and these Indians, who are primarily
home lovers, and whose strongest feeling is for their own homes, their own
places and their own traditions, are most of them practically homeless.
In 1852, Benito D. Wilson, who had been appointed United States In-
dian Agent, reported about 15,000 Indians; in i860 the United States Census
reported 3028 Indians in San Bernardino county. In 1880. the census gives
the Serranos, 381 ; the Coahuillas, 675 ; the entire number in Southern Cali-
fornia. 2907. Of this, Helen Hunt Jackson, in her report of 1884, says: "This
estimate falls considerably short of the real numbers, as there are no doubt in
hiding, so to speak, in remote and inaccessible spots, many individuals, fam-
ilies, or even villages; some on reservations set apart for them by executive
order ; some on Government land not reserved, and some upon lands included
within the boundaries of confirmed Mexican grants. Considerable numbers
of these Indians are also to be found on the outskirts of the white settlements,
as at San Bernardino, Riverside and Redlands, and the colonies of the San
Gabriel valley, where they live like gypsies in brush huts, here today, gone
tomorrow, eking out a miserable existence by a day's work, the wages of
which are too often spent for whiskey." These latter Indians, the outcasts
of the tribes and villages, are too often judged by those who are not acquainted
with the Indian in his home among the mountains, as fair representatives of
the Southern California Indians, and the whole race is condemned accord-
ingly.
In 1897, Indian Agent Wright reports 3.848 Indians in Southern Cali-
fornia. Some attempt has been made in later years to right the wrongs of
these people and save the remnant of them from extinction. Schools have
been established on a number of the reservations, and the government sup-
86 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
plies the people with some farming implements, seeds, fruit trees, and when
necessary, seed grain, and a small ration allowance is made for the sick and
poor. The Perris Industrial School was erected in 1892, and many of the
children have been trained there'. In 1902, Sherman Institute at Riverside was
opened with full equipment for industrial training.
Many of the Indians have left the reservations, finding it impossible
to make a living on the lands furnished them by the government ; others
rent lands in their neighborhood and farm on a considerable scale : many of
them are employed in the vicinity of the reservations as farm laborers, rail-
road builders and at other work. B. D. Wilson said of the Mission Indians
in 1852: "These Indians have built all of the houses in the country, planted
all the fields and vineyards. Under the Missions they were masons, carpen-
ters, plasterers, soapmakers, tanners, shoemakers, blacksmiths, millers, bak-
ers, cooks, brick-makers, carters and cart-makers, weavers and spinners,
saddlers, shepherds, agriculturists, horticulturists, viiieros. vaqueros — in a
word, they filled all of the laborious occupations of civilization."
Of the Mojave Indians as laborers, Dr. Booth says in 1902: "Much of
the hard labor clone on the railroad is performed by these Indians and more
industrious or more faithful workers were never in the employ of a corpora-
tion. They lay and line up track, heave coal, wipe engines, etc., better than
the ordinary white man."
Some idea of the condition of the Indians in the vicinity of San Bernar-
dino is furnished by Mrs. Crafts, who was one of the early settles of the
East San Bernardino valley. When she moved to Altoona. later Crafton,
there were many of the Serrano and Coahuilla Indians in the vicinity. Mr.
Crafts employed them to do the work of the ranch and found them to be hon-
est and willing. During the fruit season the Coahuillas came from Potrero
to cut and dry fruit. Mr. Crafts found that when they went into San Ber-
nardino to purchase supplies, they spent most of their money for whiskey, so
he opened a store and paid them in supplies.
The Indians lived in huts made of poles and tules. When one died he was
wrapped in a winding sheet for burial and his possessions were either burned
or buried with him. Mr. Crafts gave them a burial place and taught them the
rites of Christian burial. Some of the young Indians wished to learn to read
and came regularly to Mrs. Crafts for lessons. In 1875. ncr daughter, now
Mrs. Canterbury, taught an Indian school at Crafton.
Mr. Crafts felt that the government should protect the rights of these
Indians and especially that they should be given title to their lands. As a
result of his correspondence on the subject, a special commissioner, Rev. J.
G. Ames, was sent out in 1875 and reported in favor of giving these Indians
titles to the land occupied by them. But of this report and various other re-
ports, as Mrs. Jackson says, "nothing came, except the occasional setting off
of reservations, which, if the lands reserved were worth anything, were
speedily revoked at the bidding of California politicians."
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 87
COAHUILLA CHIEFS.
Old Cabezon, the head of the Coahuillas, frequently came to Crafton and
consulted with Mr. Crafts. He had absolute control over his people and fre-
quently prevented his tribesmen from making a disturbance.
The Coahuillas have always been closely connected with the history
of San Bernardino valley. The first chief of this tribe, of whom we have
any record was known as "Razon" (white man) and was a peaceable man
who tried to teach his people agriculture and to live like "whites." He was
succeeded by Juan Antonio, who was well known in the early days of the
county. It was he who led the Indians in the fight with Irving's band in
1851. For his services on this occasion, the County Supervisors, according
to B. D. Wilson, allowed Juan Antonio one hundred dollars' worth of cloth
and supplies. It is said that he ruled his people like -an emperor, demanding
the most absolute obedience. Helen Hunt Jackson says that he received the
title of "General" from General Kearney during the Mexican war and never
appeared among the whites without some signs of a military costume about
him. She also relates this story with regard to him: "In 1850 an Indian of
his tribe, having murdered another Indian, was taken prisoner by the countv
authorities and carried to Jurupa for trial. Before the proceedings had begun
Juan Antonio, followed by a big band of armed Indians, dashed up and de-
manded that the prisoner be turned over to him for punishment. T come
not here as a child,' he said, T wish to punish my own people in my own
way. If they deserve hanging, I will hang them. If a white man deserves
hanging, let the white man hang him. I am done.' The prisoner was given
up. The Indians strapped him to a horse and returned to their village. Here
in an ®pen grave the body of the murdered man was laid: into this grave,
on the top of the. corpse of his victim. Juan Antonio, with his own hands,
pushed the murderer and ordered the grave immediately filled up."
This chief died of smallpox in 1863. He was followed by Cabezon.
A letter from Captain J. G. Stanly, a former Indian Agent, to Mrs. H. H.
Jackson, written in 1882, gives some details about Cabezon and the Coa-
huillas.
"Dear Madam : — In compliance with your request I proceeded to the
Cabezon A^alley and have endeavored as far as possible with the limited time
at my command, to ascertain the present condition and actual necessities
of these Indians that still inhabit that portion of the Colorado Basin known as
Cabezon Valley, that being also the name of the head chief who, from the best
information that can be obtained, is not less than ninety, and probably one
hundred, years old. and who still has great influence with the Indians in
that vicinity. ... At present there are eight villages, or rancherias,
.each with its own captain, but all recognizing old Cabezon as the head chief.
I ascertained from each captain the number in his village and found the ag-
gregate to be 560 souls. These Indians are not what are called Christianized
88 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Indians. They never belonged to any mission and have never been received
into any church. They believe in spirits and witchcraft. . . . They are
very anxious to have schools established among them and are willing to live
in one village, if a suitable place can be selected."
Cabezon was well known in San Bernardino and was respected as a
peaceable, law-abiding man who, more than once, prevented trouble between
his people and the whites. In his old age he was obliged to appeal to the
count}' Supervisors for aid, so impoverished had his people become. He
died in 1886. Mrs. Jackson said of him: "The Indians known as the desert
Indians are chiefly of the Coahuilla tribe and are all under the control of an
aged chief named Cabezon, who is said to have more power and influence
than any other Indian now living in California."
In 1879 a considerable Indian scare was created by reports of an upris-
ing of Indians on the reservations. It is said some citizens of San Bernar-
dino and of Lugonia and vicinity found it convenient to visit Los Angeles
about this time. The trouble grew out of the efforts of Indian Agent Lawson
to suppress the liquor traffic among the Indians and there was probably
never the remotest danger that the Indians would attack the white people.
Indeed, they were much more likely to be attacked than to take the offensive.
These Coahuilla Indians, having never come under mission influence
retained their old, savage superstitions and habits until they came into con-
tact with the Americans. As late as 1885 a trial for witchcraft took place in
the city of San Bernardino. This was detailed in the Times.
WITCHCRAFT.
"A considerable concourse of men and boys, among whom was a large
sprinkling of Indians, were gathered in a circle in the court house yard this
morning. In the center of the circle squatted a sturdy looking buck of some
fifty or sixty years of age. while circled around him was a number of his
tribe. The old fellow's name was Domingo, a member of the Coahuilla tribe,
who had been brought in by his chief, Fernandez, escorted by twenty-one
prominent men of the tribe, and was now answering to the solemn conclave
on the serious charge of witchcraft. Hon. John Lloyd Campbell, as prose-
cuting attorney, took charge of the proceedings, and Captain John Brown,
Jr., acted as judge and counsel for both sides. All preliminaries being ar-
ranged/the natives stated the case in substance as follows: "On the 9th
inst. one of the tribe named Jose died suddenly, and immediately after some
members of the tribe went crazy. As the Indians know nothing about nat-
ural causes, they began to cast around for the one who wrought the deed of
shame, and finally fixed upon Domingo. He was arrested on a charge of
witchcraft, a jury of twelve of his peers impaneled and sworn to try the
case on its merits ; and as the untutored savage had learned nothing of the
intricacies of law. there were no demurrers, cross complaints, nolle prosequi*.
HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY 89
habeas corpuses, writs of ejectment, forcible entry and detainer, or any other
of the numerous peculiarities filed, and the trial went on as though such ar-
rangements did not exist. The upshot of it was that after a fair trial in
which witnesses for both sides were examined, and the attorneys made forci-
ble arguments, the jury found a unanimous verdict of guilty, and Domingo
was sentenced to be hanged for witchcraft, which consisted, as the witnesses
testified, in his breaking up and burning a certain noxious weed, the fumes
from which caused the parties against whom directed to cut up didos, die and
such. He was accordingly securely bound and imprisoned and was to die
yesterday, but in the meantime he managed to slip his tether and escape.
Hiram Barton of Old San Bernardino had heard of the case, however, and
forming a party of rescue, found the old fellow and took him in charge. The
tribe in the meantime demanded his surrender for punishment, and as a com-
promise it was agreed to appeal the case from the Court below to Agent
McCullam, the latter not being at hand, John Brown acted in his ex-officio
capacity. After all the evidence had been adduced, John Brown, with the
advice and consent of J. L. Campbell, held the accused man to answer on a
charge of having by the use of certain mysterious and occult means caused
the death of one Jose, and set his family cranky, and that he be held in the
sum of ten thousand dollars to appear before Judge McCullam on Monday
next to answer thereto. Domingo not having friends willing to pungle up
for him was then turned adrift on his own recognizance."
THE MOJAVES IN LATER DAYS.
Dr. Booth, of Needles, furnishes some very interesting stories of the
Mojaves as he has known them. "Many eastern tourists who are in the habit
of visiting the Pacific Coast over the Santa Fe route have been entertained at
the Needles depot by 'Shorty' the 'song and dance artist,' as he was called.
This poor devil was a medicine man, not from choice, but by inheritance,
and a little more than a year ago was cruelly and quietly clubbed to death
because of the great mortality among his patients. He was a cripple and it
was believed by the whites for a long time that he was placed upon a funeral
pyre some years ago to be cremated, according to the custom of the tribe, and
that his feet and hands were burned before his cries had sufficiently con-
vinced his mourning friends that though very sick, he was by no means dead.
An unpoetic old squaw, however, cruelly dissipated the glow, of romance that
lighted up this little legend, by informing the credulous pale-face that
"Shorty" like all children, red. white, or black had crawled before he walked,
and that on one occasion during his crawling stage of existence. "Shorty"
escaped the vigilant eye of his loving mother and crawled into the camp fire,
hence his crippled condition. This crematory fairy tale is characteristic
of the tribe, for they incline to mystery and rude romance. Illustrative of
this is the story they tell of a hunchback buck, who formerly lived among
9°
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
the soldiers at Fort Mojave. It seems that Providence frequently endows the
hunchback with brighter intellect than is usually possessed by the average
man, and this poor dwarfed, deformed creature was no exception to the rule,
for lie was as bright as a new dollar. The soldiers taught him to speak Eng-
lish fluently and correctly. He could give all
the commands of the ordinary army drill and
beat a snare drum equal to the best of the
army drummers. Questioned as to the cause
of his mal-formation he would assume a seri-
ous expression of countenance and say. "I
am not a Mohave Indian. I came from way
up yonder," pointing to the skv. "I have no
father, no mother, and never had any little
sisters or brothers, but I am all alone on this
earth. Long time ago, when I was living up
there, I saw a beautiful rainbow, and went to
play with it. I got on the rainbow and the col-
ors were so pretty that I followed them down,
down, almost to the mountain below. Sud-
denly the hot sun came out from behind
a white cloud, and the rainbow ran away and
left me, and I fell to the mountain. That's
-shorty" why I am deformed, and that's how I came
to be among the Mojaves.
"As already intimated, cremation is the Mojave method of disposing of
the dead, and though their crematories are but rude pyres constructed of
mesquite wood, the process is quite as effective and satisfactory as the more
elaborate and expensive ones of the white man, for by it the body is reduced
completely to ashes. During the burning process mourning relatives and
friends gather around the pyre, and throw into the blaze trinkets, clothing,
beads, gaudy colored cloth, etc. The squaws who are relatives of the de-
ceased then cut off their hair, while the bucks sacrifice just a small tuft of
their long well preserved locks — for hair is the Indian's pride. Some years
ago the most notable cremation occurring within the last decade took place
near Needles, and it was strongly indicative of the Indian's affection and faith-
fulness. A prominent member of the tribe known as "Captain Joe Nelson,"
had a pretty little squaw for a wife known as O-Chay. Captain Joe must have
been 35 or 40 years of age, while his wife was surely not more than sixteen.
She was the neatest, prettiest, and most modest squaw in the tribe. The
white ladies in the town had petted her, made her presents of dresses, rib-
bons and feminine wearing apparel. Captain Joe was exceedingly proud of
his child wife, while she was a perfect model of blind devotion to her tall,
dignified liege lord. O-Chay sickened and died, and on the day of her ere-
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY gi
mation there must have been half a thousand whites and two or three hundred
Indians at the burning. The pyre was laid just in front of Captain Joe's
wickiup and more pains than usual was taken in its preparation. When the
fire was lighted the relatives drew near the pyre and threw in their offerings,
while many of the whites cast gaudy colored calicoes into the roaring flames
as a mark of their regard for the little dead squaw. Presently Captain Joe
retired into his wickiup and in a few minutes reappeared dressed in the full
uniform of a captain of the United States army — a dress which had been given
him by an officer at Fort Mojave and of which he was very proud. Feathers
adorned his head and all the bead ornaments which he possessed were strung
around his neck and arms. In one hand he carried a handsome cane — also
a present from a white friend — and in the other a bundle in which was
wrapped the remainder of his clothing and every present and gew-gaw he
possessed. Towering high above his companions in grief he raised his hand
and began an oration. It must have been full of. eloquence and pathos, for
the weeping relatives wept more, and even the whites were moved by his
feeling tones and expressive gesticulations. His speech concluded, he tossed
the cane and bundle into the flames, and slowly undressing threw each article
of clothing in which he was dressed upon the pyre. As he stood bv the roar-
ing flames, with only a breech clout to hide his nakedness, he presented a
long-to-be-remembered picture of perfect physical manhood, and strong de-
votion to his dead child-wife. Like a bronze statue he stood without motion
or sound, until the devouring flames had consumed the body, and every vestige
of the wood ; then with a wail of despair he fled to the river. For months he
was not seen again by the whites and when he did make his appearance was
shorn of his long glossy hair; his form was bent, his face haggard and sad.
The Captain Joe of yesterday was no more. His heart was broken, his verv
soul had gone before to join that of his dead O-Chay. That was ten vears
ago, artel Captain Joe remains a heartbroken widower.
"'Whether deserved or not, all Indians have the reputation of being thiev-
ish and lazy. Not so with the Mojaves. They are honest and industrious.
Should one of them find property of any kind lying upon the ground he would
considered it abandoned and its ownership relinquished, and therefore might
take it; but one's coat, or hat, or utensil of work, if hung upon a tree, or
carefully cached, would never be molested. The younger members of the
tribe, or nearly all of them, can read, write and converse in English. The
boys are particularly expert in writing, and their chirograph}- is, as a rule,
better than that of the whites; while the girls have learned to run sewing
machines, to cut and make their own clothing and to ape their white sisters
generally, except in the matter of wearing shoes. No squaw has ever been
seen yet who could walk while shod with more grace than a crab.
"At the Fort Mojave school there are now about 150 pupils, all bright
and studious, and all fairly fond of the discipline maintained. Major John J.
Q2 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
McKoin, an experienced Indian teacher and a gentleman of many accomplish-
ments and rare executive ability, is the superintendent, and he is assisted by
a corps of competent ladies and gentlemen. Pupils turned out of this school
are educated, but with the education is too frequently imbibed the triflingness
of the white man and the thrifty educated Indian is an exception to the rule.
The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad, or rather that portion of it for-
merly known as the Atlantic and Pacific, and now designated the Santa Fe-
Pacific, has done more to educate, and to ameliorate the condition of the
Mojave Indian than all the Indian schools combined."
COAHUILLAS OF TODAY.
Mr. David Prescott Barrows has recently made an exhaustive study of
the Coahuilla Indians and has published the results under the title "Ethno-
Botany of the Coahuilla Indians of Southern California." From this work,
we copy his tribute to the Coahuillas who have borne so large a part in the
history of Southern California and San Bernardino County. "I am certain
that from any point of view, the Coahuilla Indians are splendid types of men
and women. Physically, they are handsome, often large of size, many being
six feet or over, with splendid shaggy heads and faces of much command and
dignity. Their desert home has given them great powers of endurance and
enormous toleration of heat and thirst. With rare exceptions, and those
always young men who have frequented the settlements, they are absolutely
honest and trustworthy. Unlike the Mojaves and Cocapahs, they know
neither beggary nor prostitution. Their homes and persons are orderly and
clean. The fine pools and springs of warm mineral waters throughout their
habitat are most gratefully prized possessions. Probably not less than two
centuries ago the ancestors of these Indians entered the great range of terri-
tory still occupied by their descendants. They came from the deserts north
of the San Bernardino range and the stock from which they came belong to a
desert people, but the Colorado valleys and surrounding mountains raised
new difficulties and presented new opportunities. Their adaptations to these
conditions, their utilization of whatever there was to be secured, raised their
standard of culture until, as it seems to me, it will compare favorably with
that of any Indians in the western United States, save the Pueblo builders.
After having explored with some completeness the various portions of their
country and realized the difficulties attending life in certain portions, and
the call upon courage and endurance that the desert always makes, the knowl-
edge gained by this people, the culture they attained, apparently long before
seen by white men, seem to me to be a remarkable triumph for men of a low
and barbarous inheritance.
"Their splendid wells, unique perhaps among the Indian tribes of America,
their laborious though rude irrigation of the maize, their settled community
life, with its well built houses and basket granaries, their effective pottery,
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 93
their exquisite basketry, their complete and successful exploitation of all the
plant resources throughout hundreds of square miles of mountains and plains
— these are not insignificant nor contemptible steps toward civilized life."
The Coahuillas now occupy several villages in the northwestern portion
of the Colorado desert, enclosed by the San Bernardino range and the San
Jacinto mountains, known as the Coahuilla or Cabezon valley. Air. Barrows
says : "The villages or rancherias of the Coahuillas at the present time are
as follows : Their last villages in the San Bernardino and San Jose valleys
were broken up some thirty years ago and although they still come to the
vicinity of Redlands and Riverside for work, their camps in these places
are no longer permanent homes. They were driven from the San Timoteo
canon in the forties by the ravages of smallpox, and the first reservation to
be. met with now as one rides eastward through the pass where they once held
sway is below Banning at Potrero, a fertile spot, irrigated by the water from
a canon of Mount San Gorgonio. or Greyback. Here live several hundred
Coahuillas and Serranos who have considerably intermarried — the ancient
antipathy having broken down. Beyond Palm Valley is a small rancheria
known as Agua Caliente. There is a small village at Indio and a few miles
east the very interesting rancheria of Cabezon. Further south is La Mesa,
and in the San Jacinto range are found Torres and Martinez, Alamo and
Agua Dulce, and still higher among the mountains are Santa Rosa and San
Ignacio."
Of the houses of the Coahuillas, Mr. Barrows says: "The houses of a
Coahuilla rancheria are not grouped in a village but are scattered about as
widely as the habitable portions of the reservations permit. Each family
occupies a cluster of little dwellings by itself and near it are usually some
attempts at cultivation of the soil. . . . There is a strange quietness
surrounding these homes, a quietness frequently saddened by the absence
of little children. No loud voices are heard; the ordinary work of the house-
hold .goes forward awaking but little sound. There is little social inter-
course except at the times of the feasts and a strange sad somberness hangs
over an Indian village, especially at nightfall. . . . The site for the
house is marked off in a rectangle perhaps twelve by eighteen feet, or smaller,
as is desired. Trunks of trees are trimmed so as to leave a crotch at the
smaller end. One is then sunk at each corner of the proposed dweliling.
Midway between two end posts is planted a larger, stouter trunk, also
crotched at the top and rising eight or ten feet above ground.
Ridge poles and side beams of poles are then added and poles for rafters,
all bound in place with green pliant leaves of the yucca. Stakes are driven
in at the ends and sides and then brush of the willow is closely wattled in
to form the walls and the roof is thatched with tules. Often walls and roof
are daubed with mud or adobe." . . . "In the hot months the family
usually moves into summer quarters. The patches of maize, melons and
94
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
vegetables ripening at this time are likely to be at some distance from the
permanent residence. So on the edge of the garden a ramada is built and
here are moved the metates, pots, water jars and other needful plunder and a
picnic begins which ends only when the garden truck is exhausted."
These Indians manufacture pottery, baskets, sandals, cordage, baby
hammocks, bows and arrows and "rabbit sticks" (used in hunting rabbits)
and all of these from the plants of the desert.
The Serrano tribe, as a tribe, has disappeared, except for the little reser-
vation in the foothills above Redlands, known as "Manuel's Village."
SAN MANUEL RESERVATION.
This reservation is situated about one mile north of the state insane
asylum at Highland. It consists of 640 acres of mountain-side and it is
doubtful if the whole reservation contains five acres of arable land. It rises
abruptly from the valley, and it requires the agility of a mountain goat to
climb the stony hillsides. It appears utterly incapable of sustaining any-
thing, even though San Manuel is called a "self-sustaining reservation."
That means these Indians receive no annuity or supplies from the United
States government. Once in a while they are visited by an Indian agent from
somewhere, but that
is all. There are
about seventy-five
Indians belonging to
the reservation.
Their houses are
scattered here and
there among the
hills, and though
poor and mean in
appearance, the sur-
roundings are re-
markably clean. The
men are sometimes
employed as wood
A Home on San Manuel Reserva ion C h O p p e r S On the
mountains and by
the ranchers as laborers in thevalley. The women are able to obtain some
work as washerwomen. They also make a fewbaskets. These Indians
are said to be perfectly honest. One rancher in the vicinity frequently loans
them small amounts of money which, he says, are always repaid. There
are a few families of Indians at Craftonville and a few others scattered
through the valley. They are all that remain of the descendants of the
original owners of the valley.
HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY . 95
The Indians of San Bernardino valley have had, at least, two large
burial places. A very old graveyard, established by the padres, to teach the
Indians the white man's mode of burial, instead of cremation, was situated
near the rancheria of Politana. It has been crowded out little by little until,
now it is entirely covered by an orange grove. Another Indian burial place
was taken by the Santa Fe railroad, and it is said was paid for by the railroad
company.
CHAPTER II.
THE MEXICAN ERA.
The downfall of Spanish rule in North America came with the Revolu-
tion of 1822. In 1823 the Mexican Republic was formed and California be-
came a territory under the jurisdiction of that government and remained
under Mexican rule until it passed into the control of the United States
in 1847.
Under the Spanish rule the Missions had absorbed the best part of the
land and had produced the greater part of the wealth of the country. A few
large grants had been made outside of the mission holdings, but the settlers
outside of the missions and pueblos were few and widely scattered. The
growth of the pueblos of San Diego, Monterey, Los Angeles and San Fran-
cisco had been very slow ; a large proportion of their inhabitants were
soldiers who had completed their service and remained in the country, marry-
ing native women in many instances ; others were colonists who had come
to the country because of the inducements held out by the government, but
none of these were calculated to make progressive citizens and they did little
except to cultivate their "suertes" (.l°ts) and raise a little stock.
LAND GRANTS.
During the Spanish period no regular grants were made in San Ber-
nardino territory. A grant known as "Santiago de Santa Ana," containing
60,000 acres, was made to Antonio Yorba in 1S01, in the Santa Ana canon. It
is probable this may have extended slightly within our bounds but the main
body of it lies in what is now Orange County. In the Temescal Valley a grant
was made about 1817 to Leandro Serrano, who had married a daughter of
Antonio Yorba. After long litigation this Temescal Grant was decided by
the courts to be but a "permit for grazing privileges" and was not sustained.
The Mexican government did not make any grants for some time after
it came into power. And at first, it was a somewhat difficult matter to
find persons who desired to take large grants, except where there was some
very exceptional advantage offered. The first Mexican land grant in this
section was that of Jurupa.
96 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
JURUPA GRANT.
The first land grant made in this county under the Mexican government
was that made to Juan Bandini, in 1838, of seven leagues of land, known as
the Jurupa Grant. Jurupa is said to be an Indian word, meaning "friendship"
or "peace."
Juan Bandini was one of the ablest and most prominent of the Spanish
pioneers. Born in Peru, he came to San Diego in 1821 and almost at once,
by reason of his unusual education and ability, was appointed a member of
the territorial assembly. He held many important offices and bore a large
share in the history of California territory under Mexican rule. He first
married a daughter of Juan Estudillo, of San Diego, by whom his children
were, Arcadia, who married Don Abel Stearns and then Col. R. S. Baker;
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 97
Josefa, who married Pedro C. Carrillo ; Ysidora, who married Col. Cave J.
Coutts ; Jose M. and Juan. Of these Mrs. Baker and Juan, Jr., still live.
Later Seilor Bandini married Senorita Refugio Arguello. Of this marriage
Mrs. C. E. Johnston, Mrs. J. B. Winston and Arturo Bandini still survive.
Bancroft says of Bandini : "He was a man of fair education and abilities,
of generous impulses, of jovial temperament; famous for his gentlemanly
manners, of good courage in the midst of discouragements and always well
liked and respected; indeed, his record as a citizen is excellent. He also per-
formed honestly and efficiently the duties of his various official positions.
He was an eloquent speaker and fluent writer."
' Senor Bandini at once began stocking his Jurupa Rancho and built a
ranch house there, which he and his family occupied for a time.
LA PLACITA DE TRUJILLO.
(The little town of the Trujillos.)
The early occupants of grants in San Bernardino county were greatly
troubled by the raids of the desert Indians, who would dash in through the
various passes, drive off a band of stock and get back to their own strong-
holds, while the ranch owners were helpless. In order to protect their stock
the Lugos induced a few New Mexican families to settle in the vicinity of
Politana, by giving them a half league of land (about 2,200 acres) in exchange
for which these settlers were to help fight the Indians and act as vaqueros.
About 1843, Bandini offered these colonists a better location and more
land if they would move across the Santa Ana River and settle on the Jurupa.
After some hesitation and discussion, their leader, Lorenzo Trujillo, decided
to accept this proposition and consequently five families moved to a location
several miles south of Politana and established a new settlement which was
known as Trujillo's, or Bandini's Donation, as referred to on the records.
This was at first composed of five families, but others soon came in. They
were on the flat where they could irrigate their lands and soon had vineyards,
orchards and grain fields. They began the erection of an adobe church but
it was washed down before it was completed by the heavy rains of 1852.
AGUA MANSA.
(Gentle Water.)
About 1852 another colony of New Mexicans was located on the river a
mile or more northeast of "la Placita.*' These people also made improve-
ments and cultivated the land as well as caring for stock and aiding in its
protection. A considerable settlement grew up here and the two colonies
decided to unite in building a church to replace the one swept away in 1852.
Miguel Bustamente, who was one of the early settlers of Agua Mansa, gives
this description of the erection of this church : "The colonists appointed a
committee to select a site that would be safe from flood, and after going up
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 99
and down the river they decided upon the hill of San Salvador. Then all of
the colonists went to work — some with their hands and some with money —
and made the new church. They made the
adobes and the cement. Joaquin Molla, who
had twelve or fourteen yoke of oxen hauled
the timber from Aliso's mill. (This must have
fgfk been the mill of Vignes and Sexton in Mill
Creek canon.) We paid from $35.00 to S40.00
per M. for the lumber. It took a year to build
the new church. Father Amable held the first
mass in it." For many years this little chapel
was the only Catholic church in the county.
It has crumbled away now until the very foun-
dations are gone. The bell, however, made
from metal collected in the vicinity and cast at
ft iflH Agua Mansa, now hangs in the Catholic
church at Colton.
^ r- 1/ .. m (See Father Peter's Reminiscences).
miguel bustamente The great flood of l862 washed away both
of these prosperous little settlements and
buried the fields and vineyards in sand. Fortunately no lives were lost, but
the church on the hill of San Salvador and the residence of Cornelius Jan-
sen near it, were the only buildings left standing. There was naturally
much distress at this time and the people of Los Angeles rendered assistance.
The San Bernardino correspondent of the Los Angeles Star, January
26th, 1862, writes : "The Agua Mansa, a beautiful and flourishing settlement
is destroyed, not a vestige of anything left to denote that such a place ever
existed. The suffering and loss of property in this district is indescribable.
Fortunately no lives were lost although there were many narrow escapes."
The same paper in another column appeals to its readers for help : "We
beg to call the attention of the public to the deprivation sustained by the peo-
ple of the town of Jurupa, in San Bernardino county. Here are five hundred
of our fellow creatures suddenly deprived of everything — left in utter deso-
lation." The correspondent reports in the paper of February 22nd: "Last
week two of the Sisters of Charity from your city arrived here to superin-
tend the distribution of clothes, provisions, etc., provided by the citizens of
Los Angeles for the sufferers of Agua Mansa."
A new village was built up about the church and was long one of the
best known settlements of the county.
In 1843, Bandini sold a part of the Jurupa Rancho to B. D. Wilson, who
had lately come into California with a party from New Mexico.
Benjamin D. Wilson was a native of Tennessee. He spent a number of
years trapping and hunting in New Mexico, and then came to California in
ico HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
1841 with the Workman party. This party, who came with the intention of
settling permanently, brought with them their families. It included Wil-
liam 'Workman, who became one of the most prominent citizens of Los
Angeles; B. D. Wilson, Lorenzo Trujillo, Ygnacio.Salazar, and a number of
other New Mexicans. Wilson purchased the Jurupa Rancho in 1844, and
settled down as a stock rancher ; he married Ramona, daughter of Bernardo
Yorba, and one of the daughters of this union, Mrs. J. de Barth
Shorb, still survives. In the fall of 1844, he was severely wounded by a
grizzly bear that had attacked and slain one of his cattle. After recovering
from the wounds, he hunted up the bear and put an end to it, after a pitched
battle. In the fall of 1845. ne took charge of an expedition against a band
of marauding Indians and went across the mountains in pursuit. On the
way out, the party camped at a lake where grizzlies were so numerous that
twenty-two men lassoed eleven bears, and on the return of the party the feat
was repeated, making twenty-two bears killed in this vicinity.
After selling Jurupa, Wilson located near Los Angeles and served a
term as State Senator; acted as Indian Agent and took an active part in all
affairs political and in the development of the country. He died in Los
Angeles in 1878.
Colonel Johnson and Isaac Williams purchased the grant from Bandini
and Wilson, and in 1847 they sold a part of it to Louis Robidoux, a French-
man, possessing considerable property who had come from New Mexico.
Louis Robidoux was born in St. Louis, the son of one of the pioneer
merchants of that city. The family were prominent in the early history of
Missouri and one of the brothers, Joseoh Robidoux, was the founder of St.
Joseph. Louis went to New Mexico in the thirties, where he accumulated
considerable property by hunting and trapping. He married a New Mexican,
and in 1844 came to California with a party of New Mexicans. He purchased
the Jurupa rancho and became one of the largest and most progressive ranch-
eros of the day. He served as Juez de Paz, and was one of the first board of
supervisors. He was genial and kindly in disposition and honorable in all
his dealings. He died in 1867.
Robidoux improved the rancho by building fences and putting in a large
acreage of grain. He built a grist mill which is described as of the most
primitive type, having a turbine wheel and two sets of stones. The grain
was washed and dried in the sun and shoveled into the hopper with a rawhide
scoop. This was at the time- — 1846-7 — the only grist mill in Southern
California.
MILITARY POST.
The San Bernardino frontier was always subject to frequent invasions of
the Mojave and Paiute Indians. In 1847, Colonel A. J. Smith, of the lT. S.
Infantry, was sent to Cajon Pass with forty dragoons to protect the settlers
of that vicinity. In April, 1847, a corps of the Mormon Battalion was sent
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 101
to establish a post at Cajon. This does not seem to have been maintained
any length of time. A few troops were posted at Chino rancho for a time. In
1852 a post was established on the Jurupa grant by Captain Lovell and Colonel
Smith. A small body of troops was stationed here from this time until 1854,
when they were withdrawn.
A part of the Jurupa rancho is now included in the city of Riverside.
Agua Mansa district alone now remains in San Bernardino county. Here
a few crumbling adobes and an old graveyard mark what was the first settle-
ment within the limits of this county.
CUCAMONGA.
Cucamonga is said to mean "Sandy Place." Among the Cucamonga
hills and on the mesa below was a rancheria of Indians who had never come
directly under the mission influence. They cultivated their fields, raised
stock, and were generally quiet and industrious people. They had occupied
this vicinity when the Spanish first came into the country and the history of
their extinction is but the common history of the native American.
In 1839, Governor Alvarado granted this tract of land to Tiburcio Tapia,
a wealthy and influential citizen of Los Angeles. Robinson says, regarding
him : "We stopped at the house of Don Tiburcio Tapia, the 'Alcalde Con-
stitutional' (Constitutional Judge) of the town, who was once a common
soldier, but who, by honest and industrious labor has amassed so much of
this world's goods as to make him one of the wealthiest inhabitants of the
place. His strict integrity gave him credit to any amount (with the trad-
ing vessels which Robinson represented), so that he was the principal mer-
chant and the only native one in 'el Pueblo de Los Angeles.' "
Don Tiburcio employed the unsuspecting natives to aid him in building a
house which was practically a fortress upon one of the highest hills of the
grant. They also assisted in setting out vineyards and orchards and caring
for the stock. Some Mexicans were brought in and as the stock increased and
the settlement grew, the Indians were driven from their fields back into the
hills and canons. When their crops failed them, it was only natural that
they should seize on a beef, fattened upon their own ranges. Seiior Tapia
was at last forced to employ guards to protect his cattle and at length the
depredations grew so frequent that his ranchmen went out in force and a
fierce battle was fought which resulted in the destruction of the greater part
of the Cucamonga Indians; their existence as a separate rancheria was ended.
Many tales of battles, of buried treasure, of love and of hatred, are told
in connection with the house on the red hill and the estate of Cucamonga.
One of these tales is like this : Don Tiburcio amassed a large amount of
property and especially of gold coin — something unusual in those days; when
rumors of American occupation began to disturb the country, he feared that
this might not be safe in Los Angeles, so he transferred it to his ranch home.
102 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
But even here he became uneasy and one night, so the story goes, he packed
it into an iron-bound chest, loaded it on his cart and taking a blindfolded
Indian with him, went off into the hills. He returned without the chest, and
shortly afterward died suddenly. When his daughter came, some years later,
to live in the old house, she was constantly troubled by a mysterious light
moving about and stopping at one particular spot on the wall of the room
once occupied by her father. At last her husband, determined to satisfy her
of the idleness of her imagination, and dug into the clay wall. To his own
discomfiture, he found a small skin purse, and in the purse a sheet of parch-
ment containing some tracing and writing and a Spanish coin. This was
supposed to be the key to the hidden treasure, but it was already so faded that
it was not decipherable (though why parchment should have faded in so
short a time is not explained). The Indian held the word he had given to
his old master as inviolable, only intimating that the box was buried at the
foot of an oak tree. Credulous searching parties have, since the death of
Senor Tapia down to the present day, dug at the roots of oak trees, or places
where they suppose oak trees sometime to have stood, all through that sec-
tion, but so far as known, no treasure has ever been discovered.
After Senor Tapia's death, the estate was managed for the daughter,
Maria Merced, by his old mayor-domo and compadre, Jose M. Valdez. Under
his supervision the "mother" vineyard, containing twelve rows of forty-seven
vines each, was planted, and from this stock other vineyards were started.
A winery and distillery were also put up. The daughter, who had been
brought up in a French family in Los Angeles, married a French settler of
that city, Leon V. Prudhomme. In 1857 the rancho came into the hands of
John Rains, through his marriage with Maria Merced, the daughter of Isaac
Williams of the Chino Rancho. Rains, who was an enterprising and pro-
gressive young American, at once began improving the place, setting out
more vines and adding more stock. A correspondent of the Los Angeles
Star for 1859, after stating that 125,000 additional vines had been set out, thus
describes the Cucamonga vineyard : "This vineyard is laid out in ten-acre
lots with roads two rods wide traversing it. In the center of the vineyard is
a lot two acres square to be reserved for wine press, cellars and necessary
buildings. This square is enclosed by fruit and ornamental trees. The plans
have been made under the supervision of F. P. Dunlap." Mr. Rains aband-
oned the old fortress on the hill and built a house which was complete in every
respect, and which became a social center for the society of the country.
The winery, shops and stage station gave employment to many men, and
Cucamonga became the most important point between San Bernardino and
Los Angeles, while its wines were known for their fine quality all over the
state.
John Rains filled a prominent place in the business and political life of
the time. In i860, he was a delegate with John Bidwell to the Democratic
HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY
National Convention at Charleston. In 1861 occurred the terrible tragedy of
his assassination. He was shot to death while driving to Los Angeles and
dragged from his wagon and hidden away in a cactus patch. It was near-
ly a week after his death before the body was discovered.
"On the 17th of November. 1862, as he was traveling alone and unarmed,
he encountered several men, one of whom inquired where he was going.
Rains replied, "to town." "I think not: we've got you now!" was the
rejoinder, and immediately he was fired upon
by the assassins, who jerked him from his
wagon by one arm. As he was still able to
speak and make resistance, they lassoed him
and dragged him across the road into the
bushes, where his body was afterwards found,
bearing marks of most brutal treatment, his
clothing torn off, and one boot lost in the
struggle. The murder was committed for the
sake of plunder. Upon suspicion of participa-
tion in this crime, Manuel Ceredel was arrested.
Taken ill with smallpox, and thinking himself
about to die, Ceredel disclosed all the particu-
lars of the conspiracy against Rains, in con-
sequence of which several parties started in
pursuit of his confederates, arresting five or
six, who were identified by Ceredel. Recov-
ering somewhat unexpectedly, Ceredel was tried and sentenced to ten years
in the State prison, a decree that did not satisfy the people. While in the
hands of the sheriff, on board the steamboat Cricket, en route for San Quen-
tin. the prisoner was seized by the vigilance committee of Los Angeles and
hanged to the yard-arm. After remaining there for about twenty minutes
the body was taken down, some stones were tied to his feet, and it was
thrown overboard. Between betrayed comrades, smallpox, state prison and
vigilantes further residence on this planet seemed for Ceredel impossible."
On the 5th of February, 1864, Santiago Sanches was hanged for the
murder of Manuel Gonzales. He admitted his guilt, but protested that his
arrest and execution were to gratify the spite of Americans who suspected
him of the murder of John Rains, a charge of which he was innocent. In
June, 1864, Jose Ramon Carrillo, while riding with a Californian on the high-
way near the stage station, Cucamonga, was shot by a man in ambush, who
escaped without having been seen. The cause of the cowardly assassination
was attributed to the suspicion that had always been entertained that he was
accessory to the murder of John Rains in November, 1862. Although he had
twice surrendered himself to the authorities for trial, his examination and
release did not remove the feeling entertained by the friends of Rains, and
COL. ISAAC WILLIAMS
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 105
Carrillo had felt his life endangered ever afterward. His assassin was never
known.
The widow married later Jose C. Carrillo, and is still living in Los An-
geles. One of her daughters by her first husband is the wife of Ex-Gov. H.
T. Gage.
In 1870 Mrs. Carrillo disposed of her interest in the Cucamonga Rancho
to the Cucamonga Company, a corporation.
(See Later History of Cucamonga. Chapter XXII.)
RANCHO SANTA ANA DEL CHINO.
In 1841 this fine tract of land, known for its rich soil and abundant water
supply, was granted to Don Antonio Maria Lugo. In 1843, his son-in-law,
Col. Isaac Williams, purchased the Lugo claim for $10,000 and secured an
additional grant, making a holding of some 35,000 acres in all. Various
theories are advanced as to the meaning of the name "Chino," but the most
plausible seems to be that it took its name from a curly-leafed willow growing
on the place — "chino" sometimes meaning "curly-haired" in Spanish.
Col. Williams increased the stock upon the place, importing a large
number of sheep from New Mexico ; built a grist mill and set out orchards. At
one time he proposed to erect a fort in the Cajon Pass to shut out maraud-
ing Indians, and he did begin to build an adobe wall entirely about his rancho,
to confound the horse thieves, but the breaking out of the gold excitement
drew off his laborers and it was not completed. He built for himself a
hacienda (farm house) which was the scene of many historic events. The
exterior presented the usual fortress-like appearance, but the interior was
finished and furnished perhaps more elaborately than any dwelling previously
erected in Southern California. Robinson, who enjoyed the boundless hos-
pitality of the Williams home calls it a delightful spot and says: "It is the
most spacious building of the kind in the country and possesses all desirable
conveniences."
Col. Williams was born in Pennsylvania in 1799. He early became a
hunter and trapper in the west; after several years in New Mexico and
Arizona, he came to California about 1832 with Ewing Young's band of trap-
pers. He was so pleased with the country that he remained and located in
Los Angeles. Here he put up an adobe building on Main street, about where
the St. Charles hotel now stands, and became a trader. It is said that he
was the first merchant in the country to put his goods on shelves and sell
them over a counter. Later he sold this building to the city and during the
brief period when Los Angeles was the capital of California, it served as the
seat of government. It was also used as a court house when the county of
Los Angeles was organized.
Williams was naturalized as a citizen of Mexico and about 1842 married
Seiiorita Maria de Lugo. As a wealthy ranch owner and an influential citi-
106 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
zen, he did not forget his frontier experience. Chino was a stopping place
on the overland route between Yuma and the northern gold fields and when
the migration to the gold mines began, Col. Williams welcomed every Ameri-
can who passed that way. Many an old frontiersman was received as a brother
and went on his way with replenished purse and stomach. Frequently Isaac
Williams "grubstaked" miners who were hard up and provided them with
horses. Several times he sent out men and supplies to meet immigrant
trains who were reported by their scouts as being in want. In later years
Chino was a station on the Butterfield stage route and Richard Gird still has
in his possession a book which contains many signatures and autobiographies
of the passers-by
Col. Isaac Williams was a fine type of the American pioneer. In ap-
pearance he is said to have been tall, fine looking, courtly and yet genial in
manner. Many stories are related among the "old timers" of his great
generosity and kindness to all who were in need. He was an energetic busi-
ness man and accumulated a large amount of property. Davis says of him :
"Isaac Williams was one of those Americans who first came to the De-
partment of California, and was known by the name of Don 'Julian' from
the similarity in sound of William to Julian in the ears of the Californians.
He gave as one reason for his coming here that he wanted to see the setting
sun in the farthest west. In June, 1846, Don Julian came on board my
vessel and bought a large quantity of goods, the payment for which was to
be made in the following, 1847, matanza (killing). One exceedingly hot day
in August, 1847, I visited Don Julian, who was busy slaughtering cattle for
hides and tallow, to meet his engagements to different supercargoes on the
coast. Don Julian's home was built in the heart of a fertile valley in which
were thirty thousand horned cattle, sheep and horses. It seemed to me like
a young Mission with American ideas added to the ancient notions of im-
provements. I found the enterprising man in the midst of the matanza,
with more than a thousand head of steers slaughtered, the work to be con-
tinued until two thousand or more were killed. I observed with great in-
terest the 'try-pots' bubbling with the melted tallow and the manteca, the
latter the delicate fat that lies between the hide and meat of the animal.
He was preparing this to add to the exports of the hacienda. His income
from, say two thousand five hundred steers killed, would be from the
tallow and manteca, at six arrobas to the animal, 15,000 arrobas, or $25,000;
add to this $5000 for the hides. This is an illustration of the income of the
hacendados (ranchers), proportionate to the number of cattle they slaught-
ered at the matanzas season, exclusive of the sales of cattle, horses, wool
and sheep."
D. Tyler, in his "History of the Mormon Battalion," furnishes this de-
scription of soap making on the Chino Rancho:
"Mr. Williams had a soap factory conducted about as follows:
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 107
" 'Over a furnace was placed a boiler about ten feet deep and the same
in diameter, the upper part being of wood. This was filled with tallow and
the fattest of the meat. A little water was also poured into it and the whole
tried out, after which the grease was dipped into a box ten or twelve feet
square. The meat was then thrown away. Mineral earth was then leached
like ashes, the lye obtained from it and the grease put together and boiled
into soap. The best quality of soap when made was almost as white as
snow. Indians usually did the work.' "
BATTLE OF CHINO.
In September, 1846, Chino rancho house was besieged by a body of
Californians under Barelas, the leader of the revolt that resulted in the
evacuation of Los Angeles by Gillespie. B. D. Wilson had been sent out
with about twenty Americans to protect the San Bernardino frontier. He
was at Jurupa, but when Williams learned of the proposed attack, he asked
Wilson to come to his aid. Wilson complied, but they found on joining
forces that they were very short of ammunition. Barelas, with about fifty
Californians, was joined by the Lugos from San Bernardino with twenty
men. They surrounded the house in the evening and a few shots were ex-
changed. The next morning the attack was renewed and a sharp fusilade
followed. Several horses fell, one Californian was killed and two or three
Americans wounded. The besiegers closed up and set fire to the roof of the
house. Then Williams, taking his children with him, went out and appealed
to their uncles, the Lugos. Barelas demanded the surrender of the party
and promised protection as prisoners of war. The terms were finally ac-
cepted and Wilson and his party, Williams, D. W. Alexander, John Rowland,
Louis Robidoux, Joseph Perdue, William Skene, Isaac and Evan Callaghan,
Michael White, Mat Hardin and George Walters, were taken to Los An-
geles. It is said that some of the capturers wished to attack the prisoners in
revenge for the Mexican who had been slain, but Barelas, at some risk, in-
sisted upon the party being turned over to the authorities unharmed. Later
they were exchanged and released. Colonel Williams, after California had
become one of the United States, put in a claim for damages sustained to his
property through this affair and was awarded some $80,000.
Col. Williams died in 1856. He was buried in the old Catholic cemetery
on Buena Vista street, Los Angeles, where his tomb may still be seen. The
bulk of his large estate was left to his two daughters, Maria Merced, who
married John Rains and afterwards lived on the Cucamonga Rancho and
Francesca, who married another American, Robert S. Carlisle, and resided
for a number of years at the Chino Rancho.
A correspondent of the Sacramento Union thus describes the Chino
rancho in 1862:
HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY
"Chino rancho, which is considered one of
the finest in the country, is situated in a level
valley with mountain scenery on every side.
JK*„jiL Here we see cattle in such herds as would
^T defy human calculation to arrive at an accurate
W trm f($L idea of the number. The residence of Carlisle,
f the proprietor, is one of the first-class adobes,
j^MJHHf exceedingly plain but comfortable and fur-
^^QCjj^L nished with taste and an eye to elegance. A
^^[j l^^^k beautiful garden surrounds the house enclosed
by large trees which seem to bear the impress
R^-w^Hf of antiquity. Some distance from the house
arc the quarters for the Indian servants, about
rme hundred in number. They are exceedingly
quiet, inoffensive and obedient, and are used
to herd the stock and indeed in anv depart-
ROBERT CARLISLE r ., , .,
inent of the ranch necessary.
Robert Carlisle was a Southern man by birth and sentiment. He was
well educated, energetic, instinctively a good business man and while in
control of the Chino ranch he conducted its affairs wisely. He was of fine
appearance, genial disposition, was widely known and socially popular. As a
brother-in-law of John Rains of Cucamonga, who had been murdered, he was
somewhat involved in the settlement of the Rains estate, which developed
strenuous difficulty with the King brothers in Los Angeles and he was shot in
cold blood at the Bella Union hotel in that city, July 5, 1865. which brutal
affair constitutes one of the darkest pages in the Criminal Annals of Los
Angeles City. Mrs. Carlisle became the wife of Dr. F. A. McDougal, who,
to the time of his death, was one of the wealthy and influential citizens of
Los Angeles and its able and conscientious mayor in 1877 and 1878. By her
more recent marriage she is well known in Los Angeles as Mrs. Francesca
Jesurum, a lady of wealth, social prominence and unostentatious charity.
SAN BERNARDINO GRANT.
In 1842, a grant known as "Rancho de San Bernardino" was made
by Covernor Alvarado to Jose Maria Lugo, Jose del Carmen Lugo, Vi-
cente Lugo — all sons of Antonio Maria Lugo and Diego Sepulveda. This
grant, which included some nine square leagues, or 37.700 acres of land,
comprised the best part of the San Bernardino valley and later gave its
name to the county. Antonio Maria Lugo was one of the most prominent of
the native Californians. He owned a large grant, San Antonio, near
Los Angeles. This was one of the finest stock ranges in the country and
H. D. Barrows says that his stock increased so wonderfully that he had
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
109
more than he knew what to do with. So he secured the San Bernardino
grant for his sons and stocked it with cattle from his other ranches. Seiior
Lugo was a fine example of the old Spanish Don, a magnificent horseman, a
man of his word, who never knew fear, and who, while somewhat stern and
commanding in bearing, was generous and kindhearted. Senor Lugo had
ten children by his first wife, Dolores Ruis, and several children by the sec-
ond wife, Maria Antonia German. These children married into the leading
families of California ; one daughter became the wife of Isaac Williams,
another of Stephen C. Foster, and the descendants, down to the fifth genera-
tion, are now widely scattered and many of them are well known citizens.
The Lugo brothers settled on the San Bernardino property ; one of them,
Jose M., built a house, which was known as
Homolla, about two miles south of the present
city. Here about twenty acres of land was
put under cultivation. Jose C. lived at Old San
Bernardino Mission and probably occupied the
old mission building itself as a residence:
Vicente lived at Politana, and Sepulveda lived
in Yucaipe _ valley, in an old adobe previously
erected.
"In the time intervening between the pass-
ing of the friars and the coming of the Lugos
there seems to have been an occupant of the
rancho de San Bernardino in the person of
Jose Bermudas, who, with his family, came
from Los Angeles about 1836 and "squatted"
on the property afterward granted to the Lugos.
He built the historic "old adobe" dwelling,
afterwards the site of the "Mormon fort," and now the property of Wozen-
craft on C street. Bermudas occupied the property until dispossessed by the
Lugos. It is doubtful if he ever made any regular claim co or application for
the property. At all events the matter of his relinquishment was amicably
settled and he removed to the Yucaipe valley, having been promised a grant
in that locality. This promise was never fulfilled. Later land was promised
him in Canada de San Timoteo and he removed from Yucaipe to the land now
occupied by his son. This son, Miguel Bermudas, was born at San Gabriel
and was a child of five years of age when his father moved into the valley.
He claims to be the oldest settler in point of residence of San Bernardino
ihb,o SHl'l I.VFIPA
•History of S. B. Valley
-Father Jn
no HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
INDIAN TROUBLES.
The Lugos lost much stock by the raids of the desert Indians and about
1843 they offered to give a half league of land just south of the Rancheria, or
Politana, near what is now known as Bunker Hill, to Lorenzo Trujillo and
several other families of New Mexicans, who had lately come into the
country. In exchange, the newcomers were to help protect the stock and
when necessary join the Lugos in fighting Indians. Several interesting
skirmishes were engaged in by these New Mexicans under this arrangement.
They were armed with their own guns and were used to Indian warfare,
having had many battles with the Utes and other Indians in their expeditions
before settling here. On one occasion three of the Trujillos were wounded
by arrows, while pursuing a band of marauders through the mountains near
the present site of Riverside. Early in 1851, a party of Utes made a raid
into the San Bernardino valley and stole a number of horses, including a
large band of the Lugos' horses. A party of twenty followed them and in
an ambuscade on the Mojave one of them was killed.
THE "IRVING AFFAIR.
On the return of the party of Californians from pursuit of this band of
Indians, they passed two men with a camping outfit. These men had given
some directions as to the whereabouts of the Indian, marauders, which the
Lugo party believed were intentionally false and which had led them into the
ambuscade in which they lost a comrade. Four men, including two of the
Lugos. lingered behind the rest of the party. When the two men were found
murdered, suspicion fell on these ; they were arrested, and one of them con-
fessed that they had done the deed. The other three were held in jail in Los
Angeles, charged with murder.
In April. 1851, a band of some thirty outlaws under the leadership of one
Irving appeared in Los Angeles, coming from the north. Irving made a
proposal to Don Maria Lugo, offering to deliver his grandsons from jail on
the payment of $5000. Sehor Lugo declined. Irving swore then that if the
court admitted the Lugos to bail, he and his party would seize the boys and
hang them. The sheriff, getting wind of threatened trouble, secured the
presence in court of a troop of United States dragoons which had just arrived
in the vicinity. Irving and his men, armed to the teeth, were present when
court opened, but when the dragoons, also armed, appeared, the trial was
permitted to proceed without disturbance, and after the young men had
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY in
been released they were escorted out of town by the troops and returned to
San Bernardino.
About the last of May, Irving left Los Angeles with a party ostensibly
for Mexico. It soon became known that he proposed to go to San Bernardino,
raid the Lugos' stock and seize one or more of the Lugos — to be held for
ransom. Only sixteen of his men were willing to undertake this affair. The
Lugos were warned of his coming and a party accompanied by
some of the New Mexicans and Juan Antonio's band of Coahuillas prepared
to resist. Irving, after breaking into one of the Lugo houses, found that the
stock was guarded and started for the San Jacinto mountains. His party
was pursued by the Indians and after a long skirmish was driven into the
"canada of Dona Maria Armenta," on the south side of San Timoteo canon.
Here the party of twelve were surrounded and all but one of them killed.
The one who escaped afterwards told the story. A posse from Los Angeles
arrived just as the fight was over. The officials went to San Bernardino,
where an investigation and inquest was held. The testimony given before
Coroner A. P. Hodges and County Attorney Benjamin Hayes, resulted in
a verdict that Edward Irving and ten other white men, names unknown, came
to their death at the hands of the Coahuilla Indians and that the killing was
justifiable. The Indians had divided among themselves the spoils of the
dead men, but out of twelve horses and saddles, nine were claimed by their
owners, having been stolen by the band of Irving. B. D. Wilson states that
Juan Antonio was voted a hundred dollars' worth of supplies by the County
Supervisors as a reward for the part he and his tribe took in this affair.
SALE OF SAN BERNARDINO RANCHO.
In September, 1851, the San Bernardino Rancho was sold to the Mormons
and the Lugos returned to Los Angeles and vicinity, taking most of their
stock with them.
EL CAJON DE MUSCUPIABE.
In 1843 a grant consisting of one league of land lying within certain
boundaries was made to Miguel White on condition that he occupy the land
and prevent the Indians from coming through the Cajon Pass to the coast
country.
Michael White, or Miguel Blanco, as he was known among the Spanish-
speaking people, was an Englishman who had come to this coast about 1817.
He engaged in the coasting trade and in trade with the Sandwich Islands
ii2 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
until 1828, when he settled at Santa Barbara. In 1830 he came to Los An-
geles and in 183 1 married Rosalia, the daughter of the famous Eulalie Perez,
who was so long matron in charge of the San Gabriel mission. He secured
a grant, after his marriage, to a valuable tract of land near San Gabriel and
later the Muscupiabe Grant, which he occupied for a number of years.
In 1856 he sold a half interest in the grant to Isabel Granger and
Charles Crittenden and the following year the other half to Henry Hancock,
the surveyor, who later acquired the balance of the grant. The Mexican gov-
ernment had offered White as much land as he chose to take in the Cajon
Pass, but he had desired only one league at first. Before the grant was con-
firmed to him, however, he had it changed from a grant of quantity to one
of boundaries, the boundaries, like those of all Mexican grants being in-
definite. In 1867, Hancock, as deputy United States surveyor, surveyed and
located the grant of El Cajon de Muscupiabe, which now included nearly
eight leagues of land. The grant thus surveyed was confirmed and a patent
issued by the United States government, the patent bearing date of 1872.
Many people in this vicinity and among them a number who had settled on
lands included within the grant boundaries, believing that it was, or ought
to be, government land, were greatly dissatisfied with the decision of the
government, and the patent was only issued after considerable opposition and
a re-survey. But the question of the validity of the grant so made was still
agitated and in 1886, the United States Attorney began suit to set aside the
patent issued by the government on the ground that it was obtained by
fraudulent acts. This suit was, however, denied and the original patent fully
confirmed. Since that time other suits have been instituted to secure the
setting aside of the patent — at one time the White heirs began suit on the
ground that the Hancock deed to the property was a forgery; but the title
has remained unshaken and the purchasers who received their title through
the Hancock survey are now secured in their rights.
Considerable litigation has also arisen over the water rights connected
with this grant. A suit was begun in 1877 by the settlers located on the
grant against the large number of settlers in the valley below who were using
water from Lytle Creek, the entire flow of this stream being claimed by the
grant occupants. In 1879 this case was decided by the Supreme Court in
favor of the grant owners. This decision had an important bearing upon
later irrigation litigation as it established the supremacy of riparian rights
against appropriation, and decided that "the statute of limitations" does not
hold when the land title is in question and held in abeyance by the United
States authorities.
After this decision the Lytle Creek Water Company, which included
nearly all of the water users, was organized with a capital stock of $75,000.
"Its purpose was to unify the interest of appropriators on the stream and to
fight the grant owners. These latter had the law on their side, but the
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 113
settlers had the water and were holding and using it. An injunction was
issued in favor of the grant owners but was never enforced. The conflict was
a long and bitter one. In the meantime the grant-owners and others operating
with them, quietly bought up the stock of the Lytle Creek Water Company,
until enough to control it was secured and then sold out these rights to
the Semi-Tropic Land and Water Company, with the riparian lands, which
seems to have quieted the conflict. This practically ended the litigation con-
cerning Muscupiabe grant."
(Irrigation in Southern California.)
OTHER GRANTS.
A number of other ranchos were granted in the county, among them
San Jacinto Nuevo y Potrero, 48,861 acres, which was confirmed in 1872 to
T. W. Sutherland, guardian of the minor children of Miguel Pedrodeno. This
was located in the extreme southern end of the county and ran into San Diego
county.
There was another grant known as San Jacinto Yiejo in the northern
part of San Diego county and extreme south end of this county. Between
these two, in 1846, Governor Pico granted to Sehora Don Maria del Rosario
Estudillo de Aguirre a tract of land which had been left out of the former
grants as worthless. This was known as "Rancho San Jacinto Sobrante,"
and was afterwards surveyed to include the Temescal tin mines, thus giving
rise to endless litigation.
"El Rincon," lying in the Santa Ana valley below Jurupa was granted to
Don Bernardo Yorba, one of the famous Yorba brothers, descendants of
Antonio Yorba, to whom the King of Spain had made a grant of 60,000 acres
in 1 801, located in what is now Orange county, and known as Santiago de
Santa Ana. El Rincon contained one league and B. D. Wilson says : "While
Anaheim was still unconceived of, Santa Ana at Teodosio Yorba's gave the
earliest grapes in the county and up the river at Don Bernardo Yorba's, El
Rincon presented a settlement of Californians, contented and happy. Their
loss was great when the head and front of everything useful, or elegant among
them, Don Bernardo, died. He died November 20, 1858, a very large num-
ber of children and grandchildren surviving him. His estate, in part, con-
sisted of 7,000 head of cattle, valued at $84,000, and his landed property was
valued at $30,625, May 1, 1859."
"Rancho La Sierra" was also granted to Bernardo Yorba. This tract,
lying between Jurupa and Rincon, contained 17,774 acres. This grant was
confirmed to Vicente Sepulveda in 1872. In 1876 this grant was sold by Jose
Ramon Carrillo and his wife, Vicenta Sepulveda, to Abel Stearns, and was
afterwards known as the "Steam's Rancho."
ii4 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
RANCHO SAN GORGONIO.
One of the earliest American settlers in the San Bernardino valley was
Pauline or Powell Weaver, who had long been employed on the frontier as
a pioneer, scout and trapper and as an Indian fighter. He frequently served
as scout for the United States Army and was the guide who met Col. Cooke
and the Mormon Battalion at the Colorado and guided them across the
desert to San Diego.
For services rendered the Californians he was given a grant of three
leagues in the San Gorgonio Pass by Gov. Pio Pico, the last of the Mexican
governors ; but this grant was never confirmed by the United States. Ac-
cording to B. D. Wilson, a small outpost of San Gabriel was located also in
the pass. Weaver settled here probably as early as 1846. Lieutenant Blake
gives a picture of the ranch house of San Gorgonio as it appeared in Novem-
ber, 1852, and his journal reads as follows :
"November 12, 1852. After procuring several thousand pounds of barlev
(at Old San Bernardino Mission) we again traveled eastward. We encamped
in a wide grassy valley, without trees, within sight of a solitary house on a
slight eminence, known as 'Young Weaver's." November 13. — Leaving the
camp near the house of Mr. Weaver, Jr., we ascended the valley of a stream
which has cut its way downwards below the general level of the slope. The
ascent continued very gradual, at length a short hill brought us to the edge
of a broad and gently sloping plain, upon which an adobe house is built.
This, although partly in ruins, was occupied by Mr. Weaver, well known as
an experienced mountaineer. He is the claimant of a large rancho at this
place. The presence of fruit trees and other evidences of cultivation showed
that the rancho had been in use for many years and it is said that the in-
habitants have been driven away several times by Indians. The situation
of this rancho and of the bouse is such as one would least expect, being at
the summit of the pass."
In 1859 tne place was sold to Dr. William F. Edgar, a United States
Army surgeon, who had seen extensive service. He owned the place for
many years, it being under the management of his brother, F. M. Edgar, who
was well known in San Bernardino.
LOS DIAS ALEGRES.
The life of the Spanish-speaking Californians has been told and retold,
and yet it never loses its charm and interest. To the descendants of the
Puritans and of the sturdy pioneers of the Middle West, it is like the story
of some long-forgotten time and some far-distant land ; we can hardly be-
lieve that such a care-free, irresponsible existence was ever possible in our
century and in our America.
We have no account of the social life of the Lugos in their San Ber-
nardino homes — probably that still centered in the Los Angeles and San
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 115
Antonio homes of the head of the house — Senor Don Antonio Lugo. Their
San Bernardino homes were unpretentious adobes, long, low buildings, with
walls sometimes three feet thick — proof against heat and cold, earthquake
and Indians. The houses of this period were usually built on three sides
of an open court, with a low veranda running around the outer side; the
roofs of brea (asphaltum) ; the floors were of earth, light and air admitted
by the doors opening upon court and veranda. The only heat for the brief
winter days and the chilly evenings was supplied by a fireplace in one of
the rooms, and this was often wanting. The cooking was done by an open
fire, or in an adobe oven in an outside building. The furniture was of the
crudest kind — for beds a rude frame over which was stretched a bull hide —
and this perhaps covered with a satin spread and adorned with sheets and
pillow-cases elaborately trimmed with drawn work that had taken weeks
of patient labor to accomplish ; chairs and table were mostly home made, al-
though some of the houses in the later part of the period were furnished with
the most elaborate and expensive articles imported from the United States
and China. A feature of every house was its shrine, decorated with elabo-
rate embroideries and drawn work, a figure of a patron saint, perhaps of the
Christ upon the cross, or of the Virgin, some sacred pictures, a rosary — often
of pearl and gold, and silver candlesticks. The images, mere dolls, were often
clothed in the richest of silks and the finest of linens, and sometimes had a
complete wardrobe for their adornment.
The family life was simple and healthful; they rose early as a rule; the
mother spent her day in directing her Indian servants and teaching her
daughters to sew and embroider ; the father, after his chocolate, rode away to
direct his mayor-domo, or overseer, or to look over his herds, or perhaps to
gallop twenty or thirty miles to call upon his nearest neighbor and talk over
the last Indian raid, or the latest report, by way of Los Angeles, from Mont-
erey, of the new governor, or government.
The Lugo houses were somewhat out of the beaten track : but the
hacienda of the Yorbas was near the road from San Juan Capistrano to
San Gabriel : the Cucamonga was a stopping place between San Bernardino
and Los Angeles, and "El Chino" was on the overland trail from the Colo-
rado to Monterey. Travelers came occasionally and they never passed a
hacienda without entertainment. A hearty welcome, "Como hay de buena
por aqui!" (How much good we have here), and a feast of fresh beef and
mutton, "olla," tortillas (cakes), frijoles (beans), with fruit and wine of the
country, was set ; a fresh horse in place of the wearied one and a vaquero as
guide, if needed, were furnished; in some houses it is said to have been a
custom to place a handful of gold upon the table of the guest room — the
guest might help himself, if he had need. Truly in those days the Spanish
phrase, "my house is yours," meant something more than mere form.
The California women were noted for their beauty and their simple-
n6 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
hearted goodness. Alfred Robinson, who was acquainted with nearly every
family between San Diego and San Francisco from 1829 to 1842, says : "The
men are generally indolent and addicted to many vices, caring little for the
welfare of their children who, like themselves, grow up unworthy members
of society. . . . Perhaps there are few places in the world where, in
proportion to the number of inhabitants, can be found more chastity, indus-
trious habits and correct deportment, than among the women of this place.
. . . Their adherence to the faithful observances of the church, as in all
Catholic countries is truly firm ; and the most trifling deviation from its
commands is looked upon with abhorrence. The extreme deference shown
toward the holy teachers of their religion and the wonderful influence exer-
cised by them, even in the affairs of their every-day life, may account for an3
virtue the}' may exhibit. The friar's knowledge of the world and his su-
perior education, give him a station far above the unenlightened state of the
laity and place him in a sphere to inculcate good or disseminate evil. Fort-
unately, however, for the country, the original founders of Christianity in
California were truly pious, excellent men, and their successors generally have
endeavored to sustain their honorable character."
Of one California woman, the same author says: "An American woman
once remarked to me that there were two things supremely good in Cali-
fornia— la Seriora Noriega and the grapes !"
Of the dress of this time, Robinson says : "The dress worn by middling
class of females is a chemise trimmed with lace, a muslin petticoat flounced
with scarlet and secured at the waist by a band of the same color, shoes of
velvet or of satin, a cotton reboso, or scarf, pearl necklace and ear-rings, with
the hair falling in broad plaits down the back. Others of the higher class dress
in the English style, and instead of the reboso substitute a rich and costly
shawl of silk or satin." There are still to be seen among some of the old
families exquisite shawls embroidered by hand and others of rich Chinese
crape, relics of the day when they served as rebosas and were managed with
such skill as to add greatly to the beauty of the wearer.
The costume of the men. according to Robinson, was : "Short clothes
and jacket trimmed with scarlet, a silk sash about the waist, botas (gaiters)
of ornamented and embroidered deerskin, secured by colored garters, em-
broidered shoes, the hair long, braided and fastened behind with ribbons,
a black silk handkerchief about the head, surmounted by an oval and broad-
brimmed hat, is the dress universally worn by the men of California."
Except for the occasional passing of travelers and visits of "neighbors"
from perhaps fifty miles away, the women of the San Bernardino homes
must have led a very quiet life — no gossip outside the family, and seldom a
church service to attend, unless they went to one of the Missions for a
"Fiesta" (feast day). On these occasions the whole family went on horse-
back, attended by a retinue of Indian servants — or, in later days, my lady may
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 117
have been driven in her "carreta," a home-made cart, drawn by oxen or
mules. Elaborate services were held in the church, then followed games,
horse races, bear and bull baiting, and in the evening a fandango. The
fathers entertained the guests of distinction at their own tables, setting forth
rich spreads for all comers, while the Indians were feasted in tbeir "ramadas."
Weddings, or "festas de boda," were also celebrated with great fes-
tivities. All the relatives and friends of the families from San Diego to
Santa Barbara were gathered for the event and the dancing and feasting
was often prolonged for several days.
"El Noche Buena" (Christmas) was observed with much ceremony and
rejoicing. The arrival of a ship at San Pedro was an event eagerly awaited,
even as far from the coast as San Bernardino. When it was at hand, "El
Padrone," as the Indians called him, loaded his wooden-wheeled carts with
hides and tallow and, drawn by oxen — each yoke guided by a pair of Indians
armed with sharp pointed sticks — he proceeded to the coast to exchange his
goods for the year's supplies.. Perhaps "la Senora." or his bright-eyed, swift-
tongued daughters, accompanied "el papa" on horseback to visit relatives
and make their own selection of ribbons, silks and finery.
The common custom in dealings between the merchants and the Cali-
fornians was for the purchaser not to take occasion to ask the price, the
seller quietly naming it at once. There was a perfect understanding between
the parties and confidence was felt on both sides that no advantage would
be taken.
"The merchants sold to the rancheros and other Californians whatever
goods they wanted, to any reasonable amount, and gave them credit from
one killing season to another. I have never known of a single instance in
which a note, or other written obligation was required of them. At the time
of purchase they were furnished with bills of the goods, which were charged
in the account books, and in all my intercourse and experience in trade with
them, extending over many years, I never knew a case of dishonesty on their
part. They always kept their business engagements, paid their bills promptly
at the proper time, in hides and tallow, which were the currency of the time,
and sometimes, though seldom, in money. The}' regarded their verbal
promises as binding and sacred. . . . This may be said of all their
relations with others — they were faithful in their engagements and promises
of every kind. They were too proud to condescend to do anything mean
or disgraceful. This honesty and integrity was eminently characteristic
of these early Californians." — Davis.
A picture of this life would not be complete without a reference to
faithful service rendered these families by many of their Indian servants.
Some of these people, trained in the missions, usually, became the mayor-
domos, assuming a large share of the care and the responsibility of large
estates and making their master's interest entirely their own.
n8 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
These warm-blooded, impulsive Spanish Californians loved -and hated,
rejoiced and sorrowed with a vehemence — and a changeableness — that we
colder-blooded Americans do not know. And they were happy with a light-
hearted freedom from worry and forethought that makes us look back from
the complicated perplexities of our present day civilization with something
lik: regret to the simpler and more easily satisfied needs of those "dias
alegres" (care-free days).
CATTLE ON A THOUSAND HILLS.
Tbe chief occupation of the residents of California and the chief source of
their wealth from the settlement of the Missions to the discovery of gold, was
stock raising. The party of Gov. Portala and Fray Junipero Serra which ar-
rived in Alta, California in 1769, brought with them a few cattle and mules.
As the Missions were established, every supply ship or train brought its
complement of domestic animals. By Spanish law it was decreed that every
colonist in the pueblos (towns) should be furnished two mares, two cows and
a calf, two sheep, two goats, one cargo mule and one yoke OI oxen or steers.
These animals, under the genial climate of California and feeding upon the
rich ungrazed valleys and mesas, multiplied with wonderful rapiditv. The
Spansh policy discouraged trade ; few vessels touched on the California coast
prior to 1830; after supplying the residents with meat and with saddle horses,
there was little use for the stock which roamed wild over the hills. As early
as 1806, it was necessary to get rid of the surplus horses and near San Jose
more than 7,000 horses were slaughtered in a single month. J. J. 'Warner
says that in 1825, the number of neat cattle and horse kind had increased so
much that the pasturage embraced in this (Los Angeles) county was insuffi-
cient for its support and for that of the wild horses of which there were tens
of thousands that had no claimant and which in small bands, each under its
leader, roamed over their respective haunts, consuming the herbage, and
enticing into their bands the horses and brood mares of the stock breeders.
To relieve themselves of these horses the rancheros constructed large pens
(corrals) with outspreading wings of long extent from the doorway into
which the wild horses were driven in large numbers and slaughtered. At a
later period and when the number of neat cattle had been somewhat lessened,
the wild horses were driven into such pens and domesticated." Manv stories
are told of dry seasons in later years when large numbers of both horses and
cattle were killed, or driven over banks into the ocean in order to- save the rest.
In 1834 it was estimated that the Missions alone possessed 396,400 head
of cattle, 32,600 horses, and 321,500 sheep, goats and swine. Within ten
years these vast herds had vanished. With the final decree of secularization
began an indiscriminate slaughter of Mission stock and destruction of Mission
property. Robinson remarks, "Contracts were made with individuals to
slaughter the cattle and divide the proceeds with the Missions. At San
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 119
Gabriel the ruin was more perceptible than at other places, owing to the
superiority of its possessions. Thousands of cattle were slain for their hides
only, whilst their carcasses remained to decompose upon the plains."
A MATANZAS (Slaughter)
The same author gives a good description of the annual cattle killing of
the thirties. "Numbers of the poor animals lay stretched upon the ground,
already slaughtered; others just suffering under the knife of the butcher;
whilst, in a spacious enclosure hundreds were crowded for selection. The
vaqueros, mounted on splendid horses and stationed at the entrance, per-
formed by far the most important part of the labor. When the mayor-domo
pointed out the animal to be siezed, instantly a lasso whirled through the air
and fell with dexterous precision upon the horns of the ill-fated beast. The
horse accustomed to the motion, turned as the rope descended and dragged
him to slaughter. Another lasso was then thrown which entrapped his hind
legs and threw him prostrate on the ground. In this position he was slaught-
ered and the horseman returned for another. Sometimes one would escape
and make off for the fields, pursued by the vaqueros, who, as they rode close
in full chase, swung their lassos above their heads aad flung them over the
animal's head and horns and neck, giving their well trained horses a sudden
check, which brought him tumbling to the earth ; or some one of the more
expert would seize upon him by the tail and, putting spurs to his horse, urge
him suddenly forward, overthrowing the bull in this manner."
The hides and tallow, which were the chief staples of California trade,
were sold to the American and English ships which were becoming frequent
visitors under Mexican rules in the thirties.
A RODEO. (Round-up)
Every year rodeos were held in the different localities when all the stock
on the ranges were collected, the owners of the various ranges, or their repre-
sentatives, assembled, the stock was sorted, so to speak, each owner taking
possession of his own and branding his calves. An officer known as "El Juez
de Campo" (Judge of the Plains) was usually present, whose duty it was to
settle disputes as to brands and ownership. A lively picture of such a rodeo
in Southern California is given by Maj. Horace Bell in his "Reminiscences of
a Ranger." "In May, '53, I was invited to attend a grand rodeo, which was to
take place on the San Joaquin Rancho, about forty-two miles east of Los
Angeles; so in company with a fellow gringo (American) I betook myself
thither, arriving late in the afternoon. Reaching the ranch house. I was
surprised at the numbers present ; rancheros from all parts of the country, and
from San Diego, either in person, or by their representatives, the mayor
domos. The Machados of La Ballona, the Picos from San Fernando and San
Diego, the Dominguez, the Sepulvedas, the Lugos from everywhere, the
120 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Avilas, the Sanchez, the Cotas. the Stearns, Rowlands, Reeds, Williams, the
Yorbas of Santa Ana, and the Temples of Puente — all were there. All were
there with their trains to separate and to drive to their respective ranchos
whatever cattle may have strayed to the confines of San Joaquin. When I
unsaddled I could see groups of dozens here and there, seated upon and sur-
rounding a blanket spread upon the ground, engaged in the national game of
monte. These were the vaquero servants. At the housel found Don Jose
Sepulveda, the owner of San Joaquin, with dignified courtesy receiving the
visitors to the rodeo. The ranchmen are busy in dealing out beef and other
comestibles to the vaqueros, and the house emits the odors of cookery, for
the patrons and mayor domos must be entertained as becomes their quality.
Full a hundred persons sup at the ranch table, after which conversation com-
mences and is kept up long after the writer has passed the boundary of dream-
land. Before daylight, however, the whole camp is astir, and when I take
my coffee scarce a man is to be seen, all having gone to the field to form
the rodeo for the day's work. By nine o'clock, thirty thousand head of horned
cattle are brought into one herd and surrounded by vaqueros, armed with
the terrible riatas, and now the work of separation and marking begins.
"The cattle of these many owners have not only to be separated, but the
calves must be marked on the ear and branded. All of this work must be
done inside of two days, as during this time this great herd has no food
and may become maddened and unmanageable from hunger and thirst. To
penetrate this formidable body, to a gringo, is a most delicate and dangerous
operation, but to see how the vaqueros do it, their perfection of horsemanship,
the adroitness with which they apply the riata, the cleverness and ease with
which they extricate a cow and calf from this living labyrinth, excites one's
admiration in the highest degree. As they are extricated, each owner receives
his own marks, and brands the calf and drives them to his separate herd.
So by the time the rodeo is over the grand herd of 30,000 is broken into many
small herds and the vaqueros drive them to their respective ranches. These
rodeos were grand affairs and the young men of the ranchos vied with each
other in feats of horsemanship and throwing the lasso."
SHEEP SHEARING.
The annual sheep shearing was another great occasion in the life of
the ranchos. All the bands of sheep belonging to one owner were driven to-
gether. The shearers, who were usually bands of Indians, camped near the
corrals. The herders drove the sheep in to a small corral where they were
caught and passed to the shearer, who threw the animal on the ground, caught
its head between his knees and shaved it so skillfully that when it bounded
away, a perfect mold of the shorn was left. The wool was packed into great
gunny-sacks, the packer trampling it down into the sacks, and the shearers
were paid five cents every time they tossed a fleece to the packers.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 121
HORSES AND HORSE RACING.
No history of Stock raising would be complete without some description
of the early California horse and the racing which was one of the chief amuse-
ments of the Spanish-speaking people. The California horse, was not large,
and did not possess all the "points" of the thoroughbred ; but for intelligence
and endurance, these "mustangs,'' or "broncos" as they were called, were far
superior to any other horse ever known. Wonderful stories are told of the
rides that were made and the endurance displayed by these early Califor-
nian horses and riders. Harlan tells of one horse which was ridden hard for
nearly thirty-six hours and then after a few hours rest was taken out of the
stable and started off as "fresh" as though just from the pasture. Robinson
mentions rides of fifty-four miles in seven hours, and of eighteen leagues in
eight hours, as ordinary occurrences. Fremont rode from Los Angeles to
Monterey and back again — over 800 miles — in eight and a half days, being in
the saddle almost 100 hours. Guinn tells of the ride of John Brown, or Juan
Flaco. who was sent by Gillespie with a message to Stockton and rode from
Los Angeles to Monterey, a distance of 460 miles in 52 hours, without sleep ;
then after three hours sleep, he continued to Yerba Buena (San Francisco),
130 miles further.
The California boy learned to ride horseback as soon as he learned to
walk, and the men spent most of their waking hours in the saddle — even
taking their meals horseback, one writer declares.
The following interesting account of methods employed in stockraising
in the early days in California is from the pen of Judge J. E. Pleasants, a
well known Orange county resident, and appeared some years ago in a Los
Angeles publication :
"From the settling of California by the Spanish to 1863 the principal in-
dustry of the country was stock raising — chiefly horses and cattle, as up to
that date sheep were raised in comparatively small numbers. The horses
were generally understood to be of Andalusian stock, introduced from Spain
into Mexico and thence to California. The horses of California were super-
ior to those of Mexico, probably owing to the difference in climate and feed.
It has since been proven in the rearing of blooded horses that California
climate is a strong factor in making the bone and muscle necessary to the
speed and endurance required to compete with the world's record breakers
And for beauty, spirit and endurance. I have never seen the old California
horses surpassed, even by blooded stock. I have known horses to be
ridden a hundred miles in a day without injury, and fed entirely
upon the wild grass. Indeed, I believe that the horses fed en-
tirely upon the native grasses possessed greater endurance than those
fed on grain. Their hoofs possessed great durability. Saddle horses were
never shod, and suffered nothing in consequence. The greatest care was
taken in breaking and training the saddle horses. There has probably never
122 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
been better trained or more beautiful saddle horses in any country than
those of California at that time. The work and travel of the country was
clone on horseback; so the saddle horse was an institution. All the men and
many of the women were expert riders. The horse and all the equipments
of the horseman were matters of especial pride. It was usually considered
that it required a year's time to properly bit a horse. Then a mere touch
of the rein served to guide him. The shades of color and markings of stock
all had their names. It has been estimated that the Spanish language con-
tains at least two hundred names for the colors of stock. There are many
colors for which we have no synonyms in English.
"During the early sixties there was more stock in the country than had
ever been at any previous time. The Stearns ranchos alone at that time
branded from 5000 to 6000 head of calves a year ; and many rancheros counted
their yearly increase by the thousand.
"Nearly the whole of the southern part of the state was used as grazing
land. Around Los Angeles, the missions, and along the rivers there was a
limited amount of farming and fruit raising done, but the balance of the land
was one great pasture. The old method of managing stock was very sys-
tematic, though done on a large scale. Each rancho had its majordomo, and
under him served a corporal. Then came the regular vaqueros, who num-
bered from ten to twenty for each rancho, according to the size of the place
and number of stock to be handled. During the spring rodeos there would
be twice that number employed. The business of the vaquero was to look
after the stock and break saddle horses. As a rule, his work was light and
his wages small. Fifteen dollars a month was about the average. Each
vaquero had his own caballos de su silla, or saddle horses, allotted to him,
and no man rode another's horse. Enough horses were allotted to one man
to make the work light for the animals. A horse was never ridden two days
in succession during the busy season, and one usually had several days of
rest to one of work. In this way they were kept in excellent condition the
season through. Horses were kept in separate bands. A manada, or band
of mares and quite young stock, would usually number from forty to sixty.
These would be under the leadership of a stallion. Each horse would keep
his manada to itself, and while they usually avoided each other, when two
old leaders did meet there would be a fight worth seeing. The young geld-
ings and fillies remained with the manada until the fillies were two to three
years old and the geldings three to four.
"The fillies were put at the proper age into a newly-formed manada ; and
the geldings were taken away to be broken. Mares were never used to work
or ride. In the spring the young horses (potros) were put into a band by
themselves under the leadership of a bell-mare (caponera.) They were
herded for a time until they grew accustomed to the new leader. They were
now apportioned out among the vaqueros for breaking, each man taking
HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY 123
a number, riding and gentling them in turn. They were also broken to stake.
Broncos (wild horses) were ridden for some time with a hacima, a sort of
halter, before using the bit. Quite strict observance of ranch lines was kept.
The boundaries were well denned and recognized; and though stock roamed
frequently from one rancho to another, one ranchero or his men must obtain
permission of the owner before driving stock away from his land. In the
spring, varying in time with the season, came the rodeos, or round-ups.
They were never begun until feed was plentiful and the stock in good con-
dition.
"The 'recogidos', or gathering of horses, began about a month earlier
than the rodeo of the cattle, and were managed in the same way. All
orejanos (unbranded) stock became the property of the rancho on which
they were found at the time of the rodeo. After taking the stock home the
animals were herded for a time to break them to the home range. Following
the recogidos and rodeos came the private ones at each rancho for the pur-
pose of branding young stock. These also were under supervision. The
municipal regulations of San Jose of January 16, 1835, say that 'none might
brand, mark or kill stock except on days designated by the Ayuntamiento,
and never without permit of the Juez del Campo, who should inform the
Alcalde of such.' The penalty for the first offense was twenty reales ; who-
ever lassoed or saddled a beast not belonging to him should pay $9, and as
much more as the owner claimed in justice. The rodeos were scenes of
lavish hospitality, such as is now seldom seen. It was often the custom to
place a complete complement of saddle horses at the disposal of the visiting
rancheros during their stay at the rancho, that their own need not be used
until the time of their departure. Many beeves were killed, and much good
cheer abounded."
Warner, in his "Centennial History of Los Angeles," says: "The Pion-
eers of 1850 were passionately fond of the turf. They might justly boast of
their horses which had sometimes drawn applause at the capital of Mexico.
Now, and for many successive years, they gave full play to this passion.
August 16th, 1851, Don Pio Pico and compadre, Tomaso Yorba, gave their
printed challenge 'to the North' with bold defiance — the glove is thrown
down, let him who will !take it up' — for a nine mile race, or four and a half
miles, and repeat, the stake 1,000 head of cattle, worth $20.00 apiece and
$2,000; with a codicil, as it were, for two other races — one of two leagues out
and back, the other of 500 varas, (about half a mile) — $2,000 and 200 head of
full grown cattle, bet on each race. March 21st following, the nine-mile heat,
was run two miles south of the city (Los Angeles), between the Sidney mare.
Black Swan, backed by Jose Sepulveda, and the California horse Sarco, staked
by the challengers. The mare won by 75 yards in 19 minutes and 20 seconds.
Sarco, the previous spring had run nine Mexican miles in 18 minutes and 45
seconds. Not less than $50,000 must have changed hands over this race."
HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY 125
LATER DAYS.
As the Missions decayed and the land was granted under Mexican laws
to private individuals, there grew up a class who might well be called "cattle
barons." The Lugos, Sepulvedas, Yorbas and Isaac Williams. Michael White
and Louis Robidoux were the chief men of this class in San Bernardino
county. After the discovery of gold, from 1850 to '60, there was a large
demand for beef and mutton to supply the northern mining camps. Stock
was sold by the thousands and at good prices. The stock owners of the
south were as "flush" as the miners of the north and fifty dollar gold slugs
were spent as freely as Mexican dollars had been a few years previously.
But the civil war and the decay of the mining "boom" ended the "golden
days;" the great stock ranges began to be divided and the small farm and the
fruit orchard took the place of the herds. The stock business, now is but one
of many resources, and the day of the "California cattle barons" is long past.
CHAPTER III.
THE MORMON PERIOD.
The history of this section from September, 1851, when Elders Lyman
and Rich purchased the San Bernardino Rancho, until the winter of 1857-58
when the Faithful were recalled to Zion to aid in the impending war with
the United States, ma}- be regarded as the Mormon period.
HISTORY OF MORMONISM.
About 1820, Joseph Smith, the son of a New York farmer, began to see
visions and receive supernatural instructions. These revelations continued
until about 1827, when the "Book of Mormonism" was delivered to him upon
golden plates, with a key for its translation. After considerable difficulty in
making the translation and delay in securing means for publication, the Book
was finally given out about 1830, and the first Mormon church was organized.
In spite of much ridicule and some persecution, the organization flourished ;
but to avoid trouble the headquarters of the church was transferred to Ohio,
then to Illinois and later, to Missouri and Iowa.
When the Mormons first made their settlements in Missouri they pros-
pered greatly and for a time were left in peace. But soon the "gentiles" and
the other churches rose against them ; they were eventually driven from the
state and many of them went to Illinois where they made the city of Nauvoo
their headquarters. By 1840 it had become evident that the Mormons could
not exist in- proximity to other churches, or in any civilized community of
Americans. After the assassination of Joseph Smith in Illinois, the Saints
determined to move to the far west— probably to the Pacific coast — then un-
126 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
der Mexican government. Brigham Young, the newly elected head of the
church, led this movement and in 1847, Young and some of his apostles
arrived in the Great Basin, and here Young received a vision announcing
that this was the spot on which to raise the city Zion. This migration of
12,000 people over more than a thousand miles of unexplored country to an
unknown destination, is one of the most remarkable movements recorded in
history.
Young was ambitious to occupy a large territory and to establish a port
on the Pacific Coast where converts from Europe and foreign countries
might land. One party of Mormons had already reached California by way
of Cape Horn and were settled in San Francisco. The Mormon Battalion
reached the coast in 1847.
THE MORMON BATTALION.
During the war with Mexico, the Mormons proposed to the govern-
ment to raise a company of troops to aid the United States. In consequence
of this offer an act of Congress authorizing the enlistment of a Mormon com-
pany was passed and 500 Mormons were enrolled as "Iowa Volunteers."
Among the officers of the company were Jefferson Hunt, Andrew Lytle and
Jessee Hunter, all later prominent in .San Bernardino affairs. The company
was directed to proceed to California by way of Santa Fe and take possession
of the territory for the United States. Under the command of Lieut.-Col.
Philip St. George Cook, the battalion marched through Santa Fe and on to
San Diego, experiencing great hardships and many losses by the way. When
they reached the coast the conquest of California was practically completed.
After a short stay at San Diego, members of
the company were sent to perform garrison
duty at San Luis Rey and at San Diego, and
on March 23d, 1847, Col. Cook arrived in Los
Angeles with his men. Shortly afterward they
were set to work constructing Fort Moore — on
the hill above the Plaza. On July 15th, the
battalion was mustered out ; but one com-
pany re-enlisted for six months and was sent
to San Diego on garrison duty. During their
stay in Los Angeles, Captain Hunt and oth-
ers, were sent on various expeditions about
the country and visited Chino and probably
the Cajon Pass and made the acquaintance of
Col. Isaac Williams and others of the pioneers.
The officers of the company and the people
among whom they were sent speak highly of
. At San Diego the citizens gave a banquet
ANl'K'KW LYTLE
the character of the Mormons
to the Mormon soldiers before they left the country
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 127
The discharged Mormons started for Utah by the northern route and a
number of them stopped in the gold fields when they found that gold had
been discovered. Some of them took considerable quantities of gold with
them when they at last started for Salt Lake City, to rejoin their families and
brethren whom they had left at Fort Leavenworth.
The following men, who afterward became citizens of San Bernardino,
were enlisted in the Mormon Battalion, according to the lists published by
D. Tyler in his history of the Mormon Battalion. Not all of these men
came through to California with the battalion. A number of them were in-
valided and sent back before the body set forth on the march from Santa Fe
to California:
Co. A. — Captain, Jefferson Hunt.
1st Corp. Gilbert Hunt.
Privates, Robert Egbert,
Lafayette Shepherd.
Co. B.— 3rd. Lieut., Robert Clift.
Privates, W. E. Beckstead,
Abner Blackburn,
James Clift.
Co. D. — Privates, Lucas Hoagland,
Montgomery Button.
Co. E. — 2nd. Lieut., Andrew Lytle.
3d. Sergt., Ebenezer Hanks.
Privates, Luther Glazier,
Albert Tanner.
Among the women who started with the party were Mrs. Celia Hunt and
her children, Mrs. Matilda Hunt, Mrs. Montgomery Button and children and
Mrs. Jesse Hunter. The latter was one of the few women who accompanied
the Battalion through to California ; she died in San Diego.
Upon the arrival of the Battalion at San Diego, their commander, Captain
Cook, issued the following:
Headquarters Mormon Battalion.
Mission of San Diego,
January 30, 1847.
Orders No. 1.
The Lieutenant-Colonel commanding congratulates the Battalion on
their safe arrival on the shore of the Pacific Ocean and the conclusion of their
march of over two thousand miles.
History may be searched in vain for an equal march of infantry. Half
of it has been through a wilderness where nothing but savages and wild beasts
are found, or deserts where, for want of water, there is no living creature.
There, with almost hopeless labor, we have dug deep wells which the future
traveler will enjoy. Without a guide who had traversed them, we have ven-
128 HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY
tured into trackless table-lands where water was not found for several
marches. With crowbar and pick and axe in hand, we have worked our way
over mountains, which seemed to defy aught save the wild goat, and hewed
a passage through the living rock more narrow than our wagons. To
bring these first wagons to the Pacific, we have preserved the strength of
our mules by herding them over large tracts. Which you have laboriously
guarded without loss. The garrison of four presidios of Sonora, concen-
trated within the walls of Tucson gave us pause. We drove them out with
their artillery, but our intercourse with their citizens was unmarked by a
single act of injustice. Thus, marching half naked and half fed, and living
upon wild animals, we have discovered and made a road of great value to
our country.
Arrived at the first settlement of California, after a single day's rest,
you cheerfully turned off the route from this point of promised repose, to
enter upon a campaign and meet, as we supposed, the approach of an
enemy; and this too without even salt to season your sole subsistence of
fresh meat.
Lieutenants A. J. Smith and George Stoneman, of the First Dragoons,
have shared and given valuable aid in all these labors.
Thus, volunteers, you have exhibited some high and essential qualities
of veterans. But much remains undone. Soon you will turn your atten-
tion to the drill, to system and order, to forms also which are all necessary
to the soldier.
By order,
Lieutenant Colonel P. St. George Cook.
P. C. Merrill, Adjutant.
Of this Battalion, General Kearney said: "Napoleon crossed the
mountains, but the Mormon Battalion crossed a continent."
The following extracts concerning the Battalion are taken from
"Tyler's History of the Mormon Battalion" :
"Up to the 19th of February, 1847, our fare continued to be about the
same — fresh beef. Upon that date, however, Lieut. Oman returned from
Robideau's, whither he had been sent five days previously, with a quantity
of unbolted flour and some beans — a most agreeable change of diet."
This flour mill at Robidoux's on the Jurupa, seems to have been the
first in Southern California. Of this same incident, the late Stephen C.
Foster, of Los Angeles, who acted as interpreter for the Battalion, says:
"The commissary and myself were ordered to Los Angeles to try and
get some flour. We found the town garrisoned by Fremont's Battalion.,
about 400 strong. They too had nothing but beef served out to them.
Here we met Louis Robideau of the Jurupa ranch, who said he could spare
us some two or three thousand pounds of wheat which we could grind at
a little mill he had on the Santa Ana river. So, on our return, two wagons
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 129
were sent to Jurupa and they brought 1700 pounds of unbolted flour and
two sacks of beans — a small supply for 400 men. I then messed with one
of the captains and we all agreed that it was the sweetest bread we ever
tasted."
"Owing to the fact that the Californians were not allowed to bear arms,
the following, and similar orders, were issued for their protection from
marauding bands of Indians:
(Orders No. 7.)
Headquarters Southern Military District.
Los Angeles. April 11, 1847.
(1.) Company C, Mormon Battalion, will march tomorrow and take
post in the canon pass of the mountains, about forty-five miles eastward of
the town. Lieutenant Rosecrans. its commander, will select a spot for its
camp as near to the narrowest and most defensible part as the convenience
of water, feed and grass will admit of, and, if necessary, effectually to pre-
vent the passage of hostile Indians, with or without horses, he will erect a
sufficient cover of earth and logs. It will Ik- his duty to guard the pass
effectually and, if necessary, to send out armed parties, either on foot or
mounted, to defend the ranchos in the vicinity, or to attack wandering
parties of wild Indians.
(2.) The assistant commissary of subsistence will take measures to
provision this post until further notice.
P. St. George Cook,
Lieut. Col. Commanding.
"Agreeably with this order, Company C took up the line of march for
Cajon Pass on the 12th."
"Lieutenant Samuel Thompson, of Company C, and party, who had
proceeded to rout the Indians according to the Colonel's orders, surprised
a small band in a cove in the mountains, killing six of them. F. T. May-
field and George Chapin, two of his men, were slightly wounded. One
Spaniard who accompanied them was also slightly wounded. The Span-
iard ran, unobserved, and scalped and took off the ears of the dead Indians.
Under the California rule, a premium was given for wild Indians' scalps.
This barbarous custom, however, was then and there abolished and the
Alcalde forbidden to pay any bounty on those referred to, or any others in
the future."
"At this period (June 12, 1847) several of the men were in the country
on a furlough, laboring for provisions for the return trip, mostly in the
harvest field, this being the usual time for cutting grain in California. They
were engaged by a Mr. Williams (of Chino rancho) who had about a thou-
sand acres of wheat to cut. His staple crop was wheat, although he raised
some barley, beans, peas and had large vineyards."
"On the 14th of March, 1848. the company's time of enlistment ( this
130
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
was the company who re-enlisted for six months) having overrun nearly
two months, it was disbanded at San Diego. These veterans drew their
pay on the day following and on the 21st, a company of twenty-five men
with H. G. Boyle as captain, set out for Salt Lake Valley.
"On the 31st they arrived at Williams' rancho, and there fitted out for
the journey by the southern route. On the 12th of April the little company,
having obtained a proper outfit, again took up the line of march. Orrin
Porter Rockwell and James Shaw, who had traveled the route the previous
winter, were chosen pilots by and for the company. They started with
only one wagon and 135 mules. Of course they were packers. They ar-
rived at Salt Lake on the 5th of June.
"Theirs was the first wagon that ever traveled the southern route.
This is the only feasible route from Salt Lake, and all Utah for that matter,
to travel by wagons in winter, to Southern California. Thus another great
national road for wagons was pioneered by the enterprise of a portion of
the indomitable Battalion of "Mormons" or "Latter Day Saints."
SAN BERNARDINO COLONY.
Bancroft states: "A company was organized in March, 1851, at the
suggestion of Brigham, to go to California and form the nucleus of a set-
tlement in the Cajon Pass, where they should cultivate the olive, grape,
sugarcane, and cotton, and gather about them the saints and select loca-
tions on the line of a proposed mail route. The original intention was to
have twenty in this company with Amasa M.
©Lyman and Charles C. Rich in charge. The
number, however, reached over 500, and Brig-
am's heart failed him as he saw them at the
starting. "I was sick," he says in a manu-
script history, "at the sight of so many of the
saints running to California, chiefly after the
gods of this world, and I was unable to ad-
dress them." The object of the establishment
of this colony was that the people gathering
in Utah from the Sandwich Islands, and
even from Europe, might have an outfitting
post." (Bancroft from Mss, history of Young.)
It was small wonder that the people who had
heard the stories of the Battalion concerning
Southern California, were so ready to join in this expedition.
The party marched in three divisions — one under the leadership of
Rich, piloted by Captain Hunt, one under Lyman, led by Captain Seeley,
and the third under Captain Lytle, who was the captain in charge. Seeley's
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
13]
party reached the Pass June n, and camped in Sycamore Grove. The rest
of the company arrived June 20th, and camped on the other side of the
Cajon Canon. They remained in these camps
while the leaders examined the country, vis-
iting Chino and other ranchos and finally
deciding on the purchase of San Bernardino
grant.
In September the colonists who had at
first thought of locating their city on the foot-
hills to the east of Cajon Canon, hence the
name City Creek, decided on the present loca-
tion of the city of San Bernardino because of
the abundance of feed for their stock found
there. Before the purchase of the grant was
complete, some of the newcomers began to
select lands and make improvements, but
the danger from Indians which threatened
at that time, led to the erection of a stockade for safety and nearly all of
tbtcolonists joined in its erection and built their houses within its walls.
ORGANIZATION OF THE COLONY.
The purchase of San Bernardino Rancho. which is described as
bounded on the east by "Sierra de Yucaipe," on the west by "Arroyo de
Cajon" and the "Serrito Solo," on the south by the "Lomeras" and on the
north by "El Faldo de Sierras" (Brow of the mountains), was completed
in the spring of 1852, the deed having been recorded February 27, the price
named as $77,000 "in hand paid."
The colonists had already begun to put in crops. A considerable area
between San Bernardino and the Santa Ana River was fenced and each
man put in as much land as he desired, paying his proportion of the cost
of the fence. The first crop in the spring of 1852 was most bountiful, some
of the grain being so rank that it could not be cut at all. The wheat was
sold at $4.00 per bushel and flour, which they had ground at Puente, sold
for $32.00 per barrel in Los Angeles. The colonists had considerable stock,
too. Tithes of one-tenth of all the produce were paid to the church authori-
ties, and were doubtless used toward the purchase of the rancho. As soon
as the land was surveyed, it was sold in tracts to suit the colonists — the
prices seem to have run from $11.00 to $16.00 per acre — and some was
perhaps higher.
In 1854, the Elders mortgaged the property for $35,000, with interest
at 3 per cent a month, with San Francisco parties. The same yeai, ac-
cording to Sheldon Stoddard, parties were sent out over the state among
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 133
the miners, many of whom were Mormons, and considerable land was sold
to them and $10,000 collected from them to aid in paying for the ranch.
New settlers came in, a party coming from Australia in 1853, and many
coming from Salt Lake and the East. The lands sold readily and the colony
was so prospered and the affairs so well managed that when the Saints
were recalled to Salt Lake City, the property was practically free from debt.
THE FORT OF SAN BERNARDINO.
During the years of 1850-51-52, the Utes, Chemehuevis and other
desert Indians made frequent raids through the San Bernardino mountain
passes into the coast valleys, in which they drove off much stock and com-
mitted other depredations. In the fall of 1851 there was a wide-spread fear
of a general uprising among the Indians, and unusual preparations were
made to meet it. A troop of United States Volunteers was stationed on the
coast, and a few troops were located at Chino Rancho. A volunteer com-
pany under Gen. J. H. Bean was organized and went out against the
Indians. The Mormons may have lost some stock, at any rate they decided
to build a fort somewhat after the plan of the stockade that had been built
at Salt Lake on the arrival of the Mormons at that point.
The following description of this fort is furnished by Hon H. C. Rolfe :
"The Fort built by the San Bernardino colonists in the fall of 1851 was
a palisade enclosure, or stockade on the east side and the two ends, made
by splitting the trunks of cottonwood and large willow trees in halves,
roughly facing them on the split side, straightening the edges so that they
would fit closely as they stood upright side by side. These stakes were set
some three feet into the ground and stood about twelve feet high — with
the split sides facing in. This composed the outside stockade and was in
the form of a parallelogram about three hundred feet in width by seven
hundred feet in length. Small one-story houses of logs and of adobes were
built inside in long rows parallel with the stockade, leaving some sixteen
or eighteen feet clear space between each. The west side of the enclosure
was made up of houses which had been built in various places before the
necessity of fortification was realized and which were moved and placed
with their outside walls adjoining so as to form a tight wall Or, where
this could not be done, separate barricading walls of logs laid up in block-
house fashion were constructed so as to complete the stockade. There as
no stockade outside of these houses. Many of the houses were merely con-
tinuous rows of rooms, the end walls forming partitions, while others were
separate houses.
The principal entrance to the Fort was on the east side. This was
located a little south of the center and the gates were made to open out-
ward. Another gateway opened on the west side and one on the north
134 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
end. The stockade at these gates turned in at right angles eight or ten
feet, and was provided with loopholes for protection. The houses on the
north and east also stood well back from the direct line of the gateways,
which were about twelve feet wide. Loopholes were ajso placed a few feet
apart all around the stockade. At each corner of the enclosure the stockade
projected outward about eight feet, forming a sort of bastion with loop-
holes for the purpose of cross firing along the sides and ends should an
enemy elude the direct fire from the walls and stealthily creep up and at-
tempt to set fire to the stockade. The bastion at the southeast corner was
much larger than the others in order to enclose the row of houses on the
east side which extended some tweilty-five or thirty feet further south on
a point of land that can still be seen just south of the present site of the
Starke Hotel, and the southeast angle of the row of houses at this end.
Another bastion also projected a short distance north of the gate on the
east side, as this gate was in a hollow, or gully, that ran from the bench on
which the Fort was built, down into the creek bottom, and the gate, being
below the ground level, could not be protected from the corner bastions.
The south end of the Fort was not at right angles with the sides, but
ran more northwesterly and southeasterly, on account of the rather deep
gulch running in the same direction at that end of the structure. Part of
this gulch can still be seen, although it is mostly filled up. The present
gas factory stands on the southwest side of the gulch with some of the
buildings extending over it. Its eastern wall stood along Warm Creek bench
760 feet, about northeast arid southwest, and the enclosure was 320 feet
in width. It crossed the present corners of C and Third streets. The south-
west corner stood close upon the spot where now stands the city gas
works. The northwest corner stood where the new Fourth street school
house now stands. The main entrance was eastward and stood in the center
of what is now Third street, immediately in front of the Bradford House,
better known as Starke's Hotel.
Within the Fort, a stream of water was brought for domestic purposes
through a ditch from Garner's Springs or Lytle Creek. Had this water
supply been cut off, water could easily have been obtained by digging wells
twelve or fifteen feet deep. In the northeast corner a canvas pavilion was
put up and used for school purposes, William Stout being the teacher, and
also for church services. A small house used as a business office stood
south of the pavilion, and still further south and within the line of houses
was a three-roomed house which was used for storage purposes. In the
southeast corner and also in the northeast corner were a few scattered
houses, there not being room to place all of the houses in line. One of
these houses was rebuilt from the ruins of an old adobe ranch house that
had been erected during the Mexican occupation.
A great many wagon beds with canvas covers, such as were used by
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 135
the overland emigrants, were taken from the running gear and placed in
convenient proximity to the houses for use as sleeping apartments. These
made very comfortable substitutes for more commodious household ac-
commodations.
Somewhat more than a hundred families occupied the Fort, together
with a number of men without families and also a number of families that
included several grown men. There were at least one hundred and fifty,
and probably more, able-bodied men capable of performing good service in
repelling an attack. The military organization was very simple, it being
merely a division into three companies with their respective captains, and
without other officers. Jefferson Hunt, as senior captain, was in command
of the whole. Vigilant guard was kept at night. Uncle Grief, a colored
man, had a large tin horn, about six feet long, with which he used to make
music for his own amusement. He acted as bugler and blew his horn to
assemble the men, or for other purposes, according to different signals
which had been adopted and were understood by all. Many times were all
hands called out by the sound of Uncle Grief's horn. Everyone knew
something about the use of firearms. With few exceptions all were tol-
erably expert in this line, and a number of the first settlers were "crack
shots." Most of the men were well supplied with arms of their own, but
to supply any deficiency a lot of muskets and of ammunition was sent to
them from the small garrison of regular soldiers then stationed at Chino."
A carefully compiled list of the occupants of the "Old Fort'' will be found
in the chapter on Pioneers.
There is no record of any attack having ever been made on this fort,
and it really seems rather a pity that this, the most elaborate fortification
ever attempted in Southern California, should never have been called into
use. It doubtless served its purpose, however, for the Indians seeing the
elaborate preparation for protection, made no attempt to raid the valley.
SETTLEMENT.
The colonists lived in the Fort for a year or more. As they felt that
the danger from the Indians was past, they began to make improvements
on their own holdings, and also to make community improvements for the
benefit of the entire colony. Gradually the Fort was taken down and the
logs used for other purposes.
Bishop Tenney located in the old Mission buildings and several other
families settled in that vicinity. These constructed the Tenney irrigation
ditch, and also utilized the water of Mill Creek zanja. Fifty-two one-acre
tracts were laid off in 1854, on the north side of Lytle Creek and an irri-
gation ditch constructed to water these, which were cultivated as gardens
by the Mormons from the town. Other irrigation ditches were made by
136
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
the Mormons, and the foundation of later water systems was laid during
these years.
The able-bodied men of the colony, under the direction of Captain
Hunt, built a road up West Twin Creek Canon, now known as Waterman
Canon, to reach the timber in the mountains. This road was sixteen miles
long, and so well built that it was used for many years for hauling logs
and timber down the mountains. Within a few months after the com-
pletion of the highway, three sawmills were built. These supplied lumber
for the houses of the Mormons, and also furnished a supply for Los Angeles
and other points.
GRIST MILL BUILT BY MORMONS IN ^52
In 1852 a large flour mill was built on the site where electric power
house now stands. Lieut. W. P. Blake, who made an exhaustive report
to the government upon his explorations and surveys for a Pacific railway
route, thus describes the settlement of San Bernardino in November, 1852.
"The city consists of a square surrounded by log houses and stout pickets.
They are, however, erecting neat adobe buildings in all parts of the valley
and bringing it under cultivation. Messrs. Lyman and Rich, the prominent
men of the settlement, have erected a convenient store and postoffice in
the center of the square, and we were enabled to procure a fresh stock of
provisions, flour, fish, butter, etc. A large flour mill, 25 by 40 feet, with
two sets of burr stones and a race way one mile in length, had just been
completed : a store house of adobe, 30 by 70, was nearly full of sacks of
grain waiting to be ground. A large quantity of good flour is made here
and sent to Los Angeles, or to San Pedro for shipment."
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 137
SEGREGATION OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY FROM LOS
ANGELES COUNTY. ACT OF APRIL 26, 1853.
When the Mormon colonists purchased the San Bernardino ranch prop-
erty in 1851, this section of the state was a portion of Los Angeles County,
its boundaries extending eastward to the Colorado River, with the county
seat at Los Angeles, sixty miles distant from San Bernardino.
In 1853, Captain Jefferson Hunt, of San Bernardino, was elected one of
two members to represent Los Angeles County in the State Legislature. The
settlement of San Bernardino was thriving and progressive, but labored
under the inconvenience of being far removed from the county seat, where
all business pertaining to the courts and the transfer of property must be
taken. To obviate this difficulty, Mr. Hunt was instructed to present a
petition to the legislature, asking for a division of the County of Los
Angeles; the portion segregated therefrom to be known as San Bernardino
County; taking its name from the Rancho de San Bernardino.
Complying with this petition, "An Act for dividing the County of Los
Angeles and making a new county therefrom, to be called San Bernardino
County," was passed by the legislature, in session at Benecia, April 26, 1853.
It provided as follows :
"Section 1. The County of Los Angeles is hereby divided as follows:
Beginning at a point where a due south line, drawn from the highest peak
of the Sierra de Santiago; thence, running along the summit of said sierra
to the Santa Ana River between the ranch of Sierra and the residence of
of Bernardo Yorba ; thence across the Santa Ana River, along the summit
of the range of hills that lie between the Coyotes and Chino (leaving the
ranches of Ontiveras and Ybana to the west of this line) ; to the southeast
corner of the ranch of San Jose ; thence along the eastern boundaries of said
ranch and of San Antonio, and the western and northern boundaries of
Cucamonga ranch, to the ravine of Cucamonga; thence up said ravine to its
source in the Coast Range ; thence due north to the northern boundary of
Los Angeles County; thence northeast to the State line; thence along the
State line to the northern boundary line of San Diego County; thence west-
erly, along the northern boundary of San Diego, to the place of beginning.
Section 2. The eastern part of Los Angeles County, so cut off, shall
be called San Bernardino County, and the Seat of Justice thereof shall be at
such place as the majority of voters shall determine at trie first county
election hereinafter provided to be held in said county, and shall remain
at the place so designated until changed by the people, as provided by law.
Section 3. During the fourth week of June next, there shall be held an
election in said San Bernardino County for the election of the following
officers, to-wit. : One County Judge, one County Attorney, one County
138 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Clerk, who shall also be Recorder ; one County Surveyor, one Sheriff, one
Coroner, one Treasurer, and one Assessor.
Section 4. The County Judge, chosen under this Act, shall hold office
until the first Monday of April, A. D. one thousand, eight hundred and fifty-
four, and until his successor shall be elected and qualified. The other officers
shall hold their offices until the first Monday of October, one thousand, eight
hundred and fifty-three, and until their successors are elected and qualified.
The successors of the officers elected under this Act shall be chosen at the
general elections established by law, which shall take place next preceding
the expiration of their respective terms.
Section 5. Isaac Williams, David Seely, H. G. Sherwood and John
Brown, are hereby appointed and constituted a Board of Commissioners, to
designate the election precincts in the County of San Bernardino, for the
election of officers at the first election, and to appoint the Inspectors of
Election at the several precincts designated, to receive the returns of election,
and to issue certificates of election.
Section 6. The provisions of "An Act to Regulate Elections" passed
March twenty-third, one thousand eight hundred and fifty, shall apply to
the county election ordered by this Act, except that the Board of Commis-
sioners shall designate the election precincts, appoint the Inspectors of
Election at such precincts, receive the returns of election, and issue the
several certificates to the persons elected.
Section 7. For the purpose of designating the several precincts in the
county, the said Board shall meet two weeks previous to the day of election,
and at said meeting shall designate the precincts of the county, and appoint
the Inspectors of Election at such precincts. The said Board shall appoint
one of their number as President, one as Clerk, and shall keep a record of
their proceedings; two-thirds of the number of said Board shall constitute
a quorum to transact business.
Section 8. The said Board shall, immediately after designating the
precincts in the county, and appointing the Inspectors thereof, give notice
of such precincts and Inspectors, by advertisement in Spanish and English,
in the Los Angeles Star, and by notice posted at each of said precincts, in
Spanish and English.
Section 9. If precincts be not established according to the provisions
of this Act, an election may be held at -any place or places where there are
not less than thirty resident electors present.
Section 10. Sealed returns from the officers of election may be deliv-
ered to any member of the Board. The Board shall meet in the county
within five days subsequent to the election, and the returns shall then be
opened and read, and under their direction, and in their presence, a tabular
statement shall be made out, showing the vote given in each precinct in the
county, or if precincts be not established, at each place where polls were
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 139
opened as provided for in the preceding section of this Act. for each person,
and for each of the offices to be filled at the election, and for the Seat of
Justice of the county, and also the entire vote given in the county for each
person. The statement thus made out by such Board shall be signed by
the President and the Clerk.
Section n. So .soon as the statements and certificates are made out
by the Board, the President shall declare the result, and immediately make
out, send or deliver to each person chosen, a certificate of election signed by
him as President of the Board of Commissioners, and attested by the Clerk.
Section 12. Each person chosen shall qualify and enter upon the dis-
charge of his duties within twenty days after the receipt of his certificate
of election. The person elected as County Judge shall qualify before the
President of the Board of Commissioners of the County. Persons elected to
the other offices may qualify before said President, or before the County
Judge.
Section 13. The President of said Board shall transmit, without delay,
a copy of the tabular statement prepared as provided in section ten, to the
Secretary of State. The election returns of said county, the tabular state-
ment, and the record of proceedings of the Board, shall be retained by the
President of the said Board until the person elected as Clerk of said County
shall have qualified and entered upon his duties, after which they shall be
filed in the office of said Clerk.
Section 14. The County of San Bernardino is hereby excepted from
the operation of the Supervisor Act, passed May third, A.D., one thousand,
eight hundred and fifty-two ; shall be attached to the First Judicial District,
and shall be entitled to one member of Assembly and Los Angeles County
to one member of Assembly, and the two counties jointly shall elect one
Senator, until otherwise provided by law.
Section 15. At the first term of the Court of Sessions held in San Ber-
nardino County, there shall be appointed two Commissioners, to meet a
like number of Commissioners to be appointed by the Board of Supervisors
of Los Angeles County, for the purpose of ascertaining proportion of the
debt of Los Angeles County that is justly chargeable to San Bernardino
County. The said Commissioners shall proceed to ascertain the total in-
debtedness of Los Angeles County that shall have accrued up to the time of
the organization of San Bernardino County. They shall apportion to the
respective counties a portion of said indebtedness, proportioned to the
amount of taxable property returned by the Assessor of Los Angeles County
for the -year of one thousand eight hundred and fifty-three, which is hereby
made the basis of apportioning the debt aforesaid. Said Commissioners shall
report their apportionment to the Court of Sessions and Board of Super-
visors of their respective counties, and if they shall ratify said apportion-
ment, it shall be final and binding on the two counties. For the proportion
140 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
of the unfundable debt of Los Angeles County, the Court of Sessions of
said county shall draw a warrant in favor of the Treasurer of Los Angeles
County, payable out of the treasury of San Bernardino County.
Of the funded debt of Los Angeles County, the amount found justly
chargeable to San Bernardino County shall be assumed by said county, and
the principal and interest thereof paid at its County Treasury; Provided,
That the holders of said proportion of the debt consent to such assumption
and payment.
Section in. All the provisions of the Act "to fund the debt of Los
Angeles County, and provide for the payment thereof," passed March the
eighteenth, one thousand eight hundred and fifty-three, shall have the same
force, and be obligatory on the same officers in San Bernardino County as in
Los Angeles County, and shall continue in full force and obligation until
the extinguishment of the said funded debt, and until its proportion of the
said funded debt shall be set off to said county as provided for in the pre-
ceding section. The Court of Sessions in San Bernardino County shall each
year draw a warrant on the Treasurer of said County in favor of the Trea-
surer of Los Angeles County, for the total amount of the interest tax of
that vear, payable out of the first moneys paid into the treasury on the annual
assessment of each vear, as provided m the Act aforesaid, and shall each and
every vear draw a warrant for said tax. until the total extinguishment of the
debt aforesaid.
It shall be the duty of the Treasurer of Los Angeles County to bring
suit against any and every officer of San Bernardino County who may hinder
the prompt payment of the interest tax aforesaid into the treasury of Los
Angeles County; and the District Court having jurisdiction in said county,
shall have power to issue all necessary writs to enforce the provisions of
this Act and the Funding Act aforesaid ; and the proportion of the funded
debt set off to San Bernardino County shall be paid and liquidated to the
holder thereof in a manner provided in the said Funding Act.
Section \j. In case the Assessor of Los Angeles County shall have
completed his assessment of the portion of said county that is hereby set off
to San Bernardino County, or any part thereof, before the organization of
said county, he shall certify to the Court of Sessions of said county, when
organized, his assessment of all property and polls in said count}-, for their
action, and such assessment shall be deemed the legal assessment of said
county for the previous year, subject to the action of the Board of Equaliz-
ation of said county ; and the delinquent list of all property and polls in said
county of San Bernardino, for the year one thousand eight hundred and
fifty-two, that shall not have been collected on the organization of said
count}', shall be assigned to said county for its use and benefit.
Section 18. The Associate Justices of the Court of Sessions of said
county shall receive as compensation two dollars per diem, for each day's
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 141
actual attendance on the terms of Court. The township officers of the
several townships of San Bernardino County, that were elected at the general
election of one thousand eight hundred and fifty-two, in Los Angeles County,
shall continue in office until their successors, to be elected at the general
election of one thousand eight hundred and fifty-three, shall be elected and
qualified." Approved April 26, 1853.
On April 2, 1857, a subsequent Act was passed slightly changing the
boundaries as set forth in the original Act. '
"Beginning at a point on the boundary line of Los Angeles County,
where a due south line, drawn from the highest peak of the Sierra de San-
tiago intersects the northern boundary of San Diego County; thence
running along the summit of said sierra to the Santa Ana River, between
the ranch of Sierra and the residence of Bernardo Yorba : thence across the
Santa Ana River, along the summit of the range of hills that lie between
the Coyotes and Chino (leaving the ranches of Ontiveras and Ybana to the
west of the line), to the southwest corner of the ranch of San Jose; thence
along the eastern boundaries of said ranch, and of San Antonio, and the
western and northern boundaries of Cucamonga Ranch, to the ravine of
Cucamonga ; thence up said ravine to its source in the Coast Range : thence
due north to the northern boundary of Los Angeles County; thence north-
east to the State line ; thence along the State line to the northern boundary
line of San Diego County; thence westerly, along the northern boundary line
of San Diego County, to the place of beginning.'*
The county thus brought into existence was the largest in the state of
California and one of the largest ever created in the United States, having an
area equal to about half of the state of New York. It contained 23,472 square
miles and was one hundred and fifty miles north and south and averaged
about two hundred miles from east to west. It was an inland county, having
no sea coast but bounded on the east by the Colorado River. Its position,
lying between Nevada and Arizona and the Pacific Coast and the fact that
the two great overland routes to the coast converged in the San Bernardino
Valley, gave it an especial commercial advantage.
THE FIRST ELECTION.
In accordance with the enabling act, an election was held in January,
1853, 200 votes being cast, and the following officers being chosen: Hon.
Jefferson Hunt, who was already a member of the Assembly, representing
Los Angeles County, was made representative of San Bernardino County:
D. M Thomas was elected County Judge; Robert Gift. Sheriff; R. R. Hop-
kins, Clerk; V. J. Herring, Assessor; William Stout, District Attorney; H.
G. Sherwood, Surveyor.
These officers with one or two changes, were re-elected at the first
142
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
regular election the following fall, and almost without exception served until
the withdrawal of the Mormons. To their credit be it said that they left
the county entirely free from debt and with a small balance in the treasury.
The Mormon Council House served as the first Court House for the
new county, and was used for several years., The Court House was then
transferred to the residence built by O. S. Sparks, corner of Fifth and E
streets. In 1862, the Supervisors purchased the "elegant" residence of
Charles Glaser, standing on the grounds now occupied by the Court House,
and this was used until 1875.
THE TOWN OF SAN BERNARDINO.
In 1853 the townsite of the City of San Bernardino was laid out in the
Babylonian style — a miniature Salt Lake City. The town was one mile
square, laid out in blocks containing eight acres, with wide streets running
at right angles, each one bor-
dered by a zanja, or irrigation
ditch. The streets were given
good Mormon names as will be
seen by the accompanying plat,
and these names continued in
use for many years.
The survey of the town site
and of the county was made by
H. G. Sherwood, who had made
the original survey of Salt
Lake City.
April 13, 1854, the Legisla-
ture passed a special act incor-
porating the city of San Ber-
ardino, and another special act
of the same legislature author-
ized the new city to appropriate
the waters of the Twin Creeks
for municipal and domestic
purposes. Under this au-
thorization a ditch was dug
by direction of the municipal authorities and the waters of both creeks were
brought into the town in 1855. It was soon found, however, that in winter
the works were washed away by each freshet and in summer the waters
were lost in the sands before reaching the town limits, and so this ditch was
abandoned several years later.
Probably the first public building erected in this county was the Council
HHHP1
QQOQ
DRICINftL TOWN PLAT OF SftN BERNflRVINO.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 143
House, built by Lyman and Ricb, and intended as the general office of the
Mormon interests, both religious and secular. It was used also as the first
Court House of the county. It was
....■ill in j— aiwm located on the southeast corner of
'; Third and Grafton (now C) streets
T"\^^ \ and was a two-story adobe build-
• ing. Judge Rolfe describes it as be-
iijgj) ing 24 ft. by 16 ft., containing one
i r mi room b,el7i anVne aTbove- ,and
j surrounded by a fence. In settling,
the walls of the building cracked
' • ::■:.' brao- w m- -rl '■> ■ piv-
L\ vent their falling out. Curiously
iniiij^^^SS^S^^3B? ^illSil enough, the rocking motion of the
earthquake of 1857 caused these
braces to press the walls together
so that they were again solid and firm. The walls were considerably
damaged by the heavy rains of 1862, but the building stood until 1867, when
it was demolished to make way for a brick block. The ground is now occu-
pied by the James Water's building.
The first school house in the city was the tent pavilion used in the Fort.
In 1853 the Superintendent of Common Schools, V. J. Herring, reports
an expenditure of $300 for library and apparatus and $291.50 for building
or renting and furnishing school house. This was probably for rent. In
November, 1855, a committee consisting of the trustees of District No. 1.
David Seely, James H. Rollin and Theodore Turley, with the County Super-
intendent, C. A. Skinner, acting by order of the City Council, selected six
lots for school purposes and in 1856 a deed was made by Lyman, Rich and
Hanks to the city for these six lots. Two adobe rooms stood on one of these
lots, the present site of Fourth street school house, and were used as the city
school house for many years. When these buildings were put up and
whether they were first erected as school buildings, does not appear. Thev
were known as the Washington and Jefferson buildings, and seem to have
been occupied as school rooms until the erection of the brick school house
on Fourth street in 1874.
A two-story adobe building was erected by Amasa Lyman as a home
for his family, which included five wives, Maria Tanner, Caroline Partridge,
Priscilla Turley. Cornelia Leavitt and Denicia Walker. Priscilla was the
mother of the first white child born after the colonists reached San Ber-
nardino Valley, Lorenzo Snow Lyman, still residing in this county. Each
of the wives with her children had separate apartments, while a common
kitchen and dining room was provided, but it is said, was never used by the
women — each preferring her own establishment. The house is described
144 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
as having no windows, but lighted from skylights above, and was facetiously
named the "steamboat" from some fancied resemblance. It stood next to
the Council House on the north. The building was burned down, but a
portion of the adobe kitchen is still standing and forms a part of the kitchen
at the Wozencraft house.
Another house built to accommodate plural wives was that of Charles
C. Rich, which was a long adobe of four or five rooms standing where the
residence of Joseph Brown, at the corner of E and First streets, is now
placed. Rich had three wives.
THE FIRST FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION.
After the organization of the new county in 1853, some of the citizens
felt that there should be a suitable Fourth of July celebration. John Brown,
Sr., went to Fort Tejon to procure an American flag, and was presented
with a large bunting flag by L. A. Bishop. On his return a liberty pole had
been procured from the mountains, a twelve pounder brought from Los
Angeles and a platform erected on the ground where Tyler's butcher shop
was later built, and here on the Fourth of July, 1853, was held the first cele-
bration of our national holiday in San Bernardino city.
Daniel Sexton, however, claims the honor of raising the first American
flag in the county. He states that in 1842, while cutting timber for Col.
Williams in the San Gorgcinio Pass, the Indians asked him if the Americans
had no feast days. He told tbem about our Fourth of July, made an American
flag and hoisted it in his camp north of San Gorgonio Pass, and with the
Indians celebrated the Fourth of July, 1842. This, if true, must have been
the first celebration of the occasion on California soil.
TROUBLES BETWEEN THE MORMONS AND GENTILES.
Attracted by the richness of the valley and the evident prosperity of
the colonists, a number of "gentile" settlers had come in. Some of these
were disappointed miners from the north, others belated gold seekers who
never reached their El Dorado and others immigrants from the east —
mostly from the southern states. These newcomers did not understand the
sincere religious convictions of the Mormons, and they felt that the Mor-
mon control of the city and the county was a "menace to our free institu-
tions"— perhaps they desired to share in the "spoils" also. Considerable
feeling grew out of these conditions.
The Fourth of July, 1854. was observed only by the reading in the church
of an address delivered the previous Fourth of July in Salt Lake City. On
the third of July, which was Sunday, Amasa Lyman stated that the next
day would be the anniversary of American Independence, then spread out
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 145
a copy of the Deseret News and read the address which was delivered in
Salt Lake by an unnaturalized Englishman the previous year. It in sub-
stance eulogized the founders of the Republic and Washington, but de-
clared that in the latter days the government was being diverted from its
original purposes and had become degenerate, etc.
In 1856, the "Independents," as the party which was coming into op-
position to the church party was called, decided to have a regular old-
fashioned "back-east" Fourth of July celebration. Accordingly a committee
was appointed to make the arrangements for the affair, which was to be
open to all — without regard to party lines. But the church party at once
announced their intention to celebrate the day without paying any attention
to the move already under way. Naturally a rivalry between the two
parties followed. The Independents procured a flagpole sixty feet high and
erected it on the south side of Third street directly opposite the present
location of McDonald & Son's furniture establishment. The other party
procured a pole a hundred feet high and put it up on the public Plaza. The
Independents procured a neat new flag and ran it up — the church people
got a larger flag and hoisted it ; the Independents erected a bowery covered
with green brush and placed seats for an audience : their rivals set up a
larger bowery with seats for a larger audience. On the great day, the Third
street patriots organized an impromptu chorus which sang the patriotic
songs, but the Mormons had secured a band of musical instruments which
made more noise. The church part)- had also gotten together a mounted
squad of some twenty-five or thirty young men uniformed in red flannel
shirts, black pantaloons and hats, who acted as escort for the officers of the
day. Here they got the better of their competitors, who had no guard and
no procession. But the church party fired salutes with a little brass cannon
which the other party named the "pop gun," while the Independents had a
real cannon which made the mountains echo with its deep reports. This
cannon was obtained for the occasion in Los Angeles, and was hauled over
on a carreta drawn by two yokes of oxen driven by William McDonald. It
wa^ undoubtedly one of the weapons brought from Mexico in early days.
Four of these cannon have recently been gathered up in Los Angeles, and
are to be restored as far as possible and preserved as valuable historical
relics in the Chamber of Commerce. Professor J. M. Guinn has looked up
their history and states that they were brought to California from Mexico
in 1818 for defense against privateers-men coasting up from South America,
who had already made some attacks on the California shore. The cannon
were first planted at San Diego, but were later brought to Los Angeles and
used at the battle of Cahuenga and turned against the American invaders
under Commodore Stockton and General Fremont. Afterwards they were
left scattered about the town. The gun brought to San Bernardino has
146
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
been used many times since to remind her citizens of the day we celebrate.
It has been dismounted and out of use for years, with one trunnion broken
off, and it is now set in the ground as a protecting post to a hydrant in
McDonald's Place, which opens off Fourth street, between C and D.
At the Plaza an oration was delivered, which while fairly patriotic, still
took occasion to score the government for its degeneracy — according to the
ideas of Brigham Young's followers. At Third street, Q. S. Sparks, then
well known as a brilliant speaker, delivered an oration picturing in glowing
terms the past and the present glory of our nation — with a good natured
fling at those who drew off to observe the day by themselves. Although
the Independents had the smaller following, they enjoyed their celebration
and their dinner, and felt that they had succeeded in carrying out their in-
tentions. There was no disturbance or hard feelings, the people went back
and forth between the two centers of interest, and the church squad visited
Third Street in a body and saluted their flag.
FORT BENSON.
i 1854 one Jerome Benson, who had been connected with the Mor-
but who had left the church, came to San Bernardino and located on
a piece of land three
miles southeast of
the city — now known
as the Ambrose Hunt
place. The Mormon
elders were not anx-
ious to sell him land,
as they were inclined
to shut out anyone
from whom the y
might expect opposi-
t i o n . Benson be-
lieved that he had
located on govern-
ment land, as the
grant had not then
been definitely sur-
veyed. Later it was found that he was on the grant, and the owners or-
dered him off, and on his refusal it is said ordered the sheriff to eject him.
Benson had sympathizers, and he called upon themto assist him. F. B. Van
Leuven and others pBij oua\ identified themselves with the Independents,
helped him to throw up earth works in front of hishouse, and armed them-
selves for resistance. The cannon was brought over from San Bernardino,
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 147
and the flagpole that had been used for the Fourth of July celebration was
planted on the fort and the stars and stripes raised. The party had powder.
but no balls for the cannon, so it was loaded with small rocks as ammuni-
tion. There is no authentic record of any fight here, although- it is stated by
some of the old settlers that the Sheriff, accompanied by a party of men, did
come out, but one explosion of the cannon full of rocks decided them to
withdraw. At any rate Benson was left in possession of the land and was
subsequently able to give a clear title to it.
The feeling between the two parties in the settlement was augmented
by many things. There were various conflicts at the polls which left hard
feelings. One of the most active opponents to the church control of affairs
civil and political, was William McDonald, who had then been a resident
of the place for several years. So strong had the feeling grown between
him and his neighbors of the church party that in the spring of 1857 he de-
termined to remove to Los Angeles, or some other point, where he would
be more in harmony with his surroundings. But some of the opposing
party were determined not to allow him to depart in peace. One Marion
Perkins declared that he should not leave without a threshing. On the day
and about the time that McDonald was ready to leave the town with his
family and household effects, Perkins, who was drunk and quarrelsome,
made an attack upon him as he was crossing the street. Perkins had been
making loud threats and McDonald had been warned of his danger. He
was therefore armed with a knife. Perkins, who was a large powerful man,
tried to throw McDonald to the ground and while he stooped above his
victim, McDonald stabbed him to the heart. McDonald at once surrendered
himself to the officers of the law and was locked in a room, as there was then
no regular jail in the county. A crowd gathered and there were threats of
lynching, but better counsel prevailed and the prisoner was finally left to
be dealt with by the law. He was held to answer before the next grand
jury, and was allowed bail, which was readily furnished by his friends. A
few weeks later the grand jury was regularly convened, and after a full in-
vestigation they refused to indict him, and the charge against him was
dismissed.
Fourth of July, 1857, was again marked by a double celebration, the
Independents holding theirs at Fort Benson. By this time the feeling of
opposition was stronger, and there was little affiliation between the partici-
pants in the two affairs.
THE RECALL.
The disputes and difficulties between Brigham Young's State of Deseret
and the United States authorities culminated in 1857, in the dispatch of a
body of United States trcops to Utah. It was believed that war was im-
148 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
minent, and Young called all of the Faithful who were scattered in various
colonies to return to Salt Lake City. Many of the San Bernardino colonists
were Josephites and did not agree with Young's policy or believe in the
practice of polygamy. Some of these refused to obey the call, but most of
the San Bernardino settlers felt obliged to comply, and sold the property
which they had accumulated by hard work and economy at a ruinous sac-
rifice. Instances are related where an improved farm was exchanged for a
camping outfit with which to make the long return journey. In one case
a good four room house, well located and furnished, was sold for $40.00 —
with a buggy, a cloak and a sack of sugar thrown in for good measure.
The balance of the church property was put into the hands of Ebenezer
Hanks, who had previously bought a third interest in the grant, and was
later sold to W. A. Conn. F. L. Tucker, Richard G. Allen and Bethel Coop-
wood. The title to lands in the San Bernardino Rancho has always been
unquestioned, and the new owners continued to sell on liberal terms to
actual settlers.
THE CHARACTER OF THE MORMONS.
It is the universal testimony that the Mormon colonists who created
the city of San Bernardino and were largely instrumental in the organization
of the county, were industrious, peaceable citizens — most sincere and
earnest in their religious convictions. The majority of them seem not to
have been in sympathy with the polygamist doctrine of the later church,
although some of them practiced it as a matter of duty.
Their methods of co-operation and their simple, hard-working lives
were in strong contrast to the shiftless and often ill-directed efforts of many
of their "gentile" neighbors. In the six years from their settlement in 1851-2
to their departure in 1857-8 they had built up a substantial town, with two
adobe school rooms, tbe "Council House," several substantial store build-
ings, a flour mill, three saw mills, irrigation ditches and good roads. They
had brought a large share of the 36,000 acres purchased under cultivation;
had set out orchards and vineyards. A stage line and post route between
San Bernardino and Los Angeles had been established and a pony line to
Salt Lake made regular trips. And beside these community improvements
many of the individual members of the colony had acquired well improved
homes, with the comforts of life about them, and some of them had accumu-
lated considerable property. Certainly, no better showing could have been
made by any equal number of "gentiles." They had also demonstrated that
small farms and agriculture were not only possible, but profitable, in this
land which had hitherto been given over almost entirely to grazing purposes,
and they had paved the way for the numerous "colonies"' that have since
been so large a factor in the prosperity of our South Land.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 149
CAPTAIN JEFFERSON HUNT.
Jefferson Hunt may be called the pioneer of the Mormon settlement at
San Bernardino, and the father of San Bernardino County. As an officer
of the Mormon Battalion he had first become familiar with the advantages
of Southern California. He had twice led parties from Salt Lake to Cali-
fornia by way of the southern route through Cajon Pass, and had thus be-
come acquainted with the country and with the people. He was one of the
guides of the Mormon colonists and assisted Lyman and Rich in their pros-
pecting for a home for the colony. He took a prominent part in the building
of their Fort, and was the leader of their military organization. Under his
direction the road through Twin Creek Canon to the timber district was
constructed and he was one of the first to engage in the lumber industry.
In 1852 he was chosen as Assemblyman for Los Angeles County, and it was
he who presented the bill for the formation of San Bernardino County. He
represented this county in the Legislature from the time of its organization
until his departure in 1857. In 1855, he was commissioned as a Brigadier
General in the State Militia by Governor Bigler. He was a Democrat in
politics. Soon after coming to San Bernardino he secured a contract for
carrying the mail from Los Angeles to Salt Lake via San Bernardino and he
held important mail contracts throughout his stay in I he slate.
Captain Hunt was born in Kentucky in 1805. He mairied Miss Celia
Mount, and in 1835 ne and his wife were baptized into the Mormon church
by Sidney Rigdon. They had removed to Missouri and Jefferson Hunt at
once took an active part in the church, becoming an elder and being employed
by Joseph Smith both in the religious and secular affairs of the community.
He was a prosperous farmer and business man during his stay in Missouri,
and when the call to move westward came, he was able to equip his own
iamuy comfortably and also to aid many of the less fortunate brethren in
their outfitting.
When the Mormon Battalion was organized. Hunt and two of his sons,
Gilbert and Marshall, were among the first to enlist. Hunt was made cap-
tain of Company A. The interesting history of this band of volunteers has
been told elsewhere. During their stay in California Captain Hunt saw a
good deal of the country and its settlers, and was most favorably impressed
with its climate and advantages. When the Company was discharged in
1847, Hunt and his sons went north to the rold fields near Colima. They
were very successful in their mining operat.jns, and when they went on
to Salt Lake City they carried a considerable amount of gold dust with
them. Here Captain Hunt found his family, which he had left at Santa Fe
in 1846, when the Battalion started for California. They had come on to
Salt Lake City with the other Saints and were now in almost destitute cir-
cumstances.
.11 I I I UsoN HINT
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 151
Very soon after his return. Captain Hunt organized a party to return
to California by a new Indian trail which had not been hitherto traveled by
white men. This led southward and through the Cajon Pass. He pur-
chased 300 head of cattle from the Lugos at San Bernardino valley, and
bought horses at Puente and supplies in Los Angeles ; then returned to Salt
Lake by the northern route. In 1849, Captain Hunt again returned to
California as the guide of the party from which separated the ill-fated Death
Valley party.
Captain Hunt was a man of strong character, deeply pious by nature.
He believed with all his heart in the divine revelation of the Mormon doc-
trines, although he found many of them a sore trial to his faith. Energetic,
clear-sighted and indomitable in will, he was especially fitted for the leader-
ship which he always acquired, in whatever position he was placed. Gen-
erous to a fault, his home was always open to the less fortunate brethren,
and he gave a helping hand to man}' a needy man — Saint and Gentile alike —
for he was above petty distinctions. He deserves a large place in the
memory of the citizens of San Bernardino, for he filled a large place in the
early and vital events of the history of the town and of the county.
After his return with the Saints to Salt Lake in 1858, Captain Hunt
took a mail contract from Salt Lake to Humboldt. He also took up land
in Utah and later secured a large ranch in Idaho. In i860 he founded
Huntsville, a flourishing agricultural settlement near Ogden.
He died at Oxford, Idaho, in the spring of 1866.
Mrs. Hunt survived him and died in 1897, at the home of her daughter,
Mrs. Sheldon Stoddard, in San Bernardino. Captain Hunt had eleven chil-
dren, of whom are now living Mrs. Nancy Daley, widow of Edward Daley,
and Mrs. Harriet Mayfield, of San Bernardino and John and Gilbert, of
Arizona. The daughters, Mrs. Nancy Dalev, Mrs. Harriet Mayfield and
Mrs. Sheldon Stoddard, have lived for many years in this city and are uni-
versally loved and respected.
Eighty-nine grandchildren, one hundred and forty-nine great-grandchil-
dren-and seventy-nine great-great grandchildren are descended from Jef-
ferson Hunt.
THE DEATH VALLEY PARTY.
Late in the summer of 1849, a large number of goldseekers reached
Utah Valley. It was too late for them to go on to California by the northern
route, and it was feared that the Mormon settlers could not supply provisions
for so large an extra force during the winter. Captain Hunt offered to take
the party to California by the southern route which he had gone over the
previous year. After much discussion and planning, a train of about one
hundred wagons was made up and Captain Hunt was engaged as guide.
152 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Each wagon paid him ten dollars, and he agreed to take the party through
to Los Angeles in nine weeks. Some weeks were spent in preparation and
organization. The company was divided into seven sections, each one
choosing its own leader and all agreeing to obey Captain Hunt's orders im-
plicitly, except that in case of necessity, a majority of the whole train might
rule.
September 30, 1849, the party started out, and for some days all went
well and the immigrants were in the best of spirits. But the trail was lost
and the course had to be changed, which caused much confusion, as so large
a party had to move systematically and was unwieldly. It also disturbed
their confidence in their leader. Not long after the start the party was
joined by another body of goldseekers, under the leadership of a Captain
Smith. A map made by one Williams, who professed to know all the routes
through the mountains, was in possession of Smith. This map showed a
route turning off from the trail to be followed by the Hunt party and cutting
across the mountains and plains in an almost direct line, thus saving several
hundred miles of distance. There was much discussion among Captain
Hunt's followers and the Smith party concerning this new route and finally
the matter became so worked up that a meeting of the entire train was
called to decide whether they would continue on the southern trail or follow
the one which was to be taken by the Smith party. Captain Hunt stated at
this meeting that he knew no more than the rest of the party about this
particular route, but he doubted whether a white man had ever been over
it, and did not consider it safe for those who had women and children in
their company to undertake an unknown trail. Young men who had no
families might possibly get through even though the road were not so good
as trte Los Angeles road. "But," said he. "if you all decide to go with Smith,
I will go with you even though the road leads to hell. But I was hired to go
by way of Los Angeles and if one wagon decides to go on that way, I shall
feel bound to go that way, with that wagon." So Mauley reports him, in
his book on the Death Valley Party.
The majority' decided in favor of the shorter route, but when the party
reached the "cut off," seven wagons concluded to follow Hunt on the route
originally decided upon and he went on with them. The rest of the party
took the Smith route, but after two or three days of travel they came to a
point where it seemed to be impossible to go further with the wagons. After
a day or two spent in reconnoitering, a large portion of the party — probably
sixtv or seventy wagons — turned back and started after Hunt. The greater
part of this company reached Southern California in safety. The remainder
soon divided up into small parties and each made its way as best it could,
taking its own course. All of these parties suffered untold torture of hunger
and thirst, wagons were abandoned, oxen killed for food and women and
children were compelled to walk across the barren desert of the valley which
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
153
has since that time been known as "Death Valley." Some of these stragglers
came into California in the vicinity of the Tehachapi Pass, others reached the
San Francisquita Pass, some were taken prisoners by the Indians; at least
thirteen of the original party perished in the fated valley.
There can be no question that if the entire party had remained with
Captain Hunt they would have reached Los Angeles with no serious diffi-
culty. Among the party which set out from Salt Lake were Sidney Waite
and Jerry McElvain, now of San Bernardino. Miss Melissa Bennett, the
daughter of Mr. A. Bennett, who gave the name to the Bennett party to
which belonged W. L. Manley, whose interesting account of the various
Death Valley parties is the chief authority on the subject, was the first wife
of Judge H. C. Rolfe. This little group, after intense suffering reached the
San Francisquita Pass, in a state of starvation, and were fed and cared for
by the Del Yalle family, then residing on the San Francisquita Rancho.
CHAPTER IV
A BETWEEN PERIOD— 1858-1875.
** «*?
The withdrawal of several hundred Mormon settlers in 1857-58 greatly
decreased the population of San Bernardino County and was a serious blow,
for a time to its prosperity. Although newcomers, attracted by the chance
to purchase improved land for less than the
cost of the improvements came in, they were
not as a class, equal to the Mormon settlers in
character or in energy. The unsold San Ber-
nardino Rancho lands passed from the hands
of the syndicate who purchased them from the
church to W. A. Conn, who, for many years,
I rented and sold them to settlers.
The breaking out of the Civil war also
greatly affected this county. The withdrawal
of United States troops from Forts Tejon and
Mojave left the entire frontier unprotected
and was a signal for a general outbreak among
the hostile Indians. For a number of years
raids upon stock ranches, freighters and
miners were frequent. In 1861 all stock on
w. a. conn the desert was driven over into the San Ber-
ardino valley for safety.
In 1855 a volunteer company was organized in San Bernardino under
Captain Andrew Lytic to punish the Indians of the San Gorgonio Pass for
151 HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY
depredations. A corps of men under Orderly Sergeant H. C. Rolfe were en-
camped for some time at the Weaver ranch. In 1861 a company of infantry
was formed under command of Captain C. E. Bennett; First Lieutenant.
William Clark: Second Lieutenant, John Brook: Orderly Sergeant, Wm.
Van Curen.
In 1862 and for several years afterward, a body of California Volunteers
was kept in the vicinity of San Bernardino. These were at first camped
on the Santa Ana, south of the city, but after the flood of 1862, Camp Carle-
ton was established some two miles north of the town. Captain Eyre was
then in command and four companies of 85 men each were in camp.
While no regularlv organized body of men went from San Bernardino
to take part in the great struggle, a number of citizens returned east — some
to join one side, some the other. There were many southerners in the com-
munity, whose sympathies were naturally with their own people. Party
feeling ran very high. The mining excitement in Bear and Holcomb valleys
in 1861-2 had brought a large population into that vicinity. There was a
strong secession element there and a still stronger element of lawlessness
that cared for nothing but a fight, with or without excuse. There was con-
stant discord both at the mines and at San Bernardino. A Union League
was organized by John Brown, Sr., in 1861, to support the government.
Uncle George Lord was the president of the association, and among the first
members were Charles G. Hill, William Heap and Moses Martin. There
was strong opposition at first and attempts to break up the League meetings,
but it gained in strength until in 1863 the county, for the first time in its
history, gave a Republican majority. Lincoln having a plurality of eighty-
three votes.
Out of the political feeling grew the contest over the election for assem-
blyman between Conn and Piercey, which ended in Piercey taking the seat,
although strong allegations of fraud were made. Piercey's death in the duel
with Showalter was also a result of the bitterness between Union and Seces-
sion sentiment.
It was at one time reported that San Bernardino was to be raided by a
band of fillibusters organized in the vicinity of Visalia to join the confederate
army in Texas. Much alarm was felt and the town was 'kept under guard
for several nights, but no fillibusters appeared. Indeed, the party proceeded
quietly through the valley and doubtless had no intention of disturbing the
citizens of San Bernardino.
The close of the war and the departure of a! large part of the lawless
element from the mining district brought renewed cpiiet to the better class
of San Bernardino settlers. But the Indians continued to make trouble and
many citizens were killed by scattering bands who were always ready to
-leal stock, or to attack a small party wherever found.
In 1866, the Slate Range Quartz Mill, owned by P. Beaudry of Los An-
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 155
gelcs, with twelve buildings connected with the mill were burned by the
Indians. In 1867 a company of Volunteers was made up in San Bernardino
to punish the Indians for numerous depredations. The Guardian of Feb-
ruary. 1867. says :
"For several years past our citizens have been greatly annoyed by roving
bands of Indians who come into the valley and steal all the horses and cattle
they find unguarded. Nor do the}' hesitate to attack stockmen and trav-
elers, if an opportunity offers. Already Messrs. Parish, Bemus, Whiteside
and a dozen other citizens have fallen victims to their blood thirstiness
within the past four years. Growing bolder by impunity, on the 2Qth of
January, they attacked the saw mill of Mr. James, upon the mountain, a few
miles east of this place, having previously robbed the house of Mr. Cain,
carried off five horses and burned down the house. The party at the mill
consisting of Messrs. Armstrong, Richardson, Cain and Talmadge, sallied
out to meet them. A brisk fight followed when the party finding most of the
Indians had guns, and fearful of being overpowered, retreated to the mill.
The next morning the party having been reinforced went out and were at-
tacked again, the fight lasting for more than an hour. Two of the white men
were wounded and two Indians killed and three wounded. A party was
made up to pursue these Indians, and after following them found the Indians
encamped on the desert at Rabbit Springs. The company made an attack,
the men having to climb up the steep mountains and over the rocks on all
fours and the skirmishing lasted till dark. The skirmishing lasted for two
days longer when the whites were compelled to withdraw because supplies
were exhausted. Four Indians were killed and two of the white party
wounded."
In 1868 Camp Cady was regularly established as a military post for the
protection of the Mojave region, on the road between Wilmington and
Northern Arizona Territory, by about 100 United States troops, under Col-
onel Avers. It was maintained until about 1870.
AGRICULTURE.
For several years after the departure of the Mormons farming seemed
to be at a standstill, although good crops were raised where they were put
in. Yet a number of first-class settlers appeared during the period between
1858 and 1865.
Dr. Barton purchased the Old Mission property — 640 acres for $500, and
in 1859 set out 60,000 vines. The same year H. M. Willis set a large vine-
yard at Old San Bernardino and H. M. Carpenter put out his vineyard
in the foothill district that was later known as Crafton. There were already,
as has been noted, large vineyards at Cucamonga and El Rincon and small
orchards and vineyards in the New Mexican settlements along the Santa
|)k. Hi; N MARION
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 157
Ana. During this period the first orange trees in the county were set out
and orchard products began to attract attention. The United States cen-
sus for i860 reports 8,219 acres in the county under cultivation. The value
of live stock is put at $141,661. According to the assessment rolls the valua-
tion of the county was $417,228 in i860.
About 1870 the raisin, or Muscat grape was introduced and the first
raisins were put upon the market. The first Muscat raisins in the county
were made by George Lord in this year. By 1870, it had been demonstrated
that the orange would do well at Old San Bernardino and several small
groves were coming into bearing. An influx of settlers began to come in
about this time. The "Silk Culture Company" purchased lands on the plains
beyond the Santa Ana in 1869, and began selling lands and putting out orch-
ards and vineyards. Out of this small beginning grew the present city of
Riverside.
In 1873, the Cucamonga Association was formed to irrigate and sub-
divide this already highly improved tract of land. The same year the Val
Verde Company, made up of prominent citizens of San Bernardino was
organized to utilize the waters of the Mojave river for irrigation purposes.
During the year 1872, according to carefully compiled statistics used
by Judge Boren in an address upon the resources of San Bernardino county,
the county produced 300.000 lbs. of wool, 250.000 bushels of grain, 300,000
lbs. of potatoes, 3,500 tons of hay and manufactured somewhere in the neigh-
borhood of 200,000 gallons of wine and brandy.
The county assessment of 1873 puts the entire valuation of the countv
at $1,339,377. (For further details see chapter on Agriculture.)
TRADE.
The completion of the toll road through the Cajon Pass and the ferry
across the Colorado river at Ft. Mojave in 1862, both of which were due to
the energy of John Brown, Sr., gave a new impetus to the trade with Arizona
and Utah. Regular stage communication with Arizona was maintained and
a large amount of freighting to the mines of the desert and to Arizona and
Utah was carried on during the sixties. Grain, hay and flour produced in
the valley, goods from San Pedro and mail and express matter brought
from San Francisco and overland by the Butterfield stage company were
distributed from San Bernardino. In 1866, several stage lines were giving
regular service to different points in Arizona. In 1867, we find this notice
in the Guardian of February 23: "For Montana. The trade with this ter-
ritory is now opening up as it is expected that the snow will have disappeared
by the time wagons from this point will have reached that part of the moun-
tains that are snowclad. Last week two long trains started out and on
Wednesday last another followed. May thev have a successful venture."
158 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
In 1869 note is made of a shipment of fruit made to Arizona by Mr.
Jacoby.
SAWMILLS AND LUMBER INDUSTRY.
The mountains pf San Bernardino were originally heavily timbered.
The upper canyons and ravines were well covered with pine and spruce and
this timber supply early attracted attention. The first mill of which we have
record is mentioned by B. D. Wilson in his report on the Indians made to
the government in 1852. He says: "In the San Bernardino mountains
there is a single millsite claimed by Louis Vignes as lessee from the Mexican
government for five years. I believe now occupied by Daniel Sexton in his
name." This mill was located in the Mill Creek canon and was probably
LA PRAIX SAW MILL
the first saw mill in the county. In 1854 the county records show the sale of
the mill of Louis Vignes and Daniel Sexton to Julian Williams, (Col. Isaac
Williams) for $1000. In 1859 Williams' heirs disposed of the"Chino Mill"
to Len Nappy for $5000.
The Mormons were in need of timber for their residences on their first
arrival and early in 1852 built a road into the mountains and erected two
and possibly three sawmills, within a few months. These were located on
Seeley and Huston flats. One of these, which is on record in 1854 as the
"Salamander Steam Saw Mill" was built by Lyman, Rich and Taylor, and
after passing through various hands was known as the Davis Mill. In Nov-
ember 1854, Captain Jefferson Hunt purchased of Charles Crisman, one-half
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 159
of a certain steam sawmill, known as "Crisman's steam sawmill," for which
lie paid $6000.
As the timber on the lower flats was cut off mills were erected higher
in the mountains and new roads were opened. Among the lumbermen of
the sixties were J. M. James, who built the first circular steam sawmill ijj
the county ; D. T. Huston who operated the "Clipper" sawmill for several
years : W. N. La Praix, whose mill was located on Cedar Flats, and others.
Timber hauled from the San Bernardino mountains to Los Angeles and
coast points sold for $40.00 per M, and $15.00 per M was paid for hauling
it about this time.
In 1873, according to a report made to the State Board of Agriculture,
there were four saw mills in the county which produced 3,000,000 feet of lum-
ber and 500,000 shingles. In 1881 the assessment rolls give four steam saw-
mills with an output of 400,000 feet of lumber and 500,000 shingles. In 1882,
William La Praix, Tyler Brothers, E. Somers, Hudson & Taylor and Frank
Talmadge were operating the saw mills, most of which were located in
Devil's Canon. Lumber was freighted to San Bernardino by especially
constructed lumber wagons- which carried from three to four thousand feet
at a load. The season for lumbering in this district was short as the winters
at this elevation are cold and the snowfall too deep to admit of work.
During the boom years — 1886-1889 — the lumber men did a thriving
business as it was impossible to get lumber out fast enough to supply the
demand. There were then six mills operating with a capacity of five or six
million feet per annum. At present there is, according to the report of the
forest reserve examiners, a timber area of 249,000 acres in the San Ber-
nardino mountains, 90,000 of which is classed as "first-class." The timber
is principally yellow pine. The government does not own the best timber
lands as they had been acquired by various lumber companies before the
forest reserve was made. The Brookings Lumber Company of Highland,
is now doing the heaviest lumber business.
MANUFACTURING.
The first grist mills in the county were very primitive affairs erected at
Chino and on the Santa Ana at Jurupa, known as Robidoux's mill. The
large flour mill built by the Mormons was for many years the principal one
in this part of the state and large quantities of flour were shipped from it to
Arizona and other points. "Meeks" mill was built on Warm Creek near its
juncture with the Santa Ana. in 1859 — this was later known as Mathews
mill. A grist mill was also located at Rincon in early days. In 1873 the
three grist mills in the county ground out 7,350 barrels of flour, according
to a report made to the State Board of Agriculture.
About 1858 the Cram Brothers began the manufacture of chairs, tables
160
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
and chests of drawers at Old San Bernardino, using the Mill Creek zanja as
power. A "breast" water wheel was put into the zanja and the machinery
necessary was improvised as there was none to be obtained in the country
at that time. The timber used was mostly the elders and willows growing
along the zanja. This furniture, while very primitive in structure, was sub-
stantial, and some of the chairs, at least, are still in use. It was sold in this
vicinity and taken to neighboring settlements and to Los Angeles for sale.
During the sixties and seventies, William McDonald manufactured cof-
fins, and furniture and supplied the neighboring towns, some of his product
H. M. Willis, W. J. Curtis,
Judge Dist. Att'y
Sydney P. Waite,
County Clerk
J. J. Rousseau.
John Garner,
Supervisor
John Mavfield, Harden
Sheriff Treas
Cornelius Jensen,
Ja
Henrv (ioodcell,
nes W. Waters,
Supervisor
being shipped to Los Angeles. The firm of Tittle & Brodhurst, succeeding
W. S. Tittle wdio began business in the early seventies, had one of the largest
wagon manufactories outside of San Francisco in the state and their work
was distributed over Southern California and as far east as Arizona.
The Guardian of October 16, 1869, stated: "The enterprising firm of
Rodgers & Kier have just completed and shipped to Arizona, on Tuesday
last, 120 sets of harness, being a fit-out for twelve ten-mule teams ordered bv
Mr. Arriola of Prescott. Another order for the same amount is now being
filled by the same firm."
HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY
MINING.
Holcomb and Bear valleys were largely exploited during the sixties an'd
more or less work continued to be done in their vicinity during the seventies.
The Ivanpah district was first opened up about i860 and considerable
amounts of silver were taken from its mines during these years.
Considerable prospecting was done in Lytle Creek canon and both
placer and hydraulic mining was carried on here and more or less gold taken
out. There was also prospecting done in the Yucaipe valley.
The Twenty-nine Palm and Panamint Districts began to come into
prominence in the early seventies. The Borax mines of the Armogosa coun-
try were first located about 1870 and at once began to yield a rich harvest.
It was known that a rich tin mine existed at Temescal and the marble ledges
near Colton had been uncovered but not worked to any extent.
During the ten years from 1863 to 1873. $115,000 in bullion was shipped
from San Bernardino by Wells Fargo, and this was doubtless but a small
part of the entire output of the county.
For further information see chapter on Mining.
THE BEE BUSINESS.
It is said that the first bees were brought into Los Angeles County about
1856 and $150.00 was paid for the first stand. The first bees were brought
into San Bernardino county about i860 by Lafayette Mecham, and Mrs
Craft states that her husband, Ellison Robbins. paid $50.00 for a single stand
San Bernardino with its extensive foothill and mountain bee "pastures^
was particularly well adapted to the business of honey making and the num-
ber of bees multiplied rapidly.
In 1872, it was estimated that about ten tons of honey were produced
in the county. In 1874, Dr. Sheldon of San Bernardino was awarded the
first prize at the St. Louis Fair for honey. And here San Bernardino honey
was brought into competition with that from every other state in the Union.
The sages, both white and black, are abundant in many localities in
this county and the sage honey is universally acknowledged as superior to
an\- other variety. The business of the apiarist is a pleasant and profitable
one in a favorable season, but is too uncertain to be depended upon alone.
The Census report of 1900 gives the county 5602 swarms of bees, but
this census was taken in 1899, Just after the drought when the stock had
run very low. It is estimated that there are 17.000 stands in the county at'
the present time.
162 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
SCHOOLS.
As has been seen, the Mormons established a school as soon as they
reached the valley. With the organization of the county, several districts
were established and schools were maintained from the first. The school
buildings of this early period were mostly adobes, the furnishings were
scanty and the organization crude. In 1858, six school districts were in ex-
istence; in 1861 the number had increased to nine. In 1862, Ellison Robbins,
then County Superintendent, held the first Educational Convention ever con-
vened in the county. During the seventies a number of new and very credit-
able school houses were built, and the schools made decided advance both in
attendance and effectiveness. (See chapter on Schools.)
THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO.
This city which had been incorporated, as we have seen in 1854. was
disincorporated, March 6, 1863, and did not again have a corporate existence
until 1869, when it was reincorporated as a town.
In 1858, there were three stores in San Bernardino — Jacob's General
Store (which later became Meyerstein's), on the corner of C and Fourth
streets; Calisher's on the N. E. corner of C and Fourth, and Lewis Anckers'
store on Third street. Brazleton's livery stable was then the only estab-
lishment of that kind, and Pine's, which later became Starke's Hotel, was
opened. Dr. Barton had established his drug store which was followed by
a store kept by Dr. Peacock.
A writer in the Los Angeles Star, thus describes San Bernardino in
1866: "There are from eighteen to twenty large stores, well stocked with
goods; two large hotels — Pine's and Miller's; a saddler's — Foy; livery stable
and apothecary's shop. The Court House is a neat, well arranged one-story
building and is well cared for."
A correspondent of the Wilmington News, for the same year, gives this
description of the appearance of San Bernardino and vicinity:
"Large trains of wagons are constantly arriving and departing for Salt
Lake, La Paz and other points in Arizona. The whole appearance of the
town is that of progression. Some of the finest stock I have seen in the
lower country, I have seen in and around San Bernardino. The Wilming-
ton and Yuma stage established by Banning, has given quite an impetus to
this town. Brick buildings are taking the place of adobe."
The first brick block in the city is said to have been put up by W. H.
Stewart, in 1867, on the corner of Third and D streets.
During the sixties there seems to have been considerable social activity
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 163
in the little frontier town. The San Bernardino Dramatic Association was
organized in 1859 and for a number of years furnished the citizens with
amusement. A Temperance Association was also organized the same year,
which "it is hoped will prove of lasting benefit to all those who need its in-
fluence. On Tuesday last, O. S. Sparks delivered a temperance lecture in
the school house. It has seldom been the privilege of our citizens to listen
to a more beautiful or more eloquent oration," writes the correspondent of
the Los Angeles News. The officers were. N. Vise, president ; O. S. Sparks,
vice-president: N. C. Fordham. secretary: William Pickett, treasurer.
A Library Association was formed under the title "San Bernardino
Association," with H. G. Sherwood, president; D. N. Smith, secretary and
librarian.
The first newspaper seems to have been the San Bernardino Herald,
Tnder the editorial management of J. Judson Ames, which made its first ap-
pearance June 16, i860. In 1861 J. S. Waite became the editor. The San
Bernardino Patriot was established about the same time and died in the
spring of 1862. The Guardian made its first appearance in Februarv.
1867, H. Hamilton, editor, succeeded by E. A. Nisbet, and the Argus, Will
D. Gould, f-ditor, appeared in 1873.
Efforts were made to secure telegraphic connection with Los Angeles in
the early sixties when the first telegraphic communication was established
at that place but were unsuccessful. Fourth of July celebrations. May Day
picnics and balls, both public and private, seem to have been very popular.
Watermans Springs, the Arrowhead Springs and hotel were the popular
resorts.
A Union Sunday School had been started about 1858. and was main-
tained for many years. Early in the sixties a Congregational church was'
organized and not long afterward a Methodist church. The Latter Day
Saints maintained regular services, their first church having been located near
corner of Second and Utah streets. A Catholic church was built about 1865
but was destroyed by fire. In 1871 a new church, then one of the finest in
the country was dedicated.
The two adobe rooms which had served as school rooms during the
Mormon period continued to be used until the erection of the two-story
brick school building in 1874. Several private schools were maintained in
San Bernardino in early days. Many of our older citizens will remember
the tall, stern, yet kindly Captain J. P. C. Allsop. who had a private school
here, located on Fifth street between Grafton and Canal, from 1862 until
1867. Mrs. E. A. Nisbet also kept a school, and in 1873 Prof. C. R. Paine
opened his Academy and Business College.
In 1866. there were two different companies operating stages between
San Bernardino and Los Angeles. The Banning Company was running a
weekly stage from Wilmington to Yuma via San Bernardino and the U. S.
164 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Mail Company sent weekly stages to La Paz, A. T. In 1867 a weekly stage
was started between San Diego and this city, via Temecula and San Luis
Rey and was kept up for several years. For fuller account of the stage
station period of San Bernardino's history see chapter IX.
During the year 1871 a number of "elegant and substantial" buildings
were put up. Among these were, the store of William McDonald, a two-
story brick, 23 by 70 feet.' This was built to accommodate his furniture
business, which at this time was one of the most extensive interests of the
town. Furniture and coffins Were shipped from this establishment to Los
Angeles, and to all parts of Southern California. Judge Boren built a hand-
some store building on the corner of Fourth and Utah (D), to be occupied
by Meyerstein's General Store — one of the largest establishments in the
country. The Masonic Hall, built this year, was the finest structure yet put
up in San Bernardino. It stood on Utah street and was 27 by 80 feet, two
stories, of brick, with an imitation stone front. Most elaborate services
were held at the laying of the corner stone of this building — the first Masonic
Hall, built especially for the purpose in this part of the state.
The "Resources of San Bernardino," published by Arthur Kearney in
1873, notes: "The Catholic church, the new school house, the Masonic
Hall, Mr. "Water's building and Miller's Hotel, are costly and creditable
structures, and so is the Boren block on Fourth street. The wagon manu-
factory of Tittle & Brodhurst, on Utah street is one of the most complete
of the kind in Southern California — even Los Angeles patronizes it. The
furniture house of McDonald is also an elegant establishment. The
private residences of Judge Boren and Mr. Jacobs are also costly and
elegant."
In 1873, San Bernardino was put into telegraphic communication with
the outer world by the completion of a line from Anaheim. The office was
established in the Boren block.
THE TELEGRAPH IN SAN BERNARDINO.
The first effort to secure telegraphic communication with the outside
world was made in i860 when the telegraph wires first reached Los Angeles.
A meeting was called at Dr. Barton's drug store and a committee w-as ap-
pointed to raise funds to build a line between San Bernardino and Los An-
geles. Evidently the citizens of the town felt that two stage lines a week
could supply all the news they cared for, as nothing seems to have resulted
from the meeting.
In 1873. however, when the railroad had brought the telegraphic wires
as far as Anaheim, the citizens were more ready to act: After many discus-
sions and some dissension of opinion, the bonus, $2500.00, demanded by the
Western Union Company, was raised, principally through the efforts of
HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY
165
Judge A. D. Boren and Meyerstein & Co. September 18th, 1873, the line
was completed and the first message was sent out from San Bernardino, by
De La M. Woodward, who acted as operator, and as president of the board
of town trustees, dictated the first message.
The Argus of this date says: "Telegraphs are the percursers of railroads,
and consequently the advance guard of the grand and invincible army of
progress and universal prosperity. Let us rejoice, and in our rejoicing let
no dissension mar the festivities of so important an epoch in the history of
our embryo city. The following dispatches were sent and received last
night :
"San Bernardino, Sept. 18, 1873, To Horton, founder ot San Diego —
The telegraph line from Anaheim to this city has just been completed. As
the interests of San Diego and San Bernardino are mutual, we extend to your
thriving city the hand of fellowship, hoping that the iron rail may soon con-
nect our thriving city with the rising metropolic of the Pacific Coast.
De la M. Woodward,
President Board of Town Trustees.''
"San Diego, Sept. 18.
"De La M. Woodward, President Board of Trustees, San Bernardino:
"Your telegram just received.
Allow us to congratulate you on
being thus brought intimately
into connection with the world.
We appreciate your sentiments
with regard to our mutual inter-
ests and earnestly await the day
when we can return the compli-
ment in person by the railroad.
Allow us to shake hands through
the medium of the telegraph.
Our little city by the sea extends
to you and to the citizens of San
Bernardino, her best wishes for
your success and future pros-
perity. A. E. Horton."
Telegrams were also received
from the citizens of Anaheim, the
World and Union of San Diego;
C. A. Wetmore and from the Alta,
of San pTancisco. On the same
ut la montaigne woodward day a tele&ram announced that
forty miles of the San Diego and Arizona Military line had been completed
the same date.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
RAILROADS.
Between 1865 and 1875, San Bernardino was kept in a state of almost
constant agitation upon the subject of railroads. It was inevitable that a
transcontinental line would some time enter Southern California, and the
probabilities were largely in favor of either the San Gorgonio or Cajon Passes
as the gateway for admission. Railway connection with Wilmington and
Los Angeles and with San Diego was also certain, yet year after year passecl
by and rumors, organizations, surveys and talk all had no practical results.
The Texas Pacific, the Narrow Gauge Coast line, the Narrow Gauge
between San Diego and San Bernardino, the Los Angeles and Independence,
and a dozen other projects loomed up and faded out of existence, although
in a number of cases work was actually begun.
The growth of San Bernardino county and city was slow during these
years of waiting; there was no rushing in any direction — the citizens mostly
seem to have been satisfied with an ideal climate, a comfortable living and
existing conditions. Yet both the county and the town made substantial
progress, as has been seen.
In April, 1874. the Southern Pacific road reached Spadra, twenty-five
miles east of Los Angeles, and there came to a standstill. The next move
appeared uncertain and San Bernardino watched for it anxiously. There
were various railroad meetings, much discussion and great hopes. It was
not until fall that the railroad officials got around to San Bernardino and
then they offered little encouragement. The town was off their direct route,
and they could not afford to deflect a transcontinental line, thev said. When
it began to be hinted that the depot might be located at Colton rather than
San Bernardino, the citizens seem to have regarded this as too absurd for
serious consideration. Later, after conferences with the Southern Pacific
officials, San Bernardino found that she might "get left." but she still ridi-
culed the idea of a rival town at Colton. It was a serious blow to the hopes
of the county seat when the depot was finally built at Colton. yet from the
coming of the railroad must be dated a new era in the growth and prosperitv
of San Bernardino county.
In 1874, San Bernardino began to take on city airs. The new Court
House — now the "Old Court House" — was built and was the pride of the
county, although there had been much discussion and a good deal of opposi-
tion to the "excessive expense" before the plans and location were agreed
upon. With the approach of the railroad, the influx of many strangers, and
the numerous improvements entered upon, there was a change of spirit in
the "Forest City." The Guardian in an editorial thus expatiates:
"San Bernardino lay dormant too long. Shrouded in her isolation, like
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 167
a pretty girl's face behind a veil, the outside world was in ignorance of her
healthful and fertile valley, her matchless climate and her gold ribbed moun-
tains. Besides, while population was sparse, San Bernardino was too far
from 'Frisco to attract much attention. And, then, Los Angeles with her
beautiful groves and fertile fields stood like a smiling syren, with open arms
to welcome every stranger who came along. But all this is changed. Emi-
grants are pouring across the mountains by thousands — coming in search
of cheap lands, and invalids in search of rejuvenating climate. We ought to
and will secure our share of this population. Again, money is becoming
more plentiful, and capital can wish for no more profitable nor sure specu-
lative field than this county. But. it is idle to expect that people, whether
men in search of land, or men in search of investment, will come by chance.
They must be informed of the advantages which we hold out to them — of
our waste lands and their fertility. our facilities for manufactures, our un-
developed mines, our immense forests — in short of the countless opportuni-
ties open alike to wealth and work."
A fuller account of railroad matters will be found in the chapter on
Transportation.
CHAPTER A".
PROGRESSION— 1 875- 1 885.
The coming of the Southern Pacific railroad did not bring the immediate
and unbounded prosperity that had been predicted. It put an end practic-
allv to the freighting business and the trade with Arizona and largely de-
creased the trade of all stage stations. But stage travel and post routes were
still necessary in many directions. A stage line between San Bernardino
and Colton and Riverside was kept up for many years. A stage made regu-
lar trips between the county seat and Lugonia and Redlands until the com-
pletion of the railroad to those points in 1888.
The merchants of San Bernardino found that goods could be shipped
to Anaheim Landing by steamer and hauled from there by mule team cheaper
than they could be brought to Colton by the railroad. And the "mule line"
was patronized until the Southern Pacific reduced their rates to meet the
competition.
In 1882 the California Southern road reached Colton, and in 1883 the
first train entered San Bernardino. In 1885 the branch line to Waterman was
completed, thus giving San Bernardino a second transcontinental route.
Fares from the east continued to be high even after the completion of
the railroad and new settlers did not come in rapidly during this decade.
Still there was a steady and healthy growth in all directions. The county
had a population of 7,786 in 1880. In assessed valuation the county in-
168 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
creased from $1,339,377. m ^70, to $3,159,456 in 1880, and $11,189,842 in
1885. Thus it will be seen that San Bernardino county had really begun to
awake.
AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE.
This decade marked the beginning of the great horticultural epoch in
this valley. In 1873 there were, according to statistics gathered by the
State Board of Agriculture, 7,111 orange trees in this county. In 1879, the
value of the fruit products of the county is given as $56,612. By 1881 their
value had increased to $106,457, while the number of orange trees was given
as 15,435. For 1885, 1,018, 517 fruit trees are reported for the county of
which 214,513 were orange trees. Thus the era of orange planting was fully
upon us. The large increase in acreage of fruit trees was largely due to the
number of new settlements developed during these years. The completion
of the Southern Pacific road to Colton in 187^ marked the foundation of that
town which grew rapidly and set out a considerable acreage before 1880. In
1883, the colony of Etiwanda was established and the work of development
begun here. The same year the Chaffev Brothers purchased the land and
laid out the model colony of Ontario, which at once proved a success, and set
out a large acreage of groves, orchards and vineyards. At the same time
Richard Gird was making extensive improvements on his lately purchased
Chino Rancho, especially along the line of improved stock. (See chapter
on Agriculture.)
CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO.
In 1876, San Bernardino supported seventeen mercantile houses, several
groceries and provision stores, four drug stores, three boot and shoe estab-
lishments, four jewelry, two furniture and four cigar and tobacco establish-
ments, two steam planing mills, two door and sash factories, twelve saloons,
one hank — Meyerstein's ; two hotels — Starke's and Pine's — and four flouring
mills in and about the city.
During 1878-79 the town suffered from several disastrous fires. At
one time a considerable portion of the business district was burned over.
The fruit store of R. I. Trask, a millinery store, the offices of Drs. Rene and
Campbell and of Justice Morris, the Boston Bakery, the shoe shop of John
McCall, and the Lone Star Saloon were among the establishments burned
out. All of these but one were frame buildings and were later replaced by
more substantial structures. One of the worst of these fires was that which
consumed the O. K. stables, when a number of buildings were destroyed
and several fine horses were burned to death.
In 1879, the Santa Fe representatives were induced to visit San Ber-
nardino and to examine the Cajon Pass as a possible route for their proposed
transcontinental line. As a result of the negotiations of this vear, the Cali-
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 169
fornia Southern road was built from San Diego through the San Bernardino
valley and on September 13th, 1883, the first railroad train arrived in San
Bernardino, an event which aroused great rejoicing. The coming of the
road gave an impetus to the town and new buildings and projects multiplied.
In 1883 the theater was erected by Messrs. Waters and Brinkmeyer,
and was then the most complete theater building on the coast outside of San
Francisco. In 1882 a telephone service was established between the Trans-
continental Hotel at Colton and Starke's Hostelry at San Bernardino. It
was inaugurated by a concert, the Misses Bufford singing and the band play-
ing. Riverside and Redlands were also reached by this line which was under
the management of Mr. R. T. Blow. Its working was, however, never very
satisfactory.
LIGHTING.
The first franchise for gas works was let to Wm. Farrel & Co., in 1873.
This company purchased a lot opposite Starke's garden and erected a plant.
But the quality of the gas furnished did not prove satisfactory and the plant
was soon shut down.
In 1881 the National Gas Company of New York, secured a franchise
and put in an extensive plant. November 2nd, 1881, the city was first lighted
by gas, and the Times of that date declares : "Gas under the new dispensa-
tion is a brilliant success as was abundantly made manifest last evening.
The brilliancy of light from many places of business and residences was
equal to an illumination. It is a light, soft, pure, clear, and brilliant. Its
power and diffusive qualities, united with its other good merits, make it a
marvel among the successes of artificial illumination. The exhibition of its
effects last evening was highly gratifying to the throngs of our public streets,
to our citizens in their residences, to our guests at the hotels, and to those
enjoying the charms of the dance or the delights of social intercourse." And
after all that, it is only a year or two before the Times is kicking vigorously
about the poor gas and without doubt protesting every bill of $5.00 per
thousand.
1885-1890— EXPANSION— THE BOOM.
Historian Guinn says that the first California "boomer" was Viscaino,
who visited this coast in 1603, and lied most cheerfully about what he fonnd.'
The Santa Monica Outlook claims that Lieutenant Derby, who was stationed
at San Diego in the forties and wrote of the climatic conditions of that port
with a vigor that attracted attention, was the first Souther California
"boomer."
Perhaps the most consistent and effective boomer who ever boosted or
170
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
boasted San Bernardino county, was L. M. Holt. As editor of the Southern
California Horticulturist, the Riverside Press and Horticulturist, the Orange
Belt, the Times-Index and other papers, he did good service in exploit-
ing- the resources of this coun-
try and in spreading- knowl-
edge concerning ways and means
that would win success, especially
in fruit raising. It was largely
due to his energy that the Citrus
Fair in Chicago in 1886 was suc-
cessfully carried through and
opened the eyes of thousands to
the new "golden era" in Califor-
nia.
He has been closely seconded
as a "boomer" by Scipio Craig,
who, as editor of the Colton
Semi-Tropic and of the Redlands
Citrograph, has for years written
and worked incessantly to make
known to the world the advan-
tages of this county in particu-
lar and "South California" in
general. No man has done more
towards advancing our home in-
dustries. Many others have labored earnestly to build up the reputation of
San Bernardino County and to develop its advantages to the full.
The completion of the Santa Fe line to the east in 1885 gave California
a competing line to the Missouri river and in 1886 followed a rate war which
led to what Charles F. Lummis calls the "Pullman conquest" of California.
To most eastern people California had been a far-away, vague and beautiful
dream — something that might only come true for the wealthy — the globe-
trotter; but the sudden fall of rates — $25.00 with a rebate and even lower
figures — unexpectedly brought the journey to California within their grasp
and thousands siezed the opportunity and realized their dream. The "boom"
was precipitated by the rate war which followed the dissolution of the Trans-
continental Traffic Association January, 1886. Rates were slashed merci-
lessly— both on passenger and freight traffic, all the other roads combining
against the Atchison System which had first withdrawn from the pool. The
cutting of rates lasted for many months and the old high figures were never
fully restored. How many thousands of people visited California during
the two years of 1886 and '87. it is now a difficult matter to determine, but
the number ran into the hundred thousands.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 171
The flood of visitors thus poured into California saw what soil, water
and climate, utilized by intelligent industry, had accomplished at Riverside,
Redlands, Anaheim, Santa Ana. and many other points. They saw that
California was still a "land of gold" — gold dug from the ground and trans-
muted into currency by the orange tree — and the "boom" was on. This
"boom" which began in the spring of 1886 was a remarkable example of the
contagious excitement which sometimes sweeps through a community and
deprives men of their reason and good sense. Pioneer, "tenderfoot," pro-
moter and farmer alike lost their heads and apparently believed that the
possession of California soil, with the remotest possibility of water, was a
sure road to fortune.
At first established orchards, ranches, and lots changed hands with un-
wonted rapidity and prices leaped upwards by the hundreds of dollars. Soon
the rise was by thousands of dollars and people began buying for investment
and then for speculation. Then came the syndicate-colonization craze. Land
almost anywhere was platted into tracts and lots and advertised as the "com-
ing metropolis." Stores, residences and hotels were erected, or at least
begun ; auction sales were the favorite method of doing business ; excursions,
free lunches, band concerts and free carriage rides were among the induce-
ments and often a lottery of one or more houses or lots — to be given away
under certain conditions — helped to increase the fever. Men and women
rushed by the thousands to each new scheme, standing in line for hours —
sometimes even all night — awaiting their chance to purchase lots in some
new sub-division located miles from anywhere.
February 24, 1886, a "Grand Excursion and Auction Sale of Real Estate,"
was advertised in San Bernardino, which may be taken as a fair sample of
the earlier stages of the boom. Free drives, free lunch, free fruit and a con-
tinuous band concert were among the inducements.
In and about San Bernardino many additions and suburbs were offered
for sale. Fairbanks,' Everts', Owen's, Christy's additions ; Urbita, St. Elmo,
Daley, the Hart tract — these were a few of the many. Outside of the city,
Redlands, Lugonia, Beaumont, South Riverside, East Riverside, Rialto, the
Barton tract, Terracina, Auburndale, Allessandro, Banning — were among the
settlements originated during the "boom" period.
It was believed that the rush of tourists that so flooded the countrv in
'86 and '87 was to become a permanent situation and preparations were made
accordingly. Every town or settlement projected had its "boom" hotel, large,
well-fitted, surrounded by carefully laid-out grounds, the whole thing ridicu-
lously out of proportion to its environment. An interesting chapter might
be written on the history of these boom hotels. When "the ball was over"
they remained desolate reminders of unrealized expectations. A large num-
ber of them burned down in the next few years — indeed there seemed to be
an epidemic of fires among this class of buildings. Some of them were converted
172 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
into school houses or "colleges," others torn down for their lumber, and a
few are still in use as hotels and are a constant wonder to the new-comer
who cannot understand how a building suited to a city, got lost in a fruit
settlement.
The advertisements of the "boomers" were another curious feature of
the times. Every sort of extravagance was resorted to. Aside from news-
paper space, which was used by the page, circulars, handbills, booklets and
every description of printed matter known — excursions, with auctions, lot-
teries, prizes, etc., fakes, frauds and stool pigeons of every sort were resorted
to in the latter frenzy of speculation which was engineered by professional
"promoters."
Here is a specimen which ran in the San Bernardino Times during Sep-
tember, '87: "Boom! Of All the Booming Booms in the Booming City
of S. B., the Boomiest Boom is the Boom of the Hart Tract — the Garden-spot
of Beautiful Base Line. Fourteen prizes aggregating $16,000. First thirty
lots will be sold for $750 each ; the remaining forty lots. $850 each. Buy early
and make $100."
Another advertiser drops into poetry. From a column ad we quote:
"We will come to the land where the olives grow,
Wrote the tenderfoot to his friend ;
Where the sun with a golden mouth can blow
Blue bubbles down a vineyard row !
Wrote the tenderfoot to his friend.
We are weary of work in this sunless plain,
Wrote the grasshopper blighted man.
We are weary of work in the snow and the rain —
Where to labor is loss, and to live is pain.
Wrote the grasshopper blighted man.
Our pen is poor and our ink is pale.
As they were in the school-day rhyme ;
But our love for the land will never fail.
And who buys our lots will never bewail
The investment of his dimes."
A comparison of the assessment rolls illustrates more forcibly than
words can do the effect of the boom in San Bernardino county. In 1880 the
valuation was $3,680,745: in 1885, it was $11,189,842: in 1886, it was $13,-
309.750: in 1887 it was $23,000,000. The census showed a population in the
county of 7.786 in 1880: in 1890 this had become 25,497. San Bernardino,
the city, had a population of 1.675 in 1880. and 4,012 in 1890.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 173
Expansion in every line and development of every resource of course
followed such an increase of wealth and population. Bear Valley reservoir
and water system, the most important in the county, was carried to comple-
tion and a large acreage put under irrigation and set out in fruit. The
Gage canal at Riverside was finished in 1888. The Riverside water system
was largely increased and the South Riverside system constructed. A num-
ber of smaller water companies were organized and began active develop-
ment both of water and orchards. The acreage of orange trees multiplied
very rapidly.
The railroads kept pace with other growth. Many branch lines were
built and improvements in rolling stock and service were made. Several
lines of street railway were constructed in the county, but the most import-
ant transportation movement of the time was the building of the various
motor lines — forerunners of the present electric service. The line from Col-
ton to San Bernardino was first put into operation and later the lines Lo
Riverside and to Redlands gave a great impetus to communication between
these points.
Many large and costly public buildings, business blocks and residences
were erected which proved in advance of the need, yet, although the un-
natural excitement and increase of values necessarily reacted and a period
of depression followed. The "boom" was certainly responsible for great
material improvements which would not have appeared for years in the
natural course of events. As L. M. Holt justly summed it up in the Orange
Belt:
"It is true that during the boom years of '86-'87, there was a considerable
amount of wild speculation that had little or no foundation. Acre property
was cut into town lots where no town lots ought to be. Dry land was =ofrl
at high figures regardless of prospective irrigation, or whether or not the
land would ever be productive. The question of production was never dis-
cussed. The only argument used for the time being that the property could
be bought today for $2000 and sold next week for $3000, or in a few weeks
for $5000. And yet during this wild speculative craze there was established
many solid improvements that have since been turned to good use in build-
ing up the country and making it attractive to eastern people who are seek-
ing homes in our midst.
"There is no section in this state or in the United States where good
cement sidewalks in cities and towns begin to compare with those of South-
ern California. There is no other section where cities and towns have so
good a supply and system of domestic water service, it frequently being
found that the domestic piped water system under pressure is established
before there are people to use the water. There is no other section where
there are so many rapid transit motor railroads that stop at any point on the
174 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDIXO COUNTY
line to pick up passengers and yet make schedule time, including stoppages,
oi fifteen to twenty miles an hour.
"The boom was not an evil in all respects. During that period of in-
tense speculative excitement there were many foolish things done and many
men lost money. But as a whole there was more money made than lost and
the country as a whole forged to the front in a manner that could not be
equalled under any other circumstances in less than several decades."
CHAPTER VI.
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY— 1890=1904
Although the "boom" has passed and gone, San Bernardino County has
continued to advance, if not with such phenomenal rapidity as during the
previous ten years, still with long and steady strides. The county of today
stands upon a firm basis of accomplished results ; her resources are becoming
known: her possibilities are more clearly understood; her wealth and pros-
perity are assured.
During 1890 and for two or three years succeeding, the "wildcat" de-
velopments of the Bear Valley Irrigation Company and the anticipated com-
pletion of the extensive Arrowhead system, induced the formation of several
Irrigation Districts and other projects which had little foundation for success
and naturally met with disaster. Of the various Districts formed in the
county under the Wright act, nearly all have now gone out of existence as
Districts. The Rialto District has become a prosperous settlement. Alles-
sandro and Grapeland have not yet recovered from the setback then received.
*The extensive development of artesian water, particularly during the
late dry seasons, has been of great benefit to the county. It is estimated
that in 1899 alone, between three and four thousand inches of water were
thus brought into use. Many of these wells flow, but a large number of
them are pumped, electricity being used as power. The Journal of Engineer-
ing states : "Among the records of the Interior Department there was one
made in the fall of 1902, carefully covering the territory under irrigation
from electrically operated pumps in San Bernardino. valley, and it was there
conclusively shown that the amount of water thus made available for use
for irrigation covered one-half as much ground again as that covered by the
natural flow of the streams from the power of which the electricity is gen-
erated.''
tThe large increase in citrus fruit acreage and the successful suppression
of fruit pests, together with" the fact that the citrus belt of the valley is prac-
tically frostless and that the supply of water for irrigation has never fallen
short, has placed the county in the front rank of fruit counties
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 175
*Our mineral resources have been largely uncovered and the production
greatly increased within the past fifteen years. f But the greatest advance
within this period has been in the creative industries and in the utilization
of raw material. The first large manufacturing enterprise in this county
was the Chino Beet Sugar factory, which was erected in 1891. This industry
has benefited not only the stockholders, the railroads and the laborers, but
has put a large amount of money into the hands of the farmers of this and
adjoining counties. The amount of wealth created and distributed by this
factory since it went into operation counts up into the millions and a large
part of it has remained in the county. The plant itself cost in the neighbor-
hood of a million dollars. In 1902, it was estimated that half a million dollars
was paid to the beet raisers. During the season, the pay roll of the factory
averages $20,000 per month.
The wonderful development and utilization of electricity produced by
the water power of our streams is a factor of incalculable value in the
progress of this county. The plants of the Edison Electric Company repre-
sent an outlay of at least $1,200,000, and have given employment to large
forces of men in their construction. The Company also employs a consid-
erable force of men aside from the various industries promoted by the power
thus supplied. This available electricity has given San Bernardino County
as complete and fine a suburban service as many large cities enjoy. The
towns and rural communities of the valley have thus been united and busi-
ness of every kind greatly facilitated. As a direct result of the cheapness of
her electrical power, one of the largest Ice factories in the West has been
located at Mentone.
JThe California Portland Cement Company of Colton has established
one of the most important productive industries of the county. Their plant
located at Slover Mountain represents an estimated value of $1,000,000.
They now produce 450 barrels of cement per day, and the capacity is soon
to be increased to 1000 barrels per day. They employ from one to two
hundred men, and their various outputs foot up to half a million dollars per
year.
§ Another very important industry is that of the Pacific Coast Borax
Company, located in the eastern part of the county. The average annual
product of their mines is $500,000, and their annual expenditure is $250,000.
They employ over one hundred men in the county.
|| The Brookings Lumber Company has an extensive plant at Fredalba
Park, with a capacity of 50,000 feet of lumber per day, most of which is made
into fruit boxes at their factory at Highland. This company is the chief
producer of this class of material in Southern California.
ISAAC W. LORD
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
The first public building in the county was the Mormon Council House,
which was used as the County Court House for some years. The first build-
ing erected by the county was a jail, built in 1858. About the same year, the
county rented a one-
story brick residence
built by Q. S. Sparks
and located on the
corner of Fifth and E
streets. Here the
county business was
transacted until 1862,
when the Supervisors
purchased the "ele-
gant" residence of Mr.
Charles Glasier, which
stood on the site occu-
pied by the present
Court House. This
building was used un-
til the erection of the
"old" Court House in
1S74.
About 1872-73. the matter of a new Court House began to be discussed.
Many citizens were opposed to the old location, and it was proposed that the
site be changed to one near the public square. Public meetings were held,
and a lot was purchased, but the majority of voters petitioned that the Court
House remain on the old site, and eventually the new building was placed
on the lot already owned by the county. Court Street had not then been
opened, and E street was then Salt Lake. A two-story wooden building,
costing $25,000, was put up which was, at the time, one of the best structures
of its kind in the state, and it answered the needs of the county until the
erection of the present Court House.
In 1887 the Supervisors submitted to the people a proposition to vote
bonds to the amount of $125,000 for building a County Jail and rebuilding
the Court House. This proposal met with strong opposition, as it was de-
clared that the sum was not sufficient to put up such a building as the county
needed, and there were strong objections to the site. The Supervisors then
proposed a bond issue of $75,000 for a Hall of Records, — this, too, was voted
down, and the county officials then proceeded to levy a tax of $40,000 to build
the Hall of Records. This plan met with strenuous opposition, and the talk
of change of county seat and of county division dated from its inception. The
Supervisors, however, proceeded with the work, and in 1891 completed the
handsome, fireproof and earthquake-proof building which now contains the
THE OLD COURT HOI':
178 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
county records. The building- is of Colton marble and Mentone sandstone,
and is well built and substantial in every particular, and well adapted for its
purpose.
Bond propositions to raise money for the erection of a Court House and
Jail were twice voted down, and the fight was hot and long; but the redoubt-
able Board of Supervisors, Messrs. J. N. Victor, I. W. Lord. J. C. Turner and
Win. H. Randall, proceeded to levy direct taxes and to let the bids for the
work on the Court House. The people declared that the sums expended were
extravagant and unnecessary, but the work proceeded, slowly but surely, and
when the building was completed in 1898, it was, with the exception of the
State Insane Asylum, the finest structure in the county and is one of the most
complete and convenient courthouses in the state. It is a handsome struc-
ture, built of Mentone sandstone with trimmings of Colton marble and Sespe
sandstone, stone floors, iron stairways and spacious hallways and rooms. The
design is dignified and altogether it is a source of pride to the citizens of the
county, and as it is paid for. with no bonds or interest to meet, there is a
general feeling of satisfaction that the work is done and the county in pos-
session of ample and adequate buildings for many years to come.
THE INSANE ASYLUM.
Prior to i8qo the only state institutions in the southern section of the
state were the Reform School at Whittier and the Normal School at Los
Angeles. During the session of the Legislature of 1889, a bill was introduced
and passed providing for the erection of an Insane Asylum in one of the
five southern counties of the state and a board of commissioners, one from
each of the counties, was appointed. The Commission was made up of M.
S. Severance, Los Angeles; James Kier, San Jacinto; K. P. Grant, Ventura:
W. N. Hawley, Santa Barbara; Joseph Brown, San Bernardino. Proposi-
tions without end for the location of the institution were examined into by
this board. Nearly every town and section in the five counties had some site
to offer. But the commission finally decided to purchase 360 acres of the
Daley Tract at Highlands, with sixty inches of water from the North Fork
Ditch, the consideration being $114,000.
The bill providing for the establishment of the asylum appropriated
$350,000 for the purchase of the site and the erection of the main building
and north and west wings, which were first completed. The bill also pro-
vided for the appointment by the governor of a board of five trustees, all to
lie Southern California men. three to be appointed for two years and two for
four years, and thereafter all appointments to be for a term of four years.
Another provision of the bill was that it authorized the board to select an
architect to prepare the plans of the building, and also appoint another com-
petent architect to act as superintendent of construction.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
179
The true responsibility in the erection of a building of this character
rests with the board of trustees and when the governor selected as such board
Messrs. H. L. Drew, E. F. Spence, M. A. Murphy, John Andreson and H. A.
Palmer, the public gave itself no further concern about the matter. It was a
foregone conclusion that the affairs attendant upon the erection of the
asylum would be honestly and economically administered, and that each
member of the board would bring his fine business training and intelligent
knowledge of affairs to bear upon the matter and the trust reposed in them
by the state would receive the same careful attention as if it were a private
enterprise in which the individ-
ual fortunes of the trustees were
embarked. The sagacity of these
gentlemen was first shown in the
employment of Messrs. Curleit &
Eisen of Los Angeles and San
Francisco to draw the plans and
specifications, and the appoint-
ment of Mr. T. H. Goff of San
Bernardino as superintendent of
construction to see that the plans
and specifications were faithfully
and honestly carried out.
The board of trustees were for-
tunate in that the lowest responsi-
ble bidder in the erection of the
work was Mr. Peter Crichton of
San Francisco.
December 15, 1890, the corner
stone of the building was laid
with appropriate ceremonies
under the auspices of the Grand
Lodge F. and A. M. of Califor-
nia, Governor Waterman and staff being present, and the exercises were
followed by the most elaborate banquet ever spread in San Bernardino
County.
The first building was completed in 1893. It was built in the most sub-
stantial manner and was fully equipped with a complete water and sewer
service, electric plant and all modern conveniences. It was opened August
1st, 1893, 100 patients being brought from the north to start with. Dr. M.
B. Campbell was appointed superintendent, a position which he ably filled
until September, 1904. A completely equipped farm, extensive orchards and
grounds are largely cared for by inmates, who are thus healthfully and use-
fully employed.
GOVERNOR R. W. WATERMAN
180
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
In 1902 an appropriation was made to complete another wing of the
building, and this was finished in 1903 at a cost of $250,000.
The buildings, now accommodate more than eight hundred inmates.
The monthly pay roll of the establishment is $4,100, and the annual expend-
iture for the asylum is given as $138,000.
The present board of managers are : E. P. Clark, Riverside ; John H.
McGonigle, Ventura; J. W. A. Off, Los Angeles; H. B. Wilson, Redlands,
and G. P. Adams, Los Angeles.
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY ORPHANS' HOME.
In February, 1893, the Associated Charities of San Bernardino City, Mrs.
Robert F. Garner, President ; Mrs. Laura P. Bidgood, Secretary and Treas-
urer ; Mrs. Olive Byrne, Vice President, and Mrs. F. M. Johnson, Lewis
Jacobs, S. F. Zombro and H. Goodcell, trustees, decided to opeu an Orphan's
Home. Accordingly the lease of the Hart place on the corner of C street and
Base Line, was secured. This, which was one
of the oldest and most beautiful places in the
city, comprised an acre of ground, set with
fruit trees of many kinds and with an abund-
ance of shade and room for playgrounds. Some
alterations were made in the house, and the
Home was opened with about twenty chil-
dren, most of whom were transferred from
the Orphan's Home at Los Angeles. Children
were received here from San Bernardino
County and San Diego County, particularly.
In 1896, it was necessary to enlarge the build-
ing and it was refitted with modern conven-
iences and made more suitable for the purpose
for which it was used. In 1899 it was char-
tered and incorporated by the state, and it
now draws funds from the state for the sup-
port of all orphans. There are, at present,
about twenty-five children in the institution, who are being educated and
cared for and carefully trained.
In 1901, the County Supervisors erected a sick ward for the use of
the Home, and the county makes occasional appropriations for the aid of
the Home.
Mrs. Florence D. Draper is now President of the Board, and Miss Mary
Barton, Secretary and Treasurer.
ROADS.
After the opening of Anza's highway between Sonora and Monterey,
MRS. F. M. JOHNSON
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 181
via Yuma, the Puerto de San Carlos, or San Gorgonio Pass, and San Ber-
nardino Valley, the next traveled road in the county was probably that
between San Juan Capistrano and San Gabriel, by way of Temecula, "Laguna
Grande" (Elsinore), Temescal and Rincon, thence via Chino to San Gabriel
and Los Angeles. This latter became the route of the Butterfield stages.
The New Mexican overland route was much traveled during the thirties and
forties — this came through the Virgin and Green River valleys and crossing
the Colorado near where Ft. Mohave was later established, followed the
Mohave River up to the Cajon Pass. The old "Mormon route" also went
out by way of Cajon Pass, but struck across the county further north and
crossed Nevada to Salt Lake. Between San Bernardino and the coast there
were several routes in early days, one by way of Agua Mansa and Cuca-
monga, another crossed the Jurupa plains and passed through Chino. These
early roads followed the contour of the country. No bridges were built, and
probably very little work of any kind was done on them.
• The first constructed road in the county was the one up Waterman
canon built by the Mormons in the winter of 1851-52 under the direction of
Captain Hunt. This was a free road open to all and for twenty years large
quantities of timber were annually hauled down over it. At one point the
grade was so heavy that ordinary brakes refused to hold: the teamsters were
obliged to attach heavy trees to their wagons, which were thrown off at the
end of the grade and formed what was known as the "drag yard." In 1859,
the first toll road in the county was built up Twin Creek Canon, and was
known as the "Daley road." In 1861 John Brown, Sr., H. M. Willis and
G. L. Tucker received a franchise for the construction of a toll road through
the Cajon Pass. This was built, and in 1862 John Brown started a ferry
across the Colorado at Ft. Mojave. For twenty years the life of the conces-
sion, this toll road was kept up and much heavy traffic went over it.
The first bridge across the Santa Ana was that built to the south of
Colton across the river between Riverside and San Bernardino. The citizens
of Riverside petitioned for this convenience for several years. Finallv the
drowning of a man by the name of Tibbits at this crossing induced the county
to act and the bridge was built about 1877.
Various toll roads into the mountains have been established at different
times. In 1890 the Bear Valley toll road from Highlands to Bear Yallev
was built. In 1891 the Highland Lumber Co.. now the Brookings Co.. built
its toll, road up through City Creek Canon. The Devil's Canon toll road
was built about the same time. The Arrowhead Reservoir Company built
a toll road in 1892, which was nineteen miles long and was well constructed :
this gives access to some of the finest scenery in the country. For many
years there has been a demand for a free mountain road which should enable
the people to visit the lumber camps and the resorts of the San Bernardino
mountains and give them free access to the magnificent scenery and the won-
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
derful air and water of the great mountain range. Although many projects
have been discussed the matter has never taken any definite shape until the
passage of a new act by the Legislature in 1903, enabling counties to build
roads out of the general funds. The county at once took action upon the
opening of the way. Various surveys have been made for the county, several
of the existing toll roads have offered to sell their routes at reasonable figures
and within a short time, without doubt, a free mountain road which shall
enable the visitor to drive with ease to the summit of the mountains and to
visit all the many attractions offered in the heart of the San Bernardino
range, will be an actual fact.
Within the past few years San
Bernardino county has adopted,
or rather developed, a system
of oiling her roads which not
only does away with one of
the greatest drawbac ks to
travel in this county — dust —
but also greatly improves the
roadbed. To the Supervisors
of the county and particularly to
J. B. Glover, of Redlands, and T.
F. White, of Chino, belongs the
credit of working out a practical
method of road building and oil-
ing which has attracted attention
all over the United States and
which is fast giving our county
the best roads in the State. The
advantage of hard and dustless
roads in this hot, dry climate,
and with the many sandy and
rough roads which were formerly
common, can hardly be over
a long step in advance for the
COUNTY DIVISION.
It was natural that San Bernardino, the largest county in the state,
should sometime be divided. Yet so large a portion of the county was made
up of mountains and desert, which is and must remain, sparsely settled, and
the main population was so closely confined to the San Bernardino Valley,
that practically the county was not more unwieldly for government than
many smaller counties. But, unfortunately, there was for many year- a lack
184 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
of unitv between the two largest towns of the county. Riverside and the
county seat. At the very outset of the settlement of Riverside, the old set-
tlers and particularly the residents of San Bernardino, ridiculed the idea that
anyone could ever make a living' off "that desert" as the plains of Jurupa
were known. Naturally the Riverside settlers resented the attitude of their
neighbors. They continued in their undertaking until, developed water
and Riverside Washington Navel oranges made their unpromising venture
a bewildering success. Riverside grew more rapidly than San Bernardino.
Her citizens were largely young men from the east, whose ideas and methods
were different from the conservative movements of San Bernardino's solid
citizens' who were mostly of an earlier date — pioneers who had been trained
in the school of hard circumstances rather than in the colleges and the rush-
ing business life of eastern cities. Differences, small but rankling, grew out
of the citrus fairs and exhibits, road matters, the management of the County
Immigration Society, the Chicago Exhibit, the development of artesian
water, and other matters. There was too, a touch of the old soreness grow-
ing out of the location of the Southern Pacific depot and the building up of
Colton that prevented the hearty co-operation of Colton and San Bernardino.
The dissatisfaction in the county culminated upon the question of building
a new Court House.
The sudden expansion of 1886-87 rendered the old Court House, built
in 1874. entirely inadequate to the needs of the county. Accordingly the
Supervisors, in 18S7, submitted to the voters of the county a proposition for
bonds to the amount of $175,000 for a new Court House. The people of
Riverside, especially, opposed this proposition on the ground that the sum
was too small to build a suitable county building and that the location of the
Court House should be changed before building. The proposition was lost
and the Supervisors next proposed a bond issue of $75,000 for a Hall of
Records. This too, was lost, but the county fathers immediately took steps
to raise $40,000 for this purpose by direct taxation. The citizens of River-
side, Colton, Chino and other points objected so decidedly to this movement
that they began to discuss the question of a change of the county seat. En-
thusiastic meetings were held, excursions with brass bands and torch light
processions were employed. Riverside, Colton and Redlands were aspirants.
Colton offered to put up a $200,000 building and donate it with a block of
ground, to the county free of cost, provided that town was made the county
seat. November 5, 1889, a petition with 3,700 signatures, asking that the
matter of the removal of the county seat be submitted to the vote of the
people was presented to the Board of Supervisors. The Supervisors in the
meantime proceeded with the plans of the Hall of Records and let the first
contract April 8, 1890. In May, 1890, after a long and bitter legal fight, it
was decided that more than 1,000 of the names on the petition for count v
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 185
seat removal, were incompetent, for various causes, and consequently there
were not enough signatures to call an election.
Then began the talk of County Division. January 2, 1891. a mass meet-
ing was held in Riverside at which it was determined to form a new county
to be known as "Riverside," with Riverside as county seat, and to include, ■
Riverside, South Riverside, Jurupa, Rincon, Beaumont, Banning. Alessan-
dro and Perris. Senator-elect, H. M. Streeter, was pledged to support the
scheme. Pomona county with the county seat at Pomona was also proposed
and the bills were duly introduced into the Legislature. The Supervisors
resolved to oppose all schemes -for the dismemberment of the county and to
fight the Riverside bill in the Legislature. Men and money were sent to
Sacramento by both sides and after a vigorous campaign the Riverside bill
was defeated, March 25, 1891, and the Pomona bill met a like fate.
Tune 13, 1891, another bond issue — this time for $350,000 — for the erec-
tion of Court House and Jail, to be located on present grounds, was voted
upon and received a majority of 425 votes, which was less than the two-
thirds majority required. The county officials, nevertheless, advertised for
bids for a county jail and for extension and additions to the Court House.
December 9, 1891, Supervisors Glass and Garcelon of Riverside, resigned.
and their places were filled by J. C. Turner and \Ym. H. Randall.
March 9. 1892. a contract for the foundations and first floor of the Court
House was let for $42,693; and March 12, $78,611 was transferred from the
county funds to the building fund. A convention of the voters of the county
was called at Colton and passed most vigorous protests against the extrava-
gant and useless expenditures for Court House and Jail. These were duly
presented to the Supervisors and tabled. June 18, 1892, the Supervisors once
more came before the voters with a proposition for $250,000 bonds. This
was voted down with a considerably increased majority against it.
The air was now full of projects for new counties. San Jacinto county.
to take in the northern part of San Diego and the southern portion of San
Bernardino county, and with Perris or San Jacinto for county seat, was
strongly supported. San Antonio county, including Ontario, Chino and
Pomona, was also a favored proposition with the people of that section. A
strong representation for Riverside county went before the Legislature of
1893. Large delegations went from Riverside and San Bernardino, and the
light was most bitter. Loud charges of "boodle" were made and the Super-
visors declared that Riverside had spent more in the county division fight
than her share of the bonds for the Court House would have come to.
February 25, 1893. the bill which created Riverside county finally passed the
Assembly.
The bill contained seventeen sections, fully defining boundaries and
providing for a commission to adjust the financial questions and other points
186 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
arising, or "adjustment and fulfillment of certain rights and obligations."
According to the provisions, the Supervisors of San Bernardino county were
to select two members, and they chose H. M. Barton and Joseph Brown.
Riverside selected John G. North and W. S. Wise, and Gov. Markham ap-
pointed G. T. Stamm, the Ontario banker, as the fifth member.
"The Commission organized by electing H. M. Barton chairman and
John G. North secretary, and proceeded to business, setting out to do three
things :
First: To ascertain the assessed valuation of that part of Riverside
county which had been taken out of San Bernardino county, and the assessed
valuation of property in the territory still embraced in San Bernardino
county.
Second : To ascertain and fix the value of all county property in or be-
longing to the original county.
Third : To ascertain what proportion of such county property belonged
to the new county of Riverside, according to the ratio of its assessed
valuation.
The commission met and organized June 2, 1893, and met at intervals
from that date until April 7, 1894, gathering testimony with reference to the
value of county property, and county assets, and on the latter day the com-
mission, by votes of Messrs. Barton, Brown and Stamm, adopted a resolution
fixing the amount due Riverside at $15,586.82. Messrs. Wise and North pro-
tested vigorously, but to no purpose. This resolution was introduced by
Commissioner Stamm.
The limits of the claims of the rival interests are indicated in two resolu-
tions, both of which were defeated, before Mr. Stamm's resolution was voted
upon. The Riverside commissioners claimed $132,027.09, and this resolution
was voted down, San Bernardino's representatives going solidly against it.
Then Joseph Brown introduced a resolution fixing the award at $3144.48,
which was also defeated. Mr. Stamm's resolution was then carried.
Following this action the Riverside commissioners proposed two com-
promise amounts, first asking for an even $100,000, and finally for $50,000, but
the San Bernardino people resolutely refused and the Riversiders went home,
mad through and through, and that marked the high water line of feeling
over the division of the Imperial county, and the bitterness was no joke in
those days.
Three months later Riverside county had engaged the services of two of
the most eminent lawyers in the State, and with J. S. Chapman of Los An-
geles and R. E. Houghton of San Francisco, went into court, and August 9,
1894, filed suit in the Superior Court of Los Angeles county for $132,027.09,
and the war was on.
J. X. Victor was chairman of the Board of Supervisors at the time, des-
perate fighter that he was, and the new gauge of battle was picked up in-
HISTORY OF SAN BERXARDIXO COUNTY 187
stantly. San Bernardino county's interests were entrusted to the firm of
Curtis, Oster & Curtis of this city. With them was associated Judge Van R.
Patterson of San Francisco.
What with "the law's delay" and the time needed to square for the battle,
the case did not come to trial until September 29, 1896. in Judge McKinley's
court, in Los Angeles, without a jury. The trial occupied weeks, and on the
evening of the last day of the year, December 31, 1896, Judge McKinley pre-
sented this county with a bitter New Year's gift, filing an opinion which set
aside the finding of the commission and referring the whole matter back to
them for readjustment. The court found :
"That the plaintiff is entitled to judgment setting aside the award made
by the said commissioners, with directions to make the said award in accord-
ance with the provisions of the said act, and to omit from the liabilities of
the said county of San Bernardino the salaries of officers and expenses of
administration of offices accruing after the nth day of March, 1893, and
interest accruing on the bonded indebtedness of said county of San Bernar-
dino after said time, and making a fair valuation of the real and personal
property of the county of San Bernardino, and making the adjustment of
affairs under the provisions of the said act creating the county of Riverside ;
and for its costs of suit. Let judgment be entered accordingly.''
It was in these same findings that Judge McKinley ripped the San Ber-
nardino commissioners up the back unmercifully, and seemed to agree with
?he contention of the Riversiders that there had been a conspiracy to defraud
them.
But neither side was satisfied with this decision. Riverside wanted a
judgment for $132,000. and did not care to take chances with the commission
again, while San Bernardino took the position that the Los Angeles court
nev?r had any jurisdiction; that the act of the Legislature made the decision
of the commission absolutely final, and that it could not even be reviewed by
,1 court. Everybody appealed.
The attorneys for San Bernardino filed their appeal December 7, 1897,
and more than two years elapsed before the case was presented to the
Supreme Court." — The San Bernardino Sun.
November 19, 1901. the Supreme Court rendered a decision reversing
the action of the Los Angeles Court and dismissing the case, thus sustaining
tiie acts of the Commission and leaving Riverside County with costs to pay
and a prospect of losing the $15,000 awarded by the Commission. Further
litigation followed and in October, 1902, the County of San Bernardino drew
its warrant for $8,000 in full payment of all claims of Riverside County and
thus closed finally the history of the county division.
THE SAN BERNARDINO FOREST RESERVE.
One of the important events of the later history of the count}' was the
setting aside of the San Bernardino Forest Reserve. The matter of setting
lf>8 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
aside this reservation was discussed for several years before action was
taken and was strongly favored by many — and met with strong opposition
from other — interests. Numerous petitions and resolutions for and against
the action were sent to the authorities at Washington, but President Harrison
signed the act creating the Reserve, February 25, 1893.
The Forest Reserves.
"The first real step in the establishment of a system of forest reserves on
the mountains and high plateaus — the headwaters of rivers — in what is
known as the arid and semi-arid regions of the United States was the passage,
on March 3, 1891. of an act of Congress authorizing the President to set aside
areas of forest lands under a permanent national plan whereby the forests
might be preserved, thereby securing and increasing the water supply of the
streams below and also by holding back, by soil absorption, heavy winter and
spring rains and melting snows, thus preventing or mitigating the damage
arising from spring floods on the lands lying below. Thus the forest reserves
serve a double purpose, they hold back the precious waters in times of rain,
giving out the water in more continuous flow, through springs and seepage,
and underground channels and also prevent flood damage.
"President Harrison and his Secretary of the Interior, John W. Xoble, at
once designated sixteen reservations, with an area of more than 13,000,000
acres. These first named reservations included large tracts adjoining the
Yosemite and Yellowstone national parks. This wise policy of forest re-
serves has been continued. President Cleveland setting aside other large
tracts of forest area. At present there have been created some thirty forest
reservations, having a total area of 40.000,000 acres, or more than 6c,ooo
square miles, an area almost equal to half that of the state of California.
These reservations are in eleven states and territories — California, Arizona,
Utah, New Mexico, Idaho, Montana. Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Wyom-
ing and South Dakota. In the boundaries of these reservations are included
the high mountain ranges and the highest peaks, nearly all of the unsecured
forests of the Big trees — the sequoias, both semper virens and gigantea —
and great expanses of pines and cedars. The preservation of these great
forests on the high mountains preserves the water supply of fully half the
United States.
"In South California the principal forest reservations are the San
Gabriel, the San Bernardino and the San Jacinto. The latter was set aside
by President Cleveland, arid the twro former by President Harrison. They
might almost be called one reservation, as they form a continuous chain,
reaching over a hundred miles." — Citrograph.
The San Bernardino reserve comprises 737,280 acres, of which 249,000
is classed as timber land and 90,000 of this is graded as "first-class." Thirty-
five thousand acres of the best timber land is located in the Santa Ana basin.
The best of the timber lands had been appropriated by lumber companies
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 189
and settlers before the reserve was made and are not controlled by the gov-
ernment. The timber is mostly yellow pine ; fir, cedar, pinon and juniper
also offer some timber. Among the forest growth is found mountain mahog-
any, live oak, mountain alder, ash, sycamore, cottonwood, black oak, black
willow and yucca. Bear Valley drains about 35,000 acres of the area and the
reservoirs proposed by the Arrowhead system will drain about 100,000 acres.
Nearly 50 per cent of the forest reserve is classed as grazing land. Extend-
ing from the Cajon Pass eastward to the county line is a portion of the San
Gabriel reserve, some 150,000 acres. This also contains considerable timber.
In 1898, the patrol system was established. Forest Supervisor Thomas,
has general oversight of both the San Gabriel and San Bernardino reserves.
From five to twelve rangers are employed in the San Bernardino reserve,
whose duty it is to patrol their districts, guard against fires, prevent trespass
of all kinds, measure timber, cut trails and use every effort to protect and
preserve our forest water sheds. An effort is now being made to re-timber
burnt districts and to introduce new species which are suited to the en-
vironment.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENTAL
STATION.
This station was established in 1891, through the efforts of Richard
Gird, who donated thirty acres of light and loamy soil on the northern bound-
aries of the Chino Rancho, together with the necessary water and also ten
acres of damp land one mile west of the Sugar Factory. The citizens of
Pomona raised $4,000 which was used for implements, buildings, equipment
and teams. The station was established under the auspices of the California
State University and was at first under the charge of Kenneth McLennen.
Experiments were at first devoted principally to fruit — citrus, deciduous.
olives and small fruits, many varieties being set and a study made of their
adaptability to this section and of their diseases and drawbacks.
In 1893, J. W. Mills took charge of the station — a position which he still
fills. About 1895 attention was largely turned to experiments to green
manuring for fertilizing purposes and also to suitable growths for semi-
alkali lands.
The station is now regarded as one of the most important in the state.
It is the only one in Southern California, and owing to the variety of soil and
conditions, is fairly typical of the entire state. There is one other agricultural
station in the state at Tulare, Tulare county. The government keeps a num-
ber of experts in the field all over the world, and the seeds, plants and infor-
mation collected by these are distributed from Washington to the various
stations according to their presumed adaptability to the conditions of each.
Some $25,000 has been spent in improving and equipping this station.
190 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Some very valuable experiments have been made here, and the superin-
tendent, Mr. Mills, is considered an authority on agricultural and horticul-
tural matters. In 1903 he was placed in charge of co-operative experimental
work in Southern California, including experiments at Riverside, Redlands
and on the Colorado desert.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF ELECTRIC POWER.
The marvelous development of electric power and the use of electricity
for manifold purposes has been one of the greatest sources of wealth and of
progress in this county during the past ten years. The first attempt at
developing electricity in the county was made by the Electric Light and
Power Company of San Bernardino, organized in 1888, making use of the
water power obtained by a fall in the Riverside canal near Colton to generate
power, which was used to light San Bernardino and Riverside. But the
power was insufficient for the purpose.
The next company in the field was the San Antonio Company, employ-
ing power oh+ained from the San Antonio creek.
The waters were first appropriated for irrigating purposes in "82 by the
Chaffey Brothers. In '92, ten years later, the company was organized and
xheir power house built. They developed and used about 250 horse power,
furnishing power to the Ontario electric car line, a number of small pumping
stations and lights to the surrounding towns. This company had the honor
of constructing the first high potential long distance plant in the United
States, transmitting at the start electricity to the city of San Bernardino, a
distance of twenty-eight miles from the power house.
The Redlands Electric Light and Power Company, composed of Messrs.
George H. Craft, George B. Ellis, F. G. Feraud and H. H. Sinclair, was
organized in the spring of 1892, "for the purpose of supplying electric light
and heat for both public and private use, power for manufacturing purposes,
and for operation of street railroads in the city of Redlands and the country
round about within a radius of ten miles. Such power to be developed from a
transmission plant to be built at the mouth of Mill Creek canon, some eight
miles from Redlands." The first reality which gave assurance of the sound-
ness of the views which had led these enterprising men to enter upon a project
which at the time seemed far in advance of the needs of Redlands, was the
fact that the Union Ice Company, one of the largest handlers of ice in the
western part of the country at once entered into a contract with the Red-
lands Company to furnish electric power, under a twenty-five year contract,
at a price that was so much cheaper than could be obtained elsewhere that
the ice company could afford to pay $2.00 per ton freight on 7,000 tons of ice
per year and still deliver it in Los Angeles at a rate of fifty cents per ton
less than it could be manufactured there.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 191
Mr. A. W. Decker, who had installed the plant of the San Antonio Elec-
tric Company and also of the Mount Lowe Electric Railway, was engaged,
and under his direction, the plant now known as Mill Creek Station No. i,
was constructed. Mr. Decker's plans for this plant were original and intro-
duced some new features which the electrical manufacturing companies at
first said could not be carried out ; but in the end, he succeeded in proving the
feasibility of his ideas which have since been generally applied. This plant
at first supplied light for Redlands and power for the Union Ice Company
and for some light purposes in the town. By 1896, the business had so
extended that it became necessary to increase the amount of power, the trans-
mission system having been extended to Riverside and to Colton. In 1899
Mill Creek Station No. 2 was erected to further increase the supply of the
plant. In 1903 the Edison Company had completed Mill Creek Station No.
3, 600-horse power, at a cost of $200,000.
In December, 1896, the people comprising the Redlands Company or-
ganized the Southern California Power Company, making service of the
water rights of the Santa Ana Canon, and having appropriated and perfected
them, entered into contract in the spring of 1897 for the apparatus which has
since been installed as the Santa Ana Canon-Los Angeles transmission plant.
In April, 1898, when the plant was partially completed the entire property
of the Southern California Power Company was sold to the Edison Electric
Company and the owners of the California Southern stock — Messrs. H. H.
Sinclair and Henry Fisher — accepted in payment thereof stock of the Edison
Electric Company. The Santa Ana plant was completed in December, 1898,
when the water was turned into the canal. The whole construction was
under the general management of Mr. H. H. Sinclair, and the plant cost
approximately, $625,000.
A sub-station at Redlands was constructed in 1901. This is supplied
with a steam plant also. The power for supplying the city of Redlands and
vicinity, the Redlands street railway and also the San Bernardino Traction
Company is furnished from this sub-station. Another sub-station furnishes,
power for the Colton Cement works, which are one of the largest users of
power.
From the power house in the Santa Ana Canon, the great artery of the
system, carrying 33,000 volts, extends eighty-three miles to Los Angeles —
at the time of its completion the longest "long distance transmission line" in
existence. A scorpion shaped 10,000 volt system distributes power in the
San Bernardino and Riverside valleys, which is supplied by the Mill Creek
power houses. The San Bernardino Traction Company, now operating lines
between San Bernardino, Colton, Redlands and Highland, is supplied through
a sub-station located at San Bernardino, and having a 10,000 volt motor
generator.
The largest consumers of power are the pumping plants, and of these,
192 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
the most extensive user is the pumping plant of the Riverside Trust Com-
pany, whose wells are located in the bed of the Santa Ana River, about two
miles southeast erf San Bernardino. This company uses fifty horse power
and thirty horse power motors, which are located in neat and substantially
constructed plants. The plants work under very small headway and pump
very large quantities of water into the Gage canal, which furnishes water to
Riverside and adjoining tracts.
The capacity of the Edison Company's plants in San Bernardino county
is as follows :
Southern California Power Company's water plant in Santa Ana Canon.
4,coo horse power ;
Redlands Electric Light and Power Company's water power plants in
Mill Creek canon, Nos. i, 2 and 3, 1,250 horse-power. 625 and 3,000 horse-
power, respectively ;
Redlands sub-station and steam driven plant, 834 horse-power.
The expenditure for these plants with the flumes, pipe lines, transmission
lines, etc., necessary, has been over one million dollars — probably a million
and a half dollars would be a conservative estimate. The building of these
extensive works has given employment to large forces of men, and the keep-
ing up of the 'plants and the necessary improvements require a large force.
The use of cheap electrical power has greatly facilitated the building of street
and traction roads, and in consequence of her cheap power, the San Bernar-
dino valley now has a more complete equipment of suburban and city electric
roads than any other section of the country.
THE ELEMENTS.
FLOODS.
The first flood which did serious damage in San Bernardino county so
far as we have records, was that of 1850-51, which did much damage through-
out the State. The New Mexican settlers of Agua Mansa and El Placita
de Trujillos had begun the erection of an adobe church which was completely
destroyed by the rains of this season. These good people took care to build
their next church on higher ground and so built the church of San Salvador
on a hill and it was the only building, except the residence of Cornelius
Jansen, in the two settlements which was not swept away by the flood of
1862. During the winter of 1861-2, fifty inches of rain flooded the entire
state. The prosperous colonies along the Santa Ana were completely de-
stroyed and a barren waste of sand took the place of fields, orchards and
vineyards.
Mrs. Crafts describes the flood of January in San Bernardino, thus:
"The fall of 1861 was sunny, dry and warm until Christmas which proved
to be a rainy day. All through the holidays a gentle rain continued to fall.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 193
This much needed moisture lasted until the 18th of January, 1862, when
there was a down-pour for twenty-four hours, or longer. All the flat from the
Santa Ana River to Pine's Hotel was under water — a perfect sea of water
inundating the valley for miles up and down the stream. Lytle Creek came
rushing down D street, across Third and found an outlet through an open
space into Warm Creek, Many families were compelled to flee in the night
to higher ground and leave their homes to the flood. There were so many
families homeless that every house in San Bernardino had two families and
some three or four under shelter. The constant rain on the adobe houses
turned them to mud and they fell in. Men were out in the drenching rain
all day, trying to cover the adobe walls with lumber and thus save them.
Every one was ready to help his neighbor in their trouble — in fact there was
true brotherhood among those old pioneers of San Bernardino."
1867-8 was another rainy winter: the rains were continuous but not so
heavy as in '62 and less damage resulted.
1884 was the great flood year of later times. 37.50 inches are reported
this season for San Bernardino, while over forty inches were registered in
Los Angeles and more in other places. This year was particularly disastrous
to the railroad companies, the newly completed California Southern track be-
tween San Diego and National City, being completely disabled, some fifteen
or twenty miles of the Temecula canon division carried away. The Southern
Pacific also suffered many washouts and much delay of traffic.
In July '84 occurred a remarkable cloud burst in the Cajon Pass. The
Times says :
"A most terrific cloud burst occurred in the Cajon yesterday afternoon.
It commenced about two o'clock and for a short time the waters came down
in solid masses. In a narrow gorge called the railroad canon, the waters
rose fifty feet in height in a short time. The torrent carried everything
before it and the whole canon was inundated. At the narrows in the Cajon
the waters stood above the railroad grade. An orchard above Taj' & Law-
rence's was swept away with the buildings and other propertv that was on
the ground. The water rose nearly to Tay & Lawrence's house and swept
away a large portion of their property. The road in some places was cut
out as much as ten feet in depth and will be impassable for a week or more.
The entire flat from here to the mouth of the Cajon was one vast sheet of
water, and the crossing between this town and Colton. ordinarily only a few
inches in depth, was raised six feet and spread for a long distance on either
side of its usual channel, while a number of farms along its course were in-
undated. All this vast body of water fell in the course of two or three hours
and in a comparatively limited area, only a few drops reaching to town. It
is said to have been the severest storm ever known in the canon and to have
done more damage in a few minutes than all the heavy rains of last winter,
severe as they were."
194 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Much inconvenience was also caused by the exceedingly heavy rains of
1886-7. The Times thus announces the situation in San Bernardino, in
December, '86: "The people west of town are nearly drowned out. A cul-
vert through the railroad grade on I street at the head of Fifth, pours the
whole drainage of the surrounding country into town and has swamped the
blocks west of G street, so that people there are unable to leave their homes."
In January, eleven inches of rain fell in a single night in the Cajon Pass
and the California Southern tracks were buried in mud. This .was the "boom
vear" and the travel was very heavy. At one time hundreds of people were
detained at San Bernardino — even standing room at the depot was at a
premium, and many came up into the town.
1888-9 was another wet winter, but since that time, rainfall has caused
but little loss or inconvenience in the southern part of the state.
DROUTHS.
The flood year of 1862 was succeeded by three dry years, the most dis-
astrous drouth on record in the history of California. Hundreds of head of
stock perished by starvation and thousands were slaughtered for their hides,
or sold for almost nothing in order to preserve pasturage for any at all. For
three years the rainfall was insufficient to produce grain crops or start vegeta-
tion on the ranges. The orchards and vineyards which were already begin-
ning to be an important feature in the industries of the state were almost
annihilated by the drouth. From this period dated the beginnings of irriga-
tion on a large scale. The farmers, who were now settling up the country
found that they could not depend upon the natural conditions for a crop, and
the stock men ceased to depend entirely upon the natural range for grazing.
The dry seasons of 1898-99 and 1900, which are still fresh in our memor-
ies, marked the great change from the old to the new — from dependence
upon natural conditions to the present great irrigating systems. While the
"drv ranches" which in ordinary seasons raise fair crops suffered, the agri-
cultural and horticultural interests of the county as a whole, suffered little.
There was fear that the storage supplies might fail, but they did not, and
much water previously undeveloped, or unavailable was brought into use.
Indeed, in the long run, the drouth was a benefit to the country because so
large a quantity of water was developed that a much larger acreage than for-
merly may now be put under cultivation. And yet the rainfall was even
less than that of the drouth of the sixties.
EARTHQUAKES.
The first "temblor" of record in this country is of the year 1812, which
is known as the "earthquake year," when the church of San Juan Capistrano
was shaken down and thirty worshippers crushed to death. The internal
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 195
disturbances of this season, it is said, caused the appearance of the springs
known as Urbita. The Gauchama Indians, who lived in this vicinity, were
so alarmed by this phenomena and by the succession of "quakes" that they
feared they had offended their higher powers, and after due consideration
came to the conclusion that their Gods didn't approve of the Mission of
Politana, established by the Franciscans of San Gabriel a year or two prev-
ious. Therefore they destroyed the buildings and massacred most of the
converts. At least this is the account given by Father Caballeria in his His-
tory of San Bernardino Valley.
In 1855 a severe shock jolted the town of San Bernardino but did no
serious harm, and again in 1882 a heavy earthquake is recorded, but with no
serious consequences.
The "shake" of Christmas day, 1900, caused no damage in the immediate
vicinity of San Bernardino, but created a good deal of havoc in the San
Jacinto mountains. There a considerable area, took a drop and the con-
figuration was materially changed. Two or three Indian women were killed
at San Jacinto by the falling of an adobe house at that time.
WIND.
Hurricanes and cyclones are unknown in this country, but in 1887 oc-
curred a very unusual wind — a "norther" which did great damage, as this
extract will show.
"Although the wind had blown severely here for several days, and con-
siderable damage had been done, happily it was attended, so far as known,
with no personal injury or loss of life. Los Angeles county, however, was
not so fortunate. At Crescenta Canyada the large hotel erected hardly more
than a month ago was razed to the ground by the fierce gale, and Mrs. Edwin
G. Arnold and her eleven-year-old daughter Claudie were instantly killed.
A number of other guests of the hotel were badly bruised and escaped with
their lives by a miracle. The disaster took place about midnight. A coro-
ner's jury found that in their belief the building had been insufficiently braced
and the foundations were not secure.
"At Rialto, three houses were destroyed.
"At Cucamonga, the depot was almost totally destroyed ; also the new
hotel and several stores and buildings ; loss, $50,000.
"Between Cucamonga and Colton the cab was blown off the engine of
an east-bound freight train.
"The fine large hotel at North Cucamonga, costing $20,000. was com-
pletely demolished, the sleeping guests being awakened just in time to escape
with their lives. A Chinaman is reported to have been killed, and another
one missing — probably took to the brush. The bank building at Ontario was
partially blown down. Several houses on the south side were also blown
mi;
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
down. It was reported that Rose's store was burned down." — San Bernar-
dino Times, July, 1887.
RAINFALL TABLE.
Since July 1, 1870, a Rainfall Table for the city of San Bernardino has
been kept. The record was made by Sydney P. Waite up to 1891, and since
that date has been kept by Dr. A. K. Johnson. Careful study of this table
presents some very interesting facts. It will be seen that the greatest rain-
fall was in the season of 1883-84 and the least fall, 7.49 inches, came in
1897-98.
SEASONAL RAINFALL FOR SAN BERARDINO, CALIFORNIA
Latitude 340 06' 05'
SYDEEY P. WAITE. Observer
,0
0
fcj
0
•A
•09
3.11
.60
.88
.00
1.17
.01
.74
1.8?
1.88
.00
7.50
.30
.40
.86
.50
.14
.05
.94
3.40
.14
.67
.80
.27
.10
.15
K.-i
.09
.00
.11
.39
4.36
.00
.11
1.17
2. 29
.05
4.12
2.30
2.2:1
.58
1.27
T.
T.
.16
1.02
1.05
.30
.15
.00
. 0
1.14
8.10
.98
2.10
.21
.03
.05
.81
1.47
.36
6 10
1.09
.28
.09
1.94
.07
.00
221
2.20
1.25
8.76
.15
1.92
4.03
6.68
1.00
1.33
.36
2.65
1.10
12.20
.11
2.52
6.44
3-60
1.50
2.52
7.78
3.30
3.37
1.14
.00
5.40
.60
.51
.00
4.58
3.02
a!ai
13.94
15 10
23.81
13-65
19.90
9.52
20.33
11.54
20.36
13.50
11 54
9.17
37.51
10.81
21 83
14.50
17.76
20.97
25.45
18.08
14.35
19.82
8.13
20.98
8 11
16.74
8.24
7.49
8.64
17.36
11.15
17.42
9.37
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
We also present a table of Redlands rainfall kept by Scipio Craige of
the Citrograph.
RAINFALL IN REDLANDS, 18S8 TO 1903.
ISSS-Sil
1889-90
18901-91
1891-92
1*92-98
1893-94
1894-95
1895-9(1
1890-97
1897-98
1N93-99
191)11-01
1901-02
1902-03
.00 00
.00
.00 2.16
.00
.054.12
1 50 .52
00
.00, .00
00 .03
.95 .50
.07i .00
.03 2.03
.722.07
.38 .Hi
.ill 23
.79 1.911
52 3 72
.96
Hi 1.58
IS. 23
25 78
19.06
16^67
10.18
22.90
9 51
21.88
10.33
7.81
10.03
15.76
12.16
17.36
CHAPTER VII.
THE HISTORY OF
AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE.
The history of agriculture in this county begins with the location of a
branch of the San Gabriel Mission in the San Bernardino Valley. Although
this station was chiefly valuable to the mother settlement as a stock range
and protection from hostile Indians, it was also intended as a resting and out-
fitting point for travelers over the Colorado route between the missions and
Mexico, and it is probable that considerable quantities of wheat was raised
here as there are well authenticated accounts of grain fields and storerooms
full of grain. The fact that Mill Creek zanja was constructed about 1820,
makes it likelv that orchards, vineyards and gardens were also cultivated,
although nothing but a few old grape roots remained when the Mormons
came in.
Daniel Sexton says that in 1842. the Indians were raising considerable
crops of corn, potatoes and beans around the old Mission. During the
198 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
forties a few fruit trees and vines were in bearing on the grants of Cuca-
monga, Chino and Rincon, and about this time a considerable number of
New Mexicans located on San Bernardino and Jurnpa grants and cultivated
a number of fields and orchards along the Santa Ana river bottom. But the
chief industry of that day was the raising of stock, and herds of cattle, horses
and sheep grazed over the hills and plains of San Bernardino Valley until
well into the sixties.
The agricultural development of the county really began with the advent
of the Mormons in 1851. These settlers at once selected a large tract of their
new purchase for cultivation and sowed it to grain. This land was sur-
rounded by a ditch and pole fence to keep out stock and was cultivated in
common for two or three years. The early yields of this virgin soil were
very large, some claim from fifty to ninety bushels per acre. The grain
brought a good price and enabled the new colonists to purchase their own
land. The entire San Bernardino Grant was divided into tracts to suit pur-
chasers and was sold at low prices and on easy terms. Upon the departure
of the Mormons, their successors continued to sell the land to actual settlers
on very favorable terms. Hence, at a time when California was still a vast
stock range, San Bernardino county had a number of small farmers who
raised grain and vegetables without irrigation and utilized the many natural
streams that were at hand to irrigate, where necessary, their orchards and
gardens.
The State Agricultural Report for 1856, credits San Bernardino county
with 30,000 busheJs of wheat and 15,000 bushels of barley; no account is
taken of the grain cut for hay. The value of the fruit products of the county
is put at $2,450 — but there is no statement of what the fruit products were —
probably wine and brandy, however. The same Reports give the acreage
under cultivation in the county in i860 as 8,219 acres; in 1863, 15.000 acres
are reported under cultivation. By this time a considerable acreage of wine
grapes had been put out at Cucamonga, Old San Bernardino and Rincon, and
some scattering orange trees had been set, but these were regarded rather as
a curiosity than an investment.
The census of 1870 reports 10,360 bushels of wheat, 51,906 bushels of
barley and 1808 tons of hay; 48,720 gallons of wine was made and fruit pro-
ducts were valued at $5,235. Stock was still the chief resource of the county.
being valued at $151,530.
The settlement of Riverside in 1870-71. marks the commencement of
horticulture as a business in the county. At first, deciduous fruits, wine and
raisin, or Muscat grapes were the chief dependence, but by 1873 the plant-
ing of orange trees had fairly begun. Statistics gathered by the state in
1873, show 7,111 orange trees, 268 lemon and about 25,000 other fruit trees
in the county.
Both the horticultural and agricultural interests of the county were rap-
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 199
idly developed in the decade between 1870 and 1880. The latter year an
acreage of 53,461 acres is under cultivation — nearly eight times the acreage
of 1870. There were 741 acres in vines, 15,425 bearing orange trees and a
largely increased area of deciduous fruit. The orchard products of 1879
are estimated at $56,612 in value while in 1881 they are put at $106,457 — nearly
double. The census report of 1880 gives the value of all farm products as
$430,407, while live stock only footed up to $397,806 — the supremacy of the
cattle business was at an end.
The period from 1880 to 1890 was phenomenal in its expansion in every
direction. For a time it was apparently believed that oranges and grape-
vines could be raised anywhere. Hundreds of acres of these two fruits were
set out on lands and in localities entirely unsuited to them, only to be later
rooted out for fuel. It took years of time and thousands of mis-spent dollars
for people to find that only a limited area possesses the exact combination
of soil, water, elevation and exposure for bringing the orange to perfection,
or for properly developing and curing the raisin grape. As early as 1873,
the first Muscat, or raisin grapes were introduced at Riverside. By 1878, the
making of raisins was becoming an important industry and in 1879, some
30,000 boxes were shipped from the county. For a time raisin culture was
believed to offer fully as great inducements as citrus fruit growing and many
vineyards were set out. About 1890 the shipments of raisins reached their
highest point, but the raisin-making industry has steadily decreased since
that date and now comparatively few raisins are made in the county, the
vineyards having been replaced by citrus fruit, alfalfa, or other crops.
For many years large quantities of hay, grain and flour had been an-
nually freighted from San Bernardino Valley to the mines in the eastern part
of the county, to Arizona, Utah and other interior points. Early in the
eighties the shipment of fruits began to form an important factor in the
wealth of the county. The first shipments of oranges to the east began about
1882; by 1886, Riverside sent out over 500 carloads, and the shipments for
the county in 1888 were a thousand carloads.
Although fruit growing had become so important and profitable an in-
dustry, a large area of the valley was still devoted to grain culture. The
San Bernardino Times, in May, 1888, thus comments on the grain prospects
for the season :
"As a general proposition, the more trees and vines are set out in any
section, the less grain will be grown there. All over the State the wheat
field is being encroached upon by the orchard and vineyard. San Bernar-
dino, however, is an exception to this rule. Though thousands of acres are
now devoted to fruit growing, and though more orchards and vineyards will
be set out this year than ever before, it is also a fact that the area seeded to
grain is the largest ever known in the county. All over the valley, from one
end to the other, the plow and seeder have been at work, and an immense
200 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
area of virgin soil has for the first time felt the plow and will unquestionably
produce a large crop.
"Go north from town, and on the Muscupiabe one finds almost a con-
tinual grain field, reaching along the hills east and west for a long distance.
East of the Santa Ana river the plain and mesa is all seeded to grain. Up
through the San Timoteo and out in the broad San Gorgonio Pass is almost a
continuous grain field.
"Out at Banning the Indians even have caught the infection, and for the
first time on record they have gone into farming on a large scale and have
put in nearly a thousand acres of barley.
"The plains above and below Riverside are either already sowed or are
still being broken and seeded. Down at Rincon the same state of affairs
prevails. On every side and in every direction grain growing is the order of
the day. Barley is the crop mostly planted, and it will be converted into hay
or allowed to mature as the season may favor."
AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS, 1890.
Acres under cultivation 126,479
Acres irrigated, or under irrigation systems. . . . 144,750
Acres in barley 16,682
Bushels of barley raised 302,916
Acres in wheat 3-728
Bushels in wheat 36,019
Acres in hay 24.967
Tons of hay 49-885
Acres in grapes 9-S^2
Gallons of wine made 279.000
Boxes of raisins 375,000
Acres in tropical fruit trees !6,523
Acres in orange trees 15483
Boxes of oranges 619,980
Value of oranges $1,221,360
Estimated value of farm products $2,545,910
AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS 1900.
Number of farms 2-35°
Total value of domestic animals $ 642,280.00
Number of cattle 13,000
Number of horses 6,500
Number of sheep 12.000
Number of poultry 54,000
Value of poultry 27,313.00
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 201
AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS 1900— (Continued.)
Swarms of bees 5-6°2
Value of bees 16,959.00
Pounds of honey, 1899 123.45°
Acres of alfalfa 6,347
Tons of alfalfa 29,637
Acres grain cut for hay 18,112
Tons of hay 12,074
Acres in potatoes 4°6
Bushels of potatoes 55.°°°
Acres in vegetables 312
Value of vegetables raised 3I-I34-00
Value of deciduous fruit products 150,482.00
Value of grapes, wine and raisins 9°-573-00
Value of sub-tropical fruits 1 ,393,728.00
Boxes of oranges 1,244.021
$2,352,469.00
Total values given in U. S. Census, which does not include value of many
agricultural products.
ALFALFA.
The cultivation of alfalfa has become an important industry in this
state and throughout the West. As San Bernardino County can claim the
first successful culture of this plant in the United States, a brief outline of
its history may not be out of place.
Alfalfa is the oldest grass known, having been introduced into Greece
from Media, 500 years before Christ. The Romans, finding its qualities good,
cultivated it extensively and carried it into France when Caesar reduced
Gaul. It has always been extensively cultivated in Europe under the name
of lucerne, supposed to be derived from the province of Lucerne in Switz-
erland. The name alfalfa was given the plant in Chili, where it grows spon-
taneously in the Andes as well as on the pampas of that country and of
Argentine Republic.
It was introduced into the United States as early as 1835 — and probably
earlier — and attempts at cultivation in New York and other Eastern states
were unsuccessful.
In the United States Agricultural Report for 1872, Mr. N. Wyckoff, of
Yolo, Napa County, Cal, reports: "In the winter of 1854. I sowed four acres
with alfalfa, or lucerne, as it was then called, seed brought from Chili. As
far as I know, it was a part of the first parcel of seed brought into this
country. My sowing proved so foul with weeds that I plowed it up and
202 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
did not re-sow until 1864." In the United States Agricultural Report of
1878, a considerable production of alfalfa is reported from some of the
northern counties of the state.
In the winter of 1852-3, a party of Mormons arrived in San Bernardino
from Australia. At least one of the party, Mr. John Metcalf, brought with
him some alfalfa seed. This was sown on his place, now the Metcalf place
on Mount Vernon avenue, near First street. It was irrigated from Lytle
Creek and did well and the plant was soon cultivated by others. The seed
was at first sold for $1.00 per pound and was distributed from San Bernar-
dino to other points in Southern California. The early supply of seed for
Los Angeles was obtained from San Bernardino, and the seed was taken
from here to Salt Lake and thus the alfalfa industry, one of the most im-
portant of Utah, was started. The alfalfa crop is now one of the most im-
portant of the county and San Bernardino County had, in 1900, more than
six thousand acres seeded to this plant.
WINERIES, CANNERIES AND DRIED FRUIT.
The first winery built in the county was that at Cucamonga, built in the
fifties and still a landmark. So far as known the winery on the Barton ranch
was the second one of any importance in the county. In 1873, the product
of this establishment was 30,000 gallons of wine. It was operated for many
years by the Vache Freres, and its wines were well known and of high
repute. It is now known as the Brookside winery. In 1885, Dr. Stillman
erected a winery on his place in Lugonia to utilize the product of his large
vineyard of assorted grapes. In 1887, F. M. Slaughter built his winery at
Rincon. It is probable that a winery was located in this vicinity during
the Mexican period, also. Many smaller establishments and individuals put
up wines in the early days, as at first all vineyards were of the "mission" or
other wine varieties.
In 1880 a San Jose Company 'established the first cannery in the county
at Colton. A cannery was built at Riverside in 1882 and turned out an
average of 8000 cans per day for the season. In 1887 a cannery went into
operation at San Bernardino and in 1889 a fruit evaporator was built at
Ontario and later a cannery established there. In 1897, Redlands secured
a cannery. A large amount of canned fruit was put up at these various
establishments, but a combination of all the canneries in the state, together
with the decrease in the production of deciduous fruits, led to the closing
of all canneries in the county. In the later seventies a dryer was put into
operation at Riverside. As the production of fruit increased, it was found
impossible to ship it all on account of difficulties in the way of transportation,
and the drying of large quantities of fruit by individuals was not profitable.
Fruit dryers which handled large quantities of peaches, apricots and other
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 203
fruits were necessary. One was established in Redlands in 1881, and others
followed at various points.
The dried fruit industry, like raisin making and wine and brandy manu-
facture, has decreased with the growth of other industries that have replaced
them.
CITRUS CULTURE.
The development of the Citrus Fruit Industry in this county is one of
the most interesting and one of the most important features in her history.
The production of oranges as a business has grown from the carefully
counted hundreds of oranges growing on a few scattered seedling trees in
1876, to 14,000 acres of carefully cultivated orchards containing nearly a
million and a half trees, in 1904. The sales have increased from a few loosely
tossed together boxes and barrels of fruit to 4,500 carloads of scientifically
packed fruit sent out in recent seasons. And San Bernardino County has
but kept pace with the increase in the state. In the year 1881, California
sent out 400 cars of fresh fruit — of all varieties; during the season of 1902-3,
she sent out 22,390 carloads of citrus fruit alone.
GENERAL HISTORY.
The tale of the mission gardens which proved the possibility of citrus
culture in the state has often been told. It is supposed that the first orange
orchard in California was set at San Gabriel in 1804, the trees brought from
the Lower California missions, although Vancouver reports having seen
in 1792, apples, pears, figs, plums, oranges, grapes, peaches and pomegranates
at Mission San Buenaventura.
In 1834, Louis Vignes set out a few trees, presumably from the San
Gabriel stock at his home place, now a part of the city of Los Angeles. In
1841, William Wolfskill put out two acres of trees, the first orange orchard
put out for profit, and in 1858, he set out the famous "Wolfskill" orchard
of thirty acres, for many years the largest orchard in the state. The ap-
pearance of the white scale and the growth of the city caused the removal
of this orchard about 1885. The first carload of oranges ever sent out from
California were shipped from this orchard in 1877. In 1878 the first packing
house in the state was erected here and that year Eugene Germain purchased
the crop, paying $25,000 for it on the trees, and packed and shipped it from
this packing house. The fruit went to San Francisco and thence to other
coast points.
With regard to early experiments in orange culture. L. M. Holt, who is
an authority, said in an address in 1890:
"Seventeen years ago (1873) orange culture in California was in its
infancy. . . . All orchards at that time were composed of seedling trees.
204 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
About that time T. A. Garey and other nurserymen began to introduce
budded varieties from other countries — from England, from South America.
Australia, China and Japan. Over a hundred varieties were thus introduced,
but only a few were retained as having any special value as compared with
the seedlings.
"The first variety of importance that proved to be of value was the Med-
iterranean Sweet. This tree was imported by T. A. Garey, who ordered a
number of trees from Ellwanger & Berry of Rochester, N. Y., who brought
the trees from Europe. In this lot was one which had lost its label, but one
of the trees was of a variety supposed to be called the Sweet. This was
known as Garey's Best, and later as the Mediterranean Sweet. It proved
to be the best variety of the lot, and was extensively cultivated. It is a late
orange, and takes the market during the early summer months.
"There was also the Paper-rind St. Michael and large St. Michael,
known to the nurserymen of that date. The former was a thin skinned, small
orange of excellent flavor, and the other was a larger orange, somewhat re-
sembling the Mediterranean Sweet. For several years past this latter
variety has disappeared entirely, and today there is but the one St. Michael.
It is a very fine fruit, of excellent flavor, but having many seeds. The rind
is thin and very compact, and hence is a good shipper. This fruit was never
largely planted, and is not propagated today to a very great extent.
"The Malta Blood was another variety that proved to be good, but the
tree is a very poor grower, and hence this variety has never been planted
to any great extent, although the fruit sells at a good price and brings in
the market as much or nearly as much as the Riverside Washington Navel.
"In 1876-7 the first Navel orange was fruited in Southern California — the
fruit coming from an orchard at Orange. In 1879, the first Citrus Fair held
at Riverside under the auspices of the Southern California Horticultural
Society of which J. DeBarth Shorb of San Gabriel was president, developed
the fact that there were two varieties of navels grown in this country, and
they have proved to be of much more value than the others. The one came
from trees imported from Australia, and the other came from trees sent from
the Agricultural Department at Washington to L. C. Tibbetts of Riverside.
Hence these varieties were named Australian Navels and Washington
Navels to distinguish them. The latter was afterward called the Riverside
Navel and still later the Riverside Washington Navel."
The resemblance between the Washington and Australian Navel stock
was so close that even an expert could not tell them apart. Yet the Austra-
lian Navel fruit proved to be so poor that nurserymen were asked to guar-
antee their stock as Washington Navels and were compelled by the courts
to replace Australian stock when a mistake was made. In consequence
some dealers were compelled to go out of the nursery business and lose
their stock, as they could not guarantee it.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 205
"The Tangerine was introduced and has been cultivated to some extent
but it is not an orange that captures the market, and no large orchards of
this variety have been planted except one put out by W. S. Chapman, of
San Gabriel.
"It is a question with some good growers yet, whether there is more
profit in any of these varieties — even the Riverside Washington Navel, than
there is in the seedling, because of the fact that the seedling trees grow so
much larger and therefore produce more fruit to the acre. If the markets
were always to remain as they are today, then there would be good reason
to stand by the seedling, but as prices become lower with increased pro-
duction, it is believed that the seedling will become less profitable at a time
when the navel will still bring a price that will pay largely." (This prophecv
has been amply borne out by fifteen years experience since it was made.)
"From fifteen to twenty years ago the orange was propagated on various
kinds of stock — the citron, Chinese lemon, lime and orange. The China
lemon stock was used extensively, but it was soon demonstrated that the
tree, which was a vigorous grower, produced a large, coarse orange of in-
ferior quality and this stock was abandoned. The lemon stock was found
to be unhealthy and it has ceased to be used even for propagating lemon
trees, and for years past seedling orange stock alone is used on which to bud
the choice varieties of oranges and lemons."
WASHINGTON NAVEL ORANGE.
"That world-renowned nurseryman, fruit grower, botanist, author and
horticultural authority. Prof. H. E. Van Deman, writes for the Rural New
Yorker an article on the origin of the now world-famed Washington Navel
orange. Prof. Van Deman corroborates the story as frequently told in these
columns, but we tell it again for the benefit of those who have but lately had
the pleasure ol regularly reading 'The Citrograph.' He says :
"The recent statement in the Rural New Yorker, and some other pa-
pers, that Mr. L. C. Tibbets, of California, who is now in a house of public
charity, "Gave the seedless orange to the world,' is not entirely correct. It is
evident that the variety known as Washington Navel, or more properly, the
Bahia is meant. The latter is the true name, as it was and should have
been first given by Mr. William Saunders of Washington, D. C. It is to
him that the world is indebted for this orange more than to anyone else,
although Mr. and Mrs. Tibbets too, (the latter now deceased), were instru-
mental in bringing it prominently before the public in California. The facts
are as follows:
"During the Civil War, a woman who had been sojourning in Brazil, told
Mr. Saunders that she knew of an orange at Bahia, Brazil, that exceeded any
other varietyshe had ever tasted or heard of. He sent there and had twelve
trees propagated by budding-, and sent to him in 1870. They all grew, and
206 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
some of them are yet bearing fruit in the orange house at Washington.
None of the original trees was sent out to the public, but all were there and
used as stock from which to propagate by budding. Many young trees were
budded from them, and sent to Florida and California.
"Early in 1873 Mrs. Tibbets was in Washington, just previous to going
to her new home at Riverside, California. Mr. Saunders offered to give her
some trees of this new and untried orange, and she most gladly accepted two
trees. She and her aged husband planted them beside their cottage, and
when they bore fruit, it was found to be equal to the most extravagant
reports of its quality and size, and the trees were very prolific in that section.
The trees sent to Florida produced equally good fruit, but they did not bear
well. This is why many fruit growers thought there was more than one vari-
ety in the lot of trees imported from Brazil ; but the difference in fruitfulness
came from climatic causes, as has been most thoroughly proved by many
years of experience in all the orange-growing sections of the country. It has,
also, been said that there was only one tree at the Tibbets place, and that
it was unlike the other trees bearing the same name. But this is a mistake,
for I have gathered and eaten fruit from these two trees, and had their his-
tory direct from Mr. and Mrs. Tibbets, aiso from Mr. Saunders. Besides, I
have critically examined the trees of Bahia in bearing in many parts of
Florida and California, and compared them and their fruit in many ways,
and found them to be identical, except in variations caused by climate,
soil and culture." — Redlands Citrograph.
The Hon. E. W. Holmes, in the Los Angeles Express, gives a somewhat
different version of the history of the original Washington Navel trees of
Riverside :
"It is a question if the ascendency of California in the markets would
have been so pronounced had not the peculiar fitness of our soil and climate
for the production of the world's best orange — known in America as the
Washington navel — been so conclusively demonstrated by the Riverside
growers.
"Settled upon a grain ranch without water rights were Mr. and Mrs. L.
C. Tibbets, who came from Washington. Near them were irrigated lands
occupied by Josiah Cover and Samuel McCoy and Thomas W. Cover. These
last named had planted small orchards and were engaged in growing nursery
trees. They were studying the problem of new and more desirable varieties,
and found in an encyclopedia the description of an orange grown at Bahia
in Brazil, which was described as seedless and said to be the finest known.
Chatting with Mrs. Tibbets one evening they told her about this and ex-
pressed a wish that they might get the department of agriculture at Wash-
ington to import a tree of this variety. Mrs. Tibbets said she was acquainted
with Mr. Saunders at Washington and proposed to write him inquiring re-
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 207
garding the possibility of obtaining a tree of the variety desired. His reply
was to the effect that the department had already imported one of the trees,
from which buds had been taken and young trees had grown. Several of
these had gone to Florida, and others would be sent to California. The
Florida experiment was a failure. The variety did not do well there. Those
sent to Mrs. Tibbets were. upon their arrival planted and cared for by Cover
& McCoy, and it was due to this care that they lived and became the pro-
genitors of the millions of navel trees now bearing in Southern California.
Tom Cover obtained buds, and I believe sold the first trees which went to
other districts, for the trees had fruited and he had concluded thev would
prove superior to anything we had.
"When the first specimens ripened a dozen of the pioneer growers
gathered at G. W. Garcelon's residence to hold' the first "Citrus Fair," and
the writer was one of the company to taste the first specimen cut of the
now famous Washington navel. All the varieties were good and proved to
the anxious growers that their faith and work was to result in success ; but
the navel was unmistakably superior to any and its beauty of form and color,
its firmness and flavor justified the decision to plant it extensivelv. The
result proved that the 'Citrus Belt' of California was larger than was sup-
posed, and that Riverside was strictly in it."
The history of the original Riverside Washington Navel oranges would
not be complete without this:
"Riverside Enterprise: One of the most gracious acts on the part of
President Roosevelt on his recent visit to Riverside, and one that more than
all others will endear him to the memory of the people of this valley, was
the planting of the original navel orange tree in the Glenwood grounds on
the morning of his departure. The tree, a gift to the Riverside Historical
Society, had been placed in position, and at half past seven in the morning.
President Roosevelt accompanied officers and members of the society and
invited guests to the spot where stood the tree that had assisted so gener-
ously in giving to Riverside and Southern California its immense wealth
in orange groves. John G. North, president of the -Historical Society, ad-
dressing President Roosevelt, told of the good this tree had done, and asked
that their distinguished guest plant it in its new home in order that the
society might cherish and care for it, and that their thoughts might ever
be linked with the president who planted it for them in that favored spot.
President Roosevelt took the shovel, remarking, 'I am glad to see that this
tree shows no signs of race suicide,' he shoveled several shovelfuls of earth
on the roots, handing the shovel to Mr. North, who has placed it in the
archives of the society, where it will remain as one of its most valued trea-
sures, and as a memento of the use it was put to in the hands of President
Roosevelt."
208 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
SOME MORE NAVEL ORANGE HISTORY.
The Redlands Citrograph quotes from the New York Fruitman's Guide :
"A writer to a New York daily, Thomas D. James, of Nassau, New
York, claims that an article printed in that paper "is a trifle off in crediting
California with the first production of navel oranges in the United States.
" 'In 1870,' says Mr. James in his letter to the editor, T planted an orange
grove near Palatka, Florida, and in the early '70's had a number of trees
budded with Bahia or navel oranges. The buds were taken from bearing
trees in the vicinity, which trees must have been planted before the agri-
cultural department had taken any steps in the matter.'
"Instigated by this letter of Mr. James, W. A. Taylor, assistant pom-
ologist of the United States Department of Agriculture, has within the last
few days brought to a conclusion an investigation, the purpose- of which was
to trace the history of the seedless orange in this country. Mr. Taylor
reports his conclusions in a paper entitled 'The Bahia or Washington Navel
Orange in the United States.' He says in his paper:
" 'According to the late James Hogg of New York, a wealthy Brazilian
planter, a Scotchman by birth, determined to manumit his slaves and re-
move with them to the United States. This he did about 1838, settling on
an island in Middle or Southern Florida. He then returned to Brazil and
secured a collection of Brazilian plants for introduction, which he consigned
to the late Thomas Hogg, who then conducted a nursery at the corner of
Broadway and Twenty-third street, New York city. Among these plants
were several Navel orange trees. The collection was held in the greenhouse
in New York for nearly a year, until the plants had recovered from the effects
of the sea voyage, and was then forwarded to the owner in Florida. During
the Seminole war the entire collection was destroyed by the United States
troops, the owner being charged with giving aid and comfort to the enemy.
The owner then removed to Hayti.
" 'While it is not known positively that these trees were of the same
variety as that subsequently introduced by the department, it seems probable
that this was the case. None of the trees survived long enough to come
into fruit, however, and no trace of them now exists. The facts regarding
this early introduction of the navel orange do not appear to have been gen-
erallv known until 1888, when the above statement was published by Mr.
Hogg.
" 'During the year 1868, William Saunders, then horticulturist, land-
scape gardener and superintendent of garden and grounds of the United
States Department of Agriculture, learned through a correspondent then in
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 209
Bahia, Brazil, that the oranges were of a superior character to any known
in the United States. The department accordingly ordered a small shipment
of trees. The first lot were found dead upon arrival. By sending minute
directions as to budding, packing and shipping, twelve small trees in fairly
good condition were finally received by the department in 1870. These
were planted in one of the greenhouses and propagated' from by budding
on small orange stocks. The young trees thus propagated were distributed
to orange growers in Florida and California under the name "Bahia" for
testing.
"In 1873 two of these young trees propagated from those originally
imported from Brazil were sent to L. C. Tibbetts, Riverside, California.
When these came into bearing the superiority of their fruit to that of the
other varieties then grown in California was quickly recognized, and trees
on Mr. Tibbetts' place were largely propagated from by California nursery-
men. One of these renamed the variety "Riverside Navel," and claimed to
have imported the trees from Brazil himself. Later, at a conference of
orange growers held in Los Angeles, the name "Washington Navel" was
adopted for the variety in recognition of the fact that its introduction by the
department of agriculture, and it is very generally grown at present under
that name.
" 'The American Pomological Society still adheres to the name "Bahia,"
unde' which Mr. Saunders introduced it, and recognizes the name "River-
side Navel" and "Washington Navel" as synonyms. It is now the most
extensively grown variety in California.
" 'In Florida this variety yields fruit of fine quality, but when budded
on orange stocks has not proved sufficiently productive in most sections to
be profitable for planting in a commercial way. There are strong indica-
tions that when budded on stocks of the "rough lemon" its productiveness
is sufficiently improved to warrant commercial planting, and experimental
efforts along this line are now being made in that state.
" 'The exact place of origin of this orange is unknown, but the navel
type is known to have existed for centuries. Thus a very good illustration
of such an orange appears in a "Natural History of Trees and Fruits" pub-
lished at Frankfort-on-the-Main in 1662. It seems altogether probable that
varieties bearing the navel mark have originated in widely separated regions,
either as seedlings or as bud variations which have been perpetuated by man
by means of budding and grafting.
"'In this connection.it is of interest to note that several navel varieties
have been introduced in this country at different times. Some of these are
known under the name "Australian Navel," "Parsons' Navel," and "Sanford
Navel," but none have been found equal to the Bahia in seedlessness and
productiveness or high quality.' "
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
THE FIRST SAN BERNARDINO ORANGE TREES.
In 1857, Anson Van Leuven brought six orange trees from San Gabriel
to San Bernardino and set out three of them on his place. These were the
first bearing trees in this county.
In 1889, the Redlands Orange Grove and Water Association collected
some data regarding the oldest orchards in the county.
Anson Van Leuven stated with regard to his orchard :
"I have four acres of thirty year old .seedlings. Nursery stock was three
years old. (This would make this grove set out in 1862.) The stock was
brought from Los Angeles. At the seventh year from planting, the yield was
one and one-half boxes per tree, eight years from planting, two boxes per
tree."
L. R. Van Leuven said: "In 1865, I planted 50 three-year-old seedlings
and in 1873 planted 100 seedlings, the same age. The sixth year from planting
the yield was one-fourth box per tree."
Lewis F. Cram : "At the time I located on my place in the East San
Bernardino Valley orange culture was hardly thought of. No attempts had
then been made to start in the business with any hope of making it a success,
and we early settlers had not at that time, the slightest inkling of the great
changes that were to take place in this valley as soon as it was known that
oranges could be grown here with profit. At the time I set out my grove,
1869, I had an opportunity of purchasing 500 young trees, or enough to plant
five acres of land, but I decided to take only enough to set out 1 3-4 ncres.
thinking as an experiment it would be as well to start with a few trees. This
orchard is now over twenty years old and it is believed that there is not a
finer grove in California, either in productiveness, or in size and appearance
of trees. The trees have never failed to bear since coming into bearing, but
have increased from year to year until in 1887, I realized $1,757 from the
1 3-4 acres."
The San Bernardino Guardian reports in 1874, that Mr. Lewis Cram "is
engaged in setting out 1,500 orange trees."
The Crafts orchard at Crafton was set out about 1870. In 1874, Col
Tolles planted the seeds of his Lugonia orchard, using the seed of rotten
Tahiti oranges brought from San Francisco.
W. R. Fox and Rev. Jas. Cameron put out the first orchards at Colton
about 1875, planting nursery stock, and E. J. Waite set the first orchard in
Redlands in the spring of 1882.
At Riverside, W. P. Russell put out an orchard of six acres in 1872 while
the old "Hewitson" grove was set in 1871. After 1872 the planting was brisk-
in Riverside and by 1880 over 15,000 orange trees were bearing in the county.
HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY
THE MARKETING OF ORANGES.
The first orange growers had a bonanza. The first bearing trees on the
Anson Van Leuven place at Old San Bernardino were a great curiosity.
People drove miles to visit them and pluck oranges with their own bands and
paid as high as seventy-five cents per dozen, it is said, for the privilege. I. N.
Hoag, in a report to the State Agricultural Board, made in 1879, says : "A
gentleman in old San Bernardino has an orange grove of 83 trees to the acre
and the average sales have been 2,000 oranges to the tree, sold at three cents
a piece — $60.00 per tree, or $4,980.00 per acre."
In the Riverside Press and Horticulturist an old resident wrote as follows
in 1882:
"Nearly ten years since the few of us who then resided in Riverside,
journeyed often over the bad roads of the canyon to Old San Bernardino to
see Captain Pishon and Mr. Anson Van Leuven, and get an impetus from
seeing 1, 000 to 3,000 oranges on thirteen year old trees, worth upon the tree
from fifty to sixty cents per dozen, and which price we cheerfully paid, for
had we not young trees that would in a few years bring us in from $40.00 to
$80.00 each? Our purchased fruit we would keep to look at and see the gold
and silver in the dim distance." The same writer states that in 1882, it cost
from $t.i 5 to $1.40 per box to pack and ship oranges to San Francisco. "My
oranges have sold in San Francisco this year at from $2.00 to $4.00 per box ;
at about the same time in Denver, the same class of fruit — seedling oranges —
sold for $7.83 per box containing 165 oranges to a box. A gentleman who
shipped to Denver with me received for his Riverside Navels about $8.22 Der
box of 137. It costs about $4.20 to pay freight and commission on a box of
lemons to Denver and $3.50 on a box of oranges."
Thomas A. Garey writes in the Semi-Tropic Californian : "I find by a
careful examination of prices in San Francisco for the years 1877-78 that the
price for Los Angeles oranges averages $22.50 per thousand."
As early as 1879, J5 cars °f oranges were sent from Los Angeles to Salt
Lake, but the freight rates were practically prohibitive at this time. Decem-
ber 10, 1881, the Riverside Press and Horticulturist reports: "Messrs. Cover
and McCoy have sold their Riverside, or Washington Navel oranges — the
entire crop — to Mr. F. B. Everest for $40.00 per thousand on the tree. Mr.
Everest will ship these oranges to the principal cities of the east and place
them on the market and see how they sell."
At first fruit was shipped packed loosely in boxes or barrels and was
sent by wagon to Arizona and New Mexico and by steamer to San Francisco
and coast points. By 1880, a uniform box had been adopted and some atten-
tion was being paid to sorting and packing.
212 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
In December, 1881, the Southern Pacific, owing to the increase in orange
production and the approach of another transcontinental line, dropped the
rate on carload lots of oranges from $650 per car to Chicago to $350, at the
same time making a rate of $300 from Los Angeles to Kansas City, $335 to St.
Louis and $10.00 per ton on carload lots between Los Angeles and San Fran-
cisco.— 300 boxes to a car.
The Riverside Press of April 24, 1882, chronicles: "G. W. Garcelon and
A. J. Twogood are getting ready to ship a carload of oranges and lemons to
Denver. This will take all their surplus fruit." So far as the records show
this was the first carload shipment made out of San Bernardino county.
ASSOCIATIONS.
At a meeting of some fifty orange growers called in Riverside in Decem-
ber, 1884, a discussion was held as to the advisability of selling fruit on com-
mission and it was unanimously agreed that "this is the best method that can
be adopted." A committee of nine were appointed to correspond with com-
mission houses and "submit a plan for action."
This seems to have been the first step toward the organization of growers
or the recognition of orange selling as an industry in San Bernardino county.
The Orange Growers' Protective Union of Los Angeles was organized proba-
bly in 1885. This included Los Angeles and Riverside. J. de Barth Sh'orb was
the president in 1886 and two representatives, one of whom was James
Bettner of Riverside, were sent east to look after the interests of the Union.
It seems to have had the same troubles as the present Union for the shipments
for 1885-86 are reported as "891 cars for the Orange Growers Protective Union
and 791 cars for others."
In the winter of 1885-86 the California Fruit Growers Union was organ-
ized in San Francisco.
PACKING HOUSES.
At first the fruit was mostly marketed by the growers themselves, the
larger orchardists shipping for the smaller ones; but gradually the business
developed, firms making a business of handling- fruit were established, eastern
commission houses sent their representatives to various points and many
packing houses were built.
In December, 1882, the Riverside Fruit Co. announced that it was readv
to handle oranges on commission, — boxes and packing on lowest terms. —
superior facilities for shipping in carload lots." B. D. Burt was president of
this company. The E. C. Packard Co. also announced itself as ready for busi-
ness in December, 1882, "having erected a fruit packing house on Eighth street,
west of Main." Griffin and Skclley and Germain Co. built packing houses
and were ready for business in 1884.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 213
"At a meeting of the principal fruit packe'rs of Southern California, held
at Riverside on December 28th, 1887, the following rules were adopted and tin-
packers whose names are attached pledged themselves to abide by the same
for the present season. The subject of prices was not touched upon:
1. In buying oranges or lemons delivered at our several packing houses,
we shall in all and every case insist on such fruit being stem cut, stems to be
cut close to the fruit. All oranges pulled from the trees without being
clipped, to be classed as culls and weighed back to the grower or sold for his
account.
2. The weight of a box of loose Navel, or paper-rind St. Michael oranges
to be seventy pounds net merchantable fruit. The weight of all other varieties
of oranges to be sixty-five pounds net merchantable fruit. The weight of a
box of loose green or cured lemons to be seventy pounds of net merchantable
fruit.
3. The merchantable size in Navels to be 176 size to the standard box,
and all larger sizes. The merchantable size in the paper-rind St. Michaels to be
250 size and all larger sizes. The merchantable size of all other varieties to be
128 to 226 inclusive. The merchantable sizes of Navels or the Paper-rind St.
Michaels to be classed with the seedling oranges of the same sizes and bought
at the same price as seedlings of such sizes. The unmerchantable sizes of all
other varieties of oranges except Navels or Paper-rind St. Michaels, to be
paid for at the rate of one-third less than the price paid for the merchantable
sizes of such varieties.
The merchantable sizes in green lemons to be 200 to 250 to the standard
box. and of cured lemons. 250 to 300 to the box. all other sizes to lie classed
as unmerchantable and weighed back to the grower or sold for his accounl
4. All windfalls, thorned, or limb-scratched, bruised, frosted, pulled.
buttoned and otherwise injured oranges to be classed in all cases as culls and
weighed back to the grower, or sold for his account.
Germain Fruit Co.,
Griffin & Skelley.
Earl Fruit Co.,
A. J. & D. C. Twogood.
C. J. Shepard.
Thacker Pros. & Mann.
W. R. Strong & Co.,
Riverside Fruil G .,
Boyd & Devine,
Geo. W. Meade & Co."
A- will be seen, the standard sizes differed considerably from those ai
present in use. At that time the oranges ran much larger than now.
"Standard Car of Oranges for ir;oo. — The regulati 01- governing the
214 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
variety of size in the 'standard car of oranges' were adopted by the Fruit
Growers and Shippers' Association of Southern California, as follows :
"Navel Oranges. — A standard car of Navel oranges to consist of sizes
96's to 200's inclusive; not over 15 per cent 96's and 112's. Any excess of 15
per cent 96's and 112's to be considered off-sizes and invoiced at a reduction
of 50 cents per box. Sizes 64's, 8o's and 250's, Navel, to be considered off-
sizes and invoiced at a reduction of 50 cents per box from the price for regular
sizes. Sizes 216's, in Navels, to be considered off-sizes and invoiced at a
reduction of 25 cents per box.
Seedlings, Mediterranean Sweets, etc. — The standard car of other varieties
(except Yalencias and Paper-rind St. Michaels) to consist of sizes 126's to
250's inclusive; not to exceed 15 per cent 126's and not over 15 per cent 250's.
Any excess of 15 per cent 126's and 15 per cent 250's to be considered off-sizes
and invoiced at a reduction of 25 cents per box. Sizes of Sv-edling oranges
larger and smaller than 126's to 250's, inclusive, to be considered off-sizes and
invoiced at a reduction of 25 cents per box.
"It is understood that each car of oranges may contain a reasonable quan-
tity of off-sizes, at the reductions named above."
The number of boxes in a car has also undergone a marked change. From
1886-87 IO r893-94, 300 boxes of oranges was counted as a car; from 1894-Q5
to 1897-98, 334 boxes constituted a carload ; during the season of 1898-99, 360
boxes were counted to the car and now the standard car contains 362 boxes.
TRADE MARKS AND LABELS.
About 1889 the adoption of trademarks and labels began to be discussed.
The Riverside Press in March, 1889, published the following:
"The new trade mark labels printed by the Riverside Board of Trade have
been received and are being used by some of our packers. This label is 25 x 6
inches and is printed in colors, showing a handsome view of Magnolia avenue
and a full bearing orange tree on either side and a fine Navel orange in the
center, with the words 'Riverside Oranges, California,' on a ribbon. Above
this, 'Trade Mark, Registered February, 1889,' and below it, 'Oranges packed
under this Trade Mark were grown in Riverside.' On the right and left are
fac-similes of the gold and silver medals won at the New Orleans Exposition
in 1884. The label also bore the following notice: 'The Board of Trade of
the city of Riverside have, after due consideration, deemed it advisable to
provide a trade-mark for the use of all growers and packers of Riverside fruits.
Any dealer who purchases a box with this label intact may know it to be
Riverside fruit. D. L. Wilbur, President.' '"
At this time all fruit grown in San Bernardino county was shipped under
the Riverside name and by Riverside packers. Riverside fruit then brought
higher prices than that raised in Los Angeles and other counties, the black
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 215
scale and other pests having greatly injured the fruit and indeed almost
destroyed the industry in the coast counties.
"In 1890, San Bernardino county, which was not affected by scale at all,
shipped 1,705 carloads of oranges while Los Angeles shipped only 781. The
introduction of the Vedalia followed which in less than a year freed the trees
of the cottony cushion scale, and in 1891, the returns were 2,213 car-loads for
Los Angeles county and 1,708 for San Bernardino." (LeLong.)
The first shipments of Redlands fruit under the name of "Redlands" were
made in the season of 1889-90 by the Haight Fruit Co., under their "Rose"
brand. Ontario also began shipping fruit under her own name and brands
about the same time.
The first record of systematic grading of oranges is furnished by Prof.
Chas. R. Paine, of Crafton, who in 1884-5 made a grader for himself to grade
fruit according to a description furnished him by a Florida friend. The Jones
grader, manufactured in Philadelphia was used in Riverside in 1886 and in
1887, J. W. Keeney patented a grader which proved successful.
TRANSPORTATION.
As the production of oranges increased, the transportation of the orange
crop to the east became an important item in the railroad business. The
Southern Pacific and Santa Fe vied with each other in furnishing facilities.
The ventilated fruit car was adopted in 1887 and orange trains were run as
specials. In March 1888, a car of oranges was started from Riverside on the
13th and reached New York city on the 25th, the shortest time on record at
that date. In 1899, the refrigerator car service was instituted and now a
regular sysem of inspection and "icing" adds to the efficiency — and the cost —
of the service.
THE PRESENT SITUATION.
The raising and the marketing of oranges has passed through a valuable
but a very expensive experimental development. The localities best suited for
orange culture and the varieties that would prove profitable were only de-
termined by costly trials. While San Bernardino county has been little
affected by insect pests as yet, she has kept herself exempt only by constant
vigilance. The existence of an efficient Board of Horticulture which has
largely devoted its efforts to this end bas been an absolute necessity. Only a
few favored localities have escaped an occasional blight of frost. Continued
and extensive irrigation has produced changes in soil and conditions that have
sometimes made orange growing unprofitable or less profitable than the
raising of some other crop.
During the eighties the difficult)- was to supply the market, and the
216 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
growers reaped large profits : but the increased production, not only of Cali-
fornia, but also of Florida and the increased importation of foreign oranges
tended to lower prices. The glutting of the markets offering high prices, the
shipping of green or frosted fruit by irresponsible parties, the high cost of
transportation, the number of middlemen between the grower and the con-
sumer have all tended to reduce the profits and demoralize the trade.
Various combinations, associations, unions, etc., of growers and of
packers have grown up and become factors in the business. Of these the
strongest has been the Southern California Fruit Exchange, made up of the
various local and county exchanges, which are largely composed of the orange
growers. In 1902-3, a determined effort was made for co-operation of the
various elements and the packers formed the California Citrus Union, which
in turn combined with the Fruit Exchange, each body appointing a committee
of 16 members, to form the California Fruit Agency. The Fruit Agency was
to have entire control of the marketing of fruit handled by the Fruit Exchange
and the Citrus Union. And it was estimated that they would, during the
season of 1903-04 control some 85 per cent of the entire citrus crop. The
object of the combination was to eliminate competition and distribute the
fruit systematically throughout the United States. It had agents in every
city of any size in the country and these agents were responsible for the sale
of fruit consigned to them, and it was intended to ship only as much fruit as
was actually demanded by the needs of the market. The disastrous season of
1903-4 and the dramatic finale of the California Fruit Agency, are still fresh
in the minds of all. The reasons for the failure of the well laid theories of the
organization are numerously and diversely stated — the results are undeniable.
CITRUS FAIRS, EXHIBITS, EXPOSITIONS, ETC.
The series of citrus fairs held in the eighties and early nineties without
doubt were a great impetus to the citrus fruit industry and of great benefit to
the orchardists. The first "Citrus Fair" ever held in the world was success-
fully accomplished in Riverside in February, 1879. It was at this fair that the
Washington Navel was first exhibited and its superior qualities recognized.
Mr. Albert S. White and Mr. H. J. Rudisill were among the most zealous
workers in organizing and preparing for this exhibit. It was such a success
that another was held in February 1880, and in March, 1881, occurred the third
fair. By this time the people of Riverside had determined to make the event
annual and money was subscribed and a pavilion especially for that purpose
was erected and used for the fair of 1882. The fifth annual fair in 1883 was a
gala occasion, as the semi-annual State Convention of Fruit Growers was held
in Riverside at the same time and the State Editorial Association also attended
the fair in a body.
Among the exhibitors at these earlv fairs, outside of Riverside, were R.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 217
Ingham, R. F. Cunningham, Capt. Pishon, M. Haight, M. H. Crafts, D. A.
Shaw and others. The fairs were held annually in Riverside with the excep-
tion of one or two at Colton, until 1891, when San Bernardino, having com-
pleted her pavilion, held her first citrus fair. In 1892. the fair was held in
Colton and in 1893 Colton dedicated an expensive pavilion with a state fair
at which the finest exhibit of fruits ever made in the state was arranged.
Citrus fairs were also held in Los Angeles and Pasadena and at these San
Bernardino fruit always attracted much attention and won many premiums.
At the Los Angeles Exposition held in 1879, a fine exhibit of San Bernardino
County apples, raised at an elevation of 3.500 feet, was made by Peter Forsee :
dried fruits and raisins were shown by H. A. Westbrook and A. J. Twogood
of Riverside; Port wine of the vintage of 1874, by Dr. Wm. Craig of Crafton,
and red wine by N. B. Hicks, of Old San Bernardino: oranges by Mrs. Cath-
erine Boyd and budded fruit by James Boyd, of Riverside.
An exhibit which was a triumph indeed was that made by San Bernar-
dino County at the New Orleans Exposition of 1884-85. Here her oranges
were put into competition with the world, and won premiums, as follows:
Cold medal for the best twenty varieties of oranges grown in California.
Gold medal for the best twenty varieties of oranges grown in the United
States.
Gold medal for the best twenty varieties of oranges grown in world.
Silver medal (the highest premium offered in this department) for the
best displav of lemons, from any part of the world.
Tn this competition were met oranges and lemons from various districts
of California, from Sonora and other Mexican States, from Louisiana. Flor-
ida, the West Tndies. and various places along the Mediterranean.
Mrs. G. A. Cook, of Lugonia. sent an exhibit of one hundred varieties of
fruit raised in the county, and put up in glass jars, which attracted wide-
spread attention.
Another event which drew attention to the fruit and the possibilities of
fruit culture in Southern California was the Chicago Citrus Fair of 1886.
This was a bold attempt to transfer a California Citrus Fair bodily to the
city of Chicago. It was originated by L. M. Holt and others of Riverside.
The Southern Pacific was asked to take twelve carloads of material, fruit and
trees, together with sixteen men to take charge of same, to Chicago, free of
charge. They finally replied that their company would take six carloads of
freight, and eight of the men, free of charge to Chicago, if the Santa Fe would
take the other half, to which proposition the Santa Fe officials readily con-
sented. Mr. Holt then associated with him J. E. Clark, of Pasadena, and
C. Z. Culver, of Orange, and IT. N. Rust, who agreed to assume the respon-
sibility of conducting the fair in Chicago: fruit-growers responded with fruit
and trees and other products, and early in March the managers were in
Chicago with a large exhibit, which was put up in Battery D Armory, on
218 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Michigan avenue, and opened to the public. This building ivas 140 by 160
feet in size, and it was full of exhibits, which constituted the finest citrus
fair ever held up to that time on tbe American continent. Several carloads
of orange and lemon trees, in fruit and in bloom, were placed on exhibition,
together with hundreds of boxes of the choicest varieties of oranges and
lemons and other products of Southern California. This fair was kep,t open
five weeks, during which time it was estimated that it was attended by
75,000 people from all parts of the great northwest.
"On to Chicago ! The Citrus Fruit Exhibit Train Pulls Out — San Bernardino
Has the Finest Decorated Car.
At about noon to-day the train carrying the citrus exhibit from San
Bernardino and Los Angeles counties for the Chicago fair pulled out, amid
loud hurrahs from those who were at the depot and along the line of the
track. The train was a long one and was made up of citrus fruits from South-
ern California. It took three large engines to haul it, or at least three were
hooked on. At the head of the long train of cars were five decorated cars
from San Bernardino, Riverside and Los Angeles. The San Bernardino car
was handsomely trimmed with evergreens, while about two dozen American
flags floated to the breeze from the top and sides of the car. On each side,
near the top. "San Bernardino" was painted in colors, and underneath on both
sides of the car door, "Semi-Tropic Fruit and Mineral Exhibits." It Was
decidedly the most handsome looking car on the train. On the Riverside car
was the legend. "Riverside Fruits for Chicago Citrus Fair — 1886," in large
letters, with evergreen decorations. The cars from Los Angeles county
were also decorated, and gave the destination and import of the cars and
their contents. No doubt this freight train will create more excitement along
its line of travel than any that ever before crossed the continent. It is expected
tbe exhibit will arrive in Chicago about the 15th. William Simms, of River-
side, went along with the exhibit to regulate the ventilation and attend per-
sonally to the fruit in its transit." — San Bernardino Times, March 3, 1886.
SOME STATISTICS.
Number of orange trees in San Bernardino County —
1872. 1880. 1890. 1 goo.
7.5 1 1 15,345 467-670 I-347-9"
Orange shipments, boxes —
1881. 1891. 1900. 1902-03.
15.000 487,882 1,241,021 1,562,108
Value of Orchard products —
i860. 1870. 1880. 1890. 1900.
$2,450 $5-235 $56,012 $1,221,360 $1,634,783
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 219
Shipments of citrus fruits from state —
1886-7 1.000 cars 1894-95 7-575 cars
1887-8 1,800 cars 1895-96 6.915 cars
1888-89 2,600 cars 1896-97 9-35° cars
1889-90 3.350 cars 1897-98 15,540 cars
1890-91 4,000 cars 1898-99 10.351 cars
1891-92 5,000 cars 1899-00 17.809 cars
1892-93 5,871 cars 1900-01 -24.954 cars
1893-94 5.022 cars 1901-02 20.387 cars
1902-03 22,390 cars
THE HORTICULTURAL COMMISSION.
The San Bernardino Horticultural Commission was organized in 1888,
the supervisors appointing as members, N. B. Muscott, of San Bernardino ;
W. E. Collins. Ontario ; W. H. Claflin, Riverside. These commissioners di-
vided the county into districts, each man supervising a district and making
separate reports to the secretary.
The task confronting the commission was by no means a simple one. It
was their duty to protect the most important wealth producing interests of the
county — one paying nearly two-thirds of the assessed taxes of the county.
For this purpose they must find means for eliminating or limiting the numer-
ous parasitic insects that are destructive to these interests and must guard
against the importation of infected trees, shrubs and vines. The work of the
commission met with more or less opposition at first. The methods pursued
were largely experimental and each commissioner pursued his own method.
Many orchardists complained of unnecessary destruction of their trees and
crops without corresponding benefit and it was generally felt that the large
expenditures of the commission were not warranted by the results and that the
labors of the board were of doubtful value to the fruit growers.
Tlie history of the first four years of the commission snows friction with
orchardists and dissension with nurserymen and dealers, following the efforts
to exclude diseased stocks in order to guard against the dreaded "peach yel-
lows." "Root knot" was reported as affecting deciduous trees to an alarming
extent, but the commissioners could offer no remedy for the disease except the
elimination of the trees. Spraying with a salt, lime and sulphur solution was
found an effective remedy, when properly prepared and applied at the right
season, for Aspidictus Perniciosus (San Jose scale). The red and white scale
were found to be steadily increasing in some parts of the county and caused
much concern. In November, 1888, the Yedalia Cardinalis was introduced
and found to be a perfect parasite for the white scale, practically reducing the
white scale to a minimum and keeping it in check from that date to the
present. Considerable alarm was occasioned in 1892 by the appearance of
220 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Mytilaspis Citrocola (Purple scale), which notwithstanding fumigation was
imported on young orange trees from Florida. Investigation, however, proved
this scale acclimated only near the sea coast with no danger in this countv.
The cutting off of Riverside county in 1893, necessitated the retirement
of N. H. Claflin from the board and J. H. Pierson, of Redlands. was appointed
his successor. This division of the county reduced the expenses of the Hor-
ticultural commission very materially. Several years succeeding show little
change in the conditions, but. while the methods were always largely experi-
mental, there was steady improvement all along the line. The opening of
large tracts to cultivation and the unprecedented demand for trees and shrubs
of all kinds, taxed the resources of the commission, but they were able to con-
trol importations to a large extent. This resulted in healthier trees and better
conditions. In 1893 the grape vine flea beetle made its first appearance in San
Bernardino Valley, causing considerable damage to vineyards in Grape-
lands and Rialto. Olive, orange and lemon trees suffered severely in the
western portion of the county through an increase of Lecanium Oleae (black
scale) and the general treatment of kerosene emulsion or resin wash, through
lack of persistency in application, proving of little avail, the commission
recommended the use of gas as a substitute for all other remedies.
In 1894, the State Board of Horticulture began the colonization of the
Rhezobius Yentralia, or Australian Ladybug, and introduced them through-
out the state believing that they would prove
the solution to all difficulties arising from the
black scale.
1896 brought a radical change in the Board
of Horticulture. The commission had been in
existence eight years andthough the conditions
threatening deciduous trees had been largely
improved, the black scale, red scale, and soft
brown scale were rapidly increasing in the
county, notwithstanding the efforts of the com-
mission with a force of twenty-two local in-
spectors. The greatest burden had fallen on
Commissioner Collins, whose district, being in
the western portion of the county contiguous
to Los Angeles County, was exposed to an
army of parasites sweeping onward from that
section. Local complaint increased against the
arbitrary measures sometimes resorted to by
the commissioners, although they never exceeded the authority vested in
them. There was also strong objection to the cost of the commission to the
county. The Board of Supervisors determined to re-organize the commission
upon a new basis. At this time Secretary Collins tendered his resignation, as
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 221
he was called elsewhere, and the Supervisors, desiring to reduce what they con-
sidered as the unnecessary expense of three commissioners, and finding
authority in an amending act of the Legislature approved March 31, 1891, they
proceeded to declare the offices of the Board of Horticulture vacant and, on
January 6, 1896, appointed S. A. Pease, of Ontario, sole commissioner. Mr.
Pease had been employed as a local inspector and was thoroughly familiar
with the work; he had also made a special study of entomological questions
involved. The new commissioner prepared a set of blanks for making com-
plete reports to be sent in by the inspectors monthly and appointed six local
inspectors, stationed at points where the principal orchard interests were
located or where there was the greatest danger from importation of infected
stock. Mr. Pease also began the collection and classification of entomological
specimens, for the benefit of the inspectors and others interested in fruit pests
and their remedies. This collection now comprises not only the destructive
and beneficial insects and parasites native to San Bernardino County, but also
includes many specimens from different sections of the United States and
Mexico.
Commissioners Muscott and Pierson refused to recognize the authority of
the Board of Supervisors to appoint a commissioner, other than to fill the
unexpired term of Commissioner Collins, and continued to act in their official
capacities. The Supervisors refused to recognize their salary claims and the
case was taken into the courts, where Judge Otis decided against the Super-
visors, declaring the act under which they had made the appointment, uncon-
stitutional, at the same time he decided that the plaintiff's term of office had
lapsed and that they held merely by reason of no successors having been named
by the Supervisors. In accordance with this decision, Mr. Muscott and Mr.
Melville, of Redlands, were appointed and the new board of Horticultural
Commissioners was organized with Mr. Pease as chairman. The old system
of handling the county by districts was abolished.
During the year 1896, a thorough trial of the Australian Ladybug as a
means of exterminating black scale was made. Ten thousand Rhizobius per
month were purchased, for five months in succession. These were divided
into lots of five hundred and liberated in different portions of the county twice
each month. This trial demonstrated that the parasite could not be depended
upon to do the work with required thoroughness, and the Board, believing
fumigation a better method than spraying, set about preparing a more thor-
ough system of fumigation than had yet been used. A superintendent of
fumigation was appointed by the Board and four outfits, each consisting of
about thirty tents, were put in the field, the county furnishing the tents and
necessary appliances, while chemicals, purchased at wholesale rates by (he
county, were furnished the orchardists at cost.
The report of Commissioner Pease for 1897, states, "the few orchardists
on the west side, who were at first opposed to fumigation have fallen into
222
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
line, and we have now more requests for the fumigators than we could fill with
double the number of tents."
In 1898, the report of the Board states: "Comparison of our last season's
fumigation with that done by
contract work shows emphatically
in our favor. Probably 150 acres
were fumigated in this county by
contract outfits, and I think it is
safe to say that there is not one
tree in the lot today that is free
from black scale, and some of
them are very badly infested.
This showsconclusively that it is
absolutely necessary to have the
work done by methods that will
abolish the excuse or incentive to
withhold chemicals or shorten the
time of exposure — for the purpose
of increasing the profits of indi-
viduals."
The opposition to the work of
the Horticultural Commission has
lessened year by year and the
benefits of the intelligent and well-
directed efforts against pests of all
kinds, are now generally recog-
nized by the orchardists, who as a
rule co-operate with the Board in the work of protecting their orchards. Mr.
S. A. Pease has continued as the chairman of the Board of Horticulture for
the county down to the present date, and is recognized as an authority on
parasites — of all descriptions.
The present board consists of S. A. Pease, Joshua Hartzell and George
R. Holbrook.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
CHAPTER VIII.
IRRIGATION IN SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY.
The valley of San Bernardino has an area of 325,640 acres, which thus
far constitutes the irrigable section of the county. This corner, containing
less than one-fortieth of the area of the original county is. nevertheless, the
largest and most fertile valley in Southern California, and produces more
agricultural wealth to the acre than any other known section of the earth.
The census reports of 1900 show an area of 37,877 acres in the county
under irrigation in 1899.
At the eastern apex of the valley the San Bernardino mountains converge
in the peaks, each more than 11,000 feet above sea level, of San Bernardino
and "Greyback." To the north stretches the San Bernardino range and the
Cucamonga hills, the south is bounded by the San Jacinto range and the
Coast range lies to the east.
The Santa Ana river rises in the highest San Bernardinos, enters the valley
at its extreme eastern point and flows, south of its center, throughout the
entire length of the valley, then breaks through the Coast range to the Coast
plains beyond. From all sides the drainage of the surrounding mountains
pours into this valley through numerous water courses. The most important
of these are: On the north side, Plunge, City. Twin, Devil's Canon, Cajon
Pass, Lytle and San Antonio creeks; on the south side. Mill, San Timoteo
and Temescal creeks. Many of these streams flow through the valley but
a short distance ordinarily before they sink beneath the surface and thus
feed the artesian belts and the subterranean stream of the Santa Ana.
The Santa Ana river is the most valuable stream in the sp'-fhern section of
the state for irrigation purposes. Its extensive water shed, its many feeders —
both above and below surface, and its low banks make it of the highest
importance as a source of supply for water systems. The Bear Valley and
the Redlands and Lugonia water companies draw their main supply from the
Santa Ana; the Riverside system is largely supplied from it, while the water
systems of Orange county — the Santa Ana, Anaheim, Orange and others are
largely dependent upon this stream. It also furnishes the greater part of the
power for the Edison Electric system of Los Angeles, which operates the
first long-distance electric power transmission system ever installed.
224 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
THE WATER SUPPLY.
Mr. C. A. Wentworth writes thus of the water supply of the San Bernar-
dino valley, in "Forestry and Irrigation" :
''The water supply of this valley comes primarily from the rain clouds
which sweep inland from the Pacific during the winter, or rainy season, and
precipitate their moisture on coming into contact with the mountains to the
east. Much of this precipitation in the higher slopes is in the form of snow,
some of which does not melt until the spring months, keeping the streams
at a comparatively even flow. The rainfall in the valley approximates 15
inches annually, but comes in the period of least growth. On the lower slopes
of the mountain the streams have grades of from 100 to 200 feet in the mile,
with still heavier grades in their granite-walled mountain canons. Natu-
rally these streams carry down immense quantities of material, which has
spread out over the valleys to a great depth. This material, formed of coarse
particles, overlies clay beds, which appear at certain points in the valley.
When the streams leave the hills they sink into the loose material, one-third
of whose mass consists of voids, or interstices between gravel particles
forming a great underground reservoir whose aggregate storage capacity is
enormous and sufficient to carry the irrigation communities through a long
period of dry years, and capable of being recharged at times of copious rain-
fall. The Santa Ana river, the largest in Southern California, in common
with other streams of the same region, sinks below this mountain detritus,
reappearing only in one or two places where upward folds of the clay sub-
stratum forces it to the surface. One clay ridge forms the natural dam of the
Upper Santa Ana irrigation basin, from which almost all of the water for
Riverside is obtained, and forces the river to the surface. At Rincon the
underground waters, as well as the return waters from irrigation in the
higher parts of the valley are again forced to the surface, creating wet lands
and making available a water supply for Santa Ana and other points on the
coastal plain."
EARLY IRRIGATION.
The first European occupants of tHs valley, the Spanish priests, came
from a land where irrigation was common. They introduced irrigation into
California, and when they established the "Asistencia" de San Bernardino
they utilized the waters of Mill creek by constructing the zanja which has
been in use ever since its completion in 1822. The New Mexican settlers
who came in during the forties and located along the Santa Ana, below the
present town of San Bernardino, diverted various ditches to water their bean
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 225
patches, orchards and vineyards. Some of these ditches are still in use and
almost in their primitive simplicity. Others have become a part of the
Jurupa and Riverside water systems.
When the Mormons arrived they almost immediately began the con-
struction of ditches to water their garden spots and grain fields. While they
made no concerted effort at irrigation, they dug a number of open ditches
and brought a considerable area under irrigation. On Lytle Creek they
had fifty acres laid out into one-acre tracts, which were used as gardens by
townspeople, and at Old San Bernardino they had a vineyard which was
common property and was irrigated from the old zanja which they at once
utilized.
Probably the first work done by these colonists was the digging of an
open ditch carrying about forty inches from Raynor Springs into the stock-
ade. This was soon after their arrival, in 1851 or 1852. The Davis Mill
ditch was taken from the junction of City and Warm creeks in 1853 and car-
ried some 1,500 inches of water, which was used to run the grist mill. The
Rabel's Dam ditch was taken from Warm creek in 1854, and carried about
200 inches. The Tenney ditch, originally a large ditch taken from the Santa
Ana near the head of the valley in 1855. was used to irrigate two or three
sections of grain near Old San Bernardino. The Lord ditch and the Hale
& Perdue ditch were taken from Lytle Creek in 1854 and 1855. These ditches,
with others taken out about the same time, furnish the original water rights
upon which many of the present water rights are based.
After the departure of the Mormons the settlers continued to use these
various ditches, and others were taken out, as the Meeks and Daley, from
Warm creek, carrying 600 inches, in 1858-0; the Timber ditch near the h 'ad
of the Santa Ana. on the south side ; the Cram-Yan Leuve«v the Waterman
and the Berry Roberts ditches.
At first the water obtained was divided among the land owners as they
mutually agreed, subject to the direction of Water Masters, who were
appointed by the Board of Water Commissioners. These commissioners
were elected by the people under a special act of the Legislature applying to
San Bernardino county alone, approved February 18, 1864.
L. M. Holt says, regarding the distribution of water during this period:
"Usually a number of persons owning land in a compact form along the
margin of a stream would unite together and agree to take out of the stream
enough water to irrigate such lands. Each person thus entering the compact
was to be entitled to such proportion of the water as he owned land to be
irrigated, and each person was to do work in constructing the diverting ditch
in proportion to the amount of water to which he was to be entitled.
"In those days it was not necessary to post notices of appropriation.
In fact, it is not necessary now, only that it protects the person's rights
226 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
while he is getting ready to commence work, and while the work is pro-
gressing up to the time that the ditch is completed sufficiently to indicate
how much water it would carry. When the diversion was once made and
the water once used the right was established, and it could not be successfully
attacked."
"Gradually, as land and water became more valuable, more elaborate and
sometimes complicated systems of division and delivery grew out of the
simple neighborhood associations which had at first been formed. Then
came the period of regularly organized and incorporated water companies,
in most cases deriving their rights from the old water rights, either by com-
binations of the land holders, or by purchase. One of the first incorporated
water companies in Southern California was formed at Riverside, growing
out of the Southern California Colony Association, formed in 1870. "It was
a land and water company combined. It was a close corporation and was
organized to make money for its stockholders by selling water for irrigation
purposes after all of its land bad been sold. It fixed the price of water at first
at a low figure, intending to advance the rate as the settlement grew. In
those days there was practically no limit to what a company might charge
for water." L. M. Holt.
In 1873 the South Fork of the Santa Ana ditch was organized informally,
using the water from the Berry Roberts ditch, which was a relocation of the
old Tenney ditch, to which was added water from the old Timber d'itch.
In- 1877 this association was merged into the Sunnyside Ditch Association,
a combination of water users, for the improvement of their ditch and delivery
system. Out of this has grown the Lugonia Water Companv, organized in
1883.
The Colton Land and Water Co. was organized about 1877 with a
capital stock of $50,000, acquiring its water from Raynor's Springs, the
Rancheria ditch and from artesian wells.
The Cucamonga Homestead Company was also organized in 1877, deriv-
ing its waters from the Cucamonga canon and cienega. These rights were
a part of the Cucamonga Water Company's source of supply — that company
coming into existence in 1887.
The Lytle Creek Water Company was incorporated in October, 1881,
with capital stock of $75,000. and formed a part of the Semi-Tropic Land
and Water Company, formed in 1887, with a capital stock of $3,000,000 to
irrigate some 28,000 acres of land lying along the Lytle Creek channel.
The Redlands Water Company was formed October, 1881, with a capital
stock of $1,500,000, divided into 1,500 shares.
The San Antonio Water Company was incorporated in October. 1882, to
supply water from San Antonio canon and other sources for the newly
started colony of Ontario.
The North Fork Water Company was incorporated in 1885. This grew
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 227
out of water rights which had been used since the Mormon period, the water
being derived from the North Fork ditch, the Cram-Van Leuven ditch and
other claims. The increase in the value of water is well illustrated by a
table made by Wm. Ham. Hall, from the records of the water-users of these
rights. In 1865 one inch of North Fork water was sold for $18.00; in 1881,
$60.00: 1883, $330.00; 1888, $720.00; at present the value would be not less
than $1,000.00.
The Bear Valley Reservoir Company was incorporated in October, 1883.
The "boom" of 1886-87 naturally largely increased the number of water
companies and of irrigation projects. The value of the foothill and mesa lands
was now understood ; profits of from $250 to $450 per acre on citrus fruits
were tempting — to say nothing of the wild figuring that was done at this
time. Up to 1889 some 17,000 acres of land had been brought under irriga-
tion in San Bernardino county. The United States census report of 1890
says :
"Irrigation in San Bernardino county. — This county contains some of
the best examples of irrigation development to be found in the whole coun-
try. Although dealing with comparatively small quantities of water, these
systems are notable for the elaboration of details and the care and expense
lavished in saving and utilizing the water resources."
MUTUAL WATER COMPANIES.
L. M. Holt, after a review of the irrigation interests of Southern Califor-
nia, in 1890, states: "There are three plans for the ownership and manage-
ment of irrigation systems under the laws of California at the present time
"First_The Irrigation District law — where the land in a given district is
made the basis of credit on which to raise money to construct the irrigation
system.
"Second — The Mutual Water Company plan, under which the system
is owned by a corporation, the stock of which is held by the owners of the
land to be irrigated in proportion to the amount of land owned by each.
"Third — Water companies for profit to be so managed as to pay dividends
to the stockholders from the profits arising from the sale of water under rates
to be fixed either by contract between the water company and the land owner,
or by the board of supervisors as provided by law.
"It is seen that neither one of these plans or systems can be utilized to
reclaim much of the arid lands found to-day in Southern California.
"First — Because irrigation districts are a business failure.
"Second — Because small land owners cannot raise the money to construct
irrigation systems under the ownership of a corporation formed under the
mutual water company plan.
"Third — Because private capital will not furnish money to construct
22S HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
works where boards of supervisors have the fixing of rates, unless the law
will allow such company to contract water rights and rates with land owners."
The most successful method yet adopted has been the Mutual Water
Company, regarding which Mr. Holt writes :
"During the past twenty-five years a system of Mutual Water companies
has grown up that is deservedly very popular. The first company incorporated
on this plan was the Pomona Water Company, in 1875. This plan was based
on the idea that the stock of the water company should be owned by the men
who owned the land to be irrigated, in proportion to the acreage of each,
and that the water belonging to such company should be distributed to the
stockholders only.
"This system was the natural outgrowth of the Southern California plan
for subdividing and settling large tracts of land. A land company would
purchase a large tract, subdivide it into small holdings, construct a complete
irrigation system, deed such system to a mutual water company having as
many shares of stock as there were acres of land to be irrigated in the tract,
taking in payment therefor the stock of the company, and then it would sell
off the land to actual settlers, transferring one share of stock with each acre
of land deeded to such purchaser, so that when the land was all sold the
stock was all transferred to the settlers and the transaction was closed and
the land company would close up its business.
"The original Pomona Water Company ceased to exist, but its plan was
afterwards adopted by the Redlands Water Company in 1881, by the Etiwanda
Water Company in 1882, the San Antonio Water Company in 1883 at On-
tario, and afterwards by the reorganization of the Riverside Water Company
in 1884. After this the Temescal Water Company at Corona was formed on
this plan, and the Santa Ana and the Anaheim Union Water Company were
also incorporated on the mutual plan."
The water systems of Rialto. Highlands, Hermosa and of the North
and South Fork Companies have been along this line.
The owners of water rights and holders of stock in Bear Valley water
have recently formed the Bear Valley Mutual Water Company, and propose
to secure control of the Bear Valley system and conduct it for the benefit
of the landholders. This will be a new extension of the idea of a mutual
company, and will be watched with interest. If it is proved that a plant as
extensive as the Bear Valley can be handled by the mutual plan, a long step
ahead in solving the irrigation problem in this state will have been taken.
THE WRIGHT IRRIGATION DISTRICT LAW.
In 1887 the Legislature passed an act which became known as the Wright
Irrigation District law. Under this act a community might organize an
irrigation district and bond itself to develop or purchase water, and to pro-
vide itself with a complete irrigation system. Districts were thus formed
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 229
all over the state, bonds were voted in almost unlimited quantities : the
"boom" had inflated values and repeated decisions of the courts sustained trie
legality of these bonds and they became a favorite investment and found
ready sale.
In this county the following- districts were organized:
Grapeland 10,787 acres $200,000 bonc\s voted, none sold
Rialto 7,200 acres 500,000 bonds voted. all sold
Citrus Belt 12,160 acres, 800,000 bonds voted. all sold
Alessandro -25.340 acres 700,000 bonds voted, all sold
East Riverside 3.000 acres 250,000 bonds voted, $100,000 sold
The expansion of the Bear Valley Irrigation system to provide the Ales-
sandro District in this county and the Ferris District in San Diego county
with water, the large amount of money expended and the large amount of
work actually done — all to result in a gigantic and dismal failure, is still
fresh in the minds of many.
Air. Win. M. Tisdale. in his History of the Water Question in Redlands,
says :
"To deliver water at Alessandro, from the mouth of the Santa Ana river,
a ditch or pipe line was necessary which should span the wider Mill Creek
canon, climb the steep northern slopes of precipitous San Timoteo canon,
dive into that abyss, ascend the still heavier grade on the south and cross
the range of hills between the San Timoteo caiion and the San Jacinto valley,
traversing, in all, some fifteen to twenty miles of exceedingly rugged country.
Nothing daunted by the great engineering difficulties in the way, the Bear
Valley Irrigation Company carried water to Alessandro through a line of
steel pipe twenty-four inches in diameter. Commencing at a point 300 feet
higher than the point of final delivery, this line twists about, down hill and
up hill, across canons, around curves and through fifteen tunnels, the dig-
ging of which was necessary in order to avoid the steepest grades. Sweep-
ing through the longest of these, 2,330 feet in length, the water bursts from
the mountain-side at an altitude of several hundred feet above the broad
acres which it was intended to fertilize and above the village of Moreno, still
three miles distant. The comparatively slight difference in altitude between
the point of departure and the point of delivery was sufficient to make up for
all the loss in momentum through friction. The grades along this pipe line
are very nicely calculated, and it is, in every respect, a creditable piece of
engineering.
"The Alessandro Town Company was organized, with a capital stock
of Si. 500,000, and the Alessandro Land Company, with a capital stock of
$i,ooo,coo. There was great rejoicing at Alessandro when water was finally
"turned on" at the farther end of the long pipe line and sparkled into the
FRANK M. BROWN
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 231
flumes and ditches that conveyed it still farther to spread abroad upon the
thirsty acres waiting to receive it."
Town sites were laid out and buildings erected, a complete system of
distributing pipes was laid, and it was confidently believed that a rival to
Redlands and Riverside was already in the field.
The sudden collapse of the Bear Valley projects and of the irrigation
districts, in 1893, was a death-blow to these plans. The stockholders found
themselves utterly unable to pay interest, to say nothing of the bonds them-
selves. Suit after suit followed, and in 1895 a decision rendered by Judge
Ross declared the Wright act unconstitutional, and many districts were
allowed to lapse and their bonds became void.
The whole history of the Wright Irrigation District law is a most
remarkable example of the utter inadequacy of any law yet evolved to deal
with irrigation problems. And its utter failure has been a great hindrance
to the legitimate extension of irrigation systems since. As the irrigation
laws now stand there is little or no prospect of any extensive development of
our water supply. The whole question of water ownership and distribution
is in confusion, and the courts have rendered decisions which are so conflict-
ing that there is no basis for any certainty in a question concerning water.
BEAR VALLEY RESERVOIR AND THE BEAR VALLEY IRRIGA-
TION COMPANY.
The possibilities of Bear Valley as a storage reservoir were first brought
to notice in 1880, when a topographical survey was made under the direc-
tion of the State Engineer, and Bear Valley was reported as one of the best
sites for a storage reservoir in Southern California. In 1883 the founders of
the new colony of Redlands were looking about for an increased water
supply for their lands. Mr. F. E. Brown, in company with Hiram Barton,
who' was familiar with the ground, went up into the mountains and examined
Bear Valley. Both gentlemen were satisfied that the impounding of the
waters which annually ran to waste in these mountains was the only practical
solution to the water problem before them. After their investigation they
were convinced that a storage reservoir could be constructed and that the
channel of the Santa Ana river might be utilized for the flow which could
be diverted at any elevation required. Such use would not interfere with
water rights already in force and covering the flow of the Santa Ana.
As a result of Mr. Brown's report and of his enthusiastic plans a com-
pany was formed and was incorporated, October 2, 1883, with a capital stock
of S360,000, and with F. P. Morrison, E. G. Judson, F. E. Brown, G. A.
Cook and W. C. Butler, of Redlands; Jas. G. Burt, Lewis Jacobs, Jas. A.
Gibson, H. L. Drew and H. M. Barton, of San Bernardino, and Geo. W.
Meade, of San Francisco, as stockholders. The capital stock was divided
12-V2
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
into 3,600 shares, and Mr. David Morey parchased the first ten shares
ever sold out of the original issue, at $9 per share, paying for the same in
labor in the construction of the dam. Later the price went as high as $125-
per share. A temporary dam was first placed in the canon and work upon
the permanent dam was commenced June 17, 1884, and completed in Novem-
ber of same year. All the supplies for the hundred men employed, and such
material as was not upon the ground, had to be hauled by way of the Cajon
Pass and the desert to the valley, a distance of seventy miles or more. The
dam is founded on granite, and abuts against granite mountain sides. Its
length between abutments is 250 feet, over all 300 feet. It is in the form of
an arch, having a radius of 335 feet, with the convex side up stream, and is
64 feet in heighth.
The structure is of
granite, rough-ash-
lar masonry on both
faces and broken
coursed rubble on the
interior, all laid in a
cement mortar and
grouting. The or-
iginal cost o f t h e
dam was about $75,-
000.
"The rock of this
country is, for the
most part, granite,
of which huge bould-
ers and massive
ledges crop out
around the slopes, particularly towards the western extremity of the valley.
Limestone is found near the eastern end, and some excellent lime has been
burned. The channel, at the point where the dam was placed, was some
sixty to seventy feet wide when construction was commenced. It is entirely
practicable to increase the height of this dam and to strengthen it, or to build
a new dam immediately below, thereby greatly increasing its storage
capacity. With the water standing in this dam at a depth of 57 feet the lake
extends back for about five and a half miles, and this supply would give a
daily flow of 8,581 miner's inches for one hundred days. If the height of the
dam could be doubled the lake would extend back eleven and a half miles and
the capacity of the reservoir would be a daily flow of 116,000 miner's inches
for one hundred days.
"Bear Valley itself is a remarkably large and flat mountain basin, about
6,200 feet above the sea. Apparently this valley once held a lake, whose
BEAR VALLEY RESERVOIR SITE
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 233
waters, at a surface elevation of 125 feet above its bottom, overflowed at
its eastern extremity into a canon which leads away into the Mojave
desert. At the present time there is a deep, narrow, rock-bound gorge at the
western extremity of this mountain valley, which is the upper extremity of
the canon of the Santa Ana. and is perhaps fifteen miles from the outlet
of the Santa Ana river into the valley. This gorge holds Bear creek, and
the clam was thrown across the narrow canon a little distance above the
point of departure of Bear creek from the valley. It has been conjectured
that the western end of the valley was formerly closed, the waters of the
basin escaping, as we have already said, into the desert at the eastern end,
but that the gorge was rent asunder, and the outlet of the mountain lake
changed from east to west, by an earthquake. The rugged character of the
canon and the rapid fall of Bear creek after leaving the dam support this
theory.
"The watershed tributary to this mountain basin is forty-five square miles
in extent, and is heavily wooded. Yet altitude, rather than area, is the fea-
ture to be considered when estimating water sheds in these mountains, and,
being the highest water shed of importance in Southern California, Bear val-
ley is in the midst of the heaviest annual rainfall. The clouds collect around,
and bank up against, the lofty peaks of San Bernardino and San Gorgonio
and spread over into this water shed. Holding so great an altitude its precip-
itation is largely received in the form of snow, which, in the wooded and
shaded portions of the water shed, lies unmelted for several months. The
reservoir also receives a number of little streams from the wooded hillsides
having springs along their margins." — Wm. M. Tisdale.
The land for the reservoir site was obtained by purchase, 3,800 acres from
Los Angeles parties, and 700 acres from the Southern Pacific Companv and
the government, at a cost of about $30,000.
J. B. Schuyler, in his "Reservoirs and Reservoir Sites," says: "Probably
the most widely-known irrigation system in California is that of the Bear
Valley Irrigation Company, chiefly by reason of the remarkably slender pro-
portions of Bear Valley dam, which has been to the engineering fraternity
the 'eighth wonder of the world,' and has no parallel on the globe. The dam
has no stability to resist water pressure except the arched form, and has been
expected to yield at any time, although it has successfully withstood the pres-
sure against it for twenty years past, and is to-day apparently as stable as
ever. The probabilities are that nothing short of an extraordinary flood or
earthquake or a combination of unusual movements will accomplish its de-
struction."
As Redlands grew and more orchards were planted the demand for water
increased until, in 1886, the directors determined to issue a dividend to the
stockholders and also devise a means of regulating the water supply to con-
sumers. In place of the original 3,600 shares of stock 7,200 "Class A" certifi-
2S4
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
cates were issued. These certificates entitled the holder to receive a continu-
ous fiow of one-seventh of an inch of water to the acre of land to which the
said certificates might be applied — under certain conditions. Thus came into
existence a peculiar form of water scrip or certificate of title to water, the
exact legal status of which is still an unsettled question. In 1887 many of
these certificates were put to use, and in order to deliver this water in Red-
lands and beyond, the Redlands Canal was conveyed to the Bear Valley Land
and Water Company, and from February, 1887, until 1894, the water was
under the certificates distributed through this canal without extra charge to
the users. But in 1894 the directors of the Bear Valley Irrigation Company
attempted to impose a charge for this service, and litigation followed which
resulted in a decision in favor of the certificate holders, so far as their right
of way through the
canals of the com-
pany were con-
cerned. The holders
of these certificates
have always received
their proportionate
share of water under
them, although the
question of the val-
idity of their title
has never been de-
termined.
On June 1, 1886,
the Bear Valley
Company entered
upon an agreement
with the N'orth
Fork Company, whereby the Reservoir Company by the payment of $4,000
acquired a half interest in the North Fork canal, which was to be
jointly reconstructed and enlarged, and the North Fork Company was in
return to receive a stipulated amount of water delivered through the canal.
A similar agreement was entered into with the South Fork Company. After
the issue of the Class A certificates the Bear Valley Company still had water
to sell, for the normal capacity of .its reservoir in an ordinary season was not
yet exhausted. It therefore made some sales of water outright, conveying
title by deed. The principal sale was that made to the Redlands, Lugonia and
Crafton Domestic Water Company of two hundred inches of water. The
Class A certificates and this deeded water are now the principal sources of
the water used in Redlands, with the exception of that developed from
artesian wells. After providing for its obligations to the North and South
BHAk VALLEY DA
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 235
Fork Ditch Companies, the Class A certificates and the deeded water, the
capacity of the reservoir, or rather the supposed capacity, based on results for
several years, was still not all utilized. There were also large projects on foot
for the increase of the water supply.
The original projectors of the Bear Valley reservoir undoubtedly did not
realize at the outset the vast possibilities of the enterprise which they had
undertaken. But as the situation developed and they found that the value
of water and of the land upon which water could be placed was increasing
rapidly, they began to realize that they held a bonanza, and to plan to make
the most out of their holding. They decided to increase the capacity of the
dam by building it higher and by putting in other subsidiary dams. December
30, 1890, the Bear Valley Land and Water Company executed a deed of all
its property to a new company, the Bear Valley Irrigation Company, which
assumed all the obligations of the old organization. The capital stock of the
new company was $4,000,000, $1,000,000 of which was preferred stock, the
balance common stock. Out of the earnings of the company the preferred
stock was to be paid a dividend of 8 per cent, after which the common stock
was to receive such dividends as the company might be able to pay. In order
to carry out all the projects of the company various auxiliary corporations
were formed, among these the Alessandro Improvement Company and the
Bear Valley and Alessandro Development Company. Thirty thousand acres
of land in the San Jacinto valley were purchased at prices varying from
$12.50 to $18 per acre. This land was subsequently put on the market and
10,000 acres of it actually sold at from $50 to $125 per acre. The Alessandro
and Perris Irrigation Districts were formed and issued bonds which were
turned over to the Bear Valley Company in payment for water rights in the
form of certificates known as Class B certificates, of which 100,000 were to
be issued. These carried a right to one-eighth of an inch of water, and were
valued at $15 apiece, with an annual rental for delivery of water called for
by each certificate of $2.78 in place of $1.00, as in the case of the Class A
certificates.
This was the high tide of the Bear Valley history. Work was vigorously
pushed on developments and the Alessandro pipe line was constructed and
water turned into it. Large blocks of the stock of the company were sold
in England and Scotland at a premium ; dividends were paid to the amount
of a million dollars, it is claimed.
In December, 1893, the Alessandro Irrigation District began suit in River-
side county against the Bear Valley Company, and pending the result Judge
Noyes appointed F. P. Morrison receiver. This was the beginning of the end.
The foreign stockholders and the creditors began investigations. In October.
1892, the company had given a trust deed of its property to the Savings and
Trust Company, of Cleveland, Ohio, to secure a loan of $300,000. After exam-
ining into affairs the other creditors began suit in the Unitea States District
236 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Court, through their agent, John Gilbert Foster, and Judge Ross appointed,
April 2, 1894, J. A. Graves and A. B. McGinnis as receivers.
Under the instructions of the Court the receivers proceeded to collect
such sums as could be collected, and also to meet the obligations of the com-
pany, and to pay some of the debts of the corporation, issuing receivers* cer-
tificates when funds were not available. By the time that the suit brought by
Mr. Foster came to judgment these certificates aggregated a large sum.
Judgment was finally rendered against the defendant, and the property was
sold at receiver's sale to satisfy the judgment, but not the receivers* certifi-
cates. Arthur Young was the purchaser and the price paid was $380,000,
but the property was still subject to incumbrances which were then computed
at about one million dollars. A Master of Chancery had been appointed by
the Court, who took testimony and made his report, establishing such claims
as could be maintained under the technical construction of the laws governing
such proceedings and wiping out many others that were, perhaps, considered
simply as moral but not as legal obligations, equally binding.
Air. Young subsequently conveyed the property to the New Bear Valley
Irrigation Company, a corporation organized under the laws of Arizona. In
September, 1896, an action was commenced in the Circuit Court of the
United States by the Cleveland Savings and Trust Company to foreclose their
deed and to foreclose the receiver's certificates issued in the case of Foster vs.
the Bear Valley Irrigation Company, amounting to $153,000. In this action
E. H. Spoor was appointed receiver of the company's property by Judge Ross.
Mr. Spoor is still receiving and the action is still pending. October 1, 1896,
Mr. Spoor, as receiver, attempted to establish an entirely new basis of com-
pensation for the use of the Bear valley waters by ignoring the certificates
entirely and fixing a rate for the sale and delivery of an inch of water per
day, the price demanded varying with locality between ten cents, the lowest
winter rate, and thirty-five cents, the highest summer rate. The only water
excepted from these rates was the guaranteed North and South Fork water
and the 108 inches of tunnel water delivered to the Redlands "Water Com-
pany. Naturally the holders of Class A certificates, and other water users
resisted this new demand, and a great deal of technical sparring between
the attorneys employed on the respective sides took place. Numerous peti-
tions, briefs, demurrers, complaints and answers were submitted and argued
and this active contention in the courts brought the case down to the close
of 1898, without a decision. In a report rendered in October of that year
this language occurs: "It appears that for upwards of four years the ( Bear
Valley) plant has been involved in a complicated, expensive and tedious liti-
gation in the Circuit Court of the United States for the Ninth Circuit, which
litigation is still pending, and from all that appears will be likely to remain
unconcluded for years to come."
The present status is about the same that it was in 1898. While some
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
237
of the suits and contentions have been disposed of, the entire property is
covered by liens held by the Savings and Trust Company, of Cleveland, Ohio,
to secure the payment of bonds and receiver's certificates, now aggregating
something over one million dollars. Various incidental questions are involved
in the suit, it being sought for one thing to determine the legal status of the
water certificates and the so-called deeded water and foreclose all rights
thereunder ; the holders, some hundreds in number, being made defendants.
There can be no knowing when this suit will be settled or what the result
of the decision may lead to. At present the newly formed Bear Valley Mutual
Water Company of Redlands, made up of the water-users from the Bear
Valley system, are negotiating with the Savings and Trust Company for the
purchase of the property. Should this be done the legal questions involved
would be much simplified and the large area now supplied from the reservoir
would be assured of a sufficient and cheap supply of water.
ARROWHEAD RESERVOIR SYSTEM.
In the year 1889 L. M. Holt, W. E. Van Slyke and A. H. Koebig located
a reservoir site on Huston flat, in the San Bernardino range, almost due north
of the city of San Bernardino. Soon afterward a company was formed by
Mr. Koebig, Chas. J. Perkins and
others, which thoroughly explored
the mountains and located and sur-
veyed a series of reservoirs to be
Connected with Deep creek by a
large canal.
In 1891 the Arrowhead Reser-
voir Company was formed in Cin-
cinnati, Ohio, with a capital stock
of $1,000,000 and the following
board of directors: James N. Gam-
ble, president; Adolph Wood, vice-
president and general manager;
Benjamin F. Ehrman, secretary:
Chas. G. Gove, treasurer; Jas. E.
Mooney. Chas. H. Kilgour, Henrv
Lewis, Ellis M. Potter, C. Bendy
Mathews, Robinson J. Jones, of
Etiwanda, and L. M. Holt, of San
Bernardino.
This was the period when the
Bear Yallev Irrigation Company
was beginning its expansion. The
Wright irrigation law had not then
been declared unconstitutional, and
adolph wood irrigation districts were being
formed in every direction. Irrigation bonds were in high favor as invest-
ments and the outlook for any irrigation scheme was most favorable. The
238 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
new company at once began securing title to reservoir sites in the San Ber-
nardino mountains, and locating rights of way, and superseded the former
organization. In 1892 the Arrowhead Company commenced work on a
masonry dam of large proportions, which was intended to store water in a
valley known as "Little Bear," on the headwaters of the Mojave river. This
stream flows northward from the San Bernardino mountains into the desert,
and its waters are now wasted. The project of the Arrowhead Company
was to gather a number of tributaries of this stream above an elevation of
4,800 feet and store the water in several reservoirs to be carried across the
San Bernardino mountains and used for irrigation purposes in the San Ber-
nardino valley. The Little Bear reservoir, when completed, will cover an
area of 884 acres and impound 60,178 acre feet of water. The company has
been at work on the main conduit of the line since 1892, their efforts being
devoted mainly to opening the principal tunnels, of which there are a number
on the line. The longest of these, the outlet to the main reservoir, is 4,937
feet in length, exclusive of approaches. This tunnel is now completed, and
is a fine piece of rock work, much of it passing through solid rock. Work
upon the dam of the Little Bear reservoir is now being rapidly pushed, and
this great reservoir will soon be added to the water sources of our county.
The total length of conduit required to turn the water over the mountain
divide is thirteen miles. All of this is to be pipe line or tunnel, so that the
water will pass through a closed conduit from reservoir to point of delivery
from the company's main line.
A number of factors beside the extensive and difficult work to be accom-
plished have tended to delay the work of the company. There was difficulty
in securing right of way through the Government reservation. The Ross
decision, with regard to the Wright irrigation act, left the status of irriga-
tion companies in an unsettled state. The provision of the constitution
permitting supervisors to fix water rates has also complicated matters. But
the time has been utilized by the company in making the most careful stream
measurements and precipitation records that have ever been kept. When
the company is ready to deliver water they will be able to furnish data that
will show the exact value of the property, and will know to the drop how
much water they can furnish. The Arrowhead Company is organized on a
different basis from any other irrigation company that has, as yet, been
formed in California. They own no land other than the reservoir basins in
the mountains, and will put in no individual delivery system. They will
simply sell water by the wholesale from their main conduit*
From the summit crossing to the grade of the conduit at the base of
the mountain skirting the upper slopes of the valley north of San Bernardino
the total descent is 2.700 feet, which force will be utilized to develop power,
for electrical purposes.
The preliminary work of this great undertaking is now well completed.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 239
the rights of way have been secured and the projectors are now pushing the
work rapidly to a completion.
THE ARTESIAN BASIN.
"The San Bernardino valley, whose floor is formed of an open gravel,
constitutes a great reservoir or tank, which yields a uniform flow to the
various wells which tap it. This great reservoir is filled by winter precipita-
tion and by seepage water. Some idea of its size may be gained from the
following figures: The entire valley comprises some 563 square miles: the
flat area above Colton, presumably all formed by gravels eroded from the
mountains, contains 132 square miles. On a conservative estimate, 100 square
miles of this is of gravel to great depths, approximating 1000 feet — numerous
wells have been sunk to 900 feet with no indications of bed rock. Suppos-
ing this gravel bed to have an average depth of 300 feet, the total water
storage capacity, estimated at one-third of the mass, would be 6,400,000 acre
feet, or eight times the storage capacity of the famous Assuan dam of Egypt.
Enormous as this seems, it is believed to be greater, rather than less, than
the amount stated.
"The importance of this reservoir and the limits of its capacity are only
beginning to be understood. So far it has not been accurately determined
whether the present rate of withdrawal is permanently lowering the water
plane or whether years of abundant rain will restore it to its fullest capacity.
With the running surface water fully utilized, it can be seen that an increase
in the available supply must of necessity come from this reservoir, and
careful studies will have to be made to arrive at a just and definite conclusion
as to the amount which may be drawn therefrom. From experiments in other
places it has been fairly well settled that the greater the drain on an under-
ground reservoir the greater the capacity. Capacity does not mean flow,
however. Cycles of dry years have proved that all wells cannot be depended
upon. Some have failed altogether, others have had decreased flow, and in-
several cases the sinking of a new well has resulted in a substantial diminu-
tion in the supply of the older ones. To the problem that arises from this
there is no definite legal solution. How much one well may be responsible
for the failure of others is too hard to determine, and the motions and courses
of underground waters are too little understood to allow of a legal adjudica-
tion of rights, and the only possible remedy lies in one of two very simple
and similar ways : One is to have enough water for all wells, and the other
is to have only enough wells to properly tap the water supply. It can be
said, however, that wells in the central and deeper portions of the valley have
no difficulty whatever, and only those shallower ones around the edges of
the underground basins will fail when the water plane is lowered through
successive demands on it."
240 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
SOURCE OF SUPPLY.
"The Citrograph has frequently brought forth the theory that at least
some portion of this underground water comes from the still higher Sierra
Nevadas, and, possibly from the backbone of the continent — the giant Rocky
mountains. Although rather "laughed out of court" by many of those who
claim to be "scientists" yet many original thinkers and close observers and
reasoners agree in this direction.
"Wm. M. Bristol of East Highlands, recently published an article in
which he takes the same ground, taking the ground that, in no other way.
can this enormous and continuous flow of the hundred's of artesian wells in
this valley be satisfactorily explained. He also notes the fact of unfailing
springs and flowing wells far up the mountain side and even on almost the
top of the range. The flow from these is so considerable that the water must
come through an inverted siphon underground of enormous length. Tt is
generally admitted that water will travel a mile through rock that is pretty
compact, and. if this be true, why not, if time be granted, through a thousand
miles?
"Roughly speaking." Mr. Bristol savs. "the Mojave desert is a thousand
feet above the San Bernardino valley. The mountain rans:e which separates
them is a rock dam, many miles in thickness. Were this mighty dyke of
granite, or of any less solid rock, in position similar to that in which it was
formed it might be fairly impervious to water. But in the upheaval which
lifted it to its present position it was seamed and shattered, and, even within
a half century, has been rent by tremendous earthquakes. It is reasonable,
therefore, to suppose that a portion of the water of the Mojave basin finds
its way through it. not by a vast air-line tunnel, but by a miljion devious
crevices and under great pressure into the San Bernardino basin, as well as
other valleys south of the Sierra Madre."
ARTESIAN WELLS.
In 1868 H. M. Willis put down the first artesian well in the San Bernar-
dino valley on his place at Old San Bernardino. He did not succeed in
obtaining water, but the tools were removed to the city of San Bernardino
and a flow obtained, and later a well was put down at the Willis place, from
which a flow was obtained. The Wolff well on the south side of Third street
between E and F streets, was one of the first wells in San Bernardino.
In 1 88 1 it was estimated that there were from 400 to 425 artesian wells
in the valley, the most easterly being at the Old Mission. At that time the
deepest well was 410 feet, located on Judge Willis' place. These wells were
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 241
from two to eight inches in diameter — generally two-inch wells — which sup-
plied water, without pumping, for domestic and garden purposes. As the
need for water pressed, the wells were bored deeper and pumping plants were
installed in many places. Now many of the wells are 900 and 1,000 feet deep
and some even deeper.
In 1879 the Riverside Improvement Company was formed to supply
Riverside with domestic water, the chief source of supply being artesian wells
in the San Bernardino basin. The company purchased J4V2 acres of land
along the Santa Ana and Warm creek and constructed a pipe line to convey
the water obtained there to Riverside.
The Gage Canal system, one of the most important irrigation enter-
prises in Southern California, is almpst altogether dependent upon artesian
water derived from their lands lying along the upper limit of the artesian
belt.
"Thus Riverside is supplied with a bountiful and permanent flow of
water, pouring in constant streams from the depths of the earth, forced up
by tremendous pressure of unknown volumes of water crowding from higher
altitudes. This water is conveyed to the point of use miles away, in cement-
lined ditches and pressure pipes, for irrigation and domestic use. It is all
flowing water, no pumps being necessary, and Riverside, being two hundred
feet below its wells, gravity does all the work at no cost whatever."
Of the artesian supply of Riverside in 1899, the Los Angeles Times thus
reports :
"Riverside. The largest body of irrigation water in Southern Cali-
fornia is that which flows through the canal of the Riverside 'Water Company,
while there are several other canals running into the Riverside district, in-
cluding Highgrove and Arlington Heights. It is said that the waters of these
various canals aggregate 6000 inches. This is something of a gain over the
flow of previous years, and the supply is ample for all the trees growing in the
largest body of citrus-fruit orchards in the world. But the development of
water must be liberallv discounted here to make good the shrinkage in other
wells, the developments of the Riverside Trust Company and the Riverside
Water Company practically representing the shrinkage in the old wells of
those companies. This supply may increase with winters of heavy rainfall,
though the water is taken from the San Bernardino basin, the water level of
which is being lowered by increased number of wells. The Riverside supply
is from artesian wells, and it is evident that by pumping at any time the flow
could be immensely increased. The record of developments is as follows.
exclusive of the big gusher at San Bernardino, leased by the Riverside Water
Company; Riverside Water Company, artesian wells, 360: same company
from increased drainage, 50: Riverside Trust Company, 399; Highgrove, 100:
R. C. Stewart, 50; C. S. Burgess. 25: George Thomas, 40: by several fanners
on lowlands. 100. The total for Riverside is 112^ inches.
242 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
"San Bernardino. The water developments about San Bernardino
during the past year have been great, aggregating fully 900 inches, of which
the record is given for about 750 inches, there being a number of smaller wells.
One of the greatest wells in the country is that belonging to L. S. Davis and
Mrs. S. E. Wells, regarding which there has been considerable published.
This well yielded about 400 inches when it was first struck, but finally settled
down to a steady flow of 300 inches. The water from this well was rented
by Riverside for the season. Other wells are : Cosmos Land and Water Com-
pany, 25 inches; J. E. Garner, 75 ; J. F. Beam, 60; Frink Bros., 28; F. M. John-
son, 20; W. M. Curtis, 20; James Lamb, 25; E. H. Durnford, 30; P. J. Clev-
inger. 30; J. H. Pierson. 20: Mr. Scott, 25; William Barton, 25; Mr. Anderson,
20 ; Haws Bros., 25 ; John B. Clark, 25.
"Colton. The Colton Water Company has put down five wells near
San Bernardino from which there is being pumped 170 inches. Fox, Archi-
bald & Co. have a new well yielding sixty inches. There are a number of
smaller wells which would bring the total new water of Colton to at least
350 inches.
"Highland. Quite extensive work has been done in Highland witjh
better results than was considered possible a year ago. Among the wells
sunk and yielding water are the following: Highland Well Company, 35
inches; Highland Domestic Water Company, 20; Capt. Fry. 20; Mr. Pattee,
25; W. S. Corwin, 8; Mrs. Dr. Burcham, 30; Linville & Burgoyne, 20; Mc-
Abee tract, id: W. M. Bristol, 15; City Creek Water Company, 20; A. G.
Hubbard, 25; George M. Cooley, 33; G. W. Strowbridge, 10."
The domestic supply of the city of San Bernardino is drawn almost en-
tirely from artesian wells as is that of Colton also. The dry seasons ha^e
pushed the development of artesian water into fields at first supposed to be
impracticable. Wells have been put down at Highlands, in the Yucaipe
valley and in other localities along the upper edges of wfiat is supposed to
be the artesian belt, but most of these wells require pumping to secure a flow.
There are now in the artesian belt more than 1,000 wells, some of them having
been in use since 1870, although the greater proportion of the older wells have
now ceased to furnish water. During 1900 a careful investigation of all the
wells in the Redlands and San Bernardino quadrangles was made under the
direction of J. B. Lippincott of the U. S. Hydrographic Service, full reports
of what are published in Bulletins Nos. 59 and 60, of Water Supply Reports.
WATER LITIGATION.
Water is so valuable an asset in this county and the laws governing its
ownership and use are so uncertain that much litigation regarding water
rights has necessarily arisen and some very important decisions have been
rendered in cases originating here.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 243
Disputes over the use of water began with the appearance of white set-
tlers. The necessity for some authority to deal with these was so great that
the Legislature created a special Board of Water Commissioners to settle
conflicting claims and have general oversight of water questions, the use of
ditches, construction, etc., in this county. But this did not prevent suits at
law. The first lawsuit over water in the county was that of the North Fork
ditch owners against the Cram-Van Leuven ditches in 1861, which was settled
by an agreement between the parties.
■ Out of the appropriation of Mill Creek waters by settlers in the vicinity
of Crafton has grown a long and hotly contested battle between the individual
holders at Crafton and those of Old San Bernardino. The Cave vs. Crafts suit
brought in 1875 was locally celebrated for the length and exhaustiveness of
the testimony and the decisions. The case was disposed of in the lower court
in 1876 and it was found that although Craft had been using water at times
when he was not entitled to it, still he had certain rights, and that certain
other defendants had rights by adverse use. By this decision it was. de-
termined that the waters were not inseparably appurtenant to any land, but
that certain persons had established rights.
In 1883-84 another case regarding Mill Creek waters was brought —
Byrne vs. Crafts — in which it was claimed that the waters had been used on
the Rancho San Bernardino since 1820 and were exclusively an appurtenance
to the lands of said grant. It was found in deciding this case, however, that
none of the waters at the time of the grant were ever or at all incident or ap-
purtenant to the ranch lands, or to any portion of them, except to that portion
known as Cottonwood Row. The former decision was sustained and it was
furthermore found that an owner of a water-right in the ditch could do what
he chose with the water during the hours the flow was allotted to him, pro-
vided he did not deprive the holders of other hour-rights, of the full flow of
the stream during the period of their turn ; and, moreover, that the waste
waters of the ditch were not and could not be any specified quantity, but only
such water as irrigators from time to time did not use.
One of the most interesting and important water cases which has come
before the courts of the state was that of Pope vs. Kinman, brought in 1877,
in regard to Lytle Creek water rights. A. J. Pope, one of the owners of the
Muscupiabe grant sued W. J. Kinman and others of the water appropriators,
alleging that the waters of Lytle Creek were due to the Muscupiabe grant
lands which were riparian to the stream, and that use of them on lands not
bordering on it, was without authority of law. The defense of appropriation
under the laws of the state and of Mexico was set up, and it was urged that the
waters having been used over five years, the right to continue their use had
been established under the "statute of limitations." In December of 1878 the
case was decided in the Superior Court of San Bernardino County in favor
of the principal defendants and substantially in accordance with their answer.
244 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
It was appealed to the Supreme Court which rendered a decision in December,
1879, m effect reversing the lower court and declaring, first, the supremacy of
the doctrine of riparian rights as against appropriation, and second, that the
"statute of limitations" does not run in favor of an appropriator of water
against a claimant of land whose title is held in a-beyance by the United States
authorities.
The early complications of Riverside water companies led to much liti-
gation which was only disposed of by the land owners incorporating the city
of Riverside and organizing a water company which secured control of .the
conflicting interests.
The failure of the Bear Valley Irrigation Company has led to endless
complications and litigations which are more fully discussed under the Bear
Valley History.
Of the complications likely to arise regarding underground water rights,
Mr. W. M. Tisdale, of Redlands, says in 1902:
"Many intricate, confusing, perplexing and harrassing questions are likelv
to arise over the question of ownership of underground waters. Many ques-
tions have already come before the courts and many hundreds of thousands of
dollars have been spent in getting decisions which are themselves confusing.
The laws regarding surface waters have been in the courts ever since the
adoption of the present constitution in 1879. Millions of dollars have been
spent already, and the dockets of the courts are clogged with water cases.
And the end seems far distant. "What will be the outcome wdien litigation
over underground waters fairly sets in. no man knoweth. At present any one
who feels inclined to dig for water on his own land, will dig. And he will
have not the slightest regard for his neighbor above him. Sometimes, possi-
bly, the courts may step in and prevent the man on the low ground from rob-
bing his neighbor on the ground above him, but that time seems to be in the
dim and far distant future." #
The foregoing prediction, written in 1902, was verified much sooner than
its author had anticipated, for, on the seventh day of November, of that vear,
the Supreme Court of the state rendered its now celebrated decision in the
case of Katz vs. Walkinshaw. This decision establishes an entirely new rule
respecting the ownership of underground waters and lays down the law to be
that no person can deprive the owner of water-bearing lands of the use of that
water by digging wells upon adjoining lands and draining the water away. In
other words, the owner of water-bearing land owns the water with which that
land is saturated and c*annot legally be deprived of that water without his
consent.
This case arose in San Bernardino. The plaintiff was the owner of water-
bearing lands within the city limits. The defendant dug wells upon adjoining
lands deep enough to drain away the water. The plaintiff brought suit asking
an injunction prohibiting this practice. The case was non-suited in the lower
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 245
court but this decision was overruled by the Supreme Court and the above
principle was established. The decision was re-affirmed in December, 1903.
Arguments against the decision were made by many of the leading lawyers
of Southern California but without securing a modification.
This decision will, in the future, effectually prevent the common practice
of sinking wells at the lowest point in any given area of water-producing
lands, draining the water by artesian wells, or by wells that are pumped, and
conveying the water thus obtained to other points, perhaps at a great distance,
and there using it upon other lands. As regards systems of tbis sort already
existing the decision may or may not work a hardship upon those who have
expended large sums of money upon such systems of irrigation, in accordance
with the facts of each case. If the statute of limitation does not interfere, and
if proof can be produced to establish a case coming within the rule, injunctions
will undoubtedly be issued to restrain the operation of some of these systems.
In fact, several suits have already been instituted with this object in view.
CHAPTER IX.
THE HISTORY OF TRANSPORTATION.
The first white traveler through the San Bernardino Valley was Juan
Bautista de Anza, who was sent to explore an overland route between Sonora,
Mexico, and the Mission of Monterey, in 1774. Accompanied by some twen-
ty-five or thirty men and a considerable number of horses and cattle, he struck
the Colorado River at the junction of the Gila, crossed here, and pushed across
the desert to the Puerto de San Carlos, as he named the San Gorgonio Pass
and then through "El Valle de San Jose.'" In a few weeks he retraced his
steps and two years later he again made the trip, this time in company with
177 people, colonists and soldiers, and with a herd of 590 animals. Such a
party must have broken a very good trail through this valley. This overland
route from Mexico was much used, for long and dangerous as the Wciy was.
it was less perilous than a trip by water in one of the little vessels constructed
by unskilled hands on the west coast of Mexico and baffled by the conflicting
winds and waves of the Pacific.
The first American to enter the San Bernardino Valley was undoubtedly
Jedediah Smith who came in from Utah in 1824 and who is, so far as we know,
the first traveler to enter by way of the Cajon Pass. In [831, the Workman
party came into California from New Mexico by way of the Virgin River and
Cajon Pass. During the thirties and forties considerable traffic between Cali-
fornia and New Mexico was carried on and it came chiefly by the route taken
by the Workman party and thus passed through the San Bernardino Valley.
The New Mexican colonies in this county were a result of this trade. Thus
246 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
the San Bernardino Valley was, from the first settlement of California, a high-
way for travel and for trade.
Many of the gold seekers of 1849, and the succeeding years, entered the
state by one of these southern routes and thus passed this way. Emigrant
trains of canvas covered wagons, drawn by oxen or mules ; trappers and pros-
pectors with trains of pack mules ; single men or little groups of two or three,
on horseback and afoot, — all of these after the long and terrible journey
across the deserts and mountains must have felt that they had reached the
land of promise when they came down into the San Bernardino Valley and
found streams and springs, flowers and luxuriant feed for their starving ani-
mals. A regularly appointed wagon train traveled in a carefully arranged
order while crossing the plains and tried to keep their routine when deserts
and mountains were to be crossed, although often necessity compelled a sep-
aration, in order that water and feed might be obtained for all. If there were
any number of wagons, a leader, or wagon master, was chosen and his com-
mands must be strictly followed. There was usually some stock and a number
of men on horseback accompanying the party. Guards, herders and scouts,
were detailed. The yoking and handling of the half dozen, or more, oxen to a
team was a work requiring experience and skill. Every member of the train
must be in constant readiness for emergencies. Danger — from Indians, lost
trails, difficult mountain passes, swollen streams, or lack of water and many
other contingencies were constantly encountered. And yet, despite all the ap-
parently insurmountable difficulties of this journey, between the years of 1849
and 1859, thousands — some authorities say three hundred thousand — immi-
grants reached California by the overland routes.
STAGING AND FREIGHTING.
With the coming of the Mormons and the settlement of San Bernardino
began the days of the stage "coach" — in early days a "mud" wagon or buck-
board, and of the mule freighter. The first mail service between San Ber-
nardino and Los Angeles seems to have been somewhat irregular. One of
the first mail carriers was U. U. Tyler. He drove oxen and made occasional
trips. It is related that at one time he left Los Angeles with the mail, driving
a yoke of steers attached to the running gear of a wagon. At El Monte a
couple of passengers were awaiting the "stage" to San Bernardino. It was a
case of riding the wagon reach or waiting indefinitelv for other transportation,
so they made the trip — in safety if not in comfort. One of the first mail
carriers was named Rockefeller, and carried the mail and passengers with
a mud wagon and two horses, making the trip once a week and taking two
days from this city to Los Angeles. John Miller, in 1854, ran a stage between
the two points. In 1852 Captain Hunt secured a mail contract for three year?
to carry mail from Los Angeles to Salt Lake, by way of San Bernardino.
The trip was made on horseback, two men carrying the mail, often accom-
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 247
panied by others who wished to make the journey. Among the riders on this
Hue were Dan Taft, Dan Ratliburn, Ed Hope, Gilbert Hunt and Sheldon
Stoddard. The latter made the round trip between here and Salt Lake twelve
times in 1853.
By 1858 a regular bi-weekly stage service was maintained between Los
Angeles and San Bernardino. Its advertisement reads as follows : "Regular
line carrying United States Mail. Leaves Los Angeles Monday and Thurs-
day of each week, at 7 a. m. ; San Bernardino Wednesdays and Saturdavs. 7
a. m. All applications at Bella Union, or Jacob's Hotel, corner Third and E
Streets. No person will be allowed to enter the stage without his fare is pre-
paid. Fare each way, $8.00."
This was evidently a cash proposition, but it was not equal to the tactics
of the stage driver who waited until he reached El Monte and then insisted
upon the payment of the fare in full — no pay, no further ride — and not many
people cared to be stranded at EI Monte. In the latter part of 1859 or in i860
a rival line was put into operation and the fare dropped to $6.00.
The establishment of the Butterfield stage line between St. Louis and
San Francisco, in 1858, was a great event in California history. By this route
the overland mail time between New York and San Francisco was greatly
reduced, the quickest time on record by this line having been twciu^-otie
days. Two mails a week were carried by the Butterfield route, and the time
made, after everything was in working order was very regular. They made
the trip between Los Angeles and Yuma, via Warner's Ranch — 282 miles —
in 72 hours and 20 minutes. Time made on first trip from St. Louis to San
Francisco, 24 days 20 hours 25 minutes."
The breaking out of the civil war caused the withdrawal of United States
troops from California, Arizona and New Mexico. The Indians at once
became troublesome, and in consequence the Butterfield route was aban-
doned. The "pony express" from St. Joe to San Francisco and the telegraph
lines which were put through to the coast in 1861-2, still further shortened
the time for mail and for "news," although the overland passenger travel
was almost brought to a standstill.
In 1863 A. P. Andrews put on a four-horse coach between Los Angeles
and this city wdiich made tri-weekly trips, and must have given the town
quite a metropolitan air. In 1864 a mail route was established from Los
Angeles to Prescott, A. T., via San Bernardino. The contract for this route
was let to James Grant, who was a large mail contractor for many years.
At first the mail was carried by riders, but afterwards a Concord coach, be-
tween Los Angeles and San Bernardino and a mud wagon from San Bernar-
dino on to Arizona Territory, was used. In 1866 the Banning Company-
furnished a "fast and reliable" mail coach which started from Wilmington
weekly, passed through Los Angeles. El Monte, Mud Springs, Cucamonga
and San Bernardino and thence by way of Warner's to Yuma, making the
Hp in about seventy-two hours — considered a feat in that time. In 1867 we
find the following stage advertisements in the San Bernardino Guardian :
24S
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
ARIZOXA
Overland Mail Company.
For Hardyvllle, Culville, Prcscott.
Williams' Fork. La Paz, and
Fort Yuma.
WOLFF *'f'oLKS. Agenli. UPC"° ™.™!i
U. S. Mail Line
LOS ANGELES TO TUCSON,
SAN BEEN AKDINO and FORT YTJMA
AND AFTER 1HOX-
Four-llorse Coaches, carrying
UmlL. S. SlaOL
Fr-ra LOS ANGELES, connool.n - at SAV RER-
WliMS" ..thine FOKT Villi .id TITSON
MAIL LIXE.
THEOUUH PASSAGE can u secured, by ap-
plying, in Los Angeles, to
0. M. WOZEXCRAFT, Agent.
The Overlauil Stage (oast Line!
United States Mails and Wells,
Fargo & Co's Express,
LEAVES ECS AXGEEES BAIEY,
AT 3 O'CLOCK, P.M.
FOR SAX JOSE,
Connecting with the San Francisco and Bon Jose
Railroad, at San Jose,
OFFICE— Bella Union note], Los Angeles.
W. E. LOVETT * CO., Proprietors,
Wu. Bccklev, General
Los Angeles, May 14. 1
FORT VIJIA.
WIXMIXGTON EXCHANGE,
At Wilmington, Cal,
FORT \TJIA,
At 4 o'clock, EVERY MOXDAY
Los Angeles and San Bernardin<v
LETTERS, PACKAGES, Etc., forwarded on
-SS- The Overland Stage for San Francisco,
I Pan Oiego I" I,<" Ao-.'lfi
During- the Mormon occupancy a consid-
erable business was done in sending supplies
— hay. flour and stock to Arizona and Utah
points. During the fifties and early sixties
freight was taken from Southern California
points, not only to Arizona, Nevada and Utah,
but as far north as Montana and even Idaho,
and tlte greater part of this business passed
through the San Bernardino Valley and the
Cajon Pass.
"Freighting" became an important occu-
pation. The man who wished to engage in it
must be a considerable capitalist, for the
heavy wagons, constructed especially for the
purpose, were expensive, and strong, well-
broken mules were required. Eight, ten.
twelve and sometimes eighteen or twenty
mules were used as motive power for the
"outfit." The wagons were carefully packed,
and often carried thousands of dollars' worth
of merchandise. The driving of one of these
"freighters" over the mountains and deserts
required forethought, prompt action and good
judgment. There was always danger from
the Utes. Apaches and other Indians. The
heat and the cold, the alkali dust, the blinding
glare of the sun upon the desert sands, thirst
and hunger — all of these tested to the utter-
most the physical and mental powers of the
teamsters.
In 1873-74 Meyerstein Brothers of San
Bernardino had a contract for hauling all sup-
plies to the then booming Pclnamint district.
They regularly transported by wagon train
200 tons of freight per month. San Bernar-
dino was the base of supplies for the desert
country and the mines throughout the county,
and consequently freighting was one of
her greatest sources of revenue. In early
days she also exported wheat, flour and lum-
ber to the coast district, and her "mule line."
which successfully competed with the South-
ern Pacific Company, is still well remembered
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 249
by old settlers. The coming of the railroad era, however, practically put an
end to the business of the stage coaches and the freighters, although local
stages were still in use in the eighties, and a few lines are still in existence
in the county.
RAILROAD HISTORY.
For many years San Bernardino county awaited the coming of her first
railroad. It was early apparent that some time a transcontinental line would
be built from the lower Mississippi river to the Pacific coast. San Diego peo-
ple felt confident that this line would make its terminus on San Diego harbor
— "the only harbor worthy of the name south of San Francisco'': while the
residents of San Bernardino were equally sure that the road must come
through one of her two great gateways — San Gorgonio or Cajon.
In 1867 the Memphis & El Paso road, with J. C. Fremont, president, was
incorporated, to reach the Pacific coast. Work was begun at the eastern end
of the line, but the scheme fell through. A line was surveyed from San Diego
to the Gila river at one time, but never got further than the survey. There
was much talk of the International line, to run in a direct course from San
Diego eastward, partly on Mexican territory; surveys and concessions were
made — and that was all. It was confidently expected that the Texas &
Pacific railway, which was organized by Tom Scott, of financial fame, in
1869, would solve the railway problem for Southern California. San Diego
made large grants of land and of harbor front to this corporation, and work
was actually begun and ten miles of roadbed graded, after an elaborate cere-
mony in which the first shovelful of dirt was turned. But the financial panic
of 1873 paralyzed this scheme also.
Of local roads, dozens were built — upon paper. A narrow gauge line
between San Diego and San Bernardino direct was surveyed and seemed at
one time an assured fact. In August. 1868, the citizens of San Bernardino
assembled at the Court House and resolved: "That we citizens here assem-
bled are in favor of building a railway from the landing at Anaheim to this
place, and pledge ourselves and our individual exertions to enlist the county
in its favor, and obtain an appropriation of at least $5,000.00 per mile for every
mile built in the county, by the issue of county bonds for this purpose, to be
issued under and by virtue of an act of Legislature passed for that purpose."
This resolution was signed by all of the leading citizens of the county, but
it seems to nave had no effect — the road did not materialize.
The Guardian of October 2nd, 1868, contains the following- railroad
"news":
250 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Pacific and San Bernardino Railroad Company.
"Such is the name of a company incorporated September 23, 1868, with
a capital stock of two millions, the object of which is to connect San Bernar-
dino with the sea, and while developing the resources of the country along
its line, will attract the entire freighting business of Arizona and Southern
Utah, which for some time has been diverted from us by the high prices
charged by our teamsters for freighting, and carried by vessels via the Gulf
of California and Colorado river. The books of tbe company are now open
in San Francisco, and the stock is being taken very liberally. A set of sub-
scription books will be sent to this place by the next steamer, and our citizens,
possessing the means, will no doubt interest themselves in this enterprise and
invest in some shares.
"The incorporation of the company has been delayed by the absence
of Mr. Ben Holladay in Oregon. But now we may look for a speedy prose-
cution of the enterprise. Gen. Davidson, writing in regard to the road, says:
'I look upon the road as a fixed fact.' So do we, and consequently look for-
ward to the future of San Bernardino with anticipations of seeing her become
what nature has established the foundation for, a thriving interior city, draw-
ing to her the trade and traffic of Arizona and Southern Utah, and producing .
from her own fertile hills, valleys and plains, a surplus of products that will
attract wealth and prosperity to her producers. We are not informed when
the work will be commenced, but presume as soon as the necessary arrange-
ments are effected the ground will be broken and grading began. Once the
ground broken, the grading and laying of the rails will be pushed on rapidly,
until San Bernardino will stand as it were on the sea shore, and gather into
her lap the wealth that comes floating on its bosom."
And this is the beginning and the end of the "Pacific & San Bernardino
Railroad Company," so far as we have been able to find it.
In 1874 the Los Angeles & Independence railway, to be built from Santa
Monica to Independence, -Inyo county, was organized by Governor Downey,
F. P. F. Temple and other merchants of Los Angeles, backed by Senator John
P. Jones. Several routes- were proposed, but that through the Cajon Pass was
selected, and San Bernardino was invited to co-operate in the enterprise, and
thus secure a route to the sea coast. The road was constructed between Los
Angeles and Santa Monica and put into operation in December, 1875. San
Bernardino, however, seemed to feel that any road passing through the valley
could not skip her, and made no decided move to secure the road. Consider-
able grading was done on the line this side of Los Angeles and in the Cajon
Pass. The Guardian of January 16, 1875, reports, enthusiastically:
"Work has been commenced on the Independence railroad in earnest. A
force of forty men. under the energetic Crawford is engaged on the Cajon
grade. Mr. Crawford tells us that in a few davs he will be re-enforced by
HISTORY OF SAN BERXARDIXO COUNTY 251
loo Chinamen. The Southern Pacific people have also a force at work in the
Cajon. It seems their object is to head off the Narrow Gauge. Jones, how-
ever, is not likely to bluff worth a dollar. Stanford, we believe, declares his
intention of building a Broad Gauge, to Panamint, via the Cajon. San Ber-
nardino is certainly looming up in importance to the commercial world. And
now, let us avail ourselves of our magnificent opportunities. Let energy,
enterprise and liberality be the order of the day with our business men and
men of property. And let us all act for the general good."
The Los Angeles & Independence Railway never reached the San Bernar-
dino Yallev, however.
THE SOUTHERN PACIFIC.
The first western railroad project was put forth in 1835, when a line
starting from Lake Michigan and extending to the Puget Sound was pro-
posed. In 1849 Thomas Benton introduced a bill into Congiess to subsidize
a road, to be rail where practicable, and the rest of the way turnpike, from
St. Louis to San Francisco. At nearly every session of Congress after this
date some proposal for a transcontinental road was submitted and discussed,
but no decided action was taken until the act authorizing the Union and Cen-
tral Pacific roads in 1862.
In 1856 the first railroad in California, a line from Folsom to Sacramento,
was completed. This road was built by a young engineer, Theodore D. Judah,
who had come out from the east for this purpose. Judah became very much
interested in the possibility of a transcontinental road, and made a careful
examination of all the routes practicable through the Sierra Nevadas. In
1856 Mr. Judah published a pamphlet, "A Practical Plan for Building the
Pacific Railway." A writer in the Overland Monthly says of this document,
"Rarely has there been so much practical matter comprised within thirty
pages. It suggested a plan for sleeping and restaurant cars, thus ante-dating
the Pullman idea and obviating one of the greatest obstacles to the overland
route."
In 1859 a Railroad Convention was called in San Francisco. Judah was
one of the delegates, and presented the information that he had gathered and
the plans that he had formulated. So impressed were the members of the
convention that they appointed the young engineer to act as their accredited
agent to present their proceedings at Washington. Mr. Judah went to "Wash-
ington and made a most favorable impression upon the statesmen with whom
he came in contact, without accomplishing any immediate result.
Largely through Judah's zeal and his conviction in the 'feasibility of the
route he had selected, Huntington, Crocker, Stanford and Hopkins became
252
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
interested, and in 1861 the Central Pacific Company was organized with a sub-
scribed capital of $125,000. Of this amount Huntington. Hopkins, Stanford
and Crocker subscribed $15,-
000 each. These men gradually
acquired most of the other
stock subscribed, including
that of Judah. The breaking
out of the civil war increased
the importance of the Pacific
railway to the country at
large, and the withdrawal of
the Southern members of Con-
gress minimized the opposi-
tion to the project. The Cen-
tral Pacific sent Judah again
to Washington to work in their
interests, and largely through
his earnest and well-calculated
efforts, Congress, in 1862.
passed an "Act to aid in the
. construction of a railroad and
telegraph line from the Mis-
souri river to the Pacific ocean
and to secure to the govern-
ment the use of the same for
postal, military and other purposes."
For the carrying out of this construction the government gave, with-
in tne boundaries of California, two million acres of land and six millions in
bonds; the state gave $105,000 a year for twenty years; Sacramento gave
S300,000 in stock and Placer took $250,000 in stock— all of this applying to
the road only between Sacramento and the eastern boundary of the state.
Ground was broken in Sacramento in 1863 and the work was pushed
with unexpected rapidity. The Union Pacific Company was also organized
and work was begun at the eastern terminus on the Missouri. To these two
roads the government, between the years 1865 and 1869, granted bonds to
the amount of $55,090,692, bearing 6 per cent interest. Congress also gave
them over 26.000.000 acres of land, as well as right of way 400 feet wide, and
depot grounds throughout the route. Important concessions and subsidies
were also granted by the states and cities through which the roads passed.
Thus aided the work was pushed rapidly, and May 10, 1869, the last spike
was driven when the two roads met near Ogden, and thus the Atlantic and
the Pacific were at last united, and the long-talked of "transcontinental" rail-
road was a fact.
C. P. HUNTINGTON
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 253
SOUTHERN ROUTES.
In the meantime it had become a certainty that a southern transconti-
nental line would be built also. In 1853 the government had sent out a party
to explore and survey routes in California to connect with the routes near
the thirty-fifth and thirty-second parallels, which had already been explored
Lieutenant Williamson, in charge of the party, reported as follows:
"Under the supposition that a road has been constructed from the Missis-
sippi to the mouth of the Gila, if the question is simply how to continue the
road to the Pacific, the answer is apparent. It would follow a nearly direct
line to the entrance of the San Gorgonio pass, the best in the coast range ; then
through that pass into tTie San Bernardino valley : and from thence to San
Pedro or some other point in the vicinity of the coast. To go from the mouth
of the Gila to San Francisco we must still go through the San Gorgonio
In 1865 the Central Pacific Company had organized the Southern Pacific
Company, with the intention of building a southern route. In 1866 the At-
lantic & Pacific Company was organized and authorized to build a road from
Springfield, Mo., by way of Albuquerque to the Little Colorado, and thence
along the thirty-fifth parallel as nearly as possible to the Pacific coast. It
was given large grants of lands, but no bonds. In 1871 the Texas Pacific road
was incorporated to build through Texas, El Paso and New Mexico to the
Colorado, and thence to San Diego. Still earlier the Memphis, El Paso &
Pacific Railway Company had begun operations. All of these lines began
construction from their eastern termini.
SOUTHERN PACIFIC.
Soon after its organization the Southern Pacific began building south-
ward through California, and by 1872 had constructed a line as far south
as Tehachapi. From this point its course was undecided. It might cross
the Mojave desert direct to the Colorado river, or it might follow the San
Gorgonio route. Los Angeles determined to secure the road at any cost, and
after a long and bitter fight voted something over $600,000 subsidy, if the
main line should be put through that city. In pursuance of their agreement
to secure the subsidy the railroad at once built twenty-five miles of road to
the north of Los Angeles to San Fernando and twenty-five miles east to Spa-
dra. completing the work to that point in April, 1874. There for a time the
work paused and uncertainty ruled. There were doubts whether the nai!
would ever go any further — and some believed that San Bernardino was the
ultimate terminus.
254 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
In November, 1873, when it was known that the road would certainly
reach Spadra, or Rnebottom's as it was more familiarly known, a meeting
of the citizens of San Bernardino was held and the matter of offering induce-
ments for the immediate completion of the line as far as San Bernardino was
warmly discussed.
Judge Boren moved that a committee be appointed and steps be taken to
find out what would induce the company to come into the valley before
removing their force from the field. Colonel Kelting favored the committee,
but did not believe the company could possibly avoid running their line
through the town. Mr. Katz opposed the appointment, because it looked like
truckling to the railroad people. The majority were in favor of a committee,
at least, yet some citizens were opposed to the railroad on general principles,
and didn't want one, anyway. The meeting finally appointed a committee
of prominent citizens, with instructions to meet every Wednesday until fur-
ther orders. Judge Boren was appointed chairman, W. H. Gould secietary
and E. A. Nisbet corresponding secretary.
Despite the efforts of this committee no definite results followed. The
Guardian and Argus and the people who write letters to the newspapers dis-
cussed the situation warmly and grew enthusiastic over the future prospects
of their city. The Guardian declared: "With the railway terminus in this
town the business would quadruple in one year. And if we only display the
energy dictated by common sense we will have the terminus within nrie shot
of the town."
In October. 1874, Gen. D. D. Colton, Gen. S. T. Gage, Col. C. F. Crocker
and Judge Underhill, Southern Pacific magnates, after going over the pro-
posed route through San Gorgonio pass, returned to San Bernardino and
met the citizens in a largely attended mass meeting. The meeting was
called to order by the chairman, Hon. W. A. Conn, who introduced the rail-
road men and outlined the object for which the meeting was held. He
pointed out the vital necessity of the railroad to the county and the necessity
of the citizens doing all possible to co-operate with the railroad people. Mr.
Crocker acted as spokesman for the visitors, and made a lengthy speech, in
which he set forth the benefits which San Bernardino would derive from the
building of the road, and stated that they did not ask for a subsidv from the
town, but would like to have the business men of the place subscribe for at
least $100,000 worth of their bonds. This was their proposition. Judge A. D.
Boren, at that time one of the heaviest property owners, and one of the most
enterprising citizens, said :
"Mr. Crocker, if we subscribe for $100,000 worth of your bonds will you
build your road through this place or anywhere near it?'* There was then
some talk of putting the depot at the foot of "E" street.
Mr. Crocker, in reply, said that the Southern Pacific was building a great
transcontinental line to be run for all time ; that their through business was
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY . 255
of vastly more importance than the local traffic ever could be, and that they
could not afford to swerve their line to the right or to the left to accommodate
any little town ; that it was not alone the cost of building the additional few
miles of track that a curve reaching and passing through San Bernardino
would entail, but the cost of operating it for all time, and this additional
mileage on all through trains would be so great that the company could not
afford it; yet, to accommodate the people, they would build the line through
the valley, and as near as they could to San Bernardino.
A later meeting of citizens discussed the bond matter, and decided,
almost unanimously, with Senator Conn, "that if the railway company comes
through the town, we, the committee, will propose to the county to buy the
bonds; if it does not come through the town we will not raise one cent."
Inasmuch as no definite promise of anything, not even a depot at the foot of
E street, could be obtained from the railroad, no bonds were subscribed for.
In 1S73 some wide-awake business men had organized the Slover Moun-
tain Association, and purchased a tract of 2,000 acres of land southwest of
San Bernardino. It afterwards developed that at the time of the first rail-
road meeting in San Bernardino, arrangements had been practically com-
pleted to locate the depot on this tract, which was directly in line between
Spadra and the San Gorgonio pass and the owners of which had agreed
to donate 640 acres of land to the railroad company, upon certain conditions.
At first the people of San Bernardino refused to believe that they were
to be passed by. The Argus, in a warm editorial, declared : "God made San
Bernardino a site for the central town of the valley, and the railroad, if
inclined, and we have no reason to believe it to be. cannot change his fiat.
The new town talk is simply nauseating; it is possible a village may grow up
around the depot; if so let it and welcome."
The railroad reached Colton July 30, 1875. A depot, roundhouse, etc.,
were constructed, a hotel put up and other improvements made. The failure
of San Bernardino to purchase bonds was not conducive to good feeling on
the part of the railroad people to that town, and the Southern Pacific Com-
pany threw its entire weight to the building up of Colton and diverting busi-
ness to the new town. For a time this influence was keenly felt ; Colton grew
rapidly, while San Bernardino was almost at a standstill.
September 6, 1876, the northern and southern ends of the road were
united and San Bernardino and Colton thus put into direct communication
with San Francisco. There being no competition, and not enough local busi-
ness to pay the expenses of keeping the local lines in operation, freight rates
were very high. So high, indeed, that the merchants of San Bernardino en-
tered into an arrangement with McFadden Bros., of Newport, Los Angeles
county, who were the owners of a steamboat, to run their boat in competi-
tion with the railroad in carrying freight for San Bernardino. They put on
a mule train between Newport and San Bernardino, and it is a fact that
25(i
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
freight from San Francisco, by this line, was more expeditiously delivered,
and at lower rates than tlie railroad had laid it down at Colton.
When the Southern Pacific people saw that the merchants were in
earnest and were succeeding in their opposition, they sent an agent and
called a meeting of the San Bernardino merchants and shippers at Starke's
Hotel. The company proposed a compromise, offering lower rates and bet-
ter service. The rates were accordingly put down and a strong effort made
to regain San Bernardino business. Many of the business men accepted the
terms offered and the mule line was finally done away with. Although there
was a marked improvement in
service and in rates the freight
was still all the "traffic would
bear," and there were contin-
ual complaints of the business
men as to the treatment re-
ceived from the company.
In March, 1881, the con-
nection between the Southern
Pacific and the Atchison, To-
peka & Santa Fe, at Deming,
New Mexico, was made and
the first through passenger
train between San Francisco
and Kansas City, by the south-
ern route, went over the road.
Thus at last San Bernardino
county was connected with the
east by direct railway route.
In 1886 the Motor line be-
tween Colton and San Bernar-
dino was put into operation,
having been built by R. W.
Button. In November, 1888, this motor line was extended to Riverside.
The same year a motor line between San Bernardino and Redlands was com-
pleted. In 1892, the Southern Pacific Company purchased these motor lines,
thus gaining direct entrance to Redlands, San Bernardino and Riverside.
The same year a branch line was put in between Chino and Ontario.
The motor service between Riverside, Colton, San Bernardino and Red-
lands has been maintained and a broad gauge system added.
During the last year the Southern Pacific Company ha^ purchased land
in the center of San Bernardino city, and a new and adequate railway ^epot
and service is now promised that town — after thirty years of waiting.
g. w. LUCE
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
THE SANTA FE SYSTEM.
On the 7th day of Jul}-, 1866, an act passed Congress approving and sub-
sidizing a new transcontinental line, starting from Springfield, Mo., "thence
running by the most direct route to Albuquerque, N. M., thence to the head-
waters of the Little Colorado, and then along tbe 35th parallel, north latitude,
to the Colorado and thence to tide water."
There was a race between this road and the Atchison, Topeka & Santa
Fe, which had been organized in Kansas. In 1879 tne Atchison, Topeka &
Santa Fe, the St. Louis & San Francisco and the Chicago & Alton Companies
were combined for the purpose of building a joint line from Albuquerque to
the Pacific coast. San Diego, undaunted by her many failures to secure rail-
road facilities, at once set to work to induce this new line to make San Diego
Harbor its terminus. Mainly through the efforts of the Kimball Brothers,
who had invested heavily in San Diego and vicinity, two representatives of
Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe, Messrs. G. B. Wilbur and L. G. Pratt, of Bos-
ton, came to California and visited San Diego. These gentlemen were favor-
ably impressed with the situation of San Diego, and also with the very
liberal propositions made them by the Kimball Brothers and the citizens of
San Diego generally.
San Diego offered "six thousand acres of land within the city, with a
water front of one mile, $15,000 cash and 1,000 city lots; Messrs. Kimball, of
the National Rancho, offered 10.000 acres, with another mile of water front;
Tom Scott, of the defunct Texas & Pacific, agreed to deed to the Atchison,
Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad Company, 4.500
acres of the land previously granted to him."
When San Bernardino heard that San
Diego was to secure a visit from the railway
men she was once more aroused. Mr. John
Isaacs, who was then editor of the San Ber-
nardino Times, and who took an active part
in the campaign to secure the Santa Fe to San
Bernardino, has furnished this statement of
the work then done :
"On October 20, 1879, a meeting was held
at the Court House, attended by the greater
part of our leading business men, at which was
discussed the advisability of trying to secure
this new line. It was unanimously decided
that every effort should be used to this end,
and a delegation consisting of Mr. Fred Per-
ris, then county surveyor, and John Isaacs, was appointed to meet the railway
men when they should arrive, while Messrs. Anderson and Gregory were in-
JOHN ISAACS
F T PERRIS
HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY 259
structed to correspond with the railway officials in regard to their movements
and extend an invitation to visit this valley. A committee to raise funds
was also appointed, and by diligent labor secured S40.00, one of which was
bogus.
With this sum the delegates started for San Diego, November 2d. The
journey between the two cities was not a picnic in those days. There were no
places of public entertainment along the road and few settlers. It was a three
days' trip over rough and muddy roads. Upon arrival in San Diego it was
found that Messrs. Wilbur and Pratt would not reach the city for five days.
The committee, therefore, had ample time to spend its funds and to look over
the lay of the land. They found that there were opposing interests at work.
One party was bound that the road, if built at all. must come by the Interna-
tional boundary line that had been surveyed and much talked of some years
previous to this. Another party with interests along the coast and in the
northern part of the count}', was equally determined that the road must come
that way. The San Bernardino men soon found that their presence was not
considered desirable by one party, at least, and a determined effort to prevent
their meeting the railway men when they arrived, was made.
Messrs. Wilbur & Pratt, however, declined the private hospitality that
was pressed upon them, and went to the Horton House, where the San
Bernardino delegation at last secured an appointment. At this interview
there were present beside Messrs. Perris and Isaacs, Don Juan Foster, H. I.
Willey and C. J. Cox. It lasted from 8 o'clock p. m. until i 130 a. m., and Mr.
Perris furnished facts and gave topographical data which these gentlemen
were totally unprepared for. At the close of the talk Mr. Wilbur said: "Gen-
tlemen, if you will come for us in two weeks we will go up and see your
country."
That promise was the turning point for San Bernardino, and from that
moment we may date our railroad history.
Well satisfied with their labors, the committee started for home, to be
caught in the worst storm of the season and to reach San Bernardino after
three days of hard, wet traveling. At the appointed time they met the two
railroad men, accompanied by their engineer, Morley, and Harry I. Willey,
at the Santa Margarita Rancho, and drove back to San Bernardino.
In the meantime a bureau of information had been started in this city;
a collection of its various products was gathered together, and all the inform-
ation available regarding the resources of the county and its possibilities was
compiled for the visiting railroad directors. Mr. Perris also took Engineer
Morley over the line, from Santa Magarita through the San Gorgonio and
Morongo Passes and to the summit of Cajon Pass, and Mr. Morley remarked
of the Cajon Pass, which had been pronounced as insurmountable, "This is
nothing; we can go through here easily enough."
An editorial in the Times of November 30, 1879, regarding the visit of
260 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
these Santa Fe railway officials, says : "We have spent several days with
the gentlemen now among us representing the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe
railway, and we are forced to the conclusion that their visit here is not a mere
dodge, but that they mean business and are in earnest in their efforts to learn
the feasibility of a road to our coast, the best route to be taken by it, the
present and possible resources of the country through which they would pass,
and other points bearing upon their line as a paying investment. They are
here as an investigating committee, and upon their report future action will
be taken by their company, and it is for the purpose of making an intelligent
report that they are staying among us so long and making so studious an
examination of the counties of Southern California."
As a result of the investigations of this committee the route by the way
of Cajon Pass was decided upon and work was begun from the San Diego ter-
minus in 1880, and by May, 1881, the graders were at work in Temecula canon.
The question of the route to be pursued between Temecula and the
Cajon Pass was still unsettled. Riverside was making strenuous efforts to
bring the line through the Temescal valley, Arlington and Riverside. As
inducements she offered "free right of way from the Laguna (Elsinore lake)
to the Santa Ana river at the narrows, $10,000 from the Tin company, 500
to 1,000 acres from the Sierra Ranch owners, $5,000 from the citizens of
Arlington and vicinity, and 500 acres in the lower part of Riverside valley."
Another route was surveyed by way of Box Springs which would bring
the line nearer to San Bernardino. Railroad meetings were held and proposi-
tions were made, but nothing definite was arrived at.
August 21, 1882, the Southern California road was completed to Colton
and a regular service put on, thus giving San Diego an outlet to the east and
to San Francisco. Here construction stopped for nearly a year, and San
Bernardino still debated the question of what she would offer to secure a
depot within her own limits. At length she guaranteed right of way and
depot grounds, amounting to some $20,000 in value, and it was settled that
the road should pass through San Bernardino, and thence through the Cajon
Pass to join the eastern extension which was being pushed through New
Mexico and Arizona.
September 13, 1883, the first train whistle rang through the city of San
Bernardino. But the long-awaited event had not been attained without a
final struggle. The Southern Pacific road had interposed every possible obsta-
cle— legal and material — to the advent of its rival. Its last stand was made
at the intersection of the roads at Colton. Injunctions had been served to
restrain the California Southern road, and some of its property at San Diego
had been attached. Rather an amusing incident occurred with regard to the
railroad crossing which was intended to be used at Colton. The San Diego
Sun reports :
"The California Southern Railroad Company perpetrated the best joke
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 261
of the season on the Southern Pacific Company, on Thursday night. It ap-
pears that among the property levied on by the latter company was the rail-
road crossing to be used at Colton. It had remained at National City for
several months, and Mr. Bradt was ordered to take charge of it, as deputy
sheriff, on Thursday. The limb of the law, when night came on, instead of
sitting on the crossing, went to the hotel and was soon wrapped in profound
slumber, dreaming of the sheriff's sale which was destined to never take place.
Meanwhile the defendant got a force of men, hoisted the crossing on a car
and immediately dispatched a special train to Colton. The surprise of Mr.
Bradt when he arrived at the yards in the morning and found that his charge
had been transported to San Bernardino county can better be imagined than
described."
The Southern Pacific found it convenient to station locomotives and cars
along its tracks where the crossing was to be placed, and at one time it looked
as though serious trouble might arise, but when the last legal steps had failed
and the company found themselves in danger of "contempt of court'' proceed-
ings, they removed the hindrances and aided in laying the disputed crossing.
The rejoicing over the entrance of the railroad was soon turned to mourn-
ing. The winter of 1883-4 proved to be a flood year — second only to the great
flood of 1862. Many washouts occurred along the line of the newly con-
structed road, and some fifteen miles of track through the Temecula canon
was completely destroyed. This canon is a narrow, winding gorge with most
precipitous sides. The eastern engineers refused to believe that the modest
little stream trickling through the bottom of the canon far below their track-
could ever harm their carefully planned grades and bridges. They had lessons
to learn concerning California streams.
For a time the railroad outlook was gloomy for San Bernardino, and black
■ — dead black — for San Diego. No move was made to repair the road, and in
response to inquiries the railroad officials gave very unsatisfactory answers.
The Southern Pacific, on the approach of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe,
had built a branch from its main line at Mojave across to the Needles on the
Colorado river, in order to secure the subsidy offered by the government for
the first line building through this territory. This branch, completed in April.
1883, seriously interfered with the plans of the new road. It must either
parallel the Southern Pacific, or buy out the line from Needles to Mojave.
The latter course was finally agreed upon, and in July, 1884, an arrangement
was entered into whereby the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe secured the use
of the Mojave line, and also the right to run their trains over the Southern
Pacific tracks into San Francisco. At the same time it was announced that
the California Southern extension would be completed to Waterman (now
Barstow) and the breaks fully repaired. Work after this was pushed
rapidly. Two hundred and fifty thousand dollars was expended in repairing
262 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
and rebuilding the line through the Temecula canon, and the extension was
hurried along. In November, 1885, the California Southern was completed
to Barstow, and San Bernardino turned out with fireworks and bands to wel-
come ber first transcontinental train. The editor of the Times, Saturday,
November 14, 1885, comments thus:
"The last spike on the California Southern Railway was driven to-day,
and San Bernardino is now in rail connection with the mining section and all
of central United States by means of the Atlantic & Pacific and its branches.
This important event, the most important in our history, has taken place
quietly, without fuss or feathers, and while generally known, is the subject of
no comment or rejoicing. Yet with the opening of this road a new era dawns
upon us. San Bernardino will have on the railroad maps and time tables of the
future a "local habitation and a name." She will no longer be ignored as here-
tofore, but will take her proper place as the second city of Southern California.
She will be made the distributive point for this section, and goods from the
East will be left off at the San Bernardino depot, and not shipped first to
Los Angeles and then returned to Colton with charges to pay both ways.
The immense mining trade of which w-e have so long been deprived will now
return to us. Eastern people will know of us and come here. The trains that
pass will go through a fertile portion of our valley and not through the desert
portion of it, and travelers who pass through will not believe as heretofore
that San Bernardino was a desert and nothing else. All this is before us.
The turning point in our history has come, and we greet it as we do all other
blessings — in silence. We are perhaps the most undemonstrative people in-
America. Nothing short of an earthquake will shake us up. San Diego is
preparing for a great celebration on the completion of the road, and we — well.
we'll let 'em ; but we'll just be durned ef we'll make any fuss about it."
Evidently the editorial took effect, as the first train was duly welcomed.
The California Central had already begun the construction of the numer-
ous branch lines which have made it the beneficiary of Southern California. In
1884 a survey was made for a line between San Bernardino and Los Angeles,
via Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley. In 1885 the Riverside, Santa Ana
& Los Angeles Railway was incorporated to build the line through the Santa
Ana canon.
In 1886 the California Southern proposed to the citizens of San Bernar-
dino that if the}' would donate 18 acres of land adjoining the 20 acres already
owned by the company, the Division Headquarters would be made at San
Bernardino, and machine shops, depot and improvements to the amount of
$200,000 would be at once put under way. The proposition was enthusias-
tically accepted. A meeting was called and $10,000 raised on the spot toward
the purchase price of the land. Again the editor of the Times was called upon
to "whoop it up," and this is the way he did it:
"In answer to an invitation, privatelv sent out, a number of the citizens of
HISTORY OF SAN BERXARDIXO COUNTY
lit;;-1.
our town who are interested
the rear room of the Farmers
THEY CROW BEST WHO CROW
LAST!!
n the further advancement of the place, met in
Exchange Bank, last evening, to see what plan
could be arrived at for the advancing
of those interests in which San Bernar-
dino is directly intere: ted. The meet-
ing was called to order by John Andre-
son, and on motion R. W. Waterman
was chosen chairman and John Isaac
secretary.
"H. L. Drew stated that the object
of the meeting was to consider a prop-
osition from the California Southern
Railroad Company relative to making
San Bernardino division headquarters,
with machine shops, round-house, etc.
The railroad company want the citizens
of this town to give them eighteen
acres of land contiguous to the land
which the company at present own.
The citizens desired to make their offer
a cash one, but the company did not
want the cash. What they want, and
all they want, is the land, upon which
they propose to erect their machine
shops, etc. Colton has made them an
offer, and we understand some of the
officers of the company favor locating
those improvements at Colton ; but Mr.
Victor, superintendent, and Fred T.
Perris, chief engineer, are in favor of
San Bernardino, and will do all in their
power for us, provided we will do our
share. Mr. Perris stated to the meet-
ing that he had been waiting and
watching for an opportunity to make
a definite proposition to the citizens of
san Bernardino whoop! this place, and he considered that he
could now lay before them the opportunity to make a second Los Angeles
right here, if they would only do their part. The proposed contract was read
and submitted to the meeting, together with plans of depot, maps, diagrams,
etc., all of which go to show the willingness of the railroad company to locate
those improvements here, if we will only assist them to do so. After discuss-
in- the feasibility of the proposition from all sides, a committee was
SAN BERNARDINO.
COLTON.
264 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
appointed to thoroughly canvass the town and see what our citizens would do.
Whether they would give their money toward the improvement of San Ber-
nardino, or. whether they would allow Colton to beat us in the race. Of course
there can be but very little, if any. opposition, for all will readily see the
great benefit such a proposition will be to our town, if carried into effect.
"A committee of three, consisting of John Andreson, R. W. Waterman
and H. L. Drew, was appointed to prepare a guarantee of what each man is
willing to do in the matter, to be circulated and signed by all who may feel
disposed to aid in this proposed building up of the town. This committee
are also to act as trustees to look after the money raised and put it to the use
it is raised for.
"A committee of three was also appointed to solicit subscriptions. This
committee was composed of W. A.
Harris, M. Katz and W. G. Morse.
The work of this committee is to
be done at once, and a report
made at a meeting to be held at
the Farmer's Exchange Bank to-
night, so get out yonr pencils,
shut your eyes and write as many
figures after your names as your
consciences will allow.
"The proposition of the com-
pany was so well thought of by
the citizens present at this meet-
ing that something over $10,000
was raised immediately. The
idea advanced at this meeting
was to raise, if possible, the sum
of S25.000, and to use as much of
it as is necessary for the purchase
of the eighteen acres of land, the
balaece, if any be left, to be re-
turned, pro rata, to the subscrib-
ers.
JOHN J. BYRNE „_,, .. , ,
"The railroad company now
own about twenty acres of land in our town. They need about forty acres
for their proposed improvements. The only question is, will the people take
interest enough in the advancement of the town to give them the eighteen
acres of land necessary for these improvements, or will they allow all this
work to be done at Colton.-
"The committees will report to the meeting to-night, and as there can be
but one result, a grand ratification meeting will be held in the Court House
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 265
on to-morrow evening by all of our citizens. Let the list be so full that there
will be no possible chance of missing this grand opportunity.
"Acting upon the suggestion of the Times last evening, the citizens'
committee have bonded the whole of block 17, of the five-acre survey, except
two acres, giving them control of eighty-eight acres of land, which can be
had at a cost of from $400 to $500 per acre. ' Out of this it is proposed to offer
the railroad company a choice of forty acres, the balance to be sold to secure
the signers of the guarantee fund. Surveyors are now engaged in running a
line north from the Fabun place to the northwest corner of block 17, which
will be entered with a curve, as the present grounds now are. This property
lies between Fifth and Seventh streets, and there are a number of reasons
why it is superior for railroad purposes, outside of its lessened cost. It is
more level than the present location, and the cost of grading will be materially
reduced, a big item to the railroad, as the present grounds will have to be cut
down in some places as much as five or six feet. It can be got without trouble
or litigation of any kind, and there will be no contest with the Lytle or any
other heirs, as there cannot be even the shadow of a cloud upon the title. It is
proposed to either abandon the present grounds or use them only for storage
purposes, for keeping extra cars or unused machinery. So far as the citizens'
committee is concerned, all the work lias been done, the whole of this property
has been bonded, and the proposition laid before Air. Perris, who has tele-
graphed it East and received instructions to complete the survey and report.
If his report is favorable there is little doubt that the depot and machine shops
will go on to block 17 instead of 16. While, of course, the property immediate-
ly around the present depot would depreciate from its removal, the new loca-
tion will be much better for the town as a whole, because it will be centrally
located instead of as at present in one end, and the benefits derived from it
would be more equally distributed. There can be little doubt that Mr. Perris
will recommend the new location and that it will be accepted. What then
remains for the citizens is to ratify the action of their committee."
The "boom" years of 1886-7 saw a wide extension of railway "feeders"
in Southern California. At one time there were ten different parties, all under
the supervision of F. T. Perris. chief engineer of the California Southern,
engaged in railroad construction in various parts of the country. The Cali-
fornia Central road was organized, and the year 1887 saw completed the fol-
lowing lines of road, all of which were parts of the Santa Fe svstem:
Miles.
California Southern, from National City to Barstow 210J/
San Bernardino and Los Angeles, including the San Gabriel valley 6oy2
Riverside, Santa Ana and Los Angeles, from Citrus via Santa Ana to Los
Angeles 77
San Bernardino and San Diego, from Santa Ana to Oceanside 48
San Bernardino Yallev, from San Bernardino to Mentone 12
266 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Miles
San Jacinto Valley, from Perris to San Jacinto ig
San Diego Central, from Oceanside to Escondido 23
San Diego and El Cajon Valley 16
Los Angeles and Santa Monica to Port Ballona 18
Total miles -. 484
In 1893 the "loop" around the San Bernardino valley was built, thus com-
pleting the celebrated "kite-shaped" track, by which one may travel from Los
Angeles, through the San Gabriel valley to San Bernardino and thence to
Redlands, and, returning by the loop, cross the track at San Bernardino and
thence to Los Angeles via the Santa Ana valley, or vice versa.
In 1887, and again in 1892, the Temecula division of the California South-
ern was washed out, and in the latter year this route was abandoned, a branch
line being built to Fallbrook in the lower part of the. canon, and so con-
structed that the flood water washes over, instead of under the bridges—
an innovation which has worked successfully.
In 1901, the Santa Fe system by the acquisition of the San Joaquin
Valley road and the building of some trrck gained an en, ranee of its own into
San Francisco, thus giving that city, for the first time, a competing line of
road.
SANTA FE SHOPS.
When the location for depot and shop grounds was made in 1886 for San
Bernardino, condemnation suits were found necessary to secure part of the
land sought, this comprised about 45 acres of ground. At the time of the trial,
witnesses, under oath, stated that 5 acres of ground would be ample for the
company** needs. Since that time about 22 1-2 acres have been added, making
a total of 67 1-2 acres, the present crowded conditon of which suggesis that at
least 100 acres will be ultimately required to meet the increasing demands for
room.
The original tract of 45 acres was graded at great expense, the east end
having to be raised some 3 1-2 to 4 feet to secure proper working grade for
vard. The first improvements made in the way of shop and round-house
facilities consisted of a ten-stall round-house of brick and 60-foot turn-table,
machine shop and blacksmith shop were also of brick.
The freight and passenger buildings were erected in 1887 and subsequently
much enlarged. These early improvements cost nearly $100,000. The year
1901 demonstrated the fact that more room was absolutely required for shop
and yard extensions. This resulted in the acquirement of 22 1-2 acres more
ground at a cost exceeding $20,000. During the year 1902 this ground has been
occupied with new brick machine shop. 200 feet by 120 feet, and transfer table.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 267
A frame brass foundry and tin shop, 125 feet by 50 feet ; a brick paint shop,
275 feet by 80 feet, and a brick car shop, 275 feet by 120 feet, all brick buildings,
being covered with tiles imported from the east. Many other improvements
and additions have been made to the old shops. A large amount of new ma-
chinery has been installed in all the shops. Included in this is one of the
largest air compressors on the coast, supplying air under 100 pounds pressure
for a multitude of purposes. All shops are electrically- lighted and provided
with electric as well as steam power. Steam heat has been carried to all points
where most required during the winter months.
A large extension to the blacksmith shop was made in 1900 in which car
axles for the coast lines are now made from scrap. Not the least of the im-
provements made is the increase of side and spur tracks which now have an
aggregate length of 17 miles. A brick store-house for patterns only and a fire
department house should be added to the above list.
In addition to water received from the city mains a 12-inch well has been
provided 475 feet in depth, having a capacity of 350 to 400 gallons per minute,
water from which is pumped by compressed air into a steel tank 24 feet in dia-
meter and 60 feet in height.
For fire protection a Deane Under-Writer Fire Pump, supplied with steam
from two 60 h. p. boilers and water from a concrete reservoir, has been installed
at the west end of the yard. This is ready for instant service day and night and
forces water under 100 pounds pressure through cast iron mains and laterals
laid throughout the yard and commanding all buildings with suitable hydrants
and connections.
San Bernardino is a main distributing point for fuel oil, a storage tank
with a capacity of over 36,000 barrels having been erected at a cost of nearly
$12, coo.
Expenditures during the past three years for the various improvements
and machinery mentioned have aggregated about $350,000.
During the busy season "about 800 men are employed and the San Bernar-
dino pay rolls vary from $40,000 to $fio,ooo per month.
All classes of repair work is done at the San Bernardino shops, this in-
cludes the rebuilding of engines and cars and the general repairs of all cars
used on the coast lines. San Bernardino is also the distributing point for
railroad material of all descriptions, a large store-house and yards occupying
much space for this especial purpose.
Notwithstanding the unique geographical position of San Bernardino, its
real growth was not assured until it became known that it was selected as the
chosen spot for extensive "Santa Fe Shops."
Dating from the purchase of the last 22 1-2 acres and the erection of the
before named shops, public confidence in the future of the city grew to the
extent of securing the advent of the various electric roads now centering in
San Bernardino. This again has begotten a large measure of confidence with
268 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
the further result that the "Old Town"' is already laying claim to being one
of the best business points in Southern California. More houses have been
built and greater improvements made during the year 1903 than in any pre-
vious five years. This taken in connection with the fact that the count}' of
San Bernardino is already third in point of importance in the state as a mineral
producer and wonderful mineral developments still taking place in its desert
portions, emphasizes the statement that San Bernardino is destined to become
second only in importance in Southern California to Los Angeles.
OIL BURNING.
The high price of coal which must be brought to Southern California from
New Mexico, Washington or Vancouver, made the cost of transportation in
the southwest necessarily higher than in any other part of the country. The
question of cheap fuel was most important and the increased output of
petroleum in Southern California
in the earlier nineties induced K.
H. YYade, general manager, and G.
W. Prescott. supt. of machinery,
for the Southern California sys-
tem to experiment with crude oil.
Repeated experiments satis-
fied them of its utility and cheap-
ness as compared with coal, but
it was not until 1895 that a satis-
factory appliance for burning it
in engines was completed. It
was found then that a saving of
at least ten cents a train mile
could be made by using oil pur-
chased in the market over coal.
In addition, the danger of fire in
the dry region traversed by west-
ern roads was greatly reduced, as
there are no sparks. Cinders, are
also done away with and smoke
and dust greatly reduced. A sav-
ing on the wear and tear of ma-
chinery is another gain. So suc-
cessful was the experiment at first tried on one or two engines that the entire
equipment for both Southern California and Southern Pacific roads has been
changed to use oil as fuel. The railroad companies now own extensive oil
fields and are taking out the oil necessary for their own use. Oil burning
engines are now used as far east as New Mexico.
K. H. WADE
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 269
The oiling- of the railroad tracks and of roads and streets with crude oil
has proved another great boon to travelers. Over the oiled tracks dust is
almost overcome and the comfort and cleanliness of passengers greatly
increased.
THE RATE WAR.
The completion of the branch line between Colton and the Southern
Pacific at Barstow gave the A. T. & S. F. line an entrance into Southern Cali-
fornia and gave California a second transcontinental route. This was a most
important event and gave rise to many and far reaching changes. The first
result of the Santa Fe's reaching the Pacific Coast was the "rate war."
At the January, 1886, meeting of the Transcontinental Association, a pool
of all lines in the transcontinental business, held' in New York City, the
Atchison system announced that it was in a position to handle one-half of the
business to and from Southern California and claimed 50 per cent of the busi-
ness. The Southern Pacific opposed this claim with vehemence and the Asso-
ciation upheld the Southern Pacific. In consequence the Atchison withdrew
from the pool and the other lines joined forces against it. The Santa Fe
authorized its agents to "cut" rates. According to a Chicago dispatch, Feb-
ruary 10. 1886: "An overland rate war growing out of the collapse of the
Transcontinental Association, was instituted today in a thoroughly aggres-
sive way, both as to passenger and freight traffic. All lines make a 1st class
unlimited $70 rate, $60 limited, and $42, 2nd class. Agents given carte
blanche to receive all freight possible at any figures." The rates up to this
time had been: 1st class, Chicago, unlimited, $115; St. Louis, $112.
By February 21, a rate of $25.00 between the coast and Missouri river
points had been reached. On the 24th. tickets between Kansas City and San
Francisco were $30.00 with $5 rebate, and $24 with $3 rebate.
March 6th the Southern Pacific was selling tickets at a "flat" rate, $16
between the coast and Missouri, $20.00 to Chicago and $35 to New York.
Down the fare continued to drop until it reached a point where it was cheaper
to travel than to stay at home. The climax of the cheap rates was reached in
Los Angeles, however, when, on March 8th, tickets were sold by the Southern
Pacific at a "flat" rate of $1.00 to Missouri river. This rate was only main-
tained for a few hours and was not met by the Santa Fe, which continued to
sell at $8.00, although a $5.00 rate was previously put on.
Of course such rates led to a phenomenal travel both ways. California
was flooded with tourists and the "boom" was on. The cheap freight rates
also caused almost a complete blockade of business. Merchants ordered large
stocks of goods — but the stocks already on hand were sometimes sold at a loss.
The "war" continued, with variations, for some months and rates were
not settled until toward the close of 1887. The rush continued through the
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 271
winter of 1886-7, trains coming- in sections and parties of several hundred
coming in a body to look over the land and to invest.
One most important result of the rate war was the fact that the old rates
were never restored. The first class fare from Chicago has since remained
near the $60 mark and the second class at about $50.
It is hard to estimate the number of people who came into California
during the rate war, but the population of the state increased from 864,686 in
1880, to 1. 208,130 in 1890, a gain of 347.444 in the ten years. San Bernardino
county leaped from 7,786 in 1880 to 25,497 in 1890. According to careful
estimates based on the school population census, the population of the state
in 1886 was 1,117,982, and in 1887 1,170,298, a gain of 52,316, a large per cent
of whom were doubtless "boom" comers. The greater per cent of the increase
in the state was in the southern counties and as seen San Bernardino county
multiplied more than 300 per cent during the ten years and gained the greater
part of her increased population during the "boom" years.
THE "SALT LAKE" ROUTE.
For years there has been almost constant talk of a connecting line of
railway between Southern California and the Great Salt Lake Basin.
In 1886, Captain C. E. Thorn, Judge Ross and otber property owners of
Los Angeles built a narrow gauge line between Los Angeles and Glendale.
About the same time Captain John Cross came from Arkansas and in company
with other capitalists constructed a narrow gauge line between Los Angeles
and Pasadena. This road absorbed the Los Angeles and Glendale line and
was known as the "Cross" road. About 1890 it was confidently believed that
the Union Pacific would at once complete the Utah Southern into California
and would utilize some of the franchises already granted to enter this city.
The same year a new railroad company was organized by St. Louis capital-
ists, which purchased the "Cross" roads and their franchises, bought 115
acres of land at San Pedro for terminal purposes and constructed a line from
Los Angeles to San Pedro which was known as the "Terminal" road. It was
then believed that this line was intended as a part of a Salt Lake route. But
all the hopes and the unending newspaper rumors proved idle.
It was not until Senator W. A. Clark, of Montana, became the moving
spirit of a new company organized in the fall of 1900, which purchased the old
"Terminal" road and also bought portions of the lines of the Oregon Short
Line Railway Co., that there was any definite move toward the fulfillment of
the project. For the past three years plans have been formulating and for
two years past work has progressed rapidly on the Salt Lake route. The
old roadbed between San Pedro and Los Angeles has been rebuilt. Extensive
improvements at San Pedro have been undertaken ; a roadbed between Los
Angeles and Riverside is completed and regular train service is now main-
tained. Arrangements have been made with the Santa Fe and the Southern
272 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Pacific to give the new line entrance into Colton and San Bernardino, and
trackage to Daggett. From that point road building across the desert to meet
the northern end of the line which extends from Caliente, Nevada, to Daggett.
California, is well under way and will be finished by January i, 1905. For the
past year neither men nor money have been spared, and no road in all the
record of railroad building has ever been pushed through so difficult a country
with such rapidity.
From Daggett the line follows the contour of the Mojave river for sixty-
five miles, then turns across the Colorado Canon, passing through the "Cave
country." Many tunnels, bridges and trestles are necessary through this
wildly picturesque region. The route will be notable indeed for the weird
beauty of its desert and mountain scenery.
It follows closely the old "Salt Lake Trail," first traversed by Captain
Jefferson Hunt in 1847, and broken by the little band of the Mormon Battalion
who, in 1848, drove the first ox-team through the Cajon Pass on their way to
the new "City of Zion" in the Salt Lake Basin. Strange tales of bloodshed, of
iron courage; of starvation and of rescue; of mines found — and lost; of
Spanish explorers and Indian tribes, of trappers, hunters, of prospectors and
of religious fanatics are mingled with the history of this "Salt Lake" or "Mor-
mon" trail. What thoughts must overwhelm the few old "mule-whackers"
and pioneers of this trail now living, — what tales must come to their minds —
as they see palatial trains flying over the carefully ballasted and graded road-
bed and making the journey in twenty-four hours that once required weeks
of sturdy, unflinching endurance.
The road-bed and the equipment of the "Salt Lake" route is the most
complete possible ; the buildings, stations, etc., are of the finest architecture
and the most substantial character. The concrete bridge across the Santa
Ana, near Riverside, is the largest concrete bridge in the world, being 980
feet in length, with eight arches, sixty feet above the river bed, while the
foundations rest on rock from twelve to thirty feet below the surface of the
ground. 30,000 tons of concrete were used in constructing this bridge which
is a marvel of engineering.
The completion of this line will give to Southern California a third trans-
continental route. It will open another large section of San Barnardino's
desert area, thus bringing vast mineral deposits which have hitherto been
unavailable, into requisition. New industries and new settlements will in-
evitably follow the establishment of the new line. More than 125 miles of
track will pass through a portion of the county hitherto almost unattainable.
The junction of three great lines at Colton and San Bernardino will give
an added impetus to these towns. New trackage and storage facilities will be
required. It is likely that the repairing, etc., will for a time, at least, be done
at the Santa Fe shops. Already these cities are growing with a rapidity
unknown since the days of the "boom."
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
CHAPTER X.
THE MINING INDUSTRY.
San Bernardino County, with its large area — equal to that of Massa-
chusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Delaware combined, with its many
mountain ranges, its vast deserts and its numerous valleys, presents a very
wide range of mineral deposits. While much development work has already
been done and great wealth has already been derived from these resources,
the mineral wealth of the county has. as yet, scarcely been touched. Sys-
tematic exploitation, not only of gold, silver, copper, borax, and other com-
mon minerals, but of many less known products, is still in the development
stage. The Mojave desert, forbidding and barren as it is, is a treasure house
of riches which await the future. Undeveloped as its resources are, San
Bernardino county, in 1902. ranked third in the state in the production of
mineral wealth. In 1901 her mineral production was more than 11 per cent
of her total wealth.
The State Mineralogist furnishes this table of the mineral production
of the county for the past ten years :
S
1
fs
a,
S3 1, 622
$ 6,250
37, 672
so.oa
12 376
17,500
$ 2,000
?14,0u0
7,630
'6.600
7.410
3,275
14,811
4,00(J
5,60(
7,067
42.657
'.Mil
4,63(
76.7 K
151,447
7.40C
64,614
-l:'.n,ll'.i il-|s,2l2i 726,509? 2I,6i«i ?::2,»0o
-972 2,1
'.199| 4
I. nun
1 ..1
:;::,iiiiii
I.S.-.y.::5i
1,965,143
l,sn. _•:-:'.>
3.::u\2no
1.576.61S
tSalt {Macadam
I.ead-1900, S400; 1901, S20, included in total.
Turquoise— 1900, S20.000; 1901, $20,0110; 1902, $11,600; 1H03. 510,000. included in i
The lack of capital, the scarcity of water and of fuel, the great difficulty
in reaching many of the desert mines, and the cost of transporting ore to
mills or smelters, have all been great hindrances to the working of most of
our mines. One great drawback to the erection of smelters within the
county, the lack of fuel, has been largely overcome in recent years by the
development of oil and the cheapness with which it can be laid down at anv
railroad point. The building of new lines of railway within the county is
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 27:,
also facilitating transportation and removing many of the obstacles which
have hitherto stood in the way of success.
Of quartz mines bearing gold and silver, there are now some 250 loca-
tions on record, most of which have been more or less fully opened up, and
which are scattered through some twenty mining districts. At present the
most active operations are being carried forward in the Clark, Vanderbilt
and New York districts in the northeastern corner of the conntv, the Oro
Grande. Calico, and Black Hawk districts in the central portion of the county
and in Rand district — partly located in Kern county.
There are seventy-seven copper claims, fourteen borax mines, seventeen
niter deposits on which claims have been located, eleven locations of lime,
four granite quarries, three marble quarries, two kaolin claims, besides loca-
tions of cement, cobalt, corundum, graphite, asbestos, nickle, rubble and
turquoise.
Aside from these, the following minerals, ornamental material, and gems
are known to exist in the county and await development: Tin, iron, zinc,
mineral paint, porphyry, sandstone, gypsum, potters' clay, fire clay, fullers'
earth, bauxite, coal, oil, asbestos, mica apatite, niter, carbonate of soda,
glauber salts, epsom salts, aragonite, azurite, agate, obsidian, octahedrite,
and onyx.
San Bernardino leads all the other counties of the state in the production
of borax, cement, turquoise and rubble and leads the world in the production
of borax.
Practically, the history of mining in this county begins with the dis-
covery of gold in Bear and Holcomb valleys in the fall of i860, a full account
of which is given elsewhere. About the same time the prospectors began
to develop silver mines at Ivanpah and placer mining began on Lytle Creek.
Placer mining was carried on quite extensively during the sixties in Bear
and Holcomb valleys and along Lytle Creek, and was attempted in the
Yucaipe valley and at other points, but without much success. Hydraulic
mining was first employed in this count)- on Lytle Creek and was also used
to a small extent in the mountain claims. But the mines of the countv have
been almost exclusively quartz formations and quartz mining has been ihe
rule. During the seventies the gold and silver mines of the Panamint, Ivan-
pah and Ord districts were opened up, and later the rich silver mines of the
Calico district and of Providence Mts. were developed. During the eighties
the production of silver in this county was very heavy, the Providence mines
having been by far the richest silver bearing mines ever discovered in the
state. The last twelve or fourteen years, the borax output has been San
Bernardino's most valuable mineral resource. The extent and value of these
deposits and their products is a most interesting example of the possibilities
of the desert.
JOHN w. si:ai,'I IS
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 277
HOLCOMB AND BEAR VALLEYS.
. In 1859, prospecting for gold began in Bear Valley, high in the San Ber-
nardino mountains. A company of miners prospected for some time with
poor results. The first "pay dirt" was struck by Jack Martin and W. F.
Holcomb, two well known pioneers. When it was known that gold had
been found here a rush followed and soon a large number of men were
panning dirt in the valley. May 5th. i860, AY. F. Holcomb and Ben Ware
located the first claims in Holcomb Valley, five miles beyond Bear Valley.
For two or three years these two valleys formed a typical mining camp.
Men came in from all parts of the country, considerable settlements were
totmed and stores, hotels and restaurants flourished.
Large amounts of gold were taken out — the diggings were shallow and
easily worked. Then for a few years the diggings seemed to be worked out
and were practically deserted. About 1870 a forty stamp mill was erected at
Gold Mountain in Bear Valley, but was soon afterward burned. Some time
later a five stamp mill was set up on a hill near the former location, but was
never used and was finally removed. In 1876 a ten stamp mill was erected
in Bear Valley, but this-, too, proved a disastrous investment. "Lucky"
Baldwin was one of the owners of this Gold Mountain property, but he cer-
tainly never won his title here. About 1887 an English company was formed
by Alex Del Mar to work in Holcomb Valley. Extensive plans were made
and a large amount of money expended. The difficulty of obtaining water
and fuel has always been a great drawback to successful operation here.
LYTLE CREEK MINING DISTRICT.
Early in the sixties placer gold was found in Lytle Creek canon, and a
considerable excitement followed its discovery. In 1867 the Harpending
Company, of New York, acquired property there and installed a hydraulic
outfit under the management of Captain Winder, of San Diego. A flume
five miles long and carrying 600 inches of water was constructed. Forty
men were employed and the returns are reported by the newspapers of the
day as running up to $2000.00 per week. This was the first successful hy-
draulic mining in Southern California, and was at the time the most im-
portant mining enterprise in the county. The New York company sold out
to a party of Frenchmen, of whom Mr. Louis Abadie was one, which con-
tinued hydraulic mining for a time. The placer mining was also rich in this
valley; it is claimed that men sometimes picked up $40.00 per day at it.
More or less placer mining has been carried on in Lytle Creek canon
ever since the early discoveries. In 1890, 100 men are reported as working
278 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
these placers and clearing on an average $4.00 per day. Operations are stil.
carried on here and gold is taken out in paying quantities.
BORAX.
In 1 86 1 , John W. Searles, a noted pioneer and hunter of early days, was
prospecting in company with his brother Dennis, in the Slate Range, in the
extreme northern edge of San Bernardino county. Their camp looked down
on a wide marsh that gleamed in the hot sun like molten silver. It was sup-
posed to be a vast bed of salt and carbonate of lime. The carbonate of lime
was used in working their ores and their engineer complained that the
stuff had borax in it which interfered with its proper influence on the ore.
About 1863, borax was discovered at Clear Lake, the first discovery of borax
in America, and a San Francisco company began exploiting it. About 1872
there came the news of the borax finds of F. M. Smith and others in Nevada,
which made a furore. Soon afterward a sample of the Nevada borax was
brought into California and Searles had a chance to examine it. He immed-
iately packed an outfit, and with his brother, Dennis, E. W. Skilling and J.
D. Creigh, went to the marsh west of Slate Range. There the party pre-
empted claims of 160 acres each. The news of the borax find spread
and soon other prospectors appeared. It was learned that the land must
be taken up as placer claims of jo acres each, and in a short time the entire
marsh was covered with claims and a large number of men were in the
field. Most of these were unsuccessful and soon left the district. Searles
and his company began taking out borax, however. During 1873 more than
one million pounds of borax, worth nearly $200,000, was taken from the
marshes of San Bernardino county. Searles' Marsh, as it was known, was
a basin-like depression, or dry lake, ten miles long and five miles wide, con-
taining an almost unlimited quantity of the material. The Searles company
erected an extensive plant with a capacity of 100 tons per month of refined
borax. Situated as it was, far from railroads or markets, the transportation
of their product was one of the most important features. For this purpose,
specially constructed wagons, carrying immense loads and drawn by twelve,
eighteen, or twenty mules were used. Stations along the route were estab-
lished by placing water in tanks at various points along the road and cache-
ing supplies of horse feed and provisions.
From 1873 to 1881 the principal borax production of the state, and of the
United States as well, was from the borax marshes of San Bernardino
county.
In 1882 borax was discovered in the Calico district by W. T. Coleman
and F. M. Smith. These deposits were very rich, but were in a different
form from the marshes and not so easily worked. This property passed into
the hands of the Pacific Borax Company, which had its reduction works at
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 279
Alameda. From 1888 to 1893, Calico furnished most of the borax mined in
the county.
In 1898 work was begun on the erection of a 100 ton borax plant at Borax
Lake, but it was not completed before it was sold to a syndicate, which was
organized that year with a capital of seven million dollars to control all
borax output. The same year the branch railroad from Daggett to Calico
was completed, thus facilitating the shipment of borax from this point. In
1899, the borax syndicate secured control of all of the California works and
the different refineries were all shut down, the crude borax being now shipped
to Bayonne, New Jersey for refinement. The profits of the borax trust are
stated by the state mineralogist to have equalled $1,363,705 for the years
1899 to 1901.
Most of the borax now being taken out in the county is at the works of
the Pacific Borax Company, near Ivanpah, in the northeastern corner of the
county, and at Calico. The average annual value of their produce in this
county is placed at $500,000, and their annual expenditure, $250,000.
Borax deposits are found in San Bernardino county on the Armagosa
river, at Searles' Lake, at Calico and Daggett, and in the Clark district.
The Calico borax district, lying north and northeast of Daggett, has
become famous both at home and abroad for its borate deposits. Soon after
the biborate of common borax had been found there, a new mineral was dis-
covered among the brightly colored strata that have given name to the dis-
trict. This mineral was snowy white and composed of radiating crvstals
of singular beauty.. To the surprise of those who analyzed it, the mineral
proved to be a compound of boric acid and lime. It was named "Coleman-
ite," after \Y. T. Coleman, who was associated with F. M. Smith in the borax
industry at the time of the discovery. Later the Pacific Coast Borax Com-
pany built a crushing and drying plant at Marion, about four miles north of
Daggett, and a railroad about ten miles long, connecting Daggett, Marion
and its Colemanite beds at Calico. This property belongs now to the Borax
Consolidated Limited, which has absorbed most of the properties in this
district, and which ships the crude ores, after crushing and drying, to its
large reduction works at Bayonne, N. J.
The Western Mineral Company, W. T. Bartlett, manager, and the
Columbia Mining and Chemical Company are also located in the Calico dis-
trict and put out a considerable produce, particularly of boric acid.
IVANPAH.
Ivanpah is located in the Clark district, in the northeastern corner of
the county. In 1872, Mat Palen re-located a silver mine, one of the first
to be discovered in the count}', which bad been worked at some previous
time by unknown miners. A shaft fifty feet deep, filled with debris was
280
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
uncovered, but no traces of machinery or tools were found. Since that time,
it is claimed that stone hammers, and evidences of pre-historic occupation
have been found in the turquoise mines in the same vicinity. Mr. Palen
opened up a rich prospect, and a stamp mill, probably the first one in the
county, was erected. About 1870, the McFarlane brothers located the Lizzie
Bullock mine, which proved exceedingly rich in silver. For a number of
years, large quantities of ore were taken from this and neighboring mines.
During the seventies Ivanpah was the chief silver producing district of the
countv. and it is said the amount of bullion produced ran up into the mil-
lions in value. In the eighties, Tom McFarlan and J. S. Alley located the
Alley mines, which were also very profitable. But the silver was mostly in
stringers, and, for many years, the silver mines have been deserted. In re-
cent years copper and turquoise mines have been worked, and a number of
promising gold claims have been located. One turquoise mine is being
developed and, for a number of years, has made considerable shipments.
THE NEEDLES SMELTER
THE PROVIDENCE MOUNTAINS.
The Providence Range, which is located in the eastern part of the
county, near the Colorado, extends northeast and southwest for eighty miles,
and reaches an elevation of 6,350 feet in its highest peak, Mt. Edgar.
In these mountains was located the richest bodv of silver ever un-
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 2S1
covered in the state. The Bonanza King, the principal mine of the group,
was located in the later seventies. About 1880, a ten stamp, dry crushing
mill was erected by the Bonanza Consolidated Company. In 1881. the offi-
cial returns from this mine, as reported in the papers, were $251,604.15. for a
run of 115 days. In 1884, Thomas Ewing, the superintendent, reports:
"The Bonanza King is better opened up, better worked, and we have ob-
tained better results from the ore than any other mine in this great mineral
desert. Nearly one million dollars has been taken from the mine in eighteen
months and ten days."
But these mines, like others, proved to be veins, or the ore became too
low grade to pay for working, after the drop in silver came. For many
years work has ceased. Some locations for gold have been made in this
district, known as the Trojan, and also some copper locations. But no ac-
tive operations are being carried on at present.
CALICO DISTRICT.
This district received its name on account of the many colored rocks
and hills that mark it. It first came into prominence in the early eighties, al-
though silver had been discovered prior to that time. The first location in
Calico mountains was made by Lowery Silver, an old miner. Several hun-
dred locations were made through this district about 1880. In 1881, Tom
Warden, Hues Thomas and others located the Silver King mine, which was
a very rich silver producer. In 1884, the output of the Silver King, Bis-
marck, Cuba and other Calico mines exceeded $642,000, the greater part of
which came from the Silver King. In 1888, the state mineralogist reports
that 70 per cent of the silver produced in the state was the product of San
Bernardino county, and the greater part of this amount came from the
Calico mines. These were the days when Calico district was a full-fledged
mining "bonanza." 170 stamps were then in operation. The Waterloo mine
alone employed from 100 to 150 men and kept a sixty stamp mill constantly
at work. This mine was one of the best in the district, and vielded an im-
mense amount of ore. In 1892, the low price of silver and the low grade of
the ore then taken out, made it unprofitable to operate the mine, and it was
shut down. The Silver King was operated for a year or two longer, but
the continued depression of prices and the working out of veins caused this
also to be abandoned. The silver mines of Calico have now been idle for
several years. The discovery of borax and the large operations carried on
in handling this product are spoken of under the head of Borax.
GRAPEVINE DISTRICT.
North of Barstow, which was originally Waterman, lies the Grapevine
mining district, organized in the seventies. A man named Lee, who was
afterwards lost in the desert, or killed by Indians, made the first location, a
2S2 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
silver mine, here. Later this mine was re-located by Messrs. Waterman
and Porter. It proved rich and a ten-stamp mill was put up and a good deal
of silver taken out for a time. A large number of other locations were made
in the district and mining prospects were good for a flourishing district and
a good deal of work was done. Some mines are still located in this section
but little work is being done at present.
ORO GRANDE DISTRICT.
This district, one of the largest and richest in the county, lies just across
the San Bernardino Range and has three towns, Hesperia. Victor and Oro
Grande, located on the railroad, within its boundaries. The district is rich
in minerals; gold, silver and marble, limestone, gem stones, etc., having been
located. Gold bearing claims were located about 1880 and the Oro Grande
Mill and Mining Co. was organized to develop them and at once put up a ten-
stamp mill. Some seventy locations of gold claims have been made and con-
siderable is still being done. About 1890 the Embody and the Carbonate
(silver) mines were located and produced another mining excitement. A ten-
stamp mill and a smelter were put up at Victor in the later eighties to handle
the ore from the various mines. Marble of a superior grade was discovered
about 1886 and large quantities have since been shipped. Smelters are estab-
lished at Victor and Oro Grande and a number of stamp mills are crushing
ore. Lime is burned and shipped in large quantities and granite and marble
for building purposes are being sent out extensively.
VANDERBILT DISTRICT.
Forty-five miles from Fenner on the line of the A. & P. railway, in the
eastern part of the county, lies Yanderbilt district, formerly one of the rich
silver bearing regions, but now the claims are nearly all for gold. Consid-
erable work has been done on some of the gold bearing claims. A ten-stamp
mill and also an air compressing plant are located in the district.
VIRGINIA DALE DISTRICT.
This district is located in the southern part of the county and on account
of its distance from the railroad, lack of water, and refractory ores, has liad
many difficulties to contend with. A large number of claims have been
located, and considerable ore taken out. A stamp mill is located at Dale.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 283
BAGDAD-AMBOY MINING DISTRICTS.
The richest district now located in this county is known as the Bagdad-
Amboy districts and contains the rich gold mines that are now being- worked
by the Bagdad Mining and Milling Co., Benjamin E. Chase Gold Mining Co.,
Ludlow Belle M. & M. Co., and numerous others.
"When John Suter five years ago, then in the employ of the Santa Fe
as road master, invaded the red looking hills that lie eight miles south of
Ludlow, in San Bernardino county, for the purpose of discovering springs or
any source of water, which was urgently needed by that corporation, he found
ledges and croppings of ores that were not of the ordinary variety, but proved
many feet in width and that prospected in gold in the horn. Even his dis-
covery at that time, owing to the inaccessibility of the country, into which
every cupful of water had to be carried on the backs of burros, and where
provisions cost their weight in silver dollars, was nursed with that care that
is born of every prospector who makes a rich find.
"John Suter located his claims and named the leading properties the
Bagdad, protecting his lines by taking in a group. Today this property is
regarded as one of the wonders of the mining world, and is surrounded by
scores of properties that bear every evidence of value.
"Across the valley, passing an ancient river bed, filled deep with the
matter eroded from surrounding hills, have valuable discoveries been made,
and ledges traced : and have hundreds of discovery monuments been erected,
and evidence, by constant prospecting, seems to accumulate that the Bagdad
section is so thoroughly mineralized that it is popularly described as "a poor
man's mining camp." This very fact enabled John Suter, the original dis-
coverer, to employ his spare moments to use his wages as a railroad man. to
sink his shafts and open his ledges until capital was induced to step in and
create a mine that has proved a revelation to mining men. Other mines
and other properties in the same district with well directed energy soon will
be placed in the profit column, as the opportunity is not lacking.
Riches of the Bagdad.
"The Bagdad mine is known as the mine owned by millionaires who knew
nothing of mining, who were typical tenderfeet, and who took a 'flyer' in
mines for the fun of the venture, playing on 'velvet' and declaring they would
not 'go the limit."
"The Bagdad mine is also known as the one that was under bond to a
Los Angeles promoter, who failed to sell the property at $1,500,000. thinking
that a profit of $400,000 was the least he could take, and who at the last stroke
284 HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY
of 12 o'clock on the day the bond expired discovered that his principals would
not give one second in an extension of his bond. Pending the sale develop-
ment was continued, and the camp report goes that a rich discovery prompted
the owners to quake in fear, thinking the purchasers would materialize with
their coin. With the contract abrogated, all attempts to renew negotiations
for a sale have been declined, and the Bagdad mine is not on the market.
'•The Bagdad mine is owned by the Bagdad Mining and Milling Com-
panv, capitalized for $300,000, divided into 3,000 shares. Of this corporation
J. N. Beckley, of Rochester, New York, is president ; E. Van Etl.en, of Boston,
vice-president: Benjamin E. Chase, of Rochester, treasurer; J. H. Stedman,
of Rochester, secretary, and Gertrude YVatkeys, assistant secretary. The di-
rectors are Chauncey M. Depew and the principal officers named. The
companv owns six patented claims and four unpatented claims that were
purchased from the discoverer. John Suter. for a sum that doubtless proved
satisfactory, but the amount does not touch $100,000. as commonly reported.
Mr. Snter. it can be stated, does not own any interest in the Bagdad mines
group, but by location is still interested in a large number of properties in
the district.
Work of Development.
"Since the expiration of the bond, the development work on the Bagdad
mines has been persistent, and at this time it is estimated that over $2,500,000
of ore is blocked out in the mine ready to be stoped and turned into bullion,
as soon as the corporation completes plans for handling the output.
"During the past eighteen months the company has expended $200,000 in
improvements in the mine and the mill at Barstow, and during that time the
income has been more than sufficient to pay for this work and leave a com-
fortable balance. The property is opened with eight shafts, of which three
are equipped with Tioists. On the dip of the vein the Bagdad is down 550 feet
from the apex. This depth will indicate the permanency of the vein with depth,
and as the ore body is from forty to fifty feet in width below ground, the
prodigality of mother nature can be understood by the layman. At present
the company is shipping one hundred tons of ore each day by rail to Barstow,
where the reduction works of the company are located. This mill is equipped
with fifty stamps, each weighing 1,000 pounds, with five Huntington mills
of five and one-half feet each, to regrind the ore and free the gold that is
encased in iron. In connection with the works is a cyanide plant having a
daily capacity of 200 tons. October 1, 1903. shipments from the Bagdad
mines were increased to 200 tons daily, this being about four tons to each
stamp." — L. A. Herald.
HISTORY OF SAN BERXARDIXO COUNTY
2S5
THE GEOLOGY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
By George R. Robertson.
It is not the purpose of this article to give an exhaustive treatment of
the geological features of the Imperial county of San Bernardino. A volume
would be required to deal with the varied
rock structure, historical development and
dynamical forces, which have left their
mark on the desert, mountain and valley.
The county of San Bernardino com-
prises a large territory and covers three
well defined geological fields. The first
includes the San Bernardino Basin — a
valley south and west of the mountains,
coming under a high state of cultivation,
and possessing a most intelligent, well-to-
do class of people who are bound to make
this valley the Athens of America and of
the golden west ; the second division com-
prises the noble mountain chain which
cuts the county in two ; the third division
embraces all that oortion east of the
Sierras, under desert conditions and ex-
tending to the Colorado River.
Since the mountains are by far the
most important geological part of the county, we will notice the San Ber-
nardino Sierras first.
The San Bernardino mountains lie between Cajon Pass on the west
and Mill Creek Divide on the east. Two noble peaks crown the range.
namely, Gorgonio (Greyback) whose elevation is 11,485 feet and the highest
point in Southern California and San Bernardino, elevation 10,630 feet. West
of the Cajon Pass, Cucamonga, 8,911 feet, and San Antonio, 10,080 feet, are
striking landmarks but they lie in the San Gabriel range. The general
range averages from 7,000 to 8,000 feet' and possesses geological history full
of interest. Like all other mountain ranges the San Bernardino Sierras
arose from an old sea margin. During the long ages preceding the Jurassic
era, the Pacific coast line was east of the Sierras. The Plateau Basin region
had been contributing great quantities of sediment to its western sea margin
now occupied by these mountains. When the Plateau sediment became a
deposit under the sea. of 30,000 feet, its weight caused the sea-floor to give
ROBERTSON
286 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
way. Rock crushing and lateral pressure eastward and upward set in. Old
Baldy, San Bernardino and Greyback first appeared as islands. There were
no cataclysms. " Slowly by mighty forces fhe elevation continued ; new island
peaks were born and in time formed a noble part of a grand mountain chain
600 miles long, extending from San Jacinto in the south to Mt. Shasta in the
north. The Sierras average from fifty to eighty miles wide. The eastern
escarpment by reason of a great fault of 10.000 feet, is precipitous, while the
western slope descends more gradually to the plain.
The age of these mountains is determined by the latest strata lying on
their slopes. The last deposit on the old sea-margin elevated into the San'
Bernardino mountains, must have been the Jurassic. The reason why there
are no Cretaceous, Eocene or Miocene rocks found on these Sierra Nevadas
has but one answer: the Sierras were born before these ages came. In fact
these mountains were dying during these eras, because the cretaceous and
later sedimentary deposits are found on the foothills.
The appearance of the continent at the time Highlands, Mentone and
Yucaipe were the extreme western margin of the Pacific, is suggestive. Then
Florida was sleeping under the sea: a mighty mediterranean sea divided the
continent ; the cretaceous sea flowed between the Rocky mountains and the
great-lake region. From the Pacific shore near Arrowhead, looking west-
ward, all the present fruitful valleys were a melancholy waste with the ex-
ception of an occasional island. It was during the Cretaceous. Eocene and
Miocene ages that erosion deposited nearly 30,000 feet of sediment on this
new sea floor. This caused fhe earth's crust under the sea to give way, so
giving birth to the Coast range. Could the reader have stood on Mt. San
Bernardino at the close of the Eocene age and cast the eye westward, he
would at first have seen an occasional island rising out of the deep, then a
sea of islands and finally a mountain range, pushing the sea further west.
The equilibrium of a mountain can only last as long as its own weight over-
balances its marginal sea deposit. When erosion causes the mountain to be
lighter than the mass on the sea floor, a new elevation of the mountain takes
place. This is what happened at both elevations of the San Bernardino
mountains. At the close of the Miocene age when the Coast range was
formed, a second elevation of these Sierra Nevadas took place. The fused
material under the mountain crust, being squeezed by tremendous force
sought freedom. The weaker points of the mountains seemed to be in the
north and eastward slopes. At these points lava poured forth from funnels
and fissures. Great faults, dykes and fissures displayed in outcroppings,
are monuments of that stormy age. Since the lava covers tertiary beds, we
can fix the volcanic flow as preceding the glacial period. The mountain
slopes facing the San Bernardino valley, contain but scant volcanic material.
The relation of San Gorgonio and San Bernardino to the history of the
earth's crust is interesting. There have been four great mountain making
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 287
periods in the history of the American continent. The first was the Lauren-
tian ; the second, the Appalachian; the third, the Sierra Nevada; the fourth
the Coast mountains, the baby mountains of the world. The latter corre-
spond with the Alps and Himalayas.
During the first elevation of the Sierra Nevadas there came into the
world's life, the earliest birds, giant reptiles, the first bony fishes and butter-
flies. When the second elevation took place, Heilprin informs us the world's
fauna was enriched by the "hedge-hog, mole, porcupine, beaver, squirrel,
rabbit, tapir, rhinoceros, hippopotamus, hog, deer, giraffe, elephant, cat, dog
and hyena." These, though not of the living species, were the ancestors of
those of modern days. Nature like nations- and races of men, has her periods
of life history. Great intellectual and moral, as well as physical movements,
work in cycles, spend their forces, yet the progress is ever onward and up-
ward.
A striking characteristic of the San Bernardino mountain strata is its
metamorphism. The granite rib and later sedimentary deposits on its slopes,
have been changed. Change, the progressive order of nature, is the divine
law of development. Professor Le Conte wrote: "Metamorphism seems to
be universal in the Laurentian, is general in the Paleozoic, frequent in the
Mesozoic, exceptional in the Tertiary and entirely wanting in recent sedi-
ments." The rock exposures found east and north of the city of San Ber-
nardino, in the Potato canon, Mill creek, Santa Ana, Cajon pass and Lytle
creek canons, all abound in metamorphic rock. The granite rib is often asso-
ciated with gneissic structure and contains so many well defined boulders
in the crystalline mass, we see no serious objection to classifying it as meta-
morphic. The rib is a mass of well developed and complete crystallization.
Excepting in the case of .the gneiss all lines of stratification are lost. Great
beds of Hornblendic gneiss and Syenite alternate with granite. Mica and
Hornblendic schist abound in portions of Mill creek rock. The later sedi-
mentary deposit lying on the lower faces of the granite rib, have been greatly
disturbed since it was placed. Metamorphism made sweeping changes in
this deposit. Limestone was changed to marble. The old sea cemetery was
not only tilted, but heated in connection with moisture and cooled slowly
under pressure. The change by crystallization unfortunately destroyed all
fossils. Excellent examples of the metamorphism of limestone are found in
Lytle creek. Mill creek, Colton and Potato canon. There are extensive beds
of sandstone in the county and frequently metamorphism has changed the
deposit into quartzite. But not all the sandstone has been so changed. The
Mill creek sandstone exposures are well preserved. The material of the Mill
creek sandstone may be studied in the walls of the county Court House,
San Bernardino. Fossil fragments of plant life are found between the layers
of sandstone at the Mentone quarries. However, metamorphism has almost
changed these fragments into coal. Metamorphism changes plant remains
288 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
from wood to lignite, from lignite to anthracite and from anthracite to
graphite. As an example of the latter, all vegetable remains in the Laurentian
rocks have been changed to graphite. The Mill creek sandstone varies from
fine to coarse, argillaceous, arenaceous, conglomerate, lving comformably on
beds of shale. These sandstone beds form most excellent liquid storage
reservoirs. Tertiary beds frequently occur in the Yucaipe foothills.
The granite rib as seen in Gorgonio and San Bernardino peaks, often
presents great beds of porphyritic granite with large scattered crystals of
flesh colored feldspar. This rock being hard and flinty would make an ex-
cellent building stone. The Crafton foothills near Redlands, contain porphyr-
itic rock in the later sedimentary deposit, but it is not granitic. Trap and
shale are plentiful on the desert side of the mountains, but there is none
of the former found on the inside slopes.
The prevalence of gravely clay deposits on the mountains at elevations
of from 3,000 to 7.000 feet, often attract the attention of mountain climbers.
How came this gravel to be deposited in such quantities so far above the
detritus deposits of the present day? Some have ventured a solution by
asserting that these mountain gravel beds were deposited by marine condi-*
tions. This theory is untenable, for no deposit of marine animals has been
found in these gravels. Any signs of life found as yet, indicate land and fresh
water deposits. Very good exposures of this gravel deposit are seen in
Lytle creek bluffs and the Santa Ana and Mill creek higher slopes. The
lines of stratification of these gravels show that they were caused by detritus
carried down by streams from higher mountains — mountains now unknown.
Occasionally the detritus seems to have been deposited in lake-like conditions.
These gravel beds are contemporaneous with the placer gravel beds of the
north, so frequently covered with the lava flow. These high gravels belong
to ancient rivers in existence at the close of the Miocene age. We may desig-
nate these gravels at Pliocene. A good exposure may be studied at the
Mill creek divide overlooking the desert. The beds of these local Pliocene
rivers are now found high up on the brush covered mountain slopes. An-
other feature of these gravels seems to prove that the San Bernardino mount-
ains, in the age of the ancient rivers, were lower in elevation and of
a more gentle slope than now. When the second elevation of the Sierras
took place, the Pliocene gravel was lifted to great rieighth on some of the
mountain spurs. It would therefore appear that the second and last great
elevation of these mountains occurred nearer the glacial period than is gen-
erally believed. The Pliocene gravel is called the "auriferous gravel'' of the
north and constitutes the rich placer mines. No lava flows cover our mount-
ain gravels ; for there were no fissures pouring forth lava in this region unless
we include the desert side of the mountains.
The degredation of the granite rib and late metamorphic deposit is an-
other characteristic of the San Bernardino mountains and is a subject worthy
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 289
of a more careful study than this article will allow. The death of granite
and shale gives us sand and clay. Our granite abounds in quartz, feldspar,
hornblende and mica. Iron, the artist of geology, has tinted the rocks all
shades of color and made them exquisitely beautiful. The death of these
rocks leaves us sand and clay — this clay, when vegetable matter is absent
becomes red colored by peroxide of iron. Redlands gets its name from the
color of its clay. Peroxide of iron is insoluble in water. When this red
clay, coming down from the mountains, is acted upon by decaying animal
or vegetable matter, it is changed to a brown or black. The peroxide of
iron becomes a soluble oxide of iron, a ferrous carbonate. Red clay simply
means a clay devoid of carbonaceous plant food. Bring the red clay under
a high state of cultivation and it will no longer be red. There is no special
virtue in red soils. Red suggests the need of humus fertilizers.
The relationship of San Bernardino mountain erosions to the valley
soils is as intimate as brain and blood. The exposure of granite, gneiss, lime-
stone, sandstone, shale, conglomerate and slate, are natural perennial store-
houses of soil supplies. Their erosion gives us clay, sand, gravel, boulders.
lime, iron, potassium and some phosphoric acid. In flood times humus and
plant food are conveyed to the valley by mountain streams.
Geologically, it is of supreme importance that the attention of all should
be called to the economic value and the adaptability of rock formation to store
up moisture. Sandstone shale and even granite are designed to absorb
moisture. This is especially true of the disintegrating rock surface of the
San Bernardino mountains with their dip and joint cleavages.
During the winter rains, water percolates to great depths and seeps out
long afterwards in the lower outcropping and eroded rock formations in
canons. This is abundantly evident in all of our water-bearing canons.
From this evidence we are convinced that except from storage reservoirs, all
the irrigation water which finds its way down mountain streams in the late
months of the dry season, comes from this source. The seepage veins of
water-carrying rocks are often hidden from the eye by soil, rock slides, boulder
deposits and dense growth of brush, mimuli, columbines, ferns, willows and
grass. Many of these rock springs issue from the flint}- fissures of granite.
It follows that everything which brains and money can devise, should be done
to protect the pines, chaparral and undergrowth from fire. The mountain
flora allows moisture to percolate rock and come out slowly to irrigate farms
and gardens. Every farmer should study the principles involved in water
percolating through mountain rock.
The mountain strata is wonderfully contorted. Synclinal and anticlinal
structure appears in bewildering confusion. The sedimentary deposit lying
on the granite ribs clips southward and westward. Not unfrequently the
strata is tilted into a vertical position. This sedimentary deposit gives shape
and color to the mountain spurs and foothills. As it extends into the valley
290 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
it disappears under the quaternary deposit and affords an opportunity for
artesian wells.
THE SAN BERNARDINO BASIN.
The San Bernardino basin is a mountain valley ranging from 1,100 to
2,000 feet elevation. At the western border of the basin is an underfold of
bed-rock so situated near Rialto, extending to East Riverside, that it acts as a
dyke preventing the retained water from escaping to the sea. Tbe basin at
first was a lake with a circumference of twenty-five miles. All the mountain
streams of the quaternary period down to the present day have gradually
filled this lake with sediment. Today the San Bernardino basin is a sub-
merged lake filled with detritus in layers, a number of which are water-bear-
ing, with artesian pressure. As we near the boundaries of this submerged
lake, the deposit passes from sand to gravel which grades into large boulders,
piled up into wild confusion. The Santa Ana river between Redlands and
Highlands bas made good exposures of quaternary deposits. The banks, es-
pecially that on the south side, tell a story of times when water came down
the Santa Ana and Mill Creek canons in torrents.
The hot springs of this valley and mountain slopes, at Arrowhead and
Santa Ana canon, are considered by so many people as volcanic that a word
in reference to them may be in place. We found the rock around tbe Arrow-
head springs so hot that we could not stand long in one place with comfort.
The water wis found hot enough to cook an egg. Plants peculiar to the sea-
shore were found growing near the springs. The alkalies in the water of the
springs point to a chemical cause for the heat. The water in percolating
through different rock formations carried different minerals in solution.
Chemical action at length sets in, heat is generated, and finally the water issues
hot and steaming from the rock fissures. The temperature of the springs
varies from 108 to 172. The water is clear and pleasant to drink. The ab-
sence of all volcanic signs points to chemical action as the perennial source of
heat. Tbe alkaline deposit accumulating in the vicinity of each spring con-
firms the theory.
We may ask a practical question. Does the geology of San Bernardino
mountains promise serious earthquakes? We think not; for the rock forma-
tion of the valley and of the mountains are devoid of dykes, fissures, or faults.
Igneous filling of fissures or dykes does not appear in the outcroppings. True
there are small seams filled from the neighboring rock, but no results of vio-
lent earthquake movement are visible, at least in the deposit of the last 50,000
years. On tbe valley side of the mountains we would seem to have reached
the period of rest in mountain making. No earthquakes, such as would cause
great damage to wisely constructed buildings, need be expected. The mount-
ains have entered the period of degredation by erosion in which the vallev
will have its Cretaceous, Miocene and Eocene deposits buried deeper and
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 291
deeper under the modern deposit of clay, sand and gravel. The lake evidences
may become more obscure, but the original outlet of the lake by the way of
Riverside, will remain. Cretaceous and Tertiary as well as Quaternary de-
posit, cover the valley and foothills. Metamorphism has destroyed the ter-
tiary fossils.
THE DESERT.
The desert is a unique part of the count}-. The mountains abruptly de-
scend to the desert by a great fault. During the second elevation of the San
Bernardino mountains at the close of the Miocene age, the Sierra fault, one of
the most remarkable in the world, occurred. The mountains separated from
the desert portion and elevated the eastern escarpment thousands of feet.
This granite rim looking out over the desert presents magnificent proportions
in a similar formation in Lower California. The fault is wonderfully exposed
at Canon Diablo, San Pedro Martir mountain. Standing on the western rim,
or edge of the fault, the eye can trace the "lift" or "slide" down a perpendicular
pitch-off of almost 10,000 feet. The numerous felsite dykes show where the
rock formation cleaved, as if cut with a Titan's knife. The rock correspond-
ing to that on which our feet rested, lay on the desert's edge, nearlv two miles
below us, to which we could all but toss a pebble. The evidence seemed clear
that not only did the eastern edge of San Pedro Mar«ir rise thousands of
feet; but also that the gulf subsided at the same time. It seems to the writer
clear that the Gulf of California is a submerged mountain plateau. This may
help to throw a ray of light on the relations of San Bernardino mountains to
the desert. The granite rib is clear, definite and well defined on the east.
There were fissures and volcanic conditions on the desert. Valuable gold
mines have been discovered east of the San Bernardino and San Gorgonio
peaks. But we must leave to the article on mineralogy and mining some
account of the great mineral wealth of the county.
The most remarkable erosion on the desert is caused by sand driven by
the wind. Mountain streams carrying sands to the valleys may be called
liquid files cutting all the rock surface over which the water flows, breaks or
plunges. The wind swept plains contain rock exposures carved into fantastic
shapes by wind files. These wind storms bite and sting the face with their
swiftly driven grains of sharp sand. All the streams rising in the mountains
and flowing eastward are soon drained dry by the thirsty, sandy, porus soil.
The Mojave river is a good example of the mountain stream conquered by the
desert.
Volcanic material and shale abound. Frequently the shale is beautifully
marked by dendrites, the fern-like tracings of oxide of iron and manganese.
By mistake these are often collected and sold for fossil ferns. True fern
impressions are so different from dendrites and so easily distinguished by a
pocket microscope, that no one need make the mistake the second time.
The desert portion of the county is closely connected with the Plateau
region, the ancient store house of material from which the San Bernardino
mountains first came.
SAX BERNARMNo i I I'V IIKiH SCHOOL
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
CHATTER XI.
THE SCHOOLS.
Probably the first school in this county was taught
he Cajon Pass, while the Mormons waited for the:
A. S. McPHERRON
Superintendent of Schools
a tent at the foot
eaders to select a
location for their new "Zion." The
teacher of this school, Rupert Lee,
was later known as "Lazy" Lee, be-
cause he refused to do his share in
building the stockade around the
buildings. This school was suc-
ceeded by another, also in a tent, in
the ( )ld Fort taught by William
Stout. About the same time, Mig-
uel Ochoa, gathered a few children
together in the little New Mexican
settlement of La Placita and in the
Spanish tongue, instructed them.
The first official record of our
schools that we now have is a report
of the School Commissioners of San
Bernardino, November 17, 1853.
Theodore Turley, James H. Rollins,
David Seeley, School Commission-
ers, report as follows: "Whole num-
ber of children between 4 and 18
years of age in Districts No. 1 and
2, 263. Number of boys, 142, girls,
"Amount raised by subscription and paid teachers, $1,438.00. Names
of teachers employed: District No. 1, William Stout, 8 months, $60.00 per
mo. ; Wm. N. Cook, grade No. 2, 6 months. $60. co per mo. ; O. S. Sparks, three
months, $76.00 per mo.: Sarah Pratt, 3 months, ten days, $50.00 per mo.
"District No. 2, Ellen S. Pratt. 4 months, $35.00 per mo. : Lois Pratt.
Assistant (Primary grade) one month, $27.50: M. S. .Mathews, 1 month.
$27.50.
'Number of pur
it in first and secom
stricts. 206; dail\
average
•294
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
attendance, 160: amount expended for school library and apparatus, $300;
amount expended for renting or building and furnishing school house, $291.50.
Total amount of all expenditures on account of schools, $2,029.50.
"The whole of the above was raised by subscription. The above Com-
missioners excuse themselves by saying that the County Superintendent of
Common Schools for Los Angeles County was a defaulter, therefore their
report did not reach headquarters last year, etc. V. J. Herring, County
Superintendent of Schools."
Two adobe rooms served as school houses in the town of San Bernardino,
after the tent school house and were used until the erection of the brick school
house in 1872, on Fourth Street, between C and D Streets.
In 1855, the Commissioners report: "Oct. 1st — Received school report
of Francis Clark, teacher in District No. 1, 2j pupils, school from June 1 8th to
Sept. 8th. The same school commissioners as in 1853.
"Nov. 1st. 1855 — Went with the Board of Trustees of the City District
No. 1, as a committee chosen by the City Council, to select for the use of the
city as school lots; selected as follows: Lot 2, block 5; lot 8, block 7; lot 6,
block 28: lot 2, block 8: lot 7. block ly; lot 4, block 64. Reported the same
Nov. 3rd, 1855." In 1856. the city paid $600.00 for the lots thus selected. On
page 19, of the first Book of Records of the County Superintendent appears
the following: "Received the report of the County Clerk for the amount of
taxable property in this county for the year 1855, $312,778.19. C. A. Skinner,
County Superintendent."
On Oct. 1, 1857, a meeting of the school
trustees was called by the Board of Super-
visors to elect a County Superintendent and to
fix the boundaries of school districts. The
trustees duly met and fixed the boundaries of
six districts, Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. These
boundaries are now so indefinite that they
cannot be followed, but they were evidently
City, Mt. Vernon, Mill, Mission, Warm Spring
and Jurupa or San Salvador. R. B. Pierce
was named as Superintendent.
In 1853 or '54 an adobe school house was built
near the little church of Agua Mansa. This
was replaced in 1863 by a frame building lo-
cated on two acres of land donated by W. A.
Conn in the S. W. corner of San Bernardino
Rancho. Mr. W. R. Wozencraft is mentioned
as the teacher in both of these buildings. About 1855 a log room was used
as a school house in Mill district. The walls were chinked with mud in
good Missouri style and the building was surrounded by a live willow hedge.
ELLISON RoHHINs
HISTORY OF SAX BERXARDINO COUXTY
tiflo
It was replaced in 1872 by a neat frame school house. One of its first teach-
ers was Ellison Robbins.
Ellison Robbins and his wife, now Mrs. E. P. R. Crafts, came to San
Bernardino in January, 1858, and at once took charge of the school, Mr.
Robbins teaching one room and his wife the other. The schools were known
as the Washington and the Jefferson rooms.
According to the report of 1863, there were 1.072 census children. In
1867, there were twelve school districts in the count}' with a total of 1,330
census children. The value of school property in City District is put at
$2,000.00. Of the twelve school houses in the county, five were of adobe.
The first schools were necessarily crude. Trained teachers were rare
and school houses and appliances, as we have seen were of the primitive
order. Yet the state of California had from the first provided most gener-
ously for her public schools. Beside the school fund raised by the countv,
the state made an appropriation for each school district. Under the law of
i860 which revised the school law, provision was made for a library fund of
$50.00 for each district; state examination of teachers was also required and
some attempt at uniformity of methods and text books was made.
The first trained teacher in this county seems to have been Ellison
Robbins, who, when he became superintendent used every effort to raise the
standard of teachers and to make the schools more efficient. In 1862, he
called the first educational convention ever
held in the county, which lasted for two or
three days and carried out a good program.
His untimely death in the spring of 1864 was
a loss to the schools of the county.
In many of the districts at this time the ma-
jority of the pupils were Mexican and only the
Spanish language was used among the people.
Other districts were very large, covering
leagues of land, the children were scattered
and necessarily the attendance was small and
irregular. We can only wonder that the
schools were as good as they seem to have
been at this period.
In 1S67, Henry C. Brooke came to the coun-
ty and began teaching at Rincon, then one of
the largest and most important districts in the
county. In 1870, he was chosen as County Superintendent. To Mr. Brooke
the schools of the county owe much. He began teaching in the state in 1857.
He was a member of the first Board of Examination of teachers, which met
under the revision of the school law in i860, and aided in establishing the
school law of the state.
296 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Prior to his service as County Superintendent he was chosen principal of
the San Bernardino city schools in 1869, and acted until 1872. He was again
principal of the city schools in 1881-82. He was elected as County Superin-
tendent in 1870 and served as a substitute for nearly two years after his term
expired. In 1883, he was again elected and held office until 1891, thus acting
as County Superintendent more than ten years, and as principal of the city
schools for several years. He was a member of the County Board almost
continuously from its organization in IHhO, under the new Constitution, until
1893, and was frequently a member of the Board of Examination under the
old State Board prior to 1880.
Through his long connection with the schools of the county he
knew their needs and the conditions that must be met in each district as
no other Superintendent could know them. He was the moving spirit in the
erection of the school house in this city in 1872 and it was largely clue to his
efforts that the Central school house was built in 1883 — a building that was
then looked upon as quite remarkable for the time and the place. He per-
fected a practical plan for the issuance of bonds by the school districts, and
a majority of the better class of school houses in the county were built largely
through Mr. Brooke's personal influence and enthusiasm. In the year 1887,
$110,846.25 was expended for new buildings, and school houses were put up
— or under way of construction — in Ontario, Etiwanda, Agua Mansa, Chino,
Riverside. Lytle, Redlands, Prospect, Jurupa, Crafton and Fairview districts,
and these buildings were all well planned and a credit to the county.
Mr. Brooke worked constantly and disinterestedly for the improvement
of the school system of the county. He was an educator of practical good
sense, rather than of theory, and the county of San Bernardino owes a debt
of gratitude to him for many years of painstaking work that is only increased
by the sad ending of his career.
In 1885, the state text book law. under which the state began to print its
own text books, went into effect. The object was to provide the children
with uniform books at a minimum cost and also to do awav with the evil
effects of the various school book lobbies. The state provides $500 for each
district having from twenty to seventy census children, beside the countv
funds. For many years each district, regardless of size, had a fund of $50.00
from the state that could only be expended for library and apparatus. In
consequence the older districts are supplied with large, and in main- cases,
well selected libraries, and with all necessary — and sometimes, it must be
confessed, with much unnecessary apparatus. Text books are provided for
children who need them, and school "supplies of all kinds are abundantly
provided.
PRESENT CONDITION.
The standard of our public schools has been steadily raised. The country
schools are now carefully oracled and their graduates are accredited in the
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 297
City, or Union High Schools. The requirements for teachers have also been
steadily advanced, until soon all teachers except Normal School or University
graduates will be eliminated. The High School law which went into effect in
1891, has been an important factor in the completion of the school system.
The City, or Union High School stands between the bare-foot boy of the
country school and the college graduate. Two city High Schools existed in
the county prior to 1890. those of Riverside and San Bernardino. In 1891,
the Union High School of Redlands, Lugonia and Crafton was organized.
In 1895, the High School of Colton was established. For this school a beauti-
ful and costly building has just been completed. In 1897, the Richard Gird
High School of Chino was opened and has already taken high rank. Ontario
High School was established in '97 and Needles High School in 1^02.
A glance at the reports for the years set forth will show the progress that
our schools have made in a material way since 1871.
1871 1881 . 1891 1903
Census children 1.633 2-37(:i 7.I9I 8,313
Average Daily Attendance 756 1.023 i^7i 6,990
Number School Districts 19 36 71 52
Number of School Houses 19 42 124 86
Number of Teachers 19 42 :32 IO\-
Value School Property $11,404 $44,085 $510,695 $419,116
Riverside county took from San Bernardino, more than 3000 census
children and $200,000 worth of school property in 1893.
LIST OF COUNTY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS.
1853 V. J. Herring
1854 V. J. Herring
1855 C. A. Skinner
1856 C. A. Skinner
1857 R. B. Pierce
1858 J. A. Freeman
1859 Ellison Robbins
i860 \. F. McKinney
1861: A. F. McKinney
1862 Ellison Robbins
1863 A. F. McKinney
1864 Ellison Robbins-
1865
[866-67 W. L. Ragsdale
1868-69
1870-71
1872-73
1874-
1876-
1878-
1891-
1895-
1899
1901
W. J. Clark
H. C. Brooke
John Brown, Jr.
H. Goodcell, Jr.
77 C. R. Paine
81 J. A. Rossean
82 D. B. Sturges
87 H. C. Brooke
91 H. C. Brooke
95 G. W. P.eattie
99 Margaret M. Mogeau
to Sept., 1901 . .Lulu Claire I'.ahr
Sept. — A. S. McPherron
IK >RAU: C. ROLFE
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
CHAPTER NIL
THE BENCH AND BAR
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
By H. C. Rolfe.
Among the early Mexican settlers of what is now the Imperial county
of San Bernardino, there was little request for lawyers. The "rancheros"
exercised almost absolute control over their retainers, mayor-domos, vaqueros
and Indian servants, and any disputes among these subordinates was referred
to "el padrone." Aside from the great stock ranchos the only inhabitants of
the county during' this period were the few hundred New Mexican settlers
along the Santa Ana in the villages of Agua Mansa and Trujillos. These
bad their "alcaldes" whose business it was to settle such disputes of a civil
nature as could not be disposed of by the parish priest, and to decree punish-
ment, in a summary way. for all minor offenses. We have no account of the
commission of graver offenses in those early days beyond the jurisdiction of
the "alcaldes." In civil disputes the parties came before the officer who first
collected "dos reales" (twenty-five cents) which was supposed to pay for the
expense of stationery, and when necessary for the' "escribano," or clerk.
The alcalde would then hear the statements and proof. If necessary, he
would make personal inspection of premises or boundary lines, or of an animal
on a question of its identity. Sometimes no doubt, he exercised his power in
cases not strictly belonging to the jurisdiction of the inferior courts. But
his decisions were final: for the people were ignorant of any process of appeal
to a higher tribunal, if any such existed.
There was little resort among the Mormon colonists to the civil courts;
for they usually took their differences into the local church council for settle-
ment. After the creation of San Bernardino county in 1853. the regular terms
of district and county courts were held, whether there was business for them
to transact or not.
300
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
COUNTY JUDGES.
The first county judge of San Bernardino county was Daniel M. Thomas,
who was elected with the first officers of the county at a special election held
under the act creating the count}' in
June, 1853. At the regular ejection in
the following fall he was re-elected for
the full term — four years. Judge
Thomas was a man of fair education,
but without any training as a lawyer.
In 1857- he resigned to return to Salt
Hr / Lake with his people and A. D. Boren
was appointed to fill the vacancy, and
later elected for the full term. He also,
while a man of some education had no
special legal preparation. He was en-
gaged in farming when elected.
Through some mistake in the elec-
tion proclamation for 1861, no mention
was made of the county judge. M. H.
Crafts was brought forward by his
friends and received a considerable vote
but he did not follow up the election
with a contest and Judge Boren contin-
x^' ued in office until he was regularly re-
a d. boren elected in 1862. He was again elected
in 1866. He retired from office in Jan-
uary, 1871, having held the judgeship fourteen years. He was succeeded by
Henry M. Willis, who held the office for eight years, or until the new state
constitution abolished the office of county judge.
For many years the county judge with two associates chosen from among
the justices of peace of the county, constituted the court of sessions. The
jurisdiction of this court was to try all criminal cases amounting to felony,
except when the charge was a capital offense punishable by death. It also
called and impanelled grand juries to inquire into and make presentment of
all public offenses committed or tryable in the county, of which they might
have legal evidence, with other duties similar to those of grand juries called
by our present superior courts. The county judge alone held a county court
with jurisdiction in all civil cases on appeal from justices of the peace and
some other original jurisdiction. He also had jurisdiction in all probate
matters. Subsequently the court of sessions was abolished by a change in
the constitution and the original jurisdiction given to the county court. The
act creating this county, either by oversight, or for some other reason, did not
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
301
fix any salary for the county judge. The salaries of the county judges were
paid by their respective counties — those of all other judges by the state.
Until the salary for the county judge of this county was fixed by the legisla-
ture in 1859, the board of supervisors allowed a salary of $500 a year, a small
amount for a judge; but considering the small amount of business in this
sparsely settled county and the small amount of legal knowledge possessed
by the incumbents, it was probably a fair compensation. The legislature
fixed the salary at $1000; but at that time the treasury of the county was
much depleted — about this time. 1859, county warrants were worth but thirty
or forty per cent of their face value. By 1862, the county had sufficiently
recovered its credit so that warrants were very nearly at par. The first
judge. Thomas, was also postmaster as was also Judge Boren, as their salary
of $500. did not come within the "lucrative positions" which forbid the hold-
ing of more than one office.
When San Bernardino county was first created it was attached -to the
first judicial district, previously composed of Los Angeles and San Diego
counties. Each county had its regular term of district court held about three
times a vear by the district judge. This court had general jurisdiction of all
civil actions above the county courts and justices of the peace. It also had
jurisdiction to try all capital offenses. At the time of the creation of the
countv Benjamin Hayes of Los Angeles was district judge, succeeding O. S.
Witherby of San Diego, who had been appointed by the legislature on the
formation of the district.
By an amendment which went into effect in 1863. the state was redis-
tricted and Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties were added to the
first district. A new election for judges
was called and Pablo de la Guerra of Santa
Barbara was elected for the full term of six
years. But in March, 1868, on account of
the growth in population and business of
the southern counties, a new district was
created, the seventeenth, composed of Los
Angeles, San Bernardino and San Diego,
and Murrey Morrison of Los Angeles, was
appointed by the governor, judge of the new
district. He was elected to the office at the
next regular election, but in 1871 he died,
and R. M. Widney was appointed to com-
plete his term. In February. 1872, another
judicial district was created, the eighteenth,
niade up of San Bernardino and San Diego
w. t. mcnealy counties and the governor appointed H. C.
Rolfe, of San Bernardino, judge thereof. In 1873, W. T. McNealy of San
802 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Diego was elected and held the office until 1880, when the new constitution
went into effect, by which district courts were abolished.
THE BAR OF SAN BERNARDINO.
The first person who made any pretense of establishing in this county
the business of a lawyer, was Alden A. M. Jackson, who came here from San
Francisco in 1854. By courtesy he was called "Colonel" Jackson, but like
the campaign names given to some of Col. Roosevelt's rough riders, the title
must have been given to him under the rule of contrariness — for he had
never had the slightest military experience nor was he in any way combative.
He had previously had some experience as a court clerk and probablv had
been a notary public. In opening his career as a lawyer in San Bernardino,
he posted up notices, written — as there was no printing press here then — to
the effect that he would draw up and prepare in proper and legal form, deeds,
mortgages, notes or any kind of agreements or other legal documents, or
attend to any kind of legal business for a reasonable consideration. His law
library consisted of a book of forms and business directions called "The New
Clerk's Assistant." By its aid and some tact in the use of antiquated legal
phrases he made quite a reputation among the citizens of San Bernardino for
legal ability. He was quite an adept in effecting compromises and settling
differences out of court. He did a lively business for a time in divorcing
people who came to him with their domestic troubles. He would write for
them an agreement of separation in the usual form and endorse on it, "Articles
of Separation and Bill of Divorce," and have the parties sign and acknowl-
edge it with much formality, under the belief that they were regularly-
divorced with all the due and binding force of law. Several parties whom
he had thus "divorced," married again. And some of them found themselves
in trouble when the legality of the new marriages was questioned. For many
years he carried on his law business without going much into court. On one
occasion he appeared for a young fellow by the name of Tom Morgan, to
defend him on a charge of assault and battery in the justice's court. After
the defense was in, the Colonel weakened on the case and began to address
the jury by admitting, tacitly at least, that his client had violated the law,
but urging that he was an industrious young man and had had some provoca-
tion and on account of the hard times ought to be let off easv. When Tom
himself caught onto the drift of his remarks, he interrupted and proceeded
to make a speecli to the jury himself, claiming that he had acted in self-
defense. The jury took the same view of the case and acquitted him.
Q. S. Sparks, who was one of the Brannan party which arrived in San
Francisco in 1847, came to San Bernardino in 1853. He brought with him
several thousand dollars but he met with financial troubles and was soon
"broke." Of gentle manners and a ready flow of language, he gained quite
HISTORY OF SAN BERXARDINO COUXTY
303
Q. S. SPARKS
a reputation for oratory and occasionally appeared in court for clients, al-
though not then admitted to the bar as an attorney. At the time of the exo-
dus of the Mormons and the filling- of their places by other population,
Sparks had a very good standing as a practi-
tioner, especially in the defense of criminal
cases. About 1858 he was admitted to the bar
of the district court. He had only a very ordi-
nary common school education and no learning
as a lawyer, nor was he naturally studious ; vet
with his tact and his natural gift of oratory, he
for several years stood among the leaders in
the bar of the county." He was also in high
repute as a speaker on public occasions and
acquitted himself in such addresses with
much ability.
As illustrative of his traits, an anecdote of
one of the last cases in which he appeared in
this county is told. His client was charged
with grand larceny in stealing a horse. His
associate counsel in the case tried to have a con-
sultation with him in order to agree upon a line of defense and prepare some
instructions for the jury. But Spark's could not be got down to such business.
His associate finally asked him what he expected to rely upon, to which he
answered: "I rely on God Almighty, O. S. Sparks and the jury." He prob-
ably knew that the law and the facts were against his client, but by his tact
and his address, he so worked upon the jury as to secure an acquittal, notwith-
standing that the accused was seen stealing the horse from the pasture at night
and was caught riding the horse next day. During his later years Mr. Sparks
lived in Los Angeles, but he returned to San Bernardino where lie died in
August, 1891, aged seventy-five.
Samuel R. Campbell, another Texas attorney, came here from Los An-
geles and located in 1857. He had been a lawyer of considerable promi-
nence in Texas, a member of the state senate and had taken an active part in
public affairs there. Immediately upon his settling in San Bernardino he
was appointed district attorney by the board of supervisors to fill an unex-
pired term. He was well educated and of great natural ability and had he
been able to control his taste for strong drink he would doubtless have had
a successful career here. In the winter of 1862-3 he started from San Bar-
nardino horseback to go to the western part of the county. It was one of the
stormy days of that winter of rain and flood and he was never seen aliye again.
His horse returned riderless and a few days later his body was found on the
plains beyond Slover mountain.
304
HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY
m*>-
Bethel Coopwood came to San Bernardino in 1857. He was one of the
syndicate that purchased the balance of the San Bernardino ranch unsold from
Lyman and Rich. Mr. Coopwood was then a
young man of about thirty, with a fair educa-
tion, some legal learning and much energy. He
had practiced law in Los Angeles previously
and he continued to practice here in addition to
his land business. Mr. Coopwood stood well
up in the profession and having a thorough
knowledge of the Spanish language gained
many clients among the Mexican population,
which was then large and many of whom were,
at that time, well off. He married Miss Wood-
ward, a sister of De la M. Woodward. In 1861
he closed up his business here having probably
lost in land speculation as much as he made
from his profession and returned to Texas, his
bethel coopwood native state, where he still resides.
William Pickett came to San Bernardino in 1858, from San Francisco,
where he had been one of the earliest arrivals from the east. He was of more
than average ability and although brought up to the trade of a printer, was a
good lawyer. He brought with him to this city a very good law library — the
first law library of any consequence in San Bernardino. At one time he had
his office in a little one-room shack on Third street — suitable office rooms were
not plenty in the town at that time — and he gave permission to a newly elected
justice of the peace' to hold his court and transact his business in the saint
office until he could procure one of his own. Xot long afterward Pickett was
attorney in a suit before this justice and the latter made several rulings against
him In the admission and rejection of testimony. This was more than Pickett
could stand in his own office, especially as the case was going against him on
its merits. In his wrath he ordered the court out of his office — a ruling to which
the court meekly submitted. Picking up his docket and his hat, the magis-
trate directed the jury to re-convene at another place. But there was not
much re-convening. Some of them went to the place indicated by the court,
some tarried by the wayside, some went the other way, and that was the last
of the case in court. Pickett was inclined to be somewhat aggressive in a
court which did not know how, or did not have spunk enough to keep him
within bounds. But before a competent court with courage to maintain its
dignity he knew how and always did keep within the bounds of decorum. He
remained here about four years then removed to Los Angeles and later to San
Francisco.
Albert H. Clark also came here about 1858. He was a man of fair ability
and did well as a lawyer during the short time that he remained. He was
HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY
!0o
HENRY M. Will is
elected district attorney for the county in 1859, but left the country in i860.
Henry M. Willis was a graduate of the State University of North Caro-
lina. He came to San Francisco with his parents in 1849 and there studied
law and entered into practice. For a time he
was prosecuting attorney in the police court of
that city. In 1856 he came to this vicinity with
his mother, then a widow, who had some valu-
able real estate interests in the eastern end of
the valley. Mr. Willis, with his younger
brother, at first engaged in farming, but occas-
ionally appeared in court for clients. He owned
a good law library and after a few years opened
an office in the county seat and began active
practice. In 1861, he married Miss Amelia
Benson, daughter of Jerome Benson, of this
county, and they were blessed with several
children. One of his sons, Henry, studied law
with his father. Judge Willis, as he afterwards
became, was a forcible speaker and was always
considered a lawyer of more than ordinary
ability. For a short time in 1861, he was district attorney of the county. In
1871 he was elected county judge for the term of four years, and again in
1875 for a second term. In 1879 he returned to the bar and carried on an
active practice until the legislature of 1885-6 created a second superior judge
in this county, and Governor B.artlett named him to occupy the place. His
term expired in January, 1889. On retiring from the bench of the superior
court he again resumed practice for a time, but in a year or so his health
failed and he retired from business. He died at Oceanside, where he had
gone for his health, in the autumn of 1895.
H. C. Rolfe is the writer of this article. I came to California when quite
young and have lived most of the time at San Bernardino. From 1850 to
1857, while still young, I spent the time in various parts of the state; did some
Indian campaigning in Southern California and worked several years at min-
ing in Nevada count}-, gaining nothing but experience. In 1858 I commenced
the study of law with William Pickett, then recently established at San Ber-
nardino with a good law library as before stated. With but a common school
education, I devoted my time to hard study, was admitted to the bar, and in
1861 was elected district attorney of the countv for a term of two years and
re-elected in 1863 for another term. At that time this was on the remote fron-
tier of what were called the "cow counties." a name used to designate the
sparsely populated southern part of the state. t There had drifted into this
county many lawless and some desperate characters, with little or no regard
for the good of things or property rights. The war of the rebellion afforded
a pretext for many who pretended to be in open sympathy to the cause of
::<)<;
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
dissolution and disruption, whether sincerely or only as a pretext to
commit lawless depredations and skip off into Dixie, or hide in
the wilds of the Colorado desert or Arizona, while many hard cases remained
who had no respect for any government and were quite bold in setting at
defiance all law and order. It can well be understood that the office of public
prosecutor was not a delightful luxury under such circumstances. Still I
managed to hold my footing quite fairly, and during my two terms a goodly
number of the lawless and criminal classes were sent off as convicts from this
county to the state prison, though most of them could hardly be considered
citizens of this county, or of any other place, for that matter. On retiring
from that office I continued the practice of law until the creation of the
eighteenth judicial district, composed of the counties of San Bernardino and
San Diego, by an act of the legislature in Februarys, 1872, when I was ap-
pointed judge of said district by Governor Booth, to hold until the next en-
suing election. Though a candidate for the next full term, I was not elected,
and on retiring from the office I resumed practice at San Bernardino. At
the special election in June 1878 for members of the state constitutional con-
vention, I was elected joint delegate from the same two counties and served
as a member of that body through its session. The work of that convention
was approved by the people by the adoption of the constitution it had prepared.
At the first general election under the new constitution, held in the fall of
1879, my home constituency elected me judge of the superior court of the
county, a court that had been created to take the places of the former district
and county courts, from which office I retired at the expiration of the term to
again resume practice at the bar.
Benjamin Hayes, who served as district judge in 1857-58, when San
Bernardino county was a part of the district, then including all of
Southern California, was one of the earliest
and one of the most respected of the early
lawyers of the state. He was born in Balti-
more, Md., in 1815. He came to California
overland in 1850, arriving in Los Angeles in
February of that year. In 1857, he was
elected as district judge, an office which he
filled for eleven years in all. In 1867, he was
appointed district attorney of San Diego
count}', and in 1868, he was elected to the
State Legislature from that county. He
died in Los Angeles, August 4, 1877. Judge
Hayes was a man of wide learning, a student
of the Spanish language, and was deeply in-
terested in the history of this country. He
furnished much valuable material for Ban-
croft, and preserved much historical matter.
He was loved and respected by the people of Southern California, both Ameri-
lil N IAMIN HAVES
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
.",07
JOHN W. SATTERWHITE
cans and native Californians, and will long be remembered for his services—
both legal and historical.
John W. Satterwhite came to Southern California from Texas in 1861,
being then about nineteen years of age, poor and without influential friends.
He soon after- went to mining in Holcomb Val-
ley in this county. He remained there two or
three years, and it is safe to say that he made
no great strike financially. He then worked
at mining on Lytle Creek for a year or two, in
the capacity of superintendent. With but a
common school education he was nevertheless
bright and ambitious. He became quite well
and favorably known, and in the fall of 1865
wras elected to the legislature as a member of
the assembly from this county and served in
the session of 1865-6. Having for several years
devoted much of his time to picking up such
knowledge of the law as was within his reach,
with a view of sometime becoming a lawyer,
also having had some justice court practice at
Holcomb Valley, he, on his return from the ses-
sion of the legislature, commenced devoting his
time to the study of law as a regular student at San Bernardino, with such as-
sistance as a young man of his natural ability and aspirations will generally re-
ceive from members of the profession under like circumstances. The next
year he was admitted to practice. As a speaker he was logical and quite
fluent, and in both respects had profited much by his recent legislative experi-
ence. As a statesman, he in after years, used to laugh about it, and say that
during his first experience in the assembly he came to a knowledge of how
little he knew. But he was a man of strong convictions and had courage to
act upon them. He was one of the few members of the legislature who voted
against ratifying the thirteenth amendment to the United States Constitution.
prohibiting slavery.
Though still young, he soon established a good standing as a lawyer. In
1870 Mr. Satterwhite was appointed by the board of supervisors to fill the
unexpired term of district attorney, made vacant by the death of Hulett Clark.
At the next ensuing election in 1871, the people of the county showed their
appreciation of his services in that office by electing him without opposition
to continue in the same office for another term of two years. Con-
tinuing his law practice during that time and after his second term had ex-
pired, he was engaged in some of the most important litigation in the county.
With additional years of experience he greatly gained in reputation as a law-
yer, and the confidence of the people as a legislator. In 1875 he was elected
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
to the state senate from the senatorial district composed of the counties of
San Bernardino and San Diego, for a term of four years, which included the
session of the legislature for 1875-6 and 1877-8.
Though of strictly temperate and steady habits, his health about this
time began .to give way. compelling him eventually to withdraw from any part
His health still declining, he had to quit the practice of law en-
in politic
tirely for a year or two before his death, which occurred in February,
A widow and several children survive him.
Byron Waters, for many years a resident of San Bernardino
born in Canton, Cherokee county, Georgia
1SS5.
BYRON WATERS
n June, 1849. His father was
a native of New York, and his
mother a native of Georgia. He
passed his boyhood in his na-
tive state and witnessed the hor-
rors of the civil war, since his
home was in line with Sher-
man's "March to the Sea." In
1867 he came to California and
for a time resided with the late
James Waters, his uncle, at Old
San Bernardino. The young
man decided to make law his
profession and in 1869 entered
the office of Judge H. C. Rolfe,
and later continued his studies
with Judge H. M. Willis. He
was admitted to the bar of Cali-
fornia in January, 1871, and
soon took rank as a lawyer of
unusual acumen and good judg-
ment.
In 1877 Mr. Waters was
elected to the general assem-
bly to represent San Bernar-
; his term was recognized as one of the demo-
In 1879 he served as delegate-at-large in the
dino county, and while serv:
cratic leaders of that body,
constitutional convention and aided in preparing the present constitution
of the state. In 1881, he organized the Farmer's Exchange Bank, now one
of the solid financial institutions of San Bernardino, and acted for several
years as its president, handling its affairs with marked success. On retiring
from the bank he again took up the legal profession and has since gained the
reputation of being -one of the ablest lawyers in the state. In 1886 he was
the democratic nominee for supreme judge, but was defeated with the state
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
ricket by a small majority. Mr. Waters is now engaged in the practice of
his profession in Los Angeles.
John Lloyd Campbell was born in Illinois in 1855. He was a
descendant of Gen. Wm. Campbell, a distinguished American officer of the
Revolutionary war. His father,
John Lewis Campbell, a Ken-
tuckian by birth, served all
through the civil war and re-
turned home to die, leaving' a
large family in dependent cir-
cumstances. John Lloyd, after
serving a year as page in the
U. S. Senate Chamber, com-
pleted his preparatory course in
his own state and entered Col-
umbia Law School. He gradu-
ated in 1878 and was admitted
to the Illinois bar. In 1879 he
came to California and located
at San Bernardino, forming a
partnership with Col. A. B.
Paris. After a year in this city
he removed to St. Paul, Minn.,
where he practiced his profes-
sion until 1883, when he re-
turned to San Bernardino. He
joined the Hon. James A. Gib-
son in practice until he entered
upon the duties of district attorney in January, 1885. At the expiration of
his term of office he resumed the legal practice until he was elected superior
judge for San Bernardino county, in 1888. At the end of his six year-' term
he was re-elected and thus served the county upon the superior bench for
twelve years.
The litigation in the superior court of this county has involved many
important legal questions, particularly in the legal status of mining cases,
water and land titles. Judge Campbell has without doubt tried more import-
ant cases bearing upon water rights than any other judge in the state, and
many of these cases have involved perplexing and unsettled points of law.
Hi- judgments have rarely been reversed by the superior courts.
In 1888, he married Miss Harriet Muscott of this city . and he has two
children.
As a citizen, Judge Campbell has taken a large interest in all questions
of nublic interest and welfare.
JOHN LLOYD CAMI'BLLL
1AMI:S A i,IHM>N
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 311
James A. Gibson, now of Los Angeles, but for many years a resident of
San Bernardino county, is a native of Boston, Mass., born August 21, 1852.
His father, Thomas Gibson, was of Scotch-Irish descent and a mechanic by
trade. He enlisted in the ranks in the civil war and was mortally wounded
during Gen. Bank's Red River expedition. His mother, who was of English-
Irish parentage, died while he was still a child. He received his education
in the public schools and while still but a lad began to learn the printer's
trade. He later entered the employ of a large manufacturing establishment
and remained with them until he came to California in 1874, and soon there-
after located at Colton, then but the beginning of a town. He studied law in
the office of William Gregory, formerly of Philadelphia, and in 1879 was ad-
mitted to the bar. He at once entered upon the practice of his profession,
soon associating himself with Hon. Byron Waters and later forming a part-
nership with Hon. John L. Campbell. In 1884 he was elected to the superior
bench in San Bernardino county and retained the office until he resigned to
accept the position of supreme court commissioner, to which he was ap-
pointed by the supreme court in May, 1889, a position which he held until
1891.
On resuming private practice he located in San Diego, joining the firm
of Works, Gibson & Titus. In 1897 he removed to Los Angeles and entered
into the firm of Bicknell, Gibson & Trask, one of the strongest law firms in
Los Angeles.
Judge Gibson married in 1882, Miss Sarah Waterman, of Colton, a native
of St. Joseph, Mo. She died December 2, 1889. leaving two children. Mary
W. and James A., Jr. He afterwards married Miss Gertrude Van Norman,
of Ohio, by whom he has two children, Martha and Horace W
William Jesse Curtis is the eldest son of Hon. I. C. and Lucy M. Curtis:
his father was a prominent member of the bar of Marion county. Iowa, for
many years, and represented that county in the state legislature for several
terms. His mother is the daughter of Jesse L. Holman, one of the early jus-
tices of the supreme court of the state of Indiana, and a sister of Hon. Wil-
liam S. Holman, who for more than thirty years was a member of Congress
from that state.
Mr. Curtis was born in Aurora, Indiana, on the 2nd day of August 1838.
In 1844, 'le moved with his parents to the then territory of Iowa, and settled
in Marion county near the present city of Pella. He was educated at the Cen-
tral University of Iowa, studied law in his father's office, was admitted to the
bar in 1863, and became a partner of his father. In 1861 he married Miss
Frances S. Cowles, of Delaware. Ohio. In 1864 he crossed the plains with ox
and mule teams, came to California and settled in the city of San Bernardino,
where he has resided ever since.
The first five years after his arrival in California, he devoted to teaching
school. In January 1872, he opened a law office in the City of San Bernardino.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 313
In 1873 he was elected district attorney of San Bernardino county and was
re-elected in 1875.
He has been associated at different times during the practice of his profes-
sion with Judge H. C. Rolfe, Hon. J. W. Satterwhite, Judge Geo. E. ( >tis and
Judge F. F. Oster, and is now associated with his son, Jesse W. Curtis. The
various firms with which Mr. Curtis has been connected all occupied promi-
nent positions at the bar of Southern California, and were retained in many
important civil cases tried in San Bernardino county, and frequently in cases
tried in adjoining counties, and the United States circuit and district courts.
Mr. Curtis has always taken an interest in matters pertaining to the wel-
fare of the city, county and stite. and especially in the subject of education,
and served for a number of yeais as president of the city board of education.
He is president of the bar association of the county, and one of the trustees
of the law library.
Benjamin F. Bledsoe was born in San Bernardino in February, 1874. He
attended the public schools of this city and graduated from the High School
in 1891. He entered Stanford Ui versity in 1892, and graduated in the de-
partment of History. Economics and Law. in 1896. While in Stanford Mr.
Bledsoe took an active interest in inter-collegiate debating, and was one of the
participants in the Stanford-California debate during his junior year.
He took his bar examination before the supreme court in Los Angeles in
October, 1896, and immediately entered upon the practice of his profession in
his native city, and in partnership with his father, R. E. Bledsoe. Their prac-
tice has been general and extends over all the southern counties of the state.
In 1898, Mr. Bledsoe was appointed referee in Bankruptcy by Judge Wellborn.
In August. 1900, at the solicitation of bis friends, he became a candidate
oefore the Democratic Convention of the county for the nomination for super-
;or judge. There were three candidates, Hon. J. W. Curtis. Hon. Byron
Waters and Benj. F. Bledsoe, characterized as the "boy lawyer'*. Both Mr.
Curtis and Mr. Waters were old democratic "war horses"; each had a strong
and determined following, and the claims of each were presented to the con-
vention by men of ability, and of great influence in the party. Young Bled-
soe was nominated by Dr. James 1'. Booth and Thos. Doffelmeyer in speeches
which aroused wild enthusiasm for the "hoy lawyer" and secured his nomina-
tion.
The contest was an unusually exciting one. and the fight centered
mainly upon the judgeship. Although the county is strongly republican, and
there was disaffection among the democrats, the vote which resulted
was a tie — a most unfortunate result for both parties, as in such case the ordi-
nary statutory election content could not be made. It was contended that
there was no means of reaching a recount, nor any remedy for any wrong that
might have been done by the precinct officers in counting the ballots: and
314
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
then
the bench might hold ov<
itil the
ROBERT E. BLEDSOE
that Judge Campbell who
next general election.
The law firm of Bledsoe and Bledsoe took a different view of the law
and after a long delay, and a persistent fight, secured from the Attorney Gen-
eral of the State permission to commence a
contest. The action came on for trial before
Judge Lucien Shaw, holding court for Judge
F. F. Oster. He decided that the ballots
should be re-counted, which was done, and it
was found that Bledsoe had received a major-
ity of the legal votes cast. In consequence he
was declared elected to the office of superior
judge. An appeal to the supreme court was
taken. The supreme court in due time af-
firmed the judgment in favor of Mr. Bledsoe.
The judgment of the lower court was ren-
dered on the 27th day of July, 1901, and on the
29th day of July, 1902, Mr. Bledsoe qualified
and took possession of the office, and from that
time until the rendition of the decision of the
supreme court in April, 1903, performed the
duties of the office without pay, as the disbursing officers of the county were
unwilling to pay until the final decision was rendered.
Owing to the delay in trying the case. Judge Campbell held the office and
collected the salary for a number of months. It was conceded on the final ren-
dition of judgment, that Judge Bledsoe could collect the salary for this time:
but believing that the money had been paid to Judge Campbell in good faith,
and that to compel the county officers to refund it, would be a hardship to
the officials and to Judge Campbell, Judge Bledsoe decided not to contend for
the amount.
Judge Bledsoe has presided in department two of the supreme court
since July 9th, 1901, and during that time has tried several very important
cases in the counties of Riverside, Orange and Los Angeles, in addition to his
work in this county. He is a cautious and studious judge, always courteous,
but firm and dignified in the conduct of trials before him, and he has won the
respect and confidence of the lawyers and people generally.
Frank Frederick .Oster, presiding judge of department one, su-
perior court of San Bernardino county, was born June 3, i860, at Sparta,
Wis. He graduated from the High School of his native city in 1878, and at
once entered the University of Wisconsin, at Madison, graduating from the
classical course in 1882. His first employment was city editor of the "Winona.
( Minn. ) Daily Tribune," which position he held for three months, resigning to
become traveling correspondent for the "La Crosse Chronicle," which he con-
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
315
tinued one year. He then entered the law office of Morrow & Masters, and
was admitted to the bar in 1885, by the supreme court of the state of Minne-
sota. In the same year coming to California, he opened a law office at Colton.
and on the incorporation of the city was elected city attorney, holding- that of-
fice for four years. January 1, 1891, he formed a law partnership with W. J.
Curtis of San Bernardino, and in the fall of 1892 was elected district attorney
for the county. On January 4, 1897. he took his seat as judge of the superior
court, a position to which he had been elected the preceding November.
Judge Oster's success in his profession is but the reward of his ability and
merit. His knowdedge of the law and eminent attributes render him well qual-
ified for the important position he now holds.
On October 15. 1891, Judge Oster married Miss Elsie Donald, daughter of
Rev. William Donald of Colton.
George E. Otis was born in Boston. Mass., in 1847. He attended the
Boston Latin school and later Norwich University, Vermont, but before
completing his u n i v e r.si.t y
course he enlisted in the Sixth
Mass. Volunteers. Co. H. and
served throughout the Civil
war. After returning to Bos-
ton, he studied law for two
years in the office of Richard
H. Dana, author of "Two Years
Before the Mast," and then en-
tered Harvard Law School,
graduating with the degree of
L. L. B. in 1869. After his ad-
mission to the bar he practiced
his profession in Boston until
1875. when he removed to Cali-
fornia and located in San Ber-
nardino. Here he formed a
partnership with Hon. W. J.
Curtis, the district attorney for
the county. Two years later
he removed to San Francisco
and there was a member of a
firm made up of Charles E. Wil-
son and John J. Roche. I Fpi m
887. he returned to San Bernardino and re-
old partner. Air. Curtis, until his election to the
Upon the expiration of his term as superior judge
the dissoluti.
sinned practi
superior bent
n of this firm
in 189]
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
he entered into partnership with F. W. Gregg, a relation which fie still
sustains.
Judge Otis has won a wide reputation in the state as a lawyer of fine
mental qualities and of deep learning. As a jurist he was noted for the fair-
ness and soundness of his decisions. He is a man of unusual social gifts, and
has taken a telling part in the public and political interests of the county.
Andrew B. Paris was born in Virginia in 1839. After attending the Vir-
ginia Military Institute, at the age of twenty-one, he enlisted as a soldier in
the defense of his native state. He entered as a
private, and emerged therefrom as a colonel, hav-
ing been at the head of artillery of General
Hoke's division of Gen. Johnston's army.
r" \w After the close of the war, he studied law at
MZl the University of Virginia, and after graduating.
I?& *»*- ^< practiced for several years in his native state. In
1874, he came to San Bernardino and entered up-
on the practice of his profession. In 1886 he was
elected as district attorney. In 1889 he was
married to Miss Kate Brown Smith of Virginia,
but his wedded life was brief, as she died the next
In 1894, he was nominated for the office of
Attorney General of California. In 1896, he was
nominated for the office of superior judge of San
Bernardino county, and during this campaign, he
contracted the cold which resulted in his death in
November, 1896.
lan of unusual gifts, of broad mind and humane
4DREW B. PARIS
Colonel Paris was
heart. He had won the love and respect of his fellows at the bar, and was a
valued member of many fraternal societies of the city.
( For other members of the Bar see Index.)
JUDGES.
County Judges.
1853-7 Daniel M. Thomas.
[858-1871 A. D. Boren.
1871-Q H. M. Willis.
District Judges.
1853-63 Benjamin Hayes.
1863-8 Pablo de la Guerra.
1868-71 Murray Morrison.
1871-72 R. M. Widney.
1872-75 H. C. Rolfe.
1875-9 W. T. McNealv.
HISTORY OF SAN BERXARDIXO COUNTY
Superior Judges.
879-85 H. C. Rolfe
886-1891 fames A. Gibson Department One.
886-1889 H. M. Willis Department Two.
889-1902 John L. Campbell Department Two.
891-1897 George E. Otis Department ( >he.
898 — Frank F. Oster Department ( hie.
902 — Benjamin F. Bledsoe. ..Department Two.
COUNTY ATTORNEYS.
1853-5 William Stout.
1856-7 Ellis Ames.
1858 Samuel Surrine.
1859 A. H. Clark.
1860-1 S. R. Campbell.
1862-5 H. C. Rolfe.
1 866- 1 87 1 Hewlett Clark
1872-3 J. W. Satterwhite.
1874-7 W. J. Curtis.
1878-9 W. A. Harris.
1880-2.
1883-5.
1886-7.
1888-9.
1 890- 1 .
1802-6.
C. W. C. Rowell.
. .R. E. Bledsoe.
.J. L. Campbell.
....A. B. Paris.
. .T. T. Fording.
. ...F. F. Oster.
1897-1900 F. B. Daley.
1901-2 J. W. Curtis.
1903 — L. M. Sprecher.
ATTORNEYS OF RECORD, JUNE 1st, 1904.
Allen. A. W
Redlands.
Allison. C. L. ...
.San Bernardino.
Annable, E. R.. ..
.San Bernardino.
Bailey, C. F
Redlands.
Bledsoe, R. E.. ..
.San Bernardino.
Brown, John Tr. .
.San Bernardino.
Brvne. Walter. . .
.San Bernardino.
Campbell, E. L. .
Redlands.
Campbell, }. L. . .
.San Bernardino.
Campbell, W. M
Redlands.
Chapman, C. E. .
Redlands.
Connor, H
.San Bernardino.
Curtis, W. T
Curtis, J. W
. San Bernardino.
Daley, F. B
.San Bernardino.
Damron, C. N.. . .
.San Bernardino.
Duckworth, T. W
.San Bernardino.
Ely, H. B
Redlands.
Felter, A. T
. San Bernardino.
Field, K. H
Redlands.
Foster. A. M....
Redlands.
Goodcell, H.
...San Bernardino
Goodcell. Robert.
...San Bernardino
Gregg, F. W
. San Bernardino.
Haskell. C. C. ...
.San Bernardino.
Hight. Percv San
Hornby, F. "C
Hutchings, lame-. San
Toliffe, E. F
Katz, E. E San
Leonard, F. A San
Light, J. E San
. . San
. . San
Mack, ]. L..
Morris. C. I',
Meyers, R. H. .. .
Nisbet, H. W San
Otis, George E....San
Oster. F. F San
Parke, T. E
Pierson. T. B
Pollock, J. R
Prescott, Frank C. .San
Rolfe, H C San
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Sprecher, L. M....San
Stephenson, J. W..San
Swing. Ralph San
Surr, Howard San
Tisdale. Wm. M
Truesdell, C. E
Bernardim 1.
. .Redlands.
Bernardino..
. . .Ontario.
Bernardino.
Bernardino.
Bernardino.
Bernardino.
Bernardino.
. .Redlands.
Bernardino.
Bernardino.
. . . Ontario.
.Dale City.
. . . ( hitario.
Bernardino.
Bernardino.
..Redlands.
Bernardino.
Bernardino.
Bernardino.
Bernardino.
. . Redlands.
. . Redlands.
I RANK I. OSTER
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
LAW LIBRARY.
In the year 1891 the legislature of the State of California passed an act
entitled "An Act to Establish Law Libraries." This act provides that on the
commencement in, or removal to, the Superior Court of any county in the
state, of any civil action, proceeding or appeal, on filing the first papers there-
in the part}- instituting such proceeding, or filing first papers shall pay to the
clerk of the court the sum of one dollar, to be paid by the clerk to the county
treasurer who shall deposit the same in the "Law Library Fund." This fund
is to be used for the purchase of books, journals, publications and other per-
sonal property, and is to be paid out by the county treasurer only on orders
of the "Board of Law Library Trustees". By the terms of this act it is made
discretionary with the board of supervisors of any county to provide by or-
dinance for the application of provisions of said act to such county.
On the second day of June. 1891. the board of supervisors of the county
of San Bernardino unanimously adopted Ordinance No. 34, making said act
applicable to their county, and on the 25th day of the same month, they ap-
pointed Ex-Judge H. C. Rolfe and W. J. Curtis, Esq., trustees of said Law
Library to act in conjunction with the two superior judges. Hon. Geo. E.
Otis and Hon. John L. Campbell, and the chairman of the board of supervis-
ors, J. N. Victor, who were by the terms of said act ex-officio trustees. These
five gentlemen constituted the first "Board of Law Library Trustees" of the
county. This board held its initial meeting the third day of July. 1891, but
apart from a general discussion on the purposes and work confronting them,
and the appointment of Judges Rolfe and Otis as a committee to draft by-laws,
and of Mr. Victor as a committee to procure a room in the court house for a li-
brary, did nothing at the first meeting except to elect F. W. Richardson deputy
county clerk, and acting clerk of the board of supervisors, as permanent sec-
retary of the board for the first year. Four days later another meeting was
held, at which Mr. Victor reported that he had secured the store room in the
Hall of Records as a library, and. inasmuch as a store room was all that was
then required, this report and room was accepted. The next meeting was
held on the 26th day of August, 1891, and at that time Judge Otis was elected
president of the board for the current year. The fourth meeting of the board
of trustees was held on the 30th day of December, 1891. and at this meeting
the organization was completed by the adoption of a code of by-laws, and the
election of Mr. Richardson as librarian, in addition to his duties as secretary.
This organization continued without change until the third day of .May. 181)3.
when T. C. Chapman Esq.. was elected librarian at a salary of twenty-four
dollars per month, with the understanding that he was to occupy the library
320 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
room as his law office, and keep the library open during the business hours
of each day. At this time the library was located in the temporary room
originally constructed for the use of the board of supervisors, above the land-
ing of the stairway in the old court house. At this time, also, the library be-
gan to assume character, and for the first time, might be said to be something
more than an empty name. The board of library trustees had recently en-
tered into a contract with the West Publishing Company, of St. Paul, Min-
nesota, for the purchase, on credit, of its Reporter System, embracing eight
seperate sets of reports, and covering the decisions of courts of last resort in
all of the states of the Union. This contract called for all continuations of
these reoorts, including the bound volumes, and advance sheets. At this
time, also, the library contained the American Decisions, American Reports
and some of the American State Reports, as well as Morrison's Mining Re-
ports, a set of general digests published by the West Publishing Company,
and a miscellaneous collection of text books donated principally by Judge
Otis, Judge Rolfe and Mr. Curtis; but, when all was said, it was still a rather
crude and rudimentary library, used only by members of the local bar, and to
no great extent by them. Meantime, Mr. Chapman continued to sit in lonely
and solemn state for a consideration of twenty-four dollars per month : and
while it must be admitted that this rate of compensation was rather low, for
the practically solitary confinement which it entailed on the librarian, never-
theless, the amount was sufficient to keep the library fund practically de-
pleted, permitting an increase in the indebtedness of the association, already
considerable, and making the purchase of other books impossible. Thus mat-
ters continued until January. 1897. when the financial report of the board of
trustees impressed upon the body the necessity of a radical reform. The
term of Judge Otis as superior judge having expired with the year 1896, he
was succeeded by Judge Frank F. Oster. his successor on the bench. At a
meeting held on the eleventh day of January, 1897, the board was re-organ-
ized by the election of Judge Oster as president, and Mr. Chapman as secre-
tary; this organization still continues. At this meeting the board of trustees
concluded that it was lfecessary, as an economic measure, to do away with the
services of a librarian, however desirable they might be on other grounds.
Mr. Chapman readily concurred in this view, and. since this time those de-
siring to consult the books in the library have to secure admittance through
the services of the janitor. This condition of affairs interferes not a little
with the usefulness of the library, but the trustees are hopeful that at some
time in the near future, they will have completed the purchase of such books
as may be necessarv to constitute this an all-round working and reference
library: whereupon they will immediately re-employ Mr. Chapman, or some
other competent librarian, notwithstanding the limited income available.
Meantime the library is thrown open to the general public without any cost
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 321
or expense whatever to the users. At the close of the year iyoo. the library
was moved to the present large and commodious room situated on the ground
floor of the old court house, in the former assessor's office.
Since January, 1897, by the exercise of the most rigid economy, the board
of trustees has paid off an indebtedness of over four hundred dollars, and, be-
sides paying the subscription for all current reports, amounting to several
hundred dollars, has also purchased several additional sets of books, includ-
ing the reports of the United States Supreme Court, the Century Digest, the
second edition of the American and English Encyclopedia of Law. the Ency-
clopedia of Pleading and Practice, and the American State Reports to date.
An inspection of the shelves at the present time, will disclose nearly two
thousand volumes, consisting for the most part of statutes, reports, digests
and text books ; and when it is remembered that most of these books cost
from three to seven dollars per volume, and that, apart from the donations,
above referred to, they have all been purchased, after paying the necessary
running expenses, out of an average income of about thirty dollars per month,
it will be seen that the board of trustees are able to render a good account of
their stewardship.
CHAPTER XIII.
THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC AND
THE FIRST BATTALION.
CALIFORNIA IN THE CIVIL WAR.
California was peculiarly situated in the late civil war. Though the
loyalty of the larger portion of the population was unquestioned, the con-
dition of affairs was entirely different from that of any other state in the
Union. The residents were composed of immigrants from all portions of
the United States, and had brought with them their local traditions and
political prejudices. The children born in California had not as vet attained
to manhood and there was, therefore, no influential class entirely disabused
of opinions formed by early associations. Men were northern or southern
in sentiment according to the section in which they had been reared. There
were, it is true, instances where residents of the Pacific coast who were born
in the south took patriotic ground in favor of the Union ; but for the truth
Df history it should be stated that the great majority of the southern people
resident in the state were strongly and avowedly on the side of the place
of their birth, and those who were not avowed sympathizers with the se-
cession movement were opposed to any attempt by force of arms to coerce
322 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
the seceding states. This condition of affairs resulted in strong talk of an
independent Pacific Republic, and the reports received by the administration
at Washington as to what might be the stand taken by California, were so
conflicting as to cause great uneasiness. In consequence. General Edwin
V. Sumner, an old officer of the regular army and of known loyalty, was
hastily and secretly dispatched from Washington to relieve General Albert
Sidney Johnston, who was of southern birth and affiliations, from the com-
mand of the Military Division of the Pacific and the Department of Cali-
fornia. It is due to the memory of a general who afterwards became dis-
tinguished in the Confederate Army to say that no one who knew General
Johnston ever entertained grave doubts that, whatever his personal feeling
or sentiment might have been, he would have been true to the flag of the
Union so long as he retained his commission in the United States Army. His
established reputation was that of unquestioned ability, and the highest and
keenest sense of honor. But times were dangerous and those in authority,
realizing the wide disaffection among officers of the army and navy, hardlv
knew whom to trust, and where the shadow of doubt rested, deemed it best
to place in authority those whose fealty was unquestioned.
General Sumner brought with him full authority to raise and equip
volunteer regiments and to place California in a complete state of defense.
The ease with which regiments were recruited and the numerous and enthus-
iastic meetings which were held in all sections of the state, soon established
the fact that California was safe for the Union. The officers and men of the
California volunteer regiments were all in hopes that they would be assigned
to duty at the front in the east. A large majority asserted that they had no
fear of a serious outbreak at home, and had enlisted with the expectation of
being sent to the front. The officers and men even offered to contribute
largely toward the expenses of transportation. A notable instance of this
was that of Corporal Goldthwait, a man of some means, who tendered the
Colonel of his regiment, the Third California, a certified check for $5000 for
such expenses.
The War Department felt, however, that it was advisable to keep the
California regiments on duty nearer home. The distance across the plains
was too great, and the only other available route — via Panama — too ex-
pensive, for any considerable body of troops to be sent across the continent.
Beside which the Indians were restless and in many cases openly hostile :
watch must also be kept upon the Mormons. California troops were, there-
fore, distributed in Utah and adjoining territory. One California column
operated in Arizona, New Mexico and as far east as Northern Texas. Thev
made arduous marches over deserts and plains, endured much suffering
from exposure and were constantly engaged in scouting and in actual Indian
warfare. They dealt with the Kiowas and Comanches in Texas, the Navajos
in New Mexico and the Apaches in Arizona, and their record is unsurpassed
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 323
for bravery and skill. A part of the California volunteer forces were sta-
tioned in the vicinity of San Francisco; for the fortifications of the harbor
had been stripped of their regular garrison, which had been sent east to join
their respective regiments. In addition to ten regiments, one battalion and
four companies of California Volunteers, there were the California Hundred
and Battalion which went east and became a part of the Cavalry Corps of
the Army of the Potomac. They participated in over fifty engagements,
beginning at South Ann Bridge in Virginia and ending at Appomattox.
There were also many single representatives of California in eastern regi-
ments and one regiment recruited by Senator Edward Baker of Oregon, at
Philadelphia, was largely composed of old Californians and was known gen-
erally as the "First California."
The fact must not be overlooked that California, during the continuation
of the war, contributed very large sums — well into the millions — for the
prosecution of the war, and that she also contributed very largely to the
Sanitary Fund. Indeed, it cannot be questioned that California nobly per-
formed her part in the war for the preservation of the Union.
ORGANIZATION OF SOCIETY OF THE GRAND ARMY OF THE
REPUBLIC.
When the civil war had ended and the battle scarred patriots who had
saved their country returned to their homes
and their accustomed avocations, it was a nat-
ural consequence that they should eagerly
desire to perpetuate the ties of brotherhood
which had joined them shoulder to shoulder in
a common cause, and with the lapse of time
that they should find these bonds of fraternity
growing stronger and more sacred.
With the purpose of welding and perpetuat-
ing these bonds of fellowship and common
interest, the society of the Grand Army of the
Republic was organized April 6, 1866, at De-
catur, Mason Co., Illinois. Its originator was
Dr. Benjamin F. Stephenson, a physician of
Springfield, 111., who had served during the
war as a surgeon in the Fourteenth Illinois
COL. W. L. VESTAL ,. , T ° TT . ,
\ olunteer Infantry. He had spent many
weeks in studying the situation and making plans to the end that
the proposed order might be one to meet the general approval of sur-
viving comrades, and thus enlist their hearty co-operation. He made
a draft of a ritual and sent it by Captain John S. Phelps to Decatur
324 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
where two veterans, Messrs. Cottrin and Prior, owned a printing; office.
These gentlemen, with their employes, who had been in the service, were first
sworn to secrecy and then the ritual was put into type in their office. Captain
Phelps returned to Springfield with the ritual, but comrades in Decatur were
so interested in the project that with the active assistance of Captain F. M.
Kanan, and Dr. J. \Y. Roth, a sufficient number of names were at once se-
cured for a charter and these gentlemen went to Springfield to request Dr.
Stephenson to return with them and organize a post at Decatur. The form-
ation of a post was under way at Springfield, but it was not ready for muster
and Dr. Stephenson, with several comrades, went to Decatur and there or-
ganized the first post with General Isaac Pew as Post-commander and Cap-
tain Kanan as Adjutant. The title. "The Grand Army of the Republic,"
was formally adopted at the date of this organization, April 6, 1866. Soon
after this, Post No. 2 was organized at Springfield. Nothing was done in
the eastern states toward establishing posts until opportunity was given for
mature discussion of the subject at a national Soldiers' and Sailors' Con-
vention at Pittsburg, Pa., the following September. There prominent com-
rades from eastern states were obligated and empowered to organize posts.
The first posts so established were Post No. 1, in Philadelphia, and No. 3,
in Pittsburg, by charter direct from the acting Commander-in-chief, Dr.
Stephenson. Post No. 2, Philadelphia, was established by charter received
from Gen. J. K. Proudfit, Department Commander of Wisconsin.
A Department Convention was held that same year at Springfield, 111.,
and adopted resolutions declaring the objects of the "G. A. R." Gen. Tohn
M. Palmer was elected first Department Commander and Major B. F. Ste-
phenson was given full recognition as the originator and true head of the
organization.
HISTORY OF SAN BERXARDIXO COUNTY
THE GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC IN SAN BERNARDINO.
By E. A. Smith.
So far as known to the writer the first movement toward the organiza-
tion of a post of the G. A. R., in San Bernardino, was made during the winter
of 1883-84. It originated with Captain Frank T. Singer, who was enthus-
iastic on the subject. He met with scant support at first, however, as few
believed that there were a sufficient number of old soldiers in this vicinity
to maintain a post. A vigorous agitation of the subject, to the surprise of
all, developed the fact that "the woods were full of them." The requisite
number of names was attained, application for a charter was made and was
promptly granted, and April 24, 1884, W. H. Long Post, No. 57, G. A. R.
Department of California and Nevada, was regularly mustered in with a
membership of twenty-four.
Col. W. H. Long was a wealthy Boston merchant, a friend of Major
T. C. Kendall, with whom he had served in the Sixth Army Corps, and who
assured the comrades that Col. Long would highly appreciate the honor
and would do something handsome for the post in response. This he did
by presenting the new organization with an elegant silk banner suitably
inscribed.
Memorial day was observed for the first time in San Bernardino, May
30th, 1884. The people of the city and of the surrounding countrv turned
out "en masse." The Knights of Pythias assisted the post ; the public school
children and several civic and fraternal organizations joined the procession, to-
gether with many ex-soldiers not yet members of the post. It was the largest
gathering that had ever been seen in San Bernardino up to that time, and was
voted a great success.
Meetings were held weekly and the post steadily grew in numbers. When
the banner from Col. Long arrived, it was decided to hold a grand demon-
stration, with a presentation at the Opera House, a bean-bake and a ball. Col.
A. B. Paris, a Confederate veteran, who always took a deep interest in G. A. R.
matters, made the presentation speech. "The boys" responded later by elect-
ing him district attorney. Two large store rooms on Third street were used
for the banquet and ball. There was an abundance of eatables for all — and a
very large number of persons enjoyed them, and the ball was all that a ball
should be.
Of course this event was fully exploited in the local papers and also in
the Los Angeles and San Francisco papers, and thus it became known to
"the powers that be" that, contrary to the regulations of the society, AY. H.
Long Post, No. 57, had been named after a man who was still very much
;:i;
HISTORY OF SAX BERXARDIXO COUNTY
alive, and its charter was promptly revoked. However, it was generously
allowed the privilege of retaining its number, of adopting a new name and
being remastered at once. Accordingly, on the fifth day of December, 1884,
"W. R. Cornman Post, Xo. 57, succeeded to all the rights and privileges of
its predecessor and forty-two members were mustered in at that date. This
by no means represented the strength of the post, for many more members
were received later.
William Ravmond Cornman was a native of Illinois, born at what
is now East St. Louis, December 19, 1844. About 1858 the family
removed to Stillwater, Minn., and there .Mr.
Cornman attained his majority. In 1861 he
joined the United States Army and aided- in
fighting the Indians in the frontier states.
Later he entered the ranks of the First Minne-
sota Infantry, which had already seen severe
service at the front. He rose rapidly and re-
ceived his commission as> Second Lieutenant
before being mustered out.
He returned to Stillwater, but soon started
westward, mining in Utah and finally came to
.San Bernardino in 1875. Here he engaged in
the livery business, and also handled wagons,
carriages, grain, etc.
Xovember 9, 1876, he married Miss Jose-
phine A., daughter of George Flisom, a prom-
W. R. CORNMAN inent dtizen of gan Bernardjno AugUSt I 5,
1877, he was killed in Death Valley.
In 1886 the Xational Encampment was held in San Francisco and
many were desirous of attending, but in numerous cases there were financial
reasons forbidding. The situation was carefully considered, and it was
finally determined to hold a loan exhibition and a flower and fruit festival
for the purpose of raising a part, at least, of the needed funds. The Fourth
street school house was secured and an attractive program was arranged,
and the scheme proved a great success financially. Six hundred and fifty
dollars was the net result. The greater part of this sum was voted to mem-
bers who considered it as a loan and what remained was placed in the hands
of the Quartermaster to be divided pro rata among those who attended the
encampment.
Notwithstanding many lapses from death, transfers, and other causes,
the post steadily gained in numbers during the first three years of its ex-
istence. Then came a slow and steady decline. High water mark had been
reached. The infirmities of age were becoming more apparent. Comrades
could not attend meetings as of yore. The death rate has not been high
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
327
during recent years, but the inevitable end is rapidly approaching. In the
comparatively near future, the last post will have surrendered its charter
and the last veteran of the greatest war of modern times will have passed
"beyond."
Since the organization of Cornman Post 231 names have appeared on
its rolls. It now has a membership of 75. Twenty-four of its members
have died, thirty have been discharged, all of the rest have been dropped
or suspended.
The following is the list of Commanders from the organization to the
present time.
1884.
Frank T. Singer.
1885.
T. C. Kendall.'
1886.
E. C. Seymour.
1887.
E. A. Smith.
1888.
C. N. Damron.
1889.
Frank T. Singer.
1890.
James E. Mack.
1891.
Samuel Leffler.
1892.
Joseph Marchant.
1893.
N. G. Gill.
1894.
Wesley Thompson
1895.
G. L. Hattery.
1896.
A. Fussel.
1897.
Ward E. Clark.
1898.
M. P. Sutinger.
1899.
James la Niece.
1900.
T. C. Chapman.
1901.
Toel A. Taylor.
1902
E. C. Sevmour.
1903.
W. L. Vestal.
Woman's Relief Corps, W. R. Cornman Post, No. 9, was organized in
San Bernardino, January 9, 1885. The earlier records of the organization
were destroyed by fire, and official information concerning its historv is not
available. The Corps works in accord with the G .A. R., aiding in all social
and benevolent efforts. It especially looks after the families of old soldiers
who are in need of assistance. The most important work that the San Ber-
nardino Corps has undertaken is the erection of a monument to departed
comrades of the civil war which they hope to place in the City Park. They
have long had a fund devoted to this purpose which they increase year by
year. A substantial contribution of $400 to this fund has recentlv been made
by the school children of the city, being the money contributed during the
Spanish war for the building of the proposed battleship "American Boy,"
which was to take the place of the Maine.
The Corps had a charter membership of fourteen ; the first president was
Mrs. Jennie Hargrove; secretary, Mrs. J. J. Whitney.
The Corps now has a membership of 106. The present officers are : Mrs.
328 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
E. C. Seymour, president; Airs. Coburn, senior vice-president; Mrs. Robert
Hancock, junior vice-president; Minnie E. King, secretary; Alary Hoagland,
treasurer. The chaplain for many years has been Airs. Martha M. Kendall.
A HEROINE OF THE WAR.
There lives in San Bernardino a modest, home-loving little woman,
who has had a most interesting and romantic career. Martha Alatilda
Whittle was born in New York City, July 19, 1826. While she was a girl
her father removed to Camden, N. J., where she was married. At the
breaking out of the civil war she was residing in Philadelphia and was
employed in rescue work by the Penn Relief Association and also by the
Rosina Association, an Episcopalian organization for relief work.
After the first bloodshed at Fort Sumter, the wounded were brought
north on a United States vessel. Nurses were called for to meet this ship
and Airs. Page, who was already well known for her works of mercy, was
one of the women who were sent to aid the sufferers. A tent hospital
was prepared for their reception at Philadelphia, and here Airs. Page did
her first work as an army nurse.
A large number of the men who were rushed southward in response to
the first call for troops passed through Philadelphia. The good people of
that city erected the Cooper Shop Refreshment Saloon for the entertainment
of these passers-by, and here hot coffee and sandwiches and other refresh-
ments were served the "boys." Patriotic men and kindly women were here
waiting with a word of cheer and a kindly greeting for the weary and home-
sick ; a rest room with reading matter and writing material was at hand for
the idle moment. Airs. Page was one of those who labored most heartilv
in this work. She relates some of her experiences of this time with much
humor.
"The Quakers don't believe in war, of course, and they couldn't en-
courage it. — but when I wanted food or clothing for the soldier boys, I
went among my Quaker friends. 'Aunt Jane,' I would say, 'I want a pie,
or a loaf of bread, or a slice of meat, for those hungry men.' And Aunt Jane
would shake her head and say reprovingly, 'Thee knows I don't believe in
war, my dear, — but — if thee sees anything in the pantry thee wants — .' And
I would go into the pantry and help myself to a part — not all — that I found
there."
In the latter part of 1861, AlcClellan Hospital was erected at Nicetown,
Philadelphia. This was the second hospital in size in the United States,
when erected. It was in charge of Dr. Taylor, as surgeon-at-large. Airs.
Page became assistant matron here when the hospital was opened, and later
was matron in charge, which position she held until the close of the war.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 329
She relates many interesting reminiscences of her life and work during these
busy years.
On one occasion, Mrs. Page, with a sister-in-law, went to visit her
husband, son and brother, all of whom were in the army of the Potomac,
then stationed near Hunt's Chapel, on the Arlington road. After leaving
the train in which they had ridden on the engine because the cars were so
crowded with soldiers, they walked down the Arlington road through the
camp. At one point they noticed a crowd and, in womanly curiosity, joined
it. In the center of the group they found a young mother in deep grief — ■
her dead baby in her arms. The men, helpless for all their sympathy, made
way for the two women, and soon the poor mother was sobbing out her
troubles — not the least of which was that there seemed to be no way to give
her child a Christian burial. There was no time nor opportunity for elab-
orate care of the dead, but Mrs. Page took off one of the numerous white
petticoats worn in that day and from it a little shroud was soon fashioned.
A cracker box was lined with white cloth and trimmed with fresh leaves,
and the little form was tenderly laid in its last bed. A grave was hastily
dug and the child was buried there on the camp ground and left with only
a small board to mark the grave.
After the first battle of Fredericksburg, in December, 1862, Mrs. Page's
son, who had been engaged in the battle, was very ill. A message was sent
for her and she started at once, forgetting in her haste, to secure the neces-
sary papers in Philadelphia. This caused a delay when she reached Wash-
ington. While waiting for her passes she noticed an old woman weeping
broken-heartedly. A few kind words brought out the pitiful little story.
The only son, "my baby," was with the army at Acquia Creek. He was not
wounded, but the mother had a presentiment that if she did not see her bov
now she would not see him alive again. So she had come all the way from
Vermont to see her son. But the War Office made no account of "presenti-
ments." She could not secure a pass on such an intangible basis. There
had been much smuggling of quinine and other necessities by Southern
women through the Union lines, and so the orders were to issue no passes
upon any pretense. Mrs. Page, after hearing the story, could hold out no
hope until an inspiration seized her. "If you could see President Lincoln,
he might give you a pass," she said to the woman, but the poor soul was
too dazed and helpless to follow out the suggestion. So Mrs. Page assumed
charge, and after considerable effort and a long wait, the two women were
admitted to the presence of the President. When the weary, kindly voice
questioned their need, both women were at first too overcome by emotion
to answer. But presently Mrs. Page found her voice and explained. Very
gently the President asked the mother about herself and her boy, and at
last he wrote the pass that would gratify her wish.
"And your bov is very low at Fredericksburg," he said to Mrs. Page.
330 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
"You must be a good woman to take so much trouble for an entire stranger
when you are in such trouble yourself. Let me shake hands with you."
As he shook hands he asked her name, and she told him that she was the
matron of McClellan Hospital.
"I am sure the boys there are well cared for then," he said, and asked
a number of questions about her work. Then he gave her a pass for her
son and another permitting her to take any of the Pennsylvania boys that
she thought best, back to Philadelphia.
Mrs. Page describes the terrible condition of the soldiers at Fredericks-
burg. It was mid-winter, cold and rainy. There were no facilities for caring
for the sick and wounded : there were not even coffins enough for the dead.
Among the dying she found a man from Philadelphia. She determined that
he should not be left to a nameless grave, so when he died she went among
the Pennsylvania men and secured money enough to buy a coffin and ship
the body back to Philadelphia. But there was no coffin to be had. A box
was made from cracker boxes and used. When the story was told in the
city, an undertaker provided a coffin and buried the soldier free of charge,
while the money that had been collected by his comrades was placed (by the
matron) in the hands of his wife, who was left with eight little children to
care for.
At one time the matron was called to the front after a severe battle.
Upon the ferry boat between "Washington and Alexandria, was a little
woman whose husband was about to be shot as a Confederate spy. She had
been permitted to visit him and he had requested that she should bring him
a flask of whiskey. The rules were exceedingly strict about bringing whiskey
within the lines, and when the woman's basket was examined, the whiskey
was confiscated, leaving the wife inconsolable because she must deny her
husband's last request. Mrs. Page was always prepared for exigencies. It
was the day of the hoop skirt, and to save time and questions the matron
carried several flasks tied to the underside of her hoops which she was
taking across to the hospital at Alexandria. One of these she placed in the
hands of the wife and aided her in secreting it. Though she might be
robbing the living for the dying, her tender heart could not let the wife
grieve so bitterly for that which she could supply.
It was on this same trip to Fort Lyon that the matron was sent to
spend the night at the house of a baker whose wife was a bitter rebel. As
Mrs. Page was undressing that night she heard voices below and glancing
over the bannisters caught a glimpse of what she was sure was a rebel
uniform. She listened until she heard the man leave the house, but her
suspicions were aroused and she kept a close watch of things about her. In
the morning she took her tea-pot downstairs for hot water. She felt sure
that her entertainer dropped something into the pot with the hot water,
and did not use the tea. Instead she took it to the camp doctor, who after
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
331
an analysis found enough arsenic in the pot to kill a dozen army nurses.
The matter was brought to the attention of General Butler, and a corporal
and guard were sent out to search for the Confederate. The man was cap-
tured and proved to be a Confederate captain. The woman was also placed
under guard.
After the war Mrs. Page removed to Chicago. Here she lost all of her
possessions in the big fire. From Chicago she went to Milwaukee, where
she acted as matron of the Soldiers' Home at that place. In 1875 she came,
with her husband, Maj, T. C. Kendall, to San Bernardino. Since 1877 she
has lived in her present home on the corner of Third and D streets.
She is an active member of the Woman's Relief Corps, Cornman Post,
No. 0. and has always taken a deep interest in G. A. R. affairs.
She is still active, full of life and of interest in all things about her, and
though she modestly says little of her experiences during the civil war, one
can still see what a force she must have been and how the maimed and suf-
fering "boys" must have rejoiced in her cheery, comforting presence.
FIRST BATTALION.
Seventh California Infantry, United States Volunteers.
By Gen. F. C. Prescott.
From the formation of Company G of Redlands, the history of the San
Bernardino County Companies is that of the First Battalion of the Seventh
Infantry, N. G C. and U. S. V. The addi-
tion of Company G and the Act of March 9,
1893, added another major to the field of the
Ninth Regiment. An election was called at
San Diego on June 17. 1893, and Frank C.
Prescott was elected major of the Second Bat-
talion, which included Companies C of River-
side, G of Redlands, E of San Bernardino and
D of Pomona. At the consolidation of the
Seventh and Ninth regiments of the National
Guard these companies remained in the same
battalion with the letters changed to M of
Riverside and K of San Bernardino. At the
Santa Monica camp in 1897 Company D of
Pomona was transferred to another battalion
and Company B of San Diego placed in
maj. o. p. sloat the battalion., thus giving Captain Dodge
of San Diego, the senior officer of the regiment in time of service, the right
of the line. The reorganization also resulted in the battalion becoming the
GENERAL FRANK C. PRESCOTT
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 333
First Battalion as Major Prescott who was re-elected was the Senior Major.
The Battalion has been called upon for active duty three times : First
on September 2, 1893, when ordered to rendezvous at the armories of the
respective contpanies for duty in suppressing anti-Chinese riots threatened
at Redlands and assembled all night. Second on April 14, 1894, ordered
to rendezvous and with Company K to proceed to Colton to protect rail-
road property from the Coxey Army riotous demonstrations. Company K
bivouaced one night at the City Hall, Colton. Third on May 5, 1898, as-
sembled at armories ordered to and started for San Francisco May 6, 1898,
camped at Presidio Ma}" 7, 1898, and mustered into the United States Vol-
unteers for Spanish-America war on May 9, 1898. In camp at the Presidio,
May 7 to 25 inclusive; took station at Fifth avenue Camp Merrit, San
Francisco May 25, 1898, changed station to First avenue, Camp Merritt,
June 28, 1898, returned to Presidio August 24, furloughed October 13, to
rendezvous at Agricultural Park, Los Angeles, November 12, 1898, mus-
tered out December 2. 1898, and returned to duty with National Guard.
The battalion has been repeatedly commended in orders and was dis-
tinguished for instruction, discipline and esprit. Its first tour of active
duty was characterized by good judgment and efficiency. Regimental orders
No. 14, Headquarters Ninth Regiment, First Brigade, N. G. C, San Diego,
Cal., September 16, 1893, paragraph V reads as follows:
"The commanding officer desires to commend Major Frank C. Prescott
and the officers and men of Companies C, E and G for the promptness with
which they responded to the orders of the Brigade Commander upon the
occasion of the recent threatened anti-Chinese riots at Redlands, and the
manner in which they exemplified their readiness to discharge their duties
under the law. The large percentage of attendance secured upon short
notice, and the energy and efficiency shown in the discharge of duty, justifies
the commanding officer's large faith in the fidelity and efficiency of his entire
command and in its capacity to properly aid the civil authorities to meet
those emergencies of public disorder the danger of whose occurrence jus-
tifies the National Guard's existence.
Bv Order of Colonel Spileman.
Official,
Ed. F. Brown, Adjutant."
At the time of the industrial army troubles the preservation of peace
was accomplished without immoderate zeal or supine indifference.
While in the service of the United States as the First Battalion of the
Seventh California Infantry, U. S. V., it was part of the First Brigade, In-
dependent Division of the Eighth Army Corps, and was always a part of
the Expeditionary Forces. Its officers were Frank C. Prescott, Major, and
Harvey E. Higbey, First Lieutenant. The tour of duty at the Presidio was
one of instruction and discipline. Major Prescott carried out the work to
334 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
the uttermost limit. The battalion was soon drilling in both close and ex-
tended order by trumpet signals. The infantry drill regulations were cov-
ered. The shelter tent drill, and physical exercise with arms and to music
were mastered. The work culminated in the exhibition drills given by the
different regiments on different nights at the Mechanics' Pavilion. The bat-
talion was assigned the duty of giving a battalion drill which should illus-
trate the school of the battalion as far as the floor space would permit. Hie
four hundred men made a column the full length of the floor. Despite this
the movements of the close order were fully exemplified. It was noted and
commented upon by Major General Merriam, the reviewing officer, and the
press of the city, that at the order "arms." where the iron butts of nearly four
hundred rifles struck the board floor together, not a sound was heard. This
was conformable to the infantry drill regulations which prescribe that the
guns shall be lowered gently to the ground. The perfection of discipline
will be appreciated that will bring hundreds of rifles down to a hard floor
without a sound. This was a unique refinement of military precision. The
efficiency of the battalion was recognized by the regular army authorities
who ordered it for a tour of duty wherein the captains were ordered to fall
out and regular army lieutenants placed in command of the companies to
test their proficiency of drill. This was reported by the San Francisco news-
papers as follows :
''First and Second Lieutenants of the United States Army undergoing
examination for promotion, were examined in drill June 14, 1898, Major
Prescott"s battalion of the Seventh California Infantry, U. S. V., was
brought over from Camp Merritt to the Presidio for the purpose of exam-
ination. It was a matter of universal comment among the officers of the
Presidio what a fine body of men the soldiers of the battalion were, excel-
lently drilled and strong and martial in appearance."
After the muster out from the volunteer service the battalion returned
to duty in the National Guard and showed less bad effects of the reaction
from regular army life than many organizations. Many of its members
re-enlisted in the United States Army, and on September 12, 1899, its com-
mander. Major Prescott. accepted a commission as Captain in the United
States Volunteers, with rank from August 17, 1899, and opened recruiting-
offices in Redlands and San Bernardino. He recruited sixteen men in the
county as follows :
John G. Baldridge, Dann Perry Butler, Charles G. Clifton, Charles C.
Covington. Albert D. Gage, Elmer F. Gleason, Parker B. Greason, Marcus
Hawley, Charles J. Kerr. Charles W. Nixon. William H. Ralston, William
D. Rosenberg, Theodore H. Tarbox. Lorenzo D. Taylor, Duane H. Timmons
and Lemuel Grant White. This formed the nucleus of Company L of the
43rd Infantry, United States Volunteers. This organization was the con-
tribution of San Bernardino County to the Philippine campaign. It lost
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
saw much hard duty. Its official
tory in the Wai
many men in action ant
Office is as follows:
Captain Prescott began recruiting September 22, 1899, at Redlands, and
Captain Cooke September 21, 1899, at Sacramento. Captain Prescott ar-
rived at the Presidio of San Francisco with fifteen recruits October 14. and
forty-two recruits arrived from Sacramento October 5. and Captain Cooke
arrived with eight recruits October 11. These, with assignments from gen-
eral recruiting stations, were consolidated, equipped and instructed by Cap-
tain Prescott and the provisional company mustered in as Company L, 43rd
Infantry. U. S. V., and muster in roll dated November 3. 1899. The com-
pany marched from Presidio of
San Francisco at 11 a. m., ar-
rived on board of United States
chartered transport "City of
Puebla" 12:45 P-m., and sailed
same day 5 p. m., November
20, 1899, for Philippine Islands,
with First Battalion, .44th In-
fantry, U. S. V., on board and
in company with- U. S. Army
transport "Hancock1." Ar-
rived at Honolulu, Hawaiian
Islands, November 28th. On
the 30th the company, with
First Battalion, 44th Infantry,
took a march of six miles and
witnessed a camp of instruction
and drill of the National Guard
of Hawaii. Sailed from Hon-
olulu December 3, 1899. Ar-
rived Manila, Luzon, Decem-
ber 19, 1899, a,1(l learned
Lhat Major General H. W.
Lawton, whose home was at Redlands, had been killed that day.
Landed at Manila and quartered at the Exposition Building, Malate, De-
cember 21, 1899. Marched to El Deposito de las Aguas Potables, Maraquina
Crossing. December 22, distance six miles, camped in tents alreadv erected
there. Moved into tents 100 yards distant in front of Headquarter- First
Brigade, First Division, Eighth Army Corps, El Deposito, Saturday, Decem-
ber 23. Marched four miles to pumping station, ferried across San Mateo
river to Santolan, bivouaced for night December 26. Marched eight miles
to San Mateo escort to twenty-nine carabao wagons loaded with supplies,
arrived 10 a.m. December 27, having marched toward heavy fire in hills for
836 HISTORY OF SAN BERXARDIXO COUNTY
last four miles, held in reserve and participated in action in mountains back
of town. Marched back to El Deposito with two wounded, arriving at camp
12:20 a.m. December 28. This was the first engagement participated in by
any part of the 43rd regiment. Marched five miles to Camp Maraquina, took
station and camped first night in shelter tents December 28, and participated
in skirmish December 30, at canon skirting Camp Maraquina. Patrolled
right bank of San Mateo river, Luzon, Maraquina, to Novaliches trail. Broke
camp and marched to El Deposito and took station, thus joining regiment for
the first time January 1, 1900. The headquarters and ten companies of the
43rd, Colonel Arthur Murrey, having come from Fort Ethan Allen, Ver-
mont, on U. S. Army transport "Meade," Xew York via the Atlantic, Med-
iterranean, Red and Indian seas to Manila.
Marched with regiment and took station at Malate Nipa Barracks, Manila,
Sunday, January 14, 1900. Embarked on U. S. chartered transport "Venus"
January 18, with companies I, K and M of 43rd., constituting the Third
Battalion, Henry T. Allen, Senior Major. Arrived Sorsogon Bay, Luzon,
and transferred to U. S. A. T. "Hancock," to allow use of "Venus" in land-
ing troops at Legaspi, Luzon, Jan. 22. Returned to "Venus" and sailed
for Calbayog, Samar, January 25, 4 p. m. Arrived Calbayog, Second Battal-
ion lands and takes town, no casualties. Sail for Catbalogan, Jan. 26. Jan.
27, arrived Catbalogan, Samar, 9:30 a.m., landed from small boats and par-
ticipated in capture of town from insurgents and assisted in extinguishing
fires started in church and principal buildings by insurrectos. Private Logan,
of L Company, killed, being first fatality in action in regiment. Camped on
heights east of town, night of January 27. January 28, returned to Catba-
logan from hill, 4 p. m. ; quartered in barracks of insurgents and Spanish
forces at the north extremity of town, near Mercedes bridge. January 29,
5 a. m., marched 3 miles to Maestranza, Bang-on river, thence to source
and south three miles on southern side of mountain, in pursuit of General
Lukban ; bivouaced at Maestranza powder works, destroyed works and cap-
tured $18,000 Filippino and Mexican silver money, returned Catbalogan
Jan. 30, 10 a.m. Feb. 5, Lieutenant Burt and detachment from L return to
Maestranza for maps. Feb. 14, Captain Prescott, Lieutenant Burt and 40
men leave 3 p. m. on launch for Calbiga. Captain Prescott and twenty men,
in row boats, leave launch at midnight for mouth Calbiga river, two miles
distant, reach Calbiga 5 a.m., 15th. Feb. 16, Captain Prescott and 8 men
march Calbiga, 8 miles to coal mines Camanga mountains. Lieutenant Burt
and 2j men remain in garrison at Calbiga. 17th, Captain Prescott and de-
tachment leave Camanga coal mines, march 8 miles head waters Bucalan
river, thence by barotos to mouth, along strait of San Sebastian, thence by
barotos with sails, across bay to Catbalogan. Feb. 26, Captain Prescott ap-
pointed and sworn Provost Judge of Catbalogan. March 24. Corporal Dann
HISTORY OF SAN BERXARDIXO COUNTY 337
Perry Butler wounded in left hand by bolo night attack on detachment un-
der Lieutenant Andrews, above Jiabong, Samar.
March 13, Captain Prescott, with 33 men, to Majayog by barotos ; Lieu-
tenant Conrow, with 27 men, to same place via Maestranza, returning next
day. March 24 to April 2, Private Lippman Samuels, of L. lost 2 miles north
of Biga river; left column with Yisayan guides and carriers, complaining of
fatigue.
May 21, 1900, Captain Prescott, Lieutenant Burt and 21 men, on launch
Lotus to Pasigay river, thence up river by barotos the 22nd, and by land to
Calbiga, returning same date by barotos on Pasigay river, ambushed while
in barotos. Private Weden. of L, and one man, of M Company, wounded:
returned with wounded to Catbalogan evening May 22nd. On 23rd, Captain
Prescott and same detachment left on launch "Lotus" for Islands Lamingao,
Villa Real, Santa Rita, Tulalora, on Samar, and Tacloban, Leyte, and Basay,
Samar, returning to Catbalogan, 25th. From June 4, 1900, to July 2, 1900,
almost daily firing on garrison of Catbalogan. On latter date, under Captain
Prescott, company boards launch "Defender" and towed to Dulag, Leyte,
where took station, July 4th. "Defender" went ashore wrecked. Captain
Prescott placed in command post at Dulag; Lieutenant Conrow placed in
command of company. Sept. 16, 1900, Corporal Tarbox died at Alang-Alang.
Sept. 27, company changes station to Tanauan, Captain Prescott remains in
command Dulag. October 14, Captain Prescott starts for Iloilo to take
command as Supervisor of Internal Revenue of Department of the Visayas,
on the staff of General Hughes.
Dec. 8, 1900, Sergeant Loomis, Corporals Gage and Walsh, and 14 pri-
vates of L, and others from A and K, under Lieutenant Swann left on expe-
dition to San Juanico straits. On 14th engaged band of insurgents near
Sabang, Leyte: killed, Privates Granville P. Sims and Edwin E. Hamilton;
mortally wounded, Harry P. Higgins and Arthur Carr ; moderately wounded,
Lorenzo D. Taylor — all of L.
April 30, 1901, Captain Prescott relieved from command of Internal
Revenue Department, and on May 20th, rejoins company at Tanauan. May
31, company boards transport "Kilpatrick" at Tacloban. Arrives Manila
May 5th, San Francisco June 2j, and mustered out July 5, 1901.
Major Prescott's activities during this tour of duty were varied and
covered the wdiole range of army work, both military and civil. Upon his
return, he was placed upon the retired list of the National Guard as Major.
COMPANY K, 7th INFY., U. S. V.
The Waterman Rifles of the City of San Bernardino, an independent
company of infantry, was formed in the early part of 1887. R. W. Waterman,
a citizen of San Bernardino, had been elected Lieutenant Governor of Cali-
338 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
fornia in November, of 1886, and became Governor, September 12, 1887, on
the death of Washington Bartlett. The legislature, in the spring of 1887,
provided for an increase of the National Guard, and the interest of Governor
Waterman procured the formation of the Waterman Rifles, with a view to
their being ultimately mustered into the state service. The name of Water-
man Rifles was a compliment to the Governor, which he generously acknowl-
edged. The original officers and members mustered on October 29, 1887.
as Company E, Seventh Infantry, were :
Captain, William J. Wilsey; First Lieutenant, George L. Bryant;
Second Lieutenant, Myron W. Littlefield; First Sergeant, James E. Alack:
Duty Sergeants, N. A. Richardson, Scott Karns, George W. Thomas, George
L. Hisom, Harry J. Kane: Corporals, Dwight W. Fox, John Bryant, E. D.
Palmer, W. B. Dodson, C. H. Reeves, O. M. Morris, James D. Faris, George
G. Sevmour ; Musicians (forming Seventh Regiment Band), George Blake,
C. L." Sears, D. C. Ross. J. A. McDonald. W. H. Hale. J. D- Folks. J. W.
Driver, John E. Bailey, George S. Nickerson, Fred E. Moore. Oscar D. Foy,
F. G. Erbe, Louis Ancker, Jr.; Privates, M. L. Aldridge, George E. Ames, L.N.
Allen, R. H. Allen. C. L. Allison, W. A. Ball. A. L. Beach, Irwin W. Bemis,
Isaac Benjamin, George Black, James B. Foley, F. F. Breese. A. Lee Brown,
J. W. Bayles, H. H. Budington, W. L. Cave, j. A. Doyle, E. M. Duco-, D. J.
Dawson, Louis Field, George C. Fox. F. Frederick, John George, \. B.
Gilbert, Albert Grover, S. L^ Grow, A. S. Guthrie, Charles A. Hart, W. G.
Hastings, Isaac Jackson. H. A. Keller, J. C. Littlepage. John W. Marshall.
Robert Matthews. S. P. Matthews. W. A. J. McDonald, William McKenzie.
Fred Muscott, C. G. Patton, D. G. Parker, E. C. Peck, Myron Perkins, C.
E. Pierce, W. M. Phillips. D. D. Rich. J. E. Rich. Theodore Shrader, William
Stevens. Z. B. Stuart. R. J. Shelton. E. B. Tyler. Leolin Taylor, L. H. Taylor,
E. R. AYaite, H. H. Wykorf, J. H. Wagner.
The company remained with the original Seventh Infantry until the
formation of the Ninth Infantry, N. G. C, to which Company E was trans-
ferred with its original letter. Upon the disintegration of the Ninth In-
fantry regiment G. O. 17, A. G. O., Dec. 7. 1895, Company E was assigned
provisionally to the Second Battalion of Infantry of the First Brigade, N. G.
C, and G. O. 18. A. G. O., Dec. 9, 1895 two days later, was designated as
Company K, and transferred to the First Battalion, Seventh Infantry, N. G.
C. Companv K rendezvoused at San Bernardino. May 5, 1898, and was, with
the rest of the regiment, mustered into the Seventh California Infantry,
United States Volunteers. Independent Division. Eighth Army Corps. U.
S. A., on May 0, 1898, at the Presidio of San Francisco, with the following
membership :
O. P. Sloat. Captain Commanding: Wm. C. Seccombe, First Lieutenant;
Arthur F. Halpin, Second Lieutenant: First Sergeant. J. D. Mathews: Quar-
termaster Sergeant, W. A. Rowntree ; Duty Sergeants, W. G. Bodkin, C. S.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
:;::y
Rollins, B. W. Allen, D. W. Strong; Corporals, D. L. Noble, A. J. Rogers,
F. J. Atkinson, J. P. Doyle, A. B. Gazzola, J. L. Whitlock, I. S. Martin, John
Hall, E. I. Cleveland, E. L. Barrows; Wagoner, H. N. Peck; Artificer,
N. S. Young; Musicians, D. S. Brown, C. A. King; Privates, J. 0. Adams,
John Averill, Frank Baker. L. R. Barrow, S. G. Batchelor, \Y. T. Baxter,
A. J. Beattie, C. E. Binckley, Arthur Brill, Leonard Brooks, N. N. Brown,
D. P. Butler, L. A. Coburn, J. I. Cole. P. B. Conant, W. S. Cooper, C. C.
Corkhill, Riland Cox, Andrew Craig. J. E. Cram, C. E. Crawford, W. P.
Davies, H. G. Davis, E. L. Davis, J. P. Dolan, W. H. Dubbs. Starkey Dun-
can, A. A. Eshelman, A. D. Frantz, R. A. Gremlin, R. B. Glaze, Cuthbert
Gully, R. T. Hawley, G. W. Hendley, Jas. Hospelhorn, E. H. Horton, E. L.
Howell, B. L. Hauck, M. E. Johnson, V. T. Johnson, Harry Johnson. A. H.
Keller, Grove Ketchum, Edwin La Niece. Wm LaRue, G. E. Lauterborn, C.
H. Lefter, J. A. Magill, J. B. Mann, Chas. Miller, L. E. Mitchell, T. G. Mort,
C. K. McDonald, W. M. Morton, H. Mourning, Robt. Nelson, C H. Nichol-
son, G. G. Osborn, L. W. Plants, R. C. Powell, John Purcell, W. H. Ralston.
T. O. Ramirez, Chas. Reat, T. Gi. Ritchie. F. W. Scott, D. H. Sibbett, F. W.
Singer, K. E. Smith. J. W. Stoliker, J. A. Storm, G. W. Swing, T. H. Tarbox,
Clyde Taylor. E. B. Tyler, W. F. U'Ren, Arthur Walton, J. L. Wever, T.
G." Weed," J. C. Weil, L. G. White, G. E. Whitlock. C. A. AVilliams, W. B.
Williamson. J. Worley, J. W. Young.
The following is a list of the officers jn com-
mission since organization :
Captains: William J. Wilsey, afterwards
Lieutenant Colonel and Aide de Camp on the
staff of the Governor; George L. Bryant,
afterwards Lieutenant Colonel 9th Infantry;
N. A. Richardson; Isaac Benjamin, previously
Major 7th Infantry; Earl M. Ducoe, Alex E.
Frye, W. A. Ball, T. H. Goff. Orin P. Sloat.
First Lieutenants: George L. Bryant. Al-
bert Lee Brown, N. A. Richardson, George
W. Thomas, Earl M. Ducoe, Fred Muscott, H.
La V. Twining, afterwards 1st Lieutenant
Company I. "th California Infantry. I". S. V.,
and Captain and Adjutant "th Infantry, N. G.
C, ( ). P. Sloat; William C. Seccombe, after-
wards Major 7th Infantry, N. G. C. ; John D.
Matthews. Byron W. Allen.
Myron W. Littlefield, George W. Thomas, Earl
Charles L. Allison, O. P. Sloat, W. C. Seccombe,
Second Lieutenants :
M. Ducoe. Fred Muscott
D. C. Schlott, E. L. Barrow-
Members of the companj
hav<
>n otherwise commissioned as follows:
340 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Sergeant A. S. Guthrie, Captain Company H, 6th Infantry, U. S. V. ; Cor-
poral W. A. Yarney, ist Lieutenant ist California Infantry. U. S. V., now
ist Lieutenant Heavy Artillery, N. G. C. ; Sergeant Donald W. Strong, 2nd
Lieutenant 35th Infantry, U. S. V., now 2nd Lieutenant Artillery Corps, U.
S. A.; Private Harvey E. Higbey. ist Lieutenant and Battalion Adjutant
7th California Infantry, U. S. V., Captain Company G. 7th Infantry.
N. G. C. ; Sergeant James E. Mack, ist Lieutenant and Quartermaster 9th
Infantry, N. G. C. ; Sergeant George C. Fox, ist Lieutenant and Battalion
Adjutant qth Infantry, N. G. C.
Members of Company K. who subsequently performed duty in the Phil-
ippines in the United States Army: D. W. Strong, Ira S. Martin, E. I.
Cleveland, H. N. Peck, D. P. Butler, C. E. Crawford. R. Nelson, John Pur-
cell. William H. Ralston, D. H. Sibbett, Theodore H: Tarbox. L. G, White,
C. A. Williams, Harry Johnston. L. W. Plantz ; in Naval Militia, Spanish
war, T. B. Robertson; in U. S. Navy. C. O. Hoyt.
Death Roll.
Idle following members died at San Bernardino: Corporal John Bryant.
May 20, 1888; Private A. J. McDonald. September 22, 1890; Private S. W.
Roach, January 8, 1892. At the Presidio of San Francisco: Sergeant Cur-
tis S. Rollins, July 22, 1898, pneumonia; Private 'William H. Dubbs, July
24, 1898. pneumonia. In the Philippines: Sergeant Don L. Noble, 18th U
S. Infantry, Iloilo. Panay, smallpox; Corporal Theodore H. Tarbox, Com-
pany L. 43rd Infantry, U. S. V., Sept. 16, 1900 Alang-Alang, Leyte, typhoid ;
Lerov W. Plantz, 4th U. S. Cavalry, north line Luzon, boloed, body thrown
in well.
COMPANY G, 7th INFANTRY, N. G. C.
The Redlands Guard was organized on Friday evening. June 10, 1892,
at Society Hall, in the Feraud Building, at the corner of Orange and Water
streets, Redlands. On the Friday evening following, J. Wallace F. Diss
was elected Captain ; Frank C. Prescott, First Lieutenant, and James F.
Drake, Second Lieutenant. Drilling began regularly on Thursday nights,
and uniforms were soon provided. One of the stores in the brick building,
where the Casa Loma was afterwards built, was used as an armory. In
August, 1892, the company went to Camp Butler, at Long Beach, under
command of Lieutenant Prescott. Captain Diss being there during the camp
as a guest of the National Guard. Here Adjutant General Allen entertained
a plan, whereby state Springfield rifles were stored with and used by the
company. The membership at this time included the following: First Ser-
geant, Harvey E. Higbey : Sergeants, Musgrove, Steele ; Corporals, E. J.
Underwood, E. E. Raught, J. W. Edwards. John F. Byrne. Charles Howard,
Musician Huff: Privates, C. A. Wise, Charles Roberts, T. F. Dostal. Herman
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
341
Yorker, T. S. Holliday, Ruggles, John Rundberg, Chapman, Young, Holli-
day, F. N. Chevalier, Charles W. Lehr, B. R. Sheldon, J. A. Weitzel, A. C.
Fowler, J. F. Sutherland, A. R. Welton, George S. Biggin, W. W. Dingwall,
Fred Higinbotham, William Koehler, Will Bryan, L. A. Pfeiffer, Jacob
Maierl John Carson, S. Kenady.
On June 3, 1893, the independent company, as Company G, was mus-
tered into the Ninth Infantry, National Guard of California, with the fol-
lowing membership: J. Wallace F. Diss, Captain; Frank C. Prescott, 1st
Lieutenant; Harvey E. Higbey, 2nd Lieutenant; George S. Abrahams, Jr.,
G. D. Adams, Walter C. Aston,
Fred Babcock, G. S. Biggin, P.
N. Brown, Harry Cherry, F. N.
Chevalier, O. D. Collins, Herbert
Comer, Otto Comer, Frank Cook,
A. A. Cronkhite, A. L. Dean, W.
W. Dingwall, Louis H. Dorr, Jr.,
John F. Dostal, James A. Doyle,
C. E. Budley. H."h. Edwards, H.
M. Forbes, A. C. Fowler, F. T.
Gernich, F. H. Hunt, F. J. Hart-
horn, I. M. Hough. James S.
Haskell. C. E. Iveson, N. B.
Irons, W. S. Johnston, S. E. Kan-
ady, J. Kircher, Charles W. Lehr,
W. S. Littleneld. J. A. Mack. Jr..
J. D. Matthews. H. H. Maxwell,
Andrew Muldowney, Jacob Maier,
Harry D. Meacham, J. H. Niell,
Jesse E. Norris, B. I. Norwood.
Lonson H. Patchem, William T.
Phelps. C. H. Roberts. J. E.
Rhein, J. C. Reeder. E. E. Raught,
Henry B. Raught. Jr.. E. J. Underwood, John J. Steele, Karl Schodin. R. E.
Sargent, George M. Smallwood, Otto G. Suess, B. R. Sheldon, J. F. Suther-
land, Thos. Sweeny, Lincoln Sherrard, Alexander A. Yaldez, Marvin C. Yan
Leuven, J. A. Weitzel, Jesse A. Wooliscroft, A. L. Witwer. A. R. Welton.
P. C. West, F. W. Wiedey.
Upon the disintegration of the 9th Infantry, Regiment G. O. 17. A. G. O..
Dec. 7, 1895, Company G was assigned provisionally to the Third Battalion
of Infantry of the First Brigade, N. G. C, and two days later, G. O. 18. A.
G. O., Dec. 9. 1895, retaining its old letter, was transferred to the First bat-
talion, 7th Infantry, N. G. C. Company G rendezvoused at Redlands, May
5, 1898, and was, with the rest of the regiment, mustered into the 7th Cal-
CAPl". E. J. I'NDERWix >1>
342 ■ HISTORY OF SAN BERXARDIXO COUNTY
ifornia Infantry, U. S. A"., Independent Division, 8th Army Corps. U. S. A.,
on May 9, 1898, at the Presidio of San Francisco, with the following mem-
bership :
George S. Biggin, Captain Commanding; George M. Smallwood. First
Lieutenant; Lewis Palmtag, Second Lieutenant; First Sergeant, G. E. Cryer ;
Quartermaster Sergeant, Frank Cook ; Duty Sergeants, H. F. H. Brown .
L. K. Brown. J. E. Hosking, Jacob Kircher ; Corporals, E. S. Logie, W. H
Fletcher, C. F. Ford, A. G. Reynolds. O. H. Burton. A. R. Welton. Chas. J
Johnson. Arthur W. Hunt, Geo. A. Weber, Jno. A. Mack. Harry C. Lock-
wood, Will L. Fowler; Wagoner, J. G. Baldridge ; Artificer, A. C. Sherman:
Musician, Chas. Danielson.
Privates : Jos. Allen, J. H. Alder. W. E. Arnold, H. T. Arnold, F. L.
Ball. W. W. Bender, J. H. Bickford, Peter Brooks, A. C. Brown, A. P. A.
Brown. G. J. Butler, D. Carlson. W. G. Caldwell, J. C. Condit, C. Conklin,
Waide Cook, F. T. Corbin, G. G. Cousins, Frank Cryer, Oliver Cummins.
Frank Curless. E. Daniels, F. S. Dicks, Peter Dickie, W. W. Dixon, J. F.
Earle, C. R. Ferguson, W. T. Ferguson, C. E. Foster, W. E. Foster, H. A.
Fowler. O. A. Goth .O. A. O. Goth, C. Craver. P. B. Greason, J. M. Gwin.
L. P.. (".win, H. C. Gwynn, A. Hancock, C. Heidt, J. D. Hettman. S. H.
Hinckley, C. A. Hunt, X. B. Irons. J. P. Johnson, J. S. Kincher, W. F. King,
G. W. Knapp, C. A. Kline, O. Ladwig, C. Larbig, M. J. Lewis, E. B. Lukens,
C. Lyman, Wm. Marske. H. H. McCormick, A. J. McGrady, F. J. Michaelis,
Augustus Millard, T. J. O'Brien, Jno. O'Dea, Wm. H. Pettit, M. F. Pierce.
F. C. Preston, W. H. Reece. Adam Reising, B. L. Roberts, W. H. Ross. A. J.
Rhodes, C. L. Rucher. N. C. Scott, A. C. Sheppard, M. D. Sherrard. M. E.
Shorey. C. F. Tilden, W. D. Timmons, F. Thomas, Jno. Toll, F. J. Valdez.
H. F.'Wallace. F. H. Weidey. G. Willett. O. Y. Williams, E. M. Woodbury.
L. J. Wood.
The following is a list of the officers in commission since its organiza-
tion : Captains, J. Wallace F. Diss, June 3, 1893 ; Edwin J. Underwood.
Feb. 21, 1896; George S. Biggin, Nov. 17, 1897; Harvey E. Higbey, Feb. to,
1900. First Lieutenants: Frank C. Prescott, June 3, 1893; Harvey E. Higbey,
October 19, 1893; Albert A. Welton, February 21, 1896; George S. Biggin.
Feb. 10, 1897; George M. Smallwood, Nov. 17, 1897; Edwin J. LJnderwood,
Sept. 12, 1900. Second Lieutenants: Harvey E. Higbey, June 3, 1893; Edwin
J. Underwood. Oct. 19, 1893; George S. Biggin, Feb. 21, 1896; George M.
Smallwood, Feb. 10, 1897; Lewis Palmtag, Nov. 17, 1897; Lewis K. Brown.
Feb. 10, 1900.
Members of the company have been later commissioned as follows:
Frank C. Prescott, elected Major 9th Infty., N. G. C. Major 7th Infty..
N. G. C, appointed Major 7th Infty., U. S. A'., appointed Captain 43rd Infty.,
U. S. V., retired Major N. G. C, J. Wallace F. Diss, appointed Major and
Inspector First Brigade. N. G. C, 1st Lieut. Cal. Heavy Artillerv, U. S. Y.,
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 343
Captain Cal. Heavy Art., U. S. V., Lieut. Col. on staff Governor, N. G. C.
Harvey E. Higbey, appointed Battalion Inspector 7th Infty., U. S. V., G. C.
Thaxter, appointed 1st Lieut. Inspector Rifle Practice 7th Infty., N. G. C,
H. Sinclair, appointed 1st Lieut. Inspector Rifle Practice 9th Infty., X. G. C.
Members of Company G who subsequently performed duty in the United
States Army in the Philippines: Frank C. Prescott, 43rd Infty., U. S. Y. ;
J. Wallace F. Diss. Cal. Heavy Art., U. S. Y. ; John G. Baldridge. 43rd Infty. :
Charles R. Ferguson, 33rd Infty.; H. H. McCormick, 3rd Art., U. S. A.;
W. D. Timmons, 43rd Infty.: F. J. Michaelis, U. S. A.; G. Willett, 35th
Infty.: F. J. Yaldez. 18th Infty.: Arthur L. Dean, U. S. Art.: Geo. Moseley,
U. S. Art. ; M. Royal, George j. Beasley, 43rd Infty. : W. E. Foster, U. S. A.
The following members died at San Francisco: Private Lindsey J.
Wood, July 4, 1898: William C. Marske. July 28, 1898: W. T. Ferguson,
July 31, 1898; Harry Wallace. In the Philippines: Frank J. Yaldez, fever;
Arthur L. Dean, shot.
CHAPTER XIY.
CRIMES AND LAWLESSNESS.
From the days of 1856-7 when strong feeling between the Independents
and Mormons began to manifest itself in quarrels and even in bloodshed,
down through the sixties, the quiet and law-abiding citizens of the county,
who were always largely in the majority, were constantly disturbed by a
lawless element of some kind. Outlaws from Utah and Arizona, restless
and reckless miners, bands of thieving Apaches or Pah-utes. drink-crazed
Coahuillas, desperadoes who had drifted into the county from the north — ■
especially during the years of the civil war, all of these elements combined
to make and to keep things lively.
One of the most noted instances of disregard for right or law occurred
in 1859 and is known as "The Ainsworth-Gentrv affair."' An eve-witness
and participant describes it thus: "San Bernardino at this time had two
physicians, one of whom was union in sentiment, the other a southerner.
This fact, mingled with a feeling of professional rivalry and perhaps with
other causes not made public, produced a rancor which finally led Dr. Gentry
to attack Dr. Ainsworth with a horse whip. Dr. Ainsworth seized the whip
and struck his assailant in the face. The next day. Gentry, on meeting his
rival, fired his pistol at him. Ainsworth escaped the shot by dodging, and
returned the fire — but no one was hurt. Gentry collected his friends and
they began to make serious threats against Ainsworth. The friends of the
latter determined to protect him and eight young men armed themselves.
344 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
removed Ainsworth to an old adobe house on the corner west of the South
Methodist church and there kept guard over him for two or three days The
Gentry party sent word to El Monte that the Mormons had attacked them,
and about fifty men from that settlement armed themselves and rode over
to San Bernardino. On learning that the Ainsworth party were simply pro-
tecting their man, the better class of these visitors returned home. But a
few of the more lawless under the leadership of a desperado — one Green,
remained and paraded the streets, firing their guns, terrorizing the citizens
and defying the authorities. They loaded the old cannon which had looked
so formidable in the Fort Benson affair and hauled it into place, announcing
their intention of burning clown the house where Ainsworth was in hiding
and shooting his guard. One of the guard succeeded in reaching the cannon
unnoticed and spiked it with a rat-tail file. When the attacking party be-
came too aggressive the guard prepared to fire. Word was passed to "save
fire and shoot low" — and the most of the attacking mob suddenly vanished.
A few shots were exchanged, however, and one of the Ainsworth party.
Bethel Coopwood, was wounded in the shoulder."
The sheriff, R. V. Herring, was finally compelled to call upon the citizens
generally to aid him in restoring order, and the intruders were driven out
and sent home.
The political campaign of i860 was a sharp one. C. W. Piercev was
nominated for Assemblyman by one party and W. A. Conn, who had already
served a term, by the other side. After a bitter contest Piercey was elected
— it is claimed by bare-faced fraud. It is stated on good authority that the
polls at Temescal were kept open for three weeks, and whenever more votes
were needed by Piercey they were furnished by his henchman, Greenwade,
from this precinct.
During the contest in the courts which followed this election, a lively
encounter took place in the court room between two young lawyers, H. M.
Willis and Bethel Coopwood, over the depositions in the case. One of them
drew a slung shot and the other a revolver. The sheriff interfered, but not
until Coopwood had received a slight wound. The Los Angeles Star reports:
"Both the combatants were put under bonds, but the indications are that
trouble is not over. Last night a rowdy gang took possession of the town.
They smashed Jacob's bar and demolished signs of nearly every Jew store
in town and broke into two stores. No arrests."
THE PIERCEY-SHOWALTER DUEL.
"In 1861, a sharp contest arose over the election of U. S. Senator. In
the course of the contest a quarrel arose between Daniel Showalter, assem-
blyman from Mariposa county, and C. W. Piercey, assemblyman from San
Bernardino county. It appears that Piercey, who was a Union Democrat,
had been in the caucus that nominated John Nugent, but afterwards an-
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 345
nounced that he would not vote for him because he found that he was not
sound on the Union question. Showalter, who though born in Pennsylvania,
was in favor of slavery and secession, took exception to Piercey's declaration.
Subsequently Piercey voted for the Union resolutions and objected to Sho-
walter's being allowed to explain his vote against them. The result was that
Showalter insulted Piercey, and Piercey challenged him. The hostile meeting
took place on Saturday, May 25, 1861, near the residence of Charles Fairfax,
about three miles west of San Rafael, Marin county. The seconds of Piercey
were Henry P. Watkins and Samuel Smith ; those of Showalter, Thomas
Hays and Thomas Lespeyre. The weapons were rifles at forty yards. The
first fire was ineffective. Showalter . demanded another shot and on the
second fire hit Piercey in the mouth and killed him. As in the Broderick
and Terry duel and also in that of Johnson and Ferguson, the anti-chivalry
man was killed. The fact occasioned remark. And on this account, as well
also of an advance in civilization in California, this was the last of the po-
litical duels in the state." — Hittell.
Showalter subsequently, a fugitive from justice, was concerned in an
attempt to organize a secession force in the vicinity of \Yarner*s Ranch,
was captured by a troop of the First California Volunteers and was a pris-
oner at Fort Yuma, until exchanged, when he joined the Confederate forces
in Texas, and became an officer of the Southern Army.
BEAR AND HOLCOMB VALLEYS.
There had been a great influx of miners, speculators, gamblers and the
riff-raff which generally collects about a successful mining camp at the
newly-discovered gold mines in these valleys. Many of these people were
secessionists, and being naturally lawless, gave free rein to their propensities
during the unsettled condition of affairs brought about by the first breaking
out of the war. Fights were the order of the day, and the respectable ele-
ment was completely overwhelmed. At one time ten men, wounded in dif-
ferent affrays, were reported in these camps. Another report announces that
four horse thieves have been convicted and five more are on trial. In July,
1 861, the court brought in ten convictions for grand larceny. It was claimed
that the sheriff was powerless to handle the ruffian element, and a call for
United States troops was asked for. (See Reminiscences of W. F. Holcomb.)
CRIMES.
The list of crimes is a long one. A large county, sparsely settled, with
mountain fastnesses and desert stretches, a large transient population at
all times, and a large element of Mexicans, half-breeds, Indians, desperadoes
in hiding — furnished natural conditions for crime.
During the sixties a number of citizens were murdered upon the roads,
346 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
presumably by outlaws and thieves. Edward Newman was thus murdered
in 1864 about five miles from San Bernardino. A posse was formed to punish
his supposed murderers, and after a hot chase killed Celestino Afipaz at the
Santa Ana river. Another of the murderers was later hung in Los Angeles.
It was supposed that Mr. Alexander Patterson was thus murdered, although
no evidence could be produced.
In 1869 a cold-blooded murder occurred in Miller's Hotel. The bar-
keeper. AVarner, fired five shots at John C. Steadman, with whom he had
quarreled over a board bill, and wounded him so that he died within twenty-
four hours. In 1871 one Rafael Buteres shot and instantly killed the girl
with whom he lived, at Agua Mansa. He was found guilty of murder in
the first degree, but before his sentence, dug his way out of the jail, made
his escape and was never recaptured.
December 16, 1873, Mr. A. Abadie, a Frenchman who had mined for a
number of years' in Lytle Creek and who was reputed to have taken out
large amounts of gold from these mines, was shot while on the road between
Cucamonga and his home in Lytle Creek. He was shot in his wagon and
the horses carried him to the nearest house, where he was found dead. No
cause except malice could be assigned, as the dead man was not robbed, ap-
parently, and the affair seems to have remained a mystery.
In 1874 a man named Brown was knocked in the head with an ax and
killed instantly by a Mr. Bonner at the ranch of the latter in Hoi comb Valley.
Bonner was given a life sentence in the penitentiary. On August 16, 1878,
the first white man was hanged in the county. This was N. M. Peterson,
who had murdered a boy, George Barrett, in the most cold-blooded manner
as the two were riding along the road near Banning. In 1879 a man named
Mitchell blew out the brains of his wife during a dispute. He was arrested
and placed in the county jail, from which he made his escape. Later the
murderer was caught in San Diego and brought back to San Bernardino, but
he again made his escape by overpowering the warden and walking out of
the jail was never recaptured. In 1881, John Taylor, a miner from Calico, shot
and killed his partner, John Peterson, at Brinkmeyer's corner in San Bernar-
dino. After the dastardly deed he turned his revolver on himself and in-
flicted a fatal wound.
March 28, 1884, William B. McDowell was hung by Sheriff Burkhart
in San Bernardino for one of the most atrocious murders on record. As it
was developed in the trial. McDowell and his wife came to Colton and then
induced a young girl, Maggie O'Brien, with whom he had been intimate, to
come from Los Angeles to Colton. He and his wife met her, took her into
a buggv and carried her to a gulch at the foot of the mountains and killed
her with some blunt instrument, afterward tying a rope about her neck.
They hid the bodv in a hole in the side of the ravine. Nearly a month later,
the wife sent for an officer and confessed, and McDowell was arrested. Ex-
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 347
citement ran high and there was talk of lynching- when the crime became
known to the public; but the man was tried, convicted of murder in the first
degree and sentenced to be hung July 10, 1883. An appeal to the Supreme
Court was taken, however, and while awaiting its session, McDowell made
his escape. A most exciting chase followed ; he was recaptured, his sentence
sustained, and carried out.
In 1885 one of the most terrible deeds ever perpetrated in the county
was committed. Thomas Stanton was attacked by four drunken Indians
on the banks of Warm Creek, near the town, and was held over the fire
which he had built to cook his supper and roasted so that he died the next
day.
In 1887, George Farris was shot to death by Edward Callahan at a
lodging house on Court street. Callahan acknowledged his guilt, gave him-
self up to the officers, and was acquitted. In 1887, Katie Handorff was mur-
dered at the Transcontinental Hotel in Colton by her husband. Springer.
The couple who had just been married came to the city and took a- room at
the hotel. The next morning the body of the young woman was found, het
throat cut from ear to ear and her head crushed in by some heavy instrument.
Large rewards were ofifered and every effort made to capture the criminal, but
no trace of him could- be discovered. Months afterward the body of a man,
with a bullet hole through the head was found at Little Mountain, and on
investigation this proved to be all that remained of the assassin.
In 1888 one of the most lamentable affairs ever known in San Bernardino
took place. On December 15th, E. C. Morse, cashier of the San Bernardino
National Bank, was approached by one Oakley, an insane man, who claimed
that he had $3000 in the bank and wanted it. When Morse refused to deliver
the money the man drew a gun and fired. Morse returned the fire, shooting
three times, but he was shot in the abdomen fatally and expired in a short
time. Oakley after a wild race upon the street was captured and was sen-
tenced for life. Morse was an old and well-known citizen and one who was
greatly respected and loved and the event was the cause of general sorrow.
. In 1890 William McConkey, a hotel keeper of Redlands, shot and killed
Edward Gresham in the old Windsor house and then killed himself.
In 1893 a Mexican, Jesus Furan, actuated by jealousy, stabbed William
Golfkoffer and a Mexican woman, Francesca Flores, to death in the most
brutal manner. April 17th a mob entered the jail, took possession of the fiend
and lynched him — the first instance of lynch law in the county for many
years.
348 HISTORY OF SAN BERXARDIXO COUNTY
CHAPTER XV.
REMINISCENCES.
Marcus Katz.
My first visit to the Lugo Rancho dates back as early as May, 1851,
before the immigration from Salt Lake set in. The Lugo Rancho was a vast
pasture of live stock, consisting of mustang horses, horned cattle, sheep and
goats, the property of the Lugo estate ; and of unclaimed stock, brown and
grizzly bears, mountain lions, wild cats, coyotes and foxes.
I made camp upon the elevated ridge about one and a half miles south-
west of the city. This ridge and the vicinity was occupied by about forty
Indian families and was known as the Rancheria. It is now the John Ralph
place. From this point a large part of the San Bernardino valley is visible
and I gazed in bewildered admiration at the extent and beauty of the scene
before me.
In the years of 1852-53, prosperity reigned supreme in the country.
Farmers received fancy prices for their live stock and large sums of money
for their produce. I bought and loaded sixteen wagons with wheat and flour
and forwarded the lot to Childs and Hicks of Los Angeles. The flour sold
for $32.00 per barrel and the wheat for $4.00 per bushel. The eight-cornered
fifty dollar gold pieces called "slugs" were then plentifully in circulation. I
began to be a little sluggish myself, but was soon relieved of the feeling.
The settlers at this time raised grain and vegetables, horses and cattle.
Sometimes they stole these from their neighbor — Lugo — this, however, was
not a criminal offense. On the contrary, the party wd:o stole but a few cattle
or horses was considered a very social neighbor. The party who stole a
band of horses or cattle was followed and if overtaken, lynched, otherwise
was considered a hero and if he got successfully away with his prize he was
entitled to a membership in the "Four Hundred."
After the Mormons had left the country a new immigration set in, chiefly
from Texas and the southwest : then the "band began to play" and the "ball
commenced." Quarrels, fights and general disturbances — sometimes shoot-
ing and killing, ensued. On one occasion a pitched battle was fought on the
corner of C and Fourth streets, between the Coopwood and Green factions,
About twenty men were engaged in the conflict and a sharp fusilade lasted
for about twenty minutes. Green, the leader of his faction, a desperado.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 349
marched through the streets, a gun at his shoulder and a revolver at his side,
and defied any official or any citizen to touch him. He denounced all of the
Coopwood faction as a set of cowards — except that "Little Devil," pointing
his finger at Taney De la Woodward. "That little devil understand the
business."
It is needless to say that many of these newcomers were very excellent
people, but they were in the minority.
Politically, socially and morally, San Bernardino was ruled by a set of
corrupt politicians, gamblers and desperadoes, with the sheriff of the county
as their leader. The district attorney openly declared that he meant to get
even with the county. He -was successful in his commendable enterprise —
but shortly afterward left the county of his own free will. He changed the
election returns of Y. J. Herring, county clerk, in favor of James Greenwade,
who proved the most efficient clerk that San Bernardino ever had. He drove
the Board of Supervisors, three in number, out of the court house at the
point of a cocked revolver. The board understood the situation at a glance
and rushed for the door in a body. Greenwade, reformed, committed suicide
and became a better man.
At another time in 1861, a forgery was committed in the campaign for
legislative honors. It was the hardest fought election that ever occurred in
the county. The Piercey faction consisted of shrewd political tricksters —
unscrupulous is scarcely a strong enough word to apply to them. The Conn
party was made up of our best citizens. It was arranged that the editor of
the only paper, the Herald, should print the tickets for the election. But
this editor was always drunk during office hours, and in his leisure hours —
not sober. Rather than depend on him to get the tickets ready, a friend and
myself obtained his permission to use the press ourselves. When the Piercey
party found out that the press was placed in our hands, their leaders asked
us to lend them the press, promising to return it in plenty of time. Fearing
a trick on their part, we sent to Los Angeles and had two thousand tickets
printed for the outside precincts. Our expectations were realized ; they kept
the press until the evening before the election and then the editor was too
drunk to open the office. Having no key, we kicked the door open and found
everything in the office topsey-turvey. in order to prevent our printing the
tickets. But in their haste, they had left a notice, or hand bill, already set
up and in perfect order, announcing that "today is the day to vote for Charles
W. Piercey." We erased the name of Piercey and put in the name of Wm. A.
Conn in its place ; then we sent a messenger to the Spanish settlement to
post our bills over those of Piercey. The Piercey men wondered much how
such a gross mistake could have occurred, but they never found out who did
the mischief.
On the day of the election one of the Piercey party challenged any man
to bot on Piercey's election. I foolishly offered to bet with him. No sooner
350 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
did I say the word than he drew his pistol and fired, but I quickly dodged—
I was afraid lie would soil my new coat. He was held before the grand jury
without results ; grand juries in those days were afraid to discharge their
duties.
Win. A. Conn was duly elected our representative, but the Piercey in-
terests were managed by a fellow named Skinker — a deriviative of "skunk."
He was one of the election officers of Temescal precinct and two weeks after
the election, he changed the poll list in favor of Piercey, and by this fraud
placed Piercey in the legislature. Piercey had scarcely taken his seat when
he challenged another member of the body to a duel. Showalter. the man
challenged, accepted, and Piercey was killed at the second shot. This, to a
certain extent, broke up the combine; still, "the band played on."
Our public schools were in a deplorable condition, a majority of the male
teachers belonging to the element already described. Our school superin-
tendent, Mr. Ellison Robbins, a good, conscientious worker for the cause of
education, was in constant fear of bodily harm at the hands of the male
teachers. Matters went from bad to worse, until finally Robbins made a
report to the State Superintendent. When this report was published and
copies forwarded to San Bernardino, a tempest was created among the school
teachers and the matter of avenging themselves on Robbins for his expose
was considered and reconsidered. Finally an indignation meeting was called
by the aggrieved teachers, and Robbins was to be crucified. I felt deeply for
him but was powerless to render him any assistance. However, I attended
the indignation meeting and there met a former school superintendent, glori-
ously drunk. 'When in this condition this man could easily talk a weakly
constituted person to death. By some little contrivance, I managed to have
him appointed chairman of the meeting. When he was seated upon the plat-
form, I realized that I had won my case. He called the meeting together with
an emphatic "Hie" and "Thanks for the hon-hic-or conferred on me; shall
preside over this dignified body-hic-with honor to myself and to the American
nation-hie. Shall allow no interrogations — due respect must be paid the
Chair-hie- ; shall decide all questions-hic-impartially-".
The audience, one by one, left in disgust and the name of Superintendent
Robbins was not mentioned. I remained to the last in order to congratulate
the Chairman, and I left with the conclusion that intemperance was not en-
tirely an evil.
Some of the social events of those clays were slightly unsocial. As an
instance, this affair may be mentioned. The colored elite of the town were
giving a dance and a general festivity according to the code of dusky etiquette,
when they were unceremoniously interrupted by the entrance of a number
of white sports under the leadership of one McFeely, who desired to partici-
pate in the amusements. The colored proprietor objected and McFeely or-
dered a general house-cleaning with a solid thrashing for the colored leader —
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 351
all of which was accomplished in double-quick order. The proprietor was
sorely grieved at being ejected from his own house and having his guests
so grossly insulted. The next clay he swore out a complaint before Judge
Willson, J. P., against McFeely and his associates. McFeely, with his chums,
appeared on the day set for trial and asked to plead his own case — he very
politely requested the court to let him read the complaint — the court readily
complied with the request and handed him the paper. The defendant took
the complaint and handed it to the prosecuting witness and holding a cocked
pistol to his head, ordered him in most emphatic language to "eat that com-
plaint." The poor fellow turned as pale as nature would allow him to do,
and while his pearly teeth chattered, ground the complaint at the rate of a
running quartz mill. An additional demand was made of the prosecuting
witness : "You swallow the mutilated complaint." The defendant still held
his weapon in a bee-line with the African's face, and it is needless to say that
his royal decree was strictly carried out.
The court graced the official chair with sealed lips, ashen pale face and
bristled hair, but dared not interrupt the proceedings. He watched his first
opportunity to adjourn court — sine die — lest he should have to swallow the
record of his court.
The first band of music which paraded the streets of San Bernardino on
national occasions consisted of four persons of recognized musical ability,
Mr. Highmore, who is no more, played the flute ; Mrs. Highmore played the
drum ; Joseph Hancock, still in good humor, played the fife : John Yan
Leuven whistled on two knuckles between his fingers: this notable instru-
ment is still in good order and is highly esteemed by its owner.
On account of the unfriendly feeling between the Mormons and the
Independent party, each celebrated the Fourth of July, 1857. on its own hook.
Each party made great preparations in order to excel the other faction,
especially in the number of invitations sent out. Cordial invitations were
sent by both to Cabezon, chief of the Coahuilla Indians, and his tribe, to par-
ticipate in the celebration. The Independent party was honored by the dis-
tinguished guests, who did full justice to the occasion — being muv hambre —
(very hungry). The Independent celebration was held at Fort Benson, while
the Mormons held the town. Serious trouble was anticipated, but nothing
occurred until three o'clock in the afternoon, when the news of the fatal
shooting of young Perkins — a Mormon— reached the Fort, and was soon
proved to be true. It appeared that Perkins, who was a strong, vigorous
young fellow, had assailed a highly respected citizen of the town who was a
member of the Independent party, and who was in feeble health. The man
assaulted stopped his assailant with a bullet which proved fatal. Excitement
was at the highest pitch. The man who had done the shooting was arrested.
but was acquitted by a jury, chiefly made up of Mormons, the verdict being
"justifiable homicide." Had the verdict been different, serious consequences
352 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
might have followed, for the trial was closely watched by the citizens of El
Monte and Los Angeles.
The first newspaper issued in San Bernardino was the "Scorpion," editors
"Tom, Dick and Harry;" terms of subscription, one bale of hay, two dozen
eggs, iooo shakes and a sack of onions ; the Bank of England was the only
authorized agent to collect subscriptions. Scarcely had the "Scorpion" gained
popularity and a long subscription list, when an opposition paper, provoked
by jealousy, was started — "The Illustrated Hog Eye" — edited by Harry, Dick
and Tom — terms of subscription, a cow and calf; Rothschild the only author-
ized agent to make collections. No small abuse was exchanged between
these papers. They were written instead of printed, for the want of a printing
press. The proprietors of both journals were, Henry Mugridge, Marcus
Katz and Griff Williams.
FLOOD OF 1867-1868.
Mrs. E. P. R. Crafts.
I must not forget to chronicle the flood of 1867-8. The Sunday before
Christmas, 1867, was cloudy and threatened rain, so I stayed at home with
my two children, while Mr. Crafts, with his son Harry, went to church, as was
our custom, at San Bernardino, intending to stay all night. The hired man
went home across the river to return in the afternoon. It began to rain before
noon. By three o'clock there was a downpour, with heavy wind. There were
eight horses, two cows and eleven hogs to be cared for and I was alone with
my little children. All night the rain fell in torrents, the wind and rain
creeping in at every crevice.
Monday morning came bright, clear and warm, but I knew that the
Santa Ana river would be impassable for several days, for there were no
bridges, and I could hear it roaring like the ocean. Mill Creek was rushing
and foaming across the plain, carrying everything before it ; great trees and
immense boulders were tumbled along like playthings. Jose, one of the ranch
Indians, who had been drunk on Sunday, was now sober and came to my aid.
Together we got the hogs out of the mire and gave them dry quarters. The
cows were brought out, but the Indian could not milk and they had never
been milked by a woman. There was only one resort — I made myself look
as much like Mr. Crafts as possible. The cows smelled the coat and hat —
and I found the problem solved.
On Tuesday we feared the zanja would break and the water come rush-
ing down upon us; but, fortunately, at a bend in the stream two miles above,
big rocks piled and formed a dam, which sent the water in another direction.
The next Sunday my husband managed to get home by swimming two
streams, one of which was a road changed into a river by the freshet. It was
a happy meeting. Be assured that we enjoyed Christmas together the next
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 353
Wednesday. Fording the river in high water was to bo greatly dreaded at
any time on account of the quicksand, and there were many narrow escapes
from loss of life, as well as much inconvenience. There was general rejoicing
when the Colton bridge was built early in the eighties.
One Wednesday in May, 1865, Mr. Crafts went to the county seat, our
nearest post office and market, but he did not return at his usual hour. I
waited and watched for him until a late hour, thinking that he was detained
by business. Early the next morning I set out for the town, sending the hired
man ahead on horseback. When I reached San Bernardino, I learned that it
had been considered unsafe for Mr. Crafts to return home alone the night
before, and he had been, with other federals, on picket duty all night, in the
unfinished Catholic church which was used as a fort.
A company of confederates had been organized at Visalia to go to Texas
by way of San Bernardino, intending to make a raid on the Union men in
the latter place, to obtain their outfit. Dr. Barton, a southern gentleman,
being informed of the projected plot, advised the citizens to defend them-
selves. Accordingly at the time set for the depredations, pickets were posted
and the city was guarded. It was afterward found that the scheme failed
because of the unwillingness of the captain to carry out the designs of the
party. We remained in San Bernardino until Sunday evening before it was
considered safe to return home.
REMINISCENCES OF "FATHER PETER."
I was appointed Pastor of San Salvador de Agua Mansa. May. 1863. and
left Los Angeles on horseback, and not knowing the road, June 22, 1863, I
went as far as Cucamonga, where I was well received by Mr. Rains. Leaving
early, I arrived at Agua Mansa at twelve o'clock and went to the house of
Mr. Cornelius Jansen, where I stopped a few days until my house was pre-
pared. As the 23rd was the vigil of St. John, a da)' that the Mexicans cele-
brate everywhere, I went to the church after dinner to ring the bell and an-
nounce to the people that there would be mass the next day. But where was
the bell? I went around the church — no bell, no belfry. I thought of re-
turning to Mr. Jansen's to ask where the bell was, when a boy appeared and,
in answer to my eager question, pointed to a big tree near the church. No
wonder that I could not see it for it was among the branches of the big tree.
I was curious to know why the bell had been hung in such an odd place and
was toid that when the bell was brought to Agua Mansa. there being no
belfry, the people got two large poles, put a cross piece on them and there
hung the bell. But as the poles were green they soon began to grow, and in
time became large trees. After some years one of these died ; the other con-
tinued to grow, so the bell hung in a rather curious and dangerous position.
It was then that the bell was taken from the pole and hung in the living tree.
354
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Two or three years later the bell became cracked and then the tree died.
I suppose that when the tree saw that the bell, the object for which it had
been planted and was living, was dead, it thought it was proper for it to die
also. Some may wonder why those Catholics did not build a decent belfry.
They would not wonder if they knew the condition of the Mexicans at Agua
Mansa, and indeed, of all the missions attended from there. They were few
and poor, but they were good peo-
ple and good Catholics. They
had great love and respect for the
Priest, which they proved imme-
diately after my arrival, although
they did not know me or whether
1 would please them or not. The
house which was made of adobe,
consisted of two miserable rooms,
not plastered and with the floor
as nature had made it. There
was no furniture except a broken
bench.
The next Sunday the men said
that they would fix the house and
furnish it. On Monday the men
came with their carts.; they made
adobe and began to lay the walls
for a kitchen. The women,
using also mud, plastered
the walls of the room a n d
leveled t h e floor and the gal-
lery outside. The kitchen
was soon finished and the walls whitewashed and then my residence was
ready, but there was no furniture. The next day, two women with a wagon,
went from house to house to beg furnishings. Some gave towels, others a
chair, another a bench, one family gave a cot and mattress and all that was
necessary for a comfortable bed. Some gave forks and others knives and
spoons; one gave a little looking-glass and many gave provisions; thus everv-
thing was ready for housekeeping. I thanked them all for their kindness,
took possession of my new residence and began. I may say, a bachelor's life,
which had only one advantage — I could not complain if the house was not
kept clean, the soup had too much salt in it, or the meat was not well done —
everything was to my own taste and satisfaction. Things went pretty well
for a time, but soon all the provisions were gone and money to buy more was
yet buried in the mines. How many times I have saddled my horse and gone
to some ranch to get meat to prepare for my dinner. But this lasted only
•FATHER PETER1
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 355
some eight or nine months. Then one morning Mr. Cornelius Jansen came
down. I had just finished saying Mass and was making a fire to have some
coffee. He was accompanied by his eldest son, a boy of seven years. He
said to little Cornelius, "Tell Father Peter to come and take breakfast with
us." Then Mr. Jansen said. "If you had something to cook, it would be bad
enough, to have to cook it yourself, but when you have nothing to cook, that
is too much, I cannot allow it. Come, and from this day you will take all your
meals in my house." You may imagine how I felt and how thankful I was
to Mr. and Mrs. Jansen, who for more than three years, were most kind to
me. I have never forgotten, nor shall I ever forget, the kindness of Mr.
Jansen's family to me.
But now the old bell was broken and it was absolutely necessarv to have
another. But how? It was impossible to collect fifty or sixty dollars — the
price of even the smallest bell. I heard that an old Mexican in the neighbor-
hood could make a bell. I went to see him and he agreed that should I give
him two horses and twelve dollars, with the material necessarv, he would
make a good bell. I wished a larger bell than the old one, hence it was neces-
sary to have more material. The next day I borrowed a horse and buggy
and set out. I wrent to the Robidoux rancho, to Rincon, Temescal and Santa
Ana, and I got the twelve dollars and had no difficulty in getting the horses,
and I got all the material I needed, also. The man went to work at once at
the foot of the small hill where Mr. Jansen's house stood; he made the oven
and the moulder and soon the bell was made. Hundreds of people were
present when the Mexican broke the mould, and when the bell was seen
there was a shouting which resounded from hill to hill. But, alas, the joy
was soon changed to sorrow, because we noticed on one side at the top two
small holes, which not only disfigured the bell, but were the cause that its
sound was not as pleasant as we expected.
When I was appointed rector of Agua Mansa. there were only three or
four houses near the church: the most important was that of Mr. Jansen;
but I was told that formerly it was a nice little village with good houses and
beautiful orchards and gardens. But in 1862 a great flood destroyed the
village. They spoke often to me about that flood, but what impressed them
most and caused them to remember the flood, was that the first house it
destroyed and took down the river was their dancing house, where they had
dances every Saturday night, and they looked upon it as a punishment, be-
cause it was the cause of many losing Mass on Sunday. One Sunday I
preached a pretty strong sermon on dancing, and remembering their belief
that they had been punished for dancing on Saturday night and losing Mass.
I tried to make them change the day — instead of dancing on Saturday, night
to dance on Sunday night ; and I succeeded and sure I had many more at Mass
on Sunday.
I do not know whether Agua Mansa is the proper name for this place;
356 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
some called it Agua Mansa, some Jurupa and some San Salvador. The
Bishop, in the letter of my appointment, wrote "rector of San Salvador."
These different names remind me of an incident, rather hard on me, which
occurred some two or three months after my arrival. I left San Bernardino
almost at sundown and taking one road for another, I lost myself. For
more than two hours I tried to find the way to Agua Mansa, but in vain. At
last I noticed a light, and after traveling fifteen minutes longer I came to a
house. Believing it to be some Mexican family, I called "Buenas noches."
Xo answer. I shouted louder and louder, "Buenas noches," when I heard
some one answering, "Wbo is there?" I saw that I was mistaken and I
answered, "I am the Catholic Priest from San Salvador and I am lost." An
American came to the fence and said there is no such place as San Salvador
around here — there is a Catholic church at Agua Mansa, and you are not lost,
you are just on the street that will take you directly to San Bernardino.
"But," I said, "I am coming from San Bernardino, and I must go on to San
Salvador, or, as you say, Agua Mansa — for I know there is but one Catholic
church in the county of San Bernardino; but could I not pass the night here
and tomorrow you will show me the way to Agua Mansa?" "Oh, yes; come
in," and he opened the gate and took charge of my horse and told me to
go into the house. I was very hungry, and beside I had to travel next morn-
ing. I did not know how far, and say Mass, before I could breakfast. So
I asked if they could give me supper. "I am very sorry," they answered,
"there is nothing in the house to eat as we have just come from town and took
supper there." I knew I could not stand fasting until eleven or twelve
o'clock the next day, which was Sunday, so I said, "Have you nothing at
all?" and they gave me a glass of milk and a bit of very dry bread and some
cheese. Having but one room, they put a blanket on the floor, threw a cur-
tain in front of their bed and there I passed a good night. I woke very earlv
and I had not finished washing myself when the husband came and said.
"Come to breakfast. I cannot tell you how bad I felt last night in not being
able to give you a good supper; but I got up at half-past three and went
to town, and you will have a good breakfast." Indeed, I saw on the table,
eggs, ham and a chicken, hot cakes, coffee and milk — and I could not eat. "I
am sorry, so sorry," I said, "that you have gone to so much trouble, and I
really thank you with all my heart, but I cannot take anything." "Why?"
he asked in surprise. "Because I must hold service this morning and we
are not permitted to break our fast before saying the Mass." I could see
that the good man felt it and he said, "But our ministers always breakfast
well before they go to preach well," and I could only answer. "They have a
privilege we have not." I asked him to show me my direction, and after
traveling five or six miles I arrived at my church and found my people won-
dering what had become of their Rector.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 357
How man}- times I remember that good American family and pray God
to bless them.
Bishgp Verdaguek.
Laredo, Texas, August 4th, 1903.
DANIEL SEXTON.
Daniel Sexton, says, as quoted in "San Bernardino County, Its Climate
and Resources," 1876:
"I was born in Louisiana, the 24th day of March, 1818. I arrived at Old
San Bernardino in December, 1841. The Indians at that time had full and
entire possession of the country. I hired a number of Indians to cut and
saw timber in the San Gorgonio Pass, just north of where Dr. Edgar's ranch
is located now (1876). I furnished lumber to Williams on the Chino, and to
others. I paid the Indians twenty-five cents per day for labor; horses and
cattle could be bought for fifty cents each ; one hide was worth two living ani-
mals. I acquired great influence over them and could have raised 500 war-
riors in a few hours. In 1842, the Indians asked me if the Americans had any
feast days ; I told them that they had and I made an American flag and hoisted
it over the camp north of San Gorgonio Pass, and with the Indians celebrated
the Fourth of July, 1842.
During this year the Lugos came in and brought with them cattle and
horses to stock their ranch. There were already three or four thousand
wild horses on this plain. I have seen hundreds of them in a drove go down
in bands to water at the river near Riverside. At the Old San Bernardino
Mission, the Indians cultivated more ground than is now under cultivation
and raised large crops of corn, potatoes and beans. Mill Creek zanja was
then in better condition than now. The Indian, Solano, who laid ofr this
ditch in 1822, died at my house in 1858. He told me about the Temescal
tin mines. I married his niece in 1847. In 1852 I built a saw mill near the
foot of the San Bernardino mountains in Mill Creek canon. There was more
rain in that early day and more feed for stock than at present."
THE DISCOVERY OF BEAR AND HOLCOMB VALLEYS.
By W. F. Holcomb.
In the fall of 1851;. I reached Los Angeles. Here I met an old mount-
aineer who told me of a valley about one hundred miles to the east which was
known as "Bear Valley" on account of the number of bear seen there. I
determined to visit this valley and my friend. Jack Martin, decided to accom-
pany me. Y\"e procured horses and supplying ourselves with a little flour,
bacon and salt, started. The first day out. we could hear nothing of the
place, but the second night we camped on Lytle Creek near the ranch of
358
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
George Lord. He directed us to San Bernardino, a place which I think I
had never before heard of. Here we were told to go up the canon and we
would find an old settler, F. M. \'an Leuven — Uncle Fred, as he was known —
who could tell us how to reach Bear Yalley. We went up the Santa Ana
canon and Air. Yan Leuven gave us all the information he could about the
route and told us that a party was already up
there.
We strated on. following the trail of the
burros. The second day we reached the sum-
mit and found deep snow, so deep that our
horses had great difficulty in floundering
'through. By good luck we ran across the
company who were camped here and they re-
c e i v e d us kindly — pioneer fashion. This
party, as well as I can now recall, was made
up of Jo Caldwell, Josiah Jones, Jack Elmore,
Jim Ware and Madison Chaney. They had
found a little gold but not in paying quantity.
Martin and myself located near the other
fellows and began prospecting. Days and
weeks rolled by and still we prospected here
and there, with no success. Sydney P. Waite
and a partner were also in the valley at this time, prospecting for quartz and
working an arrastra.
Martin at length decided to abandon the attempt and return to his family
in Los Angeles. I determined to stay until the bear came out. As yet, we
had killed nothing but deer and small game. On the day before his departure
we strolled up to the top of a little hill. I said to Martin. "We have pros-
pected every likely place we have seen in the valley, now let us try this hill-
side where we are sure there is no gold." He objected, but I insisted and
shoveled up a pan of dirt off the naked bed rock, pine leaves and all. Martin
took it to the foot of the hill to wash out while I sat down and waited.
Pie=ently I noticed that he seemed excited and he came rushing up the hill
to exhibit about ten cent's worth of fine gold. We scraped up another pan
of dirt and after washing it out found about the same amount. We kept
on working and by night were convinced that we had at last struck "pay dig-
gings." The next day we began to work with a rocker and found that we
could make about five dollars each per day.
After a few days, Martin left for Los Angeles to bring up provisions
and also bring his family back with him. He exhibited some of the gold dust
in San Bernardino. This raised quite an excitement. When he got to Los
Angeles and paid for a considerable bill of goods with dust, there was a stir.
People at once 'began to rush into Bear Valley.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 359
About this time I one day took my gun and strolled northward to look
over the country. When I reached the summit of the ridge that divides the
head waters of the Santa Ana and the Mojave. I looked down from this
eminence in a northerly direction and saw about two miles distant, a beautiful
little valley. In camp that night I told the boys of the discovery I had made
and one of the men — Jim Ware — at once offered to go with me and explore
"Holcomb's Valley" as they jokingly called it.
The first time we visited the valley I killed two bear and we had no time
for examining our surroundings. The next day we took donkeys and went
over after our bear; it took all day to make the trip and at night we had a
general jollification over our bear steak and "that valley of Holcomb's."
One of the party, Ben Choteau, proposed to go with me and prospect the
new valley. The first day we wounded a bear and in following its trail came
upon a quartz ledge. We stopped to examine it and found gold. We let the
bear go and taking some dirt in a handkerchief, went down and dug a hole in
the main gulch and washed it out. To our joy we found that we had a good
prospect. Then we panned out some dirt from the main gulch and found
more gold and still further examination showed us several good prospects.
When we returned to the camp in Bear Valley there was great rejoicing
and a big bonfire to celebrate the discovery of gold in "Holcomb's Yallev."
The next day. May 5th? i860, we returned and located our claims. Many
people were now in Bear Valley and log cabins were going up. A store, with
a liquor bar of the most infamous sort, had been started by one Sam Kellev,
and John M. Stewart had established a blacksmith shop. The place began to
assume the appearance of a busy little village. The remains of these old log
cabins, the reservoir and the diggings — long since worked out — can still be
seen.
We moved over into the new valley and camped on the main gulch be-
tween what is now called upper and lower Holcomb Valley. There were eight
in our party and we met with very good success from the start. We had
not worked long before our gold dust began to be scattered about in the
different avenues of trade. As soon as it became known that we were taking
out considerable quantities of gold from the new claims in Holcomb Vallev,
the excitement grew. People came in from every direction, some on horse-
back, some with pack animals and some with their outfits on their backs.
Most of this immigration was made up of lionest, industrious men, who were
anxious to make a few honest dollars. Every day strangers would call upon
us and question us about the diggings. We made it a point to tell them truth-
fully that we were making from five to ten dollars to the man. Before the
end of July many buildings — some mere brush huts, some of a more sub-
stantial character — were going up. A number of the new claims were paying
well. Among these early arrivals I might mention Dr. Whitlock, Allen and
Fred Mclntyre, Jim Jackson, Gregory, E. H. Thomas and his son Mark.
S60 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
brother to C. L. Thomas, Beverly Boren, brother to A. D. Boren, and U. U.
Tyler. Tyler and Boren opened a store. A blacksmith by the name of
Van Dusen came in with his wife, and W. H. St. John.
The water gave out at our first camp and we had to move to lower
Holcomb Valley, where we built a comfortable log cabin. We brought our
pay dirt down with horse and cart or in sacks on burros. Scarcity of water
in the valley greatly hindered mining operations.
Some new developments of water and of mines were made in upper
Holcomb, and a new town sprang up there in a very short time. It was here
that we held our first Fourth of July celebration. Mrs. Van Dusen furnished
the flag for the occasion and we named the place, on that account, Belleville,
after her little girl, Belle.
Lumber was also scarce and very high. Provisions must all be brought
in by pack mules and were of course very dear. The necessity for a wagon
road was so great that the miners subscribed $1500, and a road was con-
structed down the easterly slope of the mountains to connect with the old
toll road through the Cajon Pass. This road proved to be a great advantage
to the valley. Later the miners constructed a road from Holcomb to Bear
Valley, thus giving that section an outlet. These roads were built entirelv at
the expense of the settlers in these valleys and were free to all. At the
presidential election of that fall, Belleville, the new precinct which had grown
up in little more than six months, cast a vote of nearly one hundred, while the
entire vote of the county was 820.
On November 15th, it began to snow and continued until five feet of
snow lay over the valley. This closed mining operations until the next April
and the valley became almost depopulated. Early in the spring of 1861, how-
ever, people began to rush in again. New mines were discovered almost
every day. Stores, butcher-shops, restaurants and a hotel were opened. All
was quiet and harmonious until the news of the firing upon Fort Sumter
reached the valley, then a change, socially and politically began to appear.
The population continued to grow ; saloons of the lowest character, gambling
dens and bagnios followed. The population was the typical mining town
variety, good men and industrious workers, worthless characters and profes-
sional "bad" men. Notwithstanding all drawbacks, large quantities of gold
were being taken out daily. The diggings were generally shallow and easilv
worked, in fact, they were what is often called "poormen's diggings." and
nearly every working man took out some gold. Quartz mining also began
to attract some attention, but was never very successful here. Among the
arrivals in the valley this year were Horace C. Rolfe, John W. Satterwhite,
Sidney P. Waite, A. F. McKinney, James M. Coburn and Richard Garvey.
But there was also a rush of the very worst characters and the valley became
a center of disorder. Night was made dreadful by the drunken yells and
cursing; guns and pistols were fired off at all hours of night and day; no one
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 361
was safe; the peaceful citizen was in almost as much danger as the rowdy.
At the state election held September 4th, 1861, there was great confusion,
and a riot was only prevented by the prompt and determined action of a few
law-abiding citizens. Belleville precinct cast a vote of 300 for governor.
One desperado, known as "Hell Roaring Johnson," attempted to kill a con-
stable and was shot dead. An attempt was made to lynch the constable but
it was frustrated and the man was acquitted as having only discharged his
duty. After this the lawless element quieted down somewhat. This reign
of lawlessness was of course a great drawback to the successful working of
the claims in tbe valley. The hardworking miner was in almost as much
danger from accidental shooting as were the rowdies from intentional shots.
Still, of the forty or fifty men who were shot at different times, not more
than three or four innocent men were killed. The rest were of the tough
element, generally strangers in the place and their bodies now rest in un-
marked graves.
Mining has been carried on in Holcomb Valley every year since its dis-
covery. Several quartz mills have been erected here, and while they have
not added to the wealth of their owners, they have considerably increased the
world's supply of gold. Placer mines, both shallow and deep, have always
been worked, but every year the product grows less. Yet the entire produc-
tion of Holcomb Valley has added materially to the output of gold from this
county and from the state.
CAPTAIN JOSEPH S. GARCIA.
One of the first settlers of Cucamonga, Etiwanda and Ontario, was
Captain Joseph S. Garcia, a man of unusual character, who had passed
through a long life of adventure. He was born in Fayal, one of the Azore
Islands. June 9, 1823, the son of Monwell and Ann Garcia. His father
was founder and president of the College of Fayal. Later he became
an attorney-at-law, and was finally a judge. His parents were Catholic,
and. as was the custom of the country, the father desired his only
son to become a priest. But the boy was of a restless, venturesome nature,
and in consequence, his father yielded to his entreaties, and when he
was thirteen bound him for four years to Captain James 'Wooley, of Lynn,
Mass. On the first voyage to Boston, Joseph went as cabin bow The ship,
after unloading at Boston, went south for a cargo of cotton. On its return
to Massachusetts, the boy was sent to school for six months in Lynn. He next
shipped in a vessel bound for India. During this voyage, the vessel was
shipwrecked, and the crew spent seven days upon a desert island with no food
but scant rations of hardtack and water. They were rescued by a whaler
which had been out for a year, but, on account of the inefficiency of the crew,
had secured but one whale. With the addition of the Indiaman's crew, the
862
HISTORY OF SAN BERXARDINO COUNTY
vessel's luck changed and in three months it was well loaded, and Joseph
realized quite a sum for his share of the profits upon reaching shore, at Cape
Ann. He next sailed from New York on the brig, George Otis, for Manila,
where they loaded with hides for South Africa, and on the return voyage
took a cargo of horn to Manila, and then loaded with rice, manilla and to-
bacco, and returned to Boston. During this trip, Mr. Garcia gained a knowl-
edge of the Boers of South Africa, and the natives of Manila. Again he
voyaged from Boston to Manila,
and thence to Zanzibar, Africa.
Here he visited the ruins of the
ancient palace of Zanzibar, and
saw something of the slave trade.
Upon the voyage from Zanzibar,
the ship met with a gale wdiich
drove them ashore. For twenty-
four hours they wrested with the
breakers, while their d o o m
seemed certain. One member of
the crew was a man of prayer,
and he prayed for salvation with
all his power. He finally an-
nounced that the crew would
be saved, but would be e n-
dangered by cannibals on t h e
shore. The vessel struck and
one sailor managed to m a k e
his way through the break-
ers to the shore with a rope,
JOSEPH GARCIA am] thus the crew wag save(J,
They began gathering up the wreckage, when they heard the yells
of savages, and were soon approached by a part}- of natives whom they be-
lieved to be cannibals. One of their number knew a little of a dialect of the
country, and by means of signs, managed to communicate with them. While
he was parleying, a lizard, which the natives knew to be of a poisonous spe-
cies, the bite of which was fatal, ran out of the fire and bit the hand of the
ship's doctor, who was standing near. The doctor had brought a few of the
most necessary remedies with him, and applied some simple antidote, which
was effective. The savages watched in wonder, and when they saw none of
the symptoms of the bite which they expected, they were so impressed that
they declared the man must be a supernatural being. Naturally the "inter-
preter" encouraged the idea, and they fell down before the doctor with cries
and homage. They asked if he could heal others, and soon afterwards brought
a man on a litter. The doctor was able to relieve the fever from which he was
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 363
suffering, and the natives, completely won, gladly supplied the sailors with
fruit and such food as they had. Nevertheless, it was with great joy that
the little party sighted a ship in the distance. Signals of distress were made
and seen, and the men were taken on hoard of what proved to be a merchant-
man enroute for Hong Kong.
In the port of Hong Kong, Mr. Garcia shipped on what was supposed to
be a merchant vessel, but which proved to be a slaver bound for Zanzibar,
then the center of the slave trade. Here Mr. Garcia again saw the horrors
of the slave market. The vessel was loaded, but had not proceeded far when
she foundered on the African coast. The departure from the ship was here
more dangerous than in the former shipwreck, for 300 negroes, were penned
up in the hull of the vessel. The officers did not dare to set them free, for
fear they would overpower and murder the ship's crew. The hatches were
fastened down, and with one exception, the entire cargo of slaves went down
with the vessel. The crew reached land and were picked up by a passing
vessel bound for Malaga and then for Boston. In 1844, Mr. Garcia sailed for
Port An Prince, Hayti, where he found a revolution in progress and aided in
saving some of the refugees. In 1847, he sailed to New Orleans and up the
Mississippi river for a cargo of molasses. During his twelve years of sea-
faring life, Mr. Garcia had visited many countries, gained much experience,
and acquired the fluent use of English, French, Spanish and Italian. His
father had thoroughly grounded him in Latin in his boyhood days, which
had greatly assisted him in the acquisition of other languages.
In 1849 ne arrived in the port of San Francisco. He had been an attend-
ant at the mission of Father Taylor in Boston and in the new port, he
sought out the Presbyterian church, where he found a congregation of
fifteen. His first occupation in California was running a produce boat up
and down the Sacramento river, carrying produce and freight to Sacramento
and returning with wood. Desiring to see something of the mines- which
were then the center of all life in the state, he left the vessel in 1850 and
joined a prospecting party. He was fortunate enough to make about $5,000
during his six months' experience as a miner, and on his return to San Fran-
cisco purchased a share in the ship, Hooker. With this vessel he made
several trips to Santa Cruz, handling provisions, etc. At this time, flour
was selling at $27 a barrel, sugar and beans at a dollar a pound, and other
provisions in proportion.
Two years later he entered into a partnership with Captains Pierce and
Norton in the ownership of a number of vessels — the ships, S. D. Bailey.
Laura Bevley and W. L. Rice: the schooners. Arms, Alert and Julia Pringle ;
and the brigs, Boston, Curlew and Pride of the Sea. Some of these vessels
made trips to foreign ports: others were kept in the coast trade, carrying
passengers and freight from San Francisco to Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara.
San Buenaventura. San Pedro and San Diego. The passengers were con-
364 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
veyed inland by stage and private conveyances. This line brought down
from San Francisco all the original Anaheim settlers.
In i860, Captain Garcia bought the block of land in Los Angeles,
bounded by First and Second, Main and Los Angeles streets, also a lot
50 by 200 facing on Aliso and running back to Garcia street — named in his
honor. This property he disposed of in the seventies. In 1861 he made a
voyage to Fou Chow, China, in the service of Macondry & Co. He made
this voyage in the "Pride of the Sea," in five months and three days — then
the quickest trip on record — bringing back a cargo of tea on which the firm
cleared thirty thousand dollars. On the return voyage, a hundred miles out
from port they began to meet houses, trees, stock and human bodies — in
one case a horse and a buggy, containing a man, woman and child — all dead
for days. This was the result of the great flood of January, 1862, which
carried all before it on the Sacramento river. In 1862 he made a voyage
to Fort Yuma, carrying provisions for the government. It took five months
to unload, as there was only one small steamer to carry the freight from
the mouth of the Colorado to Yuma. "While carrying on the coast trade,
he became interested in an asphaltum mine at Santa Barbara. The asphal-
tum was obtained along the beach at low tide and was sold in San Francisco.
While engaged in loading this product, his favorite vessel, the Pride of the
Sea, was lost by drifting ashore. She was built for a yacht but because of
some fault in construction was considered unfit for this purpose and was
sold. She was a sister ship to the America, which won the cup from Eng-
land in 1854, and was a very fast vessel and finely fitted up.
In 1868 Captain Garcia decided to leave the sea and pass the remainder
of his days upon terra firma. He had already become interested with Pierre
Sansevaine in the Cucamonga vineyard and he went there to live. In those
days Indians were employed during the vintage season and sometimes a
hundred families would come down from the mountains and camp during
the season. Captain Garcia was the first American settler in the Cuca-
monga settlement. In 1875, lle s°ld the vineyard property to the Hellmans,
ex-Governor Downey and Benjamin Dreyfus. He had already located on
lands that he later sold to Chaffey Brothers and which were included in the
colony sites of Etiwanda and Ontario. After disposing of his Etiwanda
property he built the first residence in the colony of Ontario. During the
remainder of his life he took a deep interest in Ontario and all that per-
tained to her welfare. He was always active in public affairs and served as
school trustee in both Cucamonga and Ontario districts for a number of
years. He was eight times called upon grand juries and did effective ser-
vice for the county in this capacity. He was a member of the Presbyterian
church and aided in starting the first church in Ontario. He was also a
member of the Masonic order and of the Pioneer Society of California.
He was three times married. In 1856, he married Miss Belinda Baird,
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 365
who survived but a few months. In 185S he wedded Miss Evalina Boom-
hower, who bore him one son that died in infancy. She died in February,
i860. April 2, 1861, he married Miss Elizabeth L. Ford, who still lives
in Ontario.
Captain Garcia died on Christmas morning, 1902, at Ontario, and was
buried in Laurel Hill cemetery in San Francisco.
ODDS AND ENDS.
ASSESSMENT OF LOUIS ROBIDOUX FOR 1854.
Jurupa Rancho, supposed to be three thousand acres of land at
$1.25 per acre $ 3750.00
San Timoteo Rancho, supposed to be six hundred and forty acres
of land at $1.25 800.00
PERSONAL PROPERTY.
Ten gentle work horses, Cal. $30 each 300.00
Fifty mares, wild, Cal. $20 1000.00
Twenty milk cows and calves, $25.00 500.00
One hundred and thirty-five cows and calves, wild 2700.00
Fifty Beef cattle at $20 each 1000.00
Two hundred young cattle, $20 each 1600.00
Twelve hundred sheep at $2.50 each 3000.00
Houses and improvements 1500.00
One wagon and harness, old .* 50 . 00
Lyman, Rick & Hopkins note 3000.00
Small notes amounting to 1000.00
Total $20,200 . 00
(Signed) L. Robidoux.
Duly executed before me according to law, this 2nd June, 1854.
V. J. Hekking,
County Assessor.
REPORT OF THE GRAND JURY, JUNE 18, 1859.
"The committee appointed by the Grand Jury to examine the condition
of the books of the Auditor and of the Supervisors, are, on examining the
same, fully satisfied that the board is incompetent for the office that it fills.
"First — For neglect of duty in not making proper examination of the
minutes of meetings of the same.
"Second — For a wasteful expenditure of public funds in allowing ex-
366 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
travagant claims, especially in the case of certain school trustees — three
individuals in one district having received $180.00; there being eight school
districts in the county it would take $1240.00 to pay the trustees alone.
"Third — That money has been drawn from the county treasury amount-
ing to over $iooo.co. which should have been refunded.
"All of which is respectfully submitted to the Grand Jury for action."
The list of money specified as illegally drawn after the funding of the
count}' debt, $1014.47.
Money illegally paid out, $1404.59.
"In regard to public buildings, we beg leave to report in relation to the
jail of this county, that we regard it as being perfectly worthless in its
present condition for a jail ; and that the foundation of said jail is not good
and that it will cost more to repair it than to build a new one. and then it
will not be nearly as good or substantial as a new building, properly con-
structed, even at the same cost that would be required to repair it.
J. W. Smith, Foreman."
"The foregoing report was adopted, all the members of the Grand Jury
being present.
W. A. Conn."
The county auditor, J. M. Greenwade. made a vigorous reply to this
report and a lively war was waged for sometime between the county officials
and tin- citizens, represented by the Grand Jury.
SAN BERNARDINO'S STOCK COMPANY.
The Palmy Days of the Theater and the Play Writers in San Bernardino.
In the year 1859, the San Bernardino Dramatic Association was organ-
ized to furnish the people of the town with amusement. It started out
with twelve active members, John Brown, president and ex-officio treasurer;
W. T. Hughs, secretary ; C. F. Williams, stage manager and artist: N. C.
Fordham, F. C. Margetson and J. M. Greenwade, committee of arrange-
ments.
Its first performance which was entirely original and based upon local
history scored a great hit. The title alone is explanatory: "How to Raise
the Wind, or, A New Way to Pay Old County Debts." The dramatis per-
sonae ran thus: 1st, Thomas, the President; 2nd, Cornelius, the Dane:
3rd, Henry, the Saddler; 4th, Reuben, the Yice-Comes ; 5th, Mordecai, the
Treasurer: 6th, Talipes, the Just: 7th. Justice personified. Scene — The
County Clerk's Office.
This specimen of the composition, with the extract from the report of
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 367
the Grand Jury, for the same year, will give an idea of the subject dealt
with :
"To longer sit, we now refrain,
Till funding time doth come again,
What if the county goes to crash?
'Won't we be near to swipe the cash?
Need we care what the people say?
'Tis ours to tax — and theirs to pay —
The funds for us to Mordecai."
Out of this association grew a regularly organized theatrical club and
the theater of San Bernardino, which flourished during 1862-63. Of this
club, George Mattison, who had previously acted in light .comedy, and Airs.
Minerva O. Kelting, who had served her apprenticeship on Brigham Young's
stage in Salt Lake, were the bright particular stars. Mrs. John Miller, Dave
Tays, Ed Peacock, William Cave, Harry Payne and De la M. Woodward,
were also members.
It was at first intended as a business venture. A plain stage with a
drop curtain was fitted up in an upper room of the Miller Hotel — later the
Southern Hotel. Afterwards the theater was removed to the Kelting build-
ing, a one-story frame building on the southeast corner of Third and D
streets, which would seat about two hundred. Candles were used for light-
ing the stage and the room. Colored effects were produced by using colored
bottles to set the candles in — usually green. Sometimes colored mosquito
netting was hung before the stage for the same purpose. The stage proper-
ties were mostly borrowed — some people in the town kept their carpets loose
so that they might be used on the stage when necessary. The hall was
seated with benches. Ed Peacock painted some brilliant stage settings. The
advertising was done by posters which were written or printed by hand, as
there was no printing press in the town at this time. "Billing" the town in
this way was a tedious and expensive process.
The first play rendered in the theater by this company was. "The Dead
Shot," a melo-dramatic love story; "Good-for-Nothing Nan," "Rough Dia-
monds," "Bombastes-Furiosa," "Box and Cox," were other plays that were
given. Mrs. Kelting was very versatile and took many parts, but was
especially good in comedy; some of the other members of the company
developed considerable talent also.
For nearly two years this theater was open every Saturday night and
was usually well filled. As a business venture the play-house was a failure,
as the proceeds did not more than pay the expenses, and the actors never
received any reward for their services. But they kept up the company for
the sake of the amusement. And such a diversion must have been greatly
368 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
appreciated in the dearth of society and amusement of the little frontier
town.
THE FIRST AND THE LAST MAY DAY PICNIC.
On May ist, 1858, occurred the first of what proved to be a long series
of May day picnics. For twenty-one years, the people of San Bernardino
annually gathered for their May day picnic and the occasion was always one
of the most enjoyable of the year. The old pioneers and their children look
back with many pleasant memories to these happy days.
The first festivities were planned and arranged by the new teachers,
Mr. and Mrs. Robbins, who had taken charge of the city schools in January.
Mrs. Robbins, now Mrs. Crafts, of Redlands, describes the day thus : "A
queen, king and bishop had been chosen, with flower girls and attendants.
At nine o'clock the children assembled at the school house, full of eager
expectations. The pretty queen, Laura Brown, clad in a white satin dress,
daintily trimmed, the flower girls all in pure white, the king with his crown
and the bishop with the insignia of his office, led the procession and the rest
fell in line. The picnic was held in a grove of sycamores, then standing at
the point where the Tippecanoe station on the motor road is now located. On
reaching the grounds, the queen was crowned with due ceremony, the flower
girls scattered their flowers and sang a song composed for the occasion by
Prof. Robbins, and appropriate exercises were gone through with. A May
pole and a swing added to the enjoyment and at twelve o'clock a dinner,
such as only the pioneer women knew how to serve, was partaken of by all."
The Last May Day Picnic.
On May ist, 1902, the Pioneer Society, with the children and grand-
children of many of those who had enjoyed the first May day picnic, gath-
ered at Urbita Springs to celebrate the day in memory of that first picnic,
forty-four years past. Mrs. Crafts was chosen queen of the day, and the
crown was placed upon her head by John Brown, Jr., who had several times
performed the same service as bishop, when a boy, and with the same words
composed by her husband, Prof. Robbins, for the ceremony. The old songs
were sung and the old games repeated and an old time picnic dinner was
enjoyed. It was a beautiful and fitting memorial of the happy days that so
many of those present recalled as among the pleasantest memories of their
youth.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY £69
SOME BEAR STORIES.
The Death of Christobal Slover.
John Brown. Sr., thus related the story of the death of Christobal Slover:
Slover mountain near Colton, derived its name from Christobal Slover, who
settled there about 1842.
A party of free trappers, of whom I was one, erected an adobe fort on
the Arkansas river in Colorado, for protection and as headquarters during
the winter season. We called it "Pueblo," and the city of Pueblo now stands
upon that ground. Into this fort Christobal Slover came one day with two
mules loaded with beaver skins. He was engaged to help me supply the
camp with game and during the winter we hunted together, killing buffalo,
elk, antelope and deer.
Slover was a quiet, peaceable man, very reserved. He would heed no
warning and accept no advice as to his methods of hunting. His great am-
bition was to kill grizzlies — he called them "Cabibs." He would leave our
camp and be gone for weeks at a time without anyone knowing his where-
abouts, and at last he did not return at all and I lost sight of him for
several years.
When I came to San Bernardino count}* in 1849, I found him in his
cabin at Slover mountain. His head was now white but his heart was full
of affection and he took me to his home and made me welcome to all that he
had. He had married a Mexican woman with whom he seemed happy; but
his chief pleasure in life was still the pursuit of the grizzly. When no one
else would go with him, he went alone into the mountains, although his
friends warned him of the danger.
One day he went with a companion up the left fork of the Cajon Pass,
almost to the summit. There they came across a large grizzly and Slover
fired at close range. The bear fell, but soon rose and walked away and lav-
down in some bushes. Slover, after recharging his rifle began approaching
the monster, in spite of the objections of his friend. As the old man ap-
proached the animal it gave a sudden spring full upon him. That ended his
bear hunting. The other man came down the mountain and told the tale
and a party went back. They found Slover still alive but insensible. He
was carried down to Sycamore Grove on a rude litter and there died. The
bear had done its work thoroughly. The scalp was torn from his head,
his legs and one arm broken, the whole body bruised and torn. He was
taken to his home and buried, but the spot of his burial was not marked, and
now, though I have taken great pains to locate the grave, I have never been
able to find it. Like the tomb of Moses the place is forgotten.
370 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
A Bear Adventure.
In the Guardian of June 6th, 1874, appears this story:
"A few days ago, while Mr. G. W. Bayley, of this town, was camping
in Coldwater canon, Temescal valley, he unintentionally became the hero
of rather an exciting and dangerous adventure. While hunting Mr. Bayley
became belated and lost his way. At last he stumbled upon a blind trail.
While following it he suddenly came upon several animals, that, at first
sight, he took to be hogs. He continued to advance, but the hogs, very
impolitely, held the pass. Mr. Bayley at last stopped still, upon which two
of the larger animals advanced and upon their nearer approach Mr. Bayley
found to his horror that they were bear. Here was a dilemma. His gun
was not loaded and he was out of ammunition. The bears advanced, fol-
lowed by their cubs. Bayley did some quick thinking. To run was sure
destruction — to go forward — the same. With admirable presence of mind,
he picked up two stones, struck them together and raising his voice to its
loudest pitch, shouted long and loud. The bears paused in wonder; their
wonder soon became alarm and then a panic — they turned tail, and followed
by their cubs bolted for the brush. Undoubtedly Mr. Bayley's happy pres-
ence of mind saved his life."
W. F. Holcomb's Bear Story.
When we first located in Holcomb Valley, Jo Caldwell, a big, good-
natured fellow, a kind of leader in our company, said to me one day at din-
ner, ''Bill, take your gun and go and see if you can't get a bear."
"Well," I said, "suppose you go and try your luck." He only laughed;
for he had once been knocked down and run over by a grizzly — and he didn't
hunt bear.
After dinner I started out and had only reached the lower valley —
about four hundred rods distant, when I saw four bear out in the open valley
and so busy digging for mice and gophers, that I was able with but little
difficulty to approach them. I took careful aim and brought down one of
them. The others immediately gathered around the wounded one in a
great rage and fighting among themselves. Three more shots as fast as I
could reload and shoot and all was over. The four bear lay dead within a
few feet of each other.
I returned to camp within half an hour after I left it and met Jo Cald-
well, who called, "Well, Bill — what did you kill?" "Oh, nothing, I answered
— except four bear."
"Is that all !" said he. "why I could do better than that with a club."
HISTORY OF SAN BERXARDIXO COUNTY 371
A Desperate Struggle With a Bear.
"About five weeks ago, James O'Conner, a some time resident of
San Bernardino, had a desperate, and nearly, to him. fatal fight with
a grizzly in the San Jacinto mountains. It seems that, while hunt-
ing, he encountered a monster grizzly, which, startled at his near
approach, instantly attacked him. O'Conner shot and hit his bear-
ship, but not fatally, for the bear, more ferocious than at first, rushed on
him, and striking him in the ribs, several of which he broke, knocked him
down and seized his arm, which he crushed fearfully. At this juncture,
O'Conner's dog, a little white half-breed bull-dog, which he got from Mr.
McCall, of this town, appeared on the scene, and catching the bear by the
hind leg, hung on to it with true bull-dog pertinacity. The bear let go
O'Connor to attend to the dog, when O'Conner, though brusied and bleed-
ing, poured another shot into the monster, but failed as before to strike him
vitally. The bear now turned from the dog to the man, knocking the latter
down and lacerating his scalp fearfully. With one blow of his paw he all
but scalped the gallant mountaineer, besides tearing him fearfully about the
shoulders, and mashing his left arm into a shapeless mass. O'Conner now,
knowing his knife the last chance, drew it, and with his fast failing strength
plunged it in the bear's bod}-, who thereupon took flight." — San Bernardino
Guardian, Sept. 7, 1874.
"Some hunters were witness to a desperate fight in the San Tacinto
mountains, the other day, between a mountain lion and a bear. The fight
is described as terrific. The superior strength of the bear easily enabled
him to throw his antagonist down, but the latter used his paws and jaws so
fearfully that the bear could not keep him under. Both animals were cov-
ered with blood. They fought till both were exhausted, when the lion
dragged himself off to the jungle, leaving the bruno in possession of the field,
This victory was short-lived, however; he had barely time to congratulate
himself, when a, Henry bullet tore through his heart, ending his joys, sorrows,
and victories. Alas! what a moral may be drawn from the unfortunate
bruno." — San Bernardino Argus, 1873.
STORY OF A SAN BERNARDINO PIONEER.
Hand-to-Hand Fight With a Grizzly.
Prominent among the names of the gold hunters of California stands
that of John W. Searles. It is prominent, not alone because he made a suc-
cess of his prospecting, but because he was one of the most experienced hun-
ters of the grizzly bear the state has seen. It has been some vears — more
than a score — since Mr. Searles hunted the king member of the bear family.
37-2 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
for he has been too busily engaged in the borax business to spend time in
the mountains. Moreover, his last encounter with one of the tribe was of a
nature to cool the ardor even of such a sportsman as he. John R. Spears,
the New York Sun correspondent who recently visited Death Valley, gives
the following account of Bear-hunter Searles :
"I had heard that Mr. Searles was the hero of a terrible bear fight, and
so when, in my journey over the deserts of California, I reached the San
Bernardino Borax Mining Company's works, of which he is superintendent
and chief owner, I took the first occasion to ask him about it," writes John R.
Spears in the New York Sun. "He smiled through his bush}- beard and eye-
brows, and turning to a desk took a two-ounce bottle from a drawer and held
it up. There were twenty-one pieces of broken bones and teeth in this
bottle. Then he took an old Spencer rifle from a corner of the office and
passed that to me. There were not only a number of dents in the stock, but
one plainly noticeable in the top of the barrel. The bones and teeth in the
bottle had been crushed from the lower jaw of Mr. Searles by the bite of a
grizzly bear, while the dents in the rifle were made by the grizzly's teeth also.
I was then asked to put my hands among the dark brown whiskers just
beginning to turn gray. There were dents in the jawbone on both sides that
seemed to half cut it oft". About this time I noticed that Mr. Searles could
not readily turn his head. He had plainly been pretty well chewed up.
It was on the 15th of March, 1870. in the mountains of Kern county, Cal.
Some time before that Mr. Searles. with others, had gone off from the settle-
ment of Yisalia for a month of sport with the deer in the mountains. They
were in a part of the country neither had visited, and so had taken a guide
along who had professed to know the haunts of the game, but for some
reason they did not have much luck at first. However, Mr. Searles event-
ually saw a big buck upon a ledge and, getting a shot, knocked it over a
precipice as it ran, and thus scored the first kill.
Going to the edge of the precipice to look over and see wdiere the game
had fallen, Mr. Searles saw two full-grown grizzly bears and a cub half
grown in the canon below. Thereat he managed to get around close to the
animals, piled one of them dead across the dead body of its mate, and as the
third fled down a precipitous trail, threw it hand-spring fashion end over end
with a bullet in the base of its head. It was this remarkable bag of game
that sent Mr. Searles into the fight that so nearly took his life.
If Mr. Searles wanted grizzlies, why, another part of the mountains was
the place, the guide said. There were two there that had been killing cattle
for a long time, and they were not only large, but bold and ferocious. That
was the kind of bears that Searles was looking for in those days, and away
the outfit went. They reached the spot and pitched camp, but because of foul
weather did not see the grizzlies, nor have any fun to speak of. Meantime
Searles had shot awav about all of his cartridges and sent for more after the
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 373
fashion of those days — by hanging his order on a bush beside the stage road.
The order included an empty cartridge box, but the stage driver threw the
box away and then got the wrong cartridges, but Searles found that he could
hammer the cartridges through the lock after trimming the bullet carefully,
though it took two blows of the hammer to fire a cartridge when in the barrel,
so he kept on hunting.
Then came the day when, with four of the right or old cartridges in the
magazine, and the rest of the whittled kind, he started out on horseback,
although the brush everywhere was covered with snow. Four miles from
camp he tied his horse and then went poking about afoot. So it happened
that as he walked along the side of a gulch he saw through the brush a big
grizzly lying in a bed. He could see no more than its nose, but aiming
low he let drive and rolled the brute over, when two more bullets finished it.
Working his way down, Searles cut the beast's throat and stood beside
it pressing with a foot on its breast to make the blood flow, when a noise
■was heard in the thicket hard by. Nothing could be seen, but Searles
knew the sound, and after a time found the trail of another bear.
By this time the afternoon was wearing away, and Searles was wet to
the skin from the moist snow that covered the brush, but he took after the
bear with all the ardor of a youth who had never seen grizzlies. He event-
ually located the beast in a chaparral thicket, and worked about it for some
time before getting a sight. Then, all at once, to the very great surprise of
the hunter, the bear rose up on its hind legs with its nose not two feet away.
It was impossible, because of brush, for Searles to back off even a step; the
best he could do was to point the rifle across' his body as near as he could
guess toward the base of the beast's jaw and pull the trigger, hoping to send
a ball into its brain. As the gun was discharged the bear pitched over on
his fore feet, gasping and pawing at its eyes where the flame of the cartridge
had burned the hair, but it was only a little hurt.
As quick as thought Searles threw a new cartridge into the barrel,
raised the rifle, and pointing at the base of the bear's brain, pulled the trigger.
No explosion followed. It was one of the whittled cartridges and was not
sent home. With another wrench on the lever Searles tried again and failed.
A third time he strove in vain to fire the gun, and then the beast rose up
and turned on him open-jawed. Searles jammed his rifle into its jaws, but
it brushed the weapon aside, threw him to the ground, and with one foot
on his breast bit off his lower jaw. The next bite was in the throat, severing
the windpipe and laying bare the artery as well as the jugular vein, and
then it grabbed the flesh of the shoulder, laying bare the bones and cutting
a blood vessel, from which the blood spurted up so that Searles, lying there,
saw it stream in a curve above his face.
As the bear pulled this mouthful of flesh clear of the bones its foot
374 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
slipped and Searles rolled over. His coat was all in a hump on his back,
and the bear bit into that once and then went away.
"What does a man think when a bear is tearing him to pieces?" was
asked as Mr. Searles paused in his narrative.
"Twenty years in California to be killed at last by a of a grizzly,
is what I thought. I remember lying there and thinking so very well. I was
disgusted," he replied.
He was as near dead as ever a live man was, but a part of his discomfort
saved him. It was turning cold rapidly and the wet clothing began to freeze,
and this sealed up the torn blood vessels. Then, in spite of his horrible con-
dition, with his lower jaw dangling about his. throat in shreds and his left
arm useless — in spite of the most frightful pain — Mr. Searles managed to
walk and crawl to his horse, to mount it, though it was a fractious beast, to
ride four miles to camp, and to reach Los Angeles Hospital, a three days'
journey away. He lived wdiile the surgeons consulted over the best way
to make him comfortable during the short time he had to live. When they
talked about boring through sound upper teeth in order that they might wire
the pieces of the lower jaw together and to the upper one, he even managed
to kick one of them from the bedside half way to the other side of the room.
Thereat they began to think he was not quite dead after all. Then one came
who patched and pieced and sewed and plastered, and inspired hope, and in
three weeks the old hunter was up and around, getting well in a way to
astonish even the surgeon who had pulled him together.
LEGENDS OF ARROWHEAD.
It is natural that a figure so strongly marked, so distinctive in form and
so plainly visible from many directions and from long distances, as in the
"Arrowhead." should attract widespread attention and give rise to many
legends concerning its supernatural origin. And this has been true of the
sign known as the "Arrowhead" and blazed upon a mountain peak six miles
to the northeast of the city of San Bernardino. The fact that the head of the
' gigantic arrow points directly to the canon in which dozens of boiling hot
springs rise from the ground has given added significance to its history in
the eyes of the superstitious.
Indian Legend.
The primitive mind of the Indian always associates any unusual natural
phenomena with the world of unseen spirits. It is said that the Coahuilla
Indians, a peaceable and industrious tribe who populated the San Bernardino
valley when the white man first entered it, related this story: Once they
lived far to the eastward. Here they were much harassed by warlike neigh-
bors, and at last were driven from their native habitat. Then their Good
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY :>>:»
Spirit sent an arrow of fire, which like the Israelitish pillar of fire, guided
them to the west and finally rested upon a mountain side above this beautiful
and fertile valley, thus pointing out their new home.
The Mormon Legend.
As a matter of course, a Mormon story of a similar nature was told.
According to this, Brigham Young had a vision of a mountain with a strange
sign upon it. When the members of the Mormon Battalion told him of the
San Bernardino valley and of the strange marking upon the mountain peak,
he recognized his vision and knew that in this vicinity must be located his
Pacific colony.
A Biblical Theory.
In 1881, a Citrus Fair was held at Riverside. A visiting member of the
Press was so charmed with his surroundings that he advanced the theory
that the San Bernardino valley had been the original Garden of Eden. When
the Garden lost its pristine glory, the All-wise Architect stamped on a moun-
tain peak the only natural arrowhead mark to be found in the world, pointing
to the lost Eden and indelibly marking the spot.
Another Indian Legend of the Arrowhead.
Long ago the Indians who inhabited the beautiful San Bernardino valley
grew rich because of the fertile soil and the abundant streams that watered
it. They were mighty in the land and they became selfish and proud and
forgot the Great Spirit — the All-Ruler — who bestowed the abundance and
the power. And the Great Father was displeased at their ingratitude and
he sent out to this people a fierce, hot Spirit from the Sun-land, who drank
their streams until they sank out of sight into the sand and drained their
iakelets until only salt and bitter waters were left therein. Then the people
gathered in council and built fast-fires and made offerings to appease the
anger of their God. But the hot breath continued to devastate the earth and
all green things dried into crisp deadness and the hot earth crumbled into
ashes under their feet. The cattle and all animals perished and the Sun
monster left only their bleaching bones behind. Then the people were seized
with pestilence and with famine. And to all their prayers and their offerings
for relief from this deadly heat monster, no answer came. In despair, the
wailing Indians, kneeling with outstretched arms, offered to make any sac-
rifice— even to their most precious life — if only this devouring monster
might be satisfied.
Their chief had an only daughter, Xe-wah-na. "the new moon maiden."
who was the fairest and most beloved of all the women of their tribe. And
in answer to their last appeal a voice, borne upon the wings of a white eagle,
floated downward from above, "Give Xe-wah-na as an offering to heaven."
Silence fell upon all as the chief slowly arose from his place and wenl
376 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
to his wickiup. Carefully he wrapped his daughter in her choicest robes;
then he led her forth and left her alone to meet the fiery wrath of their
destroyer. When the sacrifice was complete and Ne-wah-na was no more,
the heavens opened and a white arrow of light leaped forth and struck the
monster, another and another followed and at last one struck the mountain
side and left there its mark. Then the blessed rain followed and water once
more cooled the parched earth and ran in the empty stream beds. The heat
monster writhed in agony under the cooling drops until the earth opened to
swallow him. As it closed again, streams of boiling water oozed and bubbled
forth from the crevices and the people, bitten with famine and disease, gath-
ered about and drank of the steaming waters and bathed in them and were
healed.
Chastened and humbled the dwellers of the valley lived for generations
in quiet and plenty at the foot of the arrow-marked mountain and found
relief for all their ailments in its health giving waters.
A REMARKABLE INCIDENT.
O. D. Gass, of Yucaipe, relates the following remarkable incident, which
he says "shows the power of mind over matter."
While living on the Las Vegas rancho, now in Nevada, he employed an
Indian buck by the name of Josh and on one occasion paid him $_'.>oo.
The Indian at once joined a camp of Paiutes and engaged in gambling,
and in a short time had lost money, clothing and everything he possessed.
He returned to the ranch and related his story to his wife, "Pony,'' who was
known as a puont (killer). She was greatly enraged and declared that she
would kill the man who had won the spoils, if he did not return the money
to the husband. She started for the camp and Mr. Gass, out of curiositv,
went along to see what would happen. The woman made a demand for
the money, which was flatly denied. She then told the man that if he did
not give back the sum she would "puont*' him. He laughed and told her
to kill away. The woman then took a small cotton rope out of her pocket
and coiled it on the ground and set fire to one end of it. She told the man,
pointing impressively to the creeping blaze, "when that string burns out
you will be a dead man." The Indian stopped his play and gazed fixedly at
the burning string. When it was consumed the Indian really was dead, and
the members of the tribe present took his body away and buried it. "I was
an eve-witness to this remarkable transaction. — O. D. Gass."
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
CHAPTER XVI.
THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO.
1885 to 1895.
This decade brought great changes. From a somewhat crude and
sleepy village, San Bernardino became in these ten years a wide-awake and
enterprising city. From a stage station she emerged into a railroad center.
Street lights, pavements, sewers, an adequate water system, street cars
and motor lines, blocks of well-built business houses, the finest hotel in
Southern California — these were some of the improvements of this eventful
period.
The first train to enter the city came in over the California Southern
road from San Diego, September 13, 1883, and on November 15, 1885. the
citizens of San Bernardino turned out en masse with fireworks and bands,
to greet the first transcontinental train over the newly completed California
Southern extension from San Bernardino to "Waterman (now Barstow).
which completed the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe line between Kansas
City and Los Angeles, or San Diego, then the terminus of the Hue.
After this date progress was rapid; visitors began to pour in and capital
began to move. Several street car franchises were let during 1885-86. R.
W. Button completed his steam motor line between San Bernardino and
Colton in 1886, and in February. 1887, the street cars began service between
the depot and the corner of Third and D streets.
May 15, 1886, San Bernardino re-incorporated and became a city of the
fifth class, the vote being eight to one in favor of the change. J. G. Burt,
John Andreson, Smith Haile, Fred T. Perris, I. R. Brunn and B. B. Harris
were elected trustees of the new city, with B. B. Harris as chairman.
In commenting upon the change to cityship, the Times predicted:
"'San Bernardino has awoke at last, all at once and all over. We are.
without a shadow of a doubt, to have the C. S. R. R. headquarters located
here. All that was asked from us by the company was promptly granted
with a celerity that astonished some of those people who all along have as-
serted that there was no life in our town. Following immediately upon the
heels of this came the vote upon the question of re-incorporation, and it
has carried by the unprecedented majority of eight to one. there being 350
for and only 45 against. Now. we are at once to have our city lit by elec-
tric lights, and already arrangements are making for a large hotel, to cost
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 379
complete from $100,000 to $125,000, and several smaller ones are also pro-
jected. Several wealth}- gentlemen, too, have been waiting for some time
past to learn what would be clone about the location of the railroad works,
in order to decide upon street railroads in our city, and now that the location
of these w-orks is definitely settled, the construction of street car lines will
be begun at once. Here we have the railroad headquarters, machine shops,
round houses, depots, and everything pertaining thereto: a city organization,
electric lights, large hotels, street railroads, all come to us by one movement,
and that the location here of the division headquarters of the C. S. R. R.
In the election yesterday our citizens discarded the cramped garments of
youth and have donned those of adult age. They have by an overwhelming
majority announced that San Bernardino is a live, a very live town ; they
have declared in favor of taking our proper station in the land, in favor of
advancement, progress and go-aheaditiveness."
The erection of the California Southern car shops and depot at a cost of
$200,000 gave employment to a large force of men and was a most important
event in the history of the town. Another advance step which marked
the new era was the election of March 26, 1887, when $100,000 in bonds was
voted for the construction of a sewer system and $50,000 for general im-
provements in grading, graveling and macadamizing the streets. In conse-
quence of this action a complete and very satisfactory sewer system was
installed and a large amount of work was done in putting the streets in good
order.
In October, 1887. a Board of Trade was organized to aid in bringing
San Bernardino to the front and in securing public improvements and new
settlers and capital. The first officers were: John Andreson, Sr., president;
Oscar Newberg, C. F. Ross, vice-presidents : Charles J. Perkins, recording
secretary; E. C. Seymour, financial secretary; Lewis Jacobs, treasurer. This
organization was instrumental in securing many improvements for the city.'
The same year saw the completion of the Stewart Hotel. The first
plans for the building of this hotel were made by J. H. Stewart, a pioneer
iesident who had invested largely in San Bernardino property and who hail
entire' faith in the future of the city. He was fatally injured by an accident
in 1885, before his plans were complete. Then a company, made up of San
Bernardino citizens, was formed, with J. G. Burt as the chief stockholder,
and incorporated for $100,000. This company built, at a cost of S150.000,
what was then the finest hotel structure south of San Francisco. The build-
ing was 150 feet square and four stories high, with a court in the center.
With the exception of the new Court House, it was the most elaborate
building architecturally and the costliest structure ever put up in the city.
It contained some 400 rooms .-11111 was fully furnished and equipped as a
first-class hotel. Naturally the citizens of the town took great pride in it,
£
»i^vB
• % >
■BBbt tfiBM
la »■*» IL
JOHN ANDRESON. Sr.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 381
and its loss by fire was a severe blow to the town as well as to the stock-
holders.
Among the many new blocks which added to the wealth and appearance
of the city and plainly indicated the prosperity that had dawned, were the
Andreson Block on Third street, which was erected at a cost of $52,000, a
three-story brick building; the Katz Block, the Ancker Block, the Brink-
meyer & Waters Block on D street, and the building of Richard Stewart,
all of which were solid improvements. An addition to the Southern Hotel
cost $10,000 and a large addition was also made to the St. Charles. The
Methodist church and the Presbyterian parsonage were also erected this
year. A large number of handsome residences were added to the homes of
San Bernardino. The dwellings of James Waters, father and son ; of
Mathew Byrne, Louis Ancker, Judge Willis, Judge Damron, and others.
were sufficiently substantial and beautiful to grace any city.
1888 — During this year the Van Dorin and Otis Blocks were added to
the business structures of the city. The rapid- growth of the town made a
new location for the postoffice imperative and after much delay a postoffice
official visited the city and called for bids for accommodations. The best
offer was that of Messrs. Andreson and Drew, who offered to furnish all
material for a "metropolitan office free of charge" and donate the use of the
room for five years. In consequence the handsome block at the corner of
E and Court streets was erected.
June 5, the Redlands and San Bernardino motor line began regular
service, and August 17. the San Bernardino, Arrowhead and Waterman nar-
row gauge line was finished. November 16, the motor line to Riverside, con-
structed by the same company which had previously built the motor line to
Colton, was opened for traffic ; thus the county seat was brought into direct
communication with its surrounding towns by a frequent and regular service.
December 13, occurred the death of E. H. Morse, cashier of the San
Bernardino National Bank, who was shot by an insane man, who demanded
money.
1889 — February 13, the first citrus fair held in San Bernardino was
opened in the Van Dorin Block. The exhibits were numerous and well ar-
ranged, and this was one of the most successful of the long series of citrus
fairs held in the county. February 3. occurred the death of Hardin Yager,
who had been for twenty-six years county treasurer and for thirty years in
public office in the county. This year the Court House topic began to loom
up and the discussion of fhe removal of the county seat was vigorous — out-
side of San Bernardino.
On November 2, the citizens of San Bernardino voted bonds to the
amount of $150,000 to be expended in securing a municipal water system,
and the first steps in securing an efficient and abundant water service were
at once taken.
H. L. DREW
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 383
1890 — The matter of a pavilion for public purposes to be built in the
city park had long been under discussion. In 1889 the Society of San Ber-
nardino Pioneers took this matter up vigorously, and chiefly through their
efforts the trustees were induced to vote $10, coo' and the pavilion was erected
in the city park at a cost of about $i2.oco. It was dedicated with appropri-
ate ceremonies on January 1, 1891.
1891 — The city had up to this time retained its original limits of one mile
square, although it was surrounded by a thickly populated and well built-up
district which was a part of the city in all but name. In 1888 a proposition
to take in a larger area was voted down, but on January 17, 1891, the people
voted to enlarge the boundaries, and the city was thus authorized to take in
territory which increased the area to six and one-half miles, and the popula-
tion from 4,500 to nearly 10,000:
In June bonds to the amount of $60,000 were voted for a High School
building. This year the city was first lighted by electricity, the San An-
tonio Electric Co. putting in from 500 to 800 incandescent lights.. The Epis-
copal church was completed and occupied this year.
1892 — January 1, the first City Library was opened, with Miss Ella
Ames as librarian. During 1892 the Hall of Records was completed and
work was begun on the new Court House.
One of the most unique events in the history of San Bernardino was the
Woman's Non-Partisan Political Convention which met in that city October
12, 1892. Sixty-five delegates from various clubs and societies were present
and after due deliberation they nominated a complete county ticket for the
next election and instructed their husbands, brothers, sons and lovers to vote
for their candidates, all of whom were defeated.
November 5, 1892, occurred the costliest fire ever experienced in the
city. The Stewart Hotel building was burned to the ground with all the
stores and offices located in the block. The San Bernardino Fire Depart-
ment, aided by Redlands and other towns, made a brave fight, but the build-
ing could not be saved. The loss was estimated at $150,000.
1893 — February 20, the annual state convention of Turners was held
in San Bernardino, with a large and enthusiastic attendance. The Orphans'
Home was opened in February and twenty children brought from Los An-
geles and placed in it. February 24, the Riverside county bill passed the
Legislature. The Stewart Hotel was rebuilt this year. While the second
building was not so costly as the first, it was a substantial and handsome
edifice of three stories, and the hotel is known as one of the most comfortable
and well kept establishments in Southern California.
1894 — The First National Bank closed its doors: one of the worst fail-
ures ever occurring in the city. Notices were posted stating that depositors
would be paid in full. Receivers were appointed and after many legal pro-
384 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
ceedings and disappointments the affairs of the institution were finally wound
up 1899 and depositors received some 62 per cent of their money all told.
1895 — La Fiesta de San Bernardino was celebrated with a bull fight,
Spanish barbecue, races and a civic procession, 200 Coahuilla Indians, grand
illumination, etc., in September. In August occurred a disastrous fire at D
and Court streets in which some half dozen buildings were destroyed.
1897 — This year was marked by a most disastrous fire, in which Whit-
ney's mill, St. John's Episcopal church and a number of other buildings were
burned. The Redlands fire department was called in, and the total loss
was $50,000.
1898 — May 9, Co. K started for San Francisco amid a grand demonstra-
tion of the citizens. The famous artesian "gusher" which flowed 500 inches
was struck this year and many artesian wells were put down in the vicinity
of the city. The Court House was completed and occupied this year, and
the pavilion at Urbita Springs built.
1899 — December 19, electric car service was instituted in the city.
1900 — The old Board of Trade, formed in 1887, after a few years of
activity, passed out of existence. In 1900 the representative business men
of the city felt that such an organization for promoting the interests of the
town was needed, and reorganized as a Board of Trade, with J. B. Gill as
president; John Andreson. Jr.. vice-president; F. D. Keller, secretary, and
C. Colin, treasurer. The following citizens were chosen as directors: Thomas
Hadden, James Fleming, J. W. Curtis. H. L. Drew. Joseph Jonas. Commit-
tees were appointed and the Board at once became an active factor in the
advancement of the commercial and industrial interests of the vicinity. It
took an active part in securing the Salt Lake Road for San Bernardino, and
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 385
has been largely instrumental in pushing street improvements, the new water
system and in securing a revision of the city charter. It was instru-
mental in carrying out two or three successful street fairs, or Fiestas, which
attracted attention and trade to the town. The present officers of the Board
are: J. J. Hanford, president; N. J. Herzog, vice-president: H. M. Willis,
secretary; H. D. Sibley, treasurer; directors — Thomas Hadden. H. M. Bar-
ton. W. S. Hooper, H. R. Levy, A. M. Ham.
iqoi — This year the first Street Fair was held in the city and was a most
successful event. A queen was chosen, a court appointed and elaborate
street decorations, processions and illuminations, with a grand ball, races and
numerous events added to the occasion. It drew a large number of visitors
from neighboring towns and was greatly enjoyed.
1902 — February 21, first service on the San Bernardino Valley Traction
line. In December, $231,000 bonds were voted for the acquirement of an ade-
quate and up-to-date water system for the municipality.
1903 — Andrew Carnegie donated $20,000 for a public library. December
5, an election was held to choose freeholders to frame a new city charter.
Southern Pacific Company purchased land in the heart of the city for depot
grounds and also for right of way.
1904 — The new Masonic Temple was completed at a cost of about $35,000
and dedicated with fitting ceremonies. The Carnegie Library was finished
and put into use with appropriate ceremonies.
The Southern Pacific Railroad Company began the erection of a $30,000
depot and put in a broad gauge track into the city. Nearly half a million
dollars was expended in building during the year. Among the substantial
and architecturally satisfying buildings are a new theater, the Broadway,
costing $35,000; the Dunn & Black Block, the Home Telephone building,
the Anderson Block, and the new Baptist church, which is expected to cost
$30,000. A new gas plant is also being installed. The city now has a popu-
lation of 11,582, according to a recent house-to-house canvass made by the
postmaster, Stephen J. Kelley. This would make the estimated population
of 12,000 none too large. The city has now emerged from the slow develop-
ment of the past and is forging ahead with a strength and rapidity that puts
her in the front rank among the enterprising and progressive towns of South-
ern California. San Bernardino is indeed the "Queen City" of the great
San Bernardino Valley, and is in a fair way to become the second city in
size and in commercial importance in Southern California, even though San
Diego has her harbor and her immense "back country."
On the 30th of July, 1904, in pursuance of an order of the board of trus-
tees of the City of San Bernardino, and under the provisions of the constitu-
tion of the State, a special election was held, by the qualified electors of the
city to choose fifteen freeholders, residents of the city, to prepare a city charter
for submission to the voters of the city, for ratification or rejection. The
LEWIS JACOBS
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 387
freeholders so chosen, were John Andreson, Sr., H. M. Barton, I. R. Brurin,
J. W. Cattick, M. L. Cook, Geo. M. Cooky, F. B. Daley, J. J. Hanfon.1, W. S.
Hooper, L. D. Houghton, Jos. Ingersoll, A. G. Kendall, James. Murray, W. M.
Parker and H. C. Rolfe. They assembled accordingly, and organized a board,
and within the ninety days as prescribed by the constitution, prepared and sub-
mitted a city charter, and on the 6th of January, following, it was ratified by a
vote of nearly three to one at a special election of the people. And being subse-
quently approved by concurrent resolution of both houses of legislature or,
the .30th of January. 1905. it became the organic law or charter of the city,
for its future government. It provides for a mayor and common council, as
the legislative and executive departments of the city government, in place
of the former board of trustees. Also a board of water commissioners, as
well as several other boards, and a police and fire department. As a whole,
it is intended to be, and no doubt is, an improvement on the former city gov-
ernment, as a city of the fifth class as heretofore existing under the general
municipal corporation law of the State, and better adapted to deal with, and
manage, its municipal affairs, with its various and large amount of improve-
ments, owned and managed by the city, including a valuable system of water
works, with an abundant supply of pure water for domestic and other use-
ful purposes of the inhabitants, as well as public uses of the city for sprink-
ling the streets, extinguishing fires, etc.
BANKS.
The oldest bank in San Bernardino county is the Bank of San Bernar-
dino, which began business under the name of Meyerstein & Co. in 1874.
Lewis Jacobs was made the manager of the institution from its very start
and soon became proprietor of the business. It was conducted as a private
bank and did a general banking business, in early days purchasing bullion,
gold bars and gold dust. It financed many of the most important business
deals in the county and always had the confidence of the people. It was first
conducted in a brick building which was later used as Sturges Academy on
Fourth street. The building now occupied on Third street was especially
built and fitted up for this bank.
Mr. Lewis continued at the head of the bank until his death in 1900,
while on the return trip from a visit to his old home in Europe. Oscar
Newburg is now manager and Clarence Mylrea cashier.
Farmers' Exchange Bank. This, the second bank in the county, was
organized in 1881, with Byron Waters, president; Richard Gird, vice-presi-
dent; E. H. Morse, cashier. In 1884, IT. L. Drew became president and re-
tained that office until his death in 1901. In 1888. the present bank building,
a three-story structure of brick, stone and marble was erected for the bank.
The lower floor was especially fitted up for the bank and the rooms were
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
389
elegantly finished in marble, mahogany and plate glass. In the same year,
Sumpter F. Zombro became cashier, a position he still holds. The paid up
stock of the bank has been steadily increased from $30,000 in 1881 to $100,-
000 in 1893. It was the first incorporated bank in the county and has al-
ways commanded a large volume of banking business. The present officers
are, John Andreson, Sr., president; James Fleming, vice-president; S. F.
Zombro, cashier; John Andreson, Jr., assistant cashier.
First National Bank of San Bernardino. This bank was instituted in
1886 with a paid up capital of $100,000 and with J. H. Smith, president; M.
B. Garner, vice-president, and W. N. Crandall, cashier. Directors were Joseph
Brown, H. Brinkmeyer, J. A. Hall, W. N. Crandall, W. J. Curtis, J. B. Good-
let, M. B. Garner, J. H. Smith, John M. James. In 1887 a considerable flurry
and a run on the bank occurred as a result of some misunderstanding among
the stockholders. In 1894 the bank closed its doors with the announcement
that stockholders would be paid in full. John Brown, Sr., was then presi-
dent, M. B. Garner, vice-president,
and O. H. Kohl, cashier. After
long delay, many disappointments
and much legal untangling, the
affairs of the bank were finally
closed up in 1899, depositors re-
ceiving about 6zy2 per cent of
their deposits. v
San Bernardino National Bank.
This bank was formed in 1887
and opened for business February
4. 1888, with J. G. Burt, president ;
A. H. Hart, vice-president; E. H.
Morse, cashier; W. S. Hooper,
teller. It was established in ele-
gant quarters in the Stewart Ho-
tel Block. Some of its records
were destroyed in the fire of 1892,
but the bank was in no way
crippled and resumed business in
the new Stewart Hotel Building
john l oakey when that was completed-quar-
ters which it still occupies. Among- the early stockholders were Ambrose
Hunt. I. R. Brunn, Richard Gird, J. G. Burt, C. E. A. Palmer, J. W. Davis,
Jr., Seth Marshall, H. L. Drew. e". H. Morse, A. Hart. Henry Goodcell. Sr..
W. S. Hooper. Richard Stewart, W. E. W. Eightfoot, E. A. Cram, John
Patterson, W. W. Stow, J. W. Roberts, H. E. Harris.
:S90
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
In 1891, J. W. Roberts became president of the bank and at the same
time the capital stock was doubled. Upon his death in 1903, the presidency
was filled by the election of his son, E. D. Roberts, who had long- been con-
nected with the bank. The present officers are, E. D. Roberts, president;
H. E. Harris, vice-president ; W. S. Hooper, cashier.
San Bernardino County Savings Bank, was opened for business, July
6, 1903, with a paid up capital of $55,000. E. D. Roberts is president; Seth
Marshall, vice-president; A. C. Den-
man, 2nd vice-president ; A. G. Kendall,
cashier; directors, E. D. Roberts, Seth
Marshall, A. C. Denman, Jr., W. S.
Hooper, G. W. Parsons, H. E. Harris,
A. M. Ham, T. A. Blakely, A. L.
Wright, H. B. Smith, W. J. Curtis.
During the first year deposits ex-
ceeded $200,000, with thirty-eight
stockholders, which enabled the bank
to pay stockholders 6 per cent on then-
subscriptions, beside carrying surplus
required by law. Beside paying share-
holders, depositors received 4 per cent
on term deposits and 3 per cent on
other deposits, compounded semi-an-
nually.
California State Bank of San Ber-
nardino, was organized and incorpor-
ated August 2, 1901, and began busi-
ness Aug. 15 thereafter. It was incor-
porated with a paid-up capital of $50,-
000, and organized under banking laws
of the state and is conducted under the Board of Bank Commissioners for
the state of California. Its officers are, John L. Oakey, president; H. H.
Ham, vice-president ; W. S. Boggs, cashier ; directors, Dr. J. N. Baylis, Harry
Gray, Los Angeles ; Dr. YV. H. Stiles, L. A. Desmond, Highland.
It conducts a general commercial banking business, and safe deposit
vaults, occupying the new and modern banking house, New Garner Block,
corner of E and Court streets, San Bernardino.
The business of this bank has shown a steady and substantial growth,
gratifying alike to its officers, directors and stock-holders. A report of its
condition at the close of business, September 24th, 1904. (condensed), is
as follows ;
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 391
Resources. .
Loans and discounts $162,590.74
Stocks, bonds and warrants 20,771.57
Furniture and fixtures 3,638.26
Cash on hand ....'. 32,076.30
Due from Banks and Bankers 64,400.87
Total $283,477.74
Liabilities.
Capital paid up $ 50,000.00
Surplus 5.000.00
Undivided profits 2.053.74
Due depositors 211,674.98
Due Banks and Bankers 12,749.02
I Hvidends unpaid 2,000.00
Total $283,477.74
THE SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY TRACTION COMPANY.
In .May, 1901, Mr. A. C. Denman, Jr., of Redlands, purchased from
Messrs. Parazette and Beggs, of San Bernardino, the Urbita Hot Springs
property, located just outside of the south city limits of San Bernardino
city. In June, of the same year, Messrs. H. H. Sinclair and Henry Fisher,
of Redlands, became interested in this property and these gentlemen made
improvements and operated the place under the management of Mr. Den-
man until its sale to the San Bernardino Valley Traction Co.. June 2, 1903.
In June. 1901, Messrs. Fisher, Sinclair and Denman, with J. H. Fisher,
Edward S. Graham and Henry 1!. Ely, of Redlands, and Seth Hartley, of
Colton, formed a company for the purpose of purchasing various franchises
then granted, or pending, and operating electric street car lines over these
franchises. This company was incorporated June 4, 1901, with a capital
stock of $500,000. under the name of San Bernardino Valley Traction Com-
pany, with Henry Fisher, president: A. C. Denman. Jr., vice-president and
general manager; Edward S. Graham, treasurer, and J. H. Fisher, secretary.
On August 6, 1901. the directors completed the purchase of the follow-
ing franchises: Campbell franchise. Seventh and E street franchise, both
in San Bernardino city; Colton Ave. franchise, San Bernardino county; Col-
ton city franchise: Mt. Vernon Ave. franchise. San Bernardino county, and
Alt. Vernon Ave. franchise. San Bernardino city. Six months after the pur-
:V.i>2
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
chase of these franchises the company began active operations, and the first
car over the line, after its completion was run on Feb. 22, 1902.
In Dec, iyoi, the Traction Company purchased franchises along San
Bernardino Ave., Mountain View Ave. and Mill street, for the purpose of
constructing and operating an electric car line between San Bernardino and
Redlands. 'Work was begun shortly after the purchase of these franchises
and the first car between the two cities was run March 10, 1903.
February, 1903, the San Bernardino and Highland Electric Railway
Company was organized and incorporated with a capital stock of $150,000,
for the purpose of constructing and operating an electric car line to the
township of Highland from San Bernardino. The officers and directors of
this company were: Henry Fisher, president; A. C. Denman, Jr., vice-pres-
ident and general manager; George B. Ellis,
secretary , and E. D. Roberts, treasurer.
These officers, with George M. Cooley and
H. H. Sinclair, composed the Board of Direc-
tors.
On March 4, 1903, the Directors of the
San Bernardino and Highland Company pur-
chased a franchise on Pacific Ave., and one
on Base Line to Palm Ave., and also one on
Palm Ave. to the center of Highland. Work
was about to commence on these franchises
when Mr. Kohl, of the San Bernardino, Arrow-
head and Waterman Railway Co., began ne-
gotiations with Mr. Denman for the pur-
chase of the old motor line. In April the Board
of Directors of the San Bernardino and
Highland Electric Ry. Co. approved the ac-
tion ot the general manager, Mr. Denman, and purchased the old
road. Work was at once begun in reconstructing the old line, widening the
gauge and putting it in first-class condition for the operation of electric cars.
On July 26, 1903, the first car was run over the line as far as Harlem Springs
and August 13, the line to Patton and Highland was opened.
The San Bernardino Valley Traction Co. and the Highland Electric
Co. operated separately until June 2, 1903, when they consolidated with the
Redlands Street Railway Co. under the name of the San Bernardino Valley
Traction Co. The officers and directors of this company elected at its first
meeting are as follows: Henry Fisher, president; A. C. Denman, Jr., vice-
president and general manager ; C. W. A. Cartlidge, secretary and treasurer.
These officers with J. H. Fisher, George M. Cooley, H. H. Sinclair, E. D.
Roberts, George B. Ellis and F. C. Hornby, compose the Board of Directors.
A. C. DENMAN, Jr.
of the general manager,
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 393
Since the incorporation of the San Bernardino Valley Traction Co., the three
companies have all been operated under one management.
Shortly after the consolidation the company purchased the Urbita
Springs property and the Cole Race Track. Since August, iqoi, the com-
pany has always paid its fixed charges and has never run behind any one
month.
The Traction Co. is now operating three cars in the city of Redlands.
two cars between Redlands and San Bernardino, two cars between San
Bernardino and Colton, one between San Bernardino and Highland and one
to Urbita Springs and within the city of San Bernardino. Since the starting
of the first electric car line in San Bernardino there has been a great increase
in travel, due to the education of the citizens and also to the increase in the
population of the district which has taken place within the past three years.
The Traction company is now carrying from 110,000 to 115,000 people a
month.
SAN BERNARDINO GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY.
'he San Bernardino Electric Co. was organized in 1892, with a capital
stock of $50,000, Peter Kohl being
president; Chas. R. Lloyd, vice-
president, and Wm. Gird, secre-
tary. The company purchased the
interests of what is known as the
old Davis Mill property on Mill
street and Waterman avenue,
which was formerly the old Mor-
mon grist mill. They thus se-
cured ten acres of ground adjoin-
ing the mill and 200 inches of
water from Warm Creek and
Mackenzie ditch. They con-
structed a new flume, thus dou-
bling the amount of water and se-
curing a largely increased head.
In 1897 the company was re-
organized with a capital stock of
$100,000 and with W. S. Hooper,
president ; C. R. Loyd, vice-
president, and B. Roos. secretary
and general manager. In 1898
they bought the stock of the San
Antonio Light and Power Co. and Arthur W. Burt was made secretarv and
394
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
manager in place of Roos. In July, i8y8. the company bought out the San
Bernardino Gas Works and its distributing mains.
Up to 1902 the plant was operated by the San Bernardino Electric Co..
but that year the present company was organized and absorbed the former
interests. W. S. Hooper is president: C. M. Grow, secretary and general
manager; C. R. Lloyd, vice-president. Capital stock, $200,000. In April.
1903, the plant and stock were absorbed by the Pacific Light and Power Co.
of Los Angeles. It is still, how-
ever, operated as an independent
company with the Pacific Light
and power Company as principal
stockholder. A sub-s t a t i o n
has been established here, op-
perated in connection with the
Power House at Highgrove, Riv-
erside Co. Here 200 horse power
is created by 300 inches of water
in the Gage canal with a forty
foot fall.
The company now supplies 125
arc lights for the city of San
Bernardino. It lights the envir-
onments of the city, the Santa
Fe shops and provides private
parties with 95 arc lights and
about 6000 incandescents, cover-
ing the entire field. It also oper-
ates the dynamos from the cen-
tral station of the Home Tele-
or motive purposes at the Santa Fe shops
1 dliis
phone Co., furnishes power
and provides about 500 horse power for pumping plants within a
of five miles.
WATER SYSTEM.
The first water supply of the town of San Bernardino was a ditch
brought by the Mormon colonists from Garner's Springs and the cienega
formed by their overflow, into the' stockade. When the town was incor-
porated and platted in 1854, ditches were run along the streets for irriga-
tion purposes. These were known as "Town Ditch No. 1," "No. 2," etc., but
were later recorded as "East Upper Dam," "West Upper Dam," etc. The
water for these ditches was originally brought from Town Creek. In 1854
the waters of Twin Creeks were appropriated by a special act of the legis-
lature for municipal purposes. An open ditch brought th
waters of both
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 395
creeks into the town, but this supply proved uncertain and was abandoned
later on. Water was then supplied from Lytle Creek aiid from artesian
wells, both within and without the city limits. A water company also par-
tially supplied the town.
After the town became a city, bonds for a water system were voted and
in 1890 a reservoir with a capacity of one million gallons was constructed
four miles northeast of the city and 250 feet above its level. This gave suf-
ficient pressure to deliver water at any point. The reservoir was supplied
by water from Lytle Creek and from artesian wells located on land pur-
chased by the city. A complete system of water mains was put in during
1890-91. The city owned its own water system and it was so well managed
that for a time the water rents afforded the city an income. But the
rapid growth of the town rendered the old supply inadequate to the needs
and in Dec, 1902, bonds to the amount of $231,000 were voted by an over-
whelming majority, for the acquirement of a new, adequate and up-to-date
water system. In consequence steps were taken for the acquisition of a
100-inch water right, commonly known as the Hubbard water right, apply-
ing to Lytle Creek waters ; a 22 acre tract of land about one mile east of
the city and in the center of the artesian belt, was secured ; a pumping plant
was constructed on this tract ; the capacity of the old storage reservoir was
doubled by an addition : and a complete system of water mains and distribut-
ing pipes was put in. The entire work was planned and constructed under
the supervision of the city engineer, E. A. Rasor. The work was completed
in December, 1904, and the city now has a service of 300 inches of pure
water for domestic purposes and it is estimated that this amount can be
doubled, or tripled — when necessary — from the water rights now owned by
the municipality.
SAN BERNARDINO FIRE DEPARTMENT.
"Old Fire Company." On June 22, 1865, a meeting of the citizens
of San Bernardino was called at Pine's Hotel, for the purpose of organizing
a "Fire Protective Association." As a result the San Bernardino Fire Com-
pany was formally organized on June 26th, with Win. McDonald, foreman:
Nathan Kinman, 1st assistant; Aubry "Wolff, 2nd assistant, and T. H. Levy,
secretary and treasurer.
During the summer the Company equipped itself "with four ladders,
four axes, four hooks. 24 buckets, a fire bell and a speaking trumpet." A
concert was given for the benefit of the Company which netted $103 and
early in i8f>f) a fire hall was put up on Third at the foot of C street. In
1869 this building was sold to Dr. Peacock and was by him donated to the
Methodist church.
The Fire Company took an active part in the social life of the commun-
396 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
ity. Frequent mention is made of balls for the "benefit" of the "fire boys,"
of picnics and Fourth of July celebrations — some of which originated with
the "boys." This Company continued in active service until 1871, when it
sold its property and effects and placed the amount realized in the hands
of M. H. Suverkrup to be invested for the benefit of the Company. On the
rolls of this pioneer Fire Company we find the names of some of San Ber-
nardino's best citizens. The list of active members in 1867 included William
McDonald, to whose energy and disinterestedness much of the success of
the Company was due, A. Wolff, A. D. Rowell, Louis Caro, Wm. A. Frank-
lin, H. Goldsberg, N. Kinman, I. H. Levy, J. G. Wixom, H. Suverkrup, John
Byas, W. R. and O. M. Wozencraft. R. Woodward, F. A. Kelting, Chas.
Roe, W. Godfrey, Dr. Peacock, M. Katz and Geo. E. Moore.
Volunteer Engine Company No. 1. In October, 1878, a meeting of
the members of the old Fire Company was called and after deliberation the
organization of Engine Company No. 1 was completed. The funds of the
old company were turned over to this organization and Wm. McDonald was
chosen as foreman. 1st assistant was Raymond Woodward; 2nd assistant,
J. W. Morgan; secretary, A. D. Rowell; financial secretary, C. F. Roe: trus-
tees, W. A. Conn, John Byas, X. Kinman ; stewards, L. Caro, M. G. Wixom.
With the assistance of the town trustees and the citizens, a fire engine,
No. 246, Piano Engine, throwing two streams, and a hose cart were pur-
chased. A Hose Company with M. Hayden as foreman was formed and
uniforms were adopted. The first trial of the new fire apparatus is des-
cribed as follows: "At 15 minutes to one o'clock, on Jan. 17, 1879, the alarm
sounded for the gathering of members. At 1 o'clock sharp, the men fell into
line and headed by the San Bernardino Cornet Band, proceeded down D to
3rd street, and down 3rd to Mathews Mill. There the engine took water
from the mill flume, throwing two splendid streams both horizontally and
perpendicularly. The order to 'take up' was then given and the Company
fell into line and proceeded to the tank of Van Doren and Lehman where
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
the 'little' institution got on her muscle, throwing a solid stream fully 20 feet
above the front of the ( )dd Fellows Hall. 'Take up,' again was the order
and headed by the band, under the instruction of John Andreson, the Com-
pany was conducted to bis place of business where the 'baptismal ceremony'
took place."
The San Bernardino Fire Department was organized October
3rd, 1878. It was then a volunteer department and continued as
such until December 3rd, 1889, when it was re-organized by Chief D. H.
Wixom, and became a part paid department. This was a shrewd and suc-
cessful move. In February, 1889. the City Trustees purchased a span of
horses for the department : these horses became
well known as Frank and Sam. They drew the
steamer which had previously been drawn by
hand. The team worked on the street dur-
ing the day, and at night they were kept har-
nessed in readiness should an alarm be given.
On May 1st, 1889, Mr. Albert Glatz took
charge of the Fire Department horses and was
chosen driver. This position he has held to
the present time, discharging his duties with
great credit and to the entire satisfaction of
four different fire chiefs as well as all the differ-
ent Boards of City Trustees. In July, 1889, the
Trustees purchased swinging harness for the
department, after which the horses were con-
stantly kept in comfortable stalls at the hose
house and trained exclusively for Fire Depart-
ment work. In September, 1889, a Hook and Ladder was added to the depart-
ment's apparatus. The Trustees, in 1890, put in a water system with high
gravity pressure, thus doing away with the steamer and replacing it with
a substantial hosewagon, which was built in San Bernardino. The Fire
Department now seemed in good condition, and was fast imparting a feeling
of security to the inhabitants. It was evident, however, that other improve-
ments should be made before the proper end could be reached. So, in April,
1891, an electric system with a tower bell, house gong, indicator
and six alarm boxes were added. This number of alarm boxes has been
increased until now there are fifteen fire alarm boxes located in various
parts of the city.
On the 31st day of August, 1894, Chief Wixom resigned his position and
Mr. J. H. Tittle, assistant under Wixom, was appointed chief. During
Chief Tittle's administration, in April, 1896, the hose wagon underwent a
radical change : it was made better and stronger, and ball bearing axles were
put in making it the only ball bearing fire apparatus on the Pacific Coast.
STEVENSON
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
The first prize won by the San Bernardino Fire Department, was on
May Day. 1896, when they were awarded a handsome silver cup, for tin-
best decorated team. Upon this cup the name of each member of the de-
partment was beautifully engraved. An incident which grieved the entire
community occurred in May, 1896, when Sam, one of the pioneer horses, died.
In April, 1897, after serving in the capacity of chief for upwards of three
years, Mr. Tittle resigned, and Mr. O. M. Stevenson, then assistant, was ap-
pointed chief, and is still filling the position with marked distinction. Dur-
ing the first year of Chief Stevenson's term of office, in August, 1897, the
Trustees purchased a splendid team of thor-
ough-bred roadsters, Dick and Prince, and many
a home has been saved from devastation and ruin
by these fleet-footed, noble steeds.
In April, 1900, a Street Fair was held at
Riverside, Cal., and several fire departments from
different town contested for prizes. At this
contest the San Barnardino Fire Department
won two handsome trophies, the first prize in
ladder contest and second prize in hose contest.
Again in May, 1901. at a Street Fair held in
San Bernardino, the home Department won two
more handsome cups, first prize in ladder contest
and second prize in hose contest. These prizes
are all on exhibition at the hall of the Fire De-
partment. On July 4th, 1901. at a contest held
in Santa Ana. the second prize was divided
between San Bernardino and Santa Ana.
The most serious and disastrous conflagration since the reorganization
of the department, occurred on Nov. 5th. 1892. when the Stewart Hotel, a
large and imposing four-story structure on the corner of Third and E streets,
was entirely consumed by vicious and uncontrollable flames. On this event-
ful and well remembered occasion, every member of the Fire Department re-
sponded to the sound of the fire bell, as if by magic, and each one it seemed
tried to outstrip the other in deeds of daring and heroism. But though their
number had been multiplied by ten. and their apparatus increased at the
same ratio, the mighty odds would have been against them, and in a few
short hours the beautiful and majestic Hotel Stewart, with the majority of
its rich and expensive contents, lay a mass of smoldering ruins. ^Yeak,
weary, maimed and heartbroken, the firemen withdrew from this pitiful
scene. This had been their first and ever to be lamented defeat. Many
were injured and one brave fellow was carried to his home with a broken
leg, from which he has never fully recovered. Nothing could demonstrate
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 399
more clearly than this the absolute necessity of a relief fund for disabled
and sick firemen.
With regret we are forced to chronicle another destructive fire, which
took place December 29th, 1897, when the planing mill and a number of
cottages on Fourth street were totally destroyed. The destruction to this
property can in no sense be credited as a defeat for the Fire Department,
but wholly to the fact that the fire broke out during a fierce north gale and
gained such tremendous headway, in such a surprisingly short space of time,
that it was simply impossible for the Fire Department, with their limited
number and means, to check the flames before great damage had been done.
THE POSTOFFICE.
The first United Sta'
1853, in the old Council
streets. D. M. Thomas,
STEPHEN J. KELLEY
:es postoffice in San Bernardino was* established in
House at the northeast corner of C and Third
the first county judge was, at the same time, post-
master and held the office until 1857 when he
returned with the other Mormon colonists to
Utah. The business/ of the postoffice at this
time was very light and the postmaster drew no
salary. Judge Thomas owned a house at the
southwest corner of C. and Fifth streets which,
on leaving, he sold to A. D. Boren and which,
since that time has been known as the Boren
Homestead. Air. Boren succeeded to the county
judgeship and seems to have assumed the post-
office duties also, and to have removed the office
to his own residence for a time. The second
regularly appointed postmaster was Dr. Ben
Barton who located the office in his drug store
at the corner of C. and Fourth streets in a small
adobe building on the southwest corner. Dr. Bar-
ton was a very busy man and the duties of
still a sinecure, were performed by his brother,
most part. When the mail arrived, which was
postmaster, which were
John P. Barton, for the
about once a week, the larger portion of the community was present to see
the stage come in. The mail was opened and the names on letters and pack-
ages "called off" and they were delivered to claimants. Such mail matter as
was left on hand was dumped into a box on the counter and people looked
it over for themselves and took whatever they thought belonged to them.
It 1853 a contract was let by the government for carrying the mail be-
tween San Bernardino and Salt Lake City. Dr. Copeland was the con-
tractor and he sub-let the route to Captain Jefferson Hunt, Daniel Taft and
400
HISTORY OF SAN BERXARDIXO COUNTY
Daniel Rathburn. The first mail was carried from San Bernardino by
James Williams on horseback. Ed Hope was the next to go ont. Sheldon
Stoddard carried the mails during 1854 and took the last mail through in 1858.
The mail was sent once a month, two men starting from each end of the
route and meeting in the vicinity of the Muddy. The trip usually occupied
about twenty days, although Mr. Hunt and a companion once made the
journey in sixteen days — under the stress of an attack by the Indians and a
flight from danger. Often pack horses and passengers accompanied the
mail carriers.
Dr. Barton was succeeded by Thomas Dickey, who removed the office
to the corner of D and Third streets.
He was followed by Dr. J. C. Peacock, who filled the office of postmas-
ter from early in the sixties until about 1880. He removed the postoffice to
his drug store on the south side of Third between C and D in what is now
the east half of the store of the G. M. Cooler Hardware Co. The business
had grown to some extent and Dr. Peacock improvised a somewhat novel
device for distributing the mail. He mounted a
barrel upon a stand in such a manner as to be
easily turned. He cut holes in the side and put
in shelves to form compartments which were
lettered. The mail was distributed into these
pigeon holes and the public could revolve the
barrel and secure its own mail. The first regular
postoffice facilities were introduced during Dr.
Peacock's term ; both boxes and lock boxes
were put in and the business was conducted
more systematically.
W. R. Porter succeeded Dr. Peacock, being
appointed by President Hayes and holding office
until 1887. He conducted the office in the old
Masonic Temple Building. He was followed
by John T. Knox, wdio retained the office until
1889, when he resigned. Under Judge Knox
the office was removed to new and elegantly equipped quarters in the Drew-
Andreson Block at the corner of E and Court streets — a building which was
especiallv constructed to accommodate the postoffice. The rapid growth of
the boom years rendered a new location necessary. The government sent
out an inspector who called for proposals for a site. Messrs. Drew and An-
dreson offered to finish a room and equip it in the most complete manner
and lease to the government for five years at a nominal rent of $1.00 per
year, light and heat furnished. This very generous offer was accepted and
on occupying its new quarters San Bernardino boasted that her office was
the most complete and modern in its equipment
JOHN T. KNOX
in the southern end of the
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 401
state. Nelson G. Gill succeeded Judge Knox, filling his unexpired term and
being appointed for the succeeding four years. In 1890, Oct. 1st, the free
delivery system went into effect with two carriers who covered the old city
plat.
James Boyd became postmaster April 1, 1894 and held office until May
4, 1898, when he was succeeded by Stephen J. Kelley, the present incumbent.
The office was removed June 1, 1903, to the Lloyd Block, corner of D and
Fourth streets. It is now fully equipped with all modern conveniences for
the rapid and economical handling of mail matter and business. One of the
latest improvements is a specially constructed typewriter for money or-
der business. Seven carriers are now employed. Much of the detail work
is in the hands of the assistant postmaster, A. J. Eddy, who has been in this
position since 1900. The mail order business has increased very rapidly
the past two or three years and is an excellent indication of the strides
which the city is making in population and wealth.
From Nov. 1, 1903, to Oct. 31, 1904, 16,071 Domestic orders were is-
sued, amounting to $128,688.49, the fees for which were $985.25; 561 Inter-
national orders were issued to the amount of $15,323.54, the fees equalling
$134.85, making a total of money order fees, $1,120.10. 11,089 Domestic or-
ders were paid, amounting to $116,290.89, and 53 International orders
amounting to $1,894.32. The total of money order business was $262,197.24
for the year.
SAN BERNARDINO CITY SCHOOLS.
The first school in the city of San Bernardino was held in a brush struc-
ture put up by the Mormons in their "Fort" and was taught by Rupert Lee,
otherwise, "Lazy Lee." The school was then conducted in the large tent
which also served as a church for the colonists and later a large frame build-
ing, one of the first erected in the new settlement, was used as a school
house and church. Here the school was taught by William Stout, a some-
what erratic, but versatile man, who is still remembered by some of the pu-
pils who gained their first book learning under his tuition, When the "Fort"
was done away with, two adobe school houses, each a single room, were
built on one of the lots that had been secured by the city for school pur-
poses, the same lot where the present Fourth street school house stands.
Here the first school bell, which is still in use, hung between the two rooms,
which were named the Washington and the Jefferson, by Prof. Ellison Rob-
bins who took charge of the schools in January, 1858. These rooms
served until the erection of the brick school house on this same lot in 1871.
March 20, 1871, the corner-stone of a four-room brick building was laid with
appropriate ceremonies. This was built by a special tax of $4,000.00 and it
was supposed at the time that it would be ample for the needs of the city
402
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
for years to come. San Bernardino prided herself greatly on possessing the
finest building in the country when this "new school house'" was completed.
In laying the corner-stone, a box containing school records and other infor-
mation, as well as current newspapers, etc., was* put into a specially pre-
pared vault. When the structure was removed in 1902, to make way for the
new school building, this box was found, but its contents had crumbled to
dust,— not a fragment of the papers could be deciphered. The only memory
of the "old" building is the fine pepper tree which has sheltered at least two
generations of school children.
In less than five years after the erection of this building the trustees
found it necessary to rent additional rooms for school purposes. But another
school house was not erected in the city until 1884. Then, largely through
the efTorts of H. C. Brooke, and after much discussion and a good deal of op-
position to such "extravagance" it was decid-
ed to vote $25,000 bonds for the erection of
a new school house.
In June, 1884, the corner stone for the Cen-
tral School house on F street was laid with
appropriate ceremonies. This was an eight-
room building with a seating capacity of 400,
and was considered a model of all that a
school building should be at the time it was
built. There was then but six departments
in the school with six teachers. In 1884, Mr.
N. A. Richardson began his long service in
San Bernardino as the principal of the schools
and soon afterward moved into the new build-
ing. The "boom" largely increased the school
population and the enlargement of the city in
1890 added a large number of pupils to the
roll. At this time five districts adjoining the city
Were merged into the city schools and five buildings, ranging from $3,000 to
$7,000 in cost, were added. These were Mt. Vernon. Metcalf, Riley, Ur-
bita and Terrace districts. Since that time several new buildings have been
added and the city now has ten school buildings, valued at $104,500. The
census for 1903 shows 2.147 children, and forty teachers are employed. Mr.
Francis W. Conrad is at the head of the city schools and the entire school
system is well organized and San Bernardino may well be proud of her
school facilities and the reputation she has gained as being thorough and
up-to-date in educational matters.
Although the San Bernardino High School was not regularly organized
at this time. Mr. N. A. Richardson began preparing a class for High School
work as soon as he took charge of the schools in 1884. In 1885 this class
W. CONRAD
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
403
[889. the first High School class
began regular High School work anc
in this city graduated.
The school was not regularly organized under the state law until April,
1891. The same year the city voted $60,000 bonds for a High School build-
ing, and in 1892 one of the finest buildings in Southern California was com-
pleted at a cost of $75,000. In 1893, the school was regularly accredited by
the State University, and it has always been noted for its effective work.
The attendance for the year 1903-04 was 218.
The history of the San Bernardino schools
would not be complete without some mention
of the various private schools which have
supplemented the work of the public schools.
The first of these was the "San Bernardino
Collegiate School," which was opened August
25, 1862, by Captain J. P. C. Allsop and con-
tinued under his instruction until 1867. It
was located on Fifth street between Grafton
and Canal streets and many citizens still
remember the tall, dignified! and somewhat
austere man wdio first initiated them into
the mysteries of arithmetic.
In 1870 St. Catherine's Academy was estab-
lished by the Catholic sisters. Soon after
wards a brick building which was then con-
sidered "elegant and commodious" was erected
rhool. This has been enlarged and rebuilt and the
school now has a well arranged building with beautiful grounds and is one
of the oldest institutions of the city.
In 1873 Professor C. R. Paine opened "Paine's Academy and Business
Institute," which gave San Bernardino pupils their first opportunity to
acquire a business education. It was located in an adobe building opposite
Jacob's store and was a successful school for several years. In 1883 Pro-
fessor D. B. Sturges, who had been County Superintendent in 1881. estab-
lished Sturges Academy, or the "San Bernardino Academy and Business
College," a school which offered courses in commercial, normal and literary
studies, and which aimed to prepare its students for business or for college.
A brick building was especially constructed for this school, which was for
years one of the best known institutions in Southern California.
Many will recall the private schools of Mrs. Nisbet, Miss Bennett and
Mrs. Hicks, all of which did good service in supplementing the public
schools and affording advantages which allowed children to be educated,
for almost any sphere, at home.
N. A. RICHARDSON
for the use of the s
i879
Mary A. Bennett
1880
C. R. Paine
1881-2
H. C. Brooke
1883
Dr. T. H. Rose
1884
J. N. Flint
1884-90
N. A. Richardson
1891-2
Alexis E. Frye
1893-4
T. H. Kirk
1895-6
W. S. Thomas
1896-99
N. A. Richardson
1900-01
H. L. Lunt
1902-03
Lulu Claire Bahr
1903—
F. W. Conrad
404 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Principals of San Bernardino City Schools.
1853 William Stout 1876-7-8 Charles R. Paine
1854 O. S. Sparks
1856 J. B. Norris
1857 A. A. St. Clair
1858 Ellison Robbins
1859-60 William R. Wozencraft
1861-2 D. W. Davis
1863 W. S. Clark
1864 J. H. Skidmore
1865 Harvey Green
1866-7-8 W. R. Wozencraft
1869-71 Henry C. Brooke
1872 John Fox
l&73 John Brown, Jr.
1874-5 H. Goodcell. jr.
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
During the seventies a Young Men's Literary Society flourished in San
Bernardino. Regular meetings were held and debates and exercises were
participated in by the members, many of whom became later prominent citi-
zens of the town. H. Goodcell, Jr., John Brown. Wm. J. CurLis and many
other familiar names were among the speakers of this society. It seems to
have been the only provision for literary culture until the organization of
the San Bernardino Library Association in 1881. Five directors were then
chosen, of whom John Isaacs was president, Henry Goodcell, Jr., secretary
and librarian, and Lewis Jacobs, treasurer. Each member was required to
pay an admission fee of three dollars and quarterly dues of fifty cents, which
entitled them to the free use of the library, taking out one book at a time
for not longer than two weeks. Outsiders could procure books by deposit-
ing the price of the book and paying a small fee. The membership soon
reached about one hundred, and five hundred volumes, mostly standard
works, were secured. One hundred dollars of the money used for the pur-
chase of the books was the result of a play, "Waiting for the Verdict," ren-
dered by a number of ladies and gentlemen for the benefit of the library
fund. After three or four years, interest in the library seems to have lan-
guished and arrangements were made for placing the books, which, accord-
ing to the constitution of the association, must remain intact until the forma-
tion of a public library in the city, when they were to be turned over to such
library, and in 1885 the books were placed in the reading room of the Y. M.
C. A. and remained there for several vears. When the Y. M. C. A. Associa-
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 405
tion ceased to exist the books were turned over to John Isaacs, who retained
them until they were placed in the public library.
In 1891 a movement to secure a circulating library was set on foot, with
Messrs. C. C. Haskell, F. W. Richardson, J. W. Stephenson and others as
leading spirits. A paper was circulated asking for subscriptions, it being
stipulated that these should not take effect until at least $1500 was subscribed.
About $1200 was subscribed, but it was found impossible to secure the bal-
ance of the desired amount. Air. J. W. Stephenson then suggested that a
Free Public Library be organized under the state law authorizing cities to
levy a tax for this purpose. The city trustees at first declined to consider
the matter, but upon presentation of a petition signed by a large number
of the heaviest taxpayers in the community, the necessary action was taken
and a free city library was established and opened to the public in January,
1892, with Miss Ella Lawson as librarian. The books collected by the old
library association were turned over to this library, which was established
in the residence of I. R. Brunn on Fourth street.
The first library board was appointed November 3, 1891, and consisted
of J. W. Stephenson (chairman), C. C. Haskell, Mrs. Henry Goodcell. H.
L. Drew and John Andreson.
During 1901 it was suggested that application be made to Mr. Andrew
Carnegie for assistance in building a suitable library in San Bernardino.
Judge Gregg and others corresponded with Mr. Carnegie, and as a result
of this correspondence the Board of City Trustees, in January, 1902, made
formal application for the funds. Mr. Carnegie accepted the application,
and in July a certified check for $20,000 was placed to the credit of the Board
of Library Trustees.
September 22, 1902, the Library Trustees called for competitive plans,
which were opened November 25 and placed on file, the people of the city
being invited to vote as to choice. Plans were adopted and January 28, 1903
the contract for the building was let for $19,266. Various additions to the
original plans have been made, lots have been purchased, and the library,
with heating apparatus and furnishings, represents an outlay of at least
$34,000, aside from the value of the books. It is a one-story building with
basement and contains five rooms — general reading room and stack room,
librarian's room, children's reading room, work room and directors' room.
A. museum will be arranged in the basement.
The city owned the lot on the corner of D and Fourth streets; the ad-
joining lot was purchased by subscription, and the Library Trustees pur-
chased a corner to straighten the lines of the property. The new building
was completed and opened to the public with appropriate ceremonies on
August 10, 1904.
406 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
NEWSPAPERS.
The first paper ever published in San Bernardino county was the San
Bernardino Herald, which made its appearance June 16, i860. It was man-
aged by J. Judson Ames, an old newspaper man who is said to have started
the first newspaper in San Diego and removed the plant to this city. He
evidently did not make a fortune from his new venture, and in January, 1861,
J. S. Waite assumed the paper. E. A. Sherman next tried his hand at pub-
lishing it and re-christened it the San Bernardino Patriot, but in 1862 it died,
leaving the city and county with no local paper, so far as the records show,
until H. Hamilton put forth the first issue of the Guardian, February 16,
1867. This paper, too, led a precarious existence. In 1868, F. J. C. Marget-
son and Sidney P. Waite were the team in management. In 1869 E. A.
Nisbet became a part owner. At different times during his incumbency S.
P. Waite. E. G. Harper and Joseph Brown were partners in the publication.
October 31, 1874, the paper was sold to Arthur Kearney, who changed it to a
daily publication January 1, 1875, the first daily. But the hard times of
1876 proved too much for it and the Guardian passed out of existence. Mr.
Kearney, who was a well-known character in this city for many years, later
became the editor of the San Bernardino Courier, which made its debut Octo-
ber 10, 1886. It was owned by the San Bernardino Publishing Co., made up
of leading citizens of the place, and was Democratic in politics. In 1892
J. H. Lightfoot was editor of the sheet.
The Gazette.
In 1887 The Gazette, an evening paper, was launched in San Bernardino,
with Messrs. Nash. Buck and Jones as progenitors. At this time this city
was rated as the best newspaper town on earth by the editor of the Times,
who says : "San Bernardino has occasion to be proud of her enterprise in
'supporting' four daily papers. We have in our town some 4000 population,
which would give one paper per thousand inhabitants. In the same propor-
tion Los Angeles should have fifty dailies, San Francisco 300, New York
1300, and London 5000. Now, as none of these cities can boast the same
proportion, it is safe to assume that San Bernardino ranks first in the world
as a newspaper town." The papers were the Times, Index. Courier and
Gazette.
The Free Press.
January 1. 1896, the Free Press was launched as a weekly paper, with
Henry Clay Warner, as owner and editor. The following year it was
made a daily, being a five-column folio, issued in the evening. It is Demo-
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
107
cratic in national politics, but independent locally. Mr. Warner has contin-
ued as editor up to the present time.
Various papers have run a brief career at some time in the history of the
town and left not a ripple behind. But on the whole San Bernardino has
proved herself a good newspaper town and has supported a fair quota of
papers. As the county seat, her papers have always had a large circulation
for their weekly editions outside of the city, which has been of great assist-
ance in keeping up their patronage.
The Sun.
The Courier was succeeded by the Daily Sun, which dawned on Sep-
tember i. 1804, with A. W. Selkirk and N. J. Levison as sponsors. Selkirk
retained his interest until April, 1896, when he sold out to a company at the
head of which was E. N. Buck. August 1, 1896,
R. C. Harbison, with R. E. Newton, assumed
the responsibility of the paper, ami in 1897
Harbison became the sole owner and continues
so. The paper was then a seven-column quarto,
with no Associated Press news. In 1898 Mr.
Harbison installed a linotype machine and in-
creased his plant largely, and in 1902 added
another linotype. In 1903 the paper was elected
a member of the Associated Press. In 1900 a
ntw brick building was erected for the Sun, and
in 1903 it was necessary to enlarge the structure.
The Sun is an independent Republican jour-
nal, wide awake and up to date. It has issued
several elaborate extra editions which have given
valuable information concerning San Bernardino
Valley and Southern California, as souvenirs of
the street fairs which have been held in San Betnardino.
Robert C. Harbison is now proprietor and editor of the Sun. He has
enlarged the paper and has greatly increased the plant, putting in improved
machinery, and has one of the most complete printing offices in the county.
HARBISON
Times-Index.
hi 1873 Will D. Gould began tl
printed sheet of the old
in size, if in nothing else
ublication of the Argus, a bright, well
blanket" style, which quite eclipsed the Guardian
This sheet had a brief career and passed into the
realms of defunct newspapers. In the fall of 1878 W. R. Porter and F. F.
Hopkins purchased the material of the Argus and began the publication of
the San Bernardino Valley Index. In 1880 Warren Wilson, now proprietor
of the Eos Angeles Journal, purchased an interest in the publication. In
40*
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
1881 he became sole owner and changed the paper to a daily. In 1888 E. \Y.
Holmes, now of Riverside, became editor of the Index, and in 1889 it was
merged with the San Bernardino Times and became the Times-Index.
In March, 1874, a small sheet known as the Advertiser and supported
entirely bv its advertising patronage, was issued by John Isaacs and F. T.
Perris, being printed on a press brought from Salt Lake by Mr. Isaacs. Sep-
tember 1, 1875, tms Paper was changed to the San Bernardino Times, daily
and weekly, with John Isaacs as editor and proprietor. From this time until
1886, when the paper was leased to J. A. Studebacker, Mr. Isaacs ably and
fearlessly conducted the Times and made it what he claimed for it, "a local
newspaper devoted wholly to the interests of
the county in which it is published." He
established a solid reputation for the paper
and always stood squarely for the interests of
the people. In 1887 George F. Weeks was
! editor of the Times, and in 1888 L. M. Holt
I J SH l« was in the editorial chair. In 1889 it became
^^L. J -J»N~ * tnc "Times-Index,"' which is today the oldest
* #At*. paper in the county. Mr. Holt was succeeded
P^^^'< ^H5^^^ by C. C Haskell, who was followed by Col.
W. L. Vestal and J. A. Whitmore, with F. W.
Richardson as business manager. In 1900 it
was owned and conducted by C. E. Dunscomb.
The Evening Transcript made its first issue
May 6, 1898, a six-column folio, edited by H.
B. Martin and owned by Mr. Martin and his
h. b. martin SQns Ernest Martin acted as city editor.
Miss Winifred Martin was reporter, and Edwin G. Martin had charge of the
mechanical department.
Editor Martin was an able and forceful writer, and an Andrew Jackson
Democrat of pronounced but conservative type. He made the Transcript
the representative of the Democratic party throughout Southern California.
In 1902 the Transcript was sold tj Franklin Holbrook, who incorporated
the Transcript Company with $25,000 capital ; Horace Holbrook became
editor of the Transcript. January 1, 1903, the Transcript Co. bought out
C. E. Dunscomb, who owned the Times-Index, and the enterprises were
merged under the name of the older paper — the Times-Index. April 11.
1004, the Holbrook interests were purchased by L. S. Scott. The Times-
Index Co. is now under the management of the following officers: L. S.
Scott, president: Ernest Martin, vice-president: H. R. Scott, secretary and
treasurer. Under this administration the paper, which was Democratic under
Mr. Holbrookes regime, has been again made Republican. It is now in its
forty-fifst year.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
CHURCHES.
ST PAUL'S METHODIC
St. Paul's Methodist Church South of San Bernardino is the pioneer
church in the count}', after the Catholic, as this denomination began to hold
services in 1858 under the
rrfinisfcry of the Rev. Air.
Burns. He was followed
by Rev. Mr. Taylor and
Rev. Stewart. These men
preached in the adobe school
houses.
The church was regularly
organized in 1863 and in
1865 purchased a lot and put
up a building in 1866. This
church was remodeled and
refurnished under the minis-
try of Father Glover, father
of County Supervisor J. B.
Glover, to whom far more
than to any other man is
due the fervor and strength of the little church. For several years the
Baptists worshipped in the M. E. church and some of the early members of
the church were Baptists.
During the ministry of the Rev. J. B. John the old church was sold to the
Christian church and the present edifice constructed. This has a seating
capacity of about 400 and is centrally located. The last dollar of debt was
paid off in 1903. The present membership is over 200.
Catholic Church. The first Catholic church in San Bernardino County
was the "Little Church of Agua Mansa," built in the fifties. Early in the
sixties the Catholics secured a half block of land in San Bernardino city and
put up a small chapel. This was burned about 1867 and was replaced by
another chapel the same year while Father Peter Birmingham was in charge
of the church.
In 1870-71 a new brick church was built at a cost of $9,000. This was at
the time of its dedication, June 25, 1871, one of the finest church buildings
in the state. The means for its erection were furnished by Mrs. Quinn,
widow of Aeneas Quinn, one of the pioneer merchants of San Bernardino.
Father Donahue was in charge of the church at this period.
This church has recently been enlarged, repaired and re-dedicated. Tt
has a large membership and is active in all good works. Adjoining the
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 411
church on the west is the rectory, and on the east stands the orphanage and
academy under the charge of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart. This
academy was established in the sixties and has continued to be a strong
factor in the church life since that time.
First Methodist Church. San Bernardino Mission Charge was formed
at the annual conference of 1867 and the Rev. L. M. Leihy was appointed
preacher for the charge. The same year he succeeded in organizing a church
with the following charter members: Stephen Bookout, Martin Logsden,
Mary Logsden, P. A. Logsden. John S. Leihy, Ruth Leihy, Rachel Pike, Wm.
Rader, Sarah J. Sawyer and Clarissa A. Smith. At the first quarterly con-
ference thereafter Rev. Adam Bland was made the presiding pastor. The
next year Dr. J. C. Peacock presented the church with a lot and a small build-
ing which had been erected for the "Old Fire Company/' located on the west
side of E street between Second and Third streets. This he fitted up as a
chapel at his own expense. During 1870 the church was reorganized by the
Rev. A. L. S. Bateman and the following were added to the original charter
members: J. Y. Anderson, Dr. J. C. Peacock, Elizabeth Peacock,. John H.
Pettit. B. Valentine, Jane Pettit.
In 1876 Dr. Peacock and his wife deeded the lot and building in use to
the church. Among the early pastors who guided the struggling little con-
gregation were Rev. Will A. Knighten, A. L. Bateman, W. S. Corwin, G. S.
Bovard, J. M. Campbell. About 1887 the church purchased the lot on which
the present building stands and built a church which then cost some $30,-
000. It was at the time the most complete and elegant church building in
the county. Later the parsonage was added to the church pro'pertv. A fine
pipe organ has also been added and the society has paid off all debts, and is
now in a most prosperous condition.
History of the First Congregational Church.
By Mrs. E. P. R. Crafts.
The first work of the Protestant church in San Bernardino was begun
by Miss Ellen Pratt, who gathered a few children into a Sunday school in
a private house. In 1858 Ellison Robbins and his wife opened a union Sun-
day school in the adobe school house on Fourth street. This school was
made up of representatives from Protestant, Catholic, Mormon and Spiritual-
ist families, and in 1864 had increased to 150 pupils, with twelve teachers.
In 1864-5 tne Rev. Joseph Skidmore, the public school teacher, occa-
sionally preached in the school house. In 1865 M. H. Crafts induced the
Congregational Missionary Society to send a minister to San Bernardino,
and the Rev. J. A. Johnson, who was appointed, held services in the old Court
House until December, 1866. .After several conferences and various delays,
412 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
the Rev. Dr. Warren, superintendent of missions for California, assisted by
Rev. A. Parker of Los Angeles, organized the First Congregational church
of San Bernardino, with ten members, on February 17, 1867. The charter
members were M. H. Crafts, Mrs. M. H. Crafts, Joseph Rowell, Joseph Logs-
den, Martin Logsden, Miss Nancy Dixon, Mrs. Eliza Peacock, Mrs. C. S.
Douglass, Mrs. A. C. Perdew, Mrs. Martha Bowlands.
The Rev. B. L. Crosby succeeded Rev. Mr. Johnson. In March, 1868,
the first Congregational Association in Southern California was held in the
Court House. Rev. A. Parker of Los Angeles, Rev. J. A. Johnson of Santa
Barbara and Rev. Osborne of San Bernardino were the officers. On this
occasion M. H. Crafts and Joseph Rowell were ordained deacons.
Rev. Josiah Bates was sent by the Home Missionary Society, July 1,
1870, to labor in this church in connection with his work at Anaheim. Later
be came to San Bernardino to reside, dividing his time with Riverside. He
preached to good congregations in the old Court House for three years.
Prayer meetings were held at Dr. Peacock's. The first infant baptism oc-
curred May 7, 1871. The Sabbath school was organized in connection with
the church in May, 1871. Rev. F. R. Girard and Rev. Isaac Asherton were
the next pastors. In 1875 Rev. W. C. Stewart entered upon his pastorate.
In this same year it was decided to build a home for the growing church.
Dr. Winchester, Truman Reeves, W. R. Tolles, Deacon Uriah Thompson,
Deacon M. H. Crafts and the Rev. J. T. Ford, the new pastor, were appointed
a building committee. M. H. Crafts donated the lot on the corner of D and
Fifth streets, where the present church stands. Subscriptions were taken
among the members and congregation, and several eastern friends helped, —
one. Miss S. Bayly of New York, giving $500, and the Congregational Church
Building Society loaned $500. A plain, substantial building was completed
and furnished, and on May 7, 1876, it was dedicated free of debt. The Rev.
Dr. Warren of San Francisco and Dr. S. T. Packard of Los Angeles assisted
the pastor and Dr. Hough preached the dedicatory sermon. The church cost
about S1800.
In 1876 several members of the church began to hold prayer meetings
from house to house in Lugonia. Later services were held in the Lugonia
school house and a Sabbath school was formed. In 1880 it was decided
to form a church there, and on May 21. 1880, letters of dismissal were
granted by the First church of San Bernardino to fourteen members, who
joined the new organization, the "Second Congregational church of San
Bernardino,"' which later became the Lugonia church and is now merged
into the First church of Redlands.
In 1883 Rev. J. T. Ford was appointed Superintendent of Home Missions
for Southern California. He had been the beloved pastor of the San Ber-
nardino and Lugonia churches for eight years and left the church united and
prosperous and almost entirely self-supporting. The Rev. C. H. Davis sup-
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 413
plied the pulpit from October. 1883, until April, 1884. He was followed by
the Rev. J. T. Foster, Rev. E. C. Oakley and Rev. J. W. Jenkins. Rev. J. R.
Knodell filled the pastorate from 1893 to 1897 and during his term the church
was most prosperous, materially and spiritually. In 1894 the church was
enlarged and renovated, a furnace and a large organ added. Mr. J. W. Rob-
erts gave $1000 toward these improvements, and the church was re-dedicated
in September, 1894. Rev. J. C. Robbins entered upon his pastorate in March,
1897. During 1899 it was voted to receive the members of the Spanish Mis-
sion, conducted by Rev. A. B. Case, into the church. On May 18, 1898,
the church celebrated its 31st anniversary with a reunion and a sumptuous
repast.
Rev. W. E. Xoyes, Rev. Mr. "Williams and Rev. J. F. Davies have served
the church since 1899.
The Sunday school has always been a very prominent part of the work
of this church. It has an attendance of about 100. The Chinese mission in
connection with the church has done excellent work, a number of its mem-
bers being received into the church. It was first started by Miss Emeline
Bradford, now Mrs. C. H. Davis, November 16, 1882.
The Ladies' Aid Society was organized in 1871, and has always been
untiring in its efforts to assist in all good work. Among the early zealous
workers were Mrs. Emma Davidson, Mrs. Eiiza Peacock, Mesdames M. H.
Crafts. R. A. Davis, John Morris, Sibley, W. R. Tolles, Truman Reeves, Laura
J. Morse, Deacon Crawford. Hart. "White. Wright and Muscott. The Ladies'
Home and Foreign Missionary Society was organized in 1884 and reorgan-
ized in 1895. This society has been a liberal contributor to all good works.
During its more than thirty years' existence there have been about 600
names enrolled on the books of this church, many of these having been re-
ceived on confession of faith. Of the ten charter members, five have passed
■"o the church militant. There are now 126 members.
This church has been the mother of several other Congregational churches.
The Second Congregational church, formed from it, became the Lugonia
church, which in turn became the Redlands Congregational and the Lugonia
Terrace churches. The Highlands and Riverside churches also received
many members and much assistance from the older sister. Many of the
early members later returned to the Methodist and Presbyterian churches
when these were organized. Through many discouragements and against
many obstacles the First Congregational church of San Bernardino has
striven earnestly and zealously to uphold the standard of its Master am! its
efforts have been blessed.
The First Baptist Church of San Bernardino organized November 10,
1866. with the following members: Rev. I. C. Curtis and wife. Dr. 11. Barton.
Mr. and Mrs. Wrn. F. Shackleford. Mrs. Huldah Johnson. Messrs. John Cul-
bertson and Ezra Kerfoot. Revs. Fuqua, Friar and Freeman were present
414
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
and assisted in the organization. Mr. W. F. Shackleford was elected deacon
and Mr. Ezra Kerfoot, clerk. Rev. Curtis was elected pastor and services
were held on the third Sunday of each month in the old South M. E. church.
Rev. Curtis remained with the church for three years, then for nearly three
years the church was without a settled pastor.
In 1872 Rev. D. G. Loveall became a member of the church and for sev-
eral years preached once in two weeks, although he was never elected pastor
and received no compensation for his services. In 1875 the church was
reorganized with about twenty-seven members, Rev. J. P. Ludlow was called
as pastor and T. M. Parsons and A. R. Nevers were chosen deacons. About
this time the Methodists gave notice that they wished the exclusive use of
their church, and services were held in the residence of Dr. Allen for a time
and then in a hall in the Ancker Block. Rev. G. W. Allen was elected pastor
and a Sunday school was organized.
In the fall of 1870 the association met with the church. As the associa-
tional boundary then extended to the northern line of Santa Barbara, the
delegation was a large one. The services, though not so systematic as those
now held, were interesting and profitable.
In 1880 Rev. Chas. Button came to Riverside and for two years served
both the San Bernardino and Riverside churches. During this pastorate the
lot was bought and the present church erected. For this building Rev. But-
ton visited the east and raised $500. Some members of the church who had
no money to give worked with their hands, and others gave both money and
labor. The ladies organize a sewing circle whose motto was, "Work, but
no gossip." Some of the members yet remember how hard they worked to
earn the $400 which they contributed to the church building and furnishing.
Various supplies followed Rev. Button's pastorate, until Rev. Thos. Phillips
was elected pastor July 1, 1885. He was followed by the Rev. A. J. Frost,
who was succeeded by Rev. M. G. Shaw, the present pastor.
The San Bernardino Association of Spiritualists was originally a society
known as The Brotherhood of Kindred Manifestations, but on September n,
1872, the former society changed its name and made a transfer of its land
and hall to the Association of Spiritualists. The first officers of this society
were : President, J. W. Smith ; vice-president, Mrs. Mary Carter ; secretary.
L. A. Blackburn; treasurer, Mrs. E. M. Wallace ; trustees. H. M. Wallace.
Tohn Metcalf, Wm. Stones. The membership at organization was over fifty.
The society has ever since kept up regular weekly meetings and owns the
building known as Liberal Hall, free of incumbrance.
The present officers are: J. Marchant, president; Mrs. Maggie Zimmer-
man, vice-president; Mrs. Lizzie Keller, secretary; N. B. Hale, treasurer:
trustees, James Boyd, W. C. Fuller, L. Meecham, Emily Deering. H. D.
Peck and Mrs. Eva Smith.
The Presbyterian Church of San Bernardino was organized by the Rev.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 415
Jas. Cameron, pastor of the Colton church, November i, 1874. The church
was a branch of the Colton church, holding- services in the Baptist church and
in the Knights of Pythias hall until December 5, 1882. when it was reorgan-
ized with a membership of 12. Soon afterward the workers began to plan
for a building of their own, and this was completed and dedicated free of
debt in 1885. The Rev. Mr. Hill was the pastor at this time. In 1886 the
Rev. Mr. Morrison was called as pastor. The church is situated on the cor-
ner of E and Church streets, facing the park. A Sunday school room has
been added to the original building and a manse for the pastor erected on an
adjoining lot.
The present pastor is the Rev. D. McG. Gaudier. The membership of
the church is about 250 and that of the Sunday school about 300.
St. John's Episcopal Church. In May, 1882, an Associated Mission was
organized by the Rev. S. G. Sines, with the Rev. F. W. Reed as assistant,
which included San Bernardino, Colton and Riverside. In 1885 San Ber-
nardino became a separate mission in charge of the Rev. C. L. Fitchett, and
shortly afterward it was organized into the independent parish of St. John's.
In 1890 a church building was erected at the corner of Fourth and F streets,
which was occupied by the church until its destruction by fire in December,
1897. A new church was erected upon the same site in 1898 and was con-
secrated on the first Sunday after Trinity. June 4. 1899. It seats about 200.
has convenient vestry and guild rooms, and is lighted by gas and electricity.
The font and altar are those used in the old church, having been saved at the
time of the fire. The font was the gift of the children of the parish : the altar
is a memorial of Dwight Fox, for some years a vestryman of the parish. The
entire value of the property is about $8,000.
Besides the missionaries who aided in its organization, the Revs. J. \Y.
O'Brien. J. Merlin-Jones, E. M. W. Hills. J. H. McCracken. H. A. Brown, J. D.
H. Browne. C. H. W. Stocking and P. H. Hickman have served as rectors.
A chapter of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, a Woman's Guild, a
Woman's Auxiliary Missionary and a Junior Auxiliary are the minor organ-
izations which aid in the work of the parish.
The services of the church are: Morning prayer every day. Holy Com-
munion on holy-days : special services during Lent. Sundays — Early cele-
bration at 8 a. m. ; morning prayer and sermon at 11 a. m., except on first
Sunday of every month, when there is a second celebration: evening prayer
and sermon at 7 :3c
Church of Latter Day Saints. The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ
of Latter Day Saints was organized in San Bernardino in June, 1864. by
Elders H. H. Morgan and Hyram Falk. This branch of the church of Latter
Dav Saints distinctly state in their creed that "we believe that the doctrines
of plurality and a community of wives are heresies and are opposed to the
law of God." A number of the "Josephites." the followers of Joseph Smith.
416 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
who organized this Church of Latter Day Saints in 1830, had remained in
San Bernardino after Brigham Young had called his followers back to Salt
Lake City in 1857. In a short time the new society numbered 200 members,
and a location was purchased on the west side of D street between Third
and Fourth, on which a hall was erected and used as a place of meeting,
being free to all societies. This lot was sold in 1887 and the following year
a new church was erected on a lot on the corner of Fifth and G streets. This
building is still used by the saints for religious services. In October, 1899,
the enrollment reported for this church was 265. A Sunday School is main-
tained with an enrollment of 138 and an average attendance of about 70.
A society for young people is known as the Zion's Religio-Literary So-
ciety, the object of which is the improvement of its members along literary,
social, musical and spiritual lines. It has a membership of about 70. There
is also a Ladies' Aid Society whose object is to help the needy and distressed.
SOCIETIES.
History of Phoenix Lodge, No. 178, F. & A. M.
By C. A. Mackechnie, M. S.
Previous to the formation of Phoenix Lodge in this town, there had been
constituted a lodge of F. & A. M. under the name of Unity Lodge No. 130.
The date of the charter was May 13, 1859. After a series of peculiar and un-
fortunate events this lodge was declared "perpetually extinct" by the Grand
Lodge. May 13, 1863. It is considered best to let this matter lie hid in the
archives of the Grand Lodge.
After the extinction of its charter, several Masonic brethren decided to
meet and re-establish a lodge of F. & A. M. in the town. On September 12.
1865, an application was made to the Grand Lodge of California for a dis-
pensation to form a Masonic Lodge in this city. This application was signed
by James A. Rousseau, M. D., James C. Peacock, M. D., George Washing-
ton, August Winkler, Wolff Fleischer, Hyman Goldberg, D. T. Heuston and
John B. Hamilton, all of San Bernardino, Cal.
The dispensation was granted October 20, 1865, by M. W. Gilbert, B.
Clairborne, Grand Master, to these petitioners, and this lodge was known as
"San Bernardino Lodge,"' LI. D. Bro. J. A. Rousseau was appointed the
first W. M. ; J. C. Peacock, S. W., and August Winkler J. W.
The first regular meeting was held on November 2, 1865. The stated
meetings were held on "Thursday succeeding full moon in each month."
This was changed in October, 1866, to the Saturday preceding full moon in
each month. The fees for degrees were as follows: E. A. $35, F. C. $20,
M. M. $20, Affiliation $5. The monthly dues were fixed at one dollar per
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
117
month. The first candidate to receive the degrees in this lodge was Bro.
I. R. Brunn, who is still with us. The hall where the brethren met for work
was situated on Third street. It was an adobe building, now destroyed,
very near the southwest corner of Third and D streets.
On September 27, 1866, the name "Phoenix" was suggested for the new
lodge, which was ultimately adopted. Bro. James H. Lander installed the
officers of Phoenix Lodge No. 178, F. & A. M., on October 25, 1866, at the
same time legally constituting it, and on December 19, 1866, the officers for
the ensuing year were installed by Bro. Peterson of Los Angeles. During
1867 there was nothing of importance beyond work. In February, 1868,
Bro. Caro presented the lodge with the 3, 5 and 7 steps. In this year, 1868,
for some unknown cause the installation of officers did not take place until
March 11, when Bro. Sam Praeger was installing officer. On St. John's
day, 1868, the brethren met at John Brown, Sr.'s place for a picnic, where
the W. M. delivered an excellent address upon Masonry, which was after-
ward published. A ball in the evening at J. W. Waters' hall concluded the
ceremonies of the day. The expenses of the entertainment amounted to
S300, which was liquidated by the sale of ball tickets.
The brethren then decided to remove to more suitable quarters, and
418 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
accordingly rented the upper story in the Van Tassel building, situated at
the corner of Utah and Fourth streets. The rent was to be $30 per month,
"payable in U. S. gold or silver coin." This building was situated where
the Swing block now stands, at the northwest corner of Fourth and D streets.
A public installation of officers took place January II, 1869, in T. W.
Waters ball, where an address upon Freemasonry was delivered by P. M.
M. W. Glover, father of the present chairman of the Board of Supervisors.
On this occasion Bro. Rousseau was presented with a golden Past Master's
jewel by Bro. Rolfe. in the name of the lodge, for his efficient and praise-
worthy services to the lodge. During this year the members became very
anxious to own their. hall, and so it came to pass that on February 20, 1869,
a committee was authorized to inquire into tbe feasibility of building a hall
and to confer with a similar committee of the I. O. O. F.
On June 19, 1869, Bro. Rousseau on behalf of Bro. Lewis Jacobs pre-
sented the lodge with a fine set of silver working tools. Bro. Peacock pre-
sented to Phoenix Lodge a number of books for the purpose of forming a
Masonic library, and was tendered a hearty vote of thanks by the lodge on
January 15, 1870. On this occasion Bro. Kelly also presented the lodge with
the letter "G."
February 1, 1870. a meeting was called to consider the propriety of
establishing a hospital. After some preliminary talk a committee of three
was api 'ointed to act in conjunction with a like committee from other asso-
ciations 1o procure a suitable place for a hospital. Nothing more was heard
of this for quite a long time, and no evidence exists of the books presented
by Bro. Peacock, all trace of them being lost.
A committee was appointed on September 3. 1870, to receive subscrip-
t'ons for the building of a Masonic Hall, and was composed of Bros. Heuston,
Jacobs. Rolfe. Suverkrup, Brunn, France, Bright and Caro. Sufficient prog-
ress having been reported, it was ordered that a committee be appointed to
i!*aw plans of a proper Masonic Hall and to ascertain the cost. February
4. 5871, proposals were received from Messrs. Stewart, Waters and Miller,
offering suitable pieces of land for building upon. The proposition of Mr.
Miller was received and accepted. Messrs. Wm. MacDonald and Ralph Yar-
ley made propositions to the lodge regarding building, which was let on
Ji ne 3. 1871, to Mr. MacDonald. In the matter of obtaining a hall of their
own che brothers were ably assisted ' y their lady relatives, who announced
on October 28. 1871, that they had collected $560 as the proceeds of a ball.
Tbe Grand Lodge was called upon to lay tbe cornerstone of our present
building, and on October 3, 1871, the Grand Master deputized P. M., Horace
Conan Rolfe to act as Grand Master, who appointed tbe following brethren
us Grand officers: I. H. Levy, D. G. M. ; George Lord, S. G. W : Henry
Suverkrup. J. G. W. ;■ Lewis Jacobs. Grand Treas. ; H. M. Willis, Grand
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 419
Secy. ; j! S. Sawyer, J. G. D. ; S. P. Waite, Gr. Marshall ; B. F. Mathews and
D. T. Heuston, Gr. Stewards ; S. C. Hammer, Gr. Tyler.
The ceremony was performed by the acting Grand Master and the ora-
tion was delivered by H. M. AYillis. This building was paid for in various
ways. Many brothers made due bills to the committee to be paid in cash
or lumber, or even labor, and then mortgages were taken upon the property
until such time as they were able to pay off all outstanding obligations. As
an illustration, Bro. Caro on April i, 1871, sent in a written report with a
list of due bills held by him to the amount of $890, and orders for about
17,000 feet of lumber. Bro. Caro concludes his report, "hoping that you
will be pleased and satisfied with your humble servant." The ladies, too,
were also aiding and assisting in the great and glorious undertaking of erect-
ing a Masonic Hall, and they again announced on July 20, 1872, that they
had received $103.50 for the purchase of the necessary furniture. Phoenix
Lodge has always been indebted to Bro. Lord and his helpmate for many
tokens of their appreciation, and as Mrs. Lord is an indefatigable worker
with needle and thread, she presented to Phoenix Lodge on December 14,
1872, a set of tidies for the several stations and altar, with the proper
jewels worked thereon. Bro. Caro also presented on behalf of Bro. Fleischer
a photo of some distinguished brothers of Bombay. India.
At this period in the history of our lodge it is proper to state that I have
been creditably informed that the ladies, while working hard to devise ways
and means to obtain money, were subjected to a great deal of abuse and many
instances of gross insults were offered to them.
The Masonic Hall being completed, the Grand Lodge was asked to
dedicate the hall, which was done by P. M. I. H. Levy as acting Grand
Master, who appointed the following officers: J. A. Rousseau, D. G. M. :
I. R. Brunn, S. G. W. : George Lord. J. G. W. : Lewis Jacobs, Grand Treas. :
J. S. Sawyer, Grand Secy. ; M. W. Glover, Grand Chap. ; J. S. Bright, S.
G. D. ; B. F. Mathews, J. G. D. : I. W. Satterwhite, Grand Orator: L. Caro,
Grand Marshal; H. Suverkrup and S. Jackson, Grand Stewards; W. Fleischer,
Grand Tyler. John Brown, Sr.. who was well known in San Bernardino as
a pioneer and father of Bro. Joseph Brown, presented Phoenix Lodge with
$20, and for his generosity was tendered a vote of thanks. May 10, 1873,
it being ascertained that Bro. Jacobs was about to visit his old home in
Europe, it was moved and seconded that the lodge wish him a prosperous
voyage and a speedy return. Inquiry was instituted August 2, 1873, regarding
Bro. Wm. France, who was supposed to be lost in the mines of Arizona or
California. A special meeting was called on January 10, 1874, for the pur-
pose of exercising charity in the case of Bro. Sawyer, whose home was burned
down on January 9 during his absence from home. A motion was made to
offer $300 to purchase the necessary material to build a house, but an amend-
ment was offered and carried unanimously that the sum of S500 be offered.
420 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Several brothers offered to loan $50 and two offered each 1000 feet of lumber.
November 7, 1874, an invitation was received and accepted from the
Board of Supervisors of this county requesting Phoenix Lodge to invite the
M. W. Grand Lodge of California to lay the cornerstone of the new Court
House at 2 p. m. November 12, 1874. The cornerstone was laid on that
day with the usual ceremonies, after which Bro. H. M. Willis, orator of the
day, delivered a most eloquent and interesting address to one of the largest
audiences ever assembled in our town. A short time ago I saw some of
the contents of the box, but many valuable relics of the ancient town dis-
appeared, notably a bottle of old whiskey and sundry coins of the realm.
It was supposed to be due to a tramp who had excavated the box and stolen
what he considered to be tbe most valuable records. The picture of George
Washington hanging on our wall was presented by Bro. Andreson Septem-
ber 11, 1875.
A special meeting was called on December 15, 1875, Ior tne purpose "oi
considering the calamity that had befallen, this morning, the different sister
orders of the town in having their hall burned down, thereby being without a
place to meet in." The free use of our hall was tendered to San Bernardino
Lodge No. 146, I. O. O. F., Morse Encampment No. 2j, K. of P., and Para-
dise Lodge No. 237, I. O. B. B., until such time as they can procure a suitable
place to meet in. The M. W. Grand Master and Grand Lecturer visited
Phoenix Lodge, March 29, 1876, when the latter exemplified the third degree.
The fees for degrees were reduced to $50 on April 8, 1876. December 27,
1876, Bro. S. H. Knapp, D. D. G. M., of Grand Jurisdiction of New York,
was introduced and delivered a very interesting address on Masonry.
A committee of three was appointed January 20, 1877, to confer with
the Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias to arrange for a hospital. This
committee reported on February 24, 1877, that they had procured a house
for a hospital situated on the premises of Bro. D. F. Mathews, which was
ready for use. The Grand Lodge met at Riverside April 26, 1877, with Bro.
J. C. King, acting Grand Master, to lay the cornerstone of the Masonic Hall.
The Grand Lodge was assisted by San Bernardino Lodge No. 146, I. O. O. F.,
and Morse Encampment No. 51, I. O. O. F. The Grand Orator, W. J. Law,
delivered an oration, and the Stewards made a collection, which was placed
in the hands of the brethren at Riverside to be distributed by them among
the workmen and indigent members of the craft. February 16, 1878, it was
reported that the assets of the lodge were valued at $7500, consisting of hall
building, valued at $6000, furniture and jewels $1500. Against this there was
a mortgage of $1550 upon the property bearing interest at 1*4 per cent per
month. This indeed spoke well for Phoenix Lodge.
The Grand Master served notice upon Phoenix Lodge, February 1, 1879,
that they must disincorporate. On May 3. 1879, a committee was appointed
to purchase a lot suitable for a Masonic burial ground.
HISTORY OF SAX BERXARDIXO COUXTY 421
Bro. P. S. Russell, on behalf of several Masonic brethren residing in
Riverside, asked for a recommendatory certificate to form a lodge on July 26.
1879, which was not granted, on account of the informality of the application.
However, on Sept. 27, 1879, all legal requirements being complied with, it was
formally granted. On Sept. 26, 1881, Phoenix Lodge passed resolutions upon
the death of the president, Bro. J. A. Garfield, and in company with other so-,
cieties and citizens the members marched to the Court House where an ora-
tion was delivered. Dec. 4, 1881, Bro. A. B. Paris on behalf of the Lodge pre-
sented to Past Master George Lord a past master's jewel with appropriate ad-
dress.
April 1st, 1882, Bro. Lord presented to Phoenix Lodge a superbly bound
Bible. April 21, 1883, J. S. Bright, P. M., was presented with a magnificent
P. M. jewel. Dec. 8, 1883. Mrs. D. T. Heuston presented this Lodge with 1
Bible, 1 walking cane, 2 masonic aprons, 3 engravings of the late Bro. Judson
Ames. 1 copy San Diego Herald dated April 14, i860, 1 weekly Patriot dated
Aug. 3, 1861, all of which belonged to Bro. J. J. Ames. Feb. 2, 1884, Bro. T.
J. Wilson on behalf of the lodge presented Bro. J. C. King with a P. M. jewel.
Tune 27. 1885, the lodge adjourned to Southern Hotel to celebrate 85th birth-
day of Bro. P. M. George Lord. St. John's Day, 1886, Bro. Orme of Los An-
geles delivered an address on Masonry entitled "Why we are Masons." This
lecture was delivered in the Opera House. The beautiful altar that adorns
our lodge was presented to us by Bro. E. Y. Chevalier on Feb. 5, 1888. This
brother hailed from Missouri, and was very eccentric. He came first to River-
side, and presented the lodge there with an altar similar in design to ours.
A special meeting was called by the W. M. on June 23, 1888, for the pur-
pose of taking such steps as were necessary to properly investigate the mat-
ter of incorporation. A committee was appointed to investigate the matter.
This committee reported on Jan. 12. 1889, which report was "read, adopted,
and ordered filed and the committee discharged." A new committee was ap-
pointed to "take such steps as may be necessary to annul the Articles of In-
corporation." Meeting after meeting was held and no quorum present, until
July 26, 1890, there being then present in person or by proxy, more than two-
thii-ds of the members, it was unanimously carried that Phoenix Lodge as a
corporation be dissolved.
Dec. 7. 1889, a petition for dispensation to form a lodge at Redlands was
received and granted.
The cane once owned by Bro. Ames was presented to Bro. George Lord
with a suitable address by Bro. T. J. Wilson on behalf of the lodge on May 3,
1890. Dec. 15, 1890, the Grand Lodge of California, with the Grand Master
Conkling present, laid the corner-stone of the Hospital for the Insane at High-
lands. May 23. 1891, a petition for dispensation to open a lodge at Colton was
received and granted. Grand Master A. R. Conkling visited the lodge on June
2. 1891. when the 3 degrees were conferred in the presence of the grand offi-
422
HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY.
cers. The regular meeting night was changed to ist Monday in the month
on Oct. 17, 1891. Bro. H. A. Keller was presented with a gold watch by Phoe-
nix Lodge on Dec. 5, 1892. May 4, 1896, petition for dispensation to open a
lodge at Needles was received and granted. March ist, 1897, the lodge was
presented with a new set of Jewel hangers by Keystone Chapter, and St. Ber-
nard Commandery presented Jewel case.
Feb. 13, 1898, our venerable Brother, George Lord, was buried with full
masonic honors, several Grand Lodge officers being present, and many mem-
bers from sister lodges.
April 24, 1898, the Grand Lodge laid the corner-stone of St. John's Epis-
copal Church, Bro. J. A. Foshay acting as Grand Master.
The cane which was lately in possession of Bro. George Lord, as the
oldest mason, was transferred to the charge of Bro. J. T. Knox along with a
suitable address by Bro. J. T. 'Wilson. Upon the death of Judge Knox in Feb.,
1904, the cane passed to Judge J. W. Morgan, aged seventy-two.
In June, 1904, Phoenix Lodge dedicated a new Masonic Temple, which
contains a lodge room, a chapel for the Knights Templars, 'banquet room, par-
lors and every convenience possible. The building is a beautiful one archi-
tecturally and the interior finish is elegant and artistic. The entire Temple
cost about $35,000 and is a credit to the order and to the city.
The Native Sons of the Golden West. The order of the Native Sons of
the Golden \Yest, which now has integral parts throughout the state of Cali-
"■ "' ,v,v-" R. T. CURTIS
fornia. owes its origin and progress to one of the strongest sentiments im-
planted in the human breast — pride of nativity and love of the place of birth.
As its origin was patriotic and its purpose benevolent, so its object is to per-
petuate the memories of the days of "49," to preserve the historic landmarks
HISTORY OF SAX BERXARDIXO COUNTY.
4-2.",
which gained significance through the advent of the Argonauts, and to unite
all native Californians in one harmonious body.
The object and aim of the order is best told in the preface to its consti-
tution and by-laws :
"The society of the Native Sons of the Golden \.Yest was organized for the
mutual benefit, mental improvement and social intercourse of its members ;
to perpetuate in the minds of native Californians one of the most wonderful
epochs in the world's history — 'the days of '49' — : to unite them in. one har-
monious body throughout the state by the ties of a friendship mutually bene-
ficial to all, and unalloyed by the bitterness of religious or political differ-
ences, the discussion of which is most stringently forbidden in its meetings:
to elevate and cultivate the mental faculties ; to rejoice with one another in
prosperity and extend the 'Good Samaritan' hand in adversity.
"The members must bear a good reputation for sobriety and industry;
they must follow some respectable calling by which to make a living, and as
JullN ANDkl.SoN. Jt
H. D. WAGNER
a vital principle of the association, it encourages temperance among its mem-
bers and recommends total abstinence from all intoxicating drinks."
The constitution of the order confines its membership to white males
born in the state of California, and at least eighteen years of age, but subordi-
nate parlors may fix the limit of age over eighteen years. Candidates must
be of sound health, of good moral character and of industrious habits, having
some respectable means of support and must believe in the existence of a Su-
preme Being. The iniatory ceremonies are necessarily secret but they are
formed on and bear an allegorical reference to the history of California, and are
calculated to impress the members with an idea of the importance to be attrib-
uted to the historical events which have made California what she is todav.
424 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
The principles of Friendship, Loyalty and Charity are enlarged upon, with the
endeavor to instill into the minds of the members the duty they owe to one
another and to all worthy mankind.
The growth and prosperity of the order has been remarkable. It now
numbers more than 17 thousand members distributed in 224 parlors. It has
expended in sick benefits nearly $500,000, and has an equal amount on hand.
Taking into consideration that it is but the first generation of native Califor-
nians, there is every reason to be proud of the progress made. Inseparably
linked with the destinies of the state, it will live to see California attain the
full fruition of her power and greatness.
Arrowhead Parlor.
July 27, 1887, Arrowhead Parlor, No. no, was organized in the city of
San Bernardino. The lodge was organized by Dan D. Rich, and the following
officers were elected for the ensuing year: Past President, Dan D. Rich;
President, Dwight W. Fox; First Vice-President, Frank M. Towne ; Second
Vice-President, Frank Holcomb ; Third Vice-President, R. L. Mathews ; Sec-
retary, George L. Bryant ; Financial Secretary, Ben. B. Rich ; Treasurer, H.
Kellar; Marshal, W. A. Nash; Inside Sentinel, Joe Rich; Outside Sentinel,
Henry Tyler; Trustees, H. M. Barton, A. H. Starke and Joe Folks; Surgeons,
Dr. Aldrich and Dr. Dickey, Jr.
The visiting members present on the occasion were, Homer C. Katz,
F. G. Schumacher, John H. Schumacher, Frank W. Marston, Wm. Steven-
son, John H. Clancy, Wm. Soldner, John D. Schiek, F. S. Cantin, R. C.
Heinsch, Tom E. Rowan, Sam. M. Norton, M. J. Newmark, Jr., Chas. A.
Vogelstein and A. T. Vogelstein.
After the organization of the new parlor a banquet was served to mem-
bers and their visitors.
The organization of the Native Sons was followed by that of their sis-
ters, and at the end of the first year of the new parlor's existence, the Native
Daughters presented Arrowhead Parlor with a most beautiful and elaborate
banner, and appropriate ceremonies and addresses were made in honor of
the event.
Another gala event in the history of the society was the reception ten-
dered the Grand Parlor of the Society upon their visit in 1892. An elabor-
ate banquet was tendered the guests and there was much speech-making and
good feeling.
The Past Presidents of the Arrowhead Parlor, are as follows: Frank
M. Towne, E. E. Katz, W. D. Wagner, T. J. Starke, W. E. Keir, J. W.
Catick, Juo. Andreson, Jr., W. D. F. Allen, R. E. Swing, J. M. Cook, J. E.
Rich, J.'h. Tittle, I. H. Curtis, A. H. Starke, M. L. Aldridge, F. D. Keller,
C. D. Lozano, C. A. More, Geo. L. Moore, M. G. Hall, Geo. W. Seldner.
Valley Lodge Knights of Pythias. Valley Lodge No. 27. Knights of
Pythias was organized Sept. 27th, 1874, by P. C. Henry Connor of California
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 425
Lodge, San Francisco, and instituted by L. M. Manzer, Grand Chancellor of
California. The first officers of the lodge were Judge H. M. Willis, P. C. ;
Scipio Craig, C. C. ; A. M. Kenniston, V. C. : Alex. Kier, M. A.; R. S. Swing,
M.of F. ; L. Jacobs, M. of E. ; J.
B. Brown, K. of R. & S.
This lodge had a charter mem-
bership of twenty-six members,
of whom only six have retained
their membership to the present
time ; some having died, others
transferred to other lodges and
some suspended for non-payment
of dues. This lodge for several
years had a struggle to hold its
charter, and only succ e e d e d
through donations of its mem-
bers to pay running expenses.
In 1876, their hall was destroyed
by fire with all their property.
Later the lodge was reorganized
and has since had a steady
growth both in membership and
wealth; having at the present
time 194 members and nearly ten
thousand dollars in its treasury.
E R' WAITE Valley Lodge No. 27 is the third
in membership, and the second in financial standing in the state. It has
paid to its members since organization over $18,000 in sick benefits and
funeral expenses.
Conventions of the order are held every Tuesday evening at Odd Fel-
low's Hall No. 331-333 Third street.
The Ladies' Order of Rathbone Sisters have in this city a temple known
as Charity Temple, No. 39. It was organized in 1897 and has a large and
flourishing membership, who attend to the social features.
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, S. B. Lodge, No. 836 was or-
ganized Feb. 26th, 1903, with 104 members, Everett R. Waite, member of
the Redlands Lodge officiating. E. R. Waite was Exalted Ruler; James
Fleming, Esteemed Leading Knight; Thomas M. Heard, Jr.. Esteemed
Loyal Knight; Royal M. Armstrong, secretary: John Andreson. Jr.. treas-
urer.
The lodge met in Masonic Temple and in various rooms until the pres-
ent year when they fitted up lodge rooms in the new Home Telephone build-
ing. About $5,000 was spent in fitting and furnishing these rooms which
426 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
are elegantly appointed. The present membership is 185 and the outlook
for the future of the lodge is most encouraging. The present officers are,
James Fleming. E. R. ; Thomas M. Heard, E. L. K. ; O. P. Sloat. Esteemed
Loyal Knight; H. W. Nisbet, Esteemed Lecturer; Roy Armstrong. Secre-
tary; John Andreson, Jr., Treasurer; G. S. Sage, Tiler; E. H. Lyman, Es-
quire: George Lauterbach. Inner Guard; Chas. L. Allison, Chaplain: Fred
M. Brush, Organist: Trustees, W. S. Hooper. J. B. Gill, Thomas Hadden,
Chas. D. Whitcomb and W. S. Boggs.
Woodmen of the World. The order of the Woodmen of the World is a
charitable and beneficiary organization with an insurance feature. San Ber-
nardino Camp No. 79, was instituted, July 2nd, 1891, with 31 charter mem-
bers, by I. I. Doak, Deputy Head Council for California. The Camp meets
in Odd Fellows' Hall on the second and fourth Monday of every month.
Arrowhead Club. Early in 1892. the business and professional men of
San Bernardino organized the Arrowhead Club as a social club and fitted
up a suite of rooms in the Postoffice Block. Col. W. L. Vestal was chosen
as president, a position that he still fills, and S. S. Draper was the first sec-
retary. The club rooms have been used for reading, recreation and social
enjoyment. They are well lighted, cool in summer and heated in winter.
One room is set apart for reading, another for cards, cribbage, checkers and
other games; a third room for billiards and a fourth for pool. No liquors
or gambling were ever, or are now, permitted in any of the rooms.
A considerable library has been collected and the club subscribes for
all of the leading magazines and papers. A number of valuable reference
works are on file and the members have free access to the library and its
privileges.
The present membership of the club is about sixty. The president is
Col. W. L. Vestal ; secretary, C. C. Haskell, treasurer, S. F. Zombro.
San Bernardino Woman's Club. About 1892, the San Bernardino
Woman's Club was organized with Mrs. James Fleming, president, and
Mrs. S. S. Draper, secretary. It started out with some ten or twelve mem-
bers but has increased until it averages about one hundred members at the
present time.
This club has always been conservative, devoting itself chiefly to study
and reading, but it has done effective work along these lines. It is affiliated
with the State and National Associations and takes an interest in all matters
pertaining to club life. The present officers are. Miss Mary E. Barton,
president, and Mrs. Florence Hanf, secretary.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY.
In the eighties, the physicians of this county formed a society which,
for a time, was an active force and was productive of much helpful discus-
sion and fraternal feeling. Drs. W. R. Fox, J. C. Peacock, C. D. Dickey, and
F. M. Price were among its active members.
This society in time died out. In 1902. the physicians of the county
felt that another organization was needed and the present Medical Society
was organized January 17, 1902, and held regular monthly meetings during
the year. In Jan. 1902, they met with the State Medical Society and became
a branch of the latter organization. Membership in the present County So-
ciety, which is affiliated with the State Society makes a physician eligible
to membership in the American Medical Association. The society has about
twenty-five members.
J. W. Aldrich San Bernardino Thomas Powell Redlands
J. P. Booth Needles G. B. Rowell San Bernardino
C. C. Browning Highland G. H. Scott Redlands
J. A. Champion Colton R. J. Smith Mentone
W. F. Freeman Needles Wesley Thompson. .San Bernardino
S. G. Huff Santa Ana Hoell Tyler Redlands
J. H. Hurley San Bernardino C. A. Sanborn Redlands
E. E. Major Redlands D. W. White San Bernardino
J. H. Meyer San Bernardino Chas. Harris San Bernardino
C. A. Mosley Redlands C. D. Dickey San Bernardino
C. A. Riley Redlands J. J. Meyers Rialto
J. E. Payton Redlands J. H. Evans Highlands
R. S. Gibbs San Bernardino
RESORTS.
Arrowhead Mountain and Springs. Just when and how the peculiar
natural formation which is known as the Arrowhead in the San Bernardino
range of mountains and has given its name to the hot springs at the base
of the mountain, was formed, we have no record. No mention of the
"Arrowhead" prior to 1850 seems to occur. The Americans who first
came into the valley called the formation the "Ace of Spades," doubtless
being more familiar with that emblem than with the weapon of Indian war-
fare. To Dr. D. N. Smith, who first utilized the springs as a resort, belongs
the credit of bestowing the name "Arrowhead." According to Dr. Smith's
story, when a boy of thirteen and while his father, who was a victim of
consumption, lav in his last illness, he had a vision which pictured to him
428 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
a place on the side of a mountain, with an arrowhead pointing to the spot
where his father might be cured. Thirteen years later he came into the San
Bernardino Valley, and as soon as he saw the marking of the Arrowhead,
he recalled his vision, and on going to the foot of the mountain found the
springs and the very region that he had seen in his vision. He at once
proposed to establish a sanitarium there, but he had no capital and could
not sufficiently interest others in the project. This was in 1857. He clung
to his plan, however, and in 1863 he succeeded in getting a road opened
to the springs and put up some bath houses. It was soon evident that the
hot waters of the springs possessed valuable curative qualities, and about
1865 Dr. Smith built what he called a "Hygienic Sanitarium," which he
managed for twenty years, until it was burned in 1885.
In 1887, Messrs. Darby & Lyman incorporated the Arrowhead Hotel
Company and put up a large hotel, fitted with all modern conveniences — a
large assembly hall, bath houses, etc. The grounds about the hotel were
highly improved and the place was a popular resort. In 1888, the San Ber-
nardino, Arrowhead and Waterman narrow gauge road was completed to
Rable Springs, thus making the Arrowhead much more accessible.
In 1895, this hotel was destroyed by fire, since which time the springs
have not be/en utilized.
In September, 1904, the Arrowhead Springs Company was organized
in San Piernardino with a capital stock of $1.01 0.000. Seth Marshall is pres-
ident ; A. C. Denman, Jr., vice-president; Victor A. Smith, secretary, and
E. D. Roberts, treasurer. These officers, with Dr. G. W. Tape, Joseph
Yoch and W. D. Brookings, constitute the directors. This company has
purchased the Arrowhead Springs property and also the Waterman ranch
of 1,732 acres and proposes to establish here one of the finest resorts in the
state. Already the contract for a hotel and bath houses to cost $150,000
has been let. These buildings are to be beautiful and unique in structure
and fully equipped and furnished in the most complete modern style. The
electric line will be extended to the hotel and the magnificent location, the
hot springs, the mountain air and the beautiful natural groves, canons
and drives in the vicinity, with the wonderful view of the San Bernardino
Valley and the mountains, will make this one of the most attractive resorts
in the country, quite aside from the curative qualities of the baths and the
climate.
The Hot Springs are located at an elevation of about 2.000 feet above
sea level and about 1,000 feet above the San Bernardino Valley, some seven
miles from the city of San Bernardino. The temperature of some of them
reaches 193 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to boil eggs.
The medicinal powers of these waters are marked especially in rheuma-
tism and diseases of the digestive tract and of the blood.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 429
The Arrowhead Marking. Of this marking. Captain Chittenden, who
carefully examined the formation, writes thus :
"Although known to many that the arrowhead form, as it now appears,
is due to the contrasting color of the vegetation growing thereon, with that
around it. various opinions were entertained respecting the origin, one intel-
ligent white man expressing to me his belief that it was a work of art by the
aborigines, who in order to produce it, dug out the original growth from
the surface which it covers. I devoted two days to a careful examination
to determine the natural agencies which had combined to form and maintain
for so long a period its outlines.
"By means of a pole measurement the arrowhead was found to be 1376
teet in length and 449 feet in width, embracing an area of seven and a quarter
acres. A great volume of water from a bursting cloud had struck the earth
at the top of the arrow and, rushing down 350 feet, formed the shank of
uniform breadth ; when obstructed by the accumulated mass of earth and
vegetation, it overflowed on both sides, and spreading out and advancing
with irresistible force, rolled up the rocky bordering ridges, as now observed,
for about 500 feet further, then the overflow being confined by the wedge-
shaped configuration of the mountain side, the arrow point was completed.
The mighty volume of swift descending water, earth .and stones completely
destroyed all the original vegetation, and upon its sandy, gravelly pathway
a coarse, light-colored sage sprang up, and has ever since held almost exclu-
sive possession, affording such a striking contrast with the bright green of
the surrounding chapparal that in the clear atmosphere of the valley the
arrowhead is visible for a distance of twenty miles."
Squirrel Inn. About 1892 a social club was organized to consist of fifty
members, which was one of the first "country clubs" in the southern end of
the state. The organization purchased 120 acres of land on the crest of the
mountains on the Arrowhead toll road, and a picturesque club house chris-
tened Squirrel Inn was built. Individual members have also erected log-
cabins on the club lands and here during the summer season a delightful
resting place is furnished. The inn stands at an elevation of 5,200 feet and
is surrounded by pine timber. Hunting, fishing and mountain climbing
furnish amusement. After two or three years the inn was thrown open to
the public, under restrictions. The present officers are : Dr. J. N. Baylis,
president ; A. A. Halstead of Riverside, vice-president ; Robinson Jones, sec-
retary.
Harlem Springs. In 1892 the Kohl Brothers purchased this property
which they have since constantly improved. They now have a swimming
pool 75 by 150 feet in size and varying in depth from two to six feet, with y$
dressing rooms. A large hall, a dining room, pavilion, picnic grounds and
arbor add to the attractiveness of the place, which is one of the favorite re-
sorts of the vicinity. There is also a building where hot baths are supplied.
430 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
there being fifteen tubs, and the water is 115 degrees in temperature. The
Harlem Springs motor road, which was built to make these springs accessi-
ble, has been sold to the Traction Co., which now operates an electric line,
thus making access easy.
Glenn Ranch. One of the best known resorts in the vicinity of San
Bernardino is Glenn Ranch, situated two miles from Keenbrook, a station
on the Santa Fe located in the Cajon Pass. The ranch comprises 325 acres,
75 of which are under cultivation, being watered from Lytle Creek and pro-
ducing the finest of apples, cherries and deciduous fruits. This property
was originally homesteaded by David Wixom, one of the earliest settlers of
San Bernardino county, who took it up during the Mormon occupation. It
now belongs to Mrs. M. A. Applewhite, and has become under her manage-
ment a delightful resort for the summer months. She has a large dining
room and kitchen and supplies cottages or tents, furnishing accommodations
for about 100 guests. She has fine saddle horses on the ranch and raises
nearly everything used at home, thus furnishing the best of milk, butter,
fruit and vegetables.
Urbita Springs. This popular resort is located one mile from the heart
of the city and provides many attractions for the visitor. A large bath house
supplies a plunge bath and tub baths of hot mineral water. An artificial
lake furnishes boating. A band pavilion and beautiful shade trees and groves
add to the pleasure of the place. It is the favorite picnic ground for the
country round about. It is readily accessible to the neighboring towns
which are reached by the lines of the San Bernardino Vallev Traction Co.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 431
CHAPTER XVII.
REDLANDS.
We have told the story of the Mission station of San Bernardino. Upon
the advent of the Mormon colonists a new era began within the crumbling
walls of the old buildings which had already seen many changes. The Mis-
sion chapel was occupied by Bishop Tenney, one of the officials of the church.
He was a man of considerable property, owning stock and farming a large
tract of land. The colonists also put in a large field of grain in common.
They made use of the Mill Creek zanja and took out a ditch from the Santa
Ana which has since been known as the "Tenney'' ditch. A number of fam-
ilies settled in the neighborhood, especially along "Cottonwood Row." On
the departure of Bishop Tenney for Salt Lake, the old "Mission" was occu-
pied by the Cram Brothers who began there the manufacture of chairs and
other furniture of a primitive character, but substantial and in good demand
in the vicinity and even in other neighborhoods. They removed to Crafton
about 1858 and the property passed into the hands of Dr. Barton, who re-
paired the old building and occupied it as a residence until he built the brick
house, in 1867, which now stands on. the site and is owned by V. I. Mitchell.
In 1858, the Willis family moved onto the place for many years known as the
"Willis Place." Captain Pishon, Wm. Hinckley and others followed. The
Van Leuvens had already located on the places still occupied by the families.
These settlers found a few of the old vines planted during the Mission
occupancy still in existence, and cuttings from them were used in some in-
stances to start new vineyards. In 1859, Dr. Barton set out 60,000 vines and
H. M. Willis, 16,000. This was the beginning of the famous "Barton vine-
yard." About the same time a few orange trees were put out by Anson Van
Leuven, the first in San Bernardino valley. Having a rich soil, an abundance
of water and practically no frost, the orange trees and vines grew to perfec-
tion. When the first oranges matured they were found to be of excellent
quality and were a great curiosity, there being no others nearer than San
Gabriel. People drove miles to see them and paid exorbitant prices for
them. Several small orange groves had been set and began to bear about
1872-3. February 20th, 1873, the San Bernardino Argus announces, "Prob-
ably no place in the United States can boast of raising larger, sweeter, or more
perfect oranges than San Bernardino. We are well acquainted with orange
culture, from personal observation, in every section of the United States and
432 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
in Cuba, and we have never seen anything that can compare with those
raised in old San Bernardino. We were shown a sample of oranges from the
orchard of Captain Pishon which measured thirteen inches in circumference,
and this was not picked fruit, but about the general average."
Dr. Barton put up a winery about this time and in 1873 made 30,000
gallons of wine. This place has been managed for many years by the "Vache
Freres"and is now known as the Brookside Winery.
About 1875 the disputes over the right to Mill Creek waters as between
the Crafton users and the Old San Bernardino claimants, culminated in one
of the longest and most exhaustive law-suits in the history of the county —
the Cave-Crafts suit. Since this time several other suits involving individual
rights to Mill Creek water have arisen and the exact status of the zanja
waters is not yet considered as finally settled.
The ranches of Old San Bernardino, the Van Leuven places, the Barton
place, the homes of H. M. Willis, J. W. Curtis, James Waters, and others
were highly improved and were ideal country homes. For years this was
the "Show" place of the county. Here were found the semi-tropical fruits
and flowers growing in perfection side by side with the plants and fruits of
the temperate climate.
In 1887, Dr. Barton sold his property to a syndicate who put it on the
market in small tracts and a considerable number of places were so dis-
posed of.
CRAFTON.
Crafton is one of the oldest and most beautiful of the fruit settlements
that are the pride of San Bernardino county. It lies twelve miles east of the
city of San Bernardino, at the mouth of the Santa Ana Canon and the base of
the San Bernardino range. Through this settlement flows Mill Creek zanja
which has long since lost its artificial character; its tortuous course is bor-
dered with willows, alders, sycamores and wild grapevines and it is here
most picturesque and beautiful.
About 1857, Lewis Cram and brothers, who had already started a chair
factory at Old San Bernardino, moved several miles further up the zanja in
order to secure better water power. This was the first occupation of what
is now Crafton. In 1858 the Crams sold their claim to L. F. Carpenter.
Shortly afterwards, George H. Crafts purchased a tract of land just below the
Carpenter place. This property passed into the hands of M. H. Crafts about
1861. In 1858, H. M. Willis purchased a claim that was later sold to Leffing-
well and later still to M. Byrne. During the sixties, various parties located
in this vicinity, some of them taking up government land, others purchasing
from the San Bernardino Grant owners. Among these were David McCoy
and his sons, W. T. Morris and W. P. Cave. In 1873, Dr. William Craig,
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 433
who had been one of the first settlers of Riverside, purchased a piece of land
and began improving the place still occupied by his family. In 1877, Charles
R. Paine, a son-in-law of Dr. Craig, bought land adjoining the Craig place.
This is now one of the most highly improved and beautiful homes in the"
county.
The soil of this neighborhood was a rich loam and in the earlier years
of settlement, large crops of barley and wheat were raised. Vineyards and
orchards of apples, peaches and other deciduous fruits were set out and by
1865 had begun to bear. In 1870 Mr. Crafts planted about an acre and a half
of seedling orange trees — the first orange orchard in Crafton. A few years
later Dr. Craig, Prof. Paine and others put out quite extensive orchards of
seedling and also of budded oranges.
Sheep and stock were also kept during the early period. The work on
the ranches was largely done by Coahuilla Indians, who lived in the neigh-
borhood, while, during the fruit season, large numbers of Indians came in
from Potrero and other rancherias to help in fruit picking and drying.
In 1869, a party visiting "Altoona Ranch." as the Crafts place was called,
found apples of different varieties, apricots, nectarines, peaches, pears, figs,
quinces, pomegranates, almonds and walnuts, — all in bearing, beside vine-
yards and extensive grainfields. The house was surrounded by beautiful
shade trees and flowers. It was remarked that if this place could be made
so beautiful and prolific, other tracts might be brought to the same perfection
— and this idea led to the institution of the colony at Riverside a few months
later.
In 1872, Dr. Peacock, of San Bernardino, persuaded Mr. Crafts to take
an invalid to his home to board. The sick man improved so rapidly that soon
other invalids were sent to "Altoona" and in time the house was enlarged and
made into a sanitarium and hotel. The surroundings were most attractive, —
the sheltering trees, the beautiful orchards, the sparkling mountain water
and the pure air made the place almost ideal. One of its visitors gave the
name of Crafton and one of the many ministers who came here for rest, called
it the "Retreat," hence the name, "Crafton Retreat." Visitors from all parts
of the world were delighted with this — one of the earliest of California re-
sorts. In 1881, the Pacific Coast Press Association held its annual session in
Riverside, and in the course of their entertainment were driven to San Ber-
nardino, Old San Bernardino, Lugonia and Crafton. At "Crafton Retreat"
dinner was served the guests and the sponsor of the occasion, Scipio Craig,
the president of the Association, proudly announced that every article of the
tempting repast was a home product, — everything on the table, except the
pepper, being produced in San Bernardino county.
August 7th, 1882, the Crafton School District was organized with C. R.
Paine, G. H. Crafts and C. P. Barrows, as trustees. The school was opened
434 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
with Miss Sadie Townsend as teacher. In 1887 bonds were voted for $6,500
and the present school house was erected and completed for use in 1888.
Early in the eighties, Mr. Crafts erected a two-stpry frame store build-
ing on the site now occupied by the Southern Pacific depot and opened a
store, the principal trade being with the Indians who gathered in the vicinity.
The upper floor was used as a meeting place for the Sunday School and for
church services.
About 1885, a postoffice was established at Crafton with M. H. Crafts as
the first postmaster. Since, the name of this office has been changed to Craf-
tonville, to avoid conflict with "Grafton."
Mr. Crafts had in time acquired title to some 1800 acres of land and in
1882, he organized the Crafton Land and Water Company and sub-divided
his land. A town site was laid out, forty acres was donated as a site for a Con-
gregational college — the beginning from which Claremont College was even-
tually established, — and a reservoir for the storage of Mill Creek waters was
constructed in the hills east of Crafton Retreat.
In 1886 a syndicate was formed with I. N. Hoag as controlling spirit
for the sale of Crafton lands. The present Crafton Water Co. was also or-
ganized and purchased the reservoir from Mr. Crafts. An exchange of Mill
Creek and Bear Valley water was effected by which water from the reservoir
was furnished to the Redlands Heights people. A number of eastern settlers
came in and bought land and built homes and Crafton is still a beautiful and
prosperous settlement.
When the city of Redlands was incorporated a portion of Crafton was in-
cluded in the city limits, but the Crafton School District is still maintained
and supports a grammar school with two teachers which gives efficient ser-
vice.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
435
LUGONIA.
East of the city of San Bernardino stretches a gently rising valley, made
up of washes, low hills and sweeping mesa land. It was in this neighborhood
that the old "padres" located their first settlement in the valley at Old San
Bernardino, and in 1856 the Cram Brothers located six miles above the first
settlement and gave the start to the settlement of Crafton.
If February, 1870, George A. Craw took up a claim of government land
on the north side of the zanja between these two settlements and thus became
the first settler in what later formed the Lugonia settlement. March 3rd.
of the same year, James B. Glover located a claim on what is now Pioneer
street, a property which he still occupies as a residence. Somewhat later A. A.
Carter settled in the neighborhood. In the Carter family occurred the first
LUGONIA IN 1881
birth in this locality, in 1871, and the first death, in 1874. In 1871, W. W.
McCoy filed on a claim and in 1873, Col. Wm. Tolles took up government land
as an old soldier. He built a house into which he moved January 8th, 1874.
In the following June this house was destroyed by fire but was soon rebuilt.
Col. Tolles sent to San Francisco for a barrel of rotten Tahiti oranges,
cleaned the seed and planted them in June, 1874. These trees came into par-
tial bearing the seventh year from the seed and the eighth year were in full
bearing. Some of them are still standing. Col Tolles also put out a decidu-
ous orchard about the same time. In 1874, George W. Beattie bought a place
on Pioneer street which had been previously occupied and the same year
Israel Beal came in and settled on the place which he occupied for many
436 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
years. In 1876, the Reeves family bought twenty acres adjoining the Glover
place and put out an orchard.
February 8th, 1877, a new school district was taken off from Mission Dis-
trict and at the suggestion of C. R. Paine, the County Supt. of Schools, was
named "Lugonia," a word formed by the addition of a syllable to "Lugo,"
the name of the original owner of San Bernardino Grant, and which had
been previously adopted by Dr. Craig as a brand for some of his wines. M.
H. Crafts, W. R. Tolles and C. E. Brink were elected as the first trustees
and the school was opened May 14th, with G. W. Beattie as teacher. He
only served one month, however, and was succeeded by Mrs. C. E. Brink, who
taught several years in the district. The first school house, costing $400 was
located at the corner of Church street and Lugonia avenue and later became a
part of the residence of Truman Reeves, Esq.
In March, 1877, Frank E. Brown, George A. Cook and A. H. Alverson,
all of New Haven, Conn., were driven through Lugonia and Crafton and
were so delighted with this out-of-the-way corner of the earth, then reached
only by a long drive from Colton, passing but three houses on the way, that
they at once planned a New Haven Colony. This failed to materialize but
Messrs. Cook and Brown became permanent settlers. The first winter, Mr.
Brown purchased ten acres of the Tolles place in Lugonia and built a house
which still stands on Lugonia avenue, between Orange and Church streets,
to which he brought his bride in 1878. In April, 1877, Mr. E. G. Judson, of
New York City, arrived and purchased land on Pioneer street, which he at
once improved by setting out both deciduous and citrus fruit. G. A. Cook-
returned from the east with his wife in 1879 and bought land adjoining F. E.
Brown and put out an orchard.
There was at that time a good deal of fruit raised in this vicinity and the
settlers found difficulty in disposing of it. Frank E. Brown, after some ex-
perimenting, built a dryer in 1880. This was destroyed by wind but was re-
built for the season of 1881 and Judson and Brown incorporated the Lugonia
Packing Company and that year, according to a report in the San Bernardino
Times, put out 250 tons of dried fruit. This was one of the first establish-
ments of the kind in the county.
A Sunday School and church services were inaugurated in 1877 in the
Lugonia school house, C. E. Brink acting as superintendent. This was the
beginning which resulted in the organization of the Lugonia Congregational
church.
In 1869 Berry Roberts re-located the old Mormon ditch which had
been taken out by Bishop Tenney about 1855. This became the Roberts
ditch and formed a part of the Sunnyside extension of the South Fork Ditch
which was constructed in 1878. Col. Tolles, J. D. B. Stillman, N. B. Hicks,
C. E. Brink, and others in the neighborhood were interested in this work. E.
G. Judson was secretary of the organization and F. A. Miller, now of River-
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
437
side, was foreman of construction. The ditch was lined with rock and was
the first attempt at anything- more than a "dirt" ditch in the count}'. Later
the organization was merged into the Lugonia Water Company and now only
a few shares of the original stock are outstanding.
Lying above the "danger" line
of frost, surrounded by beautiful
mountain scenery and possessed
of fertile soil and a good supply
of water, Lugonia became one of
the most attractive and produc-
tive settlements in the country.
By 1885 a large acreage of orange
trees had been set and it was es-
timated that between five and six
thousand of these were in bearing.
Among the larger groves were
those of Col. M. B. Smith. Mr.
Weimar, Col. Tolles, Dr. Stillman.
Mr. Cook, Major Shaw, Mr. Gar-
rison, Wm. Balch and Mr.
Adams.
In 1879, Dr. Stillman, a scholar,
phyisician and author, located in
Lugonia and bought a tract north
of the zanja and east of Orange
dr. j. d. b. stillman street and began the planting of
a 100-acre vineyard, setting out 120,000 vines of the finest varieties. In
1882, the family residence was completed and the family moved in. In
1885, Dr. Stillman put up a most complete establishment and began the
manufacture of the choicest wines.
The First Store.
Naturally the Judson and Brown dryer became the center of activity for
the neighborhood during the fruit season, and a small stock of .provisions
was kept on hand to supply the Indian laborers, and the neighbors. In the
summer of 1881, G. A. Cook opened a store in a building ten by sixteen feet,
located near the dryer. In the fall the store was moved to a point opposite
the Gernich place on Lugonia Avenue. Two years later Mr. Cook sold this
building, and built a store building on a lot opposite the present site of Casa
Loma. This store was opened for business July 28. 1882, and was enlarged
four times in the next three years, so rapidly did the business multiply, ll
was patronized by ranchers for miles about, and miners and Indians came in
from the desert, as far east as Indian Wells, for supplies. Sept. 5th, 1S82. the
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Lugonia postoffice was established, with Mr. Cook, as Postmaster. The
same year, George Phillips, began to run a stage, carrying the mail between
Lugonia and San Bernardino. At first, trips were made two or three times a
week, but soon a daily mail was arranged for. The telephone and telegraph
station was also located in this store. In 1885, the store was sold to F. E.
Brown, and was occupied by the B. O. Johnson Co., until the removal of
that firm to Redlands. In 1887. the Bank of East San Bernardino Valley,
later, the First National Bank of Redlands. was organized, and was at first
located in this store. On the completion of the Wilson Block, it was removed
to the corner room of that building. The Terrace Congregational Church
was completed and occupied in January 1883. In November, 1883, the Lu-
gonia Park Water Co.. was formed.
The Lugonia school district, in 1884, voted bonds to the amount of $6,000
to build a school house, and in January, 1885, the new building was first oc-
^^^^_^^_^_^^^___^ cupied ; it was at the time of its erection, one
of the largest and most complete school houses
■ in the county, and is still in use.
The high ground north of Mill Creek zanja
had been known to the old settlers as the
■P| «v (H "hogback." but it was now transformed into
M^> tfw '^1 lne "terrace," and some of the finest homes
in Lugonia are located here. In 1886, the
"Terrace Villa" Hotel, was built on the ter-
^^^A^-,: iH race. This was a somewhat pretentious frame
4 jB building containing 48 sleeping rooms. Its
Hk ^B commanding view of tin- surrounding countn
B^Sj and mountains, its beautiful grounds, and
comfortable arrangements, made it a popular
IH Mi tourist hotel, and for some years it was a
geo. a. cook well known resort. The place was first owned
by .Mr. D. L. Clark, but was soon sold to
Messrs. Lambeth and Hubbard.
In 1886, Messrs. Berry and Wilson, put up a two story business block,
100x75 feet, costing $10,000, on the present site of the Casa Loraa. The
lower floor was divided into stores, the upper floor contained a hall with a
seating capacity of 500, known as the "Opera House." A contemporaneous
account of the "opening of the new theatre." may be of interest:
Opening of the New Theatre in East San Bernardino.
If any one had had the temerity, less than ten years ago, to stand on what
is now known as Lugonia Terrace, and prophesy that in a few years, a finely
finished Opera House, would be erected on that naked and barren spot, which
would call within its walls an audience of refined, and well-to-do people, he
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 430
would have been regarded as little better than an idiot. Looking across the
expanse of sage-brush, ten to twelve feet high, with a dense population of jack
and cotton-tail rabbits, it required an imagination not possessed by many, to
see within a few years, the elegant homes, handsome buildings and costly im-
provements now to be found at Lugonia. The little cluster of a half dozen
settlements, known as the "rabbit ranches" was almost lost in the surround-
ing wilderness, and that such an event as was witnessed last night, in the
opening of the Lugonia Opera House, would ever take place during the pres-
ent generation would hardly have been credited, even five years ago.
But a transformation has come over the erstwhile sage-covered plain.
The "old-timer" who has been away for a few years, looks in vain for a
familiar landmark. Brick blocks have taken the place of flimsy shanties, and
in one of the handsomest structures to be found in the valley, last night,
Messrs. Plato, Lesher & Hyde, managers of the San Bernardino Opera House,
presented to the people of Lugonia, the "Great Georgia Minstrel Troupe."
It was the first play ever given at the Opera House at this place, and the peo-
ple of Lugonia, Redlands, Crafton and other towns flocked in, all eager to
witness the opening. The hall, which is in the second story of the Wilson block,
is 60x80 feet, with a stage 14x24. The drop curtain is a perfect little beauty,
pamted by Mr. Harry Lesher, one of the managers, as was nearly all of the
scenery, of which there are several full sets, representing various American
and English scenes, one of them being a fine representation of Castle Garden.
The opera chairs are of the latest design, and are arranged in the most perfect
manner. The stage is principally under the supervision of James Ferris, of the
San Bernardino Opera House. He displayed some very good taste in the vari-
ous scenes exhibited." — San Bernardino Times, Dec. 13, 1887.
Lugonia, was of course affected by the "boom." March 31, 1887, a town
plat was filed, and not long afterward, a regulation "excursion and land sale,"
under the auspices of the Los Angeles Land Bureau, took place, and it was
jubilantly reported that "nearly every lot in the large tract was sold, and good
prices ranged all around."
In September, the "Southern Californian" was started, with H. E.
Boothby, editor, for the purpose of "booming" Lugonia, and ran a brief
career, suspending publication in November 17, 1888.
The rapid growth of the later settlement of Redlands, led to the discus-
sion of the question of incorporation. It was proposed that the two towns
join forces under one name, — but the question of the name to be used \v;is a
serious matter. Naturally, Lugonia, the older settlement, with solid im-
provements, a large amount of wealth, and a well established reputation, did
not care to lose her identity. For a year or more, the matter was discussed
with feeling: but it ended in the incorporation of the city of Redlands. Novem-
ber 26th, 1888.
440 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
"KENWOOD" COLONY.
The publication of Charles Xordhoff's book on California which appeared
in the seventies created a new interest in the "Golden State" among eastern
people. The possibilities of California as a home and the inducements which
she could offer to health seekers and for agricultural and horticultural pur-
suits were first revealed to many people by the reading of Mr. Xordhoff's
statements. Among those who were thus interested were a number of New
Haven. Conn., residents, including A. H. Alverson, George A. Cook and oth-
ers. The idea of forming a colony to be located in California and thus pro-
vide homes for a number of people developed. Meetings to discuss the mat-
ter were held, at first in private houses and later, as trie interest increased,
in a public hall. When the matter became public the promoters of the scheme
were flooded with correspondence regarding the subject. Arrangements
were completed and a committee, consisting of A. H. Alverson, George A.
Cook and Judge Stephen M. Booth, was selected to visit California, decide
upon a location and make the preliminary arrangements. In 1877, these
gentlemen arrived at San Francisco, and after a short inspection of the coun-
try thereabouts, came south and visited the East San Bernardino Valley,
where, after a careful study of the situation, they decided on the purchase of
1600 acres of land located where the Gladys tract now is. Arrangements
were made to purchase this land from the San Francisco owners, who agreed
to put water in sufficient quantity upon it. The land was platted and
Messrs. Cook and Booth returned to the east, leaving Mr. Alverson to earn-
on the survey and complete the purchase. Messrs. Judson and Brown as-
sisted in the survey, which was nearly completed before it became evident
that the owners of the land would be unable to carry out their promise of
furnishing water. This brought about a stay of proceedings. Mr. Alverson
returned east and a considerable delay followed. Although many of the
prospective colonists had selected their lots in "Kenwood," as the colony
wras named, and some of them had made payments, the negotiations were not
completed and the money paid in for land was refunded. Before further
arrangements for another tract could be made, Messrs. Brown and Judson
had begun the settlement of Redlands and Kenwood colony was dropped. A
number of the parties who had been interested in this colonization project,
later settled in the colony of Redlands.
THE SETTLEMENT OF REDLANDS.
Redlands stands alone. The story of her development and growth is al-
most without a parallel. In all the history of rapid expansion which has
marked Southern California, never before has a barren and desolate waste
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 441
been changed into an equal number of comfortable, beautiful, and costly
homes, within the space of twenty-two years ; never before in so short a
time, has a city of 9,000 inhabitants, with extensive public improvements,
costly public buildings, with complete railway and electric service ; with
schools, churches, libraries and societies— social, fraternal and political ; with.
in short, all of the elaborate machinery that goes to make up the most com-
plete type of modern city life, been created out of the ordinary natural re-
sources. And never before, has bare soil alone, been so quickly made pro-
ductive, not only of wealth, but of comfort and beauty also. From sun-baked
plains, to thousands of acres of green and fruit-laden orchards ; from rough
and dusty trails, to more than two hundred miles of streets, — sidewalked
and shaded by spreading trees ; from the treeless and grassless hillsides to
syllvan parks, sparkling with water, gay with flowers, refreshing and entic-
ing in their greenness, — these are some of the transformations wrought.
In 1881, a stretch of bare, reddish mesa and upland lay along the foothills
on the southern rise of the San Bernardino range. It was sheltered by the
sweep of the mountains from the heat of the desert, and the north winds of
the passes. It was high enough to escape damaging frosts, and beyond the
reach of the fogs that roll inland from the coast. The upper edge of the mesa
commanded a panorama of the far-reaching San Bernardino valley, and of
the loftiest peaks of the range beyond.
Nature had done much : but to evolve the city of today within less than a
quarter of a century, required the intelligent application of brains, industry
and money ; it demanded a spirit of broad-minded liberality, on the part of the
founders of the colony; it required energy, public spirit, culture, and wealth,
on the part of her citizens ; it required municipal pride, and interest on the
part of every resident. All of these things have contributed to make Redlands
what it is today — the ideal home for the best class of seekers for health, com-
fort and happiness.
The story of the inception of Redlands, reads like a made-to-order illustra-
tion of applied knowledge, clear foresight and unyielding perseverance in the
face of great obstacles. In 1880, Frank E. Brown and E. G. Judson, who had
settled in Lugonia, some three years previous, had become somewhat familiar
with the possibilities of the East San Bernardino valley. They were im-
pressed with the advantages of this particular area — if water could be applied
to it. The land had remained unoccupied and unused, except for an occasional
crop of barley, in a wet season, and as a sheep range. The old settlers said it
lay too high to be reached by water from the Santa Ana, and Mill Creek waters
were already utilized to the last drop. So the land was regarded as almost
worthless. Indeed, Dr. Barton, who owned a tract of it, once declared that
he was greatly disappointed when a prospective purchaser decided that forty
cents an acre was too high a price for the property.
It had already been demonstrated, that the orange tree was a fastidious
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 443
grower. A peculiar combination of soil, water, elevation, temperature and
exposure, was necessary to make an orange grove a profitable investment.
And it was fast becoming evident, that the area possessing the recjuired con-
ditions was limited. Yet, as far as experience in this vicinity then went, this
particular strip of red lands furnished every requisite, but the all important
one of water. F. E. Brown, who was an engineer and surveyor, and E. G. Jud-
son, after driving over the tract and taking levels and going up the Santa Ana
river and taking more levels, decided that water could be put upon this
ground, even though some of the old settlers were firm in their belief that
water "couldn't be made to 'run up hill.' "
They determined to test their theory and began securing the land, —
Mr. Judson taking a government claim and the two together purchasing
tracts from the Southern Pacific Company, Dr. Barton and other owners.
In the course of the next few years Messrs. Judson and Brown secured con-
trol of something like four thousand acres of land along the foothills. They
planned a settlement and after discussion decided to use the name ''Red-
lands" suggested by Mr. Judson as bringing out the distinctive character of
the soil, which they believed to be one of the most promising indications of
success.
The next step was the organization of the Redlands Water Co.. with a
capital of $1,500,000, divided into 1500 shares, which was incorporated Octo-
ber 27th, 1881, and the filing of the preliminary map of Redlands, November
21st, i88r.
The Redlands Water Company purchased fifty shares of stock from the
South Fork Ditch owners and at once began work upon a ditch which was
to carry water from the opening of the Santa Ana canon to a small reservoir
at the mouth of the Yucaipe valley — a canal some six miles in length. Work
was also begun on a tunnel into the bed of the Santa Ana river to secure ad-
ditional water. The San Bernardino Times of June 17th, 1882, reports pro-
gress on the company's work: "Yucaipe canon had been dammed with a
most substantial earthwork which makes a reservoir capable of holding a
large amount of water. Everything about it is constructed in the most sub-
stantial manner. Two ten-inch pipes lead from the lowest part of the reser-
voir into a valve house, which is built of rock and where several large valves
regulate the flow of water, while an ingeniously contrived gauge measures
and regulates the same. From the valve house the water is let by means of
cement pipes all over the 1500 acre tract, and thus carried to each lot without
waste by seepage or evaporation. There have already been laid some five
miles of main pipes."
The land was divided into tracts of two and one-half, five and ten acres,
and was sold with a water right of one inch to eight acres. Later the water
right was changed to one inch for four acres. Wide avenues running north-
444 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
east and southwest were laid off and cross streets were run every half mile.
Shade trees were planted along the streets. A town site — with a plaza — was
laid out in the center of the tract and "Residence Tract" was divided into
lots. This was located along the southern border of the tract. The sale
of lots began in Dec, 1881, the first deeds being made Dec. 6th to C. A.
Smith and J. G. Cockshutt. The first contract was made Dec. 17th with R.
B. Morton and F. F. Kious, for two lots, "Lot 1 and 8, Block J" and "Lot 1.
Block I." the first between Palm and Cypress on the west side of Cajon
street and the second on the northwest corner of Cajon street and Cypress
avenue. Mr. Morton had already moved onto his property, being the first
resident in the new settlement. In the Citrograph of Nov. 26th, 1887, appears
the following letter from Mr. Morton, which gives some interesting history
of the first steps in settling the new colony:
"Editor Citrograph: — Your interesting, well edited, well printed and
most enterprising paper comes regularly to hand and as we read of the im-
mense amount of capital and energy that is being expended in Redlands,
our minds run back to this day six years ago, Nov. 9th, 1881, when the writer
and family moved onto the tract, occupying an old house on the west corner
of Cypress and Cajon. and being the first persons to arrive. This day was
the first of a chilling three days norther and as we crowded around the fire
on that bleak hillside, with not a street nor a lot staked off, nor a house, ex-
cepting the shanty we had sought shelter in, the reservoir not made, the
ditch not dug, and no water nearer than Mill Creek zanja, absolutely nothing
except the promises of Messrs. Judson and Brown, as to what they were go-
ing to do, the prospect was, to say the least, anything but encouraging.
Soon, however, the' norther subsided and the genial, exhilerating winter
weather native only to Southern California, resumed its regular flow. The
lumber for the Prospect House began to arrive and soon afterward more for
the residence of the late J. G. Cockshutt. who was presently our first neigh-
bor, and at whose hospitable table the whole colony, consisting of two fam-
ilies, ate turkey, January 1st, 1882.
Buildings soon began to be seen in different directions, streets began
to assume shape, when one morning, January 12th, we looked out upon six-
inches of snow. Then grave consternation was visible upon the faces of pur-
chasers, especially those recently from the east. But a few hours' sun sent
it rippling off to the sea and again there was hope that this would prove to
be a good orange growing country.
To think of that time without calling to mind the threats of opposition
and the ridicule that the proprietors of Redlands had to endure, is impos-
sible. The very air was full. Not only the men, but their family partners
•00k a hand in riding rough-shod over them. With their own sex across Mill
Creek zanja, Messrs. Judson and Brown were fully capable of breaking a
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 445
lance, but the helpless sober mirth of Mr. Judson and the childish glee of
Mr. Brown attested their helplessness when it came from the other side of
the house.
The writer had the misfortune to be one of the building committee for
the church on the Terrace. Misfortune because the scenes over naming the
church and facing the building were a disgrace to the church. But that is
nearly all past except a trifling amount which would suggest such unmeaning
names as Redonia and Lugoland for the combined settlements.
R. B. Morton
Sissons, Cal, Nov. 9th, 1887."
The first habitation within the present city limits was a sheep herder's
hut which was placed on the east side of what is now Cajon street almost
opposite the Kingsbury school by the Bartons in 1865. In 1877, Orson Van'
Leuven moved a small house to a claim which he had located on the souti
side of the zanja and placed it at a point now on west Olive street. This
was the first residence in the tract occupied by the Redlands settlement.
Water had to be hauled to it from the zanja. The first house built in the
new colony was that of J. G. Cockshutt, which was located on the south side
of Palm avenue, near Cajon street.
A number of lots and tracts were sold in 1882. The first deciduous or-
chard was set on what is known as the L. Jacobs place on Olive and Fern
avenues east of Cajon street. The first orange orchards were set out by
E. J. Waite. one on the Sinclair property on the northeast corner of Cypress
and Reservoir streets and one of two and a half acres, on Center street and
North place — the I. Mitchell place. The first orange tree in the settlement
was set out on Washington's birthday, 1882, on the lot now occupied by the
Theodore Clark residence, but did not live long. These first orange trees
were brought from San Diego and hauled by team from the Temecula canon
— then the terminus of the California Southern road. In June, five acres of
orange trees were planted by F. P. Morrison and in July the first nursery
stock was put out by E. J. Waite on Center street between Cypress and Fern
avenues.
In April, a building owned by Messrs. Judson and Brown was com-
pleted and Simeon Cook opened a boarding house in it. This house which
was on the Heights was remodeled and on Nov. 26th was opened by Mrs.
E. B. Seymour as the Prospect House, the first hotel in this part of the valley.
At that time water had to be hauled to it in barrels. In June, F. E. Brown
completed his residence, the first plastered building. This was located on
the south side of West Cypress avenue, near Center street. The Redlands
Telegraph and Telephone Company, a private corporation had been organ-
ized, and a telephone line from San Bernardino had been completed and ser-
vice was put into this house as soon as it was finished.
440
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
The San Bernardino Times of June 7th, 1882, writes thus of the new set-
tlement of Redlands: "The first land was put upon the market early the
present year and already several hundred acres — all that has been offered —
has been sold. There are some eighty property holders on the tract, fifteen
dwellings have been erected, and between three and four hundred acres
brought under cultivation, much of which is already set out to fruit. The
tract has been laid out in ten acre lots with broad avenues running at right
angles and although at the present time, it is in a rough and unfinished con-
dition, it already gives promise of becoming one of the handsomest settle-
ments in our county. The plan upon which the property is sold, too, carries
with it a positive ownership of the water. Each acre of land has one share
in the water company, so that the title to the water is inseparable from the
.land, and the water right is not a perpetual mortgage upon the land owner,
nor is he subject to any company for it.
"Messrs Judson and Brown have laid out a vast work in Redlands, which
we hope to see them accomplish. They propose now to increase the capacity
of their reservoir and to pave
and cement their ditch through
the entire length and thus take
measures for preventing the loss
of any of their water."
From this time the success of
the new colony was assured. "In
1885, there were fifty-five irriga-
tors in the district, owning in all
767^ acres, the largest holding
being fifty-three acres, the small-
est, two and a half acres. Of
this land 194 acres was planted
to citrus fruits, 276 to raisin vine-
yard and 175 to deciduous fruits
and the balance to alfalfa and
garden crops." — Irrigation in
Southern California.
Messrs. Judson and Brown had
small capital to start with, yet
they had planned and successfully
philo R. brown carried out the settlement of Red-
lands and had supplied sufficient water for the first needs. So rapidly
was the land taken, however, and so large an acreage was at once put out
to fruit, that it soon became evident that the water supply must be mater-
ially increased. In 1883, Mr. Brown conceived the idea of making a reser-
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 447
voir in Bear Valley above Redlancls in the San Bernardino range. The con-
struction of the Bear Valley dam and the development of the Bear Valley
Irrigation system is the most interesting chapter in the history of irrigation
in Southern California. (See Chap. IX). The Bear Valley Company was
incorporated in Oct., 1883, with a stock of $360,000 and was capitalized
almost entirely by Redlands and San Bernardino men. In the fall of
1884, the dam was completed and in 1885 the water was first used for irri-
gation, and thus Redlands was assured of an abundant water supply.
The Redlands school district was set off from Lugonia and Crafton
Feb. 5th, 1884, and P. R. Brown, Orson Van Leuven and A. G. Saunders
were elected trustees. The school was opened May 14th. in the Cockshutt
house on Palm avenue, the first residence built in the place, which now
stands on the southwest corner of Clark and Cajon streets. Miss Rosa
Belle Robbins, now Mrs. Canterbury, was the first teacher, with fourteen
pupils.
March 21st, 1885, $1,000 bonds was voted for the erection of a school
house. The lot on the southwest corner of Cypress and Cajon streets was
purchased for $300 and a building which it was expected would answer for
several rears was put up. This school house still stands on the Kingsbury
school grounds. The growth of the settlement was so rapid, however, that
Sept. 18th, '1887, $15,000 was voted for another school house and the front
portion of the Kingsbury building was erected and was occupied in the fall
of 1888.
In July, 1885, the first business building in Redlands was erected. The
Facts of March 30th, 1898. says of this structure: "Demolishing a
Record: At seven o'clock this a. m., F. A. Shorey. the contractor, com-
menced the demolition of the Harris Building just east of Orange street on
Citrus avenue, which old timers are wont to call 'Baca's Butcher Shop.' A
relic of the very earliest days of the settlement now known as Redlands will
thus pass into history. The brick portion of this structure was the very
earliest business structure of any kind and was the first brick building
erected in this city. It was put up by Robert Chestnut, the brick manu-
facturer, for the use of Tipton and Carter as a butcher shop and was first
occupied, July 28th, 1885. The brick used was made on Burns' ranch, Craf-
ton. After passing through many different hands and being occupied by
many different firms, it now belongs to E. S. Libbey, who, finding that it
projects beyond the street line and must be moved back takes it down and
will replace it by two new buildings."
One of the most important factors in the growth of Redlands at this
time was the location of the "Chicago Colony." in the eastern part of the
settlement. In February, 1886, the "Chicago-California Colonization Com-
pany" was formed in Chicago, with R. J. \Yaters, president: C. H. Briot.
448 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
secretary and treasurer; directors, C. H. Briot, A. L. Hale, S. Lavender, A.
F. Stimmel, R. R. Porter, J. W. Ludlam, H. C. Malone, Chas. Stafford, A. F.
Reid and F. F. Harp. A committee of three, R. J. Waters, H. C. Malone and
J. W. Ludlam, was selected and ordered to investigate the five southern
counties of California and select a location for a fruit raising colony where
land could be obtained at reasonable prices and sufficient water secured.
This committee visited San Diego, then came to Los Angeles. Here they met
Hon. I. N. Hoag, who described to them the advantages of the new settle-
ment in Redlands. After traveling over Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Ven-
tura and Tulare counties, the gentlemen came to the East San Bernardino
Valley and visited Redlands. They made a thorough investigation and de-
cided to report ^s^orably on the
purchase of what was known
as the "Somers" tract upon which
water was then being piped from
Bear Valley reservoir. This land
was purchased, divided into five
and ten acre tracts and sold to
the members of the colony at
$90.00 per acre, lots being drawn
for location. In less than a year
after the purchase, Messrs. Harp,
Garland, Fife, Dezendorf. J. G.
and A. Sheldon, Luther Shep-
pard, Campbell and Logie. most
of these accompanied by their
families, had occupied and begun
improving their tracts, while the
property of others who were to
come later was being set to trees.
The people of this colony proved
a most valuable acquisition to
h. h. daniels Redland's population and at once
took an active part in public affairs.
The completion of the California Southern extension to Barstow in the
fall of 1885 was at once effective in stirring up railroad matters. In the spring
of 1886, began the most remarkable "rate war" ever experienced in this
country and the result was the onrush of tourists to this state which led to
the "boom." The bold project of holding an Exposition of California Citrus
products in Chicago attracted wide attention. The generous advertising
of the advantages and attractions of the southern part of the state, which was
begun about this time by various organizations, and particularly by the San
Bernardino County Immigration Society, and by Messrs. Judson and
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 449
Brown, the founders of Redlands, aroused interest throughout the east. The
"boom" began to materialize and Redlands shared in the wonderful expan-
sion that suddenly developed.
The new settlement felt that it must have railroad facilities and, in con-
sequence, negotiations were begun with the California Southern road. This
company demanded, before making a move, that a clear right of way between
San Bernardino and Redlands must be provided. To secure the road, a com-
mittee consisting of R. J. Waters and E. G. Judson, was appointed to raise
funds. This committee, aided by the public-spirited settlers of the commun-
ity, raised a fund of $42,750, to be used in satisfying the demands of the
railroad company. This is probably the largest pro-rata bonus ever raised
for a railroad ; for the entire population of the settlements did not exceed
1,000 at this time. The right of way was secured during 1887 but the rail-
road did not complete its line to Redlands until February, 1888. In the
meantime the Southern Pacific had put in a siding at Brookside about three
miles from the business part of the settlement arid passengers were landed
there and freight handled, although the heavy grade from the siding to the
town was a serious drawback.
In January, 1887, the Redlands, Lugonia and Crafton Domestic Water
Company was formed with a capital stock of $125,000, and at once began
preparations to deliver water for domestic purposes to all parts of the set-
tlement.
By 1887 the settlement of Redlands had so increased in population, pro-
ductiveness and wealth that Messrs. Judson and Brown determined to lo-
cate a new town site on the north side of their lands adjoining the settlement
of Lugonia, which was already a thriving business section. They therefore
platted a tract and put it on the market.
THE TOWN OF REDLANDS.
The plat of the town of Redlands was filed on March 10th, 1887. On
March 30th, occurred the first auction sale of lots. In an almost incredibly
short time, 200 lots had been disposed of at $200 per lot and another 200 at
$250 apiece was put on the market. The growth of the new town was as-
tonishing even at this period of surprises. The story can best be told by the
current newspapers of the day. One of the first steps of the promoters of the
town was the formation of a Newspaper Publishing Co., and as a result the
Citrograph, with Scipio Craig as editor, made its appearance, July 16th,
1887. It was an advertisement of the best possible character, for it was the
largest, neatest and most enterprising weekly paper in the county, or the
state, for that matter. In its first number it describes the situation thus:
"Today, three months after the town-site was a bare plain just as nature
HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY. 451
made it. there are two-story brick buildings erected and in course of con-
struction as follows:
"The Union Rank of Redlands, northeast corner State and Orange.
"The R. J. Waters Building, northwest corner State and Orange.
"The Sheppard Building, southeast corner State and Orange streets.
"The J. F. Drake Building, adjoining the Sheppard Building on State.
"The Solner & Darling- Building, the corner of State and Fifth.
"The J. F. Welch Building, on State street west of Orange.
"The Y. M. C. A. Building, on State street east of Orange.
"The Citrograph Building, southwest corner of State and Fifth streets.
"The Stimmel & Lissenden Building, on State street west of Orange.
"This is what has been done in three months. It sounds like a page
from Arabian Night's entertainment, but it is not anything very strange in
South California. The rush to this favored clime is something unpre-
cedented and from all that can be learned, tlie rush will be quadrupled this
fall. This is no ephermal boom, but simply a hegira of cyclone-sticken,
frost-bitten denizens of the east who desire to spend the remainder of their
days in peace, prosperity and quietude. They can get here what the balance
of the world cannot offer: an incomparable climate: the purest of water:
good society and schools: and all the elements of civilization, beside nothing
ephermal about our growth but a solid sub-stratum of producing prosperity.
And it will be years before there will be any change except from good to
better and from better to best.
"There have also been a number of frame buildings erected, not in, but
adjoining the main business portion of the town. There is now in thi
hands of the architects and to be erected as soon as the material can be got-
ten together a three-story hotel on State street, west of Orange, and we Fear
of several other business blocks soon to be erected."
The San Bernardino Index reports in Sept., 1887: "Six months ago the
new town of Redlands was laid out. For two blocks along the main business
streets, lots were not sold except with building contracts requiring immed-
iate construction of two-story brick buildings. No wooden shacks were al-
'owed. Now twelve or more fine brick buildings, two and three stories have
been erected and all those that are completed, are occupied. A $20,000 hotel
is going up : cement sidewalks have been put down on both sides of the
street. Lots are selling at from $100 to $125 per front foot. The residence
portion of the town is building up rapidly with cottages costing from $1,000
to $5,000. One brick block is occupied by the Citrograph and no town of
its size in California supports so good a paper, editorially and typograph-
icallv. Piped water is being put all over Redlands. The East San Bernar-
dino Valley Railway is now graded to this point and the cars will be run-
ning inside of two months. A fine Episcopal church is now occupied and
other church edifices are to be built soon. On Mondav last, Redlands school
WILLIAM T. FOWLER
HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY. 453
district voted $15,000 bonds without one dissenting vote." In December
the Citrograph says: "Nine months ago the ground on which the business
portion of Redlands stands was a barren waste. Today there is a town
on this land of 200 good, substantial buildings and every line of business
is represented. There are five restaurants in the town — all doing a rushing
business. Dr. Sloan is putting up a $20,000 hotel, on the corner of State
and Orange, of which Mr. S. J. Logie, formerly of Chicago, is the architect
and contractor. The Masons have the plans drawn for a handsome Masonic
hall. They have already bought the land and will rush their plans on to
completion. In the residence portion of the town seven new dwellings were
completed last week and there are a number of others just completed. There
are now two brick yards running to their fullest capacity to keep up with
the demand. The domestic Water Co. have piped water and will connect
with every house. The charge is $1.50 per month, allowing for all water ne-
cessary and also for two hours' irrigation of yards. It looks as if there would
be a race between the California Southern and the Southern Pacific railways
as to which company shall occupy the grounds given by the Redlands peo-
ple as a depot site for the first road that gets there."
Some figures will show the increase — the assessment for Redlands foi
1886, was $110,990; for 1887, $329,055; assessment of Lugonia in 1886, $199,-
595; 1887, $358,500. This was an increase of 196 per cent in Redlands ana
174 per cent in Lugonia. The school census shows these figures : Redlands,
1886, 26; 1887, 55: 1888, 167. Lugonia, 1886. 46; 1887, 48: 1888. 64. Craf-
ton, 1886, 34; 1887, 38; 1888, 43.
The Citrograph publishes a list of buildings from Jan. 1st, 1887 to Jui>
1st, 1888, which foots up to $456,130, beside public improvements of the
Water Co., streets, railroads, street car lines, etc., which amounted to $200,000.
The discussion of the question of incorporation began in 1887. Man>
good reasons for this procedure were urged, although perhaps the discovery
of scale in one orange orchard precipitated the question. It was proposed
that Redlands, Lugonia, Brookside, and a part, at least, of Crafton should
unite and form a city of the sixth class. The snag that caused most trouble
was the choice of a name for the new city. Neither Redlands nor Lugonia
was willing to yield the name under which it had grown from small be-
ginnings to such promising development. Various compromises and sub-
stitutes were suggested, — Moreno, Redonia, Lugoland, Miramonte. Citro-
polis, Brookside, Glenn Rosa and Alderbrook were some of the cognomen;.
offered.
January iSth, 1888, the first "Incorporation" meeting was held and a
committee of nine, F. E. Brown, A. G. Hubbard, A. L. Park, H. M. Barton,
R. E. Whitney, C. R. Paine, George E. Otis and Frank Hinckley, with Di.
J. D. P>. Stillman. as chairman, was appointed to take the matter under ad-
visement. In February, this committee reported in favor of incorporation,
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 455
as "it would give authority to do away with nuisances: to prevent the intro-
duction and spread of insect pests; to dispose of sewage and waste water;
to carry on public improvements ; it would also be of great advantage to have
but one name for the railway station and for the fruit shipped away from
the place. There was much discussion pro and con and a considerable op-
position developed. The Southern Californian which had been started to
support the claims of Lugonia, in a sarcastic mood writes thus : "The people
of Redlands love Lugonia. They say so themselves. However, they may
have felt in the past they love us now. Whether Lugonia has grown more
charming or Redlands more susceptible — it is our purpose to learn. A Red-
lands man got us by the arm this week and overwhelmed us with mountains
upon mountains of words ! And he held our attention while he drew a little
picture that he called 'Incorporation.' It had Crafton in it. And Lugonia
and Redlands and Barton's and Brookside and Old San Bernardino. And it
was fenced with boxes labeled Miramonte oranges," and it had brick blocks
without number and postofficeS' — N. E., S. and W. Miramonte! And it was
fair to look upon! Well! When Redlands courts Lugonia, there's a colored
gentleman within the wood pile. Before we marrv the blushing maid we want
to ask a few questions." — Southern Californian, Nov. 12th, 1887.
The matter dragged along until September, 1888, when a petition was
prepared and submitted to the Board of Supervisors. This petition for per-
mission to call an election and vote upon the incorporation question was at
once granted and on Nov. 26th, 218 votes were cast for and 68 against in-
corporation. Thus the city of Redlands came into existence.
THE CITY OF REDLANDS.
We have seen the growth of the colony and of the town of Redlands. The
factors of this remarkable growth were several — the incomparable situation
of the place for climate, scenery and for successful fruit culture ; the character
and enterprise of the early settlers ; the abundant supply of water from Bear
Valley reservoir ; the selection of Redlands as the location for the Chicago
colony, which brought an influx of energetic business men and of capital
seeking investment. As the advantages offered by Redlands became known,
many of the flood of visitors who were then pouring into California decided
upon Redlands as their ultimate home. Some of these settlers came as health
seekers; many older people settled here because they found it an ideal place
in which to pass their declining years ; here they could invest their savings
in five or ten acres of land which would not only make them a home with
every comfort possible, but would yield them an income as well ; many
younger people came because they saw an opportunity to build for them-
selves a competency from a comparatively small investment.
From the beginning the people of this community were above the aver-
456 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
age in intelligence and culture. They demanded the best of church and
school facilities, and they objected to saloons and license of every kind. They
were progressive and public-spirited. An "Improvement Association" was
organized in 1888, to work for the public welfare, and this a little later be-
came the first Board of Trade, which did yoeman service in the upbuilding
of the new city. The women, first of the Chicago colony, and later of the new
city, formed a society known as the "United Workers for Public Improve-
ment." which took an active part in the betterment of things generally. The
Horticultural Society was organized in 1889. for the discussion of all mat-
ters connected with the fruit growing interests, and was most valuable to
the many amateur orchardists of that time. The Y. M. C. A., which was formed
in 1887, provided a reading room, and gave attention and assistance to the
many young men. often without friends or homes, who were toming in. All
of these organizations, though meeting with discouragements and lack of
interest, at times, bore an important part in the creation of the present city
of Redlands.
The growth of Redlands, the town, as we have seen, was marvelous,
even in a day of marvels. Although the increase of the city in wealth and
population was not as rapid, proportionately, as during the boom years of
1887-8, the next few years saw a sure and steady advancement in every di-
rection. The superiority of Redlands as a citrus-raising section was now
fully established. It had been proved that an orange grove in the city was a
paying investment. It was plainly evident that here could be found es-
pecial advantages for families with children to bring up and educate. It was
known that the place offered many inducements of climate, surroundings
and diversions, for the health seeker and pleasure lover. The fact that such
men as Smiley Brothers adopted this place as their winter refuge, and spent
their money freely and wisely as well — for the improvement and adornment
of their own homes, and of the city, attracted many other people of wealth
and culture. The people who came once, came again and again, and many of
them ultimately made Redlands their permanent home. Although this city
has been widely and continuously advertised, in man}- ways, her best adver-
tisement has always been her delighted visitors.
Some figures will best show the progress made by this city: In 1889 the
amount expended in building and improvements reached $224,000: in 1891.
buildings and improvements footed up to $503,650: — according to the esti-
mate of the Citrograph : in 1893, the total reached $613,687, which included
$70,058 spent for public improvements. For several years after this there
was a lull in building. The city continued to grow, but there were no large
investments, or public improvements. In 1898, $370,700 was expended, and
in 1902, the cost of buildings and improvements, including the Mill Creek
power house, exceeded one million dollars, according to a careful estimate,
HISTORY OF SAN BERXARDIXO COUNTY. 457
made by the Redlands Review. The advance has continued since that date,
at a most remarkable gait, and it is claimed, that the million dollar mark lias
been reached in expenditures for buildings and other improvements for the
past two years.
The shipments of oranges show the increase in citrus production. In
1889, 41 carloads were sent out from Redlands and vicinity: in 1894-5, 425 cars
were sent out from Redlands district; in 1900-01, 2,437 cars were shipped,
and in 1902-3 the shipments reached 2,800 cars, and in 1903-04, 3076 cars.
The increase in wealth is best shown by the assessment rolls. In 1889,
the city was assessed at $1,964,888: in 1893, $2,786,121; in 1898. $3,198,613:
in 1902. $5,000,000; in 1904, $6,148,089.
In population the city has increased from 1,904 in 1890 to 4,797 in 1900,
and 9,000 estimated in 1904.
The crude town of fifteen years ago is now a model city, with 200 miles
of graded streets, most of which are shaded by fine trees. It has many blocks
of paved streets, and miles of cement sidewalks. Its business section is lined
with handsome and substantial blocks, "housing well stocked stores, and well
established business enterprises of every description. Its system of trolley
cars gives ready access to all portions of the city, and connects Redlands
with its neighboring towns. It has a dozen beautiful modern church build-
ings, and eight school houses, well arranged and fully equipped, at a cost
of more than $100,000. It has the most beautiful and complete library build-
ing in Southern California. No other city in the state possesses such a num-
ber of beautiful parks, driveways and resorts as Redlands can offer. No city
of its size in the Union can equal Redlands in the number of beautiful, tasteful
and costly dwelling houses. Redlands has received many words of rapturous
encomium from her admirers ; but it is as a city of comfortable, healthful and
beautiful homes, that her pre-eminence must stand.
BUSINESS GROWTH OF REDLANDS.
The business growth of Redlands may be counted as beginning with
January 1st, 1887, although B. S. Stephenson had opened a jewelry shop
Sept. 1st, 1886, in a house on Cypress Ave. When the present town site was
decided upon, he put up a small building before the survey, which was moved
to the southeast corner of State and Fifth, after the streets were laid out. This
was the second business structure in Redlands. the first having been the
butcher shop built in 1885. A "Classified Business Catalogue" published by
the San Bernardino Times, April 13, 1887 contains as Redlands advertisers:
"F. L. Ball, Dealer in Staple and Fancy Groceries, Hardware, Agricultural
Implements, etc., Citrus Avenue. Redlands," and Judson and Brown, who
advertise Redlands, "The Pasadena of San Bernardino County."
Jan. 1st of this year, the Domestic Water Co.. was organized, and at
J. J. SUESS, .MAYOR OF REDLANDS
HISTORY OF SAX BERXARDIXO COUNTY. 459
once began preparations to supply the settlement with water, under pressure
both for domestic purposes, and for yard use.
Jan. 22, E. L. liall opened his "Pioneer Grocery." April i, Chauncey L.
Hayes opened a livery stable, in the brick building on West State street,
still used as a stable. He also carried on a business in connection with the
Terrace Villa Hotel. April 20th. R. C. Shepherd opened the first tin shop
and plumbing establishment in Redlands. This was in a small building on
Citrus Ave. In Sept. i88y, Mr. Shepherd moved into his own brick block on
State St., and the business was enlarged to include hardware. April 28, James
F. Drake opened his hardware store in the new block just completed bv him-
self on State St., near Orange. This is one of the business houses that has
withstood all changes, and while growing with the town, has retained its
identity. May 1st, the Pioneer Lumber Company began business in the city,
with E. A. Tuttle as manager. May 16th, P. M. Johnson opened a Drug-
store, where he advertised not only drugs, but "Patent Medicines, Cigars,
Wines. Liquors, Ale, Porter and Anheuser Busch Beer — for Medicinal Pur-
poses." This store was sold to Dr. Riggs, and later became Riggs and Spoor;
it is now owned by W. L. Spoor.
In June, B. O. Johnson, opened a general store in Lugonia, having bought
out the old Cook store. Later he removed his stock of goods to State and
Orange streets. The same month, Pratt and Seymour began to operate their
planing mill in connection with the agency for the West Coast Redwood Co.
Oct. 1st, J. B. Glover, opened his grocery in the Wilson block in Lugonia. In
Dec. Mrs. Jennie L. Jones, a woman of education and wide experience,
opened a book store in the Otis building on West State St. In Sept. 1889,
Miss L. E. Foot, took a part of the same store room with a line of wall paper,
curios, etc. The Woman's Exchange was organized Oct. 31st, 1889, bv the
ladies of the Chicago colony, and Miss Foot was made manager, and handled
their work in the same store. When Mrs. Jones' health failed, she was suc-
ceeded by the firm of Foote and Pierpont, Miss Anna Pierpont taking a share
in the business. January 1st, 1893, C. C. Beattie entered the firm, and the
business has since been conducted under the name of Foote and Beattie. The
firm handles books, and art goods, and has also established a circulating
library, and their store has always been a gathering place for the literati of
Redlands.
During the year 1887, the Citrograph had begun publication, July 16th,
and the Southern Californian Sept. 3rd. The Citizens Stage Line, running a
'bus between Brookside station and Redlands. Lugonia and Crafton, was put
into operation. In December an omnibus line was started between the busi-
ness section and Residence tract. During 1887 the Terracina tract, the Bar-
ton Land and Water Co. tract, the Mound City and Gladysta tracts were put
upon the market.
460 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
1888. The pace set was well kept up during the year 1888. January 1st,
the first street car franchise was granted for the line out Cajon street.
Jan. 16th, the track of the California Southern, or 'Valley' road was com-
pleted, and the first freight arrived. Feb. 13th, regular train service began.
There had been much discussion over post office matters, and a good deal
of feeling. Jan. 26th, the matter was practically settled by the opening of
the Redlands postoffice, with J. B. Campbell as postmaster, and in the follow-
ing September, the Lugonia office was discontinued. Feb. 1st, the Domestic
Water Co., began their service. The Sloan House was opened Feb. 20th, the
first 'down town' hotel, and 'the Windsor, or Redlands House, built by the
Redlands Hotel Association, began business March 30th. In June the motor
line began regular service. July 15th, the Boston Shoe Store was opened,
and has continued in business ever' since. Aug. 15th, Frank P. Meserve,
opened the clothing house which is now one of the oldest established business
houses in Redlands. The business was begun in a small store on Orange
street. In February, 1889. it was moved to East State street, and is now lo-
cated in the Columbia building.
The first hose company was organized in this year, as was the Redlands
orchestra. Nov. 26th the Incorporation election was held, and E. G. Judson,
J. B. Glover, B. W. Cave, and C. N. Andrews, were elected trustees, with H.
H. Sinclair; L. W. Clark, clerk; W. C. Brumagin, Marshal; F. P. Morrison,
Treasurer.
1889 — January 2nd, the Redlands fruit Growers Association was
formed. Jan. 9th, the Western Union service was begun, but at first it was
decidedly unsatisfactory, as messages between Redlands and the county seat,
had to be sent around via Los Angeles.
In February, the first street signs, provided by the ladies of the Willing
'Workers' Improvement League, were put in place. In January, the Smiley
Brothers arrived at the Windsor Hotel, and began making purchases of land
on the hills. In April, the Redlands Orange Grove and Water Co., was in-
corporated to plant some 200 acres of land to oranges. Orange shipments
first became a feature this year, the record being 41 cars. In December, the
Chamblin ware house, a large brick structure, which was to be used as a
packing house, and for storage purposes, was completed, and the same month,
the Haight Fruit Co., the first Redlands fruit company, in the field began
shipping.
1890 — In February, Redlands made a most creditable showing of citrus
fruits at the county Citrus Fair, held this year, in San Bernardino.
Feb. 15th, the recorder's office was opened with J. P. Squires, judge;
March 5th, an ordinance was passed fixing the liquor license at $50.00 per
quarter. This opened up a lively campaign on the license question, and
March 19, the first Temperance League was organized, and began to take an
active hand in municipal affairs. May 29th. the Eagle Dry Goods house, the
HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY.
461
first distinctive dry-goods establishment, was opened, with S. Lelean, pro-
prietor. This store is still one of the leading business houses of Redlands.
In June, the Bear Valley high-service line was first used, and in August the
Alessandro Irrigation District was formed, and work begun on the Ales-
sandro pipe-line. August ist, the Russ Lumber Co., opened its office. Oct.
23rd, the Facts began publication as a weekly paper. Nov. 20th, Haight's
packing house was completed, the second in the town. Dec. 13th, the Bear
Valley Irrigation Co., was incorporated and took over all the property of the
Bear Valley Land and Water Co.
i8gi — April 27th, the first water was turned into the Alessandro pipe-
line; May 9th, the Redlands Heights Water Co., was organized.
June 15th. the Savings Bank of Redlands, a branch of the First National
Bank, began' business. The city with a population of 1904, according to the
STATE STREET-1890
census of 1890, now had three banking institutions. The "Bank of East San
Bernardino Valley" which had been organized in 1887, and had first done busi-
ness in Lugonia, was moved to the corner of State and Orange streets in
Juiw;. 1888. and changed its title to "First National Bank." Later it re-
modeled the rooms in the Sloan building, which it has since occupied. F. P.
Morrison was president at the date of its organization, and still occupies that
office. J. W. Wilson, was for thirteen years cashier of the institution, a place
now filled by S. R. Hemingway.
The Union Bank of Redlands was formed May 1st, 1887. with Curtis
J. W. WILSON
HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY. 463
Wells as president, and R. B. Lane, cashier. It occupied its own brick build-
ing, on the corner of Orange and State streets. As business grew the building
was enlarged, and about 1898, more ground was secured, and a three story
structure was built, and the bank was located in fully equipped and beautiful
quarters. In 1904 this bank was converted into a National Bank and is now
known as the Redlands National Bank. In the same year the Union Bank
of Savings was organized, as an adjunct to this bank. In January, 1905, K.
C. Wells, who had been identified with the Union Bank, and its successor,
the Redlands National Bank, for about twelve years, and for several years
as president, resigned, and was succeeded by H. H. Ford, who had been
cashier for several years. Mr. C. C. Ames, succeeded to Mr. Ford's position
as cashier.
Nov. 1st. the Star Grocery was purchased by J. J. Suess, and in Decem-
ber the Enterprise Grocery Co., was organized. Dec. 1st, the Steel-pipe
works began operations.
Among buildings erected this year, were the Smiley residences, the
Academy of Music Block, erected by G. W. Meade, at a cost of $17,000 and
still, after re-building, one of the city's substantial business buildings.. The
Otis and Edwards blocks, and the Chamblin Block were also erected this year.
The Mentone Hotel was completed and opened also.
The weather of 1891 was exceptional, even for this country, of 'unusual'
weather. February 22nd, was marked by a very severe storm, accompanied
by vivid lightning; August 15th, occurred a cloud burst which for a short time
flooded the town. A large volume of water came down Cajon street, and at
iirookside avenue was ten feet deep. Water rushed into the stores, and two
ouildings were wrecked. It was estimated that the damage reached $10,000.
Dec. 26th, the themometer went down to 22 degrees, the lowest record.
1892 — January 15th, the Terracina Hotel was opened to the public, after
having been closed for some time, and on Marcb 5th, service began on the
Terracina street car line which ran out Olive street. Jan. 17th, the first
train service was put on the "belt line" of the Santa Fe system, since made
a part of the famous "Kite-shape" track." Jan. 30th. the Baker House was
opened with M. S. Lane as host. March 14th regular service on the Southern
Pacific over a broad gauge track into Redlands began. July 27th. the fran-
chise was granted to the Electric Light and Power Co.,' which was in cor-
porated on Oct. 6th. Work was at once begun on the Power House in Mill
Creek canon and on the plant for the Union Ice Co. The factory of the Union
Ice Co., located at Mentone. between the tracks of the Southern Pacific and
Santa Fe, is the second largest ice plant in the state, and something like
$100,000 was expended upon it during 1892-3. An even larger amount was
put into circulation by the Electric Light and Power Co.
Oct. 21st the Daily Facts made its first appearance. Work was begun
this vear on the storm drains for which bonds to the amount of $100,000
JOHN P. FISK
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 465
had been voted. The street paving ordinance was passed and work under its
provisions put under way. The Y. M. C. A. and Union High School build-
ings were among the additions to the city's improvements this year.
1893 — Feb. 3d the Fraternal Aid Association was formed ; April 20th,
the Leader, with Doyle and Kasson as proprietors, made its first publication ;
May 12th the Orange Growers Association, which has been a most important
factor in the handling and marketing of fruit, was organized. August 1st,
Gregory's Packing House was completed, and Dec. 1st, the Earl Fruit Co., fin-
ished their packing house. The orange shipments were now becoming an
important factor in the wealth of the city.
August 5th, the city was first lighted by electricity, and Sept. 13th, the
first power was furnished to the Union Ice Co. November 23d the Public
Library Association was formed. December 12th, a Chamber of Commerce
to take the place of the Board of Trade which had lapsed, was organized.
During this year occurred the Chinese exclusion excitement. After the
passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act, there was much uneasiness among the
Chinese and their opponents. Threats were made against all Chinese who did
not leave the country at once, and the greater part of the Orientals left. A
few, mostly house servants, remained, and on August 30th, there was a threat-
ened anti-Chinese riot in Redlands. The newly organized National Guard
was called out, and the streets were patrolled all night. Later several China-
men were arrestd.
1894 — The Library Association had purchased $1,000 worth of books, and
on Feb. 22nd, a public reception and presentation was held, and on March 1st,
the Public Library was first opened for the issuance of books. During March
it was found that other localities, which had suffered from the "freeze" were
labelling their product as "Redlands" oranges. A bitter controversy followed,
in which the subject of branding fruit was thoroughly discussed.
April 21st, the first meeting to discuss the need for a new "tourist" hotel
was held. The Terrace Villa had been closed, and was then in course of re-
building for the residence of A. G. Hubbard, and the Terracina had been
burned. June 8th, the first class graduated from the High School. In July the
Cycle Club was organized, and in the fall a Merchant's Carnival, which at-
tracted a good deal of attention, was held in the Academy of Music, for the
benefit of the club. July 7th, the Leader became a daily paper, the second
one to be establishd, and Sept. 19th, the Cricket made its appearance. Both
of these papers were short-lived.
1895 — The final arrangements for building the Casa Loma were com-
pleted, and the building was practically finished during the year. The Y. M.
C. A. building was completed, and the first service held in it March 4th. The
Public Library moved into rooms in this building in April. August nth. the
Redlands Band won the first prize in the contest of the bands of Southern
California, held at Redondo. Sept. 2nd a liberty pole 140 feet high, was
466 HISTORY OF SAX BERXARDIXO COUNTY.
erected in the triangle by the Junior order of United American Mechanics.
Sept. 4th. a flag' presented by the society was raised with appropriate and
elaborate ceremonies.
1896 — Jan. 7th, J. F. Dostal opened his hardware store on Orange street;
Feb. 23d, the Casa Loma was opened to guests, with an elaborate banquet. In
April Albert K. Smiley purchased sixteen acres in the heart of the city to be
used as a public park — now Smiley Park. The same month, this friend of the
city, offered a prize to those persons who, during the coming year, should
maintain their grounds with "neatness and show good taste in the selection
of decorative plants." About the same time, A. H. Smiley laid out Fredalba
.Park, and began improvements there.
During 1896 a considerable oil excitement prevailed. "Our Oil Fields"
were believed to be located in San Timoteo canon, and at least sixteen different
companies were formed to prospect for oil.
In September, the Prospect Hill property was sold to T. Y. England.
The Catholic church was dedicated this year and the residence of Dr. Wil-
liam M. Smith, "Palmeteo," was erected. In December, the Southern Cal-
ifornia Power Company was formed.
1897 — April 1st. the Redlands Preserving Co. was incorporated. This
was the result of long planning and working on the part of the Chamber
of Commerce and the public spirited citizens of Redlands, with the able and
constant assistance of the Citrograph. A large bonus was raised for the
purpose of securing a cannery and the work on the buildings was begun at
once.
The Redlands-Highlands road was completed at a cost of $3,500, raised
by the county supervisors, the city and by subscription. The stockholders
of the old Sunnyside ditch determined to construct the Lugonia pipe line
and work was begun on the project this year, and was completed in June.
1898. December 9th saw the first issue of the Redlands Daily Record, a
morning paper.
1898 — April 25th, the fifteenth session of the Woman's Parliament of
Southern California was opened in Redlands. April 29th, occurred the pre-
sentation of the Smiley Library to the city and the dedication ceremonies.
May 5th, Company G was mustered into service and started for San Fran-
cisco. May 14th, a branch of the Red Cross society was formed in Redlands.
December 2nd, the home company was mustered out of service and re-
turned to Redlands. In April, the Redlands Electric Light and Power Co.
and the Southern California Power Co. were sold to and consolidated into
the Edison Electric Co., of Los Angeles. In December, the Santa Ana Canon
Power House was completed.
The Smiley Library, costing $60,000; the Southern Pacific Depot, cost-
ing $15,000; the Presbyterian church, cost, $13,000; the Xew Union Bank,
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 467
cost, $13,000; and the State street school building, $6,000, were among the
new buildings this year.
x 1899 — July 1st, the city began sprinkling the streets with oil. July 4th.
Redlands celebrated the National Holiday with elaborate ceremonies. In
August, 1899, began the erection of the Redlands Electric Light and Power
Co., building on Citrus avenue and Sixth street. December 15th, street cars
were first operated by electricity. The Fisher Block, a two-story structure
in the mission style, containing four stores, was erected this year. The Co-
lumbia Building on State .street, costing $14,000, was put up by K. C. Wells.
The Redlands Electric Light and Power Co. expended $200,000 in improve-
ments in 1899: the Southern California Power Co. spent $60,000; the Red-
lands Street Railway Co., $40,000, and the South Mountain 'Water Co., $60.-
000.
1900 — June 2nd, the Redlands Gas Company was organized with G. B,
Ellis, president; F. P. Morrison, vice-president; H. W. Allen, secretary, and
the First National Bank, treasurer. E. L. Jones, chief engineer of the San
Francisco Gas Co., was engaged as consulting engineer and work was at
once begun on the plant, located on West Central street. The building,
machinery, etc., cost some $30,000. In 1901, service of gas was begun and in
1903 the capacity of the plant was nearly doubled and a large number of
additional mains put in. The Lowe Oil Gas system is used.
In September, A. C. Burrage, of Baston. purchased twenty acres of land
lying along the "heights," adjoining Canon Crest Park, of Mrs. G. S. Bowers,
and soon thereafter began the erection of his palatial home. The Country
Club erected its club house this year. December 3rd, a fire destroyed the
contents of the Cooper Furniture store.
1901 — March 2nd, the Weekly Review succeeded the Hour, which had
been published for some years. May nth, was the "greatest day in the his-
tory of Redlands"— McKinley Day. May 28th, the Y. M. C. A., after a vig-
orous campaign, succeeded in raising funds sufficient to pay off the last
dollar of the indebtedness on their property. Bonds were voted for the
Citrus avenue, now the Lowell, school house. 297 buildings were erected
in Redlands during 1901 and value of improvements reached $957,237.
1902 — January 17th, the University Club was organized. April 12th.
a special election to vote for bonds, — $50,000 for street improvements and
$20,000 for city hall, — was held. The street improvement bonds carried
while the city hall proposition was voted down. July 4th. Redlands gave
the biggest patriotic celebration in her record ; the Kingsburv factory for the
manufacture of fruit juices, extracts, marmalades, etc., was put into oper-
ation ; among the buildings of the year were : the new Fire House, the Creigh-
ton, and Abbey and Lombard Blocks; the Hornby Block; the Christian
church and a large addition to the Catholic church. Power House No. 3.
of the Edison Electric Co., was completed at a cost of $200,000 and the same
468
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
company made city line extensions to the amount of $9,000 and county ex-
tensions to the amount of $17,000 this year.
1903 — March 10th, the first car over the San Bernardino Valley Trac-
tion line was run between San Bernardino and Redlands. Regular service
between the towns began soon afterward. April 14th, the Business Li-
cense ordinance was passed by the city board of trustees. The Home Tele-
phone Co., which had procured a franchise the year before, began active
operations this year and erected the handsome two-story brick office build-
ing now occupied by the company and by the Wells-Fargo Express Co. The
Atwood Block was completed and the postoffice moved into the new quar-
ters, February 1st. The Olive
avenue extension to the street
railway was put into operation ;
the Lewis Jacobs property was
sub-divided and put upon the
market, thus opening a new resi-
dence tract close to the center of
town; the Methodist church and
the McKinley school building
were completed, also the Univer-
sity Club building. A large sum
was expended in street improve-
ments, especially in paving the
business streets.
1904 — The season closing in
June, 1904, was the banner orange
shipping year as over 3,000 cars
of citrus fruit were shipped out
from Redlands district, more than
500 cars in excess of any previous
year's shipment. The long talked
of Opera House materialized.
Through the efforts of the Board
of Trade and prominent citizens, Mr. H. C. Wyatt, of Los Angeles, proposed
to furnish $15,000 and build a suitable theater, if the citizens would raise $20,-
ooo to put into the building. As a result the handsome mission structure was
erected on the corner of Colton avenue and Orange street. It will seat
1,200 people and is first-class in every respect. The Contemporary Club
completed their club home. The Trinity Episcopal church built and occu-
pied a new chapel costing some $30,000, complete. Another large addition
was made to the Casa Loraa. "Lawton Villa," with some forty rooms, a
first-class family hotel, was opened to the public, the former home of Gen-
eral H. L. Lawton having been reconstructed for this purpose. In Novem-
c. WYATT
HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY.
ber the city charter was defeated for the
tinues a village in government, while she
and advancment.
second time, thus Redlands con-
is a full sized "city" in growth
THE HOMES OF REDLANDS.
The growth of Redlands as a city of homes has been even more remark-
able than its business record. In the original plat of the settlement, a "Resi-
dence Tract", was set aside southeast of the plaza and townsite, and was di-
vided into building lots. It lay between Palm and Crescent avenues and
RESIDENCE OF ALBERT C. BURRAGE
Cajon and San Mateo streets. Many of the first residences were put up in
this vicinity, although the majority of the early houses were situated on
five, ten, or twenty acre tracts and thus widely separated. As the popula-
tion has increased, orchard after orchard lias been cut up into lots and
houses have taken the place of orchards and vineyards. Now Redlands
possesses a number of streets that are entirely given up to residences. While
some houses have been built for renting purposes or as rooming houses, the
large majority of houses put up in Redlands are erected for homes and are
carefully planned and constructed to gratify the taste as well as to provide
every comfort for the family. For the past four years the building of resi-
dences has been unparalleled in a place of this size. In iyoi, 285 residences
470 HTSTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY.
were built and in 1902 the number of residences built was 296, at a total
cost of S546.000. The record was kept up for 1903 and 1904 also.
As yet every Redlands dwelling has a yard about it and the yards al-
most invariably present well kept lawns, flowers, shrubs and shade and fruit
trees. The streets are wide and bordered with lawn or flowers and shaded
by palms, grevillas, cedars, umbrella, pepper, and other semi-tropical trees.
They are, as a rule, well graded and the more traveled streets are oiled and
thus rendered almost dustless. Altogether the residence streets of Redlands.
with their wealth of shade and greenness, their vine-wreathed cottages, their
beautiful mansions, their vistas of lawn and rose beds, and their general air
of careful attendance and prosperity, are the chief charm of the place. Aside
from the average dwelling, which is much above the average in other places
of the size of Redlands, many wealthy families have made the town their
residence and have not hesitated to spend money lavishly in the improve-
ment and perfection of their homes.
With the very beginning of the settlement began the erection of houses
that were noteworthy amid their surroundings. In 1885, F. P. Morrison
built the home which was then a marked feature in the scattered fruit colony,
and is still one of the most attractive places in the city. In 1887, Frank E.
Brown built a handsome and substantial residence in Residence Tract. Cur-
tis Wells also built his beautiful home during the same year and George A.
Cook erected a fine residence on Lugonia Terrace. In 1890, David Morey
built his mansion on Terracina and Theodore Clark erected a fine residence
on Palm avenue, each costing in the neighborhood of $20,000. In 1891, the
Smiley Brothers put up their residences in Canon Crest Park. In 1893,
George W. Meade, a San Francisco capitalist, built his beautiful country
piace, Monte Vista, at a cost of $40,000. In 1894. A. G. Hubbard remodeled
the old Terrace Villa hotel into a residence, creating one of the finest coun-
try places in the state, — a country place, although in the midst of the city-.
In 1896, T. Y. England, of Philadelphia, erected a beautiful home and began
the improvement of the Prospect Hill property. The Henry Fisher residence
on the corner of Highlands avenue and San Mateo street is one of the "show"
places of the town. The house, which was erected in 1897, is distinctive in
architecture and most effective and the wide sweep of lawn about it is its
most fitting setting.
The home of A. Hornby, built in 1896, is elegant in its simple but sub-
stantial lines. The mansion of E. C. Sterling crowning the Italian garden
which is the feature of the place, is one of the most beautiful residences in
Southern California. The Moorish palace of A. C. Burrage, standing in the
midst of a fine park, is one of the costliest and most complete private resi-
dences in the state. It was built in 1901, the house itself costing more than
$100,000 and the stables and grounds representing an even larger expendi-
ture. The approach to the house up flight after flight of stone steps is one
HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY
471
of the most beautiful vistas ever created. The recently built home of W. F.
Holt is an elaborate and costly structure. But while Redlands can point
with pride to the fine examples of architecture and taste, which wealth have
made possible, the pride of the town is in the high average of the homes of
the people. There are no tenement houses, no rookeries and no slums, in this
City of Homes.
HOTELS.
Prospect House.
Since Redlands has always been a winter resort and has annually enter-
tained large numbers of visitors
and tourists, her hotels have
necessarily filled a large place in
her history. Almost the first
building erected in the new set-
tlement in 1882, was opened on
its completion as a boarding-
house, and in the winter of 1882
became known as the "Prospect
House;" the first hotel in the East
San Bernardino Valley after Craf-
ton Retreat, opened ten years
earlier. Under the popular man-
agement of Mrs. E. B. Seymour,
the Prospect House entertained
many guests. In 1886, it passed
into the hands of Dr. J. E. Mack,
who kept it open as a hotel until
about the time of its sale to Dr.
Breed in 1889. Dr. Breed moved
the building from its first location
and, after making some changes
in it. occupied it as a residence. In 1897, T. Y. England purchased the old
Prospect Hill property and has since made it a part of the beautiful park
which is one of the attractions of Redlands.
Terrace Villa.
In 1886. the Terrace Villa Hotel, located on Lugonia Terrace, was built.
This was one of the first of what are now known as "Tourist" hotels. It was
intended the please the eye and to furnish comfort and entertainment for
the large class of people who were then just learning that California was an
ideal place to spend the stormy months of the eastern winter. The grounds
about the hotel were highly improved and for some years it enjoyed a good
E. S. GRAHAM
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 473
patronage. It was built by D. L. Clark and after several changes, came into
the ownership of A. G. Hubbard, who, in 1894, remodeled it into a beautiful
country home.
The Windsor.
The laying out of the townsite of Redlands and the rapid building of
1887-88 led to the establishment of several hotels in the clown town section.
The first of these was the Pioneer House, opened by Mrs. E. A. Ball, in a
hoitse on West State street, October 20th, 1887. In June, 1887, the Red-
lands Hotel Company was formed to supply a need of the young town, with
E. G. Judson, president; S. J. Hayes, secretary, and R. J. Waters, treasurer.
The Citrograph of December 17th, 1887, says: "The great question with far-
sighted business men for a year past has been, 'What shall we do with the
tourists and immigrants when they arrive?' As a result of their cogitations
we have an era of hotel building in Southern California that has excited
the astonishment of not only eastern people, but even of our own. Hotels
have sprung up everywhere as if by magic. They have been filleld as if by
enchantment. And the cry has been for 'more.' Hundreds have come to
this Summerland and gone away again because hotel accommodations could
not be had.
"In common with many other places, Redlands has suffered from a lack
of hotels. Months ago it was seen that something must be done to accom-
modate the incoming throng. With characteristic energy and promptness
Messrs. Judson and Waters set about the matter. Failing to find anyone
who would assume the responsibility of the entire expense, the Redlands
Hotel Company was organized and the building started."
The building was a three-story brick with a frontage of 80 feet, located
on the corner of State and Fourth streets. The contract was let to H. C.
Malone and everything about the building although plain was substantial
and calculated for the comfort of guests. It was opened March 30th, 1888,
under the name of Redlands Hotel, by Messrs. McConkey and Karns, who
were also lessees of the St. Charles Hotel at San Bernardino.
The name was soon changed to "Windsor House" by which it is still
known. A considerable addition was made to it at one time, and after the
opening of the Casa Loma it was for a time run in connection with that
house. In 1903, it was remodeleld and became a lodging house.
Sloan House.
At the same time that the "Hotel Redlands" was being rushed to com-
pletion, Dr. Sloan of Chicago, was building another three-story brick hotel
at the corner of State and Orange streets. This was opened as the "Sloan
House" Februarv 20th, with H. L. Sloan and wife in charge. Mr. and Mrs.
474 HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY.
Sloan proved to be valuable acquisitons to Redlands society. He was an ac-
complished musician and took the leadership of the Redlands orchestra and
Mrs. Sloan was an active worker in the Woman's Improvement Club and
in church circles. The hotel did a prosperous business for some years. Then
the building was remodeled for the First National Bank and for offices and
stores.
Hotel Terracina.
The name '•Terracina-' calls up reminiscences of the boom in its very
flower. Early in 1887, the Terracina Land and 'Water Co. was organized
with Judge Geo. E. Otis, president, J. A. Brenneman, vice-president, and
O. T. Dyer, Orrin Backus and Nelson Gill, directors. They bought five hun-
dred acres of land on the terrace west of Redlands. It was platted, im-
proved and auctioned off in regulation style. December 15th, 1887, an ex-
cursion from Los Angeles and an auction sale took place. Some features of
the advertisement may now be of interest :
"Hotel Terracina. The plans have been drawn for the new hotel and it
is now being constructed, three stories in height with French roof. The
design is most attractive and replete with every modern convenience, elec-
tric annunciators, gas, hot and cold water. The site of the hotel is most
commanding, substantial and elegant. (Were they already afraid that the
bottom might drop out from under it, that they advertise the site as 'sub-
stantial ?' ) Cement sidewalks are laid along the principal business streets
and a substantial business block with iron front and trimmings of Colton
marble is now under way.
"The Town Plaza, a reservation in the form of a crescent, has been made
and is being improved with elaborate care. In the center is being con-
structed an elegant fountain connected direct from the main pipe line.
"Lunch will be served on the arrival of the excursion train. An ample
collation will be served by the Company. Our band of music will accompany
the excursion. Special accommodations will be made for ladies."
In spite of promises, the hotel was not opened for business until March,
1889. It was a really attractive place with a magnificent outlook and de-
served a better fate than it met. During the winter of 1890-91 it remained
closed but was again opened in January, 1892, by a company made up of
Redlands men with Geo. B. Ellis in charge. The same company built and
operated the Terracina street railway, to connect the hotel with the town.
After a checkered career, the building which represented a large investment,
was burned April 13, 1895, — a fate that many of the boom hotels met about
that time. After this, Redlands was for a year or more without a "Tourist"
hotel.
HISTORY OF SAX BERXARDIXO COUNTY. 475
Baker House.
In 1892, the Baker House was built by J. \Y. Baker, and was opened
by M. S. Lane, as proprietor. In January, 1903, the house was closed as a
hostelry and was remodeled to be used as stores and offices.
The Mentone Hotel.
The Mentone Company was organized in 1886 with H. L. Drew, presi-
dent, and X. K. Fairbanks as vice-president. They purchased 3.000 acres
of land and laid out the town site. In 1887, the Mentone Irrigation Co., S.
H. Marlette, president and A. G. Hubbard, vice-president, was formed. The
settlement was made the terminus of the Valley road when it was built, in
1888. In 1891, the Mentone Hotel, costing some $30,000, was built. It has
passed through a number of hands and is now occupied as a sanitarium..
The Casa Loma.
After the closing of the Terrace Villa Hotel and the burning of the
Terracina, the need for a suitable tourist hotel in Redlands became impera-
CASA LOMA
tive. The Chamber of Commerce took the matter up and after much dis-
cussion a committee, with Dr. D. W. Stewart, as chairman, was appointed.
Subscriptions to the amount of $20,000 were secured from the citizens of
Redlands, mainly through the vigorous work of Dr. Stewart, ami an arrange-
ment was entered into with Col. J. T. Ritchie, who was to invest $40,000.
The hotel was built and opened February 25. 1896, with a banquet to tht
subscribers and others.
Col. Ritchie was succeeded in the ownership of the hotel
by the Casa Loma Hotel Co.. which took possession June 1st, i8<)(>. It was
476 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
incorporated for $75,000, with E. S. Graham, president ; J. H. Bohan. vice-
president ; Edward M. Cope, secretary; 1st National Bank, treasurer. The
hotel has been twice enlarged since it came into the hands of this company
and last year was thoroughly remodeled and refitted. It has 150 rooms and
is conducted as a first-class tourist hotel. It is surrounded by beautiful
grounds and fine shade trees ; has wide verandas, a tennis court and other
attractions.
Loma Linda.
In 1888 the Mound City Land and Water Co. was organized with P. D.
Cover, president and a board of directors made up of Riverside parties. They
purchased 500 acres of land west of Redlands and made arrangements to
secure water from the Bear Valley Reservoir. They built the "Mound City"
Hotel at an expense of some $30,000. The investment did not prove profit-
able and the building stood idle for some years. The property, in 1900. came
into the hands of the Loma Linda Association which has established a hotel
and sanitarium. They have made many improvements, building a number
of cottages, setting out trees and beautifying the grounds, and now have one
of the most beautiful health resorts in the country.
Lawton Villa.
The home which was occupied by General Lawton and family during
their residence in Redlands has been purchased by Col. J. T. Ritchie and
remodeled and added to so as to make a beautiful family hotel. It is lo-
cated on Terracina Heights in the vicinity of the old Terracina Hotel and
thus commands a magnificent view of the surrounding country. It is easily
reached by the Olive avenue line of the street railway, and will be an addi-
tion to Redlands tourist accommodations.
WATER COMPANIES.
Redlands Water Company.
The Redlands Water Company was organized, October 27th, 1881, with
a capital stock of $1,500,000 divided into 1,500 shares. This was the first
regularly incorporated water company in the East San Bernardino valley.
In 1873, the South Fork of the Santa Ana Ditch was organized as a neigh-
borhood association, using water from the Berry Roberts ditch. In 1877.
the South Fork Ditch was merged into the Sunnyside Ditch Association,
and in 1883, the Lugonia Park Water Company was formed, the stock-
holders being mainly the members of the Sunnyside Ditch Association.
Lugonia Water Company.
In 1887, the Lugonia Water Company was organized with a capital
stock of $369,000. Its object was to furnish water to the stockholders only
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 477
and it was to exist for fifty years. The directors were J. D. B. Stillman, D.
A. Shaw, J. B. Glover, H. Hinckley, W. G. Hopkins. C." P. Barrows and \Y.
R. Tolles. In 1898, this company improved the old Sunnyside ditch, using
vitrified pipe and thus making a pipe line over ten miles long. The present
officers of the company are: John Dostal, president; L. E. Shaw, vice-presi-
dent; S. Williams, secretary; 1st National Bank, treasurer; F. J. Gernich,.
zanjero.
Crafton Land and Irrigating Co.
In May, 1882, M. H. Crafts organized the Crafton Land and Irrigating
Co., with M. H. Crafts, G. H. Crafts, C. H. Larabee, Mrs. Douglas and E.
Caldwell as directors and a capital stock of $120,000. In 1886, the present
Crafton Water Co. was organized with I. N. Hoag as its chief promoter.
At present the company is under the control of H. H. Garstin, president ;
C. R. Paine, vice-president; Halsey W. Allen, secretary; 1st National Bank,
of Redlands, treasurer. The directors are H. H. Garstin, C. R. Paine, Halsey
W. Allen, E. M. Lyon, A. P. Kitching, J. F. Richardson. This company
controls the Mill Creek water due in Crafton and also has Bear Valley water,
and supplies Crafton and Redlands Heights with both domestic and irriga-
tion water.
Bear Valley Land and Water Co.
The Bear Valley Land and Water Co. was organized October 2nd, 1883,
with a capital stock of $360,000 and with F. P. Morrison, E. G. Judson, F.
E. Brown. G. A. Cook and W. C. Butler, of Redlands: Jas. G Burt, Lewis
Jacobs, Jas. A. Gibson and H. L. Drew, of San Bernardino, and Geo. W.
Meade, of San Francisco, H. M. Barton, of Old San Bernardino, as stock-
holders. November 3rd, 1884, the Bear Valley dam was pronounced com-
plete and in 1885, the water was turned into the ditches for irrigation. In
1890, the Bear Valley L. & W. Co. became the Bear Valley Irrigation Co.,
with new directors and increased stock. The same year the Bear Valley &
Alessandro Improvement Co. and the Alessandro Improvement Co. were
organized and the Alessandro and Perris Irrigation Districts were formed,
to be supplied with water from teh Bear Valley reservoir. April 27th, 1891,
the water was turned on in the Alessandro pipe line. December 7th, 1893,
F. P. Morrison was oppointd receiver for the Bear Valley Co. April 2nd,
1894, J. A. Graves and A. B. McGinness were appointed receivers by Judge
Ross.
Domestic Water Company.
The Redlands, Lugonia and Crafton Domestic Water Co. was organized
in January, 1887, when Redlands was in embryo and the business of the
East San Bernardino valley was still carried on in one store. It was in-
corporated with a stock of $150,000. which was increased to $500,000 on
478
HISTORY OF SAX BERXARDIXO COUNTY,
March 27th, 1888. J. W. Drake was the first president, succeeded by G. A.
Cook and the directors were, G. H. Crafts, J. F. Rayner, E. G. Judson, F. E.
Brown, I. N. Hoag, G. E. Otis and S. J. Hayes. Water was secured from
Bear Valley reservoir, the Santa Ana river. Mill Creek, Sunnyside, Crafton
and other sources. Over $100,000 was spent in securing water rights.
Two reservoirs were at once constructed in East Redlands, high enough
to carry water to any part of the settlement or to the top of any building.
Work was pushed rapidly, the mains were dug and the pipe brought from
tthe east and rolled in San Bernardino, was laid by January 1, 1888. The
first connection was made for Mr.
A. A. Roe of Eureka street,
October 5, 1887, and regular water
service began February 1, 1888.
In 1893 the company had laid be-
tween thirty and forty miles of
mains, distributing water over at
least five square miles of territory.
An additional reservoir was con-
structed which increased the ca-
pacity of the system.
The first rates of this company
were fixed at $1.50 per month for
an ordinary house, including two
hours of sprinkling. Later this
rate was raised. When the town
was incorporated the Board of
Trustees fixed the minimum rate
at $2.00 per month for any house
and lot, with no limit up to a
quarter of an acre. Later the
trustees fixed a meter rate of six
cents per thousand gallons. The
Wrater Company after protest
began suit against the trustees in 1895 to compel them to raise the meter rates
as the company was carrying on the enterprise at a loss. The first suit was
decided adversely to the Water Company, but a second suit resulted in a
victor}'.
In 1899 the Domestic Water Company put down three wells on Reser-
voir street and put in a pumping plant. These wells yield about 12
of water.
East Redlands Water Company.
The East Redlands Water Company
SAMlliL J. HAYES
inches
/as organized in September,
HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY. 479
to supply water from Bear Valley reservoir to a tract of 450 acres of land in
East Redlands, which became the Chicago colony tract. This company was
organized in Chicago and the land was originally purchased by settlers from
Chicago. Now the residents are from all parts of the United States and
Europe. Twenty-five of the forty land owners live on their holdings, ten
others are residents of California. The present officers of the company are
Orin Porter, president; \V. L. Olmstead, vice president; F. A. C. Mitchell,
secretary; C. F. Works, Charles Nelson, and Union Bank, treasurer. The
original directors of the East Redlands Co. were H. L. Drew, H. M. Barton.
F. E. Brown, Lewis Jacobs and E. G. Judson.
West Redlands Water Company.
The West Redlands Water Company was organized June 14, 1887, with
Isaac Ford, president; E. G. Judson, vice president; G. L. Holton, secretary,
and Union Bank, treasurer. It supplies the section known as West Red-
lands with water for irrigation purposes, the chief source of supply being
Bear Valley reservoir. The present officers are C. E. Davis, president:
H. W. Nason-, vice president; A. B. Howard, secretary, and First National
Bank, treasurer.
Redlands Heights Water Company.
The Redlands Heights Water Company was organized May 12, 1891,
with R. J. Waters. E. G. Judson, E. W. Wilmot, A. E. Sterling, C. J. Munson,
directors, $500,000 capital stock, of which $64,000 was paid up. The object
was to secure water for the Redlands Heights tract and for this purpose
stock was obtained from the Crafton Water Company and Mill Creek water
furnishes part of the supply. The present officers of the company are : E. G.
Judson. president; R. E. Archer, secretary; A. E. Sterling, vice president.
South Mountain Water Company. This company was formed May 29,
1899, with T. Y. England, president; A. Gregory, vice president; K. C. Wells,
secretary; Union Bank of Redlands, treasurer. It obtained its supply of
water from Birch canon, from four tunnels put in on Birch ranch and from
wells in the Yucaipe valley, five miles above Redlands. This water was
piped to the portion of Redlands Heights south of and above the territory of
the Redlands Heights Water Company. These lands overlook the entire val-
ley and are most desirable as residence property and also fine orange lands.
The present officers of the company are: T. Y. England, president;
Charles Putnam, vice president: John F. Richardson, secretary; A. P. Kitch-
ing, manager; Redlands National Bank, treasurer.
REDLANDS WATER PROBLEM.
As we have seen, the territory now comprising Redlands was originally
supplied with water from various sources and delivered by different com-
panies, the Crafton lands having been first irrigated from Mill Creek waters.
K C WELLS
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 481
Lugonia, by the Sunnyside or South Fork ditches drawn from the Santa Ana,
and the colony of Redlands having its own water system also drawn from
Santa Ana waters.
After the construction of the Bear Valley dam, by an arrangement with
the North and South Fork owners, these canals were used to carry Bear Val-
ley water and each ditch was assured of a supply of 500 inches from the reser-
voir. The Domestic Water Company when organized drew the greater part
of its supply from the Bear Valley system and the various smaller companies
which were formed about 1887 and 1888, were all dependent upon the reser-
voir. The Redlands canal was turned over to the Bear Valley Company and
four pipe lines were put in from Reservoir street — one supplying Redlands,
one of West Redlands and Terracina, one for Gladysta and the Drew tract,
and one for Mound City tract.
Although the involved condition of Bear Valley affairs after the system
passed into the hands of a receiver, created much uncertainty and dissatis-
faction, water has continued to be delivered to the holders of rights and of
Class A certificates and has been sufficient for the needs of East San Ber-
nardino valley claimants until the continued dry seasons of later years.
About 1898 efforts for the development of water from other sources be-
gan to be pushed. F. E. Brown began pumping water from Bear Valley
lake, thus securing two or three hundred additional inches ; the South Moun-
tain Water Company was formed to develop water in the upper Yucaipe val-
ley; the Domestic Water Company began to put down wells and succeeded
in producing 130 inches of water from this source ; various individuals and
companies put down wells in the vicinity of Redlands and several hundred
inches of water were thus added to the supply. But as most of the wells
must be pumped this method of furnishing water is expensive — aside from
the uncertainty as to the permanence of the supply.
In 1900 a proposition to bond the city for $408,000 to supply an adequate
water system was submitted to the people, the intention being to purchase
the Dunlap property in Yucaipe valley, which was supposed to afford sev-
eral hundred inches of water. After a vigorous campaign of education and
enlightenment, led by the Citrograph and the Board of Trade, the proposi-
tion was defeated September 10, 1901.
The question of an adequate water supply for the city and the adjacent
lands was still unsettled. Many people believed that the only possible an-
swer to the problem lay in the Bear Valley system. It was proposed that
the holders of this stock, the land owners, and the various companies, should
form one corporation, secure control of the entire plant, build a new dam
which would greatly increase the storage capacity, and reconstruct the en-
tire system, thus furnishing Redlands and the surrounding country an ample
and certain source of water. After much discussion and agitation, a com-
mittee consisting of J. B. Glover, G. C. Thaxter. C. S. Lombard, C. M. Bax-
CURTIS WELLS
HISTORY OF SAN BERXARDIXO COUNTY 483
ter, M. M. Phinney, B. W. Cave and their attorney, H. Goodcell, was ap-
pointed and made an exhaustive report advocating the formation of a com-
pany to be known as the Bear Valley Mutual \Yater Company and outlining
a plan of procedure. As a result the new company was organized in July,
1903, and elected H. H. Garstin, president: F. P. Morrison, vice-president,
and F. E. Hotchkiss, secretary. It was proposed that the old stock in the
Bear Valley Company be exchanged for stock in the new company and it was
provided that unless 70,000 shares of such stock were exchanged before No-
vember 1st, 1903, the matter would be considered ended. Seventy thou-
sand two hundred and forty-seven shares out of a total of 83,487 shares had
been subscribed within the required time and consequently negotiations with
the Cleveland Trust Company, representing the holders of the bonds and
other creditors, are now under way.
That ultimately the control of this great water system will pass into the
hands of the land owners, is now practically certain, and thus Redlands will
be assured for all time of water in abundance.
MILL CREEK ZANJA.
Charles R. Paine.
If one should go down Orange street in Redlands from Casa Loma and
then ascend, still going south, Cajon street to the summit, and look up and
down the valley he had just crossed and along its sides, he would form in one
view a fair conception of the depression in which Mill Creek zanja flows. He
would see the Redlands Heights with Crafton hills extending northeasterly
nearly to the mouth of Mill Creek canon, and westerly, sweeping in a curve to
>he north to the Old Mission ruins and Barton ranch.
All the storm water from the northern face of these elevations flows
northwesterly to the zanja. Before the settlement of the city this water ran
in irregular gulches; now it is carried in walled and paved channels and the
zanja itself through the business portion of the city has been treated in the
same way. The principal streets are so bridged over it, however, that the
stranger would scarcely recognize the existence of such a stream. Had he
been here in the early days of the town, he would have seen streets flooded,
cellars filled and damage done in the occasional violent summer storms that
visit the locality.
The southern face of this long depression is well marked by a ridge, more
or less broad, of reddish soil, from a point as far west as the Redlands gas
works, thence east along Colton avenue, beyond the eastern limits of the city
to a point in Crafton between the properties of Craig and Paine ; this point
used to be called "the little Red Hill" in old deeds. The length of this part
sf the zanja is about three and a half miles. From here onward easterly,
484 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
with many windings of the stream, to a bend at the eastern end of Colton ave-
nue, beyond the station of the Southern Pacific Company in Crafton, for a
distance of about two miles the land on the north of the zanja spreads out in
a stony plain, having quite a pitch to the west, but always sloping toward the
stream bed.
From this bend, where overflows in sudden heavy storms sometimes oc-
cur, the course of the stream comes more from the north, its channel is deeper
in the ground, it runs closer to the Crafton Hills on the left, its right banks
have a sharper slope and the current is very swift like that of a mountain
stream. Like such streams it is bordered both here and lower down, with
growth of underbrush and trees, sycamore, alder and cottonwood. When
these decay or are removed, young trees of like sorts spring up to take their
places.
Such a combination of clear water, running swiftly over a pebbly bot-
tom, in random courses, by wild woods and grassy nooks, through rich culti-
vated areas on either side, as is the case in part, forms a scene rare in South-
ern California, where art is often added to nature to produce the charms with
which the country abounds.
The head of the zanja, where it passes from the main torrent of Mill
Creek, coming from the canon, is a short distance below Power House No. i
of the Edison Electric Light and Power Company. Here its waters, after
they have been shredded into spray, for the third time in their passage over
Pelton water wheels, come against the bluffs which the Crafton hills present,
they may run among the boulders — for no soil is there — either more directly
toward the river, or in the bed of the zanja, according to obstacles they meet :
these need not be great to cause a diversion either way.
A little way further down a wash from the high mesa on the south in
times of flood carries masses of mingled soil and rock across the zanja bed
and diverts the stream westerly along one or more of the many channels be-
tween the ridges of water-worn boulders.
Because this deposit must be removed to let the water down its channel,
this beautiful stream is called a zanja, in Spanish, a ditch in English; other-
wise its winding, irregular way, by banks that could be taken for nothing else
than natural, following the long depression described, shows it to be a ver-
itable torrential stream of Nature"s carving that will not be stayed in i ts
course.
Very early, some time prior to 1823, the Mexicans and Indians, using
for shovels the scapulas, or shoulder-blades, of their slaughtered cattle — for
so runs the tradition — diverted its course here and there, doing the real ditch
digging at the lower end, and using the waters to irrigate the plain below the
Barton villa. Above the villa, in the vicinity of the gas works, the turn in
the hill line and its slopes sent the storm waters across the zanja line. At
the present day a flume traverses the wash connecting the broken ends.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 4S5
Within memory banks of earth of less length served the same purpose. Below
this cross wash the country on both sides slopes streamwards, either towards
the wash or the zanja, on the north it broadens well out over the Lugonia
region, in contrast with the narrow terrace above ; on the south the grades
are greater towards the zanja, which carries the water more quietly along the
foot of the hills.
In 1856 the Cram brothers moved from Cottonwood row to what is
called the Carpenter ranch in Crafton and began irrigation there. The
stream was very low at that time. About two-fifths of the zanja waters are
used here and on the hills to the south, including Canon Crest Park, and
three-fifths goes to Cottonwod row. It forms one of the most valuable and
regular water supplies in this part of the state.
Its main channel in Mill Creek canon, the Falls creek, comes from the
north between Mounts San Bernardino and San Gorgonio. The east stream
and many others from the southern slopes of these high peaks are great feed-
ers ; for, although they may not reach the canon stream on the surface in the
summer time, they contribute their water through pervious rocks to rise at
natural submerged dams. The water in Mill Creek is taken up in pipes at
three points by the Edison Company and falls 1,900 feet down a declivity at
the mouth of the canon to produce the electric current.
Both in the canon and along the zanja are many attractive spots. A few
of these along the zanja have been utilized in home-making, where Nature
and the landscape artist, working in harmony, have achieved results that are
in contrast with the many lovely grounds on the slopes and heights. In
other places in the city proper the zanja vicinity has been put to rougher and
unsightly uses. Mill Creek zanja is indeed a unique feature of the Redlands
country, and much more might have been made of it, especially if the Sylvan
Boulevard had been improved as planned.
It is interesting to picture, as plainly appears to the eye of the geologist,
the ancient order of things before the earth's surface here was laid down as
known to men.
The foot of the lofty Sierras which rise to the north was not as now, on
the northern bank of the Santa Ana. but must have reached well on toward
the zanja. Perhaps the current of that river, before erosion filled the trough
between the ancient mountains and the hills, was in Metnone avenue or past
the ice factory. Probably the water that rushed down these declivities made
a lake at the base of the Crafton hills, where Sand canon from Yucaipe valley
comes out. When, in the past, Mill Creek detritus covered the earlier de-
posits of both the river and itself, a shallow lake remained, doubtless, for a
long time until the wash from Crafton hills laid down the soils that now
nourish great areas of citrus orchards. The western border of the- ancient
lake could have been no further west than a granite rim found in boring near
486 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
where Redland's Bear Valley canal intersects Colton avenue, and near the
surface at the base of the hills further south on Citrus avenue in Crafton.
The surface rocks in Mentone and Crafton are all of Mill Creek origin,
different in character from those of the Santa Ana wash. The solid rock at
the base of the curve in the heights from Canon Crest to the old Mission
ruins, turned the waters northerly in the part below the city, and there term-
inated the drainage channel that skirted the hills, which began between the
high peaks to the east.
FRUIT GROWING.
The Redlands Citrus District includes Redlands, Lugonia, Crafton, Men-
tone and West Redlands. The first orange grove in this section was that
of M. H. Crafts, who put out a few seedling orange trees in 1870. This was
followed by Colonel Tolles' Lugonia orchard, the seed of which was planted
in 1874. In 1877 Dr. Craig and Prof. Paine began their planting, setting
partly seedling and partly Washington Navel trees.
The first orange tree in the colony of Redlands was set February 22nd,
1882, on the lot where Theodore Clark's house now stands. The first or-
chard, two and one-half acres, was put out by E. J. Waite for Judson and
Brown, on the corner of Center street and Olive avenue. The trees were
nursery stock brought from San Diego to the end of the California Southern
road, then — in the spring of 1882 — at Temecula canon, and hauled the rest of
the way by team. About the same time F. P. Morrison put out five acres of
oranges and T. W. Ladd set out 240 Navel trees. Several other orchards
were started the same year.
In 1885 a careful estimate, published in a pamphlet, "San Bernardino
County Illustrated and Described," gave Lugonia 11,210 orange trees of
which number some five or six thousand were in bearing. The Citrograph
of 1887, estimates the acreage of the district as 966.4 acres of citrus fruit. In
1889 this area had increased to 1238.5 acres. The United States census re-
port of 1890 gives Redlands District 2,178 acres of oranges. Of this acreage
1,370 was in Washington Navels, 871 acres of which had been planted in
1889. In 1903 a careful census made by the Citrus Union show 7.500 acres in
citrus fruits in Redlands District.
Prof. Charles R. Paine gives some very interesting facts as to early pack-
ing and shipments from Redlands.
"The first oranges shipped from the Redlands orange district were
shipped by M. H. Crafts from what is now known as Crafton. He had a
small seedling orchard (planted out in 1870) and his crop was at first mostly
used at home and for visitors. As the crop increased he sold locally and
shipped in flat boxes to commission merchants of San Francisco. I do not
know in what year he shipped first, but it was only a short time before Dr.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 487
William Craig and myself began shipping- from our orchard of Tahiti seed-
lings, planted in 1877. I packed and sold sixteen boxes in the spring of 1883,
twenty three boxes in 1884. I have no record of the place of shipment, but
remember it as San Francisco.
My portion of this seedling orchard on Colton avenue, Crafton, consisted
of 129 trees, 95 of which were bearing in the year of 1885, when I shipped 321
boxes, partly to Hixon Justi & Co., of San Francisco, and partly to the same
firm in Chicago. I hauled them to Colton across unbridged streams, being
sometimes obliged by high water to go around by the San Bernardino bridge.
We, in Crafton, united with Lewis Cram of Highland and Dr. W. R. Fox of
Colton Terrace in filling a car at Colton which Twogood and Edwards of
Riverside had partly filled, for there was not a carload at a time in either
region.
I used flat boxes for a time, then when boxes of the present shape came
into use, I learned from a former pupil of mine, Mrs. Flora Swain, then a resi-
dent of Florida, the methods of packing there. I find a copy of the plan of
packing there in my record book for Nos. 250, 236, 176, 146, 128 and 96 in box.
I made a grader with slats the required distance apart to obtain these sizes
and so established the first uniform style of packing for this locality.
The average gross price for the 1885 shipments of seedlings was $1.95
per box; net price for same was $1.24. Some boxes sold in Chicago for $2.75
and in San Francisco for $2.00. Three boxes sold for $1.00 — the lowest price
for others was $1.25.
In the year 1886, in the spring, I sold 300 boxes, sending them to Chi-
cago, Minneapolis and San Francisco. Of these 22 were Washington Navels.
My net returns were $721.41 — nearly $2.40 per box."
The earliest marketing was done by the growers, each consigning his
fruit where and as best he could. For the first few years shipments were
made almost entirely through Riverside packers, or in connection with Riv-
erside growers. (For further particulars of early orange marketing see
Chapter IX.
Packing Houses, Dryers, Etc.
Tn 1886, Messrs. Cook & Langley, then among the heaviest dealers in
fruit in the country, put up a dryer in Lugonia and in 1887 thev erected the
first packing house in Redlands and began buying, packing and shipping de-
ciduous fruit — fresh and dried — raisins, and also oranges, shipping the latter
as Riverside fruit.
As the product increased all of the prominent firms, such as Porter Bros.,
Earl Company and others, established packing houses in Redlands and sev-
eral Redlands firms developed and took an active hand in the business of
packing and shipping oranges. The first "association" was the Redlands
Fruit Growers' Association, formed January 2. 1889, wtih a capital stock of
488
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
$300,000, to handle the fruit grown by its incorporators. The first officers
were: C. R. Paine, president; H. H. Sinclair, secretary, and F. P. Morrison,
treasurer.
The Haight Fruit Company began business in the season of 1889-90.
They were the first to send out
Redlands oranges under the name
"Redlands," the first brand being
the "Rose," which has become
widely known and stands for the
choicest fruit.
In 1893 the Redlands Orange
Growers' Association was formed
as a mutual company and erected
its packing house. This company
has since done a commission busi-
ness also and has handled a large
amount of fruit. Its present of-
ficers are : F. P. Morrison, presi-
dent ; C. R. Paine, vice president ;
H. H. Garstin, secretary and man-
ager, and the other directors are
A. E. Sterling, E. J. Judson, T.
Y. England and George L. Gay.
From the first, Redlands fruit es-
tablished a name and it was
not long before "Redlands" or-
anges were given the preference over all others and commanded a higher
price than even Riverside fruit. For appearance and flavor the best
Redlands Navels are unexcelled. The peculiar soil qualities seemed
to produce a higher color; the freedom from scale and insect pests and
from fog gave them clean, bright fruit. The orchardists of Redlands, like all
others, have had difficulties to contend with, but they have always escaped
damaging frosts and have never been set back by lack of water — although
only the prompt action and enterprise of her citizens in developing new
source of water supply — saved her from injury during the "dry years" 1898-99
and igoo. The freedom from scale has been gained by constant watchful-
ness and prompt action when danger appeared.
The banner vear of production thus far was the fruitful season of 1903-
04, when Redlands sent out 3.076 cars, or 1,113,512 boxes of fruit. The hand-
ling of such a quantity of fruit has become an intricate, highly specialized
business, requiring capital, extensive knowledge — both of fruit and of the
markets, and the best modern methods and appliances — all the way from the
L. G. HAIGHT
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
4,sy
grower to the consumer. This has led to various combinations of the ship-
pers and growers which in recent years have been mostly united in the form
of "Exchanges," or in the Citrus Union. In 1903 these two organizations
combined to ship their fruit through the California Fruit Agency, but the re-
sults were not satisfactory and independent shipping is again the rule.
Orange Shipments From Redlands.
889-90
890-91
891-92
892-93
893-94
894-95
895-96
41 cars 1896-97 648 cars
50 cars 1897-98 550 cars
70 cars 1898-99 1478 cars
186 cars 1899-00 1508 cars
216 cars 1900-01 2437 cars
425 cars 1901-02 2242 cars
613 cars 1902-03 2335 cars
781 cars 1903-04 3067 cars
Orange Planting in Redlands District
Up to 1889
Up to 1894
Up to 1902
966.4 acres (Citrograph )
4093 acres (County Horticultural Commission)
75°o acres (Citrus Union)
490 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
The "Redlands System" of Irrigation.
"Of late years in California the application of water by furrows has been
brought to a marvellous degree of perfection. What is known as tbe 'Red-
lands System' is the best type of irrigation methods known to the world.
Under this system a small wooden box or flume is placed at the head of the
orchard. An opening is made opposite each furrow and through this the
water flows in the desired quantity, being operated by a small gate or slide.
The aperature regulates the flow of water accurately, and the system is so
simple that after it is once adjusted, its operation is as easy as the turning of
a faucet. The farmer who grows his crops on a fertile soil, under almost
cloudless skies, with a system controlling the moisture as effective as this,
may be said to have mastered the forces of nature. The quality of the fruit
has improved immensely since the California methods were perfected. Every
fruit grower realizes that the profit in the business comes mostly from his
first grade of fruit. Scientific irrigation makes it possible for him largely
to increase the percentage of the best fruit, and the difference which this
makes in the earning capacity of his acres is surprising." — W. E. Smythe, in
"The Conquest of Arid America."
Deciduous Fruits.
It had been fully demonstrated that grapes, both wine and raisin, and
deciduous fruits of almost every variety known to man could be successfully
grown in the East San Bernardino valley, while citrus culture was still in
an experimental stage. Consequently during the seventies and the early
eighties, a large acreage was put out to grapes, peaches, apricots, pears and
other fruits. In November, 1885, it was estimated that there was in or-
chards in Lugonia over 200,000 deciduous trees and over 300,000 vines. In
1879 Dr. Stillman had put out 160 acres of the choicest grapes, Muscat and
Sultanas, for raisins ; Zinfandels, Trouseaus, Burghers, Matteros, Blue Eb-
lings and Carrigans were among the varieties that were intended for wine.
He had also a large deciduous orchard.
While these fruits yielded largely, there was difficulty in handling them.
The fruit shipping business was hardly begun, transportation was high and
the distance from markets too great to make this a possible means of dis-
posing of fresh fruit. At first the growers dried and marketed the fruit for
themselves — often at a loss. After the building of the Judson and Brown
dryer this took care of a part of the Lugonia fruit. Canneries at Colton
and Riverside were established about 1880 and fruit was hauled to these.
August 1st. 1886, the first carload of deciduous fruit — peaches — was shipped
from this vicinity. In 1886 W. C. Butler organized the Redlands Domestic
Canning Company, which put up fruit in glass cans and sent out some verv
fine goods. In 1887 the Gregory and Langley & Cook dryers were built,
both at Lugonia.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 491
According to a report in the Citrograph of December 17, 1887, the fruit
output of the East San Bernardino Valley for 1887 was: Apricots, 210,000
pounds; peaches, 1,900,000 pounds: raisins, 410,000 pounds; oranges, 15.-
000 boxes. Of this product, the Lugonia Fruit Dryer handled 60 tons of
apricots and 400 tons of peaches: the Colton Cannery, 357 tons of apricots
and 450 tons of peaches. The growers dried and packed ten tons of apricots
and 100 tons of peaches. Of the raisins. 20,000 boxese were handled by
Riverside dealers..
For the season of 1888-89 Messrs. Cook and Langley reported: "We
have purchased green fruit as follows: 203,183 pounds of peaches, 315.655
pounds of apricots. 30,869 pounds of nectarines. Figuring on the basis of
20,000 pounds to a carload, this would make a shipment of about 22j4 cars
of dried fruit from Redlands and vicinity. Of raisins we purchased 446,386
pounds at Redlands and immediate vicinity; 120,818 at various points. We
have shipped of our own pack, 27,559 boxes of raisins and 34,697 pounds
of loose raisins, making a total of thirty carloads of raisins shipped from
Redlands packing house this season."
As it became apparent that the conditions in Redlands and vicinity
were particularly well adapted to citrus culture, many of the deciduous
orchards and vineyards were replaced by oranges, consequently the produc-
tion of dried fruit, and particularly of raisins and wine, has steadily de-
creased. In 1893 Redlands is credited with but 14,800 boxes of raisins.
The Board of Trade, with its successor, the Chamber of Commerce,
and their able assistant, the Citrograph, frequently urged the erection of a
cannery in Redlands, and a considerable bonus was raised for that purpose.
April 1, 1897, the Redlands Preserving Company was incorporated, with C.
N. Andrews as president and C. J. Holmes, secretary. This company put up
a complete plant with the best equipment, having a capacity of 30,000 cans
a day, and for several years the cannery was operated ; but the decrease
in deciduous fruit cultivation had made the crop too small to supply the
demands of the institution and the formation of a "combination" of can-
neries led to the closing of the establishment.
In 1902 H. P. D. Kingsbury established a factory for the manufacture
of marmalades and jams, lemon juice and fruit extracts. This has proved
a valuable adjunct to the industries of Redlands. The product meets with
a good demand and the purity and care used in the manufacture of the goods
has given them a high reputation.
TRANSPORTATION.
The first stage connection between the East San Bernardino valley
and the outer world was a line started in 1882 by George Phillips, who made
trips from George A. Cook"s store in Lugonia to San Bernardino. At
492 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
first two or three trips a week were sufficient, but later a daily stage ran
between the two points. In 1886 the Southern Pacific put in a siding at
Brookside and a road was graded from the town down to the siding. Pas-
sengers arriving here, unless met by friends, must climb the hill and walk
three miles over dusty roads to reach the settlement. After the town of
Redlands was laid out travel increased so rapidly that the "Citizens Stage
Co." was formed, September 1, 1887, and advertised in the Citrograph :
"Pending the completion of the railroads now being constructed between
San Bernardino, Redlands, Lugonia and Crafton and Mentone, it has be-
come necessary for the better accommodation of rapidly increasing travel,
to connect with all trains at the Southern Pacific siding at Brookside as
well as at San Bernardino. On and after September 1, 1887, a splendidly
equipped four-horse Concord coach will connect with the 7:45 a. m., 10:30
a. m., 4:13 p. m. and 6:37 p. m. trains at Brookside direct to Redlands,
Lugonia, Crafton and Mentone. Fare, 50 cents."
While waiting for the completion of the street railway, a stage line
from the business center to the residence districts became necessary. This
was conducted by Judson & Brown. The Citrograph of December 24,
1887, says: "The omnibus line, the forerunner of the street car system.
began to run regularly yesterday. One branch goes to Crescent avenue,
the other to Frank Brown's house in Residence tract. Fare 5 cents. Who
says Redlands doesn't do things up 'brown?'"
January 23, 1888, the Redlands Street Car Co. was granted a franchise
to construct five and one-half miles of street railway. Work was begun
on the Highland avenue line in April, 1888. May 18, 1889, the first street
car, one of the little "bob-tail" cars which the older settlers remember with
amused affection, arrived. On May 23d regular street car service began,
with mules as motive power, and very soon afterward Phil Dreiser became
the driver and continued to punch the mules until they were retired from
service. October 28, 1891, the city granted a franchise for a street car line
on Olive avenue. This line was completed and put into operation March
5', 1892. After the burning of the Terracina Hotel in 1895 this service was
discontinued until May 1, 1903, when the electric company began running
cars over the old route, a newly constructed line having been completed.
October 3, 1894, the ordinance granting the right for the extension of the
Highland avenue line was passed. In 1898 the franchise for electricizing
the street railways was passed, and December 19, 1899, electric service be-
gan. The Country Club extension was put into operation in 1902. The
San Bernardino Valley Traction Co. began service between Redlands and
San Bernardino, March 10, 1903.
Redlands has now a well equipped and regular service making every por-
tion of the city easily accessible.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
RAILROAD HISTORY.
The railroad history of Redlands began with the efforts of her citizens
to secure a branch of the California Central road from San Bernardino. The
company announced its willingness to build the extension, provided right of
way, depot grounds etc., were granted them. To secure the road a commit-
tee, of which R. J. Waters and E. G. Judson, were members was appointed, and
these gentlemen, by their strenuous efforts, secured a subscription of $42,000
for the purpose. As a result, in the spring of 1887, the work was begun on
the Valley branch of the California Central.
The Citrograph of July 23rd, 1887, was. a "railroad" number, containing
under the heading "Our Projected Railroads," articles concerning the rapid
building and the route of the "Valley road," an announcement that "Messrs
W. N. Crandall, W. J. Curtis, Oscar Newburg and M. B. Garner, who have
applied for a charter for the building of a motor road between here and San
Bernardino, came up Thursday to look over the ground, and confer with our
citizens. The stock for the company is, we are given to understand, all sub-
scribed for, and no money subsidy is asked from our people." Regarding the
"Lugonia, Redlands and Crafton Railway." the report is also made. "Civil
Engineer Griffith of the Southern Pacific was in Colton Saturday, and made
the following statement: "I have received orders to survey a line from a
point near Mound City, through Lugonia, Crafton etc."
January 16th, 1888, the track layers of the Valley road reached Orange
street. The company fitted up an office in a box car, and Feb. 13th, the reg-
ular train service began, with C. H. Hobart as station agent. March 15th. the
Wells Fargo office was opened in the depot, with Mr. Hobart as agent. July
14th, the first depot was completed.
May 17th. 1888, the Redlands Motor line brought its first train into
Redlands, and regular service began on this road June 4th. This gave a
two hour service to San Bernardino, and was a most important factor in the
early growth of the community.
In January, 1889, the Santa Fe dropped the price of round trip tickets
between Redlands and San Bernardino to twenty-five cents. This was a
severe blow to the motor road, but it pluckily met the cut. and for some
time a lively railway war followed. The motor line held its own however,
and the old rates were restored — in March — 30 cents single trip, and 50 cents
round trip.
The contract for grading the belt line of the Santa Fe from Mentone,
to San Bernardino, via Highlands, was let in Sept. [891, and Jan. 17111.1892,
this line was ready for use. This formed the loop of the famous kite-shaped
track.
C. T. GIFFORD
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 495
June 17th. 1 89 1 , the Southern Pacific Company completed the purchase
of the Redlands and San Bernardino motor line, as well as of the motor lines
to Colton and to Riverside, thus giving the company entrance into San Ber-
nardino and Redlands. In the spring of 1892 this company built a $6,000
depot at Redlands Junction, and began a long fight with the Santa Fe over
right of way on Park avenue, 100 feet of which had been deeded to the
Santa Fe company, who made no use of it, but refused to allow the Southern
Pacific to utilize it. After various injunctions and legal squabbles, the court
granted the Southern Pacific right of way over the disputed ground, and the
broad gauge track from Redlands Junction to Mentone was completed. Nov.
14th, 1892, the first train service direct from Redlands to Los Angeles began.
The Southern Pacific fitted up the old motor depot for use and occupied it
until 1898, when a substantial brick depot was built, at a cost of $15,000.
THE SCHOOLS.
The city of Redlands, as incorporated included Lugonia and Redlands
school districts, and a part of Railroad and Crafton districts. One of the con-
ditions agreed upon previous to the vote on incorporation was that Lugonia
and Redlands school districts should remain distinct. Hence the city today, is
in the anomalous position of possessing four different school districts, with
four sets of school trustees ; while the High School is a union district school,
instead of a city institution, and is entirely independent of the districts which
supply it with pupils.
Lugonia.
We have noted the formation of these districts in the earlier history of
the settlements. Lugonia replaced the little board school house of her earlier
days by erecting, in 1885, the four lower rooms of the present Lugonia school
building. This met her needs until 1894, when the four upper rooms of the
building were added. A very complete manual training room has also been
erected on the grounds of this building, and in 1899, a kindergarten was
opened in this room, which has done most effective work.
In 1902, more room became necessary, and the Stillman avenue building-
containing four rooms, with all modern conveniences and equipments, was
put up. But so rapid has been the increase in attendance, that still more
room was needed, and an eight room building, the Longfellow, has been
erected, and is now in use.
In June, 1889, Lugonia employed two teachers, with an attendance of
fifty-nine pupils. In 1892, Chas E. Taylor, was made supervising principal
of the school. He was succeeded by Allan B. Morton, who served during
1895-6. D. C. Reed then took charge of the Lugonia schools, and has con-
tinued as principal since that date. In 1903. 12 teachers were employed, and
496 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
the attendance reached 600. The Lugonia schools have attained a very high
reputation for efficiency and method.
Redlands.
In 1887, it became evident that the one room school house put up two
years before, was quite inadequate to the needs of this rapidly growing settle-
ment. Accordingly, an election was called, and bonds to the amount of $15,-
000 were voted — without a dissenting vote, for a new school building. In
Dec. 1887, the trustees. E. S. Foote, Isaac Jones and M. B. Greer, adopted
plans for a two story brick building, with four rooms, to be erected on the
same lot as the old school house, this being centrally and eligibly placed. In
the fall of 1888, the school was opened in the new building, now the front
part of the Kingsbury building, with three teachers and an attendance of 140
pupils. H. Patten was principal, and head of the grammar department ; M.
B. Shuttleworth, had charge of the intermediate room, and Miss Mary Fack-
ler, of the primary grades. The population of the town increased so fast that
in 1891, it was found necessary to add the southern extension of the building,
and $15,000 more was voted to add four more rooms. The school was named
the "Kingsbury," in honor of the Rev. C. A. Kingsbury, who was one of the
earl)' trustees of the district, and who took a very active interest in educa-
tional matters. The grounds about the buildings are large, and have been
highly improved. In 1890. E. J. Waite, presented the school with more than
100 trees to be planted on Arbor day. Mr. Albert Smiley also presented the
district with many choice plants, and shade trees, and aided in planning the
arrangement of the trees and shrubbery.
In 1896, more room was required, and $4,000 was voted for the two-room
building at the corner of Citrus avenue and Church street. In 1898, the first
four rooms of the Lowell school building were put up at a cost of $6,000
and in 1900, the building was completed by the addition of four more rooms,
which were at once filled.
Prof. Collins, in a report concerning the schools, published in 1902, says:
"During the summer of 1902, the Manual Training building of two rooms
was erected on the Kingsbury grounds ; but when the schools opened in the
fall, it was found necessary to house two departments in this building, and
still confine the bench work to the old and limited quarters of the 'old
school house.'
March 20th, 1903, the people of Redlands voted $25,000 for another school
building, to be known as the McKinley and to be located on the corner of
Olive avenue and Center street.
From a one room school house in the spring of 1888, 1904 finds the
schools of Redlands provided with two manual training buildings, well
equipped for bench work, and each containing a room where the trustees
hope to install a department of domestic science and three eight room build-
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 497
ings in which there are twenty-one departments open for school work. Four
special teachers are employed, making, with the supervising principal, a
corps of twenty-one.
The principals who have had charge of the schools are : 1888-94, Mr. H.
Patten; 1894-5, Mr. H. Corleton; 1895-02; Mr. F .A. Wagner; 1902-05, Mr. A.
Harvey Collins.
The report of the schools for 1903, shows 1877 census children ; 36 teach-
ers employed ; annual expenditure, $55.890.95 ; value of school property,
$106,300.
The Union High School.
As early as 1886, the residents of the East San Bernardino valley felt
that some provision should be made for the higher education of their chil-
dren at home. Accordingly an agreement was entered into by a number of
the leading citizens with the Rev. J. G. Hale, whereby Mr. Hale was to
erect buildings suitable for a school and to maintain a school at least four
years, in consideration of the payment of the interest, at the rate of 9 per
cent, on the sum of $4,000 by the subscribers. The house now occupied by
Mrs. Hale was erected on Lugonia Terrace, in consequence of this agree-
ment and in the fall of 1886, a "School for the higher education of both
sexes" was opened. '"A limited number of ladies, only, are received as board-
ing pupils. Preparation for college is given, or select studies may be pur-
sued." In 1888, Miss Agnes Park and Miss Susie La Rue graduated from
this school, — the first commencement exercises in the valley. The school was
removed to the Wilson Block later and was under the tuition of Prof. Horace
Brown.
May 26th, 1891, a meeting of the trustees of Crafton, Lugonia and Red-
lands school districts was held to organize a LTnion High School district.
As a result of this action an election was held July 28th, and the district
was authorized by a vote of the people interested, with C. R. Paine, of Craf-
ton ; C. A. Kingsbury, of Redlands, and F. A. Shorey, of Lugonia, as the
trustees. October 1st, 1891, the High School was opened in the Wilson and
Berry Block, corner of Colton avenue and Orange street, with Prof. W. F.
Wegener, principal, and Chas. F. Gleason, assistant, and an attendance of
forty-five pupils.
After a lively discussion which aroused considerable feeling, a lot on
Stillman avenue, near Church street, was decided upon as the site for the
High School building and the citizens were called upon to vote $12,000 bonds
to purchase the lot and build. The election was held June 3rd, 1892, and
the bonds were defeated because of the dissatisfaction with the lot se-
lected in Lugonia. The present site of the High School was then secured,
another election called, and July 16th, 1892, $17,000 in bonds was voted for
High School purposes.
WILLIAM M. TISDALE
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 499
The trustees adopted plans intended for a main building and two wings
and work was begun on the one wing of the building which was then to be
erected. This contained an assembly room, three recitation rooms and
a laboratory. The building was ready for occupancy in April, 1893. The High
School increased so rapidly in attendance that the middle section of the
original plan was constructed in 1896 at a cost of about $12,000, thus giving
large additional facilities.
1903 again found the school pressed for room and on April nth, the
citizens of the High School district voted $60,000 to remodel and complete
the building. This building is two stories above the basement and 220 feet
in length by no feet in extreme width. The assembly and study rooms, with
most of the recitation rooms, are on the first floor. On the second floor is
the commercial department, with rooms devoted to book-keeping, stenog-
raphy, typewriting, freehand and mechanical drawing. The laboratories and
lecture rooms on this floor are complete. In the basement are separate lunch
rooms for boys and girls, with a kitchen. A circular gymnasium, 60 feet in
diameter, with dressing rooms provided with showers, are arranged for
outside exit, thus allowing for use out of school hours. Heating and venti-
lating will be as nearly perfect as possible. The corner-stone of the new
building was laid with most impressive ceremonies on November, 3rd, 1903,
and the building, complete in every detail was finished and ready for oc-
cupancy in the fall of 1904.
Prof. Lewis B. Avery took charge of the High School in 1895 and has
been one of the factors in making it one of the strongest High Schools in
the state. It is accredited by the state University and Stanford and by
several eastern colleges. The grounds about the building are large and have
been handsomely improved by the public spirit of the Smiley brothers and
of other citizens. In 1903, the school had an enrollment of 280 pupils with
ten teachers.
THE POSTOFFICE.
September 5th, 1882, a postoffice was established at Lugonia with George
A. Cook as postmaster. It was located in Mr. Cook's store then just com-
pleted and the mail was brought from San Bernardino by stage. Mr. Cook
continued as postmaster for five years when he was succeeded by C. H.
Lathrop, who held the place until the office was abolished, September 27th,
1888.
After the settlement of Redlands was fairly under way, the people in
the Residence Tract and on the Heights found themselves inconveniently
distant from the postoffice. The postoffice department was petitioned to
establish a new office at Redlands. AY'hile awaiting- a final decision the peo-
ple took matters in their own hands and arranged for a mail carrier who was
500 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
paid by subscription and established an office in a small frame building on
the corner of Chestnut avenue and Central street. Here Miss Dora Kiefer
taught a little private school and distributed the mail which was brought
from San Bernardino by Mr. Rockwell. In January, 1888, the department
took action and appointed J. B. Campbell as postmaster with the office in
the same building, which was just outside of the two mile limit required by
the postomce department. Not long afterward the new postmaster received
peremptory notice from the owner of the building, H. C. Malone, to vacate
the premises at once. The office was removed — at night — to a small frame
building just back of the present site of the Academy of Music. — no other
building being "available." This building was later removed to State street
and the office remained here until September, when it was located in the
Union Bank Building.
April 1st, 1888, mail service by train was begun over the newly com-
pleted "Valley" road and the stage service was discontinued. In January,
1889, the business of the new office had so increased that it was raised to
the rank of a presidential office with a salary of about $1,400. April 1st, 1891,
I. C. Haight was appointed postmaster by President Harrison. During
his term the office was enlarged and removed to the building on the corner of
Orange street, opposite the Baker House. November 7th, 1894, W. C. Phil-
lips was appointed to the office by President Cleveland. I. N. Hoag was
the next incumbent, being appointed in March, 1898, but he lived only about
one month after entering upon his duties. Halsey W. Allen succeeded him
temporarily until about the 23rd of June, when he was confirmed as post-
master and filled the office until July 19th, 1902, when William M. Tisdale,
the present efficient postmaster, took possession.
April 1st, 1898, mail carrier service was inaugurated. In 1902, a build-
ing was erected by H. H. Ford, G. A. Atwood and F. P. Meserve for the
especial purpose of furnishing suitable accommodations for the Redlands
postoffice. This building is a handsome three-story structure of brick. Upon
the first floor a space of 80 by 100 feet is given over to the postoffice and is
fitted up in handsome style and with all needed conveniences and equip-
ment. The second floor is occupied by offices and the third is used for lodge
purposes. The postoffice was moved into its new quarters February 1st, 1903.
An idea of the growth of the city may be gained from the steady in-
crease of the postoffice business. In 1889 the gross receipts of the office
were between $3,000 and $3,500; in 1899 the gross receipts were $15,117.92;
in 1904 the receipts were $27,537:23. In the money order department, in 1904.
14,199 orders were sold aggregating the sum of $97,026.37, and 6,312 orders
were paid, amounting to $81,569.40.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
.THE SMILEY BROTHERS AND THEIR WORK FOR REDLANDS..
In the fall of 1888, the Redlands Board of Trade arranged to send Mr.
Wm. E. Sibley to Los Angeles, to work in the interest of Redlands. He was to
meet tourists, supply them with information and literature concerning Red-
lands, keep on exhibition fruit, maps. etc. In the pursuance of this pur-
pose, Air. Sibley met Air. Alfred H. Smiley, who. with his family, was look-
ing over Southern California, and so interested him. that he was induced to
visit Redlands, and look the place over. Air. Smiley was so pleased with his
inspection that before he left the buggy, after his first drive, he went to Air.
F. E. Brown, and inquired if the land lying along the hill to the southwest
of the town could be purchased. He at once brought his family to Redlands,
stopping at the Windsor House, and telegraphed A. K. Smiley, who was
about to start for Jerusalem, (Palestine.) to spend the winter, that "California
was the promised land." Air. A. K. Smiley at once changed his plans, and in
January, 1889, joined his brother in Redlands. During that month Air. A. H.
Smiley purchased 50 acres, partly of Jndson and Brown, and partly from
the Gauthier estate, and during the winter, the brothers completed the pur-
chase of 200 acres lying along the ridge with San Timoteo canon on one hand,
and the wide sweep of the San Bernardino valley on the other. In the winter
of 1889-90, improvements were begun on this property, which was named
Canon Crest park. The Alessrs. Smiley had long experience in land-
scape gardening, and it was a hobby of theirs. Here were conditions of cli-
mate, soil and water, and scenery such as they had not hitherto dreamed of.
Here might be grown not only almost every tree, shrub and flower of the tem-
perate zone, but also the brilliant tropical plants, the graceful trees and shrubs
which must be petted in a hot-house in the east. With abundant means, wide
experience, cultured taste, and the enthusiasm of love for the work, and for
the homes which these two American noble men planned as the refuge of their
declining years, the Smiley Brothers in time, created the most beautiful spot
in California. Air. Wm. AI.Tisdale. in the Out West Alagazine, describes it
thus: "Evervwhere shrubs and trees have been disposed with an eye to the
most striking and artistic effects of color and foliage. Everywhere the flow-
ering plants have been so placed as to provide an increasing variety of bloom
from one year's end to another — a limitless wealth of color, fragrance and
beauty. And some of the beauty is made to serve distinctly utilitarian pur-
poses as well, for there are about fifty acres of thrifty orange trees, and many
lemons and olives.
All in all, this magnificent park is without serious question, the most
original in conception, the most perfect in detail, the most fascinating in
ALBERT K. "-Mil I "i
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 503
the scenery which it commands, of all the beautiful places made possible by
the marvelously fertile soil and balmy climate of Southern California."
In 1891, the Smileys erected their houses — these were large, simple,
yet beautiful and substantial frame buildings — homes in every sense of the
word.
The location of Alfred H. and Albert K. Smiley in Redlands, was one of
the keystone events in her history. Through their business relations, as pro-
prietors of some of the most popular resorts in the state of New York, and
through their wide social prominence as educators, philanthropists and public
men, the brothers exerted unusual influence. The simple fact that they had
chosen Redlands as their winter home, attracted a class of people who would
not otherwise have come here. The deep interest which they manifested in
their homes here, and in the welfare of the town, their generous expenditures,
not only of money, but of thought, and of personal attention, helped to build
up Redlands in many directions.
The Smiley brothers were heartily in accord with the Young
Men's Christian Association enterprise, and it was largely due to their
generosity, that this organization was planted on so firm a basis in Redlands,
and that they were enabled to complete the fine building which they erected
in 18Q4. The brothers and their families assisted largely in the support and
the building of the Congregational church. They gave flowers, shrubbery
and trees, and aided in their proper planting, and arrangement on the grounds
of the Kingsbury and the Union High schools, and also about the various
churches.
In the spring of 1896 Alfred K. Smiley announced that he would give $200
in prizes to those persons, "who during the ensuing year, begining May 1,
should maintain their grounds with neatness, and show good taste in the se-
lection and arrangement of decorative plants." The conditions required con-
tinuous, not spasmodic care, throughout the year, and that care must extend
to the middle of the street : that all weeds must be kept out of the roads, gut-
ters and sidewalks, and the last carefully raked and swept. The amount of
labor expended upon grounds was also to be taken into consideration. The
prizes were to be given only to persons of moderate means. The first prize
was won by James T. Jordan. The second was divided equally between W.
G. Williams and Mrs. A. S. Hargraves. The results were so highly satisfac-
tory that Mr. Smiley made a similar offer for another year.
The Smiley Park and Library.
"Not content with having accomplished all this for the city of his adop-
tion, in addition to the magnificent park, which he and his brother had so
generously opened to the public for their use and enjoyment, Mr. A. K.
Smiley, thought that a city park near the business center was desirable, even
in this garden city, and in the autumn of 1895, he determined that Redlands
504 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
should have such a tract of land set aside forever as a public park, for the
use and enjoyment of the citizens of Redlands, and their guests. The land
about the city had been taken up so fast for residence purposes, that it was no
easy task to get a tract suffiiently large for this purpose, at any reasonable
price.
First was bought six acres lying north of Olive avenue, and between Eu-
reka and Grant streets. Next nine acres lying just west of this, and across
Grant street. Then followed purchase after purchase of lots adjacent, until
was secured sufficient ground for a public park leading to the business por-
tion of the city up to the site of the library building, and extending beyond it
to the main park on Grant street.
In the acquiring of this property a large sum of money was expended,
and many difficulties encountered. Some property owners, were not only
reasonable, in making terms of sale, but also generous, when informed of the
purpose for which the property was to be used. A few only were unreason-
able and exorbitant in their demands. At times, the difficulties seemed
insurmountable. Houses had to be purchased and removed, streets re-graded,
gutters and culverts put in ; watermains laid, and as neither the city nor water
company felt able to make these improvements just then, all these things were
done by the same lavish hand that has built this building. Then followed the
grading of the grounds, the setting of trees and shrubs, the building of stone
walls, and the laying out of driveways and walks, and finally the erection and
furnishing of the building in which we meet today.
Mr. Smiley presented to the city of Redlands. not only a Public Library
building, but the beautiful park leading up to this building, from our main
street, and extending beyond the building for another block, with its labyrinth
of walks and drives, beautifully decorated with the choicest trees, shrubs and
flowers.
The library building as it now stands, is the result of much study on the
part of Mr. Smiley. The original plans were drawn under his direction by
a well known Redlands architect. Mr. T. R. Griffith, to whose artistic ability
much of the beauty of the building is due. The details of the construction,
from the laying of the solid stone foundations in September, 1897, to the most
careful finishing of the interior, have been under the direct supervision of a
Redlands builder, Mr. D. M. Donald, one of the most competent contractors
in Southern California. The style of architecture is Moorish, popularly
called "Mission." The walls are of solid brick, relieved by stone trimmings.
The roof is of the best quality of heavy tiling, brought from Chicago. The
large basement beneath is as solid as stone and cement can make it, and con'
tains two large furnaces of the best make, which together with the six huge
fire places which you see insure comfortable rooms during the winter sea-
son. In the basement is also provided a room for the disinfecting of books,
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 505
which was constructed under the direction of our city health officer. The
basement being perfectly dry is admirably adapted for the storage of such
pamphlets and books as may not be desired in the rooms upstairs.
The main building is in the shape of a cross, one hundred feet each way,
and is constructed from basement to tower of the best materials. The plas-
tering is upon steel lath, the floors are double, the upper floor of solid oak,
highly polished, all the inside finish is of the best quality of well seasoned
quartered oak. All the inside wood work, except the mantels, was clone in
Redlands, including the making of all doors and all the paneling, and by in-
specting this work you will see that we need not be ashamed of it. The
stone carving on the frieze over the main entrance is one of the best pieces
of carving in Southern California.
The rooms are admirably arranged for light and ventilation, the broad
fire places, together with overhead ventilators and man)' high windows,
making pure air in the rooms easily obtainable. The clear glass is all of the
best quality of polished plate, and the stained glass is of extra quality and,
as you will see, very beautiful.
The building will be lighted at night by eighty-three electric lights, with
eleven circuits. Everything has been done to make the building perfectly
adapted to its purpose, and a much larger sum spent than was at first contem-
plated.
As so many erroneous statements have been published as to the money
expended, it may be well to say that between $50,000 and $60,000 has been
expended in the purchase of grounds and in the erection and furnishing of
this building.
The building, as its stands, includes five times the floor space of the old
library room, not counting the corridors, which will undoubtedly be used
much in summer time." — J. P. Fisk at dedicatory exercises.
The Smiley Library was dedicated and presented to the city of Red-
lands on April 29th, 1898, and thus Redlands came into possession of one of
the most perfectly appointed library buildings in the state of California.
The value of the Smiley Library to Redlands is beyond estimate. It not
only answers admirably the purpose of the ordinary library in the ordinary
community, but is a lesson in artistic beauty and in culture to the children
and young people, as well as an ever present object lesson in the generosity
and public spiritedness which marks our highest type of Americanism. It
is a center of attraction for tourists and visitors and forms one of the many
inducements that lead people of refinement and culture to pass their winters
in Redlands and to make it their permanent home.
The history of the Redlands library dates back to December 5th, 1891.
At that time, Messrs. A. K. and A. H. Smiley, J. B. Breed, and others inter-
ested in the establishment of a public library and reading room called a meet-
ing to discuss the matter. As a result of this interest a Coffee Parlor and
iL
Br
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p
l
ALFRED H. SMILEY
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 507
Reading Room were opened in the old Y. M. C. A. Building in March, 1892.
In the winter of 1893, the Redlands Library Association was formed,
F. P. Meserve, president; Airs. White, secretary, and by January 1st, 1894,
had accumulated funds sufficient to purchase $1,000 worth of books. On
the completion of the new Y. M. C. A. Building in the spring of 1895, the li-
brary was established in rooms in this building where it remained until re-
moved to the Smiley Library. The first librarian was Miss Helen A. Xevin,
who resigned in 1895, and was succeeded by her assistant, Miss Antoinette
Humphrey, who has been custodian of the library since June 1st, 1895.
Death of Alfred H. Smiley.
January 25th, 1903, Alfred H. Smiley passed away, at his home in Canon
Crest Park. For several months he had been failing as the result of an acci-
dent incurred while at his summer home. Lake Minnewaska, N. Y. As his
health declined, he desired strongly to return to his Redlands home and un-
dertook the journey, although his physicians advised against it. Here, when
he learned that the end was inevitable, he awaited the coming of death with
quiet resignation. Surrounded by his family and friends he passed peace-
fully away.
Redlands lost one of its best known and best loved citizens with his
death.
Alfred H. Smiley and his twin brother, Albert K. Smiley, were born
at Vassalboro, Maine, on the 17th day of March, 1828. So alike in form
features, facial expression and voice that few but intimate friends could
distinguish the one from the other as they advanced in years ; these brothers
were also singularly alike in temperaments, tastes and careers. They were
of Quaker parentage and, after a course of academic and preparatory train-
ing, they were both graduated, in 1849, irom Haverford College, and later
they received the degree of A. M. from their alma mater. Following their
graduation they both engaged in teaching, and for three years, had charge
of the department of English at Haverford. Later they founded an academy
at Philadelphia. From i860 to 1879 the two brothers conducted the Friends'
School at Providence. Rhode Island, gaining an enviable reputation for this
school under their management.
The hotel enterprises of the two. brothers, by which they have been
most widely known, and which have been remarkably successful, were com-
menced upon a small scale, while they were still engaged in the educational
work. The commencement was at Lake Mohonk, where a small hotel was
first built which was gradually enlarged and improved until it is now a ban 1-
some and spacious building capable of accommodating several hundred
guests. In 1875, to meet the demands of the growing business, Alfred H.
Smiley purchased 2500 acres of land surrounding Lake Minnewaska. seven
miles distant from Lake Mohonk, and here were finallv built two hotels.
r * y
SCIPIO CRAIG
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 509
In the conduct of these hotels the brothers were very successful, bring-
ing to this difficult business a combination of rare business sagacity con-
jointly with most attractive personal qualities. Here they developed a taste
for landscape gardening which became, with them, almost a passion. These
hotels are surrounded with beautiful drives and walks, and with every ac-
cessory to afford variety and wholesome entertainment. Nothing- in the way
of amusement that can offend the most fastidious is permitted at these re-
sorts. The two brothers, always hospitable, genial, enjoying the society of
men and women of culture, were ideal hosts, and attracted a clientage such
as few landlords have ever known. They retained their interest in educa-
tional matters. They were also, although Albert K. Smiley was more es-
pecially, the friends of the American Indian and a feature of many of the
seasons at Lake Mohonk has been an annual gathering, or congress, at this
hotel, of public men interested in the welfare of the Indians. Being easy of
access from the great centers of population of the east. New York, Philadel-
phia, Boston, Chicago and other cities, these hotels have been crowded each
summer for many years, entertaining more than a thousand guests at the
height of the season, with people who appreciate the charms of the refined,
pleasant, wholesome, largely outdoor life which centered there.
Mr. A. K. Smiley, since the death of his brother, has purchased the en-
tire Canon Crest Park and continues to make his home here.
NEWSPAPERS IN REDLANDS.
The Citrograph.
The men who founded the city of Redlands knew that no better adver-
tisement was possible for the new town than a newspaper of the right sort.
One of the first steps in putting the projected town into actual existence,
was the formation of the Redlands News Company, which at once selected
Scipio Craig, who was already well and widely known for his ability to write
straight-forward and "worth while" English, and to put out a clean, well
printed and well edited paper, as the editor and manager of the new enter-
prise. Mr. Craig christened the new paper "The Citrograph": a name so
distinctive, and which has become so closely associated with Redlands,
and with Scipio Craig, that the mention of one immediately calls to mind the
other two.
The first number was issued Saturday, July 16th, 1887, from the office
then located in the building at the southwest cornet of State and Fifth
streets. There it continued to be published until its own building was com-
pleted, August 1st, 1889. The paper was at once a success. Its make up, its
devotion to and its faith in Redlands, and its original and energetic editorials
attracted wide attention. It was enlarged three times within the first six
510 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
months, and at the end of that time had a subscription list of about 1200
names. — and this in a town of six months age. Its circulation has. however,
never been confined to Redlands alone.
While amply fulfilling the duties of a weekly local newspaper, the Cit-
rograph has always been more than a mere news sheet. It has taken an
active part, and has stood with honest and disinterested vigor, for the best
interests of Redlands, in the many questions that have arisen affecting local
welfare. It has made itself an authority upon all horticultural matters, as
well as upon good roads, irrigation, and many other topics that are of
vital importance to this section. It is known far and wide, as a model of'
typographic excellence. In appearance and make-up it is the most attractive
newspaper published in this state.
In 1903, the Citrograph again moved to a building which is complete
as a country newspaper shop, — convenient, roomy and up-to-date.
The Facts.
The Facts, was founded as a weekly by S. F. Howe, Oct. 25, 1890, and
was a ten page paper, size of type-page QxiaJ^inches. It was Prohibition
in policy, as was the Daily Facts, also issued by Howe, and started October
31, 1892. The daily commenced as a four-column folio, type page 1 1 V4 -
i6j4 inches. On Feb. 17, 1893, the weekly was discontinued. A. S. Shea-
han, became proprietor on April 8th, of the same year, but owing to increas-
ing illness, sold his interest to E. F. Howe and J. P. Durbin, in October 1894.
April 1. 1895 the size of the paper was increased to six columns of 20 inches
length, and the name was changed to Redlands Facts. August 1, 1895,
Captain Wm. S. Moore, a health-seeker from Pennsylvania, purchased the
Facts from Messrs. Howe and Durbin, with the entire plant, and changed
the policy of the paper to that of Independent Republican. The new pro-
prietor enlarged it to a seven-column folio, 15^x21^ inches type page,
on November 13, 1896. On August 2, 1897, the present heading "Redlands
Daily Facts" appeared. Consumption, the dread destroyer, ended the prac-
tical and efficient career of Captain Moore, on May, 7, 1899. He was suc-
ceeded by his heirs, under the firm title of The Moore Company. On Nov.
I, of the same year, the Facts was changed to eight pages of six columns
each, type page i8xiy/2 inches. Another enlargement took place on Nov.
II, 1901, to a seven-column paper, type page 21^x15^2 inches, its present
size. On that date also the Facts began the Associated Press service, re-
ceiving daily dispatches from this and foreign countries. From the date of
its foundation to the date of writing this brief history, no liquor advertise-
ment has appeared in its columns. It also refuses publication to some classes
of advertising usually found in other dailies. It is now unqualifiedly Re-
publican in policy. W. M. Newton, is now. and has been for a number of
years, the manager and editor of the paper.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Redlands Review.
What is now the Redlands Daily Review, published every morning ex-
cept Monday, and the weekly Review, published on Fridays, is the out-
growth of a weekly paper called the Hour, started in 1895, by A. H. Corman.
The Hour, was originally a Prohibition paper, and it was published con-
tinuously by Mr. Corman, for several vears. It
passed finally into the hands of W. E. Willis,
who changed the paper into a general local
weekly newspaper, and gave it the name
of the Redlands Review. In Nov. 1901. the
daily edition was started, Air. Willis having
in the meantime associated with himself A. E.
Brock. The paper was a six-column, eight-
page issue, with a column length of eighteen
inches. February 1, 1902, the paper was pur-
chased by an incorporation known as the
Review Publishing Company, with Lyman M.
King as the managing editor, and was made
Republican in politics. Shortly thereafter the
columns were lengthened two inches, thus add-
ing considerable to its size. November 1,
1903, an Associated Press service was begun,
and the paper was enlarged to seven columns and eight pages. Its destinies
are now guided by Lyman M. King, editor, and W. E. Grigsby, business
manager.
LYMAN M. KINi;
THE BOARD OF TRADE.
The first Board of Trade in Redlands was organized in February. 1888,
with L. W. Clark, as secretary. The organization at once began a vigorous
campaign for the improvement of the new town. One of their first achieve-
ments was the issuance of a folder setting forth the advantages of Redlands.
They engaged Air. W. E. Sibley, at a salary of $150 per month, to represent
them in Los Angeles, where he was to meet tourists and interest them in
Redlands. It was through this agency that the Smiley brothers first heard
of the place. An exhibit of fruit and Redland's products was maintained in
Los Angeles and another was kept up in San Bernardino. During the win-
ter of 1889 several boxes of fruit were sent to Chicago to be placed on exhibi-
tion there. But a couple of years of such energetic "hustling" seems to have
exhausted the enthusiasm of the members, and the organization lapsed. The
city continued to grow without the fostering care of such an institution until
Dec. 12, 1893, when the business men of the place again determined that con-
certed effort for the betterment of conditions was ncessary, and Dec. 12. 1893.
512
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
organized a Chamber of Commerce, with A. B. Ruggles as president, J. Lee
Burton, vice-president and E. G. Judson, secretary. Through the efforts of
this body, the Casa Loma was built, the cannery established, and various
pamphlets and advertising matter distributed. This Chamber of Commerce
did efficient service for several years, then it also grew weary of well doing,
and dropped out of existence. After a rest of two years, the necessity of
some kind of commercial organization which
j should promote and protect the interests of
the city, led the citizens to again call for a
meeting of representative business men. In
1 Iflkk/ response, thirty-six men met in Woodman's
j Hall, on Dec. 28, 1898, and decided to perfect
m A &»wA an organizati°n to be known as the Redlands
j Board of Trade ; dues were fixed at $5.00 per
j ^K "1 vear, and a committee of eleven were appointed
i.,^:^^^ 3 ^^rWi to recommend a board of directors. On Jan. 7,
m ^M"*^^ ^Bl, 1899, a second meeting was held, and E. S.
f Hal 4piP Graham, F. P. Morrison, M. M. Phinney, Le-
Wr \jL land Lyon, H. H. Sinclair, Henry Fisher, F. P.
I wiUk Reserve, F. C. Hornby, A. G. Hubbard, E. G,
I Z&fijgjiji; Judson, J. J. Suess, H. L. Graham, Henry B.
Ely, F. A. Bradley. W. T. Gillis, K. C. Wells
H. L. GRAHAM . T TT „ , , ,.
and J. H. bohan, were named as directors.
These gentlemen at once elected E. S. Graham, president; K. C. Wells, vice-
president ; G. C. Thaxter, secretary, and F. P. Morrison, treasurer. By-laws
were adopted and fourteen committees appointed by the president. The Phin-
ney building was rented for an exhibition room and office, and a membership
of 260 names have been enrolled as members of the Board of Trade, and there
are at present 280 names on the roll. During the second year, the by-laws
were amended so as to increase the number of directors to twenty-five. The
present board is made up of H. L. Graham, J. E. Payton, M. D. ; F. P. Morri-
son, S. C. Haver, K. C. Wells, E. S. Graham, A. G. Hubbard, F. C. Hornby,
M. M. Phinney, Henry Fisher, H. D. Moore, K. H. Field, C. J. Curtis, A. K.
Smiley, E. M. Lyon, W. C. Hargraves. H. P. D. Kingsbury. J. H. Logie, Chas.
R. Paine, B. W. Cave, J. J. Prendergast, C. L. Hayes, John P. Fisk. F. W.
Hammett and Walter H. Campbell. Others who have served on the board
of directors are, H. H. Garstin, J. W. Edwards. G. G. Mosley, M. D. ; Chas. M.
Brown,' A. N. Dike, M. H. Fitzsimmons, C. L. Clock, J. B. Glover, and G. C.
Thaxter. The officers elected in 1901 were re-elected in 1902. In 1903, K. C.
Wells served as president, and J. W. Edwards as vice-president; in 1904, S. C.
Haver was president, and H. L. Graham, vice-president: and in 1905, H. L.
Graham is president, and J. E. Payton, M. D., vice-president. F. P. Morrison
HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY. 513
and G. C. Thaxter have served as treasurer and secretary, respectively, since
the organization.
The Board of Trade has been a most important factor in the unprece-
dented growth made by Redlands in the past five years. To its efforts were
due the choice of Redlands as the point where President McKinley should be
welcomed to the State of California by Governor Gage, and the presence of
President Roosevelt in this city, where he was received as the guest of the
State, by Governor Pardee, and a legislative committee. The Board of Trade
took an active part in the defeating of the proposed bonding of the city to the
to the amount of $400,000 with which to purchase a Yucaipe water supply;
it has been the promoter of the investigation into the status of the Bear Val-
ley Water Supply, and has recommended the purchase of the same, and the
building of a new storage reservoir, this vital affair being now in the hands of
a special committee ; a large number of distinguished visitors and organiza-
tions have been suitably received and entertained, through the efforts of the
Board of Trade; it has been instrumental in the distribution of more than
250,000 copies of illustrated booklets, pamphlets, folders, etc., at a cost of
more than $3,600: it has joined with other commercial bodies of the state in
actively urging important legislation for the improvement and protection of
our forests, our water supply, for duty on citrus fruits, enlarged powers of
Interstate Commerce Commission, and other matters of vital interest to our
prosperity.
The exhibition rooms are an attractive spot for visitors and tourists, and
a careful estimate, based upon the names registered in the rooms, show that
not less than 60,000 visitors have enjoyed the privileges offered here. Many of
these have asked and obtained valuable information of the secretary, Mr. G.
C. Thaxter, while more than 7,000 letters of inquiry have been answered.
No other city of equal size in the State possesses a more active and influ-
ential commercial organization, than the Redlands Board of Trade, and the
results attained in Redlands would do credit to any body of men in any city
of the United States.
VISITORS TO REDLANDS.
Redlands has entertained within her gates a long succession of distin-
guished guests; she has tendered her hospitality to the press, to organizations
and societies, and excursionists of every character, and all have departed
with words of wonder and delight.
In 1881, the Pacific Coast Press Association, visited this valley, and
was entertained at Crafton ; May 17. 1892, the National Editorial Association,
visited Redlands. and was treated to fruit and flowers, a luncheon and a drive ;
in March, igco, the same organization again visited Redlands and departed to
scatter golden opinions of the beauty and hospitality of the city throughout
514 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
the press of the country. Jan. 24th, 1902, the members of the Canadian Press
Association spent a few hours in Redlands, and went away with heartfelt
words of praise for the bountiful reception received.
In 1892, the city entertained the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce,
and also the State Pomological Society. In 1897, the National Hotel Associ-
ation brought four hundred hotel men to Redlands, and each one carried away
pleasant memories of the day spent here. In March, 1901, the Chicago Com-
mercial Club, including Marshall Field, Robert Lincoln, Edward D. Butler,
John T. Farwell, James F. Eckles and E. P. Ripley and Gen. Wesley Merritt.
an organization said to represent more than five hundred million dollars,
included Redlands in their itinerary and declared that this was the feature
of their excursion. In April, 1902, the National Association of Railroad
Commissioners stopped over to admire the beauties of Redlands; the same
year the governor of Nebraska, Wholesale Druggists' Association and the
Climateological Association were entertained, and in 1903 the city enter-
tained the National Association of Bankers who were viewing the country
in a palatial private car.
Man\- noteworthy individuals have also visited Redlands and gone away
to sing its praises and in many cases to return a second time. May 7th, 1901,
was the greatest day in the history of Redlands. On that day President
William McKinley was welcomed by the citizens of Redlands to their city
and to the state of California. The town had been lavishly and tastefully
decorated for the occasion. The central feature of these decorations was the
series of arches culminating in the double arch at the intersection of State
and Orange streets which was most beautifully and symbolically orna-
mented. The presidential party was met at the depot by the Indian band
from Perris, the G. A. R. and the Y. M. C. A. cadets, who, accompanied by
thousands of citizens, escorted the president to the Casa Loma where his
carriage was showered with the rarest of flowers by the school children.
Governor Gage welcomed the Executive to the state and President McKin-
ley responded. He was driven over the city and on his return made another
speech to the waiting masses, expressing his enjoyment of the drive and
remarking that this was a grand day for himself as well as for Redlands.
As mementoes of this visit, the chair occupied by President McKinley
during his visit is preserved in the Board of Trade rooms and the route
driven over that day is now known as the McKinley Drive and is followed
generally by visiting tourists.
The visit of President Roosevelt, May 7, 1903. was another memorable
day. Again Redlands lavished her abundance of flowers in decorations, even
carpeting the roadway over which the president was to drive with roses.
The party arrived at noon and a procession was formed to escort the Presi-
dent to the Casa Loma, where he was received by 1400 school children who
sang the Star Spangled Banner, while they waved tiny flags. Governor
HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY. 515
Pardee and a Legislative Committee had arrived the day before to welcome
the Chief Executive, and after speechmaking and a luncheon, the entire party
were driven over McKinley Drive and left the city with warmest words of
delight for all that they had seen. On this day the beautiful memorial bust
of President McKinley, which had been erected in Smiley Library grounds
bv the citizens of Redlands, was informally unveiled.
PARKS, DRIVES AND RESORTS.
Redlands has many and varied attractions which delight her visitors
and give pleasure to her own dwellers. Her parks afford exquisite views
to those who love scenery, wonderful beauty of blossom and foliage to the
flower lover, and an unusual opportunity for the study of rare and varied
plant life to the botanist; while the weary, or weak, may simply rest in their
balmy, life-giving atmosphere with every sense satisfied by the beauty of
the surroundings.
The many fine drives in and about the city present to the eye an ever
changing panorama of mountains and valley, — of the perfection of culture
and of untouched wildness. Within easy driving distance of the city the
very heart of the mountains may be penetrated and one may pass from the
tropical air and verdure of the valley to the bracing breath and the growth
of the north temperate zone, and a little further he may reach a region of
icy chill and hidden snowbanks.
Redlands has been peculiarly fortunate in possessing citizens of large
liberality who have not only given land for public parks, but who have
created and maintained at their own expense, beautiful private parks which
are generously shared with the public. Canon Crest Park is known through-
out the world as one of the fairest spots on which the sun looks down. In
April, 1890, the Smiley Brothers who had the year previous begun the pur-
chase of the bare hill sides now included in the park, began the setting of
trees and shrubbery. More than 200 acres of land, lying along the crest of
the "Heights." usually referred to as Smiley Heights, are now laid out in
what is generally acknowledged as the finest private park in the country.
More than a thousand varieties of trees and shrubs are growing here. Masses
of flowers, of eevry hue and form : rose bordered driveways ; sheltered ave-
nues, winding, climbing, footpaths ; picturesque retreats and summer
houses; a lily pond; a pinery; orange, lemon and olive groves, — all add to
the beauty. From the highest point at the summit, one sees on one hand
the fair city and beyond it the San Bernardino Valley, with its towns and
fields, its orchards and groves — all the beauty and culture that man can
devise lies before him. Turning, 350 feet beneath him the San Timoteo
canyon straggles upward toward rugged and forbidding mountains, the
516 HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY.
only sign of man, the steel rails of the Southern Pacific road-bed gleaming
in the sun, or the smoke of some far distant train.
In April, 1896, Mr. Albert K. Smiley purchased six acres of land
adjoining the business section of the city. Later he added to this purchase
until he had obtained more than ten acres in the heart of the city, bought
from fifteen different parties and at great trouble and expense. Mr. Smiley
at once began improving this land by setting the choicest shrubs and trees
and laying out walks and driveways. In 1897 he began the erection of
Smiley Library and in 1898. he presented the library and the park to the
city. Thus Redlands has a beautiful public park in the center of the city
in what would otherwise be a thickly settled district.
In 1896, T. Y. England, who had recently become interested in Red-
lands, bought the property that had long been known as Prospect Hill. He-
has added to his holdings until now some twenty-five acres is included in
these grounds. Much of the land was occupied by orange groves; but in
the midst of the orange groves Mr. England has created a beautiful park.
Masses of trees and shrubs have been so placed that the beauty of the
outlook over the city and the valley is enhanced. Hedges of roses, great
beds of Eschscholtzia, of giant pansies, of cacti, and of many other flowers
and shrubs and vines, brighten and drape the hillsides. Winding driveways
give access to every part of the park. And all this beauty is freely opened
to the visitor.
The Italian gardens of Mr. E. C. Sterling, are the most elaborate
attempts at gardening in Southern California. The pillared entrance to
"La Casada" admits to a driveway and paths bordered by stately ever-
greens and great mosaic beds of many-hued flowers and foliage plants. Six
terraces rise one above the other to the crest of the hill which is crownd by
the great white house. Each terrace is sustained by a granite retaining wall
and is veiled in graceful vines and flowers. Steps ascend them ; summer
houses, a beautiful pergola, a fish pond, statuary and a dial add to the per-
fection of the detail. And these grounds too are open to the public.
Driveways.
When President McKinley visited Redlands in 1901, he was taken for
a drive, the route being from the Casa Loma to the Library, thence through
the park to Brookside avenue, over Railroad avenue to Terracina, with a
detour to take in the Lawton residence, at the special request of the Presi-
dent, then through Canon Crest Park. Prospect Park and down Cajon and
Olive streets to the Library. Since that time this drive has been known as
McKinley Drive, and the city and the property owners along the route
have done much to improvee the roadway and the surroundings and make
this ride, which includes the business portion of the city, the most beautiful
residence section, the three parks, with glimpses of magnificent scenery, of
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 517
mountains and valley, of citrus groves and of ideal homes, an unalloyed
pleasure.
Another drive which reveals the magnificence of the scenery about
Redlands is known as Edgemont Drive. This was first projected by Messrs.
A. H. Smiley and E. C. Sterling, and has been perfected by the public-
spirited citizens who have subscribed for the carrying out of the plan. After
driving out Sunset avenue the road winds for ten miles along the crest of
ridges, every turn revealing new vistas of beauty. The drive up Mill Creek
canon is one of the most beautiful imaginable and many other drives into
the mountains are picturesque and inspiring.
Resorts.
One of the most charming mountain resorts attainablee from Redlands
is that of Bluff Lake, situated near the top of a long ridge, two miles south
of Bear Valley dam, 26 milesi from Redlands by wagon road. It is 7,575
feet above jea level, and stands in a green mountain pasture, surrounded
by pine forest. The place derived its name from the fact that some fifteen
years ago two men located on the same claim and each tried to "bluff" the
other out. As neither man was of the stuff that bluffers are made of, their
squabbling created a good deal of amusement and the place gained the
name of "Bluff Lake." The man who was left in possession started to build
a dam at the outlet of the lake and thus make a reservoir. The Bear Valley
Company attempted to drain the lake and litigation followed which resulted
in favor of the homesteader, but in time he abandoned the land. In 1886
Heber Huntington took possession of the claim which had been left vacant
and began to entertain summer visitors. About 1890 Mr. Sylvanus Thurman
purchased such rights as Mr. Huntington had in the property and since
that date lias carried on a summer resort at this beautiful spot. There are
cottages and accommodations for camping and boarding. The reservoir
and the mountain streams afford fishing and the forest hunting. In the
fifteen years of occupation the temperature at this point has never risen
above 85 degrees.
Oak Glen.
In 1899, O. W. Harris. Isaac Ford, Christian Jessen, \Y. C. Lukens, R.
B. Sheldon, all of Redlands, purchased a tract of some 400 acres of land in
what was formerly known as "Potato Canon," because of the fine quality
of potatoes raised here by the pioneer settlers. This tract is beautifully sit-
uated, 5,000 feet above sea level. Water has been piped over the tract and a
large number of apple trees have been set out by the owners. A number of
cottages have been built and the place is now occupied as a summer home
by a number of Redlands people.
518 HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY.
Fredalba Park.
In i8y6 Mr. A. H. Smiley purchased a 260 acre tract of land at the head
of City Creek toll road, sixteen miles from Redlands and 5.600 feet above
sea level. This land was cleared, roads and paths were made through the
forests, cottages were erected, with a dining hall and accommodations for
light house-keeping; a postoffice has been located here and a stage line
makes regular trips to connect with trains at Highland. The Brookings
Lumber Mill is located here also.
Seven Oaks.
Somewhere about .1870, Mr. C. M. Lewis, an Englishman, was exploring
the San Bernardino range and came upon this beautiful forest park, located
on the Santa Ana river and surrounded by the wildest and most beautiful
scenery. It reminded him so much of a similar spot in England, known as
Seven Oaks, that he bestowed the name and built for himself a log cabin and
secured title to the land. He still lives here. The name and the natural
attractions of the spot drew a number of people to make it their summer
home or camping place, many of them being English residents of Southern
California. Gradually many cabins, cottages and camps have been gathered
here and during the summer many visitors find rest and renewed vigor
in the quiet and enjoyment of this delightful spot.
FIRE DEPARTMENT.
The following history of the Fire Department is taken from the Citro-
graph of April 19, 1902:
■We have the pleasure of presenting our readers this week with an
excellent view of the first municipal building erected by the corporation
of Redlands, if a small jail be excepted. The building was formally taken
possession of by the fire department thirteen years after its organization.
From the Citrograph of May 4, 1889, we reprint this news item:
Redlands Hose Company No. 1 was organized last Saturday evening
with Ralph Levy as foreman ; J. A. Rivera, assistant foreman ; R. C. Shep-
herd, treasurer, and D. C. Gresham, secretary, and the following members:
W. C. Brumagim, P. Y. Garcia, T. M. Dugan, W. H. Smith. J. S. Hendrick-
son. It was decided that the company should not exceed 25 in number,
and as there are now only nine enrolled, sixteen more names are wanted.
There will be a meeting this evening at Shepherd & Sprague's at 7:30 sharp,
and it is hoped that those wdio have an interest in this matter will be present.
It is of vital importance to our city that we have good protection from the
fiery element, and the organization of a first-class hose company is a move
in the right direction.
The meeting referred to above was held in the hardware store of Shep-
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 519
herd & Sprague. located on State street where is now Romberger's second-
hand store, on Saturday evening, April 27, 1889. R. J. Waters called the
meeting to order and explained its objects, but did not become a member
of the company. He was then city attorney, the city having been incor-
porated only a few months. Mr. Waters has since removed to Los Angeles,
was elected to congress and is now in the banking business with the Citizens'
Bank. D. C. Gresham. who was secretary of the meeting, was foreman of
The Citrograph ; he met a violent death at the hands of P. C. McConkey,
proprietor of the Windsor Hotel, on the morning of Monday. March 24.
1890. McConkey shot and killed Gresham, and then killed himself. Ralph
Levy, known as "Jack." is still a member of the company. Joe Rivera, Tom
Dugan and Brumagim are still here. R. C. Shepherd and Pablo V. Garcia
are in Los Angeles.
The roll-book shows the following list of members May 4, 1889: R,
Levy, W. C. Brumagim, R. C. Shepherd, J. A. Rivera, P. V. Garcia, T. M.
Dugan, W. H. Smith, J. S. Hendrickson, D. C. Gresham, W. R. Davis, M.
F. Brooke, Frank Cook, Joseph Taylor. Fred Griffing, George Stroup, J. W.
Millard, Ernest Frenzell, Jean Huff, Albert Stroup.
Hose Cart No. 1 had already been purchased by Mr. Waters, together
with 300 feet of hose. The minutes of May 10. 1889, state that "the foreman
was appointed a committee of one to purchase oil and can and other neces-
sary fixtures used around the hose cart." At this time there was not a plug
or hydrant in town where the hose could be attached. An attachment was
made to a main and the hose given a trial. The company responded to the
first fire alarm early in May, 1890, caused by a blaze in a closet in the rear
of the Sloan House, now the First National Bank. Alarms were given by
firing pistols as the department had not attained to the dignity of a bell.
The damage was slight. The second fire was a small barn, belonging to
Judge Otis on Brookside avenue. October 24, 1891, came the largest fire
in the history of Redlands, in the Otis Block, corner of Orange street and
Citrus avenue. This fire started, in some never accounted for manner, in
the store of H. Ellis & Co.- The second story of the building was occupied
by offices and as sleeping rooms for guests of the Sloan House. There
were some very narrow escapes as it was about midnight, and only brave
and efficient service on the part of the fire department saved the block from
complete destruction and the spreading of the fire to other buildings. The
loss reached several thousand dollars.
Nothing much of special interest happened in the history of the com-
pany during the next few years. The bell was purchased in the fall of 1892,
by subscription of members of the company and proceeds of entertainments.
The city owned the lot on the southeast corner of Fifth ami Water streets
and a wooden tower was built by the trustees for the accommodation of the
bell. Its first use was to ring in the year 1893. The organization was kept
520 HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY.
together by a few of the "old guard." In 1894 the ladder truck was bought.
In the fall of that year a reorganization took place. The minutes of October
15 state "in accordance with the requirements of an ordinance of the city
governing the organization of fire companies, we disband and immediately
reorganize anew in a legal manner." O. D. Collins was elected chief; F.
Herrmann, foreman of the Hook and Ladder Truck; J. E. Brown, foreman
of Hose No. 1, and L. Sherrard, foreman of Hose No. 2. October
29th, J. E. Brown was elected assistant chief, Emil Suess, assistant
foreman of book and ladder truck and S. Kenedy, assistant foreman
of Hose No. 1. I. M. Hough assistant foreman of Hose No. 2. J. E. Brown
was made chief in 1896, and has held the office since that date. The appar-
atus at this time was kept on State street about the middle of the block be-
tween Orange street and Fourth, on the south side. The agitation for a
building commenced about this time. May 22, 1901. the city trustees decided
to submit the question of bonds for a fire house to a vote of the people, the
amount being $5,500. The election was held on the 10th of September, and
at the same time the people voted on the question of issuing bonds for the
purchase of the Dunlap ranch water, also bonds for the erection of a city
jail. The water and jail propositions were defeated, but the fire bonds car-
ried by a handsome majority. The company at this time occupied the old
barn on the corner of Fifth and AYater streets, opposite the new building
to which the chemical had been taken when the horses were purchased.
The company attended the firemen's tournament at Santa Ana on the
Fourth of Jul)-. 1901, and carried off the prize. The team was composed of
E. E. Watson, captain; Seward Kenedy. William Wilkinson, Charles How-
ard, George McKenzie, W. Gaylord. E. J. Glaser, E. Mosbaugh. The dis-
tance run was 350 feet to a hydrant, to lay 150 feet of hose, make connection
and start the water, the time being taken from the pistol-shot to the starting
of water through nozzle of hose. San Bernardino's time was 35LI seconds;
Santa Ana 32^ ; Redlands 7,2 and three-fifths seconds. Riverside was barred
out on account of the inability of one of their men to hold the kink in the
hose, therby letting the water through before the nozzle was attached. San
Bernardino was one turn shy at the hydrant and Santa Ana was two and
one-half turns shy. Three seconds was taken off the time of the run for
each turn shy at the hydrant; thus Santa Ana was forced to yield first prize
to Redlands, that team making no balks. The prize awarded was $30 in
cash. This time made by the Redlands team has not been beaten on the
coast and they stand ready to contest all comers.
The new building of the department is acknowledged to be as fine a fire
house as there is in the state. The frontage is 50 feet on Water street by a
depth of 50 feet on Fifth street. The contract price was $5,495- Lynn &
Lewis being the builders. The brick work was done by A, E. Taylor. The
lot where the bell tower stood, diagonally across the street, was sold and tin'
HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY. 521
proceeds applied to the purchase of the present site. The first story is de-
voted to rooms for the chemical and hook and ladder truck, stalls and stor-
age for feed. The second story contains a large assembly hall, which has
been neatly furnished; five bed rooms, bath rooms, closets, etc. The usual
sliding poles are conveniently placed. The bell is hung on a steel tower, 55
feet from the ground, which tower will also be used for drying hose.
The front doors slide open by means of the automatic action of weights
when the driver takes his seat on the chemical. This arrangement is an idea
original with this company. Over the entrance of the stairway is a hand-
some circular art glass window set with an emblem consisting of a nozzle,
hat. ladder and axe, appropriately arranged. The entire building is lighted
with electricity. The arrangement of the building is very nearly in accord-
ance with plans drawn by E. E. Watson. F. T. Harris was supervising-
architect. The city board of trustees under whose administration the build-
ing was erected were Wm, Fowler, chairman; C. E. Eehman, E. S. Foote, A.
E. Brock and Ira Sprague. All these gentlemen were firm friends of the de-
partment and labored faithfully to provide suitable quarters.
The fine chemical wagon now used by the department was purchased
by the city in September. 1900, from the Graham-Cope Commercial company
of Redlands, the price being $1350. It is one of the latest patents in that
line and called the Muskegon chemical and hose wagon. It carries a 40-
gallon chemical tank, which is stationary, and also has two small hand tanks
which can be taken from the wagon and used when the main chemical hose,
which is 150 feet long, cannot reach the fire. The wagon also carries 900
feet of hose for hydrant connection and there are 24 hydrants in the city
which furnish a water pressure averaging from 80 to 90 pounds.
The hook and ladder truck carries about 150 feet of ladders and other
necessary attachments which are used for speedy work in putting out fires.
The two hose carts carry about 500 feet of hose each, and are of the best
make. Altogether, the Redlands Fire Department apparatus is claimed 1 )
be as fine as any in the state. The horses, Chief and Prince, are beauties and
have been gently trained under the supervision of Fred Herrmann so that
now they are recorded as being among the best trained in the west for coming
to the harness at the sound of an alarm.
THE SALOON QUESTION IN REDLANDS.
The "Temperance Question" has always been a vital one in Redlands.
The people who settled the East San Bernardino valley were, as a rule, a
class who did not patronize saloons. One of the first numbers of the Citro-
graph announces that the first and only saloon in this section had just gone
into insolvency with liabilities of $1,300 and assets of $200, and remarks that
the saloon business has never been a profitable one in the Fast San Bernar-
dino vallev.
W. F. HOLT
HISTORY OF SAX BERXARDIXO COUNTY. 523
Upon the incorporation of the city of Redlancls, the question of high li-
cense, or no saloon at all, was at once raised. Meetings were held; a Tem-
perance League was organized, petitions were presented to the board of trus-
tees on both sides, and a ballot of the voters was taken which resulted
in a majority of one for no license ; at the next meeting of the board of trus-
tees one voter was reported as changing his vote, thus making the election
a tie. and the trustees passed an ordinance granting license with the rate
fixed at $50.00 per month. This was March 5th, 1889, and from this time
until Xovember 4th, 1896, the city continued under a license system, the
only variation being in the price and the regulations prescribed. May 5th.,
1890, the license was increased to $100 per month ; and at the same time the
regulations governing the saloon were amended. March 3rd, 1892. an ordi-
nance was passed permitting hotels to furnish their guests with wines and
malt drinks, served at the table with regular meals, without license. Xovem-
ber 16th, 1892, this ordinance was repealed and a license of $10.00 per month
was imposed upon hotels, at the same time, Xovember 16th, 1892, the saloon
license was raised to $300 per month and the regulations were increased un-
til they constituted one of the most severe tests ever put upon the saloon bus-
iness. The ordinance provided that "A quiet and orderly place be kept ;
that the proprietor will take prompt action for securing the arrest of any
person causing a breach of the peace in such place; that he will personally
superintend such said business; that he will not permit any minor. Indian.
any drunken person, or any person known to be a drunkard, to obtain intox-
icating liquors thereat ; that he will suffer no drunken person nor lewd
woman to remain about the place: that he will not perimt or allow to be
brought therein any game or device of any kind ; that he will not sell nor
give away any intoxicating liquors to any person after having been requested
in writing not to do so by the wife, guardian or parent of such person ; that
he will carry on such said business on the ground floor and not in any base-
ment nor in any' upper floor of building; that he will not place nor keep
any seats or chairs on the sidewalk in front of such place of business nor
near there; that he will keep no chairs nor seats insMde of such place of bus-
iness except such as may be necessary for the use of himself and his em-
ployees; that he will neither sell not permit to be sold any liquor to be drank
in any room except the room immediately fronting on the street or avenue
and wdiose interior is exposed to view through a window, or windows from
such street or avenue ; that he will not place or keep, or permit to be placed
or kept, over. in. or upon any door or window of such place of business any
curtain, screen, frosted panes, ground glass, paint or cover of any kind that
shall obstruct a plain view therein from such street or avenue : that he will
keep such place of business closed from 11 p. m. each Saturday until six
o'clock of Monday and from 10 o'clock p. m.. until six a. m., of each succeed-
ing morning."
524 II I STORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
It is said that the Stevenson brothers conducted a saloon under these
regulations, paying $300 per month license and complying strictly with the
requirements of the ordinance, although one of its provisions was somewhat
of a dead letter — that providing against screening the windows — by the
simple expedient of not washing the windows; flies and dust soon provided
a screen that answered all purposes.
Ordinance No. 146, passed December 21st, 1892, still further increased
the restrictions of the business, one of its provisions making a license good
for only three months, and requiring a fee each time the license was paid.
November 6th, 1893, the fee for license was reduced to $500.00 per quarter.
October 14th, 1896, Trustee Crissman introduced an ordinance prohib-
iting the sale of liquors entirely. This was referred to City Attorney Ben-
nett, who after pointing out some portions which would not stand litigation,
was directed to draw up an ordinance which would stand. This he did and
on November 4th, 1896, a strict prohibition ordinance was passed. A number
of prosecutions were held under this ordinance and several convictions se-
cured, the Supreme Court upholding its provisions.
In 1898. another vigorous campaign was prosecuted and the prohibi-
tionists carried the election by a decided majority. It is now believed that
the open saloon is a thing of the past in Redlands.
The liquor ordinances have always been so strict that much trouble has
arisen over the illegal selling of liquor. While under the license system, a
number of cases for violation of the city law were prosecuted ; some of these
arousing much feeling. In the fall of 1891, several druggists were arrested
for violation of the ordinances governing the sale of liquor by drug stores.
Many charges and counter-charges were made, detectives were brought in
from outside to work up the cases, but at the trial in February, 1892, they
were all discharged. Since the prohibition of saloons, a close watch of the
druggists has been maintained. There have been many prosecutions and
some convictions have been obtained; but, as a rule, however, it is difficult
to secure convicition in these cases before a jury.
For some years the matter of a change in the city government from that
of a city of the sixth class to the municipal rule administered by a mayor an:l
council under the form of a city of the fifth class, has been agitated. In
October, 1902, a committee of fifteen freeholders were elected by the people
to prepare a charter for the new city government. This committee, after
careful preparation, submitted an instrument which was voted upon Decem-
ber 27th, 1902 and was heavily defeated ; the chief cause for the failure be-
ing the clause permitting the city council, under certain conditions and reg-
ulations, to grant a "hotel license allowing hotels to furnish vinous and malt
liquors to their guests in connection with and as a part of their regular
meals." This clause pleased neither the high license advocates nor the pro-
hibitionists and undobutedly killed the charter, although other objections
to the passage had some influence in the result.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 525
The "charter" was again brought forward and April nth, 1904, an elec-
tion for another board of freeholders was held ; the charter after long de-
liberation, was formulated, but when submitted to the people at the Novem-
ber election was defeated for the second time.
WOMEN AND THEIR WORK.
Pioneer Women.
It is very difficult for those who have come to Redlands in later years
and found a beautiful city with every modern convenience and improve-
ment, to realize that less than twenty-five years ago the only "improvements"
in all this region, with the exception of a very few ranches of long settle-
ment, were young orchards — mere rows of sticks — with perhaps grapes, po-
tatoes, or garden truck growing between the rows to yield a little income
during the long waiting; rough board shanties, or barns; and country roads,
deep in dust the greater part of the year, with no bridges over arroyos which
were often raging torrents in winter time, and with the nearest post office
at San Bernardino and the nearest railway station at Colton.
The women, most of whom came from homes of refinement and culture
in New England and the eastern states, found themselves living in the rudest
of temporary makeshifts, with bunks for beds and furniture manufactured
by their husbands and finished and supplemented by their own ingenuity
and skill. There were then many Indians in the valley and they had to sub-
due their fears and learn to accommodate themselves to their strange neigh-
bors. At that time there were few trees and consequently little shade to fur-
nish refuge from the intense summer heat, while the hot winds swept unhin-
dered through the valley, — it is small wonder the old settlers declare that the
climate is growing cooler.
The little handful of women who lived in Lugonia in the early eighties
formed the first club in this city of clubs. This was an informal meeting to-
gether once a week to "talk things over." Here ways and means for light-
ening the burdens of pioneer life were discussed and later comers were initi-
ated into the shortcuts of California house-keeping. The stories of growing
bedposts; of alfalfa matresses which, when once molded to the form, were best
left undisturbed ; of the matron who "folded down" her clean clothes and
placed them under the chair cushions to be pressed ; of the dish pans and um-
brellas that were spread over beds to catch the streams of water that trickled
through shake or tent roofs, are amusing enough now, — but they were ser-
ious facts at the time.
The people who now gather weekly in the beautiful churches of Red-
lands and look about upon complete and artistic fittings cannot appreciate
the feelings of the old settlers who can look back to the davs of beginnings.
Mrs. Seymour, who was one of the first women in the Redlands settlement,
526 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
tells of her first church going when she reached Lugonia in 1881. Church
services had been discontinued during the summer, but on the last Sunday
in August they were resumed. A few faithful ones gathered in the little old
board school house in Lugonia. They found it unswept, dusty, forlorn.
There were but two chairs, — one of these, its broken seat supplemented by
an old atlas, was used by the organist; the other — too far gone for even this
remedy — was assigned to the minister. Rev. Air. Ford, who perched gingerly
upon the edge of the broken frame. At the prayer meeting on the next
Thursday night a lamp was brought by one of the ladies and four bits of
tallow candle, which Israel Beal melted off and stuck upon the desks beside
the four hymn books of the congregation, supplied light. Mrs. Crafts, in her
histories of the Congregational churches, has given us an account of these
early prayer meetings.
\\ neu the Lugonia church was built the women, of course, bore a large
share of the burden. They were, most of them, hard-working mothers of
families, yet some of them came miles to work in the "dryer" ami earn the
money for the bell. The church was obliged to borrow $500 to complete the
building and by the death of the loaner was unexpectedly called upon to re-
pay the sum. A little less than $100 was available. "Where was the rest to
be obtained? The men, when they could find no answer to the question,
turned the problem over to the women. The ladies, after deliberation, ed-
cided to hold a "Fair" — the first church fair in the East San Bernardino val-
lev. George A. Cook had just completed his store building opposite the
present site of the Casa Loma and above it were two or three vacant rooms
and a small hall. Here the ladies served a New England dinner; one room
was filled with the fancy work and various articles made for sale by the sew-
ing society; another room contained a display of home-made canned fruit,
pickles, olive oil, etc.: the second day a luncheon was served and an entertain-
ment provided for the evening. The entire population of the vicinity must
have turned out, for the proceeds of the two days came to nearly $400 and the
debt was paid off.
But it was not only in devotion to church work that these pioneer women
were notable. The story of Airs. David Alorey's nursery, — of the years of
hard work that were at last rewarded — has frequently been told. While
her husband worked at his trade of carpenter, she cared for the orange grove.
In 1884 she planted a small bed of orange seed. She succeeded so well with
the plants that the next year she put in 25,000 seed and in time sold the lit-
tle trees to Judson and Brown. She continued to increase her nurserv stock
until i88y, when she sold 25,000 trees to Mathew Gage, of Riverside, at a
good price.
One of the most effective exhibits of California fruits ever made in the
east was that sent by Airs. George A. Cook, of Lugonia, to the New Orleans
Exposition in 1884. She collected and put up in Alason jars, quart size, one
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 527
hundred varieties of fruit, all grown in San Bernardino county. Many of
these fruits, such as the cactus "apple" or tuna, the pomegranate, nectarine
and guava. were at that time almost unheard of in the east. These fruits
were canned in their natural state — in one case three peaches filled a jar —
and their beauty of coloring and form made a most attractive display. The
exhibit drew much attention and was awarded a premium of $250. It was
afterwards displayed at the Louisville, Ky., State Fair and was then re-
turned to Lugonia.
U. W. P. I.
On December 21, 1888, a meeting was held in the Y. M. C. A. hall for
the purpose of forming an organization among the ladies of the new town of
Redlands. At this meeting twenty-four ladies gave their names for mem-
bership. Mrs. B. B. Parkhurst was chosen president and Mrs. S. J. Haves,
secretary ; Miss Mary Hale treasurer. The constitution adopted stated :
"The ladies feeling an interest in the growth and beauty of this valley do
organize an association for the purpose of aiding in the work they so much
desire, namely, the improvement of the general appearance of our town."
The name, "United Workers for Public Improvement," was adopted.
The ladies decided that their first work should be the placing of street
signs. They pushed the matter vigorously and soon had fifty redwood posts
set up, with the names of streets on black signboards, lettered with white.
By this time the society numbered thirty-three women and nearly forty
men, the latter becoming honorary members by the payment of $1.00 a year.
Their next move was to beautify the grounds of the railway station. On
February 22. 1889, the ladies, assisted by the Redlands Orchestra, gave a
promenade concert at the Opera House. The money thus obtained with
other sums gained by sales and work of various kinds was spent in beautify-
ing the Southern California station. Messrs. Judson and Brown had donated
to the society a piece of land on condition that a fountain be placed thereon.
This was the next object to be attained. A Minstrel Club was formed,
among its members being F. G. Feraud, J. F. Drake, Fred Gernich. H. W.
Allen, C. P. Squires and others. The ladies prepared costumes and a drop
curtain, and on June 28th, the California Minstrels made their first — and
last — appearance in a very successful concert which netted the U. W. P. I.
$55.00. During the next fall a fountain was purchased and was eventually
placed in the "triangle." The ladies of the Chicago colony also formed a
branch of this society out of which grew the Woman's Exchange under the
management of Miss Foote. In October. 1889, Mr. J. B. Glover presented
the ladies with two street lamps. Andrews Brothers donated lumber for the
posts, and one of the lamps was placed at the fountain and the other at
the railway station.
To these energetic ladies of the U. W. P. I. must be given the credit
528 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
for a successful inauguration of the work for public improvement which has
always been a strong feature of Recllancls history.
The good ladies of the city had formed an Auxiliary to the Y. M. C. A.
soon after the organization of that society, and very materially aided in the
furnishing of the "old" rooms and in the social work of the young men.
February 12, 1889, the women formed a branch of the W. C. T. U., which
has always taken an active interest in the saloon question and has had a
large share in the credit of making Recllancls a town of "no saloons."
The Contemporary Club.
The Contemporary Club was organized in 1893 as a "parlor club" with
a membership of twenty-five. The first officers were: Mrs. H. D. Moore,
president: Mrs. Geo. E. Otis, vice-president; Mrs. Kirke Field, secretary.
Its object was the literary and social development of its members. The first
meeting was called by Mrs. William Howard White and .Mrs. H. D. Moore,
at the residence of the latter in Terracina and the meetings were held at
the homes of the members until 1896, when, after much discussion, it was
decided to throw the club open to all women of Redlands and vicinity.
The membership was then very rapidly increased and the meetings were
thereafter held in churches or public halls. The club became affiliated with
the General Federation of Clubs, this same year. In 1901 the club pur-
chased the old Presbyterian chapel and converted it into a meeting place.
But the many activities centering in the club and the rapidly increasing
membership, now over two hundred, led the ladies to the serious contem-
plation of a club building. To further this object the club became an in-
corporation in 1502: stock was issued and plans matured. May 25, 1904,
the corner stone for the building was laid and in October the Contemporary
Club building was completed and dedicated with fitting ceremony. It is
a neat and substantial edifice, with an auditorium seating 700, and pleasant
parlors, committee rooms, etc., the whole costing some $30,000.
The club now has a membership of about 250. The present officers are:
Mrs. Llewellyn Johnson, president: Mrs. Alonzo Hornby, vice-president;
Mrs. Argyle J. Brier, recording secretary; Mrs. Christopher A. Sanborn, cor-
responding secretary; Mrs. Edward G. Judson. treasurer.
The past presidents of the club have been Mrs. H. D. Moore, Mrs. Lee
H. Utt, Mrs. George S. Gay. Mrs. Henry D. Moore. Mrs. C. A. Sanborn,
Mrs. George T. Greenleaf and Mrs. John H. Williams.
The Spinet.
On the afternoon of October 15, 1894, a few music-loving people of Red-
lands responded to the invitation of Mrs. Margaret Howard White to meet
at her home, Casabianca Ranch to organize a piano club. There were pres-
ent Mrs. White. Mrs. Kate Butler Hewitt, the Misses Fackler, Crossman.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 529
Hale, Squires, Havers, Barnes, Paine and Cartlidge. Airs. White was chosen
president, and for the first season a study of the general history of music was
planned. "The Spinet" was suggested as an appropriate name and was
adopted at the next meeting. The club met every three weeks on Friday
afternoons at the homes of -the members, where a miscellaneous program was
given to club members only. After a few meetings it was decided to hold
the meetings in McGinness' hall and to admit the public, a small fee being
charged. At that time only pianists were active members, and singers
violinists and players of other instruments were associate members. The
first evening recital held under the auspices of the Spinet was given at the
home of Mrs. A. G. Hubbard, on May 17th, 1895. by Herr Thilo Becker of
Los Angeles. The next season the recitals were given in the Y. M. C. A
hall where the afternoon recitals of the club have ever since been held.
In June, 1896, Miss Louise Hoppock was elected president but resigned
in November and was succeeded by Mrs. E. H. Spoor. In the fall of 1898
Miss Annette Cartlidge was elected president. At that time a student de-
partment, composed of the pupils of active members was organized and
since then three extra afternons during the season have been devoted rto
Student's Recitals. In 1901, Mrs. A. G. Hubbard was chosen president of
the society.
The Spinet has always tried to obtain the best talent possible for their
recitals and each year has given several evening entertainments at which
such artists as Miss Neallv Stevens, pianist; Max Heinrich, Airs. Gertrude
Auld Thomas, David Bispham, Josef Hoffman and many other distinguished
and artistic performers have been brought to Redlands by this means.
In 1898 it was deemed advisable to admit the associate members to full
membership and this has added much to the efficiencv and scope of the club.
In 1901 about twelve hundred dollars was expended for entertainments and
this amount has been increased to fifteen hundred dollars each year since.
Lovers of music residing in Redlands will readily accord to the Spinet
a full appreciation of the work accomplished by them as a musical club. The
study and practice in preparation for the afternoons and the determination
to secure for Redlands the best artists for the evening concerts, have re-
sulted in the present prosperous condition of the club, and give promise of
greater usefulness in the future.
CHURCHES.
Trinity Episcopal Church.
In 1886, Messrs. Judson and Brown offered to give substantial aid toward
an Episcopalian chapel for the new settlement of Redlands. In consequence
Rev. A. Fletcher, the Episcopalian missionary at Colton, aided by the late
Frank Hinckley and George E. Otis, determined to secure the donation. Sub-
530 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
scriptions were obtained, and June 5, 1887, the cornerstone of the building
was laid by the Right Reverend J. H. D. Wingfield, bishop of the Protestant
Episcopal church in the missionary jurisdiction of Northern California. The
building was located in Residence Tract on the corner of Center street and
Cypress avenue. Messrs. Judson and Brown, beside donating the site on
which the church stood, gave land and money to the amount of $600. The
building cost about $3,000, and was formally dedicated on July 17, 1887.
This, the first church in Redlands, was known as "Trinity church of Red-
lands, of the mission of Lugonia and Redlands."' Rev. A. Fletcher continued
in charge until 1892 when the church became a parish, with the Rev. W. S.
Manning, D. D., now assistant rector of Trinity Parish, New York city, as
the first rector. He was followed by the Rev. J. D. Easter, who served as
rector for five years and was then retired as rector emeritus, while the Rev.
F. F. Johnson was rector in charge.
In 1896 it was deemed advisable to remove the church to a point nearer
the center of population, and the building was placed on the southeast corner
of Cajon street and Olive avenue. Here it remained until it was removed
to its present site on the grounds of the new chapel where it will be used as a
Sunday school room and parish house.
In 1903. Mrs. A. C. Burrage proposed to give a memorial fund of $20,000
for the erection of a new chapel for Trinity church. The parish purchased a
large lot on the southeast corner of Fourth street and Fern avenue, and here
a beautiful chapel, simple, yet dignified in structure was erected. It was
dedicated on Easter Sunday, 1904. The parish members provided the furn-
ishings, including a pipe organ costing $6,000, and a vested boy choir is now
maintained.
September 1, 1904. Rev. Angus Mackey Porter became rector of the
parish.
THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
Mrs. E. P.-R. Crafts.
The first Protestant services in Eastberne valley were held in 1873, by
the home missionary from San Bernardino; Rev. Josiah Bates, who preached
at the residence of M. H. Crafts, in Crafton. the congregation being com-
posed of the. family, the Crafton boarders and the ranch Indians. Rev. W.
C. Stewart succeeded Mr. Bates in 1874. Preaching was kept up semi-
monthly on Thursdays by these missionaries. The Indian Sunday school
was started about the same time.
In April, 1876, the first prayer meeting in Lugonia was held at the resi-
dence of Col. Tolles, Rev. J. T. Ford, the missionary pastor from San Ber-
nardino, presiding. There were present Col. Tolles and wife. M. H. Crafts
and wife. Truman Reeves and wife, G. \Y. Beattie and Rosa Belle Robbins.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
531
These cottage prayer meetings were kept up for years, meeting fom house to
house every Thursday evening. They were always well attended, people
going from three to six miles, no matter what the weather. Mr. Ford was
never absent. There were several conversions.
Mr. C. E. Brink, a Baptist, was influential in starting a Union Sunday
school in the summer of 1877. This school convened in the Lugonia school
house, on the corner of Lugonia avenue and Church street. Air. Brink was
elected superintendent and Walter Mossman, now of Boston, taught the
Bible class. Mr. Brink afterwards suggested an organization, somewhat
after the plan of the Y. M. C. A., and was
chosen its president. Rev. J. T. Ford,
pastor of the church in San Bernardino,
preached in the school house every Sun-
day afternoon. Mr. Mossman presented
an organ to this little band, and Airs.
Brink was organist.
On November 26, 1879, the San Ber-
nardino church, as appears from its rec-
ords, "Voted that a communion service
be held once in two months at the Lu-
gonia school house on the first Sabbath
of the month, to alternate monthly with
the communion service held in the
church.'" Also, "Voted that a committee
of two from the Lugonia school district
be appointed to act with the pastor in
examining such candidates as may seek
admission to the church at communion
mrs. e. p. r. crafts service in that district.'* W. R. Tolles
and Mr. Humphrey were so appointed.
"With the growth of this settlement, the people became anxious to be
identified with a church. At a meeting held in the Lugonia school house on
March 7th, 1880, the Rev. J. T. Ford presiding, the congregation voted
unanimously to take measures towards this end and appointed a committee
to prepare a basis for organization. This committee promptly reported and
recommended that a council be called to effect such an organization and
further recommended the adoption of the Confession of Faith and Covenant,
as set forth in the Hand Book of the Congregational churches of California.
Accordingly the churches of San Bernardino and Riverside, with the Rev.
Dr. "Warren. Superintendent of Home Missions, were invited to hold a coun-
cil, which was held in the Lugonia school house on April 17, 1880. After
due consideration the council advised the organization of a church to be
known as the "Second Congregational church of San Bernardino." Officers
532 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
of the church were elected after the council. The first deacons were M. H.
Crafts and Geo. A. Cook. Mr. Crafts retained the office until his death,
September 12, 1886.
On Sunday, April 18, 1880, the church was formally organized with ap-
propriate exercises. Sixteen members were received by letter from the San
Bernardino church, as follows: Air. and Mrs. M. H. Crafts, Mr. and Mrs.
Frank E. Brown, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. A. Cook, Mr. and Mrs. J. G. Wheeler,
Mr. and Mrs. Orson Van Leuven, Mr. and Mrs. Israel Beal, Mrs. Laura
Strong, Mrs. Hattie N. Mossman, Geo. AY Beattie and John Bates. At the
same time, Edward G. Judson, Brainerd AY. Brown and Orson Van Leuven.
Jr., were received on confession of faith. Rev. J. T. Ford was invited to
continue in his pastoral relations and he ministered to both the First and the
Second churches of San Bernardino until December, 1881, when he was
succeeded by the Rev. J. G. Hale.
On the 8th day of September, 1882, the (Second Congregational church
of San Bernardino was duly incorporated. Steps were immediately taken
for the erection of a suitable house of worship. Two of the members of the
church, F. E. Brown and E. G. Judson, presented two and a half acres of land
on the corner of Colton avenue and Church street, for a parsonage. A'olun-
tary subscriptions from the members of the church and congregation, to-
gether with assistance from friends in the east and $500 loaned by the Amer-
ican Congregational Union, provided for the erection of a substantial church
edifice. At the same time the women of Lugonia and Crafton formed the
"Ladies Aid Society." to furnish the church and purchase a bell. They were
untiring in their efforts, some of them going from three to six miles to the
dryer, where they cut peaches at five cents a tray in order to earn money for
the church. Success crowned their labors, for the new building when com-
pleted was furnished with blinds, carpets, chairs and chandeliers, and a bell,
costing $200, was rung at the dedication, January 7th, 1883. The organ given
by Air. Alossman was brought to the church. The silver communion ser-
vice was the gift of AI. H, Craft's Sunday school class at the First Congre-
gational church of Detroit, Mich. The seating capacity of the church was
150. and the cost about $2800.00. The meeting of the Southern California As-
sociation of Congregational churches was held with this church in Alay, 1885.
As the lines of local distinction became more sharply drawn, it seemed
fitting to identify the church more closely with the new settlement. Accord-
ingly, early in the year, 1887, the members voted to change the name of the
church to the "First Congregational Church of Lugonia."
The Rev. J. G. Hale continued as pastor of the church until the spring
of 1885. after which the pulpit was supplied by Rev. F. Parker, Rev. D. AIc-
Cann, Rev. C. A. Stone, and others until February 12th, 1888, when the Rev.
Geo. AA'illett began his labors. During the early years of its existence this
church received annual aid from the American Congregational Union, or the
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 533
Home Missionary Society, but at this time it became self-supporting, al-
though its obligation to the Board was not cancelled.
As the tide of population seemed to be steadily setting away from the
church in Lugonia to Redlands, it was decided in June, 1888, to purchase the
lot on the corner of Olive avenue and Cajon streets, and to erect a chapel
there. The chapel was built during the following year. In January, 1889.
it was voted to change the name of the church to the "First Congregational
Church of Redlands," and to worship in the new edifice when completed.
This church was dedicated March gth, 1890. The dedicatory sermon was
preached by Rev. D. D. Hill, pastor of the First Congregational church at
Pasadena. On this occasion more than enough money to cancel the indebt-
edness was raised by collections and subscriptions. The handsome inlaid
pulpit for the new church was made and presented by David Morey. The
organ was presented by Mrs. Rebecca W. Brown, and the pulpit Bible was
the gift of Samuel S. Smith. The Ladies' Aid Society paid for the assembly
chairs and putting water on the lot. The expense of carpetnig the church
was met by Mrs. David Morey. The new building was a plain but substan-
tial frame structure, with a seating capacity of 250. The cost of the building
was about $3800; of the lot about $2400. The parsonage was built in 1891,
on a lot adjoining the church, the gift of Mr. and Mrs. David Morey.
When the new chapel was ready for occupancy, a minority of the church
membership expressed a preference to continue service at Lugonia. Accord-
ingly in November, 1891, letters of dismission were granted to twenty-three
persons, who organized as the "Lugonia Terrace Congregational Church,"
and called the Rev. O. H. Spoor to be their pastor. The church thus
formed received from the Redlands church a deed to the Lugonia church
and lot with the provision that if the property should at any time "cease to
be used for a regular weekly service of Congregational form, for a period of
six months, the property should revert to the First Congregational church
of Redlands."
The Rev. Mr. Willett tendered his resignation as pastor of the First
church in September, 1892. and the pulpit was supplied for a year thereafter
by Rev. Henry P. Higley and others. The steady progress of the church
during this trying season was largely due to the wise counsels and the un-
tiring labors of the Rev. C. A. Kingsbury, who was an active member of the
church from 1889 to his death in 1893. In October, 1893, the Rev. John H.
Williams entered upon his duties as pastor of the church and was regularly
installed by council in February, 1894, the Rev. O. H. Spoor, of the Lugonia
Terrace church, acting as moderator.
It was soon found that the seating capacity of the church was inade-
quate to accommodate the increased attendance upon public worship, and
on May 3rd, 1894, it was voted to enlarge the chapel. At a cost of $1200, a
considerable addition was made to the church in the summer of 1894, the
534 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
seating capacity being increased to 400. A general fellowship meeting was
held in the enlarged edifice in October and all the Congregational churches
in Southern California were invited ; this meeting taking the place of the
srvices of re-dedication.
During the year 1897, the indebtedness of over $2000, incurred in build-
ing the parsonage was raised by subscription. In the fall of 1898, the Rev.
O. H. Spoor, who had continued as pastor of the Lugonia Terrace church
since its organization, resigned his pastorate. On December 1st, the church.
voted to disband and adopted a resolution "'to convey the church lot and
building to the First Congregational church of Redlands, from whom the
property had been received." On the same evening the First church sent
the Lugonia Terrace church a hearty imitation to unite with them which
was accepted, and on January 1st, i8ijg. sixty-one members from the former
Lugonia Terrace church united with the First church by letter.
As the population of Redlands continued to increase the chapel was
again found insufficient for the needs of the congregation and in January.
1899, a committee was appointed to consider the advisability of building a
commodious house of worship on the lot adjoining the chapel on the south,
and a part of the church property. This committee reported in favor of
proceeding at once to raise the money and procure the plans for the church.
On April 23, 1899. occurred a memorable service at which $15,000 was
pledged for the building and this amount was afterwards increased to $16.-
000. A building committee was appointed to secure plans and estimates.
As a result plans were adopted which called for a much larger outlay than
was at first contemplated. However, the generous donations, in excess of
the sums pledged, the remarkable history of the church and the community
and the conviction that provision must be made for larger demands in the
future, all seemed to justify the larger expenditure and consequent defici*:,
and the expectation that the church would soon be free from debt again.
Ground was broken for the new church in August, 1899; the cornerstone
was laid September 24th, and the church was practically completed the fol-
lowing March, and was dedicated on Sunday, April 1. 1900. Rev. J. T. Ford,
the venerable home missionary pastor who had been so intimately connected
with the early history of the church, made the dedicatory prayer; Rev. Geo.
Willett, a former pastor, read the scripture lesson, and Rev. Geo. C. Adams,
of San Francisco, preached the sermon.
The new church is a large substantial structure of red brick with trim-
mings of granite. It is surmounted by a large square bell tower and a still
more lofty clock tower. Attached to it on the north side is the old chapel.
The main auditorium is fitted with oaken pews, with a seating capacity of
700 which may be increased to 1100 by the use of the chapel. The building
contains all the appointments of a modern church edifice — pastor's stud}'.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
535
choir room, church parlor, Sunday school, primary and Bible class room?
and library, and in the basement a kitchen, pantry, dining-room, etc.
The entire cost of the building and furnishings was about $25,000. Of
this amout, $21,500 was subscribed or donated. The tower clock and bell
were given by Mr. Horace Cousins, of Newton Centre, Mass. The art win-
dows are memorials given in memory of Rev. C. A. Kingsbury, Rev. C. A.
Stone, Rev. S. W. Eddy, Mrs. Willett, Mrs. McPherron, Dr. Lockvvood. Mr.
Prendergast and the daughter of Dr. Hunt.
The estimated value of the church property is now about $40,000. About
750 names have been enrolled on the church books during the years of its
history. The present membership is about 400. Many who have gone out
from this church have been influential in building up other churches in South-
ern California ; and several home missionary churches are the outgrowth of
the work here, as, for example, the churches at Highlands, Mentone, San
Jacinto, Moreno and Lakeview.
The Sunday school started by Mr. Brink in the Lugonia school house,
has steadily continued all these
years, and is now a flourishing
branch of the church with a mem-
bership of over 250 and an aver-
age attendance of about 200. It
is under the guidance of John P.
Fisk, who has been identified
with the school and the church for
the past fourteen years. Mrs. J.
V. A. Love has been teacher of
the primary department for the
same length of time. For the
greater part of the past eighteen
years, the singing jn the school
has been led by James S. Edwards,
who has also rendered long and
efficient service as superintend-
ent. Rev. J. M. Eaton, better
known as "Father Eaton," has
been identified with the school
for the past ten years and several
DR. WILLIAM ELLISON LOCKWOOD of the ear]y settlers_ notably Mrs.
E. P.. Seymour, Mrs. P. R. Brown and Mrs. Crafts, still retain an active
interest in the school. One of the Bible classes is led by Rev. O. H. Spoor,
the former pastor of the Lugonia Terrace church.
The Christian Endeavor Society was organized in the Lugonia school
house in 1 886, during the pastorate of Rev. C. A. Stone. The present mem-
536 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
bership is about ioo, and the society has become an important factor in
church life. There is also a Junior Society with a membership of about forty.
The young women of the church have a society which raises funds entirely
by free-will offerings, and which has had a large share in the improvements
made upon the church and parsonage. The Young Men's League, recently
organized, promises to be a strong force in the social and spiritual life of
the church.
All the women of the congregation are counted as members of the
"Ladies' Union," which has two departments, Church Aid and Missionary,
with officers for each. The work of this Union is thoroughly organized and
has been most effective, both in the home work and in the missionary cans.'.
Even the babies are organized into a missionary society known as the Cradle
Roll. The annual Cradle Roll party in June is one of the established func- .
tions of the social life of the church.
Such is the "plant" which has sprung from the seed sown by Christian
pioneers, more than twenty years ago.
Mentone Congregational Church.
The growth of Crafton and the new town of Mentone, demanded a
religious organization to care for the spiritual interests of the new settlers.
A Sabbath school was first organized at the Crafton school house by Rev. H.
P. Case, in 1899. This grew into a church organization. The church was
formed May 20th, 1892, at Mentone, by a Congregational Council, by the
advice of Rev. E\ R. Brainerd, the pastor. S. R. Baker and Peter McPhee
were chosen as deacons and S. R. Baker, L. G. Reinhart and Levi Hall were
selected as trustees. Twenty-seven charter members were received.
The same year a church building costing about $2.oco was put up at
Mentone. A neat parsonage has since been added and the entire value of
the church holdings is now about $3,000.
The usual church societies are doing efficient service in this church.
An especial feature of its work has been the circulating library and a literary
society which has done good work in training the young people. A training-
class in music and a weekly Bible study class are also maintained. This
church has taken an active interest in all vital questions which touch the
moral and intellectual life of the place. The opposition to a saloon in the
town has been vigorous and successful, and the church has entered with
vigor into this opposition.
Young Men's Christian Association.
May 2, 1887, the first meeting looking to the organization of a Y. M.
C. A. in the then new town, was held. The Rev. Mr. Stone acted as chair-
man and Mr. Isaac Ford as secretary of this meeting, which was followed bv
a public session the same evening in the Lugonia Congregational church.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 537
when the organization of the society was completed. Mr. Henry E. Brown,
secretary of the International Committee, was present and aided in the or-
ganization. Chauncey Hayes was chosen as the first president : Jas. B.
Hayes, vice-president; Isaac Ford, secretary, and E. S. Foote. treasurer.
On May u. the executive board submitted plans for a building; a lot had
already been donatd and work was at once commenced on the building which
stood on West State street, and was a two-story brick structure. The Asso-
ciation Hall was furnished by the Ladies' Auxiliary, which also provided the
piano. The first service in the hall was held October 8th, and the first social
on November ist. Mr. C. S. Kemble was the first general secretary; the
society, since its organization, has always kept a paid secretary in the field.
In 1892, the Association entertained the Ninth Annual District Con-
vention; July 29th, 1892, it became an incorporated Association. In 1893,
the old building was sold for $7,500. The present location had been selected
and funds were donated for the purchase of the lot and the erection of a new
building. Citizens were generous in their contributions and in November,
1894, the corner-stone of the present building was laid, and the following
March the building was dedicated and the first service held in it. The
building cost about $20,000, and contained a number of office rooms aside
from the Association hall and rooms. This property is now valued at about
$40,000. Since its erection an addition containing gymnasium, baths, etc..
has been added. The Association has always been a strong one and has
carried on a vigorous work among the young men of the city. The follow-
ing men have served as presidents of the organization : C. L. Hayes. J. P.
Fisk. J. W. Lewis, \Ym. Fowler. C. F. Bailey, F. A. Leonard, A. Harvey
Collins.
First Presbyterian Church.
Dr. William Craig, who was one of the founders of the First Presby-
terian church and one of its elders from the time of its organization until his
death, prepared a history of the church down to 1896. which we quote :
During the winter of 1886-87, correspondence was had with Rev. Jas. S.
McDonald, wdio at that time was synodical missionary, and as a result lie
-visited us — Dr. Craig's family — arriving with Mr. Morrison of San Bernar-
dino, on Friday, March 25th, 1887. He looked over Redlands and Lugonia
on Saturday, and on Sunday. March 27th. 1887, preached in Redlands school
house, the first service ever held in this community by a Presbyterian
minister.
By invitation. Rev. William Donald, then of Colton. preached for us
every two weeks on Sabbath at 3 p. m., until, by direction of the Presbyter}-,
on Sabbath afternoon, Jul}- 7th, 1887, after a sermon by the Rev. Wm.
Donald, from Hebrews VI, 1-2. a meeting was held for the purpose of or-
ganizing a Presbyterian church, should the way be clear.
538
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
On motion the Rev. Win. Donald was made moderator. After some
discussion, it was resolved by unanimous vote that a church be organized and
called the Presbyterian church of the East San Bernardino valley. The
rotary system of eldership was adopted with a three years' term of office.
Dr. W. Craig- was elected elder to serve for three years. A Board of Trus-
tees was then elected, consisting of the following persons: E. G. Judson.
J. F. Drake, B. O. Johnson, C. R. Paine and R. J. Waters, to serve for one
vear. The following is a list of the charter members: Dr. Wm. Craig, Mrs.
Dr. Craig, Mrs. C. R. Paine, Airs. Scipio Craig, Mrs. J. Frank Hamilton, Mrs.
Wm. Lynn.
Rev. J. F. Hamilton preached for us occasionally very acceptably and
rendered very efficient aid during the early life of the church. On the 17th
of March. 1889, Rev. Eugene R.
Mills of Santa Paula, was. by a
vote of the congregation, invited
to supply the church at a salary
of one thousand dollars a year.
begining June 1st, 1889. An
appropriation was asked from
the Board of six hundred dollars
towards his support. During
this year the church built its first
chapel, located on the corner of
Orange and Vine streets. Jan-
uary 23rd. 1890, the chapel build-
ing was finished and' virtually out
of debt, and at a congregational
meeting on the above date, the
report of the treasurer was read.,
showing that the financial af-
fairs of the church were in a
very healthy condition. On Feb-
dr. and mrs. william craig ruary 2ndj 'the new chapel build-
ing was dedicated to the worship of God, free of debt, the dedication sermon
being preached by the Rev. Wm. Donald of Colton. On October 1st, 1890,
Rev. E. R. Mills was released from his engagement wtih this congregation,
having received a call from San Pedro and Wilmington congregations. At
a meeting of the congregation held on December 21st, 1890, Henry F. Sewell
was unanimously elected as pastor of the church. On May 12th, 1891, the
relation existing between H. F. Sewell as pastor and this congregation was
dissolved, and on July 31st, 1891, at a meeting of the session. Rev. J. H.
Stewart, of Clarion. Pa., was requested to supply the pulpit and act as pastor
pro tern until such time as action shall be taken to secure a permanent pas-
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
:,:;!»
tor. At a meeting of the congregation held September 20th, 1891, Rev. J. H.
Stewart was unanimously elected as pastor of this congregation — forty-six
votes having been cast. On November 29th, 1891, he was duly installed as
pastor.
On April 25th, 1894, a meeting of the congregation was held in the
church, and by a vote of the congregation a committee was appointed to pur-
chase the second fifty foot lot south, upon which the present sightly struct-
ure stands, the purchase price being $600.00. At a meeting of the session
held May 1st, 1896, it was the sentiment of said Board that necessary steps
should be taken toward the erection of a new church building and that a
committee be appointed to make
a statement to the congregation
on the coming Sabbath, relative
to that action. The committee
was appointed, the necessary
steps taken, but after a canvass of
the congregation, it was deemed
advisable to defer action for a
time. October nth, 1896. the
resignation of Rev. J. H. Stewart
was submitted and accepted, and
the relation then existing be-
tween pastor and people was dis-
solved, to take effect October
31st. Very appropriate remarks
were made by the chairman of
the meeting regarding the ex-
pastor, and the very efficient
work accomplished during his
pastorate.
Although the church had no
rev. j. f. Hamilton pastor at the time, arrangements
were made for building, and on June 29, 1898, the contract for building the au-
ditorium was let, the contract price being $10,000 and the building Was com-
pleted and occupied the first time on January 22, 1899. A very handsome pipe
organ, which was formally accepted on February 22nd, was presented and
put in by Mrs. I. L. Lyon. July 17th, 1898, Rev. W. B. Noble, D. D.. was
called to the pastorate and entered upon his duties in October of the same
year. He continued as pastor of the congregation until December. 1901.
In 1902 the old chapel was sold to the Contemporary Club, but the use of it
was retained for a time. After twelve months without a pastor, Rev. John
A. Marquis, of Greenburg, Pa., was called and began his work November
1 6th, 1902. The Ladies' parlors were completed and opened for service in
540 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
1902. In August. 1903, occurred the death of Dr. William Craig, who had
been so closely identified with the church since its organization, that his
loss was a serious blow.
Plans are now under way for the construction of a Sunday school room
and the enlargement of the auditorium at the cost of some $15,000. The
auditorium, when completed, will have a seating capacity of 700, with seats
for 300 more furnished by the Sunday school room. The present member-
ship of the church is 350 and the Sunday school has a membership of 4.C0.
The church has had a steady growth and is active in all branches of church
work. All the usual societies are supported and a missionary is maintained
by the church in the Hawaiian Islands.
First Baptist Church.
This church was first called the Central Baptist Church of Redlands and
Lugonia, and was organized in the Lugonia school house, Nov. 13, 1887, with
the following constituent members: Russell Waite and wife, E. S. Foote
and wife, Irma Foote, E. J. Fullerton and wife, Mrs. J. M. Lynn, Mrs. Green,
Miss K. H. Candee, Lucius Owen and Isaac Ford. Rev. S. C. Nunn was
called as the first pastor, but served only a few Sundays. Rev. Daniel Read,
L. L. D., was his successor, commencing his pastorate June 2, 1888, and con-
tinuing until Dec. 1st, of the same year. During these brief months the real
foundations of the church were laid The lot on which the present church
building now stands was purchased, a tent was pitched on it as a place of
worship, the Sunday school was organized with twenty members, E. S.
Foote being elected Superintendent, which office he still holds, and the first
baptism occurred, A. Gregory, being baptised, by Dr. Read in a temporary
baptistery in the church yard. Dr. Read, the beloved pastor, receiving a call
from the First church of Los Angeles, closed his labors with the Redlands
church Dec. 1st, 1888. Rev. W. W. Willis, took up the work Feb. 17, 1889, and
served the church until April 1, 1890. A chapel 25x40 feet was erected to
take the place of the tent, and the dedication occurred March 31, 1889. Rev.
J. C. Thomas was the stated supply during the summer of 1890. Rev. J. D.
Rumsey. entered upon the pastorate Sept. 28, 1890, and continued until May
4. 1893. During this time the Christian Endeavor Society, the Chinese Mis-
sion and the Barton S. S. were organized. A. Humphrey, was elected Su-
perintendent of the Barton School, and has continued in that capacity un-
til the present. During the summer of 1893, the pulpit was supplied by dif-
ferent ministers, and Dec. 17, 1893, Rev. W. F. Harper entered the pastorate
and still continues his labors^
At the begining of Mr. Harper*s pastorate there were 70 members on
the roll. In March, 1894, the congregation having outgrown the chapel,
was transferred to the new Y. M. C. A. auditorium, which was occupied by
the church for its Sunday services for over two years. A parsonage was
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 541
erected at a cost of $2,000 during the winter of '94-95. Early in 1896, the
church entered upon the erection of the present house of worship, which was
completed before the close of the year, the first services being held in the
Sunday School rooms, Sept. 3, and the formal opening of the building oc-
curring Dec. 27. The entire cost of the new church with its furnishings, was
$8,500. A lot 50x165 feet adjoining the property was donated to the church
by T. Y. England. The entire indebtedness' of the church, amounting to $4,-
000, was paid Nov. 1, 1899, and a dedicatory service was held May 14th.
During the summer of 1900, the church building was enlarged at a cost of
about $2,000,, providing space for organ, choir room, pastor's study, and
other conveniences. Sept. 30, A. Hornby, presented the church with a pipe
organ. Mrs. Zora D. Sitton served as pastor's assistant from Nov. 1901 to
Jan. 1903, and was succeeded by Miss Nellie C. Fowler, who has been the
musical director of the church since 1894. In the year 1902, a Sunday School
ivas organized at El Casco, with Rev. O. E. McCollan, as Superintendent.
Revivals of special interest and power, have occurred in 1894, 1&97- I900
and 1902. During the year 1902 there was a larger number added to the
church than in any previous year; by confession and baptism, 80, in other
ways. 87. The efforts of the church were largly directed during 1903 to the
erection of a stone Sunday School building, adjoining the church audi-
torium. The new building, together with the furnishings, and the improve-
ments made on the church proper, represented an expenditure of $14,000.
The new portion of the building was opened for service, Feb. 14, KJ04
The church organized in 1887 with thirteen members, now numbers 485
members. The Sunday School enrollment exceeds 500. The deacons sre.
Russell Waite, E. S. Foote, Wm. Fowler, Alfred Humphrey. Isaac Ford.
Wm, Tattersall and C. C. Beatty. The trustees are, William Fowler, Isaac
Ford, Arthur Gregory, J. E. Porter, J. W. England, A. Harvey Collins and
F. C. Hornby. The clerk is J. W. Dutro, and the treasurer, F. E. Sanford.
First Methodist Church.
The First Methodist sermon in Redlands was preached by Rev. C. VV.
Nicklin in the old Y. M. C. A. hall October 16, 1887, to a congregation of 43
persons. The First Methodist church was organized November 15, of the
same year, with a membership of 14. May 1, 1888, Mr. Nicklin resigned on
account of ill health, and Rev. J. \V. Phelps supplied the pulpit until the con-
ference convened in September, when Rev. B. C. Cory was appointed pastor.
The membership had grown to 43. March 25, 1890, two lots were purchased
on the southwest corner of Cajon street and Citrus avenue, for $1500, where
a church was erected 40x60 feet, at a cost including furnishings, of $5400. On
this there was a debt of $3500. In March 1892, this debt was reduced by $1900.
The following September, Rev. E. J. Inwood was appointed pastor. The
membership was now 220.
The next year a lot was purchased at 115 Fast Olive avenue, for $300, and
542
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
on it a parsonage was erected at a cost of $1400. Early in 1895 the church
was rearranged at a cost of $2400. March 30, 1896, two lots adjoining the
church property on the west were purchased for $300.
In September, 1897, Rev. W. M. Stirling succeeded Rev. Inwood. The
membership had grown to 396. March 3, 1898, the two remaining lots on the
west sid of those already acquired, were purchased at a cost of $600.
In September, 1898, Rev. Stirling was appointed Presiding Elder of San
Diego District, and Rev. L. M. Hartley became pastor at Redlands. There
were now 425 members. The need for a new church began to be seriously felt,
and November 19, 1899, a subscription of $5290.45 was raised, out of which
old debts to the amount of $3835
were paid, and $1225 was invested
as a nucleus for a new church
fund.
In September, 1900, Rev. Hart-
ley's health having become im-
paired, Rev. R. L. Bruce was ap-
pointed pastor. The membership
now numbered 550. The follow-
ing spring, the way was providen-
tially opened for securing a very
dseirable site for a -new church,
on the northeast corner of Cajon
street and Olive avenue, and April
28, 1901, $10,500 was raised for
the purchase of the site. It con-
sists of seven lots having a front-
age of 150 feet on Cajon street,
and 185 feet on Olive avenue.
Plans for a new building were
obtained form L. B. Yalk.of Los
Angeles, the old lot and church
were sold for $22,000 and the
corner-stone of the new church was laid November 5. 1902. The builders
were Lynn & Lewis, of Redlands, and it is only justice to them and to their
superintendent. William Ferguson, to say that the construction was of the
most substantial and workmanlike character. The gentlemen composing the
building committee worked harmoniously with the architect and the con-
tractors, and the result is gratifying to all.
The cost of the building was about $36,000, and the entire property, in-
cluding lots, furnishings, etc., is valued at something over $50,000. The build-
ing is of old Mission style, veneered up to the plate line, with gray pressed
cement brick, with gables and tower plastered. It is profusely ornamented
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
54:;
with staff work, and the whole exterior appearance is exceedingly pleasing.
The interior is a gem of churchly architecture. Though the church easily
seats 1800 people, and could hold 2000 if crowded, so symmetrical is the ar-
rangement, that every one of the great throng can easily see and hear the
speaker.
The board of trustees under whom this building has been erected are. C.
L. Clock, president; A. N. Dike, secretary; B. H. Jacobs, A. McGregor, J. E.
Hollett, R. G. Rohrer, and H. B. Curtis.
The building committee which has superintended the work consist of C.
L. Clock, president; R. G. Rohrer,
secretary; A. N. Dike, B. H.
Jacobs, E. C. Campbell and Geo.
Iveson.
The church was dedicated June
7, 1903. The dedication was con-
ducted, and the dedicatory ser-
mon was preached by Bishop J.
W. Hamilton. There remained on
the church an indebtedness of a
little less than $12,000. Under
the leadership of the bishop, $12-
500 was raised, leaving this mag-
nificent property entirely free of
debt.
The present membership is
about 700, with about 150 proba-
tioners. Too much cannot be
said in praise of the cheerful sac-
rafice and heroic giving of the
people who have carried this
great work to successful comple-
tion. No soliciting has been done
from outside parties, though a few from other folds have very generously
volunteered to assist.
Epworth League of the First M. E. Church.
On July 2, 1889. Rev. B. C. Cory, then pastor of the Erst M. E. Church
of Redlands, called the young people together, in a meeting at the parsonage
and organized what was to be known as the "Student's Society." with Rev.
B. C. Cory, Misses Lulu and Lottie Bishop, Mary Fackler. Emma Jackson.
Clara McConkey, and Messrs. Howard Hill. H. A. Horton, and E. S. Libby.
as charter members. On October 16th. 1889, this "Student's Society" was
organized into an Epworth League, with Rev. B. C. Cory as president.
The Epworth League continued to grow, until from nine members, we
544 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
now have lyo, and it has ever been noted for its well attended and interesting-
Devotional Services, which are held on Sunday evenings, at 6:30 o'clock. In
these years, several special lines of work have been undertaken, along literary
as well as spiritual lines. There have been courses of lectures by prominent
pastors of the Conference ; evenings with the different authors ; debates ; even-
ings of travel, illustrated by views; Bible study classes; missionary study
classes, etc. The social department has always been made to help in interest-
ing strangers, and creating a better acquaintance among members, and the
socials given have always been enjoyed.
One of the special features of the work, begun in the early history of this
chapter of the Epworth League, was a street meeting, started in the summer
of 1893, held at 6 o'clock on Sunday evenings. This work has 'become a very
important feature of the League, and has been continued regularly since its
commencement, with the possible exception of a month or so one summer.
The services are well attended by the men who congregate on our streets,
and we believe an untold amount of good has been done.
The Chapter is steadily growing, and is well engineered by an efficient
corps of officers at present, and all departments are in good working order.
with a prospect of a larger usefulness in the future, than in the past; and as
it has always stood for active service for the Master, under whose divine
leadership it works, so we trust it always will. This is. in brief, the history
of Chapter No. 4916, of the Epworth League, of the First M. E. Church, of
Redlands.
SOCIETIES.
Redlands Lodge No. 300, F. and A. M.
Redlands Lodge No. 300. F. and A. M. was instituted March 17, 1890,
with nineteen charter members, F. P. Meserve being the first W. M. The
lodge has steadily increased since that date, in numbers, and strength. It
has recently fitted up elegant lodge rooms in the new postoffice block. The
present officers are: \Y. M., J. J. Prendergast ; S. W., W. M. Campbell ; J. \Y..
M. F. Pierce; Secretary, Otto G. Suess ; Treasurer, R. M. Hamilton; S. D., W.
L. Pile : J. D.. W. V. Whitson ; Marshal, C. M. Brown ; Chaplain. F. A. Wales ;
S. S.. A. S. Davis; G. S., G. H. Leland ; Tyler, S. S. Waldo.
Knights of Pythias.
This order was formed in Redlands, Jan. 5, 1895. with a charter member-
ship of 57. The membership is now 170. The K. of P. hall in the Columbia
building was fitted up especially for the society in the most complete and
elegant manner.
Redlands Lodge, No. 583, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Redlands Lodge, No. 583, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, was
instituted in Redlands. May 20, 1900, a large number of Elks from Los An-
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 545
geles, assisting in the installation wlTtch was conducted by Dr. W. F. Ken-
ned}-, of Los Angeles, Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler. There were ioo charter
members, and the order has flourished. It lias elegant lodge rooms in the
postoffice block.
Bear Valley Post No. 162, of the G. A. R.
Bear Valley Post No. 162, of the G. A. R., was formed Dec. 5, 1891, with
G. H. Crafts, Post Commander; G. T. Ordway, Service Commander; L. B.
Jackson, Jr. Vice Commander ; S. C. Majors, Chaplain ; J. S. Riggs, Surgeon ;
R. W. Mateer, Officer of the Day ; S. D. Savage, Officer of the Guard ; J. Lee
Burton, Adjutant: C. V. Decker, Sergeant Major; B. F. Watrous, Quarter-
master Major.
The Country Club.
This club was first organized as a Golf Club, in 1897, with a membership
of about twenty-five, F. P. Morrison, being President; A. E. Sterling, Vice-
President and John E. Fisher, Secretary and Treasurer. In 1900, the club
was re-organized as the Country Club. This organization purchased a tract of
about eighty acres, and built a neat club house which cost about $6,500. Golf
links, two tennis courts, and roque grounds are maintained. The grounds are
being set to shade trees and otherwise improved. The club now has a mem-
bership of 150. The membership is open to transient visitors as well as per-
manent residents. The present officers are:, H. H. Garstin, President; A.
S. Auchincloss, Vice-President ; John W. Gill, Secretary and Treasurer.
UNIVERSITY CLUB.
This organization was started at a meeting of the representative college,
men of Redlands, at Casa Loma, Hotel on January 10, 1902. It began with
forty-eight members, and organized with George E. Otis as president, and an
executive committee, consisting of the president, F. P. Morrison, C. J. Curtis,
L. D. Schaffer. E. H. Bryan Jr. K. H. Field and H. P. D. Kingsbury.
The club secured quarters about the first of March, 1902, in the two rooms
over the Union Bank, where it remained until it moved into its new building
in December, 1903.
The club started as an association, the objects of which were to promote
cordiality among its members, and furtherance of all university interests.
It was well patronized from the start, and by the addition of new members
from time to time, soon grew to a size which gave rise to the idea of incor-
porating with a view to issuing bonds, and having a home of its own. The
club was incorporated under the laws of the state on May 17. 1902, with the
old executive committee as a board of directors.
Plans for a new house were drawn up and presented by Mr. L. D. Schaf-
546
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
fer, and from these plans was built the present home of the club, a model of
utility and convenience, comfort and artistic excellence.
At this time, Mr. A. C. Burrage, one of the original members, showed
his interest in the organization by donating to it the lots on which the house
now stands. This gift made it possible for the club to go ahead and carry
out the plans for its new home.
The first anniversary of the club found it with a membership increased to
about eighty, all bills paid, and a surplus in the treasury of several hundred
dollars. At the annual meeting it was voted to incur a bonded indebtedness not
to exceed $20,000, the bonds to pay interest at the rate of six per cent, to run
twenty years, and with the money from the sale of these bonds, to erect and
equip a club house on the lots donated by Mr. Burrage, in accordance with the
plans of Mr. Schaffer.
The club elected Mr. E. M. Lyon as its president for its second year, and
Mr. Lyon, with Messrs. Otis,
Schaffer, Kingsbury, Bryan, Mor-
rison and Denman, formed the
board of directors.
The new building was contract-
ed for, and excavating was begun
on June 22, 1903, and was fin-
ished by the end of November,
at which time the club moved
into its new home.
The opening ceremonies were
held on December 30, in the
form of a "smoker," for the mem-
bers, and on January 4, 1904, the
members entertained their friends
with a reception and dance.
The Redlands Medical Society.
The Redlands Medical Society
was organized in August, 1898.
The first officers were Dr. Chas.
C. Browning, President ; Dr.
Tvler,
H. TYLER. M. D.
Wilmot, Vice- president ; Dr.
Secretary and Treasurer.
Wm. H.
These men with Dr. S. Y. Wynne, were the charter members.
The present officers are, J. E. Payton, President; G. G. Mosley, Vice-
president; Wm. A. Taltavall. Secretary and Treasurer.
The society meets the last Wednesday in each month, in the Y. M. C. A.
parlors, and at each meeting a paper is read and discussed by the members.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 547
Redlands Orchestra.
This organization was formed in May, 1888, by a number of music lovers.
among whom were Messrs. J. W. and H. B. Wilson, C. H. Hobart and M. F.
Pierce. The orchestra was very fortunate at the outset in having the benefit
of training under H. L. Sloan, who was then host of the Sloan House, and
who was a musician of rare ability. He possessed a remarkable voice, a
thoroughly refined and cultivated ear, and was a master of technique, having
J. E. LIGHT
played with the Thomas orchestra, in Chicago, and with other first-class musi-
cal organizations. Then after his death, Prof. Gunther and Prof. Ohlmeyer
acted as directors of the organizations. The members were only those who
were devoted to music, and were willing to practice regularly and strenously.
They reached a high degree of perfection, and were called upon to play on
many public occasions, as at the Citrus Fair, held in Los Angeles, in 1889.
The members often come long distances in order to attend rehearsals,
and some of them have since distinguished themselves in other musical circles.
It has suffered many changes of membership, but has always maintained its
high standing. It now has a fine collection of high-class orchestra music,
and gives occasional concerts.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
CHAPTER XVIII.
COLTON.
■B| ■ 11
7 Ak-vS MlMI K^T
(From a photograph take
Davenport, who were at the tim
THE PIONEERS OF COL
owing the entire population c
Charcoal Sketch of Colton Pioneers.
By I,. E. Mosher
"There has just been published a photograph of the "Pioneers of Colton,"
taken against the east end of the depot, which as a work of art and a picture
of the "Good, the True and the Beautiful" has not been surpassed on this
continent. A group covering so much true worth deserves more than a
passing notice and we propose to show in detail how the pioneers loom up.
even though it was a foggy morning when they sat in the face of the sun
which was battling with the mists of San Gorgonio Pass as they sat.
To begin with the long bench, there sits Murphy at the north end (right
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 549
hand side of picture), looking, because he moved, as if the fog had enveloped
him, but still managing to show a new hat, the plaid of his summer garments
and the glittering sheen of his highly polished countenance. Next comes
Mr. William Montgomery Gregory and Jim Gibson, who look like a precious
pair of horse thieves manacled together and waiting for Judge Topp to sen-
tence them to eight years in state's prison. At their right sits Henry Greg-
ory, dreamily looking at the far off mountains, but evidently keeping a mighty
sharp eye on the convicts at his left. His whole look is generally suggestive
of the impecunious solicitor of morning cocktails. The next are Mr. and
Mrs. Laird and Mr. Jacob Polhemus, who are introduced for the purpose of
giving tone to the picture and saving it from unutterable and irretrievable
disgrace. Sitting at the south end of the bench is Mr. Wint. House with a
big club in his hand and looking mad enough to go out and smash the pho-
tographer for making him sit there with the sun in his eyes, but he is only
practicing a new smile he learned down at Pomona. Standing in the rear
of this array of pioneer braves is the balance of the group. Beginning as
before, at the north end, Will Polhemus faces the world like Ajax defying
the "lightning strikers," or a surreptitious distiller when the revenue officers
are after him. Frank Emerson, with a helmet hat such as Stanley wore
into the jungles of Africa, lays one lily-white (he uses it for his complexion)
hand, about the size of a soup-plate, upon John Butler's shoulder and smiles
a "smile that is child-like and bland." And Butler looks as though someone
had dropped whitewash in his eye and he was going to shed tears, or had
swallowed an asteroid and it had soured on his stomach. And now, dear
reader, with awe and veneration approach the pioneerest of the pioneers.
Here is John Congreve with a big zinc bucket on his arm and his hand
spread out on his manly chest like a small boy reaching for crawfish, appar-
ently going for water to the zanja, before Colton boasted a well. And now
comes Mosher, the inimitably graceful, whose every movement is unwritten
poetry, with his left-handed fiddle; one number 13 shoe planted weightily on
the bench before him and the fire of lofty genius streaming redly from his
eyes which are closed to keep the sun out. He looks as though he could fid-
dle that crowd to death on short notice, and. if the picture don't lie, he would
steal a horse, or hold a hot board under a chicken roost on a cold night until
every blessed chicken steps onto it, and then walk away with the whole me-
nagerie.
No doubt this group, of the unlucky number of "13." will go down to
the posterity of this city, which they adorn by living in it, with a halo about
them— which said halo was won by the trials and hardships they experienced
in settling the spot now known to the nation as the "Hub of California."
The picture is as great a success as were the pioneers, and any family that
does not have one of them (the pictures, not the pioneers) among their
household goods don't know a good thing when they see it.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 551
COLTON.
The history of Colton begins with the formation of the Slover Mountain
Colony Association in the year 1873. This association, which was made up
of William H. Mintzner, who became president, P. A. Raynor, J. C. Peacock,
W. R. Fox and Ambrose Hunt, purchased from Wm. A. Conn 2000 acres
of land lying on the sandy plain to the south of San Bernardino and border-
ing on the Santa Ana river. This land had been considered as worthless for
agricultural purposes, but the purchasers platted it and began to offer in-
ducements to settlers. A tract of land with a well was offered the first set-
tler, and in 1874 Dr. W. R. Fox selected the forty acres still owned and
occupied by his family on Colton Terrace, built a house and moved onto the
property, thus becoming the first resident of Colton. He was soon followed
by Rev. James Cameron and by the Gregory brothers. All of these chose
lands on the terrace and began to put out citrus orchards in 1875.
In the meantime negotiations had been made with the Western Develop-
ment Company, which was constructing the Southern Pacific track eastward
from Spadra. The tract of the Slover Mountain Company lay directly in
line between Spadra. the termination of the Southern Pacific at this time, and
the San Gorgonio Pass, through which the road was to cross the mountains.
San Bernardino was off the line, yet a depot must be built to secure her
traffic. Doubtless these points had been duly considered before the pur-
chase of the land. An agreement was entered into with the railroad com-
pany's representatives whereby the association was to deed to the Western
Development Co., which was but another name for the Southern Pacific
Co., one mile square of land. The railroad was to make this their head-
quarters for the San Bernardino valley, were to lay out and improve a
town site and were to share the proceeds of the sale of lots with the original
owners. In connection with this arrangement grew the law-suit of Raynor
vs. Mintzner, which was one of the longest and hardest fought in the annals
of the county and which' was finally decided by awarding Raynor an un-
divided four-sevenths interest in the original holdings of the Slover Mountain
Association.
The contract with the Western Improvement Association was entered
into April 17, 1875. Tanks and a station were built at once, and on August
11, 1875, the first train that ever entered San Bernardino valley reached
Colton — named for D. R. Colton, one of the railway officials — and for a year
or more Colton was the terminus of the Southern Pacific line. L. E. Mosher
was the first station and express agent at this station. His later career as
a newspaper man and a writer and his, sad death are well known throughout
Southern California.
R. W. FOX, M D.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 563
M. A. Murphy, representing the Pioneer Lumber Co., was one of the
first settlers in the new town. An office and yards for this company were
among the first improvements made. A restaurant, kept by Callahan, and
a saloon followed.
In March, 1876, the 'Store building of A. M. Hathaway and N. E. Daven-
port was erected by Jacob Polhemus and son, of San Bernardino. This stood
just west of the present livery stable on Front street near J street. The
firm carried a stock of some $20,000 worth of goods and did a large business
before there was a residence in the town. The railroad was then putting
its line through the San Gorgonio Pass and goods were shipped by team as
far east as the Mojave desert. The first postoffice was located in this store,
with A. M. Hathaway as postmaster.
A small frame building was built immediately after the store and was
opened as a hotel by Jacob Laird, May 20, 1876. In May, 1876, the Riverside
Press credits Colton with nine buildings; this probably included the resi-
dences on Colton terrace. The first residence within the town proper was
a three-room house built for N. E. Davenport and standing where his pres-
ent home is located.
In the fall of 1876 the railroad company put up a frame building which
was opened as the Transcontinental Hotel. A year or so later it was burned,
presumably an incendiary fire, and the company replaced it with the brick
building now known as the Capitol Hotel. This was fitted up in what was
considered at that time remarkable style, and opened under the manage-
ment of Dr. Albert Thompson. During 1876 the Presbyterian church was or-
ganized by Rev. James Cameron, the first meetings being held in the hotel.
The next year subscriptions were secured for a church building and Mrs.
Cameron went east and raised the balance of the money needed from her
friends, so that the church building was dedicated free from debt.
In 1877, Dr. Godfrey and Mr. Franklin began publishing the Colton
Advocate. In 1878, Sccipio Craig purchased the paper and changed the name
to the "Semi-Tropic." This paper was an important factor in building up
Colton and in doing battle for her rights. That its editor had entire faith
in the future of the town is evidenced by this clipping which recalls some of
the earlier hopes entertained by Colton :
"Speaking of side-tracking, it seems a little odd now to recall the fact
that in 1878 or 1879 the people of this city were much concerned over a report
that Los Angeles was to be cut off the main transcontinental line of the
Southern Pacific and its place taken by Colton. The theory was that the
railroad proposed to construct a line from Mojave to Colton, thus saving a
few miles, and run an occasional local to Los Angeles as it does now to Cala-
basas. It is to be feared an ocean of ink was shed in denouncing this perfid-
ious project which for a time elevated Scipio Craig, the Colton editor, at the
time into the seventh heaven of delight. A few years later the boom came
554
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
along and the absurdity of a possible rival in Colton was as plain to the
alarmists as it had been to the wise ones from the start.'" — Los Angeles
Capital.
Colton, although the railway point and receiving the support of the
Southern Pacific Company, had many difficulties to contend with. The idea
that a town could grow up at Colton was at first treated with scorn by- San
Bernardino. The Guardian in an editorial of February 10, 1875, declares:
"Gentlemen, the idea of an opposition town to San Bernardino is simply
absurd. Here is the center of business, and here business by commercial
laws must remain. Let outside collateral villages spring up, and welcome.
All the better for San Bernardino,
as it will be the central point of
business for the lot. Again, fears
are entertained that if the depot is
located at Old San Bernardino, this
town will be injured. As there is
no location for anything larger
than a respectable village in that
delightful orange country, the fears
are ridiculous. Let the company
locate its depot where it pleases.
God made San Bernardino a site
for the central town of the county ;
and the railway, even if inclined —
which we have no reason to believe
it to be — cannot change His fiat.
Is not the majority of the pop-
ulation of the county in and clus-
tered immediately around this town?
Are the people who own property
here going to abandon it? Whence
milo gilbert wji] tne <new town' derive its sup-
port? Will the population of this town and the immediately surrounding
country abandon our stores here and rush down to Mathew's mill for their
beefsteaks and groceries, before breakfast ; or will they abandon their artesian
wells, elegant homes and improved homesteads for waterless sandy flats, even
if a depot is located there? This 'new town' talk, gentlemen, is simply nau-
seating nonsense. It is possible a village may grow up around the depot."
For several years there was some bitterness of feeling and Colton re-
ceived little encouragement from her neighbors. Yet she steadily increased
in population and in business. As the railroad center and shipping point for
San Bernardino. Riverside and the entire valley, business naturally gathered
about Colton. It was found that the "terrace," which comprised a part of
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 555
the original colony holdings was excellent fruit land and many orchards
were set out.
In June, 1877, the Colton Land and "Water Company was organized and
absorbed the original association. This company acquired the rights to
Raynor's springs and also put down a number of artesian wells. It piped
water both for domestic purposes and for irrigation into Colton. About
1879 the Colton Terrace Company was organized and by securing water from
Garner's springs and from the old Rancheria ditch, and also by sinking
artesian wells, was able to put water upon a considerable tract of the higher
lands.
By 1880 the village contained some three hundred inhabitants. This
year the San Jose Packing Co. put up a cannery at Colton and began handling
fruits, both fresh and dried, in large quantities. In 1881 the Colton Marble
and Lime Co. was formed and began the erection of a plant at Slover Moun-
tain. The coming of -the Santa Fe system into California gave a new start to
the entire southern section of the state. Work was begun on the California
Southern, which was to extend from National City to San Bernardino, in
1881. There was much discussion of the routes by which it might reach
San Bernardino. At one time it seemed probable that it would not enter
Colton, but the citizens secured a right of way through the town and also
donated land, with the understanding that the railroad shops might be lo-
cated there, and August 21, 1882, the Southern California road was com-
pleted into Colton and regular train service began between Colton and San
Diego. But for nearly a year a legal battle between the Southern Pacific
and the California Southern prevented the completion of the line to San
Bernardino. The Southern Pacific refused to permit the new road to cross
its tracks, and when the construction crew were ready to put in the cross-
ing, placed locomotives and freight cars across the track, and even placed
an injunction on the crossing itself. It was not until September, 1883, that
the crossing was effected. Colton as the junction of two transcontinental
lines, of course, enjoyed increased railroad facilities.
In common with all California towns, Colton grew rapidly during the
"boom" years. In 1886, P. A. Raynor subdivided 300 acres lying just north
of the original town site and put it upon the market. The streets were graded
and water brought to the tract. In the same year the Daily Semi-Tropic
made its appearance and added to the metropolitan claims of the place. In
1887, the Southern Pacific purchased the unsold lots of the original town site
of Colton, and the Colton Land and Water Company practically passed out
of existence. In July, 1887. the town of Colton was incorporated as a city
of the sixth class. The first trustees were: John M. White, A. B. Hotch-
kiss, O. T. Royce, J. C. Baugus, G. W. Tyler; clerk, Farnk F. Oster, treas-
urer, S. M. Goddard: marshal, W. N. Earp.
In November, 1887. the city trustees granted a franchise for the motor
M. A. MURPHY
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
557
road to R. W. Button and associates. This road was operated between San
Bernardino and Colton and Riverside by the Southern California Motor Com-
pany and afterward by a receiver, until July 25, 1896, when it was sold to the
Southern Pacific Co., who made some changes and have since operated it.
In 1888, the first street pavements were put down and a franchise was granted
the Electric Light and Power Co. of San Bernardino. This company secured
their power from the Riverside canal near Colton. In 1889 the Fire Com-
pany was formed and a fire engine purchased. October 16, 1889, the town
voted $12,000 in bonds for the erection of the City Hall, which was put up
the next year.
The business interests of the town had kept pace with its growth. The
canning establishment of the San
Jose Company had not proved a
success. In 1886, the Colton
Fruit Packing Co. was organized
with Alfred B. Miner as presi-
dent and Wilson Hayes as secre-
tary and treasurer. They erected
an extensive plant and began
canning and drying fruit.
The first brick block in the
town, a two-story edifice, with
stores and offices, well fitted and
arranged, was built by Jacob Pol-
hemus in 1886 on the lot where
he had located his residence and
shop in 1877. The same year the
First National Bank was estab-
lished, a business growing out
of a private banking business
which had been carried on for
several years by S. M. Goddard
and James Lee, who were at the
time doing a large business as
wholesale dealers in flour, provisions, etc.
The First National Bank was formed with a capital stock of $50,000,
J. W. Davis, Sr., being president. A two-story brick building, still occupied
by the bank, was erected by Mr. Davis as a home for the institution. Upon
his death his son, J. W. Davis. Jr., became president, and was followed by
his father-in-law, J. W. Roberts, who also became president of the San Ber-
nardino National Bank. E. D. Roberts succeeded his father upon the death
of the latter in 1903. The present officers are: E. D. Roberts, president;
JOHN W. DAVIS. Sr
558
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
S. M. Goddard, vice-president; H. B. Smith, cashier; directors, S. M. God-
dard, E. D. Roberts, W. W. Wilcox, J. E. Davis, H. B. Smith.
In 1889, Colton shipped more citrus fruit than any other point in the
state, 581 cars being billed out of Colton by the Southern Pacific alone. In
1890 the same company sent out 811 cars of citrus fruit. During the season
of 1889 the Colton Canning Co. put up 1,000,000 cans of fruit and packed 40
tons of dried fruit and 40,000 boxes of raisins. A rolling and planing mill
was doing a thriving business at this time.
In 1889, R. M. McKie, the present proprietor, purchased the Colton Semi-
Tropic and changed its name to the Chronicle. About the same time the
Colton Enterprise was started — then the Colton News.
The growth of Colton through the nineties was slow but steady. When
the question of a new Court House came up, the citizens of Colton made
strenuous efforts to secure the county
seat for their town. Meetings were
held and great enthusiasm aroused.
The town offered to donate a block
of land and build a suitable Court
T House, to cost not less than $200,000,
- v and donate it to the county free of all
' ,,_^^^^ cost. But for the fact that the town was
>J^^^I?iiP^^k. within the prohibited distance from the
^•j$S^s' "^Kj county line after the division of the
4M$$ ** county, this generous proposal might
SEP h~.*. 9B have been accepted.
SI I A number of substantial business
^BJ blocks, a new hotel, the Marlborough,
and the Baptist church were erected
during these years. The streets were
graded and macadamized ; the railroad
park, which had been set aside in the
r. m. McKie early days of the town, was improved
and became a real beauty spot. In
1902 the electric service between Colton and San Bernardino added greatly
to the transportation facilities of the town.
For several years now Colton has experienced something of a building
boom. Many cottages and pretty homes have been put up and the demand
continues. The town now has a population of some 2500.
Portland Cement Works. Three-fourths of a mile southwest of Colton
rises Slover mountain — a great mass of forbidding rock, one-fourth of a
mile in diameter, and rising from six to seven hundred feet above the plain,
yet within this unsightly pile is hidden untold wealth. At an early date it
HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY. 559
was known that limestone, marble and other valuable materials were to be
found here. In 1881 a company of Riverside men, with O. T. Dyer as presi-
dent, W. S. Wilson, superintendent of mining department, and L. L. Dyer,
superintendent of the marble department, began to quarry marble from the
mountain. This was known as the Colton Marble and Lime Co. In 1887
this company was succeeded by the "California Marble Company," which
is exploited thus: "The California Marble Co. on March 1, 1887, began oper-
ations, employing about 45 men and working three quarries, yielding differ-
ent kinds of marble, one of which is used principally in the production of
lime. The waste rock is converted into crushed marble and shipped to Los
Angeles, San Francisco and other points for street paving. In these quarries
white marble is abundant ; light variegated and dark variegated, light gray,
sea green, brown and light blue are also found. A black marble is in abund-
ance, although it is very rare, being found only in a few other spots. This
black marble is being used for mantels, wainscoting, tiling, gravestones, etc.
The staircases, columns, paneling and wainscoting of the new Academy of
Sciences in San Francisco will be constructed of this marble."
In December, 1891, the California Portland Cement Co. was organized
in Los Angeles, with C. W. Smith, president; S. W. Little, vice-president,
and J. R. Toberman, secretary.' Work was at once begun on an extensive
riant at Slover Mountain for the manufacture of Portland cement. At this
time all of this material used on the coast had to be imported. The neces-
sary combination of rock and clay is not common and the manufacture of this
cement must always be limited by the difficulty in finding the necessary
materials within working distance. The plant was completed and began
turning out cement in April, 1894, at first with a capacity of 150 barrels per
day, which has been increased until now the company is turning out 500 bar-
rels per day. With the exception of one year, 1897, the plant has been -stead-
ily at work, and its output steadily increasing since the opening up of the
works. Clay from Perris, or Reche canon, is used with crushed lime rock
from the mountain to make the cement. Other products are marble, marble
dust, rubble and macadam. According to the report of the state mineral-
ogist the products of this company footed up to about $400,000 for 1902, and
according to their own published statement, the profits of the year were
above $50,000.
Beside owning Slover mountain, the company has 1.100 acres of clav
beds. It leases the marble works to San Francisco parties. There is also
a plaster mill where plaster of Paris is manufactured. Four large kilns pro-
duce great quantities of lime. The rock crusher is of solid cement structure
and has a capacity of 20 carloads per day. This is used for ballast and for
concrete work.
A town site has been laid out and a boarding house erected. From 80
to 100 men are regularly employed. The town and the plant are supplied
560
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
with water from a well with a pumping plant that raises it to a reservoir high
enough for distribution. A substantial power house has been erected and
the Edison Electric Company now furnishes power. The value of the ce-
ment plant is put at $400,000, and of the entire plant at about one million.
Other Industries.
Colton, as the junction of three great transcontinental lines, is an im-
portant railroad center. Here are located roundhouses and tanks, and side
tracks without end. The Southern Pacific has over twenty-three miles oi
track here. The Santa Fe also has many miles of trackage, and it is ex-
pected that the Salt Lake will eventually need a large trackage of its own.
The repair shops of the Transconti-
nental Fruit Line are located here and
constantly keep a number of men em-
ployed. The large number of freight
cars handled here and the large amount
of freight loaded gives employment
to many men. Many men employed
on the train service also make their
homes at Colton, and the railroad
yards and repair departments require a
large and constantly increasing force.
The Globe Flour Mills are one of
the most important industries of Col-
ton. The company in 1902 put up one
of the largest milling establishments
In the state. It is well equipped with
modern machinery and has a capacity
of 200 barrels of flour, 100 barrels oi
meal and 100 tons of rolled barley per
day. It is located at the junction
of the Southern Pacific and Santa Fe
tracks and has unsurpassed shipping
facilities.
A planing mill has lately been equipped with the latest machinery, and
is handling a large business. It is owned by P. H. Reed and manufactures
fixtures, special furniture, patterns, etc.
The M. A. Hebberd Co.. which is the successor to the old firm of James
Lee & Co. that began business in Colton in the early eighties, does a large
wholesale and retail business in provisions and has one of the largest storage
warehouses in the county. The Wilcox-Rose Mercantile Co. does a large
business in hardware, agricultural implements, etc.
W. W. WILCOX
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
THE COLTON FRUIT EXCHANGE.
The Colton Fruit Exchange was organized in 1892. It is an association
of fruit growers for the purpose of packing and shipping their own fruit at
actual cost. There are at present about 125 members, and the corporation
i? controlled by a board of nine directors, elected annually. The board of
.lirectors elects its own officers. The present board consists of James Barn-
hill, Earl Van Luven, W. M. Wilcox, E. D. Roberts, E. A. Pettijohn, L. C.
Newcome, E. C. Merrifield, W. S. Bullis, J. B. Hanna. James Barnhill is
president; Earl Van Luven, vice-president; First National Bank of Colton,
treasurer, and I. N. Brink, secretary and manager.
This exchange uses the old pavilion, which was erected for the State
Fair, as a packing house. This gives them a floor space of 200 square feet —
the largest building used for this
purpose in Southern California.
They are using the most modern
and complete equipment and the
fruit is handled with the utmost
care ; indeed, with the many modern
appliances now in use, the fruit is
handled very little. After being
dumped from the orchard boxes into
.a canvas receiver it is roiled o;
lifted carefully from one process to
another until it is laid into tiie
shipping boxes, and there can be
no possibility of bruising or injur-
ing the fruit in the packing process.
The Colton Exchange has five
brands of oranges — "Colton Ter-
race," "Tiger," which is their first
grade; "Floral," second; "Gem,"
and "Rancho," third grade. This
packing house has a capacity of
earl f. van luven from eight to ten cars per day.
The growers in this corporation receive all money over and above the
actual cost of packing and selling their product, there being no profits paid
to any one whatever. This exchange is a member of the San Bernardino
Fruit Exchange.
There are four other packing houses in Coltori, and a large amount of
fruit is handled every year.
5IV2
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
In 1886, Colton held her first Citrus Fair in the old cannery building.
A second fair was held at Colton in 1891 and proved a brilliant success. That
year steps were taken toward providing Colton with a pavilion for fairs and
public meetings. The citizens raised $12,000 for the purpose, a committee
composed of Milo Gilbert, president; S. M. Goddard, secretary; W. W. "Wil-
cox, treasurer; Wilson Hayes, H. B. Smith, M. A. Murphy, Dr. Hutchinson,
George Cooley and R. W. Button, having charge of the matter. The South-
ern Pacific offered to donate lots, provided that the pavilion were built before
January 1, 1893. The gentlemen having the matter in hand built a hand-
some structure, 180 by 192 feet, then the most complete and convenient pub-
lic building of the kind in Southern California.
March 16, the State Fair was opened in the pavilion with the finest ex-
hibit of fruit ever seen in the state. The Colton exhibit was in the form of
the Eiffel tower, 35 feet high and 14 feet at the base, composed of oranges
and lemons. The first premium of $250 for the best exhibit of citrus fruits
went to San Bernardino county.
WATER SUPPLY.
The first water used in Colton was obtained from Mathew's or Meek's
Mill, which had been established
for many years about one-fourth
mile southeast of the City Hall.
Water was brought from this
point by the railway company for
their tanks and for town pur-
poses. Next the Colton Land
and Water Co. piped water from
Raynor's Springs and from arte-
sian wells in the vicinity of the
springs.
July 2, 1888, an election was
held in Colton and $60,000 in
bonds was voted to purchase
land, "with water now or here-
after to be developed, and for
constructing a system of reser-
voirs and pipes." The bonds
were carried with only two dis-
senting votes, and subsequently
a. d. spring the water supply of the Col-
ton Terrace Co. was purchased. In 1897 the Colton Chronicle says of
the water system : "The supply of water owned and available by the city is
abundant and of the finest quality. In addition to 88 inches purchased from
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
563
the old water company, the city paid John Barnhill for 81 inches, making
169 inches, to which should be added 17 inches purchased from E. D. Rob-
erts, 31 inches from James Lamb and 52 inches of the Colton Water Co.,
making a total of 267 inches. The Meeks and Daley ditch has 825 inches of
which 400 are owned by citizens of Colton. There are 600 acres in and around
Colton for which this water is used, exclusive of that consumed by domestic
users, and for fire pressure, street sprinkling, parks, etc."
During the dry season of 1899-1900 Colton put in four pumping plants,
operated by electricity. In 1902 two of these plants were in operation and
yielding 175 inches of water, and other wells were to be sunk.
The first electric light and power was furnished by a San Bernardino
company, power being obtained from the Riverside canal. Later a contract
was made with the Redlands Electric Light and Power Co. who furnished the
town with 50 horse power, 12 arc lights and over 800 domestic lights. The
Edison Company is now furnishing the town with 100 horse power and with
about 1400 domestic and commercial lights and 100 incandescent lights. The
system is under the charge of Mr. A. D. Spring.
SCHOOLS.
Colton School District was organized in 1876 and a small frame school
house erected. This now stands on Eighth
street between F and G and is occupied as a
dwelling. In 1883 a two-story brick building
containing four rooms was put up. A school
bell was donated for this by Mrs. D. R. Colton,
in memory of her husband for whom the town
had been named. This building is no longer
used for school purposes. The district voted
bonds for $10,000 in 1886 and the next year
put up the present Northside Grammar School,
a brick building of eight rooms. In 1903 the
Southside primary building was put up at a
cost of $4000 and the same year bonds were
voied for a High School building and a hand-
some brick and cement building, containing
large assembly hall, recitation rooms, labora-
tories, and full equipment for an up-to-date
High School has just been completed and
occupied. The Colton High School was or-
d r. colton ganized in 1896 with Professor W. F. Bliss,
as principal. It has already taken high rank as a school and is duly accred-
ited by both Universities.
The Colton schools are now under the supervision of Professor George
564 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
M. Green, assisted by an able corps of fourteen teachers. So rapidly is the
town growing that in spite of the two new buildings erected so recently, there
is demand for more room and already additional buildings are under contem-
plation. The average attendance last year was 394 and the attendance in the
High School was 67.
CHURCHES.
The Presbyterian church, as we have seen, was organized in 1876, and its
building was the first church erected in Colton. It has always remained a
strong factor in the religious life of the town. Its present pastor is Rev. H.
W. Harbaugh.
The first Methodist service was held in June, 1884, when the Rev. Wright
•preached from the platform of the S. P. Ry. depot. A class was organized
consisting of Messrs. J. W. Rice and wife, A. S. Fox and wife, E. H. Howard
and wife, Wilson Hays and wife, W. H. Wright and wife and Walker Fox.
Services were then held in Kelting Hall. The conference next year sent Rev.
I. G. Sigler, as pastor for 1886-87. During these years a church was organ-
ized, lot purchased, and a church and parsonage erected at a cost of more
than $4,000. A Sunday school was organized when the church was formed in
1886, with Walker Fox as superintendent. The school now has a member-
ship of 120; the church has -JJ members, owns a neat and comfortable church
and parsonage and is entirely out of debt. The present pastor is the Rev.
E. Hoskyn.
The Church of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary was built about 1893, a
neat frame structure located in South Colton. In its belfry hangs the old
bell made in the sixties at Agua Mansa, for use in the "little church." The
old "campo santo" at Agua Mansa, is still used in connection with this
church. The pastor of the San Bernardino Catholic church, holds services
here at regular intervals.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
CHAPTER NIN.
HISTORY OF ONTARIO.
By Eleanor Freeman.
Early History of Ontario Colony. Today the traveler who journeys
westward from the "red hills" of Cucamonga will see in the distance, stretch-
ing away to the northward a long avenue of stately trees — giant eucalypti,
graceful grevillae and tropical palms. As he comes nearer, he finds groves
to the east and west of this avenue which
reveal that he — more fortunate than Mignon
— is already in the land where "the citron
blooms, and where, through leafy boughs, the
golden orange glows." He will find beau-
tiful homes and vinewreathed cottages scat-
tered through a valley that vies with his
dreams of an ideal world. Bordered on the
north by the Sierra Aladres, gently sloping
and dotted by fragrant groves and beautiful
vineyards, by fields of cool green alfalfa and
yellow grain, the plains of the Ontario and
Cucamonga settlements are a garden-spot of
the earth. Near the center of the Ontario
colony lies the town, the spires of its churches,
the belfries of its school houses and the brick
buildings of its business streets standing out
against the greenness of the trees that embower the place. Wide avenues
lead out from the town through the surrounding colony and an electric line,
with convenient and comfortable cars carries one from the southern limit of
the settlement to the foothills at the mouth of the San Antonio canon — nearly
seven miles. From the upper end of this line turning westward at sunset.
"The Orient is purpled with an amethystine hue and the western heavens
slumber in a hyacinthine blue." Or, if the moon is risen, a flood of silver light
will gild with a radiance unknown in a colder clime every shrub and flower,
while the stars will shine with an added brilliance. And if the night be dark
or misty uncounted electric lights will sparkle as guides to the traveler.
Here the orange and the lemon, the olive and the grape, flowers of every
variety, gardens and fields are all in the perfection of growth and of yield.
ELEANOR FREEMAN
GEORGE B. CHAFFEY
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 567
One looks in vain for the haunts of vice and poverty in this vicinity. The
fertile soil rewards its tiller so generously that the humblest home shelters
comfort and what — in less favored localities — would be luxury.
The newcomer can hardly be persuaded that all this luxuriance of veg-
etation, that the thriving town with its lines of steel rails extending far to
the east and the west, with its delightful homes, its commodious school
houses, its numerous churches and its handsome business blocks is all the
result of less than twenty-two years of occupation.
In the winter of 1882, what is now the town and colony of Ontario was
a barren waste extending from the San Antonio Canon on the north to the
Rancho Santa Ana del Chino on the south and from Cucamonga on the east
to Rancho San Jose on the west. No vegetation but sage brush covered these
plains, even the Indians had not found them "good hunting grounds" and
they had been left to the jack-rabbit and the coyote. The upper part of the
colony, extending as far south as the old road between Los Angeles and
San Bernardino, was a part of the original Cucamonga Rancho granted in
1839 to Don Tiburcio Tapia, by the Mexican governor, Alvarado. Upon
the death of Senor Tapia the rancho passed to his daughter who later mar-
ried Leon Victor Prudhomme, of Los Angeles and sold the property to John
Rains, or rather to his wife, the daughter of Isaac Williams of Chino Rancho,
whose money paid for the Cucamonga Rancho. Rains also purchased the
interest of Jose Maria Valdez, a former mayor-domo of Don Tiburcio, and
his wife, Maria Duarte. After the death of Rains in 1862, his widow
claimed the entire estate as her individual property inherited from her father,
Isaac Williams, and after considerable litigation was granted title. The
property was later sold to the Cucamonga Company and in 1871 passed by
Sheriff's sale to I. W. Hellman, the price bid being $49,209.45. At the same
time the Cucamonga Company with headquarters in San Francisco, deeded
to Mr. Hellman, all their right and title to the waters of Cucamonga Creek.
In 1874 I. W. and I. M. Hellman deeded to the Cucamonga Homestead As-
sociation a part of the Cucamonga Rancho with all rights to waters from
springs, lakes, marshes, flumes, ditches and all other sources and all rights,
perfect and imperfect, to the waters of Cucamonga and San Antonio canons.
In 1876, the Cucamonga Homestead Association deeded this property to the
Cucamonga Company for the sum of $21,000. On April 15th, 1882, the com-
pany granted to Captain J. S. Garcia and Surveyor J. C. Dunlap an option
for the purchase of that part of the grant known as the "San Antonio lands"
at the net sum of $60,000. This property comprise'd 6,216 acres, more or
less, together with the water, water right and privileges of San Antonio
Creek, also the waste water of Cucamonga Creek.
In the meantime George B. Chaffey. Jr.. and Wm. B. Chaffey had lo-
cated at Riverside and formed a partnership for the purpose of buying, sell-
ing and improving real estate, water rights and water privileges, in San Ber-
568 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY .
nardino county. These enterprising gentlemen soon formed the acquaint-
ance of Captain Garcia — so well known to the citizens of Ontario and so
well beloved for his kind heart and courteous manners.
The captain has given in his own words an account of a visit made by
the Chaffey Brothers to the Garcia homestead — a visit fraught with great
results for Ontario:
"On Thanksgiving Day, 1881, J. C. Dunlap, Civil Engineer, of San Ber-
nardino, accompanied by Geo. B. and Wm. B. Chaffey, called at my home in
Etiwanda for the purpose of purchasing my place. Dinner was just ready
and as the gentlemen were tired, dry, and hungry, you can imagine a good
turkey dinner would tempt them. After dinner we went up the canons to
see the water supply. At this
season the water was at its
lowest degree, Dry Canon hav-
ing only 100 inches and the
Smith ditch but 50 inches. I
owned one half of the water in
Dry Canon and all of that in
Smith Canon, making 100
inches in all. The Chaffey Bros,
were pleased with the water in
sight and with the land I had to
offer. I sold them in all 1,000
acres. A preliminary survey
was made and the next week
I deed them all my right,
title and interest in the above
mentioned land and water and
as soon as I could, moved my
effects, and gave them posses-
sion of the property. Not long
afterwards I went to San
n. w. stowell Francisco and interviewed the
Cucamonga Company and bonded their Cucamonga lands with one half of
the water flowing from San Antonio Creek for $60,000. I took John C.
Dunlap as a partner and he was to have one half of the commission over
and above the price fixed by the company. Mr. M. L. Wicks, of Los An-
geles, and Prof. Mills, of Mills' Seminary, Oakland, were then operating
largely at Pomona. As soon as my option was put on record in San Fran-
cisco, Mr. Wicks interviewed Mr. Dunlap and offered quite a sum for it.
Chaffey Brothers thei- offered Mr. Dunlap and myself the same price as the
other parties for tin option. We consented to let the Chaffey Brothers have
it and Mr. George Chaffey and myself went to San Francisco to make ar.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 569
rangements with the Cucamonga Company. Our contract having been sur-
rendered, Mr. N. W. Stowell was set to work to make cement pipe and also put
up the first house in Ontario, between Eighth and Ninth. Soon afterward the
Chaffey Brothers built a barn and a boarding house for their men. Andrew
Rubio was put in supervision of the work. J. C. Dunlap was set to work
with a gang of men to lay off the tract. On March 17th, cement pipe had
been laid as far as the college grounds and a grand dinner was given in
honor of the day by the Chaffey Brothers on the mesa — a beautiful spot
1800 feet above sea level. Dinner over, the representatives of the press anc*
the other guests went to see the ceremony of the laying of the corner-stoni
of Chaffey College. Few thought at that time that Ontario would ever be
what it is today. Some few small houses were commenced then, — the com
pany's office, the hotel, my house and that of Mr. Stowell had been started.
I can thus claim pioneership in Ontario, one of the best places in the wor'd,
in Etiwanda, and in the great state of California, of whose society of pio-
neers I am a member.7'
It is said that the plan of the Chaffey Brothers for their new colony of
Ontario, named for their former home in Ontario, Canada, was the most
perfect then formulated for colonization. They distributed the water for
irrigation over the whole tract and delivered it on each lot in concrete
and iron pipes. This alone required some forty miles of piping. In October,
1882, they organized the San Antonio Water Company and entered into an
agreement with them whereby the water was ultimately to become the prop-
erty of the land owners.
They also planned to lay out and improve a main thoroughfare through
the colony and accordingly Euclid avenue was extended from the depot
seven miles due north and set out with eucalyptus trees on either side, while
a double row of palms was planted through the center. They donated a
tract of twenty acres for a college and made provisions for endowment.
Work was pushed vigorously during the first year and many improve-
ments were made. The house which Captain Garcia mentions as the first
built in Ontario has been moved from its first location and now stands just
north of the Presbyterian church in North Ontario. In December, 1882,
Mr. L. L. Dyar, of Klamath, Oregon, came out from Los Angeles to look
at the San Antonio lands. So well pleased was he that he returned in Jan-
uary and on the first day the land was offered for sale became a purchaser.
At the same time land was purchased by Mr. L. W. Strong and Mr. L. W.
Whitaker. Mr. Dyar, who did not bring his family until 1885, boarded at
the house built by the Chaffeys where Andrew Rubio, assisted by a Chinese
cook, provided refreshments for the inner man. Mr. Whitaker lived in a
tent on the ten acres where his house now stands and where he has lived
ever since. Mrs. Whitaker was the first woman to live in Ontario and she
had rather a lonely time without the companionship of her own sex, although
570
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
no doubt there was plenty of gossip circulating among the men who held
forth at Rubio's boarding house ; nor was there any dearth of news from
Los Angeles and San Bernardino for although there was no railway station
at Ontario, the Chafreys had made arrangements with the Southern Pacific
for travel. A man had only to wave his hat and the train would slack up
and take him on. But when it was decided to run an excursion to Ontario
on March nth, to celebrate the corner-stone laying of Chaffey College of
Agriculture, to which all the representatives of the press in Southern Califor-
nia were invited, the Southern Pacific had not sufficient faith in the new en-
terprise to put in a switch. But the Chaffeys, who were men of determina-
tion and admirable foresight, did not shrink from any expense that seemed
necessary to the success of their undertaking, and on the appointed day two
crowded trains, one from Los Angeles and one from Colton, brought the ex-
cursionists to Ontario. A carload of provisions was also brought for the
MRS. O. SWEET
grand dinner to be given on the mesa. Teams from Pomona, Etiwanda and
all the neighboring country brought visitors to the mesa and later to the
college grounds, where the corner-stone was laid with appropriate cere-
monies. For a full account of the speeches, music, poetry, etc. that graced
this most interesting event, the reader is referred to the Ontario Fruit
Grower, of Jan. 9, 1883. This paper was edited by Edward A. Weed and
was published in Riverside, pending the erection of a printing office in On-
tario.
The original colony lands had been augmented by the purchase of rail-
road and government sections and by purchase from private individuals
until they now extended as far south as the tracks of the Southern Pacific
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 571
railroad. The land now occupied by the town of Ontario was bought from
Major Henry Hancock.
The fame of the "Model Colony" as Ontario was named was spread by
the excursionists and their friends. Settlers flocked to Ontario from Canada
and different parts of the United States and even from more distant coun-
tries so that the founders were kept busy making out title deeds and piping
water to the tracts as they were sold. Early in 1883, Mr. Dan Nicols, Cap-
tain N. G. Gill and others brought their families to Ontario and Mrs. Whi-
taker was no longer the only woman in the colony. In March a postoffice was
established with Mr. L. Alexander as postmaster. In June when the Com-
pany's office was completed the postoffice was located in it and also the rail-
way station and express office. The Ontario Hotel was completed and
opened in July under the management of Mr. O. Sweet. This gentleman
also donated a number of valuable books as a starter for a public library.
In Sept. Mr. J. H. Fawcett became manager of the hotel and the first pub-
lic entertainment, consisting of music and reading, was given in the hotel
parlors, Oct. 26th. Of those who took part on this occasion Mrs. James
Birch is now the only one living here. It may be interesting to know that
the first wedding in Ontario was celebrated May 12, 1883. A school dis-
trict was formed this year with Captain Garcia, Mr. Fawcett and Captain
Gill as trustees.
The Chaffey Brothers had purchased of Jas. Norton 160 acres of land
in San Antonio Canon for $5,000. July 16th a new Land Co. was organized
consisting of George Chaffey, Jr., W. B. Chaffey, J. E. Plater, J. S. Slauson
and R. M. Widney. Two years before Richard Gird had bought the China
Rancho and considerable intercourse was now carried on between the two
settlements. Ontario had already several business houses, with more in
prospect. Euclid avenue had been graded and planted with shade trees
and the contract had been let for the Chaffey College building. A. E
Payne's grocery, McMannis' blacksmith shop, D. T. Jones' general store,
and Smith & Griffin's livery stable were all in running order while numer-
ous private residences were in process of erection, noticeable among whicli
were those of Captain Garcia and Dr. Ellwood Chaffey on Euclid avenue,
and that of J. B. Tays on G street. The public school was established March
8, 1884, in the attic of Mclntyre's carpenter shop with 14 pupils. Miss Nellie
Case of Riverside being the first teacher. In the meantime the "adobe'' had
been built by L. M. Holt for a printing office but was never used for that
purpose. The second term of the public school was begun in this building
in September following, and in the beginning of the next school year it was
transferred to the College building where two east rooms on the first floor
had been granted for its use, pending the erection of a suitable school build-
ing. Mrs. J. C. Dunlap was the teacher at this time.
The old "adobe" was long one of the landmarks of Ontario: after be-
E P. CLARKE
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 573
ing occupied as a school room, a kindergarten, public library, a plumber's
shop, a carriage establishment, a place for religious and other gatherings.
it was removed in 1895 to make room for the Citizens' Bank Building which
now occupies the northwest corner of A street and Euclid avenue. Im-
provements went rapidly forward in 1884 and there was quite an influx of
skilled mechanics, some of whom are still doing good work in Ontario. Mr.
W. J. Nicholson, whose excellent carpenter work is to be seen in some of
our earliest buildings, is still actively engaged at his trade. In the latter
part of 1884, Mr. W. J. Waddingham's planing mill and lumber yard went
into operation adding greatly to the convenience of settlers — most of whom
wished to build at once on their property. Mr. Waddingham, himself a con-
tractor and carpenter, contributed largely to the development of the "Model
Colony."
On December 16, 1885, appeared the first issue of the Ontario Record,
owned and published by the Clarke Brothers. It was printed in the build-
ing near the Southern Pacific station known as the Waddingham Mill of-
fice, Mr. Waddingham afterwards purchasing it, when the Record moved to
its new quarters on the corner of A street and Laurel avenue. We quote
from a letter of Mr. E. P. Clarke, "The Record was started December 13,
1885, and my most vivid recollection of the night we ran off the first edi-
tion on a hand press is of the howling of the coyotes — that pretty well il-
lustrates the primitive conditions that prevailed in Ontario at that time."
Mr. E. P. Clarke's reminiscences of the "First Night in Ontario" may also
be of interest:
My First Night in Ontario.
It cannot be said exactly that the Record was born by accident, but it
was certainly started by reason of "a fortuitous combination of events."
Whether propitious or "unpropitious," the sequel must determine. The
present owners of the Record expected to engage in newspaper work in
Pasadena until a few days before the decision was made to found the Record.
Unexpected developments there, however, forced us to look for a new field.
Knowing something of Ontario's reputation as a growing colony, I went
to Los Angeles and interviewed Judge Widney, who was then a member of
the Ontario Land Company. He favored me with an elaborate and bom-
bastic statement delivered in his usual condescending manner. It had much
the effect of a "dead cold frost" on my budding hopes, but later on I saw
W. B. Chaffey and elicited from him some accurate information and a little
encouragement. The upshot was that I came to Ontario with him that
night. This was about the last of October, 1885.
After supper at the Ontario Hotel, then managed by F. YV. Wilding, I
started out to find the town, and interview the merchants. I stumbled
around in the dark awhile and finally found a grocery store kept by A. E.
574 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Payne, who was also postmaster, and D. T. Jones' general merchandise
store. Mr. Payne was located in the adobe, in front of which the Holbrook
Block was afterwards built. Mr. Jones was in his present building.
I wasn't a tenderfoot exactly, having been in California three months
in 1884, but I was then fresh from the east and but recently out of college.
I had knocked about the world some in various capacities, but what I didn't
know about starting a paper in a new western town would fill a Sunday is-
sue of a metropolitan daily. I know that things seemed pretty "raw," and
the outlook for "ads" wasn't especially rosy with two stores to solicit from.
Mr. Payne thought it doubtful if we could get more than 25 subscribers
to a paper in Ontario. Mr. Jones was more sanguine and made a liberal
promise of support, which he has been fulfilling in a liberal way in every
issue of the Record for ten years.
After interviewing Mr. Payne and Mr. Jones, I attended a social given
by the ladies of the Congregational church, in the historic adobe, which
then served as church, hall and school room. The room was filled, and it
was a mystery to me where the people all came from. Seeing the multitude,
I felt like thanking God and taking courage, so far as the newspaper enter-
prise was concerned. I don't remember much about the program except
that Misses Dyer and Piddington sang "Juanita" and W. P. Henderson gave
a reading. The committee in charge of the lunch, as I remember, consisted
of Mrs. Waddingham, Mrs. Horton and' Mrs. Moores, and of course the
spread was "au fait," as is always the case at socials in Ontario.
The next morning I discovered a livery stable, kept by Moores & Smith ;
a drug store over which Dr. Watson presided— in the room now used by
Mytton's photograph gallery ; and a hardware store kept by Johns & Stein-
beck, near where Powell's grocery now stands. That seemed to be about all
I could count on for local advertisements ; there wasn't even a real estate
office, except the Land Company's office. But Ontario ozone is very stim-
ulating to the courage, and I decided that we would risk the venture. There
was no rent available and W. J. Waddingham offered to put up a building.
A name for the fledgling was discussed. Observer was urged by some, but
Record was the choice of the publishers, and so the child was christened.
During the day I visited the college, a bare building on a dusty plain.
Prof. Wheeler and Miss Blount had just made a beginning with what Judge
Widney was pleased to designate as an "agricultural college." Later John
C. Lynch drove me to Cucamonga, where we sampled some of the walnuts
and artesian water (yes, that is correct, I think), for which the winery had
been famous for half a century.
That night I returned to Pasadena, and within a day or two the prospec-
tus of the Ontario Record was issued and the materials ordered. What
further vicissitudes ensued before the paper was issued is "another story,"
as Kipling would say."
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 575
The first telegraphic message was sent from Ontario Dec. nth, 1885,
by Mr. J. V. Benson. Mr. C. P. Lyndall having been installed as station
agent and telegraph operator took charge of the express office also, succeed-
ing Mr. Waddingham who had been station agent pro tern. In August, 1885,
the writer first visited Ontario, having letters of introduction to Mr. W. B.
Chaffey. That she was pleased with the pure air and the brilliant prospects
of the "Model Colony" is evidenced by the fact that after a three weeks
stay at the Ontario Hotel, she became the owner of the twenty acre tract se-
lected by \Y. B. Chaffey for a home place and of the lot on which the Ohio
Block now stands. The contract for this building was at once let to W. J
Waddingham. The back ten acres on 23rd street were sold in 1887 to Col.
Jas. Paul who planted them to oranges and erected a handsome residence —
Linda Vista. Mr. Ensley completed, in 1885, the brick building on the cor-
GENERAL VIEW OF ONTARIO COLONY-1885
ner of Euclid avenue and D street, now occupied by the Ontario steam
laundry. The upper story has been used for various purposes, being at one
time utilized by the Unitarians as a place of worship. Even more rapidly
than in 1884, did the new colony progress in 1885. The closing of the year
saw the opening of the College for educational work; the nucleus of a li-
brary and reading room; the establishment of the Methodist church and of
Congregational services and the organizing of the lodge of the A. O. U. \Y.
Almost every branch of business was represented at this time. J. V. Ben-
son opened the first boot and shoe store in the furniture ware-house of Mr.
Drew, afterwards removing to more commodious quarters in the newly
finished Ohio Block. Dr. E. D. Watson started the first drug store in the
colony in the front room of his house on Euclid avenue. The Ontario Meat
Alarket, supplied from the Chino Ranch, was doing a large business. Steele
supplied harness with all its adjuncts to numerous customers. Dowse kept a
large poultry yard on San Antonio avenue, — all his fowls being thorough-
576 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
bred. Shaw's nursery furnished fruit and ornamental trees and shrubs of
every description and D. Nicol, an experienced landscape gardener, lent his
aid in beautifying both public and private grounds. Real estate and insur-
ance offices began to display their signs but no lawyer had yet appeared.
Col. L. D. Graves acted as Notary Public and his services were in frequent
demand on account of land sales. Drs. Watson, Chaffey and Gregory
looked after the sick while Revs. P. H. Bodkins and W. H. Wolcott attended
to the spiritual needs of the settlers. Mrs. Davis and Miss Tipton success-
fully conducted a. millinery and fancy goods store and Mrs. Horton was
among the first — if not the very first — dressmaker in town. Church socials,
lectures, dances and other entertainments were frequent so that the colon-
ists did not lack for diversion.
In the spring of 1886 an important change took place in Ontario. The
fame of the Chaffey Brothers had gone abroad and the success of their plans
— particularly their plan for furnishing water to arid lands — had attracted
the attention of the Australian government which offered large inducements
to the Chaffeys to come to Australia and establish a colon)' under a similar
system. Accordingly the Chaffey Brothers disposed of their interests in
Ontario to what has ever since been known as the Ontario Land and Im-
provement Company. It was comprised at that time of Messrs. H. L. Mc-
Niel, G. L. Stamm, D. McFarland, of Los Angeles; Col. O. L. Picher, of
Pasadena ; G. C. Hager, of Orange ; F. G. Gissing. of Toronto ; Milton and
Lyman Stewart, of Titusville, Pa. ; C. E. Harwood, of Springfield, Mo., and
Chas. Frankish, of Riverside, the latter being manager and resident agent of
the company. Several members of the company became residents of the
colony and at once began to improve their lands. The land office was re-
moved to the west side of the avenue and surrounded with ornamental
shrubs. Two public halls had now been built as well as many picturesque
cottages and villas, while the growth of vegetation seemed almost miracu-
lous. Ontario was found to be in the true citrus belt and therefore capable
of producing the choicest oranges and lemons, as well as the most delicious
of deciduous fruits. This fact had its influence in attracting settlers and
land sales were numerous in 1886.
During this year a very important purchase was made from the Pomona
Land & Water Co. by the Ontario Land and Improvement Co.. namely,
what is known as the "South Side," a tract of about 950 acres, two miles in
length and about three-quarters of a mile in breadth extending along the
Southern Pacific track and bounded on the south by the Chino Rancho.
Section 24, sloping north from the track on the west side of the colony, was
also purchased by the same Land Co. in Dec, 1886. This month contracts
were let for the bank building to be put up, running 115 feet along the
Southern Pacific track with 60 feet front on Euclid avenue. Plans were also
made for the subdivision of all the lands south of the railroad. The closing
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 577
of 1886 and the beginning of 1887 showed the completion of the second school
building in Ontario and also a large addition to the Ontario Hotel. The
Clarke Bros, had moved into their brick printing office; the fine residences of
Mr. Frankish and others were looming up among their vines and flowers.
Everything seemed to give promise to an unexampled period of prosperity
for this "child of the desert." The San Bernardino Courier writes thus of the
town :
"Of all her cities and towns, San Bernardino county has the most rea-
son to be proud of Ontario."
The passage of the first Santa Fe train through the Cajon Pass gave
a new impetus to the central part of the colony. What is now known as
"Upland" was started by the Bedford Bros., who gave to their 200 acre tract
the name of Magnolia, a name which has been perpetuated in the beautiful
hotel which they built and christened "Magnolia" Villa. At their sale held
in May, 1887, they disposed of $50,000 worth of lots. On the nth of May
the "South Side Tract" was put on the market and the lots were sold at an
average price of $150. Wadding-ham's Mill was moved across the track
and a street opened to the newly completed Southern Pacific depot. The
bank block was finished and two stores were in process of erection and sev-
eral were planned. Shade trees planted on all the streets grew rapidly and
soon made the south side a most desirable place of residence. During the
year 1887 the corner-stone of the Methodist Episcopal church had been laid
on G street and Euclid avenue and of the Presbyterian church on Ninth
street and Euclid avenue ; plans were drawn for the Brooks Block near the
Southern Pacific depot with a frontage of 120 feet on Emporia and 75 feet
on Euclid avenue. Taken all in all the year 1887 was one of steady advance-
ment in the "Model Colony." But the year was not to end without a slight
check. December 14th, a furious wind and sand storm swept over the
country and Ontario came in for her share. But though oranges and lemons
were blown off, trees stripped of their leaves, houses filled with sand and
dirt and unsubstantial buildings thrown down to make room for better ones.
no material damage was done after all and a good lesson was taught to
builders, for every well built edifice in the town stood the storm without
damage. A better system of pruning was also devised so that the trees have
stood more recent storms with but little injury.
In 1888 improvements went on as usual. The Methodist church was
dedicated in January and the Congregational chapel on West A street was
opened for service in March. The Bedfords, Clubine & Oakley and N. W.
Stowell were grading streets, laying sidewalks and erecting buildings in their
respective sub-divisions. On the 17th of March the Ontario Land and Im-
provement Co. served an elegant banquet in commemoration of the fifth
anniversary of the corner-stone laying of the College. The representatives
of the press who were present on both occasions freely admitted that the
-.78
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
predictions made five years before in regard to the future of Ontario had
been more than realized.
The narrow gauge road was now in running order to Chino and the
rails were laid for the electric road to San Antonio Heights. Lots on East
Fourth street had been donated by the Land Co. for a cemetery and an as-
sociation was formed to take charge of them. On April 17th, Miss Kate
Field lectured in Ontario and she too was charmed with the "Model
Colony." A new paper called the Observer was started this year with S. J.
Holsinger as editor; but he soon sold out to R. E. Blackburn, a young Ken-
tuckian, full of energy and determination, who devoted himself with great
zeal to the work of advertising Ontario, thus aiding in the work so ably be-
GRAVITY STREET RAILWAY
gun by the Record. The South Side added new business houses to the
town with the completion of the Workman Block, Chas. Conant opened a
drug store on the ground floor and R. O. Breckenridge a hardware store in
an adjoining building which he had just completed. The second story of
the Workman Block was a hall which has ever since been used for entertain-
ments and all large gatherings that have taken place in Ontario. If its
walls could speak they could reproduce many eloquent speeches and much
wit and merriment. Rose's Hall on Euclid avenue was blown- down by the
storm of 1887 and is now replaced with a substantial brick block. The old
hall was removed to Transit street and used for a time by the Episcopalians
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 579
and was then remodeled and removed to Euclid avenue. The Chino depot
was completed and occupied and the Brooks Building was finished and the
postoffice removed to it. Horsecars were in operation on the San Antonio
Heights railway while waiting for electrical appliances. This horsecar and
gravity line at Ontario was one of the curiosities of California which every
tourist was expected to see. Its novelty attracted extensive attention from
eastern papers and magazines. After the seven miles pull up the avenue
the weary horses or mules stepped lightly about the car. climbed upon a plat-
form attached to the rear and settled themselves for a comfortable nap. while
the car rolled easily down the long grade with its own weight as motive
power. This device is said to have been invented by Mr. Jas. B. Tays.
On April 7th, 1889, the Citizens' Bank opened in the Brooks Block with
J. P. Robertson as president and M. V. McQuigg as cashier. About the
same time the Ontario Fruit Co. began business at North Ontario. It was
conducted by the Bordwell Bros, and Mr. Fassett and proved a great benefit
both to Ontario and Cucamonga in the marketing of deciduous fruits. In
the earlv part of 1890 the Southern Pacific Hotel was opened in the Brooks
Block under the management of W. H. Brooks, Jr.. who had furnished it in
elegant style. In June, the People's Building and Loan Association was or-
ganized, an institution which at once became popular and which has proved
to be a most excellent Savings Bank. In October occurred the second sale
of the Bedford Tract, now Upland. It was purchased by the Harwood
Bros., to whom the interests of the Land Co. had been assigned.
In November, 1891. Ontario was incorporated as a city of the sixth class,
the great mistake being made of only taking in a half mile square. An at-
tempt was made to rectify this mistake some years later, by taking in all
the colony lands. Finally in 1900 a tract of twelve square miles was incor-
porated. During the year 1891 the San Antonio Light and Electric Power
Co. was organized for the purpose of furnishing electric light to Ontario,
Pomona and Redlands. To this company belongs the credit of being the first
plant for long distance transmission of electricity in the United States. In
1892 the current was delivered to Pomona and San Bernardino at the dis-
tance of eighteen and twenty-eight miles respectively, at a line voltage of
10,000, an achievement hitherto unheard of. The Bellevue Cemetery As< »cia-
tion was organized in 1892; the stock sold rapidly and the lots on Mountain
avenue were at once put in shape. The first interment was that of Mr.
Leonard Potter in March, 1892.
The cannery, established by the Ontario Fruit and Produce Co., was
running full blast during the summer of this year and proved a great suc-
cess in the handling of deciduous fruits. But unfortunately the company,
with no experience in the business, went into orange packing, paving high
prices for fruit and selling at a loss and the result was a complete failure
580
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
and the cannery was closed to the great loss of the community, such an es-
tablishment being almost a necessity in this fruit growing section.
The year 1893 marked the first decade in the history of Ontario and it
was fittingly celebrated on March 17th by the reception given to the Edi-
torial Association of Southern California. The Record-Observer of March
22nd gave full accounts of this event with the speeches and poems read. On
June 17th, the Ontario Fruit Exchange filed its papers of incorporation and
the following October the Lemon Growers' Exchange of Ontario was or-
ganized. During the years 1894-5 Ontario experienced a building boom. The
Osborne Block, Drew Building, Friend Block, Westminster Presbvterian
church and Citizens' Bank Block were erected, beside many small buildings
and private residences. A system of
sewers was established, cars were first
run by electricity and electric lights
were furnished the town.
In August, 1896, R. E. Blackburn
obtained control of 1100 acres of Chino
Rancho, adjoining Ontario on the
south and now known as "Blackburn's
Addition." This property was put up-
on the market and sold rapidly. On
December 3, 1897, the Brooks Block
was completely destroyed by fire, oc-
casioning serious loss to the town.
It was a fine building containing the
Southern Pacific Hotel, the postoffice,
a stationary store and various offices.
There was but little loss to merchants,
the fire having started in the upper
story, thus having allowed time for
the removal of goods on the ground
floor. In 1898 the Leach Building was
erected and occupied by the owner as
a hardware store. In 1899 the Waterman Condensing Co., with headquarters
in New York, removed its plant from the northern part of the state to On-
tario. Under the management of Mr. Elton P.. Shaw, the company began
the manufacture of California Grape Fruit, Lime Juice. Liquid Lemon,
Lemon Extract, Orange Marmalade, Pomelo Juice, and other fruit extracts.
For some years the amount of deciduous fruit produced in this district em-
phasized the fact that a cannery in Ontario was a necessity. Accordingly in
the spring of 1901 a number of citizens met and organized the Ontario Fruit
Co., several taking stock who had lost money in the previous attempt to es-
tablish this industry, thus showing their unselfish desire to benefit the town.
\\i>i.'i w mum
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 5S1
As a result of this organization the most complete cannery plant in Califor-
nia was established and ready for business in the summer of 1901. The re-
sults of the first season's work were quite satisfactory — about three-quarters
of a million cans having been put up and about 80 tons of dried fruit handled.
As in all new enterprises there were difficulties to be overcome, but the
stockholders have faith in the ultimate outcome.
And now having briefly sketched the history of our "desert born" town
through two decades, we shall notice some salient features of today.
WATER SUPPLY.
In any description of the model colony of Ontario, information concern-
ing the water system is of paramount importance ; for without the magic
touch of water the enterprise of the Chaffey Bros, would never have been
inaugurated. For the purpose of furnishing the tract with an ample supply,
the San Antonio Water Co., was organized in 1882. water rights in the
San Antonio creek having been purchased, including the overflow and
underflow.
The point of diversion is in the San Antonio Canon about two miles to
the northwest of the colony tract and for the first one-half mile the water is
conveyed in a cemented ditch to the main pipe line at the base of the
mountain. Here the water enters the largest main. The system of dis-
tribution over the entire tract consists of pipe lines, about sixty miles or
more in extent, varying in size from six to twenty-two inches or more in
diameter.
Iron and steel riveted pipes are used where water is delivered under
pressure, otherwise vitrified or cement pipe is laid. Pipes three or four
inches in diameter are used for domestic purposes.
The San Antonio Water Co. likewise delivers water to the incorporated
town of Ontario, but the Board of Trustees takes care of its distribution
in a network of pipes belonging to the town. From the end of the main pipe
line near the base of the mountain, to the Southern Pacific track at Ontario is
a distance of about seven miles. Considerable water has been developed by a
tunnel extending up the canon more than half a mile and tapping the under-
flow.
When the colony was started, it was thought the San Antonio Creek in
connection with its underflow would furnish abundant water for irrigation.
The San Antonio Water Co. had a right to one-half the water that flowed in
the bed of the creek. It was estimated — before the years of deficient rainfall
came — the flow at its lowest stage in July amounted to 96 inches. It was
estimated the underflow furnished 200 to 250 inches more. Up to a flow of
624 inches of water running in the bed of San Antonio Creek. Ontario is
entitled to one-half. When more than 624 inches of water are flowing in the
582 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
creek. Ontario is entitled to one-half of 624 inches and to all the surplus.
It is thus seen the colony has a fine water right.
There are 6064 shares of capital stock, one share to each acre, the water
right being an inch of water to each ten acres. The water is delivered
monthly to the highest point of each ten-acre tract in a run of thirty inches
for 24 hours. The system at present irrigates about 6000 acres.
It was demonstrated for years that an average rainfall insured Ontario
an ample supply of water during the irrigating season. But there came a
series of years remarkable in the history of California for light rainfall
The horticulturists of the colony owning property valued at millions of dol-
lars, naturally became greatly alarmed. With commendable energy the
Directors of the Water Company purchased additional land and water rights
and proceeded to make developments.
At Cucamonga 130 inches of water from artesian wells were secured
from Cucamonga Fruit Land Co. Other sources of supply were purchased
Ten wells have been bored, six at Claremont and four on the upper north-
west end of the Ontario colony. From these ten wells considerable water
has been pumped and delivered in the main pipe lines. The services of Geo.
Chaffey (mechanical engineer and founder of the colony) were secured and
pumping conducted in an economical manner. In the future one man with
a central electrical plant could pump a whole system of wells. The San
Antonio Water Co. has now four sources of supply; first, from the San
Antonio Creek: second, from the tunnels; third, artesian water; fourth,
that pumped from numerous wells.
In Ontario land owners are water owners, and water is king. A share
of stock goes with every acre sold and irrigation is carried on throughout
the year. According to the report of Engineer Geo. Chafrey, made Xov.
1st, 1899, between two and three hundred inches of water were pumped from
a series of wells. In all average years the supply is so abundant during
part of the year that water is allowed to go to waste. — Ontario Observer.
The average flow coming to Ontario from San Antonio Creek in the
last seventeen years for July. August and September measurements, was
300 inches; from San Antonio tunnel, 75 inches; from Cucamonga tunnel, 130
inches; total gravity flow 505 inches; pumped water from seventeen wells
on 1 6th street, 500 inches, and from four wells at Claremont 100 inches,
making a total of 1,100 inches now available as a water supply.
THE FRUIT INDUSTRY.
As has already been mentioned in this article, Ontario, besides her
great adaptability to the production of fruit of other kinds, was found to
be in the true citrus belt. Her soil under the excellent system of irrigation
prevailing in the colony, produces oranges, lemons and pomelos of unex-
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 583
celled appearance and flavor. She has now hundreds of acres of Washing-
ton navels and her lemons — most of which are seedless, or nearly so — are
superior in quality to the imported fruit. A recent analysis by the official
chemist of the New York Produce Exchange, shows that twelve California
lemons are equal in value to seventeen imported lemons tested under like
conditions.
As the fruit orchards of Ontario and the surrounding settlements came
into bearing, the question of marketing, of necessity, came to the fore. At
first the marketing of citrus fruits was largely experimental, while a can-
nery and various drying establishments took care of the deciduous fruit
which could not be marketed fresh. Out of many organizations and ex-
periments the present co-operative system of marketing has worked itself
• nit and while the methods are yet far from perfect, the packing and handling
of citrus fruit has become a great industry requiring knowledge, skill and
good judgment, as well as the best modern appliances for every department
connected with the business.
The Ontario-Cucamonga Fruit Exchange is composed of all the citrus
handling houses in western San Bernardino county, and at present has
the following members: Lemon Growers' Association, Upland; Cucamonga
Citrus Fruit Association, Cucamonga: Mountain \*iew Orange and Lemon
Ass'n Upland; Stewart Citrus Ass'n, Upland; West Ontario Ass'n, Narod :
Upland Citrus Ass'n, North Ontario; Etivvanda Citrus Ass'n, Etiwanda :
Citrus Fruit Ass'n, Ontario. These packing houses represent about 7,000
acres of citrus fruits. In the same district there is nearly an equal acreage
of deciduous fruits and vines and a large cannery, four fruit drying estab-
lishments and a plant for manufacturing fruit extracts, etc., which in
1903 put out 400 cars of products, valued at $400,000. The thirteen pack-
ing houses in the district handled about 2,500 cars of fruit.
Ontario Fruit Exchange.
The Ontario Fruit Exchange is an association of the Ontario-Cuca-
monga district of the Southern California Fruit Exchange. Directors, L.
S. Dyar, president; G. P. Damn, vice-president; D. R. Crawford, John Craw-
ford, A. P. Harwood ; secretary and manager, Charles D. Adams. At a
public .meeting held June 3, 1893, in Ontario, Cal., the Ontario Fruit Ex-
change was organized. On September 25 it agreed to become an associa-
tion of the San Antonio Fruit Exchange. Two years later it withdrew from
the corporation in order to enter, in November. 180.2, the Southern Cali-
fornia Fruit Exchange, as a separate district exchange, representing itself
and the lemon growers' organization. This position it occupied for two
years. In 1897 it withdrew from the double function of both a district ex-
change and an association within a district, in favor of a new corporation
formed to act as district exchange, and it became one of the associations
584 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
comprised in the Ontario-Cucamonga Fruit Exchange. This is a brief his-
tory of the parent exchange organization of western San Bernardino county,
comprising Ontario, Cucamonga and Etiwanda, about which the other ex-
change associations have grown up, and to this fact is due the distinctive
term applied to its brands, viz: "Nucleus Bear" brand, "Nucleus Quail"
brand, and "Nucleus Owl" brand. Great care is taken to keep up the high
character of these brands, and justify their reputation in the market. The
numerous special orders sent in for them are an indication of the esteem
in which they are held.
In the apportionment of the territory of our Ontario-Cucamonga dis-
trict among the different associations which comprise it, the extreme west-
ern part of the Ontario district, which is also that of San Bernardino county,
is the territory which comes under the care of this association, and its prin-
cipal packing-house is therefore located at Narod, about two miles west of
Ontario proper. This association handles oranges and grape fruit only.
Citrus Fruit Association of Ontario.
The colony of Ontario was one of the first to follow Riverside's experi-
ence in the development of the orange. The colony is peculiarly adapted
to the cultivation of citrus fruits and these two facts give to that section
today fine orange and lemon groves of mature age and fine producing
powers. The Citrus Fruit Association was formed in 1898, but its progress
has been very rapid. It now contains a membership of 225 stockholders,
said to be the largest in numbers in the associations in Southern California.
The packing-house is located on the eastern side of the city of Ontario,
with convenient trackage and containing abundant room. The house is 200
feet by go feet and is fitted up with the most improved machinery and appli-
ances for grading, sizing and packing the fruit. As this house is also used
to prepare lemons for marketing, storage room is amply provided for that
department also, giving the management the best of facilities for the work.
Two brands are sent out. the fancy as "Special Bear," and the choice
as "Special Quail." The officers of the association are : G. W. Russell,
president; J. T. Lindley, vice-president; M. V. McQuigg, G. T. Stamm, H.
H. Morgan. H. Little and Dr. Graettinger. The manager is F. A. Little,
and the secretary A. T. Hamilton.
The Upland Citrus Association.
This is the largest organization in the district of the Ontario-Cucamonga
Fruit Exchange and the youngest member of the family. Its name 'arises
from the fact that it handles the oranges grown by its members on the high-
est lands cultivated in the Ontario colony — the foothill territory which ex-
tends from the base of the mountains on the north to a short distance below
the Santa Fe railway on the south. North Ontario is the shipping point for
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 585
all this "upland" fruit, and has the distinction this season of shipping the
largest quantity of early fruit sent out from any point in Southern California.
In the shipping house of the Upland Association is found some of the
best machinery now in use in that line. The house is lighted throughout by
electricity and equipped with all the modern appliances run by electric power.
The association has from the beginning taken great pains to maintain uni-
formity and excellence in its brands. The "Upland Bear" is the fancy brand
and the "Upland Quail" the choice, these qualities having such a fine reputa-
tion in the east that it is not always possible to gratify all the dealers who
prefer them.
The directors are as follows: J. L. Paul, president: W. B. Stewart, vice-
president; B. K. Brant. J. N. Huehn and W. T. Leeke. The secretary and
manager is Charles H. Adams. The association has done its share toward
making the acceptance of the exchange unanimous at Ontario.
Lemon Growers' Exchange of Ontario.
Five lemon growers of Ontario and Cucamonga form the directorate of
this well-known association. They are C. E. Harwood. president: W. B.
Stewart, vice-president: J. N. Huehn, \Y. Scott Way and C. E. Keyes. J. W.
Freeman is the secretary and manager. This organization was formed in
the fall of 1893, and is the oldest organization for the marketing of lemons in
California. From its foundation it has been loyally sustained by the growers
at Ontario and Cucamonga. and last year was the most successful of its
existence.
The Ontario Exchange handles a very superior quality of lemons, the
soil being peculiarly adapted to the perfection of that fruit. It is claimed that
the most successful lemon grove in Southern California is located at Upland.
SCHOOLS.
The Ontario School District was organized in January, 1884, and the
first school was opened in March following with Miss Nellie Case as teacher.
It was held in various private buildings and in rooms in the College building
until January, 1887, when the Central school building was completed and
occupied. This building has cost about $6,000 and is surrounded by two
and a half acres of ground which is well laid out and is now well shaded.
In 1889, the Seventh street and South Side buildings w-ere erected, each
at a cost of about $2,500. Since that time the West Side school has been
put up at about the same cost and a one-story first grade building erected on
Euclid avenue. The San Antonio district, which is practically a part of
Ontario, has a neat and commodious building costing about $3,000 and em-
ploying two teachers. The Upland school employs four teachers.
For the season of 1903-4 Ontario employed fifteen teachers in her graded
586 HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY.
schools and had an average attendance of 519; the San Antonio school had
an attendance of 40 pnpils. Under the able supervision of Prof. Jefferson
Taylor, who has been at the head of the school for a number of years, the
Ontario schools have reached a high standard and are doing efficient work.
In 1901, a High School was established in the city which is already well
organized and well equipped. The building formerly occupied by Chaffey
College is now utilized as a High School building, and the school last year
had a faculty of six teachers, with Prof. Taylor at the head, and an enroll-
ment of 134 pupils.
THE CHURCHES.
As early as 1883 religious services were established in the colony of
Ontario, although there was then no church edifice. Now there are so many
that it might be said of Ontario as of Rhode Island in the time of Roger Wil-
liams— if a man had lost his religion, he might certainly find it here.
Taking the churches in the order of their establishment, we shall begin
with the
First Methodist Episcopal Church. Methodist services were held in
the parlors of the hotel in the autumn of 1883, the Rev. Mr. Fleming officiat-
ing, and persons of all denominations attending. The Methodist church
proper was organized soon afterward at the home of Mrs. S. W. Strong on
San Antonio avenue. The first members were Mr. and Mrs. S. W. Strong,
Mr. and Mrs. D. T. Jones and Mr. H. C. Oakley. As soon as the "adobe"
was finished the services were held in it until the completion of the college
chapel, when the congregation assembled there, and this continued to be their
place of worship until the present edifice was built on the northwest corner
of G street and Euclid avenue. This church is incorporated and its attend-
ance has so increased that it has been necessary to make two additions to the
building, notwithstanding the fact that the church lost a good many mem-
bers when the North Ontario M. E. church was organized. In 1883 the
Sabbath school was started in the attic of Mclntyre's carpenter shop with
Mrs. D. T. Jones as superintendent. It was afterward removed to Mr. Jones'
house and then to the "adobe" and the college chapel. Mrs. J. L. Pollock
is the present superintendent. The church has about 250 members, with an
Epworth League, Ladies' Aid, and Mission Society, etc. Including the par-
sonage, its propertv is valued at about $io,oco.
North Ontario M. E. Church. In i8yo some members of the Ontario
M. E. church, residing at North Ontario, formed a class presided over by
Rev. Daniel Ayres. They held prayer meetings in residences and preaching
services in halls and such other places as could be obtained. Their faithful
and constant work finally resulted in the organization of a church by the
Rev. W. A. Wright, pastor of the Ontario church, on October 1, 1899. The
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 587
new church had a membership of 80, which is now increased to more than
100. They have built a church costing about $6,000 and have a parsonage
adjoining. The Sunday school was organized in 1896.
Bethel Congregational Church. This church was organized by the Rev.
J. T. Ford, general missionary for Southern California, March 22. 1885. Of
the charter members. Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Moore and Mrs. Emma Joliffe are
still living in Ontario. The first meetings of the church were held in the
residence of Mr. Jos. Waddingham ; they were then held in the "adobe." On
the erection of the Ohio block, the northeast room was given, rent free, for
their worship until Rose's hall was secured for permanent use. When this
hall was blown down in 1887 a room was again given for the use of the
church in the Ohio block and services were held here until the erection of
their church, which was ready for use in the winter of 1888. Lots were
given on the south side to the church by Mr. W. J. Waddingham, but it was
deemed advisable to build on the present site, corner of Palm avenue and A
street, and lots were accordingly purchased there. The first pastor, the Rev.
\Y. H. Wolcott, began his services in March, 1885, and closed his efficient
labors in June, 1888. Revs. A. E. Tracey, Allen Hastings and John Barstow
followed.
The church building is a comfortable and well arranged frame structure.
The present membership of the church is more than 150.
The Christian Church. The Church of Christ of Ontario was organized
October 11, i8yi. at the residence of Mr. Geo. W. Russell by Rev. Mr. Wilson
of Pomona, with fifteen members, nine of whom are still living in Ontario.
The first public services were held in the A. O. U. W. hall, October 18. 1891.
Services continued in this hall until the Rev. B. F. Coulter donated the use
of a room in a block that he had just built. The Sunday school was organ-
ized in Mav, 1892. Services were held irregularly wtih- the Rev. Garvin of
Pasadena preaching until June, 1895, when the Rev. Mr. Logan became pas-
tor, followed by Rev. Waggoner. The church, which numbered about twenty
members, had a hard struggle for existence. In 1897 they began holding ser-
vices in the Unitarian chapel on Euclid avenue, which building was later
purchased by Mr. Jas. Young and presented to the church. So the church
now has a home.
Christ Church (Episcopal). During the winters of 1884-5 an^ '85-86
occasional services according to the prayer book of the American church were
held in the parlors of the Ontario Hotel, conducted by Rev. C. F. Loop or
Rev. J. D. H. Browne of Pomona. In 1886 the upper story of the Rose block
was secured and a mission of the Episcopalian diocese of Los Angeles, to be
known as "Christ Church Mission." was established and was for a number
of vears under the charge of a missionary resident at Pomona and served
jointly with that mission. Rev. J. Simonds was the first clergyman and Chas.
588 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
F. Chaffey the first warden. In 1896, May 18th, the mission was formally
received by Bishop Johnson as a parish.
In the year 1887, the lower floor of the Rose building was destroyed by
the wind storm, but the upper floor, which had been used for Episcopalian
services for years, was deposited intact on an adjoining lot and was at once
fitted up and used to house the hardware and drug stores which had formerly
been located in the lower story of the building. When the Episcopalians se-
cured a lot of their own, they bought the one-story building which they had
previously occupied as the upper story of the Rose block and removed it to
their lot. During the winter of 1893-4 it was decided to remove the chapel
to a more favorable location, and lots were purchased for the present site :
the old building was removed and enlarged and fitted up into a most con-
venient and attractive chapel. In 1901 another lot adjoining the church prop-
erty was purchased and a large and well appointed rectory was built.
The changes and interregnums of the Ontario mission had been frequent
until 1895, when the Rev. R. H. Gushee was placed in charge by the bishop.
Father Gushee was then in deacon's orders but has since been ordained a
priest in his own parish. He has since remained with this parish, which
has grown in strength, usefulness and grace since his coming.
First Baptist Church. During the spring of 1894 several of the Baptist
families of Ontario held prayer meetings at their various homes. Among
those who were foremost in making these meetings successful were Mrs. L.
M. Knox, Mrs. M. E. Baldwin, Mrs. H. J. Rose, Messrs. Wm. Friend, L, N.
McClure, J. L. Grisham and E. B. Powell. A meeting was held in a room
over Mr. E. B. Powell's store September 16, 1894, at which the Rev. E. G.
Wheeler of the chapel car Emanuel preached, and at the close of the service
a business meeting was held and a permanent organization effected, to be
known as the First Baptist church of Ontario. The original members were
39 in number. A Sunday, school was organized in October, 1894. In 1899
the church was incorporated and in 1901 erected its present building, a mod-
ern frame structure, having a seating capacity of several hundred. The cost
was about $2,500.
The present membership is about 125. The Sunday school has an en-
rollment of 80. The usual societies are connected with the church and the
church is in a prosperous condition.
First Presbyterian Church. The first Presbyterian church services were
held in Ontario in 1887, with the Rev. C. D. Merrill as pastor. The church
was organized in 1888 with about 24 members, of whom only Mr. Geo. S.
Barrett remains. A church building was erected this same year on the cor-
ner of Ninth street and Euclid avenue. It was blown down in the fall of
1890 and in 1891 a new church, a modern building costing about $5,000, was
erected. Since that date a manse costing about $2,000 has been added to the
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 589
church property . The present membership is about ioo and the regular
church societies are all well sustained.
Westminster Presbyterian Church. This church was organized in April,
1895, by some members of the North Ontario church who found it incon-
venient to go so far to their place of worship. They first erected a small
building on the corner of C street and Euclid avenue. Their attendance
increased so rapidly that it was found necessary to build a large addition
which made the building one of the finest churches in the settlement. The
entire cost of the structure is about $7,000. The church has a membership
of about 100 and its adjuncts are well organized and doing efficient service.
FRATERNAL SOCIETIES.
As in churches, Ontario abounds in fraternal organizations, of which
we shall give a brief notice.
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 345. Instituted July
14, 1888, with six members, of whom Mr. Alfred Piddington is the only one
now living in Ontario. This lodge is both charitable and beneficiary. It
has been a successful institution in Ontario and has paid largely out of its
treasury for the sick and for other benevolent purposes. Many persons com-
ing here sick have been the recipients of its bounty; 160 persons have passed
its portals by initiation. The lodge owns its own hall on Euclid avenue,
between A and B streets, where its weekly meetings are held.
I. O. O. F., Euclid Lodge No. 68, of North Ontario. Instituted Novem-
ber 28, 1898. This lodge meets once a week in a hall over the Commercial
bank. Its features are identical with those of the above mentioned lodge,
and it is in a flourishing condition.
Knights of Pythias. Ontario Lodge, No. 222, instituted April 1, 1901,
by Grand Chancellor W. T. Jeter, is a comparatively new institution here, but
is very popular, and some of our best citizens belong to the order. Life in-
surance is one of its features. The lodge meets weekly in the I. O. O. F.
hall.
Fraternal Aid Association. Organized in 1892. This is a beneficiary
institution which has grown rapidly and has been one of the strongest in the
colony. It meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month in the
Foresters' hall.
Ontario Lodge 301, F. & A. M. Organized in 1890 with A. G. Kendall
as first Worshipful Master. The order has grown steadily and now has
about 60 members. It has always been a strong and active organization.
It holds its weekly meetings in I. O. O. F. hall.
590 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Order of the Eastern Star. Euclid Chapter No. 179 was organized May
3, 1900, under the auspices of the Grand Lodge of California and Nevada,
Geo. L. Darling, Grand Worthy Patron, officiating. It meets on the second
and fourth Fridays of each month in I. O. O. F. hall.
The W. C. T. U. In 1887, a meeting was called to organize a W. C. T.
U. in Ontario. About thirty ladies gave their names as -members. Mrs. Lord
of Pasadena presented the work, a society was organized, and Airs. C. D.
Merrill was chosen as the first president and Mrs. F. E. Oakley, secretary.
This organization was later allowed to lapse.
October 7, 1890, Mrs. Button, president of the county W. C. T. U., called
a meeting and reorganized the Union, with Mrs. Magill, president; Mrs.
Waddingham, secretary, and Mrs. Oakley, treasurer. Since that date the
Union, although never large, has been a force for righteousness in the com-
munity. There are at present thirty-two active and six honorary members.
During the past year the Union has collected and distributed over $100. car-
ried on fourteen lines of work, held monthly business and monthly parlor
meetings, secured lectures, etc.
CHAPTER XN.
CHINO.
The early history of the Chino Raucho has been given previously. After
the death of Col. Isaac Williams, the property was owned by his daughter,
Francesca, who was the wife of Robert Carlisle. Carlisle was killed in Los
Angeles, July 5. 1865, and the estate was for several years managed by Jos-
eph Bridger, son-in-law of Col. Isaac Williams, and guardian of the Carlisle
heirs. About 1874, it was mortgaged to Los Angeles parties, and ultimately
passed into their hands. They placed Mr. H. G. Stewart on the property as
manager.
In 1 88 1 , the Rancho del Santa Ana del Chino, and "Addition to Santa
Ana del Chino," were sold to Richard Gird, who at once took possession, and
began making improvements. He purchased additional lands until his
entire holdings included 47,000 acres. For a number of years the rancho
was chiefly devoted to stock raising, and at one time there were 800 finely
bred horses, and six thousand cattle upon it. To improve the grade of his
stuck, Mr. Gird imported Durham and Holstein stock, and at one time had
a herd of two hundred blooded milch cattle — one of the finest dairies in the
state.
In 1887, 23,000 acres of this rancho was surveyed into ten acre tracts,
and a town site one mile square was laid out. The entire tract was damp
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 591
land, with water near the surface, and artesian wells in the tract, and in
Los Angeles county, near Pomona, gave an abundant supply of water for
domestic purposes, and for irrigation.
Mr. Gird at once built a narrow guage road from Ontario ; put up a large
brick store building, and secured a newspaper plant. The Chino Valley
Champion, made its first appearance Nov. II, 1887, and was, of course, one
of the strong factors in upbuilding the town. Col. YYasson. its first editor,
was succeeded in 1891 by Edwin Rhodes, who has continued as editor to
this day, and who has given the Champion, an individuality of its own.
During 1888, the Pomona and Elsinore Railroad was incorporated, with
Samuel Merrill, Richard Gird, F. H. Heald, H. A. Palmer, G. L. Joy and
R. B. Taylor, as directors. The line was surveyed through Chino and it was
confidently expected that it would be built immediately and would ulti-
mately become the main line of the Southern Pacific to San Diego.
The same year, the Chino Valley Manufacturing Company, with Robert
B. Hunter, John K. Wolcott, Henry M. Ryan, H. L. Drew. Byron Waters
and Richard Gird, directors, was formed. They proposed to erect extensive
rolling mills, the iron to be supplied from the newly discovered beds at Dag-
gett, and manufacture on a large scale. The prospects for the company
seemed bright, but the collapse of the boom carried it under.
Feb. 2, 1889. "What Chino has done in a year. Chino is a little over a year
old. It is centrally located, on a 23.000 acre tract of remarkably rich fruit
and agricultural land, which was all devoted to stock raising up to a year
ago. Though never miry or swampy, about 8,000 acres are naturally moist,
and will abundantly produce all kinds of vegetables, grasses, grains, nuts,
deciduous and small fruits, etc., and the balance needs irrigation in greater
or less quantities, according to locality and production. It is adapted to
oranges, lemons, figs and everything that will grow in good soil, and it, and
the town of Chino, are now supplied with choice artesian water from over
twenty wells, which will be increased as required. Chino has about sixty
children of school age, with a daily average attendance of about fort}-, in a
new and well equipped school house. The Baptists and Congregationalists
hold regular church services, with a well attended Sunday school; a daily,
mail and Wells-Fargo Express service: a weekly newspaper, hotel, stores,
etc., with three daily trains, on the China Valley railroad, between Chino.
and Ontario, and with a fair prospect of securing a branch line, if not the
main line, of a new overland railway system. A first-class nursery has been
established, and many thousand of fruit, nut and other trees planted, and
more are being planted every day. These are a few of the points of prog-
ress made in a quiet season, within a year, on a hitherto cattle range."' —
Champion.
About this time Mr. Gird, began experimenting with beet growing for
sugar, and so successful were his efforts, that in i8<jo, the ( Ixnard Bros., de-
RICHARD GIRD
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 593
cided to build the Chino Beet Sugar Factory. The first brick for the main
building was laid by Mrs. Gird, Jan. 17, 1891, and the work progressed rap-
idly. Feb. 1 8th, a severe windstorm visited the country, and the brick walls
of the factory were blown down, entailing a considerable loss. At 2 p. m., on
August 21st, Mrs. Gird touched the button which set the machinery in mo-
tion, and sugar making was begun.
The building of the factory gave new life to Chino and vicinity. The
raising of beets, and the factory itself, gave employment to a large number of
men. and distributed large sums of money among settlers.
The Southern Pacific put in a track from Ontario, in i8yi, and built a
depot. About 1896 it purchased the narrow gauge road to Pomona, and in
1898 changed its main line so that through traffic passed through Chino. In
1892, Mr. Gird built the Opera House block, at a cost of $11,000, and other
new buildings followed. Chino took an active part in the Court House and
County Division fight, and was a strong supporter of the proposed San An-
tonio county, with its eastern limit, including Etiwanda, and the western
line extending to Azusa, and with "either Pomona, Ontario, or Chino, as
the county seat."
In 1893, the ladies formed an "Improvement Association" with Mrs. Gird,
president; Mrs. N. Sleppy, vice-president; Mrs. George Slasher, secretary:
and Mrs. O. J. Newman, treasurer. They secured rooms in the Shepherd
Block and opened reading rooms. By means of concerts and entertainments
of a social nature, this room was maintained for a year or more, and was a
great addition to the advantages of the town.
Although a considerable acreage had been sold off, a large area of the
Rancho was still used as a stock range. The fine pasturage and the beet
pulp from the factory, gave unusual facilities for the fattening of stock for the
market. Much of this was brought from Arizona, — eighteen carloads being
brought at one time in March, 1895. In this way, Messrs. Vail and Bates,
cattlemen, became interested in the Rancho. A dairy was established, and
an excellent grade of butter was made, the milk being purchased from a large
number of stock owners.
In 1896, the Puente Oil Co., \Ym. Lacey, president; H. E. Groves, sec-
retary, established a Refinery in Chino, having made a contract to supply
the Sugar Factory with fuel. The oil was piped from the company's wells
at Puente. Tanks with a capacity of 15,000 barrels, stills, coolers and a com-
plete plant, was erected with a capacity of 250 barrels of crude oil per day,
the refuse being used by the engines of the factory.
It would be impossible to follow all the changes in ownership, and the
litigation concerning the Chino Rancho property, that has arisen in the past
few years.
On Nov. 25th. 1894. the newspapers chronicled the largest land deal ever
ry.)4
HISTORY OF SAN BERXARDIXO COUNTY.
made in San Bernardino county. This was the transfer of 41,000 acres of
Chino Rancho, to Charles H. Phillips, of San Louis Obispo, for a considera-
tion named as $1,600,000. This included the narrow guage road and the
water rights.
In April, 1896, the ranch was again sold to English capitalists, who
placed the land upon the market in small tracts, under the management of
Easton and Eldridge, the well known real estate firm. Since that time,
changes, transfers, mortgages and foreclosures have succeeded one another,
and the end is not yet.
The town of Chino, and the surrounding country, continues to develop,
and improvements are constantly being made. Unquestionably, Chino pos-
sesses exceptional advantages for the culture of varied crops and fruits, and
for diversified farming, and its many thrifty farmers, and comfortable farm
home, are a witness to its advantages. The settlement now has a popula-
tion of about 1700.
CHINO SCHOOLS.
In August, 1888, the New Chino District was set off from- Chino District
which has since been re-named "Pioneer District." A neat school house was
built in the new district by Mr. Gird and completely furnished and equipped
to accommodate eighty pupils. School was opened here in September, 1888.
In 1891, it was found necessary
to enlarge this school house and
i employ two teachers, the district
""J-'-s. '« then l13^''11? ID9 census children.
''.'y\ By 1894, the number of census
children had increased to 373 and
eight teachers were employed.
This year, Mr. and Mrs. Gird
and the Sugar Company erected
the Central school house, a brick
building with four rooms, library,
halls and all arrangements neces-
il • . -.-^"tf.-'-l -•!.-. j ,,arv f, ,,- an up-to-date school.
the gird school y]le grounds about the building
were set with flowers and shrubbery and made beautiful through the gener-
osity of the donors. Mrs. Gird, who was clerk of the School Board, gave her
personal attention to these improvements and did much by her interest to in-
crease the usefulness of the school.
In 1895, Chino District voted bonds for two thousand dollars to build
two additional school houses, one to be located in East Chino and the other
in West Chino. In 1897, the Chino High School District was organized and
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
r,yr>
$20,000 was voted for a High School building. An addition was made to
the Central School which gave the district six grammar rooms and two High
School rooms, all well arranged and furnished. In the fall of 1897, tne school
was opened under the name of the Richard Gird High School, and has done
good work and is now duly ac-
credited by the State University.
In 1903 the Chino District em-
ployed eleven teachers and had
an average attendance of 240 pu-
May 11, 1888, a Swedish Bap-
tist church was organized at'
Chino, by the Rev. A. B. Orgren,
John Shorland and E. Leuts,
deacons, and A. W. Hagstrom,
clerk. This church for several
years held regular services in the
school house, but now has a
building of its own.
The first English service was
held in Chino by the Rev. H. P.
Case, of Los Angeles, in Novem-
ber, 1888. Arrangements were
made for the Congregational min-
ister from Pomona to preach
twice a month.
A Methodist church was formed
regular services.
in Chino in
VICTOR GL'STAFSON .
1892 and has a bi
THE CHINO BEET SUGAR FACTORY.
About 1887. Mr. Henry T. ( l.xnanl. came to California, to investigate
the possibilities for the beet sugar industry in this state. The Alvarado
factory, the pioneer beet sugar factory of the United States, had been in
operation in the northern part of the state for twenty years, but it was be-
lieved the climate of Southern California was too mild to bring out the sac-
charine qualities of the beet sufficiently to make beet raising for sugar a
profitable proposition. Mr. Richard Gird of the Chino Rancho, after study-
ing the subject determined to give the matter a thorough, test and began
a series of experiments and tests, extending over several years. The
results obtained by Mr. Gird were so favorable that Mr. Oxnard twice
visited Chino. the last time bringing an expert from France, Mr. Augustin
Desprez. After a careful investigation these gentlemen were satisfied, not
MRS. RICHARD GIRD
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 597
only that the beets could be raised, but that they possessed an unusually high
percentage of sugar, and that the conditions were favorable on the Chino
Rancho, for the successful operation of a beet sugar factory. Mr. Gird made
most liberal concessions and as a result, a contract was signed, December
1 8th, 1890, for the erection of the Chino Beet Sugar Factory. By the terms
of this contract, Mr. Gird granted the Company 2500 acres of land, and
agreed to supply water; he also contracted to furnish 2250 acres of beets the
first year, 4000 the second, and 5000 for three succeeding years ; the Com-
pany was to have the factory ready for the beet crop of 1891, and was to
operate for five succeeding' years.
Work was begun upon the factory at once, and was pushed so well that
August 20th, 1891, Mrs. Gird touched the button that set the machinery in
motion. The plant was equipped with the latest and most complete ma-
chinery, twenty-eight carloads of which had been brought from Germany,
and was prepared to turn out as perfect a product as is possible to manu-
facture. August 22nd, '91 at 4 p. m., was sacked the first granulated and re-
fined sugar ever made in Southern California. Sept. 3rd, the factorv was, for
the first time, thrown open to the public and was visited by several hundred
people under the auspices of the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce. The
new industry was welcomed, not only by the people of San Bernardino
county, but by the entire section of the state as well.
Regarding the working of the factory, Merrick in "the American
Siig-ar Industry" says :
"The factory began operations in 1891, when less than 2000 acres of
beets were grown, and the average yield was only seven tons per acre, or
13,000 tons, for which the farmers were paid $51,000. During the season of
1895, five thousand acres in this township were devoted to beets, while the
product of 2,500 acres more were hauled by rail about 75 miles from the
Orange county district. The factory that year converted 83,000 tons of
beets into sugar, for which the farmers were paid nearly $362,000. Most
of the beets are grown within, two miles of the factory, the longest wagon
haul bfing eight miles, and the shortest half a mile. Over twenty million
pounds of refined sugar was actually made and sold exclusive of all raw
sugar, and a little molasses, etc., or an average of 240 pounds of refined
sugar obtained and sold from each ton of beets, or 2147 pounds from each
acre of beets. The land about the factory is peculiarly fitted for this in-
dustry, as seed can be planted very early on the uplands, and then in suc-
cession on the lower lands. Thus the factory can begin to work up the
early crop of July, and in the absence of frost can run until the latest seed-
ling is- harvested in November. All pitting and storing of beets is thus
saved — a most important consideration. The campaign of 1897 was almost
ideal, the factory running 151 days on 97,197 net tons of beets, that contained
an average of 15^ per cent sugar, and yielded 24.303,000 pounds of standard
598 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
granulated sugar. There were harvested for the mill 9,628 acres out of the
io.oco contracted for. $420,000 was paid to the farmers this year for their
beets."
So successful was the Chino factory, that the Alamitos plant in Orange
county, and the Oxnard factory in Ventura county, have followed.
The original cost of the Chino plant, was put at about $600,000 and vari-
ous additions and changes have been made since, bringing the outlay up to a
million dollars at least. The fuel used is crude oil, obtained from the
Puente wells, fourteen miles away. In 1896, the Puente Oil Company es-
tablished a refinery at Chino, and the sugar factory consumes the refuse
after refinement. It burns from 75,000 to 100,000 barrels during a season,
and also consumes large cjuantities of lime stone, and lime, which is mostly
obtained from the Victor quarries. The water supply is obtained form
artesian wells in the vicinity of the factory, a large number having been put
down for the company.
The "campaign" varies from three to five months, according to the sea-
son. During the campaign, Chino, and the factory are busy places. From
250 to 400 people are employed at the factory, and the monthly pay roll some-
times runs up to $25,000. The large amount of teaming, the shipping of
sugar and the bringing in of materials for the factory, makes a heavy freight
business, and Chino is one of the most important shipping points of the
Southern Pacific Railroad, between El Paso and Los Angeles.
The acreage annually devoted to beet raising in the vicinity of Chino,
is about 8,000 acres, while the beets average 15.5 per cent of sugar. The an-
nual output of the factory, varies from twenty to twenty-five million pounds
of sugar. The plant now belongs to the American ?>eet Sugar Company,
which also owns the factories at Oxnard, Cal.. Rocky Ford, Colo., and Grand
Island and Norfolk, Neb.
HOW BEET SUGAR IS MADE.
"First the beets are brought in by the farmers and deposited in large
sheds with V-shaped bottoms, which are connected with the factory by
means of channels through which a moderate flow of water carries the beets
into the first washing machine. By means of a spiral the beets are tumbled
about, washed, and carried on until they drop into an elevator which carries
them to the top of the building, where they pass .through an automatic
weigher and are sliced in such a manner as to open up the pores of the beet
as far as possible. The sugar beet is very similar to the honeycomb and in
its little cells is secreted the sweet matter, so that in slicing it is desirable
to open up as many of these cells as is possible. Hence the necessity of hav-
ing the knives sharp, so that the cells may not be ruptured, but clean cut.
As these slices come from under the cutter they are put in wdtat is known a?
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 599
a diffusion battery. In this battery tlie sugar is extracted by soaking the
sliced beets in water. Warm water is turned into the contents of a large
iron jar holding several tons of sliced beets. This water circulates through
the mass of cosettes (the name given to the sliced beets) and passes out
through the bottom by means of a pipe, which enters the top of vat No. 2,
the water being forced along by pressure.
"From one battery to another this liquid passes along until it has gone
through fourteen jars or cells, when it is shown that sufficient water has
passed through jar No. I. The water is now turned off and No. 2 becomes
No. 1 and No. 1 is emptied of its cosettes and refilled, becoming No. 14. and
so the circle is continued all day and all night, procuring in this way all the
sugar in the cosettes in a liquid form, which now has the color of vinegar.
This liquid is now taken to a measuring tank near by, from which it goes to
a mixer, where it is mixed with lime and then put into a large tank for car-
bonation, in which the lime and all foreign matter that it contains is ren-
dered insoluble by means of carbonic acid gas forced through the bottom of
the carbonating tank. Then the mixture goes through the filter press rooms
where by means of an elaborate series of frames, it is filtered and becomes
transparent. This entire process is repeated the second time. This finished,
the syrup is treated with sulphur fumes and then passes into the 'quadruple
effect" — four large boilers in which the water contained is evaporated, when
we have what is called 'thick juice." This syrup is boiled in the vacuum
pan and now becomes raw sugar, and is then run into the centrifugals and
made into white sugar. The sugar is now damp like wet snow, and by means
of a granulator, it is dried and through different sieves it is separated into
the finer or coarser sugar, ready for the market."' — The American Sugar
Industry.
RICHARD GIRD.
Richard Gird was born in Litchfield, Herkimer county, New York,
March 29th, 1830. His family on the mother's side was of Puritan descent,
his grandmother tracing her lineage directly to one of the families who cam.
over in the Mayflower. On the father's side the grandfather was a Virginian
and the grandmother was of the Dutch stock of New York. Hence this typ-
ical American combines the Puritan, the Cavalier and the Knickerbocker
blood in his veins.
His father, John Gird, was a well-to-do farmer of high character: it
was his boast that he never allowed an obligation against him to mature.
His mother was a woman of remarkably beautiful character and pos-
sessed a great fund of information acquired by extensive reading. She con-
stantly strove to instill in her children her own fine sense of honor and of
honesty and the principles of natural morality. Air. Gird's younger days
600 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
were passed upon the farm and he led the life of a boy of the time, — working
from early dawn to dusk through the long summer days and attending school
during the winter, between chore times. It was severe training but it gave
lessons in self reliance that no other upbringing afifords. Mr. Gird himself
says: "My father's business was that of dairying and required the closest
application. Our holidays were very few. Work, work, work and study,
study, study was the program. I had only a common school education, but
it is my impression that the common school was more effective in its results
in those days than it is now. I was known as a 'bad boy' and was switched
every day, but however sharply the apple withe wound round my legs they
never got a whimper out of me. Yet at sixteen I had gained a fair knowledge
of trigonometry and other higher branches and had read all the books I
could get hold of in my father's and the school district library and else-
where."
The eldest son of the family, Henry, had gone to California in 1849 and
his letters gave such inviting accounts of the country and life that Richard,
then in his sixteenth year, decided to follow him. The boy was already
known for his determined character and after many remonstrances and tear-
ful interviews with his mother, his parents consented to his plan and his
father fitted him out for the journey. He joined his brother in El Dorado
county but was soon seized with Panama fever and was advised to seek a
lower elevation. He then located on a ranch in the beautiful Russian River
valley. This country was then but sparsely settled by whites but was occu-
pied by a large number of Indians who were often troublesome.
After ranching here for several years, Mr. Gird decided to go to South
America. He sailed from San Francisco for Valparaiso in Feb., 1858, hoping
to find adventure and to learn something of the mining conditions in that
country. With his blankets on his back, he traveled over the greater part of
Chili, examining mines, etc. For several months be was in charge of a sec-
tion of the first railroad built in South America, under that pioneer in rail-
road financiering — Harry Meigs.
Mr. Gird returned to California b\r way of New York state and in 1861,
went into Arizona, taking with him the first assaying and civil engineering
outfit that ever went into the territory of Central Arizona. Here his active
spirit led him into many enterprises and made' him an important factor in the
early development of the territory. In company with one Bradshaw, he
established a ferry across the Colorado where Ehrenberg now stands : he
broke the first trail from the river across the desert to the spot where Pres-
cott is now located: he made up a party to prospect in the Apache country.
This party was frequently attacked by Indians and met with many hard-
ships. Within a year all but three or four of the thirteen men who started
out had been killed by the Indians. Later Mr. Gird joined a party of 100
men which lias been organized to fight the Apaches in their own strongholds
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 601
and with their own tactics. This body of men ranged over the country from
Prescott to the banks of the Gila and punished the savage tribe so severely
that their power was broken and they learned for the first time that they
could not hope to destroy the white man.
During all of these trips, Mr. Gird carried a surveyor's compass with
him and took acurate bearings of all natural objects of importance, such as
mountain peaks, etc. ; he also took full notes of all his journeyings. As a
result of the knowledge thus acquired, the first Legislature of the Territory
authorized him to make a map of the Territory. With the aid of this map.
and acting upon Mr. Gird's advice, Gen. McDowell, then commander of the
Department of the Pacific, located the military posts of Fort Grant. Fort
Lowell, San Carlos and others, which are familiar names to the country.
The young engineer was employed for some months in this work in the topo-
graphical department of the army. He also, in connection with Prof. Whit-
ney, made a number of geological maps of the country.
After a few years spent in San Francisco, during which he engaged in
the business of manufacturing mining machinery. Air. Gird returned to Ari-
zona in 1874. He put up a number of mills at various mines; erected and put
into operation the first successful smelter in the Territory; acted as deputy
mineral land surveyor and made an immense number of assays — which work
he always did gratuitously. In 1878, Edward Schieffelin returned from
Southern Arizona and brought some ore which Mr. Gird at once recognized
as promising. He joined the discoverer in making up and outfitting a party
and went with them to explore the vicinity from which the ore had been
taken. The result was the location of the famous Tombstone mining dis-
trict. Through Mr. Gird's efforts and under his direction, a company was or-
ganized, capital was secured, a saw-mill to supply lumber — the first in
Southern Arizona — was built and reduction works were erected. He was
the first superintendent of the mine's and turned out the first bullion from
them. In 1881, Mr. Gird sold out his interest in these mines and after look-
ing about for some months, purchased the ranch of Santa Ana- del Chino com-
prising about 37,000 acres, to which he added by subsequent purchases until
it numbered some 46,000 acres.
In the same year he married Miss Nellie McCarty of San Francisco, a
young lady whose character and attainments especially qualified her to be
a helpmeet to her husband in all his future labors and usefulness.
The Chino Ranch had long been noted as one of the finest stock ranges
in the country and .Mr. Gird at once set about improving the breed of the
stock on his own ranch and in the neighboring country. With this end in
view he purchased three fine stallions in France and others in this country.
For one stallion he paid $10,000 and was afterwards offered $40,000. He also
imported Holstein cattle and experimented in crossing them with Durham
stock, thus producing the best all around cattle for milk and for beef. As
602 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
a result of Mr. Gird's public spirited efforts in this direction the grade of
both cattle and horses in this county, and indeed throughout the southern
end of the state was materially improved.
Mr. Gird believed that the small farmer was the backbone of our coun-
try and that the breaking up of the large landed estates was essential to the
best welfare of our state. The bottom lands of Chino Ranch were particu-
larly adapted to small farms, since orchard fruits as well as vegetables and
grain could be raised here successfully without irrigation. He decided to di-
vide twenty thousand acres of the ranch into ten acre tracts and put them on
the market. This was done just at the time that the "boom" ended and land
sales were at a standstill throughout Southern California. He then began
experimenting to find an agricultural product which would be especially
adapted to the climate and general conditions and would find a ready market.
Experiments were made with ramie, the pongee silk of the East Indies and
Japan from which many valuable fabrics are produced, and also with can-
aigre. which has been successfully raised for its tannic properties in some sec-
tions of the United States.
H. T. Oxnard. who had just returned from Europe after a comprehen-
sive examination into beet sugar culture, was then turning his attention to
the possibilities of California in this direction. The experts agreed that
sugar beets could not be ripened to their highest perfection in Southern Cal-
ifornia as it required cold weather to bring out the sugar. Mr. Gird found,
however, in his investigations, that the sugar beet was a native of the north
shores of the Mediterranean, a climate almost identical with our own, and de-
termined that it should do well under conditions so like its native land.
He procured seed and planted plots four rods square on different sec-
tions of his ranch. A man was detailed to look after these plots and bring
in samples for analysis at regular intervals, from June to December. Mr.
Gird himself made a careful analysis of these beets and kept a full record of
same every week during the season for four years. By his exhaustive exper-
iments it was fully proved that sugar beets could be raised in Southern Cali-
fornia and that they contained a much larger per cent of sug-ar than those
raised in Europe.
As a direct result the Oxnards decided to build the Chino Beet Sugar
factory. Mr. Gird gave them 2,500 acres of land, a bonus equivalent to $250,-
000, and also agreed to supply them with 4,000 acres of beets to begin work
upon. To carry out this contract he bought the first steam-plow ever seen
in Southern California and at times employed 600 men in the field. It was
also necessary to design special seeders, cultivators and tools for this work,
and Air. Gird's original designs for these tools have since been largely copied.
So successful was the Chino enterprise that since then three other large
plants have been erected in the southern end of the state, and the debt which
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 603
this section owes to Mr. Gird for his faitli and perseverance in pushing beet
sugar culture can hardly be over estimated.
Mr. Gird is one of the men who have "made the west ;" men who have
worked with both hand and brain, who were ready to meet every emergency,
who were never discouraged, never afraid. He has always been public spirited
and open-handed. "While he and Airs. Gird lived at the Chino Ranch House,
they kept open house and entertained man}' distinguished guests from other
countries and from our own land. Their life was typical of the pastoral
days of the Spanish era when a heart-felt welcome and an unstinted hospi-
tality awaited every comer. It is to be regretted that this home — one of the
last to carry us back to days when a touch of romance and unconventionality
still lingered — is now closed.
For several years past Mr. Gird has been largely and successfully en-
gaged in mining in Mexico; but he has now returned to California and will
retain his interests and make his home in this section of the state.
CHAPTER XXI.
HIGHLAND.
E. J. Yokam.
The section of San Bernardino county known as Highland comprises a
narrow belt of foothill slopes, skirting the southern base of the San Bernar-
dino range of mountains and extending westward over ten miles from the
gorge of the Santa Ana. These fertile table lands form the northeastern
boundary of the San Bernardino Valley and are situated several hundred feet
above the valley basin in the thermal, or frostless belt.
The Highland district is divided by topographical lines into what is
locally known as "Highland." "East Highlands" and "West Highlands.'"
Highland comprises about four square miles of the central portion and
is an unbroken plateau inclining to the southwest and varying in altitude
from 1300 to 1600 feet. The name was given to the region by W. H. Ran-
dall, W. T. Noyes and others when the school district was organized in 1883.
Although there were several squatters on the territory embraced in
Highland prior to 1870 the first permanent settlements were made after that
date. Probably the first white man to occupy the territory was Walter A.
Shay, Sr., who came to California in 1849. I'1 !856, he built a small house
near the mouth of City Creek canon and lived here for a couple of years.
In the early sixties Goodcell Cram took up a government claim west of
City Creek and north of what is now Highland avenue. John E. Small later
purchased the east half of this land which later passed into the hands of C.
604
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
Allen. W. H. Randall and W. T. Noyes. Besides these. J. S. Loveland, C.
D. Haven, W. R. Ingham, David Seeley, Mathew Cleghorn and George Mil-
ler were among the early settlers.
- The first improvements made by these settlers were primitive in type.
They were generally men of limited means and the prospect for making a
living on these dry lands was not flattering. But during the decade between
1870 and 1880 water .began to be utilized, on the lands and the possibilities
of the combination of water and this rich alluvial soil begain to develop,
The early settlers planted deciduous fruits and grapes with an occasional
orchard of seedling oranges. In January, 1872, W. R. Ingham, who had
come from New York state
two years before, bought
120 acres of land and plant-
ed a nursery of citrus trees,
the first planted on this side
of the valley. Mr. Ingham
subsequently sold this land
to David Seeley and others
and it now produces some
of the finest oranges in this
district. In 1874 Mr. Ing-
ham bought the ten acres
where he resided for 25
years and planted about six
acres of orange trees. Mr.
Ingham was the first to util-
ize the waters of City Creek
for irrigation. For the first
year or two he hauled water
from Harlem Springs, two
miles away, to keep his
young grove alive. He then
constructed an earth ditch
to bring the water of City Creek onto his land.
During the next few years several tracts were set out to seedling
oranges but there was never a very large acreage of seedlings in Highland.
In 1878. Mr. Ingham planted the first navel trees in this vicinity, having se-
cured the buds from the original Washington Navel trees at Riverside. A
year or two later he bought some of the Australian trees from a Los An-
geles nurseryman at five dollars apiece. These inital groves having demon-
strated that oranges could be successfully cultivated in Highland and facil-
ities for irrigation having been much increased, many acres were planted
to citrus fruits between 1880 and 1890. As it became evident that Highland's
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 605
citrus fruit was unusually fine in quality, the deciduous orchards and vine-
yards of former years were replaced by orange and lemon groves. A care-
ful estimate of the acreage of the different orchards in Highland at present
time gives an aggregate of 1493 acres. Perhaps ten per cent of this acreage
is planted to lemons. These groves are chiefly in five, ten and twenty acre
tracts mostly occupied by the owners whose cozy, vine-embowered homes
furnish ideal conditions for the enjoyment of health and happiness.
None of these groves have reached the limit of production and few ot
them are in full bearing. The total volume of shipments of oranges and
lemons from Highlands for the season of 1903-1904 was 760 carloads. There
are five large packing houses equipped with the latest machinery and best
appliances for grading and packing fruit for market.
Irrigation in Highland District.
In 1858, Louis and Henry Cram, constructed an earth ditch three miles
in length from the mouth of the Santa Ana canon to their homestead in
what is now East Highlands. Frederick Van Leuven, another pioneer, was
interested with them in this ditch and it was known as the Cram-Yan Leuven
ditch. Other appropriations of water were made from the Santa Ana river
and contentions over, water rights sprang up, thus leading to the first water
litigation in the San Bernardino valley. As a result of the suits instituted,
the Cram-Yan Leuven ditch was awarded one-sixth of the flow of the river.
"Water was taken out by other settlers on the north side of the river, and
in 1885 these interests were consolidated in the North Fork Ditch Co.,
which reconstructed the ditch, making a stone cement ditch with a carrying-
capacity of 1,500 miner's inches, and extending to Palm avenue, in Highland,
eight and a third miles. This consolidation gave to the North Fork and
Cram-Van Leuven interests the ownership of one half of the flow of the
Santa Ana.
When the Bear Yalley dam was built in 1884, this intercepted a part
of the flow of the Santa Ana river and as the bed of that stream is the only
available channel by which the water could be brought from the reservoir
into the San Bernardino valley, a contract was made between the North
Fork Co. and the Bear Valley Co., whereby the Bear Yalley people were
granted the right to store water in the reservoir and to use the right of way
of the North Fork owners in exchange for a stipulated amount of water
to be delivered to the stockholders of the district.
In 1887-88 the Highland Ditch Co. constructed a stone and cement
canal from a point on the Cook place in East Highlands around the foot-
hills through Highland, about four miles in length, to which was added a
pipe-line extension through Wrest Highland to North San Bernardino, three
miles in length. The canal has a carrying capacity of 1,500 inches and the
606 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
pipe-line carries 1. 400 inches. This property later passed into the hands
of the Bear Valley Co.
In 1883-84, W. H. Randall and W. T. Noyes 'built a ditch from City
Creek to their places. These ditches — a main and two branch canals — are
nearly three miles in length.
The water of Plunge Creek is used upon the orchards of East High-
land and is conveyed and distributed through open ditches to the lands of
the owners. East and West Twin Creeks supply a portion of the orchards
in West Highland, mainly through pipe-lines.
THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND.
As the young citrus groves of this district came into bearing, the ne-
cessity for railroad facilities became apparent. Meetings of the citizens
were held which were attended by the representatives of the Santa Fe Railway
Co., who proposed to bring their track through Highland provided a free
right of way was guaranteed. The citizens agreed to these terms and the
sum of $10,000 was raised by voluntary subscription to purchase the right
of way. In July, 1891 , the branch of the Santa Fe, which completed the
"kite shaped" track, was constructed between Redlands and San Bernar-
dino through Highland, thus giving direct transportation facilities, and von-
necting Highland, East Highlands and West Highlands.
A town site was laid out about Highland station, packing houses, busi-
ness houses and residences followed — a thriving town was soon under way.
Of the 2.000 poulation of Highlands district, more than half are now resi-
dents of the town. A bank, hotel, lumber yard, and several stores all do a
nourishing business. An addition to the town has been laid out within the
past year and the lots readily sold at good prices. A number of fine dwell-
ings have been built during the past season, a brick business block of three
stores is approaching completion and a new twenty-five room hotel will be
open for business in the fall.
Domestic Water Supply.
As the new town grew it became evident that provision must be made
for a domestic supply of water other than that coming through open irri-
gating ditches. The Highland Domestic Water Co. was incorporated In-
several of the citizens of the town, Sept. 28, i8y8. Water bearing lands
were purchased and the work of putting down wells and putting in a pump-
ing plant was carried out under the management of W. F. Grow, the super-
intendent. The company now owns thirteen acres of water-bearing land
and tlie privileges of as much more, at the junction of City Creek and Cook
canons on the north side of Highland avenue. The water is pumped from
wells sunk to a depth of 100 feet In a gravel bed by pumps having a capacity
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 607
of 450 gallons per minute. A stone and cement reservoir, enclosed under a
well ventilated roof, has been constructed. This has a capacity of about
250.000 gallons. The water is distributed through more than nine miles
of dipped steel and iron pipe to the consumers.
The present officers of the company are. L. C. \Yaite, president; A. G.
Stearns, vice-president ; Charles C. Browning, secretary, and \Y. F. Grow,
superintendent.
Electric Road.
In July. 1903, the San Bernardino Valley Traction Co. completed an
electric line to Highland connecting the town by trolley with San Bernar-
dino, Redlands and Colton. The road and equipment are first-class and give
an hourly service, thus furnishing cheap, rapid and convenient transporta-
tion to local points.
Postoffice.
In 1887, the Messina postoffice was established at the junction of Base
Line and Palm avenue, for the accommodation of the citizens of Highland
and vicinity. For five years the mail was carried by private conveyance to
and from San Bernardino and for the most of that time the postoffice was
located in the store at that point and the proprietor acted as postmaster.
On the completion of the railroad through Highland the mail service was
transferred to the railway. June I. 1899, the office was moved to the corner
of Palm and Pacific avenues, the site of the new town. The name had been
changed from Messina to Highlands, in response to a petition from the resi-
dents, Jan. 1, 1899.
Tulv 1, 1901. free rural delivery was established with two routes through
territory tributary to Highland. Since that date the number of patrons
has more than doubled and the carriers now handle from fifteen to eighteen
thousand pieces per month. July 1, 1902. the office was advanced to third
class. May 1. 1896, a branch office was established at Fredalba, and May 1.
1807, a branch was established at Pine Lake. Highland is the distributing
office for both of these.
The following statement furnished by Postmaster A. A. True indicates
the growth of business in this office:
Postal Sales
1899-1900 $1,112.39
1903-1904 2.418.80
The record shows an increase of over 12 per cent during the fiscal _\ car
ending June 30, 1004 — a larger gain than is shown by either Redlands or
San Bernardino.
Telephone Service.
In 1807. the Sunset Telephone and Telegraph Co. instituted a telephone
system in Highland, but without an exchange. The business grew so rapidly
60S
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTS.
that it soon became necessary to put in an exchange and since its
inauguartion the switchboard has been enlarged and the cabl e system
rebuilt three times. The town is now connected with the long distance
system and there are more than 180 subscribers. The local manager is Mr.
A. A. True and two operators are employed.
First Bank of Highland.
On April 19, 1904. the "First Bank of Highland" opened its doors for
business. It is chartered as a state bank with a capital stock of $30,000. The
first board of directors are: K. C. Wells, L. C. Waite, W. C. Patterson.
Charles C. Browning, A. G. Stearns, L. A. Desmond, W. B. Brookings,
Wakefield Phinney and Herbert
W. Johnstone. The officers are :
Herbert W. Johnstone, president ;
Charles C. Browning, vice-pres-
ident ; Wakefield Phinney, cashier
Schools.
In 1883 W. T. Noyes circulated
a petition for the establishment
of a new school district. Some
contention arose over the name
of the district, as some of the set
tiers desired it called Harlem ;
but Messrs. Noyes and Randall
argued for the name Highland
and won.
The first school was held in a
squatter's cabin north of Harlem
Springs and was taught by a
Miss Smith. A school house of
one room was built the next year.
Later a two-room school house
was built on the present site.
In Nov., 1892, the residents voted bonds of $10,000 for a new school build-
ing and the following year the present handsome and commodious building
was erected. It is surrounded by an acre of ground which has been highly
improved. The Highland school prepares children for the High School and
is ranked among the best of the county schools. The last census showed
a school population of 213.
Library Club.
Dec. 21, 1897, a meeting of the citizens of Highland was called with the
view of organizing a Literary Club. At a subsequent meeting the organiza-
L. A. DESMOND
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 609
tion was completed by the election of C. W. Paine, president; Mrs. E. Shafer,
vice-president; Mrs. C. C. Browning, treasurer; Mrs. Edna Wilmot Cole,
secretary. The central idea being the formation of a public library, the or-
ganization was called the "Highland Library Club." An annual fee of $2
was collected from each member, the money to be expended in the purchase
of books. The first installment of 25 volumes was received May, 1898. For
the time the books were kept at the home of a member who acted as librar-
ian.
In Dec. 1899, the executive committee reported the desirability of giv-
ing a course of entertainments — lectures, musical recitals, etc. — to be given
under the auspices of the club. The first entertainment was given in Jan.,
1900, and since that time a course of from five to seven high-class events
has been given each year.
Nov. 14, 1901, a committee was appointed to solicit subscriptions for
the purpose of purchasing a lot and erecting a library building. Jan. 23,
1902, the Highland Library Club incorporated with the following as board of
directors: L. A. Desmond, Mrs. W. F. Grow, Mrs. Anna L. Tollett, Mrs.
A. G. Stearns, R. A. Boyd. Mr. Desmond was elected president ; Mrs. Grow,
vice-president; Mrs. Tollett, secretary.
The erection of the library building was begun in August, 1902, and it
was completed and opened to the public Jan. 6, 1903. The cost was $2,100,
the entire sum being raised by voluntary subscriptions. There are at pres-
ent 824 bound volumes catlogued, besides magazines and newspapers. The
club now numbers eighty members and holds monthly meetings with musical
and literary programs.
The Pleasant Hour Club was organized as an auxiliary to the Library-
Club by the ladies of the latter in Feb., 1898. The interest and membership
has grown from the start and it has become an important factor for the im-
provement and culture of its members. It is a federated club and now has
34 active and 9 associate members. The president is Miss Mary Parker;
recording secretary, Mrs. A. G. Clemmond ; corresponding secretary, Mrs.
Cole.
Churches.
There are two flourishing churches in Highland — the Congregational
and the Methodist.
The Congregational church was organized in April, 1884, with Mr. and
Mrs. A. M. Aplin, S. H. Barrett, Mrs. D. F. Barrett, Miss C. C. Barrett, Airs.
C. J. Hartzel, Mrs. T. T. Cook, Mrs. S. P. Fessenden, and G. W. Beattie as
initial members. The first officers of the church were, deacons, S. H. Bar-
rett; clerk and treasurer, G. W. Beattie; directors, A. M. Aplin, B. Fowler
and G. W. Beattie.
The church edifice now in use was built on a lot on Base Line east
610 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
of Palm avenue, during the pastorate of Rev. J. D. Foster. It was moved
about 1896 to a lot on the corner of Palm avenue and Alain street. The
church became self-supporting under the pastorate of Rev. A. W. Thomp-
son. The present membership is 140. The Sunday School has an enroll-
ment of 130 with an average attendance of 90. Mr. S. H. Barrett, the pres-
ent superintendent, has filled the office for twenty-one years. The Young
People's Society of C. E. has a membership of 75. The church sub-,
scribes $350 per year for benevolent purposes and raises $1,200 for current
expenses. The Ladies' Auxiliary also raises some $120 per year.
Methodist Church.
The Methodist church was organized Dec. 20th, 1890, with Mr. and
Mrs. S. L. Grow. W. H. Ham. H. E. Parker. Aha Clark, Mrs. S. E. Elkins,
Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Noyes, as charter members. S. L. Grow, W. T. Noyes
and H. E. Parker were the first stewards.
Rev. J. C. Gowan, the first pastor, was paid $300 a year, raised by vol-
untary contribution. During his pastorate of three years the church grew
to a membership of 66. In 1891, a handsome church building, costing $4,000,
was built on a lot located on Pacific ave., and donated by H. H. Jones. Several
years later a comfortable parsonage was built on the same avenue. The
present membership of the church is 95. The Sunday School has an enroll-
ment of 150 with an average attendance of over 100. The present super-
intendent, L. A. Desmond, has filled the office for the past thirteen years.
The church has the usual auxiliary societies — all in flourishing condition —
and raises annually about $1,500.
Weekly Newspaper.
October 6th, 1892, J. M. Martin published the first number of "The High-
land Citrus Belt." which he continued as a weekly eight-page paper devoted
chiefly to local and county news. In March, 1902, the subscription list and
good will of this paper were purchased by Messrs. Opie L. Warner and Ed-
ward Wall, who change_d the name to "Highland Messenger." They have
since enlarged it from a four column quarto to a five column and have mater-
ially increased its advertising patronage. They have also added a job of-
fice to the plant.
Knights of Pythias.
This is a local organization of whose record its members feel justly
proud. Its influence on the community has been wdiolesome socially and
morally and its charitable work has been fruitful of much good. Its phe-
nomenal growth, progressive spirit and advanced business methods have
made it famed among its sister lodges all over this Grand Dominion.
Highland Lodge, 211, was promoted and organized in the fall of 1897
bv A. A. True, assisted bv L. S. Steele, then of Redlands. It was instituted
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 611
Jan. 28th, 1898. by D. D. G. C. T. M. Blythe and the Redlands Lodge, with
27 charter members, all well known property holders and residents. The
lodge now comprises 100 members in good standing. Its quarters consist
of a commodious hall with ante-rooms together with reading room, writing
room and billiard hall. These occupy the second story of a large building.
The lodge is in good financial condition, having a large cash reserve and
money loaned at interest.
EAST HIGHLANDS.
East Highlands comprises that portion of the Highland citrus belt ly-
ing east of City Creek. In superficial contour the land is more undulating
than that of Highland and the soil contains a larger per cent of clay. It is
admirably adapted to the production of oranges of the highest grade and
the fruit of the "East Bench" is recognized everywhere as having no su-
perior.
In 1864, Louis Cram set out two seedling orange trees on his place. In
1873, he bought 100 trees from a nursery in Los Angeles, paying $4.00 apiece
for some of them, and planted an orchard of one acre. These trees and the
ones set out first are still in bearing on the Cram homestead. The trees were
set out as an experiment and Air. Cram had no thought of deriving a profit
from them; yet the fruit from the one acre sold one year for $1,800. As was
common, the first orchards planted in this vicinity were of deciduous fruits—
now supplanted by citrus orchards. It is estimated that there are now 1.065
acres in the district in oranges, much of which is not yet in bearing. The
shipment last season reached 400 carloads.
The first white men to settle in this neighborhood were the Cram
brothers, and Frederick Van Leuven, who were for some years the only
settlers. In 1865 E. A. Ball, located on the place later owned by T. T. Cook.
Goodcell Cram sold the place he had homesteaded to Andrew Wakefield,
in 1866. who afterward sold it to Mr. Reeves. Among the early settlers
who still remain in the vicinity, are A. M. Aplin, Joshua Hartzel, S. H.
Barrett, the Cram brothers and Mrs. John Wicks.
Early in the seventies the first school was opened in a little house under
the bluff, near the Cook place, with Miss Nettie Daley as teacher. After
one or two changes of location, the East Highlands school was permanently
located on a lot donated by Mr. Hartzel, where in 1902 a fine school house
was erected at a cost of $10,000. The late census shows 96 pupils of school
age in the district.
Soon after the building of the railroad through the district, a general
merchandise store was opened near the East Highland station, and the
business still continues with a growing patronage. A postoffice has been
established, and several packing houses built, and a hamlet of cottage homes
now cluster about the station.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Walter S. Corwin, of Highland, was born near Niagara Falls, in the
province of Ontario, Canada, May 5, 1846, the son of John and Catherine
Corwin. His father was a native of New England and a descendant of an
old Puritan family. He was a farmer by occupation.
Walter S. Corwin was educated at home and at Victoria college, Coburg,
Ontario. In 1885 he came to California and bought land at Highland, where
he now has twenty-five acres in lemons and oranges. He lias a wife and five
children. John W., Laura C, George R., Helen G. and Gordon W.
w. s. CORW
Mr. Corwin's success as an orange and lemon grower serves as a good
illustration of what may be accomplished by a diligent and wise pursuance
of the business along conservative lines. His first experience in tilling Cali-
fornia soil was as a truck farmer, making a specialty of raising melons, the
phenomenal size and flavor of which is still a pleasant memory with the pio-
neers of the valley. He has been a consistent advocate of independent
marketing of citrus fruits, and has, during many seasons, thus marketed
with profit the output of his orchards.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
WEST HIGHLANDS.
West Highlands embraces several square miles of the mesa lands, that
constitute the Highlands citrus belt. A southwestern slope, a decomposed
granite soil, and a semi-tropic temperature, produce very favorable con-
ditions for plant growth.
Although a small settlement of pioneers had been made along the base
of the mountains prior to 1880, there was little substantial growth in the
district until after the completion of the Bear Valley canal, in 1888. Thus
supplied with water, the grading and planting of orchards began at once,
and has continued ever since. The area now devoted to orange and lemon
trees is estimated, or rather carefully computed, at 1079 acres, mostly bear-
ing. The shipments for West Highlands groves for 1903-4 were 300 car-
loads, or 108,600 boxes. There are two large packing houses, one at West
Highlands, and one at Patton station.
The half dozen early settlers whose primitive homes nestled along the
foothills of this neighborhood, in the seventies, were C. Reivell, James Ken-
nedy, Jacob Huff and brother, Zanoni Zimmerman, G. I. Burton and A.
Harrison. Of these Jacob Huff and Z. Zimmerman still reside in the
neighborhood.
The advent of water for irrigation was an inspiration for general prog-
ress, and other improvements kept pace with orchard planting. Large sums
of money were expended in constructing ditches, and pipe lines, streets were
laid out, and lined with ornamental trees; but it must be regretfully re-
corded, that most of the trees forming these beautiful roadsides, have either
been dug out, or allowed to die for lack of attention.
To accommodate the children of the growing settlement, a two-story
building was erected, and a graded school established. This building also
served for church and Sunday school purposes. After the advent of the rail-
road, a postoffice, bearing the name of Del Rosa, was established at the
West Highland station, and a store opened. Both still continue. The com-
munity also has the advantage of free rural delivery.
BROOKINGS LUMBER & BOX COMPANY.
The Brookings Lumber & Box Co. was incorporated in 1898, having
for its officers and principal stockholders. John E. Brookings, president ; Robt.
S. Brookings, vice-president, and W. DuB. Brookings, secretary and treas-
urer. The company purchased in 1899 the manufacturing plants and tim-
ber lands of the Highland Lumber Co. The original holdings of the High-
land Lumber Co. were grouped by Mr. M. A. Neilan, an old lumberman from
614
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
Michigan. Mr. Neilan was also manager for the company, overseeing the
erecting of the saw mill, building of toll road, box factory, etc. Mr. Neilan
died in 1895, and his company which was composed entirely of parties resid-
ing in Michigan decided to dispose of their holdings. Negotiations were be-
gun with Mr. J. E. Brookings, who was engaged in the lumber business in
Michigan, and in 1898 the deal was consumated.
The saw mill is modern with a 12 inch band, and is located in the moun-
tains at Fredalba, an elevation of 5600 feet, and a box factory in the valley
at Highland ; the timber holdings embraced about 5,000 acres of the best
timber in the San Bernardino range, and since the original purchase, about
3,000 acres have been added, making the present holdings about 8,000 acres.
The Brookings Company have
constructed a narrow gauge rail
road about five miles long which
carries the logs from the woods
to the mill. The saw mill con-
verts the logs into lumber at the
average rate of 60,000 feet per
day. From the mill to the box
factory is ten miles of mountain
road, (the City Creek Toll Road,
built at a cost of $52,000), which
is owned and operated by the
company. The hauling of the lum-
ber down the mountain is one of
the most picturesque departments
of the business, about twenty
teams of four mules each being
engaged. One teamster recently
brought down on a single wagon
the remarkable load of 7,600 feet.
The output of lumber of the
Brookings Lumber Box Co. aver-
ages 10,000,000 feet per year, about
60 per cent of which is manufactured into boxes at the factory at Highland;
the boxes find an unusually convenient market at the very doors of the fac-
tory. The lumber which is not manufactured into boxes is marketed in the
nearby towns, the better grades of white pine, sugar pine and silver fir com-
manding a high price for fine interior finish. The value of this institution
to the community can be judged from the volume of business which is al-
most entirely local, very little lumber being shipped out of the San Bernar-
dino valley. About 150 men are employed in the mountains during the sum-
mer months of the vear, and in the vallev and in the hauling department
BROOKINGS
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 615
about 60 men find steady employment ; the total pay roll will approximate
$200,000 per annum. The company has retail yards at Redlands, San Ber-
nardino, and Highland, and its product is delivered to all parts of the San
Bernardino valley. The volume of sales approximate $400,000 per annum.
The company experienced a fire in 1903 which destroyed about 5,000,000
feet of lumber at the mountain yard, but owing to an open winter the com-
pany was enabled to continue its operations without any derangement of
business.
Harlem Springs.
In the southern portion of Highlands, near Base Line, are situated
Harlem Hot Springs, a popular resort for bathing and health seekers. On
premises which comprise 22 acres are located an elegant natatorium, finely
appointed bath houses, supplied with hot and cold mineral water, a large
building containing refreshment rooms, and a large hall, and handsome pic-
nic grounds, for use of pleasure seekers.
Kohl brothers, the owners, are showing much taste and enterprise in
adding useful and ornamental attractions to the place.
CHAPTER XXII.
CUCAMONGA.
The history of Cucamonga Rancho in early days has been previously
given. Upon the death of John Rains, his wife, Maria Williams Rains,
asked that the Rancho be declared her separate property, and after some liti-
gation her claim was granted. About 1870 she disposed of a portion of the
western lands of the rancho. to the Cucamonga land company, which was
composed mainly of San Francisco capitalists. This company acquired by
their purchase the water rights to San Antonio creek, and a half interest in
the waters of the cienega lands. The company sold their lands in tracts of
from ten to eight}' acres to a total amount of 520 acres, conveying with each
piece an altogether indefinite amount of water. Some deeds stated that the
purchaser was to have "water enough" and others, that he was to have
water "sufficient for semi-tropical culture."
About the same time the Cucamonga Homestead Association was or-
ganized, the Hellman brothers being the principal stockholders. This or-
ganization had for its purpose the "subdivision, irrigation and sale of several
thousand acres of the Cucamonga Rancho, lying next to the mountains, and
in part adjacent to the canon." This association constructed a large flume
and ditch, a mile or more in length, out to the northern limit of the home-
stead lands, but never provided any means for the distribution of water, to
616 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
the ten and twenty acre tracts, into which the land was subdivided. In 1879,
about twenty of these lots had been sold, and about fifty acres were irri-
gated.
The Cucamonga Vineyard Company was formed by the owners of the
Rancho, to irrigate the old vineyard property. A townsite was laid out
about the old winery, and a settlement has grown up here. Later the works
of this company were merged into those of the Cucamonga Fruit Land Com-
pany, which was organized in 1887, and the same year, the Cucamonga
Water Company was formed, and has since that date distributed water
throughout the tract.
The numerous organizations, the conflicting water rights, and indefi-
nite terms upon which water was sold to land purchasers, have of course
led to trouble. In the past years, it has not been uncommon for a Cucamonga
rancher to conduct his irrigation with shot gun in band, and it is stated,
that several times a display of firearms has settled disputed water rights,
when legal documents and rhetoric failed to have any effect.
The 'red hills' and the mesas of this tract have always yielded grapes, —
both wine and rasin — of especially fine quality. A considerable area is still
in grapes, there being several large new vineyards, as well as the older ones.
A large acreage has also been set out to citrus fruits. The soil seems to be
particularly well adapted to oranges. The Cucamonga Citrus Fruit Grow-
ers Association was formed a number of years ago, and belongs to the On-
tario-Cucamonga Exchange. It is made up of the fruit growers of the sec-
tion. For the season of 1903-4 it shipped from North Cucamonga about 150
cars of fruit.
North Cucamonga is a little town, which has grown up about
the railway station of the Santa Fe, while another settlement has clustered
about the depot of the Southern Pacific. The postofnce, school house and
town are located in the town of Cucamonga, between the two railway sta-
tions. Two teachers are employed, and the average attendance the past
year was seventy-two pupils.
ETIWANDA.
In January, 1882, the Chaffey Brothers completed the purchase of 7,600
acres of land on the Cucamonga plains, from twelve to sixteen miles east
of San Bernardino. They purchased the Garcia propert3'. with its water
rights, and also secured the water rights to Day and Young canons. In
May, they organized the Etiwanda Water Company, with a capital stock of
$500,000. They subdivided their tract, and agreed to construct a reser-
voir at the head of the colony lands, and construct flumes, and ditches for
delivery to each ten acre tract .Messrs. Chaffey pushed the work vigorously
and at once began advertising extensively their 'Promised Land.' one of the
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 617
first fruit colony settlements in the county. Electric lights, a telephone
system, hotel and school house, were promised, and by July, the energetic
promoters were able to announce that 810 acres of their tract had been sold.
The hotel was opened to the public early in 1883, with M. M. Brink, as pro-
prietor, and the school house was completed about the same time. A gram-
mar school is now maintained with two teachers, and an attendance of about
100 pupils.
In June, 1882, the Chaffers organized the California Land Improve-
ment Company, to which they deeded their lands, and which company con-
structed the flumes and distribution system.
In 1893, the Etiwanda Water Company was re-organized with a capital
stock of $500,000, with J. C. Dunlap. J. H. Scott, C. N. Ross, Thomas Hen-
dry, C. T. Chaffey, R. A. Cunningham, James Weston, George Chaffey and
George Chaffey Jr. as stockholders.
The colony has made a steady growth, and the district now has a popu-
lation of about i.oco. At first, the land was largely set to grapes, and large
quantities of raisins were made; in 1891, 75,000 boxes of raisins were
put out. About 3,000 acres in the district are now in vineyard, and a winery
is in operation. A good many orange and lemon orchards have been planted
and Etiwanda has a Citrus Association, and. a packing house, and a number
of business establishments.
A Congregational church was organized in Etiwanda in 1893 with thir-
teen members, by the Revs. E. R. Brainerd, who became the first pastor,
and J. T. Ford. It has held its services in the school house, but is now plan-
ning a church building.
HERMOSA— NOW IOAMOSA.
Of the early history of the Hermosa settlement, Adolph Petsch, of Los
Angeles, writes thus :
"During 1880, I spent, in company with Judge Benjamin S. Eaton, (the
pioneer of Pasadena.) several months in traveling over the southern coun-
ties. On one of these trips, I bought an interest in the Day canon water
and made also filings under desert land act, on some government land. This
was my first investment in San Bernardino county. Soon afterward I
sold it out to the Chaffey brothers, and it is now a part of Etiwanda.
My next purchase was the 160 acre pre-emption claim of Henry Reed,
in section 35, Range 7 \Y., Township, 1 X. S. B. M., together with all water
rights from Deer and Alder canons. It was on a November day, in 1880,
when Judge Eaton and myself, were jogging along the old Cajon road,
leading in a bee line from the Cucamonga red hills, to Martin's station, when
we noticed a little to the north of the road, a patch of trees in the chaparral.
I thought that they must be orange, but the Judge was certain that they
618
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
were lemon. YVe bet cigars, and to see who was right, we drove nearer. They
were peach trees, in rich foliage in November. This astonished us. and we
drove up to the shaky shanty, built of San Bernardino lumber, adobe, elder-
stumps, etc., thai stood among the trees, and soon made the acquaintance
of the pioneer of section 35 — Henry Reed.
In him we recognized the Missourian, at first glance. — six feet high —
lanky — and a democrat. He and his nephew were "batching.' When they
got tired of ranching, they would hie themselves over the mountains to do
a little mining. Between the mining and the ranching, they accumulated a
mortgage on the claim which they did not know how to meet, and as a re-
sult "Uncle Henry" was willing to sell.
I bought Reed out. and the first step toward the foundation of Hermosa,
was made. In 1881, Judge Eaton
and I, together with A. A. Por-
ter, P. M. Green and Kildorf Al-
mind, all of Pasadena, formed
the Hermosa Land and Water
Co. It was Eaton who suggested
the name 'Hermosa' — the beauti-
To the 160 acres of the Reed
place, were gradually added
some 400 acres from the old
Cucamonga Homestead Tract,
and 165 acres of railroad land.
But the water rights from Deer
and Alder canons were only-
applied to 480 acres by the first
company. These 480 undivided
interests in all the water were
later on turned by the settlers
into the Hermosa Water Co.,
and against each acre interest,
four shares of company stock at
This present company has also acquired 1200 acres
sources of the water in Deer
Alx H.l'H I'CTSUH
$100 were issued
of mountain land, completely coverin
canon.
One of the early features of Hermosa. was a concrete wall fencing in
240 acres, to protect the first plantations against the innumerable rabbits
that infested that country. I got the idea of this wall from Brigham Young,
during a stay in Salt Lake. As a rabbit fence the wall proved to be a com-
plete failure, but it proved to be a first-class advertisement for the enclosed
land.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 619
The success of the Hermosa settlement led, in 1883, to the establishment
of the Iowa Tract, which includes 500 acres more of the old Cucamonga
Homestead tract. While I am proud to be called a pioneer of Hermosa.
and the Iowa tract, I proclaim my innocence of the amalgamation of the
two names into "Ioamosa."'
The Hermosa Water Company was incorporated in Oct., 1887, with a
capital stock of $192,000. This was an incorporation of the land owners,
all the stock of the company being issued to the holders of the original rights.
The colony has continued to prosper, and is now, one of the thrifty settle-
ments of western San Bernardino county. A school house, postoffice and
settlement have grown up."'
RIALTO.
In 1887, the Semi-Tropic Land and Water Company was organized by
Major George H. Bonebrake and F. C. Howes, at that time president and
cashier of the Los Angeles National Bank. Ex-Governor Samuel L. Merrill,
tfjjfr*
* iiil
jag tI
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF RIALTO
was also one of the large stockholders. The company was formed with a
capital stock of $3,000,000, and purchased of Henry Pierce and others, some
28,500 acres of land, and the water rights to some 800 inches of water from
Lytle creek. In order to place the water upon the lands owned by them,
the company constructed the Rialto canal, an open, cemented ditch, some
-;ix miles in length ; and began the construction of an elaborate distribution
system These improvements cost a very large sum, and the company
mortgaged its holdings to the San Francisco Savings Union, in order to
secure the money. The tovvnsites of Rialto, Bloomington. Sansevaine and
Fontana, were laid out upon the Semi-Tropic tract, and the balance of the
620
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
land, was sub-divided mostly into twenty acre tracts. Lands were sold and
were largely set out to deciduous and citrus fruits. The Semi-Tropic Land
and Water Co., was unable to meet its obligations to the San Francisco Co.,
and proceedings were instituted in the Superior Court of San Bernardino
county; judgment was entered, and a foreclosure sale was made, under
which, over 20,000 acres of land, and a large portion of the waters of Lytic
creek passed into the hands of the San Francisco Savings Union. This was
in 1896, and in the same year, the Savings Company disposed of the hold-
ings thus acquired to two corporations, — one, the Chicala Water Co., of
Iowa, which acquired the water, and the other to the Anglo-American
Canaigre Co., which acquired a large share of the landed interests. These
two companies controlled the property from 1897 to 1901, when a new com-
pany, the Fontana Development Co.. required the interests of both corpora-
B. E. SIBLEY
MRS. B E. SIBLEY
tions, and such other rights as were still vested in the Savings Union of
San Francisco. The Fontana Development Compa-iy is actively engaged
in the administration of this property which includes upword of 20,000
acres of land, and a large portion of the waters of Lytle creeic. Its officers
are, R. H. F. Variel, president; Thomas F. Keefe, secretary and manager;
and its principal place of business is in the town of Rialto.
Two other companies are operating in the vicinity, in the management
and distribution of the waters of Lytle creek, — the Lytle Creek Water and
Improvement Co., the officers being William Buxton, president; and Ken-
neth McRae secretary ; and the Lytle Creek Water Company has T. F.
Keefe, president and manager.
The town of Rialto is located on the Santa Fe railway on lands which
were included in the original holdings of the Semi-Tropic Land and Water
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
621
Co. In 1887, the Rev. T. C. Miller, of Kansas, who had visited this region,
and had been very favorably impressed with the advantages offered in this
locality, organized what is known as the "Kansas Colony," made up of
people from Southern Kansas. The representatives of this colony reached
California in 1887, and purchased 16,000 acres of land from the Semi-Tropic
Co., with one-tenth of an inch of water for each acre of land. Those who
settled on the lands were, Rev. T. C. Miller, Benjamin E. Sibley, wife and
two sons; J. W. Tibbott, YYm. Tibbott, M. V. Sweesy, John M. Sweesy,
Jerry La Rue, Joseph Cook and family, Frank Brown and family, H. V. Van
Frank and family. The colony was unable to pay for the lands purchased,
and soon lost their interest; but
a number of the individual mem-
bers retained their lands, and
were among the early settlers
of Rialto. During 1887-88 the
townsite of Rialto, was laid out
and a number of lots sold. A svn-
dicate built a large hotel — one
of the "boom" hotels of the time,
which now stands in the center
of a beautiful park, and is suited
in size and in accommodations
to a much larger town than
Rialto. During the "boom" vear?
it was successfully conducted by
J. Wayne Amos, and it is now-
owned by Wm. Buxton. Several
business blocks were put up, and
a number of fine residences. Ex-
Governor Merrill built a £15,000
residence, which was late; des-
troyed by fire. The Rialto schuo!
district was set oft" in 1802, and
s erected. A grammar school, with
hundred pupils is now
W. P. MARTIN
a neat, commodious school house
three departments, and an attendance of about on<
maintained.
Rialto is now one of the attractive "fruit colonies" of San Bernardino
county. Beautiful shady drives lead among thrifty orange and lemon or-
chards ; pretty homes are surrounded by shrubbery and flowers. Within the
town several stores and shops supply the needs of the settlers ; and there
are two churches, and five packing houses, large and well equipped. Last
year, 757 cars of fruit were shipped from Rialto, two hundred cars in excess
of previous year's shipments. The settlement now has a population of about
1,000.
622 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
First Methodist Church of Rialto was organized in 1887 by the Rev. T.
C. Miller, one of the promoters of the colony, in a store room occupied in 1903
by Needham's Ice Cream Parlors. A Sunday School was organized by M.
V. Sweesy, and regular church services, and prayer meetings were held, and
attended by almost the entire population of the colony. The society soon
purchased an organ, which was ably handled by Mrs. M. V. Sweesy, an ac-
complished teacher of music. The society was incorporated in 1892, and
built a church costing $2500, and the next year a parsonage at a cost of
$1100. The church now has a membership of more than 100.
First Congregational Church. The first services of this church were
held in the office of the Semi-Tropic Land and Water Co. After the Metho-
dist church was built, services were held in their building in the afternoon,
the pulpit being supplied by Rev. Mr. Jenkins, of San Bernardino.
In 1891 the church was organized with a membership of eighteen mem-
bers and the next year built a neat little structure at a cost of about $2,000.
The church has steadily gained in strength and membership and has a flour-
ishing Sunday School and Christian Endeavor and the usual church auxiliar-
ies.
Societies.
The Fraternal Brotherhood, Lodge No. 179, Rialto, was instituted June
27th, 1901. with a membership of 101, by Supreme President C. P. Dandy.
This lodge carries an insurance feature and also a social membership.
Rialto Hive No. 22. Ladies of the Maccabees, was formed April 24th.
1902. It now has a membership exceeding thirty. The work is largely the
outgrowth of the San Bernardino Hive. It meets regularly twice a month
and has been active and successful.
Rialto Irrigation District was formed Oct. 13th. 1890, under the Wright
"Irrigation District" law. It included 7,200 acres of land located in the south-
east corner of the Semi-Tropic Land and Water Co.'s property and was to
be supplied with water from Lytle Creek. The district was bonded for $500,-
000, and $400,000 worth of these bonds were sold and are still outstanding.
About 3.500 acres of the district are now under cultivation, mostly in citrus
fruits and vineyards. The townsite of Bloomington, laid out along the South-
ern Pacific road, is located in the district. Here a depot, a school house, a
number of residences and a large olive oil mill are located. The Citizens'
Water Co., organized in 1900, now supply water, mainly from artesian wells,
for the district. The officers are J. R. McKinley, president : J. S. Wheeler,
vice-president; S. J. Bunting, secretary: W. P. Martin, treasurer.
UPLAND.
The town of Upland was originally the Magnolia tract, laid out by the
Bedford Brothers in the eighties, and the Stowell tract. A station of the
Southern California railway was located here and a settlement grew up
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
623
about it. The Bedford Brothers erected a hotel, Magnolia Villa, about 1887.
The community was known as North Ontario until 1902 when the county
board of supervisors, in response to a petition of the citizens, changed the
name to Upland. The petition was granted March 21, 1902, and soon after-
ward the name of the railway station and of the post office was also changed
to Upland. The settlement is not yet incorporated but has all the advan-
tages of a full fledged town, having well graded and oiled streets, many of
them with cement or gravel sidewalks. Euclid avenue passes through the
town thus giving the advantages of the street-railway. The San Antonio
Power Company furnishes electric lights for streets and for private use.
HOTEL ALGONQUIN. UPLANDS
There are a number of fine brick blocks, many of which have been built
within the past three or four years. A bank has, for many years, done busi-
ness here. Six packing houses handle the citrus fruits raised in the vicin-
ity and a Packing House Equipment Co. has lately put in a plant here and
is building up a large business. The settlement includes a considerable area
of citrus groves and now numbers about a thousand inhabitants.
A post office was first established here in the store of the first merchant
of the neighborhood, C. C. Waite, located on the Stowell tract to the south
of the station. Mr. Waite was succeeded as postmaster by Patrick Gargan,
who bought out his store. January 1st, 1892, George S. Hayden became post-
master and is still the incumbent. The office has advanced to the presiden-
tial rank, third class, and the business is steadily growing. Free rural de-
livery was inaugurated in 1901 over a route of 25^4 miles in length, serv-
ing about 125 boxes.
Upland has four church organizations, three of them, the Methodist,
Presbyterian and Episcopalian, having buildings of their own; the fourth.
WILLIAM T. LEEKE
HISTORY OF SAN BERXARDINO COUNTY
(i'Jo
the Mennonite, as yet occupying a rented building. The Uplands school build-
ing is a neat frame structure and houses four departments with a corps of
four teachers. The school is known for its efficient work.
In 1895, Ira Slotter established the first newspaper in North Ontario,
the Valley Mirror, which after a couple of years' publication was sold to E.
E. Swanton and in 1901 was purchased by W. C. Westland. The North On-
tario Surprise was established in 1897 by N. F.
Kletzing, and the following year was pur-
chased by W. F. Lincoln, of Cucamonga, who
changed the name of the paper to the Sentinel.
This paper was published for a time by Boden-
hamer and Herman, and was then sold, in 1891,
to W. C. Westland, who combined the two,
and founded the Upland News. Mr. West-
land, who was a veteran newspaper man from
Michigan, having been the editor and pub-
lisher of the Grand Ledge Independent, for
twenty-six years, died December 1st, 1902.
Since that time the paper has been conducted
by Mrs. Ella L. Westland and her son, W. E.
Westland. It has been very successful, and
in 1904 was enlarged to a seven column, eight
page form.
Upland has a well established and flourishing lodge of the I. O. O. F..
which owns a substantial brick block, the upper floor being a hall for the
use of the organization and other fraternal societies. The Fraternal Brother-
hood and the Modern Woodmen of America also have lodges and the
Daughters of Rebecca is a flourishing branch organization.
Upland Library Association was formed in 1900 and now has a circula-
ting library of 450 volumes and a large numbre of magazines and periodi-
cals. It has commodious library and reading rooms which are open everv
day except Sunday. Books have been contributed and purchased bv funds
contributed by citizens. The present officers are, M. F. Palmer, president ;
Mrs. Alice Leonard, secretary; Miss H. L. Holvland, librarian.
W. C. WESTLAND
HISTORY OF SAN BERXARDINO COUNTY
CHAPTER XXIII.
THE DESERT.
The greater part of the Mojave desert is included in San Bernardino
county — 10,600 square miles of its area being classed as desert. Once, this
desert region was looked upon as accursed, — the rattle snake, the lizard and
the covote were named as the only creatures that could endure the raging
heat, the parching drought and the fevered glare of the dread waste. It was
known even then, that unknown treasures were hidden away in the desert,
and men who were counted foolhardy, risked their lives— and often lost -them
— in an attempt to solve the mys-
teries of the great "unknown" ;
but it was only the "mirage
driven"' prospector, or the dar-
ing adventurer, who left the
beaten trails in those days.
The construction of the rail-
road from Mojave to Needles in
the early eighties, opened up a
new trail and a new era. The
railroad necessitated settlements
— Needles, Waterman, Daggett
and other towns sprung up along
its line. It was found that not
only white men, but white wom-
en and children, could live in the
climate, the year round, if neces-
sary. Mines had been operated
in the desert since the early six-
ties; but the advent of the rail-
road brought a large increase in
the mining operations, and made
possible workings that had hith-
erto been impracticable.
As the desert has been more thoroughly examined and surveyed, it is
found that water is much more plentiful than was formerly supposed. The
State Mining Bureau has recently issued a map of the desert region of this
county, made after careful exploration and surveys, which shows and locates,
DESERT DWELLERS
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 627
more than one hundred springs, and several hundred square miles of dry lakes
in which water can be obtained a few feet from the surface usually. Artesian
water has also been found at various places on the desert.
And the desert is not all desert. The Alojave river, the one stream that
forces its way through the sands, sinks and rises and in flood time, spreads
itself over its "bottoms." The flats thus irrigated yield rich crops of natural
grass and clover. In the early sixties, a number of stock ranches were located
"on the Mojave" and a large amount of stock was grazed on the desert in the
winter time, and fattened on the bottoms in the summer. Changes in the
stream channel and the rainfall have lessened the grazing area in late years, but
a number of grain and stock ranches are located in this vicinity now, and con-
siderable stock and hay are sent out. Fruit, of the finest quality is also raised
at some of these places. The marvelous productiveness of the desert soil,
under irrigation, has been demonstrated here, as at Coachella and Imperial;
when the government carries out its projects for irrigation on a large
scale, from the waters of the Colorado, another large and valuable area will
be added to the agricultural territory of this county.
The completion of the Salt Lake route will still further rob the desert
of its terrors — and disadvantages. Another great highway will give access
to new mineral deposits, and open up new fields to prospectors. New towns
will follow the railway. The opening up of this large section of country will
add materially to the resources of San Bernardino county.
It is now acknowledged that the pure dry air of the desert is nature's
own remedy for many diseases, and more and more, the authorities recognize
this great stretch of country as a natural sanitarium. The possibilities of the
future in this direction, are as yet, scarcely realized.
' THE COLORADO RIVER AND ITS NAVIGATION.
F"or ninety miles the red waters of the 'Silent River' wash the border of
San Bernardino county. The importance — the possibilities — of this river,
and of the traffic, which for more than fifty years has been carried on upon it.
are little realized by the people of the count}".
"The great Colorado river is the largest stream, both in drainage, area
and discharge, that lies wholly within the arid portion of the United States.
It is formed by the junction of the Green and the Grand Rivers, rising in \\ v-
oming and Colorado, respectively, in regions of great precipitation, mainly
in the form of snow. Only a very small percentage of water yielded by the
basin of the Colorado, has yet been utilized for irrigation, and practically
none, for other purposes. The obstacles are many. Through most of its
course this river and its tributaries flow at the bottoms of profound canons,
from which it is impossible to divert them upon irrigable lands. The river
emerges from its canon a short distance above the 'Needles' and has a series
628 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
of valleys which between this point and the Mexican border aggregate about
500,000 acres. In this region the waters are heavily laden with sediment
which is a serious obstacle to their diversions. The grade of the river is so flat
that a diversion taken out at the river's bed must have so slight a fall, and so
low a velocity, that it would quickly fill with sediment from the river. For
this same reason, a canal must be very long in order to command any consider-
able area of land in the river valley.
Measurements in the flow near Yuma show that the river sometimes dis-
charges a minimum of 3,000 cubic feet per second." Measurements made by
J. B. Lippincott, of the U. S. Geological Survey, show that on July 19, 1903.
the Colorado discharged 28,400 second feet, which is equivalent to 127,000,-
000 gallons per minute. For purposes of comparison, the Santa Ana river,
on the same date, discharged 56 second feet and the San Gabriel river, 42
second feet.
"The river is navigated more or less from its mouth to the Needles by
BRIDGE AT VICTORVILLE
flat-bottom, stern-wheel boats which sometimes ascend even to the mouth of
the Virgin river. Its navigation, however, is so difficult and precarious
as to make it practically of little value. At low water the channel is so broad,
shallow and changeable that boats are continually running aground, some-
times being nearly a week in advancing ten or fifteen miles. In times of
high water the swift current greatly impairs navigation." — A. P. Davis.
The Indians in early days crossed the river by means of rafts made of
bundles of rushes tied together with willow twigs. The earliest expeditions
crossed in the same way. The first wagons taken across the river were those
of the Mormon Battalion in 1847, which were floated across with much diffi-
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 629
culty. In 1849, Col. Cave Coutts established the first ferry at what is now
Yuma, using a flat boat built on the shores of Lake Michigan, then put upon
wheels and transported to Yuma.
George A. Johnson, of San Diego, was the first man to navigate the
Colorado with a steamboat. He says in the Needle's Eye :
"In June, 1850, I with a party of fifteen was ferrying on the Colorado
where Yuma now stands. On November 29th, the same year, General
Heintzelman arrived and established Fort Yuma, it being an agreement in the
treaty of peace with Mexico. There being no necessity for so many in the
ferry party, I with others, left for San Francisco. Soon after arrival. I met
Gen. Allen, chief quartermaster for the coast, and gave him my ideas as to
the navigability of the river and stated that it would be cheaper to transport
supplies by sea, gulf and the river than to San Diego and across the desert.
He finally contracted with me to transport 200 tons of supplies to Yuma,
using flat boats on the river and if I found the river navigable by steam, I
should have the preference. I left San Francisco in October, 1851, with sup-
pliese and two flat boats. Arrived in November and commenced about the
middle of December; found it slow and tedious work, but after a long time
got through. The length of time it took me to accomplish my contract and
the necessity for more supplies and troops, and a change in quartermasters,
caused the new man to make an agreement with Mr. Trumbull to send on
board of a quartermaster's vessel a small lighter with a pile-driving engine
to propel it. On arrival they found that she was not able to stem the cur-
rent. In their first attempt to reach Yuma, after warping and hauling by
hand, they got within ten or twelve miles of Yuma, when she was capsized
and sunk. Some say the bank caved in on her. This was the end of the
steam lighter."
It is related that when the Yuma Indians saw this first steamboat they
were greatly terrified and ran for life crying that the devil was coming up
the river blowing fire out of his nose and kicking the water with his feet be-
hind. In history this little1 lighter has been dignified by the name of
"Uncle Sam" and one writer states that it exploded. "In December, 1857,
I left Fort Yuma with the steamer 'General Jessup' for the purpose of de-
termining the navigability of the Colorado above Yuma, Captain Wm. A.
Winder being in charge. He furnished me with an escort of fifteen men and
a mountain howitzer. Lieut. White was in charge. My crew consisted of assist-
ant pilot, mate and 15 deck-hands and six mountain men and trappers. Our
up-trip was attended with no particular difficulties. Late in December. I
arrived at a canon in the Colorado which was not navigable. This was about
75 miles above Fort Mojave. Knowing that I had reached the height of
practical navigation, I turned back. At this point is the mouth of a canon
which comes in from the west, known as 'El Dorado.' The next day I landed
630 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
on the east bank for wood. This point proved to be on the bank under tbe
hill where Fort Mojave was afterwards located. While lying there an ex-
pedition came in sight which proved to be that of Gen. E. F. Beale and es-
cort on their march east. I send you his report to the secretary of war in
which he mentions meeting me there and is evidence of my being first to
determine the navigability of the river above Yuma."
From this time until 1876, Captain Johnson carried on the business of
steamboating on the Colorado. In those days the business was largely the
transportation of government supplies and troops. In 1859, Captain John-
son took the troops and material up the river to establish Fort Mojave, using
two boats, the Gen. Jessup and the Colorado. He carried back to Yuma a
number of Indians taken as hostages from the Mojaves.
In 1876, Chas. Crocker, representing the Southern Pacific railway pur-
chased the business of Captain Johnson and the Colorado River Steamboat
Co., was organized. In 1886, this company sold out to Polhemus and Mellon.
Captain Polhemus had been a boat master on the river from 1856 and Cap-
tain Mellon had plied the river since 1869. Since their combination they
have carried on the only successful navigation business on the river. Tin
business now is mainly the transportation of supplies and machinery for
mining camps. At present these gentlemen have a new boat, the Cochan, 219
tons, which runs to the north of Needles. A small boat the "Aztec." 14 tons
plies from the Needles also. This is owned by the Lamar brothers.
A cable ferry has lately been put in at Needles and hand'e.-. a largv
amount of freight for the mills and mines in the vicinity.
The Future.
A series of dams to be built across the Colorado has been projected,
which if carried out by the government as proposed, will create a new em-
pire out of what is now desert waste. These dams will bring a vast area
under irrigation ; they will not only supply water, but will also supply soil
where there was barrenness and by the deposit of silt, will fertilize compara-
tivelv worthless soil; they will greatly facilitate navigation on the river by
creating new and deeper channels; and these vast storage clams can be uti-
lized to produce almost unlimited power for electrical purposes. TUe pos-
sibilities of the plan are almost beyond comprehension, yet beyond epiestion.
it is only a matter of time when these dreams will become facts, and the re-
sources and wealth of San Bernardino county will be vastly increased as a
result.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
631
NEEDLES.
By L. V. Root.
August 17, 1882, William Hood, chief engineer of the Southern Pacific,
landed at what is now Needles from the steamer Mojave. He had come
up from Yuma with 30 men and 35 animals and at once began surveying a
line for a railroad from the Colorado river westward. This party worked
its way westward until they met another party who had come from Mojave.
In April, 1883, the track was completed between Needles and Mojave. Noth-
ing more was done until the Atlantic and Pacific reached the Arizona side of
the river in July. The latter road built a pile bridge across the river which
was completed August 13th, 1883, and then the first train from the east en-
tered San Bernardino county. On May 4th, 1884, that bridge was washed
out and the following September was replaced by what was known as a
strain beam bridge. This was followed by an
iron bridge — the one now in use. This is a
cantilever bridge, and was at the time of its con-
struction the second largest bridge of this kind
in the world.
Frank Monaghan and Dan Murphy, who were
among the first railroad men in the southern end
of the state, had accompanied the construction
force across the desert with a stock of goods —
both wet and dry. At Needles they opened a
/ ^^ ^ -mall Mure. I'aul I'.rcon had already -tarted a
store here and Ben Spear, the sutler at Fort
Mojave, had opened a bakery. Breon later
joined in business with Monaghan and Murphy,
. ^ £ but eventually sold out and became a member
of the firm of Wheaton, Breon & Co. of San
l. v. root Francisco, where he died.
Twenty-one years ago, when the Atlantic & Pacific railroad crossed the
Colorado river, there sprung up on the confines of the great commonwealth
of California a little way station, which on account of its proximity to the
mountains of the same name, was called Needles. (These isolated spires
were given the name "Needles"' by Colonel Ives on his ma]) made in 1857-8.)
At that period no one saw any future for the little village except the shrewd
managers and builders of the railroad, who readily recognized the value of
the water supply so easily and advantageously to be utilized. The Southern
Pacific railroad had graded from Mojave, California, across the
:rt and at
632 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Needles joined tracks with the Atlantic & Pacific, and later leased its lines
to them, the Atlantic & Pacific finally being absorbed by the Atchison, To-
peka & Santa Fe. The first settlers of Needles, barring the Mojave and
Chemehuevi Indians, were the employes of the railroad company. There
were no women and children here then because it was thought that the in-
tense heat of the summer was too great for their endurance. The Halsey
Brothers had a small store, there was a saloon in the depot building, and
Monaghan & Murphy had begun in a small way their successful business
career. The first white woman to become a resident of the town was Mrs.
A. M. Hart, who, with her two children, proved the fallacy of the accepted
opinion that "Needles might do
for men and dogs, but was too
hot for women and children."
The first justice of the peace
was Frank Monaghan, who made
a model "judge," and who was
then known as all the law and or-
der west of the Colorado river.
It is not a matter of record in
the docket of the court, but it is
a well authenticated fact that on
one occasion the "judge" ad-
journed court for fifteen minutes
while he administered a sound
drubbing to an obstreperous in-
dividual who persisted in inter-
rupting the orderly proceedings
of the court. To this popular
and efficient official was accorded
the honor of marrying the first
white couple who entered into
matrimony in the town, Arthur
frank monaghan Colcord, now one of the best and
trustiest engineers on the Santa Fe, and Miss Addie Smith.
Dan Murphy was the first constable and deputy sheriff. He was a ter-
ror to evil doers, but kind hearted, charitable and just to all. There was no
calaboose or jail in the town then and when there were no box cars on the
sidetrack to be used for confinement of hard characters, Dan invented and
used the safe and effective method of handcuffing his prisoner to a telegraph
pole. With plenty of cool water at hand and a comfortable bed to sleep on,
which the kind hearted officer always provided, the prisoners were more
comfortable thus than they are now in the modern, improved steel cages.
In 1886 the first school of Needles was organized with Frank Monaghan,
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 633
"Cap" Williams and George Heimer as the board of trustees and Howard
Bledsoe as teacher. The first school was in a small pole and dirt house, or
wickiup, located about where John Quinn's Palace saloon now stands. This
soon proved inadequate and before the term ended more commodious and
comfortable quarters were found in the railroad tool house. The progres-
sive board, however, were still not satisfied and soon built a school house, a
Mrs. Penniman succeeding Mr. Bledsoe as teacher. In 1888 Mr. George
Riddell, an educated and accomplished gentleman, came to Needles and was
elected teacher. In a year or so the school had grown so that a larger build-
ing was necessary, and the school board decided to bond the district and put
up a commodious two-story building. As a result, a handsome two-story
sandstone structure was erected, which, with the block of land purchased as
grounds, cost the district $20,000. This building was destroyed by fire in
1899, and was rebuilt on a less expensive and pretentious plan. In 1903 a
high school course was added and there are now four teachers employed.
The number of pupils in attendance is about 200.
Churches.
For many years there was no place for worship in the town, but the
citizens are quiet and law abiding. In 1888 Father Ferrari, a Catholic clergy-
man, visited members of his church here and. seeing the necessity of a church
building, concluded to build one. In his praiseworthy efforts he was sub-
stantially aided by the citizens, regardless of creed or difference in belief.
For some time the little community was satisfied with monthly visits of
priests from California and Western Arizona. In 1890, however, Father
Bannon was stationed here as parish priest and did good and effective work.
He was succeeded by Father John Reynolds. Father John Brady succeeded
Father Revnolds and Father Mathias Tornes is now in charge ; a handsome
parochial residence has now been added to the church property.
The Congregationalists had, in the meantime, acquired a considerable
numerical strength and in 1893 a handsome little church building was erected
on the corner of C and Second streets. In this instance, as in all others
appealing to the liberality of the citizens, everybody gave the enterprise as-
sistance. The first pastor in charge of the church was Rev. Wood, who has
been followed by Revs. Overton and Henning. After Rev. Henning's de-
parture the church was purchased by the Methodists, who have had as pas-
tors Revs. Brown, Field, Baxter and D. Roberts, the latter still in charge.
Both of these churches are in a healthy condition, with Sunday schools and
the usual number of church societies.
The Episcopalians have gained considerable strength in the city and
have just accepted a plat of ground on Second street for the building of a
church edifice, Rev. O. P. Hickman of San Bernardino making frequent visit?
to Needles and holding services.
g::4
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Newspapers.
In 1888 Dr. J. P. Booth and Mr. F. H. Harberd concluded that the town
needed a newspaper, and as Mr. Harberd was a practical printer and Dr.
Booth an old time editor, it was only neecssary to purchase the cases, type
and press. These were soon obtained and in October, 1888, "Our Bazoo,"
a spicy little five column folio appeared. In 1890 Mr. E. E. Booth, of the
Winslow News, purchased Mr. Harberd's interest and moved his plant to the
desert town. The paper was enlarged and the name changed to "Booth*s
Bazoo." In 1891 the title was converted to "The Needles Eye," which title
is still retained, it being named from the hole which nature has placed
through the apex of one of the pinnacles of the Needles mountains. Judge
L. A*. Root is now the editor and proprietor and it has increased in size to
twelve pages.
Population, Climate, Etc.
tion of Needles is estimated to be 3,000 white people.
500 Indians, 30 Chinese and 50
negroes. The mercantile establish-
ment of the Monaghan & Mur-
phy Co. (incorporated) is the
largest in the city. The Murphy
Water, Ice and Light Co. own
the water works system of the
city and are pumping a daily av-
erage of one million gallons every
twenty-four hours for the supply
of the city. Fire plugs are scat-
tered throughout the business and
residence portions of the city.
Besides the volunteer fire depart-
ment, an alarm system is in use
and connected with the fire de-
partment of the Santa Fe, consist-
ing of twenty men, and which
department will make runs to all
parts of the city. The Murph}'
Water, Ice and Light Co. also
operate a large ice factory of 100
tons daily capacity, the ice being used largely in car refrigeration of fruits
and vegetables east bound, and meats, etc., west bound. There is not a city
in the West that has as good a supply of clear, sparkling and wholesome
water and ice as Needles. The most unpretentious cabin in the city has at
\Y! s|
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 635
least one, and in many instances, two or three faucets from which this health-
giving liquid flows in abundance.
Newmark & Folks have built up a splendid trade in dry goods and fur-
nishings ; James Halsey also has a large store full of dry goods. S. F. Hol-
comb Jr. and S. C. Winchester are both thriving grocers and have built up a
good business. There are two handsome and well appointed drug stores in
Needles, one owned by the Needles Drug Co., and located in the Briggs-
block, and the other owned by Dr. D. W. Rees on the corner of E and Main
streets.
The Needles Machine Works inaugurated about two years ago
has succeeded in building up a large business, handling all the machine
work from the neighboring mining camps, which was formerly sent to Los
Angeles or San Francisco. This company is an offspring of the Monaghan
& Murphy Co.
There are two hotels, the Harvey House and the Needles Hotel. The
former is a part of the great Harvey system of hotels which line the Santa
Fe system. The Needles Hotel is a large two-story building, situated on
D street just off of Main street, and is ably managed by R. Taggart. The
Cottage House, at the corner of D and Second, under the management of B.
L. Vaughn, has been much improved and brought up to date. There are
numerous lodging houses, barber shops and restaurants.
Taken all in all "there are many worse towns than Needles even in our
Imperial county," as is frequently asserted by visitors from the "inside."
The climate of Needles is equable and mild except about two months in
summer, when the thermometer reaches above the ioo mark, but by reason of
the absolute absence of moisture in the atmosphere the heat fails to create
anything but excessive perspiration.
Needles is a division town of the Santa Fe system, coast lines, and the
headquarters of the superintendent, master mechanic, trainmaster and other
officials. A large roundhouse and shops make it necessary to employ many
machinists and skilled laborers. Mining companies and miners, as well as
the hardy prospector, purchase their supplies at Needles because of its cen-
tral location to an immense rich mining country. The soil of the Colorado
river valley is fertile and will produce almost anything if properly taken care
of. A vast acreage has been taken out of market by the government pend-
ing the building of a large irrigation clam a few miles above Needles, which
when completed will place water upon several hundred thousand acres of
productive land, rivalling, if possible, the Imperial country of San Diego
county.
<k
0m *
JOHN BROWN. Sr
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE PIONEERS.
A TRIBUTE TO THE PIONEERS.
We, of this day, are in danger of forgetting how deeply we are indebted
to the Pioneers of the past generations. That the United States today
stretches from ocean to ocean and that from boundary to boundary her for-
ests and plains, her fertile valleys and her deserts, are populated and culti-
vated is chiefly due to the dauntless men who left the homes and the comforts
of settled districts to push out into unbroken wilderness, to break trails
across trackless plains, to seek out passes through unscalable mountain
ranges ; the men who dared the peril of Indian warfare, of wild beasts, of
starvation and of storm that they might explore new territory and find new
homes and new wealth for those who followed them.
The American Pioneers of California found conditions in this territory
very different from those of the Middle West. The land was already in-
habited by a civilized people ; the Indians, while often troublesome, were not
the savages of the forests and plains; the climate was propitious; there were
no mighty forests to fell before the tilling of the soil could begin. And yet
with all these advantages there was much to be overcome — the journey
overland across the continent was in itself a test of courage and endurance
unequalled in the history of nations, the distance from home and friends,
from the other states and from the seat of government, was a trial that no
faint-hearted soul could endure ; the wresting of 650 million dollars worth
of gold from the mines of California between 1848 and i860 required almost
unlimited faith, muscle and "grit ;" the transformation of the state from a
vast sweep of sparsely occupied cattle ranges to an inhabited country of
farms, villages and cities, demanded an expenditure of untold energy and in-
telligence.
The Pioneers of San Bernardino county were compelled to meet many
difficulties — both small and great — danger from Indians, the traversing of
638 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
rugged mountains and burning deserts, the devastations of wild animals and
pests, floods and drouths, the distance from markets and the cost of trans-
portation—all these and many more things they faced and, at least, opened
the way for their later overcoming. They dug the ditches which have ex-
panded' into irrigation systems ; they planted the first orange trees which
have multiplied until citrus culture is the greatest industry in the county ;
they sought out the minerals and the mines that are now pouring treas-
ure" into our pockets. They began the work which the present generation is
carrying on.
We cannot too greatly appreciate the strong men and the brave women
who laid the foundations on
which our present civilization is
building; who made the trails
which our great transcontinental
railroads have followed ; who dis-
covered the resources which this
generation is turning into wealth,
and who, best of all, bequeathed
to their children and their chiJ
dren's children a legacy of sound
health, sturdy morality and sim-
ple living, which must be preserv-
ed and passed on if this people
and this nation is to survive.
Our Pioneers — The earliest set-
tlers of this county, the Yorbas,
the Lugos, Bandini, Sepulveda,
Tapia and others, were mostly na-
tive Californians of Spanish des
cent. They were men without fear,
upright — their word as good as
their bond, used to command.
They were generous to lavishness.
they numbered their acres and their cattle by the thousands — what need had
they to think of the morrow? Bernardo Yorba, Juan Bandini, Antonio Ma-
ria Lugo and Tiburcio Tapia were men of affairs, .they bore their share in
the rapid changes of government — the only thing that did change rapidly
in those days, and they helped to make the history of California as a Mexican
territory. Most prominent among this class of pioneers were: Antonio
Yorba, grantee of Santa Ana de Santiago, 1801 ; Bernardo, Tomas and Teo-
dosio, sons of Antonio Yorba ; Leandro Serrano, claimant of Temescal Grant,
1828; Juan Bandini, to whom Jurupa Grant was made in 1838: Tiburcio
Tapia, grantee of Cucamonga, 1839; Antonio Maria Lugo, Jose M.. Jose C.
FRANCISCO ALVARADO
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 639
and Vicente, his sons, who were granted San Bernardino Rancho in 1842;
Diego Sepulveda, one of the grantees of San Bernardino Rancho; Jose M.
Yaldez, mayor-domo of Cucamonga Rancho : Francisco Alvarado and Jose
Bermudas of San Bernardino.
The early American and foreign pioneers were men of great physical
force and endurance and of indomitable will — they would never have reached
California in that day otherwise. They married the women, they adopted
the customs and the religion of the country they found, yet they were of a
shrewder and more provident type than the native Californians and they in-
fused new spirit and life into the social and political conditions of then-
adopted country — for most of them became naturalized citizens of Mexico.
They, too, bore a large share in the history of the state and of San Bernar-
dino county. In this county we find Isaac Williams, an American, who was
owner of the Chino Rancho; B. D. Wilson, also an American, who at one
time owned a large interest in Jurupa Grant ; Michael White, a native of
England, the grantee of Muscupiabe Rancho; Louis Robidoux, of French de-
scent, although born in St. Louis, owner of Jurupa; Cornelius Jansen. a na-
tive of Denmark, who purchased a part of the Jurupa Grant and lived at
Agua Mansa; Cristobal Slover, for whom Slover mountain was named,
came in with the New Mexican colonists in 1842; Daniel Sexton, a native of
Louisiana, came into San Bernardino county, in 1841 ; Pauline Weaver, one
of Ewing Young's party who came in from New Mexico in 1831, was granted
San Gorgonio de San Jacinto, by Governor Pico ; Louis Vignes, a French-
man, was the grantee of a sawmill site in Mill Creek canon under the Mexi-
can government: Don Abel Stearns, one of the earliest and most prominent
of the American settlers in California, also owned various property rights in
this county in early days.
All of these foreign born citizens of California were loyal to the Mexican
government and were trusted and honored by the Californians, holding office
and acting as advisers in many ways in the affairs of the country. But they
were also ready to welcome the coming of the American possession and with-
out doubt their influence had much to do with the easy conquest that awaited
the United States government when it was ready to act.
New Mexico Colonists. A considerable trade sprang up between New
Mexico and California through the thirties. Serapes and woolen blankets
were brought from New Mexico and exchanged for horses, mules and the
goods brought from foreign ports. With these parties of traders came in
a number of settlers. In 1842 a party of colonists arrived in the country
under the leadership of Lorenzo Trujillo and accompanying what is known
as the "Workman-Rowland" party, led by William Workman and John
Rowland. These New Mexicans were offered land on the San Bernardino
Rancho by the Lugos and settled there, but later removed to "Bandini's
640 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Donation" on the Jurupa. Among the first of these colonists were Lorenzo
Trujillo and family, Manuel Espinosa and family, Gregorio Atension and
Hipolito Espinosa, with their families. In 1843 and '44 the following set-
tlers located at Agna Mansa: Ignacio M.olla, Jose Antonio Martinez, Juan
Jamarillo, Pablo Belarde, Esquipelo Garcia, Bernardo Bejillo, Nestor Es-
pinosa, Doroteo Trujillo and Miguel Bustamante. These original settlers
are nearly all passed away ; only Miguel Bustamante and Pablo Belarde of
the original colony remain, but many of their descendants are now living
in the vicinity of Colton and San Bernardino.
MORMON PIONEERS.
With the advent of the Mormon colonists begins the history of San
Bernardino county and city. To their energy and discernment is due the
early development of the agricultural resources of San Bernardino valley
and the establishment of a thriving town, and of many prosperous homes
at a date when the hacienda of the grant owner and the hut of the Indian
were the only habitations of the country outside of the "pueblos."
Among the leaders of the Mormons were : Amasa Lyman and Charles
C. Rich, in charge of the colony ; Bishop Nathan C. Tenny, Captains Hunt,
Lytle and Hunter, David Seeley, H. G. Sherwood and others.
The occupants of the "Old Fort," with the numbers of their houses, as
per the plan (page 132), are here given. It has been found impossible to
locate all the occupants, and there may be some mistakes in names or loca-
tion, but the list has been prepared with great care and after painstaking
investigation and is believed to be nearly perfect:
OCCUPANTS OF THE "OLD FORT."
Located by Number on Plat.
No. 07 Cummings, Albert
Carter, Orlando
2S Aldridge Davidson, J. J.
24 Andrews, Simeon 66 Daley, Edward
27 Blackburn, Abner . 33 de Lin, Andrew P.
Blackburn, Thomas Dixon, David
63 Brown, John, Sr. Egbert, Robert
Bybee, Alfred "R" Fabun, Clark _. (wagon shop)
Burk, Charles Fabun, Clark S. (residence)
5g Button, Montgomery E. 36 Flake, Mrs. (Widow William)
70 Casteel, Jacob Garner, George
Crismon. Charles 53 Glazer, Louis (residence)
37. .38, 39, 40. Crosby, William (Bishop) 54 Glazer, Louis (store)
Crandel, Charles ' Grundy, Isaac
40 Cox, A. J. (kept restaurant) 51 Gruard. Benjamin F.
Cox. William J. 2 Hakes, W. V.
Collins, Albert W. ("Peter") 30 Harris, John, Sr.
Cook, John Harris, Moses (had two sons,
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
641
Silas and John, with fami-
lies)
Hoagland, Lucas (later Addi-
son Pratt)
Hofflin. Samuel
Hopkins, Richard R. (kept
store)
Holladay, John
Hunt, Captain Jeffersi in ( two
sons, Gilbert and Marshall)
Hunter, Captain Jesse
Hyde, William
Hyde, Joseph
Jones, David
Kartchner, William D.
26 Lee, Rupert J.
Lytle, Captain Andrew
Mathews, Joseph
Mills, William
Mathews. William
Miner (kept store)
Miner ( store,
Mcllvane, Jerry
McGee, Henrv
Rav
E, F Rich, Charles C. (Apostle)
Rolfe, Samuel
Rolfe, Gilbert E.
Rollins, Henry (residence)
Rollins, Henrv (store)
Rowan. Mrs. (Lizzie Flake)
(colored)
Seeiey, David
Shepard, Lafayette
Shepard, Samuel (father of
Lafayette)
Shepard, Carlos
65 Sherwood, Henry G.
Sparks, O. S.
64 Stoddard, Sheldon
32 Stuart, John
Sullivan, Archie
Swarthout, Truman
Stout, William (first school
master)
Smith. '■Bill"
Summee, Gilbert (blacksmith)
Stewart. James
Taft, Daniel M.
72. 73 Tanner, Albert
Tanner, Joseph
Tanner, Freeman
( Brothers-in-law of Amasa
Lyman)
60 Tanner, Sydnev
71 Tanner, Mrs. ("Mother")
Taylor
Tenney, Nathan C. (Bishop)
Thomas, Daniel M.
Thorp, Theodore
Tyler. U. U.
Turley, Theodore
42 Whitney
2 Meeting House and School
P Office of Lyman & Rich
00 Tithing House and Store
A, B, C Lyman, Amasa
The above are names of adults, most of them heads of families.
The following persons did not see fit to live inside the "Old Fort." They
made a camp on the spot now occupied by the old cemetery, about opposite
the Moses Garner place:
Biackwell, Hiram
Casteel, Joshua
Clark, Francis
Hanks, George
Hughes, John
Jones, Alonzo
Phelps, John
Smithson, Bartlett. and family
Hollady. David
Taylor, Norman
Taylor, Elmer
Taylor, "Old Man"
Welsh. Mathew
GEORGE LORD
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
SAN BERNARDINO SOCIETY OF CALIFORNIA PIONEERS.
Opening Ode.
(Composed by Hon. B. F. Whittemore, Secretary California Pioneers of
New England, on board the excursion train while entering the San Bernar-
dino valley, April 17, 1890.)
THE GOLDEN LAND.
Tune — "Beulah Land."
We've entered now the Golden State,
Where warmest welcomes for us wait —
The land where corn and oil and wine
Are free and plenty as sunshine.
Chorus.
Oh, golden land, proud»go!den land,
We hail our welcome, and our hand
Is given now with right good will
To those who greet us, for we still
Remember that, in '49,
We had no oil, nor corn, nor wine.
San Bernardino leads the van
With fruits delicious and we can
But tell them what our hearts now feel.
And wish them joy, long life and weal. — Cho.
The ladies and the children sweet.
Who gladden- us with smiles, and greet
The veterans of '49,
For them we ask for bliss divine. — Cho.
God bless the ties that henceforth bind
( )ld Argonauts, and may we find
This happy hour, in all our years.
The pleasantest for Pioneers. — Cho.
So let us all, while gathered here
Each Saturday throughout the year.
In memory our friends enshrine.
Who gave us corn, and oil. and wine. — Cho.
644 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
The San Bernardino Society of California Pioneers was organized Jan.
21, 1888, at the Court House in San Bernardino, pursuant to a call published
in the newspapers. The constitution of the society declares that the objects
to be attained are :
First — To cultivate the social virtues of the members and to unite them
by the bonds of friendship.
Second — To create a fund for benevolent purposes in behalf of its mem-
bers.
Third — To collect and preserve information and facts connected with
the early settlement of California, and especially of the county of San Ber-
nardino, and with the history thereof from the time of settlement until its
organization as a county and subsequent thereto.
Fourth — To form libraries and cabinets, and by all other appropriate
means to advance the interests and increase the prosperity of the society.
Fifth — To create a fund for the purchase of a suitable lot and the build-
ing thereon of a memorial hall to perpetuate the memory of the Pioneers
whose sagacity, energy- and enterprise induced them to settle in this country
and to become the founders of a new state.
The following persons only are entitled to membership:
All persons who were citizens of the United States, or capable of be-
coming citizens thereof, and who were residents of California prior to the
31st day of December, 1850 (since changed to i860), and those who were
residents of the county of San Bernardino at the time of its organization,
April 26, 1853, and the male descendants of such persons.
At the first election the following officers of the society were elected :
George Lord, president; John Brown, Sr., David Seely, James W. Waters,
William F. Holcomb and N. P. Earp, vice-presidents; Henry M. Willis, cor-
responding secretary; John Brown, Jr., secretary; B. B. Harris, treasurer;
N. G. Gill, marshal.
The new Society at once met with hearty support, most of the citizens
of San Bernardino who were eligible, becoming members. Thus it was
made up of men who had borne their share in the stirring events of early
California history and who had been largely instrumental in building up the
city and county of San Bernardino. These men proved themselves not only
Pioneers of the Past, but still Pioneers — of Progress. The Pioneer Society
took an active part in all public affairs and often led the citizens along the
line of advance.
They energetically discussed all public questions and aided by influence
and by hard work in securing many public improvements. Among the im-
provements strongly advocated by the society was a free county road up the
mountains — a long-felt need which, after years of agitation, is now in a way
to be supplied. They were among the first to move in regard to a new court
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 645
house and jail : they joined with the Native Sons in moving for a public
holiday on September 9th— Admission Day. and Governor Waterman, a
member of the society, created this holiday. It was largely due to the efforts
of the Pioneer Society that the pavilion was erected in the public park: they
secured a change in the laws regarding the care and burial of the indigent
poor : they aided in the preservation of the old cemetery ; they took a leading
part in the steps that preserved Fort Sutter to the state as a historical relic.
From the organization of the society it took a very active part in all
patriotic celebrations — Fourth of July. Admission Day. Memorial Day, the
anniversary of Washington's Inaugural the fiftieth anniversary of the discov-
ery of gold and of county organization, and many other occasions have been
appropriatelv celebrated through the efforts of the Pioneer Society. The
social life of the society has always been one of its most noteworthy features.
At an early day it was decided to admit the wives and daughters of Pioneers,
and since that time "Ladies' Day" has been an added feature of enjoyment
and sociabilitv. The spirit of good feeling, active sympathy and wide char-
ity which has bound the members together has been most remarkable. The
members of the Pioneer Society have been brothers in the highest sense of
the word. Their regular weekly meetings, which have been maintained year
after vear, the happy observance of birthdays, wedding anniversaries, the
annual picnics and camping parties, have all brightened and sustained the
last days of many a patriarch. But they shared their sorrows as well as
their joys; they have always been most faithful in their visitations to the
sick and readv with practical aid for all members in need. The active interest
and regular visitation of members in the county hospital has been the one
bright spot in many a sad and broken life, and many an old pioneer otherwise
friendless and forgotten has received a fitting burial at the hands of the Pio-
eer Society. This organization deserves the highest credit for its faithful
ministrations to the old pioneers who have fallen by the wayside.
In 1890 the Society entertained with elaborate ceremonies the New Eng-
land Society of California Pioneers. The tragic death of one of their mem-
bers. General Samuel Chapin, just after finishing an eloquent address at the
opera house, will be remembered as one of the most dramatic incidents in
local history, and it seemed to bind the two societies in a peculiarly strong
fraternal feeling which has ever since remained unbroken.
Since the organization of the Society, some two hundred member- have
been enrolled. Many of the older members have already passed into the
great bevond. and it is only a brief time now when the "old boys" will become
a memory. In later years many sons of Pioneers have been received into
the society, but they cannot fill the blank left by such men as George Lord
John Brown. Sr., David Seeley. B. B. Harris and many another who has
dropped out of the ranks.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 647
Three honorary members have been elected to the society — John C. Fre-
mont, the Pathfinder; Alexander Gocley, who led Fremont through the paths,
and Major Horace C. Bell, of Los Angeles.
The venerable George Lord served as president from the date of organ-
ization until, at his own urgent request, he resigned in 1896, being then 96
years of age. Upon his withdrawal from active service, the office of Honor-
ary Past President was created by the society and Mr. Lord held this office
until his death. To the wise and kindly spirit of this grand old man, much
of the good fellowship and success of the Pioneer Society must be attributed.
N. P. Earp, John Brown, Sr., R. T. Roberds. De La M. Woodward and
C. L. Thomas have since filled the office, and Sheldon Stoddard is the incum-
bent.
John Brown, Jr., has acted continuously since the organization came
into existence, as secretary, and has kept a faithful record of all meetings,
members and matters of interest connected with the society, and also of
many matters of historical interest concerning San Bernardino. The society
and the citizens of the county certainly owe Mr. Brown much for the preserva-
tion of a large amount of material which is of increasing value to all who care
for the things and the data of the past.
When the project and outline of the Annals of San Bernardino County
was presented to the society, they passed a resolution most heartily endorsing
the work. They have been of the greatest assistance to the editors, freely
giving the use of their valuable archives and aiding in every way possible in
the collection of material. The facts and reminiscences furnished by mem-
bers of the Pioneer Society have been a most important factor in the comple-
tion of the historv of San Bernardino county.
CALVIN L. THOMAS
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 649
BIOGRAPHICAL.
MEMBERS OF SAN BERNARDINO SOCIETY OF
CALIFORNIA PIONEERS.
GEORGE LORD, or "Uncle George Lord." as he was familiarly known in San Ber-
nardino for many years before his death, was one of the best known and best beloved
of the band of early pioneers, who were so closely associated in the San Bernardino So-
ciety of California Pioneers. He served as President of the society from its organization
in 1888 until his failing health in 1896 caused him to insist upon the acceptance of his
resignation. The society then created the office of Honorary Past President, since they
could not permit his relation to the society be had so loved and so faithfully served, to
cease.
Born in New York City in 1800, this venerable man approached very closely the
century mark, being 97 years, 10 months and n days old when he died, February 8. 1898.
When a young man he left New York and went to Kentucky. Here in 1833 he
became a member of the Odd Fellows, and he was, at his death, one of the oldest mem-
bers of that organization in the United States. He joined the Masons in 1828 and was
one of the oldest members of that society also. After an active life in a number of the
Mississippi states, in 1849 he came to California and went to the gold fields. He met with
success here and. returning to Iowa, was married to Miss Arabella Singleton. In 1851.
he again crossed the plains and arrived in San Bernardino county in 1852, where he
resided until his death. He was long engaged in ranching and was the first to produce
marketable raisins, made from muscat grapes. He sent a box of these to the fair in Los
Angeles in 1867 and received a prize for them.
Personally, George Lord was "a man without a stain," genial, kind-hearted, upright;
he filled many positions of trust and received many honors. As the President of the
Pioneer Society, he guided it .with a steady and kindly hand, and retired from it with the
sincere love and veneration of his comrades.
'X, SR.. was horn in Worcester. Massachusetts, December 22. 1S17,
11 ud west to realize the dreams and fancies of youth. He stayed a
Missouri, then began rafting on the Mississipip river, then went to
le on a voyage to Galveston he was shipwrecked, and returned to Ft.
Red River route. He was at the battle of San Jacinto and saw Gen-
en first taken prisoner. He remained two years at Ft. Leavenworth.
nclie country or Northern Texas with such mountaineers and trappers
as James W. Waters. \\ J. Herring, Kit Carson, Alexander Godey, Joseph Bridger. Bill
Williams, the Bents, the Subletts and others of equal fame. He engaged sometimes as a
free trapper, at other times with the Hudson Bay and other fur companies, hunting the
grizzly, buffalo, elk, deer, antelope, mountain sheep, and trapping the cunning heaver
"among the Arapahoes, Cheyennes, Apaches. Utes, Cherokees, Sioux, Crows and other
mux
BRO
and when a
bov
while in St.
Loui
Xew Orleans
;. W
Leavenworth
eral Santa Ana \
then went to
the
head waters
of tl
as far as the
■ Con
650 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
tribes. He helped to build Fort Laramie, Fort Bent, Fort Bridger and several other forts.
This period is hastened over, for the bear and Indian encounters and hair-breadth escapes
of the above named hunters would fill a volume fully as interesting as "Kit Carson's
Travels" or Washington Irving's "Captain Bonneville." Suffice it to say that such brave
and intrepid hunters and adventurers as Mr. Brown and his companions piloted General
Fremont across the Rocky mountains on his exploration of the American continent, and
if General Fremont had adhered more closely to Mr. Brown's advice, he would not have
lost so many men and animals that dreadful winter in the snow. Still, General Fremont
has gone down in history as the great Pathfinder.
The gold fever reached the mountaineers in 1849. Messrs. Brown, Waters, Lupton
and White "fitted out" and joined one of the immigrant trains bound for the land of
gold. They spent the 4th of July, 1849, in Salt Lake City; and arrived at Sutter's Fort,
September 1st, and began mining on the Calaveras river. In November, Mr. Brown
moved to Monterey, and, with Waters and Godey, opened the St. Johns hotel and livery
stable at San Juan Missoin. Mr. Brown was here elected Justice of the Peace for two
terms. His health failing him, he was advised to go to the milder climate of Southern
California. In April, 1852, he went to San Francisco, and there, with his family, boarded
the schooner Lydia, Captain Haley commander, and after a week's voyage landed at San
Pedro, where he engaged Sheldon Stoddard to haul him to San Bernardino, where he
arrived and settled with his family in May, 1852.
In 1854, Mr. Brown moved with his family to Yucaipe, where he went into the stock
business, but returned to San Bernardino in 1857, and lived there until his death.
In 1861, seeing the necessity of an outlet to Southern Utah and Arizona for the
productions of San Bernardino, Mr. Brown, with Judge Henry M. Willis and George
L. Tucker, procured a charter from the Legislature for a toll road through the Cajon
Pass, which he kept open for eighteen years, thus contributing materially to the business
of the city in which he lived. In 1862. he went to Fort Mojave and established a ferry
across the Colorado river, thus enhancing the business of San Bernardino still more.
He was a liberal contributor to the telegraph fund when assistance was required to
connect this city with the outside world, and favored reasonable railroad encouragement
to place San Bernardino on the transcontinental line. At his own expense he enclosed
the public square, where the pavilion now stands, with a substantial fence, and in many
ways by his public spirit contributed to the advancement and improvement of this city.
In "the winter of 1873-4 lle delivered the United States mail to the miners in Bear and
Holcomb valleys, where the snow was three and four feet deep, thus showing that he
still retained that daring and intrepid disposition that he acquired in the Rocky mountains.
In the world of religious thought, Mr. Brown had a wonderful experience. Born
near Plymouth Rock on the anniversary of the landing of the Pilgrim Fathers, he seems
to have partaken of their religious freedom and liberality of thought, and his years among
the grandeur of the Rocky mountains aided in developing an intense love for nature,
the handiwork of the great Creator,— here, as a child of nature, among the fastnesses of
the mountain forests, or among the cliffs and peaks, he saw the Great Ruler in the clouds,
and heard Him in the winds. Without any education except that derived from the
broad and liberal books of nature, he was the author of a book entitled "Medium of the
Rockies," in which kindness, gentleness, unselfishness, charitableness and forgiveness are
set forth, dedicated to "the cause that lacks assistance, the wrongs that need resistance,
the future in the distance, and the good that he could do"— the character that he acquired
and lived all his life.
As old age began creeping on and many of the old friends were passing away, and
the activities of life had to be transferred to others, Mr. Brown joined President Lord,
William Heap, R. T. Roberts, W. F. Holcomb, De La M. Woodward. Major B. B.
Harris. David Seely, Sydney P. Waite, Marcus Katz, Lucas Hoagland. Henry M. Willis,
his old Rocky mountain companion, James W. Waters, his son, John Brown, Jr., and
others, and organized the San Bernardino Society of California Pioneers, believing that
many hours could still be pleasantly passed by those whose friendship had grown stronger
as the years rolled by and thus live the sentiment of the poet—
"When but few years of life remain,
Tis life renewed' to laugh them o'er again."
Mr. Brown raised a large family; six daughters — Mrs. S. P. Waite, Mrs. Laura
Wozencraft Thomas, Mrs. Louisa Water-;. Mrs. Sylvia Davenport, Mrs. Mary Dueber,
now deceased, and Mrs. Emma Rouse ; and four sons — John, Joseph, James and Newton
Brown.
Mr. Brown outlived all of his Rocky Mountain companions, and all of the com-
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 651
missioners appointed to organize this county, and all of the first officers of San Bernar-
dino county ; he remained alone to receive the tender greetings of his many friends who
held him not only with high esteem and respect, but with love and veneration. He was
greatly devoted to the Pioneer Society; its pleasant associations were near and dear to
him. Although feeble with declining years, he appeared at the meeting of the society on
Saturday, April 15, 1899, and discharged his duties as President, and on the following
Thursday, April 20, 1899, at 7 o'clock p. m., at the home of his daughter Laura, -his
spirit departed to that new and higher sphere of existence he so fondly looked to while
in earth life. A large concourse of friends attended the funeral of their old friend,
from the Brown homestead, corner Sixth and D streets, the present residence of his son,
John Brown, Jr. The funeral services were conducted by Mrs. J. A. Marchant of the
First Spiritual Society of San Bernardino, !rhd also by Rev. White of the Presbyterian
church of Colton. An excellent choir under the direction of Mrs. H. M. Barton and
Mrs. Lizzie Keller discoursed appropriate selections. The floral offerings were profuse;
one, emblematic of the Pioneers, being a tribute from the Pioneer Society.
According to directions from the deceased, frequently given by him to his children,
the casket, and everything else necessary for interment, was like his character and be-
lief— as white as the mountain snow. The honorary pallbearers were among his oldest
friends then living— Sheldon Stoddard, W. F. Holcomb, R. T. Roberds, Lucas Hoag-
land, J. A. Kelting and Lewis Jacobs; and the active pallbearers were J. W. Waters. Jr.,
George Miller, De La M. Woodward, Randolph Seely, H. M. Barton and Edward
Daley, Jr.
WILLIAM F. HOLCOMB, of San Bernardino, was born in Tippecanoe county.
Indiana, January 27, 1831. His family moved to Illinois when he was but a few months
old and settled near Chicago, where they remained for eight years. About 1840 they
removed to Iowa and located in Van Buren county. Here in 1843. his father died. In
1845 his mother removed to what was then known as "The New Purchase," in Wapello
county, and here the boy began to support his mother by clearing laud, making rails,
fencing, breaking land, etc. When the gold excitement spread through the country the
young man determined to seek his fortune in California. He left Ottumwa, Iowa, In
May, 1850, outfitted with a wagon, three yoke of oxen and provisions. At the Green
river crossing on the "Sublett cut-off" he lost his wagon and entire outfit. He continued
the journey on foot and met with great destitution before he reached "Hangtown," now
Piacerville, California, in August, "dead broke." He spent about a year in mining at
various points and with varying success, and then went to Oregon and looked over the
country. He returned to California and spent some years in mining in the northern part
of the state. In i860 he came south and discovered gold in Bear Valley and "Holcomb's"
valley, as detailed in his "Reminiscences" in another portion of this volume. After sev-
eral years of mining in San Bernardino county and in Arizona, he was, in 1807. nomi-
nated county assessor, lint was defeated. In 1871 he was elected to the office, however,
and held the office until 1879. In 1882 he was elected county clerk, a position he he'ld
for two terms.
In i860, Mr. Holcomb married Miss Stewart, daughter of John M. Slew-art, of Bear
Valley. They have had a family of five sons and two daughters.
JOHN BROWN, JR., eldest son of John Brown, Sr., the famous Rocky mountain
explorer, hunter and trapper, was bom in a log cabin situated on the banks of Greenhorn
creek, in Huerfano county, Colorado, then a portion of the territory of New Mexico, on
October 3, 1847.
When about a year old, he experienced an almost miraculous escape from the Apache
Indians, and owes his life to the sublime courage of his devoted mother. This section of
the Centennial State was at that time a wilderness, inhabited mainly by various savage
tribes, and an abundance of far less dangerous "big game." Mr. "Brown's father and
his fellow mountaineers, having accumulated a large quantity of buffalo rubes and beaver
skins, concluded to send a pack-train to Taos. New Mexico, their trading post at that
time, from whence, after selling their peltries, they would return with provisions. Mrs.
Brown with her child accompanied tnis expedition, and on the way the travelers were
attacked by a band of Apache Indians, who captured the whole pack-train and killed some
of its guardians. While fleeing on horseback from the painted fiends, some of the men
shouted to Mrs. Brown. "Throw that child away, or the Indians will get you." but the
warm-hearted mother indignantly exclaimed thai when her child was thrown away she
would go also. Fortunately, the pursued cavalcade so. 111 reached a wide and deep ravine.
652 HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY.
where they were safe from the arrows and bullets of the Indians, who did not approach
further. The little child was still in the arms of his mother, who had risked her life to
save her infant, thus adding to history another remarkable proof of the fathomless depth
of a mother's love.
To show the dangers that the frontiersman underwent in this wild and unexplored
country, Mr. Brown, when endeavoring to farm on the banks of the stream, often dug a
rifle pit in the middle of his corn or wheat field, where he could escape and defend him-
self from assaults of treacherous savages. He has often held his Kentucky rifle in one
hand and a hoe or shovel in the other while at work.
Early in 1849, the news of the discovery of gold in California reached the mountain-
eers, so Mr. Brown, James W. Waters, V. J. Herring, Alexander Godey and others made
arrangements to cross the plains to the new El Dorado. July 4, 1849, was spent in Salt
Lake City, and Sutter's Fort, California, was reached on September 1st, Mr. Brown bring-
ing his family with him. In 1852 the family removed to San Bernardino. John was but
five years old at this time, yet remembers well the old fort, a balloon ascension, and other
incidents therein. In 1854, the family moved to Yucaipe Valley, a few miles east of town,
where Mr. Brown successfully engaged for three years in farming and stock raising.
Returning to San Bernardino in 1857, they took up their residence at the old homestead.
Sixth and D streets, where our subject grew to vigorous manhood, attending the public
schools on Fourth street and Mt. Vernon avenue, and finally graduating from St. Vin-
cent's College, Los Angeles, and Santa Clara College, in the north.
He followed the vocation of a school teacher for a number of years, served one term
as county superintendent of schools, and presided over the board of education, in all of
these honorable positions acquitting himself to the general satisfaction. He studied law
under Judge H. C. Rolfe, and was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the state
and federal courts. It can truly be said of him that his kindly disposition has ever led
•him to espouse the cause of the poor and oppressed, and to advise the settlement of all
disputes, if possible, outside the court room. He is pre-eminently the friend of the aged,
and is beloved by the children, who greatly delight in Hocking around their chief patron —
genial "Uncle John." Even the hapless, expatriated red man man finds in him a tireless
and faithful champion, for, besides many preceding instances, when in May, 1903, the
Warner's Ranch Indians were ordered to leave the homes of their "altars and their sires,"
and were hourly becoming more desperate at the threats of the government officers and the
despicable conduct of supposed friends, it was he alone who responded to their almost
frantic call for counsel and supplemented the excellent tact of Special Inspector Jenkins
in securing a peaceful exodus to Pala reservation. Mr. Brown and his Washington
friend accompanied the sorrowful procession of victims of heartless greed to their new
home, which was reached without the loss of a single life, our subject aiding the deserving
Indains to comfortably settle down at Pala.
On July 4, 1876. Mr. Brown was married to Miss Maltie Ellen Hinman. Nellie
Hinn.an, their only child, was born in San Bernardino on June.i, 1877, and on March 2,
1904, married Mr. Charles H. Wiggett, at present (October, 1904) a resident of Bellemout,
Arizona.
Mr. Brown has always been known as an ardent patriot; the American flag floats
over his home on national holidays, and ever waves above his mountain encampment.
With that veteran school teacher, Mr. Henry C. Brooke, he raised the "Star Spangled
Banner" to its place at many of the school houses in the county, desiring to instill pa-
triotism into the minds of the rising generation. He is indebted to his father for starting
him aright in his political career. Although but 13 years of age, he, with his brothers
Joseph and James, hauled wood to build bonfires which might arouse and enlighten th^
people to support Abraham Lincoln for the presidential office. This was in i860, and
in 1864 the same activity was manifested by the Brown family in defense of the Union.
In 1868, Mr. Brown cast his maiden vote for the candidate of the Republican party for
president — General U. S. Grant — and has ever since supported the nominees of that organ-
ization, believing that by so doing he was contributing as a humble citizen toward the
highest welfare of the happily reunited American people.
Mr. Brown is a great lover of the mountains, a trait inherited from his parents. The
hunting-grounds of the San Bernardino range, eastward from Old Baldy — Job's Peak,
Sawpit Canyon, Strawberry Peak. Little Bear Valle.v. Little Green Valley, Big Bear
Valley, Sugar Loaf, Mt. San Bernardino, and Grayback — are all familiar to him and his
associate nimrods,' Bill Holcomb. Joe Brown. B. B. Harris, Syd. Waite, George Miller.
Taney Woodward, Win. Stephen. E. A. Xishet, Richard We'ir, Bart Smithson. Dave
Wixom and others with whom he has undertaken the most enjoyed trips of his life.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 653
In the summer of 1882, he visited the Atlantic and Middle States, accompanied by
Mrs. Brown and their little daughter Nellie— Fanueil Hall, Bunker Hill and Monument,
Plymouth Rock. Mt. Vernon and Washington's Monument, Independence Hall, Niagara
Falls and the large cities being the chief objects of interest during their protracted but
very pleasant itinerary.
On January 21, 1888, Mr. Brown was present at the court house with his father and
Messrs. J. W. Waters, George Lord, S. P. Wait,:, G. W. Suttenfield, H. M. Willis, N. G.
Gill, W. F. Holcomb, R. T. Roberts and De La M. Woodward, and aided in organizing
the San Bernardino Society of California Pioneers, which honorable body then elected
our subject as secretary. This responsible position has been filled by him ever since — a
period of 16 years — for his pioneer sisters and brothers have annually expressed their con-
fidence and gratitude by unanimously voting that their beloved "Uncle John" continue to
serve them as secretary and sole guardijn of the records and museum of the society.
Nor have they failed in otherwise recognizing his valuable services, as especially evidenced
by the substantial tokens of high esteem presented to him on his natal anniversaries.
Mr. Brown is to be seen at his post, in Native Sons' Hall, every Saturday afternoon,
and, although solicitous about the comfort and entertainment of the children who attend
the pioneer meetings, most particularly pays attention to the social needs of the venerable
great-grandmothers and great-grandfathers who dignify the weekly Argonaut assemblage,
holding that it is the privilege of the Pioneer Society "to make their declining years happy
All of these associations have developed in Mr. Brown a disposition to look upon the bright
side of life, and "scatter seeds of kindness" among his innumerable acquaintances, a virtue
which, like mercy, blesses both giver and receiver, and should be cultivated more and more
by erring humanity. With the growth of philanthropy, of real fraternity, the noxious
.veeds of social and economic discordance would wane and wither to ultimate extinction,
and Mr. Brown rejoices that the true Christian spirit is becoming stronger and stronger
throughout the world, in obedience to the Divine message, "Peace on earth, good will to
R. THOMAS ROBERDS was born in Monroe county, Mississippi. April 9, 1837, the
son of John and Martha T. Roberds, the one a native of Alabama and the other of Georgia.
In 1846 the family started with ox teams and drove to the northwest through Missouri,
and after many adventures with Indians, swollen streams, etc., passed the winter at Fort
Pueblo, on the Arkansas river. The summer of 1847 they located on bottom land near
Fort Pueblo and raised a crop. In the fall of 1847 they moved to a fort called Hardscrabble
and wintered in this vicinity, living largely upon the game which abounded in the country.
In the spring of 1848 a party of twelve wagons with 200 head of stock started westward
and reached Salt Lake in the fall. Here they built log cabins and passed the winter. In
the spring Mr. Roberds, Sr., finding himself unable to properly outfit for the journey to
California, put in a crop and raised enough so that in the spring of 1850 he was ready to
proceed with his journey. In July, 1850, the family arrived at Hangtown, California, after
four years of severe "pioneering." Mr. Roberds, with his father and uncle, found a spring
near this place which they dug out and named "Diamond Spring" because of the sparkling
white crystal by which it was surrounded. After several years spent in mining in various
places in the northern part of the state, the family came to Southern California in 1857
and located near San Bernardino, where they have ever since resided. Here the father,
John Roberds, died in 1878. Mr. Roberds has a fine ranch on Ninth street which has been
his home for many years.
January 23, 1859. Mr. Roberds married Miss Harriet Bemis of San Bernardino. They
have had a family of eight sons and four daughters. The children are William, Rosel,
Nellie, who married J. W. Smith ; John T., Frances G.. Mrs. Parlev King, Allien F.. George
R., Alvin N., Walter, Birdie M. and Eli. Mr. Roberds has served as President of the San
Bernardino Society of Pioneers.
SHELDON STODDARD, of San Bernardino, was born near Toronto. Canada.
February 8, 1830, the son of Nathaniel and Jane MacManigal Stoddard. His father was a
carpenter by trade and a native of Massachusetts; the mother was born in Glasgow, Scot-
land. The father died at Toronto, and the mother came to the United States about 1S3S
witht her four sons, and after a year in Ohio located at Warsaw, Illinois. She came to
Salt Lake and to San Bernardino with the colonists of 1851, returning to Utah about 1875.
Of the sons. Arvin and Albert came to California in 1849. They now live in Utah. Rufus
died in Utah in 1904. Sheldon Stoddard started for California in 184S, coming via Council
Bluffs and the North Platte to Salt Lake. Here a party of about thirty men, under the
654
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
guidance of Captain Flake, started for the placer diggings in 1849. Among the members
of this party were Chas. C. Rich, George Q. Cannon, William Lay and Sheldon Stoddard.
They rode pack animals and followed a trail as far as Mountain Meadows, expecting to
take a northern route via Walker's Lake to the placer diggings. They traveled westward
from Mountain Meadows for eighteen days without guides, compass or maps. They found
no water and were saved from perishing by light showers when they caught water in their
rubber blankets and drank it with a teaspoon. At last they turned eastward and struck
the head of the Muddy river, which they followed down until they found a trail and soon
afterward came up to Captain Hunt in camp with the seven wagons that had remained
with him when the rest of his party had taken the route that led them into Death Valley.
By the southern route they reached Chino Rancho, where they remained for a month to
recruit their stock and were hospitably treated by Col. Williams.
After reaching the Mariposa mines the company disbanded, and Mr. Stoddard estab-
SHELDON STODDARD MRS. SHELDON STODDARD
lished a trading post in the Carson Valley to supply incoming emigrants. At that time flour
and bacon were sold for $1 per pound and other things in proportion. Finally he and his
partv bought about 60 horses and 20 head of mules and returned with these to Salt Lake.
In March, 1851. Mr. Stoddard married Miss Jane, the second daughter of Captain
Hunt, and in April' they started for California with the San Bernardino colonists. At
Bitter Springs, Lyman, Rich, Hunt, Hopkins and Rollins started on ahead of the company
on horseback, and Stoddard accompanied then, with a mule team. They spent about twenty
days in prospecting the country. In September Mr. Stoddard built the first log cabin
within the town plat on what is now the Carter place, on First street west of 1 street.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 655
This cabin was later taken down and built into the west barricade of the fort. In 1S53 he
built an adobe house on the northwest corner of D and Fourth streets, now occupied by
the Lloyd Block, the present postoffice. This house stood until about 1870. In 1857 Mr.
Stoddard removed to a ranch on Warm Creek. For many years he was engaged in carry-
ing mail and freighting between San Bernardino and Salt Lake and other points. He
crossed the desert twenty-four times with mail to Salt Lake and return. His last trip, in
1858, was an adventurous one. He, with Dan Taft and Louis Newell, started for Salt
Lake with two wagons, four mules on each, carrying mail and freight. At Cottonwood
Springs, 18 miles this side of Las Vegas, then a Mormon fort, they encountered an Indian
and squaw at the point where they camped for dinner. They gave the Indians some bacon
and biscuit and finally presented the buck with a cigar. They went on, leaving the Piutes
in camp. The Indian, after smoking the cigar, was taken violently sick. The squaw,
believing that the white men had intentionally poisoned her lord, started at once for a camp
of about fifty Indians beyond Las Vegas. This party made a raid on the Mormon camp
and told their story to the four men who were in the fort. The men with difficulty per-
suaded them to wait until the mail party arrived and they could find out whether the Indian
was dead. When the San Bernardino party reached the fort they found a threatening out-
look, but the Indians finally agreed to take a white man with them and go back and find
the sick Indian. They met him coming in, better but still squeamish, and the Indians were
still not satisfied that he had not been poisoned. It was finally arranged that the mail car-
riers were to give them six pairs of blankets and promise that if the Indian died they would
give a horse. Then they were allowed to proceed, but they went on in much uneasiness,
feeling that if the man should die it would furnish all the excuse the Indians wanted for
an attack.
In 1865 Mr. Stoddard made the trip with a freight wagon to Nevada City, Montana,
a distance of 1300 miles, the journey occupying six months. His last long freighting trip
was to Pioche City, Nevada, in 1866. He continued to freight in Southern California- until
1882, when he entered the employ of the California Southern railway, taking charge of
their teaming and quarry work. He remained with the railway company until 1899, when
he retired from active life to enjoy the well-earned rest that is fitting for long and well
spent years of labor. He has a comfortable old homestead, now a part of the city. His
wife died December 26, 1899. Their children were: Mary, now the widow of N. Sleppy;
Eve.: Mrs. Albert Rosseau, now deceased: Hattie ; Mrs. S. p. Merritt, and Bell, deceased.
In 1903 Mr. Stoddard was elected President of the Pioneer Society and he has always
been one of its most active members.
DE LA MONTAIGNE WOODWARD was born in Monmouth county, N. J.. No-
vember 4, 1835. He was the son of Tames G. Woodward, a school teacher, native of New
Jersey, and Mary A. De La Montaigne Woodward, a lady of French parentage. In 1850,
the family removed from New Jersey to Utah, where the father was a leading member in
the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and under the leadership of the Apostles
Lyman and Rich, crossed the plains with the Mormon emigrants colonizing San Bernar-
dino in 1851. Here he passed the remainder of his life and died.
De La Montaigne Woodward passed his youth in San Bernardino valley, pursuing
the occupation of farming, hunting in the mountains, and later engaged in mining. He was
a factor in many of the exciting events of early days in this town, and took an active part
in the San Bernardino war, a detailed account of which may be found elsewhere in this
work. Upon completion of the telegraphic system from San Bernardino to the outside
world, Mr. Woodward, who had obtained a knowledge of telegraphy in San Francisco, was
accorded the honor of sending the first message over the wires from this city.
.Mr. Woodward married Miss Caroline Craw of San Bernardino. They have two
daughters. Mr. Woodward has served as member of the board of education at various
times, and was one of the organizers of the early school system. He was a member of
and chosen president of the first city board of trustees under the first city charter. Mr.
and Mrs. Woodward are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Mr.
Woodward is a member of the San Bernardino County Society of Pioneers, and on Jan-
uary 18, 1901, was elected president of that society.
JOHN BARTLEY SMITHSOX is a native of Alabama, born at Parkerville, Marion
county, October 0. 1841. He was the son of Allen F. Smithson, a native of Mississippi,
a planter and slave owner before the war. His mother was Luticia Holliday Smithson,
daughter of John Holliday. a wealthy cotton planter and slave owner of Parkerville. Allen
F. Smithson became a convert to the Mormon faith, and, disposing of his property with
65fi
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
the intention of settling in Salt Lake City, left Parkerville on the first day of March, 1846.
The following year found them in Colorado, where they became acquainted with John
Brown, Sr., Janies Waters, V. J. Herring and a portion of the party under Jefferson Hunt,
who came into San Bernardino county June 24, 1851. Mrs. Smithson having died, the family
at that time consisted of Mr. Allen F. Smithson, the father; John Bartley ; Catherine, who
had married Jack Crouch in Utah; Janies D. ; Mary E., who became Mrs. Robert Smith,
and Lehigh. Upon their arrival in San Bernardino they located on a piece of unsurveyed
laud near the present cemetery, and after the survey Nettled on land now at the corner of
A and Seventh streets, in the city of San Bernardino. The family lived there until 1857,
when they returned to Utah and located at Beaver, in the south part of the territory. Mr.
Smithson afterwards received appointment as U. S. Postmaster at Pareah. Utah, where
he lived the remainder of his life. He died in June. 1877, at the age of sixty years.
John Bartley Smithson accompanied the family when they returned to Utah, but early
in the following year came back to San Bernardino. He went into the mountains where
JOHN HARM I A SMI III--' >\
MRS. JOHN BARTLEY SMITHSON
he found employment in the saw mills of David Seely, John M. James and D. T.Huston,
and worked in the mountains about eight years. He then went to Aurora, in Mono county,
where he lived two years, and from there to Carresso rancho, in San Luis Obispo county,
then owned by Charles Jones, where he was employed as vaquero to assist in taking a band
of three hundred head of cattle and five hundred head of horses to City Rock, Idaho. He
then came back to San Bernardino by the way of Salt Lake.
Mr. Smithson married Miss Jane Cadd. daughter of Thomas Cadd. Mrs. Smithson
was born in Australia. July 5, 1841. She was a child of five years of age when her parents
came to San Bernardino, and has passed nearly her whole life in this county. Mr. and
Mrs. Smithson have raised a family of children, all of whom reside in this county; John
Bartley Smithson, Jr., William F., Rose E.. Lena and Charles F. Mr. Smithson owns a
fine mountain fruit farm of one hundred and sixty acres, about eighteen miles from San
Bernardino, and also a residence in the city where the family spends a portion of the year
in order to give the children the advantages of the city schools. They are members of the
Pioneer Society, and their home is a favorite visiting place for the pioneers during the
summer. The Pioneer Society has been in the habit of using a portion of their mountain
property as a camping ground for many seasons. In 1899, Mr. Smithson very generously
gave the society a deed to this place as a Christinas gift.
EDWARD DALEY, SR., was one of the pioneers of San Bernardino. He was born
in New York state, March 31, 1825. He grew to manhood in the then new state of Ohio.
In 1844 he moved westward and spent six years in pioneering in the middle west. In 1840
he married Miss Nancy Hunt. In 1849 they started for California overland, but owing to
delays did not reach San Bernardino until Tune 20, 1851. He was a prominent citizen of
HISTORY OF SAN BERXARDINO COUNTY
(;:>-
supervisor for four years, and was one of the
success**;!
•the community ; served
fanners of the valley.
He was the father of eleven children, Mrs. B. M. Wall, Mrs. J. S. Bright, Edward
Daley, Jr., Charles J., Frank B„ Mrs. F. R. Higgins, May G. and Mrs. George L. Bry-
ant, still survive him and all reside in San Bernardino. He died at his residence in San
Bernardino, January 25, 1896.
GEORGE W. SUTTONFIELD, of San Bernardino, was horn at Fort Wayne, In-
diana, Februarq 14, 1825. He is the son of Col. William Suttonfield, a native of Virginia,
and Laura (Taylor) Suttonfield, a native of Boston, Mass. His father served in the
Black-Hawk Indian war under Gen. Harrison. The family settled at Fort Wayne as early
as 1814, and for some time after their arrival they made
their home in the historic fort, built by order of and
named for Gen. Anthony Wayne, in 1794. For some
time Col. Suttonfield was a non-commissioned officer
in the fort. He was engaged in recruiting service, and
also employed in bringing provisions and other articles
from fiqua, Ohio, to the garrison. He also erected the
first house in Fort Wayne — a substantial log cabin, in
which the family afterward resided for many years.
Col. Suttonfield died in 1841. Mrs. Suttonfield sur-
vived her husband until 1883.
George W. Suttonfield received his education at
Wabash College, Crawfordsville, Indiana. In April,
1849, he started overland from Fort Smith, Arkansas,
for California, arriving in San Francisco in October
of the same year. Their train was made up in the
South, bringing with it a large quantity of fine stock.
They lost heavily on the journey, arriving on the coast
practically destitute. Many of them were compelled
to cross the Colorado desert on foot, Mr. Suttonfield
among the number. His provisions ran so low that
at one time a pint of green coffee was all that stood
between him and starvation, and he affirms that one of
the best meals he ever ate was purchased from an In-
dian, and consisted of grasshoppers and acorn meal, for
which he paid well and was more than thankful. At
San Diego he took passage on a coal bark for San
Francisco, and his inherent honesty compelled him to
give up his last cent of money for the transportation, although others in better financial
condition obtained their passage free, and he arrived in San Francisco "dead broke." He
was willing to work, however, and obtained employment wheeling dirt from an embank-
ment and dumping it into the bay, for which he received one dollar per hour. Not being
hopeful of accumulating a fortune by that method, he tried to better his condition by a
few games of chance. In this he was successful, and also engaging to unload vessels at
night at two dollars per hour, soon found his financial affairs 'looking up." He suc-
ceeded so well that he was able to establish a pie and coffee stand on the corner of Clay
and Portsmouth Square. He took in $86 the first day and averaged $40 and $50 per day
afterwards. An attack of gold fever seized him and he sold out on perpetual credit and
went into the mines. From 1856 to 1861 he was in Mariposa county engaged in stock-
raising. In 1862 he went to Stockton and subsequently to Arizona, where he was in the
Stock raising business seven years. He came to San Bernardino in 1872 and engaged in the
livery business. During later years he has operated gold quartz mines, buying" and selling
mines.
June 1, 1851, Mr. Suttonfield married Mrs. Sarah Chadwick Smrth. This was the
first marriage recorded in Mariposa county. They were the parents of five children.
Mrs. Suttonfield died in 1870. In 1880 Mr. Suttonfield married Miss Sarah Foxall of
San Bernardino
While in Mariposa county Mr. Suttonfield was judge of the first election ever held
in the county. He is a pioneer in every sense of the word, and his experiences in tho
varied and exciting events in the early history of the state are exceedingly interesting. He
may well be called the father of the San Bernardino County Society of California Pio-
neers, as he was first to suggest the organization, and has been an active worker in the
societv since it was started.
GEORGE W. Sl'TTONFIELD
658
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
J. C. PEACOCK. M. D. Few names were more familiar in the earlier history of
San Bernardino than that of Dr. J. C. Peacock, who was for eighteen years postmaster of
this city from 1861 to 1879, and was fifteen years county physician. His many deeds o*
kindness and his manly, upright character endeared him to all who knew him. He was
closely identified with every movement for the betterment of the community during his long
residence in this county.
Dr. Peacock was born in Pennsylvania in 1809 and was educated as a physician. He
came to California in 1850 and to San Bernardino county in i860. He was one of the Slover
Mountain Association, who founded the town of Colton and during his later years resided
in that town. There he died January 24, 1896.
THE HON. DAVID AUGUSTUS SHAW, of Redlands, was born in Henshaw-
brook, Lower Canada, August 4, 1826. His father was a native of New Hampshire, and
his ancestors were among the earliest of New England settlers. His maternal grand-
father. Capt. Garratt Barron, was a British na-
val officer who served as commander of a battle-
ship under Lord Nelson, and was granted a large
tract in Canada on his retirement. His family
returned to New England while David A. was
a child, and in 1836 emigrated to Northern New
York state. Here the boy attended district school
and an academy, and in 1843 taught his first
terms of school with a salary of $6 per month and
"board around." The family in 1844 removed to
Morengo, 111., where David continued to teach,
now receiving $12 per month for his services.
April 19, 1850, the young man. in company
with four other ambitious young neighbors, started
overland for California. The story of the inci-
dents and dangers of the long journey Mr. Shaw
has vividly told in his book, ''El Dorado," re-
cently published. More fortunate than many, Mr.
Shaw accumulated some money in the mining
country, and in 1852 he returned to the "states"
by way of Nicaragua in order to procure a band
of American horses for sale in California. He
carried out this project and reached California
the second time in 1853. In 1856 he returned
east again and located in Minnesota, where his
parents were then residing, and remained there
until after the death of both parents. During
this period he was a member of the Minnesota
State Legislature, and was admitted to practice
law in the district courts of the state in 1867.
He was twice elected to a judicial office and was a
postmaster.
In 1872. he returned to California to make
his permanent home, and after four years spent
in the northern part of the state, located in Los Angeles, where he engaged in the practice
of law and was admitted to the bar under Judge Sepulveda. In 1879 he purchased the
ranch of 160 acres in Lugonia, now occupied by himself and sons, and began the planting
of orange trees. This place is now one of the finest properties in the vicinity of Redlands,
although much of the original ranch has been disposed of.
Major Shaw has, since locating in the San Bernardino valley, taken an active part in
citrus affairs. He was one of the representatives of the county at the Citrus Fair in
Chicago in 1886, and did good service there. He has also aided in making known the
advantages of this section with his pen, having for many years acted as a newspaper cor-
respondent and writer of special articles. Major Shaw is a life-long Republican and stands
high in the Masonic order, of which he has been a Past Master and a Royal Arch Mason
since 1858.
January 19. 18.^4, he was married to Miss Anna Wormer, of San Francisco. She died
in Redlands May 8, 1894. Six children survive this union — Viola May, Eva, Kittie M.,
June, Lester E., Clarence A. and Mathew L.
HON. DAVID A. SHAW
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 659
October 14, 1S95, Major Shaw married Mrs. C. B. Alderman, of Goshen, Indiana, and
is now living on his ranch at Redlands in quiet retirement.
CALVIN L. THOMAS was born in Bledsoe county, Tennessee, January 5, 1837.
He was the son of Edwin and Edna Flinn Thomas. Edwin H. Thomas, in 1852, when
the tide of pioneer emigration was at its height, prepared to take up the march across
the plains intervening between the Mississippi river and the western slope. His first
intention was to locate in Oregon, and he started on the journey overland, traveling with
ox teams. He reached Salt Lake, Utah, without particular incident, but so late in the
year that the cold and snow made crossing the Rocky mountains too dangerous a feat
to attempt. This decided a change in their course and brought them by the southern route
to California. They entered San Bernardino valley by the way of the Cajon Pass on
Christmas day of 1852, and at once located on a piece of property in what is now known
as Mount Vernon, and included in the city of San Bernardino. There Edwin H. Thomas
passed the remainder of his life, a peaceful, law-abiding citizen. He served one term on
the county board of supervisors. He died at his home in San Bernardino in 1874 at
the age of 64 years, leaving a family of seven children. His son, William Thomas, lived
and died at Visalia, Tulare county ; E. Jefferson Thomas located and resided at River-
side ; Mark F. Thomas is a farmer of ithe Yucaipe valley ; Miss Frances Thomas married
Berry Roberts and died in San Bernardino in 1879; Calvin L. Thomas resides in San
Bernardino, and E. H. Thomas, San Bernardino.
Calvin L. Thomas was a boy of fifteen when the family came to San Bernardino.
He interested himself in the various amusements of the day, consisting largely of feats
of strength and endurance, and soon excelled as an athlete, particularly in the running
of foot races. His record of one hundred yards in ten and one-fourth seconds gained
for him a more than local reputation, and he was soon giving exhibitions outside of his
own county. This enabled him to gratify a desire to see something of the world, and for
several years he traveled giving exhibitions, but finally returned and settled down in San
Bernardino.
From 1880 to 1895, Mr. Thomas held the office of deputy county assessor. Later
he engaged in a general mercantile business, conducting the San Bernardino "Pioneer
Store," and about that time was a member of the city board of trustees, serving on some
of the important committees. In 1898 he was elected justice of the peace, an office he
still holds. Judge Thomas is a man of honesty of opinion and integrity; as a publk)
official he has been faithful and conscientious in the discharge of his duties. While
practical in business affairs, he has a poetical nature and his sympathy and generosity
give him a warm place in the hearts of his friends. He is a member 'of the San Ber-
nardino County Society of California Pioneers, and his versifications are some of the most
treasured possessions of their archives.
Judge Thomas has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Saloma Wells, who
died in San Bernardino in 1889, leaving five children— Delia, Adaline, Ara, Metta and
Roscoe. Later Judge Thomas married Miss Fanny Brownley.
MARCUS KATZ, late of San Bernardino, was born December 20, 1820, in Hesse-
Darmstadt, Germany. He passed his youth in his native place, and in 1845 sailed for
America and landed in Baltimore, where he remained until news of the discovery of gold
in California. Of his trip to California he himself wrote: "I embarked on the steamer
"Georgia' for Chagres, the boat having a passenger list of 1200, fare $500.00, with sleeping
accommodations if you were fortunate enough to find any. From Chagres we sailed in
a native canoe to Garquina, thence on foot to Panama. On arrival at that place I made
haste to secure passage for San Francisco, but being unable to get a steamer berth — for
want of sufficient funds— was obliged to take passage on a French bark for $200.00. Steamer
tickets for San Francisco were sold at auction, bringing $1500.00 to $2000.00 each. After
four months' sailing we reached San Francisco in September, 1850."
Mr. Katz secured a position in San Francisco and remained there about eighteen
months, then came to San Bernardino in 1852 and established a store in the old fort. He
did well here, but in 1853 removed to San Diego and remained there until 1857. when In-
returned to San Bernardino and made this his home for the remainder of his life. He
opened the first stationery and book store in the town. In 1858 he was appointed county
treasurer, a position which he filled until 1865. The same year" he was made agent for the
Wells-Fargo Expicss Company and retained this position until 1874. when he retired
with the most complimentary testimonials from the company and from the citizens of the
town. He also served as agent for Phineas Banning in his forwarding and commission
660
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
business. Mr. Katz acted as notary public from 1857 until 1869. He was also in charge
of the United States commissary about 1859, a position of faith and responsibility well ful-
After a long career, in which he was closely identified with the business interests of
San Bernardino, Mr. Katz died November 2. 1899. He married Miss Leah Jacobs of San
Diego and left a family consisting of Maurice D.. Edmund E.. Mrs. A. Horowitz, Miss
Gladys and Miss Victoria Katz, all residents of this city.
"(See also Reminiscences of Marcus Katz.)
CHARLES E. OWEN, of Redlands, was bo
uary 29, 1831. He was educated in the public sc
Academy.
March 16, 1849, in company with a brother fi
rn in Sheffield, Lorain county. Ohio, Jan-
hools of his native state and at Norwalk
,-e years his senior, he started for Califor-
nia. They made the journey by the
overland route, arriving at Deer Creek
ranch, Sacramento vallev. September 23,
1849. Coming to California in the
days of the early gold excitement. Mr.
Owen has passed through all its varying
phases. He began mining on Feather
river ; his implements were of the most"
primitive kind, consisting of a baking
pan, an iron spoon and a bowie knife.
He was successful in his operations, and
continued the business many years ;
alternating it with stock trading, buying
and selling cattle and various other en-
terprises. He has mined on the Ore-
gon Bar and in Trinity county. He was
the discoverer of gold on the present
site of Weaverville, which was named
after one of the party; and he also dis-
covered gold at Coffee creek, giving the
latter location the name it has borne
ever since. He mined on the Salmon
and Klamath rivers, and was in the
midst of tne Gold Lake excitement ; was
at Frazer river in 1858, and in Humboldt
county, Nevada, and at Powder river.
He has been engaged in various quartz
mining ventures. As a "forty niner,"
he has seen the state emerge from its
rough pioneer days and take its place
among the most prosperous of the na-
tion. He came to the state when the
mere mention of the word California
brought with it visions of untold wealth ;
the history of the state is the history of
the man and men who have made it.
Mr. Owen has been twice married. He returned east from California in 1S73, when
he married Miss Sylvia Coppin. His second w.ife was Savire Wright, a native of New
Hampshire, and resident of San Bernardino at the date of marriage. Having no children,
they adopted a daughter, who is now Mrs. May Taylor, M. D., graduate of the College of
Physicians and Surgeons, Chicago.
Mr. Owen came to San Bernardino in 1873, where he lived until 1887, when he re-
moved to Redlands. He is the owner of an eleven-acre orange orchard, and is one of the
most successful orange growers of that city.
WILLTAM R. LEVICK was born in North Wales. March 29. 1833- He is the only
child of William L. and Mary Roberts Levick. His father was a veterinary surgeon.
Mr Levick left Liverpool. England, for America in 1852. He landed at New Or-
leans and there took boat up the Mississippi river to St. Louis, then to Council Bluffs, and
from there with ox-team to Salt Lake, arriving October, 1852. He wintered at Provo,
(JIAKI.FiS H. OWEN
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 661
fifty miles distant, and on April I, 1853, started to cross the plains for California. They
had journeyed as far as the Virgin river when the Indians became troublesome, and from
that time on they were more or less disturbed by them, losing some of their cattle and hav-
ing a skirmish with the Indians, in which one man, James Walkinshaw. was killed. Mr.
Levick started in working as brick mason, following that business for a long time. He
made the first kiln of brick burned in the county, and was in the business altogehter about
twenty-five years. In 1861 he was deputy sheriff under Eli Smith. He mined at Lytle
creek four years and has done considerable prospecting and also engaged in ditch making,
having worked at that business near the mouth of the Santa Ana canyon.
Sir. Levick married Miss Mary A. Henderson of San Bernardino. Christmas eve, 1S64.
NATHAN SWARTHOUT, one of the earliest settlers of San Bernardino county,
was born in Huron county, Ohio, 7823. He was the son of Philip and Charity Beach
Swarthout, the father of Dutch descent, a native of New York, was a shoemaker by trade
but passed most of his life on a farm.
Nathan Swarthout was brought up on a farm and began to earn his own living about
the time he was fourteen. He went west to the territory of Kansas and was employed by
NATHAN SWARTHi lit
IRS. NATHAN SWARTHOl'T
the government herding stock at Fort Leavenworth. When the Mexican war broke out,
he enlisted and served under General Kearney, coming with the troops in the command of
Lieutenant Dykes over the Santa Fe trail to California, arriving in Los Angeles and being
mustered out on Fort Hill.
Mr. Swarthout went north to Sutter's Fort and was at Sacramento when the dis-
covery of gold was first announced. He was one of the first to begin mining on the Amer-
ican river. Later he came south to Los Angeles again and then to San Bernardino, where
he arrived before the Mormon colony came in June. 1851. He purchased property near
San Bernardino and has since lived in the vicinity of this city. In 1848 Mr. Swarthout
married in Salt Lake City, a daughter of Sidney Tanner. Thej have two m>iis. Sidney ami
Irwin F.
DUDLEY R. DICKEY, M. D.. late of San Bernardino, was a California pioneer of
1850. and the oldest medical practitioner of San Bernardino county. He was born in
Washington county, Ohio, January 11. 1829. His paternal grandfather was a Revolution-
ary soldier who settled in Athens, Ohio, soon after the close of the war for independence,
and there the Doctor's father, Thomas Dicky, was born. He moved from Washington
county and settled in Fairfield, Jefferson county, Iowa, when that state was a part of Wis-
consin Territory.
Dr. Dickey was educated m the schools of Iowa, and received his degree from -Mc-
Dowell Medical University, Missouri, in 1849. In the spring of 1850 he started from Fair-
«(»•_'
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
field to cross the plains to California, arriving m Hangtown in July of that year. From
there he went to Oskaloosa bar, on the American river, where he joined his father, who
had preceded him, in some mining ventures. In the spring of 1851 he went to Rough and
Ready mine, near Shasta city ; that summer he went to Monterey, and in the fall oame
down to Los Angeles, arriving there in October, 1851. He settled in El Monte, dividing
his time between the practice of his profession and farming until October, 1855, when he
came to San Bernardino, which he has since made his home. Beside the practice of his
profession, the doctor has had various other business interests in San Bernardino, and the
surrounding country. During the war of the Rebellion Dr. Dickey was appointed con-
tract assistant surgeon for the troops in San Bernardino, until the arrival of the regular
army surgeon. He was an active union man in those days when loyalty often meant the
sacrifice of life and property.
Dr. Dickey married Miss Crandall
dall of San Diego, who came to California in 18
is a practicing physician of San Bernardino. D
El Monte in 1854. the daughter of J. W. Cran-
Their oldest son. Dr. Clarence Dickey,
Dickey died May 1st, 1902.
JOHN WAYNE AMOS, late of Rialto, was born at Fort Mc Henry. Maryland. His
maternal grandfather, John Wayne, was a descendant of Anthony Wayne of Revolution-
;:rv fame; his father, Mordecai Amos, belonged to a family that dated back to colonial
days when William Amos came to America to seek religious freedom and became a
preacher of the Quaker faith. Mordecai Amos was a
soldier in the Union army, a member of the 126th Ohio
Volunteer Infantry.
John Wayne Amos received his education in Ohio
and then taught school until 1861, when he received an
appointment to a clerkship in the treasury department.
Washington, D. C. After nine years spent in Washing-
ton, Mr. Amos returned to Carrollton, Ohio, and engaged
in farming and in the hardware business. He served
as a member of the city council and was county treasurer
of Carroll county for four years. In 1873 he removed
to Kansas. When the Missouri Pacific was extended
through the state, he, in company with others, located
and built the town known as Gypsum City. This led to
a long legal battle with the railway company, in which
the incorporators of the town were successful. Mr.
Amos was the editor of the Gypsum City Advocate and
took a prominent part in public affairs, serving as a
member of the state legislature.
In April, 1894, he removed to California and lo-
cated at Rialto, where he managed the Semi-Tropic
Hotel and also edited the "Orange Grower." Here Mrs.
Amos died in 1895.
Mr. Amos resided for a short time in Colton and later
in Redlands. but in December, 1898, he returned to Rial.o,
where he died November 19, 1903.
Mr. Amos was marked by a very stron"' personal re-
his not only in feature, but in pose, gesture and tone.
Mr. Amos frequently met with interesting experiences
JOHN WAYNE AMOS
semblance to Abraham Lincoln-
So strong was the likeness the
ident to the recognition of these traits, especially from veterans of the
war.
WALTER A. SHAY was bora May 1st, 1812, in the state of Maine. His earlier
life was passed principally in Nova Scotia, where he learned the cooper's and carpenter's
trade. While still a young man he went to New Orleans, and while there heard of the
discovery of gold in California. He took passage by way of the isthmus and arrived at
the gold diggings in the vicinity of Sacramento in 1849. He was successful in mining and
invested in lands and engaged in sheep raising. Losing heavily by floods, he came south
to San Bernardino county, and here engaged in sheep raising and later in cattle raising.
Later he purchased a home on Base Line and devoted himself to fruit culture. He d|ied
m San Bernardino.
Mr. Shav married Elizabeth E. Goshe, in 1852. She died in 1869, leaving five children
—John J., Thomas J., William, Marv A., now Mrs. Thomas B. Hutchings, of Highland.
Walter A., and Henrv, who died early.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 663
FENTON M. SLAUGHTER, one of the earlier settlers of San Bernardino county,
was born January 10, 1826, in Virginia. He was a descendant of an old colonial family.
His father was Robin Lewis Slaughter and his mother Elizabeth Gillem. His father
died in 1834 and the next year his mother, with her eleven children, removed to Callaway
county, Missouri, and -later settled in St. Louis.
Fenton M. Slaughter learned the trade of mechanical engineer in St. Louis. On the
breaking out of the Mexican war he enlisted and served with valor under General Price,
participating in several sharp encounters with the New Mexican Indians. In 1849-50 he
came overland to California and spent a year in mining in El Dorado county. He then
returned to St. Louis, but made a second overland trip to California in 185 1. In 1850,
learning of the destitution of parties of gold-seekers who were coming toward California
across the Humboldt desert, he made up a pack train loaded with supplies and with a few
assistants set out to meet the sufferers and aid them. The succor thus provided doubtless
saved the lives of some of the parties whom he met.
In 1853 he entered the employ of General Beale, superintendent of Indian affairs, and
was located at the Tejon Reservation. About 1854 he came to Los Angeles county, and for
Wo** ^*
FENTON M. SLAUGHTER
MRS. FENTON M. SLAUGHTER
many years was extensively engaged in the sheep business in Los Angeles and San Bernar-
dino counties. He was one of the first wool-growers to introduce thoroughbred Spanish
and French Merino sheep in Southern California. In 1868 he purchased the Buena Vista
Rancho of Bernardo Yorba and settled there for the remainder of his life. The place is
still occupied by the family. Here he carried on the sheep business and later changed to
cattle and horses, raising sonic of the finest blooded stock ever produced in the county. He
also set out an extensive vineyard and in 1887 built a large winery, where he manufactured
his own wine, with success.
In 1870 he served San Bernardino county as member of the legislature. He was ap-
pointed as supervisor of the county in 1885 and in 1886 was elected to that office, which
he filled with satisfaction to all. He was one of the "49ers" in all his characteristics —
generous, kindly and public-spirited. He died May 29, 1897, leaving a wife and several
children surviving him.
lilU
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
JUDGE ALLEY DENNIS BOREN was born March 6, 1818, in Union county, Illi-
nois. He grew up in that state and in 1847 removed to Iowa, where he was one of the
settlers of Council Bluffs. In the winter of 1850 he with his family of five children pushed
westward to Utah and in 1854 came to San Bernardino, following the southern route and
driving an ox team. He soon went north to the gold fields, where he spent a couple of
years. In 1856 he returned to San Bernardino and here resided during the remainder of
iiis life. He purchased a hundred acres' of land, with water right, at Old San Bernardino,
from Lyman and Rich and improved it.
He was a self-educated man, but bad a studious mind and after reading law, he be-
gan to practice in San Bernardino. In February, 1858, he was appointed judge of gen-
eral sessions, San Bernardino county, by Governor Johnson and filled this position for a
period of fourteen years. During this period he acquired a reputation as a jurist of sound
logic and good sen.-e and was admitted to the liar of the state. Upon retiring from the
bench he practiced his profession in this city until 1885. He then engaged in the real es-
tate and insurance business, at the same time attending to his own extensive business in-
terests, until his death, which occurred December 9. 1898, at the age of 81.
Judge Boren held somewhat advanced and pronounced opinions upon questions of
public policy and social reform. In earl" life he was an Andrew Jackson Democrat. Dut
later in life became an aggressive worker for the Prohibition party. He was always in-
terested in educational matters and served on the city board of education, at one time act-
ing as president of the board. He was a devout member of the Methodist Church and
also a member of the San Bernardino Society of California Pioneers
His wife, Adalinc M. Mathis, was a native of Jefferson county, Kentucky. They were
married in Illinois. They had six children — iarah A., widow of George W. Yager; Wilford
A. of San Bernardino; "Mary, wife of J. H. Hughes. Spokane Falls. Wash.; and Ahnina.
Susan A., and George L., deceased. Mrs. Boren died March 15, 1894, aged 71.
WILFORD A. BOREN was born at Council Bluffs, Iowa, October 24. 1851, a son of
the late A. D. Boren. Wilford A. was but six years old when the family located in San
Bernardino. After attending the local schools, he fin-
ished his education at St. Vincent's school, Los Angeles.
He filled a position in a mercantile house in San Bernar-
dino until 1885, when he entered the grocery business for
himself and continued in this line until 1896. He was
then engaged in mining enterprises for two years. In 1898
be was elected treasurer of San Bernardino county and
In 1875 Mr. Boren married Miss Sarah, a daughter of
J. H. Schyff, who came to California from Iowa in 1868.
They have" three sons, Wilford A. Jr., Fred W. and Frank
II. Mr. Boren is a member of the Woodmen of the World
and of the Knights of Maccabees.
BEVERLY COLLINS BOREN was born in Union
county, Illinois, in 1820. His parents were of Scotch de-
scent and natives of Tennessee. His boyhood and early
youth was passed in his native state, where he received the
usual school education and finished with a commercial
course. Mr. Boren came to California in 1853, leaving
Nauvoo, Illinois, and making the journey overlaud with
ox teams. During the Indian troubles in the northwest,
Mr. Boren was engaged in freighting in Montana, Idaho
and Wyoming.
\7r. Boren married Miss Mary F. Mathes of Bards-
town, Ky., where she was born May 10, 1818. Mrs. Boren
is still living between A and B on Sixth street. Seven
children— Hyrum L.. Ephraim, Alary E.. Mrs. W. A. Dow-
dy C. and George A. of San Bernardino, survive.
WALTER A. SHAY, Jr., was born in San Bernardino, June 29, i860. He attended
the public schools of San Bernardino and was appointed deputy sheriff of the county. He
was married March 9, 1892, to Miss Tillie McCoy, daughter of W. W. McCoy, a pioneer
citizen of the county. They have two sons, Walter W. and Emmett L. Air. Shay is a
member of the Native Sons of the Golden West and is prominent in 1. O. O. F. affairs.
II.FOKH A. HORFN
Oro Grande, CaL, Be\
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Olio
of the west. After
MYRON H. CRAFTS was born in Whately, Mass.. August 12, 1816. He was a
descendant of Elihu Crafts, who came over in the Mayflower and thus his family was of
that sturdy Puritan stock which has supplied many of the most enterprising " pioneers
public school education, which ended at thirteen, the boy went to
New York cit'v to seek his fortune. At first he
clerked in a drv goods store, then lie went into
business for himself. Later he returned to
Massachusetts and engaged in business at En-
field. Here he was married in 1843 to Miss Mi-
randa Capen, by whom he had four children —
three of whom, Ellen Woods Meacham. George
H. and Harry G., are still livine.
In 1853 Mr. Crafts removed to Michigan and
located at Jackson. Here his store was burned
three times — "on account of his abolition princi-
ples"— and consequently he left Jackson and after
living in several places became cashier in a bank
at Detroit. In 1861 he came to California and
soon afterward bought the Altoona ranch, 450
acres, 12 miles east of San Bernardino, from his
brother, George Crafts, Sr. This ranch was
beautifully located and supplied with an abundance
of water from Mill creek, and Mr. Crafts at once
set about bringing it to a high state of cultiva-
tion, thus first demonstrating the possibilities.
when watered and tilled with care, of the dry foot-
hills hitherto given up to sage brush and chapar-
ral. As a result of his success, the neighboring
ranches were taken up and the thriving settle-
ments of Crafton, Lugonia, Riverside and Red-
lands, owe their first conception in part to Mr.
Crafts' enterprise.
At an early age, Mr. Crafts joined the Congre-
gational church and throughout his life he took
an active interest in the church and in missionary
work. In New York city he was one of the
originators of the Five Points mission work. In
Michigan he was known as an active abolitionist. During his residence in Detroit he
was made a life member of the Home Missionary Society of the Congregational church
an honor conferred upon him by the Sabbath school of his church.
When he settled in California he at once became a working member of the Sabbath
school maintained in San Bernardino and -was one of the charter members of the
First Congregational Church. He took a deep interest in the Indians whom he
found in large numuers in the vicinity of his ranch and many of
iployees. He not only tried to aid them materially, but earnestly
Christianize them. His influence was always used in their behalf
gestions some changes in their legal condition were effected. Mi
in every project for the common good; he was always ready to
promised improvement, and he took an active part in the early po
was a man of strong principles, an active Republican and a temp
September 12. 1886, at his home, Crafton Retreat, just after he 1
tieth year and while he was still actively engaged in business and pul
CRAFTS
vnom Decame Ins era-
md through his sug-
Crafts was interested
lelp in any work that
ics of the countv. He
ance man. He died
d attained In. seven-
MRS. E. P. R. CRAFTS. Eliza P. Russell, the youngest daughter of John and
Elizabeth Russell, was bom November 29, 1825, at Unadiilla Center, Otsego countv. New
York. Her childhood was spent on a farm and there she learned to love nature ami
spent many happy hours in the woods and fields of tnat beautiful region. She was sent
to the district school in the days when little children were taught their letter-; and mem-
orized the spelling book, word by word. After a couple of terms at seminaries in the
neighborhood Eliza was sent to Madam Willard's Female Seminary at Troy, N. Y. After
graduating from this school, she went, in 1848, to Hillsboro, Virginia, to become vice-princi-
pal in a seminary there.
Later Miss Russell went to Louisiana, where she taught. Here, in 1854. she was
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
married to Ellison Robbins, and after a visit to their old home in New York state, they
crossed the isthmus and came to California. Professor Robbins established a select
scnool at Santa Clara, where they taught until 1857, when they came to San Bernardino
and Professor Robbins took charge of the public school, teaching one room himself, while
his wife had charge of the primary department. Mr. Robbins later became one of the
first superintendents of schools in the county and was actively engaged in school work
1111 to the time of his death in 1864.
Mr. and Mrs. Robbins were blessed with two children, a son who died in childhood,
arid Rosa Belle, who later became Mrs. Canterbury of Redlands. In 1865 Mrs. Robbins
became the wife of Myron H. Crafts. One son was born of this marriage, Charles A.,
who died at the age of thirteen. Mrs. Crafts was an able helpmeet to her husband in all
of his efforts both at home and abroad. Her warm heart, clear head and untiring energy
made 'her the ideal pioneer woman and no one of the women who went through the trials
and comradeship of early days is more loved and respected by the "old timers" than Mrs.
E. P. R. Crafts. To Mrs. Crafts is due much valuable information concerning pioneer
days in San Bernardino, Crafton, Lugonia and Redlands.
On November 2=;, 1904, the old friends and neighbors of Mrs. Crafts gathered at the
family home 011 Palm avenue, Redlands, to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of her arrival
in California. A number of the members of the Pioneer Society of San Bernardino and
many citizens of Redlands- were present to pay their respects to this honored and loved
pioneer. Poems were read, fitting words of appreciation were spoken, and the occasion
was a memorable and happy one.
HENRY GOODCELL, Sr., the son of Thomas Goodcell, was born September 26,
1823, at Nonington, a county parish about ten miles north of Dover, England. At the age
of sixteen he was apprenticed to a sea captain and the two years following served as a
seaman before the mast, and the next six as mate of the
vessel on wWich he had served as apprentice. His ex-
perience and knowledge of navigation was of use to him
all through life. He was skilled in making maps and
charts and by position of the stars was able to tell the
hour at any time of night when the stars were visible.
In 1853 Mr. Goodcell, having became a convert to the
Mormon faith, left England to make his home in Utah.
Upon arriving there he was grievously disappointed in
finding that the doctrine as practiced was not as preached
in England, and decided that as soon as possible he
would sever his connection with them. This he found
difficult. His property had been converted to the gen-
eral fund and he was practically destitute of means. The
first two years crops were failures and famine stared
the settler in the face. The third year was better, and
by exercising the utmost economy he was able to save
enough of the produce to exchange for a team and a
few necessaries for traveling, and in the spring of
1857 a train of ten wagons was made up, which Mr.
Goodcell joined, and in spite of violent opposition,
started for California. Even then they were not al-
lowed to proceed on their journey without harrassing
interruptions along the way. They stopped for a few
days' rest at Mountain Meadows, the last train that en-
camped on that ill-fated spot prior to the massacre. The
train reached San Bernardino in May, 1857. Mr.
nd planted an orchard and vineyard. A series of misfortunes
followed his first year's residence in the valley. One son was permanently crippled, an-
other accidentally killed, and the floods of 1861-2 destroyed his improvements and ruined
one-third of his farm. Notwithstanding all this Mr. Goodcell persisted and through his
untiring energy and determination succeeded in conquering the many difficulties with which
he was beset. He developed a fine ranch property of alfalfa, orange and other fruits. In
1867 he established a brickyard on his ranch and for many years supplied the town with
brick.
Mr. Goodcell married Miss Harriet Birch in 1847. Their eldest son was for sev-
eral years a teacher in the public schools of San Bernardino, and the first San Bernardino
H1NRY (,Ol lUCII.I .
and
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
county graduate of the State Normal School He is at present a practicing lawyer of San
Bernardino. Mrs. Goodcell died at San Bernardino, November, 1885; Mr. Goodcell died
March 11, 1902, aged seventy-nine.
WILLIAM McDONALD, late of San Bernardino, was born of Scotch parentage, in
Ireland, 1826. His parents emigrated to America while he was very small and settled in
Philadelphia. Here the son was educated and learned his father's trade of cabinet-maker,
also studying architecture, and worked as a contractor and builder in various places in the
east until 185 1. That year he crossed the plains to
Salt Lake and there took a contract for building a mill,
the first put up by the Mormons in that city. The fol-
lowing autumn he came to San Bernardino, thus being
among the earliest settlers in this city. Here he first
found employment in a wagon repair shop located in the
old Fort. He then began contracting and building in
Los Angeles and in Southern California. Good mechanics
were scarce at this time and he found a demand for his
services at good wages. In 1857 Mr. McDonald moved
to Los Angeles and was the first regular contractor and
builder of that city.
In 1866 he returned to San Bernardino to live, and
opened his furniture store, the first in the city. He
manufactured furniture and carried on an undertaking
business, building the first hearse ever seen in the
country. He carried on a large business, his goods go-
ing to Los Angeles and other towns. This business he
continued up to the time of his death, in later years
having two of his sons associated with him in the es-
tablishment. During his long residence in San Ber-
nardinu -Mr. McDonald was closely associated with the
business and social growth of the place. He was one
of the organkers of the old fire company and was its
foreman. He took an active part in the early poli-
tics, although he never sought office. In 1854 Mr. Mc-
Donald bought the lot and built the house in which he
and his family lived in for many vears.
Mr. .McDonald married Miss Mayer, a native of Staffordshire, "England, who came
to this country in her childhood. They had five sons and four daughters, all but one of
whom was born at the old homestead in this city and all but one residents of San Bernar-
dino county. Mr. McDonald died January 18, 1901.
LUCAS HOAGLAND, of San Bernardino, was born in Oakland county, Michigan,
January 27, 1827, the son of Abraham and Margaret Quick Hoagland. The family were
of Dutch descent; his grandfather married a sister of Cornelius Yanderbilt ami emi-
grated with them to New Jersey. His father was born in New Jersey ami was captain
of a band of local militia that serenaded Lafayette on his visit to tli i -. country. In [824
he emigrated to Michigan, traveling on foot with a knapsack on his back. In 1845 he re-
moved with his family to Illinois and later went to Council Bluffs and thence to Salt Lake.
He was a man of strong religious temperament and was a member of the Church of Lat-
ter Day Saints, and became a Bishop of the church.
Lucas Hoagland was a member of the famous Mormon Battalion, but left it <^n ac-
count of ill health at Santa Fe and went to Salt Lake. In 1849 he came to El D irado
county, California, and in 1852 came to San Bernardino, and bought a forty-acre ranch
southeast of town which be still occupies.
Mr. Hoagland married Miss Rachael Hale of Mass., March t. 1S48. She died in
1854. leaving one child, Olive Hoagland. In 1862, Mr. Hoagland married Miss linn,;
\vamford of Cambridge, England. Tliev are the parents of six children. Emily, now
Mrs. William Aldrich ; Luther. Monroe, Truman, Ernest and Maud.
BERRY ROBERTS, of San Bernardino, was born in Conway county. Arkansas,
September 18, 1836. His father, Jesse Roberts, was of Welch descent, a fanner, and died
while the subject of this sketch was an infant. His mother. Mary Appfin Roberts, was a
native of Virginia. There were six children in the family — Harriet, widow of fames
Slinkard, who lives in Tulare county, Cal. ; George Roberts, who came to California in
WILLIAM VUnONALIl
668 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
1850, lives in Solano county; Ashley Roberts died near San Bernardino; Martha, wife of
F. G. Morris, lives in Grundyville, Texas ; William Roberts is a miner in Montana, 'and
Barry Roberts.
Barry Roberts when sixteen years of age began mining on Scherlock creek, about six
miles from the town of Mariposa, following that business with fair success until 1857, the
year of the exodus of the Mormon colonists from San Bernardino county. At that date
he purchased a farm three miles from San Bernardino, where he lived until January, 1862.
He next purchased a ranch consisting of two hundred acres of land in San Timateo can-
yon, a property he still owns.
Mr. Roberts married Miss Francis Thomas, daughter of E. H. Thomas. Mrs. Rob-
erts died, leaving a family of ten children, all living at the present time : Wil-
liam, uzrow, Edward. Emma, wife of Albert Beach, lives in Mexico; Nettie,
lives in Arizona; Ida, lives at Prescott, Arizona; Sterling, owns the Yucaipe ranch; Earl,
lives near Redlands ; Archie, lives in San Timateo canyon. Mr. Roberts' second wife
was Miss Martha Judson.
Mr. Roberts was the builder of the ditch bringing water from the Santa Ana river,
three miles below the mouth of Mill Creek. This ditch was built in 1868 and brought
water to the old San Bernardino rancho, to section 16, where Mr. Roberts owns one hun-
dred and sixty acres of land. Mr. Roberts is a member of Token Lodge, I. O. O. F.
J. D. GILBERT, of San Bernardino, was born in Cattaraugus county, New York,
May 20, 1828. the son of Truman and Rebecca Fay Gilbert. The father was a native ofi
New York state and the mother a descendant of one of the old Puritan families of New
England. In 1836 the family removed to the "Western Reserve" and settled at a place
that became Munson, Ohio. Here Mr. Gilbert passed his younger days.
In 1850 Mr. Gilbert crossed the plains to Salt Lake and settled in the Utah valley.
Here in 1854 he married Miss Margaret Barney and the same year came to San Bernar-
dino county with a train of thirty-two wagons, under the leadership of Captain Moberly.
Captain Moberly was a Kentuckian by birth and a survivor of the ill-fated Gunnison party,
massacred by the Indians in Utah in 1853; the captain escaped the fate of the others only
bv having been sent to Salt Lake in quest of provisions for the party. The San Bernar-
dino train was the first one through after serious uprisings of the Indians, and at one point
an Indian came into camp, clothed in the uniform of one of Moberly's former comrades. It
was with difficulty that Moberly was restrained from killing the Indian on the spot, al-
though such an act would have brought disaster on the whole party.
Mr. Gilbert settled on Base Line, a half mile below his present home. At that time
the townsite had just been surveyed and there were few houses outside the fort. In 1864
Mr. Gilbert sold his property with the intention of returning east; but after supplies were
bought and all preparations made, it was found impossible to cross the plains with safety
on account of the general uprising of the Indians caused by the withdrawal of United States
troops from the west to participate in the Civil War, and the plan was abandoned. He
then purchased 150 acres of land, of which his present ranch is a portion. The first fifteen
years of his residence in the county were spent mostly in the mountains where he was em-
ployed much of the time.
Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert have one son, James P.. who has a fruit ranch near University,
Los Angeles. There are four daughters — Ellen F., Mrs. Frank Mecham ; Emeline, Mrs.
Oscar Wees; Annie, Mrs. Edwin Pine of Chino; and Hattie F., wife of L. E. Veronee of
Los Angeles.
JAMES ELLIS PRATT, of San Bernardino, was bom in the town of Middlebor-
ough. Plymouth county, Mass., June 16. 1823; the son of John and Rebecca Shaw Pratt.
He is descended from Plymouth Rock colonists on both sides of the family; his mother a
near relative of Miles Standish. His father was a carpenter and wheelwright and fol-
lowed bis trade at Middleborough. Taunton and at Cheshire in Berkshire county. In this
latter place James E. Pratt passed his early boyhood. In 1833 the family removed to Fal-
mouth, Mass., where the father filled a position as overseer in an underwear factory and
where James E. was apprenticed to learn the baker's trade in Taunton. In 1837 James
E. Pratt went to Peoria, III, and commenced going to school. Through accident he had
suffered the loss of an eve, which so interfered with his studies that they were abandoned
and be went to New Orleans and engaged in running a flat boat on the Mississippi river.
He later returned to Plymouth, Mass., and shipped as seaman on a cod-fishing vessel, and
for several years followed the sea as an occupation.
In 1849 he returned to Peoria, 111., and married Miss Sarah Doty. They immediately
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 669
came west to Aspinwall, Neb., where he conducted a ferry across the Missouri river. In
1862. during the exciting times in the early days of civil war. that portion of the country
was infested by a set ot lawless desperadoes known as "jayhawkers." The ferry across the
river was a point of frequent attack, and one morning Mr. Pratt awoke to find his boats
stolen. This decided him to remove from that part of the country to Cass county, Iowa,
where he engaged in farming, and during his residence there was thoroughly identified with
the growth and development of the county, serving on the board of supervisors and also as
deputy sheriff of the county.
In 1873 Mr. Pratt disposed of his Cass county property and came to San Bernardino,
where he engaged in the mercantile business, continuing it until about 1885. He has since
filled the position of health officer for San Bernardino city. Mrs. Pratt died at San Ber-
nardino in 1894. They have one daughter, Ada, wife of Daniel F. Hayes of San Ber-
nardino.
LAFAYETTE MECHAM, of San Bernardino, was born at Hopkinton, St. Law-
rence county. New York, September 20, 1829. He was the son of Stephen and Dolly
Ransom Mecham, both descendants of families that settled in the Champlain valley. Vt.,
before the Revolutionary war. Stephen Mecham, a hunter and trapper in the Adirondack
Mountains, moved to Illnois in 1838 and settled at Springfield, where the family were
well acquainted with Abraham Lincoln.
Lafayette Mecham started for California in 1849 via the North Platte and after win-
tering in Utah, can.e by the southern route to San Bernardino, arriving in 1852. Early
in 1853 Mr. Mecham went to San Francisco and remained six months, then [returned
south to Los Angeles and later went to Salt Lake. In 1854 he located in Los Angeles
and purchased land which is now in the center of that city. He remained here until 1863.
when he removed to San Bernardino, where he has since resided. In 1863 he took a gov-
ernment contract for carrying the mails between San Bernardino and Los Angeles and
put on a regular stage and carried the first daily mail between these points. Mail had
previously been weekly delivered at San Bernardino. The same year Mr. Mecham
brought the first pepper tree to San Bernardino by stage. One of these trees is now
standing in front of the Fourth street school house. Mr. Mecham is the owner of a fine
ranch near the city, where he has lived for many years. He has also been engaged in the
"bee" business part of the time, and now has an apiary of over 200 stands, one of the first
in the county.
Mr. Mecham married Miss Leticia Yager March 20. 1852, in Utah. They have the
following children : William Edwin, George F., Charles, L., Ransom M., Stephen G.
Issac. Alida and Denver, all but one born in California, and several of whom reside in
San Bernardino.
DUFF G. WEAVER, one of the earliest American settlers of the San Bernardino
valley, was born in Indiana, August 10. 1823. He arrived in California in the spring of
1849. coming overland from Indiana by the northern route and reaching San Bernardino
valley, where his brother Pauline Weaver, was already settled, early in the fifties. He
located on government land in San Timoteo canyon, about six miles over "the divide" from
Redlands. His land was so situated that it controlled about 1000 acres, and he ranged a
large number of cattle, horses and sheep. He died at his home January 2, i86g. He is
descrimeb as having been a man of over six feet, strong and sinewy. He was intelligent
and energetic, and was intensely patriotic. During the stormy days of 1860-61. when po-
litical feeling was strong in this vicinity, he was "solid" for the Union, and it is said that
he once stepped upon the balcony of the old Bella Union Hotel in San Bernardino and
sang the "Star Spangled Banner" witr great effect, arousing warm enthusiasm in his
audience. Later he was nominated for the State Legislature.
He was married in San Bernardino, about 1853, to Miss Amanda Applegate, step-
daughter of Zina G. Ayers, who was then living in the "Old Fort." They had eight
children, of whom five are now living — Warren Weaver, merchant tailor. San Bernardino;
Augustus Washington, in Grant's Pass, Oregon; Abraham Lincoln, of Valdez. Alaska;
Patrick Henry, of Los Angeles; William Grant, Sunrise City. Alaska. The mother died
in San Bernardino, February 22, 1900, aged 59.
WARREN WEAVER, the only one of the family now living in this county, w.ns born
December 9. 1855, at the old home in San Timoteo Canyon, lie graduated from Heald's
Business College. San Francisco. In 1S03 he took a curse at Sahr's Cutting Academy,
Chicago. For ten years he traveled for the wholesale tailoring trade out of San Francisco.
;;<>
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Since that time he has established himself in the merchant tailoring business at 358 E street,
San Bernardino.
He was married in 1896 to Maud A. Ver Bryck, in Denver, Colorado. They have three
children — Raymond D., Thelma A. and Hazel E.
Mr. Weaver is a member of San Bernardino Lodge 146, I. O. O. F., and of the Elks,
and is also a member of the San Bernardino Society of California Pioneers.
JOSEPH JOHNDREW, of Colton, was born in Kaskaskia, Randoph county, Indiana,
in 1836. He spent his boyhood and youth in Randolph county, and came to California in
1852, and engaged in placer mining in Calaveras and other northern counties. In i860 he
went to Nevada and followed quartz mining; 1866-67 he spent in the mines of Montana,
and then seven years in Utah. In 1880 he was engaged as superintendent of mines in New
Mexico, and was then superintendent of the copper mines at Clifton, Arizona Territory, for
a number of years. He came from Clifton to Colton, where he purchased property, but he
was a typical miner and could not settle down to any other life. He soon located in Graham
county, Arizona Territory, and in 1897 was caught by the Alaska gold fever and went to
the Klondike, where he met with success. But his health failed and in October, 1898, he
returned to Colton and refitted and opened the Transcontinental Hotel. Mr. Johndrew mar-
ried Frances, daughter of Isaac Grundy, who located in San Bernardino in 1850.
AUGUSTUS KNIGHT, of San Bernardino, was born in Callias, Maine. March 3
183c. He was the son of James and Isabella Elliott Knight. He has two brothers — Thomas
J. Knight, of San Bernardino, and Andrew Knight,
of Humboldt — residing in the state. His father was
a lumberman.
Augustus received a common school education
in Maine and removed with the family to Manito-
woc, Wisconsin, in 1848. There they engaged in
lumbering until 1852, when, with an ox team, they
came to California by the northern route and lo-
cated on Humboldt Bay, where they again entered
the lumbering business.
In 1867 Mr. Knight came south to Los An-
geles, and for four years worked in the tin mines
at Temescal. He then came to San Bernardino and
began freighting with an ox team between San
Bernardino and Colorado river points. Later he
started a stage line between San Bernardino and
Ehrenberg, on the Colorado. He next went to
Montana, where he engaged in the saloon business,
hauling his liquor from San Bernardino. On his
return, he entered into a partnership with Dr.
Dickey and they built a saw mill in the mountains,
which was later sold to William LaPraix. Mr.
Knight next embarked in the cattle business, locat-
ing at Resting Springs. He has had as high as 250a
head on his ranch, but is gradually going out oi
the business now.
He married Miss Elizabeth Thompson, of
San Bernardino, in August, 18(11. They have two
chidren — Augustus Knight, Jr., who conducts a hotel in Bear Valley during the summer,
and Isabella Knight.
ALVA A. WARREN was born in Oakland county, Michigan, in the year 1836. He
is a lineal descendant of the Warren family of colonial and revolutionary renown. When
he was six years of age his parents removed from Michigan and lived consecutively in
Indiana, Illinois and Iowa. From the latter state they started for California with ox team,
traveling by the way of Utah and over the southern route to San Bernardino. Alva A.
Warren soon after went into the northern part of the state and engaged in mining until
1862, when he returned to the family home beyond the Tehachapi mountains. In 1873
he purchased an attractive piece of land upon the south side of the Santa Ana river, near
Colton, where he made himself a home. He also owns an interest in the large mountain
orchard known as the Hicks apple ranch, situated a few miles southeast of Colton.
Mr. Warren married Miss Betsy Parks in 1865. Of their family of seven children.
AUGUSTUS KNIGHT,
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 671
Eleanor died in infancy: Ella (Mrs. Green) was accidental)- killed in a railway disaster
near San Bernardino; Olive, Selina. Christina, Charlotte and Alva reside with their parents.
Mr. Warren is a valued and active member of the San Bernardino Society of California
Pioneers.
ISAAC GRUNDY was a native of Virginia, born in 1814. He mined in the lead mines
of Illinois and Wisconsin and came to California overland in 1850. He opened the first meat
market in San Bernardino and formerly owned the ground on which the court house now
stands. He was also interested in mining and discovered the Potosi mine in the Vanderbilt
district. Mr. Grundy built the first smelter in Utah, located at the lead mines in Beaver
county, Lincoln district. The Smithsonian Institution now has in its possession bars of lead
bearing the stamp "I. Grundy." He married Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel Hendricks, a
brother of T. J. Hendricks, former vice-president of the United States.
ALONZO E. JONES, of San Bernardino, was born at Council Bluffs, Iowa. September
18, 1848. In 1851 his parents removed to Utah, where they remained two years, then came
to San Bernardino, reaching this valley June 11, 1853. They purchased a farm near this city
and have ever since resided here. The father died April 4, 1904. at the age of ninety. The
son. Alonzo, was educated at the public schools of the county. In 1864 he became a member
of the Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints, and in 1869 was ordained as a minister and
wa,s elected assistant pastor of that church in the city of San Bernardino. He resided on
the old homestead until 1878, when he removed with his family to Los Angeles county and
remained until 1884. He then returned to San Bernardino and in 1893 was chosen pastor
of the Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints, which position he still holds. He is also
a member of the Pioneer Society.
November 6, 1871, Mr. Jones was married to Miss Elizabeth Catlin.
ROBERT POPPETT, of San Bernardino, was born in Shropshire, England, April 28.
1839, the son of Robert and Elizabeth Poppett. He had the misfortune to lose his mother
when only three years of age. His father, becoming a convert to Mormonism, desired to
come to America, and, not being able to provide passage for all of his family, placed the lad
Robert, in the care of an acquaintance. The party landed at New Orleans and went up the
river to Council Bluffs. Here the man who had" the boy in charge died and Robert was
left to the care of total strangers. He was taken to Utah in 1849 and, although but ten
years of- age, aided in herding and guarding the stock to keep the Indians from securing
them. He lived with twelve different families before reaching his eighteenth year, taking
his part, as well as a child could, in the burdens of each and trying to maintain himself.
He came to San Bernardino county in 1854 and has since made this his home. For thirty
years he worked on the desert, driving tean
1 and freighting with a twelve-mule team from
San Bernardino to Prescott, Ivanpah, Cerrc
> Gordo. Fort Mojave. Ehrenberg. La Paz and
other points. For the past twenty year- he 1
las lived on his ranch of 27 acres within the city
limits. He also owns a 350-acre ranch in tin
: San Jacinto valley.
Twenty-eight years after leaving Engl;
ind, Mr. Poppett received the first news of his
father through an advertisement in a Salt
Lake paper. After snme correspondence. Mr.
Poppett sent money to pay the passage raid
his father came to this country and passed the
last fifteen years of his life with his son.
.Mr. Poppett married Miss Alice Case
, of San Bernardino, in 1863. They have had
twelve children, ten of whom are living, and
all residents of San Bernardino county. George
W. lives at Randsburg; Edwin, policeman ii
1 San Bernardino ; Joseph L., Morrison and Ira
at San Jacinto ; Grover C. and Thurman at
school; Irene, the wife of W. H. Hitchcock;
Leah. Mr. Poppett joined Phoenix Lodge, F. ik A. M., of San Bernardino, more than thirty
years ago. Five of his sons belong to the Native Sons.
RICHARD WEIR, of San Bernardino, was born in London Township, Ontario.
Canada, July 17, 1856, the son of John and Jane Talbot Weir. His father was a native
of Ireland, whose family emigrated to Canada in 1810. His mother was the daughter of
Colonel Talbot of the British army, a native of Ontario, Canada.
Richard Weir lived on the home farm until thirteen and was then apprenticed to the
carpenter trade. After serving his term he was employed as a journeyman by a firn, of
contractors and finally went into business on his own account. He lived at London. On-
tario, until 1883, when he came to California and spent a year in Sacramento, lie returned
to Canada and in 1887 removed to this state with his family and located at San Bernardino,
where he has followed his trade. He has a pretty home on Birch and Olive streets.
•Mr. Weir is very fond of outdoor life and spends a part of every summer with has
672 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
family in the mountains hunting and camping under the pines. He is an honorary member
of the San Bernardino Pioneer Society, and joins in their pioneer camping and hunting
parties.
He was married December 28, 1S82, to Miss Sarah Jane Heck, a native of Kingston,
Canada, and a direct descendant of the founder of Canadian Methodism, Barbara Heck,
who came to Canada from New York in 1776, and whose ancestors landed at Plymouth
Rock, Massachusetts, in 1620. Mr. and Mrs. Weir have four children — Herbert Heck, a
graduate of the San Bernardino High Schoo ; Emma Edna, also a graduate of the High
School ; Alma Jane and John Wesley.
ASEL ALBERT LATHROP (deceased), a native of Tallend county, Connecticut, was
the son of Horace Lathrop, a carpenter by trade.
Asel A. Lathrop learned the trade of ship carpenter and lived in his native village until
maturity. He there married Miss Cynthia Rabel and they were the parents of six children,
but mother and children were stricken with cholera and all died. From Connecticut, Mr.
Lathrop went to Nauvoo, Illinois, where he opened a place of business known as "the Key-
stone Store." At Nauvoo he married Miss Jane Placock. In 1854 'le came to the Chino
rancho, in San Bernardino county, and, purchasing a large drove of horses and cattle, re-
turned with them to Utah, where he sold them at a profit. Bringing his family with him, he
returned to California. He settled at Mormon Tavern, in the northern mines, where he lived
two years conducting a tavern store, freighting to the mines and doing a large business.
This town is now known as Lathrop. From Lathrop he removed to San Juan, then in Monte-
rey county, and was overseer of a large stock ranch for one year. In 1856 Mr. Lathrop
came to Los Angeles and acted as agent in charge of rentals for Pio Pico. The following
year he located on what was then known as the Rubidoux ranch, remaining there two years.
In 1859 or '60 he went to San Clemente Island, off San Diego coast, where he planted three
hundred acres of grain, intending it for use of government troops, but the troops were1
removed, leaving the crop on his hands, entailing a serious loss. His next move was to
Yucaipe, where he engaged in farming, and from there to Temescal in i860. Here he pur-
chased a ranch of J.ohn F. Miller, where he lived until 1888, after which he located in San
Timoteo canyon. Mr. Lathrop died at Mound City in 1891 at the age of eighty-one years,
leaving a widow, six daughters and three sons. Mrs. Lathrop died at Mound City in 1895.
at the age of seventy-four years. Horace Lathrop is a resident of Riverside; Mary, is
Mrs. W. B. Evart, Ora Grande, San Luis Obispo county: Ellen, Mrs. John Burrell (de-
ceased); Augusta. Mrs. J. G. Goodwin, Mound City; Asel Lathrop, San Luis Obispo; Mina,
Mrs. Frank G. Allison, Claremont; Emma, Mrs. Geo. M. Frink, Los Angeles; and George
Grant Lathrop. Mound City.
George Grant Lathrope was born at San Juan, Cal., September 2I, 1856. In 1877 he
married Miss Caroline Dewitt, daughter of R. L. Dewitt, a pioneer of San Bernardino
county. They are the parents of four children. Mr. Lathrop is an orange grower of Mound
City, and for two years has been road overseer.
MONROE STEWART was born in San Bernardino in 1856. His father, Mathew Stew-
art, was a native of Ohio, by trade a mechanic. His mother was Mrs. Hannah Spiller Perris.
He came to San Bernardino in 1849 and engaged in carpentering and in ranching. In those
days grain was harvested with an old swinging cradle, and Mathew Stewart was an expert
in this work, often entering contests and winning many prizes as the champion cradler of
the country. Later he went to England, where he engaged in business until the breaking
out of the civil war, when he returned to Ohio and enlisted in the Fourteenth Ohio Cavalry.
He was taken prisoner and confined in the Confederate prison at Andersonville, where he
died of starvation. He left a widow and three chidren — Monroe ; Mary Inez, now the wife
of Robert Hornbeck, Redlands, and one who died, Herbert Loyd.
Monroe Stewart came to San Bernardino in 1878 and engaged in the contracting and
building business. Later he became interested in mining. In 1880 he married Miss Alice
Printz, of Iowa. They are the parents of six daughters and one son. Mr. Monroe was
elected a member of the city board of trustees in 1897.
JOHN TEMPEST LEFFEN was born in London. June 1. 1832. the son of Frederick
Leffen, of Dover, a sea captain, and of Martha Isabel Arnold, of Bath, England. He was
educated as a machinist and was employed for two years in the Charles Myers Iron Works,
London. He was then sent to North Wales with a force of 500 men to construct a tubular
bridge across Maira Strait, Isle of Anglecy. where he remained until the bridge Vas com-
pleted seven years later. He next located in Liverpool, where he followed the occupation
of engineer, running from Liverpool to Scotland, and then to Dublin and North Wales. In
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY (573
1849 lie was employed as engineer on the steamship "Great Britain" and made six trips
across the Atlantic on that steamer. He crossed the Atlantic for the last time in the ship
"Commeleas," landing at New Orleans in June, 1853. From New Orleans he went to
Keokuk, Iowa, and from there he crossed the plains by team, reaching Salt Lake late in
1853. He remained in Salt Lake City for about three years and then started for California.
In order to pay his passage from Salt Lake to Carson City he drove an ox team for a
Mormon missionary; then, in company with five other young men, started on foot across
the Sierra Nevadas to Sacramento. Arriving there, he found all business at a standstill.
He was without money, but after camping out for a time he secured work and then worked
his way on a steamboat to San Francisco. He found that city in the hands of the vigilantes,
who had just hanged Casey and Cora. He was employed for a time by the vigilantes
helping to tear down fortifications, and later secured employment on a coasting steamer
plying between San Francisco and San Diego. After a year and a half in this business
he located at San Pedro, where he was employed by Gen. Banning as a blacksmith. From
this point he came to San Bernardino, where he has since resided. He was employed for
some time at the Chino ranch, and aso worked as a blacksmith at the Chino saw mill. He
purchased a ranch from ex-Senator Conn and built a cottage. He was also engaged in min-
ing in Holcomb valley. From 1877 to 1885 he was engaged in boring wells in San Ber-
nardino, being the pioneer well borer of the community. For fifteen years he owned and
carried on a blacksmith shop at C street in San Bernardino. He died in 1904.
Mr. Leffen was first married in Keokuk. Iowa, to Miss Jane Creighton, of Belfast.
Ireland, who died while he was employed in Holcomb Valley, leaving three sons — Tempest.
Samuel and Fred. In 1870 he married Miss Hannah McCartney, of Cork, Ireland, who died
October 18, 1895. Of this union there were eight children — Samuel; Caroline, now Mrs.
Arthur Henderson; William, Frederick, George, John, lsabelle and Annie.
OTHER PIONEERS.
CORNELIUS JENSEN '(deceased) was a Frisian, born on the Island of Sylt, an
island off the coast of Denmark. He was the son of Boy Jensen, a blacksmith ar.il miv.11
farmer, native of the same place. Boy Jensen was the father of three sons by his first
marriage — Michael, Cornelius and Hans. By a second marriage he had one son — Jens
Jensen.
Cornelius Jensen was born in 1815. He went to sea at an early age, as was customary
with the young men of the North Sea coast, and, having" a natural aptitude for mathemat-
ical calculation, became a thorough navigator. He was proficient in languages, speaking
his native Frisian besides acquiring a knowledge of Spanish and English. As first mate
of a sailing vessel trading between Hamburg and Pacific coast ports, he made several trips
at'oud Cape Horn, visiting South American port cities, Mexico, and was in California as
early as 1844.
In 1848 he was in the harbor of San Francisco, master of a trading vessel from Ham-
burg, with a cargo to exchange for hides and tallow. The gold excitement was at it-s
height; the bay was dotted with hundreds of vessels from which the crews had departed
to seek their fortunes in the gold mines. Captain Jensen fared no better than the captains
of other vessels. He was left by his crew, and finally gave up his ship and went to the
mines of the Sacramento valley, where he opened a store and traded in miners' supplies.
He there made the acquaintance of Ygnacio Palomares and Ygnacio Alvarado. They were
pleased with his honest manner and sound business methods and urged him to come with
them to Southern California.
His first business operation was building a saw mill in Devil's Canyon. This was
operated by water power, and while he made some lumber, the investment was not a success
financially, and was abandoned. In 18^4 Mr. Jensen opened a store at Agua Mansa, near
the old church on the hill. He built a substantial store building which is still 111 good con-
dition. Mr also owned several flocks of sheep and about two hundred head of horses near
Temecula. now in Riverside county. After the great flood of 1862 be sold his store prop-
erty to Cisto Martinez, father of A. 1. Marline/, and purchased one-sixteenth interest in
the Robidoux ranch — including the interests of some of the Robidoux heirs — and engaged
in grape culture and the making of wines. He raised alfalfa, cattle and sheep until the
drought made sheep raising unprofitable.
Cornelius Jensen married Senorita Mercedes Alvarado. edest daughter of Don Fran-
cisco Alvarado, one of the early Spanish settlers of San Bernardino county. Tins marriage
was a fortunate ami happy one. They were the parents of twelve children, two of whom
674
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
died in infancy, and ten are now living — five sons and five daughters. Joseph, the eldest
child, was born in 18^5 at Los Angeles; Concepion is the widow of Fred Milliken; Tomasa
is Mrs. Philip Graser of Riverside; Cornelius; Fraucesca, now Mrs. Gunner Kjilburg, lives
near Riverside; Henry; Erolinda, Mrs. A. W. Thorne, Los Angeles; John; Mary. Mrs.
Walter Pitney, and Robert. The children not otherwise indicated reside near the old home.
Mr. Jensen was a man of domestic tastes and habits. Though his business frequently
called him from home, he always made a point of returning at night. He was twice a
member of the board of supervisors of Los Angeles county and made a very efficient public
official, but was not a politician. His sturdy good sense and honesty gained for him the
CORNELIUS JENSEN
MERCEDES ALVARADO JENSEN
respect of the whole community, and enabled him to retain it throughout a long life. Mr.
Jensen died December 12, 1886, at the age of seventy-two years. His remains repose in
the old cemetery at Agua Mansa. Mrs. Jensen resides at the old home, passing her de-
clining years in restful quietude amidst the scenes and surroundings of her earlier days.
DON FRANCISCO ALVARADO, one of the earliest Spanish residents of San Ber-
nardino county, was born in Santa Barbara, the son of Pomoseno Alvarado, who is said
to have been the administrador of the San Bernardino Mission under -the priests of San
Gabriel. He married Juana Maria Abila, daughter of Don Anastacio Abila. of Compton.
They settled at Agua Mansa at a very early date when the nearest trading point was Los
Angeles. Don Francisco would often ride to Los Angeles and return the same day to
procure thread, or some other necessary article. He died in 1898 at the residence of Mrs.
Cornelius Jensen, his daughter.
WILLTAM HENRY ROBINSON, of Halleck, was born in Pottawatomie county, Iowa.
August 30th, 1851, the son of William Jones Robinson, a veteran of the Mexican war and
a native of Missouri. The family moved to Utah in 1852 and about 1858 came to the San
Bernardino valley. In 1868 W. H. Robinson located on the Mojave and engaged in stock
raising. He now has 800 acres of land and is extensively engaged in the business.
In 1879 he married Miss Josephine, daughter of Theodore and Harriet Mathews. Mr.
Mathews was also a Mexican war veteran. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson have two sons, William
Edwin, born July 18th, 1881, and Theodore, born October 17th, 1885.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
1ISTORY OF THE CRAM FAMILY.
The name Cram is a famiiar one to all pioneers, for the Cram family has borne an
important share in the development of this section since the year 1852, when John Cram,
with his six stalwart sons — Lorenzo, Goodsel, Henry, John, Rensler and Lewis F. — arrived
in California by the southern overland route and settled in San Bernardino county.
The American ancestors of this family were among the forefathers of New England.
Sanborn Cram, a native of New
Hampshire, was born at Unity, in the
Connecticut River valley, in 1738. He
was a son of John and Mary Sanborn
Cram, who lived at Hampton Falls,
New Hampshire, as the records show
that Mary Cram and one child died
here, and from this place John Cram
enlisted in the American army dur-
ing the Revolutionary war. John
Cram had a family of nine children,
of whom Sanborn was the third. In
company with two brothers — James
and Ebenezer — Sanborn removed to
New York at a very early date and
settled in the town of Jay, Essex
county. Two of the brothers of this
family of pioneers, located in the
"Western Reserve," now Ohio ; an-
other brother settled in Iliinois, in
the vicinity of Rockford, where he
died, and where descendants still
reside. Others of the family contin-
ued to reside in Essex county, and
their children and grand-children are
now citizens of that locality.
JOHN H. CRAM, the Califor-
nia pioneer, was a son of Sanborn
Cram, and was born in Essex county.
New York, in 1788. He grew up in
his native place and being of a
mechanical turn of mind, learned the
trade of cooper; he was also a shoe-
maker. He inherited from his fore-
fathers the instinct for adventure.
LEWIS CRAM
me 0
civiliza-
remo\
ing from
that
territory,
d l.e
vi Miller.
she.
with two
n Middiebury.
and passed his entire life upon the frontier, always moving in the advance
tion. In 1836 he, with his family, began their long westward journey, first
New York state to Michigan and settling in the southeastern portion of
two years before it became a state. Here the only daughter, Mariah, marn
pnd when the family three years later again moved, this time to Ohio,
brothers — Sanborn and Chester — remained in that state. The rest located
Summit county. Ohio. In 1843 they pushed further westward to the woods of Illinois and
stopped at Bushville. Schuyler county. Here they remained until the discovery of gold in
California drew the tide of immigration in that direction. It was natural that John Cram
and his sons were among the first to join the throng of gold-seekers. In company with
Daniel H. Rogers. S. S. Reeves and Hankinson Kimball, young men of Schuyler county,
they started for California with ox teams and wagons. The party made their way south-
westward, crossing the Mis-.i~-.ippi :,t Hannibal, Missouri, and the Missouri at Booneville.
Upon reacring Independence, they joined with others who were California bound and made
up a train of 22 wagons, with Daniel H. Rodgers as captain. They started out on the
Santa Fe trail and soon fell in with a train of 30 freighting wagons on the way to Santa
Fc. This proved a fortunate thing for the Illinois travelers, as they weir total strangers
t.- the country through which they must pass, and which was overrun by Indians who
incyed upon the "tenderfoot" expeditions at every turn. The Santa Fe trader- were "old
-1 igers" who knew how to deal with the Indians and who cheerfully gave to the band of
immigrants their assistance and protection. Thus the party reached Santa Fe without seri-
676 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
cms trouble. After a brief rest here they bade farewell to their friends of the road and
started on the trail, then but little traveled, to Fort Yuma. The route lay through long
stretches of dry and desolate country, of which no member of the party — not even Captain
Rodgers — had any definite knowledge. The country was full of hostile Indians, and at a
point near what was then Santa Cruz, about 200 miles southeast of Tucson, one of the
party by the name of Crandall was killed by the Indians. A number of the party, in con-
sequence of exposure to the heat and the use of alkali waters, were stricken with malarial
fever. One of these was Mrs. Cram, wife of John Cram and mother of his sons. She
had been a strong, hardy frontierswoman, but here in the desert, with no comforts or
medical aid possible, she 'yielded to the fever and died. She was laid by the side of Mr.
Crandall.
The hardships of the journey were so great that the company gradually broke up,
one after another losing heart and falling out along the route. Supplies were almost ex-
hausted and the want of money and provisions was so great that on reaching Fort Yuma
the Crams were compelled to sell their last oxen and cattle. They packed their remaining
belongings upon "jacks" for the rest of the way to San Diego.
The part}' that left Fort Yuma consisted of John Cram and his sons, all of whom
were single men. except Goodsel, who was accompanied by his wife and two small children.
A man by the name of Clemmenson, with his wife and two chidren. followed not far in the
rear. The Cram family after a slow and wearisome trip reached San Diego and there
stopped for rest and recruiting. Four of the sons soon started out to get work and to look-
over the country to the northward. Henry and Lewis F. found employment on the Chino
rancho with Col. Isaac Williams, while John and Lorenzo went on to Los Angeles and
found work in the harvest fields near there. About three months later they all met at the
Puente rancho, where they hired land and there they raised grain and produce until 1854.
They then came to San Bernardino county and took up their residence in the Old Mission.
Here they embarked in an enterprise which was of importance to the residents of this
frontier settlement.
The zanja furnished a fine stream of water flowing through their premises, and here
they turned their mechanical knowledge to good use by constructing a water wheel to
utilize the power at their door. They improvised a turning lathe and other necessary ma-
chinery and began the manufacture of furniture from the timber which grew along the
creek and in the adjoining foothills. They manufactured upwards of one thousand chairs,
with solid frames, and with seats of cowhide, besides making tables, cupboards and bed
posts. Ready sale for their product was found not only among the setters of San Ber-
nardino, but throughout the district surrounding. It is said that A. D. Boren, a well known
pioneer resident of San Bernardino, purchased these chairs by the wagon load and peddled
them as far as "El Monte." This was the first furniture factory in Southern California.
and it tunned out substantial work, very different from the flimsy and veneered stuff of
today. Some of these chairs are still in use at Puente. San Bernardino and Redlands.
In 1857 the Crams removed their mill up the zanja to what is now Crafton, and thus
established the first water right of that neighborhood — a right which has since been the
ground of extensive litigation.
In 1859 .' iln Cram, with Henry and Lewis F.. homesteaded the land in East High-
land which has sinc>" that date been the home of the Cram family and is known as the
"Cram place." In 1864 John Cram, surrounded by his sons and family, passed away at the
homestead, aged seventy-six.
John Cram was married in i8to ?t Unity, X. H.. to Rebecca, daughter of Captain
Isaac Pease, a navigator who sailed the open seas to all the leading seaports of the world.
That he was a man of special ability as a mariner is evidenced bv a very crefully written
log book now in the possession of Mrs. Mary F. Cole, of Old San Bernardino, a great-
granddaughter, which records his observations while making a vovase from 1772 to 1774.
Mrs. John Cram, as we have seen, died in 1S52 while en route to Caifornia.
HENRY CRAM, the eldest of the sons who came to California, still lives, one of
the respected citizens of East Highlands. Fie has been an active and successful orange grower
and has accumulated considerable property. He never married, but has always made his home
with Lewis F. Cram, with whom he has maintained a partnership for forty vears or more.
He was engaged in the Mexican war with another brother, Goodsell, and belongs to the
Mexican War Veterans.
Lorenzo and John Cr?m lived together mam- years in East Highland. The former
died in 1899 and since then John has lived in San Bernardino.
LEWIS F. CRAM was the sixth son of the family, lie was born in New York
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 677
state, April 19, 1S34, and accompanied his father's family in its wanderings until they
finally settled at East Highlands. September 27, 1865. he married Sarah, the daughter of
Andrew J. Wakefield, who came from Illinois to California in that year. The Wakefields
also crossed the plains and had a long and perilous journey. At that "date the United States
troops had been largely withdrawn from the western country, and the Indians in consequence
were very troublesome. The party was accompanied by about two hundred soldiers, mostly
Indians officered by white men, from Council Bluffs. On the North Platte they were joined
by about forty trading wagons bound for Salt Lake, and 150 emigrant wagons. The gov-
ernment escort found it difficult to save their party from the attacks of hostile bands. De-
tachments of soldiers were sent ahead to scout the country and stationed along the line from
50 to 100 miles apart, and as the train brought up the rear, it was common to find along the
route and at nearly every station, dead soldiers, stripped of clothing and firearms, and
scalped. Only the shoes were never touched; the Indians had no use for these.
At Salt Lake about twelve wagons left the rest to come on to California. They were
accompanied by an experienced freighter, George Garner, a brother of Mrs. Wakefield, who
was familiar with the route, and reached San Bernardino without further incident. Mr.
Wakefield died in 1868. His wife spent her declining years with a daughter, Mrs. Matilda
Bnrr, of Fresno, where she died in 1885.
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Cram have raised and educated a family of seven children, all of
whom were born at the Highands home and still live in the vicinity.
Andrew, the eldest son, was born August 6, 1867. June 7, 1892, he married Miss
Hattie, daughter of Samuel Elkins, of Highland. They have four children— Maggie, Mollie,
Mabel and Flossie. Win, H. Cram, born April 22, 1869, married Miss Lottie, daughter of
Theodore Davis, late of San Bernardino, March 22, 1891. They have three children— Clara,
Arthur and Harry. Mary E., born October 20, 1870, is the wife of Joseph M. Cole of Old
San Bernardino. They have two children— Frank R. and Florence. Lewis F. Cram, Jr..
born December 27, 1873, married Miss Kittie, daughter of H. E. Longmire, of Highland.
They have one son— Frederick L. Edward J., born July 13, 1876, an orange grower of
Highlands. James E. was born May 24, 1879. Robert E. was born March 17, 1881.
DR. BEN BARTON, an early settler of San Bernardino county, was born in South
Carolina, June 8, 1823. He was the son of Thomas Barton, a native of the same state, and
a descendant of a colonial family which has always been prominent, several members having
served in the American armies during the revolution, and one member, Major Barton, being
famous for his deeds of bravery in the cause of freedom.
Dr. Barton was brought up on the old family estate, which he left in 1843 to pursue
his professional studies in Lexington, Ky. After completing bis course in medicine he
practiced in Alabama and in Texas until 1854. when he came to California. He first located
at El Monte and then went to the northern part of the state, but in 1857 he came to San
Bernardino and purchased from the Mormon elders, Lyman and Rich, the property known
as the "'Old San Bernardino Mission," including about 1000 acres of land. He later acquired
title to a large tract of land adjoining this ranch, which he sold in parcels at various times.
In 1858 he built the adobe house now standing on the corner of C and Fourth streets,
in the town of San Bernardino. This he occupied as a drug store. He was also postmaster,
and the postoffice was located in his store. About 1859 he sold this propertv and soon after-
ward gave up the. practice of medicine to devote himself exclusive}- to the care of his ranch.
In 1866-67 he built a large brick residence on a commanding site of his ranch property,
and here for twenty vears he made his home. He then moved into San Bernardino city,
where he lived until his death, January 1. 1899. The ranch property was sold in 1888 to a
Los Angeles syndicate and the Barton Land and Water C>. w.i- organized m dispos, o1 th,
"home" tracts into which it was divided. \ number of beautiful homes are now !• cated on
this tract, and the remnants of the old "mission" and the brick residence built by Dr. Barton
are well known landmarks.
Dr. Barton occupied a large place in the early history of the community. Soon aftei
his arrival in the county, in 1861-62, he was elected to the Assembly. He set out the vine-
yard on his place which has long been famous for its wines, and built a winery. He also
had large orchards and raised grain on an extensive scale.
Dr. Barton was married at Bastrop, Texas, to Miss Eliza, daughter of Henry Brite of
Missouri. The family consisted of John, born al El Monte, September, 1855: Hiram M..
born at San Gabriel, December, 1856; Lejia, burn in San Bernardino, 18^9, died in infancy:
Mary, born at Mission, i860, and Anne, born at Mission, 1864, Mrs. Barton, with a
daughter, Miss Mary, -till resides in the family residence at San Bernardino.
HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY
DANIEL McKENZIE BRADFORD, late of San Bernardino, was born in Steuben
county, N. Y.. March 20, 1832. He was a lineal descendant of William Bradford, first
governor of Massachusetts. His father carried a musket at Detroit when Hull surren-
dered and his grandfather was a soldier of the Revolution, having served with Washington
at Valley Forge. His mother was of
Hugenot descent, her ancestors having
been driven from France by the Edict of
Nantes. She was a woman of remark-
able energy and endurance, the mother
of a family of thirteen children, all of
whom lived to have families of their
own.
D. M. Bradford was born in a log
house and grew up amidst the hardships
and deprivations of the frontier. At
nine years of age he was set to hauling
stone, driving an ox team. When he
was thirteen he started alone for the
territory of Michigan, a brother having
preceded him. With a pack on his back
and $5.25 in his pocket, he walked to Buf-
falo and there took boat for Detroit.
From Detroit he had to walk three days
to reach his destination in Jackson
county. His father's family followed
and located on a farm in the then un-
broken wilderness. When the son was
fifteen the father died and the boy be-
came the chief support of the family.
He had a hard struggle with poor health
and discouragements. In 1865 his health
failed entirely and he was ordered to go
west in order to save his life. He pur-
chased a farm near Grinnell, Iowa, and
after a long, hard struggle, succeeded in
paying for it. His health again gave
way and he came to California. He
purchased property on Third street and
on January 17, 1882, the day when snow
fell to the depth of ten inches in this
city, he moved into San Bernardino.
Mr. Bradford had few opportuni-
1 read and acquire knowledge for himself and he
He joined the church at the age of thirteen and
fe. He was connected with the Congregational
From the Iowa church he received
■ San Bernardino church made him
DAMl 1 \VK Hk.Al'l c >|.'l>
ties for education, but his tastes led him
was a well-read and well-informed man.
was a consistent member throughout his
church of this city and was long one of its trustees,
a life membershio in the American Bible Society and
a life member of the Home Missionary Society. He was an honorary member of the San
Bernardino Society of California Pioneers and a very welcome addition to all their gather-
ings. He was always a pronounced advocate of temperance and an energetic worker in
this cause.
In April, 1855, Mr. Bradford married Miss Lucia Coddington. Mrs. Bradford died
in San Bernardino, June 16, 1896. Their only daughter is the wife of Rev. C. H. Davi^.
Mr. Bradford died in 1904.
LEWIS JACOBS, late of San Bernardino, was a native of Prussia, born January 31.
1832. He spent his youth in his native land and came to America to seek larger opportuni-
ties in his twentieth year. He landed at New York in 1851 and at once decided to join the
throng who were then rushing to the gold mines of California. He took passage by way of
the Isthmus and reached San Francisco in November, 1851. He spent some months mining
in the Sacramento valley but did not meet with the success he had anticipated. Coming
south by steamer to San Pedro, with a small stock of "Yankee notions" in a pack he made
bis way on foot from Los Angeles to San Bernardino, arriving here in the fall of 1852.
He soon thereafter was able to open a small store. This, which was probably the first store
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 679
in San Bernardino outside of the Fort, was located on the west side of C street near the
corner of Fourth. Here he laid the foundations of the fortune which he accumulated dur-
ing his long residence in tihs city. In connection with the Meyersteins, he was the first
banker of San Bernardino county, at first in a small way and as a private hank; but in
1875, he retired from the mercantile business and opened the Bank of San Bernardino,
which has since that date remained one of the solid financial institutions of Southern Cal-
ifornia. It has financed many of the large enterprises of the San Bernardino valley and
has been an important factor in the growth and prosperity of the county as well as the
city. Mr. Jacobs was largely interested in many directions, and was one of the progressive
business men who had faith in the country even under discouraging appearances.
He was a member of the Masonic order and held many offices in Phoenix Lodge and
passed through many degrees. He was also a member of the I. O. O. F„ Knights of Pythias,
B'nai B'rith and Chosen Friends.
In 1900 he visited Europe, accompanied by his daughter, Miss Lena Jacobs. On the
return voyage he died verv suddenly, expiring Sept. 18, igoo.
In 1858 Mr. Jacobs married at San Diego. Mrs. Jacobs died 111 1895. Mr. and Mrs.
Jacobs had' four children, Mrs. Oscar Newberg and Miss Lena, of San Bernardino; Mrs.
I-I. Roman , of San Francisco and Mrs. Polaski, of Los Angeles.
JOHX WFMPLE SEARLES. deceased, was born at Tribes Hill, Montgomery county.
New York, November 16, 1828. His father, George Searles. was the son of Dennis Searles
and grandson of Captain Searles of the American army, wounded at the battle of Cam-
bridge in the war of the Revolution. His mother's maiden name was Helen Wemple. She
was a woman of superior education, the daughter of Mindred Wemple, who was one of the
first settlers of Fonda, N. Y.
John Wemple Searles spent his boyhood on his father's farm near Randolph. New
York, and obtained his early education at the district school. He learned the blacksmith
trade and worked at his trade at Randolph until 1849, when he started for California, tak-
ing passage from New York City via Cape Horn. Arriving in California he joined his
brother, Dennis Searles, who had preceded him a few months, and they settled at Indian
Creek in Shasta county. They purchased ico acres of land and two mining claims, one at-
tending to the farm and the other mining. After a few years they sold this property and
went to Los Angeles and from there to the Borax mines, where, in April, 1874, they pre-
empted claims of 160 acres each, which eventually made them wealthy men.
John W. Searles was a hunter. His favorite pursuit was hunting bear and deer,
with which the country abounded. He was an expert rifle shot and one of his ways of
keeping well supplied with money was to go into town, and when all the crack shots assem-
bled together, they would make up a purse, each contributing $5 or $10 apiece. After k
series of shots the purse would be given to the man who made the largest percentage of per-
fect shots. He also traveled over the state challenging any one on a wager to beat him at
shooting with either rifle or six-shooter. He won out in every case and made money. He
died at St. Helena, California, October 7, 1897.
Mr. Searles married Miss Mary Covington in Los Angeles January 1, 1873. She
was born at Salt Lake, Utah. Mrs. Searles' death followed the birth of their only child, a
son. He never remarried.
Dennis Searles, son of John W. Searles, was born in Los Angeles, February 27, 1874.
His childhood was passed at the Borax mines. From 1880 to 1801 he was at Belmont school.
Belmont. Cal. He was first president of the alumni association of this school. In 1891-5 he at-
tended Stanford University. In his senior year he was president of the class of 1895. His vaca-
tions were always passed at the Borax mines, now the property of the Pacific Borax Com-
pany, having been sold before the death of his father. Mr. Searles is in the- employ of the
new company as superintendent.
Further reference to John W. Searles as a bear hunter will be found in Chapter XV.
ANSON VAN LEUVEN, deceased, was born in Canada, October 16, 1829. He was
the son of Benjamin Yan Leuveu and Catherine Snyder, both Canadian born, and as the
name indicates of Dutch descent. The father, Benjamin Van Luevan, a man of religious
temperament, early became a convert to the Mormon faith and removed with his family to
White county, jUi'nois. in 1839, to be among those of bis own religious faith, and remained
there seven years. In 1846 he removed to Atchison county, Missouri, locating about twelve
miles from Lyndon, where he lived until he went to Utah 111 [851. He settled on a farm at
Springville. Utah, about fifty miles from Salt Lake City, and five miles from Provo. where
he lived until 1854. then started for California, following the route of the San Bernardino
colonists, bringing with him five teams of oxen besides considerable other stock. His wife
680 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
died at Atchison, Missouri, in 1850. His children were : Sahra, who had married at
Council Bluffs; William Kimball, who also came with the family; John, Rhoda. A daugh-
ter, Zilpha, who married Nathan Dillon and lived at Quincy, 111., and later at Provo, Utah.
came to California in 1851.
Anson Van Leuven, together with his brother Louis, came to California in 1852. lo-
cating in old San Bernardino. Here he developed a fine ranch and was the pioneer orange
grower of the county having set out his first orchard in 1867. These trees were very pro-
ductive and attracted much attention when they came into bearing.
Anson Van Leuven married Elizabeth Robinson, daughter of William Robinson, Janu-
ar-- 16, 1863, in San Bernardino. Mrs. Van Leuven was born at Nauvoo, 111., and came
overland, via Salt Lake, in 1S58. Mr. and Mrs. Van Leuven were the narents of five chil-
dren— Myron, Sarah (died 1882), Byron A., Henry, Maud, .benjamin (died April, 1868).
Mr. Van Leuven died, after a long and useful life, May 23, 1896.
ORSON VAN LUEVEN of Moreno came to San Bernardino in 1854 with his father's
family and lived at old San Bernardino for many years. About 1878 he located on govern-
ment land, where Redlands now stands, and built a house which still stands on Olive avenue
near Center street. Mr. Van Leuven lived here some twelve years, then removd to Moreno,
where he is engaged in ranching.
Mr. Van Luven married Catherine, daughter of John Roberts of San Bernardino. She
died in 1901 as the result of a runaway accident. There are now eight living children of this
marriage — Frederick, of San Jacinto; Dora, now Mrs. L. J. Fay of Redlands; Lila, Mrs. J.
Gass of Redlands Junction; Nettie, Mrs. Allen McKinzie of Redlands; Myrta and Clara.
Mrs. Gass was the first child born in Redlands, her birth occurring April 21, 1880.
LYMAN JOHN FAY of Redlands was born November 15, 1866, in Sacramento, Cal..
the son of Norman Fay. a native of New York. L. J. Fay lived in the Yucaipe Valley and
owned one of the first dairies in the vicinity of Redlands. He now resides in Redlands. In
1888, he married Miss Dora, daughter of Orson Van Leuven. They have one daughter,
Alice.
The late JOHN Y. ANDERSON, of San Bernardino, was born in the state of Mary-
land, February I, 1827. the son of Samuel and Jane Anderson. His school days were passed
in Philadelphia and he first attended Sunday School in 1832, in what was known as the
"Brick Maker's Sunday School," corner Third and Walnut streets.
Mr. Anderson went to Wilmington, Delaware, when he was eighteen and learned the
trade of machinist. When the war with Mexico was declared, he enlisted in South Caro-
lina and was stationed at Fort Moultrie, S. C. Upon his discharge in 1848, he entered the
United States navy and was assigned to the United States frigate "Raritan." at that time
the flagship of the home squadron, under Commodore Porter. He entered the navy as
landsman and was discharged in April, 1850. as first-class petty officer.
In 1850 he started for California overland. On reaching the Missouri river, he en-
gaged with the government to drive a six-mule team through to Santa Fe. There were 175
wagons in the train and two regiments of soldiers. They had made a good start on the way
when for unknown reasons they were ordered back to St. Louis. After some delay, Mr.
Anderson started again, this time with a train of twenty-one wagons of supplies for the
Mormons at Salt Lake. From Salt Lake he went on and arrived at Hangtown, in August.
1851. He at once began prospecting in the vicinity of Poverty Flat and along the American
river. After a year's work, he was able to sell his interests, and with several thousand dol-
lars in hand, he returned east, via the Isthmus, and on October 14, 1852, he was married
at Philadelphia to Miss Mary Benner Yerkes. In 1853 he returned to California with his
wife and again engaged in mining, prospecting on the American river and in Nevada county.
Caliornia; later trying his luck in British Columbia and spending six years in the mines at
Virginia City. Nevada. In 1S68 Mr. Anderson came to San Bernardino county and pur-
chased of Senator Conn the ranch which he occupied for the remainder of his life. This he
enlarged and improved and made a valuable property. Mr. Anderson died August 28, 1501.
He lived a temperate and religious life, always being a consistent follower of ithe
Christian religion and advocate of temperance principles. He was a charter member of the
First M. F. Church of San Bernardino and for twenty years its recording stewart; he was
also the first superintendent of its Sunday School
The first Mrs. Anderson died in Philadelphia, April 29. 1859. Mr. Anderson married
Mrs. Louisa Arthur of New York city, in Virginia City, New, January 10, 1864. They had
three daughters and two sons.
WILLIAM McD. HENDERSON of Rialto was the son of David Henderson. The
parents with their eight children emigrated from Lanarkshire, Scotland, to America in 1850.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
The father died with cholera at St. Louis
journey and reached Salt Lake, where they
City, Utah, where the boys of the family we
ber, 1853, a train, consisting of fifteen or sixt
overland to California, following the route
California. The family beside the mothe
Mogeau, and after his death, Henry Yager:
Tom Walkenshaw and later Mrs. '
Corona; form Henderson and Will
William McD. was employed
i-hile en route, but the family continued their
resided about a year, then removed to Cedar
e employed in building a sawmill. In Septem-
en wagons was made up at Cedar City to come
if the Keir tram. They located in Southern
included Margaret, who married Charle.i
David G. of Etiwanda: Jeanette became Mrs.
am Roberts of Corona; Mai
v, Mrs. Tom Ashcrof
t of
McD., of San Bernardino.
freighting by General Banni
ig and David Alexa
ider
Wll [JAM .\\, |i. Ill MM kSi IN
between Los Angeles and San Pedro and later between Los Angeles and Salt Lake. In
1856-7 he was employed with government surveyors in the official survey of Utah. Fur many
years he was engaged in freighting, in government work on the frontier and in mining.
About 1870 he returned to San Bernardino county and for thirteen years was employed in
the lumber business in the mountains. Later he engaged in mercantile business in Rialto.
Mr. Henders.m was always interested in the material growth and prosperity of the county,
which was so long his home and was a valuable citizen in every respect. lie died al Long
Beach. September II, 1904, and was buried with Masonic honors from the new Masonic
Temple, San Bernardino.
CLARK S. FABUN wa
rpenter, and. after working
In nil
1 Nev
first married Avis Ann llakcn.
Maker, family were Latter Day Saint
to Salt Lake City and then joined the
Rich, which was guided by Captain 1
Mr, Fabun bought a traci of 1.
in New York state. He early learned the trade of
Jersey and Pennsylvania, went to Illinois and Ohio.
ind after ber death married her sister. Susan. The
but Mr. Fabun did not join the society. They went
immigrants to California coming in the train of C. C.
id on Warm Creek bottom lying between Third and
GS2
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Fifth streets. Here his second wife died and later he married Susanna Harris, whose family
had also come out with the Seeley train and had lived in the Old Fort. Mr. Fabun's land,
.forty-five acres, included the five acres upon which the Santa Fe round house and oil tanks
are now located. Upon this land he planted one of the largest deciduous fruit orchards then
in the county. He was a good mechanic and opened a blacksmith and repair shop in the
"Old Fort," and in company with William McDonald, made and repaired wagons and farm
implements. He returned to Salt Lake with the Mormons and later moved to Arizona,
where he engaged in freighting. At one time he freighted between Anaheim Landing and
Salt Lake City, and also to the Ivanpah mines. He was an energetic business man, kind-
hearted, and popular with all who knew him. His children now living are : Mrs. Cynthia
W. Sparks, Los Alamitos, Cal. ; Syrenos S. Fabun, Little River, Cal. ; Mrs. Frank Ferris,
Hanford, Cal; Russel ; Mrs. Elsie Harris; John B., Thatcher, Arizona; David I., private.
Light Battery F, 4th U. S. Artillery, Philippine Islands.
JAMES ALEXANDER BRAZELTON was born in Bushville, 111., December 4. Mo-
llis father, Alexander Brazelton. was a hatter by trade and owned a modest property in
Bushville. The son, James, attended the district schools, but early showed an instinct of
barter and trade, and when nineteen owned
a fine team of draught horses with a wagon
and outfit, the result of his own accumu-
lation. When the "gold fever" of '49 broke
out, he desired to join a party being made
up in his vicinity. His parents, however,
objected strongly, but in spite of their
protests, the young man started for Califor-
nia with his team and equipment. The
gold seekers went to Nauvoo, Illinois, and
there paused to make the final arrange-
ments for their long overland journey.
There the elder Brazelton followed and
attempted to detain his son as a minor,
but the son evaded capture by lying con-
cealed in the court house of Nauvoo for
three days, or until the father had returned
home.
The party arrived at Sacramento in
1849. and young Brazelton's stock being in
good condition, he at once found employ-
ment in freighting. He also gained a
reputation as a keen horse trader. About
1855 he drifted southward to Los Angeles,
and there was associated with Thomas D.
Mott in an extensive livery and freighting
business. In 1861 he joined the late Gen.
Phineas Banning in operating a stage line
between Los Angeles and San Bernardino,
also carrying the mails and the business of
Wells-Fargo Co. This he continued up to
186.^, when he formed a partnership with
Nathaniel Kinman and for about nine years
did a general livery and freight business
in San Bernardino, under the firm name of
"Brazelton & Kinman."
In 1874 Mr. Kinman sold his interest
to A. M. Kenniston and for almost twenty
years the firm of Brazelton & Kenniston
continued in business, becoming one of the
landmarks of the town. The termination of the business of this old firm was brought about
by the sudden death of Mr. Brazelton, at Los Angeles, June 27, 1894, while on a business trip
to that city. Mr. Brazelton was twice married. The first wife was Miss Hannah Huston, of
San Bernardino, a daughter of Daniel Huston. She died in April. 1875. leaving four
children — Mary ; George and Edward, who have succeeded to the business of their father and
still carrv on a general liverv business, and Milton, who was accidentally shot when about
JAMES A. BRAZELTON
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 683
sixteen. In 1876 Mr. Brazelton married Miss Bell Huston, a sister of his former wife and
to this union one son, Robert, and one daughter, Gladys, were born.
WILLIAM ALEXANDER HOBBS, proprietor and host of the Hobbs House on Court
street, ban Bernardino, is an early California pioneer, born near the Catawba river, in Iredell
county North Carolina, April 2, 1828. He was the second child born in the family of Little-
berry B. and Rebecca Carngan Hobbs, and is of English and Scotch descent.
Very early in life he -left the home farm in search of more congenial employment and
obtained a contract for carrying the United States mail at White Sulphur Sprint Miss
continuing this business for years. In 1853 he started for California, journeying by the way
of the Isthmus of Panama, thence by water to San Francisco. He was first employed on "a
ranch near Napa, California, subsequently engaging in cattle dealing.
Mr. Hobbs made a visit to Virginia City and Carson City, Nevada, and after elevei
months returned to California, and in i860 traveled with mule team to Los Angeles In 1861
he was mining 111 Holcomb Valley and the Colorado river region; following this in 1864 he
engaged in freighting from Los Angeles to Arizona points. Three vears later he bought a
farm joining Chmo rancho, which he sold in 1882 and opened a boarding house- also°con-
ducted a livery stable in San Bernardino.
Mr. Hobbs had the usual experience of the early California pioneer, living an exciting
and adventurous life, and, notwithstanding the perils, hardships and narrow escapes, reached
a sturdy old age. Besides the hotel which bears his name, Mr. Hobbs was the owner of
valuable property in San Bernardino and at Corona.
Mr. Hobbs married Mrs. Martha Jane Giles, daughter of Daniel Cline, a California
poineer. There were no children born of this union. He died in 1904.
JUDSON M. DALEY was born at Salt Lake City, Utah, November 2, 1853, the son of
Moses Daley. Jr.. and Margaret B. (Henry) Daley. His grandfather. Moseys Dalev. Sr,
came to San Bernardino 111 1849, and died here, leaving numerous descendants, well known in
the valley.
Moses Daley, Jr.. came to San Bernardino July 4, 1858, and settled at a place now known
as South Colton, where the family lived until the flood of 1862. when they came ito San
Bernardino and bought a place at the corner of B and Fifth streets. He went into the busi-
ness of freighting to Arizona points.
Judson M. Daley attended the Fifth street school in San Bernardino; taught by Mr
Alsop. and afterwards by Will S. Knighten of the M. E. Church. His first work was
freighting on the desert. In 1870 he drove one of his father's teams, which was engaged in
moving Gen. Crook to Prescott. He followed the business of freighting until the Southern
Pacific railway came through this section of the country. He then removed to the ranch
at Riverside, where his father died, but returned to San Bernardino and bought the old Wixon
place. He went to San Diego and worked at the carpenter trade for eleven months, then
came back to San Bernardino county and has lived here ever since.
Mr. Daley married Mary C. Jones, of San Bernardino, July 23, 1883. They have six
children— Albert J.. William N., Oro I., Herbert C, Cline, Radcliff and Dolly I— all living at
home. Mr. Daley is a member of the Order of Foresters of the World.
Mr. Daley figured in an interesting incident of the flood of 1867. John Brackenbury
and Samantha Daley occupied a house on Third street, near the present bridge over Warm
creek, near Squaw Flats. The water rose so rapidly that the house was entirely surrounded
by a stream several hundred feet wide. Mrs. Brackenbury was confined in bed with an infant
only a few days old. The people on the banks were much concerned for their safety, expect-
ing the house to be washed away at any moment. Uncle Billy McDonald offered to loan his
boat, and Mr. Daley mounted his saddle horse anil went at a gallop to bring it to the river.
Dragging the boat with a rope attached to the born of bis saddle, be got it to the river bank.
where it was taken by Gus Knight. Sr.. who got into the boat and, in Indian fashion, paddled
it to the house. The woman and baby were quickly placed into the boat and brought ashore.
Some of the men on the bank, in their anxiety to prevent accident, waded far out into the
stream so as to be ready in case of emergency to render assistance, but fortunately none was
needed.
WILLIAM STEWART LA PRAIX (deceased) was a native of the province of On-
tario, Canada. He was born Oct., 11. 1832, of Scotch-Irish parentage. His father was a*
mason by trade, and followed bis occupation in the line of contracting, in the town of Glen-
morris. Brant Co.. Canada. In 1852. when he was twenty years of age. Mr. La Praix came
to California. He had been in touch with the world, and had a good knowledge of business
684 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
together with an ambition to do something for himself. The discovery of gold in California,
seemed to offer the opportunity, and he started west, making the journey by the Isthmus of
Panama. Arriving at San Francisco, he proceeded at once to the placer diggings of Sacra-
mento County, and went to mining along the American River. He met with indifferent suc-
cess in that line, and soon abandoned mining, going to Sacramento, where he was em-
ployed for a year or more, by Huntington, Hopkins & Co.. as salesman in their hardware
business. In 1868 Mr. LaPraix came to San Bernardino County, and engaged in the lumber
business in the San Bernardino mountains. He was first employed as head sawyer by
Knight & Dickey, remaining with them until they sold their mill property to Beverly Boren,
of whom Mr. LaPraix leased it, and subsequently purchased it from him. He removed this
mill to Little Bear Valley, where he did a very successful business, and accumulated a fine
property. He later purchased a fine mill property of a Los Angeles firm, near the base of
San Jacinto mountain, and forming a partnership with Joseph and Charles Tyler, under
the firm name of Tyler and LaPraix, removed this mill to Cedar Flats, in the San Bernardino
range, where they operated for about five years, until the supply of timber was exhausted.
He then bought out the interests of his partners, and removed the mill to Little Bear valley,
locating on the site of his old mill properly. Mr. LaPraix was a successful man, and ac-
cumulated wealth in the lumber business, lie established a lumber yard in San Bernardino
city.
In May 1887, while engaged in his mill. Air. LaPraix met with an accident, which, after
several days of intense suffering, resulted in his death on the 13th of the month. His loss was
cause for expression of general regret by the whole community. He had only a short time
previous to his death, announced his determination to close out his active business interests,
relieveing himself of these responsibilities, that he might quietly settle in San Bernardino,
and enjoy the fruits of his labors, and the society of his friends.
Mr. LaPraix married Miss Ida May Wills, of San Bernardino, in 1875. Airs. LaPraix
died March 23, 1876, aged nineteen years and five months. Her infant daughter followed
May 31, of the same year. Air. LaPraix was an active member of Token Lodge I. O. O. F.,
of San Bernardino.
LORENZO SNOW LYMAN, of Bloomington. was born at Lytle Creek, in San
Bernardino valley, while the San Bernardino colonists were camped there, November 6th,
1851. He is said to have been the first boy of American parentage born in the San Bernardino
valley. A daughter had been previously born to Andrew Lytle. of the same party. His
father was Amasa Lyman, one of the first twelve Apostles under the presidency of Brigham
Young, a leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He, with Chas C. Rich,
was appointed to establish the colony of San Bernardino. The mother was Cornelia Eliza
Leavitt, a native of Warren, Trumbull county. Ohio. She returned to Utah with the other
members of the colony in 1857, and died in Iron county, Utah, when about forty years of age,
leaving two children, Lorenzo Snow and Henry Elias, the latter now a fruit grower in Santa
Barbara county.
Lorenzo Snow lived in Iron county, Utah, until 1875. then returned to California and has
lived in this county since with the exception of the period between 1881 and 1885, when he
lived in Utah.
In 1874 Mr. Lyman married Miss Zuie Rowley, in Millard county, Utah. She died
in 1888, leaving six children, Mary, Cornelius, Rosa, Nora, Ina and Amasa. In 1892 he
was married a second time to Mrs. Alpha, daughter of W. H. H. Easton. of Bloomington.
There is one son, Arthur, and a daughter, Ella Lucille, by this marriage. The present Mrs.
Lyman was the first teacher at Bloomington in 1892. the school opening with an enrollment of
thirty-two. She has since taught four terms in this school. Air. and Airs. Lyman are mem-
bers of the Congregational church of Bloomington.
MATTHEW BYRNE, deceased, of San Bernardino, was a California pioneer of 1852.
He was born Alarch 13, 1833, in County Kicklow, Ireland. In the year 1841 his parents
emigrated with their family to America, he being at the time only seven years of age.
Upon arrival in the United States, they went south to Mississippi, and for "several years
lived in Vicksburg. There young Byrne attended the local schools, and spent the days of
his youth. He joined the exodus westward, and the year 1852 found him in San Francisco.
He at once proceeded to the gold fields of Amador County, where he mined for several
years with varying success. In the year 1803, he came to San Bernardino, and engaged
in mercantile business, and sheep raising. As he accumulated capital, he judiciously in-
vested it in San Bernardino city and county realty, and when the business "boom," of 1887
to 1889 came, he found himself in possession of property that commanded profitable prices.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
(>8.->
During this period, Mr. Byrne erected the Byrne hlock. which is one of the most attractive
buildings in the city. In 1890 he made an extended tour of the Eastern states and Mexico,
where he contracted a severe cold which developed into la grippe and terminated in his
death, January 27th, 1892. He was 59 years of age. Mrs. Bryne's maiden name was Olive
Parks, she was the daughter of the late Judge Parks, a San Bernardino pioneer of 1857.
She was a little girl of four years of age when her parents located at San Bernardino. The
marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Byrne was solemnized at San Bernardino August 17th, 1869. Mrs.
Byrne has three sons and two daughters.
JOHN MAYF1ELD, deceased, of
•as born in Hardin county,. Kentuck
loved from Kentucky to Hancock c
;rnardino county, a California pioneer of 1849.
mber 29th, 1831. About 1845 his parents re-
county. Illinois, and soon afterwards his father died.
Later iii- mother married Sebert Shelton, a resident of
that county. Mr. Shelton, who was a very good man,
became connected with the church of Latter Day Saints
at Nauvoo, and in the spring of 1846 the family joined
a party of emigrants bound for Salt Lake City. The
party was composed principally of Mormons who, owing
to various difficulties with those of different religious
ideas, were making their exodus from the state of Illi-
nois. They proceeded to Council Bluffs, Iowa, and en-
camped for the winter. In consequence of the breaking
out of war between the L'nited States and Mexico, five
companies of men were recruited from among the Mor-
mons and organized as the Mormon Battalion. Cap-
tain Jefferson Hunt was commissioned captain of Com-
pany "A," and among the enlisted men was Frank
Mayfield, a brother of John Mayfield, and Sebert
Shelton, his step-father. The enlistments for the
war made heavy inroads into the band of emi-
grants. John Mayfield, a boy of fifteen, though not
a Mormon, had followed the fortunes of the refugees,
Inn was dissuaded on account of his age from enlisting
in the army and left with a few others to protect the
women and children. The emigrating party moved on
to Fort Leavenworth, then to Pueblo, Colo, thence to
Fort Laramie, starting May, 1847, into the Salt Lake
MRS. HARRIET MAYFIELD Valley where they spent the winter of 1847-48. The fol-
lowing winter Mayfield and his mother's family passed
in Ogden and in the spring of 1849, proceeded to Cali-
fornia by the way of the northern route to Sutter's Fort and the gold fields of Northern
California. In the same year Mr. Mayfield was engaged in mining at Dutch Flats, and after-
wards at other camps, with varying success. In 1855 or 1856, he came to San Bernadino
county and went to work for Jefferson Hunt, carrying mail between San Bernardino and
Salt Lake- City, remaining with him for a period of four years. In 1859, he married Mi>s
Harriet, a daughter of Jefferson Hunt, and soon afterwards they took up their residence in
San Bernardino county, locating on a farm on the Santa Ana river near Colton, where they
lived about three years. The floods of 1862 caused so much damage to their property they
were compelled to abandon the place and Mr. Mayfield entered the service of the Atchison.
Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad Company. He was employed in the engineering department
under Fred T. PerriSj ami remained with them nine years, occupying a position of responsi-
bility. The next six years were passed in the office of the sheriff of San Bernardino comitv.
where he was employed as a deputy sheriff, and where his knowledge and judgment rendered
him a valuable assistant. He was again in the employ of the Santa Fe Railroad Company as
a surveyor, under F. T. Perris. The floods of 1889 did great damage to the bridges of" bis
division, and while on a tour of inspection following, he contracted la grippe, from which
he died April 27th, 1889, leaving a widow and three children. John Mayfield was a man whose
quiet, unassuming manner covered a generous heart, always open to the appeal of friendless
and needy ones, and ever ready in an unostentatious manner to give counsel and aid.
Mrs. Mayfield still resides at the family home 452 Ninth street. She is a woman of strong
mentality, retaining a clear recollection of important events in the early history of California,
and having a personal acquaintance with many of those who made this history and have
already passed away. William, the eldest son of John Mayfield, was born and grew up in
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
San Bernardino county; for twenty years past he has been a resident of Seattle, Washington.
One daughter, Lizzie, is dead; Dora is Mrs. B. F. Day, of San Francisco.
DR. OLIVER M. WOZENCRAFT was born
from St. Joseph's College, Bardstown, Kentucky,
in Ohio, June 26. 1814. He graduated
and adopted medicine as a profession.
After completing his medical course he
practiced at Nashville Term., and later
in New Orleans, with marked success.
He married Miss Lemiza A., daughter of
Col. William R. Ramsey, of Tenn.
He came to California in 1849, and
was appointed United States Indian
Agent. He took an active part in the
early history of California, being a mem-
ber of the constitutional convention and
intimately connected with the organiza-
tion of the state. He was one of the first
advocates of a transcontinental railway
and went to Washington with T. D.
Judah to advocate such a road. Dr.
Wozencraft was a man of unusual origi-
nality and ability and was always deeply
interested in projects for public improve-
ment ; his favorite scheme was that of
converting the desert into a productive
field by the use of Colorado river waters.
He spent much time and thought upon
this problem and visited Washington in
its interest. Just as his scheme was on
the eve of realization, he died, in Wash-
ington, D. C, November 22nd, 1887. His
remains were placed in the family vault
at San Bernardino .
Dr. Wozencraft removed from San
Francisco to San Bernardino in the
sixties. He was a man of culture and of
polished manners and his hospitable
home was always a center for social
affairs. His widow and one daughter,
Mary A. Steinbrenner, survive htm.
MANUEL LUJAN, of Colton, is a typical representative of the Spanish citizen of the
early days of California. He was born in Los Angeles July 2, 841 ; the son of Jose Maria
Lujan and Maria del Carmen Guillen. His mother was a daughter of Isador Guillen, a
native of Sonora, Mexico, who came to Southern California in the early days and was owner
of large bands of cattle at Santa Cruz, and later at Los Angeles. His father, Jose M. Lujan,
a native of Mexico, was a shoemaker by trade and carried on a successful business in that
line in Los Angeles from 1835 to 1858, when he removed with his family to Agua Mansa,
where he lived until his death May 20th, 1880. His wife survived until 1895. There was a
family of ten children, of whom the following survive: Margarita, widow of Jose Atensio,
pesides at Santa Ana; Manuel; Luisa. widow of Juan Atensio. of santa Ana; Antonio,
Mrs. T. J. Smith, of Colton; Trinidad, is Mrs. Pablo Trujillo; Isabel, widow of Peter Filanc,
lives near Colton; and Virginia, is Mrs. Ygnacio Martinez, of Colton.
Manuel Lujan. even as a boy was fond of books and study. He attended the parochial
school of the Mission Santa Barbara, under Bishop Amat, and Rev. Ciprian Rubio, and after
returning home engaged in leaching school, both English and Spanish, at Agua Mansa. and
also where now is West Riverside. This occupation covered the years from 1865 to 1880.
Since the latter year he has engaged in fruit growing and ranching. He has creditably filled
the office of Justice of the Peace at both Agua Mansa and Colton. In 1874, Mr. Lujan
married Miss Mary Dodero of San Bernardino. They have a family of four children — three
sons and one daughter.
JAMES B. GLOVER, of Redlands, was born
His parents were Rev. M. W. and Elizabeth Osborn
DR. OLIVER M. WO/ENCRAI I
1 Benton county
, Mo., June 29th,
1842.
Glover, both nat
ives of Kentucky.
His
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 687
father was for many years a traveling preacher in the Methodist Church South. In 1850, he
came to California and engaged in quartz and placer mining in Amador county. In 1855,
he returned to Missouri and brought his family, via the Isthmus route, to California. In
1858, he joined the Pacific Conference and was assigned to Macedonia Circuit in Sonoma
county, and traveled that, with the Santa Rosa circuit, for. six years. He was then sent
to Ukiah station, Mendocino county, and spent four years there. In 1868, he was sent as a
missionary to San Bernardino, where he remained four years. After a year in Los Angeles,
he was returned to San Bernardino for two years longer. His next and last appointment was
in San Luis Obispo, where he built a church and one year later took a superannuated relation
on account of declining health. He died April 17th, "1878, having spent the best part of his
life as an active,, earnest, itinerant minister of the gospel.
James B. Glover was a boy of thirteen when the family arrived in California. At the
age of sixteen he entered a blacksmith shop and served an apprenticeship of one year. After
earning a little money he attended school one year at Pleasant Mill, Sonoma county. He
farmed in Sonoma and Mendicino counties for several years and came to San Bernardino
county in 1869. Here he pre-empted 160 acres of land in Lugonia, and endured all the priva-
tions and hardships which the early settlers in this region had to undergo. During the sum-
mer months for the first three years, he had to haul all the water used, three miles. Mr.
Glover was not discouraged however, and today this same property is a beautiful home, with
all comforts and conveniences.
Mr. Glover is a democrat and a strong advocate of the temperance cause. His standing
in the community in which he has lived for thirty-five years is attested by the fact that, al-
though a democrat, he is now serving his third term on the Board of County Supervisors,
elected from a district which is strongly republican in sentiment. As chairman of the Board,
he has stood for honest and commonsense handling of county business. He has taken a
leading part in the movement for "good roads," which has given San Bernardino's oiled roads
a national reputation. He is himself the inventor of a road-oiling machine which has done
effective work.
Mr. Glover joined the M. E. Church South, in 1855, and has ever since been an earnest
worker in the cause of Christianity. He has been tendered every office in the church that a
layman can hold and at present fills several responsible positions. He was superintendent of
the Sunday School of his church in San Bernardino for nine years, and in Redlands for
eleven years.
Mr. Glover married in Sonoma county July 2nd, 1863, Miss Elizabeth Anna, daughter of
Cornelius McGuire. and a native of Missouri, who came overland to California when a child
of seven. They have had four children, Ida M., Virginia L., Edwin M., and Anna K., who
died in infancy.
ARTHUR PARKS, (deceased), was born in Sheffield, England, February 26th, 1823.
His father John Parks was a shoemaker of Sheffield. He was early apprenticed to learn the
trade of pattern maker in a stove foundry in Sheffield serving his time and becoming a
skilled workman.
In the year 1848 he took passage with his family, consisting of his wife and two children,
for America, landing in New Orleans, and soon after proceeded to St. Louis. Here he pro-
cured work at his trade in a foundry at Frenchtown, a small town near St. Louis, where he
lived about five years, and from there removed to Ogden, Utah, where he remained three
years. Two years were spent as superintendent of an iron foundry at Cedar City. Not being
pleased with the social and economic conditions surrounding him. and seeing little prospect
for any change in them, he joined a party made up of settlers of that locality, and under the
leadership of Captain Singleton, journeyed across the desert and mountains to San Bernardino,
nrriving in the summer of 1854. He started in business as a contractor and builder, which he
followed for ten years. During this time he was elected Justice of the Peace for the township
of San Bernardino, serving two terms. The business of the Justice Court at that time was
extensive and many cases of importance were brought before him for trial, and so sound was
his judgment in legal matters that when appeals were taken to the superior courts his decis-
ions were generally sustained. He became so well posted in legal matters and proceedings
that he experienced no difficulty in passing the required examinations for admission to the
San Bernardino county bar, and at the expiration of his terms of office engaged in the prac-
tice of law. About 1867, he purchased the Jurupa rancho, a tract of several hundred acres
of fine land, now in Riverside county, and engaged in stock raising and professional work,
in the latter line generally as counsel. Judge Parks was a pronounced democrat in politics,
and a forceful and eloquent speaker upon the issues of the day.
Judge Parks married Miss Mary Ann Fowlston of Sheffield. England, They were the
parents of seven children — Betsy, now Mrs. Alva Warren, of Colton ; Heber C. Park';, of West
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 689
Riverside, born in England. Olive, widow of Mathew Byrne of San Bernardino: Arthur
ParKs, Orlanzo Z. Parks of Riverside; Celeena. Mrs. T. J. Boulton. of Los Angeles- and
Lmda, (deceased) wife of William Preston of Riverside; the three latter were born in San
Bernardino.
Mrs. Parks died at Riverside, October 4th, 1889. Judge Parks died at his Riverside home
November nth. 1894. Their remains repose in the old cemetery at San Bernardino where
sleep so many of the early California pioneers.
, H?BERttC PARKS' of Riverside county, Cal., was born in Sheffield, England, August
19th 1847. He was the son of Judge Arthur Parks, a San Bernardino county pioneer a
sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work, and Mary Ann Fowlston Parks. He was
the eldest son of the family and came with his parents to San Bernardino in 1854 He re-
ceived his education in the public schools of San Bernardino, and at an early as?e~en<*a°-ed in
business with his father and was a most valuable assistant.
Mr. Parks married Miss Ida G. Wallace, daughter of Georee B. Wallace of San Ber-
nardino, 1875. I hey have a family of eight children: George H., Gertrude, Elmo Albert
Russell, Archie. Myron and Ethel. Mr. and Mrs. Parks reside on a portion of the Jump:,
1 audio Mr. Parks is a successful business man; conservative in bis methods, and a sub-
I R. BRTJNN, of S»n Bernardino, is a native of Prussia, born in December, 1836. He
was the son of Raphael Brunn, a farmer, and Eda Brunn. Mr. Brunn came to America -at
an early age and lived at Chattanooga, Tenn.. until 185 _>, when he came to California. He made
the journey by way of the Isthmus to San Francisco thence to Los Angeles where he clerked
in a general merchandise store and afterwards started in business for himself. In 1857 lie
came to San Bernardino, and in partnership with Louis Jacobs, established a general mer-
cantile busmes>. Later, with C. F. Roe, he formed the firm of Brunn & Roe, which con-
tinued in business for many years. About 1885. Mr. Brunn entered the wholesale liquor
business which he has conducted since that time.
Mr. Brunn', as one of the earliest business men of the city has been identified with the
growth and development of San Bernardino in many ways. In early days he was for years
a member of the Board of County Supervisors. For eight years he was a member of the
Board of City Trustees and four years of that time was president of the board He is ?
stockholder and director m the Stewart Hotel property and owner of valuable real estate and'
other property in the city and vicinity.
Mr. Brunn married Miss Dora Sandman. Thev have one son and two daughters The
eldest daughter is the wife of Isaac Benjamin, court reporter; Estelle is Mrs. Samuel Living-
stone of San Francisco, and the son, Harold, is a practicing physician of San Francisco
Mr. Brunn is a prominent Mason and is the oldest Past Master in the county He also be-
longs to the Knights of Pythias.
HENRY MORSE, of San Bernardino, was born at Summit Creek, Iron County, Utah,
April 20th. 1851. He is the son of Justus Morse and Nancy Pratt Morse, both parents
natives of Massachusetts. His father drifted into Western New York and became acquainted
with Josep.i Smith 111 the early days of Mormonism, becoming an ardent disciple of that faith.
He was one of the original seventy apostles and remained faithful to the church through
various vicissitudes winch resulted in the removal of the Mormons to Utah and the founding
of Salt Lake City. In 1851 the family were among the early colonists of San Bernardino.
Mr. Morse was a millwright by trade and in 1852 built the first mill ever erected on the San
Bernardino mountains. It was located about one mile below the place where the Gurnsey
mill is now situated. He also put up the first house in San Bernardino. It was built for
Henry Rollins and still stands opposite the Southern Hotel on the corner adjoining the city
lot. Responding to the call of the church the family returned to Salt Lake City in 1857.
but becoming dissatisfied with the leadership and practices of the church Mr. Morse became
an apostate and returned to San Bernardino with his family in 1858. He was born in 1809
and died in Decatur county. Iowa, in 1888. at the age of seventy-nine years.
Henry Morse was less than one year of age when the family came to San Bernardino.
\\ 11b the exception of the few months passed at Salt Lake, he has lived in San Bernardino all
bis life. He lias followed prospecting and mining as a business and expects to continue in that
line the remainder of bis life. He has served the county as a deputy sheriff, constable, deputy
marshal and mwndmaster, having the distinguished honor of holding three of these offices
at the same lime.
In 1872 Mr. Morse married Miss Emma Taft of San Bernardino. Thev have a family
of four children living— Effie is Mrs. James Logan; Iva Lois; Herbert Riley and Freda live a"t
home with their parents.
HENRY RABEL
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 691
HENRY RABEL was born near Hanover, Germany, August 2nd, 1826. In 1845 he emi-
grated with his parents to America and settled in Lebanon, 111. After the death of his par-
ents he removed to St. Louis Mo., and there, on October 8th, 1849, married Miss Elizabeth
Hoadway, of Tennessee.
Early in 1850 Mr. Rabel with his young wife started for California with a train com-
prising a hundred families, nearly all of whom drove ox teams. Mr. Rabel, however, started
•vith .horses. They reached Salt Lake, September 17th, and having lost one of their horses
were advised not to undertake to cross the Sierra9 so late in the season. They therefore
s'.opped in Salt Lake eighteen months before continuing their journey. In the spring of 1852,
being well outfitted, they again started for California and reached Shingle Springs, now
Placerville in July. Mr. Rabel engaged in milling, mining and stock raising and was very
successful. In the spring of 1857, Mr. and Mrs. Rabel came to Southern California and
Mr. Rabel bought forty acres of land adjoining Rabel Springs, being the first settler in that
neighborhood. A year or two later he bought the eighty acres where the springs are located.
About 1P70 he purchased a large tract of land in the San Jacinto valley which he devoted to
cattle raising. He also purchased land in the vicinity of Santa Ana and took his family there
to reside for several years.
Early in the eighties, Mr. Rabel made a visit to his old home in Illinois and while there
had a very severe spell of illness from which he never recovered. In the spring time
of 18S5. he became so ill that he was removed to Los Angeles for medical attendance, but he
graduallv failed and on July 8th, 188=;, passed awav. Mr. and Mrs. Rabel had a large family,
as follows : Mary M., now Mrs. Webster : Emily R., Mrs. Carter ; Isabella A., Mrs. T. J.
Wilson; Frederick H. Timothy D., deceased; Hiram D., and S. J., deceased. Mrs. Rabel
died January 151b. 1905.
HIRAM D. RABEL son of Henry Rabel, deceased, and Elizabeth Rabel, was born
July 9th, 1863. He attended school at the Warm Springs district school and also at Santa
Ana, in Orange county, Cal.
July 19th, 1885, Mr. Rabel married Miss Lydia Pool. Mr. Rabel is the owner of twenty
acres of land adjoining the Rabel Springs property, where he now resides. Mr. and Mrs.
Rabel have no children.
FREDERICK H. RABEL, son of Henry Rabel. deceased, and Elizabeth Rabel. was born
April 26th, 1867. He received the advantages of a good local schooling and grew up on the
home farm at Rabel Springs.
In 1878 Mr. Rabel married Miss Caroline Fitzhugh, daughter of Samuel Fitzhugh, a
pioneer of San Bernardino county. Mr. and Mrs. Rabel own a very comfortable home ad-
joining the Rabel property where they now reside. They have no children.
AMBROSE HUNT, of Colton, was born at Norfolk. England, June 27th. 1828. His
father was a brick-maker by trade. He married Miss Elizabeth Worba and they both lived to
a good old age in Norfolk. Ambrose Hunt lived at home until about 1852, and learned the
trade of brick-maker, mastering it in all its details. He was ambitious to travel. Emigration
from England to Australia was heavy in those days and he first thought of going to Australia,
but finally decided to come to America. He joined the crew of the American ship "Golconda,"
in the port of Liverpool and came to New Orleans. The voyage was stormy and of unusual
length. Immediately upon his arrival he took passage up the river to Keokuk. Iowa. There
he obtained employment upon the public improvements then in progress and assisted in
leveling the precipitous bluffs and aided in laying the foundations of that city. The place
at that time was little more than a landing place for passengers for California and the west-
ern country. On June 2i<t. 1853. Mr. Hunt joined a party of immigrants, largely from Eng-
land, who "had landed at Keokuk, and with them came to Salt Lake where he settled near
Nephi City. Later a party consisting of Isaac Bessant Captain James Singleton. J. Bebeck,
William Watts. W. Whitby, Henry Goodsell, James Whitworth, George Cooley, Sidney Mee.
was formed to come to California and Mr. Hunt joined them. They came over the southern
route and through the Cajon Pass, reaching San Bernardino in 1857.
Mr. Hunt found employment of various kinds and acquired a team of oxen and a wagon,
with which he freighted lumber from the mountains. Subsequently he purchased the ranch
which had been originally located and somewhat improved by Jerome Benson, on which Fort
r.riiMin was located. Later Mr. Hunt formed a partnership with Geo. Cooley, and under the
firm name of Hunt and Cooley, they purchased lands on the banks of the Santa Ana near the
present site of Colton, and engaged extensively in diversified farming. This partnership,
which proved to be an amicable and profitable one. lasted until 1888. Since its dissolution,
Mr. Hunt has lived in comparative quiet at his home near Colton.
Mr. Hunt has been twice married, his first wife was Miss Sophia Wood, of Norfolk, Eng-
MRS EI-IZABEiTH \, U\\:l.\
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 693
land. She died at the Fort Benson home. December 30th, 1S91. leaving five children— Alfred
Hunt who died in 1899. at the age of forty-three, leaving a wife and two children : Harriet,
Mrs. James Dundon, living in Arizona; Sophia, Mrs. timothy Brushingham, of Pomona;
Annie, the wife of Robert Deakins, of Colton, and Isaac, living in Arizona. July 10th, 189S,
Mr. Hunt married Mrs. Mabel L. Brown, a daughter of Thomas Raney. Hrs'. Hunt is a
native of Le Seur county, Minn., and has one son, Donald Brown Hunt, a grandson of the
late John Brown, Sr.
ANDREW RUBIO, of Upland, was born November 30th, 1847. in the old Alameda
street home of the Rubio family, three miles below Los Angeles. He was the son of lose and
Juana Marron Rubio, both belonging to old and distinguished Spanish-Californian 'families.
Don Jose, a man of enterprising character, freighted goods between Los Angeles and San
Pedro, with ox teams; later he freighted to Holcomb Valley, where he owned a store. He
was one of the first contract freighters employed by the United States government to deliver
army supplies to Fort Tejon. He was the first man to succeed in driving team- over the
mountains to the Caribou mines, British Columbia; he took with him a hand of horses and
mules, but being unfamiliar with the climatic conditions of that region, became snowbound
in the mountains and lost his stock. He returned to San Pedro penniless after this venture.
Later he became the owner of the La Brea rancho, an extensive tract of land lying west of Los
Angeles and was one of the pioneer horticulturists. He imported from Italy, at an expense
of $500.00 each, the first Eureka lemon tree and the first blood orange tree in Southern Cali-
fornia. He was also the importer of the Muscatel grape vine cuttings, seting them out on
his Alameda street property, propagating them and controlling their sale for a long time.
In 1859 Don Jose was a candidate for Lieutenant Governor of the state but was defeated by
John G. Downey.
Andrew Rubio received a common school education in Los Angeles. He grew up in
the most exciting and romantic period of the history of that city and was acquainted with the
leading Spanish and American pioneers of Southern California. He lived in Los Angeles
until 1881, then went to Idaho and found employment in the silver mines of Bodie. Later
he returned to California and purchased from Chaffey Bros, a tract of unimproved land at
Etiwanda, which he improved and at the same time worked for the Chaffees. He next
entered the employ of Frankish and Starum and for sixteen years was manager of their large
and important interests in North Ontario. During this time extensive developments were un-
dertaken and carried to completion. Mr. Rubio superintended the construction of the tunnel
system that supplies Ontario and adjacent territory with water, and in that connection
operated the first diamond drill ever used in water development in Southern California. He
built and occupied the first house put up in North Ontario. As manager for the Company
he was instrumental in planting the double row of pepper trees lining^Euclid avenue for a
distance of seven miles In the meantime he invested his savings in land about North
Ontario and Cucamonga and is now occupied in developing and improving his own property.
He is also the owner of oil property in Orange county. Mr. Rubio's family consists of him-
self, wife and eight children.
JOHN ANDRESON. Sr., of San Bernardino, was 'born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germanv.
in 1834. In 1850 he came to America, sailing around Cape Horn to the Peruvian Guano
Islands and returning to London. England. In 1852 he again came around the Horn and
after six months in the Argentine Republic, came to California. He continued a sea-faring
life for a number of years, being engaged in coasting and finally becoming a vessel owner in
the Bay of San Francisco. In 1861, he left the sea and entered into a grocery business in
San Francisco; but this proved too confining for his health and he sold out in 1863 and went
to Arizona. Here for a number of years he engaged in prospecting and mining. At last he
located at La Paz, then a prosperous mining town, and in company with a man who under-
stood brewing, opened a small brewery. In three years he had made a small fortune and
returned to his native land to visit. On his return to America, in 1871, he settled in San
Bernardino which has since been his residence.
He purchased an acre of land on the northwest corner of E and Third streets, on which
was located a small brewery which had been established by M. Suverkrup, a pioneer resident,
Mr. Andreson increased the capacity of the establishment until he was making thirtv barrels
per day. when he sold the business in 1884. In the meantime he had erected a brick block
on the property which he retained. In 1887, he put up the Andreson Mock, a three-story
brick, which was then one of the best buildings in the city. It was occupied by the St. Charles
Hotel and contained eighty rooms aside from the offices and stores on the first floor. In
1888, in company with H. L. Drew, he built the postoffice block on the corner of E and
Court streets, which with the fixtures and furnishings cost some $60,000. Mr. Andreson was
694 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
one of the large stockholders in the Stewart Hotel and one of the organizers of the Farmer's
Exchange Bank, of which he was a director, and since the death of H. L. Drew, has been
president. Aside from his large personal affairs, Mr. Andreson has always been closely
identified with all important movements for the betterment of San Bernardino city and
county. He has served several terms as supervisor and as city trustee, and has been promi-
neiiT in assisting in all public affairs.
Mr. Andreson married Miss Knapp., a native of Pennsylvania; they have three
sons and two daughters.
JOSEPH P. FULLER, deceased, who was a resident of Colton. was born November
3rd, 1834, at Gosfield, Canada. In the fifties he came westward and spent some years in
Oregon and Washington, and in i860 came to San Bernardino county. Here he carried the
express between San Bernardino and Holcomb valley during 1861-62, and then located in the
Yucaipc valley where he raised potatoes. Later he settled at San Juan Capistrano, but his
health failing here he removed to Colton. Here he made heavy investments and built a large
house on J street and a dwelling on A street. He died here November 1st, 1894, at sixty
years of age.
He was married July 4th, 1S61, to Miss Alameda Rouse, a native of Colchester, Canada,
born March 14th, 1843. Her father, Samuel, joined the Mormon church and went to
Nanvoo and later to Salt Lake, where he followed his trade of blacksmith and was noted
for his manufacture of cow bells. He came to San Bernardino in 1857 and purchased a mill
which in 1859 he sold to Nathan Meeks, and which for many years was known as the
"Alecks' Mill." Later Mr. Rouse removed to Humboldt county and engaged in stock rais-
ing. There he was murdered for his money.
Mrs. Fuller has eight living children— Albert of Santa Ana, Alice. Mrs. Edwin M'bbott.
of Los Angeles ; Adolphus, of Tucson, A. T. ; Prescott, Colton ; Laura, Clara B., Jessie and
Dora, now Mrs. J. M. Tully, Colton.
OCTAVIUS DECATUR GASS. of the Yucaipe valley, was horn in Richland county,
Ohio, February 28th, 1829. His father, John Gass, was a native of Virginia and a farmer.
The news of the discovery of gold in California induced Mr. Gass to start for the gold mines
via Baltimore, in a sailing vessel around Cape Horn. A part of the cargo of this ship was
portable bouses, which one, Gillman, was taking to San Francisco. Here they sold at high
figures and Mr. Gass' first work on this coast was in unloading these houses, for which he
received ten dollars per day. He began mining in the placers of El Dorado county and has
spent most of his life in mining in California, Arizona and New Mexico.
In 1853-54 he was zanjero of the city of Los Angeles, and he was a member of the
first Masonic lodge instituted in that city. In 1858-59 he was interested with Daniel Sexton
and others in the Temescal tin mines and lost very heavily in that venture, as many others
have done.
He went to Arizona and served two terms in the legislature of that territory, in 1869
being president of the senate, while representing Mojave county as senator. In 1884 he
returned to San Bernardino county and located in the Yucaipe valley where he is now
developing quartz claims that promise good returns.
Mr. Gass married Miss Mary Simpson of Las Vegas rancho, Nevada, by whom he had
six children, Fenton M., located at Redlands Junction; Perry P. and Florin A., twins, now
located in San Francisco; O. D. Gass, Jr., of Avalon, Catalina Island; Lela, Mrs. Joseph
Slaughter, of Corona; and Ina, Mrs. W. Hollenbeck, of Pasadena.
JOHN TAYLOR, of San Bernardino, was born in Ohio, February 24th, 1830, the son
of John and Louisa Hendrick Taylor. His school days were passed in Texas, to which
.state his father moved in the fall of 1830. At the time of the battle of the Alamo, fearing
a raid in the locality, the family went across the Sabine river and located in Louisiana. In
1849 the Taylor family moved to Bell county, Texas, then on the extreme frontier, and
engaged in stuck raising. Mr. Taylor later located in Comanche county when it was organ-
ized and was the first county treasurer of the new county. He was also a member of Captain
Collins' company of Texas Rangers.
In 1864, Mr. Taylor came to California and located on the Santa Ana river at Rincon.
I Kit he resided almost continuously until 1892. He was then elected Public Administrator
and moved into San Bernardino. He built a residence on E street but sold it and pur-
chased ten acres at the corner of Highland avenue and G streets. He still owns the Rincon
ranch which comprises about one thousand acres, principally cattle range.
Mr Taylor married Miss Margaret Reed, January 15th, 1857. They are the parents of
nine children, all living— Leolin, Leon, Ela, Isaac, Hcrma, Clyde, Clarence, and Viola, Mrs.
Grant Kirby, of Corona.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
605
JESSE MAYHEW, who died in 1885, at the age of 66, was one of the hest known
California pioneers of his time. He was a native of Alabama, and was born on the Tom-
bigbee river.' In 1849, in company with the late Robert Carlisle, William Rhubotton and
others, he started for California, making the slow and dangerous journey with an ox team,
by the southern route. He first went to the mining camps of the Russian River valley. Also
engaged for a while in brickmaking at Marysville. He followed many other occupations in
the early days of California, being at one time the owner of a stage line, hotel and black-
smith shop. He owned land, raised and dealt in stock ; bred and sold horses, noted for
their speed. In 1860 he came to Los Angeles and engaged in stock raising. He lived at San
Gabriel for a number of years and ranged cattle on the present site of Pasadena city and
Raymond Hotel. In 1866 he located on the Rincon grant, purchased 2,200 acres of land
of Mrs. Robt. Carlisle, and began stock raising on a large scale, operating between Southern
California points, Denver, and Forts Bridger and Laramie. In partnership with John G.
Downey he also did extensive freighting for the U. S. Government between San Pedro and
Wilmington and Arizona points. In 1879 he located at Downey and followed dairying until
his death. He married Eunice Caroline Clay, an accomplished woman, and near realtive of
the illustrious Henry Clay of Kentucky. She was born in Perry county, Alabama, February
13th, 1830, and died at Oceanside, California, January nth, 1894. They were married Feb-
ruary 10th, 1847, and were the parents of nine children, of whom James, Theodore, Frank,
and Mrs. Matty Clark now reside in California.
SAMUEL C. PINE, Sr.. late of Rincon, was born in St. Lawrence county. New York,
July 30th, 1825. His father, Joseph Pine, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and was a son
of a Revolutionary patriot who took part in the Battle of Lexigton. Joseph Pine emigrated
to the frontier of the Western Reserve in 1833, and located in Ohio, where his son, Samuel,
grew to manhood.
After lumbering in Illinois, Samuel, in 1S50, equipped a train and crossed the plains to
the South Pass of the Rocky Mountains in Wyoming Territory. Here he established a trad-
ing post and engaged in stock raising until 1858, when he again moved westwart to California,
SAMUEL C. PINE, Sr
MRS. SAMUEL C.
and located in San Bernardino count}'. He first settled in Yucaipe valley where he raised
stock. He also erected and operated the first saw-mill in Little Bear valley. In 1867. he
purchased a squatter's claim adjoining Chino Grant. The title to this was not clear and it
required several years and considerable expense to acquire a patent from the LTnited States.
This property he brought under a high state of cultivation, planting fruits of many varieties
and also farming extensively. He made this his home until his death, in 1897, and his
widow still occupies the old homestead.
Mr. Pine married Jane, daughter of John and Ellen Morrison, of Buffalo, N. Y., in 1855.
They had five sons, all of whom live in this vicinity, Samuel, Edward, Edwin, Myron and
Dudley.
696 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
SAMUEL PIXE, Jr., was born in Utah, December 26th, 1856. He came to California
with his parents in 1858 and lived with them and shared his father's labors until 1877, when
he purchased a farm of 129 acres two miles east of his father's place and in 1878 was married
to Miss Beatrice, the daughter of John and Mary Gregory, of Juapa. He resided on his farm
SAMUEL PINE, Jr
MRS SAMUEI PINK
until 188
ranching
artesian
, when he moved to San Diego county and purchased a farm where he engaged in
In 1897 he returned to his Rincon property, bought additional land, bored an
veil and engaged in dairying and in general farming. Mr. Pine served as road
JOHN GRI in >RY
.WPS. MARY GREGORY
overseer for six years in San Diego county, and in 1502 he was elected a member of the
Board of Supervisors from the fourth district, in San Bernardino county. Mr. and Mrs.
Pine have four children — Rena Belle, attending Pomona College at Claremont : Samuel J.,
Mark and Li iraine.
EDWARD PIXE was born at San Bernardino. July 26th. i860. He is the son of
the late Samuel Pine. He and a twin brother, Edward, were the third born of the family.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
He is a farmer by occupation and farms twenty-five acres of alfalfa and green land on the
Rincon grant, adjoining the family seat. He married in San Bernardino, January 1st, 1898,
Annie Bell, daughter of J. D. Gilbert, Esq., one of the pioneers of the San Bernardino valley,
and they have three children — Gilbert, Edwin and Beryl.
MYRON PINE is the son of the late Samuel Pine. He was born in San Bernardino
county and is said to be the first American child born on the Rincon grant, May 22nd, 1868.
In 1891 he married Agnes Lester, a daughter of the venerable Edward Lester of the Rincon
grant. Mr. and Mrs. Pine have four children, Hazel G., Myrtle G., Ivy G., and Marie F.
He is a farmer by occupation.
JAMES T. MAYHEW is a well-known farmer of Chino. He was born in Yuba county,
February 5th, 1855. Like his father, he has passed through all the vicissitudes incident to the
life of a pioneer. He married December 25th, 1876, Eliza, daughter of John Gregory, a sketch
of whom appears elsewhere in this work. They have two children — Clay and Alice.
CHRISTIAN KURTZ, late of San Bernardino, was born- in Wurtemburg. Germany, in
1836. When a young man he emigrated to America and. for a short time, settled in the
state of Michigan ; he then removed to Illinois, and later to Wisconsin, where he remained
until 1857. After the Mountain Meadow massacre
in Utah in 1857, believed to have been perpetrated by
the Mormons, Mr. Kurtz joined an expedition which
was sent by President Buchanan to punish this out-
rage and, if possible, prevent further atrocities of
like character. He remained in service at Camp
Floyd, in Utah, for five months.
In 1858 he came to San Bernardino, then a fron-
tier town. During the years following his arrival
on the coast he traveled extensively over the Pacific
slope and had many exciting adventures and experi-
ences until 1864, when he located permanently in
San Bernardino. Having learned the baker"s trade
in the Fatherland, he established himself in this
business in his new home and soon became a suc-
cessful and enterprising business man. He invested
heavily in real estate, of which the Southern Hotel
formed a part, and eventually gave up his business
tii take charge of the hotel which he successfully
managed until his death, Mary 14th, 1894. Mr. Kurtz
had experienced all the hardships of a pioneer in a
new country and had won success where many others
failed. He was a man of excellent qualities and was
a highly respected citizen of San Bernardino.
In 1871 Mr. Kurtz married Mrs. Margaret Egan
of San Bernardino. They had two daughters wdio
are living — Mrs. Dora Kurtz Buchanan, of Pasadena,
and Mrs. Kathryn Tuthill, of Santa Barbara. Mr.
Masonic fraternity and of the I. O. O. F., and a con-
Kurtz was an active
sistent member of the
nember of the
Lutheran Church.
THOMAS CADD, of San Bernardino, was born at Preston. Buckinghamshire, England,
June 8th, 1831. His father John Cadd, was a thrifty farmer and his mother, whose maiden
name was Ann Bedford, a most excellent housekeeper.
In 1847, when Thomas Cadd had attained his sixteenth year, and had received some
education, the entire family emigrated to Australia, then an unexplored country, and located
on a farm at Port Hadley. With them on the sailing vessel
Stuchberry and family, whose daughter Mary, became Mrs.
After eight years' residence in Australia, Mr. Cadd and his fa
and after a passage fraught with danger and disaster, includii
Honolulu, S. I., landed in San Francisco in 1855. Soon after
San Pedro, and proceeded to their destination, San Rcrnardi
Mr. and Mrs. Cadd were the parents of nine children : Jane,
ard B. (deceased); Ann Elizabeth, (deceased): Thomas; Lu
Albert (deceased); George Henry; Rose Ann, now -Mrs. Hem
rpool went Thomas
as Cadd, July 8th, 1850.
embarked for California,
: loss of the vessel near
1 they took steamship to
hich is still their hom,/.
if Bart Smithson : Rich-
wife of Joseph Harris;
•gs. and Alvin E.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
CHARLES CARROLL CLUSKER was born in Richmond, Madison county, Kentucky,
March ioth, 1810. He was the son of John and Annie Hart Clusker, one of Scotch descent
and the other of Irish parentage.
Mr. Clusker went to Cincinati in
1843 and there, at the outbreak of the
war with Mexico, he enlisted in the
1st Regiment of Ohio Volunteers.
This regiment was assigned to Gen.
Taylor's command and was at the
battles of Brownsville, Matamoras,
Vera Cruz, Chapultapec, Monterey,
Cerro Gordo, Buena Vista, and City
of Mexico. At the close of the war
the regiment was mustered out in
Cincinnati. While in Mexico he had
heard much of California and after
his return to Ohio, he, with five other
men, determined to visit this, then
little known and far distant country.
They took passage down the Ohio and
Mississippi rivers to Little Rock, Ark.,
there they outfitted for the overland
journey by way of Santa Fe. They
found plenty of game along the route
and although they saw many Indians,
they experienced no trouble with
them. They reached Los Angeies,
then a little adobe town, in the spring
of 1848. There the company separated
and Mr. Clusker, after about two
weeks, turned about and alone re-
turned to Cincinnati by the route over
which the party had traveled.
When the report of the discovery
of gold reached the East in 1849, Mr.
Clusker, with three friends, again set
out for California, this time by way
of Independence, Mo., and the north-
ern route, through the Truckee Pass to Sacramento. He located his first mine at Coloma,
El Dorado county, where Marshall had first discovered gold. For thirty years thereafter
Mr. Clusker was a typical prospector and miner. His experience covers nearly all the
Central California mining region and all of the different mining operations and processes in
use. He made fortunes — and lost them with equal fortitude — sometimes he had wealth in
hand, always he posseseed wealth in prospect. In 1864, he went to Arizona and worked on
the old Vulture stamp mill at Wickenburg for six years.
Mr. Clusker returned to San Bernardino county in 1870. In 1891 he opened a store
in San Timoteo canyon which he operated successfully. He now lives in San Bernardino
city. Although past ninety years of age, he .is in possession of excellent health and his
mental faculties are unimpaired. In politics, he has always been an "Andrew Jackson
democrat, dyed in the wool," having voted for Jackson in 1832 when Henry Clay was his
opponent, and both were "whigs." He voted, however, for Zachary Taylor, his old com-
mander, in 184S, and remembers with pleasure shaking hands with him when he stopped in
Cincinnati, on his way to his inauguration, and attended a reception at the old Pearl Street
Hotel.
CHARLES H. TYLER, of San Bernardino, was born at Wading River, Suffolk county.
New York, October 21st, 1831. He was the son of John Stockwell Tyler, a descendent of
Plymouth Rock ancestry, and Eliza Hudson, daughter of an old Long Island family. His
father was a sea-faring man : captain of a trading vessel, often making long trips to foreign
ports. He made a voyage to California via Straits of Magellen in 1859. He died in 1869.
His wife ws Eliza Hudson, of Long Island, a member of an old New York family. They
had four children — Mary. Charles H., Elizabeth and Joseph, now of San Bernardino.
C. H. Tyler came to California in 1854 and engaged in placer mining. In 1869, he came
to San Bernardino county, and after looking about, engaged in the lumber business with
CHARLES U A'SKER
HISTORY OF SAN BERXARDIXO COUNTY
t;.i;t
Reuben Anderson and Barney Carter. They bought a mill which was later burned and
then rebuilt. Joseph Tyler also came to San Bernardino and the brothers, with Wm. La-
Praix, formed the firm of Tyler & La Praix carrying on the lumber business on Seeley
Flat, in the San Bernardino mountains, for seven years. They continued in the partnership
until 1884. The Tylers then retired to their Grass Valley Milling property, which after-
wards passed into the hands of the Arrowhead Water Company. The brothers then located
at Highlands, where thev engaged in orange growing. They are interested in the City
Creek Water Co.. and also in the Highland Well Co. July 4th, 1880. Mr. C. H. Tyler mar-
ried Jerusha, the daughter of Joseph Har.eock. an old resident of San Bernardino. They
have had two children, Mollie and Charles Joseph.
EDWARD LESTER, of Cbino. was born in Covington. Ky.. August 20th. 1S2S. the
son of Joseph and Elizabeth Holms Lester, both natives of Yorkshire, England. They came
to the United States in 1818 and settled in Indiana and later located in Covington. Ky. There
Joseph Lester helped to build and worked in the first cotton
factory erected west of the Allegheny mountains. In 1830
■emoved t.o Hamilton county, Ohio, and settled on a
farm where he lived until he died. He was the father of
thirteen children.
Edward Lester started for California in 1852 via New-
Orleans, thence to Brownsville, Texas, and across Mexico
to Mazatlan. There he took a sailing vessel for San Fran-
cisco. He worked for a time in the mines but not meeting
with the success anticipated he went to farming.
In 1855 he left California and went to South America,
where he located in Lima, Peru. Here he helped to start
the first American brick yard in that country. In 1858
he returned to the United States
county, Texas, where he engaged i
break of the Civil war. As he was
felt obliged to leave the state rati
rebel army. As it was too late to
family, he crossed the border int
across that country to Guaymas
bought an open boat, and came ui
of the Colorado river
There he secured an
ml ~cll
ed in Lavaca
fa nil my
until the out-
strong
Jnion man. he
- than
0 go into the
ch the
lorth with his
Mexio
and traveled
flAVARD LESTER
Ohio, her parentage
?o. There were five
Hetrich, of Sorrento,
Ague-, Mrs. Myron
ive of
here, with others, he
:he Gulf to the mouth
nd from there to Yuma by steamer.
x team for his family and reached
El Monte, Los Angeles county, in 1862. He farmed in
this vicinity for three years, and in San Luis Obispo county
for nine years He then located at Rincon and purchased
land from various parties until he now has 525 acres of
land, and has for many years conducted a successful stock business.
Mr. Lester was married in 1859 to Miss Ellen Clegg, of Cine
being English. She was killed by an accidental fall in Pomona
children by this marriage, Joseph, of Rincon; Annie R., wife of
San Diego county; William, (deceased) ; George H., of Santa Ba
Pine, of San Bernardino.
In 1881, Mr. Lester married Miss Mary Taylor, of San Dimas.
Xew York.
J. B. TYLER, of San Bernardino, was born in Suffolk county. Xew York, February
4th, 1840. He was the son of J. S. and Eliza Hudson Tyler. Of their family, a si-ter. resid-
ing in Boston, J. B. and his brother, Charles H. are the only surviving members.
His school days were passed at Long Island. New York, and be was apprenticed to a
ship-builder and served four years, then worked as a journeyman. The panic of 1857 closed
tbeship-building business and in 185S. 111 company with hi-, father, he started for California
via the Isthmus. On account of the Walker fillibustering expedition, they found thi- route
closed and were obliged to turn back. On December 25th, 1858, they again started for
California, this time by way of Cape Horn. July 2nd, 1859. they arived at San Francisco
and immediately went to the mining region in the vicinity of Dutch Flat. They were joined
by a brother and made numerous ventures here. Mr. Tyler continued mining until 1871,
when he and his brother Charles, came to San Bernardino and engaged in the lumber busi-
ness, first purchasing a saw mill from Anderson & Carter. They carried this on for twenty
years and in 1892 sold this property to the Arrowhead Reservoir Co. For fifteen
700 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
were in partnership with W. S. LePraix and the partners purchased a large tract in the
vicinity of Highlands. After the death of Mr. LePraix, the property was divided, and since
then, Tyler Bros, have devoted themselves exclusively to their orange business. They own
a ranch of twenty-six acres, set to oranges.
J. B. Tyler married Louise Thorn, at Sacramento, October 21 st, 1868. They are the
parents of five children. Elizabeth Josephine is now the wife of Win, Russell, of San
Bernardino ; Lydia Eberlin, wife of Caspar Rench, conductor on the Santa Fe ; Charles
Beach Tyler Superintendent of his father's ranch at Highlands; Bertha, Amelia and Carrie.
Mr. and "Mrs. Tyler are attendants of the Congregational church. He is also a member of
the Grand Lodge.
BYRON FORD, of Ontario, was born in Clyde. Wayne county, New York, June 7th,
1825. He was the son of Benjamin and Lydia Copeland Ford, both of old New England
families. His grandfather, Benjamin Ford, was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and
fought by the side of General Warren in the battle of Bunker Hill. His father was a mill-
wright and contractor. From 1830 to 1835, the family lived in Washington, D. C, where he
was engaged in constructing a section of the Chesapeake and Ohio canal, (between Washing-
ton and the Ohio river), from Georgetown to Harper's Ferry. Upon the completion of this
contract there was a disagreement with the government as to the terms of settlement, which
led to extended litigation. The case was an important one and Mr. Ford retained as counsel.
'Daniel Webster and Henry Clay. Upon the trial of the case, Mr. Webster made the closing
argument, which is famous in legal history and which won for his client the case and a cheek-
ier $40,000 from the government. Clay, Calhoun and Webster were numbered among Mr.
Ford's personal friends and frequented his office in a friendly way. The family afterward
returned to Clyde, New York, where Mr. Ford built and operated a large flouring mill. He
and his wife both died here.
Byron Ford left home in 1845 and engaged in a commission and shipping business,
handling especially apples and fruits. It is said that he was the first dealer to ship apples
through the canal. In 1848.. he joined a company organized at Knoxville, Tenn., to make the
trip to California. The party numbered forty-two men, 105 horses and mules, and seventeen
wagons with a full supply of mining tools and camp equipage. At St. Louis they received
a supply of arms and ammunition from the government, and from there shipped their supplies
and wagons up the river by boat to Independence, Mo., while they rode their mules to that
point. From Independence they went to Ft. Leavenworth and then by the old Santa Fe trail
to Santa Fe. Here they traded their horses and wagons for government mules and received
a supply of rations from Gen. Sumner, then officer in command of the Post at that place.
The party made stops at Albuquerque, Tucson, Yuma and entered California by way of
Warner's Ranch and San Diego, having spent nearly a year on the road. They arrived in
California destitute, hungry and footsore, but through all the hardships of the long, wearisome
journey, they had not lost a man. Being a regularly organized party, they were entitled to
government assistance, and were fitted out very comfortably at San Diego, then took passage
on a government transport for Monterey. This trip took twenty-one days and they arrived
in much distress, having suffered much on account of rough weather. Monterey was then
a smpll but interesting Spanish town, the capitai of the state. The party separated here and
Mr. Ford, with three others, joined a pack train and went to Mariposa mines, reaching there
thirteen months and six days after leaving Knoxville, or June 1st, 1849. He took up a gold
claim which he worked for some time with success. In the meantime, unknown to him, his
father had come to California by the Isthmus route. When he learned this he joined his
father at Sonora. where they engaged in mining and lumbering, and later in carrying on a
general merchandise store. They remained at Sonora until 1854, but lost heavily by fire in
1852 and by the disastrous floods of 1853, which made transportation so difficult that prices
were exorbitant for all provisions.
In 1859, Mr. Fore! returned to New York and remained there six years. In 1865. he again
came to California by way of Nicarauga. and went to work for a grocery firm in San Fran-
cisco. He next went to Chihuahua, Mexico, and engaged in mining. His experiences in that
section of the country were interesting and exciting. He was in the midst of constant revolu-
tions and changes which gave little security for life or property. Notwithstanding, his
mining ventures were successful and he returned to California in 1889, locating at Ontario,
where he now lives in retirement. He is the owner of a beautiful home and valuable orange
grove property.
The life of Mr. Ford has been filled with excitements and adventures. He has crossed
the continent seventeen time- and lias seen this country in all the stages of its progress He is
a genuine 4qer, generous, genial, broad minded and honorable.
HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY.
roi
ROBERT ARBORN, a California pioneer of 1S57, is a native of England, and was born
in the town of Gravely, Cambridgeshire, -May jo. 1825. His father was James Arborn, a farm-
er of that place, and he 1- one of thirteen children. He followed the occupation of farming un-
til he was 22, when he went to Australia, where lie remained until he sailed for California in
1857. In Australia he married Hannah Stuchbery, a young English girl whom he met on his
trip to that country.
They disembarked at San Pedro, upon arriving in California, and first located at San
Bernardino, where they remained a few months. They later moved to Spadra, in Los Angeles
county, and cultivated a portion of the Louis Phillips ranch. In 1857 they purchased 120 acres
of land in the Rincon grant and became a part of that energetic class of settlers whose grit
and determination have built up the splendid commonwealth that surrounds them. They
raised a family of ten children, all of whom but one are married.
WILLIAM M. GODFREY was born November 9th, 1825, in Washtenaw county, Michi-
gan, the son of Thomas Hartle Godfrey, a general storekeeper and one of the early settlers
of that section of the state. William M. grew up in his native county and learned the pro-
fession of dentistry which he followed at Ann Arbor. He also learned the art of daguerro-
type making. In 1850 he joined an overland party of emigrants and drove an ox team to the
coast — a six months' journey. He tried placer mining near Hangtown, without much suc-
cess. While there a party arrived from the East with an expensive and elaborate daguerro-
type outfit which he had brought around the Horn. On arriving at San Francisco, the town
was almost deserted, the population having gone to the mines, and the picture maker followed
up the Sacramento river. On reaching Hangtown he was seized with gold fever and aband-
oned his picture-making outfit. Young Godfrey leased the machine and there made the first
pictures ever taken with a camera in California. He soon purchased the outfit and pro-
• M ■
nk
WILLIAM GODFREY
ceeded down the river to San Franc
ney down the coast stopping at all tl
Angeles and San Bernardino fur t
duced, he took that up and for a nui
traits and views. He located for a
Stephen A. Rendall and also with I
and engaged in dentistry with Dr. .;
A. Franklin. He finally sold his vi
Payne and in 1872 retired from tl
Mr. Godfrey married. April 25th
ton, a resident of San Bernardino,
widow and seven children survive—
San Bernardino; Nellie, Mr-. Sher
MRS. LUCIA GODFREY
, taking pictures as he went. He continued his jour-
rincipal towns to take likenesses and thus visited Los
irst time. When the art of photography was intro-
of years traveled up and down the coast making por-
: in Los Angeles and conducted a gallery there with
y T. Payne. In 1865 he removed to San Bernardino
1 Whitlock and opened a photograph gallery with M.
ig outfit to Adam Vail and h i s gallery to Harry T.
msiness.
16, Mi-s Lucia, daughter of William Dresser Hunting-
e died November 4th, 1900. in San Bernardino. A
:e, Mrs. Henry Bergman, of Riverside: Will H„ of
Brennen, of San Francisco; Edna, Mrs. James M.
702 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Battle, of Los Angeles; Lester, of San Bernardino; David E.; in the Philippines; Charles F.,
San Bernardino; Herman H., died at the age of thirty-four.
CHARLES Y. TYLER, of East Highland, was born in Lewis county. New York, May
13th, 1833. His father, Brainerd Tyler, was a fanner and also a hunter of note. He was one
of the pioneers in Lewis county and paid for his farm by killing venison and selling it in
Albany. He was a descendant of an old Connecticut family, born in Hartford. He had six
children of whom Chas. Y. is now the only one living.
Charles Tyler attended the district schools and an academy at Lowville, in his home
county. He began life by teaching district schools in New York for four years. In 1859 he
came to California via Panama and spent two years in Holcomb valley. Later he went into
the cattle business with John R. Simmons on the Mojave. but when the Civil war broke out
he was obliged to abandon this and went to the Bannock mines via Utah. In 1867 he returned
10 San Bernardino by way of the Cajon Pass and engaged in teaming between San Ber-
nardino and Los Angeles. He farmed for many years in the vicinity of San Bernardino and
also was engaged in the express business in that place. Later he located at East Highlands
where he has since lived.
He was married June nth. 1865. at Beaver, Utah, to Miss Julia, daughter of Sidney Tan-
ner, a pioneer in Utah and one of the San Bernardino settlers of 1851. They have had a
family as follows: Raymond, born February 22nd. 1866; Addie. October 26th, 1867; Wilbur,
(deceased), October 19th, 1869; Nellie, (deceased), May 27th, 1871 ; May. February 9th, 1873;
Charles, September 25th, 1875; Burt, March 23rd, 1878; Pratt, September 6th. 1880; Frank,
November 13th, 1882; Willie, (deceased), January 9th, 1885; Grace, September 25th, 1889;
Mark, January 29th, 1892.
EDWIN BEMIS, deceased, of San Bernardino, came to the valley in 1854 with his
brother Amos Bemis, and located on land on the east side of Lytle Creek and Fifth street.
A brother, Samuel Bemis, who was killed in the mountains by a bear, lived on adjoining
land. In 1870. Mr. Bemis married Miss Mary, daughter of Richard Merchant, an English-
man by birth, who removed to New South Wales, and there died. He left twelve children,
six of whom came to San Bernardino with the widowed mother. In 1857 the family went to
Salt Lake where they all remained except Mrs. Bemis 'and Susan, wife of Enoch Parrish,
of Yucaipe. Mrs. Bemis was born in Australia and came to this country when about ten
years of age. She has four children. Louis E., Emily E., Jeanette, and Clara. Mr. Bemis
died in San Bernardino June 6th, 1884, aged fifty-one.
LEVI A. BEMIS, of Rialto, was born in San Bernardino in June, 1861. He was the
son of Amos W., and Julia McCullough Bemis, who were among the original colonists of
San Bernardino. His grandfather, Levi H. McCullough was a member of the Mormon
Battalion and of Fremont's California Battalion. Levi A. Bemis attended school in Mt.
Vernon District and has always lived in the San Bernardino valley. In company with his
brother, he owned a nursery of orange and lemon stock for a number of years with success.
He now has thirty acres in oranges and lemons. He is a member of I. O. O. F. Token
Lodge, No. 290, and of the Macabees.
In 1891 Mr. Bemis married Miss Sadie, daughter of Mrs. Jane Files, a native of Maine,
who came to California in 1890. They have three children — Roy, Eva and Lillie.
WILLIAM BEMIS, late of Halleck, was born in New York state. His family were
among the overland emigrants to California, arriving in the San Bernardino valley in the
summer of 1853. Mr. Bemis worked as a laborer in the vicinity of San Bernardino until
1873, when he located in the Mojave country, where he raised stock and farmed until his
death. March 30th, 1899, at the age of sixty-four.
He was married in San Bernardino in 1868 to Miss Minerva Strong, daughter of Mrs.
Frank Talmadge, a native of California, born in 1852. They were the parents of nine child-
ren, all now living: Alvin M., Monima, Strong, Nettie, Samuel, Edward, Guy, Mabel, Opal.
JOHN V. WALLIN, a resident of the Yucaipe valley, is a native of Bath county, Ky.,
born July 15th, 1835, the son of Isaac Wallin, a carpenter. Mr. Wallin came west in the
employ of the government, driving an ox team and a freight wagon to Salt Lake. He
reached San Bernardino January 1st, 1858, on foot. For ten years he teamed between San
Bernardino and Salt Lake, then he engaged in farming in the San Bernardino valley and
located in Yucaipe valley about eight years ago. He has 160 acres of land, 'and is also in-
terested in mining claims located about a mile from Crafton, which have been worked to
some extent and are promising.
Mr. Wallin married Miss Sarah, daughter of H. G. Cable, an old settler of San Ber-
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 703
nardino. They have five children, Maggie, wife of John Parrish, of Yucaipe; Elizabeth,
Josephine, Frank, living in Los Angeles and Henry in Mexico.
HORACE MONROE FRINK, formerly of San Bernardino, was a native of Living-
ston county, New York, born May 31st, 1832. His father, Jefferson Frink, was a musician
and an expert drummer. The son learned the trade of a mason. He started westward and
moved with the current then setting toward the Pacific coast. He lived at Nauvoo, III, and
later at various points in Missouri. Although never a member of the Mormon church he
had business relations with Brigham Young and was one of the first party to reach the site
of Salt Lake City in 1847, having driven one of the wagons in the train. The next year he
returned to the Missouri river. In 1852 he arrived at Hangtown, in California, and in 1854
located in the San Bernardino valley. He, with a brother, secured 320 acres of land in the
San Timoteo valley, at the point now known as El Casco (the Tank). Here they raised stock
and in the spring of 1866 sold 1500 head, thus disposing of the business.
In 1862. Mr. Frink guided Captain Prentice with a company of United States troops
from San Bernardino to the Colorado river at Fort Yuma, and on the way discovered the
springs which were long known as Frink Springs and became a watering station on the old
trail. He freighted for a number of years between Salt Lake and San Bernardino. In
1867 he purchased the old Wallace place of 100 acres at Old San Bernardno, which he made
his home. He died July 28th, 1874. He was married to Polly Ann, daughter of John
Dewitt, in San Bernardino in 1857. Three of their children are now living — Alonzo M.,
Marcus L. and Polly Ann, now Mrs. H. F. Gansner.
ALONZO M. FRINK, of Mission, was born at El Casco station, January 20th, 1858.
He married Lorana Van Leuven, daughter of Lewis Van Leuven. They have one child
living — Lizzie. Mrs. Leonard Bahr.
MARCUS L. FRINK, of Mission, was born at Old San Bernardino, March 14th, i860.
In 1880, he married Caroline Wilson. They have four children, Lena A., Amy, Milton I.,
Howard L.
LOUIS WELLS, of Rincon, was born in Odell. 111., August 19th, 1879. He is a son
of Lloyd Wells, now of Riverside, and owns a general merchandise store and is postmaster
at Rincon.
He married. June 26th, 1501, Miss Linda, daughter of the late Fenton M. Slaughter, a
pioneer of the county.
EDWARD I. STILES, of San Bernardino, was born at Spanish Fork, Utah, April 2nd.
1858. He is the son of Amos Stiles, a farmer, born in Maine. His mother's maiden name
was Rebecca Wood O'Brien. The family crossed the plains a few months after his birth
and settled in San Bernardino in 1858. There were seven children in the family, three
girls and four boys, of which one daughter and two sons survive. They are, Mrs. Rosetta
Sparks, wife of Eli Sparks of Anaheim; W. E. Stiles, a rancher on Base Line, and the sub-
ject of this sketch. Edward I. Stiles.
After leaving home Edward I. Stiles went to work hauling lumber from the mountains
and freighting in the frontier counties of the state. Ten years ago he purchased a ranch,
since which time he has given his time and attention to its management.
Mr. Stiles married Miss Annie Pasmore, daughter of E. H. Pasmore, January 1st, 1891.
They have one child, a daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Stiles are members of the Foresters.
JAMES HEAP was born at Council Bluffs, Iowa. November 6th. 1850. the son of
William and Barbara Heap, and one of a family of eight childrei, all residents of California —
Perley, Mrs. Mary R. Kell'ar and Mrs. Webster Vale in San Bernardino; Joseph, Riverside:
Alfred, in San Bernardino mountains; Mrs. Belle Dunlap, Redlands. The father came
to San Bernardino in 1854 and located on a tract of fifty-six acres, part of which is still the
"home place," occupied by the family for forty-seven years, and now the residence of James
Heap.
James Heap attended school in San Bernardino. For a number of years he was engaged
in freighting, hauling lumber from the mountain with a three yoke ox team and hauling from
Ivanpah and Ft. Yuma. In 1879-80. he began boring wells and followed this occupation for
nine or ten years. He bored many wells in the vicinity of the city, and for the city and the
Railroad company, and was considered an authority in this business. He was obliged to
give it up on account of his health and since that time has devoted himself to the culture
of his ranch of twenty-four acre-;.
Mr. Heap married Miss Abigail Martin, of San Bernardino in 1878. They have had a
704
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
family of seven children— Gertrude, Lena, Georgia, Josie, James, Ida and Barbara, who died
in 1898. Mr. Heap is a member of the I. O. O. F.
ALEXANDER KEIR, of San Bernardino, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, August,
1844. He is 'a son of Alexander Keir, Sr. His early school days were passed in San Ber-
nardino. He has always been a rancher, with the exception of the years between 1863 and
1871, when he engaged" in the mercantile business in San Bernardino. While never holding
a political office he has always been interested in school affairs and was one of the school
trustees for the Central district for fifteen years. He was a member of the Board of
m i:\-\nokr ki 1;,
MRS. ALEXANDER KEIR
tendered his resig
before its
Commissioners that built the present school building, br
completion.
Mr. Keir married Miss Mariette Parrish of San Bernardino. They are the parents of
nine -children, seven of whom are living. William Edwin Keir, of San Bernardino ; Mrs.
Mary Elizabeth Clark, Bakersfield ; Sherwin, San Francisco: John Keene. Bakersfield : Frank.
Bakersfield; Robert Burns, San Bernardino and Ida Gertrude, a pupil of the San Bernardino
High School. Mr. Keir is a member of the I. O. O. F., K. of P., and a Mason.
ANTONIO JOSE MARTINEZ was born on La Puente grant, September 1st, 1854.
His father, Sisto Martinez, came to California from New Mexico in 1847 with his father-in-
law, Santiago Martinez, who was of direct Spanish descent. The grandfather owned a ranch
and at one time owned a part of the Puente grant. Sisto Martinez acquired through his wife,
Ruperta Martinez, lands and stock on the Puente. In 1868 he removed with his family to
Agua Mansa and passed the remainder of his life in ranching there. He died in 1871. His
wife still lives with her son.
Antonio Martinez grew up at Agua Mansa and still owns the place purchased by his
father. Since 1888 he has conducted a general merchandise store at Agua Mansa. February
22nd, 1879, he married Filomena Bustamante, daughter of Miguel Bustamante, an old resident
of Agua Mansa. They have had five sons and three daughters, Beatrice, Mrs. Antonio E.
Spinoza; Carlota, Hortencia, Antonio, Eloy, Delmar, Guido and Louis. Senor Martinez
is a past president of the La Sociedad U. P. B. M.
MOSES MARTIN, deceased, was born in the town of New Lisbon, Grafton county,
New Hampshire. June 1st, 1812, the son of Moses Martin. While he was still a boy the
family removed to Pennsylvania, where he grew to manhood. He went west to Missouri
and later returned to Illinois. For years he traveled extensively in the United States and
visited England. Here he married in 1846 Emma Smith, a native of London. They came to
the United States in 1848, and traveled overland to California, arriving in 1850 by way of
Salt Lake, his wife following him from Salt Lake with their two daughters in 1852. They
lived in Northern California until 1855, then located in San Bernardino in 1857 and pur-
chased ten acres at the corner of Fifth and A streets. Here Mr. Martin resided until his
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 705
death, May 5. 1900. He was the father of eight children, only three of whom are now living,
Constance, Mrs. A. D. Rowell ; Charles and Adolphus.
ALFRED WILLIAM BENSON, of the Yucaipe valley, was born in Salt Lake, Utah,
January 19th, 1852, the son of Alfred Benson. The family came to San Bernardino in the
spring of 1854, and Alfred W. grew up in the San Bernardino valley and engaged in digging
and boring wells, an occupation which he followed for seventeen years. He has thus dug
many of the numerous wells of the valley. About 1881 he located in the Yucaipe valley where
he now has a ranch of 240 acres, 90 acres of which is set to apples, apricots and vineyard.
The land is cienega land and in developing water, relics of Indian occupation have been
found, notably a granite bowl, twelve inches in diameter and four inches deep, found twelve
feet beneath the surface.
Mr. Benson in 1878 married Miss Ida, the daughter of Danford and Jane Atwood, of
San Bernardino. They have a daughter and two sons, all living at home.
GEORGE ARNOLD ATWOOD, of San Bernardino, was born in Iowa, December 5th,
1853. He was the son of Danford and Jane Garner Atwood, one a native of Connecticut,
the other of Illinois. The family came to California by the Utah route, passing through
Mountain Meadows, just after the terrible massacre there, and arriving in San Bernardino
November, i860. His father purchased a ranch three miles east of San Bernardino and there
resided until his death in December, 1893. The surviving children are : Emeline, widow of
Clement Kirkpatrick; Ernestine, Mrs. Janney, of Barstow ; George Arnold; Lydia Ann, Mrs.
Wm. Bamford, Covina ; Emma Jane, Mrs. John Shay of San Bernardino ; Ida, Mrs. A. W.
Benson, Yucaipe ; Sarah, Mrs. George Holliday, Highland ; Lizzie, Mrs. Jud Rush, Los
Angeles.
George A. Atwood's school days were spent in San Bernardino and although he has
traveled much in this state and in the west, San Bernardino has always been his home.
In 1873-4, he worked in the mines of Utah and Nevada. In 1882 he went to Utah and bought
a large band of cattle. His principal occupation for the past sixteen or eighteen years has
been the care and management of a five thousand acre grain ranch in the Yucaipe valley,
eighteen miles east of San Bernardino. He has also been engaged in many interests in
various parts of the county. In 1888 he was appointed by Gov. Markham, director of the
Eighth Agricultural District, and served as such for four years. In January, 1886, Mr.
Atwod married Miss Alice R. Frederick, a native of Ohio, who had come to San Bernardino
in 1884. They have one son, Leon Arnold Atwood. Mr. Atwood is a prominent I. O. O. F.,
having filled all the offices in his lodge and served as a member of the Grand Lodge for
nine 3'ears. Mrs. Atwod is a prominent Rebekah.
JOHN D. CLARK, of San Bernardino, was born in Springville, Utah, September 27th,
1854. He is the only child of Davis Clark and Priscilla Singleton Clark. His father is a
rancher, now living in Utah. Mr. Clark came to San Bernardino with his parents in 1859,
and his whole life, except two years, .since then, has been passed in this county. He received
his education in the public school of San Bernardino, and in a private school under the
tuition of T. J. Wilson. He worked on a farm until 1883, when he went into the cattle
business on" the desert side of the mountain, and continued in that business until the summer
of 1900. Mr. Clark is the owner of a ranch of fifty-eight acres of land. Five acres of this
is in deciduous fruit, five in oranges and the balance hay and pasture land.
Mr. Clark married Miss Mary I. Haws of San Bernardino, January nth, 1880. Two
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Clark, and both taken away. A son, Francis, died
in early infancy ; Eva, at the age of sixteen years.
Mr. Clark is a member of Token Lodge, I. O. O. F., and Phoenix Lodge F. A. M. In
politics he is a republican, and was elected on the board of county supervisors November, 1900.
JAMES A COBURN, of San Bernardino, was born in Los Angeles, March 18th, 1S52,
the son of James M. and Lucinda Coburn. His parents crossed the plains in 1850, coming
by way of Salt Lake and locating first in Los Angeles, where they remained until 1854. They
then came to San Bernardino and settled one-half mile from Bunker Hill. His father always
followed the occupation of rancher. Besides James A. Coburn, he had three daughters, Mrs.
Harry Trendenick, of Colton ; Mrs. J. C. Blake, now dead ; and Mrs. Joe Nicholson. Of a
family of half brothers, Henry and George Kinyon still reside where J. M. Coburn first
settled. James A. Coburn passed his school days in San Bernardino valley and, with the
exception of eight years in the railroad business, has always been engaged in ranching.
November 18th, 1874, Mr. Coburn married Miss Eupahama Brown. They have a family
of five children, Ada A., James K., Lovina A., Jesse and Clarence. The family attend the
Presbyterian church.
706
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
SILAS C. COX, of San Bernardino, was born in Fayette county, Alabama, 1843. His
family moved to N'auvoo, 111., while he was an infant and from there went to Salt Lake
where they remained two years. In the spring of 1850 the family came to California and in
1852 located in San Bernardino. Silas C. Cox grew up in this vicinity following
SILAS C. COX
MRS. SILAS C. COX
frontier occupations, mining, herding cattle, running a train of pack animals into Holcomb
valley during the palmy days of that mining district, etc. In 1862 he removed to Salt Lake
and for a number of years followed the -business of freighting between various points in
S. C. COX, Sr
MRS. S. C. COX
Utah, with trips to Montana, Idaho and Oregon. In 1867 he returned to San Bernardino and
engaged in freighting to Arizona and other points until 1871, when he took up a government
claim and became a farmer.
In 1861 he married Miss Chloe Ann Dotson, and they had a family of seven children,
four sons and three daughters. Mrs. Cox was the daughter of James Madison Dotson, who
left Council Bluffs with his family for Salt Lake in May, 1850. They left Utah in Novem-
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 707
ber, 1850, and reached Salt Springs, in what is now San Bernardino county, on Christmas
day, 1850, and New Years day the party reached First Point, on the Mojave river. They
arrived in Sycamore Grove, June 18th, 1851.
EDWARD POOLE, of San Bernardino, was born in Manchester, England, July 22nd,
1827, the son of Daniel Poole, a member of a well-to-do family and a shoemaker by trade.
The family came to America in 1842 and located in Hancock county, 111., but the father re-
turned to England in 1844 and there died.
In 1851, he crossed the plains to Salt Lake City and remained there until 1856, when he
came to San Bernardino. He brought with him some stock which he traded for sixty acres
of land on the Santa Ana river bottoms. The flood of 1862 destroyed his property and left
him financially ruined. He is now the owner of 100 acres adjoining the Hunt and Cooley
tract.
Mr. Poole married Ann Wiltshire, a native of England. They have a family of eleven
children, all married. Clara, the widow of Henry Peak, lives in San Bernardino ; W. R.
lives in Highland ; Charles and Fred in Colton ; Walter, Los Angeles ; Lizzie is the wife of
Hyrum Rabel ; Nellie, the wife of Burt Fuller, Santa Ana.
JOSEPH H. BESSANT, was born in Utah, December 19th, 1853. the son of Isaac Bes-
sant and Mary Ann Thomas Bessant. The family came to San Bernardino in 1857 and
settled on a ranch south of the town. There were six children in the family, five boys and
one girl; Stephen lives at Yucaipe ; James, John, Joseph H. and Hiram reside on Base Line.
Sarah, is Mrs. George M. Cooley.
Joseph H. Bessant received a common school education at the Warm Creek District
school. He has followed the occupation of farmer all his life and with his brother Hiram,
owns a forty acre ranch on Base Line. September 9th, 1888, he married Miss Louisa Mott,
a native of England, who came to San Bernardino in 1887.
WILLIAM A. DOWNEY, of Halleck, is a native of Provo, Utah, born in 1852, the
son of Alvah ^nd Elizabeth Hawes Downey. His father was a native of Illinois. He
came to San Ben ar Jino in 1854 and for ten years was a freighter, driving mule teams
between San Bernardino and Salt Lake. Later he opened a blacksmith shop in San
Bernardino and finally located on a farm near Harlem Springs. Mrs. Downey died in
1871 at San Bernardino.
William A. attended the public schools in this county and became a farmer and stock
raiser, acquiring iarge interests on the Mojave river. He has 1280 acres of pasture, alfalfa
and fruit land, and is associated with Ephriam Boren, W. H. Robinson, James B. Bhdsoe
in flowing wells and cattle range in southeast corner of Kern county. They have about
600 head of cattle. Mr. Downey now owns the old Captain A. G. Lane place, one of
the first to be occupied in the Mojave river country. There are 1100 acres and it is
used principally as pasture. Fruits, especially apples and pears do well. Mr. Downey
married, in 1872, Miss Marietta, daughter of Beverly Boren. They have three children
living.
JOSEPH ANDREWS, of Colton, was born at Cornwall, England, November 15, 1841.
He was the son of Nicholas and Margaret Andrews. While quite young his father died,
and with a sister he came to America and located in the copper region of Michigan, where
he found employment in the copper mines and remained there until 1870, when he went
to Vermont, and remained three years, after which he returned to Michigan and was
employed in Calumet and Hecla mines until 1881. From 1881-2 he had charge of the Naiad
Queen mine in New Mexico. He came to California in 1887, in the employ of Wells-
Fargo and later was employed by the Southern Pacific at Colton. In 1891, he settled on
his orchard property, which was one of the oldest groves in the place and since that time
has devoted himself to horticulture and ranching.
Mr. Andrews married in 1865, Miss Jane George, a native of England, then residing
at the Cliff Mine, Mich. They are the parents of tenjiving children, Mtiry, Lottie, Mar-
garet, Jennie, George. Jay, Samuel. Frank, Delia and Jisther.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
GENERAL BIOGRAPHIES.
The HON. TRUMAN REEVES was born August 17th, 1840, at Chardon, Geauga
county Ohio. His parents were of English ancestry. He lived on his father's farm until
1857, when he entered the shop of Julius King, Warren, Ohio, to learn the trade of watch-
maker and jeweler. He worked at
this until the opening of the war.
Then he responded to the first call for
troops and served for three years with
the Sixth Ohio Cavalry, doing valiant
service. At the battle of Cold Har-
bor, on May 28th, 1864, his left arm
was so shattered by a bullet that he
lost it and was confined to the hospital
for seven months. He entered the
army as a private and was discharged
as brevet first lieutenant.
In March, 1865, he was appointed
postmaster at Orwell, O., then his
home, and held the position for three
years. He was then elected county
recorder of Ashtabula county, which
office he held for six years.
His health being impaired, he de-
cided to remove to California and in
1874 came to San Bernardino and en-
tered into partnership with N. B.
Hale in the jewelry business. Al-
though deprived of hi9 arm, Mr.
Reeves invented and constructed an
ingenious device which enabled him to
perform with deftness and dispatch,
the most difficult watch work. For
fourteen years he conducted the jew-
elry business in this city.
In 1883, he purchased ten acres of
land in Lugonia, which he set to
orange trees and where he has his
home. In 1882, Mr. Reeves was
elected to the State General Assembly
and served two terms. In 1890, he
was elected county treasurer and the duties of tax collector were added to that office. He
held this office continuously until 1898, when he was elected State Treasurer on the Republi-
can ticket and has since been re-elected twice.
Mr. Reeves was married to Miss Marian E. McConkey, of Oberlin, O., in 1867. Two
children were born to this marriage — Clarence H. and Clara B. Reeves.
Clarence H. Reeves was born in Jefferson, Ashtabula county, Ohio, in 1870. He went to
South China in 1891, as superintendent of mission work under the Christian Alliance. He
opened up the Province of Yantze, being the pioneer in this district, and the youngest super-
intendent in the field. In 1897, he was stricken with malignant small pox and died. He was
buried at Homan, China, the spot where he first inaugurated his wOTk. He left a widow,
who is now in mission work at their old home in China.
JOHN ANDRESON, JR., was born in San Bernardino January 7th, 1873. He is the
son of John and Emma Knapp Andreson. He was educated in the private schools of his
city and graduated from Sturges Academy. His first employment was with a party of sur-
veyors on the Belt Line. He then entered the Farmer's Exchange Bank as book-keeper
and has been in their employ since; he is now assistant cashier of the bink. Mr. Andreson is
a "Native Son," and has been an active member of that organization for a number of years,
HON. TRUMAN REEVES
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
709
filling many offices in the San Bernardino Parlor and serving as treasurer at present. He
is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, Masonic orders and of the Elks.
April 17th, 1900, Mr. Andreson was married to Miss Minnie E. Riley, of San Ber-
nardino.
EDWARD L. DUNHAM, of San Bernardino, was born in Watertown, Canada, June
2nd, 1846, the son of Hiram and Elizabeth Dunham. His father was a blacksmith and later
removed to Sterling, Iowa, where he followed his trade. He then located at Bennington,
Kansas, where both parents died.
Edward L. Dunham spent his early
years on a farm. When seventeen, he
joined the 24th Iowa Infantry and served
under Gen. N. P. Banks and later under
Gen. Sherman, making the famous march
to the sea. After the fall of Richmond,
he returned to Boone, Iowa, where he
clerked in a store. He then engaged in
the hotel business at Missouri Valley
Junction, where he owned two hotels and
likewise owned the St. Elmo Hotel at
Sioux City, Iowa. In 1870 he 'went to
Salt Lake and was connected with Oscar
Young, a son of Brigham Young, in
mining operations ; also owned and ran
the Planters Hotel and Anaheim Hotel.
Mr. Dunham came to California in
1876 and for four years operated the
historic Pico House in Los Angeles — in
the days when the Pico House was the
"first-class" hotel of the city. Later he
operated the Cosmopolitan, which he
named the St. Elmo, and he was the
first manager of the Nadeau Hotel, con-
ducting it in its palmy days when it was
the "swell" tourist hotel of Los Angeles.
He also owned and carried on at differ-
ent times, the Redondo Beach Hotel and
the Rivera, at Long Beach. While living
in Los Angeles, Col. Dunham acquired
and improved 160 acres in La Canada
valley and established a public house
there, which he still owns. He also
owned for a time a half interest in the
White Sulphur Springs, Napa county.
Mr. Dunham is now the popular host
of the Stewart Hotel, San Bernardino,
and with W. E. Hadley, he owns the Hotel Palms. Los Angeles. Col. Dunham is one of the
best known and most successful hotel men in Southern California.
FRED ALVIDSON. of Chino, was born January 19th, 1859, in the town of Norkjoping,
Sweden. He came to America in 1881 with $500 cash to start life in the new world,
among entire strangers. He went first to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where he found employment
and later went to Minneapolis, where for nine years he held a good position at good wages.
He came to California in 1894— to Pasadena— and later in the same year came to Chino.
Here he has raised beets and barley, cattle and poultry. He now owns two tracts of land,
ten acres in one piece and twenty in the other and is one of the thrifty ranchers of this
thrifty community.
He was married in Los Angeles in Febraruy. 1894, to Miss Amelia Matson, also a
native of Sweden. They have four children, Hildah, Clarence, Emma and Milton.
ALFRED M. APLIN, of East Highland, was born in Norwich. Ohio. October 14th. 1837,
the son of Benjamin Aplin, who was one of the pioneers of that section of the state, a farmer
and a wholesale shoe merchant. In 1865 the family went west to Iowa and located in Scott
county for five years then removed to Chetopah, Kansas, where Mr. Aplin was interested in
the stock business.
EDWARD L. DUNHAM
'10
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
In 1875 Mr. Aplin came to California and at once located at East Highland, here he took
up a homestead and later purchased railroad land. He now owns twenty acres, mostly in
oranges. He has seen the citrus fruit business develop and has been most successful himself
in raising citrus fruits. He was one of the first to engage in drying fruit on an extensive
scale.
Mr. Aplin was married to Miss M. E. Winn, in Athens count}', Ohio, she being a native
of that county. Mr. and Mrs. Aplin have four children : Guy E. Aplin, M. D., graduated from
Chaffey College and from Hahnemann Medical College, Kansas City, now practicing; Myrtle
A., physician at the Napa State Hospital ; Donald G., graduate of Claremont and of Berkeley,
now engaged in mining at Slate Range, Cal. ; Ethel, student of Medicine at Medical College
of State University, San Francisco.
ISAAC BENJAMIN, of San Bernardino, was born in Newark. N. J.. April 19th, 185;.
He is the son of S. C. and Augusta Rosenbach Benjamin. His school days were passed in
Los Angeles ; from 1874 to 1876 he attended the U. of C,
at Berkeley. He read law for a time after leaving Ber-
keley and taught school for one year. In 1879, he took
up the study of stenography in San Francisco. He came
to San Bernardino and was appointed official reporter oi
Department No. 1, of the Superior Court of San Ber-
nardino county, January 5th, 1880, and has held the
office continuously to the present time. He has served
under all the judges presiding over Department One of
the Superior Court, and also did the reportorial work in
Department Two for a time after this court was created,
in 1887.
In June, 1886, he married Miss Eda Brunn, daughter
of I. R. Brunn, of San Bernardino. They are the par-
ents of three sons, A. B., A. A. and M. B. Benjamin.
Mr. Benjamin is a member of the Independent Order of
B'nai B'i-ith.
VICTOR GUSTAFSON is a native of Sweden, born
near Stockholm, July 16th, 1865. His father, Gustav
Larson, was a farmer. Victor had three brothers, who
also emigrated to America — Louis, John and Charles.
The latter returned to Sweden in 1897, and the two for-
mer live at Los Alamitos. Victor remained on his
father's farm until he arrived at manhood, during which
time he learned the trade of stone cutting. Coming to
California in 1888, he pursued his trade for a short time
at Santa Barbara, removing to Chino in 1891. He first
embarked in the culture of sugar beets, but subsequently
purchased land and engaged in the raising of alfalfa. He is known as a thrifty, public-
spirited and progressive citizen, and has an attractive and comfortable home near Chino. On
February 26th, 1896. he married Miss Laura Hein, of Anaheim. She died in 1903. She
was known as a noble and pious woman, and her loss was greatly deplored by a wide circle
of friends.
Mr. Gustafson is a member of the school board of the Chino district and officiates as
clerk of the board.
J. W. ROBERTS, the late president of the San Bernardino National Bank and of the
First National Bank of Colton, was born in North Wales, July 22nd, 1835. In 1841, the
family came to America and settled on a farm in Lewis county. New York. In 1854, J. W.
Roberts started westward and settled in Columbia county, Wis. Here he engaged in the
general merchandise business, also acting as express agent and making his office a general
exchange and banking institution for the country about him. He later became interested in
the flour milling business and purchased an interest in the Danville Flour Mills, selling out
his interests in Columbia county. He established headquarters in Philadelphia, in connec-
tion with H. H. Mears & Co., for the handling of his flour and they built up a very heavy
business in shipping flour and grain to Europe, as well as American points. In 1873 Mr.
Roberts entered into partnership with I. A. Steele, and for eighteen years they carried on a
■large wholesale flour business in Pittsburg, Pa. In 1886 Mr. Roberts came to California and
took the presidency of the First National Bank of Colton. In 1891, Mr. Roberts assumed the
ISAA(, HKN.IAMIN
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
11
presidency of the San Bernardino National Bank, at the same time buying a controlling
interest in the business. He retained this position and built up the standing and the business
of the institution, until it is one of the most solid and reliable enterprises of the city.
In i860, Rr. Roberts married Eliza Williams of Cambria Wis., a native of England.
Of this union, two children, Mrs. J. W. Davis, of Colton, and Edward Davis Roberts. In
1867, Mrs. Roberts died in 1883. Mr. Roberts married Winifred Evans, a native of New
York. Of this union, two sons, Walter and Richard were born. Mr. Roberts died in San
Bernardino January 19th, 1903.
EDWARD DAVID ROBERTS, of San Bernardino, was born in Cambria, Columbia
county, Wisconsin, July 18th, 1864, the son of John W. and Eliza Williams Roberts. Mr.
Roberts spent his youth in his native state and after completing the common schools took a
course in a commercial college in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Upon completing his training
he entered the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul railroad, being employed in
Chicago and in Milwaukee until he came to California in 1885. He engaged in banking at
Colton with his father and brother-in-law, J. W. Davis, establishing the First National Bank
of Colton. While living in Colton Mr. Roberts served as city trustee. In 1892, Mr. Roberts
became interested with his father in the San Bernardino National Bank, of which he is now
president. He is a member of the Masonic order, Knights Templar and Elks, and is promi-
nently identified with the business life of the city.
Mr. Roberts was married in 1889 to Miss Maude Adams. They have two daughters,
Louise Eliza and Maud Marie.
WILLIAM CURTIS, was born at Pontiac, Oakland county, Mich., April 1st, 1826, the
son of Jeremiah and Ruth Stratton Curtis, the father a native of Connecticut and the mother of
Pennsylvania, and of Irish parentage. Mr. Curtis grew
up on the frontier, farming, hunting and trapping in Michi-
gan, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri and Texas. He resided in
Texas for a number of years and served as sheriff of Ban-
dera county for six years. In 1861 he started from San
Antonio, Texas, with an ox team and drove to California,
where he located at San Bernardino and has since that time
resided in this vicinity. He has engaged at different times
in farming, mining and horticulture. Mr. Curtis was mar-
ried in Fredericksburg, Texas, to Henrietta Raseg, August
15th, 1850. Mr. and Mrs. Curtis have had a large family,
of whom, Henrietta A., Mrs. John Furney ; Mary A., Mrs.
H. H. Cole ; George W., Eli, Jeremiah, Newell, Robert, all
live in this vicinity. On August 15th, 1900, the family
united in celebrating the golden wedding anniversary of the
honored head of the family, all the children, grand-children
and great grand-children, except one, being present on th;s
occasion.
ROBERT T. CURTIS, secretary of the Horticultural
Commission of San Bernardino County, was born at Old
San Bernardino. August 2nd, 1871. He was the son of
William and Mary Raseg Curtis. His father owns a ranch
near Redlands, where he has raised a family of eight
children. With one exception, these children are all living
and make their homes within the county. Robert T. Cur-
.tis grew to manhood on his father's ranch in Mission district, and there attended the
district school. He also attended what was known as Sturgis Academy, on Fourth
street, San Bernardino, and closed his school days by taking a commercial course at
that institution. After leaving school he took up ranching as a business, and still owns
ten acres of orange grove, two and one-half miles from Redlands, in this county. May 1st,
1897, he was appointed secretary of the County Horticultural Commission; his early
training and experience in the business of raising citrus fruits for the eastern markets,
especially fitting him for the work devolving upon this commission, that of seeking out
the enemies of these crops and devising means of eliminating them. On October 15th,
1893. he married Ella Mav Strever. They have one child, a boy: Robert Strever Curtis.
Mr! Curtis is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks of Redlands.
F. X. AMMANN, of Needles, was born in Germany, December 7th, 1866. He is the
son of F. X. Ammann and Louise Marquot Ammann ; one of a family of twelve children,
WILLIAM CURTIS
712 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
all of them in this country. His school days were passed in Germany. The family removed
to America, landing in New York, August 13th, 1882. His father was a brewer by trade,
and the family removed to Northern New Jersey, where he engaged in business, owning and
operating a brewery. He learned the baker's trade in Germany and engaged in the same
business after coming to America. He lived in New Jersey until he came to California in
1887, locating in Needles, and with the exception of one year spent in Williams, Arizona, has
lived there ever since.
Mr. Ammann married Miss Mary Dotzler of New Brunswick, N. J. They have a family
of two children — Frank X. and Mary Margareta.
HENRY HERSCHEL LINVILLE, of Highland, was born in Oregon, June 26,1861,
the son of W. J. and Amanda Davidson Linville. His father was a native of Illinois, and
a pioneer settler of Oregon. He built and
operated extensive lumber and woolen
mills in Oregon. Later he removed to
Napa, Cal., where he engaged in the lumber
business on a large scale. He was one of
the projectors of the Riverside colony and
one of the first to arrive on the ground in
1870 when that colony was instituted. He
lived there several years, then in company
with his sons, owned and operated one of
the largest lumber mills in the San Bernar-
dino mountains and also a lumber yard and
planing mill in San Bernardino. He died in
San Bernardino in March, 1900.
H. H. Linville came to Riverside with
his parents and grew up in the San Ber-
nardino valley. He engaged in the manu-
facture of all kinds of planing work and
in the lumber business for several years.
In 1890 he became interested in the nursery-
business and now conducts a thriving busi-
ness in nursery stock at Highland. He
has a large tract of land devoted to citrus
stock and has trees ready for the market
at all times. He also owns a handsome
business block in Highland.
LEWIS SMITH DAVIS, of
was born in Stoney Brook, N. Y., June 29,
1823. His parents were Henry and Mary
Smith Davis, both descendants of the
H. H. LINVILLE original settlers of Smithtown, Long Island,
N. Y. The Davis family came originally
from Wales and located at New Haven,
Conn. In 1785 Mr. Davis' grandfather, Caleb Davis, purchased a ninety-acre farm at Stoney
Brook, L. I., from Merritt Smith. Captain Davis still owns this farm. His father was
a ship master. Stoney Brook was a harbor for the coasting trade and its inhabitants were
largely seafaring folk. Lewis S. was a cabin boy on a coasting vessel and passed through
all the stages from cabin boy to captain before he was twenty years of age. For many
years he sailed packets along the coast between New York and southern ports, including
occasional trips to foreign ports, as Cuba and Marseilles, France.
He left the sea to become captain of port for Jonas Smith & Co., of New York, who
owned a large line of vessels. Many vessels were built under his supervision and he
became an expert in shipbuilding in all of its details. After the death of Jonas Smith in
1867 he joined the company and remained with it until he retired from business. He was
a member of the Marine Exchange of the port of New York, also of the Board of Trade,
and holds a life membership in the Marine Society of New York, one of the oldest organiza-
tions of that city, composed of the American Masters of the Merchant Marine alone.
In 1894 Captain Davis came to California to pass the remainder of his days in well
earned rest. He located at Redlands and purchased an orange grove of forty acres and
his beautiful home is known as "Snug Harbor."
Captain Davis was married January 24. 1853. to Christina A., daughter of JosepH
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
Harvey Smith, of Greenport, L. I. Seven children were born to them and all the living
members of the family are now located in California. Edward Harvey Davis lives at.
Mesa Grande, San Diego County; Mrs. C. S. Alverson resides at San Diego; Irving G.
and Emma C. make their home at Snug Harbor. Henry Lewis, Oriette Louise and
Genevra are deceased.
WILLIAM STEWART BOGGS, of San Bernardino, was born in Millersburg, Holmes
County, Ohio, September 8th, 1S52, the son of Rev. John Marshall Boggs, a native of
Pennsylvania, and a Presbyterian min-
ister, and Adaline Marshall, a native of
. Ohio, both of Scotch-Irish descent.
In 1856, the father located as a home
missionary at Independence, Iowa, and
his son received a common school and
commercial education in the schools of
that state, and began life for himself, as
a farm boy at $10.00 per month. He re-
cords that for his first season's work, he
received $5.00 cash and a barrel of Iowa
sorghum. He also served a full ap-
prenticeship as clerk and chore boy in
a "country store" ; for twelve years was
with the Independence Mills Company,
as bookkeeper, then as treasurer and
manager, then engaged in business on
his own account, as "W. S. Boggs and
Brother." In 1887 he came to Cali-
fornia, and located at Highlands, where
he engaged in raising oranges. He was
connected with the San Bernardino
National Bank for thirteen years, as
assistant cashier. In 1901 was one of the
incorporators of the California State
Bank of San Bernardino, of which in-
stitution he is the cashier, and a member
of the board of directors; is a member
of the American Institute of Civics, New
York : Society of the American Revolu-
tion, San Francisco : a member of the
Masonic body, a Knights Templar and a
member of the Elks, of which he is one
of the trustees'.
Mr. Boggs was married in 1878 to
Virginia M., daughter of Asa B. and Margaret Hedges Clarke. Asa B. Clarke was a
"4aer," having left New York by steamer to the mouth of the Rio Grande river, then up
that river as far as boats could go, across Mexico and the Colorado Desert to California.
Mr. and Mrs. Boggs have two children. Grace Josephine, a graduate of the City High
School and of the State University, at Berkeley, receiving her degree of B. L. in 1902 ; and
Leland Clarke Boggs, now attending the city schools.
HENRY BOHNERT, of Rialto, was born in Washington, Mo., January 9th, 1872.
His father, Frank Bohnert, was a native of Baden Baden, Germany, and a cabinet maker by
trade. He' came to America in 1866 and in 1S75 reached California. He located on his
present propertv in 18S3, purchasing eighty acres of John McCall. Of this, twenty-seven
acres is now in" grapes and ten in oranges, the balance is used as a bee ranch with an apiary
of 300 stands. Besides the son, Henry, there is one daughter, Mary, Mrs. Joseph Lonegan,
Henry°Bohnert is a member of the order of Maccabees and of the Fraternal Brother-
hood.
JOHN ALFORD of Chino, is a native of Wisconsin, and was born May 16th, 1859. His
parents Thomas F. and Mary (Hawkins) Alford, were of English birth, his father being a
native of the City of London. They came to California and located at Orange, in Orange
countv where Mary Alford died in 1869, her husband survived her until 1892, being 74
Will 1AM S. BOi.dS
714
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
years of age at the time of his death. Soon after reaching California, John Alford engaged
in mining, working in various camps in Colorado. New Mexico and in San Diego county,
California' In 1893 he began the occupation of farming, first in the Santa' Maria valley,
in San Diego county, and in 1894 purchased land in the Chino grant, where he is now com-
fortably situated, having some forty acres of the most fertile land in the valley, which he
farms in a progressive manner, and keeps in a high state of cultivation.
January 10th, 1892, he married Miss Mary J. Fender, a daughter of John Fender, a resi-
dent of Pomona, Cal, and native of Missouri. They have three children, Tillie M., Clarence
F., and Katie E.
THOMAS J. MELLEN, of
e 1849, the son of Daniel Mel!
Jeaumont, is a native of Nova Scotia, Canada bcrn in
.n, a farmer. Mr. Mellen started out in life a« conk on
a coasting vessel between Boston and Nova Scotia.
He followed the sea until 1869, after which h? lived
in Providence, R. I., for a year and then ir Boston
until he came to California in 1876. In 1879 he
went to work for Dr. W. F. Edgar, of San Gorgonio
Pass and remained on this ranch for four years. He
then preempted 160 acres ; he also homesteaded 160
acres and has since added to his property until he
holds 760 acres of land. He raises hay and grain
and has an orchard of. 26 acres. He has many
varieties of fruit and made an exhibit at the World's
Columbian Exposition, Chicago, which received a
medal and diploma. Thirty-six boxes of fruit, in-
cluding fourteen varieties of plums, three of pears,
two of cherries, nectarines and peaches, French
prunes, loquats and cured raisins, were dried and
packed, in original designs, by Mrs. Mellen. The
fruit was all grown on their place' and was entered
in competition with that of many other nations.
Mr. Mellen was married at San Bernardino in
1885 to Miss Helen Mayo, a native of Bangor, Me.
WILLIAM PEMBERTON CAVE, the pioneer
photographer of San Bernardino, was born in Ken-
tucky December 24th, 1842. He was the son of
John Pemberton and Lucy A. Cave. His school
days were passed in Kentucky, and later he at-
tended school in Dallas, Texas, to which place
his family had removed. In 1862 five brothers left
Dallas, Texas, for California: Bennett W., living
at Redlands; John Pemberton, now dead; John Hardin returned to Texas and was killed
in the performance of his duty as deputy sheriff in that state; James W. lived at Crafton,
where he died, and the subject of this sketch, William Pemberton Cave. His first work
in San Bernardino was as clerk in Mr. Levy's store, and later he was employed by Aeneas
Quinn. He was one of the locators of the Old Prospect placer claim in Lytle Creek-
Canyon, where he was employed sluicing for a time. When he left there he established
himself as a photographer in San Bernardino. Three years later he gave up that business
and did some contract work in the line of painting and building. He then was employed
by the Santa Fe Route, under Fred T. Perris, as a draughtsman and map-maker on the
topographical survey conducted by that road. Later he made maps for the county, and
was in the abstract office of Henry Wozencraft for three years. Then for a time he
engaged in doing general surveying, and was also employed in the office of the city
recorder. His last work was with a painting .crew on the line of the Santa Fe near Needles.
He died of heart disease, December 24th, 1898.
On the 19th day of January, 1869, in San Bernardino, he married Miss Sarah Eliza-
beth Rousseau, daughter of Dr. J. A. Rousseau, county superintendent of schools of San
Bernardino County, for many years. They had seven children. William Lee, employed at
the Eagle Soda works at San Bernardino; Florence Evelyn, now the wife of Mr. Bigelow:
Sarah Jane, now Mrs. J. A. Maloney, of San Jose. Cal.; James J., an engineer on the
Santa Fe Ry. ; Walter P., a fireman on the Southern Cal., Ry. : Daisy May, a telephone
operator in San Bernardino, and Lester Percival, who is still attending school.
THOMAS J. MELLEN
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
'15
A. R. CLARK, of San Bernardino, was born in Powsheik county. Iowa. He came to
California in 1881 and learned photography at Santa Ana. The years from 1891 to 1895 he
spent in Chicago, engaged in the photographing business. He returned to California and
since 1898 has been in business in San Bernardino, conducting a photographic gallery.
May 31st, 1900, he married Miss Hope, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Goodlett of San
Bernardino. They have one child.
G. H. BUBLITZ, of San Bernardino, was born in Milwaukee, Wis., Sept. 9th, 1858.
He was the son of Charles Bublitz and Louisa Foltz. He received his education in the
the Milwaukee High School, and Fort
Wayne, Indiana Academy. After leav-
ing school he went to St. Paul, Minn.,
and was employed by Noyes Bros. &
Cutler, wholesale druggists, and later to
Milwaukee, Wis., where he was em-
ployed as book-keeper for Dohmen &
Schmidt, also wholesale druggists.
About this time, June 30, 1881, he mar-
ried Miss Caroline Maurer, of Fort
Wayne, Ills., and leaving the drug busi-
ness went to work for the C. M. & St.
P. Ry. With T. G. Shaughnessy, now
president of the Canadian Pacific Ry., he
organized the store department of the
C. M. & St. P. Ry., and was general
material clerk of the entire system, hav-
ing six clerks under him. Owing to the
ill health of Mrs. Bublitz, he was com-
pelled to give up this position, and in
1886 he removed to California. For
three years and a half following he
kept books for J. F. Holbrook of Los
Angeles, and for one year and a half
of that time was foreman of the pipe,
shop. He was next employed as book-
keeper at the Fulton Engine Works, Los
Angeles, where he remained six years —
until the incorporation of the business,
when his position was taken by a member
of the new firm. He was then engaged
by Adloff and Hauerwaas, bottlers, as
3UBLITZ traveling agent, in the interest of
cchlitz beer. After the George Beam
failure in San Bernardino, he was sent
business, and has been manager of the San Bernardino Wieland
n 1901, he bought out the interests of Adloff & Hauerwaas.
CHARLES E. ADAMS, of Redlands, was born in Richmond, Ray county, Missouri,
January 21st, 1872. At sixteen years of age he went to New Mexico and later to Arizona.
He came to California in 1894, and was for a time engaged in contracting, chiefly for water
development work. He did a large amount of work for the South Mountain Water company
in the Yucaipe valley, and is now engaged in fruit and stock raising in this valley, having
a ranch of 238 acres which was known as the old Birch place.
In 1899, Mr. Adams was married to Miss Daisy, daughter of W. H. Russell, of Puente.
JOHN S. ARMSTRONG, of Ontario, is a native of Sheffield. Ontario, Canada, born
October nth, 1865, the son of Joseph and Eliza Bell Armstrong, both natives of Ireland,
and almost life-long residents of Canada. The father was a graduate of the Dublin Normal
school and successfully followed his profession of teaching throughout his life. He lived
for many years and died at St. George, Canada. The mother has, since l8go, been a resident
of Ontario. Besides John S., there are living of the family, Mrs. T. Herrett of Upland;
Mrs. Arthur Yarnell, of Los Angeles; Miss Alice, of Los Angeles; Joseph W.. of Pomona,
and William R., of Riverside.
John S. Armstrong learned the trade of cabinet making which he practised until he came
to take charge of
Bottling Works sir
'16
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
to Ontario in 1889. He then engaged in carpenter work for a time but soon entered the
employment of Horsley and Eaton, pioneer nurserymen of the Ontario colony, and then
opened a small business for himself. He is now one of the most extensive growers of
nursery stock in the San Bernardino valley. He issues an attractive catalogue annually and
his business covers a wide extent of territory. Mr. Armstrong married, September 2nd, 1896,
Challie, daughter of William Cooper, of Clinton, Canada. They have now two children,
Awdry and Olive. Mr. Armstrong is a member of the Masonic order and of the Fraternal
Aid Association, also of the M. E. church. He has served on the board of town trustees and
is a Republican in political affinity.
CAPTAIN CASPER ANDERSON, of Ontario, was born in Denmark, Feb. 29, 1844.
the son cf F. M. and Boleta Koefoed Anderson.
After a common school education in his native land, the young man began a sea-faring
life ill 1857 and followed that occupation until 1897. In 1861, he landed in New York City
and remained there until 1862, when he engaged as sailor on a vessel bound to San Fran-
c;sco. The voyage was made by way of Cape Horn and lasted one hundred and fifty-two
days. For thirty-five years Captain Anderson made San Francisco his home while he
continued to follow the sea. In 1897 he came to Ontario and located on a ranch.
In 1879, Captain Anderson married Miss Anna Marie Haas, daughter of Paul Haas,
of Bavaria^ Germany. He is a member of Doric Lodge, F. A., of San Francisco, and of
Valley Lodge, A. O. U. W., of San Bernardino.
ORRIN W. DALGLIESH, of Rialto, was born near Ithaca, Mich., August 26, 1874.
His father was Walter W. Dalgliesh, a native of Scotland, who came with his parents to
Ohio at an early date. He served for four years during the civil war in Battery B, First
Ohio Light Artillery. He was one of the pioneer settlers of Gratiot County, Mich., where
he now lives. . .
Orrin W. lived at home on a farm until he came to California in 1895. After living
in Los Angeles and Covina he located in Rialto in 1901. February 14, 1900, he married
Grace daughter of J. R. McKinley. They have one son, Walter McKinley. Mr. Dalgleish
is a member of the Fraternal Brotherhood, Fraternal Aid and of the Congregational
church, Rialto.
MALON ADELBERT BAGLEY, of Colton, was born in Bradford Co., Penn., Nov.
11 1851 the son of William and Annie E. Wright Bagley. His father and mother both
died in Earlville, Lasalle Co., 111., when he was fourteen
vears of age. Mr. Bagley was educated in the public
schools of Earlville and then learned the trade of house
and sign painter, which employment occupied him until
about 1874. He then went to Colorado Springs and
worked at his trade until he had an attack of gold fever
and went to mining at Springdale, Boulder County..
In 1887, he came to California and was first employed
as a book-keeper by the Colton Marble and Lime Co. He
afterwards engaged in his old business of painting^ and
followed it for several years. In 1894, he was appointed
constable and in Nov. 1895, was elected to that office. He
has been three times elected to the school board of Colton,
and has been clerk of that body. He has also been em-
employed as a water tax collector, chief of fire department
and deputy sheriff.
Mr. Bagley married, at Springdale, Colo., Miss Ellen
Augustus. They have a son, Van Augustus, and a daughter
Annie Bagley. Mr. Bagley is a member of the Knights of
Pythias, and the Independent Order of Foresters.
a native of England, born
n of Dr. W. J. and Eu-
T. J. S. CLAPP, of Del Rosa,
in London, Oct. 25, 1859, the
phemia Jane Aitken Clapp.
Mr. Clapp was educated at Monmouth Grammar School
and Epsom College and for two years- studied law, then
MALON A. BAGLEY abandoned the idea of a profession and took a position
as an accountant in the house of Clapp & Co., coal dealers,
of Newport, Monmouthshire, England. After five years
in this employment he came to America and direct to Los Angeles and to San Bernardino in
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
1S8S. Here he engaged in mining until 1895 when he purchased property at Del Rosa and
has since been secretary of the Del Rosa Water Company. He has a home place of six
and a half acres of lemons and a ten-
acre orange grove.
Mr. Clapp was married in 1893
to Miss Ella Jane, daughter of Alex-
ander Hamilton, of Urbita. Mrs.
Clapp died Feb. 8, 1901, leaving two
little daughters, Anna Louisa and
Euphemia Jane. Mr. Clapp is a mem-
ber of the Phoenix Lodge, of San
Bernardino and of the Episcopalian
church of San Bernardino.
JOHN GERALD SHAW, late of
Highland, was a native of Bath,
Maine, born December 29, 1847, the
son of George Shaw, a native of
St. Johns, New Brunswick, and a
ship carpenter by trade. He entered
the union army in the late war and
was never heard from again, pre-
sumably dying in battle.
John G. Shaw was a contractor and
builder in the east. In 1886 he came
to California with his family and
located at Highland where he did a
large amount of work at his trade.
He took up eighty acres of govern-
ment land, improved it and sold off
forty acres. Mr. Shaw was married
in Jersey City, Sept. 3, 1880, to Miss
Sarah Agnes, daughter of Henry
Burgess and Margret Hill Wands.
Mr. Wands was a wood engraver.
He entered the union army in 1864
and went to the front where he con-
tracted disease from exposure and
returned home to die. Mr. and Mrs.
line children. Florence M., Gerald, Ella R., Raymond. Margie A., Eva R., Lillian,
Carroll : Florence M. is now Mrs. E. E. Gow.
Mr. Shaw died at Highland, December 23, 1902, of typhoid pneumonia.
JOSEPH DRJSKELL. of Halleck. was born near Hartford. Warren County, Iowa.
Dec. 7, 1S57, the son of William Riley and Mabel T. Lewin Driskell. The father was of
Scotch-Irish descent and a pioneer resident of Burlington, la. He was a veteran of the
Blackhawk war and was an Indian trader while his wife acted as interpreter. Their oldest
daughter, Harriet, was the first white child born in Burlington. This was about 1831.
Joseph left home at twelve years of age and went to Colorado. He has spent most
of his life on the frontier as a vaquero, freighter, cattle-trader and miner. He came to
California in 1872 and 'ince then has devoted himself to mining, farming and fruit grow-
ing, and has a farm cf 120 acres. He owns a third interest in the Side Winder mine,
located fifteen miles cast of Oro Grande.
He wa- married in 1893 to Miss Marie, daughter of H. H. Thomsen. She is a
native of Germany, born in the Duchy of Schleswig. She came to America in 1883.
CLYDE DARROW, of Bloomington, was born at Kinsman, Trumbull County, Ohio,
March 26, 1858. He was the son of Nathan Darrow, a painter by trade and a farmer
by occupation. II is father removed in 1865 from Ohio to Erie County, Pa., where he
engaged in his trade. Later he lived for eight years at Council Grove. Morris County,
Kansas. In 1887 he came to Riverside and later to Rialto where he died in 1891, aged 63,
and was buried at Colton.
Clyde Darrow learned the painter's trade and worked with his father. In 1887 he came
to Rialto and will his brother-in-law, Ezra Graft, painted the first buildings and resi-
CLAPP
Shaw had
George
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
deuces in the town. Mr. Darrow now owns fifteen acres of land one mile east of Bloom-
ington which is planted to peaches, apricots and oranges.
In 1883 Mr. Darrow married Miss Cora Belle Way, at Council Grove, Kansas. They
have two children, M. Maud, now Mrs. Frank E. Page, of Colton, and Fred H.
LOUIS I. COY, of San Bernardino, was born in Will County, Illinois, May 8, 1859.
the son of Pierce and Ma
E. Flanders Coy. His father now is an orange grower of
Highlands, and two of his brothers, Proctor F. and John
P. Coy, reside at the same place.
He was educated at Grinnell, Iowa, where his parents
had moved in 1869 and began his business career as an
assistant cashier and book-keeper in a bank at Odebolt, Sac
County, Iowa. He also engaged in farming in this county.
In March, 1886, he came to San Bernardino County and
purchased a ranch at Highlands, which he improved and
sold. He has since bought, improved and sold a number
of ranches in this vicinity and now owns twelve acres in
LOUIS I. COY
In 1898, Mr. Coy was elected tax collector for San Ber-
nardino County..
Mr. Coy married Miss Jennie McFarland, in Elwood,
Iowa, February I, 1882. They have four children, Ada M.,
Winifred, Samuel P., and Milton L. Coy. Mr. and Mrs.
Coy are members of the Congregational church at High-
lands. He is also a member of Pythias Lodge and of the
Fraternal Aid Association.
LEONIDAS W. COLEMAN, of Rialto, was a native
of Alabama, born in 1842, his father, James Archer Cole-
man, being a member of an old Virginia family. At the
age of twenty-three, Mr. Coleman removed to Henderson,
Ky., where he remained until 1870. He then went to
Kansas and engaged in farming and stock-raising for a
time. Returning to Kentucky, he beca.ne editor and pub-
lisher of the Henderson Reporter and was elected presi-
dent of the Western Press Association of Kentucky. In
1882 he returned to Kansas and there raised and dealt in
blooded stock. In 1893, Mr. Coleman came to San Ber-
nardino County to reside permanently on a ranch, which he
had purchased previously in the Rialto tract, and which he has made a valuable and pro-
ductive citrus fruit orchard.
Mr. Coleman has been twice married. First, in 1869, to Miss Isophena Martin, of
Indiana, who died in 1881. In 1887, he married Miss Alice Rockwood, of Cottonwood
Falls, Kansas. The children of his first marriage are: W. J. Coleman, graduate of the
Kansas State University, at Lawrence, Kansas, and now a merchant of that city ; John
A. Coleman, of Boise City, Idaho ; Lon M. Coleman, of San Bernardino. The only
child of the second marriage is Herbert Coleman. Mr. and Mrs. Coleman are members
of the Presbyterian church.
WILLIAM CRUICKSHANK, Rialto. was born November 9, i860, on the Orkney
Islands, off the coast of Scotland. His father, William Cruickshank, was a farmer and a
dealer in horses and cattle. About 1862 he removed to Aberdeenshire, Scotland, and there the
son grew to manhood and was occupied as a farmer. In 1889 he came to Amend and
located in California where a younger brother, John, had preceded him. He also has a
brother, Alexander, in Victoria, B. C.
Mr. Cruickshank married in Aberdeenshire, M'iss Maggie Ross-Watt and they have
four sons and two daughters, — George, William, Douglas, Helen, Christina, and Donald.
The family are members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Cruickshank has a ranch in
Rialto of twenty acres.
MARION L. COOK, of San Bernardino, was born near Raleigh. S. C, the son of
John H. Cook. In 1865 his parents removed to Ohio where his father engaged in business
in Wayne county and became interested in the grain-buying business in Wooster City.
Marion L. was sent to school in Cleveland. Ohio, and there received his degree as civil
and mining engineer. In 1888 he went to Colorado where he followed his profession. In
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 719
1890 he came to California and located at San Bernardino. In 1894 he was elected to the
office of county surveyor and has since that time filled that office, having been re-elected
Mr. Cook married Miss Ella, daughter of Hugh Allison, of San Bernardino and they
have one son.
JOSIAH PHINEAS SQUIRES, late of Redlands, was born in Dansville, N. Y.,
\ugust 22, 1825. He passed his youth on a farm and received a common school education.
He then entered the University of Buffalo and took
a medical and surgical course, graduating in 1850.
Soon afterward he removed to Makesan, Wis., and
began a practice which he continued for twenty
years. In 1864 he joined the army as an assistant
surgeon and was stationed most of the time, until
the close of the war, at Fort Scott, Missouri. Dr.
Squire then settled at Austin, Mann., where he re-
sumed the practice of his profession. In the fall
of 1887 he came to Redlands with his family where
he engaged in practice until his death, February
14, 1890. He was the first justice of peace in Red-
lands township and opened the first city recorder's
court, February 15, 1889. He had been appointed
postmaster just before his death. He had been for
many \'ears a member of the Knights Templar and
of St. Bernard Commandery and also of the G. A. R.
He was twice married, first to Miss Mary Albright,
of Dansville, N. Y., who died in 1865. In 1869 he
married Miss Emily Welter, of Rochester, Minn.,
who resides with her two children in Redlands.
There was one child, a son by the first marriage, who
is also in California.
RICHARD A. DENTON, of Bloomington, was
born in Halifax County, Virginia, December 13, 1829.
He was a son of Benjamin Denton, also a native of
Virginia and a descendant of an old Virginia family,
dating back to Colonial days. Benjamin Denton was
a planter, raising corn and wheat, mostly, and was not a slave owner, from principle. Richard
A. began his business career at twelve years of age. From 1848 till 1861 he was in mer-
cantile business and from 1861-65 he was a cattle trader arid beef packer and shipper.
During the war he sold supplies to the government. After the war he removed to Linn
County, Kansas, and there engaged in ranching and also had a saw mill. He came to
California in 1896 and after spending three years in Los Angeles, located at Bloomington.
October 30, 1854, Mr. Denton married Miss Naomi P., daughter of Nathan and Jerusha
Lee. They have two daughters, Ella L., widow of John A. Young; Mollie R. is Mrs.
P. SQUIRES
Frank Ha
1, of Bloomington.
FRANK H. HARMON, of Bloomington, was born near Lacygne, Kansas. His father,
Oliver D. Harmon, was for several years U. S. Collector of Internal Revenue, later a
successful farmer and grocer, doing business at Lacygne. Frank H. grew up at Lacygne;
he received a common school education and while still very young became a brakeman
on the Missouri-Pacific Railroad. In 1888 he came to California and was employed by the
Santa Fe as conductor on the overland trains between San Bernardino and Barstow. He
has also served as conductor on the Southern Pacific and Oregon Short Line roads. In
June, 1903, he located permanently on his ranch at Bloomington.
Mr. and Mrs. Harmon are the parents of three children, Otto Denton, Mayme Comfort,
and Frank Chauncey.
DAVID B. ALVERSON. of Redlands, is a native of Troy, N. Y.. born November 29th,
1835, the son of Peter and Eliza Brockway Alverson. His father was a carriage maker by
trade and was car builder and master mechanic for the Hartford and New Haven Railroad
company. He built the first passenger coaches for that line. The family removed to New-
Haven "in 1S36 and David B. attended school there until 1846, when his father moved to
Buffalo, New York, and from thence to Milwaukee, Wis. Mr. Alverson located at Racine
Wis., in 1856, and with a brother engaged in carriage making. In 1861. he enlisted in Co.
720 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
B, 4th Wis. Infantry, later known as 4th Wis. Cavalry, and served with the army of the
Potomac, taking part in Butler's campaign and heing present at the capture of New Orleans,
the first attacks on Vicksburg and Baton Rouge. On account of disability he was discharged
in October, 1862, but soon after joined Solomon's Brigade band at Milwaukee, and served
until the close of the war, playing the B flat cornet. He returned to Chicago and for several
years traveled as a musician, playing in various bands.
He came to California in 1884 and located at Lugonia, where he secured twelve acres
of land. He still owns six and s half acres or. Church street and High avenue, where he has
his home. He has also followed the trade of carriage painting, since living in Redlands.
Mr. Alverson was married January 1st, 1S66, at Brooklyn, N. Y., to Miss Susan M.
Dodge. Mrs. Alverson died in March, 1892. One son, F. B. Alverson and a daughter.
Clara A., are living. Mr. Alverson is an active member of the G. A. R, belonging to the
G. A. R. Post here. No. 162 ; also a charter member of Centennial Lodge, No. 205, F. and
A. M., of Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
LOUIS' A. DESMOND, of Highland, was born at Wilmington, Will County, Illinois,
September 12, 1859. He was the son of Timothy and Hanna Fineran Desmond, his father
a native of New York City and a contractor and builder by trade. Louis A. received a
common school education in his native town and learned telegraphy. He became a fireman
on the Wabash road and was for fifteen years in the railway service. He came to Cali-
fornia in 1887, and was for four years station agent at Anaheim. He was the first agent
at Highland, opening the office August 17, 1891. There was then no town here, only two
houses in the place, — Wolsey residence and the S. L. Grow house were the only residences.
Mr. Desmond soon afterward started a lumber, hay and grain business. He has con-
tinued a resident of the town and one of its best known business men. He has been far
six years a member of the school board and is a leading member of the M. E. church and
superintendent of its Sabbath school. He has also been justice of the peace and notary
public.
In 1885 Mr. Desmond was married to Miss Cora, daughter of Mrs. L. V. Jones, now of
Highland, at Ritchie, 111. They have four living children, Edna, Mable, Argyle and Harold.
S. H. ADAMS, of Chino. was born in Sceneatalas, Onondago County, New York,
February 28, 1855. His father, William, and his mother, May Ellsburg Adams, were both
natives of England. His father was a carriage-maker by trade and made a specialty of fine
work — particularly in making cutters. He carried on this business in Onondago County for
many years. In 1849 he came to California and mined successfully in the placer diggings,
returning to New York state in 1858. Soon afterward he removed to Atchison County.
Kansas, where he took part in the exciting events that marked the early history of that
state. He died there April 29, 1889. His wife died December 15, 1895. They had three
children of whom S. H. Adams is the youngest.
S. H. Adams grew to manhood in the Kansas home. He first came to California i".
1887. In 1895, he returned to California to locate permanently. He first lived at Pasa-
dena, and in igoi, purchased twenty acres on the Chino grant and began making sub-
stantial improvements.
He was married, at Pomona, Cal., May 31, 1887, to Ida daughter of Zenas and Ruth
Bloom Hitchcock. They have two children, W. J., born March 19, 1890, and Geo. E..
horn October 10th, 1891.
FRANCIS W. CONRAD, Superintendent of the San Bernardino city schools, was born
in Prairie du Sac, Wis.. May 17. 1850. He was the son of Peter and Eliza J. Bennett Con-
rad. His father, a Baptist clergyman, was one of the early pioneers of Wisconsin, organiz-
ing the first Baptist church in the city of Milwaukee, and doing missionary work through-
out the state.
In 1859 the family removed to New York state. Returning to Wisconsin Mr. Conrad re-
mained there until his seventeenth year, then removed to Illinois. Here lie graduated from
the Graind Prairie Seminary and in 1874 graduated from the Illinois State Normal School
at Bloomington. He began teaching in the State Normal School of Castine, Mo., but re-
signed at the end of his first rear to join his parents in Santa Barbara. Gal., where his
father died in July, 1875. Hi. mother died in San Bernar lino in 1800. atred 82. Mr. Con-
rad taught at Santa Barbara and Montecito until 1801, six years of that time being city su-
perintendent of schools in Santa Barbara. In i& 1 Mr. Conrad came ti> Rialto and taught
there four years; he then came ; 1 San Bernardino, where he was nrinc'inal of the F-street
school for six years, and in 1503 was made city superintendent. He holds a High School
life diplomas in this state.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 721
Mr. Conrad married Miss Sarah W. Adams at Middleton, Conn., December 25, 1884.
Mrs. Conrad is a member of the Adams family of Massachusetts. They are the parents ot
five children, Horace M., George F., Stanley A., John P. and Mary S. Mr. and Mrs. Con-
rad are members of the Baptist church and he is a member of the Loyal Mystic Legion.
JONATHAN DOWNER, of Bloomington, was born at Hanover, Columbiana
county, Ohio, in 1836, the son of Zedock Downer, a blacksmith and manufacturer of
edged tools. He raised a family of sixteen children, of which Jonathan is the fourth,
He'grew up in Ohio and engaged in the lumber business and owned a saw mill. When the
war broke out he enlisted in the 104 Ohio Volunteers and was transferred into the quar-
termaster's department. He was in the 23d Corps under Gen. Sherman. He served two
years and ten months and was mustered out at Cleveland after the fall of Richmond.
He again engaged in the lumber milling business and at different times owned lumber
vards in Ohio Nebraska. Arkansas and Virginia. He sawed and shipped the lumber for
his house from Larana Peak, Wyoming. He was twice elected sheriff of Nickoll countv,
Nebraska. _ ... ™ . .,
He married Miss Sarah Johns who was born near Canton, Ohio. they knew the
McKinleys and Miss Saxton there. Mr. and Mrs. Downer have four children living and
seven dead. In 1892, Mr. Downer left Nebraska and came to California, where he located
at Bloomington. He has a beautiful ranch of twenty acres and is engaged in growing
oranges and apricots.
OLIVER A. ALLEN, of San Bernardino, was born at Chardon, Geauga county, Ohio,
October 5, 1850. the son of Ira and Rebecca Calkins Allen. He attended the public school
of Homer Michigan, to which place the family had removed, and there learned the trade
of blacksmith, which mav be termed a family trade, as his grandfather, father, several
brothers, himself, and now his son, have all followed this occupation. He worked at his
trade steadily while he remained in Michigan, with the exception of three years, when he
was employed in a wind mill manufactory at Albion, beginning as a blacksmith and closing
his connection with the establishment as superintendent. Mr. Allen came to San Bernar-
dino in 1884. He was employed three years by Mr.' Lehman, then purchased the business
which he has carried on with success and in the same location down to the present. He
is also the owner of considerable real estate in San Bernardino.
Mr Allen married Miss Rose Knapp, of Albion, Mich., September 20, 1872. Mrs. Allen
died in San Bernardino, November, 1889, leaving two children,— Edna and Byron W., who
is now a blacksmith in his father's shop. Later Mr. Allen married Miss Sarah Hiller,
of Litchfield, Mich. They are members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Allen is a
member of the Masonic Fraternity and of the San Bernardino Board of Trade.
Byron W .Allen served as a member of Co. "K," 7th Reg. United States Volunteers,
in the Spanish-American war, going out with the company as corporal and returning as
third seargeant. He has since served as lieutenant of the company.
HOWARD B. SMITH, of Colton, was born in the state of Wisconsin, in 1863. He
attended the schools of his native state and graduated from the University of Wisconsin
in 1S85. The next year he came to California and located at Colton where he entered the
employ of the First National Bank of Colton as assistant cashier in 1887. In 1888 he
became cashier of the bank, a position which he has since filled.
The REV JAMES FRANKLIN HAMILTON, formerly of Redlands. was born near
Zanesville Ohio, May 31, 1847. He was the son of Robert Hamilton, of Scotch birth, and
Marv Ibb'etson Hamilton, a native of England. He was educated at Princeton, and grad-
uated from Princeton Theological School in the spring of 1874- He became pastor of
what is now the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian church of Columbus, Ohio, and remained
until failing health compelled his removal to California in 1886. After a few months at
San Bernardino he located in Redlands in 1887 and purchased ten acres of land where
the present home is situated, on East Olive avenue. It was in his home that the First
Presbyterian church of Redlands was organized and he was the treasurer of the society
and bore the burden of the finances of the church for some vears. He often supplied the
pulpit also when vacancies occurred, even though his health was delicate and he was
phvsicallv unequal to the strain. , . , , TT •,
' He put up a building on Orange street and also erected what is known as the Hamilton
block on the corner of State and Fifth streets. He was interested in everything per-
taining to the welfare of Redlands and took a deep concern in the work of the Y. M. L. A
He died October 9, 1899.
722 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
He was married, December IS, 1874, at Zanesville, Ohio, to Miss Matilda C, daughter
of Robert and Sarah Leader Hazlett. Mrs. Hamilton was a native of Cincinnati, O., and
was educated at private school, and the Mclntyre Academy. They were the parents of
four children of whom two survive, Mrs. R. R. Richey, of Redlands, and Miss Sara L.,
at home.
JOHN P. FISK, of Redlands, was born in Beloit, Wis., September 11, 1857. He was
educated in the public and High schools of that city and graduated from Beloit College with
the class of 1880. After teaching for several years he took an additional course of study and
then became a teacher in the Academical department of Beloit College. The close con-
finement of this work injured his health and after traveling in the south for a time, Mr.
Fisk came to California and located at Riverside in November, 1885. In 1887 he removed
to Redlands and began his business career in this city as a real estate and insurance agent.
When the Union Bank building was completed Mr. Fisk opened in it the first office in a
permanent building in the city. In the first year, beside many other sales, he effected the
sale of the Terrace Villa hotel to Messrs. Hubbard and Lambeth; sold the Barton tract
of 1,150 acres to a Los Angeles syndicate, for $300,000, and purchased the sites of the two
depots. Since that date he has been continuously and actively engaged in business, having
handled a large amount of real estate and been a factor in some of the largest deals in
the community. He also handles a large insurance and loan business and acts as agent
for many non-residents. ■
Mr. Fisk was married in 1890 to Mrs. Elizabeth H. Eddy. He is a member of the Con-
gregational church and has always been active in Y. M. C. A. work. He has held many-
positions of trust and been prominent in the social and municipal growth of the city.
W. H. BEAN, of San Bernardino, is the only child of L. B. and Mary J. (Hobbs)
Bean. He was born in Kentucky, August 1878. Here his early school days were passed and
after removing to Phoenix, Arizona, where the family resided one year, in 1893 they came
to California and settled at Redlands, where his father still resides.
Mr. W. H. Bean is a graduate of the Redlands High school, and also a graduate of
the Northern Indiana Normal Institute at Valparaiso. At this latter institution he at-
tained the honors of his class, graduating with highest percentage in three of the five
studies, and in a class of four hundred students. He came to San Bernardino in 1896.
and in' partnership with S. S. Stephens established the firm of Bean & Stephens, grocers.
In April, 1899. this was changed to L. B. Bean & Co.
On December 24th, 1900, Mr. Bean married Miss Eva Gaylord of Redlands. Mr.
Bean is president of the Connis Club and a member of the Arrow Head Club.
WILLIAM J. BODENHAMER, of Uplands, was born at Springfield, Mo., July 5.
1842. He was the son of Captain W. Bodenhamer, a farmer and stock-raiser of Mis-
souri, and a native of Tennessee. William J. prepared for college but in the excitement
that prevailed in Missouri previous to the breaking out of the civil war he joined the
Union League of Webster county, an organization which later developed into a union
regiment. Mr. Bodenhamer, with others of his associates, were members _ of the _6th
Missouri Cavalry. In 1862 he was appointed captain, of Company E, 8th Missouri Cav-
alry. Later he served as major in the same regiment, west of the Mississippi river, in the
army of the Frontier and in the Seventh Army Corps. He was frequently wounded and
lost several horses in action. He was mustered out with honors in 1865. After farming
for a year or two at Springfield and engaging in the manufacture of tobacco, he was
appointed Receiver of the United States Land Office. At the same time he was extensively
engaged in personal business affairs incident to the rapid growth of the city of Springfield.
In 1883 he came to California and invested extensively in the colony of Ontario. He
has since that time made a special study of the development of water in California and
has been connected with some of the important water developments of this section.
JAMES H. YERKES, of Highland, was born in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, August
12. I?s6. the son of Hu=ton and Catherine Lesher Yerkes, both natives of Pennsylvania
and of Dutch descent. Mr. Yerkes' father was a miller by trade and owned a mill. The
son remained in Pennsylvania until 1876 then went to Colorado where he acted as manager
for the Marshall-Cole Mining Co.'s store for three years. He then engaged in business
for himself, carrying on a grocery store at Louisville, Colorado, and later acted as manager
and cashier for different Denver houses. In 1892 he came to Los Angeles as representa-
tive for the Allen Bros.' Co., fruit packers and shippers, and in the winter of 1893-4
• located at Highland in the interests of the same firm. He built a packing house and
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 723
managed it for about four years. In 1898 lie took charge as manager for the Highland
Orange Growers' Association and put up one of the best packing houses in the county.
This he managed for two years. He was afterward agent for the Earl Fruit Company
until the formation of the Citrus Union which merged the exchanges and larger packing
Mr. Yerkes was married in 1883 to Miss Emma Alice, daughter of Philetu^ and
Phoebe Choate. of Philadelphia. They are the parents of two sons, Claude Lafayette and
Marcellus Reed, both born in Colorado.
HON H. M. PARTON, of San Bernardino, was born at San Gabriel, Cal., December
18, 1856. He is the son of Dr. Ben Barton, a sketch and portrait of whom appears in this
work. His school days were passed principally at Old San Bernardino, attending a private
school at the old Miss;on After leaving school he engaged in ranching and fruit grow-
ing for twelve years ; then disposed of his property and moved into the City of San Bernar-
dinx In 1886 Mr. Barton was elected member of the state legislature to represent San
Bernardino county; and has been a member of the city council one term.
Mr. Barton has been twice married; his first wife Miss Ida Hawes, of San Jose, Cal.,
died in 1887. His second wife was Miss Florence Gibson, of San Bernardino. They have
two children— Bessie F. Barton, and Clara M. Barton.
Mr. Barton is largely interested in ranch and fruit lands in the county, and his time
fully occupied superintending his own property interests. He is president of the San
Bernardino Hotel Association, owners of the Stewart Hotel property. He was a charter
member of the Native Sons Parlor of this city, but is not at present connected withithe
organization. Mr. and Mrs. Barton attend the M. E. church, of which Mrs. Barton is a
member.
O. H. KOHL, of San Bernardino, was born in Centralia, Illinois, June 28. 1863, the
son of Ferdinand Kohl. His father was a native of Germany who came to this country
when a young man. He located in Centralia and was one of the founders of the Old
National Bank of Centralia and served as its cashier for forty years. He had five sons, all
of whom were schooled in the banking business. Two of them, O. H. and Walter, came to
California and located permanently, purchasing the Harlem Motor Road and Harlem
Springs. O. H. Kohl married Miss Emma, daughter of John Andreson, Sr., of San
Bernardino, in 1890. They have one daughter, Helen. The Kohl brothers live in San
Bernardino.
WALTER KOHL, was born May 29, 1870, at Centralia, Illinois, and married Miss
Frances, daughter of John Andreson, Sr., of San Bernardino, Nov. 1, 1890.
GEORGE H. BARKER, of Chino. was born in Kendall county, Illinois, September
16, 1856, the son of William Barker, a farmer, who died in 1858. The son grew up in his
native place on a farm and at the age of sixteen began to take care of himself. He resided
in Kendall and Grundy counties until he came to California in 1887. He was engaged in
grocery business in San Bernardino, Redlands and Pomona until about 1900, when he
located in Chino. He is now a resident of Los Angeles.
Mr. Barker married Mrs. Mary Farrell, whose maiden name was Bundy, in 1895.
They have one son, George. Mr. Barker is a member of the Masonic lodge at Redlands,
LEMUEL PARKER, of Del Rosa, was born in the Province of Quebec, Canada, July
23, 1837. His father was Alfred C. Parker, a farmer in the township of Compton.
Mr. Parker lived on his father's fart* until sixteen, then went to Wisconsin and en-
gaged in farming there until the outbreaking of the civil war. He enlisted in the 13th
Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and served throughout the war. He was in the army of the
Cumberland under Rosecians and Sherman. After the fall of Richmond and the sur-
render of Lee, Mr. Parker went to Texas under Sheridan. After some campaigning in that
state he was discharged at Victoria on account of disability and returned to Wisconsin.
Later he went to Iowa and purchased a farm in Deleware county, where he lived until he
came to California in 1892. He purchased at Del Rosa, ten acres of J. M. Steen and now
devotes himself to citrus culture. He is a member of the G. A.- R., having been a charter
member of Henry Howard Post, at Strawberry Point, Iowa. He is also a Mason.
In 1867 Mr. Parker was married at Albany, Wis., to Miss Adaline, daughter of Philip
A. Strong. They have one son living at Del Rosa, George H. He is married and has
two children, Fred L. and Marion.
724 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
DWIGHT B. BAILEY, of Rialto, was born in Ashtabula county, Ohio, November 9,
1837, the son of Andrew and Emily Goodrich Bailey. His father was a native of New
York state who removed to Ohio in 1829 and became a settler of Ashtabula county. He was
a mechanic and a manufacturer of wood work, building material, pumps, etc. He patented
the first mortising machines and the first rotary pump in the United States.
Dwight B. Bailey lived in his native county until his twenty-third year. He was edu-
cated at the Grand River Institute and was admitted to the Ohio bar as attorney in i860.
He then went to Waukesha county. Wisconsin, where he taught school. In 1863, he settled
at Appleton, Wis., where he engaged in a general merchandise business and remained for
thirty-three years. He has been for thirty years a member and an officer of the Temple of
Honor and has held the office of Most Worthy Templar of the World and Grand Worthy
Templar of Wisconsin. He was made Most Worthy Templar at New York in 1892 and
was re-elected at St. John, N. B., in 1894,— the only head that ever succeeded himself since
the organization of the order in 1845.
Mr. Bailey has been for thirty years a member and officer of the Royal Arcanum. He
was one of the charter members of the United Order of Foresters, which was organized
in Waukesha, Wis., in 1894. He was one of the ten members to put up $1,000 each to pay
off the first losses. The order now has a reserve fund of $132,000.
In 1863, Mr. Bailey married Miss Delia Spencer, in Appleton, Wis. They had four
sons and one daughter. In 1885 he married a second time. Miss Hattie Payzant, by
whom he has one daughter. Ralph Waldo Bailey is president of the Ornamental Iron and
Brass Works, 108-120 Ord street. Los Angeles; Charles is a printer in Los Angeles;
Andrew is a dentist at Menominee, Mich.; D. B. Bailey, Jr., is secretary and treasurer of
the Ornamental Iron and Brass Works, Los Angeles., Ruth is the wife of Charles Barnes,
of Boulder. Colorado, and Nellie May is at home. In 1899 Mr. Bailey came to Cahtorma
and located at Rialto where he purchased a twenty-acre orange ranch.
HENRY L. McLAIN, of Del Rosa, was born in Hollidaysburg, Penn., July 19, 1845.
the son of James McLain, a prominent business man of that place. Mr. McLain learned
the trade of architect and builder and was supervising architect for Los Angeles. He came
to California in 1888, and after coming to this vicinity, in 1890, built the first house, with
the exception of a couple of adobes in West Highlands, for Dr. Thompson. Mr. Mc-
Lain now has twenty-six acres in lemons and devotes his attention to citrus culture. He has
also a fine stock of poultry.
He was married at Pittsburg, Penn., in 1869, To Miss Mary D. Blood, daughter of Rev.
Francis Blood, an Englishman by birth; they have two children. Francis G., a carpenter and
builder in Redlands, and Belle, now Mrs. Ernest L. Howell, of San Bernardino. The fami'y
are members of the Methodist church at Del Rosa.
CLARENCE W. BURGESS, of San Bernardino, was born at Rockford, 111. , Nov. 22.
1859, the son of David and Laura A. Hall Burgess. His father was a mill-wright by trade.
He served during the civil war as a private, in Co., "K", 92d, 111., Inf., and also in the Mis-
sissippi Squadron operations, under General's Grant and Banks. At the close of the war,
the family moved to Iowa, and in 1870 came to California, setting at Cortland. As a boy.
he was employed as a herder and did other work on the ranch. He then entered the
Railway shops, at Sacramento, and worked five years as a machinist's apprentice,
after which he worked at his trade at various points in California and Arizona. In 1884, he
entered the U. S. Navy, and was assigned to the Flagship "Hartford," then cruising along
the South American Coast. When the ship was ordered home, Mr. Burgess remained, and
for four years worked on railroads in Peru, and on steamboats along the Peruvian coast.
He then went to England and shipped in the merchant service as a marine. He thus visited
India, Java, China and the Mediterranean ports, and in course of his sailor's life went
around the giobe six and a half times. Mr. Burgess came to San Bernardino in Dec. 1891.
He first worked for the Santa Fe Co. at Needles, until 1894, when he came to San Bernar-
dino, ana begun making oil burners for the company, and was four years and a half em-
ployed as oil expert in the Santa Fe shops. In 1898, he started in business for himself,
opening a bicycle and repair shop, at first on Court street, since removed to Third street,
where he carries on a thriving business. The same year he joined the San Bernardino Fire
Department, and was for two years "call man" and was then elected Assistant Foreman.
Dec. 31, 1893, Mr. Burgess married Miss Addie A. Spaulding. a teacher of the San
Bernardino schoois. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., Knights of Pythias, Phoenix Lodge.
F. & A. M.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 725
Dr. JAMES P. BOOTH, was bprn May 17, 1847. at Eufaula, Alabama. He was the son
of Judge John P. Booth, of the Circuit Court Bench, of Ala., and Martha R. W. Hodges-
Booth. His father was prominent in his state in ante-bellum days, — a man of brilliant intel-
lectual acquirements, an eloquent speaker, and highly esteemed in his profession.
Br. James P. Booth, received his early education in Alabama, and matriculated at
Georgetown College, near Washington, D. C. In 1861, on the breaking out of the civil war,
he withdrew from this college, and completed his classical course at Spring Hill College,
near Mobile, Ala. Upon completeing his course, he enlisted with nine other students of the
institution, in what was known as "Tobin's Battery of Flying Artillery,"' in the Confederate
army. Tlv history of this battery is one of thrilling interest. It was almost annihilated
during the ear!} years of the war, and was then recruited near Mobile, with the best and
bravest of Alabama's younger sons. During Dr. Booth's service it was principally en-
gaged hi patrol duty along the Alabama and Florida Coast.
After ihe war. Dr. Booth removed to Texas, and in 1868 began the study of medicine
with Dr. Greenville Dowell, an eminent surgeon and medical authority of the state. On
completing his studies, Dr. Booth entered upon the active practice of his profession. Later
he entered the newspaper field, as managing editor of the Forth Worth Democrat, associatec
with B. E. Paddock. Afterwards Dr. Booth established the "Evening Star" of Fort Worth
He sold his interest in this paper, and went to New Mexico, where he settled at Las Cruces
and practiced medicine : he was here elected as Representative of his district in the Terri-
torial Legislative Assembly. He also founded the Messilla County Democrat, of Las
Cruces.
Dr. Booth came to Needles, Cal.. in 1887, as local surgeon of the A. & P. Ry. Co.,
under Gen. Surgeon Aubright. and continued in this position until 1900. In 1892, lie wai
elected sheriff of San Bernardino county, and served a two years term. This election may
be taken as evidence of his popularity, as he received a majority of 300 votes, on the Demo-
cratic ticket, while the republican county ticket received a majority of 1,100 votes.
Dr. Booth, married Miss Kate Byrne, at Galveston, Texas, June 23, 1871. They have a
family of five children, — Alice Booth Lawler, Jerome, James, Leo and Paul. Dr. and Mrs.
Booth are members of the Roman Catholic church. Dr. Booth is prominent as a Knight
of Pythias, having been Chancellor Commander of the Lodge at Needles. He is an en-
thusiast in his profession, and belongs to the County Medical Association*, the Southern
California Association and the American Medical Association.
THOMAS H. LACKEY, of Rialto, is a native of Ottawa. Canada, born March 27.
1852. His father, Averill Lackey, was a Canadian by birth, and a farmer. William H.
learned the carpenter trade and later became manufacturing confectioner, and a wholesale
and retail fruit dealer.
In 1864 he joined a body of 382 men, who went from Canada as boatmen, and formed
a part of the expedition led by Gen. Wolsey, in Egypt, for the relief of Gen. Gordon, who
was in the Egyptian Soudan. The party were away for nine months, and twenty of the
men died of disease or were drowned.
About 1886 Mr. Lackey came to California, and located at San Bernardino, where he
worked as a carpenter. Later he purchased a ranch at Rialto. He is now president of
the Cal. Gem Mining Co., which owns valuable gem claims, twenty-five miles northwest of
Barstow. Their mines yield especially fine opals of rainbow hues, white black, green and
amber.
Mr. Lackey was married in 1873 to Miss Mary Wise. They have three children, Julia,
Mrs. Frank Lingo; Albert and Rubia. Mr. Lackey is a member of the Knights of Macca-
bees, Rialto.
CHARLES H. BOHANNON, of Rialto, was born near Sedalia. Mo., in 1854. He
followed the occupation of railroad telegrapher, in Missouri until 1885. In the spring of
1886 he came to California and was appointed station agent for the S. P. Ry. C, and re-
tained that position until he was made station agent at Rialto, by the Santa Fe Co.. in
1889. During the same time he was agent for the Newport Lumber Co.. in Rialto. In 1895.
he engaged in the grocery business, and in 1899, formed a partnership with W. H. Martin,
whose interests in the business he purchased the next year.
In 1883, Mr. Bohannon married Miss Lulu Masters, of Cooper Co. Mo. They are mem-
bers of the Methodist church, and Mrs. Bohannon is active in W. C. T. U. work. He is
a member of the Order of the Mystic Legion, also of the Fraternal Brotherhood, and of
the Maccabees.
726 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
MRS. ELLEN BROWN SEYMOUR, of Redlands, was born in Norfolk, Litchfield
County Connecticut, April II, 1832. Her great grandfather was a direct descendant of
Peter Brown, one of the colonists who came over on the Mayflower. She was educated in
the common schools, and the academy of her native town, and when only sixteen, began
teaching school. In 1853, sne was married at Norfolk to R. H. Seymour. After the loss
of her husband in 1864, she went to Hampton, Virginia, and became a teacher in the In-
dustrial department of General Armstrong's school. She later taught at Hilton Head,
South Carolina, and Wilmington, North Carolina. Returning to New England, she was
engaged as matron of a school kept in the old Jonathan Edwards house, in Stockbridge,
Massachusetts, until she began the study of medicine under Dr. Hamilton, at Saratoga,
New York. In 1871 she entered the medical department of the Woman's College in New
York City, and graduated two years later. After practicing for some years in New Britian,
Conn., she came to Redlands, in 1881, thus becoming one of the first settlers in the new
colony, then scarcely organized. On Nov. 26, 1882, Mrs. Seymour opened the Prospect
House, the first hotel, or boarding house in Redlands. Mrs. Seymour tells many inter-
esting stories of the conditions and early life in this new country. She took an active
part in the social life of the community. She was one of those who canvassed for funds
for the Terrace church, the first built in this end of the valley, and secured $600 for that
purpose. She was one of the original directors of the Redlands Water Company, and was
the first physician in the community. Mrs. Seymour is one of the pioneer women of Red-
lands, who is loved and respected by the entire community.
FRED H. BAILLIE, of San Bernardino, was born in Wayne county, Penn., April 12,
1864. His father, David Baillie, was born in Edinburg, Scotland, and his mother, Margaret
Garrity Baillie, in Dublin, Ireland.
Mr. Baillie received a good education, finishing with a business course and then learned
the business of decorator and paper-hanger from his father who was an expert in that line.
In 1895 he removed from Grand Island, Nebraska, and located in Los Angeles. He was em-
ployed by the L. A. & Redondo Railway and in 1897 he came to San Bernardino to take a
position as coach pamter with the Santa Fe.
In 1898, he purchased an interest in a wall paper and paint store under the firm name
of Parsons and Baillie and in 1900 purchased the entire business, which he still carries on
with success. Mr. Baillie is a member of the K. of P., and Knights of Maccabees.
ENOCH K. PARRISH was torn near Brownsville, Jefferson Co., N. Y., April 6, 1835,
the son of Ezra Parrish, a ship corker by trade and also a farmer. The family left New
York state early in the thirties and located in Hancock county, Illinois. They crossed the
plains to Salt Lake in 1850 and came to San Bernardino Valley in i860. Enoch Parrish had
come to San Bernardino in 1857 engaged in freight and trading between San Bernardino
and Salt Lake for a time and in 1867 located in the Yucaipe valley. His father died at his
home here in 1883, aged seventy-eight.
Mr. Parrish now owns 327 acres of mountain and fruit lands. He was married in 1863
to Susan M., daughter of Richard Merchant, of San Bernardino, and they have seven chil-
dren, living at home and in Redlands.
DR. WILLIAM CRAIG, late of Crafton, was born in Northumberland county, Penn-
sylvania, January 2nd, 1818. In June of the following year his family removed to Clark
county, Ohio, where he received a limited education in the common schools of the day. Dur-
ing his nineteenth year he went to Muncie, Indiana, where he began teaching school and
the study of medicine. To complete his medical course he entered Starling Medical College
at Columbus, Ohio, and received his degree in March, 1849. After practicing a short time
in Ohio, he removed to Winchester, Indiana, where he was for five years a druggist and a
-.tationer, as well as a practicing physician. He then returned to Muncie and engaged in the
('rug and book business and in manufacturing "Craig's Baking Powder and Flavoring Ex-
tracts."
In the fall of 1870 he sold out and started for California. He located on the ground
where Riverside now stands, November and, 1870, and soon afterward built the first hotel
in that place, which was opened in January, 1871. In April, 1873, he purchased the ranch
in Crafton where he resided at the time of his death. He leased the hotel at Riverside and
the family removed to the ranch where they lived until 1876, when they returned to Riverside
and took charge of the hotel until its destruction by fire in 1880. Dr. Craig then returned
to his ranch and made this his premanent home, expending much energy and care in creat-
ing an ideal ranch property.
Dr. Craig was made a Mason in 1849 and has filled almost every station from Tyler tc
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 727
Eminent Commander. He was the first Eminent Commander of Muncie Commandery No
18, and his services were so distinguished and so appreciated that this hody ever afterward
declined to accept any dues from him. When he first came to California he was frequently
called upon to assist in the work of the Los Angeles chapter, as he was the only Mason in
this part of the country at that time in possession of the High Priest's work. In 1879, Ever-
green Lodge, Riverside, was formed and Dr. Craig was chosen Worshipful Master and filled
that chair until his removal from the town. He retained his membership in this lodge until
1890 when he became one of the charter members of Redlands Lodge No. 300. On the
completion of his fiftieth year as a Mason his lodge presented him with a fitting testimonial
of their regard for him. He was also a member of Redlands Chapter, R. A. M., and St.
Bernard Commandery, San Bernardino. He was a member of the order of Melchisedek, ad-
mission to which is restricted to those Masons who have actually passed through the chaif
of the High Priest and performed the work of the same. He had attained the highest de-
gree of the York Rite.
Dr. Craig held the office of elder in the Presbyterian church for more than fifty years.
He helped to organize the Presbyterian church of San Bernardino and aided in building
the Congregational church of Riverside. He assisted in organizing the Arlington Presby-
terian church and was active in the formation and support of his church in Redlands.
In March, 1839, Dr. Craig was married at Muncie, Indiana, to Miss Joanna G. Moore,
who died the following October. March 30th, 1846, he was married to Miss Charlotte A.
Moses, who still survives him. There are living a son, Scipio Craig, of Redlands, and two
daughters, Mrs. C. R. Paine, of Crafton, and Mrs. C. J. Crafts, of Redlands.
Dr. Craig died very suddenly at his home in Crafton, July 25, 1903. He was buried
with all the honors of the Masonic Ritual and in the presence of a large assembly of the
friends and neighbors who had loved and honored him.
CALVIN BAKER was born in Renssalaer county, New York, May 28, 1852. He is the
son of Jonas Baker and Lucy Dodge Baker. Mr. Baker passed his school days and lived in
the state of New York until his removal to San Bernardino, June 1, 1896. His father was
a lumberman and sawyer and he was brought up in that business, and has been in the lum-
ber business all his life. He shipped his machinery from the east and set up his mill in
the San Bernardino mountains about three miles north of Squirrel Inn, on the Arrowhead
road, and three miles east of the Guernsey mill. He employs twenty-five men and manu-
factures material for making boxes.
Mr. Baker married Miss Hattie A. Link of Saratoga county. New York. June 18, 1872.
Their family consists of two daughters and one son: Cora, Annie and Harold R. J. Baker.
The family attend the Baptist church.
WILLIAM WALLACE, of Los Angeles, is a native of Ohio, born near Fairview,
Guernsey county, January 25, 1833, the son of Thomas and Jane Hutchinson Wallace. He
attended the public schools in the vicinity and grew to manhood here. In 1852 his father
came to California and engaged in mining with fair success. He was one of the pioneer
settlers of Downieville, this state. The son did not come to California until 1862, then he
came and remained until 1867 when he returned east. In 1873 he again came to California
and for fourteen years was engagd in freighting between Downieville, Marysville and For-
est City. He came to Southern California about 1887 and located at Highland where he owns
a ten acre vineyard.
Mr. Wallace was married in 1869 to Miss Mary E., daughter of Hugh Gemmell, in
Cass county, Missouri. Mrs. Wallace was a native of New York city and her family dates
back to the early history of that city. They have five children, Carrie, Mrs. James Milliken,
of San Francisco; Cora B., Mrs. H. H. Linville, of Highland; Addie I., a school teacher;
William H. and Earle, at home.
JOHN D. CUNNINGHAM was born at San Bernardino November 4th, 1854, where he
lived until the family took up their residence on his ranch at the Azusa. In 1895, he located
on the Chino Grant, near the town of Chino, where he owns a valuable farm of 20 acre's,
and is known as one of the substantial citizens of that place.
Mr. Cunningham was twice married, his first wife being Minnie, a daughter of Warner
Johnson, a pioneer of Banning. Their marriage was solemnized at San Fernando in 1879.
His first wife died in 1890, leaving three children, Archibald L., Walter N. and Clarence
C. April 14th, 1894, he married Miss Alice M. Hamilton, and by this union there are two
children, Gladys M. and William J.
728 HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY
W. J., or "JACK," BLAIR, of San Bernardino county, was born in Missouri, February
27th, 1S85, the son of Thomas B. and Sarah Downing Blair. The family crossed the plains
with an ox team to California in 1864 and "Jack" Blair's school days were passed in the
saddle on the frontier.
In 1885. Mr. Blair came to San Bernardino county and has since spent most of his
time in prospecting on the desert. He has made many good locations, being one of the
original locators of oil lands and instrumental in starting the movement for the develop-
ment of the oil industry in Southern California. In 1900, Mr. Blair went to Cape Nome,
Alaska, and remained one year. He has been interested in politics and had the honor t"
be the defeated candidate for member of the State Legislature in 1898. He is a "good fellow,'1
genial, good hearted, and always happy and lias a host of friends. He is a member of the
Masonic Fraternity.
HENRY H. JONES, deceased, was for a time a resident of Highland. He was bom
in Hopetown, Ohio. July 7. 1832, the son of John Jones, a farmer. Mr. Jones farmed for
many years in Will county, [llinois. In 1885. he visited California and purchased twenty
acres at Highland. In 1887. he returned with his family and located at Highland where he
lived until his death. Mr. June- was a member of the Methodist church and donated the
'and on which the church is built in Highland.
November 1st. '1855. Mr. Jones married Miss Linda Victoria, (laughter of Anson Pack-
ard, at Wilmington. Will county. Illinois. Her father was a native of Salem, Massachusetts,
and was a stock dealer and farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Jones had seven children, all but two of
whom reside in California.
William H., lives at Highland; Fannie M. is Mrs. Irwin C. Morgan, of Ritchie, Will
county, [llinois; Bertha R. is Mrs. William Leasure, of the same place; Cora E. is Mrs
L. A." DeMiv.'iid. of Highlands; Mable C. Mrs. John A. Inglehart. Highland; Charles A.,
and Vinnie Maud. Mrs Eugene Barnes, of Highland,
JAMES R. BROWN, Chino, was bom in County Donegal, Ireland. 1833. His parents
were both of Scotch-Irish descent. His father. Win. C. Brown, emigrated with his family
of three children to America in 1835 and located in Beaver county Pennsylvania. Here his
parents both died. James R. lift Pennsylvania in 1857 and first located near Leavenworth,
Kansas, where he farmed. Later he mined and engaged in freighting and in lumbering
in Colorado and Idaho. He came to California and settled near Los Angeles where he en-
gaged in the dairying business until 1897. He then came to Chino where he carries on a
dairy and grain farm.
In 1882, he married Mrs. Sarah (Franklin) Smith, of Los Angeles. They have four
children, Alfred R., Elmer, Ruth and Roy L.
S. F. BROOKS, of Colton, was born in Clinton county. New York, September 7th.
1S48. He was the son of Schuyler Brooks, a native of Massachusetts, who removed to New
York early in the thirties and. following his trade of cabinet maker, owned and operated
a chair factory on the Black River. S. F. Brooks left his bonie at an early age and joined
a brother who was engaged in the freighting business at Whitehall. New York, remaining
with him about six years. From there he went to Michigan where he lived about twenty
years and was engaged in the lumber business in the vicinity of Newaygo county. He came
to California in 1887 and located at Colton.
Mr. Brooks married Evelyn A. Strobridge, daughter of James Strobridge, a pioneer
lumberman of Hesperia, White River, Michigan, July 21st, 1872.
E. I. MARTIN, of Redlands, was born in Iowa. April 4th, 1869. He is the son of
I. N. Martin and Mary A. (Johnson) Martin. He has one brother, W. B. Martin, resid-
ing in Redlands.
Mr. Martin received bis early education in the state of Iowa, finishing at the Western
Normal College. Shenandoah, wdiere he graduated from the Commercial department. His
first work after leaving school was in a nursery at Shenandoah, where he thoroughly learned
the business. In partnership with another young man he went into the nursery business,
starting in a small way. The venture proving successful the business was gradually en-
larged until they were able to purchase an old established nursery business, which they
continued until 1892. In that year Mr. Martin came to Southern California, and in January.
1893, located at East Redlands. He engaged in the nursery business, and is now the owner
of five nurseries, besides operating a sales yard. He has the largest nursery stock in South-
ern California: owning a nursery at West Redlands. Lugonia Park, E. Redlands and two
at Crafton. Mr. Martin has lately interested himself in real estate, purchasing quite ex-
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 7:29
tensively. He is a member of the Foresters and has been Chief Ranger of the Redlands
Lodge, and also deputy and state deputy. He is a member of the Y. M. C. A.
Mr. Martin takes an active interest in politics. While he is independent, he has gener-
ally affiliated with the Democratic party, having been president of the Redlands Democratic
Club, and a delegate to the Democratic county and state conventions.
CAPTAIN JOHN F. BRENNER, of Colton, was born in 1827, in Clearfield county,
Pennsylvania. His father was a shoemaker at the State College of Boalsburg, Center
county, but the son followed farming" until the breaking out of the Civil War, when he en-
listed, first in 13th Ohio Infantry, and later 148th Pennsylvania Infantry, of which Ex-
Governor Beaver was colonel. He entered the regiment as a sergeant and was discharged
as captain of Company "C." He participated in thirty-one battles, including Gettysburg
and was severely wounded in the foot.
About 1884, Captain Brenner came to California on account of his wife's health. In
1854, he married Mary Sowers and of this union two children were born, Nancy Elizabeth,
the wife of Rev. Mr. Smock, of Penfield, New York, and Elmer T., a jeweler of Colton.
MATTHEW BUSH CANTWELL, of San Bernardino, was born in Terre Haute, In-
diana, September 8th, 1833, the son of Samuel and Frances Bush Cantwell. His father was
a mechanic and builder. About 1836 the family moved to Inn county, Missouri, where Mat-
thew grew to manhood and attended the common schools. He learned the trade of wheel-
wright and cabinet maker. In 1849 the family removed to Texas where they lived in Den-
ton county and later in Fannin county. Here Mr. Cantwell was married to Miss Louis 1
Logsden, of Illinois. In 1861, partly on account of his strong abolition sentiments, Mr.
Cantwell with his family joined a party consisting of sixty-three wagons and about 103
able bodied men, many of them with families, which was made up at Bonham, Texas, and
which proceeded overland by way of Mexico to Tucson. Arizona, thence to California, ar-
riving in San Bernardino in October, 1861. The party drove oxen and had started with a
large band of horses and cattle, many of which were stolen by Indians en route. They met
with more than the usual difficulties of overland travelers, as they lost their trail through
an ignorant guide and were caught in a storm in a canon where a cloudburst did great dam-
age. Many wagons were overturned, two of the party killed and one crippled. Mountain
fever broke out in the party and three were buried at the foot of the fatal canon. There
'were thirty-three deaths among the party on the journey, one being the young son of Mr.
Cantwell.
Mr. Cantwell worked at his trade in San Bernardino for a couple of years after his
arrival then went to Tulare county where he remained four years. Returning south he spent
five years on the peat lands in the Los Bolsas district. He filed a claim for a homestead in
what is now Riverside county and lived on it for two years then returned to his old home
in San Bernardino where he has resided ever since. Mr. and Mrs. Cantwell are the parents
of seven living children, who are all married and residents of Southern California.
E. J. BRIGGS was born in Kansas City. Missouri, December 1. 1878, the son of Caleb
Briggs, a blacksmith, and Betsy Heacock Briggs. He is one of a family of ten children,
eight living and all residents of San Bernardino valley, with exception of a brother in
Arizona.
Mr. Briggs attended the public schools of Rialto until 1893, when the family removed
to Colton, but after a few months returned to Rialto where they purchased a twenty acre
lemon ranch which is still in possession of the family. After leaving school Mr. Briggs
went to work in a grocery store belonging to his brother, in Colton. He next came to
San Bernardino and entered the employ of Russel & Dodson, and later for J. B. Parazette ;
then for Russel Bros. At the end of that time he was able to engage in business for himself,
and opened a grocery store in the old Base Line store on D street, where he is building
up a prosperous business, and laying the foundation for a successful future. Mr. Briggs is
a member cf the K. O. T. M.
GEORGE JORDAN, of San Bernardino, was born in Germany, July 1;. 1841. He was
the only child of George and Caroline Thiel Jordan. His father was .1 watchmaker and the
family came to New York in 1854. After remaining in that city two year- they removed to
Columbus. Georgia, where the father obtained employment a- watch-maker in a jeweln
store and the son was apprenticed to another firm to learn the trade of watchmaking. There
he learned his trade and remained about ten years, until the death of his father; then,
shotrtly after, about 1861 with his mother, he returned to Germany. After a stay of two
years in Hamburg, where he followed his chosen trade, he came back to the United States,
73 J HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
and in 1867 accepted a position with a San Francisco jewelry house, which concern he even-
tually succeeded. He remained in the jewelry business in San Francisco twenty years, then
removed his business to San Bernardino and is now a resident of Los Angeles.
Mr. Jordan married Miss Elizabeth Lyle in San Francisco in 1884. They are the
parents of two children, Walter and Helen. Mr. Jordan is a member of the Redland lodge
of Elks, the I. O. O. Fi, Royal Arcanum and A. O. U. W. He is a member of the Uni-
tarian church.
JAMES BLAIR BLEDSOE, of Halleck, was born in Lavaca county, Texas, August
16, 1858, the son of Joseph H. and Mary J. Bledsoe. His father was a Kentuckian by birth
and a descendant of an old and influential family which dates back to the Revolutionary per-
iod. The family came overland to California in 1858 and after a short stay in San Bernar-
dino went north and located in Oregon. About 1870 the family returned to San Bernardino
county and since that time several of the sons have been well known residents of the county.
J. B. Bledsoe lived in Ventura county until 1878 then located on the Mojave where he has
since resided, being one of the stock men of that district. He has acted as a member of the
school board and has been a deputy sheriff, taking an active part in ridding the coun-
try of cattle thieves, etc.
■Mr. Bledsoe is a Mason, San Bernardino Lodge, F. and A. M., Valley Lodge, No. 27,
Knights of Pythias, Rathbone Sisters and Gate Chapter of the Eastern Star.
ROBERT JOHNSTON MARTIN, of Colton, was born December 14, 1841, at Green-
field, Mercer county, Pa. His father, Thomas Martin, was a merchant and farmer ; his
mother, Ann Johnstone Martin, was the daughter of a clergyman. When Robert Martin
was nineteen years of age he removed from Pennsylvania to Iowa, and soon afterwards
enlisted in the 31st. Iowa Valunteer Infantry, and served with that regiment two years
in the Red River country, and forty-two days in front of Vicksburg, closing his military
service with the flag raising at Appomatox court-house. In 1866, Mr. Martin married Miss
Lizzie L. Fox, a sister of the late Dr. Fox of Colton. He engaged in teaching school, and
was a deputy sheriff of Jasper county, Iowa, until his departure for California in 188.3.
Three years after locating in Colton, Mrs. Martin died, leaving two daughters; Sadie A.,
now the wife of W. A. Reed, of Telluride, a mining engineer ; Miss Kittie O., who was for
eight years a teacher in the Colton schools and who is now teaching in Los Angeles.
Mr. Martin's experience in municipal government has been recognized since coming
to his western home. He has been elected member of the City Council and also of the
School Board of Colton. He is a Vice Commander of the Dist. Div., G. A. R. He is a
Mason, Senior Warden of his lodge, and a Knight Templar.
GEORGE W. CUNNINGHAM, of Chino, was born in San Bernardino, June 10. 1863.
He was a son of Dr. Chas. P. Cunningham, a pioneer citizen of San Bernardino county,
and is the ninth of a family of twelve children. He grew up in San Bernardino and on the
Azusa Rancho, a part of which his father owned and occupied. He now owns a produc-
tive alfalfa ranch near the town of Chino. He married Miss Addie, a daughter of Hiram
James, who came to California from Iowa in 1882. They have six children, Lloyd G..
Oella F., Grant E., Ruth and Bernard — twins — and Hazel.
JOHN P. BORTHWICK, of Ontario, was born in Edinburg, Scotland; December 6,
1S39, where he served an apprenticeship as watch-maker from 1852 to 1859. Enlarging his
experience in later years by travel and its opportunities, he was employed by a distinctly-
first-class firm in Newcastle on Tyne, Belfast and his native city.
In 1870, he emigrated with his family to America and settled in Wilkesbarre, Penn-
sylvania. He spent many years in the employ of the leading establishment of that town—
that of Timothy Parker and Son. Failing health however compelled him to seek favorable
conditions in California. He spent some time in San Francisco, Oroville and Santa Bar-
bara, then removed to Los Angeles. But his health demanded outdoor exercise and througli
the kindness of Chaffey Brothers, the founders of Ontario, he left the watch bench for a
whole year and assisted the working staff in the planting of trees and the laying out of
Ontario in 1883-4.
Mr. Borthwick filled an engagement in Los Angeles and returned in January, 1887,
when the growth of the colony permitted him to begin permanent business as the pioneer
jeweler of Ontario.
REUBEN H. FRANKLIN, of Colton, was born in Miller county, Missouri, in 1845.
His father, John S. Franklin, was a native of Kentucky who removed to Missouri in 1824,
thus becoming one of the pioneers of the state.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 731
At the breaking out of the Civil War young Franklin enrolled in the state militia under
Captain Goodman and in 1864 he joined the 48th Missouri Volunteers and fought bravely
in the ranks until the close of the war.
With the exception of a year and a half in Dakota, Mr. Franklin resided in Missouri
until 1888 when, with his family, he removed to California and located at Colton. Ever
since his advent in this town he has served the public as city marshal, tax collector, justice
of the peace, and city recorder. He is now a member of the city board of trustees. For
many years he was the principal furniture dealer in the place and he continues to be one of
Colton's enterprising business men.
In 1869, Mr. Franklin married, in Missouri, Miss Ellen M. Austin. In 1899, they were
called upon to mourn the death of a son, H. Clay Franklin, who died in Colton, leaving
a widow and two children.
THE CONSOLIDAED ABSTRACT & TITLE GUARANTEE COMPANY of San
Bernardino was incorporated April 6, 1891. It is a combination of three abstract companies
previously doing business in the county, viz : Woxencraf t Abstract Company, Abstract &•
Title Company of San Bernardino and Hill Records. They have in their offices all the val-
uable records in existence at that date. Their records are kept up on the same general
plan as that of the Title Insurance & Trust Company of Los Angeles.
CHARLES T. BROWN was one of the first settlers of the Hermosa tract. He was
born in Plymouth, Massachusetts, July 14, 1862. He is the son of William Brown, a trades-
man, and of the fifth generation in descent from Peter Brown, one of the Mayflower pil-
grims. His mother's maiden name was Ruth Homes. Both his parents died while he was
very young and he made his home with his maternal grandfather, B. B. Homes, until
fourteen years of age when his grandfather died and he was thrown on his own resources.
Mr. Brown is in partnership with his cousin, A. H. Leonard, and they own forty acres
of land at Hermosa. They were the first purchasers after these lands were put on the
market . They have set out their land to fruit, about one half citrus and the other de-
ciduous fruits.
Mr. Brown married Miss Linda Huffman, of St. Louis, Missouri, February 5, 1S00.
They have one child, a daughter, Julia.
FRANK MONAGHAN, for many years a resident of Needles, was born in New York
city, May 13, 1850. When a young man he entered the employ of a railroad company and
he came to Southern California in the employ of the So. Pacific as a conductor. When
the railroad construction gang reached Needles in 1883, Mr. Monaghan, in company with
Dan Murphy, opened a general merchandise store in tents. This became the largest and
most important mercantile business in Needles and Mr. Monaghan is still interested in it.
In 1893. the firm of Monoghan and Murphy put in a water works plant and an ice factory
at Needles. Needles was made an icing station for the refrigerator service and the plant
supplied ice. They have also engaged extensively in mining developments.
Mr. Monaghan served as Justice of the Peace from 1884-87 and was a member of
Needles school board. He was married in 1875 to Mrs. M. E. Guthrie of Wilmington, Cal.
They have two sons, Frank E. and Chas. B., and a daughter, Lillian. The family now re-
side in Santa Ana, where Mr. Monaghan is interested in Brea Canon oil developments.
JOHN EMORY BROOKINGS, of Redlands, was born in Cecil county, Maryland, Sep-
tember 3, 1846. His father, Charles Brookings, was also a native of Cecil county; his
mother, Eliza Johnstone Brookings, was a member of the Protestant family of Johnstones
of Fermannah county, Ireland.
Mr. Brookings began his business career as a grain buyer on the Chicago Board of
Trade, for W. N. Sturgis, commonly known as '"King Jack." He subsequently engaged
in the same line of business on his own account, establishing agencies along the different
railroads centering at Keobuk, Iowa. In October, 1898, Mr. Brookings came to California,
and with an experience of twenty years gained in the manufacturing and selling of lumber
in Michigan, he at once organized the Brookings Lumber & Box Company in conjunction
with his son W. DuB. Brookings, and Robert S. Brookings of St. Louis. They purchased
the Highland Lumber Co's property, consisting of five thousand acres of heavily timbered
land and a large saw mill in the San Bernardino mountains : the City Creek Toll Road and
the Box Factory at Highlands. They are the owners of large tracts of timber in the vi-
cinity of Fredalba Park, near the city of Redlands. Activity has always pervaded every
branch of business conducted by the Brookings Lumber & Box Company and their invest-
ments are most important features in the industries of San Bernardino county. It is proper
732 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
to state that they are the most extensive manufacturers of box lumber in Southern Califor-
nia and their mills the most complete in equipment of any in this section of the state.
In 1869 Mr. Brookings married Miss Emma E. duBois, of Covington, Indiana. They
have two children : Walter duBois Brookings, and Miss Georgia Brookings, both at pres-
ent residing at the family home in Redlands.
WALTER duBOIS BROOKINGS, of Redlands, was born in Keokuk, Iowa, February
28, 1873. He is the son of John Emory Brookings, born in Cecil county, Maryland, whose
ancestors were of English descent, and of Emma Du Bois, of Covington, Indiana, whose
parents were of French Huguenot stock.
Walter D. Brookings attended the Grand Rapids, Michigan, high school and gradu-
ated in 1890. He then entered Philips Exeter Academy and went from there to Harvard
University where he graduated in 1895. He completed the course of Harvard Law School
in 1898 and was soon afterward admitted to practice at the bar in the state of Illinois.
In June, 1900, the Brookings family removed to California and the young man was ac-
tively engaged with his father in the organization of the Brookings Lumber and Box Co.,
of which he is secretary and treasurer.
While a student of the Harvard Law School, Mr. Brookings compiled and published
the well-known text book, "Briefs for Debate." Although many years a student, he de-
voted considerable attention to his father's lumber enterprises and gained a knowledge of the
lumber business which has proved valuable in his present occupation.
FRANK H. COLE, of Highalnd. was born in Waukegan, Lake county, Illinois, Novem-
ber 17, 1872, the son of W. S. Cole, also a native of Illinois, and a farmer. He came to
California in 1894. In 1897 he purchased a six acre orange grove in Highland. This is now
in the center of town. He purchased the drug and stationery business of A. A. True and J.
H. Poage, which business he still carries on.
He was married in 1897 to Miss Edna, daughter of W. H. Wilmot, of Highlands.
ASA DAY is one of the venerable and esteemed citizens of Chino, born January 31st,
1824, in the town of Depeyster, St. Lawrence county, New York. His father, David Day,
married Betsey Bristol, a daughter of Samuel Bristol who was a pioneer of St. Lawrence
county, having located in Depeyster as early as 1802. They had twelve children. Mr. Day
has ever led the life of an industrious farmer. He married in the town of Depeyster, Miss
Edna Bristol, a native of that town. In 1862. they located in McHenry county, Illinois,
near the town of Woodstock where they lived until 1895 when they settled in their present
home on the Chino Grant. They have six children, Liticia, widow of Chas. Dundass of Po-
mona; David C, Edwin and Chas. of Chino; Stella, Mrs. Jas. Brown, of Oklahoma, and
Emma, Mrs. Geo. Perkins, of Chino.
EDWIN M. DAY. of Chino, was born January 30th, 1851, in the town of Depeyster,
St. Lawrence county. New York. He was the son of Asa and Edna (Bristol) Day. The
earlier years of his life were spent on a farm in Nebraska where the family lived for many
years. In 1891, he came to California, where he purchased thirty five acres of the Chino
Grant, which he has developed into a productive walnut grove and apricot orchard.
He married Eliza Wagner, who died in 1900 leaving three children, Albert C, Blanche
E. and Claud. Afterward. Mr. Day married Mrs. Hattie Bristol, widow of the late Frank
Bristol ; she has two daughters. Bertha and Gertie. Mr. Dav is a member of the I. O. O.
F.. the D. of R. and F. A.
LEONARD GOODING, of Barstow, was born in Bristol, Ontario county, New York,
November 10, 1832. He was the son of Ephraim and Corinthia Spencer Gooding. The fam-
ily are descendants of early Puritan colonists. Mr. Gooding received his education in the
public schools of Bristol, finishing with one year at Lyman Seminary, Lyman, New York-
After leaving school he was employed on a farm during the summer season and teaching
school winters, an occupation which he followed many years. Later, removing to Canandai-
gua, New York, he engaged in business as coal merchant; and from thence went to Sagi-
naw, Michigan,, where he lived five years.
Mr. Gooding came to Barstow, March 31, 1887. His son, George E. Gooding, had pre-
ceded him and was employed as station agent for the California Southern Railway at Bar-
stow. The hotel, having burned they operated a lunch counter until the new hotel was
built. Mr. Gooding then purchased the general mercantile business of John H. Beatty. and
recseiving the appointment of postmaster has maintained the two ever since, having been
postmastr continuously sine 1887.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 733
Mr. Gooding has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Cornelia Reed, who died
September 20, 1864, leaving three children, two daughters still living at Bristol, and a son,
George R. Gooding, now agent for the Santa Fe railway at Kingman, Arizona. He after-
ward married Miss Annie Raines, of Onondaga, New York. They have a family
of two sons, Joseph E., who is in business with his father aft Barstow ; and Guy,
now employed in the freight office of the Southern Pacific railway at Barstow. Mr. Good-
ing is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, a Royal Arch Mason and charter member of the
Needles Masonic lodge.
VINCENT DES NOYERS, of Chino, was born at Montreal, Canada, October 20, 1854.
His parents were Vincent and Francois Des Jardins Des Noyers. The father lived on a
farm near Montreal and here young Vincent grew up, and attended the public schools of
the city and spent two years in a local academy. Being of an adventurous disposition, after
a considerable experience as a dry goods salesman, he went to New York City and in 1875,
embarked for California via the Isthmus, and after visiting San Francisco, came south
and spent a couple of years working on ranches in the vicinity of Los Angeles. He spent
some time in Washington Territory and then went to the mining regions of Alaska and^ re-
turned to Cal. After two years in the mining districts of Arizona, he spent six years in
mining at Calico and other points. In 1891, he purchased sixteen acres on the Chino
Grant which he has planted to walnuts and where he has made his permanent home.
In 1882, Mr. Des Noyers visited his native place and there married Evangeline,
daughter of Hermengild Fortier, of Montreal. She was educated at the convent of Notre
Dame in Montreal and is an accomplished musician and pianist. They have three chil-
dren, Josephine C, Maurice J., and Adrienne L. Mr. and Mrs. Des Noyers are members
of the Catholic church.
MILTON L. CARSON, of Ontario, was born in Mahoning county, Ohio, June 26,
1849, the son of John T. and Martha Lupton Carson. His mother was a daughter of Mar-
tin Lupton, a native of Massachusetts and a pioneer of Mahoning county. His grand-
father, John Carson, was of Irish descent. Milton L. was the only son and lived at home on
his father's farm until the family removed to Cedar county. Iowa when he was about
fourteen and became early settlers of Springdale. They lived here for twenty-five years
and developed a valuable property, then rmoved to Guthrie county, where Mr. Carson re-
mained until he came to California in 1887. He spent some time in Pasadena. Later he
was one of the first settlers at Rialto and took an active part in developing that colony.
He kept .a livery stable there and was the first man to open ud the Bloomington ditch.
In 1893 he settled at Chino. He also has property and lives in Ontario.
Mr. Carlson married Miss Edna Tabor, a native of Canada and daughter of Zeno C.
Tabor, in Springfield, Iowa. Her father was a native of Vermont and has resided in Pasa-
dena for the past fifteen years. Mr. and Mrs. Carson have four children, Ethel, wife of
Clark C. Bailey, of Chino Grant; John M„ Earl Z. and Mary M.
GEORGE BOALICH. of Colton, was born in Center county, Pennsylvania, June 20.
1833. He grew up here and learned his trade of shoemaker.' In 1878, he with John
Hametly, Daniel Schwartz and F. P. Furey, started from Osceola Mills, Pennsylvania,
for California and located in Colton, then a new town just started. Mr. Boalich purchased
and improved a home and remained until 1893 when he moved to Ontario and resided
there, following his trade, until 1902. when he returned to Colton.
In 1854. Mr. Boalich married Anna, daughter of Rev. Joshua Mitchell, of the Advent
church of Christ, and a relative, by marriage, of Henry Ward Beecher. Mr. and Mrs.
Boalich have one daughter, Mary, now Mrs. Wm. Hoagland, of Urbita, and a son, Benja-
min F., in the east. Mr. Boalich is a member of Ashler Lodge, F. & A. M., Colton and of
St. Bernard Commandery, San Bernardino.
PORTER BRIMMER, of Rialto, was born in Jefferson county. New York. March
4. 1830. He was raised on a farm in the "Empire state" and in 1851, emigrated to Wis-
consin where he engaged in farming. In 1884, Mr. Brimmer sold his farm in Wisconsin
and moved to Humeston. Wayne county, Iowa. In 1894, preceded by a daughter, Mrs.
Kendall, and two sons, Fred, since deceased, and Merton. Mr. and Mrs. Brimmer came
to California and purchased an orange grove near Rialto. Mr. Brimmer married Miss
Elizabeth Ann Wadsworth, of Wayne county, New York, January 13, 1853. The surviv-
ing children of their marriage are: Mrs. Amelia Kendall, Arthur, Merton and Harry.
The three sons each own orchards of citrus fruits in the vicinity of the father's property.
Mr. and Mrs. Brimmer have long been members of the Christian church and are prominent
among the supporters of that denomination in San Bernardino city.
734 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
DAVID J. CUSHING, of Del Rosa, is a native of Illinois, born near Rockford, Oc-
tober, IS, 1861, the son of Joseph and Nancy Cushing, the father born in Keene, New Hamp-
shire, the mother on Long Island, New York. His grandfather was a shipbuilder in New
York and the family at one time owned Plumb Island, a small island off the coast of Long
Island.
Mr. Cushing learned the carpenter trade with his father but on going to Nebraska
he took up land and farmed until he came to California in 1893. Here he purchased
twenty acres, five of which is set to oranges.
He was married in Nebraska to Miss Eliza, daughter of George Montgomery. They
have three children, Irving, John and George. Mr. Cushing is a member and trustee of the
Methodist Episcopal church and was also trustee for the school district.
. OTIS DEAN, of Ontario, was born in Bristol, Baynham county, Massachusetts, March
1, 1821. He was the son of Chandler Robbins and Abigail Bessie Dean, both natives of
Massachusetts and descending from families dating back to the days of the pilgrims.
Otis Dean worked on a farm when a boy and then engaged in the manufacture of hat
and shoe boxes at East Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Later he learned the trade of boot
and shoe maker, which he followed for thirty years, or until machine work came into
vogue.
December 30, 1863, he enlisted in the 56th Massachusetts Volunteers which regiment
was engaged in the battles of the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Fairfax C. H.. Petersburg
and others. Mr. Dean was wounded in the left forearm and taken prisoner at Plegram
farm. Later he was exchanged and returned to the front again. At Petersburg he was
wounded in the leg and reported killed.
After the war he returned to Massachusetts and in 1879 removed to Iowa where he
lived twelve years. In 1890 he came to California and located at Ontario, where he has
since resided. He owns a ten acre ranch at the corner of San Antonio avenue and Sixth
street.
He was married January 4, 1848, to Miss Augusta, daughter of Ebenezer Dunbar, of
Sharon, Norfolk county. Massachusetts. They lived for thirty years at Foxborough.
Massachusetts. They have one daughter, Mary Augusta, and five sons living, Frederic
Elmer, of San Francisco; Arthur Leander, Edwin Percy, William Edgar, living in On-
tario, and Harry Adelbert, of Elbum, Illinois.
J. B. BREED, late a resident of Redlands, was born in Stamford, Connecticut, De-
cember 28, 1821. The family removed to New Hope, Pennsylvania, and later to New
York. Here Mr. Breed engaged in the manufacture of wall papers and later was inter-
ested in the same business in Philadelphia. He came to Redlands in 1887 to look after
the estate of his wife's father, Isaac N. Judson, who was one of the early investors in the
place. After making several trips to California he located permanently in Redlands in
1891 and purchased the Prospect Hill property ; he moved the house and made many im-
provements. He at once took an active part in the business and civic life of his new home,
being president of the Redlands Orange Grove and Water Co., of the Humane Society
and of the Anti-Saloon League; he was vice-president of the Smiley Library board from
its formation up to the time of his death, and was a director in many other local organiza-
tions. He was always an active member of the Presbyterian church and was connected
with the Redlands church as elder from its establishment, his interest never fluctuating up
to the day of his death. Mr. Breed died February 11, 1903.
He was twice married, his first wife having been Miss Rebecca Morton, of Elizabeth.
New Jersey, by whom he had two daughters and one son, William Breed, now residing 'n '
Redlands. His second wife was Miss Emily, daughter of I. N. Judson. She still sur-
vives him.
W. H. H. EASTON, of Bloomington, is a native of Ohio, born in Middlefield, Geauga
county, February 21, 1845, the son of James Easton, a native of Vermont and one of the
pioneer settlers of Ohio. As a young man Mr. Easton settled in Onawa. Monona county.
Iowa, where he taught school. After a residence of sixteen years here, he came to Cali-
fornia and was the first settler in the Bloomington district. He was a member of the
first school board of Bloomington and served as such for six years. He has for the past
twelve years acted as postmaster of Bloomington. He owns a ten acre tract where he has
a comfortable home surrounded by fruit trees and shrubbery.
WILLIAM H. DELPHEY, of Chino, is a native of Monroe county. Michigan, being
born in the town of Erie, September 27, 1871. His father was of English and his mother
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 735
of Dutch descent. There were in the family eight children, William being the youngest.
His early life was spent in attending the district school and working upon his father's
farm and in his mills. At the age of nineteen he came to California with two sisters who
were seeking health and was at first employed on what is now known as the Boston ranch
in El Cajon valley, San Diego county. In December, 1894. he located at Chino and a year
later purchased forty acres of land adjoining the town. This is now one of the best al-
falfa ranches in the locality.
In 1898, Mr. Delphey married Miss Flora, daughter of Charles Stine. They now have
two sons, Calvin and William Jr.
JAMES CURTNER, Victor, was born in Texas, August 27, 1865, son of William and
Mary McAllister Curtner. He was educated in the public schools of Clarksville, Texas,
after which he engaged in stock raising for six years. He served in the Texas Ranger?
under Captain Jenks. He spent several years in Colorado, Montana, British Columbia and
Arizona, lumbering and railroading. He came to California in 1887, made brick at Escondido.
and in 1891 located in Victor. He has followed various occupations, been a constable and
now has a general merchandise store.
Mr. Curtner married Miss Rebecca Hood of Los Angeles, Julv 10, 1896. He is a mem-
ber of the K. of P., and the I. O. O. F.
CHARLES LIVINGSTON CLOCK, of Redlands, was born in Painesville, Ohio.
Lake county, May 10, 1841, and lived there until 1852, when with his mother and two
brothers he moved to Warren, Joe Daviess county,- Illinois.
Mr. Clock was among the first to respond to the call for troops on the breaking out of
the Civil War. He enlisted in May, 1861, in Company E, 15th Illinois Infantry, and
served some time, when his health being poor, he was discharged for disability, but was
soon appointed as forage master of the 4th Division, 16th Army Corps, and afterwards
?* General Frank P. Blair's headquarters, 17th Army Corps, and continued there until the
close of the war.
After the war he made his residence at Geneva, Franklin county, Iowa, locating on
a section of unimproved land and continued farming until 1877, when he was elected
County Auditor of Franklin county, and moved to Hampton, the county seat. So suc-
cessfully did he conduct the affairs of the office that at the expiration of his term, he was
nominated and re-elected to the same office ; at the close of his second term he received
the nomination for County Treasurer on the Republican ticket and so great was his pop-
ularity he was given the entire vote of the county. At the expiration of his term as County
Treasurer, he was tendered the nomination, but refused to be a candidate, his health being
poor.
He and a brother, H. A. Clock, and a nephew, Eugene Clock, engaged in the mer-
cantile business at Latimer, Iowa, and also dealt in grain, lumber and coal. The firm did
a very successful business. Later the business was conducted by C. L. Clock and three
sons, F. H., H. L. and C. H. Clock, who were at Northwestern University, Evanston, Illi-
nois. After this change Mr. Clock was appointed postmaster at Latimer which he held
until moving to California. He was also elected supervisor of Franklin county, while
at Latimer and served one term but declined the renomination. The Hampton Franklin
County Recorder pays Mr. Clock a handsome compliment under date of January 6, 1899.
stating he was the most popular man in the county. On account of overwork in office and
store Mr. Clock moved to Redlands in the spring of 1895 purchasing the property where
he now resides, a 20 acre Washington Navel orange grove, to which he added" 5 acres
making 25 acres, one of the most typical and productive orange orchards in Redlands.
He and his sons also own 70 acres of fine trees, navels and valencias, in Lugonia.
Mr. Clock was married in 1867 to Rebecca Haskell, of Nora, Illinois. They are the
parents of three sons: Fred H, Harrv L. and Charles H. Clock. Fred H. was married
in 1895 to Jessie Satchell. of Wichita, Kansas.
They have four children: Fred L., Charles S., Dorothy Helen and Ruth Irene Clock.
H. L. and C. H. Clock live at 51 E. Palm avenue.
C. L. Clock and wife have been members of the First Methodist Episcopal church
since 1870, and have always taken an active part in its affairs. He has held the office of
president of the board of trustees for the last seven years.
Mr. Clock has been a member of the Masonic Fraternity since 1862, and belongs to the
Royal Arch degree. He and his wife are also members of the Eastern Star. He is one
of the directors of the Redlands Board of Trade, and belongs to the Bear Valley Post,
G. A. R., has always been considered a safe conservative man, prompt in business and very
liberal according to his means in all public and private affairs.
736 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
TROELS FREDERICK BENTIEN, of San Bernardino, was born in Denmark,
April 18, 1858, the son of Daniel and Marien Jorgenson Bentien. There are two other
members of his family now in this country, living in New York.
Mr. Bentien attended school in his native country and then worked on a farm. He came
to America in 1881, landing in New York City, and going at once to Wheeling, West \ 11-
ginia, where he worked for six years in a nail factory. In 1887, he came to California and
was employed by the Santa Fe company in San Bernardino until June, 1894, when he pur-
chased his present ranch property of ten acres inside the city limits and started a dairy-
business which he is at present successfully conducting.
Mr. Bentien 'married Miss Carrie Hansen, at Wheeling, May 16, 1885. They have
three children, Bertha, Mary and Clara. - Mr. Bentien is a member of the Independent
Order of Foresters.
J. H. COX was born in Illinois, December 17, 1857, the son of John and Nancy
Farmer Cox. His father was a farmer and active in political affairs, holding county of-
fices most of the time. He has three brothers in the county, A. A. Cox and Emanuel M.
Cox of Rialto, and F. L. Cox, of Victor.
Mr. Cox attended school in Fayette county. Illinois, and after leaving school went
to work on his father's farm. He has followed the occupation of farmer all his life. He
came to California April. 1887, direct from Fayette county. He commenced work on a
ranch by the month, but has since purchased a thrifty orange grove on Muscotte avenue,
north of Base Line.
Mr. Cox married Miss Lucy Belcher, of Fayette county, Illinois, March 9, 1881. They
have a family of five children: Omer Victor, Lloyd Edwin. Nellie, Fred and Mildred
Edna. Mr. and Mrs. Cox are members of the Loyal Mystic Legion of America.
JOHN A. HOLDEN, of San Bernardino, was born in Lincoln county, Ohio, Decem-
ber 23, 1823, the son of Mahlon and Ann Vance Holden. His father was born in Virginia
but the family removed to Ohio when he was three years of age and were among the first
settler in the Western Reserve. John A. Holden learned his trade of blacksmithing in
Granville, Ohio, and worked as a journeyman through the middle states until 1856 when
he came to California via the Isthmus of Panama and opened a shop at Grass Valley,
near Sacramento. He then had a shop at North San Juan until 1862 when he went to
Virginia City, Nevada, where for many years he carried on a shop and worked for the
Bonanza Mining companies of that place. In 1877, he came to San Bernardino and pur-
chased his present home of twenty-five acres.
He was married at Terre Haute, Indiana, in 1852, to Miss Theresa Doning, a native
of Indiana. She died in San Bernardino about 1896. The children are also all deceased.
N. DAVENPORT, of Colton. was born in Mobile, Alabama, December 19, 1847, the
son of Gorham Davenport, a merchant of that city and a member of an old Maine family.
Mr. Davenport was educated at St. Joseph College, near Mobile and left school to enter
the Confederate army. In 1868, he landed in San Francisco and for the first year acted
as accountant for the wholesale firm of Sanderson & Horn. In 1869. he went to San
Diego where he was engaged in business. He aided in the surve\- of the San Diego and
San Bernardino Railway made in 1870 and later became interested in the Ivanpah and
Panamint mines. In 1876, he located in Colton and entered the firm of Hathaway & Daven-
port, the first general store in the town of Colton. He has since made Colton his home
and since disposing of his interest in the mercantile business has been interested in min-
ing and other developments.
Mr. Davenport was married December 25, 1874, in the San Bernardino Catholic
church to Miss Sylvia, daughter of John Brown, Sr. They have four children living, Join'!
F., Marie I... and Noel J., residents of Los Angeles, and Daisy F., at home.
L. G. CURRIER. J. P., of Barstow California was born 111 South Bend, Indiana.
November 9, 1843. He was the son of William Currier and Rebecca Chittenden Currier,
and is the only one of the family in the far west.
Mr. Currier received a common school education at Bushnell. Illinois, where the
family had removed in 1845. Soon after the breaking out of the Civil War, on August 2.
1862, he enlisted in Company "D" 102. Illinois Volunteer Infantry, serving three years
until the close of the war, and was discharged at Washington, D. C. During service his
regiment was with the 20th Army Corps under General Joe Hooker, most of the time
in the west, but went with Sherman on his march to the sea. Mr. Currier was commended
by the late Ex-President Harrison, who was commander of his brigade, for efficient service
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 737
rendered in handling 500 six-mule teams which were sent in 1862 into the enemy's coun-
try along the Cumberland river, to forage for supplies. The three years after discharge
from the army he engaged in lumbering in Mississippi and Louisiana; the next five as a
contractor on the line of the Northern Pacific railway at Brainard, Minnesota. In 1876,
he went to the Black Hills of Dakota, and engaged in putting up hay and mining for a
couple of years. He was in the Black Hills during the Sitting Bull Indian outbreak and
went through the campaign with General Nelson A. Miles. He afterwards settled at
Miles City, Montana, and was employed as manager for a large mercantile and transporta-
tion company, then as hotel keeper, and later as contractor; which was followed by fourteen
vears work as ferryman. He lived at Miles City twenty years.
Judge Currier came to Barstow^ in 1809, and has been engaged in prospecting and at
house building ever since. He was appointed Justice of the Peace by the County Board
of Supervisors. March 1, 1901 ; re-elected November, 1903, for four years more.
Mr. Currier married Miss Annie Egan, at Miles City, Montana, in 1884. They are the
parents' of one son. W. L. Currier, married to Miss Mary Josephine Phelps at Los An-
geles, July 28, 1903, and a daughter was born to them August 6, 1904.
CHRISTIAN JESSEN, of Oak Glen, was born in Newton county, Indiana, April 5,
1864, the son of Christian Jessen, a farmer. He was reared on a farm and followed this
occupation until he came to California in 1890. He located at Redlands and soon be-
came connected with the Oak Glen Co. He was for a number of years connected with this
company and has aided in their water developments He is at present one of the Horti-
cultural Inspectors of the county. He owns a home at Oak Glen.
Mr. Jessen was married, January 19, 1903, to Miss Flora, daughter of John Stuart
Harris, of Alhambra, California. Mrs. Jessen is a graduate of the Los Angeles State
Normal, of the class of 1897 and has taught in Riverside and Los Angeles counties since
her graduation until her marriage.
MRS. SUSAN C. BUFFINGTON was born at Adamsville, Muskingum, county,
Ohio, November 1, 1846. She was the daughter of Dennison and Elizabeth Adams Ross,
the first a native of Rhode Island, the latter of Ohio. Mrs. Buffington was educated in
the public schools of Ohio and Illinois. After teaching for a time, she attended the Mc-
Intyre Academv at Zanesville, Ohio, and then resumed teaching in Illinois.
" In 1869 she" was married to Moses C. Buffington, a native of Pennsylvania, born March
9. 1842. Mr. Buffington was the inventor of several important machines, among which
was a wheel machine that was used in making buggy wheels. In 1878 he engaged in the
manufacture of the Buffington Improved Sarven Wheel, of which he was the inventor
at Burlington, Iowa.
Mr. Buffington's failing health led to the removal of the family to California in 1883.
They located in North Ontario and engaged in fruit growing. Here Mr. Buffington died,
September 21, 1886. He had for twenty years been a prominent member of the Methodist
church, to which Mrs. Buffington also belongs.
Mr. -and Mrs. Buffington had three children, one dying in infancy. Charles C. Buf-
fington married Maud L. Mosgrove in 1896; they .have one child, Elizabeth, and he is man-
ager of a citrus packing house at Corona. The other living son is Frank C. Buffington.
H. H. DANIELS was born in West Point, Kansas, January 31, 1859. After com-
pleting his education he went into business in Kansas and Nebraska, coming to Redlands
in February, 1887. Soon after, in company with W. E. Sibley, he embarked in the real
estate business.
In the fall of the same year Mr. Clark, who had been investigating business openings
in other sections of the state, came to Redlands and the firm's name was changed to Clark
& Daniels. This was at the time of the boom, and when the foundations of Redlands were
being laid. Mr. Daniels was never an idle man. Energy and hard work seemed to be a
part of his nature, and he at once prepared to do his full share toward developing the
place which he had chosen for his future home. The Holden Villa Tract, bounded by-
Clark street and Fern avenue, Alvarado and Eureka streets ; the Altadena Tract, lying east
from Cajon street, between Fern avenue and Home Place; and the Bonnie Brae Tract, on
the west side of Eureka street between Clark street and Olive avenue were all plotted and
improved by him. He also developed acreage property at West Redlands in what was
then known as Terracina, planted orange groves, constructed pipe lines, and there as well
as elsewhere did good work in the upbuilding of Redlands and its surrounding territory.
During the last few years of his life he was engaged in the real estate business almost
738 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
exclusively, which he prosecuted with his usual vigor and success. In all his labors he
was ever actuated by a desire for the well-being of his fellow-men.
His death occurred February 10, 1899, twelve years after his arrival in Redlands, and it
is safe to say that no one in that time did more than he towards the improvement and up-
building of the city and community.
DAVID ROWLAND BROWN, of Rincon, was born in Nova Scotia, August 4, 1841,
the son of James and Sarah A. Weaver Brown, both natives of Nova Scotia. His father
was a ship builder and the son of Michael, a sergeant in a British regiment which served
during the Revolutionary war. His mother was a direct descendant of the de Montcalm
family of France, from which came General Montcalm. Mr. Brown was brought up on a
farm and educated in the public schools of the day. He learned the carpenter's and build-
er's trade, which he followed for many years. In 1865 he went to Boston, Mass. He
then spent three years in the new state of Kansas, but returned to Boston and in 1876 came
to California and located at Los Angeles, where he was occupied as a carpenter and builder
for some time.' In 1878 he settled on a claim in what was supposed to be the Jurupa
Grant, in the southwestern corner of San Bernardino county. When the final survey was
made the land was found to be outside of the grant limits and on an odd numbered section,
consequents the Southern Pacific Railroad Company laid claim to it. Mr. Brown was
given a United States patent, but the railway company began suit to have it set aside and
the case continued in the Federal courts for nearly sixteen years before it was finally set-
tled in favor of Mr. Brown.
Mr. Brown was married in 1869 in the state of Kansas to Mary E. Lear, a native of
England, who came to this country in her childhood. They have two children, William
Lear Brown, who is a graduate of Stanford University and is at present principal of the
San Bernardino city schools. He married Miss Minnie Lacey of Riverside, and they
have two children, Laurence Lacey and Helen. The daughter, Miss Alena Brown, is a
■ graduate of the Riverside High School and a teacher in the public schools.
During his long residence in the Rincon District, Mr. Brown has served as constable
and justice of the peace for several years. He is a member of the Masonic order.
EDWIN P. CHAFFEE, of Upland, was born December 1, 1851, at Tippecanoe City.
Ohio. He is the son of John E. — a native of Connecticut — and Sarah Ann Chaffee of
Pennsylvanian. He was brought up on a farm and received a common school education.
Leaving home in 1873, he went to Toledo, Ohio, and engaged as locomotive fireman on one
of the roads running out of that city, and afterwards went to Chicago, where he was em-
ployed as a switchman. He came from Chicago to North Ontario in 1893. He first en-
gaged in the business of general painting, but afterwards went to work for the North On-
tario Fruit Exchange, where he is still emploved.
Mr. Chaffee married Miss Eleanor D. Sriober of Montpelier, O., May 5, 1881. They
have had a family of seven children, only three of whom are now living: Harry A., Mabel
G. and Edna B. Mr. and Mrs. Chaffee are members of the Presbyterian church. Mr
Chaffee has been interested in politics since coming to this county, and was chosen delegate
to the Republican County convention of 1900. He is a member of Euclid Lodge, I. O. O.
F., and was a delegate to the Grand Lodge session at San Francisco, May 5, 1900. He
was largely instrumental in the organization of Euclid Lodge, was a charter member, and
is a trustee of the lodge. Mr.and Mrs. Chaffee are also charter members of the Rebekah
Lodge, organized in connection with Euclid Lodge.
C. W. BRENELL, of Chino, is a native of Sweden, born near the town of Jonkoping,
May 16, i860. He learned the carpenter's trade and in 1881 came to America. He lived
six years at Austin, Texas, and in 1887 came to California. After six months in Pasa-
dena he came to Chino to work in the wagon shop for Mr. Gird. Here he did general
carpenter and repair work, was a wheelwright, etc. In company with Mr. L. Sheld, he
opened a blacksmith shop in the town of Chino in 1869 and in 1897 bought out his partner's
interest. He conducts a successful business and owns valuable residence property.
In 1886 he was married at Austin, Texas, to Miss Matilda Marie Holmes, also of
Swedish birth.
ALFRED T. CLOTHIER, of Chino, was born in Copperopolis, Calaveras county, Cal.,
May 21, 1868, the son of Thomas M. and Anna Tower Clothier. The father was a native
of Massachusetts, who came to California via the Horn in 1849 and was one of the first of
the "49ers." He mined in various camps and lived in Copperopolis, Stockton and Cala-
veras county until 1887, when the family located in Orange county, where the father died.
The mother still lives with her son Alfred.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 739
Mr. Clothier worked in the store of C. D. Sholl & Co., Santa Ana, for four years.
He then came to Chino and for eight years was employed by M. Moyes. May I, 1902, he
opened a store and started in business for himself.
Mr. Clothier was married at Santa Ana in 1893, to Miss Maud L., daughter of AD.
Stine, now engaged in stock business at Chino. She was a native of Orange county. They
have two children, Floyd and Alice. Mr. Clothier is a member of the Foresters and I. O. O. F.
CHARLES BURKHART, of San Bernardino, is a native of Ohio, born April 20, 1832,
the son of Joseph and Mary Rockhoff Burkhart.
Mr. Burkhart received a common school education in the city of Cleveland, and there
learned his trade of carpenter and builder. Upon the breaking out of the civil war he en-
listed in Company "A," 23rd Ohio Infantry, and served four years and five months. His
regiment was with the Western Virginia Army Corps and saw plenty of .fighting. Mr.
Burkhart himself received a bullet wound and two saber cuts. Upon his discharge he re-
turned to Ohio and for twelve years acted as policeman in the city of Cleveland. In 1881
Mr. Burkhart left Ohio and came directly to San Bernardino, where he has lived and fol-
lowed his trade as builder and contractor ever since. January 4, 1864, Mr. Burkhart mar-
ried Miss Helen Smith, a native of Ohio. They have had a family of seven children, anly
two of whom— Elva and Lillian— are now living. Mr. Burkhart is a member of the G.
A. R. and I. O. O. F.
CORNELIUS G. H. BENNINK. of Ontario, was born in Holland «in 1842. He oarae
with his parents to America in 1845. They located at Cambridge, Mass., and here he re-
ceived his education and made his home for fifty years. During the civil war he served
for three years in General Sickles "Excelsior Brigade," which took part in twenty-four
battles, in numerous skirmishes, etc. This brigade was engaged in the battles of Williams-
burg, Va., the Peninsular campaign, Second Bull Run, Chancellorsville, Antietam, Gettys-
burg, the Wilderness. Out of 101 men enlisted only ten responded to their names for dis-
charge in front of Petersburg. Mr. Bennink himself was in the hospital having been
wounded in the Wilderness fight. He was discharged as orderly sergeant.
After the war he returned to Cambridge, where he was engaged in a general merchan-
dising business. He was for six years a member of the city council, the last year serving
as president of the body. In 1866-67 he served as a member of the house in the Massa-
chusetts legislature.
He first came to California with the national encampment of the G. A. R. in 1886 and
was so favorably impressed with the country that he returned east with a strong desire
to seek a home in this state. In 1894 he returned to California and soon afterward located
at Ontario. Since his arrival here he has been active in .public affairs and has served four
years as a member of the City Board of Trustees, two years of that time acting as presi-
dent In September, 1900, he received the nomination and the November following was
elected to represent the 78th District in the state legislature. In 1869 Mr. Bennink married
Miss Lois A. Ellis, a descendant of one of the Pilgrim settlers of Massachusetts. They
have had five sons, three of whom are living; two are now residents of California.
DANIEL J. CARPENTER, of San Bernardino, was born in Illinois, September 26,
1857. In 1870 he settled in Lvon county, Iowa, which was his home until he came to Cali-
fornia in 1891. He first purchased a ranch at Santa Ana and remained there utml 1898;
he then came to San Bernardino and bought the book, stationary and notion stock of L. G.
Allen a business which he has increased and made successful. Later he became the owner
of a large orange grove, comprising 150 acres, at Highlands, where he makes his home.
In 1876 Mr Carpenter married Miss Mary L. Tillotson of Beloit, Iowa. They have a
family of five children, Wilbur E, Jerome, Thankful, Isabel and Daniel J. Carpenter. Mr.
and Mrs. Carpenter are members of the M. E. church and are both active workers. Mrs.
Carpenter is a prominent and active worker in the W. C. T. U., having served as president
of the County Union. Mr. Carpenter is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
CHARLES EDWIN BRINK, one of the early settlers of Lugonia, was born in Mara-
thon, N. Y., April 39, 1846. In 1848 his family removed to Painesville, Ohio. There
Edwin graduated from the High School and later attended the Chicago University, but
was obliged to withdraw in junior year on account of failing health. In 1875 he came to
California and after looking about, settled at Crafton on account of the freedom from fogs
and winds. There he was joined by his family in 1876. He was a Baptist, but joined in
all good work and was most helpful to the little band of Congregationalists which had
been organized in 1876. When a Sabbath school was started in the Lugonia schoolhouse
740 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
he was the first superintendent. At his suggestion a society of Christian workers, some-
what after the plan of the Y. M. C. Aj, was formed, and he was elected its president.
Over fatigue and exposure in his work as chairman of the executive committee of the
Sunnyside Ditch Company hastened his death, which occurred August i, 1879. Mr. Brink-
was tactful, energetic and a natural organizer and leader. He had the respect and generally
the liking of his opponents and his friendships were very strong.
December 28, 1870, he married Eulalia A., daughter of Gilbert S. Bailey, D. D., secre-
tary of the Divinity School of Chicago University. They were the parents of four children,
Irwin W., secretary of the Colton Fruit Exchange ; Gilbert N., superintendent of schools in
the Philippines; Edwin T., a student of medicine in San Francisco; Maisie A„ the wife of
Geo. W. Ogle, a prominent citizen of Pomona, Cal. Mrs. Brink after her husband's death
removed to Pomona, where she was engaged as teacher for a number of years.
ALBERT A. COLLIER, of San Bernardino, was born in New York, in December,
1849, the son of John and Harriet Allen Collier. After leaving school, Mr. Collier's first
work was on a farm in New York state. About 1869 he went to Charlotte, Mich., where
he learned the painter's trade. He resided at different points in Michigan until 1884, when
he came to California. On arriving in San Bernardino, in March, 1884, he first opened a
shop with C. E. Lehman, carriage builder, now of Redlauds. Later he opened a carriage
paint shop on Winkler Alky, where he remained eleven years. He then removed to his
present quarters on Third street. He confines bis business exclusively to carriage painting.
He married, in Charlotte, Mich., August 20, 1873, Elizabeth S. Dolson. They have one
daughter. Grace, the wife of George A. Young, who has one child. Mr. Collier attends the
Presbyterian chruch and is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the Mystic Legion.
THOMAS R. BENNINGTON, formerly of Oro Grande, was born in Marshall county,
111.. February 26, 1855, the son of Joseph Bennington, a farmer. He grew up on the farm
and in 1884 came to California and located in Los Angeles, where he engaged in fruit cult-
ure. Later he removed to Santa Monica and took charge of the Santa Monica Hotel. In
[888 be came to Oro Grande with Colonel R. M. Moore and invested in the Oro Grand Re-
duction Works, which had been built for the milling of ore. Owing to lack of patronage,
this venture did not prove successful.
Mr. Bennington began prospecting and on the opening up of the Alaska gold fields went
north and spent five years in that region. On returning, he began mining in Butte county,
and by an accidental explosion of a stick of dynamite was killed September 8, 1897.
In 1876 Mr. Bennington married Margaret Ellen, daughter of Jacob Dorff, of Marshall
county. 111. They had three sons and one daughter. Clyde, William, Ethel, now Mrs. Clif-
ford Wiggins, and Charles. Mrs. Bennington and her family live in Oro Grande.
JAMES I. BAXTER, of San Bernardino, was born in Scotland. November 13. (852, the
sun of William and Elizabeth M. R. Ironsides Baxter, who are now living at Monrovia,
Cal. There were fifteen children in his father's family all of whom are in this country.
Three brothers live in Monrovia; one in Murietta and two are now engaged on the survey
of the Salt Lake road. The family came to America in 1859, landing in Quebec, where the
father engaged in tin hotel and lumber business, remaining there ten years. They then
removed to Tasewcll County, Illinois, where James I. Baxter attended the Normal School
in McLain County, Illinois. His first work after leaving school was farming, and fop
several years tunning a threshing machine. He has since followed a number of oc-
cupations, .1 part of the time engaged in railway work.
In rS88 he came to California, locating at Monrovia wdiere several of his brothers
engaged together in general railway construction contract work for two or three years.
Later he began taking contracts on his own account. He has done considerable work for the
Santa Fe Ry. and spent three years in the employ of that road putting stone in the riprap on
the Los Angeles river. He came to San Bernardino in 1893, and shortly after established
the livery stable he now owns and ooerates.
While in Livingstone count}-, 111., he married Miss Agnes Thompson. March 2, 1872.
"I"h •/ have had eleven children born to them but only seven Of them living at this time.
The family are members of the M. E. Church. North. Mr. Baxter is a member of the
A. O. I'. W. ; Maccabees; Loyal Mystic Legion.
JOHN T. BENNETTE of Oro Grande, was born at El Monte. July 4. 1864, the son of
David K. and Rebecca Ann Fears Bennette.
David K. Bennette was born in Boston, Bovie county. Texas, in 1836. He came to
California with his mother. Mrs. Joseph Fountain, in 1853, and lived on a ranch near New-
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
hall and kept a stage station on the highway. He was married in 1859 to Miss Fears at
Los Angeles. She was the daughter of James M. Fears, who was a well known pioneer,
having come to California from Texas in 1858. and having resided at Warner s Ranch, ban
Diego county; Visalia, Tulare county: Arizona and the Cajon Pass, San Bernardino county.
In 1874 he became one of the first settlers of Pomona, where he invested heavily and re-
sided until his death in 1892. He was prominent in I. O. O. F. circles, having aided in or-
ganizing lodges in Los Angeles. San Bernardino and Pomona.
David K. Bennette was engaged in the livery and freighting business at Los Angeles
and El Monte until his death in 1867. He died at El Monte, aged 31 He left two chil-
dren John T. and Miss F. J. Bennette, now living in Los Angeles. Mrs. Bennette, after
the death of her husband, moved into the Cajon Pass and pre-empted a piece of govern-
ment land. Later she married Jeremiah Vincent, by whom she has one daughter, Mamie
John T Bennette in 1SS0 located a piece of land at the head of the Cajon Pass, opposite
what is known as the old Mormon Hog Back. Mr. Bennette lived here and engaged in
stock raising until 1894. when the Forest Reserve was created, which so limited his stock
range that he sold out and removed to Redlands, where he opened .very and feed stables.
Later he added to his business the Redlands baggage and transfer line. He sold out his
interests here to G. H. Garretson and in 1903 located on his present ranch, which includes
part of the town site of Oro Grande.
SETH MARSHALL, of San Bernardino, was born April 25th, 1850, in the old Marshall
homes™ owned and occupied by his grandfather, who had emig^ed^ from Colebrook,
Conn., in the early thirties and settled
the Western Reserve
Paine
Ohio. The family were
of Puritan stock and Seth Marshall,
Sr.. father of the present Seth Mar-
shall then a voting man of strong
convictions, of energy and aggressive-
ness, soon took a leading part in the
upbuilding of that new country. He
was first clerk on one of the large
lake steamers, prior to the building
of the Lake Shore railroad. He was
later book-keeper for the old bank
of Geauga, which later became the
First National Bank of Painesville.
He was then director and for many
years president of this bank. He was
always active and successful in mer-
cantile affairs. Mr. M-arshall was one
of the leading anti-slavery workers
in Northern Ohio and the Marshall
home was one of the stations on the
old "underground" railroad which
aided in the escape from slavery of
many negroes. He was one of the
organizers of the Republican party in
Ohio and a strong personal friend and
co-worker with Ben Wade, Joshua
R. Giddings, Salmon P. Chase, and
other leaders of their time. He was
a delegate to the National convention
which nominated Lincoln for the
second term and was one of the Presi-
dential Electors from Ohio at that
election. He died in San Bernar-
dino, at the home of his son, Seth
SETH MARSHALL Marshall, in 1880.
The present Seth Marshall attended
•chool at Oberlin, Ohio, and began his business career in 1868 by entering the wholesale
hardware business of his uncles, the Morley Brothers, of East Saginaw. Mich. He acquired
an interest in the busines., and became the general manager of the concern. He remained
here seven yens when the arduous duties of his position necessitated a rest and change; he
therefore started for California, taking ship at New York and crossing the isthmus and
742 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
reaching San Francisco in the spring of 1875. He received such benefit from the sea voyage
and the bracing climate of San Francisco, that he concluded to remain in the state and, dis-
posing of his Saginaw interests, he became a charter member of the Pacfiic Stock Exchange,
which was organized in the summer of 1875. Later he traveled through the country and
became interested in various mining properties from the Comstock, in Nevada, to Arizona.
In 1877 he fitted out a prospecting party in Los Angeles and accompanied them overland via
San Bernardino and the San Gorgonio Pass, crossing the Colorado at Ehrenberg and pros-
pecting through the Salt River valley, and through central and southern Arizona, returning
via stage to Yuma and to the end of the Southern Pacific railway. In 1880, having acquired
mining interest? in the Ord district, this county, Mr. Marshall located in San Bernardino
since which time he has acquired large interests in this region and taken an active part in
the development of our county.
In company with William H. Cheney, his brother-in-law., and Mr. Cheney's uncle, John
Cheney, one of the original Cheney Brothers who founded the Cheney Brothers Silk Works,
at South Manchester, Conn., the largest in the world, Mr. Marshall purchased 1,000 acres
of land, the eastern portion of the Muscupiabe grant. A suit brought to contest the patent
to the Muscupiabe rancho delayed improvement of the Cheney tract. Mr. John Cheney died
before the suit was settled and Mr. Marshall as administrator later formed an Easitern
Syndicate which bought the tract and the water rights, and he later formed the Highland
Ditch company for the purpose of building a canal from the east side of City Creek west,
above the Cheney tract, and on to North San Bernardino where Mr. Marshall then owned
another tract of 1,000 acres. The Highland Ditch company completed the canal to the
Cheney tract, thus enabling the land owners along the foothills of Highland to put water on
their lands and the Cheney lands were soon highly improved. Part of the water rights and
the right of way in the canal for their entire water supply was sold to the state for the State
Insane Asylum. After the completion of the canal to the Cheney tract it was sold to the
Bear Valley company under a contract to complete it to North San Bernardino, which
was done.
It was largely through Mr. Marshall's efforts that the "loop" line of the Santa Ft was
built around the east end of the San Bernardino valley, he having contributed more than
$3,000 in cash and right of way for over two miles through his own property. He was one
of the organizers of the North Fork Water company and was for years a director and the
president of the company. He was also largely instrumental in organizing the Highland
Orange Growers' Association and is now president of the Association. He was one of the
charter members of the Arrowhead Mountain Club, with Col. Wood and others, and was
president of the Chib for the first three years of its existence.
Mr. Marshall's latest achievement in conjunction with Dr. G. W. Tape and a strong
local directorate, is the organization of the Arrowhead Hot Springs company which has
secured and merged the Arrowhead Hot Springs and Waterman properties, and which will
immediately oroceed to extensively improve this Hot Springs resort, the greatest property
of its kind in the world. The company is incorporated for $1,000,000 and has among its
stockholders some of the leading men of this section and of the east. The development of
these Hot Springs, with the natural advantages of scenery, climate, elevation and surround-
ings will create a resort which will make the San Bernardino valley famous.
Mr. Marshall was married to Miss Francis Marie Moyle, sister of Mrs. Wm. H. Cheney
of South Manchester, Conn., in San Francisco in 1878, Rev. Dr. Stebbins performing the
ceremony.
Mrs. Marshall died at her home in San Bernardino February 15th, 1897. She was a
woman of rare mental and social qualities, very active in all matters pertaining to the best life
of San Bernardino, its charities and social upbuilding. She was broad in her sympathies,
unselfish and ever ready to make the sorrows and joys of her friends her own. She was
a devoted member of the Episcopal church and took great interest in all that pertained to its
life and upbuilding in San Bernardino.
ALBERT C. BURRAGE was born in Ashburnham, Mass., in i860. When three years
of age he removed with his parents to California where he remained until he entered Harvard
at the age of eighteen. After graduating from Harvard he began the study of law and was
admitted to the bar in Worcester county, Mass. In 1885, he married Alice M. Haskeli of
Roxbury, Mass., and she made a pleasant home for him on his modest salary and shared his
poverty with cheerful content. Mr. and Mrs. Burrage first lived in Roxbury and later built
a small home here, which was, however, heavily mortgaged.
Mr. Burrage owes the remarkable rise in his fortune first of all to his industrious reading
of the newspapers. In 1891 he saw an account of the legal fight in Brookline, Mass., between
Henry H. Rogers and Edward Addicks, who had conflicting gas interests in that town. Mr.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 743
Addicks, in addition, had a large gas interest in Boston. Being interested in this fight as an
outsider Mr Burrage looked up the old charter of the Brooklme Gas company, merely as a
matter of curiosity, and learned, to his surprise, that the company had, by legislative enact-
ment the ri°-ht to extend the pipes into Boston at will. Mr. Burrage saw his opportunity.
1 Doping for much, but never dreaming of all that was to come from that little notice, he made
himself known to Mr. Rogers and revealed his discovery, together with the statement that
an option for the purchase of the Brookline Gas company, could be obtained.
Mr Rogers was delighted. It gave him a weapon against Mr. Addicks, and the Brook-
line Gas company passed into the hands of the Standard Oil company. To make matters clear
it must be explained that Mr. Addicks enjoyed a virtual monopoly of the gas business in
Boston and the people were protesting loudly against the high prices charged. The contract
for lighting the streets of Boston was about to expire and the Mayor invited Mr. Addicks to
meet "him and consider a proposition for the reduction of rates. This Mr. Addicks declined
to do. When, therefore, the Brookline Gas company came forward and offered a much
lower rate than the previous one, the offer was at once accepted. Mr. Addicks was thus
pushed to the wall and gladly came to terms. As counsel for the Brookline Gas company
and the Standard Oil company, Mr. Burrage was given the fee of $800,000, said to be the
largest fee ever known in the history of the world at any time or place.
°This was the beginning of his wealth. The Standard Oil people so appreciated his
services that when the Amalgamated Copper company was formed, he was appointed to
represent New England in the directorate. From this time his millions have accumulated.
Today, Mr. Burrage owns a magnificent home in Boston, a beautiful Italian villa at Cohasset
and the palatial home which is so well known in Southern California, at Redlands. He owns
a steam yacht, the Aztec, which is one of the most complete and elaborate boats afloat. He
resides in palatial style, at his different homes and passes much time on his yacht.
Mr. and Mrs. Burrage have identified themselves in many ways with the interests and
society of Redlands. The liberal gift of Mrs. Burrage to the Episcopal church has resulted
in one of the most beautiful chapels of this denomination in the state. Mr. Burrage was
largely instrumental in the erection of the University Club House, and is a valued member
of that organization. Their establishment is a fine example of the possibilities of Southern
California. Built in a style that is becoming distinctive of California, surrounded by orange
groves and shrubbery and flowers, such as could only be cultivated out of doors in our
climate, and commanding views of valley and mountains, snow-capped peaks and the city of
Redlands wreathed in orange groves and flowers, it is ideal in every respect.
ROBERT L. BOWLER, of Pomona, was born near Flora. Clay county, 111., March 20,
1865, the son of William and Theresa Dye Bowler. The father's family came to Pomona
in 1893 and settled there. Robert bought a tract of thirty-six acres on the Chino Grant,
which is now a fine farm carried on with the latest, up-to-date methods.
He was married December 25, 1897, to Miss Minnie, daughter of C. W. Reiley, of Iola,
111. Mr. and Mrs. Bowler have two children, Roberta 'and Jessie.
SAMUEL J. BUNTING, of Bloomington, was born near Philadelphia, Pa. He was
the son of John Burting, a member of one of the old Quaker families dating back to the time
of William Penn. The family originally came from Derbyshire, England.
Mr. Bunting is a graduate of Cornell University from the Scientific Department. He
was first employed as a civil engineer on a railway near Philadelphia. Later he engaged in
the fire insurance business and was for twelve years accountant in the general offices of the
Pennsylvania Railway in Philadelphia.
He came to California in 1888 in order to lead a freer and out-of-door life. After spend-
ing some time at San Gabriel, he located at Bloomington and purchased thirty acres of
land. He is secretary of the Citizens' Water Company of Bloomington and of the Rialto
Irrigation District.
RUDOLPH A. BRUCKMAN. of San Bernardino, was born in Elgin. 111.. September
26, 1867, the son of Charles and Anna Bruckman. He received a common school educa-
tion in his native city and there learned :the barber's trade. In 1888 he came to California
and located in San Bernardino, where he has resided ever since. He worked at his trade
for a time and then opened a shop of his own. Later he took charge of a ranch owned by
his father at the corner of Mt. Vernon and Highland avenues. He next bought out the
establishment now known as the Palace Barber Shop, which he conducted from 1891 to
1899. Mr. Bruckman's father still lives on the ranch north of the city. He has two
brothers in California, one in charge of a large ranch of the South Riverside Land and
744 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Water Company at Corona, and the other, Paul B. Bruckman, in charge of his father's
ranch.
Mr. Bruckman married Miss Bertha M. Smith of San Bernardino and they have one
son, Clyde Bruckman. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.
GEORGE W. DECROW, late of Hallcck, was horn in Lee county Iowa. August 8,
1842, the son of Isaac Decrow, a native of Vermont. Hi- father imigrated to Iowa in the
early days, and from there to Texas, where he fanned and engaged in stock raising. In
1861, George came to California, with his father and mother, where he located in the San
Bernardino valley. He remained here until 1878, when he located on the Mojave river.
Here he obtained" 530 acres of government and railroad land, most of which is now under
fence, and engaged in farming and stock raising.
In 1862 he married Miss L. J., daughter of Abraham Pollock. Her father died when
she was two years old, and her mother later married Jesse Able, a pioneer of San Bernar-
dino. Mr. and Mrs. Decrow had ten children, all living — Sylvanus W., of Oro Grande ;
Edward W., and family reside on home farm, he taking charge of same since his father's
death, George A., of Oro Grande: Alva at home; Albert, Oro Grande; Ruby, graduate of
Occidental College, Los Angeles; Ada I, and Ida A, twins; and Jesse. Mr. Decrow died in
February 1903.
ALBERT A. DECROW. of Halleck, was born in San Bernardino. August 29, 1876.
He has been in the employ of the Red Star Lime Co., since the organization of the com-
pany, and has been foreman for the company five years. He was married October 3, 1899 to
Mis- Efne, daughter of Benjamin May, for some years a rancher on the Mojave. They have
one daughter, Alvaretta.
JAMES CARROLL, of Needles, California, was born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada,
July 14, 1848. He received a common school education in Hamilton, and his first occupa-
tion was as clerk in the employ of the Great Western Railway company, in the office of
the chief engineer at Hamilton, and afterward in the Track Superintendent's office in Lon-
don, as Assistant Track Superintendent, at Palmerston, Canada, working for the company
eleven years.
Coming to the United States he enlisted in the 5th.. U. S., Cavalry, General Merritt's
old command — at Buffalo, N. Y. This troop saw much service righting Indians. After en-
listment they were stationed at Fort D. A. Russell, then at Fort Washakie, and Fort Sidney,
Nebraska. During much of the time he was engaged in scout service. He received his
discharge as 1st Sergeant. Dec. 1883. and at once re-enlisted in the 9th. Infantry, receiving
final discharge from the service at Fort Mojave, Dec. 18, 1888. Mr. Carroll saw service in
the Ute and Cheyenne Indian campaigns of 1879; and was with the troops sent to subdue
the Indians after the Meeker massacre in Colorado. He was also with the troops under
cammand of Major Gen. James F. Wade, then Lieutenant Colonel of the Tenth Cavalry, at
the capture of the Chineckew Indians at Fort Apache.
After his discharge from service Mr. Carroll came to Needles, and in 1889, built the
Cottage House. He has been engaged in various lines of business— real estate, lumber and
as undertaker and embalmer, a business which he still conducts. Mr. Carroll was elected
Justice of the Peace in 1893, serving until 1899. Mr. Carroll married Miss Ellen Furman,
of Kingman, Jan. 1. 1890, who died March 3, 1903.
ROBERT F. BERRYMAN. of San Bernardino, was born July 21. 1859, in Providence,
R. I., the son of David and Muriel Young Berryman. His father was employed as weaver
in the cotton mills. During the sixties, the family moved to Illinois, and settled near Bloom-
ington. In 1878, they again moved westward to Garden City. Mo, where Robert engaged
in farming.
In 1886, Mr. Berryman spent a short time in Arizona, and then came to San Bernardino,
where he has since lived. He worked first in Waterman's Dairy, then began boring wells,
using hand tools, and taking contracts for boring two and three inch wells. Later he was
employed in the grocery store of A. M. Ham, for a number of years. Mr. Berryman joined
the Fire Department as "call man" in 1890, and has an exemption certificate. He has
served tw-o terms as foreman, and also served as assistant chief. In 1900, he was appointed
Supervising Janitor of all the schools of the city, with headquarters at the High School,
which he attends personally.
Mr. Berryman married" Sarah C. Newman, at Garden City, Mo., about 1881. They have
three children, one. Ira Clifford, being dead, the others, Adwra and Golden S. Berryman.
Mr Berryman is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Woodman of the World.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 745
PHJLO R. BROWN, late of Redlands, was born in Norfolk, Conn., August 16, 1837.
He was a son of Seth Brown, who was a direct descendant of Peter Brown, one of the
original PI j mouth Colony settlers.
Mr. Brown grew to manhood in Connecticut, and began life as a salesman in a grocery
house in New Haven. He remained in business in New Haven, until on account of fail-
ing health, he came to Lugonia, in Dec. 1881. At the first sale of land in the Redlands
tract, he purchased through his sister, Mrs. Seymour, a ten acre tract on Center street, and
another on Cypress avenue. He sold the Center street property the following year. The
other land is now the home of Mrs. Brown, and is a fine orange grove. Mr. Brown was
clerk of the first school board of Redlands, and took an active part in building the first
school house. He was also an active member of the Congregational church, and for two
years leader of the Bible class. He died May 8, 1888.
He married Miss Sarah A. Lewis, in 1868, a daughter of Enoch B. Lewis, who was a
prominent man in state and local affairs. He was a member of the Connecticut State Legis-
lature, and was prominent in educational affairs. Miss Lewis graduated from the Hampton
High School, and took a course in the Connecticut State Normal School, at New Britain.
She was at the time of her marriage, a teacher in the public schools of New Haven. Mr.
and Mr. Brown had four sons, R. Quincy, now of Riverside ; Lieutenant Lewis K., of Red-
lands ; Cornelius S: and John P. E., at home.
JAMES S. BROOKS, of San Bernardino, was born in London, England, February 12,
1826. He has a sister still living who resides in Utah. Mr. Brooks' boyhood and school
days were passed in London, and there he served his apprenticeship, and learned the trade
of carpenter. He came to America in 1848, and spent his first year in this country in Phila-
delphia. He then moved to St. Louis, where he acted as agent for a large estate, having
complete charge of the property. He remained in St. Louis eight years, and in 1856,
crossed the plains to Big Cottonwood, near Salt Lake, Utah, where he engaged in farming,
and working at his trade for six years. From there he came to San Bernardino, California,
arriving Deceriiber 1862, immediately after the big floods. His first work in San Bernar-
dino was as a carpenter on the house of Louis Jacobs, on "C" street. He afterwards built
a number of cottages in the country. Shortly after his arrival he bought a ranch of
twenty acres on Waterman avenue, being a part of what is known as the "Waterman
ranch," which he afterwards sold and bought the site of the present home, comprising two
and one-half acres of ground on G street, in San Bernardino.
On March 10, 1850, while in St. Louis, he was married to Mrs. Lydia Webster, who was
born in St. Helens, about thirteen miles from Liverpool, England, where she had lived until
1848. Mr. Brooks had one son by a former wife, and twelve children of the second mar-
riage nine of whom are still living and all residents of this valley. They are : Lydia, now
Mrs. William Singleton, of El Casco ; Rachel Brooks, Riverside; Milo E. Brooks, San Ber-
nardino; (Mrs. Mary Anthony, deceased, Riverside); Mrs. Elizabeth Bennett, Riverside:
William H. Brooks, San Bernardino; Sarah M. Brooks, living in San Bernardino; (Charles
E. Brooks and Alfred Brooks, deceased) ; Mrs Martha Delong, San Bernardino; Miss Lulu
Brooks, San Bernardino; George T. Brooks, San Bernardino.
S. H. BARRETT, of East Highlands, was born December 10. 1852, in Fairfax county,
Virginia, the son of Daniel H. and Caroline C. Barrett, both natives of Dutchess county,
New York. The father was a farmer and fruit grower, and a strong Union man, although
in a secession neighborhood.
S. H. Barrett attended the public schools and graduated from Columbia College, Wash-
ington, D. C. He served for a short time in the Pension Bureau at Washington. In 1882
lie came to California and after a short stay at Crafton located at East Highlands, where he
has since resided.
March 16, 1898, he married Miss M. V. Hall, a native of Louisville. Ky. 1 hey have
two daughters— Mary V and Jane. Mr. Barrett is a member of the Congregational church
and has been superintendent of the Sunday school ever since he came to Highlands.
JAMES BRADFORD, of Ontario, was born April 23, 1844, in Four Corners, Erie
enmity, Ohio. He was the son of Prudence Tallman and James G. Bradford, who was^ a
collector and veterinary surgeon, a native of Schenectady, New York. The Tallman family
were Quakers who emigrated from Elyria, Ohio, to Iowa, and then returned to Maringo.
Ohio, where they were engaged in general farming and stock raising. In 1868 he married
Barbara, daughter of Robert Hall, a native of Edinburg, Scotland, who emigrated with his
parents to St. Louis de Gonzaque, Canada, in 1830.
Mr. Bradford came to California in 1883 and located on Euclid avenue, Ontario, where
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
he purchased property. He has always taken an active interest in the religious and indus-
trial welfare of the community in which he lives. He has helped to build up the West-
minster Presbyterian church of Ontario and the First Presbyterian church of Upland.
He was employed by the first board of horticultural commissioners as tree inspector, and
was one of the first to practice fumigation, holding a position under the commission for
eight years. He has been employed as forest ranger for six years, having charge of the
coast range reserve from San Dimas to Lytle Creek canyon.
Mr. Bradford is the father of three children — Barbara, Boyd and William Sinton — all
deceased.
FREDERIGK WILLIAM DUNN, of San Bernardino, was born in Noble county,
Indiana, October 5, 1849, the son of William B. and Emma Hatch Dunn, the father a
native of New York and the mother of
Pennsylvania. Mr. Dunn began life at
the age of twelve as a switchman in the
railroad yards at Brimfield, Indiana, and
he advanced from this position to the
top of the ladder. His first official po-
sition was as trainmaster of what later
became the Chicago and Eastern Illi-
nois Railway. He was connected offi-
cially with various lines centering in
Chicago, Terre Haute, Ind. ; Toledo, O. ;
Port Huron, Mich., and Birmingham,
Ala. In 1879 he was made superin-
tendent and managing director of the
Nevada Central, U. P. system, and re-
mained with this road five years, also
serving as vice-president of the Salt
Lake and Western, a branch of the U.
P. Later he was connected with the
Louisville and Nashville Railway as
roadmaster of the Florida division, with
headquarters at Pensacola. He was al-
so assistant superintendent of the Ala-
bama division. In 1890 he came west
pe?in as superintendent of the Seattle,
Lakeshore S. Eastern Railway.
Mr. Dunn has always been inter-
ested in mining, both in the east and
the west. After giving up railroad work
he located at Searchlight, Nev., and
was one of the organizers of the Quar-
tette Mining Co., in which he is still
interested. After looking the state over,
Mr. Dunn decided to locate in Sail
Bernardino, and since 1902 has made
this city his home. He is one of the progressive real estate owners and always on the
lookout for the welfare of the city. He was married in 1869 to Miss Belle, daughter of
Henry and Rachael Miller, of Brimfield, Ind. They have no children.
JOHN W. HAMILTON, of East Highlands, was born near Plymouth, 111.. August
26, 1850, the son of W. R. Hamilton, a farmer. The family left Illinois in 1857 for Wash-
ington county, Nebraska, and came to California in 1893 and settled at Redlands, where
the father died May 17, 1902. The mother is still living.
John W. came to California with his family in 1887 and located at East Highlands,
where he has ten acres in oranges. He was married in Omaha, Neb., to Miss Charlotte
Brown, daughter of B. F. Edwards. They have two sons and a daughter— Chas. S.,
George E. and Irene May.
KARL C. WELLS, of Redlands, was born in Waterbury, Vermont, April 30, 1869,
the son of Curtis and Frances C. Wells, both natives of that state. He was educated in
the common schools of his native town and in the high school of Burlington, and came to
California with his parents in 1886, living in Los Angeles until 1887. when the family re-
moved to Redlands. When the Union Bank was organized in 1887 he entered its service
FREDERICK W. DUNN
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
747
as clerk and was afterward elected to the position of teller, assistant cashier, and president,
which latter office he held until his resignation in January, 1905, after the bank had been
converted into the national system under the title of the Redlands National Bank.
Mr. Wells was one of the organizers of the Union Savings Bank in 1904, consequent
upon the nationalization of the Union Bank, and is now president of that institution, and
is also president of the Home Telephone Company of Redlands, a corporation in which he
is largely interested.
Mr. Wells married Miss Marie Colby in 1893 and they have a family of four children,
two boys and two girls.
SIMON H. BLACK, of San Bernardino, was born in Sumpter county, Georgia, Feb-
ruary 1st, i860. His father, James H. Black was also a native of Georgia and always
resided in that state. He owned factories and a tannery and was a manufacturer of shoes.
His factory was located at Blackville,
a factory town near Americus. He
also owned a plantation on which cot-
ton, sugar cane, rice, etc., were raised.
He raised a family of fourteen child-
ren. He died at the age of ninety-
three in 1901.
Simon H. Black learned the busi-
ness of tanning and shoe making at
his father's factories and when fie
left home opened a retail shoe busi-
ness at Birmingham, Ala. He came
west with Mr. Dunn in 1889 and be-
came interested in mining property.
He has become an expert assayer and
has been employed in this capacity by
many mining companies.
Mr. Black was married August
23rd, 1883, to Miss Helen Sapp,
daughter of Geo. H. Sapp, of Colum-
bus, Georgia.
JARED ETHAN ALLEN, of
Highland, is a native of Bridgewater,
Mass., born January 2nd, 1856, the
son of Jared Bates Allen, a shoe
manufacturer, who was also a farmer.
The family were early settlers in
Massachusetts, and were prominent in
colonial affairs. Mr. Allen lived at
home until the age of eighteen, when
he went to Boston and became a mem-
ber of the firm of Allen Brothers,
manufacturers and dealers in rubber
stamps and stencils. In 1880 he mar-
ried and later removed to Ponca,
Dixon county, Nebraska, where he
i and located at Highland, where he
MM* i\ H. BLACK
engaged in business. He came to California
owns a valuable orange grove.
Mr. Allen has one daughter, Bessie, wife of Samuel M. Hendrickson ; he also has one
grandchild, S. Allen Hendrickson.
WILLIAM THOMAS LEEKE of Upland, California, was born May 23, 1846, in
Hamden, Connecticut, and was the fourth son of Dana Winston and Abbie Goodyear Leeke.
he is i a descendant of the early English settlers of Connecticut, the first of whom on hia
father's side, Philip Leeke, was a member of the Davenport party which founded New
Haven in 1638. His mother was a daughter of Captain Seymour Goodyear and a descend-
ant of Governor Stephen Goodyear of New Haven Colony. His boyhood was spent on his
father's farm and in the ancestral home where he early imbibed intellectual ambition, that
birthright of the New Englander. In 1866 he was graduated from Fort Edward Collegiatt
Institute, and the following year he engaged in teaching in New York state.
748 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
At this time reports of the opportunities afforded in California began to be circulated.
Attracted by the prospect and by the advantages of a climate free from malaria, Mr.
Leeke came with his brother to California via Panama, and at once began teaching in the
public schools. A period of four years was thus spent in teaching and in tutoring for various
branches, and a year of normal study in San Francisco. Having during this time gained
standing, he was called to be instructor in Ashland college, Oregon, where he spent eight
years, during the latter portion of which he was president of that institution. The following
year he was supervising principal of the Ashland public schools.
In July, 1880, he entered the United States Indian service, and in November, 1882,
was appointed superintendent of the Yainax Indian Training School, Oregon, where the
success of his labor was attested by the Yainax school being designated as a model for
similar institutions. Mr. Leeke moved to Ontario colony in 1887, and engaged in orange
growing. In July, 1891, under President Harrison's administration, he re-entered the
Educational Bureau of the Indian service, and was appointed supervisor of Indian educa-
tion for Northern California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Nevada.
In the fall of 1893 he returned to North Ontario, where for the past eight years he has
been president of the Ontario school board and president of the San Antonio Water Com-
pany. He is a director of the Commercial Bank of Upland, and has been a director and
vice-president of the Ontario-Cucamonga Fruit Exchange. For the past three years he
has served as manager of the Ontario Power Company. At the last general election, occur-
ring November 8, 1904, he was elected to represent the thirtieth senatorial district in the
state senate.
Mr. Leeke married Annie, daughter of Hiram Farlow, in Oregon in 1874. Mrs. Leeke
died in 1876. In 1878 Mr. Leeke married Mary, the daughter of John Quigley. in Califor-
nia, who died in 1892. There are three children — Ethel Frances, Dana Winston and Frank
Quigley Leeke.
JAMES EDWARDS, of Upland, was born on the east coast of Scotland, July 17. i86y.
His father still resides near Dundee, Scotland. Mr. Edwards was educated in the high
schools of his native country. In 1891 he came to America and first located at Nashua,
N. H. Later he came to California, and after a brief stay in Los Angeles he settled at
Tustin, Orange county. In 1898 he came to Upland, where he has since made his home.
In 1900 he married Miss Kate McTaggart, of Ontario, Canada. They have a cosy homo
at the corner of Twenty-third and Euclid avenue, where Mr. Edwards is engaged in orange
growing.
CARL HAMMER, a native of Prussia, was born in the city of Magdeburg, January
2nd. 1846. He came to America in 1871, landing at the port of New York, and immediatelj
started for San Francisco, where he remained about three months, when he engaged in
mining in Lake county, afterward following the same occupation in the mining camps of
Piute. Havilah, and the Kernville camps of the Upper Kern river. In 1882, he located a!
San Bernardino, where he now lives. Before leaving his native country, he married Miss
Emilio Renne, the result of the union being a son and two daughters : Carla, now Mrs.
Walter Wagner of San Bernardino, and Amy who lives with them. Their son. Ernest,
is deputy county auditor of San Bernardino county.
DAVID HUMPHREY of East Highland, is a native of Virginia, born near Milton. Hali-
fax county, November 21, 1836, the son of Thomas and Lucinda Humphrey, his father a
farmer by occupation. David T. learned the carpenter's trade and followed it for twenty-
five years, then settled on a -farm in Kentucky. In 1900. he came to California and located
at East Highland.
He married Miss Sarah, daughter of Joseph Paxton, a native of West Virginia. Mrs.
Humphrey died December 20, 1891, at the age of sixty-three. Six children are now liv-
ing, James P., Joseph T., Robert S., Cora E., Mrs. Thomas Durall of Greenville. Kentucky :
Samuel E. and Gertrude I.
CLAUDIUS M. HILL, of Highland, is a native of Iowa, born in Des Moines county,
May 17, 1859. At an early day he came to California with his family and settled at Visali.i.
Here he learned the blacksmithing trade. In 1888. he came to San Bernardino county ami
the next year opened a shop on Base Line where he carried on business for 10 yars. He re-
moved to Highland and in 1899 built a shop 30 by 70 in which he has a full "power equip-
ment and machinery for blacksmithing and carriage work.
In 1882, he married Miss Ella Crawford, in Iowa. They have one daughter. Mary
Olive. Mr. Hill is a member of the Congregational church of Highland.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 749
WILLIAM HILL, of Highland, was born in Jefferson county, New York, April 29,
1827, the son of Eben and Annie Barney Hill, the one a native of Connecticut, and the other
of Vermont. Mr. Hill came to California in 1877 and lived for twelve years in Tulare
county then came to San Bernardino where he engaged in the hotel business.
He was married near Bennington, Vermont, in 1855 to Miss Mary, daughter of Abra-
ham Banty. They have five living children, W. R. and C. M., of Hig'hland; Lurissa, Mrs.
Frank Jordan, of Exeter, California; Franklin E., of Los Angeles, and Elsie M., Mrs Wat-
son, of West Highland.
The HARWOOD BROTHERS of Upland, are descendants of an old New England
family that traces its ancestry back to the Plymouth settlement in 1630. Members of this
family were among the first settlers of Bennington, Vermont. Their location at this place
was a question of denominational preference, the family being staunch Congregationalists
and that locality being the seat of Congregationalism. Had they been Episcopalians they
would have chosen Arlington as a home, if Baptists, Shaftesbury, etc.
Hiram Harwood, the father of Charles E. and Alfred P. Harwood, was a prosperous
farmer of Bennington. His family consisted of six children — three sons and three
daughters. He died at the residence of his son, Alfred P., in Ontario, 1894. His wife sur-
vived until 1899, dying at the home of her daughter, the wife of Rev. Tracy, at the ad-
vanced -Lge of 99 years.
Charles E.. the oldest son of Hiram and Eliza Harwood, was born at Bennington, Ver-
mont, October 19, 1830. He graduated from Williams College, Massachusetts and began
the study of law with Judge Pierpont Isham, of Bennington, and completed his course at
Troy, New York. He entered upon the practice of his profession at Janesville, Wisconsin,
in 1856, and remained there for five years when in consequence of failing health a change
of climate became necessary and he removed to Springfield, Missouri. Here he at once
identified himself with the business interests of the city and became director of the Southern
Pacific, now known as the St. Louis and San Francisco railway. During his connection
of twenty years with this road, fifteen hundred miles of new track were built. He was for ten
years president of the Greene County National Bank. Through his efforts the Springfield
Electric Light system was organized. He was one of the founders of Drury College, a well
known educational institution of the middle west, and was one of the first trustees, while
his donation of $5,000 was one of the first made to the school.
Mr. Harwood made frequent trips to California and in one of them his attention was
directed to the new settlement of Ontario and as a result when the North Ontario Land
and Improvement Co. which had platted the town site of "Magnolia" became involved in
1887. Mr. Harwood and his brother secured an interest in the property. Since residing
in tins community Mr. Harwood has become vice-president of the Ontario Commercial
Ba"k and was president of the San Antonio Water Co. and also president of the Lemon
Exchange.
In October, 1858, Mr. Harwood married Catherine Seymour, daughter of Pearl X. and
and Amelia Squires Henry, of Bennington, Vermont. Of their children, Isabella is the
widow of Dr. Walter Scott and resides at Ontario. Amelia is a graduate of Drury' College
and was for two years a student at Wellesly College; Edward C. is a graduate of Stanford
University and Paul H. is a graduate of Columbia University School of Mines.
ALFRED P. HARWOOD was born at Bennington, November 19. 1838. In 1862, he
removed from the old home in Vermont and located at Crystal Lake, Illinois, where he re-
sided until 1867. He then removed to Springfield, Missouri, where he engaged in farming
and stockraising. With his brother he was identified with the Land Department of the
St. L. & S. F. Ry. and continued in this connection until his removal to California in 1887.
Here he purchased one-fifteenth of the stock of the Ontario Land and Development Co.
of Chaffev Brothers. He is also a stockholder in the San Antonio Water Co. and is presi-
dent of the Building and Loan Association. He is also interested in the Ontario-Cucamonga
Fruit Exchange.
Mr. Alfred Harwood married Margaret J., a daughter of Stephen Burton, a farmer of
Springfield Massachusetts. They are the parents of six children. The eldest. Emma, is
Mrs. Woodford of Upland; Grace H. is the wife of Ernest Thayer, of Ontario: Frank H.
is manager of the San Dimas Lemon Growers' Association. Two daughters and a son are
deceased.
The Harwood Brothers are properly regarded as the fathers of North Ontario, now
Upland. Their dealings have been of a broad and liberal character ; their operations of a
careful and conservative nature, and they have kept in view the ultimate prosperity and best
750 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
welfare of the community. All lands conveyed by the Harwood Brothers are under a re-
striction which forbids the sale of liquor.
T. H. GOFF, late of San Bernardino, was born in Quebec, Canada, in the year 1844.
He resided here during his youth but in his early manhood removed to Ontario, where he
took up the study of architecture and passed several years in technical schools. In 1878,
he was appointed county architect for Oxford county, Ontario. After four years' service
here he resigned to seek a wider field in the city of Toronto. Here he designed many prom-
inent buildings, his last work having been a group of buildings for the Ontario government.
In 1886, he came to California and after looking about, located at San Bernardino. In
this city he was naturalized and took an active part in public affairs while he successfully
followed his profession and designed and contracted for many of the most prominent build-
ings in this section. His most important work was the building of the Southern California
State Hospital for the Insane which was completed in 1893. In 1894, he represented the
county as assemblyman in the State Legislature. He served for a number of years as captain
of Company K, of the Seventh Regiment and was a member of the Masonic Fraternity and
of the Elks.
Captain Goff died at the Pacific Hospital. Los Angeles, in April, 1904. He was married
in the spring of 1894 to Miss Jennie Olive Goff, of Ontario, Canada, who, with
one little daughter, survives him.
LAZONA D. HOUGHTON, of San Bernardino, was born in Saratoga county, New
York, February 4, 1861. His parents were Silas E. and Milanda Clothier Houghton. In
1865, his father's family removed to Wisconsin and there he was educated. After leaving
school he taught two years in Dakota and then came to California and located in San Ber-
nardino, Jan. 1888. After following various occupations, he purchased an interest in a cigar
business and news agency. Later he formed a partnership with L. T. Olsen, lasting until
1897, when he bought out his partner, since which time he has conducted a wholesale and
retail tobacconist establishment, also selling current magazines.
Mr. Houghton is a prominent I. O. O. F., and is also a member of F. and A. M., and
of the B. P. O. Elks.
JOHN W. HAMERLY, of Colton, was born in the old town of Jerseyshire, Lycoming
county, Pennsylvania. His father, Jacob Hamerly, was a hatter. In 1878, Mr. Hamerly
came to Colton and engaged in the horticultural industry, which has since been his princi-
pal business, although he has frequently served his town and county in an official capacity.
He has been elected treasurer for the Meek & Daley Ditch Company, the oldest and one of
the best irrigation organization in the county; he has held the position as city trustee, and in
1893 was appointed by President Cleveland postmaster of Colton, holding that office until
the expiration of his term of office in September, 1897.
In 1862, Mr. Hamerly married Miss Jane Hewitt, a native of New York, relative of the
distinguished Abram Hewitt, mayor of New York City, and congressman. They are the
parents of two daughters, and two sons, only one now living, Mrs. E. A. Baugus, of Los
Angeles.
WALTER HUBBARD, of San Bernardino, was born in Quincy. Illinois, September
29> 1857, the son of. Socrates and Sophia Snowden Hubbard. His father was a physician
and also a devout worker in the church, engaging in evangelistic work while practicing his
profession.
Walter Hubbard received his education in the public schools of Quincy, graduating
from the High school in 1875. The family removed to Texas, and he eMered the employ-
ment of the Waples-Painter Co., at Gainsville, remaining with them three years. He was
then employed by the Lyon & Gribble Lumber Co., in various localities in Texas for six
years. In 1887, he came to California, and was employed by the West Coast Lumber Co. as
book-keeper, at Pasadena. In 1890, he came to San Bernardino in the employ of the same
company as cashier and manager, remaining with them until they closed out their business
here. He then engaged with Wm. L. Peters as manager of his carriage sales room and was
with him three years when he took a position as manager of T. J. Wilson's Carriage Em-
porium.
Mr. Hubbard married Miss Jessie Lee Douglas, of Henrietta, Texas, November 26,
18R5. They have four sons, Roy R. Ochiltree S., Walter and Frank W. Mr. Hubbard has
been for many years a prominent Mason and has served as Junior Stewart, Senior Dea-
con, Junior and Senior Warden and was W. M. of Phoenix Lodge and has been secretary
of this lodge. He also belongs to Woodmen of the World.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
"A
GAIL B. FISH was born in Jasper county, Iowa, January 18, 1869. He is the son of
E. G. and Edith M. (Pease) Fish. His father was born at Charlesburg, Pennsylvania, May
11, 1838, and removed with his parents to Mansfield, Ohio, where he lived until 1861, then
went to Colfax, Iowa, where he purchased a ranch and engaged in coal mining.
G. B. Fish attended the public schools of Colfax, Iowa, where he lived until twenty-
one years of age. Afler leaving school he went to work in the Bank of Colfax. He first
came to San Bernardino in 1888, but went back east and remained something over one
year. Returning to San Bernardino he engaged in business with his father, mining, pros-
pecting and installing pumping plants, gas engines and teaming from the mountains. He
engaged in electrical work September 15. 1892, as operator and engineer in the power house
and sub-station of the business.
M. H. VAN FRANK, of Rialto, is a native
rett Van Frank, was a native of New York, and r
Frank was one year old; and in 1861, to Quinc
of Ohio, born in 1837. His father, Gar-
emoved to Elkhart, Indiana, when H. Van
', Illinois. Mr. Van Frank cast his first
vote for Abraham Lincoln, and at a
time when it required some courage to
do so. He pursued his profession of
civil engineer at Quincy until 1872,
when he removed to Richmond, Indiana,
and the next twelve years was engaged
in the milling business ; then return-
ed to Quincy where he lived until 1887,
■when he came to Rialto. Mr. Van
Frank was one of the promoters and
organizers of the Semi-Tropic Land
and Water Co., and by reason of his
professional knowledge was chosen
civil engineer for the company. Select-
ing a piece of land for which he paid
two dollars per acre, he has brought
it to a thrifty and fruitful condition,
and was the first in the Rialto colony
to erect a commodious dwelling, which
he now occupies with his family.
Mr. Van Frank married Miss May
Elizabeth Tibbett, of Noble county,
Ohio, her father Isaac Tibbett, having
been a pioneer of that county. Mr. and
Mrs. Van Frank are the parents of
three sons, Elmer, Thomas and Herbert,
all electrical engineers.
ALBERT GLATZ, of San Bernar-
dino, was born near Wheelersburg,
Ohio, October 4, 1859, the son of Theo-
dore and Mary Huger Glatz, who emi-
grated from Saxony, Germany, to
America in 1848 and settled on a farm
M. H. VAN FRANK near Wheelersburg where they passed
their remaining years. Mr. Glatz at-
tended the district school and worked
on the home farm. When he was twenty-two, he went to Denver, Colorado, and worked
at ranching and brick making. In January, 1884, he came to San Bernardino county and
was employed in various capacities, working for sometime in the grist mill of Valentine
.& Fredrick, clerking, etc. After spending a year at his old home in Ohio, visiting his
brothers and sisters, he returned to San Bernardino and May 1, 1889. he was appointed by
the city council to his present position as driver for the San Bernardino Fire Department.
Mr. Glatz is in charge of the fire apparatus belonging to the company and their excellent
condition and efficiency reflects credit upon his thorough methods of work, proving him
especially valuable to the department. There have been many changes in the department
since his appointment, but he has continued to give satisfaction and seems to be the right
man in the right place.
Mr. Glatz is a member of the local branch I. O. O. F.
752 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
GEORGE B. HAYDEN, of Upland, was born in Trumbull county. Ohio, in 1839. He
was the son of David P. Hayden and his family dates back to the Revolutionary period
He received a common school education and at the beginning of the Civil War enlisted
in Company C, 2nd Ohio Cavalry and served under General Weir of the western array
for a year and a half, then returned to Ohio and re-enlisted. He was then ordered to the
army of the Cumberland under General Burnside and later served in the army of the
Potomac under Generals Custer and Sheridan.
After many years' residence in Kansas. Mr. Hayden came to California in October,
1893, and located at North Ontario. Here he found employment at fairly good wages and
later engaged with the Fruit Exchange and remained with them until he was appointed
postmaster at North Ontario.
In 1870, he married Miss Estelle Hayes, of Ohio. His family consists of six children.
Myrtle, Luther, Mable, Gertrude, Vernie and Geraldine. The youngest son, Frank, enlisted
in the first regiment that went from California to the Philippines and died at Manila.
N. I. HAMER. of Upland, was born at New Brighton, Beaver county, Pennsylvania,
May 27, 1871, the son of Ellis G. and Mary Hamer. His father a native of England, emi-
grated to America with his parents in his childhood and they settled at New Brighton.
Mr. Hamer attended the public school of his native place and then learned the trade
of pattern and model-maker, the trade embracing the making of models for all classes of
machinery. He completed his apprenticeship in his trade in 1895 and was then employed by
the Pierc'e-Brouch Engine Co., of New Brighton until July, 19CO, when he came to Califor-
nia. He located at North Ontario and first worked as a carpenter, then engaged in the fur-
niture business. He purchased a lot and put up a two-story business house, and is one of
Uplands' representative business men. Mr. Hamer married Miss Elizabeth B. Stevens, of
New Brighton, October 11, 1894. They have two sons. Ralph and Clarence. Mr. and Mrs.
Hamer are members of the Methodist Episcopal church of North Ontario and of the Fra-
ternal Aid Society.
JACOB HUFF, of Del Rosa, was born near Council Bluffs, Iowa, January 12, 1862.
the son of Jacob and Mary Elizabeth Miller Huff, both of German descent. His father
came west to Montana about 1862 and there died at Bannock, in 1865. His mother mar-
ried Mr. Charles Revill and came to San Bernardino with her family about 1868. She
died at Del Rosa in 1879 leaving six children, three of who are living 111 this county.
Mr. Huff located at Del Rosa, purchasing a ranch of nine acres which he planted to
oranges and lemons, and has since made this his home. In 1888. be married Miss Viola
Zimmerman, whose father, Daniel B. Zimmerman, was an early settler of San Bernardino,
dying there in 1877. They have three children, Mazie Elizabeth, J. C. Loyal, and Nona V.
SAMUEL J. HAYES, of Redlands. was born ( in Litchfield county, Connecticut, Jan-
uary 21, 1826, a son of Gaylord Hayes, a native of Connecticut. In 1833, the family
emigrated to Illinois and located near Ottawa in La Salle county. His father purchased
a claim in the woods, three miles from neighbors. At that time Chicago had but 26 voters
and the country was practically a wilderness. When Mr. Hayes was 11 years old his
father died and five years later his mother died, leaving the eldest son to care for three
brothers and a sister until the sister married. By saving a little money and borrowing
more, at two per cent a month, and later twenty per cent a year. Mr. Hayes acquired a
farm of 410 acres which later became a very valuable property. In 1850, Mr. Hayes crossed
the plains to California with a horse team, returning east via Panama and New Orleans.
In 1882, Mr. Hayes again visited California and came to Redlands. He was so well
pleased with what he saw here that he purchased the five acres where he now resides. In
the fall of 1883 he returned bringing with him a carpenter and a carload of material with
which to build his house. This was at the time of its completion one of the finest and
best built residences in the county. The following year, Mr. Hayes moved to Redlands
with his family and has since resided here.
Mr. Hayes purchased more lands and set out orange groves and was largely inter-
ested in many enterprises which promoted the early growth and prosperity of Redlands.
He was one of the organizers of the Union Bank and was elected a director and the vice-
president which offices he held until he disposed of his stock and resigned his position in
iqoi. He completed the building of the Terrace Villa Hotel, begun by D. L. Clark ami
was one of the heaviest stockholders in the Windsor Hotel. At one time he was the
owner of the Terracina. When the Santa Fe built into Redlands, Mr. Hayes subscribed $1-
500 toward the right of way. He was one of the largest contirbutors towards the Y. M.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 753
C. A. building, and has always given freely to public enterprises. He is a member of the
Congregational church.
In 1854. he married Sophia W. Cummings, a native of Massachusetts. They were the
parents of three children, Emma J., the wife of Dr. Lewis, residing in Illinois; Gertrude,
living at home, and Chauncey L. Hayes, a resident of Redlands.
EPHRAIM S. FOOTE, of Redlands, was born at Spring Prarie, Wisconsin, July 14,
1847, and lived on the same farm on which he was born until he was thirty-four years of
age. He then removed to Kansas, where he remained about five years and in 1885 came to
California and in February, 1889, located in Redlands. He purchased ten acres of land
on Cajon street which he set to navel oranges, growing many of his own trees for this
purpose. This place is still his home and is one of the best bearing orange groves in the
vicinity.
Mr. Foote was for several years a director of the Redlands Water Company, and at
one time vice-president of the organization. He was a trustee of the Redlands grammar
school and was clerk of the board at the time the Kingsbury building was erected. He
was again elected to the school board in 1902, and is now chairman of the board. In 1898
he was elected one of the board of city trustees, and served until 1902. He has been deacon
in the Baptist church, and the superintendent of its Sunday school since its organization in
1887.
In December. 1871. Mr. Foote was married to Miss Mattie R., daughter of Russel!
and Adeline Herrick Waite, at Lyons, Wis. They have three children — Irma E., wife of
Dr. W. R. Heacock : Inez A., and Wilfred Rose, who are at home.
SAMUEL L. GROW, of Pasadena, was born at Bangor, Me., in 1843. His early edu-
cation was obtained in the public schools of that state, where he lived until 1855, when he
removed to Iowa and became a teacher in the public schools of Monona county. He later
engaged in business, dealing in lumber, stock and general merchandise. He came to Cali-
fornia in 1871 and for five years devoted himself to importing stock from Missouri river
points to California and the inter-mountain territory. In 1881 he purchased a piece of prop-
erty near Highlands and set out a deciduous orchard. He was so well satisfied with the
results that he planted another orchard a mile northeast of the first, and on higher ground,
and gave his whole time to horticulture for a period. In 1892 he was chosen by the super-
visors of San Bernardino county to take charge of the county exhibit at the World's
Fair. He represented the same interests at the Midwinter Fair in San Francisco in 1894.
In 1895 he bought an interest in an abstract business in San Bernardino, and in 1896 again
engaged in the mercantile business, but later retired and now makes his home in Pasadena.
Mr. Grow married Miss Ella F. Jepson in 1867. They are the parents of seven
children — Alice, now Mrs. Anderson, of Los Angeles ; C. M. Grow, manager San Bernar-
dino Electric Light Co. ; Edward E., the second son, who, after graduating from Stanford,
was one of forty students to enlist in Company K, First Cal. Reg. Vol., for service in the
Philippines, and is now 'employed as draughtsman with the Pimola Powder Co., of Cali-
fornia ; Richard and Gladys, students ; A. E. and E. L. Grow, proprietors of a fruit ranch
near Elsinore, Riverside county.
ELIJAH P. FULLER, of Upland, was born near St. Joseph, Mo., October 3, 1854.
His father Elijah Fuller, was a native of North Carolina; his mother Nancy Sharp Fuller,
was the daughter of James Sharp, who settled on the "Platte Purchase," Missouri, in 1835.
Elijah P. Fuller was the youngest of fourteen children and lived on a farm in Missouri
until 1883. He then went to Washington and engaged in the hotel business at Olympia. He
came to North Ontario in 1885. and in 1888 settled in the old Kincaid place. In 1894 he
purchased a home on the corner of 24th street and Euclid avenue. He has been zanjero for
the San Antonio Water Co. since 1889. In 1876 Mr. Fuller married Olive E., daughter of
William C. and Sarah Minteer Goodrich, of Belmont Ohio Mr. Goodrich left Ohio in
1868 and emigrated to St. Joseph, Mo. In 1886 he came to California and located at San
Antonio. Mr. and Mrs. Fuller have three sons — Alva E.. Charles P. and Everett H. Air.
Fuller is a member of the I. O. O. F. and A. O. U. W of Upland.
WALTER F. FOLZ, late of San Bernardino, was born in Chicago, 111.. November to,
1877. the son of M. W. and Philomena Zins Folz, his father being a native of Germany who
came to this country in his early youth and his mother a native of Galena, 111.
Mr. Folz received his education in the public schools of Chicago and after graduating
from the grammar department entered the auditing department of the Illinois Central Kail-
754
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Hvay Co., where he was employed six years. In 1898 he left Chicago and worked succes-
sively in Denver, Colorado Springs and Albuquerque. N. M. He arrived in San Bernar-
dino in February, 1899, and at first found employment in the orange orchards of the vicinity
and later as clerk and general repairer for Bollong & Stevens, furniture dealers. In
March, 1900, he joined the San Bernardino fire department, and the following June was
elected' secretary of the department, a position which he retained until October, 1902. He
was also general agent for several Los Angeles and San Francisco papers, but was compelled
to resign all activities by failing health. He died May 24, 1903, and was buried at San
Bernardino with the honors of the fire department.
PROF. LEOPOLD STEINBRENNER, of San Bernardino, is a native of Germany,
born in Heidelburg of an old and aristocratic German family. He graduated from the
University of Heidelburg and also from
the Conservatory of Music at Stuttgart,
and is an able and thorough musician.
During the German-Austrian war
he served in the ranks. In 1869 he
came to the United States and taught
music in many of the eastern cities.
In 1871 he came to San Bernardino,
which has since been his home. Here
he married Miss Mary A., daughter of
Dr. O. M. Wozencraft, one of the best
known pioneers of the state.
MILTON E. HECHT, of San Ber-
nardino, was born in Muscatine, Iowa.
February 22, 1862. He is the son of
Ephriam and Agnes Bennett Hecht, ons
of a family of five children, all living,
with the exception of himself, in New
Jersey.
Milton E. Hecht was educated _ in
Muscatine, graduating from the high
school of that city. After leaving school
he was sent by his father to Germany
to learn the shoe-making business, serv-
ing three years apprenticeship at Hesse
Castle, in the city where Napoleon III
was imprisoned after the Franco-Prus-
sian war of 1870. In 1877 he returned
to Newark, N. J., engaging in the man-
ufacture and selling of shoes, continu-
ing the business until he came to San
Bernardino in the fall of 1894. Upon
his arrival in San Bernardino he at
once opened a shop for making and re-
pairing shoes, which has so continued
to prosper and enlarge that he is now
the owner of a fine stock of goods, and doing an excellent business.
Mr. Hecht married in Railway, N. J., March 5, 1884, Miss Jennie Seelig. They are the
arents of seven children — Louis, Frank, Benjamin, William, Charles Alberta and Viola.
He is a member of the Masonic order, I. O. O. F. and of the Fraternal Union.
M. A. HEBBERD, of Colton, was born at Moline, 111., September 27, 1861, the son
of William F. Hebberd, a native of Maine, who came west to Illinois in the early days
and engaged in the manufacture of furniture and mill work. Mr. Hebberd received his
education in the public schools of Galesburg, 111., and vicinity and was first employed in
the Brown Cornplanter Works. He learned the trade of architect and builder and
came to California and followed his trade in Los Angeles until 1883, when he removed
to Riverside. Later he removed to Colton and was employed by the firm of James Lee
& Co., dealers in groceries and provisions. This was one of the first business houses
established in Colton, having been opened by J. R. Newberry in 1882-83 as a wholesale
business in staple groceries and provisions. About 1885 J. A. Lee and S. M. Goddard
PROF. LEOPOLD STEINBRENNER
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 755
succeeded Newberry, and after Mr. Lee's death the business passed into the hands of
Messrs. Hebberd & Goddard. July 31, 1902, it was incorporated with a capital stock
of $50,000 as the M. A. Hebberd Co., with M. A. Hebberd as president and W. C. Heb-
berd as secretary and treasurer.
Mr. Hebberd was married to Miss Martha A., daughter of Dr. J. L. Holt, at Elm-
wood, 111. He has served as city treasurer of Colton and on the board of trustees,
and is one of the active and enterprising citizens of the place.
WILLIAM FOWLER, of Redlands, is a native of Massachusetts, born in Hampden
county in 1827. In 1836 the family removed west to the state of Ohio, where he lived
until he was twenty-four years of age. In 1852 he removed to Minnesota. In August,
1862, he enlisted in the 8th Minnesota Infantry and served until the close of the war.
During the first eighteen months service the regiment, under command of Gen. Sully,
was engaged most of the time on the frontier fighting Indians ; the last year of service was
in the South. He was wounded at the battle of Cedars, but remained with the regiment
until mustered out of service. He was discharged as Lieutenant of Company F, 8th
Minnesota Infantry.
At the close of the war Mr. Fowler returned to St. Paul, Minn., and resumed his
occupation of farming. He was a member of the Minnesota State Legislature in 1877-78;
was postmaster at Newport ; president of the Minnesota State Agricultural Society for
two years ; chairman of the board of supervisors of Washington county seven years, and
for five years president of the Minnesota State Dairymen's Association.
Mr. Fowler came to Redlands in 1891, purchased a fine property and engaged in
growing oranges. He has taken the same active interest in the welfare of the community
in which he has made his new home as in the one from which he came. His years of
experience and the value of his services have received recognition from the people of
Redlands. He has been for several years president of the city board of trustees and has
served as mayor of the city. Mr. Fowler is highly esteemed as a private citizen and his
public career is above reproach.
Mr. Fowler married Miss Carrie A. Lane of Ohio. They have a family of four
children. Two sons — Frank L. and Will L — are living in Redlands, also one daughter,
Nellie. Their daughter. Dr. May Fowler Thompson, is a resident of Rangoon, Burmah,
India. Mr. and Mrs. Fowler are members of the Baptist church.
MILO GILBERT, of Colton, was the son of Hinsdale and Polly Tyrhill Gilbert,
born in Manchester. Vt, September 5, 1823. His paternal grandfather was a soldier of
the Revolution, having been captain of a company at the battle of Bennington, Vt. His
father, in 1831, removed to Wyoming county, N. Y., and settled on a farm near Castile,
where Milo Gilbert passed his boyhood and youth. In 1844 he went to Rockford, 111., and
in partnership with his brother, Seymour, opened a hardware store ; he also taught mathe-
matics in a night school. After farming for a time he became stock solicitor for the Ga-
lena and Chicago Union Railway Co., in connection with W. B. Ogden.
In 1854 Mr. Gilbert removed to Charles City, la., and, quickly discerning the advan-
tages offered by the water power of Cedar river for manufacturing, he purchased one-
half of the town site— 450 acres— and began a series of large operations which occupied the
whole of his stay in that city, lasting thirty-three years, and converted an insignificant
hamlet into a prosperous railroad center. During this time Mr. Gilbert served as town
clerk and supervisor, and was chosen first mayor of the city, without opposition. The
"U. S. Biographical Dictionary" states that Milo Gilbert was continuously in official posi-
tion from the time he became a citizen of Floyd county, Iowa, until his departure from that
state.
Mr. Gilbert came to Colton in 1887, bringing with him a business experience of many
years, gained in advancing interests beneficial to a whole community. He has manifested
the same interest in Colton and has been identified with all measures of public improve-
ment undertaken since he became a citizen. He has served on the board of city trustees
and was for six years president of that board. His investments have been extensive.
Besides owning land and orange groves, he has built two large business blocks— the Gilbert
& Wilcox, and the Gilbert, the last the finest block in Colton.
On September 25, 1847. he married Margaret Palmer, daughter of Dr. Nathan Palmer,
of Aurora, 111. Their children are: Emily, Mrs. E. B. Dyke, of Colton; Clara, wife of
W. W. Wilcox, of Wilcox & Rose, hardware dealers of Colton and San Bernardino ; and
Frank P. Gilbert, of Minneapolis.
M. H. EVANS, of Highland, was born at Yorkville, Illinois, December 11, 1851, the
756 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
son of John and Electa Luce Evans. His father was a native of Ohio and a merchant of
Cleveland, later a farmer in Illinois. Mr. Evans was educated in his native state and
studied music under Dr. George F. Root for about three years, making a thorough study
of harmony, composition and voice culture under Professor F. W. Root, son of Dr. Root.
Later he traveled throughout the country as a singer, taking charge of the music at evan-
gelistic services. He was in charge of the music during Francis Murphy's great campaign-
in Chicago in 1884. He and Mrs. Evans followed this work for twenty-one years. In 1896,
he came to California and located at Highland where he has an orange grove of seventeen
acres.
Mr. Evans was married to Miss Emma, daughter of Dr. O. A. Goodhue, at St. Charles,
Illinois, in 1874. She was a native of the state, born at Rockford. They have three sons,
Evan G., Oliver K. and Merrill D.. Mr. h.vans is a member of and acts as reader in the
Christian Science church of Riverside.
JOHN M. FUQUAY, of Rincon, born October 3, 1853, is a son of [sham ami Johana
(Hathaway) Fuquay. His father was a Virginian; his mother a native of Missouri; she
is now living with her daughter, Mrs. R. M. Thurman, at Pomona, her husband having die)
in 1890 at the age of 76. The latter was a stockraiser on an extensive scale, and also a
mechanic and owned and ran a blacksmith shop.
John M. Fuquay is one of a family of five daughters and three sons ; one sister, Mary,
wife of George Vines, deceased, resides in Los Angeles. Serena D. Fuquay is now Mrs.
Otis Hidden, of Los Angeles ; Tenna, another sister, is Mrs. Samuel Bowers, of Lemore,
Los Angeles county. His sister Susan died in San Bernardino county. Of his brothers,
Benjamin F. is a resident of Pomona, where he is engaged in farming; and Jas. \V. Fuquay
lives at Lemore.
John M. Fuquay is the best type of the native Californian and is a thrifty and success-
ful farmer. He married at Downey, September 19, 1878, Sarah A. Neighbor-, a native of
Mississippi and daughter of Allen W. Neighbors, now of Los Nietos. and nine children
were the result of this union; Isham W., Mary M., Tennie E., Henry S., Ida Mae, John
A., William B., Clemmey S., Lawrence M. Mr. Fuquay owns and cultivates one of the
best farms on the Rincon Grant.
W. F. HOLT of Redlands, was horn in Mercer county, Missouri, January 1S, [864, son
of James Holt, a farmer, a native of Missouri whose father was a pioneer resident of the
state. W. F. Holt took a commercial course in a business college at Quincy, Illinois. Hi-
health made a change of climate necessary and he came to Arizona where he established
the first bank in Safford, Arizona, in 1897. He soon sold this out and in 1898 he opened
the first bank in the town of Globe. He came to California in 1900 and embarked in the
Imperial enterprise, purchasing a tract of 2,000 acres of the Imperial Land Co. and Imper-
ial Development Co. In 1901, he established the first paper, edited by H. C. Reid. H«
built a church, now owned by the Christian denomination. He put in a telephone system
over a hundred miles in length, connecting Imperial with other valley towns.
He also established a bank, incorporated for $25,000, of which he is president. Early in
1902 he inaugurated the Imperial and Gulf Ry., which he sold out to the Southern Pa-
cific in July, 1902. The same season he put in a system for domestic water and erected an
ice factory. — these he has sold out.
In the fall of 1903, Mr. Holt opened up a tract fourteen miles southeast of Imperial to
which is given the name of Holtv'ille. This has had a remarkable growth, a $15,000 hotel
having been erected, two stores a brick plant, restaurants, blacksmith shop, etc., estab
lished. A standard gauge road, the Holtville Interurban, was completed in 1904, also an
extensive power plant, utilizing the water from the canal. 15,000 inches with a fall of j^
feet, supplying power, for lights, etc.
Mr. Holt has recently completed an ornate and luxurious home in Redlands. He mar-
ried, in 1898, Miss Fannie Jones, a native of Visalia. California. They have two daughters,
Clara and Esther C.
CLEMENT RAY MORSE, of Ontario, was born in Lorraine county. Ohio, February
1826. His father, Abishai Morse, a native of Massachusetts, was a pioneer of Ohio, hav-
ing settled in that state in 1820. Clement was the youngest of a family of twelve. He
learned the carpenter trade and followed it until 1855, when he moved westward to Iowa
and engaged in farming in Iowa county. He first visited California in 1884 and purchased
property in the new colony of Ontario. In 1885, he settled permanently in Ontario and in
1886 put up the building at the corner of B street and Euclid avenue. He has engaged
more or less in wagon and house building. He has held the office of town trustee for four
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 757
years, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity. In 1847. he married Harriet A., daughter
of James Bradford, Vermilion, Erie comity, Ohio. They have three children living, Kate,
wife of John W. Horton of Ontario; Ella Brown; James R., of Ontario. In 1897, Mr. and
Mrs. Morse celebrated their golden wedding with all the ceremony and the good wishes
which such an unsual and happy event demands.
ASBURY S. McPHERRON, of Redlands, was born in Knox county. Tennessee,
September 19, 1843. He was a son of Win. A. and Mary Ann Graves McPherron, both
natives of Tennessee. His father, who was a farmer and a teacher, removed to Iowa in
1851, where he took an active part in the educational and political affairs of Mills county,
until his death, in 1882.
Prof. McPherron, after a course in the public schools of Mills county, took a .full
college course in Tabor College, Iowa, and later a Classical course at Oberlin College.
Ohio, graduating from this institution in 1871. From the latter college he received the
degree of Master of Arts.
In 1861, he enlisted in the 15th Iowa Infantry Volunteers and continued in the army
until he was discharged for disability, in 1863. Except during his army service. Prof. Mc-
Pherron has been almost constantly engaged in teaching, since his boyhood. He was prin-
cipal of the Normal Department of Tabor College, Iowa, for seven years. From August,
1881, until 1885, he acted as principal of the Albuquerque Academy, at Albuquerque New
Mexico. In 1885, he came to Los Angeles, where he taught for three years, then located
in Redlands, where he has since resided. Since coming to this county. Prof. McPherron
his been principal of the Highland schools two years and taught in the Redlands High
School three years. In September, 1902, he was appointed County Superintendent of Schools
in place of Miss Bahr, who resigned, and in 1903, he was elected to the position.
On locating in Redlands, he purchased land and now has a fifteen acre orange grove in
bearing, so that he may also be counted as a horticulturist. Prof. McPherron is a member
of the Congregational church, and of the G. A. R., and takes an active interest in all ques-
tions bearing on the public welfare.
In 1872, he married Mrs. Maria Cummings Gaston, a native of Ohio and a college
classmate. Mrs. McPherron died March 2i, 1898. On April 29, 1903. he married Miss
Grace Childs, of Hudson, Michigan.
JOSEPH S. MARR, of Upland, was born in Canada, May 30. 1848. He is the son of
Edwin H. Marr, a native of Pennsylvania. The Marr family is of Scotch descent : their
ancestor, the first Earl of Marr, was a follower of Robert Bruce, last of the Scottish Kings.
His mother, Hannah Coe Marr, was a native of Canada, of English and German descent.
Her father, the Rev. William Coe was an itinerant preacher in Canada, serving years with-
out material compensation, and enduring many privations and hardships in the cause of
the gospel work Edwin H. Marr died in July, 1900; his wife died the preceding Febru-
ary. They had been married fifty-six years.
The family removed from Canada to Iowa in 1849. The crossing of the Missouri river
was made on a ferry boat, with horse power. Joseph A. Marr was brought up on a farm
in Iowa. He came from Plymouth, Iowa, to California, in May, 1889, and located in North
Ontario, then known as Magnolia. He first engaged in hotel business and afterwards as
a fruit grower. In 1873. Mr. Marr married Miss Sarah L. Hull, a native of Iowa, daughter
of an Iowa pioneer. They are the parents of two children— a daughter, deceased, 1887.,
and a son, Ralph H. Marr. The family are members of the M. E. church. He is a mem-
ber of the A. O. U. W. of Ontario, and also the Fraternal Aid Association of Ontario.
CHARLES B. HAMILTON, of Colton, was born in Mead. Ohio. January 25, 1842,
the son of Gideon and Hannah Huffman Hamilton. The Hamilton family are of Scotch
descent, natives of the Firth of Forth. The great-grandfather Huffman was a Virginian —
a soldier of the Revolution, serving under Washington and being present at the surrender
of Cornwallis at Yorktown. His grandfather, Joseph Huffman, was a soldier of the war
of 1812 and was, for seventeen years, a judge on the bench of Belmont county. Ohio.
Upon the breaking out of the Civil War, Charles B. Hamilton responded to the fir?t
call for troops, enlisting in Company F, 15th Ohio Volunteers, assigned to the army of the
Cumberland. With his regiment he took part in the battles of Shiloh. Stone River, Chicka-
mauga. Mission Ridge, and later in the battle of Franklin. He was with General Sher-
man at the battle of Atlanta and there received two slight wounds. He took part in the
"March to the Sea," and was discharged October 18, 1864. having served three years and
eight months. He returned to Ohio but soon engaged in steamboating upon the Mississ-
ippi river, with headquarters at New Orleans, and continued • this occupation until t888
758 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
when he came to California. He located at Colton, and opened a grocery store, also pur-
chased land and planted an orange grove. He has since that time been intimately associated
with the material development of the town. He is a director in the Terrace Water Com-
pany, the Colton Fruit Exchange and the Building and Loan Association.
July 29, 1872, Mr. Hamilton married Miss Hattie Belle, daughter of William R. Rea-
kirt, of Cincinnati, Ohio. They have four children, William, residing in San Francisco ;
Etta, Mrs. Charles Nugent, of Colton; Lillie, Mrs. Thomas Weed, of Riverside; Percy,
residing at home. Mr. Hamilton is Past Grand Master of the I. O. O. F. and an active
member of the G. A. R.
C. W. MAGILL, of Upland, was born in Clay county, Missouri, March 6, 1828, the son
of David and Sarah Magill, the one a native of Kentucky, the other of Missouri. Mr.
Magill was brought up on a farm in Clay county and remained in his native state, fol-
lowing the occupation of stock raising and farming until 1855, when he removed to Kan-
sas. In 1864, he again moved westward to Oregon and lived there until he came to Cali-
fornia in 1895. He located first in Santa Barbara and then came to North Ontario where
he is a fruit grower.
Mr. Magill married Miss Nancy E. Gregg, of Missouri, in 1848. Of six children only
one is living — David Magill, of Izee, Oregon. Mr. and Mrs. Magill have thirteen grand-
children. He served one year as teamster in the war with Mexico. He is a member of the
Masonic fraternity, "Amity" Lodge, No. 20, Oregon.
HENRY J. McNALLY, of Bloomington, was born at Dixon, Illinois, in 1884. His
father Thomas McNally, was one of the pioneer farmers of that state. Henry McNally
grew to manhood on his father's farm. His first work away from home was for the
Chicago and Burlington Railway Company, and he was in their employ seven years. At
the expiration of that time he removed to Clinton, Iowa, and there established a saw mill
and engaged in the lumber business. In 1893, a corporation composed of Iowa capitalists,
purchased three thousand acres of land for the purpose of establishing a town site, which
they named Bloomington. In this operation it was necessary to employ a number of men.
and Henry J. McNally was selected to act in the capacity of foreman. The managers
of the Bloomington Land Company have been changed many times, but Mr. McNally still
retains his position.
Mr. McNally married Miss Barbara Zinke, in 1889. They have two children, Henry
and Nellie Christina. Mr. and Mrs. McNally occupy a comfortable home in the midst of
an orchard of orange and deciduous fruit trees.
JOSEPH MORT, of Rialto, is a native of Harrison county, Ohio, where he was born
in January, 1843. He is a veteran of the Civil War, having enlisted before the completion
of his nineteenth year in the 19th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, serving with them until the close
of the war. Mr. Mort participated in the battle of Paris Grove, Arkansas, where out
of 400 men engaged on the Union side, 198 were killed or wounded. He was taken pris-
oner at Sterling Farm, La., and confined in the rebel prison at Tyler, Texas, where the daily
ration distributed was one pint of corn meal with an occasional allowance of wormy beef
— a diet which produced a death rate of ten men per day. Mr. Mort also served in the siege
of Vicksburg and at Spanish Fort, near Mobile. He is now blind as the result of his
prison life, but is still glad that he was able to serve his country.
After the war, Mr. Mort married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Daniel Miller, of Iowa.
In 1874, they removed to Kansas and located in Harvey county. In 1888, they came to
California and located permanently near Rialto. Mr. and Mrs. Mort have a family of
five sons and one daughter, Clyde E., O. H., Edward E., T. Glenn, L. Worth and Delia,
now Mrs. Barnard, of Rialto.
JAMES W. MILLS of Ontario, was born in Yuba county, California, February 13,
1867. His father was Jas S. Mills, a native of Richmond, Virginia, who came to California
by the overland route in 1852. After several years spent in mining, he returned east and
married Miss Almira Guion, daughter of David Bonte Guion, of St. Louis, Missouri. They
returned to California and settled in Yuba county, where Mr. Mills engaged in farming.
Jas. W. Mills went from the High School in Marysville, California, and entered the
State University as a special Agricultural student. In 1893, he was appointed Superintend-
ent of the Chino Experimental station, which position he still holds.
In 1894, he was married to Miss Fannie Whitmore, born in Washington, Iowa, the
daughter of F. B. Whitmore, of Sacramento. They have two sons, Harold L. and Frank S.
As superintendent of the experimental station, Mr. Mills has charge of University
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 759
Co-operative experimental work in Southern California. He is considered one of the best
informed authorities on agricultural and horticultural subjects in this vicinity and has
won the confidence of the farmers and fruit growers, with whom he is working.
W. P. McCAIN, of Chino, was born at St. Joe, Missouri, February 21, 1854, the only
son of Nelson and Dovey McCain. His father, who was a pioneer of Buchanan county,
Missouri, came to California in 1886, and located at Long Beach, where he still resides, now
aged seventy-three. Mr. McCain was raised on a farm in Missouri but later learned the
trade of harness maker. He has now returned to farming and is a successful fruit grower
and dairyman on the Chino grant.
He married Miss Addas A., daughter of Howard M. Thompson, a well known citizen
of Gallatin, Missouri. They have ten children — seven sons and three daughters.
CHARLES A. ROUSE, of San Bernardino, was born at Davenport, Iowa, Ja
21, 1862. He is the son of Franklin Rouse, a native of New York and since 1885 a resident
of Riverside, and Margaret Davis, a native of Wales, who emigrated to America with
her parents when a very small child, and died in 1881, leaving a family of five children
of whom Charles A. Rouse is the youngest.
Charles A. Rouse learned the cooper's trade in his native city and followed that busi-
ness after he came to California. Later, he was employed by the Southern Pacific Rail-
way Co., in their transportation department at Colton, and he afterwards held a similar
position with the Santa Fe Railway Co., in San Bernardino. In 1893, Mr. Rouse was
nominated on the Independent Republican ticket for Sheriff of San Bernardino county and
elected by a good majority. Mr. Rouse has for many years been known as an expert
rifle and pistol shot.
November 27, 1885, Mr. Rouse married Miss Emma Brown, daughter of John Brown,
Sr. (deceased), a well known and respected pioneer hunter and trapper of San Bernar-
dino county. Their residence on D street is one of the attractive homes of the city
J. P. JONES, of Halleck, was born in Hart county, Kentucky, September 25, 1844,
the son of Ezekiel Jones, a pioneer of Kentucky. He lived at home until 1867 when he
removed to Missouri and remained five years. In 1876 he came to California and after
a few months in San Luis Obispo county located in the vicinity of Santa Ana and engaged
in farming. In 1881, he removed to Oro Grande and since that time has been occupied
in mining and in stock raising. He has a fine ranch of 240 acres and also owns property
in Oro Grande and in Los Angeles. He has been interested in many mining ventures and
has developed some of the best mining properties in the neighborhood of Oro Grande.
Mr. Jones was married in 1868 to Margaret P. Welborn, of Monroe county, Ken-
tucky. They have four living children, Virgil J., Vernone E., Inez Adele, and Mary Mar-
guerite.
HOWARD J. MARTIN, of Victor, was born in Greenfield, Franklin county, Mass-
achusetts, March 1, 1849. In 1862, his family came to California and his step-father, S.
P. Johnson, located in the mining district of El Dorado county, where he carried on a
butchering business, supplying mining camps with meat packed to the camps on mules.
Howard J. Martin, possessed a talent for music and became a proficient musician, es-
pecially on the violin. He has been a member of various orchestras and played brass in-
struments and drums in different bands. He came to Victor and in 1902 was elected Justice
of Peace for that district. He was married in Nevada in 1870 and has one daughter, Mrs.
Emma Rockenfield, of San Francisco.
SAMUEL M. LITTLE, of Del Rosa, was born on the Big Sandy river in Kentucky.
His father, S. W. Little, was a native of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and a glassblower by
trade. Later he operated trading boats on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. He was one
of the founders of the town of Effingham, Illinois. About 1858, he located in Lincoln,
Nebraska, where he engaged in the grain buying business. He came to California about
1884 and purchased 3,000 acres of land near the Cahuenga Pass, in Los Angeles county.
Later he purchased a tract of 600 acres north of San Bernardino. Mr. Little is now eighty-
five years of age and is still actively engaged in business. He is the vice-president of the
Portland Cement Co., operating at Colton. Four of his children are now living, Mellie,
Mrs. Dr. W. H. Thompson, of San Bernardino; Samuel M., San Bernardino; Lulu, Mrs.
C. Shaffner, and Anna, Mrs. E. J. Curson, both of Los Angeles.
Samuel M. Little was engaged in the manufacture of iron water pipe, in Los An-
geles, for about eight years after coming to California. In 1897, he located at Del Rosa
760
HISTORY OF SAN BERXARDIXO COUNTY
and later removed to the city of San Bernardino. He was married in 1881, at Lincoln, Ne-
braska, to Miss Delia, daughter of Charles Osborn, a Quaker preacher and missionary.
They have five children, Bessie, Mrs. William Haehl, of Del Rosa; Charles O., shipping
clerk at Colton Cement Works ; Marie, Samuel W., and Donna Dewey.
SYLVANUS THURMAN, of Bluff Lake, San Bernardino Mountains, was bom April
5, 1850, in Taney county, Missouri, the son of Elisha R. and Eliza Philips Thurman, the
former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Tennessee. The family came to California in
i860, and the father lived during his latter years near Downey, Los Angeles county, where
he died in 1900 at the age of eighty-one.
Sylvanus came to this state with his family and lived' for six years in Amador county
and for three years in Jackson county, Oregon. He came to Los Angeles county at the
age of nineteen and pursued farming and stock-raising. About 1882 he located at Red-
U AM> MRv SYLVAM'S Till P\\AN
lands, being one of the first settlers there. He located land in the San Bernardino moun-
tains twenty-six miles northeast of Redlands and two miles southeast of Bear Valley
dam. This was timber land with a fine growth of pine, fir, tamarack, etc. He has estab-
lished a resort known as Bluff Lake here and has accommodations for about forty guests.
This is one of the most delightful of the mountain resorts, offering pure air and mountain
water, picturesque scenery, hunting, fishing, etc. Mr. Thurman also has a fine property
of 320 acres of fruit and grazing land near Crafton.
Mr. Thurman was married in Redlands, in 1892, to Abbi; Pillsbury, a native of Hamp-
stead, New Hampshire. She is a graduate of Mt. Holyoke Seminary.
L. S. SCOTT, editor of the Times-Index, San Bernardino, is a native of Indiana, and
a life-long and successful newspaper man. He began his career as "devil" in a news-
paper office at Marion, Indiana, his first experience as publisher being at West Milton, Ohio.
He founded the National Printer-Journalist at Indianapolis and placed it on a firm foot-
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 761
ing. After he sold it out it was moved to Chicago, and is still a standard publication and
organ of the National Editorial Association. During 1890-91 he was superintendent of the
government printing office at Guatamala, Central America. In 1892, he purchased the
Signal at Crowley, Louisiana. This was a weekly publication, but Mr. Scott added a
daily and later established the Rice Journal and Gulf Coast Farmer, selling the business
in 1903 for $30,000. During this period he was for a time also owner of the Daily and
Weekly Times at Jennings, Louisiana, and the Tribune at Rayne, Louisiana. He came
to California and in 1904 purchased a controlling interest in the Times-Index, and is
president of the corporation.
Hon. J. J. HANFORD, formerly president of the City Board of Trustees of San Ber-
nardino, was born in New York City, June 12, 1845. He was the son of Peter Hanford.
of English descent, born in Ireland, and Lucy Henny Hanford, also born in Ireland.
J. J. Hanford received his education in the public schools of New York City and
served his apprenticeship as a moulder in the old Novelty Engine Works, at that time the
largest of the kind in New York City, and probably the largest in America. During the
Cival War this manufactory was engaged in constructing marine and monitor engines for
the United States government. Mr. Hanford came direct from New York City to Los
Angeles, California, in 1882. He engaged in land speculation which, however, was not
productive of marked success, making and losing money as did many others in those days
of fluctuating values. Subsequently he entered the employ of the late M. S. Baker, pro-
prietor of the Baker Iron Works, corner of Second and Main streets, now the center of the
city, the first foundry established in Los Angeles. In 1889, He went to San Diego, and
there manufactured the ponderous machinery and heavy castings used in the construction
of the San Diego Cable Railway; also of the iron work for the Keating Block, Klein
Block and Fisher Opera House. February, 1892, Mr. Hanford removed to San Bernar-
dino where he engaged in business for himself, beginning by securing contracts from the
Santa Fe Railway Co. He secured a location for his present works in 1895. starting in
September, of that year with a capacity for casting ten tons of iron per day.
Mr. Hanford was elected City Trustee April, 1899, and chosen president of the Board.
He is a man of progressive ideas. He has made a good executive officer and may be al-
ways found in the advance of reform movements.
Mr. Hanford has been twice married. His first wife was Sarah F. Beamis, who died
in Brooklyn, New York, 1875. leaving one child, a son, W. J. Hanford.of San Bernardin 1.
In 1876 Mr. Hanford married Miss Joanna Gregg.
THOMAS PRADER, of Chino, is a native of Southeast Switzerland, and was born near
the national line of Italy, April 21, 1863. He was reared to the occupation of cattle herder
and passed his boyhood and youth in the highest and most picturesque regions of the Alpine
mountain regions. His duties were of such a nature as to afford him time for study which
he improved with his books and he has acquired a large fund of general and useful in-
formation.
He came to California in 1889, spent some time in Antelope valley, and then came
south to Pomona and Chino, where he owns a ten acre fruit ranch and is accounted a re-
liable citizen.
WILLIAM P. MARTIN, of Rialto. was born at Princeton, Gibson county, Indiana.
June 7, 1851. He was the son of Leroy and Nancy Hargrove Martin, both natives of Gib-
son county. His father was a merchant and engaged in business at Rushville, Indiana.
In 1865. the family removed to Henderson, Kentucky, where Mr. Martin conducted a gen-
eral merchandise business until 1870 when he went to Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, and en-
gaged in the cattle business. He lived there until he came to California. In 1883, he re-
moved to California and settled on a fruit ranch at Eagle Rock valley, Los Angeles county
where he died in 1887, aged 74. Mrs. Martin survives him and lives with her son, William
at Rialto.
William P. Martin received his education at the public schools of Gibson county, In-
diana, and Henderson county, Kentucky, and at Wabash College, Crawfordsville, Indiana.
He first clerked in his father's store and was engaged with him in the cattle business in
Kansas. He' was one of the organizers of the Cottonwoods Falls bank, a director, and
from 1883 to 1887, its cashier. In 1883, he was elected County Treasurer of Chase Co.
Kansas, and in 1885 was re-elected although he was a democrat, and the district was strongly
republican. Mr. Martin came to California in 1888 and was among the first to buy prop-
erty in the Rialto tract, purchasing 138 acres of the old Semi-Tropic Co. He also pur
762 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
chased a citrus grove of 20 acres. He was for a short time in the grocery business with
Chas. Bohannon. He was one of the organizers of the Citizen's Water Co., of Rialto, and
was its first president and its manager.
Mr. Martin married Miss Lorinda A. Kellogg in 1876. They have three children,
Frank, a machinist employed by the San Bernardino Electric Light Co.; Mary and Wil-
liam Martin. Mr. and Mrs. Martin attend the First Presbyterian church of San Bernar-
dino and Mr. Martin is a member of Phelix Lodge, I. O. O. F., Strong, City, Kansas, and
of the Knights and Ladies of Security, Cottonwood Falls.
FRANK B. MARTIN, of San Bernardino, was born at Cottonwood Falls, Kansas,
August 5, 1877. He is the son of W. P. and Lorinda (Kellogg) Martin. The family
came from Cottonwood Falls to San Bernardino county October 13, 1892, and located at
Rialto, where the father has charge of the Bloomington Water System, and is the owner
of several large fruit orchards in that section of the country.
Frank P. Martin received a common school education and later attended Howard's
Business College in San Francisco, graduating from that institution. He was first em-
ployed in connection with his father's business on the stock ranch. Since coming to Cal-
ifornia he has at times attended to the orchard business of his father, while the latter made
extended business trips east.
In 1896, Mr. Martin crossed the Pacific Ocean and visited Australia and the Hawaiian
Islands. Returning to San Francisco he made another ocean voyage to Cook's Inlet,
Alaska, coming back to San Francisco in 1897. A few months later he engaged with
Wilcox & Rose of Colton, as plumber and gas engine man. From there he came to his
present position in San Bernardino, with the San Bernardino Electric and Gas Co., in
charge of the city lighting plant.
January I, 1900, Mr. Martin married Miss Grace Knapp, of Los Angeles. Mr. Martin
is a member of the San Bernardino Fire Department, having joined the organization as
"call man." He is a member of the First Presbyterian church of this city, and also of the
Knights and Ladies of Security.
W. B. POZELL, of San Bernardino, was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, July 25,
1870. He is the son of Frederick Pohzehl, a farmer, and Fredericka Guenther Pohzehl. His
father died January 15, 1904, and his mother now resides with her son .His parents had
a family of three children ; one a daughter, Ida, married M. D. Hamburg who is now em-
ployed by the Gill Lumber Co.,and Lucy J. is the wife of H. C. Hamer, of Highland.
W. B. Pozell attended school at North Branch, Minnesota, where his father owned a
farm. The family came to California in 1888 and located in San Bernardino and the young
man was employed for a time in the old mill at 4th and B streets, then operated by Thomas
Smart. Later he engaged in ranching and then in a truck and transfer business. In 1898,
he started the Santa Fe City Omnibus line and in 1899 put on the Rabel Springs Omnibus.
Later he went into the carriage and implement business and he is now employed in the
horse clipping business.
J. P. ADOLPH PETSCH writes of himself: "I was born in Frankfurt on the Main,
Germany, August 12, 1852, and was educated in the public schools and in a business col-
lege. When in 1866 the Free city of. Frankfurt lost its independence and was annexed by
the kingdom of Prussia I felt, boy as I was, that government without the consent of the
governed, was an outrage to which I could not submit. In 1869, rather than bow to the
newly imposed degredation of military service. I left, as a political exile, the home in which
my family had been prominent for six hundred years.
"In October 1869, I landed in New York and went to St. Louis where two uncles—
also political exiles— had settled in 1831. After a short stay I returned to Europe expecting
to locate in southern France, but the Franco-Prussian war drove me to Switzer-
land. Finding that the Swiss Republic protected its independence by refusing citizen's
rights to foreigners, I drifted to Metz, in Lorraine, but there again the Prussians found
me and exiled me. in 1872. I then went to Belgium and lived for five years in the city of
Verviers, engaged in the banking business, but as I was without citizenship and Belgium,
like Switzerland accepts no foreigners, I was led to look for a new home. I again came
to America and stopped in St. Louis. On April 11, 1877, the Southern Hotel of that citv
was destroyed by fire. I was in the fifth story and escaped by a rope of bedsheets. Injuries
sustained in this fire made me an invalid for two years and this was the reason of my com-
ing to southern California, after a short stay in San Francisco. I was naturalized in
1882, and have since left the state but once— to pay a short visit to my parents in Europe.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
"In Pasadena, in the early part of 1878 I obtained my first ideas of horticulture and
viticulture. At that period this colony was rather short of water and I began to look
around for an abundant irrigation supply." As a result, Mr. Petsch was one of the
founders of the settlement of Hermosa in San Bernardino. (See Page 617.)
"In 1884, I married a native daughter of California, whose father, John L. Frese, was
a pioneer of Oakland. In 1892, I moved from Hermosa to Los Angeles where I have taken
an active part in 'La Fiesta de Los Angeles.' I am a member of the Chamber of Com-
merce, the Landmark Club and -the Forest and Water Association, but I have strictly kept
aloof from all political affiliations. In the Cucamonga and Hermosa districts I was a
school trustee for seven years. On April 29, 1897, a little son was born to me. If a
father's wish is fulfilled he will be a good citizen of a free country."
J. R. McKINLEY, of Rialto, is a native of Ohio, born in Cumberland, Guernsey county,
in 1846. His father, Willoughby McKinley, was an Ohio pioneer. Mr. McKinley removed
to Wayne county. Iowa when he was sixteen years of age, and shortly after the organiza-
tion of the county. At that time it
was a paradise for hunters, deer be-
ing very plentiful in that locality.
The town of Humeston was after-
wards located on a portion of his
property and he is still the owner
of a farm, a portion of his original
property.
Mr. McKinley came to California
in 1894 and settled near Rialto where
he owns a twenty acre orange or-
chard, particularly noted for its
beauty and productiveness. He has
for several years been in the employ
of the County Horticultural Commis-
sion as an inspector. Mr. McKin-
ley has been twice married. He
married his first wife, who was Miss
Hannah Davis, in 1869. They were
the parents of five children, two
sons and three daughters. In 1897,
Mr. McKinley married Mrs. M. J.
Stults, of Humeston, Iowa.
EDWARD C. PARKER, 01 On-
tario, was born June 18, 1846, at
Madison, Wisconsin. His father,
Henry C. Parker, was a native of
New Hampshire and by trade a car-
penter and builder. He erected the
first state capitol, at Madison, Wis-
consin, and engaged in other large
contracts in that vicinity. He died
in 1896. aged 79. He married Lucia
A. Smith, of Ashtabula, Ohio, who
died in March, 1890. They had three children ; one daughter is the wife of Rev. J. A.
Bradshaw, of Richland, Missouri, the other daughter is Mrs. W. J. Bodenhamer, of Up-
land. In 1857, the family removed to Illinois, locating at Daquoin, Perry county. They
came to California in 1881 and settled first in Pomona . In 1887 they purchased five acres
at the mouth of San Antonio Canon and have made a fine ranch there.
Edward C, Parker, enlisted in the 13th Illinois Cavalry, in 1864, and served as com-
missary agent until mustered out of service in 1865. He was in business with his father
as builder and contractor until 1876, when he came to California and located at North On-
tario.
HARRISON W. HAGERMAN, of San Bernardino, was born in Coburg, Canada, Sep-
tember 5, 1867, the son of James and Elizabeth Scott Hagerman. His parents now reside
in San Bernardino, and a sister, Miss Mabel, lives with them, while a brother, Percy, is
in Pasadena. H. W. Hagerman received a common school education at his old home in
MR. AND MRS
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Coburg, Canada. He tried his hand at mining and then entered the confectionary business
in Canada. In January. 1897, he came to San Bernardino, where he was first employed in
the planing mill department of the Santa Fe shops. He later became engineer with the
Southern California Ice Co., a position he still holds. He was married March 24, 1891, in
Coburg, Canada, to Miss Levisa, daughter of Robert Staples, of that place. Mrs. Hagerman
died in San Bernardino, March 17, 1897, leaving two children, Laura L. and Douglas S.
Hagerman. Mr. Hagerman is a member of the Presbyterian church and also of the Wood-
men of the World.
\Y. A. NORTON, formerly of Bloomington, was born in Genesee county, New York,
October 3. 1855. He was the adopted son of Issi and Diana Norton. He spent the first
ten years of his life on a farm near Genesee, where his father died. After the death of
Mrs. Norton, her son lived at Perry.
New York, where he attended school
and later finished his education at
Lima Seminary, New- York.[
In 1880, he married Miss Frances
E. Wilson, of Ontario, Indiana, and
settled on a farm at Perry, wdiere he
remained for ten years. In l88S,
Mr. and Mrs. Norton, with their
daughter, lone, came to California,
and after spending about two years
in Colton, located on the Blooming-
ton tract as sonn as it was opened.
Mr Norton purchased fifteen acres
of land of the Semi-Tropic Co.
which he set half to oranges and
half to lemons and developed a fine
ranch. Here he erected a comfort-
able and beautiful home. He always
took an active interest in the progress
of his chosen community and was a
member of the school board and of
the Water Co. for a number of years
previous to his death. He was a pro-
hibitionist in sentiment and thought
but voted independently.
Mr. Norton died October 3, 1901,
leaving a wife and daughter tr
mourn his loss.
BERNARD H. JACOBS, of Red-
lands, was born in Bredstedt, duchy
.if Schlesvig, Germany, in 1844. At
W. A. NORTON ten vears of age he came to Amer-
ica and lived in Ohio. His early
life was spent in mercantile pursuits.
In 1864, he entered the 169th regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry. After returning from
the war he continued in the mercantile business. In 1872. with others, he started "Lake-
side." the Chatauqua assembly of Ohio, an enterprise in which he still retains an interest.
In September, 1894, he came with his family to Redlands and purchased a grove on
Cypress avenue, to which he devoted his time and attention. In 1875, he married Miss
Clara Kingham, of Fort Clinton, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs are active members of
the Methodist Episcopal church. He has always been a leader in temperance reform and
has been interested in the anti-saloon question as it has developed in Redlands.
EMIL JOHNSON, of Bloomington, was born in December, 1867, in the southern pan
of Sweden, near Eksco. His father, John Isaacson, was a farmer. His mother died when
he was seven years of age and he left home when a mere boy and earned his own way and
secured a good education. When about nineteen he came to America and located in South
Dakota where he had relatives. Here he mastered the English language.
In 1894. he came to California and worked for two years in Colton. Then he bought
five acres of bare ground at Bloomington and now has a fine orange grove.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
(•65
W. H. JONES, of Needles, was born in Mendocino county, California, October I,
1866. His parents were H. M. and Hattie Fanning Jones. His father came around the
Horn and arrived in California in 1847. After the gold excitement, he settled in Mendo-
cino county. He was a shoemaker by trade.
W. H. Jones acquired a common school education in the schools of the state. He learned
both the shoemaker's and the blacksmith trade, but entered the employment of the Southern
Pacific Railway and in 1882 reached Needles with the completion of the railroad to that
point. He continued to work .for the R. R. Co. until 1892, when he was stricken with paralv-
sis and partially crippled thus incapacitating him for active labor.
V. MASHEK, of Redlands
School of Prague. He came ti
ter, Na
graduate of Wiscons
5 a native of Bohemia and a graduate of the Polytechnic
his country in 1861 as private secretary to Count Malin-
owski, of the Russian emigration
commission, and also as correspond-
ent for several Bohemian newspa-
pers. He settled in Wisconsin, at
Racine, where he edited and pub-
lished the only Bohemian newspaper
in America, a paper which is still
prosperous and representative. In
1863 he removed to Kewaunee, Wis ,
where he became largely interested
in various mercantile and lumber en
terprises. He was president of the
Mashek Company, engaged in mer-
cantile business ; the Kewaunee Mill-
ing Company ; Mashek & Arnold, in
the wood and lumber business, and
of the Bank of Kewaunee, which he
organized and of which he was pres-
ident for many years. He was elected
the first mayor of Kewaunee upon its
organization as a city.
For a number of years he spent
built there, near the Casa Loma ho-
tel, a nice residence. Mr. Mashek
married Anna Kwapil, born in Bo-
hemia. He has two sons — V, F . sec-
retary and treasurer of the Pilsen
Lumber Co., Chicago, and president
of the Chicago Lumber Association,
and George M.. president of the
Chemical and Iron Company at Es-
canaba, Mich : he has also one daugh-
vas born at Auburn, New York, March 3, 1832
1791 and his grandfather, Ezekiel Porter, was :
BURTON S. PORTER, of Coltoi
His father, Beecher Porter, was born
soldier of the Revolution.
In 1852, Burton B. Porter first came to California and remained five years, then re-
turned to New York. In 1861, he enlisted in the 10th New York Cavalry and served one
year as quartermaster sergeant; he was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant, Company "L," October
12, 1862; 1st lieutenant. December, 1862, and Captain Company "G." July, 1863. He was
taken prisoner at St. Mary's Church and confined in Libby prison, transferred from there
to Macon and then to Columbus and Charleston prisons ; he twice made his escape, only to
be re-captured. He finally escaped and reached Sherman's army, which he had joined and
marched through the Carolinas to Fayette, N. C. He was mustered out of service, March
25, 1865. In 1877, Captain Porter again came to California and located in San Francisco.
In 1893, he came to San Bernardino county, and now resides in a beautiful orchard home at
Colton". Captain Porter has been twice married. The first wife was Elizabeth Bearsley,
who died in 1890. In 1892, he married Miss Ella Holland.
THOMAS HADDEN. of San Bernardino, is a native of New York City, born Novem-
766 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
ber 21, 1844, the son of James E. Hadden, a merchant tailor whose establishment was lo-
cated at the corner of Broadway and Eighth streets, New York City.
Thomas was educated at Mt. Washington Institute, New York, and a military Acad-
emy at New Haven, Connecticut. When he reached majority he went west and located
at Manhatten, Kansas, where he engaged in the cattle business. In 1874, he returned to
New York and remained until 1878 wen he came to California. After following various
occupations he, in 1881, entered the employ of J. G. Burt in his hardware store and re-
mained with this business until Mr. Burt's death in 1894 when the business was closed out.
Soon afterwards Messrs. Wilcox and Rose, of Colton, opened a branch house in San Ber-
nardino, handling hardware, etc., and Mr. Hadden was made manager of the establishment.
In 1898, he bought a third interest in the business. In 1 901, Wilcox & Rose sold out their
interests to Thomas Hadden and Mrs. Dr. R. L. Burcham and the business was incor-
porated as the Thomas Hadden Company.
Mr. Hadden was married at Ogden, Riley county, Kansas, to Miss Retta, daughter of
John M. Morris, County Treasurer of Riley county. They have one daughter, Estelle. Mr.
Hadden is a member of San Bernardino Lodge, F. & A. F. ; of the I. O. O. F., and of the
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.
MISS ELEANOR FREEMAN, late of Ontario, was a native of Pennsylvania,, born
in Bellsville, in February, 1848. Her mother belonged to the Rittenhouse fam-
ily who were descendants of one of the earliest American families. Her family moved to
Cincinnati when she was about four years of age and she received her early education in
that city. When about eighteen she went to Europe and remained in France a year then
passed a year at Heidleberg University, Germany ; she returned to Cincinnati and taught
languages in the Woodward and Hughes High Schools, in which position she was very
popular. She was fond of travel and spent much time abroad, where she perfected her-
self in several foreign languages. She was especially fond of Italy and passed much time
there and in the study of Italian.
In 1884, Miss Freeman came to California and August, 1885, she first visited Ontario.
Here she purchased a twenty acre tract for a home place and invested in other propert\'.
She made Ontario her home from this time until her death, spending her time in study
and literary work and in looking after her business interests. She frequently lectured on her
travels for'the benefit of various societies and charitable organizations and took an interest
in all that pertained to the welfare of her chosen home.
She died in Ontario, March 9, 1904, and was buried in Spring-grove cemetery, Cin-
cinnati.
JOSHUA HARTZELL.of East Highland, was born February 4. 1845, the son of Jacob
and Ann McGowan Hartzell. His father was a native of , Pennsylvania and a pioneer settler
of Ohio. His parents had eight children, Joshua being the youngest. When he was less
than a year old his mother died ; his father died in 1848 and for many years the boy lived
with his uncle, John Hartzell. He enlisted in the army before his eighteenth year, serv-
ing in the 105th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for two years and ten months — from 1862 to
1865. He was under Rosencrans and Sherman, taking part in the "March to the Sea:" he
was at Perrysville and served on detached duty. He was mustered out at Cleveland, Ohio.
After this he went to southwstern Missouri and taught school then engaged in farming
and carried on mercantile business at Quincy and Elkton, both in Hickory county,Missouri.
In 1873, he went to Iowa and spent a couple of years. In 1876, he came to California and
located at San Bernardino. Here he worked first for Kenniston and Brazelton and later
worked in the mines. In 1882, he came to Highland and purchased a ranch. He now has
twenty-seven acres in fruit. Mr. Hartzell is a member of the Board .of Horticultural Com-
missioners and has been an inspector for years.
He was married in Missouri in 1868 to Miss Hilliard and has four children, Carrie,
Mrs. J. M. Cadwell, of Redlands; Albert; Mrs. Quinan, of Manila, and Walter.
MICHAEL HAUCK, of Chino, was a native of Russia. His grandfather, Jacob Hauck,
was born in Germany and emigrated to Russia where his father, John, was born. Mr
Hauck came to America when about twenty-five and lived for five years in Dakota. He
spent a year in Iowa and then came to California. He at first worked in the vicinity of
Santa Ana and then took up a government claim in San Diego county. This he sold and
moved to Chino some eight or nine years ago. Here he has rented a ranch of about ninty-
five acres, raising barley, beets, cattle, etc.
He married at Santa Ana, Miss Agnes Opp, a native of Wisconsin, of German parent-
age. They have four children, Katherine, Annie, John and Christof.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 767
L. E. PORTER, of Barstow, is a native of Pennsylvania, born July 26, 1860, the son
of William and Sadie A. Nolder Porter. He received his education in the public schools
finishing with one term at the State Normal School, Chautauqua, New York, after which
he took a special course in chemistry. His first work after leaving school was in the oil
fields of Pennsylvania. In 1879, he went to Colorado where he lived five years and in
1884 came to San Bernardino county, and started in prospecting at Calico, and in the des-
ert. In 1891, he started a cyanide reduction plant in Kern county, the first of the kind in
that part of the state. He made a specialty of chemistry and metallurgy of refractory
ores, and is at present working in a copper ore containing one half of one per cent copper.
Under the ordinary cyanide process the expense per ton, for working this ore would ap-
proximate seven or eight dollars, but using his method of regenerating the cyanide, the ex-
pense does not exceed one dollar per ton. The capacity of his cyanide plant is about fifty
tons. After the slimes are produced they are treated by an electric amalgamating process.
Mr. Porter married Miss E. D. Dougherty in Calico, Christmas eve, 1891.
FRANK OWEGER, of the firm of Mespelt & Oweger, was born at Piqua, Ohio, June
17, i860, the son of Joseph and Katherine Oweger. His father was a manufacturer of
curled-hair goods. Mr. Oweger learned the trade of cigar maker in his native town, serv-
ing an apprenticeship of four years ; then started out for himself. He has worked in
nearly every state in the Union and came from New York state to California in 1886, going
first to San Francisco. In 1892, with his partner, August Mespelt, he came to San Bernar-
dino and started a cigar making business which has developed into the manufacture of cigars
on an extensive scale. Mr. Oweger is a member of the Order of Red Men ; Fraternal
Union and Cigar Makers' Union.
August Mespelt, of the firm of Mespelt and Oweger, was .born in Burlington, Iowa,
November 20, 1859, the son of August Mespelt and Katherine Blank. His school days
were passed in his native city, and after leaving school he obtained employment in a leaf
tobacco factory, and later learned the trade of cigar making. He lived in Burlington until
his 20th year and then worked in different cities of Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska and California.
He came to San Bernardino in 1892.
Mr. Mespelt married Mrs. E. C. Batchelder of San Bernardino. He is a member of
the Fraternal Union and the Cigar Makers' Union.
CHRIST RAPP,of Colton, was born at Guttenburg, Germany in 1855. When he was
twenty-five years of age he came to America, and located at Philadelphia. After a few
years' residence in that city he removed to San Francisco, where he engaged in business, and
from there came to Colton, and opened a first class bakery. Through close attention and in-
dustry this has developed into a successful business, in which he is ably assisted by his
wife.
Mr. and Mrs. Rapp have a family of five children : Lizzie, Anna, Louisa, Henry and
Louie.
ROBERT H. MIDDLEMISS, of San Bernardino, was born in Kingston, Ontario,
Canada April 9, 1875. He is the son of Andrew L. and Elizabeth H. Stark Milldemiss.
His father w?-s a Scothcmah and his mother a native of Canada of Scotch descent. Of his
father's family there were six children, five brothers and one sister. Robert Middlemiss
is the only one of the family living in California. His father was the Traveling Auditor
of the Great Western Road of Canada, now the Grand Trunk. His school days were
spent in Kingston, and Ingersoll, Canada, where he graduated from the Ingersoll Collegi-
ate Institute. He was then employed as an apprentice for the John Morrow Mfg. Company
at Ingersoll, and remained with them three years ; then by reason of his delicate health
came to California. The climate proving beneficial he has remained. He was first employed
as a machine hand in the Barker Machine Works of San Bernardino, but has since been
promoted to position of foreman of the shops which he now holds.
JULIUS OEHL, of San Bernardino, was born in Germany, January 6, 1856. His father
was also named Julius Oehl, and held official position under the German government for
many years. His mother's maiden name was Louise Tychsen. Julius Oehl, Jr., came to
America in 1872, landing in New York. He immediately engaged in the butcher business,
remaining there one year. He then came west to Montana, where he lived for a number
of years, following his trade as butcher. Later, he was employed in Kansas City, Mis-
sour, for some time as foreman of the Jacob Dold Packing Co.'s establishment. He then
went to Socorro, New Mexico, where he ran a meat shop, and also a branch shop in Craf-
768 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
ton, New Mexico. His next move was to San Bernardino where he again engaged in the
dressed meat business, and in which he still continues, having built up a large wholesale and
retail trade.
He was married in New Mexico in 1884 to Miss (Catherine Claussen. They are the
parents of six children: Ernest, Richard, Julius, Herbert, Conrad and Freida. Mr. Oehl
is a member of the Woodmen of the World. Beth he and his brother, Conrad, are mem-
bers of the Lutheran church.
Conrad Oehl, who is his brother's accountant, was also born in Germany, and came
to this country in 1888. Landing in New York he remained there six years in the office
of a wholesale importer of foreign goods, and in 1894, came to San Bernardino to accept
his present position. He is a single man, a member of the Maccabees, and a Woodman
of the World.
W. E. LIGHTFOOT, of San Bernardino, was born in Keokuk, Iowa. June 22, 1843.
He is one of two sons of John T. and Sophia ( Crippen ) Lightfoot. The other sou ^s now
living in Alaska. His father was a brick layer and mason who came to California in
1849. The young man gleaned such knowledge as he could from the district schools at
Keokuk, and Charlestown, Iowa, and in i860, started by the northern route to cross the
plains to California. Arriving in the "Hangtown" of that day, he settled there for about
six years, removing to San Bernardino county in 1866. He settled at a point near Oro
Grande for a time, and then went to Cottonwood, engaging in the stock raising business,
where he remained for nine years. He also continued the stock business near Barstow,
between two and thre years. He then came to San Bernardino and was one of a number
of prominent men to launch the newspaper, now known as the "Sun," but then called the
"Courier." The paper was started in 1886, and in a short time he owned a controlling
interest in the enterprise. This he relinguished in 1894, having lost about forty thousand
dollars in the venture. In 1864, in Sacramento, California, he married Miss Bessie Rignej,
who died in San Bernardino September 2, 1899. They had one child, a boy, John H. Light-
foot, born in "Hangtown" in 1865. This son was editor of the newspaper during the time
his father was engaged in that business. He is now employed in the Santa Fe shops. Since
his financial reverses. Mr. Lightfoot has set to work to recoup himself with an energy many
a younger man might well emulate. He was appointed janitor in the Hall of Records four
years ago. He owns a small ranch of four acres within the limits erf San Bernardino,
"which he is improving. He is a member of the Woodmen of the World.
LAMAR BROS,, of Needles, are the pioneer horticulturists in that section of the
county. The firm consists of W. F. and C P. Lamar. They are natives of Kentucky, and
their early life was passed in that state. After spending some time in Florida, and latit-
at Fort Worth, Texas, they came to Williams, Arizona, and then to Needles, where they
permanently located. Since that time they have conducted a barber shop, and have inter-
ested themselves in various other lines of business.
Entering the horticulturists field in an experimental way. they have demonstrated
that with irrigation, grape culture could be carried on with success in the Colorado river
bottoms ; and that watermelons could be raised in abundance and of excellent quality. They
have found it impracticable to raise berries or small fruit. Sugar beets were found to be
a failure in the first crop, as they carried only eleven per cent saccharine matter, but Lu-
raar Bros., are of the opinion that if their cultivation were carried on for seiveral suc-
cessive years, long enough to eradicate the alkali from the soil, the result would be changed.
Larger vegetables, turnips and onions, thrive in the soil. It is all sub-irrigated.
Lamar Bros., early became interested in Colorado river navigation, but their first boat
met with disaster. Later, purchasing the "Aztec." which had been in commission on the
river a long time, they remodeled, and practically made a new boat of her. It was re-
launched and has since been engaged in hauling ore and miners supplies up and down the
river to points adjacent to Needles. The "Aztec" has a capacity of fourteen tons.
MINOR C. BUTTERFIELD. of Colton, was born at Niles. Mich., Dec. 6, 1S62, the
son of John W. and Lydia Munger Butterfield. His father was a manufacturer and .a
man of affairs, at one lime a member of the Michigan State Legislature. He died in Illinois,
in 1863.
M. C. Butterfield lived at Troy, New York, form 1872 to 1887, and here learned the
trade of stone cutting. In 1887 he came to California to take charge of the stone cutting
for the Colton Marble Co., then operating at Slover mountain, and was manager of this de-
partment until the failure of the company. The next three years were spent in the employ
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
7051
of the California Loan and Trust Co.. representing their interests in the Rialto district.
Since that time he has been largely identified with the orange growing and shipping in-
dustry He purchased ten acres in 1889, which he set to oranges, and also has twenty acres
at Bloomington. He was for a time manager of the Arthur Gregory packing house at
Redlands. .
Mr Butterfieid was married at Troy, New York, in 1887, to Miss Sadie Bussey. He is
a member of the Knights and of the Elks, of San Bernardino.
NICHOLAS S. YOUNG, of the San Bernardino Fire Department, was born at Benton-
ville Arkansas, February 21, 1872. He is of German-American parentage, the son of Ben-
jamin Young, a farmer, and Isabella Caroline Young. He received a common school edu-
cation in the public schools of his native city. The
family removed to California in 1892, locating at Po-
mona, where his mother still resides. For two years
he was employed as a blacksmith, in Pomona, and
then came to San Bernardino and went to work for O.
A. Allen, remaining with him about five years. On
the breaking out of the Spanish-American war he en-
listed in Company "K" and with them went to San
Francisco. After his return he went to work for Jim
Campbell, where he is at present employed.
Mr. Young joined the San Bernardino Fire Depart-
ment in 1899. He held the position of assistant foreman
one year, and later was assistant chief. He is a mem-
ber of ithe I. O. O. F.
NICHOLAS S. YOUNG
WILLIAM WATSON DAVIS, Chino, is a native
of Waterloo, New York, born December 17, 1853, the
son of Clinton and Sarah Lamphene Davis. His
father was an artisan. He grew up in New York
state and learned the trade of brick layer and plas-
terer. In 1871, just after the Chicago fire, he went
to that city and worked there for some months. He
then went to Fort Wayne, where he was in charge of
the round house for the Toledo, Wabash and Western
road. About 1876, he located at Marshall, Mich. He
worked at his trade here and at Jackson. About 1887,
he visited Southern California and located at Chino.
He first engaged in contracting and building and put
up many of the buildings in the town. In 1889 he formed a partnership with M. Moyes
in a general merchandise and hardware business.
Mr. Davis married Harriet, a daughter of Adam Mesch, of Marshall, Michigan. They
have three children, Clark C, employed on the electric railway, Los Angeles, Ruth ami
Grace. He is a member of the I. O. O. F.
J. H. BAGNELL, of Higland, was a native of Sheridan. La Salle comity, Illinois, born
Dec. 23, 1S4S. the sen of John and Almira Neff Bagnell. The father was born in Charles-
ton, S. C. While a child the parents removed to Kentucky, and later to Indianapolis
•where they remained till 1833, then located on the Fox river. His mother was the daughter
of Ebenezcr Neff, a wheel and mill wright by trade, who settled in Illinois, in 1828, and
made the first improvements on the Fox river.
J. II. Bagnell grew up on a farm. In 1871, be went to Iowa, and located near ithe
town of Boone. Mere he lived until he came to California in 1890. He settled at High-
land where he purchased property, and now owns two tracts, one of fifteen, and one of twenty
acres.
Mr. Bagnell was married in Iowa, to Miss Ellen, daughter of Absalom Fred, also a
native of La Salle county Illinois. They have three children, Millie, Marion and Hazel.
The family affiliate with the Methodist church, where Miss Millie a:ts as organist.
D. M. DONALD of Redlands, is a native of Scotland, born at Perth. June II. [843. He
comes of good Scotch blood, the Donalds and his mother's family, the Mcintosh, having
belonged to old Scottish clans. The family came to America in 1854 and Milled at S;.
Catherines, Canada. The father there kept a grocery store.
770
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Mr. Donald learned the carpenter trade and began building in Canada. He after-
wards worked at his trade in Chicago and St. Louis but returned to Canada. Ill health
brought him to California and he located at Redlands in 1889. Since that time he has
built many of the better class of buildings put up in this vicinity. He was contractor for
the Smilev Library building. ' „..,...
He was married at Norwich, Canada, to Miss Mary McKee, a Canadian by birth.
They have two sons, Davis and Martin.
ABRAHAM W. SHUMAN, of Bloomington, was born March 8, 1833, in Millers-
ville. Lancaster county, Pennsylvania. He was one of a large family of brothers several
of whom were prominent men of affairs. Andrew was editor and publisher of the Chicago
Evening Journal and in 1897 was lieu-
tenant governor of Illinois. Another
brother, Jacob, served in the Pennsyl-
vania State Senate.
Abraham W. was by nature studious
and received an academic education,
making a specialty of languages of
which he spoke fluently and wrote Ger-
man, French and Spanish. On the com-
pletion of his education he became n
teacher. Toward the close of the Civil
War he enlisted in Pennsylvania Volun-
teer Infantry No. 215 and served as ai'l
to his commanding officer until the
close of the war. He became a teachel
in the Soldier's Orphans' Home of New
York state and continued to teach until
he entered the service of the govern-
ment as a postal clerk on a route be-
tween Chicago and Dubuque, Iowa. He
remained in this service twenty-seven
years,or until August, 1902. He then
came to Bloomington and located on 3
ten acre ranch. He died August 5, 1903
He was a member of W. R. Cornman
Post, G. A. R., San Bernardino.
In 1875, Mr. Shuman married Ce-
lenia, daughter of Wm. Huntoon, of
Evanston, Illiois. There are four sur-
viving children of this union, Edith,
Mrs. Cornelius Lyman ; Minerva. Ralph
and Harvey.
ABRAHAM W. SHUMAN „rTT t t a n,r ttttxt-t-^^xt t , 1
WILLIAM HUNT OON. father of
Mrs. Celenia Shuman, was born in Ver-
mont. July 8, 1820, the son of Geo. W. Huntoon, of Vermont, who was one of the founders
of the city of Evanston and a capitalist who was well known in the earlier days of Chicago.
William Huntoon lived in Evanston, Illinois, sixty years. He lived on a farm in
Eaton county, Michigan three years. He came to California about 1890 and lived for some
time at Colton, then located at Bloomington where he died in 1897, at the age of 77.
Mr. Huntoon married Mary Ann Baker at Cleveland, Ohio, July 17, 1840. Mrs. Hun-
toon died at Bloomington in November, 1900. The children now living are, George W. Hun-
loon, of Lake Forest. Illinois; Chss. H., Bloomington; Celenia. now Mrs! Shuman; Albert
•O., Bloomington; Fred M., of Riverside, and William C. of Pasadena.
THOMAS A. EWING of Highland, is a native of Edinburg, Scotland, born February
8. 1866. He attended school in his native city and there learned the grocery business. In
1882, he came to America and opened a business as a grocer at No. 16, Christian street,
Philadelphia. In 1902, he came to California and purchased the genereal grocery business
of Cr..m and Coy. Highland, and permanently located in that town.
ROBERT W. GRAY, of Highland, was born in Toledo, Tama county. Iowa. Novem-
ber 4. 1873, the sou of Tames Gray. His father removed from Iowa to Nebraska and thence
came to California in 1885. He now lives at San Bernardino. He was a farmer and also
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
771
carried on a dairy and the son learned the dairy business. Robert lived in Pasadena and
Santa Monica for a number of years and then located in Highland where he has forty acres
of pasture and hay land. He keeps a herd of Jersey cattle and delivers milk.
He was married in December 1894, to Miss Marion Anabel, daughter of Mrs. Y. '\ .
Hopkins,of Santa Monica. They have two children, Robert Myrton and Gladys Anabel.
Mr. and Mrs. Gray are members of the Congregational church at Highland.
LEWIS SMITH, late of Cucamonga. was born in Surrey, Maine, September 8, 1838.
the son of Thomas and Mary Townsend Smith. His father was a farmer and a native of
Missouri. Lewis was educated in the public schools of Surrey and when only nineteen
started for California via the Isthmus.
He went into the lumber region of Men-
docino county and found employment.
Later he tried the gold mines of Idaho,
but not meeting with success, returned
to the lumbering business with which he
was occupied for twelve years. He then
became the mate of a trading vessel
sailing out of San Francisco, for the
Sandwich Islands and other points.
Later he returned to the New England
coast of his boyhood and farmed at his
old home for eight years. He returned
to California in 1881 and in 1882 located
in Cucamonga, where he purchased forty
acres of land and devoted himself to
fruit raising.
In 1876, he married Carrie, daughter
of Horatio and Julia Blaisdell-Milli-
ken. Mrs. Smith was a native of Sur-
rey, Maine. They had three children,
Elmer, Sadie M., and Lotta. Mr. Smith
was one of the founders of the Cuca-
monga Methodist Episcopal church. He
died December 8.. 1900. and is buried
in the Ontario cemetery.
STILLMAN A. PEASE was born in
Farmington, Illinois, April 18. 184(1. He.
is the son of E. A. and Phila Wells
Pease. One sister. Mrs. C. T. Kendall,
resides in San Bernardino. His early
school days were passed at Victoria,
LEWIS SMITH Illinois, where his father conducted a
general mercantile business. He en-
tered Galva Academy to complete his education, but after two years, at the age of seven-
teen, left school to enter the army, enlisting in Company "K" 83 Illinois Volunteer In-
fantry. In July, 1865, this regiment was mustered out of service, and recruits transferred
to the 61st Illinois Veteran -Infantry where he served until final discharge. September [6,
1865. During service his regiment was attached to the 20th Army Corps, at Eort Donel-
son, and the Army of the Cumberland. After discharge from service he returned to Illi-
nois. In February, 1872, he went to Nebraska and took up a claim of 160 acres of land.
While there he was appointed County Commissioner. Selling his ranch property, he moved
into the town of St. Paul and engaged in the lumber business, continuing it with success for
about five years. He came to Pomona. California, about the lime the real estate boom was
in progress, and was interested in the first corporation that exploited the Alessandro coun-
try, keeping a hotel and having charge of the post office at Alessandro. His real estate
investments were not successful and he lost money. He next went to Pomona and, pur-
chasing property, set out a twenty acre orange ranch, where he lived -ix year-. During
this time he became connected with the Horticultural Commission of San Bernardino
county, receiving appointment as local inspector, under W. C. Collin-, of Ontario. In
1896, lie was appointed president of the commission, succeeding Mr. Collins, a position
he retained three years. In 1898, he removed to Redlands and engaged in the furniture
business two years, then to San Bernardino, his present home.
772 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Mr. Pease is especially known in the county through connections with the Horticultural
Commission. He made a thorough, scientific study of all questions relating to the exter-
mination of insect life detrimental to horticultural interests and brought the work of the
commission to a high standard of perfection. He rendered valuable service to the county
and became known as an expert in horticultural matters, his advice being sought by men
interested in that line of work, not only in the United States but in Canada ; he was him-
self the subject of high cocplimentary mention from scientists of national reputation.
Mr. Pease married Miss Ella E. Kendall at St. Paul, Nebraska, September 18, 1872.
Of their family of six children, they have lost one child, a boy. The others reside in San
Bernardino county : Harry C, Maurice L., Fannie M., Mrs. George Futham ; Bessie E.,
and Ralph W. E. Pease. Mr. and Mrs. Pease are members of the Christian Science church.
Mr. Pease is a member of the Masonic Order, Blue Lodge Chapter and Knight Templar.
TILMAN F. ELAM, of Chino, was born in Cannon county, Tenn., Nov. 16, 1834, the
son of Reuben and Leah Elam, the father a Virginian, the mother born in Tennessee.
They had twelve children, of whom Tilman was the youngest. Tilman F. grew up on a
farm and engaged in farming in Green, Douglas and Cass counties, Missouri, until 1888,
when he came to California. After five years spent in Pomona, he came to Chino in 189.3
and here leases land for beet culture.
He was married in Douglas county, Missouri, to Miss Susan, daughter of Joshua
Barnes. They have had seven children, of wfiom the following are living: Angie, wife
of Marcellus Day, of Douglas county, Missouri; James, of Los Alamitos; Charles, of
Chino; Goldie, Mrs. Byron Winters, of Los Alamitos.
CHARLES S. ELAM, of Chino, was born in Franklin county, Kansas, January 16.
1870. He came to California in 1889 and in 1899, November 18, married Miss Lina Fleener,
daughter of Samuel Fleener, of Chino.
WILLIAM EDWARDS, of Pomona, is a native of Indiana, born October 4, 1841, the
son of William and Susanna Small Edwards. The name of Edwards is historic in the
southern states as this family is among the earliest settlers of North Carolina, where
William Edwards, the father, was born. At an early date, William Edwards, Sr., removed
to Indiana. Here he served two terms in the legislature as representative of Randolph
county and was two terms on the state Supreme Bench. Judge Edwards removed to Mis-
souri about 1843 and farmed in Andrew county, living at Savanah. He was the father of
ten sons, of whom William was the youngest. The boy grew up in Missouri and lived
there until 1864. He then went to Montana and in 1867 located in Idaho, in the Salmon
river country, where he mined until 1884. He also kept a store at Challis, Idaho, and
served las sheriff of Custer county for two terms. On leaving Idaho in 1884, he went
to Juneau, where he engaged in mining, contracting and building, and remained until 1889.
when he came to California and located at Pasadena. After two years in Pasadena, Mr.
Edwards located on the Chino Grant where he has ten acres of land and farms.
Mr. Edwards was married in 1877 to Miss Ellen, daughter of Elias and Margret Wrig-
ley, a native of Philadelphia.
AUGUSTUS KNIGHT, Jr., was born in San Bernardino, May 4, 1861, the only son
of Augustus Knight, Sr.,of that place.
In 1880, he engaged in the cattle business on the Mojave river and continued in this
occupation until 1890. when he opened the Bear Valley Summer Resort in the San Ber-
nardino mountains which he carried on with success until he sold the business to Mr.
Charles Henry in 1900.
He now has a nine acre orange grove in Highland and is interested in horticulture.
He is an active Republican and takes an active part in public affairs. In 1891, Mr.
Knight married Miss Nancy Henry, of Mt. Calm, Texas, and they have two sons, James
and Charles, both born in San Bernardino.
CORNELIUS LYMAN, of Bloomington, was born at Santa Barbara, California,
the son of L. S. Lyman. Mr. Lyman learned the carpenter trade which he follows. In
the recent Spanish-American war, he served as corporal in Company "G," N. G. C, en-
listing at Redlands.
August 9, 1900, he married Miss Edith, daughter of the late Abraham W. Shuman, of
Bloomington. Miss Shuman before her marriage was a teacher in the public schools and
taught several years at Agua Mansa. She acquired some distinction as a whistling soloist
in local circles and is a musician. Mr. and Mrs. Lyman have a daughter, Dorothy, and
a son, Chester.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
773
GEORGE F. KYLLING, of Bloomington, is a native of Denmark, born September 2,
1851, the son of Hans Kylling. He came to America in 1872 and first went to Chicago,
where he followed his trade at watch making. Later he removed to Princeton, Illinois,
and then to Evanston, where he lived for fourteen years and was engaged in business. He
came to California in 1895 from Danville, Illinois, and located at Bloomington where he
purchased 20 acres of oranges and lemons.
In 1879, he married Miss Augusta Dahlstrom, a native of Sweden, who came to this
counlrv in 1869. They have four children, Mabel, Clarence, Annie and Paul all living at
home except Mabel, who was married to Mr. Harry Woodward, November 18, 1903, and is
now residing in Riverside. Mr. and Mrs. Kylling and their daughter Mabel are members
of the Congregational church of Bloomington.
CHARLES D. FOWLER, of Redlands, was born near Bronson, Branch county, Michi-
gan December 12, i860. He is a descendant of the pioneer family of Fowlers who helped
to make Southern Michigan famous and the son of Riley C. and Martha J. Fowler, both
natives of Michigan. They had six children, four of
whom now reside in California. The family left Michi-
gan for Nebraska in 1869, and in the spring of 1872
settled on a homestead in Franklin county, where the
hardships of pioneer life were experienced in reclaiming
that country from the Indians and the buffalo.
In 1883, Mr. Fowler was married to Miss Mattie L.
JBetts, of Bloomington, Nebraska. They have five chil-
X dren, Cecil B., Grace V., Benjamin H., Frederick N.
and Maude R. In 1890 the family came to California
and located at Highland where Mr. Fowler engaged in
fruit growing, packing and shipping. In January, 1904.
■* , he removed to 903 Orange street, Redlands, where he
conducts the "Eldorado" rooming house. He is a mem
I ber of the Independent Order of Foresters ana a hrm
''•^ believer and adherent of the doctrines of Christian
Science.
CHARLES D. FOWLER
GEORGE J. FOWLER, of Highlands, is a native^ of
Branch county, Michigan, born June 12, 1869. In 1888,
the family came to California and located at San Ber-
nardino. There Mr. Fowler attended the High School.
He now has a fifteen acre ranch at Highland and also
owns property at Rialto and Harlem Springs.
November 9, 1892, he married Miss Delia, daughter
of Paul Van Curen, a pioneer resident of San Ber-
nardino. They have four children, Forrest F., Floyd
V., Georgia B. and Orland J. Mr. Fowler is a mem-
ber of the I. O. O. F.
Reverend CHARLES A. KINGSBURY late of Redlands, was born at Chestnut Hill
Massachusetts, November 16, 1839, and died in Redlands, November 23, 1893.
He was educated in the public schools of Massachusetts, was a graduate of Williams
College and of the Union Theological Seminary, of New York. His first pastorate was at
Marion. Massachusetts, where he remained nearly six years, when he was obliged to leave
on account of failing health. After spending some months in Colorado, he accepted a
pastorate at West Winfield, New York, and remained there for some years. Again ill-
health compelled him to leave the work which he loved and for which he %yas peculiarly
well fitted, and he was never able to resume his labors. After three years of out-door life
in his native place, he was attracted to Southern California and after a thorough investi-
gation of different localities, decided upon Redlands as a home. This choice he never re-
gretted and he often expressed himself as having found "just the right place. He was
deeply interested in the religious, municipal and educational affairs of the then new and
rapidly forming town. He was a member of the board of city trustees and a trustee of
the Redlands schr.nl district. In appreciation of his devoted service to the cause of edu-
cation the fir^t school house built in the town of Redlands was named the 'Kingsbury
school. He was also a trustee of the first Union High School district and a member of the
It was said of him, "As a conservator of the public good, his strict integrity and in-
774
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
telligent appreciation of the city's interests, gained him the implicit confidence of all. As
a citizen and friend, his ready sympathy and rare Christian character gained him a place
in the hearts of many who will remember him for the good he has done."
His widow, Mrs. M. A. Kingsbury, and his son, H. P. D. Kingsbury, now live in Red-
rends. The son graduated from Harvard college in 1899 and is now engaged in business
in this city.
ISAAC JONES, of Redlands, was born November 12, 1836, in Warren county, Penn-
sylvania, the son of George and Anna Perrin Jones. The family moved to the western
frontier in 1837 and located in Washington county, Michigan, where the parents resided
until their death. Mr.Jones farmed in this state until
i860 when he came to California and engaged in min-
ing in the northern portion of the state, operating in El
Dorado, Sierra and Nevada counties. In 1869, he re-
turned to Michigan where he remained until 1882 when
he again came to California and purchased property in
Redlands. Some of the orange groves that have been
developed by Mr. Jones have proved most valuable,
having sold one for $1,850 per acre which proved a good
investment at this price.
Mr. Jones married Miss Sarah, daughter of Henry
Rowe. of Sharon township, and a native of Michigan.
They have one son, Charles Henry.
GEORGE T. KENDALL, of San Bernardino, was
born in Bennington, Vermont, November 9, 1846, son
of William and Matilda Bickford Kendall. He is a
brother of A. G. Kendall, also of this city. Mr. Ken-
dall received a meager school education in "the old
log school house" and acquired the major part of his
stock of learning in the active employments of a busi-
rT'' 1 v*vM H ness man- I'1 J868, he removed to Omaha, Nebraska,
and was there employed in a government survey carry-
ing the chain and compass for three years, then taking
contracts from the government for surveys. He farmed
for ten years and later engaged in the butcher and
ISAAC JONES mercantile business. In 1890, he came to this stat^
and located at Pomona where he purchased a ranch.
After this he was employed as foreman on the John L. Mead ranch, west of Ontario and
in a packing house. He came to San Bernardino in January, 1898, and purchased the gen-
eral market of Frank Volk. He is now located in Masonic Temple and carries on a gen-
eral market, handling fruit, fish, vegetables, groceries, delicacies, etc.
Mr. Kendall married Miss Harriett E. Whitney in St. Paul, Nebraska, in April, 1873.
They have no children. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, a Knight Templar, and
also a member of the Fraternal Union of America. He belongs to the First Unitarian
Society of Pomona.
CHARLES F. La FOLLETTE. of Highland, was born in Marion county, Iowa, August
10, 1861, the son of Jerome B., a native of Indiana, of French descent. The family came west
to Oregon in the early sixties and located at Salem, where they remained until 1871, when
they removed to Eastern Oregon, where the father died. Charles F. farmed and raised stock-
in Oregon until he came to California in 1898 and located at Highland. Since then he has
been with the Brookings Lumber Co. as shipping clerk.
He was married at Albany, Oregon, to Annie M., daughter of Nimrod Price, of Albany.
They have two sons, Rollin and Sherwood. They are members of the M. E. church, High-
land, and Mr. La Follette belongs to Albanv Camp, 103, W. O. W.. and to Highland Lodge,
No. 211, K. of P.
JOHN H. SUTHERLAND, of Upland, was born in Orleans county, N. Y., April 23,
1835, the son of Solomon and Betsey Stephen Sutherland, the father a native of Vermont, the
mother of New York. Mr. Sutherland was admitted to the bar in Tuscola county, Mich.,
in August, i860. He came to California first in 1852, but returned east and was deputy sher-
iff and deputy recorder of the city of Chicago. He was chief clerk of the Appellate Court of
Chicago for nine years. He then resided at 760 Sixty-second street. In 1895 he settled in
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 775
North Ontario and is now engaged in fruit culture, owning a fine ten-acre ranch of citrus
fruit. Mr. Sutherland married Miss Sarah Obnecht, of Buffalo, N. Y.. March, 1874. They
have one daughter, Miss Matie E. Sutherland.
JOHN PETER BEHLMER, late of Rialto, was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1822. He
was raised on a farm in his native country. He came to America in 1850 and settled at She-
boygan, Wis., and in 1856 located in Buffalo county, Wisconsin, where he was one of the
founders of Fountain City. He kept a hotel for many years and accumulated considerable
property. He came to California in 1894 for his health and bought five acres of land at
Rialto.' Here he lived until his death in 1899.
By his first marriage he had six children, all of whom live in the east. In 1868 he mar-
ried at Fountain City, Wis., Miss Wilhelmina Ritter, a native of Germany. Adalina, Mrs.
R. Guderian, of La Canyada ; Flora, Mrs. Robert Henderson ; Emil and Erna, born of this
marriage are in California.
J. P. LOUBET is one of the most energetic and successful business men of Chino. He
was born in the south of France, February 7, 1874; emigrated to America in 1889, coming di-
rect to Los Angeles. He was employed by Santos Brothers for several years, and learned
the butcher business. In 1896 he located at Chino and purchase! a meat market of Richard
Gird, being very successful in this, his first business venture. In 1898 he engaged in the
slaughtering business, i n which lie has continued, and which from a modest beginning has
grown into a large and profitable enterprise ; his trade being exclusively wholesale. In con-
nection with his slaughter house, he has established an ice plant of five tons daily capacity,
which besides giving him cold storage for his meat, finds a ready retail sale to many patrons
in Chino, Ontario and Pomona.
JOHN N. KNOBLAUGH, of Rialto, is a native of Wurtemburg, Germany, where Ik
was born in 1841. He received a public school education and at the age of fifteen emi-
grated to America and located first in Wisconsin, where he worked on a farm and in 1
saw mill. Later he removed to Illinois. On the breaking out of the Civil War he enlisted
in 93d Illinois Volunteer Infantry and served in the ranks as sergeant and corporal for
two and a half years. He was wounded at Allatoona, Georgia, in the ankle and has ever
since suffered from the wound. He was in Grant's division and was engaged in the Vicks-
burg, Champion Hill and other campaigns.
After the war he studied the profession of veterinary surgeon which he followed more
or less for thirty years. He spent a number of years in Colorado and in 1887 served as
County Clerk of Logan county, Colorado. Later he went to Seattle, Washington. He vis-
ited California in 1892 and in 1899 located permanently at Rialto, purchasing twenty -teres
of land.
In 1866, Mr. Knoblaugh was married at Dover. Illinois, to Miss Eliza Clouse. They
have two daughters, Florence, Mrs. B. F. Taylor, of Rialto and Mary.
JACOB W. KOUTS of Ontario, was born at Mansfield, Ohio, July 4, 1842. He was
the son of Barnhart Kouts, a native of Pennsylvania, who moved to Ohio in 1840 and in
1843, located in Porter county, Indiana, near Valparaiso. Here he settled on a farm which.
has since become the site of a prosperous town, known as ''Kouts" from its original owner.
Jacob Kouts was the youngest of thirteen children. He left home at the age of six-
teen and learned tin- carpenter's trade, which he followed until the opening of the Civil War.
He then enlisted, .May 16, 1861, in the First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry and was dis-
charged May o. 1864. This regiment took part in an unusual number of engage-
ments and saw severe service, twice being left on the field to hold the enemy at all hazards
and make escape if possible, leaving dead and wounded to the enemy. At Gettysburg, out
of eight companies, numbering two hundred and fifty-two men, forty-seven came out. Mr.
Kouts was wounded during this battle. He took part in twenty-four engagements, in-
cluding Bull Run, Malvern Hill, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg and Gettys-
burg. After his discharge from service he engaged with the Northern Pacific R. R. Co..
in bridge building. Later he returned to Kouts and resided in Indiana until 1887, when he
came to California. He bought an orange grove at Ontario and 'has since then been en-
gaged in horticulture.
In 1871, he married Miss Margaret, a daughter of William R. Davis, of Logansport.
Indiana. Thev have two sons, Thomas B., residing at Los Alamitos and Lee H.. living in
Upland.
J. A. MELLON, the well known and popular caDtain of the steamer "Cochon" on the
Colorado river, was born in Digby, Nova Scotia. February 24, 1842. His parents were
776 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
descendants of Puritan colonists of Massachusetts, and shortly after his birth returned Lo
Massachusetts, but later removed to Concord, New Hampshire.
Captain Mellon was born with a love for the ocean, and when but a child nine years
and a half of age, ran away to sea. His tenth birthday found him at Table Mountain, Cape
of Good Hope, and from that time on his home was the deck of an ocean vessel, leading
the exciting, adventurous life of a sailor. He made two voyages around Cape Horn with
the ship "Silver Star" of Boston, and with that vessel was shipwrecked on Jarvis Island.
He made numerous other voyages, shipping from Maine, Baltimore and England, until his
boat the "Victoria Runyon," was wrecked at the mouth of the Colorado river in 1863.
Since that time he has followed the river as faithfully as he once followed the ocean. He-
began his experience on the river as master of a steamer in the employ of George A. John-
ston & Co., who at one time monopolized Colorado river navigation. In 1875, they sold
their interests to Charles Crocker, in whose employ Captain Mellon continued. Septem-
ber 10, 1886, Captain Mellon, in partnership with Captain Polhemus, purchased all the boats
then engaged on the Colorado river, and they have conducted the only successful steamboat
enterprise on the river. In 1864 and again in 1889, opposition lines were started, but
through lack of experience on the part of the masters the ventures were unsuccessful.
Captain Mellon married Miss Grace Thorp, of Detroit, Michigan, June 22, 1886, at
Santa Cruz, California. He is a member of the Order of Elks of Yuma, and of the A. O
U. W. of that city.
JOHN C. KING, deceased, was born in Carrollton, Carrol county, Mississippi. He
was the son of Mary Elizabeth and Oswin H. King. His mother, Mary Elizabeth, was the
daughter of Caleb Hawkins, of Huntington, North Carolina, who was of English descent
and was one of the early settlers of the Maryland colony. His father, Oswin King, was
born in North Carolina; he moved to Tennessee when that state was a territory, and later
on he moved to Clarksville, Red River county, Texas. He was a merchant by occupation.
He had eight children, of whom John C. King was the eldest. He worked in his father's
store until he was twenty years old, when he left home and engaged in stock raising, until
1868. In that year he came across the plains to California, arriving at San Bernardino in
September. Here he worked in the harness shop of John M. Foy three years, then he and
his brother, Robert, engaged in the same business until 1880. In 1879 he was elected sheriff
of San Bernardino county; he made a good officer, and was re-elected. He also served for
eight years on the board of education. In 1893-4 he was deputy sheriff under Dr. J. P.
Booth"; in 1895, he was appointed special agent for the Santa Fe company. He died Oc-
tober 4, 1 901.
In 1858, he married Miss Martha J. Dougherty, at Greenville. Huntington county,
Texas. They had three children, Charles, Agustus, and Alma. Mr. King owned con-
siderable realty in San Bernardino. He was a promjnent Mason, a member of the Blue
Lodge Chapter and Commandery.
M. A. MURPHY, formerly of Colton, but now of San Francisco, was born in Wauke-
gan. Illinois, April 15, 1848. His parents were natives of Ireland and pioneers of Illinois,
coming to Chicago when that city was a frontier trading post. Mr. Murphy attended the
schools of his native town until his sixteenth year and was then sent to the Eastman Na-
ional Business College. In 1866, he engaged as book-keeper with John McEwan, a promi-
nent builder of Chicago, and remained with him until the fire of 1871. He then formed
a partnership with Owen Laubach in the hardwood business which proved most success-
ful. In 1873, they sold out heir lumber interests and went to Silver City, New Mexico,
where they erected the largest smelting works ever put up in that territory. Later Mr.
Murphy sold his interest in the plant and came to San Diego. After spending some time
at Julian, San Bernardino and Los Angeles, he located in Colton in October, 1875, and
soon became prominent in business circles. He associated himself with Perry, Woodward
& Co., in the lumber business and opened the first redwood and Oregon pine lumber yard in
San Bernardino county. This was afterwards known as the W. H. Perry Lumber and
Mill Co. and the Pioneer Lumber and Mill Co. In 1896. Mr. Murphy became the manager
of the Portland Cement Co. in which position he remained until 1900, when he sold his
interests and returned to the management of the W. H. Perry Lumber & Mill Co. in Los
Angeles. In 1901, he became interested in the Carnegie Brick and Pottery Co.,. of San
Francisco, the largest factory of its kind west of St. Louis, and of which Mr. Murphy is
now in charge having the general management of the large and growing business.
Mr. Murphy still retains large interests in San Bernardino county, being the owner
of an eighty acre orange ranch at Highgrove and other property in the vicinity of Colton.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
He also has a stock ranch at Agua Mansa which he devotes to the breeding of carriage
horses.
Mr. Murphy married Miss Elizabeth A., daughter of Edmund Young, April 15, 1879.
JOSEPH E. WILTSHIRE, of Oak Glen, San Bernardino Mountains, was born in
San Bernardino, April 12, 1858, the son of George T. and Susan Edes Wiltshire. He lived
at home until he reached manhood and his first venture was in the cattle and dairy busi-
ness, in company with John Damron,
on a ranch located near Lake Elsi-
nore. After a year here he return-
ed home and for some time worked
for Judge Arthur Parks of River-
side. In 1877, he rented the place
he now occupies in Oak Glen of T.
P. Hedrick and raised potatoes. The
following year, with P. B. Meek, he
purchased Hedrick's claim and since
then he has acquired from other
property holders and from the gov-
ernment some 600 acres of land, of
which he now farms from 50 to 60
acres. He has about 2500 apple
trees and a large number of cherry
trees which are now bearing and
yield a superior brand of fruit. The
"fruit is shipped from Beaumont and
is largely consumed within the
county. Mr. Wiltshire makes a fine
brand of cider.
He was married in 1882 to Miss
Rosalia Webster, daughter of Joseph
Webster, an old settler in Oik Glen
canon. She died in 1886, leaving
three children, Mary I., Eva R., Earl
E. Later Mr. Wiltshire married
Miss Malissa, daughter of Marion
Meek. They have three children..
Ida, Clarence, Alice Ruth. Mr. Wilt-
shire has been a member of the school
boar of Yucaipe district-
JOSEPH E. WILTSHIRE
SAMUEL LOREN ELKINS, of
Highland, was born in New Springfield, Kentucky, July 10, 1849, the son of Steven D. El-
kins, a native of the same state. He spent his boyhood in Cass and Jackson counties, Mis-
souri and in 1883 came to California. After a brief stay in Highland he lived for four
years in the San Jacinto valley then returned to Highland. Here he has eighty acres of
lard.
He 'rarried Miss Elvira, daughter of Mrs. Elizabeth Watson, of Highland. There- are
six children living. Lucy Ann, widow of George Keller; Hattie D., Mrs. Andrew J. Cram;
William J.; Ella, Mrs William Hensen, of Highlands; Charles and Henry.
O. M. PACKARD, of Upland, was born in Chittenden county, Vermont, in 1848. the
son of W. H. Packard, a building contractor. While Mr. Packard was still a boy the
family removed to Panama, Chatauqua county. New York. On the breaking out of the
Civil War, the father enlisted in the 9th New York cavalry and after his discharge for
disability, re-enlisted with the 15th New York cavalry and served two years longer.
O. M. Packard learned the trade of upholstering in Jamestown, New York, but for the
past twenty years he has dealt in real estate in various parts of the country. He located at
Ontario in 1901 and owns twenty acres of land there.
He married Miss Agnes Heatherington. of Bloomington, Illinois, and has four chil-
dren : Hale, with Whitley & Co., Los Angeles ; Roy, a graduate in dentistry now practic-
ing in Pasadena — he married Miss Mary Anna Fry; Walter a mining broker, located in
Los Angeles; and Ruby, wife of J. E. Morehart.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
LEROY E. NEWCOMB, of Rialto, was born near Ogdensburg. St. Lawrence county,
N. Y., January 26, 1880, the son of William Henry Newcomb, a mechanic by trade. In 1889 the
family came to California and located on a ranch near Riverside. Later they returned to
their old home in New York state. Leroy E. Newcomb raised wheat in Contra Costa
county until 1903. He now has twenty acres in lemons and oranges at Rialto.
July 30 1901, he married Miss Maud, daughter of W. P. Martin, of Rialto. They have
one son, Leroy.
MONROE W. HUMESTON. deceased, of Rialto. was born at Fowler, Trumbull
county Ohio, November 20, 1850. He was the son of Alva and Mary Northup Humeston,
the former a native of Connecticut and the latter of New York. Monroe W. Humeston
received his education in the public schools, and for a
time was a student in Hiram College, Ohio, of which
James A. Garfield was president. After engaging sev-
eral years in the mercantile business of A. Humeston
& Sons, at Humeston, Iowa, a business which he sub-
sequently purchased, he removed to Tacoma, Washing-
ton and formed a partnership with W. A. Moore, en-
gaging in real estate dealings and house construction,
which continued until his removal to San Bernardino
county in 1893. Purchasing a piece of property near
Rialto, he engaged in the growing of oranges, an enter-
prise which he found satisfactory and successful. In
1898. Mr. Humeston was elected Justice of the Peace
for Rialto township, an office which he occupied but
two months. He died February 14, 1899.
In 1874, he married Miss Sarah Bruck, of Clear Lake,
Iowa, daughter of a pioneer merchant of Union county,
Ohio. The children of this union are Roy Edwin, Ray
Leeds, Harold Bruck, Vincent Moore, Clara Louise.
Mr. Humeston was a man of sterling worth, of clean,
pure life, to whom wealth and position were not
to be compared with honesty of soul. He died as he
had lived, one of God's own noblemen.
B. SCHINDLER, of San Bernardino, was born in
Switzerland, September 24, 1856, and was the son of
Jacob and Sylilla Schindler. His boyhood and youth
were spent in his native land. He came to America
in 1875 landing in New York and going to Minnesota, where he spent two years upon a
farm. He then entered the shop of Robert Turner and learned the shoemaker's trade. In
1879, Mr. Turner came to California and located in San Bernardino and Mr. Schindler
accompanied him and remained in his employ for a year. He was employed with Mr. Ben-
jamin at his trade and in October. 1881, opened a shop of his own, which he still continues.
Later he made a journey to Syracuse, New York, where he married Margaret Copha,
who was born near his own birthplace in Switzerland. They now have two children Nel-
lie and Albert. Mr. Schindler is a member of the I. O. O. F. of the Encampment Rank of
the Order.
• JOHN A. McGARVEY, of San Bernardino, was born in Bradford. Province of On-
tario, Canada, February 19, 1864. He was the son of William and Helen La Praix Mc-
Garvev. His school days were passed in Canada and his first work was as clerk in gen-
eral mercantile establishment, where he was employed five years. He left Canada, at the in-
stance of his uncle, William LaPraix, and was engaged with him in connection with his
lumber business until his death.
His next employment was as foreman and time keeper for the "Arrowhead Reservoir
Company," remaining with them until their work was temporarily abandoned. He then en-
gaged in ranching for three years. In 1900, he was engaged by Mr. H. A. Guernsey, as
foreman in charge of the San Bernardino mill yards, where he is now employed.
April 24, 1894, Mr. McGarvey married Miss Effie Smithson, daughter of Bart Smith-
son. Mr. and Mrs. McGarvey have two sons — Stewart and LeMar McGarvey. Mr. Mc
Garvey is a member of the Knights of Pythias and also of the I. O. O. F.
GEORGE McGARVEY, of San Bernardino, was born at St. George, Canada. June
11, 1862. He is the son of William and Helen LaPraix McGarvey. His youth was passed
\U 1NI.1 'I \V. IIIW1I sli)\
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
in St. George where he received a common school education. After leaving school, he
learned the rope-maker's trade and followed that business ten years. In company with his
brother, John A. McGarvey, he came to San Bernardino to work for his uncle, \V. S. La-
Praix, a well known mill owner. He was employed in his uncle's mill, and during the sum-
mer months worked on the mountain, and in the winter months was employed in the valley.
He continued with Mr. LaPraix until 1892, when the supply of timber becoming exhausted,
the mill closed down. Since that time he has been employed by H. A. Guernsey as sawyer
in his mill.
Mr. McGarvey married Miss Ellen Cadd, of San Bernardino, December 31, 1894. Three
children have been born to them. William James, born June 16, 1896; Bernice Leon, born
July 21, 1897, died July 8, 1898; Howard Nelson, May 12, 1903. Mr. McGarvey is a mem-
ber of the Token Lodge, I. 0. O. F., and a Knight of Pythias. Mr. and Mrs. McGarvey
are members of the Presbyterian church.
THOMAS W. McINTOSH of Colton, was born in Bedford, Oldham county, Kentucky,
April. 19, 1832. His father was Joseph Mcintosh, of Scotch descent and a farmer. The
family removed to Lincoln county, Missouri, in 1839, and there Mr. Mcintosh grew to man-
hood. In 1854, he joined a party of forty men who outfitted at Fayetteville. Missouri,
and came to California via the Platte river and the Sublette cut-off, bringing with them
about a thousand head of stock. The party separated at Stockton and Mr. Mcintosh mined
in Amador county, and on the Feather and Yuba rivers. Later he came to San Bernar-
dino county, and mined in Holcomb and Bear valleys and on Lytle Creek. From 1866-70,
he served as under-sheriff with George F. Fulgham. After this he spent some years in
Mexico and Arizona, — in the latter territory serving as under-sheriff and United States
Marshal. In 1875, he returned to San Bernardino and located at Resting Spring?, where he
carried on a store. In 1877, he bought out the interest of A. M. Hathaway in the store
of Hathaway & Davenport, at Colton, and in 1879 purchased Mr. Davenport's interest also
and carried on the business alone until 1881. Since that time he has given much of his
attention to mining.
Mr. Mcintosh was married July 24, 1879. This was the day of the first excursion to
Los Angeles and the beaches that ever left Colton and San Bernardino. A big crowd went,
and L. E. Mosher, with his left-handed fiddle, Johnnie Butler, with his bones, M. A. Mur-
phy playing the snare drum and Mr. Mcintosh with the base drum, serenaded the crowd
asthe train left. Later in the day, Mr. Mcintosh, accompanied by Miss Francis Turley.
of San Bernardino, went over to the Glenwood Hotel and was quietly married. Miss
Turley was the daughter of Dr. Theodore Turley. one of the pioneers of 1851, who was
born in England and came of an old English family, his father having been a button man-
facturer on a large scale in Manchester. Dr. Turley married Mary, sister of Robert Clift.
who was the first sheriff of San Bernardino county. Mr. and Mrs. Mcintosh have nine
living children.
JACOB LANSING LANE, of Rincon, was born at Troy, New York. May 18, 1866.
He was the son of Derick Lane, a banker of Troy, New York, and of Mary Thompson Lane,
who was a native of Troy.
His boyhood was passed in Troy and in 1886 he came to California via the Isthmus
of Panama, and after looking about located on a fruit and grain ranch in Auburn, Placer
county. Here he farmed until 1892, when he came to Southern California, and purchased
his present place in Rincon district. He at once began making improvements, putting down
the first artesian well in the neighborhood and putting in a pumping plant. He now has
a fine alfalfa ranch and -devotes much of his attention to breeding and raising pedigreed
Jersey cattle, with special reference to improving the butter-producing capacity of his herd.
In 1892 he married Lida Herrick, daughter of S. H. Herrick. of Riverside. They
have two children, Derick, born in 1894, and Elizabeth, born in 1896.
F. C. MOORE, of San Bernardino, was born November 4th. i860, at Forest Home,
Poweshiek county, Iowa. He was the son of Stephen F. and Sarah E. (McVeigh) Moore.
The father was a farmer, and upon the outbreak of the Civil War enlisted in the Union
armv and died during his service in Tennessee. The boyhood of F. C. Moore was passed
in his birthplace, and there he attended the district school. His first work was on the home
farm. Leaving home he went to Grinnell. Iowa, and later to Marshalltown, Iowa. In
both these cities he was employed in a barbed wire factory. In 1879, he entered the railroad
shops of the Iowa Central Railway, and three years later he was appointed foreman of the
Interchange, having direct supervision over all cars received ami delivered from and to
five interchanging points on the line of the Iowa Central Railway. This position he held
>J0
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
until 1895. when ill health compelled a change of climate, and he removed to Pearland,
Texas. There he remained about five months and then came to Riverside, California, en-
tering the employ of the San Jacinto Land Company, remaining with them two years. On
July 3rd, 1897, he came to San Bernardino and engaged in the bicycle business, which he-
follows at the present time.
February 4th, 1878, he married Miss Mary E. Preston, of Grinnell, Iowa. They were
the parents of six children. The two eldest children died in infancy. The names of the
surviving children are: Guy, born April 10. 1883; Ray, born October 26. 1884; Mae, born
January 29. 1892; Glenn, born May 17, i895-
Mr. Moore is a member of the Knights of Pythias, of Grinnell, Iowa, and also of the
Fraternal Union of America, and of the Order of B. P. O. E., of San Bernardino.
ERNEST A. PETTIJOHN. The forefathers of Ernest A. Pettijohn, of Colton, were
among the earliest settlers of the state of Illinois, and he was born in 1861 upon the old
homestead in Schuyler county, which came to his forefathers by grant from President
Madison.
The first year after the Civil War
his parents removed to the state of
Missouri. While yet a boy in years
Ernest Pettijohn determined to try
his fortunes in the west and with
this end in view went to Mexico and
there engaged in mining and later
continued mining oprations in Ari-
zona, being fairly successful in boil-
ventures. From Arizona he remov-
ed to Colton in 1887 and has ever
since been a resident of that cits
For the first six years he was en-
"^ged in the boot and shoe business.
Since then he has been occupied
with orange growing. He has been
a member of the City Council for
fourteen years and the greater por-
tion of that time has served as pres-
ident of the board. He has taken a
lively interest in public affairs and
in politics and has, for a number
of years, been oresident of the local
Republican club, also a member o:
the countv Central Committee and
•vas presiding officer of the Repub-
lican County Convention in 1904
Mr. Pettiiohn was married in 1896
to Miss Ada J. Robinson, a well
known educator of San Bernardino
entity.
SILAS J. LEWIS, of Needles
was born in Great Bend, Pennsyl-
vania. July 7. 1858, the son of Be-
nona H. and Jane Ann June Lewis.
New York and members of a prominent famil
ERNEST A. PETTIJOHN
His parents were natives of Plattsville,
They lived in Great Bend until 1865, the
his father engaged in the oil business
removed to the oil regions of Pennsylvania, ami
drilling wells and owning oil property. Several
members of the family are now in the employ of the Standard Oil Co. Mr. Lewis received
a common school education and after leaving school was first employed as steward in a
large hotel. He was then employed by the Standard Oil Co. in various capacities. He re-
moved to Topeka, Kansas, where he worked for the Santa Fe Ry. Co. for two years,
then moved on to Albuquerque, working for the Santa Fe system which was building its
line westward from Isleta. He remained in the service of the company for five years, his
last employment being as foreman of the water service from Mojave to Williams. In
January, i8g4, he located in Needles and began work for Monaghan and Murphy and has
been in their employ since. He has charge of their ice plant, water works and a general
supervision of their interests outside of the store.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 781
Mr. Lewis married Miss Virginia Soer at Daggett, California. April 6, 1889. They
have one child, Blanche Lillian Lewis. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias.
WILLIAM LOEHR, of Bloomington, was born on the river Rhine, in Germany, Sept.
S, 1847. He attended the public schools of his native place, and also private schools, and
learned the trade of cabinet maker. He served four years in the Franco-Prussian War, in the
German army, and saw much active service. He was wounded and for five years was
disabled. Mr. Loehr came to America in 1880, and worked at his trade" in many
of the leading cities of the east and the middle west. Poor health brought him to California,
in 1887 where he has now entirely recovered his health. He located at Bloomington in 1890,
and planted ten acres in oranges and lemons.
In 1886 he was married at Taylor, Texas, to Miss Barbara Blum. They have seven
children,
CHARLES HEXRY LINDNER, of San Bernardino, was born in Hoboken, N. J., in
1849, the son of Nicholas C. Lindner, a tin-smith by trade, and a hotel-keeper by occupation.
Charles H. early showed talent for music, and was consequently carefully trained. For a
number of years he played the alto cornet in the band of the 21st Infantry, U. S. A. He
came to California in 1869, landing in San Francisco, where he remained for six months.
Since locating in San Bernardino he has been engaged in the hotel and restaurant business,
and also interested in connection with Judge H. C. Rolfein orange culture on Colton Terrace.
In 1893, Mr. Lindner married Agnes Hortense, daughter of Hon. H. C. Rolfe. The}'
have six children, two sons and four daughters.
A. G. HUBBARD was born in Northern Wisconsin in 1847. He acquired in his youth a
knowdedge of chemistry, metallurgy and mining engineering. He started to cross the plains
in 1865, riding on horseback from the Missouri river to the City of Mexico and back through
Texas to the Pacific coast, which he reached in the fall of 1867. He took charge of a copper
mine for an English company in 1868. He followed mining in the capacity of superintendent
of mines and reduction works and doing expert work, reporting on prospects, in Arizona,
California, New Mexico and old Mexico, until he had accumulated money enough to engage
in mining for himself, which occupation he followed until 1893. On one of his vacations in
1878 Mr. Hubbard visited this valley, his object being to build a flume to carry lumber from
the San Bernardino mountains to the valley, the arrangement between Mr. Hubbard and his
three associates being that each would put up $100,000 to carry out the enterprise. On in-
vestigation Mr. Hubbard found that all the waters had already been appropriated and were
in the hands of the Bear Valley company. Therefore Mr. Hubbard reported against the
proposition, but was so much impressed with the beauty of the valley and its probable future
that he invested about $150,000 in real estate on his own account, prophesying then that a
great deal of money could be made in Redlands in growing oranges on account of the
immunity from frost and from insect pests, but his love of mining made it impossible for him
to change his modes of life entirely and to study an occupation entirely new to him, when he
had spent a lifetime in the study of mines and mining engineering. Therefore, although
leaving all of his investments here, not putting an acre upon the market, he went back to
his old occupation, winding up with the purchase, development and sale of the Harqua Hala
bonanza in Arizona, which he and his old mining partner. George W. Bowers, opened up at
an expense of $273,000 — a property from which they took over $1,100,000, and then sold to an
English syndicate for $1,250,000.
Retiring from active mining life, Mr. Hubbard, not thinking it likely that he would be
satisfied to spend the remainder of his days in Redlands, told his wife that before building
a permanent home it would be advisable to travel for a year or two. After two years of
travel, taking in the entire United States. Mexico and the islands of the gulf, a month after
his return to Redlands he had specifications drawn and men at work demolishing the old
Terrace Villa, one of his early investments, and transforming it into a comfortable country
house. Mr. Hubbard spent his first night in Redlands in that old hostelry when it was but
partly opened, and has retained the name for his present home.
ANDREW LEEDOM, of Del Rosa, was born near Zanesville, Ohio. Dec. 11. 1822,
the son of Thomas Leedom, a farmer, and native of Pennsylvania, and an early settler of
Ohio. Andrew lived at Zanesville until about twenty-five, then went to Missouri, where re-
passed a couple of years, and in 1849 started for California, by the southern route and Salt
Lake, driving about 9,000 sheep, belonging to an uncle, James Moore. He got through with
about 1,000 of the animals. He teamed between Sacramento, Hangtown and other mining
towns for several years, then returned east. He made two other trips to California and in
782
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
1873 returned with his family to locate permanently, settling on a farm near San Bernardino.
Later he took up 120 acres of land near Arrowhead Springs.
He married in i860 in Lynn Co., Iowa, Miss Catherine, daughter of Levi Stearns, who
was a jeweler by trade and pursued that business in San Bernardino, for a time before his
death.
Mr. and Mrs. Leedom have six children, Charles, of Del Rosa, Jane, wife of Amos Bemis.
Ethel, wife of Milton Canterbury; Andrew J., of Del Rosa; Mary, Mrs. Frank Bradbury, of
Del Rosa ; John, at home.
Andrew J. Leedom, of Del Rosa, was born in Cedar Rapids. Iowa, Jan. 10, 1873. He
came to San Bernardino with his family as a child.
He was married April 18, iooi, to Miss Verbena Estes, daughter of Mrs. EmmaWindle.
They have one daughter, Grace Adel, and a son, Andrew LeRoy. They are members of the
Methodist church of Del Rosa.
Charles Leedom, of Del Rosa, was born in Iowa, June 9, 1864. He was married June
10, 1903, to Miss Annie Leuschen. They have one son, John Donald Leedom.
\YILLIAjVI M. MEREDITH, one of the American pioneers of the Rincnn Grant, is a
native of New York, born in Genesee county, in the town of Bethany, September 30th, 1833.
His fatber was Stephen Miland Merideth, a native of Penn-
sylvania, his mother, Mary Smith, a native of New York,
and a daughter of Captain Elisha Smith, of Bethany.
Steph 11 M. Meredith was brought up near Philadelphia, in
the Societv of Quakers, and was by occupation a mill-
wright. He died in 1847, in New York, at the age of 51
years. William grew up in his native town, and when
merging into manhood, started out as a traveling salesman,
and collector, which occupation he pursued about five
years. He left his home in 1865, with about 1400 head of
sheep, which he drove to Clark county. Mo., where he en-
gaged in stock raising for a period of ten years. Subse-
quently be came to California, in 1S75. and located on the
Rincon Grant, which he made his permanent home. He
married in New York, Maria, daughter of Dewitt Howard,
a resident of Alexandria, in Genesee county. She died in
1878. leaving three children, Louis A., of Pomona; Edgar
D., of San Francisco, and Maggie, the wife of Frank E.
Slaughter of Rincon.
Mr. Meredith's wide and varied experience has given
him progressive ideas, which he carries out in his daily
avocation. He is comfortably situated at Rincon, where
he expects to tranquilly pass the remainder of his days.
s
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mg
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p„.
WILLIAM M. MLRFHMTH
in New York Jul
CHRISTOPHER MEYER of San Bernardino, was
born in Germany, Jan. 19, 1850, the son of Herman and
Dorothy Niedermeyer Meyer and one of a family of eight
children. His father was a shoemaker. The family landed
the midst of the National celebration. Not aware of the sig-
nificance of the day, and hearing the report ot cannon and the explosion of fire-crackers.
the whole shipload of people at once came to the conclusion that a battle was in progress and
were very much disturbed in consequence. The Meyers' went immediately to northern
Indiana, and settled on a farm, where Christopher passed his youth. On leaving home, he
was employed in a store in Chicago, and later opened a general merchandise store for him-
self in New Cambria, Mo., where he also owned a farm. He remained in this state until
1878. when he removed to Kansas, and for the next ten years, was occupied as merchant,
and in farming. In the fall of 1888 he came to California and purchased a ranch in Perris
which property he still retains. In Dec. 1889, he opened a grocery store in San Bernardino,
where he also buys and sells hay and grain, and has continued in that business with the
exception of dropping the grocery business, substituting a line of fruits, plants, seeds and
poultry supplies. He married Miss Stadtman in Missouri, and they are the parents of eight
children, the eldest of whom is now studying medecine in the Jefferson Medical College,
Philadelphia. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer are members of the M. E. church, North.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
J. P. LIXFESTV, Highland, is a native of the Province of Quebec. Canada, born
August 17, 1848, the son ot Abraham and Mary Bragg Linfesty. The father was a native of
the Isle of Jersey, and the mother of Devonshire. England. Mr. Linfesty went to 'fea at
the age of fourteen, serving as first cabin boy, and then before the mast. He followed sea-
faring for about five years, and then became a lumberman, on the Ottawa river, which busi-
ness he followed until he came to California in 1876. He located at Riverside when that
town was still mostly vacant space, and lived there until 1887, when_he removed to Highland,
to take charge of a forty-acre grove, for L. C. Waite. He still has charge of this property,
and also has a fine grove of his own.
Mr. Linfesty, was married at Riverside, Dec. 19. 1882, to Miss Emily Erickson. ■ They
have nine children, eight sons and one daughter. The oldest, William, is in the U. S. Navy.
now in Asiatic waters ; John, Charles, Fred, Harry, Lyman, Milton, Mattie and Ralph.
ABRAHAM B. LILES, of Rialto, was born in Tennessee in 1830. He was the son of
Samuel Liles, a Baptist missionary. In 1842, the family removed to Missouri, where he
received a common school education. In 1850, Mr. Liles came to California, and located at
Humboldt Bay, where he engaged in the lumber business, and later stock-raising. He also
mined in California and Montana, and was interested in the stock business in Idaho. He
then engaged in farming and stock raising in Arizona. Texas and New Mexico. In 1896,
he located at Rialto, where he is the owner of a fine orange grove.
Mr. Liles has been three times married. The present Mrs. Liles was Miss Anna T.
Hunter of Philadelphia, widow of John J. O'Neill.
E. E. LEACH, of Ontario, was born May 13,
1826, at Barre, Vermont. He was the son of David
Leach, a native of Chester, N. H., and of Drusilla
Wood Leach, born in New York state. His father
was a contracting millwright, and a practical thor-
ough-going man in comfortable circumstances.
E. E. Leach was the eldest child. He was edu-
acted in Vermont, and then removed to New York,
where he learned his father's trade, and for a num-
ber of years followed it, building flour and lumber
mills along the Hudson river, and in Canada.
About 1856 he located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and
engaged in the manufacture of agricultural imple-
ments. He was for nine years a member of the
City Council. He first visited California in 1877,
spending the winter in Santa Barbara, for his health.
In 1884, he came to California to locate, and in 1886
brought his family to Ontario, where he had pur-
chased propertv, and he has since improved a valu-
able residence and orchard property. He has taken
an active interest in the sale of real estate and the
improvement of his home town.
Mr. Leach married in i860 Miss Sarah Elizabeth
daughter of Dr. Van Dyck, of Oswego. N. Y. She is
also a niece of Rev. Dr. Cornelius Van Dyck, who
founded the mission establishment of Beyreut. Tur-
key, and who first translated the Bible into the Arabic
tongue. They have four children, Margaret I... wit" •
of Thos. Landale, of Omaha, Neb. ; Henry W., man-
ager of the California Citrus Union; Charlotte E..
wife of Fred E. Whyte, of Ontario, .and James, who resides in Omaha. The family are act-
ive members of the Congregational Church.
HENRY SANDOZ, is an esteemed citizen of San Bernardino county, and owns a
fine fruit and vinyard property, located on the Chino Grant, about midway between Chino
and Pomona. He was born in Canton. Neufchatel, Switzerland, Sept. 20th, 1837. His father,
Frederick Louis Sandoz, was a successful farmer, and accorded the son a thorough education,
whereupon he taught for a period of about ten years, in the higher schools of Chau-de-Fonds.
and other places in his native country. He came to New York in the year 1870, and
spent four years in Kansas, and in 1875 came to Los, Angeles, locating near Santa Monica.
ABRAHAM B. LILES
784
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
where he engaged in the hee and honey business. In 1881. he located his present place of
eighty-three acres, forty-two of which are devoted to raising Mission, Zinfandel. and other
wine grapes, which he makes into wine of excellent grades and quality. Mr. Sandoz has
five sons and four daughters.
W. H. WRIGHT, of Colton, was born at Gloversville, N. Y., Sept 7. 1840, the son of
William Wright, a farmer. He received his primary education in the public schools, and
attended a college at Concord, N. H-. On the breaking out of the Civil War, he enlisted in
Co. K., 7th N. Y. Infantry, Volunteers, un-
der command of Col. James B. McKean, and
was assigned to the army of the Potomac.
Mr. Wright, during his service took part in
twenty battles. He was wounded at the
battle of the Wilderness, May 6, 1864. He
was the first man on the captured defenses
at Petersburg, where he received a wound
in the leg. When Gen. Hyde came along
and noticed his condition, he said ,"you
should go to the rear," but the soldier re-
plied, "General, I promised my captain to
stay with him as long as I can stand." He
received a commission as lieutenant in rec-
ognition of his services on this occasion.
For conspicious service at Gettysburg, he
received a medal from the state of New
York. At the close of the war, Mr. Wright
took up his residence in Concord, N. H.
In 1877, he came to California, and located
first at San Diego. In 1880 he settled at
Colton. where he has since resided. He has
always taken an active part in religious
work, and ministered without compensation,
to the congregations of the Methodist de-
nomination at Colton, Rialto, Highland and
Highgrove, besides establishing a place of
worship for members of this denomination
at Perris, Riverside county. He has been a
life-long Republican, and has taken active
interest in political affairs. In 1889 he was
appointed postmaster of Colton, by Presi-
dent Harrison, and served four years.
In 1872, Mr. Wright married Miss Laura A. Turner, a native of Vermont. They have
one son, Harry L., who, after graduating from the Colton High School, is now taking a
course at Scranton, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Wright occupy a beautiful home in the midst of
their orange grove. Mr. Wright is the owner of other valuable property in the vicinity.
JAMES LA NIECE, of San Bernardino, was born on the Island of Jersey, May 8, 1840.
He was the son of John and Pricilla LaNiece. His school days were passed in the old
country, where Ke learned the trade of brick mason. He first came to America in 1861,
arriving in New Orleans in Sept. of that year ; but after five weeks stay re-crossed the
Atlantic to Bordeaux, France, returning to America July 29, 1862, this time landing in
Boston, Mass. After a few days spent in Boston, he took passage for San Francisco, via
Cape Horn, arriving at his destination January 4, 1863. He obtained work at his trade
continuing until June 1864, and then enlisted in the U. S. army, Co. "F", California Infantry,
in which he served principally in patrol and provost duty in the state, and was mustered
out of service at Benecia Barracks. October, 1865. After his discharge he went to work in the
mines until 1868, then at brick laying in San Francisco, going from there to Los Angeles,
where he lived until the latter part of 1870, when he was given the contract to build the
Catholic church in San Bernardino, and removing to this city, has remained and worked at
his trade since that date.
Mr. La Niece has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Mary McNally, of
San Francisco, who died in San Bernardino, in 1872 — In 1873, Mr. La Niece married Miss
Mary Clews, of San Bernardino. They have a family of four children; three boys are
W. H. WRIGHT
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 785
members of Co. "K," 7th Infantry, N. G. C. Edwin, W. D. and W. H., and a daughetr,
Priscilta. Mr. and Mrs. La Xiece are members of the Methodist church of San Bernardino,
and active in church work. Mr. La Niece is a member of the G. A. R. Post.
JULIUS MARK of San Bernardino, is a native of Switzerland, the son of Gabriel
and Barbara Mark. His father was a maker of cutlery by trade, and was in the service of
the Swiss government as postmaster prior to coming to America, in 1852. The family
settled near Bethlehem, Pa., and the father also received appointment as postmaster in
Pennsylvania, a position which he retained for several years. The family sold their property
in Pennsylvania, and removing west, took up a homestead in Atchison county, Kansas, where
they lived nine years. , . ,
Mr. Marks came to San Bernardino in 1887, and purchased their present ranch property,
consisting of seven and one-half acres of land. He married in Bethlehem, June 27, 1S65,
Mis. Francis Michel. They have a family of eight children, five of whom are still living—
Louisa V the wife of George Scott, of Oakland; Florence, the wife of Arthur Rees, now
residin" in the East; Gabriel, deceased; Herman, employed in the mountains; Julia,
Mrs. Huley Poppet ; Geo. W., at home ; Edward, deceased ; Eleanor 1 eresa, at home. 1 he
family are members of the Reformed church.
JOHN O McDONALD, of Pomona, was born February 16, 1828, in County Kerry,
Ireland He came to America with his family when about twelve years ot age They Uvea
in Ouebec Buffalo, Detroit and Chicago. Finally his father, Thomas, located on a farm
nea? Dubuque, Iowa, where he lived for twenty years. John remained m Iowa about five
years then worked in the lead mines at Galena, 111. Here he met Grant, who was then liv-
ing in this place. He returned to Iowa after about three years and in 1849 lie fitted out and
started for California overland via the northern route. He entered California by Lawson s
cut-off and reached the Sacramento river after a journey of seven months, arriving Octo-
ber 7 1849. He at once began mining and for several years mined successfully in biena
and Nevada counties. Later he farmed in Merced county, and in 1887 located on his pres-
ent place, where he has about 160 acres of land. . ,„,
In 1848 Air McDonald was married to Miss Elizabeth Long, a native of Wayne county,
Ohio Their children are, William Thomas, of Merced county; Margaret, Mrs. James
\ Crawford of Pomona; Mary, Mrs. Thomas Stinnett, of Fresno county; Lizzie, de-
ceased, was the wife of Herbert H. Bean. She left a daughter, Orisme Mary, who resides
with her grandfather.
PATRICK HENRY LEAHY, of Victorville, was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts,
November 2 1862. He was a son of Daniel Leahy, a locomotive engineer on the old Bos-
ton and Albany railway. He learned the trade of stone cutter and remained in his native
town until about 1882. when he removed to Green Lake county. Wisconsin. In 887, he
came to California and was first employed by the Hespena Company. He came to Victor
to <*et out paving blocks for street work in Los Angeles. Later he located quarries at \ c-
tor and for a number of years took out large quantities of paving and building stone which he
shipped for general building purposes. He furnished granite for the San Bernardino Court
House and about $14,000 worth of material for the new Ferry House .11 San Francisco In
1S99, he leased his quarries and purchased the Turner Hotel. He has land holdings about
Victor and in interested in water development. , ,r- . -r,
In April. 1889. he married Miss Jennie B., daughter of Robert Turner, of Victor, lhey
have two sons, Harold and Roy.
REIMER REIMERS, of Chino, is a native of Germany, born December 15, 1822. He
was the sou of Karleton Reimers, a man of many resources, as he was a brick-layer, a baler
and also a farmer. The son was brought up on the farm and at an early age was ; put in
charge of the farm work. When about twenty-two he, in company with two brothers, John
and Frederick, came to this country and located in Pennsylvania, where they secured work
on a railroad at Pittsburgh. Later Mr. Reimers went to Michigan, where he worked 111
"umber and brick yards and about the lumber camps of Northern Wisconsin. After this he
chased a quarter section of land in Nehama county, Nebraska, and engaged m fanning.
He added to riiis until he had 640 acres of land which he still owns Later he came to Cali-
fornia and located on the Chino grant. He now has 20 acres here which is devoted to various
CrOPInani849™Mr. Reimers married in Peoria county, 111 Miss Sarah K Jane daughter
of Louis Anderson, a farmer. She was born in Ohio, lhey have five children, Alonzo, in
Chino • Louis and Lemuel, in Nebraska ; Francis and Justus, at Chino-
786 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
FRANCIS REIMERS, of Cliino, was born in Nebraska, September 26, 1856. He came
to California in 1881. He married Miss Chloe, daughter of John Ashley, and they have
two children, Nora and Clarence. Mr. Reimers owns ten acres of land.
FRANK M. JOHNSON, of San Bernardino, was born in Missouri, February 22,
1844. He was the son of Alfred and Hulda Sanford Johnson, both natives of Kentucky. In
1844, the family removed from Missouri to Arkansas, locating about fifteen miles from
Van Buren. In 1849, one of the Johnson boys came to California, returning in 1852 to Ar-
kansas on a visit, and the same year Frank M. Johnson and his father with two married
daughters, Mrs. Margaret James and Mrs. Lucy Russel ; and two unmarried daughters,
Hulda and Armenia, came to California. Hulda became Mrs. Pearl and is now a resident
of San Bernardino. The family located on the Santa Anita rancho, and afterwards removed
to El Monte, where the father died in 1855. The mother lived until 1880 and died at San
Bernardino.
Frank M. Johnson engaged in freighting for a number of years; but since 1865 has
made his home in San Bernardino. In 1879, Mr. Johnson was elected, on the democratic
ticket, assessor of San Bernardino county and his long continuance in that official capacity
is a test of his popularity. Mr. Johnson has held office as school trustee at various times
and was, in 1900, a member of the City Board of Education.
Mr. Johnson married Miss Mary K.. daughter of Alexander Kier, a pioneer of San
Bernardino. They are the parents of three children: William A., Alexander K., and Mar-
guerite P., widow of R. C. Gallaher. Mrs. Johnson has been prominent in the organization
of the Society of Associated Charities, and largely interested and instrumental in the estab-
lishment and prosperity of the Orphans' Home of San Bernardino.
Mr. Johnson has been for many years a member of Token Lodge, I. O. O. F., and was
one of the charter members; also a charter member of Vaney Lodge, Knights of Pythias.
The Johnson residence on Waterman avenue, near Base Line, is one of the finest suburban
homes in San Bernardino county.
DAVID C. MUEL, of Rialto. was born in Vevay, Indiana, in 1858. His father, Ed-
ward Muel, was a steamboat owner, and carried on an extensive trade between points on
the Ohio and upper Mississippi -and New Orleans. He also had large farming interests in
Ohio. He died about 1883, aged seventy-two. The mother, Millie Bray Muel, was a des-
cendant of an old English family of wealth and standing.
David C. learned the .trade of shoemaker. At the age of twenty-one he went to North
Carolina and worked in the turpentine camps, for the benefit of his health. Later he went
to Missouri and then to Kansas. There he lived for twelve years in Lyon county, engaged
in stock raising.
In 1886, he was sent to California to look after two ranches of his employer, W. P-
Martin and became one of the first settlers in-this colony. At the time of the arrival there
was no building except a board and canvas shack used by George Scagga as a boarding
house for about one hundred men then employed by the Semi-tropic Land and Water,
Company. Mr. Muel completed the first residence built in the settlement. He began the
manufacture of cement pipe at Rialto and is now extensively engaged in the business. He
has invested considerably in Rialto real estate and has been one of her leading citizens.
He married Miss Eliza Stephens in Lyon county, Kansas. They have five children
living, Elizabeth, Nora, Clyde, Hazel, Theodore R.
JOHN W. LEAVENS, of Highland, was born at Ellisburg, Jefferson county. New-
York, April 20, 1833, the son of John and Tirzah Emerson Leavens, both natives of Ver-
mont. They had two sons and three daughters. One of the daughters married Cyrus D.
Haven, a well known pioneer settler of Highland who died in 1888.
Mr. Leavens spent his boyhood on the home farm. In 1859, he started westward and
reached Pike's Peak, then returned to Wisconsin and later to New York. About 1870, he
came to the Pacific coast, arriving at San Francisco. He spent four years in Portland,
Oregon, then returned to San Francisco and in 1875, came south to Los Angeles. He lo-
cated in Highland and purchased property which he has improved- Mr. Leavens was mir-
ried in Vernon, Michigan, to Miss Alice Hovey. They have one son, Tilden.
WINIFRED ABRAHAM MYERS, of Rialto, was born July 12. 1866. in Rensselaer
county, New York, the son of J. D. Myers, a dairyman and a descendant of a family that
dates back several generations. The father still lives in the old home, at an advanced age.
W. A. Myers lived at home until twenty-one years of age and then came to California. He
first took charge of the ranch of P. B. Myers ; later he worked for O. M. Morris. In the
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
787
spring of 1888, lie bought ten acres of unimproved land at Rialto which
sweets and lemons.
In 1893, he married Miss Marian Allen, daughter of Wm. Lane
They have three children, Ralph A. Ruth L.. Alida M. Mr. Myers
Maccabees.
has set to Navels
of San Bernardino.
is a member of the)
JEREMIAH L. IIATTERY, of East Highland, was born
ber 11, 1845. the son of John and Mary Baumgarduer Hatter
Canton, Ohio, Septem-
he family were of old Vir-
stock, the grandfathe
Hattery, one of the pioneer settlers of Ohio. The
father was a contracting carpenter by occupation. J.
L. Hatterv spent his boyhood in and about Canton. At
the age of 18 he enlisted in 169th Ohio Infantry Vol
unteers as a private and served one year and a half —
until the close of the conflict. He was in the Army
of the Potomac under Grant. At the end of the war he
returned home and engaged in farming.
In 1887 he came to California and soon located in
East Highland. In 1889, he purchased his present home,
forty acres beautifullv located at an elevation of 1600
feet. He is at present a deputy county assessor. He
is actively interested in the Southern California Vet-
erans' Association and has been commander of this
organization and is a past commander of W. R. Corn-
man Post, of San Bernardino.
Mr. Hattery was married in Wayne county, Ohio,
in 1866, to Miss Mary Barnhart, a native of Ohio. Mrs.
Hattery was a school teacher before marriage. She is
greatly interested in the work of the Veterans'^ Asso-
ciation and was president of the Ladies' Auxiliary of
that body.
Mr. and Mrs. Hatterv have four living children:
Ella. Mrs. Melton; Lewis O., Bessie E„ Rollin Eddison.
LEWIS O. HATTERY is a native of Wayne county,
Ohio, born August 17, 1869. He is a contracting car-
MRS. J. L. HATTERS penter and also a fruit grower. He was married De-
cember 22, 1897, to Miss Mary, daughter of Charles
Y. Tyler, of East Highland. They have two children, Ona Julia and Charles Lewis.
WILLIAM T. HENDERSON, of East Highland, was born in Illinois, December 21.
1850, the son of Robert Huston and Elizabeth McKenney Henderson. His father, a native
of Lexington. Kentucky, was a pioneer settler of Indiana and moved to Illinois in 1848-
He had a family of ten sons and three daughters, the sons all men of fine proportions over
six feet in height and massive in form. The father used to declare that he had over sixty
feet of boys. He was himself -ix feet two in his stocking feet. In the fifties the faijiily
emigrated to Iowa and settled on the Cedar river in Benton county. William T. Hender-
son spent his youth here on a farm. In 1867, he went to Harrisonville, Cass county, Mis-
souri, and in 1876, came to Riverside, California, when that town was in its infancy. In
1880, he located in East Highlands where he owns a navel orange grove of twenty-six acres,
has erected a packing house and occupies a beautiful home.
Mr. Henderson married Miss Zarissa Ellen Watson, daughter of Mrs. Rebecca
Watson. They have four children. Turey, Robert Huston, a graduate of the State Univer-
sity and teacher in the High School at Vacaville ; Cora B.. Elbert Mathis. By a former
marriage. Mr. Henderson has one son. Harry Coots Henderson.
SETH HARTLEY, of Colton, was born in Los Angeles. August 6, 1872. He is the
son of Capt. Charles T. Hartlev. one of the founders 01 Riverside colony. Capt. Hartley en-
tered the army at Cedar Rapids. Iowa, and served four years under Grant. He was cap-
tain of Company H. 22nd Iowa Volunteer Infantry. In 1865, he married Miss Leonard,
of Marion Iowa, and immediately came to California. He drove sheep onto the Jurupa
Grant and' traded with Louis Robidoux for land, receiving one acre for each sheep. In
this wav he secured several hundred acres, including the arroyo where the old High School
and Chinatown now stand in Riverside. In 1.879. he located in Colton and engaged in farm-
ing He died May ?, 1887, leaving a small estate and a widow and three children. Alice
788
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
H. is now widow of Henry Randall, Los Angeles; Seth, and May, now Mrs. W. C. Bar-
ley, of Lisbon, Iowa.
Seth Hartley attended the public schools and the Riverside High School. He carried
on a dairy business for five years then engaged in the real estate and brokerage business.
He was the promoter of the Orange Belt Interurban road, which was purchased by -thi-i-
San Bernardino Valley Traction Co., who constructed their line upon Mr. Hartley's plan
and details. Mr. Hartley was married August 19, 1893, and has three children, Bertha,
Chester and Charles. He is one of Colton's most progressive citizens and has made con-
siderable investments there.
GEORGE THOMAS HENSLEE, of Highland, is a native of Georgia, born in Put-
nam, July 19, 1866, the son of William Brown Henslee. At the age of twenty-one, Mr.
Henslee went to Texas and located at Waco, where he remained until he came to Califor-
nia in 1889. Here he settled at Highland and after working in orange groves a few years
bought six acres for himself some seven years ago and in 1902 purchased ten acres more,
the latter place was one of the first improved in this vicinity, having been the prdperty of
Captain David Seeley. Mr. Henslee is a member of the Knights of Pythias.
DANIEL BREWER MILLIKEN, of Cucamonga, was born in the town of Brewer,
Maine, November 26, 1829, the son of Daniel W. and Rebecca Smith Milliken, both natives
of Maine. His father was a sailor, who followed the sea all his life and for many years
acted as a pilot in Penobscot Bay and river. During
his youth, Mr. Milliken made various trips, one to
Cuba, and engaged in coasting along the New England
shore. In the fall of 1851, he left Boston and came to
California via the Isthmus, arriving in San Francisco
in June, 1852. He went to Mendocino county and en-
gaged in lumbering, prospecting and contracting, re-
maining in the northern portion of the state until 1876.
He lived for a time in San Jose and the vicinity of
San Francisco and in 1883, came to San Bernardino
county and located at Cucamonga, where he purchased,
with George D. Havens a tract of 520 acres of land
which they set to grapes, mostly wine varieties. Later
Mr. Milliken assumed the control of half of the land,
which he has since sold off.
Mr. Milliken was married in 1856, to Miss Charlotte,
daughter of Thomas Smith, a lumberman. She was a
native of Surrey, Hancock county, Maine- She
died January 2, 1899, at the age of sixty-three. Mr. and
Mrs. Milliken have three sons and two daughters:
Newell S.. and Reuben M. live at Cucamonga, Richard
is in England.
F. M. HUNT, of Redlands, was born at Lodi,
Michigan, February 16, 1849, the son of Addison and
Cynthia Fish Hunt. His father was a native of Geneva,
New York, and was a farmer. Mr. Hunt lived in
Michigan until his twenty-first year and then located in
Ohio, where he followed his trade of carpenter until
1886, when he came to California. In 1887, he lo-
cated in Redlands, purchasing a ten acre tract on Citrus
avenue in the Chicago colony. Here he has since lived
and engaged in orange growing and in raising citrus and olive nursery stock, in which
he has been especially successful.
Mr. Hunt was married in Ohio to Miss Clara Church; they have two children,
Clara J., Mrs. George M. Smallwood, of Redlands, and Paul H.
S. F. BROOKS, of Colton, California, was born in Clinton county, New York, Sep-
tember 7, 1848. He was the son of Schuyler Brooks, a native of Massachusetts who re-
moved to New York early in the 30's and following his trade of cabinet maker, ownied
and operated a chair factory on the Black river. S. F. Brooks left his home at an eariv
age and joined a brother who was engaged in the freighting business at Whitehall, New
York, remaining with him about six years. From there he went to Michigan where he
DANIEL B. MILLIKEN
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 789
lived twenty years and engaged in the lumber business in the vicinity of Newaygo county.
He came from there to California in 1887. July 21, 1872, Mr. Brooks married Miss Eva-
lyn A., daughter of James Strobridge, a pioneer lumberman of Hesperia, Michigan. She
was born at Bentley Creek, Pennsylvania, May 20, 1856. Mr. Brooks is a member of the
Masonic fraternity.
MADISON MOSS KINCAID, deceased, was born in Knoxville, Ray county, Mis-
souri, December 23, 1832, the son of James and Sarah Cravens Kincaid, both Tennee-
seans by birth. They were the parents of fourteen children. Madison was brought up
on a farm but was of a mechanical turn and learned the trade of stone mason. He was.
married at Knoxville, Missouri, September 6, i860, to Martha Jane, daughter of Hovey
Hutchins, and a native of Ray county, Missouri. Her father was a carpenter, contractor
and millwright who operated a flour mill, a saw mill, store and post office. He came to
California in 1849 and mined successfully in the northern counties, but returned to Mis-
souri about 1852.' In 1865 he, in company with his son-in-law, M. M. Kincaid, Tom and
James Hutchins, came overland to California, driving seven wagons, via Salt Lake and
Cajon Pass. They located first at El Monte but after a year moved to the San Antonij
Canon where Mr. and Mrs. Kincaid resided for twenty years and improved a valuable
property. They at one time also owned the Dexter place with 100 inches of water. They
then removed to Cucamonga where they lived for four years and afterward settled aboiV
a mile and quarter to the southwest of the post office, where Mr. Kincaid died. The sur-
viving children are: William Jefferson, Stirling Price, Martha Estella, Madison Ross,
Thomas, Walter Edward.
RUFUS E. LONGMIER, of Highland, is a native of Anderson county, Tennessee,
born November 22, 1843. In 1867, he married Miss M. E. Steinlever, of his native place.
They came to California in 1883, and now reside on a ranch at Highland. They are the
parents of five children, Ida, Mrs. Charles Hidden ; Mattie, Mrs. John Coy ; Kittie, Mrs.
Frank Cram, and Charles and James, of Highland.
CHARLES WILLIAM LONGMIER, of Highland, was born in East Tennessee, May
30, 1873. He came to California with his family and since 1897 has been engaged in the
livery business at Highland. He was married February II, 1892, to Miss Catherine Belle
Malone.
H. L. SNOW, of San Bernardino, was the son of Loring and Laura Atwood Snow.
His father was a captain in the merchant marine service and came of Yankee stock which
had followed the sea for generations. They had four children of whom H. L. Snow, of
San Bernardino, and Mrs. Upham, of Waltham. Massachusetts, now survive.
H. L. Snow attended school in Newton, Massachusetts, and graduated from the New-
ton High School. He was employed as book-keeper by a large wholesale hardware firm
of Boston. Upon their failure he returned to Newton and after learning the business of
photographer, he remained here for six years. Later he worked in the line of his pro-
fession in different cities in Massachusetts, and had a gallery for five years at Fishkill,
on the Hudson. In 1899, he located in San Bernardino and opened a gallery. In 1893, he
married Miss Mary L. Carpenter, at Norwood, New York. He is a Mason and a member
of the Knights of Pythias.
GEORGE E. WATTS, of San Bernardino, was born in Niagara, Canada, in 1854.
He was the son of George Watts, a shoemaker, and Christina Ingram Watts. Of the
five children of his father's family, only Mrs. Mary E. Dagenhart, of Redlands, and him-
self are living. Mr. Watts was educated in the public schools of Canada prior to 1867.
His first work after leaving school was in a flouring mill at St. Katherines, Canada. In
1868, he went to Lockport. New York, and was employed in a grocery store where he re-
mained four years. The four seasons following he was employed in different capacities
on lake steamers plying between Buffalo, Chicago, Detroit and Duluth. Leaving the lakes,
he returned to Lockport and worked in a bakery until 1879. when he went back to Canada.
In April, 1881, he again went to Lockport remaining until April, 1886; there he married
Miss Rachel V. Watts and soon after, in company with a brother, came to San Bernar-
dino. Here he opened a shoe-making shop, and four months after his arrival was joined
by his wife in their new home, where he has continued the business of boot and shoe mak-
ing and repairing. In 1891, Mr. Watts purchased a ten acre ranch in Rialto, six acres of
which are planted in oranges and four acres in prunes, all fruit bearing trees. Mr. .and
Mrs. Watts have been the parents of two children. One died in infancy ; the other, Ros-
coe Watts, is with his parents in San Bernardino.
I. >SI I'M B. GILL
HISTORY OF SAX BERNARDINO COUNTY 791
JOSEPH B. GILL, of San Bernardino, was born on a farm near Marion. Illinois.
February 17. i&>2. The following year the family moved to De Soto and in 1868 to
Murphysboro in that state. Here he attended the public schools, and later the Christian
Brother College, St. Louis and the Southern Illinois Normal School at Carbondale. grad-
uating from the latter institution in June, 1884. He then took a law course at the Mich-
igan State University and was admitted to the bar of that state in July. 1886. Soon there-
after he returned to Illinois and purchased an interest in he Murphysboro Independent,
which journal he conducted until January, 1893.
During this period he was a member "of the Illinois Assembly and was the author and
champion of various measures affecting the interests of the people and particularly labor
interests. In 1852, he was elected on the Democratic ticket, as lieutenant govern
state, and by virtue of his office served as president of the state senate, acquitting himself
with marked ability. He served as acting governor of the state during various periods
when Governor Altgeld was absent from his post and in such capacity" was called upon
to act upon vital issues during the labor troubles of 1894. Later he was chosen arbitrator
for the employees of the St. Louis Division of the Mobile and Ohio road and succeeded
in averting an attempted reduction of wages. Soon afterward he was chosen arbitrator
by the Illinois State Miners' Association and was engaged in the negotiations which finallv
resulted in the disastrous strike of 1895.
Governor Gill had spent several winters in Southern California and in March. 1890,
he engaged in the lumber business as the head of the Gill-Norman Lumber I
yards at San Bernardino, Riverside and Redlands. In 1001. the interests of the two part-
ners were segregated and Mr. Gill became sole owner of the yards and business
Bernardino. He is largely interested also in realty at Ocean Park and in Southern Illi-
nois. He is a member of the San Bernardino Board of Trade and served two terms as
president of that organization: he is also a prominent member of the San Bernardino
Lodge, B. and P. O. of E., and is an officer of the order.
Governor Gill married November 2S, 1S93, Miss Pearl Hall, of San Bernardino.
GEORGE K. SHERLOCK, of San Bernardino, was born in New Zealand. August
4, 1866. His parents were J. Wigmore and Annie Purcell Sherlock, and were of Irish des-
cent. His father came from New Zealand to California in 1872 and settled in Shasta
county, where he engaged in the sheep business. He removed to Montana with his flocks
and after a time disposed of them and purchased a stock ranch, continuing in that business
until he died.
George K. was the fifth of ten children. He spent his school days 111 Montana an/i
worked upon his father's stock ranch. He also learned the blacksmith trade. In 1S96.
he came to San Bernardino and started in the carpet cleaning business, an occupation he
has followed with success since that time. He was married in Montana to Addie L. Mc-
Kay and they have a family. Mr. Sherlock is an active member of the San Bernardino
Fire Department and also belongs to the Fraternal Aid Association.
JOHN W. TURNER, of Chir.o. is a native of Ohio, born August 13. 1850. the son of
John and Margaret Howe Turner. His father was a native of Pennsylvania, and a car-
penter by trade. The son learned the carpenter trade with his father. About 1^70. the
family removed to Iowa and later to Kansas and came to California in 1889, locating first
at Redding. Shasta county, and coming to Chino in 1S90. Here Mr. Turner has been ac-
tive in his trade and has done much toward building up Cbino. He has also served a'sj
constable and as deputy constable.
Mr. Turner was married January 3. 1877. to Miss Maggie E. Phillips, of Xew Sharon.
Iowa. They have two daughters living. Ella, wife of Roy C. Dundas. and Nettie. Mrs.
Walter Sissna. both of Los Angeles. Mrs. Turner died February 2, 1892. aged thirty-four
years and two children. May and Clyde, died in infancy.
Mr. Turner is noted as an excellent shot with the rifle and is counted an expert with
the pistol. He is a member of the K. of P. and of the I. O. O. F. and of the Fraternal Aid
Association of Chino.
HENRY STROVEN. of Highland, was born in Franklin county. Ohio, January 2^.
1870. the son of Herman and Minnie Vetter Stroven, both natives of Germain. The father
r, erica about 1865 and located in Ohio where he was employed bv'the Pittsburg.
Ohio and St. Louis Ry. Co. In 1870 he removed to Michigan and' settled at Ottawa,
where he remained until 1889 when he nurchased a fine farm at Newaygo. Michigan, where
he still lives.
Henry Stroven grew up in Michigan and fanned, worked in a furniture :'
792
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Grand Rapids and lumbered in the northern part of the state. In 1892, he came to Cal-
ifornia and located at Highland where he now owns a farm of one hundred acres, and is
engaged in fruit raising.
May 3, 1900 he married Miss Lizzie Ott. of Redlands. They have two children, Carl
and Helen.
FRaNK. E. SLAUGHTER, of Rincon, was born in Van Buren county, Iowa, October
19, 1850. He was the son of John Van Bibber and Anna Swasey Slaughter. His father
was a native of Virginia, and his family dated back to the colonial days of that state. In
1832, he located in Iowa, being one of the earliest pioneers
of the territory and here he became the owner of the
Slaughter Coal Mines, which produced coal in large quan-
tities. He had four daughters and one son, Frank E.
Frank .E. Slaughter lived in Iowa, with the ex
ception of three years spent in Louisiana until 1876, when
he came to California. He spent several years in farm-
ing near San Fernando then removed to Pomona, where
he engaged in contracting and also in farming. He is
also a thorough general mechanic, understanding the
handling of steam and gas engines, and the practical
principles of civil engineering. In the latter capacity he
has surveyed and engineered the construction of several
extensive water ditch and irrigation systems.
m BBV In 1892, he married Miss Margaret Meredith, daughter
^^^^ \^mmm^T ^^^ qj William Meredith, of Rincon. They have two children,
.j^fl I |^^^ ^^^fek Vesta Marie and Frank Eric They reside
j^AjjP"9L^^| ranch at Rincon.
FRANK E. SLAUGHTER
son joined the San Bernard:
quently elected assistant chief and in 1
O. M. STEVENSON, of San Bernardino, was born
in Jefferson county, Wisconsin, November 30, 1865. He-
was the son of J. H. Stevenson, a farmer, and Clarinda
A. Griffith Stevenson. In 1867, the family removed from
Wisconsin to Marysville. Iowa ; and in 1876, to Spring
Creek, Kansas. Mr. O M. Stevenson received a common
school education at the two last named places, and lived
at Spring Creek until 1891, when he came to San Ber-
nardino, arriving February 2, of that year. Mr. Steven-
Fire Department in 1895 as "Call man." He was subse-
was made chief of the department.
DR. WILLIAM ELLISON LOCKWOOD, late of Redlands, was born at North
Stamford, Connecticut, in 1863. He passed his early life in Stamford. In 1883, he grad-
uated from the Scientific department of Yale University and received his degree of M. D.
from the Yale Medical School two years later. Dr. Lockwood practiced his profession
for two years in New Haven and then began to devote himself to the special study of
physiology, which he intended to make his life work. While continuing his studies for
the post-graduate degree of Ph. D., he was also engaged as instructor in chemistry and
tutor in physiologv in the Yale Medical School and in the graduate Academic department of
Yale.
In 1891, Dr. Lockwood was appointed Fellow in physiology in Clark University, Wor-
cester, Massachusetts. Here a very successful career as a scientist seemed open to him,
but his strength had already been overtaxed and his health failed. He was compelled to
resign his position and in 1892, he came to Redlands with his family. Here he purchased
eighteen acres of land on Redlands Heights and had it set to orchards. He built a resi-
dence on this property and lived here until his death, June 23, 1S97.
Although largely occupied with the cares of his ranch. Dr. Lockwood found ttime
ond strength to act for three years and a half as clerk for the First Congregational Church
He also served as clerk of the board of trustees of Redlands school district for parts of
two terms. Dr. Lockwood made many friends in Redlands who recognized his high qual-
ities as a man, an educator and a citizen, and deplored his early death. Although very re-
served and unostentatious he impressed all who knew him with the dignity and worth
of his character.
June so. 1887. Dr. Lockwood married Miss Sara E. Husted, who was for years a
teacher in the New Haven High School, making a specialty of English. Mrs. Lockwood
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
is the author of several text-books on the subject of English which are now widely used
in schools and colleges. One of the most successful is her "Lessons in English." She
revised for Prof. Whitney, of Yale, his "Essentials of English Grammar" which is nov)
known as "Whitney and Lockwood's English Grammar." Her latest work is a "Com-
position and Rhetoric," prepared in collaboration with Miss Emerson, of the Bridgewater,
Mrs. Lock
i <;<>_•
NICHOLS
Massachusetts Normal School, and published by Ginn and Compan
wood has two children, Lucy May and William Ellison.
FREDERICK C. NICHOLS, late of Cucamonga. was a native of Switzerland, born
June 21, 1828. the son of Jacob and Elizabeth Nichols. The family came to America at
an early date and the father died in New Orleans not many years thereafter. The family
which contained three sons and four daughters then
removed to Madison, Indiana. The sons were Charles,
Henry and Frederick: the daughters, Mary, now Mrs.
Birchen, of Pine county, Minnesota; Katherine. Mrs.
T utile; Louise, deceased; Margret, Mrs. Ambrose, of
Indianapolis.
Frederick learned the machinist's trade and followed
it in Indiana. In i860, he, with three other young men,,
came overland to California, via the northern route,
driving four mules with a camping outfit and making
the journey in sixty days — one of the quickest trips
on record. For ten years he mined in northern Cal-
ifornia, being associated with Mr. Hungerford, father-
in-law of John Mackey, the mining king. He then
worked at his trade in Eureka, San Bernardino and
Ontario. About 1887, he located at Cucamonga and
in company with P. S. Weaver, now of Eureka, pur-
chased and improved some twenty-seven acres of land
which they sold out about 1890.
Mr. Nichols was twice married, having no chil-
dren by first wife. June 4. 1891, he married Susan
M. Burkett, a native of Boston, Massachusetts, born
December 27, 1846.
Mr. Nichols joined the order of I. O- O. F. at
Madison, Indiana, June 21, 1849, and was a consistent member of the order all of his life.
Upon coming to California he joined Yerba Buena Lodge 15, at San Francisco and was
a member of this body at the time of his death. He died in Cucamonga, March 11, 1901.
CHARLES COURTNEY WELCH, of Needles, was born in San Francisco, Februarv
11, i860. He is the son of Charles and Elizabeth E. G. (Roach) Welch. The family were
natives of Baltimore, Maryland, and descendants of Lord Baltimore. His father came to
California many years before it became an American possession, or any special interest
was taken in the country. He first came into San Francisco harbor in 1828, with a sailing
vessel in the Mexican mail service, in which he held an important position under the Mex-
ican government. The first building erected in San Francisco by the Jesuit fathers was
on property donated by his father. His uncle was Alcalde of Monterey and afterwards
founder of the San Francisco Examiner. His father returned to Baltimore, coming back
to San Francisco in 1846, bringing with him the brick and mortar with which he built the
first house on North Beach. He was first in the hide business in that city, and in part-
nership with E. Roberts, under the firm name of Roberts & Welch, were owners of the
first ship loaded at Meiggs wharf; and was afterwards in command of a ship that ran
the blockade of Vera Cruz during the war with Mexico. His uncle, Philip A. Roach, was
president of the State Society of Pioneers; his father was a member of the society and his
sister an honorary member.
Charles C Welch was educated under Father Kenna, at San Ignacio College. San
Francisco. He left school in 1870, and with a band of mules went into the Colorado river
country, but returned to San Francisco and remained until 1882. He then went lJ
take charge of the stock of the Blythe estate, having been appointed superintendent. This
estate comprised ninety-seventy thousand acres of land and immense herds of cattle and sheep.
He remained in charge ten years. From 1896 to 1899 he was in business with John W.
Tuck in Needles. He sold his interests to Mr. Tuck and has since been engagedi in the
cattle business. He is the owner of five or six hundred head of cattle. Mr. Welch is not
married.
r94
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
ROBERT S. THOMPSON was born in Cadiz, Harrison county, Ohio, May 27, 1863.
In 1882, he came to California and located at Highland with his family. His mother is.
now Mrs. W. H. Randall. September 22, 1892, Mr. Thompson married Miss Jennie P.,
daughter of W. T. Noyes. He has been engaged in the orange packing business for the
past fifteen years and was for four years manager of the Highland Orange Growers' As-
sociation.
ALAND B. PADDOCK, of Rialto, was born at Meriden, Connecticut, March 20, 1852.
His father, Samuel Clark Paddock, of Welsh descent, was one of the most successful busi-
ness men of Meriden, also holding many positions of public trust in that city. His mother,
Jannette Hall, was the daughter of Cas-
per Hall, the first representative of
Meriden. in the general assembly of
Connecticut, and direct descendant of
Lyman Hall, one of the signers of the
Declaration of Independence. A. B.
Paddock was educated in the public
schools of his native place and at the.
Connecticut Literary Institute, Suf-
field. Later in life, he supplemented
his education by a course in the scien-
tific circle of the Chatauqua Institute.
He began life in a mercantile
business on his own account.
Later he was traveling representative
of the N. Y., N. H. and Hartford Ry.,
in the New England states- He next
went to Nebraska and was employed
as Vice-President of the Elgin State
Bank and was also post master of the
town of Elgin.
In December, 1896, he came to Califor-
nia and after looking about for some
months, he located at Rialto and en-
gaged in the real estate business. He
is now serving his second term as Jus-
tice of the Peace for Rialto township,
which includes the precincts of Rialto,
North Rialto, Bloomington, Grapehnd,
and Declez. He is a member of the
Fraternal Brotherhood, and Knights of
the Macabees. December 29, 1875, Mr.
Paddock married Miss Flora A. Sey-
mour. They have two daughters,
Grace Adella and Flora Estelle, the
former dying at ten years of age, the
latter is the wife of H. B. Kellev, an
accountant of the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank, of Los Angeles. By this union judge
Paddock has two grandchildren, Howard Allen, and Grace Seymour Kelly. Mr. Paddock
has valuable real estate holdings at his former home in Meriden, while he and Mrs-
Paddock occupy a very pleasant home in Rialto.
JAMES MOFFATT, of Rialto, is a Canadian by birth, of Scotch-Irish ancestry, com-
Ibining in himself the sturdy characteristics of the race and country of his birth. His'
business prior to coming to California was in the mercantile line, and he also owned" a
saw mill in Canada. In 1S88, Mr. Moffatt came to California and purchased forty-two
acres of land in the Rialto tract and commenced development of the property by setting
out orange trees, chiefly Washington Navel variety; he is now successfully reaping thr.
results of his labors with satisfaction and profit. Mr. Moffat has been chosen director of
the Lvtle Creek Improvement Company and also a director of the Rialto Fruit Exchange.
Mrs. Moffat was. prior to her marriage. Miss Ada E- Elinor. They were married in 1884,
and have one child— a daughter, Marion Ellis.
THOMAS MOFFATT, of Rialto, was born in Riceville, Canada, March 1851 the son of
ALAND
I'ADDOl.K
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 793
James Moffat, a farmer. In 1886, he came to California to investigate the country and its
products and was so well pleased that he purchased land. Five vears later he came with
his family and located permanently at Rialto and since then he "has improved his ranch
successfully.
Mr. Moffat was married in 1881 to Miss Agnes Magee, a native of Canada. They have
two children, Howard Lee and Iva Irene. Mrs. Moffat is a member of the Presbyterian
church.
HENRY MEYER is a native of Switzerland, born January I, i860. In 1884. he came
to America, landing at New York and coming overland to Los Angeles. He found work
in Los Angeles and remained there until 1891, when he located in Rialto. In 1893, he
purchased ten acres at Base Line and Eucalyptus avenues which he has planted to fruit.
In 1897, he married Miss Carrie Kandler. of Los Angeles, and they are the parents of
four children, Anna, Carrie, Henry, Elizabeth Irene.
WILLIAM E. NYE, of Highland, was born in Warren, Monmouth county. Illinois.
His father, Elisha Nye, was a brother of "Bill Nye," the humorist. The father was a!
native of Bangor, Maine, and was in early life a stock dealer and butcher. He rev
moved to Monmouth county, Illinois, where he engaged in the furniture business. He died
in Chicago at the Exposition as the result of a paralytic stroke.
William E. Nye received a common school education and learned the trade of black-
smith, and was for eleven years employed in the Weir Plow Works. He then spent sev-
eral years in prospecting in New Mexico, Colorado and British Columbia. He was for
three and a half years superintendent of the Coeur de Alene Mining Co.. Idaho. After
which he lived for five years in Beaver Crossing, Seward county, Nebraaska, where he en-
gaged in the grain, lumber and stock business. In 1891, he came to California and pur-
chased the forty acre place known as the "Laycock" place at Highland. He has also made
other investments in land in this vicinity.
Mr. Nye was married at Beaver Crossing. Nebraska, to Mary E. Tisdale, whose maiden
name was Forbell, a native of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. They have three children. Aura,
Mrs. James Cram ; Villa and Howard. Mr. Nye is a director of the North Fork Ditcli
Co., and a member of the Masons, K. of P., A. O. U. W. and Elks.
WILLIAM TOBEY NOYES, of Highland, was born in Durham. Cumberland county,
Maine, August 22, 1836, the son of John H. and Sarah Webb Tobey Noyes. The
Noyes family were descendants of Rev. William Noyes. of Wiltshire. England, who settled
in Newberry, Massachusetts, in 1763. The father died at the residence of bis son. Wil-
liam T.. in Oakland, California, in 1880, aged 76; the mother lived with her son at High-
land and died in 1884, aged 74 years.
William T. Noyes learned the trade of carpenter in Portland. Maine. In 1863. he
came to California by way of the Isthmus of Panama, arriving in San Francisco and go-
ing thence to Virginia City. Nevada, where he engaged in the lumber business. He later
followed the same business at Lake Tahoe, where he owned 20CO acres of government land.
In 1865 he returned to San Francisco and was employed as foreman of carpenters on the
government fortifications at Alcatraz Island. Subsequently he went into business as builder
and contractor in East Oakland, remaining there until 1880. After a year in Arizona, he
came to San Bernardino county, and in company with William H. Randall purchased 120
acres in Highland and turned his attention to fruit and vine culture.
Air. Noyes was one of the promoters and incorporators of the North Side Water Co..
and of the City Creek Water Co. In 1890, he was elected Justice of the Peace and held
the office until 1894. He is a pronounced advocate of temperance views and in 1888, al-
lowed his name to be used on the Prohibition ticket, as candidate for sheriff, although
there was no possibility of election.
March 5- 1861, Mr. Noyes married Miss Harriet, daughter of William Randall, of
Pownal, Maine. They have one daughter. Jennie, wife of Robert S. Thompson, of
Highlands. They are members of the Congregational church and have always been active
in the Highland church. Mr. Noyes belongs to the I. O. O. F. and is a charter member
of. Orion Lodge, No. 189, Oakland.
W. E. OXLEY, of San Bernardino, was born in Montgomery, Mo., September 9. i860.
He was the son of Eli James and Lucinda Talbert Oxley. His mother died when he was
nine years of age. His father was a farmer and his education was received in the public
schools of Missouri. From Missouri he removed to Waco, Tex., and remained there from
1880 until 1886. and then came to California, i le first engaged in the dairy lupine-- in Los
796 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Angeles, continuing for two years, and then came to San Bernardino, where he was for a
time employed in railroad work and then engaged in a mercantile venture, but the greater
portion of the time he has followed the dairy business, his present occupation.
Mr. Oxley has been twice married. While in Waco, Tex., he married Mrs. Jackson, who
died, leaving one child named Hilda. This daughter resides with relatives in Texas. In
1891 he married Leanna Driggers of San Bernardino, but formerly of Palo Pinto county,
Texas, where her parents still reside. They are the parents of two boys — William Everett
and Lee Forrest. Mr. and Mrs. Oxley are members of the Baptist church. Mr. Oxley is a
Woodman of the World, I. O. O. R, Fraternal Aid and Fraternal Brotherhood.
JAMES W. PECK, of Rialto, was born in Union county, Iowa, November 21, 1857, the
son of William Peck, a carpenter. He learned the trade of wood and iron worker, horse
shoeing, etc., and became an expert mechanic. He removed with his parents from Iowa tj
Saline county, Kans., in 1869, and came to California in 1897 and located at Rialto, where he
has a blacksmith shop.
He was married January 16, 1883, to Miss H. Amelia, daughter of Amius Weller, of
Saline county, Kans. Mrs. Peck died November 26, 1903, at thirty-six years of age. They
were the parents of five living children. Mr. Peck is a member of the Loyal Mystic Legion
and of the Knights of Maccabees of Rialto. He also belongs to the orders of A. O. IX W.
and I. O. G. T. in Kansas.
JOHN CLARK POWELL, of Ontario, was born in Williamson county, Tenn., Novem-
ber 1, 1847, the son of Honor and Susan R. Powell. The family is of Welsh descent and
his father, a native of Kentucky, was the son of a pioneer of that state who located in the
Powell River valley, the river taking its name from the family. Honor Powell removed to
Tennessee, where he married Miss Susan R. Clark and engaged in farming. He died in 1850,
leaving a family of six children. His widow removed to Macoupin county. 111., in 1854;
from there to Missouri, and later to Nebraska. She finally came to California and died in
the home of her son, John C, at the age of eighty-one.
John C. grew to manhood in Prescott, Ariz. There he experienced the hardships of a
frontier life, and saw much of the Indians. He was engaged in the hay and grain business
in connection with a corral for the mule teams of the freighting business. After five years in
Arizona he returned to Missouri to visit his family and friends and was there married to
Miss Mary Ella, daughter of Lawson and Mary P. Sharp, old neighbors in Macoupin county,
111., but then residing in Missouri. Soon afterward he returned west and located on a ranch
between Ontario and Pomona, where he has since been engaged in the orange nursery busi-
ness and in olive and orange growing.
Mr. and Mrs. Clark have been the parents of eight children, one of whom is dead. The
living children are: Emma B., H. Clyde, R. Chester H., Henry D., Osa Opal, M. Ellamae
and J. Orvil.
R. M. McKIE, editor of the Colton Chronicle, was born in 1841 in the state of
Mississippi. His father, Daniel Pines McKie, was the owner of a large plantation about
twenty-five miles from Memphis, Tenn. R M. McKie attended the common schools, the
University of North Carolina and LaGrange College, Tenn., and then entered upon news-
paper work, first with the Commercial and the Argus, of Memphis, and subsequently with the
Ledger and '.he Appeal. In 1872 he removed to Denver, Colo., and later to San Antonio,
Tex. Afterward in 1881 he founded the El Paso, Tex., Herald, and was its editor and pro-
prietor until he came to California in 1889. Mr. McKie located at Colton, purchased the
Semi-Tropic and changed the name to the Chronicle, and has continued to make this paper
a strong factor in the prosperity of Colton. The paper was founded in 1876 and is now in its
eighteenth year.
In 1S71 Mr. McKie married Miss Kate Van Pelt, the daughter of Henry Van Pelt, an
ex-mayor of Memphis. They have had two children — a daughter, now Mrs. I. N. Todd of
Pasadena, and a son who is a civil engineer in Manzanillo, Mexico.
EDWIN RHODES, of Chino. was born in Galena, 111., in 1866. He was educated in
the common and high schools of Illinois and Iowa, and in 1886 came to California and lo-
cated in San Bernardino county. In 1891 he took charge of the Chino Champion, which he
has ever since published, and of which he is now proprietor and editor. He has always
worked disinterestedly for the best interests of Chino and vicinity, and the Champion has
been an important factor in the prosperity of that section. He has for ten years past acted
as justice of the peace, has been a member of the school board for Chino district, and has
filled many other positions of trust and responsibility during his residence in Chino. Mr.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 797
Rhodes has a pleasant home and enjoys the society of a family consisting of his wife and
two daughters.
MAURICE MOYSE, of Chino, was born May 7. 1850, in Lorraine, France. He was
educated in his own country, took a thorough course in business and had practical experi-
ence in one of the leading- dry goods establishments of Paris. He then enlisted in the French
army and served through the Franco-Prussian war. entering as a private and rising to the
rank of first lieutenant. He was discharged in Paris and almost immediately sailed for
America. After a brief stay in New York he came direct to San Jose, arriving June 14, 1871.
He located in Chino in 1891 and opened his store first in the old postoffice building and later
moved into the opera house block.
Mr. Moyse was married in San rrancisco, February 9, 1890. to Miss H. Kahn, also a
native of Lorraine, France. They have two children — Gertrude and Sidney.
ALEXANDER McDONALD, of Needles., was born in Gerry, Canada, October 30.
1858. He was the son of Archibald and Catherine Mcintosh McDonald. His father was a
farmer and his school days were passed
in Canada, where he received a com-
mon school education. Mr. McDonald
has one sister ond one brother living,
the latter, Donald J. McDonald, a con-
ductor on the Santa Fe railway at
Needles.
Mr. McDonald entered the employ
of the A. & P. Ry. Co. in New Mexico
in 1881 as general foreman of bridge
work. Following this he had charge
of a work train, and afterwards was a
freight conductor. He was promoted
as passenger conductor in 1890. In
point of service, Mr. McDonald is the
oldest conductor starting out from
Needles. He has been connected with
the Santa Fe for 23 years and has never
been called to the head office for ne-
glect of duty or other cause. He is a
genial gentleman, a very popular con-
ductor and a general favorite on the
whole road. He is a member of the
O. R. C. and a Knight of Pythias.
JOHN A. MART, of Chino, was
born in Pittsfield, 111., October 28, 1859,
the son of Charles F. Mart, a native
of Germany. He was a silk weaver,
learning the trade in France and work-
ing in Paris. He made two trips to
this country and finally settled at Pitts-
field, 111., where he took up landscape
gardening as a profession. He died
ALEXANDER McDONALD there in 1873 at the age of fifty-four.
John A. Mart was raised on a farm and
learned the butcher trade. He came to
California in 1887 on account of the reports of friends who had preceded him. He worked
at his trade in Pomona for Richard Gird, and about 1898 located in Chino. He owns ten
acres of land a half mile from the postoffice.
Mr. Mart «a< married in Missouri to Mary L., daughter of John Standifer, a pioneer of
Bates county. She is a native of Illinois. They have two daughters and a son — Avalon.
Lottie and Homer. Mr. Mart is a member of the I. O. O. F., K. of F. M., and Fraternal Aid
Association.
JUDSON LEWIS, of Rialto, is a native of Canada, born in Oxford county, September
9, 1858, the son of Mathew and Mary McLees Lewis, both natives of Canada and pioneers of
the section in which they lived. The father died when the son was eleven years old. and he
798 HISTORY OF bAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
early learned the cares of farming ami aided in the support of his two sisters. Mrs. J. F.
Snyder and Mrs. Frank McKern, both now residents of Riverside, where his mother also
lives. He came to California in 1888 in poor health, and in 1891 located at Rialto, where he
purchased ten acres of bare soil. He now has forty acres here and ten acres in Riverside.
He has developed a successful nursery business and has taken charge of ranches for others.
Mr. Lewis married Miss Anna Guien, of Oxford county, Canada, in 1894. She died in
1902, leaving no children. Mr. Lewis is a member of the Baptist church of Riverside.
GEORGE W. McRAE, of Highland, was born in Hannibal, Mo., June 28. 1854, the sou
of William and Elizabeth Spook-, McRae, the latter a native of Kentucky. He learned the
trade of stone mason and resided in Hannibal until he came to California in 1890 from St.
Louis. He first settled in Sacramento. He then came to Highland and purchased ten acres
of land. Mr. McRae was married in 1878 to Miss Emma, daughter of William and Sarah
Wright, a native of Randolph county, 111, and a resident of Hannibal, where they were mar-
ried.
JOHN McBRIDE, of East Highland, was born in Alabama, May 28. 1850, the son of
John and Mary Birch McBride. The family left Alabama when he was five years of age,
and he spent his school days in Louisiana and Texas. His father was a machinist, and also
owned a ranch in Texas.
Mr. McBride first came to San Bernardino county in 1869, afterwards going to Arizona,
where he prospected and teamed for six years. He then returned to San Bernardino and
made it his headquarters for mining and prospecting expeditions to various parts of thi
desert. In the spring of 1881 he made the first locat'on in what was afterwards known as
the Calico District, the first location in thai section of the county. One of his claims was
called "The Sioux." He reained his interests in this locality until 1891. He then became
interested in the Grapeland tunnel in Lytle Creek and worked there for a year. About 1892
he purchased a sixteen-acre orange grove at Eas; Highland, where he has since made his
home.
February 20, 1884, Mr. McBride married Miss Mary Worley, of Missouri, in San Ber-
nardino. He is a member of the K. of P.
SMITH C. HAILE, of San Bernardino, was bom in South Carolina, May 16, 1850, the
son of Isaac and Sarah Haile. His school days and early life were passed in Llano county,
Tex., on a farm and cattle ranch, and he came from there to San Bernardino. His first!
work after arriving in San Bernardino was hauling ore from the old Ivanpah mines. In 1877
he started a general merchandise business, in partnership witht Chas. F. Roe. In 1879 he
purchased the interest of Mr. Roe and formed a new partnership with Daniel Rathburn. This
partnership continued until 1881, when he entered into partnership with W. R. Wiggins for
two years. Mr. Haile then engaged as agent for the Standard Oil Co., and worked for them
three years; then acted as agent for the Union Ice Co. one year. At the end of that time he
re-entered the employ of the Standard Oil Co. and is still their representative in San Ber-
nardino. Mr. Haile has served the city in ar. official capacity, having been city Recorder two
years, and a member of the board of trustees. He was president of the board at the time of
its incorporation as a city.
Mr. Haile married Mrs. Laura Roddeu, widowed daughter of William McDonald of San
Bernardino. They have had a family of five children, only one of whom survives — Walter
Haile. Mr. Haile is interested in fraternal societies; he is a member of the A. O. U. W.,
Woodmen of the World, F. & A. M., Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery.
LOUIS W. LITTLEPAGE, of Chino, was born in Lyons county, Mo., September 7,
1852, the son of William W. and Mary Woods Littlepage. In 1854 the family moved toi
Texas and lived in different parts of Central Texas until they came to California in 1868.
Upon arrival they located in the El Cajon valley, San Diego county, and opened one of the
first farms in that valley. Later they took up government land in Ballena valley. Here
the father died in 1902, the mother having died previously. Of their thirteen children, nine
are now living.
Louis W. followed teaming in San Diego county. About 1894 he located on his present
place, where he has eighteen acres of alfalfa. He was married in 1881 to Miss Ida B., daugh-
ter of Alfred Barlow of San Diego. She is a native of San Francisco. They have six
children— Henry. Ralph. Joseph, Myrtle, Wallace and Pearl.
STEPHEN M. WINDLE, of Del Rosa, was born at Mt. Vernon. 111., December 13. 1863,
the son of James H. Windle. His father was a Baptist minister, a native of Illinois, who
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 790
now resides in Bartlett, Kansas. His mother was named Hinson, also a native of Illinois.
Mr. Windle was educated in his native town and was raised on a farm. He went from
Illinois to Colorado and from thence came to California and located at Del Rosa in 1896.
Here he opened a store and was made postmaster under Cleveland's administration. He has
been identified with the Methodist church since coming to Del Rosa and has been Superin-
tendent of the Sunday school since his arrival. He is also chorister of the church.
He was married -in Missouri to Miss Emma, daughter of Louis and Anna Estes. a native
of Kentucky. They have two daughters, Zulu and Alvena, both natives of Colorado.
JACOB POLHEMUS, deceased, was one of the pioneers of Colton, having settled there
in 1875. He was a carpenter and builder and erected the first buildings in the town, among
the first being the store of Hathaway and Davenport. In 1877, Mr. Polhemus erected a home
arid shop for himself on the corner of Eighth and I
streets. In 1886 he erected the Polhemus Block, one
©of the first brick buildings in the city. He was one of
of the stockholders and incorporators of Colton Building
and Loan Association and was always prominent in en-
terprises looking to the betterment of Colton.
Air. Polhemus was born in New Jersey in 1822, the
son of Theodorus and Leah Cooper Polhemus. both na-
tives of New Jersey and descendants of early Dutch set-
tlers of that state. For more than twenty years Mr.
Polhemus followed his trade of carpenter and builder
in Jersey City, N. J. In 1871 he came to California and
located first in San Francisco, then worked in San Diego.
Los Angeles and San Bernardino, until 1875 when he
located in Colton and resided there until his death, De-
cember 12, 1889.
Mr. Polhemus was married to Miss Jane Tier in
1843. She died in 1870, leaving three children, Lizzie,
now the wife of Frank D. Sweetser, of San Francisco ;
George H., a resident of New Jersey; and William, of
Colton. In 1879, Mr. Polhemus married Airs. Lu-
cretia E. Bent.
WILLIAM POLHEMUS. of Colton, was bom in
Jersey City, N. J.. June 29, 1853. He learned the trade
JACOB POLHEMUS of carpenter and builder and in 1872 came to California
and in 1875 located in Colton, where he engaged in
building and contracting with his father.
November 13, 1880, he married Miss Ida, a daughter of A. E. Jones, Sr.. of San Bernar-
dino. They were the parents of three children, Ivan S., of Santa Monica ; Mable T.. wile of
A. H. Howland, of Bloomington ; and Eva K, of Colton.
EARL F. VAN LUVEN, of Colton, was born in the Province of Ontario. Canada, in
1861. He is the son of Zara Van Luven, a successful business man from whom the son re-
ceived his first training in business methods. After receiving a college education in Canada
the young man came to the United btates in 1888.
Soon afterward Mr. Van Luven came to California and located at Colton, where he pur-
chased property. He is now the owner of one of the oldest groves on the celebrated Colton
Terrace. He has been identified with the marketing of citrus fruits for a dozen years past,
being a director of the Southern California Fruit Exchange and secretary and manager of the
San Bernardino County Fruit Exchange since the existence of these organizations and in these
capacities has handled thousands of carloads of oranges and lemons. In 1S93 the Colton
Fruit Exchange was organized and Air. Van Luven was elected secretary which position he
held until 1902 when he resigned it on account of his numerous other duties.
In 1891, Air. Van Luven married Alis= Helen Edith, daughter of J. B. Shepardson. a bank-
er of Iowa, who spends his winters in Colton. Air. and Mrs. Van Luven haw two sons, Jed
S. an 1 Donald Earl Van Luven.
STEPHEN F. KELLEV. of San Bernardino, was born in San Francisco, December 28,
1858. He was the son of John Kelley, a native of Ireland of good family, who came t.. Amer-
ica when sixteen years of age, and was one of the early pioneers of the Western coast. In
1843 he was owner of a farm in Oregon, and first came to California in 1846, and, owned a
HIRAM H. SMITH
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 801
farm near the present city of Oakland. He engaged in mining, and in the mercantile busi-
ness at Placerville, and later at Virginia City, Nev. In 1855, he located in San Francisco and
engaged in business as contractor for public works, and took some of the heavy contracts for
the city work. He was one of the organizers of the Republican party in California. He
died in San Francisco in 1869 at the age of seventy years.
Stephen F. Kelley received his education in the public schools of San Francisco, and after
leaving school, in 1875-8, was in the employ of Murphy, Grant & Co. He next went to San
Diego and was employed as accountant by Wing Bros., one year and a half; then in the same
capacity in the Engineering Department of the Santa Fe Railway Co. From there he went
to El Paso as freight clerk for the Southern Pacific Railway Co., and one year later, in 1882,
to Hermosilla, Mexico, and afterwards to Chihuahua, Mex., in the employ of the Mexican
Central Railroad Company. He returned to San Bernardino in 1884. and went to work for
the Southern California Railway Co. as clerk and cashier, in the station. He was also with
Kirk & Patten, bridge contraotcrs. He has engaged in various lines of busienss and has
traveled extensively in the United States, Europe and Australia. He was for a short time in
the employ of the United States Government, as Customs Inspector at Wrangle, Alaska, and
in 1898 was appointed under President McKinley, postmaster of San Bernardino.
Mr. Kelley married Miss Charitv Swarthout, daughter of Geo. Swarthout, a San Ber-
nardino county pioneer, June 6, 1887. He is a member of Phoenix Lodge, F. & A. M. ; Key-
stone Chapter, R. A. M.; Saint Bernard, K. T. ; and Al Malaikah Temple, of the Mystic
Shrine.
HIRAM H. SMITH, late of Redlands, was born in Oxford, New Haven county, Conn.,
in 1828, and lived in that vicinity until he came to California in, 1884. Soon after his arrival in
this state Mr. Smith came to Redlands and took up as a homestead, half a section on Redlands
Heights, being a strip of land one mile long by half a mile wide, which now constitutes the
upper portion of the improved property on Redlands Heights. With unusual skill and energy
for a man of his years, Mr. Smith improved and cultivated this property, setting out 173 acres
of it to oranges and grape fruit and maintaining at his own expense for more than seven years
seven miles of road. Some of the finest residences in Redlands are now situated on this tract.
Mr. Smith was affiliated with the Episcopalian church of this city and was interested in all
public affairs. He died December 6, 1903. In 1852 Mr. Smith married Miss Sarah F. Henri-
etta, of Huntington, Conn.
BURGESS W. SMITH, of Redlands, the only son of H. H. Smith, was born November
13> I857, at New Haven, Conn. He was educated in the public schools of New Haven and re-
sided there until he came to California and settled at Redlands. Mr. Smith was married in
1878 to Miss Lucy B., daughter of Isaac Mix, of Cheshire, Conn., of which place she was a
native. They have one daughter living, Ruth M.
ELI JACKSON YOKAM, of Highland, was born near Mount Vernon, Ohio, December
25, 1835. the son of George and Sarah Wilson Yokam, the former a native of Virginia, the lat-
ter of Pennsylvania. They were pioneer settlers in Knox county, having located there in 181 1.
In 1839 the family removed to Franklin county, Ohio. Eli J. worked steadily on his father's
farm from his tenth year and at Seventeen had entire charge of the farm of 220 acres. Being
fond of study, the young man fitted himself for teaching in the country schools and when he
had attained his majority earned money to pursue his education by teaching and raising crops
on shares. He graduated from Duff's Business College in Columbus and spent two years at
Antioch College and at Ohio Wesleyan University, Deleware. After leaving college he pur-
chased a half interest in a weekly newspaper published in the University town of Westerville.
Later he bought his partner's interest and for several years published the "Westerville Ban-
ner," being editor and sole owner. During these years he mastered the mechanical details
both in job and news work. He formed the habit of transmitting his thoughts to type with-
out writing and set up many a column of local and editorial matter at the case, without manu-
script. He finally sold out and went to Columbus, where he entered the employ of tin "< >hio
Statesman" as advertising manager. Later he took a position with the "Columbus Daily Dis-
patch" as advertising man and local writer. Two years later he formed a partnership with a
journeyman printer and bought the "Columbus Sunday Herald," a struggling young paper
edited by the son of General Thomas Ewing, then a prominent figure in Ohio politics. Under
Mr. Yokam's editorial and business management the Herald at once became self-supporting
and paid a fine net income to the proprietors. It was enlarged to a 26 column folio and when
he sold the paper in 1876 it was the largest paper in the city. He went to Chicago in
1877 and soon afterward became connected with a history publishing firm.
While engaged in that business he, with assistants, compiled, edited and published the history
of Peoria county, Illinois, a quarto work of 900 pages. In 1882-3 he was the editor and joint
.si (2
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
owner of the "Springfield Evening Post," in Springfield, 111. 'Ihe Post was a young, independ-
ent paper started in a field already well covered with daily papers, and although it acquired a
daily circulation of about 2000 copies, it never became self-sustaining.
From 1884 to 1888, Mr. Yokam was agent for A. J. Johnson & Co., publishers of Johnson':;
Encyclopedia, with headquarters at Chicago. His health becoming somewhat imparied he
left that city in 1888, for California, under a two-year's contract with a history publishing firm.
Before the expiration of that time he purchased a tract of nineteen acres at Highland, part ot
which haad been planted to orange trees. He built a small cottage on the place and he and
his family moved onto it January 3, 1890. He improved the property in the next two years,
paiying out over $1300 for grading and $1000 for orange and lemon nursery stock. Since that
time he has devoted himself chiefly to the cultivation and improvement of his orchards. The
home place at the intersection of Highland and Orange avenues is one of the most beautiful
spots in the valley.
Mr. Yokam has been actively identified with the material and social progress of Highland.
He has been a zealous advocate of the co-operative movement for marketing citrus fruits and
was one of the committee to draft constitution and by-laws for the Highland Fruit Growers'
Association. He originated the movement and was chief instigator in creating the Highland
Orange Growers' Association, which was organized at his residence and named at his sug-
gestion. He has served as president and secretary of this organization and was four years
a director. He has been three times re-elected to the office of president of the Horticultural
Club and has been a member of the Highland Library Club from its inception. He was one
of the organizers of the San Bernardino County Ohio Association and is serving the third
year as president of the same. f He was one of the executive officers of the Highland Anti-
Saloon League when it was formed. He occasionally contributes articles to the press.
Mr. Yokam was married in 1861 to Miss Lucretia J. Hyde, whom he had known from
childhood. She died in 1870, leaving two children, Frank W. and Harriet L. He married
Miss Frances E. Loring, his present wife, in Chillecothe, 111-, September 27, 1882.
EDWIN S. WILSEY, of High-
land, was born in Albany county, N.
Y., February 24, 1868, the son of
Silas and Emily Shear Wilsey. both
natives of the same county. He was
educated in the public schools of his
native place and grew up on a farm
In 1892 he came to California and
located at Highland, where he has
ten acres of land.
In 1894 he married Miss Cath-
erine Wilsey, of Albany county. N.
Y. They have four children, Silas,
Gretchen, Hazel and Elmer.
JAMES FLEMING, of San Ber-
nardino, was born in Canada, in 1857,
the son of Gavin and Margaret La
Praix Fleming. His father served
for twelve years in the House of
Commons, being a leader of the lib-
eral party and a man of strong pub-
lic spirit and religious feeling.
James was educated in Canada and
in 1880 came to California and lo-
cated at San Bernardino. In 1886
he engaged in the lumber and milling
business with his uncle, W. X. La
Praix, one of the pioneer lumbermen
of the San Bernardino mountains.
After Mr. LaPraix's death in 1887.
Mr. Fleming assumed entire control
of the business as executor and prin-
cipal legatee. He continued (the
business successfully until 1897,
when he disposed of his interests and turned his attention to citrus culture and water develop-
ment. He is especially interested in Highland development.
AND MkV
Wll si Y
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 803
In politics he is a Republican and has always taken a prominent part in the counsels of
his party, although he has never sought office. He is a member of the San Bernardino Board
of .Trade and is a leader in all movements looking to the progress of the community.
Mr. Fleming was married in San Bernardino, December 22. 1887, to Miss Edna, daughter
of J. H. Wagner, an old resident of the city. They have two children, Rosalinda and James B.
CHARLES RUSSELL PAINE was born at Barnstable ,on Cape Cod, Massachusetts,
September 9, 1839. His father was a "chaise and harness maker" by trade. In early
youth Charles went to Maine and worked on the farm of his uncle who was a Quaker.
After some schooling in the district schools of the day, he attended Vassalboro Academy,
of which Albert K. Smiley was then principal and there made his preparation for col-
lege. At the invitation of Mr. Smiley, Mr. Paine went with him as teacher of elementary
Latin to the Friends' New England Yearly Meeting Boarding School, at Providence, Rhode
Island, and remained there for two years. The young man completed his preparation for college
while in Rhode Island and entered the second year of the course at Amherst. He continued !o
CHARLES R. PAINE MRS. CHARLES R. PAINE
teach winters during his college course and graduated in 1866, with high honors and a record
that made him a Phi Beta Kappa. It had been his intention to study medicine but on ac-
count of a failure of his eyes he was obliged to give up this plan. After graduating, Mr.
Paine went to Dayton, Ohio, and taught in a Commercial College ; he then became princi-
pal of the city schools at Muncie, Indiana, was then superintendent of schools in Delaware
county and later principal of the Ward School and then of the High School, in Columbus, Ohio.
In 1870, having found teaching too confining work, he decided to try fruit raising and
came to California. He located on the lower plains of Riverside, then called "New Town,"
planted a raisin vineyard, only to have it destroyed by grasshoppers. Mr. Paine, soon
afterward, opened "Paine's Academy," a private school in San Bernardino. He was made
principal of the city schools in 1876 and served as principal and also as county superintend-
ent through 1876-77. His work as an educator in this county was marked by the success
attending good scholarship and earnest effort. To him is due a marked increase of public
interest in education, and the beginnin f a new era here in school work, — that of train-
ing pupils to think instead of merely reciting memoriter.
In 1877, in pursuance of his original plan, Mr. Paine discontinued teaching and moved
804
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
San Bernardino
to his present home in Crafton, and began to improve the place which is now, with its rare
natural features, one of the most beautiful homes in a section of unusually attractive
ranch homes. He has always taken a keen interest in all matters pertaining to horticul-
ture and has been successful to a degree in his own efforts in this direction.
On June 30, 1868, Mr. Paine was married, at Muncie, Indiana, to Miss Mary E. Craig,
daughter of Dr. William Craig. They have been blessed with a large and healthy family
consisting of five daughters and three sons, all of whom have received a thorough educa-
tional training.
Mr. Paine is a member of the First Presbyterian church of Redlands. He has been
uninterruptedly a member of the Crafton Water Co., 'and of the Redlands Orange Growers
Association, since their formation. He took an active part in the formation of the Red-
lands, Crafton and Lugonia High School district and was president of the first board of
directors. Mr. Paine is one of the intelligent and progressive citizens who have made this
community what it is today. He has always been public spirited and has_ taken an active
part in all questions bearing on the general welfare of Redlands and vicinity.
ERNEST MARTIN, managing editor of the Times-Index, was born near Greencastle,
Indiana, in 1S75. After leaving school he entered the local journalistic field. He came to
father and brothers and in 1808 joined them in establishing the
Evening Transcript. The firm sold this paper in
1902 to Holbrook Brothers of Bucyrus, Ohio. Later
Mr. Martin went into a company which consolidated
the Times-Index and the Evening Transcript, a com-
bination which at once took a foremost place in
San Bernardino journalism.
JULIUS D. LANGFORD, of Highland, was
born in West Virginia. February 17, 1868, the son
of Wesley C. Langford. a native of Virginia and a
farmer. Julius D. worked upon a farm until he
came to California, to seek better opportunities, in
1888 He came almost at once to Highland. There
were then but seven orange groves in this vicinity
and no packing bouse. He was employed as super-
intendent for the Dodd-Dwyer Nursery of orange
stock, located where the insane asylum now stands,
for about five years. In the meantime he bought
land and put out nursery stock for himself. He
was for seven years manager of what is now known
as the Olney and Sherrod ranch and has since been
superintendent for H. H. Linville's orange nursery.
Mr- Langford was married in Kansas to Miss
Ida McReynolds. They have three children, Julius
Roy. Cleveland P. and Gladys. They now reside
in Redlands.
CHARLES N. JOHNSON, of Rialto, was born
in the state of Indiana, in 1858. He was raised on
a farm and attended the public schools and then became .a teacher himself, following that
calling in his mtive state and in Kansas, where he located in 1883. In 1885, he entered a
large store as manager, and subsequently became a partner with Jonathan Tinkler, a large
land-owner in the Gypsum Valley, Saline County, Kansas. Air. Johnson was twice mayor of
Gypsum City. In 1894, he was Department Supreme Commander of the Knights of Macca-
bees, which post he held for a year. In June. 1896, he arrived with his family, at Rialto, where
he purchased land and began life as a rancher. Later he engaged in business in the town of
Rialto. Mr. Johnson married Miss Anna, daughter of Jonathan Tinkler, at Gypsum City,
Kansas. They have four children, Irwin, Carl, Lena and Elizabeth.
GEORGE A. COOK, for many years a resident of Redlands, but now retired to Playa del
Rey, Los Angeles county, was born in Harwintown, Conn., August II, 1836. and lived in that
state until he came to California to locate permanently in 1878. He had previously visited the
country and looked over the East San Bernardino valley and decided that this was the place
for him. On settling here he 'purchased ten acres in Lugonia and planted it to peaches and
ERNEST MARTIN
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
80:
apricots. In 1881, he, in company with F. E. Brown, opened a dryer and soon afterward Mr.
Cook opened a general merchandise store, the first in this section. Two years later he built a
larger store opposite the present site of the Casa Loma and for a number of years he did a
business that increased as rapidly as did the population of Lugonia and the new colony of Red-
lands. Mr. Cook was for five years postmaster of Lugonia, was one of the directors of the
Bear Valley Dam Co., and was interested in the laying out and incorporation of the city of
Redlands. He was interested in the establishment of the Domestic Water Company, in 1887,
and the next year became president of that organization, a position he still holds.
Recently Mr. Cook has retired from active business and now resides at Playa del Rey.
He was married in 1870 to Miss Nettie J. Mathis, of New Haven. She was active in the
early social and religious life of Lugonia and Redlands and is one of the band of pioneer
women who helped to create the present beautiful city.
LAWYERS.
FREDERICK W. GREGG was born in Vermont in 1855, and passed his youth in his na-
tive state. He graduated from Dartmouth College, in his twenty-first year with the class of
1878 and soon afterwards entered Columbus Law School. He completed his course here and
was admitted to the bar in 1881. He
decided that the West offered the
best field for a young lawyer with
his own way to make and at once
started for Arizona, where he located
at Tucson and opened an office. Al-
though without friends or influence,
his strong personality and close ap-
plication to business soon commanded
attention and won for him the con-
fidence of the public. In 1885, upon
petition of the Pima county bar, he
was apointed county judge and upon
the completion of his term he was
elected to the office by a large nu-
jority. The county court was one
of general jurisdiction, involving a
large amount of labor. At the close
of his term, in 1887, Judge Gregg re-
tired with the reputation of a wise,
impartial and conscientious admin-
istrator of justice.
He came to San Bernardino the
same vear and formed a partnership
with the Hon. Will A. Harris for
the practice of law, which continued
until 189.3, when Mr. Harris removed
to Los Angeles. In 1896, he became
a member of the firm of Otis &
Gregg, which is known as one of the
strongest legal firms in Southern
California. Few cases of import-
ance in San Bernardino county are
tried without these gentlemen ap-
pearing for one side or the other.
ALLEN, a resident of Redlands, was born in Jersey City, state of New
received his early education. After graduating from S'ale University
I KH:i'f:RU.K W. GREGG
HALSEY W.
Jersey, where he
806
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
he became principal of a public school in New York state for three years, subsequntly en-
tering the law office of the late Governor Beadle of New Jersey. He was admitted to the
bar in 1881 and at once engaged in a successful practice of his profession in his native state
until his departure for California in 1887. After his arrival in Redlands he was admitted
to the California bar and is now engaged in the active practice of law in that city. Mr.
Allen is a director of the Redlands Gas Company and also of the Crafton Water Company,
and for the past seven years has served as secretary of the latter company. He is a mem-
ber of the Episcopal church and is vice-president of the Young Men's Christian Association
of Redlands. Mr. Allen is largely interested in productive orange orchards and other val-
uable property and resides on Brookside avenue.
HENRY GOODCELL, JR., was born in Dover, England, November 23, 1848. He
came to San Bernardino with his parents in 1857 and received such instruction as the pub-
lic schools afforded, supplemented by instruction in the high school branches in the private
school of J'. P. C. Allsop. He be-
gan life in 1866 as a teacher in the
public schools of the county and af-
ter teaching several years he entered
the State Normal School at San
Jose and graduated therefrom in the
spring of 1873 — the first Normal
School graduate from San Bernar-
dino county. In the fall of 1873
he was elected county school super-
intendent, which position he filled for
two years, at the same time acting as
principal of the San Bernardino city
schools. In the meantime he had
studied law and in 1875 he was ad-
mitted to the bar and entered into a
partnership with A. B. Paris. In
1879 he married Miss Minnie A.
Bennett of El Dorado county, whose
acquaintance he had made at the
Normal School, of which she was
also a graduate. For several years
the- wife also taught school to aid
in the common support while the
husband was establishing himself in
his new profession, which he had
taken up largely at her suggestion ;
and to her aid and encouragement he
was largely indebted for the suc-
cess finally achieved.
Mr. Goodcell served as clerk of
the county courts, as assistant in the
district attorney's office and later as
district attorney, all of which gave
him valuable experience. Later he
with whom he was associated until 1888. In 1886
The next year, in company with
HENRY GOODCELL
his partnership with A. B. Par
he suffered a great bereavement by the loss of his wife.
his father, he spent several months in travel, visiting the old home in England, Paris and
other points. Soon after his return he formed a partnership with F. A. Leonard, which
lasted until 1896. In 1896 he removed with his family to Oakland, Cal., but in 1901 re-
turned to San Bernardino and resumed practice in the old home. Mr. Goodcell has con-
fined himself mainly in his practice to civil cases and largely to matters involving land titles,
water rights and the operations of land and water corporations. While his business has
been largely that of an office lawyer and legal adviser, he has also taken active part in court
work and has been engaged in some of the most important litigation in the county.
In 1889, Mr. Goodcell married Miss M. H. Bennett, a sister of his former wife, and
also ,a teacher. Three sons of the first wife are living— Roscoe A., a teacher and now a
professor in the Imperial College at Chinanfu, Shantang, China; R. B., a practicing attor-
ney, of San Bernardino, and Fred, now editing a newspaper at Phoenix, A. T.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
so,
HENRY CONNER, of San Bernardino, was born in the County Donegal, North of
Ireland, June 2, 1824. He was the son of William and Ann Conner. The family is of illus-
trious lineage ; descendants of the O'Conners of ancient Ireland. His father was a soldier
in the ranks of the British army
at the battle of Waterloo- He
was a hat manufacturer by trade.
His mother was also a native of
the North of Ireland ; a woman
of refinement and education, who
after coming to America was a
teacher in the St. John's schools
of New Brunswick, Canada.
Henry Conner received his
education principally from private
tutors at St. John, N. B., Canada,
and in 1841 engaged in mercantile
business in that city. In June.
1850, he sailed in the brigatine
John French from Boston, Mass.,
to Chagress, crossing the Isth-
mus to Panama, thence on the
steamship NorthernertoSan Fran-
cisco. This was the first voyage of
that steamer. In 1851 he engaged
in the mercantile business in San
Francisco and was consignee ot
the bark Calao from Boston. In
1852, Mr. Conner bought of C.
I. Hutchinson, mayor of Sacra-
mento, a one-eighth interest in
the eleven-league Spanish grant
called "Santos Calle," in Yolo
county, establishing relations
with Hutchinson which eventual-
ly wrecked the financial current
of his life, and was most disas-
trous to its future prospects, at a
time when unparalleled opportuni-
ties were daily presenting themselves. During his residence in the west he has lived in San
Francisco, Sacramento, Yolo county, Cal., and in Esmeralda county, Nevada. He was a mem-
ber of the first constitutional convention of the state of Nevada, sitting with that body until
its close.
Mr. Conner married Miss Harriet M. Stephenson of Kentucky, since deceased. They
were the parents of one child, a son, Henry Anson Conner, an attorney— at-law, now residing
in Oregon.
Mr. Conner has been a member of the order of Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias and
American Legion of Honor. He was secretary of the first board of trade of San Bernardino
county.
HENRY CONNER
WILL A. HARRIS, now of Los Angeles, but for eighteen years a resident of San Ber-
nardino and a member of the San Bernardino bench and bar, was born in Tennessee in 1854,
the son of A. G. Harris and the descendant of a family dating back to the earliest settlement
of the south. Mr. Harris attended the Cumberland University at Lebanon, Ky., and grad-
uated and was admitted to the bar at the age of nineteen. After a year's practice in Mem-
phis, he started westward, spending some months in Texas and Indian territory and reach-
ing California about 1875. He located at San Bernardino, where in 1877 he was elected to
the office of district attorney for the county. His ability and his great oratorical powers
have put him in the front rank of lawyers of the state . He is in constant demand as a
speaker upon political and social occasions and always acquits himself to the delight of his
audience and the discomfiture of his enemies, or opponents. In 1876, Mr. Harris was mar-
.ried in San Bernardino to -Miss Nettie Allen, a native of New York. They have two sons.
sos
HISTORY OF bAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
T. W. DUCKWORTH
THOMAS W. DUCKWORTH, ESQ., of San Bernardino, was born at Morgantown, N.
C, December 20, i860. He is the son of Walter and Elizabeth Gates Duckworth. His
father was a planter in North Carolina, where he at-
tended the public schools and later Rutherford College.
In 1885 he went to Kansas and was there employed
on a cattle ranch, where he remained nearly two years.
Mr. Duckworth came to San Bernardino in 1887. His
first two years in California were devoted to house and
general painting business, after which he entered the
law office of Harris & Gregg, where for three years he
pursued the regular course of study preparatory to
admission to the bar. He was licensed on the 4th day
of April, 1893, to practice in the Supreme Court of the
State of California, and started in business for himself,
occupying an office with George B. Cole. He was ap-
pointed deputy district attorney of San Bernardino
county, with J. W. Curtis, and on January 1, 1899,
comenced his duties in that office, which position he
now occupies. Mr. Duckworth is a prominent member
of Token Lodge, I. O. O. F., has held all the important
offices, and has been chosen five times as grand repre-
sentative of his lodge. H eis a member of the Method-
ist Episcopal church South, of this city.
HENRY W. NISBET, of San Bernardino, was born in Milledgeville, Ga., May 10, 1865,
the son of Edwin A. and Henrietta Waters Nisbet. He is of illustrious Southern ancestry
on the maternal side, and on the paternal side numbers an uncle, Eugennus Nisbet, justice of
the supreme court of Georgia. His father. E. A. Nis-
bet, brought his family to California in 1867, and was
one of the proprietors of "The Guardian," an early
newspaper published in San Bernardino county.
Henry W- Nisbet is a self-made man, beginning
his battle with the world when but thirteen years of
age as boy in a grocery store, then as elevator boy in
San Francisco for two years, and following the last,
obtained a position in the Anglo-American Bank of
San Francisco, where he continued three years. Re-
turning to San Bernardino, he entered the office of
Byron Waters in 1884 and began the study of law. In
1886 he was admitted to practice by the supreme court;
in 1887 was appointed assistant district attorney under
Col. Paris — the only political office he has ever held.
Mr. Nisbet married Miss Naomi Farley, of Iowa,
September, 1896. They have one child, Henry W.
Nisbet, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Nisbet attend the Presbyte-
rian church, of which Mrs. Nisbet is a member.
JOHN E. LIGHT, ESQ., of Redlands, was born
in Iowa, January 16, 1866. He is the son of John and
Phoebe W. Miller Light. His father came to Cali-
fornia early in the fifties and engaged in gold mining,
but at the end of two years returned to Iowa. He
received his early education in the public schools of
Cresco, Iowa, where he took a High School course;
and later attended the Law Department of the State
University of Iowa. In order to continue his law
studies he entered a law office and while so engaged taught schoo
to the bar. After admission to practice he removed to Montan;
HFNRY W. NISBET
admitted
ved four
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
NO!)
years, coming thence to San Bernardino county in 1804, He was admitted to practice
in San Bernardino county in 1895, and opened a law' office, but one year later became
interested in the Pioneer Abstract Company of San Bernardino county, and after
the arrival of his brother-in-law, J. L. Mack, the company was reorganized, Mr. Light be-
coming president and Mr. Mack secretary and treasurer; the stock of said company being
largely in their control.
Mr. Light married Miss Susie Mack in 1890. They are the parents of one cliild —
Robert Mack Light. Mrs. Light is a graduate of the Iowa State Normal School at Cedar
Falls, Iowa, and at date of marriage was principal of the High School at Lyons, Iowa..
After their removal to Montana, Mrs. Light was elected county superintendent of schools!
for Custer county, Montana. Mr. and Mrs. Light are members of the M. E- church, Red-
lands. Mr. Light is a member of the Y. M. C. A., also a Knight of Pythias.
JAMES HUTCHINGS. of San Bernardino, was born in Ray county, Missouri, March
4, 1863. He was a son of Hovey and Eliza Kincaid Hutchings, the father of Scotch, the
mother of English descent. The father twice married and raised a family of eleven chil-
dren, of which James is the youngest.
In 1865, the family crossed the plains with ox-team and located at El Monte, Cal.
The mother died and the children of the last marriage returned to the old Missouri
home. There James Hutchings grew to manhood, and
obtained a common school education. At the age of
nineteen he engaged in teaching and followed that
occupation three years. He then came to California
and settled in Inyo county, where in 1886-87 he studied
law. In 1890, he was admitted to practice at the bar
of Inyo county. After practicing two years he came
to San Bernardino and formed a partnership with
R. E. Bledsoe, Esq., which continued two years. Since
the termination of this partnership, Mr. Hutchings
has made a specialty of water litigation, and has bee:",
retained as counsel in some of the most important
cases of that character brought in the courts of San
Bernardino county. He is a' prominent member of
the local Republican party. In 1896, Mr. Hutchings
married Miss Florence, daughter of Dr. H. H. Guth-
rie, of San Bernardino. They are the parents of two
children, Florence M. and James K.
JESSE WILLIAM CURTIS, junior member of th,
law firm of Curtis & Curtis, is a native son of the
Golden West, having been born in the City of San
'Bernardino, on the 18th day of July, 1865. He at-
tended the public schools of this city until he was
seventeen' years of age, when he entered the Univer-
sity of Southern California, at Los Angeles, and was
graduated therefrom in 1887. He then commenced
the study of law in the office of Curtis & Otis, and in
the fall of 1889 entered the law department of the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor,
and graduated in 1891. Returning to San Bernardino he commenced the practice of law
with his father (W. J. Curtis) and F. F Oster, under the firm name of Curtis. Oster &■
Curtis. This partnership continued until January 1. 1897, when Mr. Oster retired from
the firm to assume the duties of Superior Judge, to which office he was elected Novem-
ber 3, 1896. Mr. Curtis then entered into a co-partnership with his father, under the
firm name of Curtis & Curtis.
On Jiine 25, 1892, Mr. Curtis was married to Miss Ida Seymour, daughter of ex-Sen-
ator E. C. Seymour, and two children have brought additional happiness to their homfe.
Mr. Curtis was elected district attorney in 1000. and served one term. IK- 1- a mem
ber of the order of Native Sons, an active worker in the Baptist church, and one of tthef
most prominent and reliable young lawyers of the San Bernardino liar.
IAMKS HATCHINGS
810 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
FRANK C. PRESCOTT, of Redlands, was born at Ottawa, Lasalle county Illinois,
November 15, 1859, and attended the public schools of that city. In 1876 he entered the
telegraph business. His uncle, George B. Prescott, was the first general electrician of the
Western Union Telegraph Company, and one of the earliest of writers on the subejet oj
telegraphy, his works being on numerous branches of the science and running into many
editions. In the telegraph business, General Prescott occupied many important positions.
He was manager of the San Diego office of the Western Union in 1887, chief operator
of the Oakland office from 1878 to 1882, when the relaying business handled there prioi*
to the laying of the cables across the Bay made a large force necessary. During the stirring
times of the Geronimo campaign in Arizona he was manager of the Tombstone office and
there formed the acquaintance of General Lawton. This acquaintance ripened into a life-
long friendship, which in after years was useful to the one-time telegrapher in military
activities.
Fifteen years of telegraphy, some of them spent in working the heaviest overland press
wires out of San Francisco and Los Angeles, were broken by one year, 1883-4, m the
newspaper business, as editor of the Santa Barbara Daily Independent.
The law, however, which from the beginning had been his ambition as a profession,
claimed his best efforts and had been his study during all the years of telegraphy and
journalism. At the April term, 1888, of the Supreme Court of California, at Los Angeles,
he was admitted to practice law. He at once entered the office of John D. Bicknell, where
he remained a year. Later he entered into a law partnership with Hon. R. B. Carpenter.
Upon leaving Los Angeles in 1892, General Prescott settled at Redlands. He was admitted
to practice in the Circuit Court of the United States for the Ninth Judicial Circuit July 1,
1889, and in the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of California
on September 16, 1901. He has participated in some of the heaviest litigation in San:
Bernardino county, and particularly in suits growing out of the orange industry. Since
January, 1903, as a member of the firm of Prescott & Morris his office has been in San^
Bernardino. Prior to starting for the Philippines, he was city attorney of Redlands.
General Prescott has been an active Republican all his life, and has done yeoman'
service in every campaign. In 1895 he was the law clerk of the judiciary committee of,
the assembly in the legislature of the state of California. The duties of this position:
brought him into touch with the greater part of the more technical points in law-making.
In November, 1902, he was elected assemblyman of the Seventy-sixth assembly district,
representing San Bernardino county. As legislator he was a member of the most import-
ant committees, including Ways and Means, Judiciary, Military, and State Hospitals, also
chairman of the Committee on State Library. In November, 1904, he was renominated by
acclamation for the same office by the Republican party. He served as Speaker of the
House during the XXXVIth Assembly.
General Prescott began his military career as a private in the Oakland Light Cavalry,
unattached, N. G. C, in 1878. He assisted in the formation and was the First Lieutenant
of the Redlands Guard, an independent company, which was mustered into the National
Guard as Company G, Ninth Infantry, June 3, 1893. In 1898, when the Seventh Regiment
went to San Francisco and was mustered into the United States Volunteers, Major Pres-
cott's battalion won especial notice for its fine discipline and drilling. Although the Sev-
enth Regiment was not taken to the Philippines, Major Prescott secured a commission as
Captain in the Fyrto-third Infantry, U. S. V., and saw active service during the Philippine
insurrection. He was then recomniended for promotion as Major of volunteers by brevet
for meritorious services, both military and civil. While in the Philippines his legal abili-
tes were recognized, he was apponted Provost Judge of the Island of Samar, and was
called upon to render legal services in a number of instances. He was detailed on the staff
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
811
of General Hughes, and made supervisor of internal revenue for the Department of the
Visayas. A fuller account of General Prescott's services and those of his regiment in act-
ive field work in the Philippines as well as of the Seventh Regiment, will be found in the
military history of the county.
In the fall of 1903. Major Prescott was promoted to the rank of . Brigadier General in
command of the First Brigade, N. G. C, by Governor Pardee, which rank he still holds.
FRANK A. LEONARD, of San Bernardino, was born in Watertown, Wis., December 7,
1854. He was the son of Ira E. and Maria Shephard Leonard. He has one brother, W. E.
Leonard, a San Bernardino mer-
chant; one, a minister of the gospel
in the state of New York, and a
sister living in Aspen, Colo. When
he was seven years of age his par-
ents removed to Boulder, Colo., and
there his school days were passed and
he attended the State University, lo-
cated in that city. Following this he
attended the St. Louis Law School
and graduated from that institution
in 1886. Immediately afterward he
began the practice of law in Socorro,
N. M., where he remained three
years, then came to San Bernardino
in July, 1889. The following Novem-
ber he formed a partnership with H.
W. Goodcell, which continued until
July, 1896, when Mr. Goodcell removed
to Oakland, Cal. Mr. Goodcell has
since returned to San Bernardino and
the partnership has been renewed. Mr.
Leonard was admitted to practice in
all the courts of the state in 1890,
and lias been very sucessful in his
profession.
September 17, 1891, he married
Miss Fannie E. Sawyer, of Boulder,
Colo. They are the parents of three
children — James, Marion and Albert.
Mr. and Mrs. Leonard are members
of the Presbyterian church. Mr.
Leonard is a member of the order of
Woodmen of the World.
FRANK A. LEONARD
ZEBULON BROWNLOW STUART, now of Los Angeles, was born in Atlanta. Ga.,
September 13, 1862. His parents were both Virginians, his father. Wm. H. Stuart, of Scotcii
ancestry, and his mother, Elizabeth, daughter of Dr. Scates. His father has for many years
been employed in the offices of the Santa Fe system at Topeka, Kans. Zebulon B. Stuart
spent his boyhood on a farm in Indiana, working for his "keep" and attending the district
school at times. He also attended Spiceland Academy, Ind., for a time, but did not grad-
uate on account of poor health. In 1882 he went to Topeka, Kans., and secured employment
in the engineering department of the Santa Fe Railway Co. and here learned the profession
of engineering and surveying. In 1885 he came to California and entered the employment of
the Southern California Railway as an engineer and surveyor. He was elected county sur-
veyor of San Bernardino county in 1886 and served one term. In 18S9 he was elected as-
sessor of the city of San Bernardino. In 1893 Mr. Stuart was admitted to practice law by
the Supreme Court of California, and since that time has been successfully engaged in that
profession. He is now located in Los Angeles, and besides his law practice is extensively
engaged in mining.
October 31, 1885, he was married to Mary M. Burton, daughter of William and Harriet
Burton, wrio was born in San Bernardino, August 12, 1868. They have one son, Walter
Stanton Stuart.
812
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
CRAMER B. MORRIS, Esq., was born in Manhattan, Kansas, August 20. 1873. He
is the son of John Milton Morris and Helen A. Morris. His early education was begun
San Bernardino, and later he attended the State University at Seattle, Wash. ; graduating
from the Law Department of the University of Mich-
igan, in 1892. Since January, 1893, Mr. Cramer has
practiced law in San Bernardino. Mr. Cramer is a
member of the order of Woodmen of the World.
CHARLES T. GIFFORD, of Redlands, was
born at Rochester, N. Y., June 24, 1851, and spent his
boyhood in that city, in Syracuse and in Buffalo. He
was educated in the public schools and academy and
at Cornell University. After leaving college Mr.
Gifford clerked in various establishments and was in
the Buffalo office of the Michigan Central road for
three years. Afterward he was head clerk in the
office of Felthausen & Whittet, steam fitters and deal-
ers in plumbers' supplies.
In July. 1888, Mr. Gifford came to San Francisco
and was employed by Geo. W. Meade, then in business
in Fresno. He came to Redlands in 1889 and entered
the office of Judson & Brown. A little later he went
to New York City with an exhibit of citrus fruits, etc.,
from San Bernardino county. On his return to Cali-
fornia he became "Mayor of Alessandro" and had
charge of receiving and distributing the immense quan
tities of iron and vitrified pipe used by the Bear Val-
ley Irrigation Co., in constructing its lines to Moreno
and Alessandro. In July, 1894, Mr. Gifford returned
to Redlands for a permanent residence. In 1896 he
was elected secretary of the Chamber of Commerce. At
the same time he acted as deputy county clerk. Later Mr. Gifford engaged in the insurance
and loan business with an office In the First National Bank building. He is a notary public.
In 1902 he was elected Justice of the Peace for Redlands district. July 19, 1891, Mr. Gifford
married Mrs. Emma Frances Hale.
CRAMER B. MORRIS
PHYSICIANS.
WILLIAM R. FOX, M. D., late of Colton, was born in Bedford county, Penn.. June 17,
1832. He was educated at the Witherspoon Institute. Butler, Penn., and studied medicine at
the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, and at the Chicago Medical College, where he
took his degree. He settled first in Channahon, 111., and here was married to Miss Sarah A.
Eames in 1859. Later he practiced medicine in Wilmington, 111., from which place he came
to California in 1869 and settled at San Leandro. There in 1872 his wife died. In 1873 he
first came to San Bernardino and was so delighted with the climate and the country that he
sold his home and fine practice in San Leandro and in the spring of 1874 came to San Ber-
nardino with his family. He had recently married Miss Minnie A., daughter of H. M. Bene-
dict, of Rochester, N. Y. He entered upon the practice of his profession and purchased a
home in the town of San Bernardino. Soon afterward he was so impressed with the beauty
of the location that he bought land on what is now known as Colton Terrace and joined with
the company which purchased the Slover Mountain tract and started the town of Colton. He
continued his practice in the town, driving back and forth until the distance traveled would
have more than encircled the globe. Dr. Fox at once identified himself with the Presbyterian
church, then just organized in San Bernardino. When the church was formed in Colton he
was the first elder and did much to maintain the good work. He was foremost in promoting
all the enterprises of the new town, being one of the owners of the Union block and develop-
ing orange groves to the. west of town. For several years he gave up his San Bernardino
office, doing only consulting practice, with an office in Colton. A few years before his death
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 813
he visited Europe in company with the president of the First National Bank of Colton, of
which institution he was vice-president and a director.
On December 12. 1891, after a brief attack of pneumonia, he passed away, leaving a wife,
one son and a daughter. He was buried in Hermosa cemetery, west of Colton.
DR. HENDERSON PITTMAN, coroner of San Bernardino county, was born in Henry
county, Tenn.. Dec. 25, 1840. His father, Thos. Pittman, was a native of Alabama and a cotton
planter. Although holding his plantation in
Tennessee, he was a pioneer by instinct and
made numerous trips to the frontier in Texas.
Tennessee and Arkansas. The Civil war dis-
arranged his business affairs and freed his
slaves, sixty in number. He located his fam-
ily in Preble county, Ohio, about 1856. He
died in East Tennessee in 1865.
The son attended the district schools in
his neighborhood and farmed until 1878, when
he went to Indiana and commenced reading
medicine with Dr. N. F. Canady. and later
attended lectures in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1879-
80-81. He graduated from Pulte Homeopath-
ical Medical College in 1881. He practiced at
Hagerstown. Ind., and Jamestown, N. D., until
1889, then went to Washington and in 1890 to
Arizona, where he acted for a year as physician
on a Colorado river Indian reservation. He
practiced in Long Beach until 1893. since which
time he has been located in San Bernardino
county. In 1902 he was elected coroner on
the Republican ticket by a large majority.
DR. HOELL TYLER, of Redlands, was
born in Claremont, N. H., December 19, 1855.
He graduated from Stephens High School in
1876 and from Dartmouth Medical College in
1880. The following year, after a civil service
examination, he was appointed assistant phy
n„ unMr,nDC™ „,„,„„ fiei'""1 I" the New York City hospital for the
DR. HENDERSON PITTMAN in?ane Qn Blackwel,-S Island. In l8g5 he was
promoted to the position of first assistant phy-
sician in this institution. In 1886 he accepted the position of first assistant physician in the
Iowa hospital for the insane, at Independence, where he remained one year. He was then
appointed assistant medical superintendent of the same institution in which he began his prac-
tice, and retained the position until forced to resign on account of failing health, in 1894.
After much travel in search of a favorable climate, he located at Mentone in 1895 and
here found renewed strength. In 1898 he removed to Redlands and resumed the practice of
his profession, which he still continues. In 1883 Dr. Tyler married Miss Helen A., daughter
of Silas H. C. Newcomb, of Passborough, Nova Scotia.
DR. COSTON P. CLEMMONS, formerly of Highland, was a native of North Carolina,
born in Davidson county, January 19, 181 7. His father, Benton Clemmons, was a cousin of
Thos. H. Benton and a native of England. He was extensively engaged in mercantile busi •
ness. He married Martha Dillon, the daughter of a wealthy family and cousin of Dollie
Payne, the wife of President James Madison. After marriage he freed a large number of
slaves that came to him from the estate of his wife.
Dr. Clemmons grew up in North Carolina and attended school at Salem, Virginia, and
in 1848 graduated from the surgical and medical department of the Louisville Medical Uni-
versity. In 1849 he started from Pike county, 111., as a physician with Captain Dinsmore's
train of 100 wagons, and crossed the plains to California, where he mined on the Feather and
American rivers. After a stay of two years he returned east to Pike county, and in 1858 set-
tled at Carrollton. 111., where for thirty years he practiced medicine and also carried on .1
drug and grocery business. In 1888 he again came to California and located at Highland,
where he died in Mlay, f&po.
814
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Dr. Clemmons was married December 16, 1851, to Miss Matilda, daughter of Hon. Sam-
uel Thomas, an extensive farmer and land owner of Green county. He was a native of
South Carolina and a pioneer of Illinois, also a veteran of the war of 1812.
Dr. and Mrs. Clemmons have five children— Emma, Mrs. Dr. Lindsay; Thomas B. ;
Mary (deceased), Charles (deceased), and Eliza.
DR. WILLIAM M. SMITH, late of Redlands, was born in Patterson, N. J., July 18,
1826. of English and Dutch descent. After obtaining an academic education, he taught school
for a time and then began the study
of medicine. He graduated from the
Castleton Medical College in 1846. He
practiced in New York state for a num-
ber of years, then went to New York
city for experience in hospital and dis-
pensary work, after which he resumed
his practice. In 1856 Dr. Smith was
elected to the state assembly, re-elected
in 1859, and sent as a delegate in i860
to the Republican national convention
which nominated Abraham Lincoln for
the presidency. In 1861 Dr. Smith or-
ganized a company of volunteers, and
in October of that year was commis-
sioned surgeon of the Eighty-fifth New
York volunteers, and was detailed as a
member of the board of medical exam-
iners at Washington during the follow-
ing year. Dr. Smith participated in the
battles of Yorktown, Williamsburg, Sav-
age Station, Fair Oaks, Seven Pines,
and afterward was in the engagements
at Suffolk and Franklin, in Virginia,
and Kingston, White Hall and Golds-
burg, in North Carolina. He resigned
his commission in 1863 and resumed
his practice at Angelica, Allegheny
county, N. Y. In December, 1872, Dr.
Smith was appointed surgeon-general of
the state of New York, with rank of
brigadier-general, on the staff of Gov-
ernor Dix. In 1876 he was elected
Twenty-seventh congressional district to the Republican national conven-
DR. WILLIAM M. SMITH
delegate from the
tion at Cincinnati.
March 24, 1880, Dr. Smith was commissioned health officer of the port of New York,
which office he held until February 3, 1892. On his retirement from this office, after th.*
longest term of service in its history, resolutions were adopted by the Chamber of Com-
merce, the Board of Commissioners of Quarantine, the Maratime Association and the man-
agers of ocean steamship lines, for "his intelligence, energy, courtesy and efficiency in having
so discharged the onerous and responsible duties as not only to arrest at our port epidemic
diseases from abroad, but for having so exercised his functions, practically autocratic, as
to bear with the least hardship upon commercial interests." These resolutions also commend
Dr. Smith for having adopted a system of vaccination for emigrants before arrival at our
'ports, thus preventing in nearly every case the development of disease in this country, and for
his efforts to free commerce and navigation from burdensome and expensive quarantine meas-
ures by the intelligent enforcement of rules calling for watchfulness and care, and for the
observation of certain requirements at the port of departure and during the voyage by the
officers and crews of vessels.
After retiring from this important office, Dr. Smith traveled for a year in search of health.
He first visited Redlands in 1894, and located here permanently in 1896. He made a number
of investments in the city and improved his beautiful home, Palmateo, on Palm avenue and
San Mateo street. He died here.
D. W. WHITE, M. D., of San Bernardino, was born in Illinois, Aug. 23, 1854. He was
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
815
a son of Benjamin White, a lawyer, contemporary with Josh Allen, Bob Ingersoll and John
A. Logan, and "rode the circuit" with them many years. His mother's maiden name was
Virenda Campbell. He has only one brother, who is now living in Northern California.
Dr. White's school days were passed in Olney, 111. He graduated from the Louisville
Medical College in the spring of 1877, and began the practice of medicine in Southern Illinois,
on the Ohio river, where he continued nine years. He came to California in 18S3 and located
in Lake county. He was medical director for Highlands and Bartlett springs ten years. Dr.
White came to San Bernardino in 1893 and established the Owl drug store, a business he
continued until 1900, disposing of it to the present proprietors, Schlott & Clute, but again,
in 1901, launched the San Bernardino Drug Co., which is managed by his partner, J. C. Whit-
lock. He has since given his whole time to professional work, not giving the drug business
his personal attention.
Dr. White married Miss Alice A. Lee. of Elizabethtown, 111., in 1876. Dr. and Mrs. White
are members of the Presbyterian church, of which organization the doctor has been elder.
ALFRED D. BEDFORD, M. D., was born in Sullivan county, Penn., November 15,
1848, the son of Jonas and Lydia Molyneaux Bedford. His father, a native of England, came
to America about 1815. and located on a farm in the
Allegheny mountain country. Mr. Bedford attended
the local district schools until about eighteen years of
age, and then entered Allegheny College, at Meadville,
Penn.. and in 1873 went to Europe to complete his
medical course at the German universities. Financial
reasons compelled his return to America, and he en-
gaged himself as instructor of scientific branches at
the Military Academy of Poughkeepsie, N. Y. After
a year he resumed his medical studies at Jefferson
Medical College, Philadelphia, graduating in 1877. He
commenced practice in Iowa and remained there until
he came to California in 1882. In February, 1883 he
came to San Bernardino, where he opened an office and
stocked a drug store, of which he took charge. In 1895
Dr. Bedford took a course in the Chicago Opthalmic
College and has since practiced as a specialist for the
eye, nose and throat. In 1887 Dr. Bedford, in partner-
ship with his brothers, under the firm name of Bedford
Bros., purchased a large tract of land at North Ontario,
which they at once began to improve.
Dr. Bedford married Miss Rebecca, daughter of
John McNeil, of Jefferson, Iowa, June 10, 1880. Mrs.
Bedford is a native of Michigan. They have a beautiful
home in the city of San Bernardino. The family con-
sists of two daughters — J. Berna and Frances E. Bed-
ford. Dr. and Mrs. Bedford are members of the Pres-
byterian church.
LYMAN N. BEDFORD. D. D. S'., of San Bernardino, is a native of Sullivan Co., Pa.,
born May 15, 1851. He was educated in the public schools and in 1835 graduated from the
Pennsylvania Dental College. He spent some time as a pupil of his brother, Edmund Bed-
ford, D. D. S., of Sioux City, Iowa, and in 1886 came to California and located in San Ber-
nardino. With the exception of three years — 1899-1902 — he has since practiced his profession
in this city. Dr. Bedford was married in 1888 to Miss Marietta, daughter of Elihu Smith.
They have one son, Wilbur Elihu.
N. B. GLASGOW. D. D. S., was born in Nevada, Story county, Iowa, January 24. 1S64.
He is the son of David Glasgow and Cliste Wilcox Glasgow, one of a family of eight children
and the only member of the family living in Southern California. He attended the High
School at Nevada and graduated from the dental department of the University of Iowa in
1890. The two years following he was engaged as demonstrator in the dental department
of the university, then opened a dental office in Des Moines, Iowa, where he remained until
August 1, 1894, when he came to San Bernardino. After his arrival he formed a partnership
with Dr. S. C. Bogart, and they continued together five years. Since then he has conducted
the business alone. He is a member of the Masonic order and a director in the Arrowhead
Club.
ALFRED D. HIDIORI)
816
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
THOMAS BENTON CLEMMONS, of East Highland, was bom in Milton, Pike county,
111., March 10, 1858. He married Miss Elsie Corrington, of Carrollton, III, in October, 1878.
Th'ey have four children— Anna, Leta, Grace and Merton B. He is engaged in raising
oranges.
A. K. JOHNSON, M. D., of San
Salle county, 111., January 15. 1852. It
jrnardino. was born on a farm near Marseilles, La
iddition to other imperative duties, the young man
studied medicine in the office of Dr. G.
A. Corning, of Marseilles, 111., and en-
tered the Hahneman Medical College of
Chicago, from which he graduated
February 12, 1878. He immediately be-
gan the practice of his profession -it
Pontiac, 111., and after two years here
removed to Greene, Butler county. la.
In the fall of 1883 he came to San Ber-
nardino and at once formed a partner-
ship with L>r. H. W. Rice, son-in-law of
the late ex-Governor Waterman. Dr.
Rice died in 1884. Dr. W. H. Stiles, an
old friend and classmate of Dr. John-
son, succeeded to Dr. Rice's interests.
Dr. Johnson is a member of the Cali-
fornia State Homeopathic Society and
of the F. and A. M. of San Bernardino.
He is a member and trustee of the Con-
gregational church and a director in the
San Bernardino Building and Loan As-
sociation of San Beranrdino. He is a
trustee of the Carnegie library and has
served on the building committee during
the erection of the library building.
In 1882 Dr. Johnson married Mrs.
F. E. Woodling, widow of a prominent
business man at, Greene, Iowa. They
have one son, Lloyd. Mrs. A. D. Whit-
ney of Los Angeles and Frank L. Wood-
A. K. JOHNSON, M. D. ling, of the Whitney-Woodling Trunk
Co., are step-children of Dr. Johnson.
ZACHARIA GLASS, M. D., of San Bernardino, was born in Scott county, Ky., Novem-
ber 1, 1820, the son of Fleming and Hannah Fink Glass, both natives of Virginia. His father
was a soldier of the war of 1812, having taken part in the battles of Tippecanoe and Thames.
He died in 1832. After his death, the mother removed with her children to Versailles, Ky.,
where Z. P. Glass was apprenticed to the tailor's trade. On account of ill treatment he ran
away from his master and went to work as a journeyman, but at the end of six months
returned and was given good wages by his employer. He worked at his trade until 1848,
in the meantime using his spare hours to study medicine. He then began practice, his first
experience being during the cholera scourge of 1848, when he was left alone in Port Royal
to combat the disease, the other physicians having fled. Of sixty-five cases treated by 'him,
all but three recovered. During this trying time he was associated with Dr. Norvin Green,
who afterward became widely known as the president of the Western Union Telegraph Co..
and whose friendship he enjoyed for many years.
In the fall of 1848 Dr. Glass entered the Physiopathic Medical College of Cincinnati, from
which he graduated in 1850. He practiced for three years in Cincinnati, then was located at
various points in Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Indiana. In 1862 he took charge of Dr.
Trail's sanitarium at Wernersville, Pa., and in 1863 went to Minneapolis to manage a similar
institution for Dr. Trail, and later erected and conducted for himself a sanitarium in that
city. After three years in Quincy, HI., he removed to Hannibal, Mo., where he built a sani-
tarium known as Elmwood Park, one of the most beautiful retreats in that part of the coun-
try and one which was visited by many notable people. He alternated between Hannibal and
Quincy, still managing the sanitarium, until 1897, when he came to California, where he set-
tled in San Bernardino, and gave up active practice.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
817
In many respects Dr. Glass is a remarkable man. He claims that all healing power
resides, in living organisms ; to cure diseases, remove the cause, and supply to the living
healing power within the body, the conditions of health. Dr.ug poisons cannot supply P.
condition of health. These principles have governed his practice and his success has been
marked. He attributes his own immunity from disease to a strict vegetarian diet, absti-
nence from the use of tobacco and liquors, and the practice of taking a cold bath in the
open air every day in the year.
April 3, 1838, Dr. Glass married Eliza A. Bran'ham of Scott county, Kentucky. Mrs.
Glass died April 30, 1887, leaving four children — Annie, Mrs. Win. E. Lindsey, of New
London, Mo. ; George N., of Sheridan, Ind. ; Fleming, of Birds, 111. ; Thomas L., of Hanni-
bal, Mo. All of the sons were in the Union army, the two younger ones having entered
the ranks at the age of fourteen and sixteen years respectively. November 2, 1887, Dr.
Glass married Miss Viola, daughter of L. K. and Irene Loveland, Hewett, of Lansing, Mich.
He has been ably assisted by Mrs. Glass in his practice, she having had experience in
hygienic institutions for many years. Dr. Glass has always been a Jeffersonian Democrat,
believing in single tax, the only just system of taxation.
DR. FRANCIS P. TROXALL was born
1834. His father was Peter Troxall, a n;
Mickley, of English descent.
Allentown. Lehigh county, Pa., January 31.
e of Switzerland ; his mother, Elizabeth
Dr. Troxall spent his boyhood and youth at Allentown,
where he attended the local schools and academy. He
learned the trade of printer in the office of the Allentown
Democrat, and subsequently was employed as a typo-
grapher in Philadelphia, Baltimore, New Orleans and other
cities. In 1861 he enlisted in the 5th Ohio Volunteer In-
fantry, and saw active service for seevral months in the
civil war, when he was mustered out. He then began
the study of medicine under Dr. E. G. Martin of Allentown.
After attending a course of lectures he again, with Dr.
Martin, volunteered in the local military service for sev-
eral months. At the close of the Rebellion he completed
his medical course, graduating at the University of Penn-
sylvania in Philadelphia, and began his practice in Allen-
town. In 1882 he came to California and practiced his
profession at Colton until 1889; he afterwards spent about
a year in old Mexico and also practiced two years in Los
Angeles. In 1S93 he took up his permanent residence
near Chino, where he has a fine fruit and walnut ranch,
to which he has retired, to enjoy a well earned -rest after a
long and useful career as a physician. His wife, who
died some years ago, was Alice Balliet, a native of Lehigh
county. They had two children. Frederick B. and Mar-
ion E., who was the wife of Dr. H. A. Spangler of Car-
lisle, Pa., and who died in 1890.
DR. T. D. KELLOGG, of Chino, is a native of Can-
ada, born at Caledonia Springs, near Montreal, in 1849.
His father, JoseDh Kellogg, was a merchant of large
means, but failed in business and died, leaving his son as
the main support of the family. They came to the United States in 1859 and located in
Iowa. Here Dr. Kellogg taught in the public schools and then worked his way through
Ames' College. Later he entered the medical department of the Iowa State University and
taught chemistry, of which he had made a special study. He was offered the chair of chem-
istry in Arkansas State University, but declined, preferring to follow his profession. He
practiced first at Douds, in Van Buren county, Iowa, and in 1876 came to Southern Califor-
nia. Here he located at Alhambra, being one of the first settlers of that place and resided
here for about nineteen years. He put up one of the first buildings, and erected a
sanitarium at a cost of $17,000, which was burned, thus ruining" him finan-
cially. Dr. Kellogg practiced in the vicinity of Alhambra and was acquainted with
many of the old pioneers and the early events of the history of that neighborhood. He used
to visit Cataliua Island before the Bannings purchased it and suggested the idea of a glass
bottom boat by fitting a pane of glass into a box and studying the sea bottom thus. About
1894 he removed to Chino where he now lives.
kANCIS l> IMOXAI.
818
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
He was married at Douds, Iowa, in 1874 to Miss Rebecca M. Whitten, a teacher of
that place. Her family were among the pioneer settlers of the community. They have five
children living — Bessie, wife of C. W. Keys of Alhambra ; Edith R., Walter J., John M.,
Cleaver T.
WESLEY THOMPSON, M. D., of San Bernardino, was bom at Fort Wayne, Ind.,
June 30, 184S, the son of John Thompson, an Indiana pioneer of 1830. He received the
rudiments of education in a log school house, later attending the M. E. Seminary at Tip-
pecanoe and finishing at Asbury — now Desplaines — Uni-
versity. In 1863 he enlisted in the 87th Regiment, Indiana
Volunteers., 14th Army Corps, taking part in all the en-
gagements of the Atlantic campaign and marching with
General Sherman to the sea. He was with the army at the
surrender of Gen. Johnson and at the grand review in
Washington ; then went to Bethlehem, O., and Louisville,
Ky., where the troops were held in view of threatened
trouble with Mexico; received final discharge from ser-
vice and was mustered out at Louisville, July, 1865, at 20
years of age, having served his country two years. Fol-
lowing his discharge from the army he engaged in the drug
business and commenced the study of medicine at Reasling,
Ind., continuing in business at that place until graduation
from Miami Medical College, Cleveland, in 1869. He be-
gan the practice of medicine at Effingham, Illinois, where
he remained eighteen years, building up a very lucrative
practice and taking a prominent part in the development
of the city. While in Effingham, Dr. Thompson married
Miss Mary M., daughter of F. W. Little, now of Los An-
geles. Owing to the ill health of Mrs. Thompson, a change
of climate was deemed desirable and they removed to Cali-
fornia in 1887, locating in San Bernardino, where the
doctor has continued the practice of his profession. In
1889 Dr. Thompson was elected coroner of San Bernar-
dino county, serving two terms, artd in 1898 was again re-
elected and is now serving a third term of four years.
Dr. and Mrs. Thompson are the parents of six children — Victor, Mary, Rubie, Jennie.
Ada and Emma. Dr. Thompson has always been a Republican in political sentiments, and
has made a thoroughly efficient official as his long tenure of office testifies. He is a member
of the G. A. R., adjutant of the G. A. R. Post in this city; a member of the U. S. Board of
Pension Examiners of San Bernardino county. Dr. Thompson is also a member of the
Maccabees and of the school board of Del Rosa district.
DR. CLARENCE D. DICKEY was born in San Bernardino, July 26, i860. He grad-
uated from the Oakland High school in 1882, and then went to Philadelphia, where he
entered the Jefferson Medical College from which he received his degree, in 1886. He
returned to his native city where he has since followed his profession. He has served
as county physician for five years and is now city health officer and surgeon for the Santa
Fe. He is a member of the order of N. S. G. W., the Elks, Woodmen of the World,
Knights of Pythias and Fraternal Brotherhood. In 1888 he married Miss Josie J. Kearns,
of San Bernardino. They have two sons, Lindsay and Clarence.
W. F. FREEMAN, M. D., of Needles, California, was born in Milton, Ont., Canada,
January 26, 1857. He is the son of C. Freeman and Elizabeth Martha (Cobban) Freeman,
the mother now living near Ontario, California. His father, by profession a physician and
surgeon, was a volunteer surgeon in the U. S. Army during the Civil War. Dr. Freeman
received his education in Canada, and graduated after a three years' course, from the
Medical College of Toronto. He has received diplomas from Trinity University, Toronto,
Canada, and Toronto University ; is a member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons
of Ontario, Canada, and is a licentiate of the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, where he
took the triple qualifications, and subsequently attended a post graduate school at New
York City. Dr. Freeman has practiced medicine in Ontario, Canada, four years in Wy-
oming, three years in Los Angeles and four and a half years in Needles. He came to
Needles January 4, 1900, to take a position as local surgeon for the Santa Fe coast lines.
He is interested in mining properties in the county. He is a member of the Masonic
fraternity and of the I. O. O. F.
WESLEY THOMPSON, M.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
819
JOHN MEYER,
JOHN MEYER, M. D., of San Bernardino, was born in Missouri, June 19, 1878, the
of Christian Meyer. He attended primary schools in the Eastern states and graduated
n the San Bernardino High School in 1896. After two years' work in the University
of California he entered Jefferson Medical College,
Philadelphia, from which he graduated in 1901. Since
returning to San Bernardino he has received the ap-
pointment of superintendent of the San Bernardino
County Hospital.
May 8, 1900, he was malrried to Miss Maude
Mossman, of Barton, Vt., in Boston, Mass.
He is a member of the B. P. O. E., also of Cali-
fornia State Medical Society, American Medical As-
sociation, secretary of San Bernardino Board of
Health and secretary of San Bernardino County
Medical Society.
ARMSTRONG, C. PRATT, M. D„ of San
Bernardino, was barn in Mendosia, 111., August 2,
1874, the son of Orlando F. Pratt, a physician. His
mother died when he was eighteen months old and
he was brought up in the family of his grandfather,
J. L. Pratt, who removed to Texas, locating in
Wichita county, where the boy went through the
public schools. He came to California in 1892 and
spent a year at the Throop Polytechnic school, a yea'r
at Stanford and graduated from the dental depart-
ment of the University of California, at Berkeley, in
1898. He immediately located in San Bernardino and
and formed a partnership with L. N. Bedford, which
continued until 1899, when he purchased his part-
ner's interest and continued alone. In 1901 he sold
his practice to Dr. Lyman and entered the medical
department of the University of Southern California, from which he graduated in 1904.
after which he entered into partnership with Dr. J. H. Meyer, of San Bernardino.
September 12, 1899, Dr. Pratt married Miss Delia Wendelbow, of San Bernardino.
CHARLES D. WATSON, M. D., of Ontario, was born in Tioga County, N. Y., De-
cember 16, 1827. He was the son of George Watson, a farmer, and a native of Connecti-
cut. His grandfather was John Watson, who served as a soldier in the French and
Indian war and in the Revolutionary War, enlisting from Litchfield, Connecticut. Charles
D. Watson left New York for Wisconsin in 1850. Later he went to Indiana and located
near Covington. Here he studied medicine and then took a course of lectures and gradu-
ated from Rush Medical College, Chicago, in 1854. He began the practice of his pro-
fession at Covington.
July 23, 1862, he enlisted in the 18th Indiana Battery and was assigned as Quarter-
master Sergeant. September 30, 1862, he was detailed as acting Assistant Surgeon; Novem-
ber 24, he was detached for hospital duty, at Scottsville, Ky., and commissioned Assistant
Surgeon, 54th lnd. Vol. Inf. January 11, 1863, he was discharged for promotion at Mur-
freesborough ; January 30, reported for duty at Young's Point, La.; February 15, was sent
home on account of sickness. He receives a pension as sergeant. He continued his prac-
tice in the vicinity of Covington until 1885, when he came to California and located at
Ontario.
His first wife, who was Miss Celeste McCormick, of Covington, died in 1881, and in
1882 he married Caroline Smith, of the same place. He has no children. He is a member
of the G. A. R. and has served several terms as health officer of Ontario.
DR. J. E. PAYTON, of Redlands, was born in Keokuk, Iowa, June 9, 1857. When
he was five years of age his parents moved by ox team to- La Grande, Oregon, and later
settled at Salem. In that city Mr. Payton received his education and graduated in 1877
from the medical department of Willamette University. He began the practice of his pro-
fession at Drain, Douglas County, Oregon, where he lived for twelve years. Then, seek-
ing a larger field Dr. Payton went to New York City and took a special course at the New
York Polyclinic. Returning to Oregon he again began practice, locating at Eugene City.
820 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
From Oregon he came to California and after a year at San Jose removed to Redlands in
February. 1895. since which time he has practiced medicine in that place. Dr. Payton
married Miss Eliza, daughter of R. C. Kinney, a pioneer of Oregon and the owner of
extensive flouring mills at Salem. They have one daughter, Grace.
SAMUEL G. HUFF, M. D.. of San Bernardino, was born October 4, 1845, at Salem,
Marion county. 111. He was the son of Joshua E. Huff, a farmer by occupation, but a
man who filled many official positions, having been justice of the peace, county superin-
tendent of schools and serving in other minor offices.
Samuel G. Huff received a common school educa-
tion and lived in Illinois until 1861. In 1863, when 21
years of age, he started for California, journeying by
the way of the Isthmus of Panama, coming direct to
San Bernardino, where he engaged as tutor in the fam-
ily of James Waters and other citizens of San Bernar-
dino. Returning east he began the study of medicine in
Chicago, afterwards taking a course at the St. Louis
Medical College, graduating from that institution in
1870. He practiced medicine for a time in Ashland and
Beatrice, Neb. ; returning to San Bernardino in 1880,
he engaged in the practice of his profession, and in 1884
was elected coroner for the county, holding the office
one term. In 1887 he was appointed county physician;
Dr. Huff married Miss Mary A., daughter of B. Y.
Searles. of Salem, Illinois. They are the parents of five
children now living— Ola, wife of C. P. Palm, a teacher;
Ray W. Huff, a jeweler of Orange county; Bertha,
Ralph and Henry Huff reside with the parents at their
home.
WILLIAM H. DAVIES, physician and surgeon,
Rialto, is a native of Virginia. He received a common
school education and commenced the study of medi-
SAMUEL G. HUFF, M. D. cine by taking a course at the Westchester Medical
College, Virginia ; subsequently entering the Jefferson
Medical College, Philadelphia, graduating from that
institution with honor. In 1861 he entered the medical department of the Confederate
army, and served as a surgeon until the close of the war. He then returned to his native
state and the practice of his profession. In 1884, Dr. Davies removed to Maquoketa, Iowa,
where he remained until 1896. then, together with his family, consisting of Mrs. Davies,
Mrs. Dixon, of San Bernardino, a daughter, and two sons, Walter and William, he came
to San Bernardino, where he opened an office and practiced for two years. He then pur-
chased a la-rge orange ranch near Rialto, and closing bis business in San Bernardino re-
moved to that city, making it his permanent home, and still continuing the practice of his
profession.
Dr. Davies is a member of the medical societies of Virginia and Iowa, and a life
member of the American Medical Association. From 1889 to 1896 he was an U. S. pension
surgeon. Dr. Davies is at present an acting elder of the Presbyterian Church of San
Bernardino.
D. W. REES, M. D., of Needles, was born in London, England, January 18, 1869.
He is the son of Lewis and Margaret Jones Reese. The family came to America in 1872,
locating at Pittsburg, Pa., where the father engaged in the grocery business. Dr. Rees
received his education in the city of Pittsburg and is a graduate of the Pittsburg High'
School. He came to California in 1889. entering the Medical Department of the Uni-
versity of Southern California, at Los Angeles; and later the California Medical College
in San Francisco, graduating from the latter institution November, 1889. He began the
practice of medicine at Weaverville, Trinity county, California, and was appointed county
physician, remaining there two years, resigning the position on account of impaired health,
and removing to Needles, December, 1801. He practiced medicine one year and then es-
tablished a drug store in connection with his professional practice, continuing both since
Dr Reese married Miss Maggie May Scott in Santa Ana, California, March 5, 1891.
They have one child, a son. Clarence Edwin Rees. Dr. Rees is a member of the Order
Vermont farmer and
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 821
of Foresters and of the Knights of Pythias. He was formerly the local health officer
of Needles. He is a member of the Christian Church, a denomination having no organ-
ization in Needles at the present time.
ALBERT THOMPSON, M. D., of Colton, was born at Waterbury, Vt.. April 28,
'831, a descendant of sturdy New England stock; his father, Uriah Thompson, was a
deacon of the Congregational church; his mother was Roxana
Joiner. In 1840 his father removed to Avon, Ohio, where
he purchased and cleared up a heavily timbered farm.
Later he sold the property and removed to Oberlin, Ohio,
where he was elected a trustee of Oberlin College and
made chairman of the finance committee, a position he re-
tained until his death. He was actively interested in ad-
vancing the interests of the institution and many of the
fine college buildings are monuments to his memory, for
he personally superintended their construction and paid
for their material
Dr. Thompson's education began in the public schools
of his native town. In 1848 he entered Oberlin College and
during his four years' course, when not engaged in his
studies, he was teaching school. From 1854 to i8.-;8 he
held a position with the Sandusky, Dayton & Cincinnati
^^^m ^^^^ Railroad Company. At the expiration of that time he en-
^K I „ ^^^^fc terccl tlle nletiical department of the University of Michi-
■ '< i V' ^ ■•</£/"' San> at Ann Arbor. Shortly after the beginning of the
4S B^^^^B^i/^A civil war' in °ctober> l8ol> he enlisted in the Third Mich-
•S;*"'*5^w^ '?an Cavalry, and was commissioned by Gov. Blair, second
^A ^^■t%fc??i lieutenant. He was discharged February 4, 1863. on a sur-
\ ^^■"''^Jr-li' geon's certificate of disability, and returned at once to Ann
\^.- _f" Arbor to complete his medical course. March 31, 1864. he
^^^B Hi^^^^l received a commission as assistant surgeon of tin- ["hird
Michigan Cavalry, and on October 24 of the same year was
promoted to the rank of surgeon, which he held until the
close of the war. He was mustered out of service March
record is worthy of particular notice; he rendered valuable
on to which he was attached and received the compliments
A I lihk'l mo.MI'SON, M. I).
5, 1866. Dr. Thompson's «
services to the medical div
of his superior officer for his efficient work
Immediately following his discharge from the service he began the practice of his
profession at Vermontsville, Mich. In 1868 he located in South Haven, Mich., where,
aside from his professional duties, he was actively interested in municipal affairs, serving
as a member of the city board of trustees and was twice elected a county supervisor of
Van Buren county, Mich. In 1874 he was elected senator, to represent the 16th senatorial
district in the Michigan State Legislature. In 1875 he came to California, locating first in
San Bernardino and subsequently at Colton. Dr. Thompson has been identified with
public affairs from the beginning of his residence in Colton. From 1888 to 1804 li- was
a member of the city board of trustees and tlrree years of that time president of the board
During the term of President Arthur, Dr. Thompson win appointed physician to the
Mission Indians, resigning the position at the end of six years. In 1893 he was appointed
county health officer, resigning October 1, 1894 to accept the office of county physician.
His health failing he -resigned the latter position January 11, 1897. During the time ne
was in charge, he instituted many improvements in the management and administration
of the affairs of the county hospital, thus making his valuable experience in the manage-
ment of institutions a benefit to the whole community. Returning to Colton from county
service he was again elected alderman of the city.
Dr. Thompson married Miss Alma Hunter, of Oberlin, Ohio, in 1854. Thei'r children
were: Willis A., deceased, married and died at Carson City. New. September. [887; Ed
ward E.. formerly a merchant of Colton, later proprietor of Stewart hotel, San Bernar-
dino and Steward State Insane Asylum. Highlands.
DR. O. P. HART, of Needles, was born in Freeport, 111., August _'<>. 181.0, 1 1 . is the
son of John Hart, now a resident of Needles, and Rebecca Sheets Hart. The family are
of Iri-b and German descent, the father formerly a farmer, but in later years engaged in
mercantile business. Dr. Hart received- his early education in the public schools of Free-
port, leaving the high school of that city one year before the completion of high school
822
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
course ; entering the dental department of the University of Tennessee at Nashville, gradu-
ating February, 1888. He began the practice of dental surgery at Freeport, remaining
there four years, until 1892, when he removed to Needles. After arriving at Needles he
entered into a partnership with Dr. D. W. Reese, in the drug business, continuing about
two years, when he sold his interests in the business to Dr. Reese and continued his pro-
fessional practice.
Dr. Hart married Miss Blanche Powell, in Wisconsin, April 27, 1891. They have two
children. Lillo and Genevieve. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the
Order of Foresters.
HENRY L. MILLIKIN, D. D. S., of San Bernardino, was born in Vermillion county,
Ind., February 9, 1853, the son of Johh Millikin, a physician. In 1863 the family removed
to Hamilton, Ohio, where Henry L. learned the trade of machinist. He then spent two
years under the tutorship of Dr. H.
C. Howes and later worked under
Dr. A. Berry of Cincinnati. In 1880
he graduated from Ohio College of
Dental Surgery at Cincinnati, and
subsequently practiced at Hamilton,
Ohio, Cincinnati and Greensburg.
Ind. In 1895 he came to California
and located at San Bernardino,
where he has since practiced his pro-
fession.
Dr. Millikin was married at
Bloomington, San Bernardino county,
February 10, 1898, to Miss Margue-
rite M. Pottenger. He is a member
of the I. O. O. F., K. of P, Fraternal
Aid. Woodmen of the World, and
of the Presbyterian Church of
Greensburg, Ind. He is also a mem-
ber of Encampment Order of I. O. O
F. and of the Daughters of Rebekah.
HARRISON HAZLETT GUTH-
RIE, M. D., of San Bernardino, was
born in Preston county, W. Va.,
April 17, 1832, the son of Stephen
and Fannie Hazlett Guthrie, also
Virginians. At the age of nine -days
he was left motherless and was
Teared by his maternal grandparents
in Maryland. His education began
in the old log school house and later
he attended an academy at Merritts-
town, Pa. At the age of fifteen he
began teaching and taught six terms
in Penensylvania and Maryland.
When twenty-one, he moved to Illinois and there taught school, thus earning means to
continue reading medicine with Dr. R. S. McArthur, of Rockford, 111.
In 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company "C," 67th 111. Vols. Inf. He was as-
signed to duty as clerk in the post surgeon's office. After his discharge from service he
attended Rush Medical College in Chicago and graduated there. Again he went into
military service as hospital steward and assistant surgeon, in cha'rge of three wards. After
leaving the hospital he located at St. Charles, Minn., where he remained for eighteen
years in the practice of his profession. He was a member of the Board of Education of that
city for seven years and for four years lectured before the County Teachers' Institute on
geology. Later he prepared a chart showing the strata of the earth. From St. Charles he
removed to San Bernardino in 1881, and later to Antelope Valley, Los Angeles county,
where he spent five yea'rs on his government claim. There he gave a series of lectures
on temperance, entitled the Chimera. He then returned to San Bernardino, where he has
since resided.
Dr. Guthrie married Miss Mary E. Hovey, of Rockford, 111., April 16, 1863. She died
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 823
March 6, 1866, leaving one daughter, Florence, the wife of James Hutchins, of San Ber-
nardino. At. St. Charles, Minn., June 25, 1868, he married Miss Mattie L Smith of
Johet, 111., who died December 19, 1894. Of this marriage, Arthur S. Guthrie is now liv-
ing. He was captain of Company "H," 6th Cal., in the Cuban war and is now division chief
clerk in the adjutant general's office. Manila, Philippine Islands.
October 6, 1897, Dr. Guthrie married Mrs. Elizabeth S. Newton, a native of Canada
He is a member of the G. A. R. Post of San Bernardino. He was one of the organizers
of the Post of St. Charles and was its first commander. Dr. and Mrs. Guthrie are mem-
bers of the Baptist church and he is prominent in the official affairs of the church and
interested in the Sunday school work. He is a Mason and is also a member of the South-
ern California and San Bernardino County Medical Associations, and was a member of
the state and county medical societies in Minnesota.
DR. IRA S. BAKER, of San Bernardino, was born in Union City, Mich., August 31,
1843, the son of Calvin S. and Phoebe Sheldon Baker. His school "days were spent 'in
Dodge county, Wisconsin, and he took his degree in i860 from the Eclectic Medical College
of Cincinnati, O. He returned to Lowell, Wis., and began to practice with his father, who
was also a physician. On the breaking out of the civil war, he enlisted and was assigned
a commission as surgeon with the 29th Wis. Vol. He served in the field during the war
and for eighteen months was in charge of a hospital at Helena, Ark., and was discharged
from service June 28, 1867. He located in Richardson county. Neb., where he practiced
medicine for twenty years. In 1895, he came to California and purchased and set out an
orange grove at Rialto. The next year he bought an alfalfa ranch near San Bernardino
city, where he now resides and continues the practice of his profession.
In 1872 he married and has five children, Phoebe, now Mrs. Racy, of Nebraska; Calvin
J., Robert C, Olen L. and Nellie. There are also living in the family two adopted chil-
dren, Paul and Hilda Quincy. Dr. Baker is a member of the A. F. & A. M. and of the
Christian church.
A. R. RHEA, M. D., of Barstow. was born June j2. 1853, in Indiana county Penn.
He was the son of Joseph and Louisa Workman Rhea. His school days were passed in
Armstrong and Olin counties, Pa., until twelve years of age, when his parents removed to
•Northwestern Ohio. Entering the Western Reserve College at Hudson, Ohio, he com-
pleted his freshman year in that institution, and graduated from the medical department of
the same university in March, 1880. He began the practice of medicine at Sharpsville,
Mercer county, Pa., Temaining there four years, then removed to California and prac-
ticed medicine one year and a half in Los Angeles. February 6, 1885, he went to Calico,
and has lived on the desert ever since.
He owned and operated a drug store in Calico and passed through the rise nad de-
cline of that town in its mining days. He was instrumental in promoting and organizing
the Silver Valley Land & Water Company, investing forty-six thousand dollars in cash
in that enterprise, of which he has recently disposed of a controlling interest. He has
been very fortunate in his mining operations, having lately sold iron mining properties
bringing him fifty thousand dollars, and still holds property worth much more than that
figure. He has been gradually getting possession of mining property during the past seven
years, from which he expects to realize a fortune. Dr. Rhea is a very enthusiastic and loyal
son of the land in which he has prospered for he expects to spend the balance of his life
on the desert
Dr. Rhea was married in San Bernardino to Miss Hannah S. Glendenning, of. Sharps-
ville, Mercer county, Pa. They have no children. Dr. Rhea is a member of Token Lodge,
I. O. O. F, of San Bernardino; of the American Medical Society, the Southern Cali-
fornia Medical Society and the County Medical Society. He has been company surgeon
for the Santa Fe Railway Company the past ten years, at Barstow.
DR. E. W. REID, of Cucamonga, was born in Madison county, 111., December 26,
1852. He was a son of W. J. Reid, who was a farmer. He was educated in the public
schools of Bethalto, 111., and at Shurtleff College. Alton. He began the study of medi-
cine with S. A. Albro, M. D., at Bethalto and graduated from the" St. Louis Medical Col-
lege in 1878. He practiced in Bethalto until he came to California in 188s. He purchased
a tract of unimproved land in the Iowa Colony and was one of the original settlers of that
place. He gave up the practice of his profession and devoted himself to horticulture and
ha9 a beautiful home on the place that he originally bought.
Dr. Reid married Mary J., daughter of Geo. W. Rennick, at Bismarck. Mo in 1876
They have two daughters, Gertrude and Eunice, both students of the State University
824 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Berkeley. Dr. Reid is a member of the I. O. O. F.. A. O. U. \V.. and the Woodmen of the
World.
C. S. HARRIS, M. D.. was born in Keene, N. H.. April 29, 1875. He attended the
University of Vermont at Burlington and the Vanderbilt University at Nashville, Tenn.,
and graduated from the literary and medical course of the University of Vermont. During
the Spanish-American war he enlisted in the Fourth Ohio Volunteers and acted as hos-
pital steward for nine months. After his discharge he completed his medical studies and
in 1902 came to California and located at San Bernardino, whore he is now practicing his
profession.
JEFFERSON THOMAS COLLIVER. M. D, of Los Angeles, was born January 19,
1841, at Mt. Sterling, Ky. He is the son of Dr. John Colliver, of Kentucky, born in 181 1,
who was the son of Richard Colliver, a merchant, of Scotch descent. His mother war Mis;
Matilda, daughter of John M. Robinson, of Kentucky. His father, a physician of high
standing, with a large practice, was noted for sincerity in his work and for his kindness
to the poor. Dr. Colliver's youth was passed in Ohio, where his parents removed during
his iufarcy. He received a common school education, and began the study of medicine
at an early age. at home. In 1865 he graduated from the Eclectic Medical Institute of
Cincinnati, O., the youngest member in a class of one hundred and twenty-five students.
He practiced medicine even prior to this date, with his father, who had more business than
he could attend to. After his graduation Dr. Colliver opened an office at Columbus, Ohio,
where he remained until 1887. During his residence in that state he was called out to
help subdue the "Morgan raid," into Ohio, at the time of the civil war. He came direct
from Columbus to San Bernardino, where he resided and pursued his professional work.
Dr. Colliver married Miss Francis Elizabeth Adams, daughter of Dr. W. W. Adams,
of Clinton, 111., November 18, 1868. Mrs. Colliver died at the California Hospital in San
Francisco, December 31, 1897, leaving a family consisting of two sons and two daughters-
John Adams, M. D., of San Bernardino; M. Adelle, vocalist and instructor in music;
Simeon Robinson, journalist; Lida, a student at the State Normal School, Los Angeles.
Dr. Colliver is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and was ten years the treasurer
of Madison Lodge No. 221 at West Jefferson. He is a member of the Central Medical
Association, of the National Medical Association, the Southern California Eclectic Medical
Association, and the California State Medical Association.
Dr. Colliver was a member of the school board in Ohio several terms, and has filled
the same position in San Bernardino four years.
DR. JOHN ADAMS COLLIVER, of San Bernardino, was born at West Jefferson,
Madison county, Ohio, May 20, 1872. He is a son of J. T. Colliver, M. D., of this city.
He attended the public schools of his native city, and at Columbus, Ohio, until January
5, 1887, when, with his parents, he removed to California. After clerking for some time
in the drug store of Towne & Nickerson, he entered the San Bernardino High School,
graduating in 1891. The following year he matriculated at Stanford University, and in
1896 received the degree of B. A. in physiology and histology. In 1896 he was editor of
the class book. He has always been interested in athletics, particularly foot racing and
jumping. He entered the medical department of the University of California and in May,
1899. he graduated with distinction. For one term he studied biology at Hopkins Seaside
Laboratory. Since then Dr. Colliver has been a practicing physician and surgeon of San
Bernardino. He has served as health officer of the city. He is now practicing in Los
Angeles.
EUGENE H. LYMAN, D. D. S„ of San Bernardino, was bom at Chatsworth, 111.,
December 1, 1877, the son of Edward M. Lyman, now a real estate dealer at Long Beach.
Mr. Lyman attended primary schools in Illinois. The family came to California in 1895 and
thereafter he attended the Citrus Union High School at Azusa, graduating in 1898, and
then entered the dental department of the University of Southern California, from which
he graduated June 11, 1901. He immediately entered upon the practice of his profession in
San Bernardino.
Dr. Lyman married Miss Maude Parker, of Covina, June 26, 1904, and they reside at
453 Tenth street. San Bernardino.
DR. J. A. MACK, of San Bernardino, was born in Syracuse, N. Y.. June 24, 1842.
He received his education in the schools of Syracuse and Fulton, New York, and began
the study of medicine with Dr. Townscnd, of Syracuse ; he also graduated from the
Geneva, N. Y., College. He practiced his profesion at Syracuse and later at Rochester
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 825
and Lyons. He then went to Chicago and in 1876 graduated from the Bennett Medical Col-
lege (Eclectic). He remained in Chicago until 1886, when he came to California as one
of the Chicago Colony which located at Redlands. He conducted the Prospect House
for a yeair and a half, then built his residence on a tract of one and a half acres. Dr.
Mack married Miss Annette Bishop, a native of New York City, November 26, 1876. They
have three children living, John A., Jr.. Roy A. and Raymond.
BIOGRAPHIES.
J. X. VICTOR, of San Bernardino, was born in Sandusky, Ohio, April 2. 183S, the
son of Henry G. and Gertrude Nash Victor. His father was a farmer and one of the
pioneers of the state of Ohio. Mr. Victor received his education in the schools of his
native city and afterward learned the printer's trade. His connection with railroads began
in 1855, when he entered the services of the old Mad River Railway, one of the earliest
railway lines in Ohio, and he continued with this line until the outbreaking of the civil
war. Owing to physical disability he was not eligible for active service in the army, but
for three years he had charge of the military railway under Gen. McPherson. He was with
General Sherman in Georgia.
After the war he located at Kansas City, where he had charge of the Pacific Dis-
patch— a fast freight line. The eight years following this service were spent with what is
now the International and Great Northern Railway of Texas, with headquarters at Hous-
ton and Galveston. He was transferred to New York as representative of this line when
his health necessitated a change of climate. May 1, 1881, Mr. Victor accepted a position
with the California Southern Railway as general freight agent, the road then extending
twenty miles south of Colton. In August, he was appointed superintendent of the line
which was completed to San Diego, and after eleven months' delay caused by the S. P.
refusing to permit the new road to cross its tracks, the C. S. was built to San Bernardino.
In 1884 thirty miles of track was swept away by flood. In 1885 this track was re-built and
the line was extended through the Cajon Pass to a connection with the A. & P. at Bar-
stow. Mr. Victor was superintendent of all this construction and as such handled $1,750.-
000 in the work. After the completion of the road to its eastern connection, it was con-
solidated with the Santa Fe system, under the management of C. W. Smith. Mr. Victor's'
connection with the road ceased in 1887-88.
After leaving the railway service, Mr. .Victor was elected supervisor and served three
years as president of the board. It was during this time that the new court house was
built and the county division fight was made. Soon after Mr. Victor's election a heavy
storm swept over this section and washed out every bridge of any importance in the county.
Besides rebuilding and repairing old bridges many new structures were put in, in different
portions of the county at this time — South Riverside crossing, Lytle Creek, on Mt. Vernon
avenue; Fourth Street bridge, San Bernardino; a bridge near Cucamonga and a lung high-
span bridge at Victor across the Mojave and another near Daggett. The construction of
these bridges made the work of the board of supervisors at this time fully as important a?
any ever undertaken in behalf of the county.
Mr. Victor married Miss Elizabeth Bivrlew, of Syracuse, New York, and removed to
Texas immediately after the marriage. They are the parents of three children. Hugo,
cashier for the Santa Fe Railway Company, at San Diego; Royal, a student at Columbia
Law School, New York City; Leonora, at home. The family attend the Congregational
church, of which Mrs. Victor is a member.
WILLIAM W. SKINNER, of Upland, was born in Rensslaerville, Albany county, X
Y., November 6, 1832, the son of John and Miranda Manchester Skinner. His father, also
a native of New York state, was a soldier in the war of 1812. Mr. Skinner passed his early
years in the state of New York, where he received a limited education. From 1S53 to 1857
he was a sailor on a whaling vessel in the Pacific and Northern oceans. He then returned
to land life and settled al Madison, Wis., where he learned the butcher's trade, an occu-
pation he has since followed. In 1S50, Mr. Skinner joined a party made up of thirty men
and five women and started overland for California, traveling with ox teams. After reach-
ing Honey Lake Valley, California, the party disbanded and Mr. Skinner went to San
Francisco. In 1863 he went to Vallejo, where he lived for twenty-three years and followed
his trade. In 1886 he came to San Bernardino and in 1899 he located in North Ontario
Mr. Skinner mariried Miss Ada E. Morse, of San Francisco, in 1861. They have had
nine children, six of whom are now living, all in San Bernardino county — \Y. H. Frank
826 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
M., George P., A. H., Belle and Guy Skinner. Mr. and Mrs. Skinner are members of the
M. E. church. He was a member of the Vallejo Rifles and is also a member of the Masonic
fraternity, belonging to Phoenix Lodge, San Bernardino.
WILLIAM C. RIGHTMIER, of Chino, was born in Edgar county. 111., July 31, 1851,
the son of James and Mary Bruce Rightmier. In 1855 the family came to California by
the northern overland route, via Utah, the North Platte and Sacramento Valley. The father
lived in many different sections of Northern and Central California and engaged in team-
ing, worked in saw mills and raised stock. He located in what is now Madera county, or.
the San Joaquin river, in 1865, and died there at the age of seventy-three in 1897. The
mother still lives there.
William Rightmier lived in various places in California until 1891, when he located
at Chino, where he has ten acres; he has also twenty acres in Orange county. Mr. Right-
mier married Miss Sarah Amanda Welch, daughter of Laurence Welch, at Centerville.
Fresno county, in 1874. She was born at Devil's Gate, Wyoming, July 1859, while her
family were en route overland for California. They came from Missiouri and located at
Sacramento. After various changes they came to Los Angeles county in 187S and there
her fither died at El Monte. Mr. and Mrs. Rightmier have had twelve children, James
Lawrence, David L, Mary E., Jesse C, Ida A., Martha M., William E., Charles A., Earl I.,
Nora F., Gemma A., Emily. Two of these, William E. and Clemma A., are dead.
ROBERT J. HALSEY, of Needles, was born in Texas, October 1, 1862, the son of
Jacob P. and Sarah Banty Halsey. His mother having died when he was one year and a
half of age, and his father dying while he was yet a youth of tender years, left him to his
own resources at a very early age. His school days were spent in Indiana and Arkansas,
and his first work away from home was as water boy with a construction gang employed
on the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, coming with them to Needles, March, 1883. June 2,
1883, he was joined by his brother, J. B. Halsey, and forming a partnership with Charles
A. Rouse, they engaged in the saloon business, following the railway construction camp
the length of the road. Later they bought out the Rouse interests in the business and
opened the first place of the kind in Needles, erecting the first building on the lot now
occupied by Lamar Bros. Halsey Brothars disposed of their saloon business very soon
after their arrival in Needles and opened a general merchandise store under the firm name
of Halsey Bros., in which they continued until 1893, when the partnership was dissolved.
Robert J. Halsey continued in the grocery business for one year, then removed to Vander-
bilt. In 1896 he returned to Needles and entered his present line of business which is lum-
ber and builders' hardware.
He married at Needles, February 15, 1896, Miss Jessie L. Bruce, of Los Angeles.
They have two children — Robert G. Ingersoll Halsey and Bernice Halsey. Mr. Halsey is
a pronounced liberal and a member of the American Secular Union and Free Thinkers'
Federation.
JOHN R. MEN-KIN, of Highland, is a native of Germany, born in Hanover, April
12, 1861, the son of John R. Menken, a carpenter and builder by occupation. The son re-
ceived a good education in the schools of his native country and learned the carpenter's
trade. He came to America in 1880 and followed his trade and farmed at various points
in the west until he came to California. He located at Highland, where he bought a place
of fifty-two acres on Highland avenue. He also owns five acres at Old San Bernardino.
Mr. Menkin was mairried in 1887 to Mrs. Mary Ann, widow of Joseph Briggs, born in
Muscatine county, Iowa, July 16, 1848. There are seven children by the first marriage
and three by the second.
BENJAMIN E. SIBLEY, of Rialto, is a native of Ohio, born January 23. 1838; the
son of Ezekiel Sibley, a minister of the gospel and member of the Ohio M. E. Conference.
In September, 1887, Mr. Sibley came to California and located at Rialto. As a pioneer he
cleared the land and planted trees and now has a very fine orange grove in the suburbs
of that thriving town. He was a member of the Kansas syndicate that purchased the
thirty thousand acre tract known as the property of the Semi-Tropic Land and Water Com-
pany, a corporation which has for many years benefited by Mr. Sibley's energy and busi-
ness experience. He was president of the Lytle Creek Water and Improvement Company,
the mutual water company of the settlers.
May, 1861, Mr. Sibley married Miss Francis A. Pinnell, of Racine, O. They have a
family of three children, the eldest Hiram D. Sibley, at present treasurer of San Bernar-
dino county ; their daughter Evelyn is Mrs. A. L. Parsons, residing at Santa Maria, and
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
827
Benjamin Ernest, a recent graduate of the Wesleyan College at Middletown, Conn., is pro-
fessor of languages in an academy at Norwich, Conn.
Mr. Sibley early in life was a prosperous merchant. By an effort to follow the
"golden rule" and assist a friend in financial distress, he went down in the wreck and at
an age when most men acknowledge defeat began life over again at his new home in
Rialto.
JAMES BARNES STEELE, of Chino, was born in Green county, Ky., February I,
1827, the son of Nineon and Jane Worley Steele. The father was a native of Blooming-
ton, Ind., a mason by trade. While a young man he went to Kentucky and was there
married. He died at the age of thirty-
four, having had six children, three of
whom died in childhood. James B.
Steele spent his boyhood in Kentucky;
when eighteen he went to Jackson coun-
ty and worked out. He joined in the
rush for the California gold fields and
drove an ox team across the plains and
up the South Platte and following the
northern route arrived at Hangtown
November 10, 1850. He worked in the
mines about Ringold Ravine and Span-
ish Flat and had fair success. He
worked on the north fork of the Amer-
ican river and in 1851, on the divide
between Forrest Hill and Lake Taio,
he discovered a 'rich quartz ledge; he
covered it up and as late as 1899 at-
tempted to find it again, but the trails
and land marks had been obliterated.
He remained in the mines three years
and then returned east and located in
Buchanan county, Mo. Later he settled
on a farm in Page county. Iowa, then
a new country just being opened up. He
returned to Missouri in 1857 and then
went to Atchison, Kansas.
In 1877 he returned to California
and lived at Hollister and then for
eighteen years at San Luis Obispo. He
now lives with his sons at Chino.
Mr. Steele was married in 1853 to
Miss Nancy, a daughter of Joel Reece,
near De Kalb, Mo. She died in San
Luis Obispo, January 19, 1896. Their
family consisted of nine children, eight
of whom are now living, all in California. Thomas J., born February 2, 185s, resides at
San Luis Obispo ; William A., born May 19, 1857. of Chino ; Cordelia, born November 24.
1859, lives at San Luis Obispo, Mrs. George McCabe ; Martha Ann, deceased, born Ap:ril
30, 1862, was Mrs. Wm. Dennice : Robert C, born July 2. 1865. of Chino ; Laura B., born
April Si 1868, Mrs. Thomas G. Green, Chino; Jacob A., born March 2. 1875, in northern
part of state ; Edward N., born April 6, 1879, San Luis Obispo ; Fannie, born September 29,
1871, Mrs. Norman Sandycock.
WILLIAM A. STEELE, of Chino, was born in Buchanan county, Mo.. May 18, 1857.
He was married December 12, 1884, to Miss Carrie, daughter of Jefferson Forkner. at San
Luis Obispo. She is a native of Junction City, Kansas. They have four children, William,
Stella, Archie and Carmen.
Mr. Steele is extensively engaged in the dairy business at Chino. He keeps about 100
head of stock and produces" annually about 12,000 gallons of milk.
ROBERT C. STEELE, of Chino, was born in Kansas, July 2, 1865. He was married
in S'an Francisco, December 17, 1891, to Miss Nannie T.. daughter of David B. and Saman-
tha Sanders Matlock. Mrs. Steele was born in Shasta county, California, October 12, 1870,
ROBERT C. STEELE
,S2S
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
THOM
nary 25, i8>
county. In
and graduated from the San Jose Normal School in 1888. She taught school in San Luis
Obispo county three years. Mr. and Mrs. Steele are the parents of two sons, Robert Roy
and Careleton, the first born April 2, 1893, the second May 21, 1901.
For several years Mr. Steele, in company with Thomas Green, engaged extensively
in the dairy business on the Chino grant. In 1903 Mr. Steele purchased Mr. Greens in-
terests. He is an enterprising and successful business man and is now general manager
of the Chino Rancho.
AS J. GREEN, of Spadra, was born in Wyoming county, New York, Jan-
32, the son of Thomas and Sarah Lochrane Green, both natives of Wyoming
1882, Thomas Green came to California and located at Newhall. Later he went
to San Luis Obispo and for four years en-
gaged in freighting and later engaged in driv-
ing a stage between Santa Barbara and San
Luis. His genial and happy manner made
him one of the most popular drivers on
this scenic route and the fame of "Tom Green"
spread far and near. Upon the completion
of the coast line of the Southern Pacific from
Santa Barbara north, Mr. Green transferred
his famous drivers to Catalina Island and in
company with a partner constructed a wagon
road of eleven miles' length over the summit
of the mountains to Eagle Nest, in the heart
of the wilderness.
Later Mr. Green, in company with Robert
Steele, leased a portion of the Chino Grant
and they conducted a dairy business. In 1903
he sold out his dairy interests and leased the
Rancho Los Nogales, at Spadra, where he is
extensively engaged in raising grain and
stock. Mr. Green married Miss Laura Steele
in 1899, at San Luis Obispo.
MARSHALL McWELTHY, of Rialto,
was born in Washington, Macomb county,
Mich., Januajry 31, 1845. He was the son of
Robert and Nancy Phillips McWelthy. the
former a native of Oneida county. New York,
and the latter born in Massachusetts. His
father, Robert McWelthy was one of the
early gold-seekers of California, having crossed
the plains by the northern route in 1850 and
spent two years in the Sacramento Valley
placer mining. He met with success and
about 1852 returned east, but after a six
months' stay, again went to California and engaged in mining. He also mined for four
years near Pike's Peak, Colorado. He finally returned to Michigan and at the age of
sixty-two enlisted in the 22nd Mich. Vol. Infantry. Two of his four sons also enlisted,
one of them, William, died at Nashville, Tenn.. while in service.
Marshall McWelthy worked on a farm in Michigan until 1868, when he went to
Kansas and in 1871 became connected with the Osage Indian Agency, in Indian Territory,
acting as farm superintendent and as engineer in the government grist mill. In 1881 he
located in Kansas and farmed there until he came to California in 1890 and purchased
twenty acres of land from the Semi-Tropic Land and Water Company at Rialto.
In 1879, Mr. McWelthy married Miss Sarah J. Miles, a teacher at the Osage Agency.
They have three sons, William Ernest, Leroy and Jesse R. Mr. and Mrs. McWelthy are
members of the Rialto M. E. church.
WILLIAM SELL, of Ontario, was horn in Canton, Ohio. January 4, 1841, the son
of Jacob and Martha Sell. His father was a native of France, born near Paris, and his
mother was of German descent. Mr. Sell passed his boyhood and youth in Pennsylvania
and Wisconsin, receiving a common school education. Afterwards he removed to Minne-
sota, where he learned the trade of saw filer and lath sawyer and followed that business
THOMAS J. GREEN
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
s-iy
at Winona, Minn. He came to California in Mairch. 1895 and located at Ontario, where
he engaged in fruit raising. He owns a valuable orange grove.
Mr. Sell married Miss Augusta Weisenborn in 1864. They have seven children, Ella
A., William H„ George B., Edward C, Leon H., Lilliam B., all are married and only one
is a .resident of California. Mr. Sell is a veteran of the civil war, having enlisted in the
Company "M," of the 1st Minn. Inf., and received his discharge at Fort Snelling, Minn.
Mr. and" Mrs. Sell are members of the M. E. church.
JOHN W. DAVIS, Jr.. formerly of Colton, was a native of Fox Lake, Wisconsin,
born December 16, 1850. He graduated from the Wisconsin State University at Madison
and in 1883 went to South Dakota and assisted in opening and establishing a bank at Bridg-
water. In 1884 he was admitted to the
bar at Yankton, Dakota. He removed
to California in the fall of 1885 and was
made cashier of the First National Bank
of Colton, just established by his father,
John W. Davis, Sr. Upon his father's
death in 1887, he became president of
the bank. He served as president of the
San Barnardino National Bank for two
years, 1890-1892. He was also president
of the Riverside Bank for a time. He
and his father were principal owners of
the Colton Water Company and of the
Colton Land and Water Company, and
were extensively interested in real es-
tate. Mr. Davis died August 12, 1893.
He was married to Miss Jennie Roberts
September 4, 1883. Mrs. Davis now
resides in Redlands.
EDWARD R. WAITE, of High-
land, is a native of Appleton, Wis.,
where he was born, November 22, 1863,
the son of Sidney and Permelia Barker
Waite, both natives of Genesee county,
N. Y. Mr. Waite grew up in Appleton
and in 18S2 accompanied his widowed
mother to California and located at Riv-
erside, where two of his brothers had
settled. Later he removed to Los An-
geles and engaged in the grocery busi-
ness under the firm name of Waite &
March, until 1887, when he returned east
for a year. On returning to California
JOHN w. DAVIS. Jr. he located for a time at San Feruan lo
and in 1892 settled at Highland, where
he owns an orange grove and is also a
specialist in handling nursery stock and in budding orange stock.
In 1897 he married at Highland, Miss Laura, daughter of Dr. B. F. Metcalf, of Perry,
Iowa. They have two children, Orville and Permelia. Mr. and Mrs. Waite are members
of the M. E. church of Hightlands.
LEVI WICKERSHAM, of Pomona, was born January 14. 1851, in Dark county.
Ohio, the son of Amos and Mary Woods Wickersham. His father was born in the same
county and was the son of James, an Englishman who came to America with his brother.
Abner, and settled on the frontier in Randolph county, Indiana, at a time when the country
was still occupied by Indians. They pre-empted land and were engaged in fights with the
Indians and shared the many, hardships borne by the pioneers of that day. Amos Wicker-
sham died about 1857, leaving a family of seven children. The mother moved with the
family to Logan county, III., and after fourteen years removed to Monona county. Iowa,
where she still resides. The son, Levi, grew up on a farm, and has always been a farmer.
He came to California from Iowa in 1894 and lias twenty acres of land near Pomona.
He was married in Mills county, Iowa, in 1878, to Miss Martha, daughter of William
s:>,0
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Kisterson and a native of Mills county. They have three children, Maggie, Mrs. Charles
Poor, of Watsonville, Cal. ; Elmer, a machinist, located at Pomona, who married, Novem-
ber 12, 1899, Miss Elizabeth Davidson, a native of Illinois and a resident of Ontario. The
other son, Alfred, is a well driller, located at Wa'tsonville. He was married June 15, 1904,
to Miss Amy Clara Myer, a native of California and a resident of Fresno.
WILLIAM HIXON, of Los Angeles, was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, Novem-
ber 16, 1838, the son of Louis S. Hixon. a native of Ohio and a cabinet-maker by trade.
Mr. Hixon attended the public schools and then learned telegraphy at Carey, Ohio. He
became an operator on the Sandusky,
Dayton and Cincinnati Railway, the old
"Mad River" route, one of the first rail-
roads in Ohio. He soon left the key to
work in the yards and in 1859 became
a conductor and made his first run from
Carey to Sandusky. In i860 he went to
St. Louis, where he was employed as
a telegraph operator. Throughout the
civil war he served the government as
telegraph operator under Col. R. C.
Clowry, now president of the Western
Union Telegraph Company, New York.
After the war he settled at Lexington,
Mo., where he was elected county clerk
of Fayette county, serving four years,
and afterwards served four years as re-
corder of deeds.
He was employed for eight years as
conductor on the Kansas Pacific Rail-
way, with headquarters at Kansas City,
then came West to New Mexico, and
took a position with the Santa Fe Com-
pany, which he retained until 1887, when
he came to California. He engaged for
a time in the real estate business at San
Diego, but soon returned to railroading
and acted as conductor on the Pacific
Beach and Cuyamaca road, until 1894,
when he was placed on the kite-shaped
track of the Santa Fe, and served as
conductor on this popular route for sev-
eral years. He gained a reputation
while here for his uniformly courteous
and attentive manner, and made many
friends. He was selected by the company to conduct the presidential trains of President
McKinley and of President Roosevelt over the Santa Fe system in Southern California,
and is proud of the fact that President Roosevelt sought him out and personally thanked
him for his efficient service in this responsible position.
Mr Hixon has now retired from active service and is living with his family in Los An-
geles.
D. G. WHITING, of San Bernardino, was born at Johnson, Lamoille county, Vt,
December 7, 1847. His father was Calvin Whiting, and his mother was Caroline Dodge
Whiting. He was educated in Vermont and graduated from the State Normal School at
Johnson. The only occupation he ever followed was that of a farmer. After leaving
school he remained in his native town until he was twenty-four years of age, then came
direct to California, arriving in the fall of 1870. He went to Nevada the next winter and
remained there about two ye.irs, then returned to Vermont. On Christmas day, 1872, he
married Miss Jeanette A. Mossman, and directly after his marriage came to Stockton, Cal.
He then went to San Francisco, where he lived one year, and from there to Monterey for
three years and then to San Bernardino, where he has lived ever since. Mr. Whiting is
the owner of eighty aores of land adjoining the Urbita Springs tract and ninety acres of
land in Richie Canyon. He has engaged almost exclusively in the dairy business and has
HI.V iN
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 831
given his attention to raising registered Jersey cows. His stock is all of that breed and of
fancy variety.
Mr. and Mrs. Whiting are the parents of four children— Arthur C, Edith F., now Mrs.
C. H. Dickson, of San Bernardino; Cora B. and Walter C. He is a member of the A.
O. U. W.
J. R. WILLIAMS, of Needles, was barn in Callington, Cornwall, England, October
3, i860. He was the son of J. R. and Mary Ann Eliza (Collins) Williams. He received
a common school education in his native town, and served a seven years' apprenticeship at
the watchmaking trade, then worked three years as a journeyman. He emigrated to Amer-
ica in 1886. coming direct to Colton, where from lack of money with which to buy tools to
wark at his trade he engaged at work burning lime at the Colton Lime Works. He re-
mained in that business about three years until, having contracted asthma, he was com-
pelled to abandon that occupation. He then opened watch-works at Colton, and after a few
months went to Beaumont, where he opened a store, carrying a line of groceries, canned
goods and confectionery in connection with his watch business, remaining there about four
years. From Beaumont Mr. Williams came to Needles and has lived in that town nine
years. He is the official watch inspector of the Santa Fe Railway Company at Needles,
and in that capacity examines the watches of conductors, engineers and yardmaster once
in every month.
Mr. Williams married Miss Grace Down, in Plymouth, Devenshire, England, May 29,
1882. They have a family of four children living, and have lost two children. Mir. and
Mrs. Williams are members of the M. E. church.
JOSEPH HENRY WAGNER, formerly of San Bernardino, was born in Herkimer
county, N. Y.,Feb. 17, 1812. He belonged to an old New York family, being a descendant
of Gen. Nicholas Herkimer of Revolutionary fame, and whose family were among the earliest
settlers in the Mohawk valey. Mr. Wagner was a man of broad education, being not only a
student of Greek and Latin, but understanding several modern languages and speaking Ger-
man as fluently as English. He took a keen interest and was well versed in all the affairs of
his day. He was also a musician of no small ability. He was a graduate of Columbia Uni-
versity, as a civil engineer, and followed his profession more or less, up to the date of his
death. Being sent by the United States government to survey lands now embraced in Ne-
braska, Arkansas, Kansas, Utah and Nevada, he finally reached California, which state be-
came his home. He died in San Bernardino, April 28, 1877.
On April 4, 1853, he married Miss Elizabeth Hopeman, of Albany, N. Y. She still
survives him. They were the parents of five children, Joseph H. and Walter D., Elizabeth,
now Mrs. Rowell; Ella, Mrs. Soule; Elida, Mrs. James Fleming.
WALTER DOUGLAS WAGNER was born in San Bernardino, Cal.. June 21, 1870. He
was the son of Judge James H. Wagner, a pioneer citizen of this city. Walter D. was edu-
cated in the private schools of San Bernardino and at Sturges Academy acquired a training in
business methods. He entered the office of the County Clerk as accountant and then became
a deputy in that office. In 1900 he was elected Auditor which office he still holds. He
has the advantage of a though training in the technical duties of his office.
In 1893, he married Miss Carla Hamner, a daughter of Carl Hamner of Chino. Mr Wag-
ner was a charter member of Arrowhead Parlor, No. no, is Chairman of the Board of
Grand Trustees of the State organization, and is prominent in the sessions of that body.
SCIPIO CRAIG, editor and proprietor of the Citrograph, Redlands, was born in Ohio,
February 5, 1848. He was taken to Indiana when six years of age, and lived in that state
until 1870. He was educated at the public schools and at Hanover College. Dr. William
Craig, his father, was a practicing physician and owner of a drug business in Indiana, and
Scipio read medicine, sold drugs, manufactured baking powders, and learned the arts of
the printer and publisher with the Muncie Times, the Eastern Indiana Courant and other
journals. After coming to California, in 1870, he was connected with the Los Angeles
Star and the San Bernardino Argus, and was in turn owner of the Colton Semi-Tropic, job
printer, and general utility man on the San Diego Union and foreman on the San Bernar-
dino Index and Riverside Press. He was postmaster at Colton for a time, and at intervals
of other employment, took a turn at railroad postal work. He has been active in the inter-
ests of editorial associations. In 1879, he was the first vice-president of the Pacific Press
Association, and was its president a year later. He was a member of the executive com-
mittee of the California Press Association for three years, and a member of the same com-
mittee of the National Press Association. For three consecutive years, also, he was presi-
S.",2
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
dent of the Editorial Association of Southern California, and has heen a member of its
executive committee since it was organized.
Mr. Craig has been twice married. His first wife was Sarah Nason Darracott, a native
of Boston, to whom he was married September 30, 1868. She died at Redlands January
27, 1S91. On November 12, 1892, at Vallejo, he was married to Mrs. Mary Lynde Hoffman.
Mrs. Craig is associate editor of the Citrograph, and is well known as a writer, and has
been admitted to the practice of law in the courts of , California and of the United States.
Mr. Craig is a charter member of Redlands Lodge No. 300, F. & A. M., and also a charter
member of Valley Lodge, No. 27, K. of P., and was the first presiding officer.
LOUIS' ANDERSON, of Chino, is a native of Sweden, born in the town of Warburg,
September 5. i860. He came to America in 1880, and first worked on a farm at Batavia, 111.
Later he was employed as a mechanic by a railroad company, but during the great railroad
strike of 1884 he went back to farming. He came to California and in 1895 located at Chino.
In 1897 he purchased ten acres for a home. In 1894 he married Matilda Johnson, also a
native of Sweden, and they have three children, Olive, Joseph and Carl.
JOHN S. WILSON, late of Redlands, was born January 19, 1825, in Richmond, Maine.
In 1850 he came to California, and spent three years in the state during the excitement of
the mining era. He mined in Amador county. With W. F. Coleman, who accompanied him
to the state, he was a member of the Vigilance
Committee of 1851, and aided in its purifying
work.
On his return to Maine. Mr. Wilson became a
successful merchant at Gardiner in that state,
and was during this time married to Miss Anna
Louisa Field. In 1869 he again visited Califor-
nia, spending two years in Alameda ; but in or-
der to educate his sons, he returned east and set-
tled at Portland, Maine, placing his sons in Bow-
doin College.
For the third time he .came to California in
1887, and located in Redlands, where he resided
until his death, which occurred April 29th, 1901.
Mr. Wilson was engaged in the wholesale gro-
cery trade in Portland and in San Francisco. On
coming to Redlands, he purchased ten acres on
Cypress avenue, and devoted himself to ranching.
Jh*: . > He was very fond of his home place, and took
,;»dB .,. ■ ■ ' '■ 1^ much pride in the beautiful home that he there
J8*jj&j| \n,^ created. Mr. Wilson was of retiring disposition,
I ^^j|fe B but was of a very happy temperament, and his
HBm^B HB^^KB^mB home was a favorite gathering place for the
young people of Redlands in early days.
Mr. and Mrs. Wilson had three sons and two
daughters, all of whom live in Redlands. The
daughters are Mrs. W. L Spoor and Mrs. F. B.
BBW iWBl MF Gunther.
H. B. WILSON, eldest son of J. S. Wilson,
JOHN s. WILSON was born at Gardiner, Me., June 15, 1856. He
was educated at Bowdoin College, graduating
with the class of 1880. From the time of leav-
ing college until he came to Redlands in 1887, Mr. Wilson was accountant for large business
houses in the East. After coming to the Pacific Coast he was for three
years cashier of the Puget Mill Company, on Puget Sound. He has for a number of
years been connected with the First National Bank of Redlands, and is now its teller.
Mr. Wilson is Past Chancellor Commander of the Redlands Lodge of K. of P., and
Past Exalted Ruler of Redlands Lodge, B .P. O. E. He is a lover of music, and has' been
a member of the Redlands orchestra since its organization.
He is a member of the Board of Manager of the Southern California State Hospital at
Patton. He was married to Mary M. Kenney, November nth, 1899. They have one son,
Kenneth Field Wilson, born November 24, 1904.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 833
JOHN W. WILSON, of Redlands, was born in Gardiner, ..te.. August 25, 1858. He
'—diu'.ed from Bowdoin in 1881 and afterwards entered a wholesale hardware house at
Portland, Me., where he remained until 1886, becoming the junior member of the firm after
; bout one year. Mr. Wilson came to Redlands in October, 1886, and in April, 1887, entered
the First National Bank as cashier. He has also been secretary and treasurer of the Savings
Bank of Redlands since its organization. He was appointed National Bank Examiner under
President McKinley, having jurisdiction in California and Nevada.
Mr. Wilson has also been an enthusiastic member of the Redlands orchestra, which is a
popular and well established musical organization.
Mr. Wilson was married at Topsham, Me., to Miss Jennie C. Haskell. They have two
childien — Marguerite and John Sanford, both born in Redlands.
JOHN HARTLEY SMITH, late of Rialto. was born in West Virginia. April 22. 1835.
At an early age his family moved to Ohio. In 1853 he came to California, and spent two
years in the gold mines, chiefly in Mariposa county. He was more successful than the aver-
<ge, and returned to Ohio with money as well as valuable experience. He there engaged
:n steamboating on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. During the Civil War he acted as
pilot and engineer on the Mississippi and Ohio, and also on the Cumberland and Tennessee
rivers, under the direction of the government. After the war, he continued in the steamboat
business for many years, representing large interests and doing an extensive business.
In 1880, on account of failing health he came to California. He at first located at
Santa Ana, where he opened the first bank in the town, the Santa Ana Commercial Bank,
a private institution. He soon sold this out, and in 1884 opened the Pomona Valley Bank
and soon afterword removed to San Bernardino and established the First National Bank
of San Bernardino, of which he was president for several years. Although devoting most
of his time to banking. Mr. Smith had a number of other investments, among which was
a fine ranch at Rialto. Here he resided for the last few years of his life. He died in 1903,
after a brief illness, aged sixty-eight. He was a man of strong character and of kindly
heart; he always took an active interest in affairs about him and was a member of the
A. F. & A. M., and of the A. O. U.W. . and also of the Methodist Episcopal church.
January 3. 1867, he married at Great Bend, Ohio, Miss Adelaide Virginia, daughter of
John Roberts, a farmer. Mr. Roberts was of Welsh descent. He ran away and came to
America alone at the age of fourteen. He served as a sailor on the high seas and later as
a canal boa-tman on the Mississippi. Mr. and Mrs. Smith had three sons — Pearl, now in the
North; Harry, living at home; and Hudson, who married Miss Rosa Farley, of San Ber-
nardino, has two children. Roen F. and Robert H.
R. L. LOUTHIAN, of Etiwanda, was born in Smith county, Virginia November 6.
1841, the son of John Louthian, a farmer. He entered the Confederate army and served
four years under Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson. He saw the latter fall at Chancel-
lorsville, and himself received sever, balls in his clothing at that battle. He followed the
furtjnes of Lee's command to the close of the war. In the fall of 1865 he went to Ohio,
and in 1866 located in Butler county, Ohio. In 1882, Mr. Louthian came to California, and
'.vas one of the first settlers at Et:wanda, where he bought forty acres of land, which he set
to grapes and oranges. His crop of grapes last year was 500 tons, which were shipped green
to Los Angeles.
September 2, 1869, Mr. Louthian married Miss Martha, daughter of John Griffis, a
farmer of Butler county. They have had two children, John E., who died at El Paso,
Texas, in 1902, at the age of thirty-two, and Laura, a teacher in Throop University, at
Pasadena. Mr. and Mrs. Louthian are members of the Methodist Episcopal church at
Pasadena.
H. B. MARTIN, of San Bernardino, was born in Indiana, near Greencastle. He grew
up in that state and served a term in the Indiana state legislature. Upon the breaking out of
the Civil war he went to Kentucky, where he recruited a company of soldiers which became
a part of the Second Kentucky Volunteers. He was made captain and served throughout
the war, being twice wounded. After the close of the war he was appointed to the regular
service and was sent to the frontier to help quell Indian outbreaks in Iowa, after which
he resigned and engaged in farming. He married Miss Helen Hart and there are now five
children living.
JOHN F. BROWNING, of Highland, was born near Abingdon, 111., October 13,
1866, the son of the Rev. E. E. and Sophia Pennock Browning. He engaged in tanning
and stock raising in Kansas and Missouri, and in 1889 located on a stock ranch in Joseph-
834
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
ine county. Ore. In 1893 he came to California and settled at Highland, where he took
charge of ranches for various people by the year. He now owns twelve acres of land,
five of which are set to oranges — navels and Valencias.
He was married in Oregon to Miss Carrie I, daughter of James Dunnavin, a stock
raiser. She was a native of Oregon. They have five children— Renella, Charles V.
George, Ethel and John.
REV. MARK B. SHAW, of San Bernardino, was born in Nova Scotia, Canada, No-
vember 17, 1862. He attended the village schools, Horton Collegiate Academy, and Acadia
University, from which he was graduated A. B., in June, 1886. He was ordained to the
Baptist ministry, July 17, 1886, and did pastoral work in Cape Breton and Nova Scotia, until
October, 1889, when he came to California, and ac-
cepted a position as acting pastor of the Baptist church
in Fallbrook, San Diego county. He remained here,
however, only till April 1, 1890, when he accepted ap-
pointment under the Board of Foreign Missions of the
Baptist Convention of the Maritime Provinces, Can-
ada. He returned to Nova Scotia, visited Acadia
W~ University at commencement, and had the degree of
T A. M. conferred upon him. In September, 1890, with
l^^ ^^ his wife and two boys, he sailed from Halifax, N. S.,
for India, via London, Suez Canal and Colombo, Cey-
l ^^ Ion. He took up his work at Vizianagram, Madras
Presidency, mastered the Telugu language, and spent
four strenuous years, the most of the time traveling
M
Rl:\\ MARK B. SHAW.
with tent, accompanied by half a dozen native preachers.
Mrs. Shaw's health became greatly impaired by the cli-
mate, and being ordered out of India by the physicians,
the family came to California via Hong Kong, Japan and
Vancouver, and arrived in Los Angeles March 14, 1895.
For nine months Mr. Shaw was acting pastor of the
Baptist church at Ontario, San Bernardino county; then
he accepted a call to Fallbrook, San Diego county,
where he remained until March, 1899, when, having
been called to the Baptist church of San Bernardino,
he removed to that "city. This church has prospered
under his ministry, and he is now the oldest settled
pastor of all the denominations of the city. He is
deeply interested in all matters pertaining to the city and county, that may properly come
under his notice, and is known as everybody's good friend.
Mr. Shaw was married to Miss Antoinette Dewis, the only daughter of Captain and
and Mrs. Robert Dewis, of Advocate Harbour, Nova Scotia, Canada, on June 7, 1886, and
the fruit' of this union is a family of six children — two boys born in Canada, two boys born
in India, and two girls born in California.
Mr. Shaw has been honored by his brethren of the Baptist denomination of California
having served two terms as Moderator of the San Diego Baptist Association, and one term
as Moderator of the Santa Ana Valley Association. He is first vice-president of the Baptist
Convention of Southern California, and preached the annual sermon before the latter body
in November, 1904.
JOHN JOSEPH BYRNE, general passenger agent of the Santa Fe lines at Los Angeles,
was born at Hamilton, Ontario, Can., January 16, 1859. He is the son of Andrew Byrne,
an employe of the postal department of Canada. Mr. Byrne attended the- common schools
of Canada until he was fourteen years of age. From that date to the present the measure of
his success is shown in the Biographical Directory of railway officials. It is a record of
rapid promotion and increasing responsibility. "Entered railway service April 16, 1873, an
office boy in auditor's office Great Western Railway of Canada, since which he has been
consecutively to December 19, 1877, clerk in same office; December 19, 1877, to October 14,
1880, in General Passenger Agent's office, Chicago & Alton Railway at Chicago; October 15,
1880, to October 15, 1881, rate clerk St. Louis, Iron Mountain and Southern Railway; October
15 to December 31, 1881. in General Passenger Department Missouri Pacific Railway; Jan-
uary I, 1882, to March, 1883, general passenger department Michigan Central Railway; March,
1883, to March 31, 1885, Secretary Chicago Railroad Association; September 1, 1883, to March
31, 1885, also chief clerk in general passenger office Michigan Central Railway; April 1,
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 835
1885, to July I, 1887, general passenger and ticket agent Oregon Railway & Navigation Co.;
August 1, to December I, 1887, passenger agent Atlantic & Pacific Railroad at San Fran-
cisco, Cal. ; December 1, 1887, to September, 1888, chief clerk passenger department Chicago,
Santa Fe & California Railway at Chicago; September, 1888, to December 31, 1889, assistant
general passenger and ticket agent same road; January 1, 1890, this road was consolidated
with the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, and continued with same title with latter
road until January I, 1892; January 1, 1892, to January 31, 1895, assistant traffic passenger
manager same road; January 31, 1895, to date, general passenger agent Southern California
Railway; January 31, 1895, to March 1, 1896, also general passenger agent Atlantic & Pacific
Railway; July 1, 1899, to date, also general passenger agent San Francisco & San Joaquin
Valley Railway; July I, 1897, to date, also general passenger agent Santa Fe Pacific Road."
Mr. Byrne married Miss Mary Castle, of Chicago, June 8, 1892.
G. WILLIAM KUESTHARDT. of Pomona, was born in Hesse Darmstadt, Germany,
May 28, 1866, and came to America with his widowed mother in 1875. His father, Gottlieb
Wm. Kuesthardt, a highly cultured gentleman, was for years tutor and superintendent of
the orphanage at Hesse, where he died shortly before his family moved to the United
States. Besides the subject of this sketch, there are a married daughter, living in Minnesota,
and a son, who is the editor and proprietor of a German paper at Post Clinton, Ohio, at
••hich place Mr. Kuesthardt learned the trade of cabinet making, and for sever?! yea w-s
in the employ of the A. P. Chase Cabinet Organ Works at Norwalk. In 1885 he, with his
mother, came to California and located at Pomona, where he followed the occupation of
house building, pursuing same until 1894, when he located his present fine fruit ranch on
the Chino Grant. In developing his property, he found it necessary to sink a well thereon
and with such success that others sought his services, which have continued to be in demand
for this work. . ....
He has a beautiful home, and is surrounded by all the comforts of life. He is highly
esteemed and respected, and is looked upon as a representative citizen of the progressive
community in which he has cast his lot. In 1890 he married Mabel, the daughter of Mr.
Geo. R. King, and they have one child named Ruby.
GEORGE D. HAVEN, of Cucamonga, was born in Ellisburg, Jefferson county, N. Y.,
April 19, 1839. He was the son of Daniel Haven, a native of Massachusetts, who was a
steamboat captain on the St. Lawrence in early days. The family moved west in 1842 and
located in Wisconsin, where the parents both died. George Haven learned the trade of
miller in Wisconsin, and followed it until he started westward in 1859. After a stop in
Council Bluffs, he started for Pike's Peak with a company, but they met so many returning
from Colorado with unfavorable reports that the company broke up, and Mr. Haven with
a companion made his way to California by way of Carson City and began mining along
the American river. Here he met John Comstock, of Comstock lode fame, and they became
friends. He prospected in the Yuba river country and next went to Salt Lake, where he
met with some success in mining. . .
In 1876 he went to the Black Hills, Dakota, and with a partner purchased a gold claim
and erected a quartz mill, the first in that region. Within a year he had three other mills
in operation in the Black Hills, which were then in the early stages of development This
property was sold for $450,000, the first sale of importance made in the new mining district.
Mr Haven accompanied the late George Hearst on a mining and prospecting trip and they
became close friends. Among other prospects. Mr. Haven pointed out the ' Homestake.
which Mr. Hearst purchased on his recommendation. Mr. Haven has been engaged in
mining for many years and has developed some valuable properties. He is now chiefly inter-
ested in mines along the Yuba river, where he has some good mining property.
Mr Haven formed a partnership with D. R. Milliken of Cucamonga and with. him pur-
chased a tract of land at North Cucamonga and set out about 400 acres of grapes, mostly of
the wine varieties. The land was dry and sandy, portions of it being shifting sand, and the
enterprise was regarded as a very doubtful experiment by the "old settlers." It has proved,
however, most successful, the grapes produced being of the finest quality, although grown
without water. This partnership was later dissolved, each taking half of the tract. Mr.
Haven still resides upon his portion, which is highly improved.
Mr. Haven was married in Chicago in 1878 to Miss Maria Ann Watson, of English
birth. She died in Salt Lake City in 1883.
HIERONYMUS HARTMAN, of Halleck, is a native of Bavaria, Germany, who came
to this country in 1866, and in 1867 joined the regular army and was sent with his regiment
to Colorado, where one company of a hundred men was detailed to relieve a detachment of
the Ninth California Volunteers at Camp Cady, on the Mojave desert. This post, which
836 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
was established about 1865, was maintained to protect the freighters, miners and settlers
from the raids of the Piute and Chemihuevi Indians. Outposts, with a few men at each,
were kept up at Soda Lake, Small Springs and Rock Springs. The detachment had some
lively skirmishes with Indians during their services. In 1870 the camp was abandoned and
the regiment sent to Oregon to fight in the Modoc campaign. After his term of three years
with the army was completed, Mr. Hartman returned to the vicinity of Camp Cady, and
since that time has been engaged in ranching and stock raising on the Mojave river.
HENRY CLAY WARNER, editor and proprietor of the San Bernardino Free Press,
is a native of Louisville, Ky.. born April 29, 1853. In 1875 he became the editor of the Scotts-
ville Argus, in Kentucky. While residing in Scottsvile he met Opie Reid and in 1876 he
joined Mr. Reid in the purchase of the Arkansas Traveler, then in its first year. Messrs.
Reid and Warner moved the paper to Little Rock and made it a brilliant success. In 1881
Mr. Warner sold his interest to Opie Reid and in 1887 came to California. In 1896 he
started the Free Press as a weekly in San Bernardino.
ROBERT C. HARBISON, editor of the San Bernardino Sun, is a native of Indianola,
Iowa, born in 1866. He was educated in the common schools and graduated from Simpson
College in 1888. He was the son of W. P. Harbison, a farmer and merchant. Mr. Harbison
entered upon newspaper work in his native town, acting as reporter and editorial writer.
After acting as instructor in Latin and mathematics for two years in the Indianola High
School, he returned to newspaper work and in 1892 came to San Francisco, where he was
employed as a reporter on the Examiner. In 1894 he came to San Bernardino and since
that time has been editor of the Sun.
He was married to Miss Nina, daughter of H. C. Lezotte, of Osage, Iowa, in San Fran-
cisco, in 1892. They have one daughter, Nina. Mr. Harbison is a charter member of San
Bernardino Lodge A. F. & A. M.
WILLIS C. IVES, of Highland, is a native of Prince George county, Maryland, born
September 15, 1859, near Malborough court house, about 17 miles from the city of Wash-
ington. His father, Reuben S. Ives, was a native of Pennsylvania, owned a grist mill and a
saw mill, and was a man prominent in general local affairs. His mother was Ann Scotton
an English girl. Reuben S. Ives died in 1872, his brother succeeding to his business. Yoinv
Ives spent his youth and early manhood about the mills until 1890, when he came to Cali-
fornia and purchased his present home, consisting of five acres, which he has developed into
one of the most attractive and valuable homes in that section. In 1882 he married Alice
Griffith, of which union there were born two children — Mary and Ann.
Mr. Ives takes an active interest in all that pertains to the welfare of the community
where he has made his home, and is highly esteemed and respectd by all who know him.
CARL C. ZEUS, of Anaheim, was born in Munich, Bavaria, in 1830. His father,
Ludwig Zeus, stood high in favor of the court, being the counsellor of the Empress, wife
of Joseph V., and grandmother of the present Empress, in all that pertained to Art, acting
as her adviser and in purchasing and arranging her magnificent art collections. He was
also secretary of the 'Interior Department under King Ludwig I., and under Maximillian II.
He was a director of the Royal Art Galleries. He himself owned one of the finest collec-
tions of art works in Bavaria, which was the shrine of all art lovers, and was frequented
by members of the royal households. It was in such an atmosphere as this that Professor
Carl Zeus grew up and received his training in art.
In 1853 Carl C. Zeus, Professor of Fine Art and Aesthetics, came to America. He be-
came the instructor of hundreds, training teachers for public high schools. He is the
founder of the School of Art and Design in St. Louis, and for years teacher in the Wash-
ington University. He became famous as an educator and landscape painter.
In 1889, after correspondence with Senator Leland Stanford, he came to California to
make his home. The death of Senator Stanford put an end to the plans for the art depart-
ment of Stanford University, for the time being, and since then Professor Zeus has remained
in the state and has painted many of its finest bits of scenery along the Pacific coast and the
interior of Sierra Nevada and Sierra Madre mountains of Southern California.
JOHN H. WEST, of Needles, California, was born in Bavaria, Germany, November
6, 1858. His parents emigrated to America when he was a small child and settled at Bing-
hampton, N. Y., where they remained until their death, leaving a family of six children.
John H. West learned the barber's trade and after eighteen months spent in Chicago,
and a brief time in Lincoln and Columbus, Nebraska, went to Durango, Colorado, where he
engaged in silver mining, working in the mines and also dealing in mining claims. From
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 837
Durango he went to Albuquerque. N. M., where he lived two years, and in 1885 came to
Needles. In 1887. Mr. West was elected Justice of the Peace and filled the office so
satisfactorily to his constituents that he was elected four terms in succession, and again
the fifth term, but failed to qualify. In 1899, Judge West was elected Supervisor for the
First District of San Bernardino county, receiving two hundred and twenty-seven of the
two hundred and twenty-eight votes cast, the negative vote being his own. He was re-
elected to the same' office by a large majority of the votes of his district, his second term
beginning in rgoi, and again re-elected in 1903.
Judge West is interested in mining along the Colorado river, and owns some valuable
properties. Judge West is a member of the Harmony Lodge, No. 1, I. O. O. F., Albu-
querque, N. M. ; Elks, 468, Kingman, Arizona.
JOHN LEWIS OAKEY, of San Bernardino, was born in Terre Haute, Indiana. Janu-
ary 1, 1854, the son 0I James and Isabel Freeman Oakey. His father was a native of
England and a civil engineer by profession, while his mother was a native of Philadelphia.
Mr. Oakey attended the public schools and high school at Terre Haute, and then learned
telegraphy, and was employed by the Vandalia railroad at his native place. In May, 1901,
he came to San Bernardino and at once organized a new financial institution in the town —
the California State Bank, of which he is the President. Mr. Oakey was married in 1883
to Anna M., daughter of John M. and Ellen Miller, a native of Enfield, 111. They have two
sons, John M. and Jamie V. Oakey. Mr. Oakey is an elder and trustee of the Presbyterian
church, and a member of the B. P. O. Elks.
W. W. WILCOX, of Colton, is a native of Illinois, born near Kankakee. February
23, 1862. His father. Jefferson Wilcox, was a farmer, and also a native of Illinois. In
1864 the family removed to Wisconsin and located at Beaver Dam, where the father engaged
in the milling business, and where W. W. Wilcox passed his boyhood days. When he was
seventeen years of age he went to Nora Springs, Floyd county, Iowa, where he was
engaged as salesman in a general merchandise store. In September, 1885, he married Miss
Clara Gilbert, a daughter of Milo Gilbert, at that time a resident of Charles City, Floyd
county. Iowa. In 1886, Mr. Wilcox came to Colton, forming a partnership with A. W.
Burgess, which was the foundation of the present large business of Wilcox & Rose, hard-
ware dealers of Colton and San Bernardino. Upon the death of Mr. Burgess in 1891, the
Burgess interest in the business was purchased by Mr. Rose.
Mr. and Mrs. Wilcox are the parents of four children — Clyde M., Alfred G, Margaret
and Robert. The home of the family is one of the best appointed homes in the city of
Colton. Mr. Wilcox is a member of the Masonic Fraternity.
WILLIAM SWAYZER HOOPER, of San Bernardino, was born in Delaware county
Ohio, December 23, 1854. He is the son of Jacob Hooper and Jane Elizabeth (Lewis}
Hooper ; both father and mother natives of the state of Ohio. Mr. Hooper's early life was
passed on a farm. He received his education in the public schools, and his first work after
leaving school was in 1871, as telegraph operator at La Grange, Mo. In September, 1875
he came to California, and was employed as ticket agent for the C. P. R. R. Co.. San
Francisco, remaining in their employ until 1888, when he came to San Bernardino and
engaged with the San Bernardino National Bank, as cashier.
Mr. Hooper married Mary Caldwell Hickey, daughter of Albert and Cordelia Caldwell,
in 1881. Mrs. Hooper died April 15, 1896, leaving five children— Katie Alaska, Elizabeth.
Stanford C, Francis Alma and Marjorie Hooper.
Mr. Hooper has served as member of the Board of Education in Colton and San Ber-
nardino, and has been an active member of the Republican party. Has served on important
delegations, and in 1900 was sent to the National Republican Convention. He is a member
of Phoenix Lodge, F. & A. M., of Keystone Chapter, and St. Bernard Commandery No. 23,
and treasurer of all these organizations. He is a member of Al Malaikah Shrine of Los
Angeles ; Valley Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and a member of the Presbyterian church.
HENRY L. ATWOOD, of Halleck, was born in Lamoyle county, Vermont, October 2,
1830. He learned the trade of cabinet-maker and carpenter and followed the same until
1861, when he engaged in the jewelry business in Stone, Vt. He served the government for
three years as a recruiting agent, then jcined the army as a sharpshooter. First Regiment,
Vermont Volunteers, and served through many engagements to the end of the war.
In 1874, he came to California and located in Ventura county, where he engaged in
contracting and building, and also had an extensive bee ranch. He served three years,
1878-1880, on the board of County Supervisors in this county. He came to Oro Grande
later, and has since that time prospected and mined. He has several good mining claims,
838 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
copper and gold, in the Oro Grande district.
Mr. Atwood was married in Vermont, November 5, 1851, to Miss Cordelia Wilkins, a
ative of the same place as himself. They have one son, Robert Atwood.
JAMES H. POOLE, of San Bernardino, was born in Maine, July 27, 1861. He was
the son of Thomas J. and Mary J. Murphy Poole, his father being a farmer. His school
days were spent in Penobscot county, Maine, and after leaving school he worked his father's
farm. He tried several different trades without settling on any of them. In 1884, he came
to Humboldt county, California, and from there went to Kern county, where he worked as
fireman for the Southern Pacific Railway Company. In June, 1885, he came to San Bernar-
dino. He has followed various ocupations and spent some time on his ranch on the Base
Line. He is now engaged in the real estate and insurance busines, having succeeded to the
business of R. L. Squires.
July 26, 1888, Mr. Poole married Miss Isabel C. Nish, of San Bernardino. They have
one daughter, Marjorie. Mr. and Mrs. Poole are members of the Christian church, and he
is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and of the Fraternal Aid.
WILLIAM REYNOLDS is a native of Lincoln, England, born in 1863. His father,
Park Reynolds, was born on the day of Queen Victoria*s coronation. Mr. Reynolds came
to Rialto in 1887, when the citrus fruit industry was in its infancy, and by his good business
judgment, energy and perseverance succeeded in bringing to a state of perfection and making
a valuable orange orchard property. He has sold ten acres of his homestead, reserving
for himself a fine young orchard of great promise.
Mr. Reynolds is an enthusiastic member of the Republican party. In 1896, he was
elected constable of Rialto township.
PATRICK MONAGHAN^ of Halleck, is a native of County Mayo, Ireland, born Octo-
ber 3, 1861. His father, Patrick Monaghan, came to America, in 1862, and located at
Pittsburg, Pa. Here the son grew up. In 1879 he removed to Chicago, where he lived
until 1897. He then came to California, and located at Halleck, built a substantial house
of granite from the neighboring quarries and opened "wine rooms."
He has one brother, James F. Monaghan, born in Pittsburg in 1871, who lives at
Oro Grande, and is engaged in mining.
MILTON VALE (deceased), a time-honored citizen of San Bernardino, was born in
Columbiana county, Ohio, October 12, 1816. His ancestors were Quakers. He was edu-
cated in the district schools, and learned the trade of carpenter, remaining in his native
county until 1837, when he removed to Meiggs county, Ohio.
October 12, 1843. Mr. Vale married Miss Mercy Green, daughter of Rev. William
Green, a Unitarian minister. Mrs. Vale was born and brought up in Meiggs county, and
at date of marriage was teaching school. In 1874 the family left Ohio, locating on a farm
near Fort Wayne, Ind., where they remained until 1856, then removed to Red Wing, Minn
The next eight years brought several changes, moving from Mulberry Mountain, Ark., in
1857 to Missouri, and in 1861 to a farm in Oskaloosa, Kansas, remaining there until 1864.
when they came to California. They first settled on a farm east of San Bernardino, and
two years later purchased a cattle ranch, and removed to Rincon. In 1872 they returned
to San Bernardino, opened a grocery store and restaurant; in 1874, removing to Newport
Landing on the coast, where they kept a fruit stand and boarding house. Four years later
they bought a ranch at Fruitland, near Los Angeles, remaining until 1883, then returned
to San Bernardino, locating on what is known as the Vale ranch in Waterman Canyon
where Mr. Vale died, May 29, 1895. Mr. Vale left a widow and two sons — Milton W. Vah
and W. A. Vale, both well-known citizens of San Bernardino. The widow, Mrs. Vale, re-
sides in a comfortable, cozv little home in San Bernardino.
IRVIN BRISTOL was born in De Peyster, St. Lawrence county, New York, on the
16th day of February, 1828. His father, Curtis Bristol, was a shoemaker by trade and also
a farmer. His mother, Sarah Washburn, was a daughter of Abraham Washburn, a pioneer
of St. Lawrence county. Curtis Bristol raised a family of nine children, five of whom are
still living. Sarah, a daughter, is the widow of Stephen Paine. Malinda, now Mrs. Harry 1
Howard, is a resident of Auburn, Neb. Edna, the wife of Asa Day, also resides at Chino
Irvin, the eldest son, married Caroline Zee, a native of Pennsylvania, in Brandon, Fond du
Lac county, Wisconsin, in 1858.
Mr. Bristol lived in the vicinity of his old home in New York until about the year 1856,
when he came west to Wisconsin and remained in that state until 1876. He spent about
ten years in Nebraska and in 1886 came to Orange county, near Santa Ana, where he re-
mained about one year. He afterward moved to Chino, where he now resides, and owns
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
a valuable ranch. .
Mr. Bristol has a family of two children. F. M. Bristol has been constable of Chino
for two years, and is a well-known and successful business man. Hattie M., the daughter,
is the wife of Elmer Scott, of Chino.
JOHN LAURANCE, of San Bernardino, was born in North Carolina, March ioth, 1840.
He made the trip to California overland with ox teams, reaching Sacramento in 1857. He
afterwards removed to Eastern Oregon, remaining there a number of years, engaged in the
general mercantile business. About eight years ago he returned to California, establishing
himself in the grocery business at Idlewild, near Redlands. Later he removed to San Ber-
nardino, and established the firm of J. Laurance & Sons, and composed of John Laurance,
J. H. Laurance and E. P. Laurance. They have done business under the firm name, for a
number of years.
In i860, at Yreka, Cal., he married Adaline Reynolds. They are the parents of ten
children, eight of whom are still living. J. H. Laurance, the eldest of the sons, was born in
Oregon, August 26, 1871. He received his education in the common schools of Oregon, and
spent one year and a half in the State University. He has always lived and worked with
his father, and is at present, in connection with his brother, in charge of the grocery depart-
ment of the business. In 1898 he married Miss Carrie Warren, of San Bernardino. They
have one child, a daughter, Claire. E. P. Laurance, the junior member of the firm, was
born in Oregon. August 25th, 1876. His early school days were passed there, but he com-
pleted his education in the San Bernardino High School, which he attended for some time.
He is a member of the I. O. O. F.
EDWARD McMANNIS, of Ontario, was born in the County of Renfew, Canada, May
20, 1842. He was the son of Patrick McMannis, a farmer. He learned the blacksmith trade
and left home in 1865, going to Rochester, N. Y., where he followed his trade. In 1866 he
went to Toledo, Ohio, and from there to Saginaw
Michigan. He worked his way westward to Kansas
thence to Washington, and in 1872 he came to Cali
fornia. He was in Napa in the blacksmith business
and from there went to El Paso, Texas, and then t
Prescott, Arizona, following his trade. The fall o
1882 found him at San Bernardino, and a few month r
later at Cucamonga, where he built the first blacksmit'
shop in Ontario colony on Euclid avenue, between B
and C streets. He owned and operated this shop until
1891 but since that time has rented it. He was one of
the very earliest business men of Ontario. The lum-
ber that went into his shop was the first delivered on
the Colony tract outside of the building of the Ontario
Hotel. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias.
He has never experienced the joys and felicities of
marriage, and is a good all-around "old— timer."
GEORGE WEIMAR, of Chino, is a native of Gerr
many, born July 22, i860. He learned the trade of
blacksmith in his native country, and came to America
when nineteen, first locating in Cattaraugus county,
New York. In 1886 he came to California via San
Francisco to Los Angeles, and from thence to Hollister
where he remained for a year. He returned to Los
Angeles, and for several years worked in and around
that place. He came to Chino in 1889 and worked as
blacksmith for Richard Gird until 1891. In 1893 h-
opened a shop for himself on Fourth street, and bought his present place in 1895. He owns
a twenty-acre ranch and two good residences in this vicinity.
LOUIS PHILLIPS, late of Spadra, Los Angeles county, was one of the earliest
settlers of the San Jose valley and was for many years closely identified with the growth
and history of Southern California. . .
He was born in Germany in 1831 and emigrated to the United States 111 1848, locating
first in Louisiana. In 1850 he came to California and opened a store on the Long Wharf,
in the city of San Francisco. After a year here he_came_to Los -Angeles _ and engaged in
business. In 1853 he purchased a ranch
E[)WARP M.MANNIS
the San Gabriel river and for ten years
LOUS PHILLIPS
MRS. LOUIS PHILLIPS
842
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
farming and stock raising, in addition to his other pursuits. In 1863 he located
at Spadra and in 1866 bought the San Jose ranch, consisting of 12,000 acres of fine land.
He then entered largely into stock raising, and for many years devoted much time and
money to improving the grade of stock and to fine stock breeding. He also highly improved
his ranch, planting extensive vineyards and orchards and carrying on general farming. He
built a large and well arranged country home, which was surrounded by orchards and
gardens and ornamental trees and shrubs, and created a model country place.
Mr. Phillips was also the owner of a large amount of business and residence property
in the city of Los Angeles, having three large business blocks there. He was interested
in property in the city of Pomona also. Mr. Phillips died March 16, 1900.
In 1868 Mr. Phillips married Miss Esther Blake, a native of Illinois. They had four
children — Belle (who became Mrs. Frank George), Charles B., Louis and George.
IRA C. HAIGHT, one of the
April 11, 1830. He lived in sever
IRA C. HAIGHT
rlier residents of Redlands, was born in Cohocton, N. Y.,
states during his long and active life. In young man-
hood he resided in Michigan. With his brother,
A. D. Haight, now of San Diego, he lived in
Mound City, Kansas, during the Kansas famine
and the struggle to make Kansas a free state.
His sympathies were with the anolitionists and
he was an intimate friend of Jim Lane, John
Brown and others of the active partisans of the
time. He was familiar with their plans and
could afterward relate many thrilling incidents
of the border struggle. After the Civil war
Mr. Haight lived for several years near Jack-
sonville, Fla. Not liking this climate, he re-
moved to North Carolina, where he engaged in
mercantile business until he came to California.
In 1875 Mr. Haight located at Riverside and
was one of the pioneer orange growers of that
section. In 1889 he moved to Redlands and
became the senior member of the Haight Fruit
Company. In April, 1891, by appointment of
President Harrison, Mr. Haight became post-
master of Redlands, and held the office for the
four succeeding years. During his incumbency
the office was enlarged and the business greatly
increased.
Mr. Haight married Miss E. Alzora Green,
a native of New York, who still survives him
and resides in Redlands. March I, 1897, Mr.
Haight died at his home in Redlands, and Red-
lands thus lost a citizen who had commanded the
respect and confidence of the community.
WILLIAM M. TISDALE, postmaster at Redlands, has been a citizen of that thriving
town since November 1, 1890, and has therefore witnessed most of its marvelous develop-
ment. He was born at Adams, Jefferson county, N. Y., May 17, i860. His father being
a Methodist clergyman, his place of residence while a boy was subject to frequent change,
and his early life was spent in different towns of Northern and Central New York. He
was educated in the public schools, at three different academies, at Wesleyan University
and at Harvard College. After leaving college he taught for a year in Lowville Academy
and was principal of a graded school at Camden, N. Y., for another year.
Finding teaching uncongenial employment, Mr. Tisdale entered the office of Messrs.
Cookingham and Sherman, attorneys, at Utica, N. Y., as a student. Mr. James S. Sherman,
the junior member of this firm, is the Congressman James S. Sherman after whom the
Sherman Indian Institute at Riverside is named. Unfortunately, after a year in this
office, a severe attack of inflammatory rheumatism compelled Mr. Tisdale to abandon the
study of law for the time. Having apparently recovered from this disease, he spent a
year and a half as a writer upon the staff of the Utica Morning Herald, and was then
compelled to resign by a return of the malady in even severer form than before.
In 1887 Mr. Tisdale came to California in search of health and went to Arrowhead Hot
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 843
Springs. Findng that he would need to remain there for some time, and desiring employ-
ment, he became first bookkeeper and afterwards manager of the hotel at this place. In
1890, having recovered his healih, he came to Redlands and followed the hotel business
for nearly five years at the Terrace Villa, the Terracina and the Windsor Hotels. In
1895 he decided that there was a better field for him in other work, and devoted himself
for two years to writing for the press, publishing, among other work, a number of stories
and sketches of California life which were widely copied. During this period he served
as secretary of the Redlands Chamber of Commerce for a year and wrote a number of
pamphlets and articles upon Redlands, which were circulated broadcast. At Arrowhead
Mr. Tisdale had been postmaster under the first Cleveland administration, and in March,
1898. he entered the Redlands postoffice as assistant to I. N. Hoag, then postmaster, and
remained until the fall of that year, when he was elected justice of the peace of Redlands
township. This office gave him a living and leisure which he improved by returning to
the study of law after an interval of nearly fifteen years. April 9, 1901, at a session of the
Supreme Court held in Los Angeles Mr. Tisdale passed the usual examination and was
admitted to practice in all the courts of the state.
In IQ02 Mr. Tisdale was appointed postmaster at Redlands by President Roosevelt and
took possession of the office July 19. This position he still holds, and to it he devotes most
of his time and energies, finding that the business of the office has nearly doubled since
his first connection with it.
.Mr. Tisdale was married July 10. 1884, to M'iss Minnie D. Cooper, like himself a
native of Jefferson county, N. Y. They have two daughters — Kate, born in New York,
and Marjorie, who is a native daughter of California.
CHARLES F. BAILEY, of Redlands, was born July 28, 1857, at Reading, Vermont.
He attended an academy at Woodstock and commenced the study of law at Felchville. In
1880 he removed to Iowa, where he
completed his law course in the law
department of the State University,
and graduated and was admitted to
the bar. For two years Mr. Bailey
was county attorney of Grundy county
and practiced his profession dt Grun-
dy Center until he came to Califor-
nia and located in Redlands in 1892,
after a preliminary trip the winter
before. Mr. Bailey devoted himself
to the practice of his profession for
a time, but has now retired from
active practice. He owns a beautiful
home on Cajon street and has re-
cently erected a fine residence.
Mr. Bailey married Miss Laura
E. Wells, a native of New Hamp-
shire, June 12, 1888, at Grundy Cen-
ter, Iowa.^ He is a trustee of the
Congregational church and a mem-
ber of a number of social organiza-
tions.
DR. EDWIN THOMAS PAIN-
TER, late of Redlands. was born
in Newton, Mass., March 13, 1855.
He graduated from the Massachu-
setts State Normal School, and in
1874 from the Worcester Polytechnic
CHARLES F. BAILEY Institute, /ece'^»g *e degree of B.
S. He taught mathematics in the
Worcester high school for three years and then took a course in medicine in the College
of Physicians and Surgeons, the medical department of Columbia University. He received
his degree in May, 1885. and then matriculated at the universities of Vienna and Berlin.
On his Feturn to this country he established himself in practice at Pittsburg and became co-
editor of the Pittsburg Medical Review. In 1890 he took further post-graduate work in
844
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Europe, and the following year was compelled to come west on account of failing health. He
located at Redlands, and after he had somewhat recovered his health and strength, opened
an office as a specialist in diseases of the eye, nose, ear and throat. He continued in prac-
tice until his untimely death.
Dr. Painter was married December 29, 1885, to Miss Mary Scott, of Pittsburg, Pa.
They had one son, Theodore. During his residence in Redlands, Dr. Painter took an active
part in affairs, being a director in the Redlands Electric Light and Power Co. and serving
as a trustee of the Redlands grammar school. He was also interested in citrus culture
;md owned one or two orange groves.
CASS GAYLORD, of Redlands,
March 5, 1845- His father was Gilbei
CASS GAYLORD
to California with their mother. The sons
Bear Valley Water Co., of Redlands, and Hiram
on what is known as the Pierce place on Church street, and bu:
Glass built a home at Highland. Her daughter. Miss Alice F. Glass, lives with her.
native of Oswego, Kendall county. 111., born
lord, a native of Gloversville, N. Y., an organ
builder by trade. He located in Illi-
nois in 1842 and took up government
land in Kendall county, which he
improved and made a home. Here
Cass Gaylord grew to manhood and
engaged in fanning, an occupation
which he followed until he came to
California in 1886. He chose Red-
lands as a home and purchased his
present property on Cypress avenue
of A. G. Simms. He has since taken
an active share in local affairs. He
was one of the members of the earlv
school board and aided in estnhlish-
ing the present graded system of
schools.
He married Miss Angelia Haw-
kins, a native of the same place as
himself. They have four children —
Etta. Mrs. W. G. Wilson of Red-
lands; Gilbert H., Long Beach; Jen-
nie, wife of John B. Walters, Los
Angeles, and Earl, at home.
MRS. A. M. GLASS, of High-
land, came to California about 1881
from Lockport, N. Y. Her husband
was a native of Watertown, N. Y.,
and for nearly forty years a promi-
nent and successful -business man of
Lockport. He died in 1877. leaving
two sons and a daughter, who came
William H., who is superintendent of the
of Highland. The sons settled first
fine place. Mrs.
WILLIAM C. JAMES is a native of Newport, Vermont, and was born March 12,
1847. His father, John James, was a thrifty farmer, merchant and cattle dealer, and an
active man of affairs. He died at the early age of 34 of typhoid fever, leaving his widow,
i\ daughter and two sons, of whom William C. is the eldest. His brother is a dealer
in real estate in Boston, Mass. The mother died in 1898 at the age of 79, at Whitefield.
Mass., where the subject has one sister living. He left home at the age of 14, and first
worked for his uncle while attending school. At the age of 17 he went to work in a
cotton mill at Concord, N. H. The cotton mills of the North closing as a result of the
Civil war, young James sought other employment. He worked in one of the first excelsior
mills in the country for about two years, and later assumed a responsible position in a
sash, door and blind factory. He was frugal and careful in his expenditures, and at the
age of 19 had come into possession of valuable rental property through careful and judi-
cious investments.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
845
He married in 1886 Miss Amanda Cilly, a daughter of Isaac Cilly of Lowell Mass., and
soon thereafter engaged in merchandising in Lowell. Mass., meeting with great success.
About 1847 he formed a co-partnership with an uncle, George James, in the wholesale
leather business, in Boston. Later he embarked in the same line on his individual account
and did a very successful business for about 10 years at 131 South street. He retired from
business at the age of 43 and came to California, where he purchased 43 acres of the
Hermosa tract, on the base line at the head of Archibald avenue, two-thirds of which is
set to navel oranges and to lemons, and he has also acquired some of the choicest real
estate in Los Angeles.
Mrs. James died in Boston in 1886, leaving one son, Carlon C. James, born in that
city in 1882.
Mr. James has mechanical- genius of the highest order, and has patented several
valuable inventions. While engaged in the leather business in Boston he invented and held
the monopoly of the use of a sole leather cutting machine, which effected a great saving
in time and in stock in cutting leather for the trade, and gave him marked advantages
over his competitors. He has lately taken out letters patent on what he appropriately
terms "appliances for scientific house-keeping," which to be appreciated must be seen. He
has just completed a spacious and attractive three-story apartment house on South Hill
street which he has equipped with his scientific utilities, and which is attracting much
interest and favorable comment.
LEWIS
September 1,
PFEIFFER. of San Bernardino, was born at Vacaville, Solano county,
14. He is the son of J'. Pfeiffer, a native of Alsace, France, who was
brought to this country in his infancy, and re-
moved from St. Louis, Mo., to California in 1849.
About 1862 he was extensively engaged in mining
in Idaho. He died at Redlands in 1899. His widow
still resides in Redlands. One daughter is the wife
of Major J. W. F. Diss, of Los Angeles, and an-
other is the wife of A. L. Nash, of Mexico, and
Josephine, the third daughter, is Mrs. W. S. Shan-
non, of Angel's Camp, Cal.
Lewis A. Pfeiffer received a good education.
He was appointed deputy county clerk under Major
Diss. In 1898 he was elected county clerk of San
Bernardino county and at the last election was re-
elected to the same office. He was married to Miss
Catherine Spahr, in Idaho, in 1889.
ROBERT F. WATT, of Halleck. was born in
Clinton county, Indiana, January 1, 1871, the son
of William A. and Malissa J. MacNeal Watt. His
father was of Scotch descent, born in Canada and
was a pioneer of Indiana. He was a dealer in stock
and during the war furnished horses and mules for
the government. He was also the owner of a saw-
mill and a large dealer in lumber.
Robert, the oldest son, left home in 1888 and
came to California. Here he at first lived at Santa
Ana. making his home with his uncle. He attended
the Santa Ana high school and later farmed, rais-
ing barley and wheat on a large scale on the Moul-
lie located at Oro Grande, where he conducts the only
LEWIS A. F'FEIFFER
ton ranch. In January of
general merchandise business, and has been postmaster since
In 1899 he was married to Miss Buena Maude Senour, a teacher in the Los Angeles
city schools. They have two children, Edith Maude and Robert Allan. Mr. Watt is a
member of the Foresters of America (F. of A.), Santa Ana Court.
JOSEPH H. RILEY, of Chino, was born near Lima, in Allen county, Ohio. May
28, 1863. He was the son of Joseph H. and Ellen Amanda Barryhill Riley. His father
entered the Union army, went to the front, was taken sick and died the year the son was
born. He left two children. Joseph grew up on a farm in his native place. In 1887 he
came to California and located at Chino. He married Mary J., daughter of Samuel Smith,
at Los Angeles, in 1889. They have three children — Edna B.. Chino C. and Homer C.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
J. W. ENGLAND
J. W. ENGLAND, of Redlands, is a native of Philadelphia, born in October, 1864.
After visiting California several times he finally located permanently in Redlands about
1890 and made considerable purchases of real estate in the then new town. His father,
T. Y. England, an extensive leather manufacturer of Philadelphia, also became interested
in Redlands property and purchased the Prospect Hill place, which has developed into a
beautiful park, and which he generously shares with the public. He spends his winters
in Redlands.
J. W. England was married in 1898 to Miss Nancy W. Dodd, of Point Pleasant, N. J.
They have three children— Thomas Y., Margaret and J. W. Jr.
848 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
GEORGE C. THAXTER, of Redlands, was born in Bangor, Maine, October 14, 1842.
He attended the public schools of his native city until 14 years of age, when he went to
work in his father's marble-cutting establishment. The following year he entered the
drug store of B. F. Bradbury, remaining in his employ until his father's death, when he
enlisted in the Eleventh Maine Volunteer Infantry, and was shortly thereafter made
hospital steward of the regiment. After his return from the service he opened a drug
store in Newport, Maine, continuing until February, 1868, when, with his wife and one
child, he removed to Iowa. Almost immediately following the completion of the first
overland railroad, or early in June, 1869, he again "moved west," this time to ' Carson
City, Nevada, where he entered a partnership with his brother-in-law and engaged in
the 'lumber business with mills in that city and at Lake Tahoe, under the firm name of
the Glenbrook Mill and Lumber Company. In the spring of 1878 he bought the drug
business of O. P. Willis in Carson City. This he disposed of in the fall of 1892, and with
his family of three sons and one daughter, moved to Palo Alto. In June, 1896, he pur-
chased the drug store of Dr. D. W. Stewart of Redlands, where he has since continued
to live.
E. W. SLADE, of Rialto, was born in Cleveland, Ohio. October 3, 1852, the son of
Horatio and Elizabeth Camp Slade. His father was born in Bristol, England, and came
to America with his father, E. W. Slade, who was one of the very first settlers in Cleve-
land. He was a baker and became a wholesale baker and grain dealer and a prominent
citizen of Ohio. The son, Horatio, was a mechanic and finally retired to the home farm,
where he died in 1881. His wife was a descendant of an old New England family and
the daughter of William Camp, also one of the pioneer residents of Cleveland. She is
still living.
E. W. Slade came to California in 1891 and located at Rialto, where he bought ten
acres of brush land. He now has a fine navel orange grove. He was married to Miss
Elizabeth Dolley, daughter of Hiram and Elizabeth Dolley. at Montezuma, N. Y. Her
father was a ship-builder and owner of canal boats on the Erie canal. They are members
of the Christian church of San ^Bernardino.
CYRUS D. WEIR, of Rialto, was born near Salem, in Washington county, Ind.,
August I, 1855, the son of James Weir, a farmer of Scotch-Irish descent. He lived in
his native place until 1889, when he came to California. Here he farmed in the Santa
Ynez valley and then near Los Olivas until 1900, when he located at Rialto and purchased
ten acres of land, three of which, are now in lemons.
In 1885 Mr. Weir married Miss Bell, daughter of Tilghman Hartley and a native
of Washington county. Ind. They have no children. He is a member of the Fraternal
Brotherhood.
PETER VERNER, of Chino, was born in Highland county, Virginia, September
20, 1845, the son of David and Sarah Rexoad Verner, both members of old Virginia
families. His father owned a large plantation, but was not a slave holder. Peter Verner
grew up in the old home and while only a boy entered the Confederate army, joining the
Sixty-second Virginia Volunteers. He was wounded in July, 1865, in the left leg while
fighting at Sniggers Ford, in the Shenandoah valley, and was sent to the hospital. Before
his complete recovery the war had ended. In 1868 he went to Nebraska and engaged in
farming at various points until he came to California about 1888. He lived at SanU Ana,
Tustin and Orange, and then came to Chino, where he was one of the first to engage in
raising sugar beets. About 1893 he bought ten acres on the Pomona road, his present
home, and raises alfalfa and beets.
Mr. Verner married in 1872, in Seward county, Nebraska, Miss Nancy A., daughter
of Isaac Broderick. They have three children— Minnie Alice, James Edward of Chino,
and Jesse Agnew. He is a member of the A. O. U. W. in Nebraska, Fullerton Lodge.
RALPH E. WILKINSON, of Rialto, was born in St. Louis, Mo., November 27, 1862.
He came to California with his father in 1893 and has invested in two ranches, one of
twelve acres in West Rialto, and one of fifteen acres on San Bernardino avenue. He was
married first to Isable Van Skike, of Missouri, by whom he has two daughters, Isable N.
and Mary. October 20, 1894, he was married to Annie, daughter of Mrs. Webster, a native
of San Bernardino. They have one son, Clarence S. Mr. Wilkinson is a member of the
Loyal Legion, of the Fraternal Brotherhood and of the M. E. Church South, of "San
Bernardino.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 849
SAMUEL JOSHUA WILKINSON, of Rialto, was born in Baltimore county, Md.,
July ii, 1836. His father, Samuel Wilkinson, was a farmer and frontiersman whose
ancestry ran back through three generations to an English family who were among the
first American settlers. Samuel J. lived at home until his twentieth year, then went to
Missouri and settled at Kirkwood, near St. Louis, on a farm, and lived in this neighborhood
from 1857 to 1893, when he came to California and located at Rialto, purchasing a fourteen-
acre ranch.
Mr. Wilkinson married Miss Mary Susan, daughter of Samuel Denney, one of the
pioneers of St. Louis county, having settled there as early as 1818. He was of Irish
descent, born near Louisville, Ky. Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson had seven children — George
Henry, a preacher 'of the M. E. church south, now located in California; Gladys, Mrs.
Benjamin Brooks of St. Louis county, Mo.; Ralph E.. of Rialto; Ida; Daniel J. and Mary S..
dead; and Jessie O.
THE REV. GEORGE ROBERTSON, of Mentone, was born in the Province of
Ontario, Canada, October 5, 1853, the son of George and Margaret Robertson, both natives
of Aberdeen, Scotland. The father was a farmer and sheriff. He was killed by an acci-
dent in 1862, and the son, George, grew up on the farm and learned -by experience practical
agriculture. He also acquired a common school education in the Belwood, Ont„ public
schools. He attended McGill university, Montreal and graduated with the degree of B. A.
in 1881. Then he took a theological course at the Congregational college of Canada, Mon-
treal, from which he graduated. After his graduation he was pastor of the Congregational
church at Georgetown, Ontario, and for six years pastor of Olivet Church, Toronto. During
this pastorate a large and beautiful church was erected.
On account of failing health, Mr. Robertson was advised to try the climate of Califor-
nia and in February, 1892, he came to Redlands and then settled at Mentone, where he
took charge of the Congregational church and has resided ever since. Here he has found
restored health and a large need for his labors, which have been most acceptable. He
is a man of broad culture and has been a valuable acquisition, not only to his church and
people, but to Redlands and San Bernardino county. He is a member of the Minister's
club of San Bernardino county, of the Congregational county and Southern California asso-
ciations, being registrar of the county association. He is also a member of the Fortnightly
Club, the Historical Society and the Audubon Society, of Redlands. He has made a special
study of Geology and more particularly of local geology and the geological history of our
county.
July 4, 1887, Rev. Mr. Robertson married Miss Katherine Georgina. daughter of William
and May Ann Ross Hopkins, a native of Cayuga, Ont. They have one son. George Ross
Robertson.
P. L. THAYER was born December 31, 1825, in Weymouth, Mas-. His father, Josiah
Thayer, was a native of Hanover, Mass. He was a stonecutter and also a shoemaker by
trade, working at the latter trade in the early days when shoes were all made by hand at
home or in small shops and sold direct to the wearers or small retail merchants. His
maternal grandfather, Timothy Nash,- was a native of the North of Ireland and came to
America in 1620.
Mr. Thayer learned the shoemaking trade and followed that occupation thirty-five
years. In 1855 he married Miss Caroline Eaton. They have a family of five children,
Abbie C, widow of Charles W. Elliott, lives in Boston, Mass. ; Louis P., a produce merchant
of Kansas City, Mo.; Helen J., Mrs. T. Purvis, of Ontario; Lizzie, widow of Dr W. P.
Holyoke, Los Angeles; Ernest W., of North Ontario. They have a numerous family of
grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. Thayer came to Ontario from Riverside in 1887, having "been
residents of California since 1885. They are members of the Congregational chinch.
W. P. TERRELL, Ontario, was born at Waterbury, Conn., April 21, 1843. His
parents, William P. and Chloe Lobdell Terrell, were both natives of Connecticut. His
father was a brass founder by trade.
The son farmed in Connecticut until the breaking out of the Civil war, when he
enlisted, September 21, 1861, in Company I of the Eighth Connecticut Volunteer Infantry
His regiment joined the army of the Potomac under Gen. McClellan and took part in al
the important engagements of that memorable corps — Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancel
lorsville and many other battles and skirmishes. Mr. Terrell was wounded and taken
prisoner at Antietam. Being entirely disabled by his wounds, he was paroled. He was
laid up in the field hospital for four months and was furloughed, but later rejoined his
850
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
regiment and took part in the battle of the Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Petersburg and other
engagements.
Mr. Terrell came to Ontario in 1887 and engaged in fruit growing. He is a member
of the Masonic order and of the G. A. R. He was married at Wilton, Conn., to Martha
C. Hickok, a native of Pennsylvania.
CHARLES RUEDY, of Upland, was born in Highland, Madison county, 111., February
25, 1852. He was the son of Daniel Ruedy, a native of Switzerland, who came to this
country in 1840. He lived at home until of age and was then engaged in the merchandise
business at Alhambra, III., for eighteen years. He came to Los Angeles in the spring
of 1891, and after looking about for six months, located at North Ontraio. He at once
purchased 20 acres of land, ten acres set to citrus and ten to deciduous fruits near North
Ontario, and in 1894 built a fine residence.
In 1896 he engaged in the fuel and feed business at Upland and during that year he
put up a large building to accommodate his rapidly growing trade. In 1898 a barley
roll and corn mill and a circular wood saw, all operated by electric power, were added.
This plant he operated successfully until February 1, 1904, when he sold out his stock and
a few months later disposed of the plant. He has been a director of the North Ontario
Packing Company and of the Commercial Bank since their organization, and is now pres-
ident of the latter institution.
In 1874 he married Julia, a daughter of Anton Landolt.
l:l-'l N ['< )N K. (,AI. BREATH
MRS. BRENTON K. GALBREATH
BRENTON K. GALBREATH is a general merchant and property holder at Chino.
and has been a resident of California since 1887. He is a native of Ohio, born near
Valley, Columbiana county, April 3, 1852. He is of pioneer stock, his father, Ezra C.
Galbreath, being a son of William Galbreath, who settled in Ohio in 1802, moving there
from South Carolina. The subject of this sketch is of Scotch descent on both the paternal
and maternal sides. His mother, Rodah S., is the daughter of Solomon Stanley. She
survives her husband, who died at the old home near Valley, Ohio, aged 64 years. Brenton
is the eldest of three sons. Fremont, the next in age, and Jasper S., the youngest, are
deceased. He has one sister, Mrs. Mary A. Baker, of Salem, Ohio.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 851
Mr. Galbreath spent his early life in millwrighting. On September 30, 1873, he
married Miss Martha Van Syoc at Salem, Ohio. She is the elder daughter of Enoch P..
a prominent citizen of Columbiana county, Ohio, and of Phoebe C. Van Syoc, a daughter
of Abraham and Jane Crew of Columbiana county. Mrs. Galbreath was the first president
of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union when organized in Chino, May 20, 1897, and
has been an earnest worker for the good of the community ever since. Mr. and Mrs. Gal-
breath have two living sons, Leslie A. and Enoch R., and one daughter, Mrs. Ida Caldwell,
all residing in Chino. One son, Omar E.. died at the age of 11 years. The family are
all devout members of the Quaker church of Damascus, Ohio.
ROBERT TURNER, Victorville, is a native of Bradford county, Penn., born February
9, 1835. His father, John Turner, was a farmer and merchant in the town of Canton.
Penn. Robert grew up in Canton and engaged in the manufacture of shoes, and also was
in the grocery business at Fallbrook, Penn., and later at Canton.
In 1864 Mr. Turner came to California via the Nicaragua route and located at Marys-
ville. A year later he returned to Pennsylvania, and again came to California in 1877
and settled on the Mojave river, where he became interested in mining and stock raising.
He built the Turner Hotel at Victorville in 1888. He opened a store in Victorville in
1896 and erected the present substantial Turner building, which he now occupies as store
and postoffice, in 1902-3.
Mr. Turner married Miss Susan, daughter of James Eastman, of Bradford county.
Penn., in 1864. They have four children — John C, a member of the firm of Turner &
Son; Jennie, now Mrs. P. H. Leahy; Niles, who lives on the home ranch, and Ethel, who
is Mrs. Charles Wilson of Victorville. He is a member of the F. & A. M.
JOHN C. TURNER, of Victorville, was born in Marysville, Yuba county, Cal.,
November 18, 1864, the son of R. Turner. He located in San Bernardino county at an
early date. He served on the board of supervisors from January I, 1893, to January 13,
1897, during the time the new courthouse was being constructed, and was for two years
of the time chairman of the board. He, with his father, R. Turner, has built up a fine
business in general merchandise at Victorville, and they have built a substantial two-story
building which is occupied by their store. Mr. J. C. Turner has been postmaster and a
notary public since 1901. He served as justice of the peace for Victor township from
1901 to 1903-
He was married September 16, 1893, to Miss Maggie Tracy, a native of Iowa. I hey
have four children— Helen, Robert, Frederick and Margaret.
LEANDER SHELD, of Chino, is a native of Sweden. His father, John Sheld. was
a blacksmith by trade and the son learned the trade from his father. He also took a course
in a horseshoeing school, an institution of Sweden, and a partial course in veterinary
surgery. He came to America with his family in 1887 and came to Los Angeles. In liSSg
he located at Chino, where for six years he worked for Richard Gird, shoeing his race
horses and doing mechanical work about the place. In 1896 he went into business for
himself with C. M. Brennell, and in .1897 sold out to his partner. He married in Sweden
and has six children.
O. P. SLOAT, of San Bernardino, was born in Hobart, Delaware county, N. Y.,
October 22, i860. He is the son of William H. and Permelia Peck Sloat, and the only
son in a family of five children. His father was a wagon maker by trade, but now retired
from active business and making his home in San Bernardino.
Captain Sloat's school days were passed at Oneonta, N. Y., where he attended school
until he was sixteen years of age. After leaving school he engaged as clerk in a shoe
store in Oneonta, where he remained until he was twenty-one years of age; then came
west to Kansas, where he worked on a cattle ranch one year, and frorn there to Los
Angeles, where he was in the employ of the W. C. Furrey Hardware Co. six years and
at the end of that time came to San Bernardino. In 1893-4 he was deputy county clerk
under Mr. Hamilton, and since then has been in the employ of the Southern California
Railway Co. as division storekeeper, having charge of all supplies issued in the Southern
California division.
Captain Sloat enlisted in Company K in July, 1898. He has passed the line of pro-
motions until he now holds the rank of captain. At date of enlistment the company wis
known as Co. E, 7th Cal. Reg., N. G. C, then as Co. E, 9th Reg., and is now Co. K,
852 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
7th Cal. Reg., N. G. C. Under President McKinley's first call for troops there were thirt'f
volunteer enlistments in the company. Captain Sloat qualifying as captain the night the
command left San Bernardino with eighty-five men on the company muster roll. On the
second call for troops the company recruited in San Bernardino to one hundred and
three men. Captain Sloat is enthusiastic over the generous treatment this company re-
ceived from the people of San Bernardino during their term of enlistment in the federal
service.
Captain Sloat is intensely loyal to the city in which he lives, and is an enthusiastic
worker in all celebrations and entertainments for the advertising and upbuilding of the city.
DWIGHT C. SCHLOTT, of San Bernardino, was born in Elkhart, Ind., June 12.
1866. He was one of three children of S. L. and Elizabeth Coleman Schlott. , He attended
school in St. Elmo, 111., and later attended the Southern Illinois Normal School at Car-
bondale and also National Institute of Pharmacy, Chicago. He then returned to St. Elmo
and entered the drug business, and from there went to Canton, Ohio, in the interests of
a wholesale and retail drug and stationery house, being employed part of the time as a
traveling salesman. He then went to St. Louis and clerked for a time, then bought out
a drug store. His last three years in St. Louis were spent in the employ of the Allen-
Pfeiffer Chemical Co. as traveling salesman.
In January, 1895, he came to San Bernardino to recuperate his impaired health. He
was first employed by Dr. A. B. Bedford, who was then engaged in the drug business.
He was next connected with the Owl Drug Co. of San Bernardino, and has since been
interested with that firm, with the exception of one year, passed as representative of the
Worden Manufacturing Co. of San Francisco. While with this firm he placed their goods
in the east — something which had never before been done by a western house manufactur-
ing chemicals.
On May 29, 1900, he formed a partnership with W. C. Clute, and they purchased the
Owl Drug Co.'s store on Third street and are now known as the Owl Drug Co.
February 12, 1895, Mr- Schlott married Miss Lillie A. Carson of San Bernradino.
They have one child, Nellita Fern. Mr. Schlott is a Master Mason, Royal Arch Mason,
Knight Templar, and a Shriner. He is also a member of the Woodmen of the World.
At the present time he is a member of the city board of education.
NOBLE ASA RICHARDSON, of San Bernardino, was born in Ontario Province,
Canada. January 23, 1858. His parents were citizens of the United States, however. They
both died in 1865, and with his elder brother he removed to Illinois in 1869, and in 1870
to Kansas, where he completed his education, graduating from the Kansas Agricultural
College in t88o with the degree of B. S.
In 1882 he came to California, and from this date until 1899 he was continuously
connected with the schools of this county. He may fairly be considered the Dean of
educational matters in this city, having been appointed superintendent of the city schools
in 1884, after having acted as principal of the Mt. Vernon school for one year. He served
as city superintendent and principal of the high school until 1891, then was principal of
the high school until 1895. Resigning as principal, he was teacher of physical sciences
in the high school for two years longer, and from 1897 to 1899 was again city superintend-
ent. From 1883 to 1889 he was a member of the county board of education. In 1898 he
was again appointed a member of the board and served until 1902. Under Professor
Richardson's able management the high school of this city was created and placed upon a
solid basis, and is now an institution in which every citizen takes pride.
Since 1899 Prof. Richardson has been engaged in a mercantile business with his
brother, C. W. Richardson. He has always been prominent in reform movements. He
was one of the leaders in organizing the Farmers' Alliance in 1890 and later aided in
forming the Populist party in this vicinity. In 1894 he was a candidate on the Populist
ticket for state superintendent of schools and polled 55,000 votes. In 1900, 1902 and 1904
he was a candidate for Congress on the Socialist ticket.
Prof. Richardson married Miss Mabel, daughter of Benjamin Davis of San Bernar-
dino, July 22, 1900. They have one daughter, Claire, born August 2, 1901.
" JOSIAH P. SCOTT, of San Bernardino, was born in Cadiz, Harrison county, Ohio,
October 29, 1843. He is the son of Josiah P. and Mary Bingham Scott. His father was
an attorney-at-law, and as a member of the state legislature, in which he served several
terms, was one of the framers of the Ohio State Constitution. Of the several children of
his father's family, one, beside himself. Dr. J. E. Scott of Redlands, resides in Southern
California.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 853
His school days were passed in Cadiz, Ohio. He also attended McNealy Normal
College of Hopedale, Ohio. After leaving school he went to Illinois, and there taught
school. He then engaged in the mercantile business, dealing in hardware and agricultural
implements. From there, he went to Kansas and engaged in ranching and the raising of
stock. His next move was to San Bernardino, arriving in 1892. Since then he has given
his attention to ranching and real estate business. He is the owner of a fine orange ranch
at Bryn Mawr, near Redlands Junction. He conducts his real estate business from an office
in San Bernardino.
Mr. Scott has been twice married. His first wife. Miss Sophia Appington. to whom
he was married in Illinois in 1870, died October, 1882. Of this marriage there were two
sons, Lawson and Henry Scott, one residing in Los Angeles and the other in New Mexico.
On the 19th day of August. 1884, at Polo, 111., he married Anna C, daughter of Rev. A.
MacDougall. They have one son. Winfield Scott. Mr. Scott was a member of the 88th
Regiment Ohio Volunteers in the Civil war. He is a Mason and a member of the Pres-
byterian church of Redlands.
JOSEPH G. SLOAN, of San Bernardino, was born in Logan county, Ohio, January 2,
1858, the son of James and Rachel Kirkpatrick Sloan. He received a common school educa-
tion and then learned the trade of locomotive boiler maker at Huntsville, Ohio, afterward
working at that trade for three years at Sedalia, Mo. In October, 1884, he came to San
Bernardino and was first employed as pilot of a stage betewen San Bernardino and Colton.
He next started a dairy business and then went into a new and second-hand furniture
business, which he later sold to Shafer Bros. In 1888 he bought out the general mer-
chandise store owned by Henry Conner, and since that time has been engaged in the grocery
and feed business.
On April 10. 1886, he married Miss May Demand. They have three children— Sumner
D., Silvia and Gladys Sloan. Mr. and Mrs. Sloan are members of the M. E. church north"
of San Bernardino.
JAMES EDWARD WELLER, of Rialto, was born in Saline county, Kansas, in 1872.
His father, Alois Weller, was a native of Ohio who went to Kansas in 1869 and engaged
in agriculture and stock-raising. He died in 1881. leaving a widow and five young children-
Thomas, aged eleven; James E., nine; Clarence, aged seven, and two younger sisters,
Amelia and Nina. Amelia is now the wife of James L. Peck of Rialto, and Nina is Mr-,
Levi Dresser of San Bernardino. The widow managed to keep the family together until
the children had grown up, and with the help of the boys cultivated the home farm, and
raised horses, cattle and hogs.
In 1894 James E. Weller married Miss Hattie Cora Amos, daughter of Hon. J. Wayne
Amos, at that time editor of the Gypsum. Kans., Advocate. In the same year he came to
"California. After a short stay in Ontario and Colton he located in Rialto. and engaged
in the poultry business, and has been successful as an orchardist. Mr. and Mrs. Weller
are the parents of three bright little boys — Alois Wayne, Paul and Orville.
B. W. TASKER. of Needles, Cal., was born in Virginia. June 12. 1858. He was the
son of James Tasker and Mary Guess Tasker, and is the only member of the family living
in the west. Mr. Tasker was brought up on a farm in West Virginia, and received a
common school education. In April, 1876, he left his native state for the west, stopping
first at Lincoln, Neb., remaining there two years. In 1878 Mr. Tasker went to Leadville,
Colo., and was a resident of that town during its exciting mining days and until 1883.
Mr. Tasker located in Needles in 1887 and remained two years; then returned east,
coming back to Needles in 1892. Since that date he has engaged in business as contractor
and builder, having put up more buildings than any other man in the town of Needles.
Mr. Tasker is a member of the order of Knights of Pythias.
HUGH THORNTON, of Rialto. was born at Maybole, Ayrshire, Scotland— a town
famous as the birthplace of Robert Burns — in May, 1830. His father, William C. Thorn-
ton, was of English descent. In 1852, when Mr. Thornton was sixteen years of age, the
family came to America and located at Salt Lake City, Utah. During the period he lived
at Salt Lake Mr. Thornton made six trips across the plains with ox teams. On one of
these trips he was the rescuer of a woman and family of children. While crossing a rapid
stream the water lifted one of the wagon boxes in which were the mother and children,
and carried it with its occupants down the stream. Hugh Thornton, though but a boy at
that time, quickly cast off his heavier clothing and, plunging into the water, swam to the
wagon box, which he steered to the shore.
In i860 Mr. Thornton married Miss Elizabeth Smith, a native of Renfrewshire, Scot-
854 HISTORY OF bAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
land In 1865, not being in accord with some of the doctrines of the Mormon church,
they left Utah and went to Iowa, where they lived 13 years, and from there to Nebraska.
Here he met with discouragements through failure of crops, and after three successive
years of such loss removed to Western Kansas, where he encountered a repetition of his
Nebraska experiences. Having some fine cattle left, he started with them on foot for
Colorado, and there, disposing of his stock, came to California, locating at Stockton, where
he lived one year. In 1889 Mr. Thornton, with his family, moved to Rialto, where he
purchased a twenty-acre ranch which he has improved, and of which he has made a fine
productive orchard of citrus and deciduous fruits.
HENRY A. GUERNSEY
(Donaldson) Guernsey, and w
of San Bernardino, was the son of P. B. and Emeline
5 born in Tioga, Pa., June 19, 1844. His father was a
man of business affairs, had extensive lum-
ber interests, and was also superintendent
of the Corning, Tioga & Blosburg railway. Mr.
Guernsey passed his school days at Tioga,
until 1858, when the family removed to Iowa.
At the breaking out of the Civil war, Mr.
Guernsey enlisted in the Union army, joining
the 27th Iowa Vol. Inf. as a member of Co.
K, and served under Gen. H. H. Sibley in
quelling the Sioux Indian outbreaks in South-
west Minnesota in 1862. In the fall of that
year the regiment went to the front and was
attached to the 16th Army Corps, under com-
mand of Gen. A. J. Smith, and passed through
the arduous campaign of the army of the
Cumberland. Mr. Guernsey served until the
close of the war and then returned to Iowa.
In 1869 he came to the Pacific coast and
engaged in lumbering in Lane county. Ore.
In 1874 he was at Astoria, Ore., in charge of
the largest lumber mill, at that time, on the
Pacific coast. Eight years later, in conse-
quence of the delicate health of his wife, he
came to San Bernardino. Mrs. Guernsey died
at Riverside, April 10, 1878. Mr. Guernsey
took passage from San Francisco for the
north on the ill-fated steamship Republic, the
wrecking of which has passed into history
as one of the most disastrous events that ever
occurred off the California coast. He was the
last passenger to leave the steamer, and lost
all his baggage, containing documents of great
value. He spent two years in closing up his
business affairs in Oregon, and then returned
to San Bernardino. He was for two years
superintendent of the mills of Governor R. W.
Waterman. He then spent a year in
Minnesota, and upon his return to San Bernardino entered the employ of Porter & Van
Slyck, lumbermen, in the San Bernardino mountains. In 1884 he purchased the interests
of his employers and established a box factory, the first in San Bernardino county, supplying
the boxes for the first Riverside orange growers. In 1886 this establishment was burned
to the ground, together with about $30,000 worth of stock. His former employer, Governor
Waterman, had purchased the Stonewall gold mine in San Diego county, and in 1886 Mr.
Guernsey went to work for him at the Stonewall mine. In 1890 Mr. Guernsey purchased
from William E. YunSlvck a saw-mill, then located on section 10, near Arrowhead reser-
voir, and established himself again in the box manufacturing business. In 1892 he removed
his mill to San Bernardino and located his business on First street. This mill, however,
burned in 1894, only to rise, Phoenix-like, from its ashes. In July, 1890, Mr. Guernsey
purchased the interests of the Riverside Box and Tray Company, which he consolidated
with his San Bernardino business, making one of the most complete establishments in
Southern California. He conducts his business on a broad and liberal basis and produces
tENRV A. GU k'NSFY
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 855
the best stock that the market demands, and this he is enabled to do by taking his timber
from the stump and sawing it into lumber in the mountains, after which he transports
it to his factory in San Bernardino and manufactures it into boxes.
Mr. Guernsey has been twice married; in 1882 to Miss Theresa McFarland of Austin,
Minn. She left two sons — Peter B., superintendent of the Guernesy factory, and Roy G.,
also in his father's employ. In 1884 Mr. Guernsey married Linna Bailey and they have
one daughter, Ruth, eight years of age. Mr. Guernsey is a member of the Methodist
church and of the National Council, A. O. U. W., and Woodmen of the World.
JOSEPH E. RICH, official reporter of the Superior Court of San Bernardino county,
was born in San Bernardino, December 22, 1867. He was the son of Jacob and Dora
Rich. The father came from Germany to San Francisco in 1851, where he followed his
previous occupation of merchant. Removing shortly to Los Angeles, he formed a partnership
with J. P. Newmark. In 1864 he came to San Bernardino and opened a general mer-
chandise store, which he continued until his death in 1872.
The school days of Joseph E. Rich were passed in San Bernardino. Then for four
years he attended high school in San Francisco. The next two years were spent at work
in a chemical laboratory, and in studying shorthand. Returning home, he entered the
office of Mr. I. Benjamin, official court reporter. Then for a period of six months he was
employed as stenographer in the chief engineer's office of the Southern California railway.
When Department 2 of the Superior Court was created, in April, 1887, he received appoint-
ment as one of the reporters of that court, a position he still holds.
He was married in July, 1889, to Sara Samelson, of Memphis. Tenn. They have two
children— Lestor Jacob Rich and Lyman Samelson Rich. Mr. Rich is a Native Son, a
member of the Fraternal Union of America, and is a Mason.
W. E. VAN SLYKE, of San Bernardino, was born at Johnstown, N. Y., May 31,
1835. He was the son of Peter and Julia Ann Easterly Van Slyke. His father's ancestry
being German, while his mother was of Dutch descent, both old families of the Hudson
River valley. His mother died when he was nine years old. His father was a shoe manu-
facturer in New York state until 1850, when he went to Illinois to act as agent for the sale
of buckskin manufactured goods, then in great demand in the west.
W. E. Van Slyke received his education in the common schools and attended an academy
at Kingsborough, N. Y. In 1853 he went to Illinois and settled at Harrison, Winnebago
county. In 1857 he visited Texas and afterwards crossed the Isthmus and arrived in San
Francisco in May, 1858. He went to the eastern slope of the mountains along the Corn-
stock Lode, then in Utah, but while he was there the territory of Nevada was set off.
Returning to San Francisco, he went up the coast and prospected the Salmon River district.
While there the territory of Washington was divided and Idaho was formed. Two years
later he was located at Bannock City when the territory of Montana was taken from
Eastern Idaho.
After the close of the Civil war Mr. Van SJyke returned to New York, and January
12, 1865, married Miss Margaret P. Wilson, of Newburg. In 1867 he first visited San
Bernardino, and the next year he returned, bringing his family, and has since made his
residence in this city. After trying farming and stock-raising, he went into the mountains
and engaged in the lumber business for about fifteen years. Since giving this up, he
has been engaged in mining and in selling real estate. Mr. and Mrs. Van Slyke have a
family of three sons and one daughter — William G.. Mrs. Annie L. Showers, a widow;
Thomas W., and Frank T. — all of them residents of California.
EVERETT R. WAITE, of San Bernardino, was born in Lyons, Wis, January 14, 1853,
the son of the late Russell Waite of Redlands. He located in San Bernardino in 1886
and was engaged in a general produce business from that time until 1897, when he sold
out. For several years he traveled through California as a salesman, with headquarters in
Los Angeles, but in 1904 he again established himself in business in San Bernardino,
locating on D street, between Third and Court. In 1883 he married Miss Grace Kimball,
a native of Minnesota. She died April 15, 1901, leaving one son, Paul. June 22. 1902,
Mr. Waite married Mrs. Hattie Ketchum, of San Francisco.
He is a member of the San Bernardino Lodge, F. & A. M. ; Token Lodge, I. O. O. F. ;
Royal Arcanum, Woodmen of the World, and is prominently identified with the order
of Elks, having been instrumental in establishing the order in Redlands and in San
Bernardino.
856 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
RUSSELL WAITE, of Redlands, was born in Genesee county, N. Y., in March, 1817,
the son of Russell and Mercy Boothe Waite. He lived in his native place until 1838, when
he removed to Wisconsin and settled in Walworth county, thus becoming one of the pio-
neers of that region. He farmed and lived in Wisconsin until he came to California in
1884. During that time he was, for forty years, a member and deacon of the Baptist
church of Spring Prairie. He lived for two and a half years in San Bernardino, and then,
after a visit in the east, located permanently in Redlands. He purchased property on
Redlands Heights and for many years cared for his own orange grove, and now at the
age of eighty-seven is active and in possession of remarkably good health.
Mr. Waite was married January 16, 1844, in Walworth county. Wis., to Miss Adeline
Herrick, a native of Branchport, Yates county, N. Y. On the fiftieth anniversary of this
marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Waite celebrated their golden wedding at their home in Redlands,
there being present on this occasion all of the children and grand-children, and three
of the persons who were at the marriage fifty years before. Mrs. Waite died in Red-
lands in 1902.
Mr. and Mrs. Waite were the parents of eight children, of whom Elon J., deecased ;
E. Burtis, deceased; and Mrs. Ephraim S. Foote, have resided in Redlands; Elliott N.
is a resident of Moreno, and Minnie B. is Mrs. D. C. Ross of Los Angeles ; Everett K.
Waite lives in San Bernardino ; Fred C. Waite is deceased.
HENRY A. WALSH, of Oro Grande, is a native of Ireland, born in 1864. He came
to America with relatives when about twelve years of age. He worked in the rolling mills
at Hamilton, Ind., one year, then went to Indianapolis and worked for the Kingham
Packing Co. for a couple of years, and later spent two years in Chicago. By stages, as
teamster and general laborer, he made his way westward and to California. He came to
Oro Grande in 1895 to work for the Union Lime Co., Los Angeles, and has for several
3 ears acted as foreman for this company, having about twenty men under his charge. He
is also proprietor of the Hotel Whitman in Oro Grande.
He was married in 1899 to Miss Alice, daughter of George Jones, one of the pioneers
on the Mojave river. Her father was a native of Kentucky and came to California in
early days. He was a stock-raiser and was shot by an unknown assailant about fifteen
years ago. His widow is now Mrs. Edward Decrow. Mr. and Mrs. Walsh have one
daughter. Vera.
CLYDE E. McCONNELL, a successful orange grower of the Arrowhead school dis-
trict, was born in Appleton, St. Clair county. Mo., October 14, 1880. He is the son of
John P. McConnell, a native of Iowa, and Jennie Tyrrell McConnell, of Missouri, one of
a family of three children — Clyde E. McConnell, the eldest; Claude, deceased; and Maud
McConnell. The father, John P. McConnell, a saw-mill operator by occupation, came
to California in the spring of 1884., locating with his family at San Bernardino, and soon
afterward leasing and operating the Van Slyke saw-mill on Hueston creek and continuing
the business several years. Mr. McConnell lost his life July, 1893, through a very dis-
tressing accident consequent upon the giving way of the brakes of his wagon while making
descent of the Daley grade from the mountains with a teafn and heavy load of lumber.
The McConnell homestead, consisting of eighty acres, is located at the base of the San
Bernardino mountain range in the Arrowhead district, commanding a view of the entire
San Bernardino valley. Twenty-five acres of this is planted with one thousand orange
trees of standard and marketable varieties.
Clyde E. McConnell has charge of the interests of the estate. He is a young man
of exemplary habits, commanding the respect of all who know him.
LOUIS RICHENBERGER, of Rincon, is a native of Germany, born in the Province
of Baden, about seven miles from Baden-Baden, in the little town of Emendingen, January
17, 1861. His father Michor Richenberger was a dairy farmer and owned also a hotel.
He came to America in 1883 and soon thereafter to California. He had acquired a practical
knowledge of the dairy business at home, and found employment in this line in Santa Cruz
county, where he made butter and cheese. Later he went to Tombstone, Arizona, pur-
chased and operated a dairy, until 1888. when he returned to California and located at
San Diego. Subsequently he engaged in business at Bakersfield and Los Alaroitos, then
he purchased 10 acres of land on the Rincon Grant in San Bernardino county, and a dairy,
which he equipped for the manufacture of cheese and butter. He handles on the average
about 400 pounds of milk daily. His appliances are of the latest improved for these pur-
poses.
He married the 16th of August, 1899, Katie, a daughter of Joseph Kuntz, of Erhen-
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
bach, Germany, and they have one son, Louis Jr. Mr. Richenberger has made three trips
to his fatherland. He served two years in the German army before coming to America.
D. HARTLEY RICHARDSON, of East Highland, was born in La Salle county. 111..
July 24, 1871, the son of William R. and Isabel Setchell Richardson, the father a native
cf Massachusetts, the mother of Mendota, 111.
The son received a common school education in Humeston, Hamilton county. Neb.,
and graduated from the Nebraska State Normal School at Fremont in 1892. He first
entered a dry goods store at Lincoln, Neb., and in 1893 went to Chicago to take charge
of the Sandwich Manufacturing Co. during the Columbian Exposition. He then came to
California, and after a few months -in Pasadena took charge of the ditches of the Kaweah
Water and Power Co. in Tulare for a year. He made a trip to Arizona and took views
of the Grand Canon for the Santa Fe Ry. Co., and next located in Highland as foreman
for the Stearns Fruit Packing Co. After this he acted as manager for the store of Cram
& Coy, East Highland, and in October, 1901, purchased the business. He was appointed
postmaster of East Highland in January, 1902.
Mr. Richardson was married September 26, 1900, to Miss Louise Hill, daughter of
W. R. Hill, of Highland. She was born in Visalia, Tulare county. February 15, 1882.
They have one son and one daughter — Harold S. and Merle E.
J. F. JOHNSON, JR.. of San Bernardino, was born at Salt Lake City. June 27, 1868. He
has been a resident of San Bernardino since his fourth year and is a self-made man, having
attained most of his education at Sturges Academy, in
which institution he served as janitor in pay for tuition.
He afterward spent some time at the State University at
Berkeley. Returning to San Bernardino, he was employed
by the Santa Fe R. R. Co. and was afterward a deputy
in the office of county recorder, under A. S. Davidson, for
two years, under John Goodwin for two years, and under
J. W. F. Diss for four years. In the fall of 1899 he was
elected to the office of county recorder and was re-elected
in 1902. He has proved himself a capable and conscien-
tious official.
In 1895 Mr. Johnson married Miss N. F. Smith, a
native of Oxford county. Me.
~3fc*. AUGUSTUS HENRY STARKE, of San Bernardi
was born in Petaluma. August 16, 1851. the first child
. -^ y. born of white parents in the county of Sonoma. He
A ^^^^ ^^ the son of August and Frances Starke, both natives of
Germany. His father kept a hotel at Petaluma from
1851 to 1866. A. H. Starke was educated in the schools
of his native town and took a special course in bookkeep-
ing, a profession that he has since followed. He began
life as a clerk in a grocery store in Petaluma. In 1867
he came to San Bernardino, where he acted as clerk for
his father in the hotel, and later filled a similar position
at Mojave and at Needles. He has acted as deputy county
assessor and served a two-year term as city assessor of
San Bernardino. He is now filling the office of city re-
corder, to which office he was elected for a four-year term. May. 1903.
Mr. Starke married Miss Maud Marian, daughter of Nathan arid Sylvia A. Barton,
a native of Utah. They have two sons — Herbert Augustus and Nathan Donald.
Mr. Starke is a member of the Episcopal church and of the I. O. O. F., San Bernardino
Lodge No. 146. Arrowhead Parlor No. no of the Native Sons of the Golden West, and
Orange Belt Lodge No. 345, Fraternal Union of America.
CHARLES F. THOMS. of Rialto, was born in Lewisburg, Union county, Penn. His
father, Lewis F. Thorns, was a native of Switzerland who emigrated to America in the
early days and located in Pennsylvania. Later he removed to St. Joseph county. Mich.,
and here Charles F. grew to manhood and learned the trade of cabinet maker. On the
breaking out of the Civil war Mr. Thorns enlisted in the 19th Mich. Vol. Inf., Co. D, and
served until July, 1865, when he was mustered out at Detroit. During his services he was
twice captured and at one time was held a prisoner for a brief period in Libby prison.
JOHNSON.
858 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
After his discharge from the army he engaged in farming in Michigan. About 1871 he
removed to Saline county, Kans., and from here he came to California in 1891 and
purchased a ten-acre tract at Rialto. Mr. Thorns is a member of the M. E. church of
Rialto and of the G. A. R.
LEROY V. ROOT, of Needles, was born in Lyons, Mich., February 26, 1869, one
of two sons of John A., a Michigan farmer, and Emily R March Root. His parents still
reside on the home farm in Michigan. The Root family are descendants of old English
Puritanic stock settling in Massachusetts in the colonial days.
Leroy V. Root received his education in his native town, graduating from the high
school in the class of 1886, of which he was "class prophet." He taught school during
the winter of 1887-8, and the following spring was appointed deputy county surveyor for
Ionia county, Mich. In the spring of 1889 he was elected city engineer of Ionia, Mich.,
but did not complete his term of office. He entered the Grand Rapids business college,
completing the regular nine months course in bookkeeping, stenography and typewriting
in five months. Following this he was employed for a time in the Fourth National Bank
of Grand Rapids, Mich., resigning to accept a position with the Mitchell Lumber Company
of New Mexico, entering their employ June, 1892. February, 1893, he engaged with the
J. M. Dennis Lumber Co. as general superintendent, taking charge of the books and work
outside the mill. In October, 1893, he was employed with the Crescent Coal Co. of Gallup,
N. M., first as clerk in their store and later as bookkeeper, a position he held until the
l?tter part of 1896. He resigned to assume control of the "Gallup Gleaner," the local
newspaper of the town, editing that paper nearly one year, and then engaging for a few
months in some special work for the Albuquerque News.
Mr. Root came to Needles November 6, 1897, and was employed as storekeeper for
the Santa Fe Railway at Needles, remaining with them until the spring following, when
he leased "The Needles Eye" from Dr. Booth, conducting that journal until January 6,
1899. He was elected justice of the peace for Needles township, a position he still fills.
Mr. Root is also secretary of the Desert Exploration and Development Co. of Needles.
He is a prominent Mason, at present Senior Deacon of Needles Lodge No. 326. While
a resident of Gallup he held all the offices within the gift of Lebanon Lodge of Gallup.
He is a Royal Arch Mason, a Knight Templar, and member of the Mystic Shrine. Mr.
Root married Miss Elizabeth Hartigan of Gallup in April, 1896.
ORLANDO PERRY ROBARTS, of San Bernardino, was born in Springfield, Ohio,
April 22, 1844. He was the son of James W. and Eliza Pierce Robarts. His school days
were passed in Iowa, to which state his parents had removed, and here he learned the
carpenter trade. After spending some time in mining in Colorado, he returned to Iowa
in 1863 and went from thence to Kansas. He there enlisted in the 17th Kansas Vol. Inf.
and served until the regiment was mustered out in the spring of 1864. After the war he
returned to the west and for many years "pioneered" in Colorado, Oregon and Idaho. He
freighted; "ran" one of "Old Ben Holliday's" stage stations on the Platte river, just
below Ft. Kearney, during 1865-66; took a government contract for building on the Nez
Perces reservation, Idaho, etc.
He came to California in 1875, but did not remain long, as he took a government con-
tract at Camp Apache, A. T., and later engaged in the lumber business in the territory.
In 1881 he returned to California and located on the Rincon grant. After a couple of years
he moved to San Bernardino and worked at his trade, until 1887, when he tried "real estate
booming" with disastrous results. He now resides on his ranch on Waterman avenue.
Mr. Robarts married Miss Mattie A. Carr of Winchester, Mass., at Phoenix, A. T.
She died in March, 1898, leaving five children — Mary J., Mattie H., Elsie R, James A. and
Charles O. Robarts. Mr. Robarts is a member of the Presbyterian church.
FRED T. PERRIS, of San Bernardino, was born in England. While Mr. Perris
was still a youth his family went to Australia and he received his training as a civil
engineer in the city of Melbourne. In 1853 the family came to America and located at
San Bernardino. Mr. Perris' first employment here was in the survey of the "out lots"
about the city of San Bernardino for Lyman & Rich. He has served at different periods
as deputy United States surveyor, and mineral surveyor, and as county surveyor. His
first railroad work was in the construction of the Union Pacific road, under Samuel B. Reed.
In 1879, when it was known that G. B. Wilbur and L. G. Pratt of Boston were to visit
Southern California as representatives of the capitalists who proposed to build a trans-
atlantic road, San Bernardino citizens called a mass meeting and appointed Mr. Perris
and Mr. John Isaacs as a committee to visit San Diego and call the attention of the
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY S59
visitors to the advantages offered by this valley. As a result of this conference, the gentle-
men visited San Bernardino, carefully inspected the country and decided on the Cajon
route. Mr. Perris was engaged as engineer in the construction of the Southern California
road from San Diego to San Bernardino, and also from San Bernardino to Barstow. He
was the engineer and superintendent of construction for all the lines of the Santa Fe system
in Southern California, and has been actively connected with the road "since 1880. Mr. Perris
is now in charge of the oil interests of the Santa Fe Company. They have a large number
of wells and are annually producing large amounts of oil, which is now used almost exclu-
sively as fuel for motive power.
As a resident of San Bernardino, he has always taken an active interest in all that
makes for the welfare of the city. He was for a number of years a city trustee, and his
services were most valuable, particularly at the time when the city incorporated and re-
organized its government, investing large sums in water works, sewage system, etc.
B. F. GARNER, formerly of San Bernardino, was born near Quincy, 111., March
IS> 1835. the son of George and Elizabeth Garner. His parents moved to Nauvoo, 111., and
thence to Utah. He was fifteen years of age when the family left the Missouri river for
the journey to the west, and he drove an ox team from the Missouri to California. The
party left St. Joe in the spring of 1850 with a train of sixty wagons, divided into sections
of ten wagons each, each section taking its turn in leading the march. Many of the party
died with cholera while on the road. The Garner family came on to San Bernardino and
were among the occupants of the old fort. In 1853 Mr. Garner went to the northern part
of the state, where he engaged in farming and in mining. In 1858 he returned to San
Bernardino and married Miss Amanda, daughter of Thomas Tompkins, who came to San
Francisco from New York on the steamer Brooklyn in 1849. Mr. and Mrs. Garner had
eight children— Frank, of Arizona; Jane, Mrs. George Evans; Levina, wife of Harry
Hagan ; Charles, Addison, Lewis, Jessie and Arena. Mr. Garner lived for many years on
his property onMt. Vernon avenue and there died.
WILLIAM HENRY McKINZIE, of Chino, is a native of this county, born near the
city of San Bernardino, January 31, 1866, the son of William L. McKinzie, now of San
Bernardino, and the grandson of Murdoch McKinzie. He lived at home until about 1891,
when the beet sugar factory was built. He then located at Chino and was one of the
first to engage in beet raising. He owns ten acres of land on Euclid avenue. In February,
1892, he married Miss Viola S., daughter of Charles Graft of Chino. She is a native
of Kansas. They have four children — Eva M., Helen Florence, Alberta and Ruth E.
JOHN M. FOY, formerly of San Bernardino, was born in Washington, D. C. the
son of John M. Foy, whose father was of Irish descent and the gardener in charge of the
White House grounds at Washington. A brother of John M. Foy was a pioneer resident
of Los Angeles. On the death of the father, the mother removed" to Covington, Ky., and
there John M. received his education and learned the trade of harness maker, "iii the
fall of 1850 he sailed to Panama, walked across the isthmus and took passage for San
Francisco. He worked in the mines for a time and then in 1854 located in Los Angeles,
and in company with his brother, S. C. Foy, opened a harness shop. In 1865 he came
to San Bernardino and established a harness shop in this city. The business' which i^
still conducted by his son. C. W. Foy. is the oldest business house in the place, having
been conducted continuously since its foundation. Mr. Foy died January 17, 1892.
He was married in Los Angeles to Miss Louisa, daughter of Dr. Obed Macey, an
early settler of that place, for whom Macey street was named. Mr. and Mrs. Foy had a
family of eight children. Of those living. John M. Foy is secretary of the Alameda 'Lumber
Association, Berkeley ; Charles W. lives in San Bernardino.
CHARLES W. FOY was born in San Bernardino October 5, 1871. His school days
were passed here and he was a member of the first class to graduate from the high school
in 1889. He taught for several years and then took a two years course at Stanford. In
1895 he took charge of the business which his father had left, and has since that time been
engaged in manufacturing and dealing in harness, etc.
CHARLES SCHUMACKER. of Upland, was born October 13, 1839. at Herschen, Ger-
many. His father. Christian Schumacker. was a teacher in the government college at
Herschen, and there Charles received his education. He afterwards spent three years in
the Commercial Altenkirchen, Westerwald, Germany. In 1864 he came to America, and in
1862 located at Atchison, Kans. There he enlisted, in 1863, in the 18th Reg.. Co. D.
860 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
Kansas State Militia. He was discharged at Atchison the same year. He lived in Kansas
and Nebraska until 1886, when he came to California. Here he first engaged in the hard-
ware business in Los Angeles. Later he took a position with' the North Ontario Citrus
Nursery Co. as general manager.
Mr. Schumacker married Miss Christina Gutzmer, of Nebraska City, June 8, 1867.
Mrs. Schumacker is a native of Germany, born near Berlin. They have had a family of
six children, one child, a son, having died in 1894. The children are Etta, Karl, Mamie,
Anna and Linna. Mr. Schumacker is a member of the Select Knights, Atchison, and
also of the A. O. U. W. of Atchison.
ANTONIO P. PRECIADO. of Victorville. was born in Calaveras county in
i860. He was the son of Manuel and Jesus Padilla Preciado, who came to Cali-
fornia from Hermosilla, Mexico, in 1849. The father mined successfully in Calaveras
county and later engaged in grain raising. He came south to San Bernardino, where he
died in 1878. The mother still lives, residing now with her children at Victorville. Of
this marriage six sons and two daughters were born — Damian, Francisco, Jose, Jeusucita
and Antonio P., all reside at Victorville; Ygnacio lives at Downey; Manuel in San Ber-
nardino.
Antonio P. Preciado is actively engaged in mining developments in the vicinity of
Victorville. In 1897 ne married Miss Guadalupe Soto at Yuma, A. T. They have two
sons — Manuel and Eduardo.
A. B. GAZZOLI, of San Bernardino, is a native of Toronto, Canada, born August 18,
1876, the son of P. D. Gazzoli. He came to San Bernardino with his family in 1890. Here
he graduated from the city high school in the class of 1897 and then learned the hardware
business. He is now salesman for the George M. Cooley Co. He is an enthusiastic
member of Co. K, and followed the vicissitudes of his company during the Spanish-
American war, serving at that time as captain of his company. He has recently been
apointed as aide-de-camp on the staff of Governor Pardee, with rank of Major.
In 1894 he married Miss Maud Naylor, of this city.
WILLIAM LITTLEWOOD, of Upland, was born in Nottinghamshire, England.
April 11, 1846, the son of Samuel Littlewood, a brickmaker. In 1872 he came to America
and first located in Quebec, but soon removed to Kansas. In 1879 he came to California,
and when the colony of Ontario was organized he purchased thirty acres of land on the
north side, on Euclid avenue. He has since made this his home, and is one of the most
successful orange growers of the" colony.
CHRIS JENSEN, of San Bernardino, is a native of Germany, born in Schleswig-
Holstein, January 23, 1857. He came to the United States in 1873 and remained in New
York and Ohio until 1886, when he came to California. He spent seven years in Los
Angeles, and since 1895 he has been located in San Bernardino. In 1884 Mr. Jensen
married Miss Amie Alltholl in Kansas. She was of Dutch descent. They have two
children — John, born in Atchison, Kans., in 1885, and Ida, born in San Bernardino in 1898.
Mr. Jansen is a member of the I. O. O F. and of Morrison Encampment, San Bernardino,
and Germania Turnverein Society, Los Angeles. He is a successful business man and
owns valuable San Bernardino residence and business property.
ARCHIE D. LETTS, of Blooinington. was born near Scranton, Penn., January 22.
1858, the son of Horace Letts, a native of the same state and a farmer. The family removed
to Abilene, Kans.. in 1868, when this was the western frontier, and the father still lives at
Brookfield.
Archie D. Letts grew up in the vicinity of Abilene and attended school in the old log
school house of his day. In 1886 he came to California and located in Los Angeles, where
he teamed for the Los Angeles Construction Company. Later he spent some time in Bakers-
field in the employ of the Kern Land Co. Poor health necessitated a change and he
located at Blooinington in 1890 and became one of the first settlers on the tract. He has
served as a member of the school board since the organization of Blooinington district,
most of the time acting as clerk. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and of the Fraternal
Brotherhood of Rialto. In 1893 he married Miss Bertha Reibinger, a native of Pennsylvania,
and later a resident of Abilene, Kans. They have two daughters — Beaufort and Winnifred.
GEORGE SHEPARD, of Barstow, Cal.. was horn in Adams county. 111., May 16, 1836.
He was the son of Reuben and Sarah Shepard, one of a family of six children. His
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 861
father was an early Illinois pioneer, emigrating from North Carolina in 1819.
George Shepard is the only member of the family living in the west. He came to
California in 1852, starting on his journey from Adams county, January 26th. He took
passage on a river boat from Alton, 111., to New Orleans, thence to Cuba and Panama,
crossing the Isthmus and by boat to Stockton, Cal., arriving April 1, 1852. He went at
once into the mountains back of Sonora and lived there a time ; then to Big Oak Flats,
where he engaged in mining, owned a ranch and sold milk. He remained there ten years.
In 1861 he went to Tulare county, near Visalia, and bought a farm, and went into the
cattle business, which he continued until 1883. Mr. Shepard was the owner of the Page
and Morton ranch, five miles west of Tulare, and sold that firm the four thousand acres
of land which constituted that property. After selling this land, in 1883, he moved with
his family to Los Angeles, where Mrs. Shepard still resides. Mr. Shepard came to Barstow
June, 1884, and engaged ni cattle raising. Eleven years afterwards he sold his herd for
$15,000, having in the meantime disposed of numbers of cattle. He has also interested
himself in mining in that section of the country, having owned and sold several claims,
and is still the owner of good placer mines, and also lead, gold and silver mining interests.
Mr. Shepard married Miss Julia Bacon at Visalia, Cal., January 26, 1865. They have
had a family of four children — Helen Homer; Charles Shepard: Clara, Mrs. Uphill (de-
ceased) ; Edna resides with the mother at the home in Los Angeles.
GEORGE F. MECHAM. of San Bernardino, was born in San Bernardino, January
19. 1855. He is the son of Lafayette Mecham, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in
this volume. G. F. Mecham received his education in the public schools of San Bernardino.
In 1863 when the discovery of gold was made in Lytle canyon, he engaged in mining, in
company with his father, and has followed that business ever since that date. He was
one of the first owners of the "Calico mine," and in partnership with Ramsey Cox, also
owner of the "Goler mine." He has been largely interested in desert mining for many
years.
Mr. Mecham married Miss Louise Gilbert, daughter of Joseph Gilbert of San Ber-
nardino. They are the parents of three children — Harry M., Gilbert and Harold. Mr.
and Mrs. Mecham reside in their own home near Sail Bernardino, between Base Line and
Highland
AUGUSTUS MECHAM, of Chino. is a native of San Bernardino county, born in San
Bernardino, December 25, 1867, the son of Lafayette Mecham. As a boy he learned the
trade of blacksmith and followed it for several years in San Bernardino. He then learned
boilermaking and worked for the Santa Fe Company at Barstow for six years. He then en-
gaged in farming seven miles south of Santa Ana and also engaged in business as a mer-
chant in Chino.
F. P. MORRISON, of Redlands. is a son of the Golden West, born in San Francisco
in 1859. Mr. Morrison graduated from the scientific course, Yale University, in 1878. In
1882 he came to Redlands and has since that time been closely identified with the business
interests of this section. He was one of the first to plant out orange trees here and to
build a home, his residence being completed in 1885. He has always been an extensive land
owner and largely interested in the orange growing business. He was one of the original
stockholders in the Bear Valley dam project. In 1887 when the First National Bank of
Redlands. then known as the Bank of East San Bernardino Valley, was established, he
was made its president, a position he still holds. He is also president of the Redlands
Savings Bank. He has been city treasurer since the incorporation of the city of Redlands.
DR. J. D. B. STILLMAN, one of the early settlers of Lugonia, was born in Schenec-
tady, N. Y„ in 1819, the son of Joseph and Eliza Ward Stillman (nee Maxon). He
received the degree of A. B. from Union College and studied medicine in the College
of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, reeciving his degree from that institution. He
at first practiced in New Yprk, and was at one time a surgeon in Bellevue Hospital. He
was married to Miss Caroline B. Maxon in New York city, and at once started for
California in a sailing vessel, the Pacific, around Cape Horn. He went to Sacramento,
and in connection with Dr. John F. Morse he established the first hospital in that city.
In his book, published in 1877. "Seeking the Golden Fleece," Dr. Stillman has left a
graphic description of his early California experiences.
In 1850 he returned to New York and resumed his practice in that citv. After the
death of his wife he spent some months in Europe, and in 1854 was married to Miss Mary
J Wells, of Westerly, Rhode Island. In 1855 Dr. Stillman went to Texas to consider
862 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
that country as a place of residence, and his adventures here are told in a series_ of letters,
"Wanderings in the Southwest," published in the "Crayon," a magazine then edited by his
brother, Wm. J. Stillman. In 1856 Dr. Stillman returned with his wife to California and
practiced medicine at Sacramento until the flood year of 1861-2. when he removed to San
Francisco, where he lived until he gave up practice to establish his home at Lugonia. Dur-
ing his residence of nearly twenty years in San Francisco he occupied many positions of
honor and trust, among which was the coronership of the city, memebr of the board of
education, and trustee of the Lick school ; appointed member of the faculty of the medical
department of the University of California, a position he declined.
In 1879-80 Dr. Stillman made an elaborate study of the anatomy and physiology of
the horse, in order to elucidate the results of the instantaneous photographs of the horse
in motion, taken by Mr. E. Muybridge, at the suggestion and expense of Senator Leland
Stanford. This elaborate monograph is included in the "Horse in Motion" published by
Senator Stanford in 1882.
Upon taking up his residence at Lugonia, Dr. Stillman devoted himself to study and
experiments with raisins, dates and wines, having previously made careful observations of
the production of these articles in Southern Europe. Dr. Stillman died at Lugonia in 1888,
leaving his widow and six children to survive him. The children are Prof. J. M. Stillman
of Stanford University ; Howard Stillman, engineer of tests. Southern Pacific Company ;
Dr. Stanley Stillman, professor of surgery, Cooper Medical College. San Francisco ; Leland
S. Stillman, a lawyer of New York; Mrs. Edward H. Mulligan, of Chicago, and Mrs. F. P. ,
Morrison, of Redlands.
Throughout his career Dr. Stillman, through the force of his character, exerted a
strong influence. His interest in and familiarity with botany made his name prominent in
the development of the systematic botany of the coast, and his interest in literature and
current topics is illustrated by the various articles published during the earlier years of
the Overland Monthly.
JOHN S. MARTIN, of San Bernardino, was born in Detroit, Mich., September 17.
1847. He is the son of John S. and Jane Martin. Of his father's family, beside himself,
there was one brother and six sisters, all of whom are living in Detroit. His early school
days were passed in Detroit, and there he learned the printer's trade. From Detroit he
went to New York city, remaining in that city eighteen years, and was employed on the
leading metropolitan daily papers, the "New York Sun" and "Tribune," under Horace
Greely, from whom he received $6 per night as typesetter. From New York he came to
San Diego, Cal., and worked three years for the "San Diego Union;" then to San Ber-
nardino, where he has been employed by the city street department; for the last eight
years he was superintendent of streets, and as such assisted in the laying of water mainland
other public improvements undertaken by the city up to 1899, when he severed his connection
with that department. Owing to ill health he has not engaged in any business since that
date. He is the owner of a pleasant cottage with one acre of land on C street, San
Bernardino, where he makes his home.
On July 12, 1864, he married Miss Louisa Lucious. of Detroit, Mich. They have two
sons — Harry Martin, who married Miss Ida Rockoff of San Bernardino, and Fred Martin,
unmarried, employed in the Santa Fe railway shops. Mr.'Martin is a member of the
Independent Order of Foresters.
CHARLES C. ABBEY, of Redlands. is a native of Claremont. Iowa, born July 22,
1864, the son of Alonzo Abbey, a millwright. In 1873 the family came to California
and located at Livermore, where the father died in 1879. Mr. Abbey was educated in the
public schools of Alameda county and at Livermore academy. He attended the school of
pharmacy at Michigan State University, Ann Arbor, graduating in 1889. He engaged
in the drug business at Livermore for about three years, then located as a druggist at
Fort Worth, Texas, where he remained five years. He came to Redlands in 1894 and
has established a thriving drug business in this place. He was married at Fort Worth
to Miss Emma Morrison.
W. H. GOODRICH, of Redlands, was born near Elyria, Ohio, March 21. 1859, the
son of William Goodrich, a farmer by occupation. In 1869 the family removed to Marshal-
town, Iowa, where they remained until 1883, when they removed to California and located
at Pomona. Here the father lived in retirement until his death in August, 1898, at the
age of seventy-six. Of the familv, C. S. Goodrich lives in Los Angeles and a daughter,
Mrs. H. L. Rubell. in Redondo.
Mr. Goodrich engaged in the furniture business in Pomona, from 1885 to 1898, when
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 863
he removed to Redlands and located on Citrus avenue. Under the name of W. H. Good-
rich & Co. he now carries on one of the largest and most complete furniture establishments
in this section of the state, the stock embracing everything required to furnish and equip
a modern home.
Mr. Goodrich married Miss Cora E. Rollins in Marshaltown, Iowa. They have an
adopted daughter, Dorothy R.
ISAAC C. GIRARD, formerly public administrator of San Bernardino county, was
born in the district of Maskinonge, Lower Canada, March 30, 1842. He was the son of
Martin and Mary Louise (Carifell) Girard, and of
French-Canadian descent. His father removed to St.
Joseph, Mo., in 1848, and there his boyhood and school
days were passed. He learned his trade of harness
marker, and remained in St. Joseph until 1862. He
then went to work for Ben. Holliday on the Overland
stage line, following the Old Cherokee trail from Atchi-
son to Salt Lake, via Fort Bridger. He remained with
him for about a year and then started for California
by the southern route, arriving in San Bernardino the
latter part of December, 1863. Later he went to Los
Angeles. There his first employer was W. H. Work-
man, the present city treasurer of Los Angeles. Two
years later he was employed by John M. Foy, the
pioneer harness maker of San Bernardino, and came
to San Bernardino with him in 1866. In November of
that year he went to Visalia and then to Moore
Flats. From 1871 to 1886 he was employed at his
trade, dividing his time between San Bernardino, Los
Angeles and Phoenix, Ariz., working repeatedly for
Herman Heinsch, John M. Foy and Jesus Moreno. Then
lie went to Los Angeles and opened a little shop
of his own on Sixth street, near Olive. In i8go he
sold out and returned to San Bernardino, and was
again employed by J. M. Foy, remaining with him until
the death of the latter. He then opened a small har-
ness repair shop and commission store on D street, in
San Bernardino, where he is at present.
In 1873 'n Los Angeles he married Miss Mary McCann, a native of California. They
were the parents of ten children, five of whom are living. These are : C. Leon, Maggie
M., William M., Frances E., and Howard W. Girard. Mr. Girard is a member of the
St. Paul's M. E. church south, of San Bernardino. On January 1, 1899, he assumed the
duties of public administrator of San Bernardino county. His term of office expired
January I, 1903..
CHARLES L. FRAZER, of Highland, a native of Wilmington. Will county. 111.,
was born December 19, 1851. He was educated in the common schools and at Wesleyan
University, Bloomington. In 1875 he located at Shenandoah, Iowa, and engaged in the
lumber business, remaining here for twelve years. In 1887 he came to California and
purchased twenty-three acres of land at Highland, which is a fine orange grove.
He was married in 1873 at Wilmington, 111., to Miss Caroline S., daughter of James
L. Young, one of the first settlers of Wilmington. He was for many years a justice of
the peace and fined the Prince of Wales when he was in this country, for shooting quail
out of season. A son, John R. Young, was for thirty years clerk of the Superior Court
of the District of Colorado. Mr. and Mrs. Frazer have had three children.
GUY L. FRAZER was born in Wilmington, 111.. October 5, 1874. He came to
California with his parents in 1887 and was in the public schools and at the high schools
of San Bernardino and Pomona. In 1898 he went to Montana and was connected with
the civil engineering department of the Butte Water Works for a time. He returned
to Highland and became a member of the firm of Frazer & Bowers, absorbing the business
of Seeley & Sons.
W. H. LOGSDEN, of San Bernardino, was born in Macoupin county, III., the son
of Harden and Mary McGinnis Logsden, one of a family of eight children. His father
was a farmer. The family located in Texas in 1846; the parents both died and the
ISAAC C. (.Ik \kl>
864
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
children lived on various farms in different sections of Texas, until i860, when W. H.
with three brothers started for California with an ox team. They arrived in October
and located in Tulare county, where Mr. Logsdon remained until 1881, when he came
south, and after a stay in Santa Ana settled in San Bernardino. May 24, 1864, he en-
listed in the regular army service, Co. E, 2nd U. S. Vol. Cav., and saw some service
in fighting Indians. He was mustered out June 2, 1866.
October 7, 1866, he married Miss Clarence Gertrude Limebarger, at Visalia. Their
living children are Minnie, Eva, Ella, May, Ray and Ralph. Mr. Logsdon and his family
are connected with the Salvation Army.
THOMAS R. JENNINGS, of Chino, was born at Brady's Bend, Armstrong county,
Penn., September 2, 1864. He was the son of Edward and Catherine Miller Jennings.
His father was a native of Cornwall, England. For forty
years he filled the position of Superior Judge in Pennsyl-
. vania. He was also engaged in the oil business. Thomas
R. grew up in' the Pennsylvania oil fields and is thoroughly
experienced in every detail of the oil business. He started
in as a pumper and had experience as a tool dresser and
^^fc^» driller. In 1885 he came to Los Angeles and then spent
jflP^^"%. a year in British Columbia He returned to California
MjT and has since resided in Orange and San Bernardino coun-
H^fltt <K ties. IK1 has done much work in the various nil fields
on the coast, and is now superintendent of the Chino Land
and Water Co. and of the Jennings Oil Co. The latter
is operating in Chino Hills and has several producing
JSHfc^^ wells. The Jennings Oil Co. was organized in 1892, with
^^^■B ^^^B^^ George A. Rankin, president ; Thos. R. Jennings, vice-
,*^|flfll HBtefct president ; Oscar Wolf, secretary, and Charles Jennings
JmH BBr ^M I and Jacob B. Rhinestein, directors.
■H HT jpfl Mr. Jennings was married August 16, 1893, to Miss
\'< I I Roberta B., daughter of Captain Newton Stilwell, of Dow-
1 ney. They have one son. Earle Edward, born in Fuller-
1 ton, April 28, 1894.
THOMAS R. JENNINGS
FRANK PIERCE MESERVE, of Redlands, was born
in Rochester, New Hampshire. November 30, 1852. He
received an excellent education in the schools of New
Hampshire and Maine, and at the age of nineteen com-
menced his career in the clothing business in Newport,
N. H., where he conducted a successful business until
1888, when he removed to Redlands. He opened the first clothing store in this locality.
His business has made rapid strides to keep up with the growth of the city, and is now
one of the corporations of the state, and one of the largest of the kind in the San Ber-
nardino valley.
Mr. Meserve was elected to the board of city trustees in 1890, and served a term
ol four years. He was again elected to serve the city as trustee in 1902, and served one
year, when he resignd the office and made a tour of the world. On his return in the
fall of 1904, he was again appointed a member of the board to fill the vacancy caused
by the resignation of Mr. H. L. Graham, and is now one of the active members of the
city council. He was one of the originators of the public library, and a member for
three years of the first board of library trustees. He was a director of the Union Bank
of Redlands from its early history until the change of that institution to a national bank ;
a promoter, director and stockholder in the Redlands Electric Light and Power Company
and in the Redlands Realty Co. He was one of the building committee of five who
supervised the construction of the Casa Loma Hotel and the expenditure of the $20,000
bonus raised by the citizens of Redlands. Mr. Meserve was elected to and served in
the California state assembly for the regular session of 1899, ar|d the special session
of 1900.
May 15, 1878, he married Minnie A. Harvey of Newport, N. H.. who died at Sac-
ramento during the session of the state legislature, in March, 1899. December 25, 1904,
he married Helen M. Crossman of Los Angeles.
PETER SHOLANDER. of Chino. is a native of Sweden, born May 16, 1862. His
father was Nels John and his mother Carrie B. Sholander. The family came to this
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
N65
country in 1S81, landing at New York, and going almost immediately to Iowa, where they
settled to Boone county and purchased 160 acres of well improved land.
Peter later went to Des Moines, where he was employed as a coal miner. The family
came to California in 1887 and his father purchased twenty acres of land at Chino and
raised alfalfa and put out an orchard. He also rented land and planted sugar beets.
The son remained in Des Moines until 1891, when he came to this state and was first
employed at Pomona. He bought the five acres now occupied as a home place in 1892
and later purchased ten acres.
He was married June 14, 1889, in Des Moines to Miss Jennie, daughter of C. A.
Anderson. Her father was a blacksmith who came to America in 1880, settled in Boone
county, Iowa, where he was a hardware dealer, and later moved to Des Moines, where
he still resides. Mr. and Mrs. Sholander have one son, Jesner, born in Des Moines May
16, 1890.
ROYAL M. ARMSTRONG, of San Bernardino, was born in Topeka, Kansas, De-
cember 7, 1877, the son of James A. and Mary Ragland Armstrong. He attended the
public schools and the high school and took a course
in the Topeka business college. In 1893 he entered
the employ of the A. T. & S. F. Ry. in the mechan-
ical department. He was transferred to the office
of the division master mechanic, at Ottawa, and
later returned to another position at Topeka. In
July, 1899, he came to San Bernardino as private
secretary for the superintendent of machinery, and
continued on the clerical force of the railway com-
pany until December, 1902, when he was appointed
deputy county clerk. He was married in December,
1898, to Miss Nettie B. Shepp and has two sons,
Harry M. and Jack M. Mr. Armstrong is a member
of the San Bernardino Lodge. F. & A. M., and is
-*JMB secretary of the order of Elks, San Bernardino.
W± LEWIS VAN LEUVEN, formerly of Old San
Bernardino, was born near Kingston, Canada, April
30, 1826. He was the son of Benjamin Van Leuven.
The family emigrated to Illinois and then to Mis-
souri, and arrived in San Bernardino in 1854. In
1855 Lewis Van Leuven lived in the Yucaipe Val-
ley. He married Mrs. Patience Druper, a daughter
of Frederick Van Leuven, and soon afterward they
went to Visalia, Tulare county, and lived there for
ROYAL M. ARMSTRONG three years. After this Mr. Van Leuven settled in
Old San Bernardino and resided here until his
death, September 28. 1888. The widow and four children still survive. Lewis R. :
Lorane, Mrs. Alonzo Frink; Etta, Mrs. Abner McCrary; and Dewane, who lives on the
home place and is married.
WILLIAM B. STEWART, of Ontario, was born July 30, i860, in the village of
Cherry Tree, Venango county, Penn., the son of William R. and Jane Irwin Stewart. Both
his father and his grandfather, Elijah Stewart, were natives of Pennsylvania and well
known and successful business men, having been extensively engaged in the leather trade.
Mr. Stewart's mother died in 1863, and about this time his father removed to Ohio and
there carried on a mercantile business until about the time of his death, in 1878, at the
age of sixty-six.
William B. Stewart engaged in the oil business in Bradford, McKean county, Penn.,
and in 1887 came to California, going first to Santa Paula. In 1888 he located at" Ontario,
where he has since lived. He owns considerable property here and is a successful orange
grower.
In 1891 he married Miss May. daughter of Parks Smith, of Santa Paula. They have
three children — Milton, Harold and Agnes. They are members of the Presbyterian church.
JAMES B. WATSON, of Del Rosa, was a native of Lafayette county, Mo., born
July 31. '859, the son of James Watson, a farmer, who was of English birth. He' came
8W>
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
to America while a young man and lived in Tennessee, and later in Kentucky. He married
in the latter state Rebecca A. Riggins.
Mr. Watson grew up on a farm at his birthplace. In 1880 he came to California and
worked on fruit ranches in Riverside. Later he went into the nursery business. In 1893
he purchased land in West Highland and . now has an orchard in orange, lemon and
grape fruit. He was married in San Bernardino to Miss Elsie, daughter of William Hill.
They have three children living — Iola, James B. and Lois Tury.
JOHN M. CLEGHORN, of Highland, was born at Monterey, December 24, 1861.
After locating in Highland, Mr. Cleghorn began drying and selling peaches and apricots
on a small scale, and is now an extensive dealer in dried fruits. He is also prominently
identified with the orange growing and shipping industry. He was married in Highland,
November 13, 1897, to Miss Florence Nightingale, daughter of Cyrus Lamar, of Rialto.
She was born in Lee county, Texas. Her father is a descendant of the French Huguenots;
her mother, Mary Stephenson, belonged to an old Texas family. Mr. and Mrs. Cleghorn
have one child, Pearl Pomona. Mr. Cleghorn is a member of the Native Sons, and Mrs.
Cleghorn belongs to the Foresters and the Maccabees.
HENRY D. BLAKESLEE, of Upland, was born in Bryan, Ohio, February 16, 1853,
the son of Henry B. and Lucy E. Day Blakeslee; his father a native of New York and
his mother born in Ohio. Mr. Blakes-
lee learned the trade of blacksmith and
carriage maker and followed it for a
number of years in Nebraska. In 1885
he came to California, and after a year
in Los Angeles purchased forty acres
of land at the corner of Twenty-first
street and San Antonio avenue, in On-
tario colony, which he has developed
into a typical Southern California fruit
ranch, with seven acres of navel orange
trees now in full bearing and other fruit
trees of different varieties. In 1898
he opened a blacksmith shop and car-
riage works at his present location on
Euclid avenue in what was then North
Ontario, now Upland. In 1900 he formed
a partnership with J. J. Atwood and
engaged in the lumber business under
the firm name of Atwood & Blakeslee.
In 1901 the Packing House Equipment
Co. was organized and incorporated for
the manufacture of machinery and ap-
pliances for the equipment of orange and
lemon packing establishments. Since
1903 Mr. Blakeslee has been manager
of this company. Mr. Blakeslee pos-
sesses an intuitive mechanical genius
which has contributed materially to the
development of appliances, such as
brushes, washers, automatic weighers,
elevators, etc., manufactured and pat-
ented by his company. He is a scien-
tific horseshoer and the inventor of
Blakeslee's horse-shoe leveling gage, a
practical appliance for squaring and ver-
ifying the right angle square of a hoof
HENRY D. BLAKESLEE
before nailing a shoe in place.
Mr. Blakeslee was married in January, 1875, at Lincoln, Neb.,
Frost. They have a son, Clark Clifford, and a daughter, L. Laura
and influential Republican.
to Miss Cornelia P.
G. He is an active
WILLIAM JACOB SCHAEFER, of Chino. is a native of Nassau, Germany, born
1847. He came to America with a sister when he was fourteen and went to Ohio and
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 867
lived on a farm near Sandusky. Later he lived at Norwalk. Here he had three brothers
who were mechanics employed in an organ factory. He worked here, too, and made cases
for organs. In 1886 he came to California and worked at carpentering in Los Angeles for
some years. In 1891 he came to Chino with his family and no means, and rented land
of Richard Gird, on which he raised beets. In 1893 he purchased his present property,
sixty acres, and he has continued to raise beets, securing large crops. He has also put up
a first-class pumping plant with which he pumps fifty-five inches of water to irrigate his
thirty-five acres of alfalfa, and has purchased thirty-five acres of land, all of which is paid
for by the crops raised on it.
He was married in Erie county. Ohio, to Miss Elizabeth Loos, also a native of
Germany. They have four sons and one daughter— William, Fred, Henry, Joseph and
Sophia.
MATHEW CLEGHORN, late of San Bernardino, was born June 14, 1829, in Ken-
tucky, the son of the Rev. Lorenzo Dow Cleghorn, a minister of the Christian church,
and of Mary McLain Cleghorn, of Scotch parentage. He left home at the age of twelve
and later served in the Mexican war, entering the 16th Ky. Vols, and later being trans-
ferred to the nth Ky. Vols. For eight months he carried express between Vera Cruz
and the City of Mexico and to Lalusa. On account of sickness he was sent to the Marine
Hospital in New York city in 1848. After the end of the war he traveled over the western
states and finally located in Iowa. In i860 he came to California and located at Watson-
ville, Monterey county. In 1863 he came to San Bernardino county and homesteaded
160 acres on base line near what is now Highland. Here he built a residence. He car-
ried on a livery business in San Bernardino for several years and engaged in raising fine
stock.
He .married Miss Serena, daughter of Isaac Hendry, in the state of Indiana, about
i860. There are now four living children — Lorenzo Dow, Mary C, William J. of Redondo,
and John M. Cleghorn.
WILLIAM E. SHAFER was born in Republic county, Kansas, October 21, 1875.
His father, George Shafer, came to California from Kansas in 1888 and located at Tustin,
Orange county.
William E. Shafer passed his boyhood on his father's farm, in Kansas and in Cali-
fornia, and attended the public schools. In 1898 he joined the Seventh Regiment of
California Guards and went to San Francisco with them. When mustered out of this
regiment Mr. Shafer enlisted in the 35th U. S. Vols, and served in the Philippine Island
campaign from November 14, 1899, till March 14, 1901. He served under the late Gen.
W. H. Lavvton, and after his death under Gen. Funston and Col. E. H. Plummer. He
vas detailed on scouting duty and sent out with 100 men, of whom only fourteen returned.
Mr. Shafer reached California again May 3, 1901, and settled on a ten-acre ranch near
Chino.
March 18, 1902, he married Bessie, daughter of the late C. E. Bluett, of Pomona.
WILLIAM STEWART, of San Bernardino, was born at Cape Breton, N. S., De-
cember 27, 1846. His parents, Donald and Elizabeth Black Stewart, were both of Scotch
descent and his father was a farmer. William was educated on the farm, but developed
a taste for the sea and became a sailor along the North Atlantic coast, and later on the
Great Lakes.
Ultimately he settled in St. Paul. Minn., and engaged in the business of contracting.
In 1892 he came to California and located on a well-watered ranch in the vicinity of the
county seat and there engaged in the dairy business, in which he was most successful.
In 1903 he sold out and removed to Los Angeles.
July 29, 1871, Mr. Stewart married Catherine, daughter of John Gannon, born at
Galena, 111., August 8, 1852. Their children are: Eliza J., Margaret, William J. (engineer
on war vessel Philadelphia), Katie M. Swaii of Porterville, Cal. ; James, Mabel and Archie.
ADOLPHUS DUANE SPRING, of Colton, is a native of Wisconsin, having been
born at Fox Lake, Dodge county, January 8, 1848, the son of Heman Jones Spring, a
farmer and a native of New York state. He was one of the pioneer settlers of Wisconsin.
He entered the 29th Wis. Vols, on the breaking out of the Civil war and was killed in
battle at Grand Gulf, Miss. A son, Delos, entered the army with his father and was by
his side when he was shot.
A. D. Spring left home when but thirteen and began to make his own way. He was
employed on the Milwaukee and St. Paul. Ry. and learned civil engineering. In 1875
,S(,S
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
he came to California and at first located at Willow Springs, in Los Angeles county, then
spent five years in San Diego county. He came to Colton about 1881 and clerked for
Davenport & Mcintosh for a time. When the motor road was put in between San Ber-
nardino and Colton he acted as engineer for two years. When Colton proposed to put
in an electric light system, Mr. Spring was made manager and installed the system, and
has ever since had charge of it.
Mr. Spring was married in 1870 to Miss Sarah Wright, of Minneapolis. They have
three children— Gardner H., Harry K., and Edna F. Mr. Spring is a member of Ashler
Lodge, F. & A. M.
ROBERT H. SWINNEY, of Highland, was born in Somerset, Kentucky, August 31,
1862, the son of Benjamin L. and Elizabeth Cash Swinney, both natives of Kentucky.
His father was a farmer and stock dealer and the son lived at home until his twentieth
year and learned something of his father's methods of trade and business. He then went
to Missouri, where he spent five years in and about Springfield. He came to California
in 1887 and located at Highland, where he worked at milling in the mountains during the
season and also contracted for ditch construction and carried on the development and irri-
gation of orange groves. He has a five-acre grove and owns some town property. In
■ 893 Mr. Swinney married Miss Ara Ann Parker, daughter of Robert Parker of Redlands.
They have one son, Robert C. Mr. Swinney is a member of the Fraternal Aid of Highland.
GEORGE P. SKINNER, of San Bernardina, was born in Vallejo, November 26,
1867, the son of W. W. Skinner, a native of New York state. He was educated in his
native town, graduating from the high school in 1885.
His talent for music was early discovered and encour-
aged, and he received instruction from competent teach-
ers until he became an efficient musician and an in-
structor in music. Naturally he entered upon music
as a profession and has given much time to drilling,
both in orchestral and chorus work. He has appeared
as pianist upon many programs in Southern California.
He located in San Bernardino, where, beside teaching
and filling professional engagements, he has acted as
organist for different churches. He makei a specialty
of the piano, but is also a proficient organist. In 1896
he was elected musical instructor in the city high school
and brought the music in that institution to a high
standard.
Professor Skinner married in 1891 Miss Cora L.,
daughter of A. S. Davidson, ex-county recorder. They
are the parents of two children, Marian and Earle.
NELSON THOMAS HENDRICKSON, of High-
land, is a native of Denmark, born near Hamburgh,
May 9, 1866. His father, Thomas Hendrickson, came
to America in 1870 and located in Des Moines county,
Iowa, where he and the rest of the family now reside.
Thomas Nelson Hendrickson is an engineer by profes
sion. He came to California in November, 1900, and
at once entered the employ of the Highland Water
Company as superintendent of their system. He mar-
ried Miss Mary Eliza Evans, and they have one daughter, Inez Vivian.
NELSON S. BATES, of Rialto, was born in Wayne county, Perm., March 17, 1858.
His father, Francis Bates, was a native of England and a carpenter and miller by trade.
Nelson S. left home in 1869 and came west to Rockford, 111. He engaged in business
and remained about ten years, then removed to Iowa. He came to California in 1887
and located at San Bernardino, where for five years he was a member of the firm of
Bates, Cabert & Stevenson, contracting builders. Later he was with Slocum & Ingham.
He aided in building many houses of the better class in San Bernardino, and also in
building Squirrel Inn. About eight years ago he retired from business and settled at
Rialto, where he has a home place of ten acres.
In 1880 he married Rebecca, daughter of Thomas Bates, of Rockford, 111. They have
three children — Frank, Daisy and Charles.
(,];OR«il: I' SKINNER
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
Nf/t
A. G. STEARNS, of Highland, was born October 26, 1864, in Appleton, Wisconsin,
the son of George L. and Alary Snyder Stearns. His father was a millwright, who removed
to California in 1883 and is now engaged in manufacturing furniture and mill work in
Los Angeles. The son worked with his father as accountant until 1892, when he came
to Redlands as the manager for the Haight Fruit Co. He remained with them for two
years, then acted as manager for the Porter Bros. Co. in Redlands for a year. He built
a packing house and managed it for a year for Harleigh Johnson, at Santa Barbara, then
came to Highland in 1896 as manager for the Highland Fruit Growers' Assn. Since that
time he has been in business for himself.
Mr. Stearns was married in Grand Rapids, Mich., in 1886, to Miss Eliza Ortman.
They have one daughter, Ruth. Mr. Stearns is a member of the Masonic order, of St.
Bernard Commandery, San Bernardino, of the Elks in Redlands, and of the Shriners of
Los Angeles.
GRANVILLE ELLIS STARBUCK, of San Bernardino, was born in Green county,
Ohio, December 18. 1863, the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Ellis Starbuck. His father
was for many years a clergyman of the Christian church,
but now resides on a ranch in Riverside county. Ed-
ward Starbuck, an ancestor, settled on Nantucket Isl-
and, Mass., in the year 1659, and one of the heirlooms
of the family is a Bible printed in 1734 and purchased
by Granville Starbuck's great-grandfather in 1763, he
being at the time but fourteen years old.
Mr. Starbuck received a good education in the
graded schools of New Antioch, Ohio. After leaving
school he began teaching music and perfected himself
in tihs profession under tutors who taught Cincinnati
Conservatory methods. In November, 1893, he came to
San Bernardino from Ohio, and has since made this
place his residence. He has been a member of the
Christian church since 1879 and is prominent in its
work here, especially in the Sunday school, of which
he has been superintendent since August 1, 1898. He
is a member of several secret orders and fills chairs
of honor in some of them— a P. G. in the I. O. O. F.,
and a P. C. in the Woodmen of the World, a member
of Morse Encampment, No. 51, I. O. O. F., also Mag-
nolia Rebekah Lodge, No. 94, and a Fraternal Brother-
hood member.
JOHN NOBLE, of Chino. was born in Cayuga
county, New York, August 22, 1837. His father. Oliver
Noble, was a currier and tanner, and married Phylina,
a daughter of Caleb Munson, of Cayuga county, a
prosperous farmer and fruit grower. John Noble had one brother, Newton, who came to
California and became well known in San Bernardino county, serving twice in the capacity
of sheriff. Newton ' Noble lived on his property in the San Timetao canyon. His widow
now lives in Los Angeles, where one of his daughters, Mary, practices medicine, and
another teaches in the high school.
John Noble came to California in i860, from Denver, Colo. Late in 1859 he came
west to Denver, and there made money mining. He then came to San Bernardino and
went to raising cattle and grain in the Yucaipe valley. Later he pursued the same business
near San Jacinto. He made money, sold out and located at old San Bernardino, where
he remained for several years. . .
In 1868 he married Emily Miller at San Bernardino. He had six children, r-red
holds a responsible position with the American Sugar Beet Company. Frank, John, Oliver
and George are at Chino. Charles is deceased. Mr. Noble has been a citizen of Chino
since 1897.
MILTON F. CANTERBURY, of Del Rosa, was born in Sangamon county, Illinois,
February 16, 1864, the son of Milton and Sarah Wood Canterbury. His father was a
native of Kentucky and a physician; his mother a native of Ohio. Dr. Canterbury removed
to Oregon about 1865 and practiced at various points in that state until 1869, when he
located at St. Helena, Napa county, Cal. Later he practiced at Santa Rosa, Colusa, in
GRANVILLE ELLIS STARBUCK
870
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
San Bernardino and in Redlands. He died in the latter place in i8gi at the age of
seventy-three. The mother still lives with her daughter, Mrs. A. E. Ashby, of Redlands.
Milton F. on coming to San Bernardino county engaged in the nursery business.
Since 1882 he has resided at Del Rosa, where he is engaged in citrus culture. In 1888
he married Miss Esther, daughter of Andrew Leedom of Del Rosa. They have three
children — Ethel, Raymond and Ruth. Mr. and Mrs. Canterbury are prominent in the work
of the M. E. church of Del Rosa, having been among the first members of the organization.
JOHN W. TUCK, of Needles, was born in Cambridge, England, January 14, 1862.
His father, Harry Robert Tuck, was an art connoisseur, a collector of fine paintings and
bric-a-brac, an excellent musician and for twenty-five vears
leader of the orchestra in Cambridge. His mother's maiden
name was Susan J. Manning. Selling their property in
England, the family came to America in 1873, hoping that
the change would prove beneficial to the father, but he
died of consumption three months after their arrival in
San Francisco. With the exception of one brother, the
owner of a large winery near San Jose, and the subject
of this sketch, the family are now in Honolulu.
Mr. Tuck received his education in the old Santa
Clara college, San Francisco, under Father Varcy, then
president of the institution. After leaving school he was
employed by the firm of F. Brassey & Co., San Jose liquor
merchants. Later he took a position with Ned B. Ed-
wards, a butcher of San Jose, and was with him for several
I years. In 1885 Mr. Tuck went to Kingman, Ariz., and
^^A / ^^ worked for William Frost, butcher, and in his employ
^^^^K j^T Hrer ''lop 'n 1^7- He con-
' '•"* ^M^UH^^I I tnlued the business for Frost until 1891. In 1896 he went
H^BH into a partnership with Charles Welch, and afterwards
MSfl w't'1 ^'' ^' ^oner' ur,der the firm name of Tuck & Boner,
■Xftflf^M.fl ^H a business he still continues. Mr. Tuck has full charge
I of the business, as his partner, Mr. Boner, is engaged on
- ■= ~ J his cattle ranch on the Big Sandy, Arizona. Mr. Tuck-
is also interested in mining, having interest in several
claims. He still retains a partneVship in the cattle busi-
ness with C. C. Welch. Mr. Tuck is. one of the school
trustees of Needles.
Mr. Tuck married Miss Nellie, a daughter of John Hughes of Kingman, September
-->. 1888. They are the parents of one child, John W. Tuck, Jr., now eleven years of age.
Mr. Tuck very frankly acknowledges his indebtedness to Mrs. Tuck, and credits much
of his business success and prosperity to her sagacity. He is in every way fortunate in
the selection of a helpmate.
WALTER CURTIS WESTLAND. late of Upland, was a thoroughly schooled news-
paper publisher. He learned the trade of printer in the office of the Charlotte (Mich.)
Leader and the Republican, and followed the printer's trade as a journeyman until 1873,
when he acquired an interest in the Grand Ledge Independent and soon afterward became
the sole owner. He edited and conducted the Independent for a period of twenty-six years,
making it one of the most influential journals of Michigan. On account of failing health,
he came to Southern California and located at Upland, where he established the Upland
News, which he published until his death, December 1, 1902.
He married Miss Ella L. Corgrove and they were the parents of four daughters
and a son. Mrs. Westland and'her son, W. E. Westland, continue the publication of the
News.
1' >I|N
TUCK
JAMES N. NISH, of Rialto, is a Native Son of the Golden West, born in San Fran-
cisco, October 10, 1866. His father, William Nish, was a native of Aberdeen, Scotland, a
miner by occupation. He came to America about 1848 with the Alex. Keir company of
emigrants, landing at New Orleans, thence by Mississippi river boat to St. Louis, crossing
the plains to Utah, and with the Kier expedition came to California. November 15, 1853.
He engaged in mining on the Sacramento river, and was later employed on the famous
Comstock lode, in Nevada. He married in Salt Lake, Utah, a daughter of "Mother
Henderson," an early pioneer of San Bernardino county, much loved and respected for
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY. 871
her many good qualities of heart and mind. There were nine children in the Nish family ;
two died in infancy, and seven are now living, all but one in San Bernardino county. With
.the exception of two years in San Francisco, the family always lived in San Bernardino
couty. William Nish died in 1872 at the age of forty-nine years.
James E. Nish was educated in the public schools of San Bernardino, graduating with
the high school class' of 1886. After leaving school he taught school in Riverside county,
and afterwards in San Bernardino county. He was principal of the Mount Vernon district
schools fourteen years, and of San Bernardino city schools nine years.
Mr. Nish married Miss Ida, daughter of Mrs. Orissa Osborne of San Bernardino,
February 7, 1892. They are the parents of two children — Hazel and Ethel. Mr. Nish is
the owner of a ranch at Rialto — seven acres in oranges and three in lemons. He is a
member of Token Lodge No. 290, I. O. O. F., and a Republican in politics.
JAMES W. PATE, of Rincon, was born February 20, 1850, in Caldwell county. Mo.,
the son of Thomas Jordan and Melissa Sharp Pate, both 'natives of Tennessee. In 1868
the family came to California and located in Butte county, where they lived for many
years; One brother still lives on the old home place here. James W. Pate came to
Rincon in 1881 and now owns a large and finely improved ranch property. He has been
married three times and has nine children — Ida, now Mrs. Win. Huff, of Hayward Cal. :
Eugene. Homer, Luther C, Harvey L., Ira G., Ruby Pearl, Esther Felicia, Dewey Sampson
and Gladys C. Pate.
EMANUEL PETERS, of Upland, was born in Wayne county, Ohio. July 13, 1840.
He was the son of John and Catherine Brock Peters, both natives of Pennsylvania. One
brother, Simon, lives at Oxnard, Cal. His father was a house carpenter by trade. He
emigrated to Ohio early in the thirties and there taught school, in English and in German,
for fifteen vears, and also acted as an exhorter. He died in 1865. The mother died in
1864.
Mr. Peters grew up in Wayne county. He enlisted in the 100th O. Vol. Inf. in
August, 1862. and served until he contracted fever and pneumonia at Richmond. Ky., and
was discharged July, 1863. In 1865 he removed to Chilocothe. Mo., where he lived until
he came to California in 1888. He located at Ontario and purchased an orange orchard.
December 24. 1865, Mr. Peters married Martha Jane Fritch. a native of Ft. Wayne, Ind.
Her ancestors were among the first settlers and founders of Ft. Wayne. They have had
seven children. Those living are : Thomas E., of Long Beach ; Elmer J., Upland ; Charles
Milton, at home; Lottie M.. wife of C. A. Nordstrom; Bertha G, Mrs. Geo. B. Hockman;
and Gladys G.
GEORGE N. TURNER, Rialto, is a native of Fairhaven, Cayuga county, New York,
born June 4, 1856, the son of George C. and Sarah McCrea Turner, both natives of New
York state. Mr. Turner was educated in the common schools and at Casenovia seminary.
He engaged in farming until he came to California in 1888 and located at Rialto, where
he has ten acres in citrus fruits. He has served as president of the Rialto Orange and
Lemon Association and is one of its directors.
October 15, 1890, Mr. Turner was married at Rialto to Jean Smith Tedstone. They
have two daughters, Marcia and Kathleen. Mr. Turner is a member of the Fraternal
Brotherhood of Rialto, and Mrs. Turner is a member of the M. E. church of that place.
WARREN S. THROOP, of Chino, was born in Boone county. 111.. March 1, 1851,
the son of Louis Throop, a native of New York state. Mr. Throop came to California
in 1887 and located at Pasadena, where he followed the business of contracting plasterer
He worked in Monrovia and Los Angeles. After three years in Pasadena he went to
Perris and later to Pomona. He came to Chino in 1895 and bought sixty acres on the
Chino grant and has since devoted himself to farming.
He was mraried at Kearney, Neb., to Miss Jane, daughter of Joseph Gass, a farmer.
They have six children — Lewis J., Ralph W., Pearl E:, now Mrs. Frank Day of Chino;
Nettie E., Arthur S., and Thomas A. Mr. and Mrs. Throop are members of the M. E.
church and he is a member of the Fraternal Aid Association.
C. E. TIBBOT, of Rialto. was born December 27, 1858, the son of Samuel Tibbot,
who was a native of Ohio. The father was a pioneer by instinct, and lived on the frontier
in Indiana and other states of the middle west and in Kansas. He came to California it
an early day and spent seven years in Tulare county, then returned to Kansas, where he
died. He was a devout member of the M. E. church and an active worker in the frontier
872 HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
churches with which he was associated. C. E. Tibbot was educated in the common schools
of Missouri and grew to manhood on his father's farm. In 1879 he entered a genera!
store at Halstead, Kans., as salesman and continued in mercantile business until he came
to California in 1887. He located in Rialto and engaged in orange culture, and now owns
a valuable grove. In 1901 he organized the partnership of Taylor & Tibbot, which firm
has now a permanent and profitable business.
In 1876 Mr. Tibbot was married to Miss Martha, daughter of William McManns, of
Cedar ocunty, Mo. They have a family of six — Nannie, wife of W. P. Davis, Rialto ;
Maud, Mrs. J. W. Martin, of Rivera, Cal.; Clarence, Pearl, Ernest and Earl, the latter
twins. The family are members of the M. E. church. Mrs. Tibbot is active in temperance
reform. Mr. Tibbot is a member of the Order of Maccabees, Fraternal Brotherhood, and
the Mystic Legion.
CHARLES R. STINE, of Chino, was born in Cayuga county, Ohio, February 10,
1845, the son of Leonard H. and Sylvia Brown Stine. The father came to California
in 1850 and mined successfully in the placer mines of Yuba and Tuolumne counties. Later
he lost heavily in quartz mining. The family came to the coast in 1854. coming overland
by the northern route, in company with a brother-in-law, G. W. Freeman, who had pre-
viously visited the state. They landed in Amador county. All of the family except one
son are in California. Amos D. and Alfred C. live in Chino ; W. B. is located at Tustin,
Orange county. Of the sisters, Elizabeth is Mrs. T. W. Freeman of Santa Ana, and Eva
is the wife of Thomas Vestal, of Tustin; Harriet is Mrs. Frank Tower, of Los Angeles. The
father died in 1885 and the mother died at Chino.
Charles R. Stine grew up in the mining country and mined with his father. Later he
learned the trade of wheelwright at Tustin and followed that for some time. He located
in Chino, where he is engaged in ranching. He was married in 1863 to Miss Sarah Jane
Hotel; she died September 30, 1873, leaving two sons. June 30, 1878, he was married to
Miss Martha J. Weekly and they have three children. The children are Charles E., Orla A.,
Rollie A., William A., and Flora D., now Mrs. W. H. Delphy of Chino.
WILLIAM A. STINE, of Chino, was born November 3, 1872, in Bloomfield, Sonoma
county, Cal. He was married November 17, 1902, to Miss Annie M., daughter of James
Fintel of Chino. She is a native of Nebraska.
ROLLIE A. STINE, of Chino, was born in what is now Orange county, at Tustin,
January 12, 1879. He was married December 23, 1902, to Emma S., daughter of John
Fintel, of Chino.
CLEM SCHEERER is a native of Germany, born in 1864, November 22d. He came to
America in 1888 after serving his term of two years in the German army. He went first
to San Francisco, but about 1890 came to Victor, where hisbrother, Joseph Scheerer, had
discovered and opened up a quarry of blue granite, about 1888. The quarry formerly
employed 50 to 60 men and supplied building stone and paving blocks for all Southern
California, the principal market being Los Angeles. The quarry is near the Santa Fe
road and the stone is of excellent quality. Mr. Clem Scheerer now has the entire man-
agement of the quarry. He also supplies the American Beet Sugar Co. with large quan-
tities of limestone for use in their factories.
February 28, 1898, Mr. Scheerer married in Los Angeles Miss Jennie Van Schlick, a
native of Kansas. They now have five children.
JAMES ILLINGWORTH, of Upland, was born in Yorkshire, England, August 3,
1843 His father was James Illingworth, of an old English-Scotch family; he was a
stationary engineer, for many years in the employ of the Baildon worsted mills. The son
learned the trade of house painting and followed it until he came to America in 1865.
After his arrival in this country he worked at his trade, at first in Lawrence, Mass., then
in Missouri, Indiana, Illinois and Kansas. In Kansas he also engaged in farming.
In 1887 Mr. Illingworth came to California and purchased ten acres of citrus land
in the San Antonio Heights tract, Ontario. Later he located at his present home in the
mouth of the San Antonio canyon, where he has ten acres in citrus and deciduous fruits.
August 3, 1869, Mr. Illingworth married Emeline Jacobs, a native of Springfield, 111. They
have living two sons — Joseph F., a graduate of Claremont and post-graduate of Stanford
University, class of 1891, now at the head of the department of biology, Seattle High
School, and Charles Grant, merchant at Randsburg. Flora M. and George E. are dead.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
873
HENRY S. HUGHES, of Highland, is a native of Virginia, born at Fincastle, June
12, 1848, the son of Andrew and Adelia Kinworthy Hughes, both natives of Virginia. The
family dates back for a hundred years or more. When Mr. Hughes was four years old
an accidental explosion of powder with which he was playing destroyed his eyesight. He
was educated at an institution for the blind in St. Louis. He possessed unusual musical
gifts and therefore became a skilled pianist and also learned piano repairing and tuning.
After leaving school he traveled through the middle western states for three years with a
concert troupe. He came to California in 1873 and was one of the first settlers in High-
land. He secured 320 acres of railroad land, most of which he has now sold. He now has
seven acres.
In 1872 he married Miss Mary Tush at Manchester, Iowa. They have eight children —
Charles, Elwood, Albert, Lyman, Laura, Nettie, Bessie and Mary.
JOHN CARTER WEEKS, formerly of San Bernardino, was born in Mississippi,
July 14, 1839. He was the son of Jeffrey Weeks, a farmer and wagon-maker by trade.
The family, consisting of the parents and
thirteen children, started for California
overland. At Salt Lake the father was taken
sick and died. The family came through
to San Bernardino in 1852. Here the old-
est daughter, Tempie, married Benj. Math-
ews ; Susan became Mrs. George Hubbell ;
Minerva, Mrs. David Aldridge of San Ber-
nardino; Abigail, Mrs. John Harris; Mar-
tha E., Mrs. I. Judson; Seleta A., Mrs.
Robert Ridley; Olive, Mrs. William Terry.
The sons — Samuel, James, Britton and
John C. — were all farmers.
John Carterr Weeks was prominent in
the early settlement and development of the
valley. He settled in East Highland in
early days and there died.
Mrs. Weeks married May 10, 1863,
Sarah, daughter of Goodsell and Elizabeth
Harris Cram. Mrs. Weeks was born in
Illinois and was married in San Bernar-
dino. The children are as follows : Sarah
and John, deceased ; Andrew J., William
Henry, of East Highland; Anna B., wife
of Charles Herbert, of Redlands; Elvira
Mrs. Joseph Taylor, of Redlands.
SYLVESTER K. WILSON, of Bloom-
ington, is a native of Berrien county,
Mich., born January 23, 1840, the son of
James H. Wilson. His father was a na-
tive of Virginia ; he was a mill owner and
a manufacturer of hardwood lumber, and
owned a mill on the Galen river, Mich. Mr.
Wilson learned the lumber business in all
its details, and after coming to California acted as manager for the Riverside Box and
Tray Co. at their plant in the San Bernardino mountains. He has also acted as engineer
for the Colton Marble Works. He now owns a ten-acre orange grove at Bloomington,
on which he resides.
August 20, 1862, Mr. Wilson enlisted in the 26th Mich. Vol. Inf. and served as private,
sergeant, first lieutenant and second lieutenant, being in command of Co. C. He was
discharged in June, 1865, after participating in many engagements and escaping injury.
He served under Major-General W. S. Hancock and General Nelson A. Miles. After the
war he engagedn in the lumber business in Dayton, Mich., until 1882, when he became
lumber agent and inspector for the Pullman Co. at Pullman, III, until he came to California
in February, 1886.
Mr. Wilson was married in 1867 to Miss C. Aurelia, daughter of Dr. J. M. Philips,
of Dayton, Mich. She died in 1881. leaving a child, which died the same year. Mr. Wilson
is a member of W. R. Cornman Post, G. A. R., San Bernardino.
JOHN CARTER WEEKS AND WIFE
874 Hi STORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
JOHN R. McCAIN, of Chino, was born in Buchanan county, Mo., July 26, 1857.
He was the son of Nelson and Mary Margaret Richie McCain. They had twelve children,
of whom ten are now living. The father was a native of Indiana and a farmer by occupa-
tion. J'. R. McCain learned the trade of harness maker when he was eighteen years old
in Hamburg, Fremont county, and has followed it ever since. He came to California
about 1886. He first located in Pomona, where he was in business for a time. About
1894 he came to Chino and opened his store.
He married Miss May, daughter of G. H. Thomas, in Hamburg, Iowa. Mrs. McCain
i- a native of Ohio. They have four sons — George, John, Harry and Frank. Mr. McCain
is a member of the I. O. O. F. and Fraternal Aid Association.
HARVEY E. MOGLE, of Chino, was born in Fulton county, Ind., October 31, 1859.
the son of William H. and Harriet M. Smith Mogle. His father was a native of Wayne
county, Ind. Harvey E. came to California in 1891 and after two years at Cucamonga
located at Chino, where he has since lived. He was married in Fulton county, Ind., to
Miss Maymett, daughter of Hickman Phillips, July 27, 1888. They have three sons and
three daughters — Fred E., Mildred, Frank, Grace, Hickman and Edith.
ARTHUR D. MINER, of Rialto, was born March 18, 1855. in Grafton county, N. H..
and is a descendant of one of the original Puritan families of Connecticut. He spent his
boyhood in his native state and in 1876 came west and located in the northeastern section
of Missouri. He farmed here and .later in Kansas. In 1900 he came to California and
settled at Rialto. He married Miss Nellie McDonald in Kansas and has two children,
Alice and Harold.
JERRE F. STEWART, of Rialto. was bom at Catlettsburg, Boyd county, Ky.. October
6, 1838, the son of Ralph Stewart, a farmer who owned a large plantation and did general
farming.
The son left home at the age of sixteen and spent several years in wandering through
the west, exploring, Missouri, Iowa, and going as far west as Oregon. On the completion
ot the Southern Pacific Railway he returned east and for seventeen years lived upon his
father's place at the old home. In 1891 he came to California and first settled near South
Riverside, but the next year came to Rialto and purchased ten acres, which he has set to
fruit. He was married October 9, 1878, to Miss Mary B. .Kendrick. of West Virginia.
They have had seven children, four of whom are living— Lida B., Clarence E., Claude E.
andStella N. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart are members of the M. E. church.
ROBERT S. TOLLE. of Rialto, was born in Glasgow, Barren county, Ky.. October
2/: 1861, the son of Joseph T. and Martha Ward Tolls. His father was also a native
of Kentucky, a farmer and a preacher of the Methodist Episcopal denomination. He mar-
ried Martha J., daughter of Robert Ward, of Barron county. They moved at an early
date to McPherson county, Kansas, and were pioneers of that region. Mrs. Tolle died
in 1875, leaving seven children. The Rev. J. T. Tolle was one of the Kansas colony that
originally settled Rialto. He died here January 13, 1903, at the age of sixty-eight.
Robert S. Tolle remained in Kansas until 1899, when he came to Rialto, and now owns
two ten-acre tracts set to citrus fruits. He married, in 1884, Miss Amy E. Vederstrom,
in McPherson county, Kans. She was a native of Rock Island, 111. They have five
children — Howard Leroy, Carl D., Edwin Chester, Alvin Hawthorn and Guy Allen.
CHARLES HENRY ROHRER, of Highland, is a native of Austria, born in Bohemia,
March 1, 1838. His father, John A. Rohrer, was a stocking weaver by trade, and the
son learned the same trade when a youth. When eighteen he came to America, living
first at Buffalo, N. Y., where he remained about eight months, then pushing west to Han-
cock county. 111. He there attended school and learned the painter's trade. He lived
in this vicinity until he came to California in 1902 and Located at Highland. Here he
has ten acres of land.
Mr, Rohrer first married Mary Strain, who lived but a short time and died, leaving
one son, Albert H., now of San Francisco. He married at Carthage, III, Miss Hanna
L., daughter of Herman Crear, a native of Prussia, who came to America in 1852. His
daughter was born on the ocean on the way over. The children of this marriage are:
Minnie, Mrs. William Lindsay, Highland; Edwin J., D. D. S., of Iowa; Mattie and
Emma, who are well known vocalists, singing under the name of the Rohrer Sisters.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
S75
THOMAS BENTON ROSS, of Pomona, was a native of Carlinville, 111., born
July 15, 1856, the son of Robert and Lockey Sanders Ross, the former a Virginian, the
latter a native of Kentucky. The father served in the army as the captain of Co. H,
133d 111., until discharged on account of sickness. An uncle, Col. Jack Ross, and his
son served also, the boy, although under age, being a drummer. Robert Ross died October
30, 1866.
Thomas B. Ross left home while a boy and traveled through Nebraska, Missouri and
Kansas, riding and breaking horses. In 1873 he came to California and located first at
Orange. In 1874 he began buying and selling stock, chiefly horses. Later he freighted
between Spadra and the Panamint region. From 1878 to 1883 he spent more or less
time in Arizona. He was then employed for twelve years- by the Pomona Land and
Water Co. and had charge of the distribution of water under their system. In 1894 he
engaged in farming on the Chino grant and in 1896 purchased fifty acres of alfalfa. This
he has now sold and he is at present residing in Pomona.
April 17, 1884, he married Miss Sallie L. Moss, daughter of Gabriel Moss, a wealthy
ranch owner now living near Fort Worth, Tex. They have nine children — Robert F,
Chester, Ella, Gertrude, Walter, Claudia, Edward, Locley and James.
BENJAMIN FOWLER, of Redlands, was a native of New York city, born December
17, 1841, the son of Stephen C and Rebecca Lawrence Fowler. In 1853 the family, which
consisted of the parents, three sons —
John H., Nathaniel D. and William — and
a daughter, Sarah, came to California
via Cape Horn in the vessel Lookout.
Two sons, Stephen L. and James, had
preceded them in 1849. also coming
around the Horn. They were all car-
penters and worked for Sam Brannan,
who erected some of the first buildings
put up in San Francisco. Later they
removed to Downieville, where they en-
gaged in mining. James still lives in
Oakland; Stephen L. died at Valley
Ford August 22, i860; the father died
November 27, 1878, at the same place,
and the mother in San Francisco in 1884.
William Fowler spent his youth in
Sonoma county, where he was engaged
in farming until 1870. He then engaged
in business at Valley Ford with his
brother James, and served as station
agent for the N. P. C. Ry. for eight
years at that place. He came to San
"Bernardino county to take charge of the
orange grove property, at Highland, of
Edward Ely. There he lived eight years
He located in Redlands in 1894. He still
owns a ten-acre orange grove at East
Highland.
He was married in Sonoma in 1874
to Miss Louise ML, daughter of Elisha
Ely, a California pioneer of 1849. They
have two daughters — Mabel Ely, wife
of Hugh M. Foster, of Mt. Vernon, N.
Y.. and Louise, wife of Augustus A.
Frank, of New York city.
i-;i:mamin fowler
MATHIAS VERDIN SWEESY, of San Bernardino, was born in Jackson county.
Iowa, May 23, 1850, the son of Thomas Sweesy, a farmer, who was a native of Penn-
sylvania. Mathias was educated at Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, Iowa, taking his A.
B. in 1873 and A. M. in 1876. He studied law at Marion with Thompson and Davis,
leading lawyers of that place. He was admitted to the bar of Iowa in 1874 and prac-
ticed in that state until 1S77, when he went west to Kansas and located at Halsted, Harvey
county. Here he practiced law and edited the Halsted Independent from 1880 to 1887.
876
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
He came to California in 1887 with the Kansas colonists, who located at Rialto, as one
of the stockholders and as secretary of the society. He, with the president, J. W. Tibbot,
managed the business of the enterprise. He also purchased ten acres of land which is his
present residence.
During the Harrison campaign, and until December I, 1889, Mr. Sweesy edited the
Riverside Daily Press. In January, 1889, he, with Mr. Tibbot, formed a partnership 111
the abstract and title business, now owned and operated by the Pioneer Abstract and
Title Guarantee Co., of San Bernardino. Later he was for eighteen months with the
Consolidated Abstract and Title Guaranty Co. He spent several years in Los Angeles
and a year and a half in San Francisco. In 1903 he returned to Rialto and resumed his
connection with the Consolidated Abstract and Title Guaranty Co. at San Bernardino.
In 1877 Mr. Sweesy married Miss Laura, daughter of Mrs. C. A. Norris, a native
of Ohio. Mrs. Sweesy was for three years supervisor of music in the public schools of
Pasadena, and has for the past three years occupied the same position in the public schools
of Berkeley. Mr. and Mrs. Sweesy have one daughter, Millie Merle, and two sons— Homer
H. and Thomas King. They are members of the M. E. church.
WILLIAM M. ROBERTS,
son of Berry Roberts, born Aprr
rancher and fruit grower of Mill Creek canon, is the
15, 1858, on Base Line, San Bernardino, where he grew
to manhood. He engaged in mining in Randsburg
district and later in silver mining in Utah. For several
years he operated a line of pack animals between Red-
lands and various mountain points in the San Ber-
nardino range. He is now engaged in fruit growing
in Mill Creek canon, where he owns a ranch of thirty-
five acres.
Mr. Roberts has been married twice and has six
children— Ethel, Mrs. Henry Newman, of Flagstaff, A.
T. ; Grace, Mrs. Wakely Nittinger, Los Angeles; Roy,
Arthur, William and Oscar, at home.
A. B. THOMAS, of San Bernardino, was born May
29, 1871, in Delavan, Wis. He was the son of Judge
Alfred Delevan Thomas, who was the first Federal
Judge of North Dakota. A. B. Thomas attended school
in Minneapolis and Fargo, N. D. In 1887 he entered
the employ of Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Co., of Chi-
cago, and remained with them four years, learning the
hardware business thoroughly. He was then engaged
in business in St. Paul and in Duluth. In 1903 Mr.
Thomas came to California and located at San Ber-
nardino, where he organized the San Bernardino Hard-
ware Co., successors to C. W. Mettler.
Mr. Thomas was married in St. Paul to Miss Bessie
Shirk. They have one daughter, Ruth. Mr. Thomas is
a member of the Masonic orders and of the Elks
E. A. and C. M. RASOR, of the firm of Rasor Bros., civil engineers of San Ber-
nardino, are both natives of Ohio, sons of Nathan and Margaret MacEniff Rasor.
E. A. Rasor received his education in the public schools of Xenia and Springfield,
Ohio, graduating from the Greenville high school. He afterward took a course of study
for civil engineer. His first work after leaving school was at Pueblo, Colo., where he was
employed on Municipal work; from there going to Montana as mining engineer, and
remained several years. He came to San Bernardino May 30, 1897, and with the exception
of a few months in Mexico has lived here ever since. His first work in San Bernardino
was in the office of Mr. Koebig, remaining with him until Mr. Koebig went to Los Angeles,
when, in company with his brother, C. M. Rasor, they succeeded to the business.
C. M. Rasor was educated in the public schools at Greenville, Ohio, afterward entering
the office of a civil engineer in that city for the purpose of taking a course in civil engineer-
ing. He was first employed in Aspen, Colo., working some years with the best mining
engineers of that state ; then went to Yellow Jacket, Idaho, where before his twenty-
first birthday he received appointment as United States Deputy Mineral Surveyor. He was
for a time superintendent of the Columbia Mining Company's property, a well known
concern of that state. Upon the breaking out of the Spanish-American war he enlisted
\VM. M. ROBKRTS
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
S77
in Co. D. 2nd U. S. Vol. Caw, known as "Torrey's Rough Riders." While in camp at
Jacksonville, Fla., he was attacked with fever and came to San Bernardino on a furlough
to recuperate. He found the place so attractive that, after his discharge, he returned and
has since made it his home. He has recently received appointmnt as U. S. mineral surveyor
for this district, also for Nevada, and has done some excellent work for the department,
receiving very complimentary mention from the head of his department in recognition of
his ability.
FREDERICK M. BRUSH, of San Bernardino, was born in Ogdensburg, N. Y.,
August 29, 1846. He was the son of Alexander Brush, an organ builder of that city. He
remained at home until his twenty-first year, thoroughly
mastering the business of piano tuning, which he has
followed nearly all his life, with the exception of five
years passed in Iowa, where in consequence of ill health
he removed. During this time he was in business in
Lafayette, Iowa, in charge of some of the largest cream-
eries in that state, and was the first to introduce the
cream separator into that section of the state.
Mr. Brush came to California in 1886, and since
that time has been employed in Vale's music store as
a piano tuner. He married Miss Kate Allen, daughter
of James Allen of San Bernardino. They have one
£ child, Fred Brush. By a former marriage Mrs. Brush
has one daughter, Pauline Brush. He is a member of
_Xwa**^ W^ San Bernardino Lodge F. & A. M., and also a member
*A
^^
FREDERICK M. BRUSH
BENJAMIN A. DAVIES. of San Bernardino, was
born in Cold Creek, Utah, March 3, 1853, the son of
William and Mary Rabel Wood Davies, both natives
of England. The family came to San Bernardino about
1853 and Benjamin grew up in this vicinity and attended
the public schools of the city. He worked as salesman
in the dry goods store of A. A. Wolfe for a couple of
years and then went to Arizona. For a number of years
he was engaged in trade and in buying cattle in Ari-
zona. About 1883 he located on his present ranch and
engaged extensively in stock raising and breeding.
Mr. Davies was married April 13, 1873, to Miss Arabell, the daughter of Charles
Whitlow, who kept a trading post at Marysville, A. T. They have three living children — ■
Mabel, the wife of N. A. Richardson; Lela, Mrs. William Whitlow, and Violet.
GEORGE RENWICK, of San Bernardino, was born in Canada, September 7, 1S68,
the son of John and Jane Findleter Renwick. His school days were spent near and in
Toronto, Canada, where he received a common school education. His first work was on
a farm. Mr. Renwick came to San Bernardino in October, 1887, and commenced work as
well driller in the employ of Mr. Mauser, with whom he remained five years. Then, in
partnership with A. F. Gansner, started in business for himself, and has continued in the
business ever since. They are the owners of .four well-drilling outfits, boring seven, ten
and twelve-inch holes. Their work has principally been in- search of water, but they have
lately undertaken an oil well. Their operations are mostly in San Bernardino county. The
firm owns also an interest in the Parker Iron Works, San Bernardino.
On December 26, 1894, Mr. Renwick married Mrs. Ella Brinkly, formerly Miss Ella
Yager, a native of San Bernardino. Mr. Renwick is a member of the order of Odd Fellows.
H. A. REED, of San Bernardino, was born in Otsego county, N. Y., February 29,
1852. He was the son of Elijah and Julina Miller Reed. There were two boys in the
father's family, the other son now residing in Laton, Cal. His school days were passed
ir Laurens, N. Y. He began life by teaching school and working at the carpenter trade,
which he had learned. He left New York in 1870 and from that time until 1887 was in
Middle Iowa and Wisconsin, teaching school winters and working at his trade of carpenter
and builder in the summer months. In 1887 he came to San Bernardino, and the six years
following he was employed in the planing mill of the West Coast Lumber Company. Since
that time he has been doing a general carpenter and contracting business in San Bernardino.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
879
While in Wisconsin in 1873 he married Miss Martha Allen. They have one daughter.
Miss Arietta Reed, now teaching in the Fourth street' school in San Bernardino. Mr.
Reed is a member of the Baptist church, and is a Woodman of the World.
JOHN H. TITTLE is a native of San Bernardino, born July 20, 1866. He is the son
of W. S. Tittle and Maria M. ( Worthington) Tittle. He was educated in the public
schools of the city and became connected with the San Bernardino fire department in
1890 as stoker on the steam fire engine, and remained in that position for six months, when
he was advanced to foreman of the department. After one year as foreman and six months
as assistant chief he was made chief of the department. At the end of three years he
tendered his resignation as chief, and was succeeded by O. M. Stevenson, present chief.
Mr. Tittle went to Needles and engaged in business as plumber and gas fitter, having
served an apprenticeship in the shop of J. G. Burt. Later, going east, he worked in Denver
and Salt Lake City, and returning to Needlles entered the employ of Monaghan & Murphy,
his present position. Mr. Tittle is a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West.
i,l ( >iH,E MILLER
JOHN FLAGG
GEORGE MILLER, of San Bernardino, was born in Indian Territory, February 11,
1850, the son of George Miller, a pioneer of Illinois and a millwright by trade. His
father died in 1856 and the boy went to an uncle and accompanied him to California,
driving an ox team and helping guard the stock, although he was a mere child. He
reached San Bernardino county in 1862 and has resided in this county most of the time
since. He has for many years resided on his ranch near Patton and been engaged in
r?ising fruit.
Mr. Miller married Miss Elenorah, daughter of Joseph Hancock. She was born in
Iowa in 1851 and came to San Bernardino county with her parents in 1854. Mr. and
Mrs. Miller have had six children — George E. ; Elenorah, now Mrs. Roswell Crandall ;
Ida Ann, Mary C, William T., Charles B. Mr. Miller is a memebr of the I. O. O. F.
and in early days was noted as a hunter of large game.
JOHN FLAGG, San Bernardino, was born in Portland, Maine, in the year 1850. He
moved westward in his youth and learned his trade as printer in Manhattan, Kansas. He
came to California, and in 1888 established himself in the printing business in San Bernardino,
and has ever since been actively engaged in this business. He was one of the originators of
the Santa Fe Building and Loan Association, one of the solid financial institutions of the
city, and one which has done much toward its upbuilding. He is an active and influential
member of the Masonic order and also belongs to the I. O. O. F. He has a family and owns
one of the attractive homes of San Bernardino.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
RICHARDSON BROS., of Victor. This firm is composd of W. W. and E. E. Rich-
ardson.
W. W. Richardson was born in Wilson county, Kansas, September 16, 1875. He is
the son of R. N. and Margaret L. Richardson. He received a common school education
and was brought up on a farm near Altoona, Kans., where he lived until he came to Victor,
December 3, 1897. His older brother had preceded him, and in partnership with a man
named Chifson, under the firm name of Richardson & Chilson, was engaged in a general
blacksmith and livery business and dealing in hay and grain. Purchasing the interests of
Mr. Chilson in the business, it was continued under the present firm name. Beside their
business above referred to, Richardson Bros, have a stage line to Gold Mountain, making
two trips each week. Mr. Richardson is not married. He is a member of the Masonic
fraternity.
E. E. Richardson was born in West Virginia, November 22, 1861. His school days
were passed in Kansas, where he received a common school education, finishing with a
course in the Little Rock Commercial College. After two years he came to Santa Ana,
where he worked one year on a ranch, five years in a butcher shop and the last five yeras
of his residence in that town owned a feed store. He came to Victor July 3, 1897, and
engaged in his present business. Mr. Richardson is a member of the Masonic fraternity and
a Knight of Pythias and an Elk. He is not married.
WILLIAM HENRY RANDALL, deceased, of Highland, was born in Pownal, Cum-
berland county, Me., December 5, 1834. His father, William Randall, also a native of
Pownal, was a mill owner and merchant of that
town. His mother was Lydia, daughter of Gid-
eon Winslow Haskell of New Gloucester, Me.,
and descendant on the maternal side of the New
England Winslows who figure in the early his-
tory of Plymouth Colony.
William H. Randall passed his boyhood and
received his education in North Pownal. His
father died in 1847 at the age of thirty-eight years,
and a few years later William Randall succeeded
to the mill property and the family homestead,
consisting of forty acres of land. He lived in his
native town thirty-one .years. In 1864 he re-
moved to Virginia City, Nev., and engaged in
quartz mining, remaining until 1874. He then
went east and soon thereafter returned west with
his family and located in Riverside. In 1878 he
formed a partnership with his life-long friend
and relative by marriage. William T. Noyes, and
purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land
in what is now Highlands ; also acquiring by
pre-emption forty acres of government land. From
the beginning he was one of Highlands' active
and progressive citizens. He was a prime mover
in the development of Highland water system and
an organizer of the Highland Vineyard Associa-
tion. In 1892 Mr. Randall was elected on the
Democratic ticket Supervisor for the fifth district.
Ivancement of the interests of the public, and he
He was active in promoting the building of the new
VV.W. HENRY RANDALL
]}'\< efforts were directed toward the
labored unceasingly in that dir
Court House, and in instituting necessary reforms in the County Hospital and Poor Farm,
placing the latter on a practical business basis. Mr. Randall was an earnest advocate of
the temperance cause.
Mr. Randall was twice married. January 20, 1862, he married Miss Helen J. Sylvester,
of Cumberland, Me. She died at Riverside, leaving three sons — George W., a resident 01
Los Angeles ; Henry I., civil engineer, professor in the University of California at Berkeley ;
Martin M., of Highlands.
October 4, 1880, Mr. Randall married Mrs. Dorcas C. Thompson, widow of James
I:. Thompson. Mr. Randall died at Highlands May 25, 1897.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY 881
FRANCIS M. HUBBARD, late of Colton, was a native of Putnam County, Ind born
June II, 1831, the son of John Hubbard, a physician. The father was a native of New' York
state; he early emigrated to the west, and in 1837, settled in Illinois, near the present site of
Elgin. Francis M. was educated in Elgin and then spent two years as a student in Dr
[roll's Medical Institute. New York city. He returrned west and located at Ripon, Wis.
Later he removed to Nora Springs. Iowa, where he engaged in the drug business, and was also
editor and publisher of a newspaper. He was actively interrested in the growth and material
progress of the city, and served on the board of trustees and as mayor of Nora Springs. He
was of a mechanical turn of mind and invented and patented a number of useful devices
among them a stone-dumper, which came into universal use. and from the sale of which he
derived a considerable revenue. He made other practical and successful inventions.
In 1888 he came to California and located at Colton, where he established the first, and
for a long time, the only drug business in the town. He here took a prominent part in busi-
ness, social and civic affairs, and served on the board of city trustees. He was prominent
as a Mason and belonged to the I. O. O. F. He died in Colton February 2, 1904.
Dr. Hubbard married Miss Harriet E., daughter of Rev. Aaron Burbank, a Baptist
clergyman. She now resides in Pasadena. Two children surrvive the father. Myra Alice,
widow of John Hanson, of Pasadena and Charles H., for many years a resident of St. Paul,
Minn., now living in Los Angeles.
CAPTAIN JOHN W. BABSON, of Needles, was born in Washington county, *R. I.,
December 24, 1834, the son of Joseph W. and Louisa Otter Babson. He has one brother,
James W. Babson, residing in Mojave, Cal.
While quite young the family removed to Carbondale, Pa., the first town from which
anthracite coal was shipped to the Atlantic sea-board. Here he received a common school
education, and after working on a farm a time learned the trade of machinist at Susque-
hanna, Pa. He traveled a good deal, working in different shops, and finally reached
New York city and was employed there from 1854 to i860. On the breaking out of the
war he enlisted in Co. M, 4th Penn. Cav., and was discharged from the service March
26, 1863, for partial loss of eyesight, but remained with the Quartermaster's department
until the close of the war.
From 1865 to 1868 he acted as captain on a freight boat on the Alabama river. He
then entered the employ of the Delaware and Hudson River Railway and remained with
them until 1887. He was employed as foreman of the mechanical department of the
A. & P. Ry .at Albuquerque, Mojave and Peach Springs for six years. In 1897 Captain
Babson came to Needles and since 1899 has had charge of the steamer "St. Vallier" on
the Colorado river.
Captain Babson has been a Mason since 1869. -He is also a member of the K. of P.
and is an attendant of the Protestant Episcopal church.
L. A. INGERSOLL was born at Delta, Easton county. Mich.. August 7. 1851, the
son of Alexander and Emeline Baker Ingersoll. Alexander Ingersoll was a son of
Erastus Ingersoll, a prominent and successful pioneer of Michigan, of whom mention
is made in the sketch of Joseph Ingersoll. Alexander Ingersoll succeeded to the ownership
of an extensive water-power, mills, farm and other property at Delta, and was for several
years supervisor of Delta township and for many years deacon of the Congregational
church and superintendent of the Sunday school. He was a man of business, social
and political influence. He died at ft. Croix Falls, Wis., March 12, 1893.
Emeline Baker Ingersoll was a native of the town of Stafford, Gennesee county.
N. Y., a daughter of Captain Remember Baker and great-grand-daughter of the Captain
Remember Ba"ker who was with Colonel Ethan Allen when he captured Fort Ticonderoga.
He was immediately afterward dispatched to Crown Point and was there killed. History
records him as the first American officer killed in the Revolution. Emeline Baker was a
sister of General Lafayette Ba1<er, the first Union spy to enter Richmond, for which
service he was commissioned colonel and by authority of President Lincoln organized
the United States Secret Service Bureau and was its chief executive head during the war.
He closed his public career by planning and effecting the capture of the assassin of Lincoln
in company with his men. Colonel E. J. Conger and Lieut. L. B. Baker. Mrs. Ingersoll
was a woman of great force of character and Christian fortitude. She died at St. Croix
Falls, Wis., February 12. 1905.
L. A. Ingersoll attended the district schools at Delta and the public school at Lansing
and Olivet College, Olivet, Mich. He spent several years as salesman in a dry goods
house in Lansing. In 1880 he entered the local history publishing business and continued
the same for Chicago and New York publishing houses until 1887. when he established
FRANCIS M. HUBBARD.
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY.
ss;-i
the St. Croix Valley Standard, at St. Croix, Wis., and published the same until 1889.
He then sold out and came to Los Angeles, which has since been his home.
He began gathering the data for Ingersoll's Century Annals of San Bernardino County
in the summer of 1898, and after encountering some unforeseen and tedious delays, pub-
lished this work in 1905.
He was married September 5, 1881, to Miss Mary, daughter of Henry and Rose
Lambert Otto, of Ypsilanti, Mich. They have one daughter, Grace.
JOSEPH INGERSOLL, of San Bernardino, was born in Watertown, Clinton county,
Mich.. November 6, 1856, the son of Egbert and Mary E. Holmes Ingersoll, and grandson
of Erastus Ingersoll, who with a fam-
ily of thirteen children located on Grand
river, in the heart of a dense wilder-
ness, in Central Michigan, in 1836. Here
he developed a water-power, built mills
and established a prosperous community
which he named Delta. Egbert Inger-
soll pursued farming and fruit growing
near Delta for several years. During
the Civil war he went to Washington
and entered the United States secret
service as a detective, under General
Lafayette C. Baker. He rendered the gov-
ernment valuable services in the stir-
ring events of those strenuous days, par-
ticipating in the capture of the assassin
of President Lincoln and the conspir-
ators against the lives of his cabinet.
After the war Mr. Ingersoll returned to
Michigan to his farm. Later he lived
in Lansing, until 1901, when he came
to California and located in Los An-
geles.
Joseph Ingersoll spent his youth on
the home farm near Delta, and early
started out in life to seek his fortune.
He spent several years in Detroit as an
engineer and later engaged in the mill-
ing business at Lansing. He also took
up the study of stenography, mastered
the science and acted as a reporter in
the criminal courts of Ingham county,
Mich. He came to California in 1882
and worked as a mechanic in the Baker
Iron Works, Los Angeles. In this ca-
pacity he installed the machinery in the
Brookside winery and operated the
same. Eventually he became a member of the firm of E. Vache & Co., owners of the
Brookside winery. In 1891 the company opened a wholesale wine and liquor business
in San Berntrdino under the management of Mr. Ingersoll and his cousin, F. J. Esler.
Five years later the firm of Ingersoll & Esler was organized and purchased the Vache
interests in the San Bernardino business, retaining their interest also in the Brookside
property. The firm also engaged in gold mining and was one of the first to make dis-
coveries and to develop mines in the Virginia Dale district. They disposed of their prin-
cipal mine, the "O. K.," in 1903, for $75,000, still retaining other valuable claims. The
firm has invested largely in San Bernardino property, chiefly on Third street, and are among
the most prosperous and substantial business men of the city.
Mr. Ingersoll takes a modest but effective interest in local affairs, having served as
a member of the grand jury and of the board of freeholders which framed the present
city charter of San Bernardino city. He married at Detroit, Mich., March 24, 1879, Miss
Alice Stoddard, and they have two daughters — Mary and Lozie. He is a prominent
I. O. O. F. and is Past Noble Grand of San Bernardino Lodge No. 146. He was one of
the organizers of Aerie 156, Fraternal Order of Eagles, and was its first president.
JOSEPH INGERSOLL
O. W. HARRIS
HISTORY OF SAN BERXARD1XO COUNTY
885
THURLOW INGERSOLL was born in Watertown, Clinton county. Mich., August 6.
1862, second son of Egbert and Mary Holmes Ingersoll, of whom more extended mention
is made in the sketch of Joseph Ingersoll. He left home at about eighteen years of age
and in Detroit learned the trade of stationary engineer. In 1882 he made a trip to
California and to Redlands, and took a position as superintendent of the Brookside winery.
He remained in California one year and then returned to Lansing, Mich., where he held a
position with E. F. Cooley as electrical engineer, having charge of the city lighting plant.
In 1884 he again came to California in company with his cousin. Fred J. Esler, and
occupied a position as engineer and electrician with the Los Angeles Lighting Co. He
again returned to Michigan and was for about eight years superintendent of the Lansing
city water works and lighting plant. From 1896 to 1902 he was engaged as engineer in
the city of Los Angeles. In 1902 he became one of the incorporators of T. Yaehe & Co.,
owners and operators of the Brookside winery, and is now a director and secretary of the
company.
Mr. Ingersoll married in 1890 Miss Alice Dorrance. a daughter of William Dorrance,
a Michigan pioneer. They have one daughter, Gladys. Their home is in Redlands.
FRED J. ESLER, of San Bernardi
August 28, 1863, the son of Benjamin T.
a native of Eaton county, Mich., born
Minnie Holmes Esler. B. T. Esler was a
pioneer settler of Michigan and was for
years the leading merchant of Grand
Ledge. He came to California and lo-
cated at Redlands, where he is now a
successful orange grower. Fred J. Es-
ler attended the public schools at Grand
Ledge and clerked in his fathers store
until the age of twenty-one, -when he
came to California. He found employ-
ment at the Brookside winery of E.
Vache & Co., near Redlands, and thor-
oughly mastered the business, and for
several years acted as superintendent of
the establishment. In 1891 Mr. Esler
became a member of the firm of E.
Vache & Co.. which opened a . whole-
sale wine and liquor business in San
Bernardino, managed by Mr. Esler and
his cousin, Joseph Ingersoll. This ar-
rangement continued until 1896. when
the firm of Ingersoll & Esler was organ-
ized and purchased the Vache interests.
(See sketch of Joseph Ingersoll.)
December 23, 1886, Mr. Esler mar-
ried Mrs. Carmelli Reitz, of Los An-
geles. Mr. Esler is a prominent Odd
Fellow and has held responsible offices
in San Bernardino Lodge No. 146. Mr.
Esler owns valuable business and resi-
dence property in San Bernardino and
is influential in business and social af-
fairs of the city.
J. W. DRIVER, of Needles, was
born in England, October 3, 1865. He
was the son of John and Isabella Driver.
The family came from England and set-
tled in Hillsdale county, Mich., in 1869.
He has one sister, Mrs. N. B. Woods, residing in San Bernardino.
Mr. Driver was educated in the public schools of Hillsdale, graduated from the high
school and finished with a commerical course at Hillsdale College in 1881. After leaving
school he went to Sandusky. Ohio, and engaged in business with his father, a contractor.
December 15. 1883, they came to San Bernardiano, and engaged in the same business, erecting
many buildings, among them the Stewart Hotel. He remained with his father for a time
and then went to work in the drug store of Towne and Nickerson, and was with them nearly
FRED J. ESLER
886
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
three years. He next entered the employ of Dr. Bedford in the same business, and worked
for him one year. Then forming a partnership with C. A .Fisher, under the firm name of
Driver & Fisher, established the business known as the National Pharmacy, which they con-
tinued three years. November 30, 1891, he received a certificate from the State Board of
Pharmacy, and selling his interest in the National Pharmacy to Dr. Campbell, went to work
for Dr. White in the Owl Drug store, where he remained two years. After one year in the
employ of F. M. Towne, he went to Redlands and worked three years for the firm of Gillis
& Spoor, then to Los Angeles, where he had charge of the Natick Pharmacy for one year.
Mr. Driver came to Needles September 1, 1898. He has been in charge of the drug store
of Dr. Reese since that time. He has always been prominent in musical circles, and is a mem-
ber of the orchestra. He was one of the charter members of the old M. A . Band. He
organized the first base-ball team in San Bernardiano.
Mr. Driver married Miss Delia Campbell, daughter of Dr. C. G. Campbell of San Ber-
nardiano, March 15, 1888. They have one son — Leland Driver. Mr. Driver is a member of
the Knights of Pythias.
ALMYRA
Maine in 1827.
MOSES KENNISTON,
He came to California ea
ALMYRA MOSKS KENNISTON
of San Bernardino, was born in the state of
y in the fifties and located in Los Angeles, where
he was employed in driving stage be-
tween Wilmington and Los Angeles
by General William Banning, in the
days preceding railway transporta-
tion in Southern California. He lo-
cated in San Bernardino while the
town was still a village, and in com-
pany with the late James Brazleton,
formed the firm of Brazleton & Ken-
niston, in 1874. They conducted a
general livery business from this
time until Mr. Brazleton's death,
after which Mr. Kenniston retired
from the business.
For several years Mr. Kennis-
ton was a member of the board of
city trustees, serving as chairman
and using all his efforts in behalf of
good government and public in-
terests. He has now retired from
active life, and resides at his beauti-
ful old home in the city of San
Bernardino.
JOHN H. BARTON, of San Ber-
nardino, was born in the state of
Missouri in 1858. He is the head of
the firm of Barton & Catick, and is
an energetic and competent business
man. He is prominent in fraternal
circles and an untiring member of
the Masonic order, having been inter-
ested in the new Masonic hall.
O. W. HARRIS, of Redlands, was born at Newton, Ind., October 14, i860, the son
of John T. Harris, also a native of the Hoosier state, and by occupation a farmer. The
giandparents were Virginians, and among the early pioneers of northwestern Indiana.
The mother was Louise Coshaw, of Welsh descent.
Mr. Harris came to California in 1887 to seek a more favorable climate. He engaged
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
SS7
in citrus fruit culture in Redlands and now owns valuable orange lands and orchards
and a beautiful home in the city of Redlands. He is also interested in the Oak Glen
property in the upper Yucaipe Valley, a beautiful mountain resort.
He married Alice E. Cook in Milton, Ind., and they are the parents of six children-
Ruth E., Chester C, Benjamin H., Virginia R., John M. and Olive.
FRANKLIN A. SHOREY, of Redlands, is a native of New Hampshire, born in the
town of Somersworth, then Great Falls, July l(i, 1844, the son of Aaron and Elizabeth
McGregor Shorey, both natives of Maine. The father was a contracting carpenter. Mr.
JOHN H. BARTON-
FRANKLIN A. SHOREY
Shorey passed his youth in his birthplace. In 1S59 he went to Boston, where he learned the
trade of carpenter and builder and carried on a general contracting business for eight years
in that city. He then located in Omaha, Neb., where he took an active part in building up
that citv during the busiest period of its growth. In 1875 he came to California and settled
at Santa Rosa, Sonoma county, where he remained until 1886, when he located in Redlands.
He entered actively into the building up of the new town, and erected several of the first
business blocks and' residences of Redlands. This was before, the railroad had reached this
point and all supplies and building material had to be hauled by team from Colton.
Mr. Shorey was married at Waldboro, Me., to Miss Delia, daughter of Henry Weaver.
There are four children, Elizabeth, wife of William Fowler of Redlands; Edith, at home;
Mabel, Mrs. F. Earl Alderson, Los Angeles; Frankie E. Mr. Shorey has served as trustee of
the Lugonia school district and of the Union High School district.
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