/^ 'a
-.'•".'Vl''- tit' ,*
■'»>v ill -'lu.' '•;, . -. ■
Book No.
q979.455 i325
Accession
32352
NOT TO BE TAKEN FROM THE LIBRARY
Form No. 37-5M-6-29
l/\A
.'.V
t:"v
e-
9AN FRANCISCO
PUBLIC LlSf;^.-'"''
-j^l<T-
-OF-
AN JOAQUn COUSTT
CALIFORNIA.
Containino' a History of San Joaquin County from the Earliest Period
of its Occupancy to the Present Time, together with Glimpses of
its Future Prospects; with Full -Page Portraits of Some
of its most Eminent Men, and Biographical
Mention of Many of its Pioneers and
also of Prominent Citizens
of To-day
CHICAGO:
THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY.
18 9 0.
Barlow-SinclairJPrintin"g Co. Chicago.
32352
^.»,
CHAPTER I.
Topography, Natural Htstory, Etc. —
Name, Position, Boundary, etc 17
Rivers 18
Soil 18
Geology and Mineralogy 10
Vegetation 20
Wild Animals 23
Meteorology (Temperature and Rainfall) 22
Floods 23
Heallhfuluess of the Valley 24
CHAPTER ir. Mexican Timks —
Early Discoveries 25
Indians 35
Scourge of 1833 28
First "Americans" and Foreigners 29
Weber and the Conquest of California 34
Weber and the Indians 38
Mexican Customs 40
CHAPTER III. Pioneer Society —
Organization and Officers 42
List of Jlembers 43
Sketches of Deceased Members 45
Some Prominent Living Pioneers 54
CHAPTER IV. Stockton in Early Days —
Names for the Place 59
Survey 59
Discovery of Gold 60
Weber's Expedition 61
Weber's Return and First Boom of Stockton 62
First Buildings and Enterprises 62
Development of Manufactures 64
Other Improvements 66
Gambling Establishments 66
Scarcity of Women 07
Contrast — General View in 1849 67
Channel Crowded with Vessels 68
Incorporated 69
First Officers 69
Revival of Business in^lSoO 70
List of Business Men 70
More Buildings 7]^
Pioneer Ruffianism 72
"Mickey" and other Villains.'.'.'.' 73
Pit River Bill [[ ^g
CHAPTER V. County Government —
Rush of Immigration 73
Organization of the State 79
The San Joaquin District . . . . . 79
First Constitutional Convention ., 79
First Legislature .']'. §0
Formation of the Couniy 80
First Officers .". . ■. ...^. ........ .. 80
Irregular Election ...,,,, 81
Court of Sessions 81
List of Officers 82
List of Supervisors §5
State Chronology §6
CHAPTER VI. Political —
First Contest • §3
Democrats and Whigs ] 88
San Francisco Vigilance Committee 89
Republicanism 89
General Political Complexion of the County 90
Sketch of Hon. David S. Terry 90
Sketch of Hon. D. .1. Oullaban 93
CHAPTER VII. Land Titles —
Mexican Laws and Usages 94
Mexican Grants 95
Moquelemos Grant 95
Moquelemos " War " 90, 99
Court-House Square 100
Mokelumne Hill Road 103
CHAPTER VIII.
Agricultdre, Etc. —
The Soils 105
Early Mining Period 100
Reclamation of Swamp Lands 108
Irrigation Ill
Transition from Grain to Other Products. . . .118, 665 Artesian Wells 116, 125
CONTENTS.
Grain Raising 117
The Specialties 119
Agricultural Society 122
Board of Trade ^ 122
Farmers' Union 124
Grangers' Union 124
Jfatural Gas 125
CHAPTER IX.
Travel and Transportation —
Primitive Methods 128
Kavigation 129
Mokelumne River Iii3
Railroads 133
CHAPTER X.
Stockton in Later Times —
Business 137
Education 143
Public Librarj' 145
Fire Department 146
Water- Works 149
Cemeteries 149
Municipal 150
CHAPTER XI.
The Stockton Press —
Principal Periodicals 154
CHAPTER XII.
Stockton Churches and Societies —
Churches 165
Societies 171
CHAPTER XIII. .
Public Institutions —
Court-House 183
Jail 183
County Hospital 183
State Asylum for the Insane 184
Dr. Clark's Asylum for the Insane 189
Land Office 189
CHAl^TER XIV. Villages —
Lodi 190
Wood bridge 194
Lockeford 196
Elliott, Clements and Linden 198
Farmington 199
Lathrop 200
Tracy 201
CHAPTER XV. Townships —
Castoria 203
Dent 206
Douglass 208
Elkhorn 211
Elliott 213
Liberty 215
Tulare 217
Union S20
CHAPTER XVI. Miscellaneous —
Public Free Schools 233
Military 224
Capital" E.xecutions 226
-<S-
^^^:^^
>*'t=~
BIOGI^APHIGAL SI^ETGHES.
Abbott, A. M 564
Alberti, A 594
Alegretti, G 431
Alegretti, J. B 562
Allen, William .562
Ailing, N. E 345
Ashley, L.E 514
Ashley, Wm. D 55
Ashley, J. P 654
Atherton, G. A 033
Bachman, Adam S'jS
Bachman, C. A 525
Bacon, E. C 473
Baggs, W. M 445
Bailey, C. K 638
Bailey, Noyes 470
Baird, B. P .358
Baird, E. E 468
Bamert, Charles 499
Barnhart, Henry 55
Barr, Jas. A 473
Barthman, Charles 411
Basilio, L 289
Beckman, C 484
Beckman, Henrv H 489
Beckman, H. W 290
Beer, .John 504
Behaps, John 595
Belding, Charles 3S9
Bennelt. P. W 363
Benlon, H. A 260
Bigger, J. M 305
Billinghurst, W. H 568
Biscliol berger, J 403
Bhincliard, C. T 565
Blankeuship, John 31 49
Blondin, Arthur 4-S8
Boggs, P. H 595
Boice, S. W 509
Boisselier, H. G 53
Bowers, Michael 566
Brandt, C. H. W 433
Brown, AG 459
Brown, B. Howard 434
Buckley, W. S 375
Budd, James 11 447
Budd, Joseph H .3.58
Buffington, J. M 561
Bugbee,- Wm. D 509
Huison, H. R 461
Bunch, John 564
Burgun, Stephen 48
Butters, Ezra 489
Buttrick, W. H 565
Byers, J. C 378
Cadle, E. F 140
Cady, Stoel 888
Campbell, C. A 396
Campbell, J. A 313
Campbell, P D 336
Campbell, W. P. H 534
Carlon, G. C 596
Carter, S. L 873
Carter, William 395
Cary , C. H 655
Castle, C. C 356
Castle, J. U 639
C02TTENTS.
Cavis, J. U 367
Chagal, N. P 885
Chase,. Gilman 295
Chicard, Maiie 47
Christensen, Peter 360
Chrisman, John 358
Cicinato, M 638
Clapp, P 536
Clark, A 656
Clements, Thomas 500
Clendinen, W. S 336
Clowes, E C 481
Cobb, P. D 479
Coffee, Robert 567
Cogswell, Francis 508
Cogswell, E.B 958
Coleman, J 456
Collins, J. J 505
Coluon, E. S 156
Commings, C. W 439
Confer, S. L 016
Conrad, G. A 255
Cooper, J. B. L 46
Corson, C. H 50*
Cowell, H.W 5(i7
Cowell, John 567
Cowell, W. W 403
Crittenden, John L 50
Cross, L. E 662
Cross, S. N 253
Cunningham, T 617
Cutting, L. M 393
Darra, Mrs. Amelia 474
Dasher, S. D 627
Diiubney, Geo J 47
Davis, Edward 288
Davis, Franklin 597
Davis, G. M 359
Davis, Stephen II 50
De Costa, A 506
Denig, Wm. M 157
Do Vinny, C. L 446
De Vries, M 420
Dickinson, G. D 40
Dinning, T. H 420
DoaU, J. K 492
Dodge, Jonathan H 55
Dohrmann, C. W 620
Dovland, L. L 421
Dorrance, II. T 4U7
Douglass, D. F 47
Douglass, J. B 618
Doyle, J. T 460
Driscol, John 508
DruUard, A 3.50
Ducker, John 511
Dudley, W.L 378
Due, E. H 336
Dunham, J. S 019
Durham, Shubael 019
Earl, R. T 637
Eaton, M. D 624
Eddy, A. L 330
Eliot, Patrick 623
EUenwood, W. B 381
Elliott, E. R 506
Elliott, S. W 623
Ellis, F. E 193
Ellis, H.M 382
Emslie, J. J 437
Endich, Nicholas. 632
Fairchild, W. H 241
Fanning, H. T 47
Farrington, H. L 52
Favinger, George 569
PerduQ, S 513
Fischer, J. H 45
Fiske, Ezra : 299
Ford, James 621
Foster, B. F 510
Foster, Geo. A 490
Fowler, J. M 520
Fowler, W. S 518
Frankeuheimer, B 515
Freeman, Clara M 615
Freeman, W. F 537
French, Mrs. Sarah A 451
Fuqua, F. M 278
Furry, Leonard 598
Fyfe, Joseph 625
Gambetta, J 599
Garrett, Wm. E 357
Garvin, M. J 523
Gear, A. T .-52
Geddes, John 155
Gelabert, Wm 48
Gerten, Jacob 593
Gianelli Bros 60U
Gibbons, Wm. E 615
Gibson, W. M 345
Gillingham, II. C... 594
Gillis, James 370
Gilman, J. L 53
Gimbel, Henry ... .593
Golden, Wm 593
Gooke, Benedick 414
Gordon, C. II 563
Graham, R. L 490
Graham, K. L., Sr 483
Grant, E. P., 562
Grattan, John 235
G ravem Bros 531
Graves, F. A 563
Gray, George A 578
Gray, J. D 257
Green, J. B 413
Green, R. F 278
Green, W.C 498
Greraaux, Eugene 654
Grotyohn, J. N 341
Grupe, J. C 267
Gruwell, J. D 430
Guernsey, A. A 383
Guernsey, D. A 364
Gumperiz, Gustave 487
Ilahn, A. J 259
Haines, Geo. W 373
Haines, I. S ...377
Hall, J. E ...469
Hall, John 327
Hamilton, I. D 428
Hammond, Moses 54
Hansel, Louis 421
Hansen, A. W 592
Harelson, J. B 592
Ilarkness, Geo. S 485
Harney, J. S 4^4
Harrison, J. F 50
Harrison, Norval 627
Harrold, A. M 614
Hanold, A. W 614
Harrold, C. H 277
Harrold, N. S 613
Harshner, A. M 591
Hart, AVm 534
Hatch, F. S 617
Hay, Wm. B 366
Hayden, W. W 239
Heck, V. V 323
Hedges, E. R 539
Hefferman & Hefferman 249
Hemphill, John 482
Hemphill, O.J 479
Henderson, John 609
Henderson, R. W 422
Henery, Samuel 610
Herrmann, John 601
Hersom, Wm. J 599
Hewett, Samuel 651
Hickinbotham, J. T 450
Hickman, Edward 642
Hildreth, Elias .591
Hildreth, G. F 361
Ilillman, G. G 658
Hogan, George 590
Hoisholt, A. W 344
Holden, I. D 397
Holman, H. C 310
Holmes, T. J 468
Holt Bros 644
Hood, E. E 308
Hook, Anna C 409
Hook, T. K 408
Horn, Alex 501
Houser, Daniel 371
Howard, Daniel 377
Howell, C 303
Howland, H. S 400
Howland, L. W 461
Hubbs, Nancy 51.0
Hughes, W. H 642
Hull, O. H 498
Hummel, T. W 384
Humphrey, W. G 598
Hunter, Anthony 641
Hunting, Chas 397
Huntley, L. L 640
Hurey, Geo. W 50
Hutson, J. L 589
Hyatt, G. C ,530
IngHs, Wm 010
Irvin, W. .H 302
Jack, E. H 558
Jackson, J. A 46
Jahant, P. P 467
Jefferson, Joseph H 300
Johnson, R. S 309
Johnson, W. B 335
Jones, Hiram M 308
Jones, J. W 653
Jones, W. J 653
Kaiser, Henry 590
Kaiser, V 472
Kallenbach, O. P 293
Kasson, George M 589
Keen, H. J ...384
Keeno, Zoth 50
Keller, John 399
Kenefick, J 303
Keniston, CM 346
Kerrick, J. W 250
Kelchum, T. E 251
Keys, T.J 256
Kidd, James E 449
Kile, J. M 659
Kile, Joseph 49
King, Geo. W 51
CONTENTS.
Klinger, Geo 290
Knight, H. B 514
Knight, N. A 391
Knowles, E. F 401
Kohlmoos, John r. .390
Koontz, H. C 660
Kueppers, Theo 483
Ladd, Geo. S 362
Ladd, John S 359
Lane, Frank E 501
Lang, L. H 276
Langford, B. F 245
Langmaid, O. G 542
Langridge, G. W 540
Laumeister, Lewis. . . .■ COS
Laury, Mrs. Sarah 589
Lawrence, E 588
Leadbetter, W. K 419
Learned, D. A 453
Learned, J. M 364
Lee, Theodore 588
Lehe, Eugene 637
Leitch, Archibald 3.53
Lertora, Peter 359
Levinslxy, A L. . .fc.'i.rf 686
Lewis, W.O '. 53
Lewthwaite, John 515
Litchfield, Albert 393
Litchfield, Ansel 378
Lloyd, llobert 408
Locke, Delia M 660
Locke, Elmer H 660
Locke, Geo. S 495
Lomax, L. M 396
Long, C. C 587
Long, J. M 560
LoRomer, J. B 399
Louttit, James A 559
Madden, F. P 502
Slagee, S L 586
March, Silas 584
Marnell, M 5-'4
Martin, D. P 379
Martin, Irving 157
Mathewson, S. F 317
Matteson, D. C 435
Mayberry, Alex 586
McCall, J. C 635
McCarty, M 607
McCuen, Nelson 634
McDade, E. J 585
McDougald, Sangster & Co 632
McDowell, J. F 446
McGary, W. K 459
Mcintosh, E. J 418
McKee, Wm. F 513
McKeozie, J. T 253
McKinnon, A 471
McMurray, Sarah 307
McNeil, i). P 49
McNeil, Ellen 343
JiIcNoble, Geo. F 468
Meeker, A. C 51
]\[egerle, Mrs. T. C 469
Mehrten, Mary 461
Mersfelder, L 491
Meseroll, J 500
Messick, J. B 354
Metcalf,R 463
Meyer, Andrew '485
Meyer, Jacob 347
Meyer, J. K 53
Meyer, E-. B 474
Middlekauf, E. D 348
Miller, Milton 490
Miller, W.C 55
Miller, Wm.P 263
Millner, F. A 383
Milner, N 636
Minta, Wesley 361
Misener, N. S 584
Mollenhauer, L. F 378
Monaco, M 607
Moseley, J. F 242
Mosher, Geo. L 425
Moulton, James S 631
Muenler, Angnst 386
Murray, Isaac 46
Nauman, W. R .465
Neal Brothers 463
Needham, C. E 296
Nelson, A. J 322
Nelson, E.E 55
Nevin,N 383
Nicewonger, Hayes 465
Nicewonger, Levi 533
Nolan, James G 383
Norcom, C. W 45
Northrup, H. D 466
Northrup, Wm 321
Norton, 0.0 337
Nunan, J.J 156
Nutter, AV. B 418
Odell, Daniel 5'^3
O'Neil, Jerry 585
Orr, N. M 349
Ott, Martin 413
Oullahan, D. J 93
Oullahan, Edward 392
Overhiser, W. L 5.").5
Overholtzer, J 448
Owen, C.E 5^2
Owen, J. R 269
Parker, R. B 270
Payton, Daniel 662
Pearson, S. A 582
Pearson, Wm. R ... . • 582
Peck, n. M 362
Perrin, Otis 54
Peters, H.F 302
Peters, J. D 54
Peyton, Enoch 633
Peyton, V. M 4':;u
Phelps, J. L., & Co 155
Pixley, Reuben 581
Pope, T.J 544
Post, Wm. H 580
Potter, S. W 331
Prather, W. F 252
Pratt, Joseph 500
Prugh, W. VV 606
Putnam, Joseph 400
Raab, H 606
Ralph, C. H 48
Ray, D. T 281
Reibenstein. R. R 241
Revner, Frauds 344
Reynolds, D. R 344
Reynolds, G.C 340
Reynolds, John 254
Rhoden, Augustus 579
Rhodes, Alonzo 327
Rhodes, Henry B 47
Rhodes, Jacob 849
Rich, C. A 577
River Express 326
Robbins, L. W., & Co. . . 577
Robinson, C. L 47
Robinson, Wm H 55
Robinson, W. 0 303
Rock, Frank 47
Rohrbacher, H 492
Rolland, A 306
Rossi, A 339
Rucker, H. N 403
Rnggles, G. L 156
Ruhl, F. A 604
Rumrill, L. L 242
Ryan, J. M 536
Saalbach, E 874
Salmon, Cutler 579
Salmon, Elizabeth F .253
Salmon, J. T 576
Sanders, Mrs. Jane 308
Sanguinetti, J 631
Sargent, C. S 529
Sargent, J. L 553
Sargent, J. P 5.54
Sargent, R. C 547
Sayles, A. D 658
Schmidt, H. C 576
Schmidt, P. P 335
Schneider, U 313
Schomp, Justus 478
Schraik, John 46
Sedgwick, Thomas 50
Sellman, La Fayette 417
Severy, Daniel 51
Sharp, H. W 648
Sharp, P. G .576
Shattuck, H. C 314
Shaw, H. C 317
Shaw, T. C 511
Sheen, D. W 370
Sherman, E. B 451
-Sliippee. L. U 229
Shurilell", G. A 381
Simon, Jacob 414
Simonds, J. J 48
Smith, Ansel 360
Smitli, F. H 639
Smith, Mary 575
Smith, Russell B 47
Smith, Wm. C 267
Smithsou, W. D 427
Smucker, Wm. II 50
Smyth, James 11 274
Snow, Benj 272
Snow, William H .574
Spellmau, D. J ,541
Spenker, Joseph 411
Stading, Henry 51
Slaflford, C 453
Starbird, W. B 513
Steinmetz, George. . , 514
Steiny, Julius 47
Stephens, C. S 480
Stewart, Frank 454
Stockwell, E R 412
Stockwell. W. W 413
Stoddar, E 630
Stowe, E. B 453
Stowe, Mrs. E M 343
Sullivan, J. M 50
Sutliti;C. B 275
CONTENTS.
Swain, Cornelius 249
Swinnerton, J. G 343
Taft.'E. B 403
Tallmage, James 330
Tam.Jos. H 400
Taylor, A. J 575
Taylor, Joseph 575
Taylor, Mary J 404
Tecklenberg, II. W. V 573
Terry, David S 00
Thompson, J. E 572
Thompson, J. W 333
Thompson, Thomas 258
Thorn, S. K 4G4
Thornton, Arlluir 574
Thorp, Edward 41G
Todmun, J. M 504
Titus, Lyman 57:J
Tone, John II 571
Trahern, G. W 050
Treadwell, A. B C47
Trelheway, Earle & Dasher li20
Tretheway, E. A o'lO
Trelheway, John 503
Tripp, P. D 301
Tripp, W. O 53
TschierschUy, E. M. L 482
Tumelty, Dennis 647
Turner, James 355
Van Ness, B. H 311
VanTelt, E. S. 336
Van Valkenburgli, J 380
Vinet, Peter 64«
Visher,P 477
"Wagner, Charles 381
Wakefield, C. F 571
Wakefield, C. H 36G
Wakefield, L. D 808
Walksmuth, E 374
Ward, C. W 465
Wasley, James 287
Waterman, Geo. E 304
Waterman, S. D 414
Watrous, Benj 531
Watson, J. A 633
Weaver, H. W 646
Weaver, J. A 456
Weber, CM 441
Welsh, J. M 474
West, Fred M 339
West, Geo 525
West, W. B 523
Wetherbee, G. W. 573
Wheaton, W. G 645
Whipple, Edwin 49
Whipple, W. E 571
Whitaker, Mrs. M.J 570
White, A. C 663
White, Wm. B 410
Wiedman, W. H 603
Wilhoit, B. L 374
Wilhoit, Geo. E 374
Wilhoit, R. E 273
Williams, Milo 517
Wilson, Henry 644
Wilson, E. C 433
Wilson, John 416
Winters, J. D 570
Wolf, Andrew 236
Wolfe, Jacob 342
Wolf, William 404
Woodlnidge, W. H 460
Woods, James 51, 165
Woods, J. N 543
Woodson, B 438
Woods, Kichard 569
Woods, S. D 415
Wootten, M.A 289
Wulfl", A. L '.'.'..508
Wyman, C. H 651
Yaple, Perry 324
Yolland, C. W 602
York, John 471;
Yost, Fred 093
Young, L. J ; ■ '. ■. ".560
^\-^^
PORTRAITS.
Belding, Charles 388
Brown, A. G 458
Dorrance, II. T 406
Fiske, Ezra 398
Harrold,N.S 613
Houser, Daniel 370
Johnson, W. B 334
Langford, B. F 344
Leitch, Archibald 353
Locke, George S , 494
Miller, William P 363
Sargent, C. S 538
Sargent, R. C 546
Shaw, H. C 31(3
Shippee, L. U Frontispiece
Shurtleti; G. A 280
Visher, Putnam 476
Weber, CM 34
ILLUSTRATIONS.
Agricultural Pavilion 123
Masonic Temple 173
Court-House 183
State Asylum for the Insane 184
Residence of Captain C M. Weber in 1850 440
^53
HISTORY OP SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY.
U
^
m
'^^?
i^^^Sl^MlSj^^^.
I TOPOGRAPHY, NATURAL HISTORY, ETC.
.%^
%
CHAPTER I.
fOAQUIN is tlie Spanish spelling of an Old Testanient name referred to in the Gospels of the New Testament as that of the father of the Virgin Mary, mother of Ciirist. It is there spelled Joachim, and its literal meaning is " Preparation of the Lord." Joachinj having been niade a saint by the Catholic Church, the name has come to be in the Spanish language San Joaquin. This naine in California was first g-iven to a rivulet in the foot-hills of the Sierra Nevada mountains by Lieutenant Gabriel Moraga, who in 1813 commanded an exploring expedition to the Vale de los Tules (Valley of the Rushes). From this rivulet the main river of the great interior vallej' of California subse- quently derived its name; and finally the county, whose history we now begin to write, derived its name. The pronunciation is in accordance with Spanish principles.
The great San Joaquin valley, extending 250 miles southeast to northwest through the State of California, containing over 10,000,000 acres, is a basin, with the Sierra Nevadas for its east- ern rim, and the Coast Range marking its limits on the west. There is one lake, Tulare, resting on 700 square miles of its bosom, while the waters falling upon 13,685 square miles of country find their surplus outlet through nu- merous rivers that flow into the great chaTinel of the San Joaquin, which rolls majestically on
towards the ocean, through the center of the valley, until its waters are mingled with those of the Sacramento.
San Joaquin County, where now live about 30,000 inhabitants, is at the extreme north end of this valley; and lines of latitude 88° north and longitude 121° 20' west of Greenwich cross each other at about its center. Its eastern limits encroach upon the foot-hills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Its west limits are nearly a north and south line, taking in a large area of swamp and overflowed land in the low country through which flows the river San Joaquin, the line continuing south into- the Coast Range of tnountains, terminating finally at the summit of Mount Boardman. From this mountain the south line runs in a northeast direction to the mouth of the Stanislaus river, this river form- ino- the remainder of the south boundary line.
The boundary of San Joaquin County is touched by a considerable number of other counties. On the north is Sacramento; on the east Amador, Calaveras and Stanislaus; on the south Stanislaus; and on the west Contra Costa, Alameda and Santa Clara.
Mount Diablo, conspicuous in the west and situate in Contra Costa County, is 3,400 feet bigh, — about two-thirds of a mile. The Indians had both for it and a tribe living near it the name Bolgon. Diablo is Spanish for " devil,"
18
HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY.
and WE.g so named in Je&uitic times on account of some Spaniards, among whom were priests, employing a cannon and otlier lire-ai'ms there to keep off liostiles. The highest summit of this mountain is made the initial ] oint of land survey toward all points of the compass by the United States Government for Northern Cali- fornia. The base line runs through this county ahout a half mile «outh of French Camp station.
The county embraces an area of 1,452 square miles, most of which is good farm land. East- ward it extends slightly into the ioot-hills of the Sieri'a Nevada mountains.
The San Joaquin is the longest river in this valle}^ and empties into Siiisun bay near the mouth of the Sacramento. Its principal tribu- taries are the Stanislaus, Merced and Tuolumne. The waters of all these rivers were in pre- American times clear, except during freshets; now they are turbid, but still abound in iisli. The San Joaquin is navigable for 350 miles, and the lower section, from Stockton down, it is the highway for a vast trade. The imme- diate valley of the San Joaquin is ten to tilty feet above sea level.
The Mokelutune river, which flows westward through the northern portion of the county, and forms the northwest boundary, empties into the Sacramento river. Its name, and the name Mokelko — that of a tribe of Indians formerly living near it — are probably derived the one from the other, or both from a common root. This stream is very winding in its course, and is continually forming sand-bars, to the detri- ment of navigation. A vigorous effort was once made by Dr. D. J. Locke and J. H. Woods, in hot but amusing competition with each other, to establish navigation on this stream as far as their towns, named respectively after them. The river proved too treacherous with its sand- bars and new channels. In 187i an effort was made, but with like results, to utilize the river for floating timbers down from the mountains.
. The Stanislaus river, which forms the bound- ary line between this and Stanislaus counties, flows into the San Joaquin, scarcely navigable
on account of sand-bars. It is said that after a battle was fought upon this stream in 1829, in which the Indians defeated the Spaniards, the latter party substituted the present for the old Indian name.
The Calaveras ("a place of skulls") was so named with reference to a battle between the mountain and the valley Indians, contending for fishing waters. The valley Indians were victo- rious. , More than 3,000 were killed on both sides, and their bones bleached on the battle- field. The channel of this river is deep, but cumbered with brush, trees and logs. On ac- count of tlie narrowness of the channel, the river overflows a wide extent of low lands, keeping them rich with fresh deposits containing much nutriment for vegetation. Originally the chan- nel carried oft' all the water except daring the freshet portions, but it has long since been so filled up with niiningdebris thatits service in this respect is greatly diminished, to the detriment of the agricultural lands immediately adjoining. The Mormon slough, issuing from the channel of the Calaveras at Bellota, now carries off" more water probably than the Calaveras. It over- flowed its banks every year until the levee was built in 1887. Rock creek drains the Salt Spring valley in Calaveras County. Little John and Kock creeks at their junction a short dis- tance east of Farmington, form what is known as French Camp slough.
Dry creek and the north fork of the Mokel- umne form the north boundary line.
SOIL.
The soil of the county is so varied that a de- scription of it cannot be given in a few words. The lowest grounds generally consist of a style of clay termed adobe, while the higher grounds have such a proportion of sand as to prevent the formation of mud in wet weather, and at the same time keep the earth porous, thus giving air to the roDts of plants, and being therefore best adapted, when there is sufticient moisture, to horticultural and agricultural purposes. The section adjacent to the foot-hills on either side
nisTonr of san joaquin county.
19
of the valley has a clay soil, and along the streams the soil has a sedimentary deposit by the high water, and contains in places a considerable amount of peat. South of Dry creek in the northern pirtof the county, the surface is clay. The Mokelnmne river divides the sandy loam from the clay soil. The adobe land of the county is chiefly south of the Calaveras and north of the French Camp slough. South of this slough the soil is sandy. On the west side of the San Joaquin river, the soil lying between the |:)eat and the foot-hills is adobe.
More particularly, according to a map pub- lished in 1886 by Wilson R Ellis, the north- eastern extremity of the county, e.xtending from Dry creek nearly to the Mokelumne, is a clay loam; the Mokelumne runs through a district of sandy loam; Stockton is near the western limit of a large adobe district, about ten miles wide, east and west, by fifteen miles north and south; the southern and larger portion of Cas- toria Township, and the southern part of Dent is sandy land; the eastern margin of the county is characterized by reddish clay, centrally inter- rupted by a large semi-circle of dark loam; the southern and larger portion of Tulare Township is a clay loam; the western portion of the county is a sandy loam, while Roberts' Island and the extreme northwestern corner of the county is also a clay loam.
Most of the area west of the San Joaquin River, originally swamp land, has been re- claimed, and is principally devoted to wheat- raising.
gp:ology.
The San Joaquin valley has been reclaimed from the sea by wash from the mountains, par- ticularly the Sierra' J^evada, which might be considered the western edge of the continent, the Coast Rano-e havino- been but a short time ago, geologically speaking, a range of islands. This detritus is now of surprising depth. Ar- tesian wells sunk to the depth of a thousand feet fail to reach " bottom rock." This detri- tus consists of alternate thin strata of gravel.
sand and clay of various color and consistency. As the eastern edge of the county touches the foot-hills, gold is found within our limits: but as the placer diggings found on a few river bars and along some ot the shallow gulches in the eastern part of San Joaquin have been worked out long ago, there have been left to this county neither gold mines nor, so far as known, other metalliferous deposits of value. Chinamen have been washing for gold to a limited extent along the Mokelumne river, in the northeastern cor- ner of the county. Building stone, however, of good quality, and clay, suitable for making brick, are plentiful here, and natural gas has quite recently been obtained in the vicinity of Stockton in such quantities and under such con- ditions as warrant the belief that a more abun- dant and perhaps permanent supply will be obtained by deeper borings.
San Joaquin County, lying as it does between the Mount Diablo section of the Coast Range upon the west and the foot-hills of the Sierras upon the east, is naturally an agricultural county; and were it not for the gas wells which have been developed within its borders during the last few years, one would be apt to overlook the fact of the dependence of the vegetable upon the mineral world, and consider San Joa- quin County as liaving very little to do with mineralogy. The mineral of chief importance in San Joaquin County is water, and perhaps it will be well to preface the county's mineral re- sources by a few w^ords on that important con- stituent of natural economics. In the opinion of Jerome Haas, the veteran well-borer of the San Joaquin, artesian water can be struck throughout the greater part of San Joaquin County at a depth of about 1,000 feet; in fact, it usually rises to the surface from any boring 700 feet in depth. Ordinary wells need not be deeper than eighty to 120 feet, to obtain good water. This surface water is always hard. Be- yond a depth of about 1,300 feet the water is usually brackish, and unfit for domestic use. Mr. Haas says that an artesian well, earring an eight-inch pipe, 1,000 feet in depth, can be
20
HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY.
bored in most parts of San Joaquin County for about $1,800. The deepest borings in San Joaquin County, of vvhicli any accurate records are available, have failed to discover anj' roclvy strata, unless the green sandstone met vpith in the borine of tlie Stockton court-house artesian weir be regarded as such; it was probably a stratum of compact sand and clay that could hardly.be regarded as a rock.
The drill below a depth of 250 feet discloses nothing but alternate lajers of variously colored sand and indurated clay. From the uniformity ot depth at which the various flows of water are found, and observations on the relative occur- rence of various strata of clays and sand tliat Mr. Haas has encountered in well-boring in San Joaquin County, he believes there has been but little disturbance of strata beneath a depth of 250 feet. As general stratigraphical features, he has observed that the further to the east in the val- ley the wells have been, the lower and more stony the soil has become; while further to the west it has been finer in character; that as a rule the deeper the boring the thicker are the beds, of clay, and that the yellow clay is very seldom found after striking the blue. Mr. Haas considers that the best and most authentic ac- count of the stratigraphical formation on which the town of Stockton stands, is the record of the strata penetrated while boring the artesian well in the Stockton court-house square, in 1858. He also says that in the main it corresponds with the formation he has encountered while boring wells in other parts of the county. Samples of the various strata were formerly pre- served in the old Agricultural Hall. This build- ing was unfortunately damaged by fire, and the samples were burned, together with the original records. Happily a copy of the latter had been made by Major N. M. Orr, who was the pro prietor and editor of the Stockton Independent., and published in his paper. It is worth pre- serving as the only authentic record extant of the stratigraphical formation underlying the town of Stockton, and probably the greater part of San Joaquin County. The water from this
well issues at a temperature of 77° Fahrenheit, and was long used for the city supply.
Furtht r notice of artesian wells and their de- velopments is given in a subsequent chapter of this Work.
Brick clay is abundant and of good quality in the clayey poitions of the county, especially about Stockton. It is forty feet deep at the yards of the San Joaquin Improvement Com- pany, upon the webt bank of the San Joaquin Kiver. The clay there gives the following analysis:
Insoluble matter 73.810
Soluble silica 9.547
Potassa 292
Soda 245
Lime 844
Magnesia 1.174
MaDgane^e oxide 044
Ferric oxide 5.38(5
Alumina 5.1«4
Phosphoric acid 312
Sulphuric acid 061
Carbonic acid Trace.
Water and organic matter 3.202
Total ■ 100.1G3
A" deposit of manganese has been opened in Tulare Township, about twelve miles southeast of Tracy.
Street gravel, which was formei'ly brought to Stockton from Milton, in Calav*ras County, is now obtained in large quantities at JSfigli tin gale, about two njiles southeast from the city limits.
VEGETATION.
Like that of the Eastern States, the original vegetation of this valley had a charm that ling- eringly increases in the minds of tiieold settlers with the lapse of time. We can best introduce this subject by a quotation from the journal of Capt. John C. Fremont, gi-ving a description of his first journey through this region in 1844, and the extract also makes other allusions of historical importance. After his first day's travel from Sacramento he cainped at a place since known as the village of Liberty, on the south side of Dry creek, and with the next day's experiences the following journal begins:
HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY.
31
'■'■March ITith — We traveled for twenty-eight miles over the same delightful country as yes- terdaj', and halted in a beajitiful bottom at the ford of the Rio de los Mukelemnes, receiving its name from another Indian tribe living on the river. The bottoms on the stream are broad, rich, and extremely fertile; and the uplands are shaded with oak groves. A showy Lujriiius of extraordinary beaut}', growing four or five feet in height, and covered with spikes in bloom, adorned the banks of the river, and filled the air with a light and grateful perfume.
" On tlie 26th we halted at the Arroyo de las Calaveras (Skull creek), a tributary to the San Joaquin — the previous two streams entering the bay between the San Joaquin and Sacramento rivers. This ])lace is beautiful, witli open groves of oak, and a grassy sward beneath, with many plants in bloom; some varieties of which seem to love the shade of the trees, and grow there in close small fields. Near the river, and replacing the grass, are great quantities of am- moie (soap plant), the leaves i)f which are used in California for making, among other things, mats for saddle cloths. A vine with a small white flower (riielothria'i) called here la yerha huena (the good herb), and which from its abundance gives name to an island and town in the bay, was to-day very frequent on our road — sometimes running on the ground or climbing the trees.
^^ March 2,1 th. — To-day we traveled steadily and rapidly up the valley, for with our wild ani- mals, any other gait was impossible, and making about four miles an hour. During the earlier part of the day, our ride had been over a very level part of prairie, separated by lines and groves of oak timber, growing along dry gullies, which are filled with water in seasons of rain; and, perhaps, also by the melting snows. Over much of this extent, the vegetation was sparse; the surface showing plainly the action of water, which, in the season of flood, the Joaquin spreads over the valley. At one o'clock we came again among innumerable flowers; and a few miles further, flelds of the beautiful blue-
flowering lupine, which seems to love the neigh- ' borhood of water, indicated that we were ap- proaching a stream. We have found this beau- tiful shrub in thickets, some of them 1)eing twelve feet in height. Occasionally three or four plants were clustered together, forming a grand bouquet about ninety feet in circumfer- ence and ten feet high, the whole summit covered with spikes of flowers, the perfume of which is very sweet and grateful. A lover of natural beauty can imagine with what pleasure we rode among these flowering groves, which filled the air with a light and delicate fragrance. We continued our road for about half a mile, interspersed- through an open grove of live oaks, which, ill form, were the most symmetrical and beautiful we had yet seen in the country. The ends of their branches rested on the ground, forming somewhat more than a half sphere of very full and regular figure, with leaves appar- ently smaller than usual. The California poppy, of a rich orange color, was numerous. To-day, elk and several bands of antelope made their appearance.
"Our road was now one continued enjoyment; and it was pleasant, riding among this assem- blage of green pastures with varied flowers and scattered groves, and out of the warm green spring to look at the rocky and snowy peaks, where lately we had suffered so much. Emerg- ing from the timber we came suddenly upon the Stanislaus liiver, where we hoped to find a ford, but the stream was flowing by, dark and deep, swollen by the mountain snows; its general breadth was about fifty yards.
" We traveled about five miles up the river, and encamped without being able to find a ford. Here we made a large corral, in order to be able to catch a sufficient number of our wild animals to relieve those previously packed.
" Under the shade of the oaks, along the river, I noticed Erodmm cicutarium (alfilaria or filaree) in bloom, eight or ten inches high. This is the plant which we had seen the squaws gathering on the Rio de los Americanos. Bj the inhabitants of the valley, it is highly es
22
BISTORT OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY.
■ teemed for fattening cattle, which appear to be very fond of it. Here, where tiie soil begins to be sandy, it supplies to a considerable extent the want of grass.
" Desirions, as far as possible, without delay, to in.clnde in our examination the San Joaquin river, I returned this morning down tlie Stanis- laus for seventeen miles, and again encamped without having found a fording-place. After following it for eight miles further the next morning, and finding ourselves in the vicinity of the San Joaquin, encamped in a handsome oak grove, and, several cattle being killed, we ferried over our baggage in their skins. Here our Indian boy, who probably had not much idea of where he was going, and began to be alaruied at the many streams we were putting between him and the village, deserted.
" Thirteen head of cattle took a sudden fright, while we were driving them across the river, and galloped oif. I remained a day in the en- deavor to recover thenj;but, finding they liad taken the trail back to the fort, 'let them go without further efl^ort. Here we had several days of warm and pleasant rain, which doubt- less saved the crops below."
Originally numerous oaks, appearing at a dis- tance- like huge apple-trees, were characterist- ically spread over most portions of this valley. Along the water courses the trees and smaller plants were more varied, as well as more thrifty and luxuriant. In early days, grass, clovei", alfilaria and wild oats grew in a thick matted mass three to four feet high, and in some local- ities on the Calaveras the grass is said to have grown higher than the head of a man on horse- back. It was thus the hiding place of the great jack-rabbit, squirrel, quail and other small game which at the present time are the pests of the farmer. The Indians were accustomed to fire these plains for the purpose of collecting the game for their winter's supplies. Along the streams wild grapes were very abundant, — so much so indeed along tlie Calaveras river that that stream once had the name of Wine river.
WILD ANIMALS.
In those days thousands of wild horses ranged over the plains on the west side of the San Joa- quin river and among the adjoining foot-hills. Herds of elk and antelope and deer and beaver were numerous, besides grizzly bears, as many as fifteen of which would be seen at one time by an observer. Fish and fowl were also plenti- ful.
METEOROLOGY.
It would of course be a superfluous task here to describe the climate of California and draw the usual contrasts between it and other parts of the world. It will be more interesting and profitable to confine our observations to tlie county.
First, as to temperature, tliere is of course a greater difterence between winter and summer at this distance from the sea than there is di- rectly at the water's edge. Tables of figures are generally deficient in giving all the extremes and their duration. Averages for examples are generally misleading. Two points may lie upon the same isothermal line, each with a mean annual temperature of 50°. One may have a winter temperature of 20° and a summer tem- perature of 80°. The average and mean of these two perhaps is 50°. The other point may have a winter mean of 45° and a summer aver- age of 55°; the annual mean of these two points is also 50°. In the former locality, only the hardy trees and shrubs of the north would sur- vive the winters and the land be buried most of the year in ice and snow, while in summer the tables would show frequent deaths by sunstroke. In the latter climate fuchsias and geraniums would bloom in the door-yards the year round and sunstroke would be unknown. The one is an equitable climate, the other, one of extremes. To avoid a tedious comparison of month by month, a sutticiently accurate result may be obtained by giving in addition to the tnean annual average, the means of the typical winter and the typical summer months, as January and July. The following talkie gives, from the
HISTORY OP SAN JOAQUIN OOUNTT.
23
Signal Service reports, the temperature statis- tics ot'.a number of well known points upon both sides of tiie continent.
New York
Salt Lake. ,
Sacramento
Saa FraQcisco.. .
Florida
New Orleans... .
Yuma
Lo3 Angeles
San Diego
|
Annual |
Aver- |
D M f |
Aver- |
|
Mean. |
age. |
Range. |
age. |
|
51.3 |
300 |
13.2 |
72.6 |
|
51.1 |
27.9 |
15.3 |
74.4 |
|
61.H |
47.6 |
110 |
73.4 |
|
55 7 |
49.:( |
8.1 |
58.8 |
|
72.7 |
60.7 |
15.5 |
83.3 |
|
69.4 |
5.5.9 |
18.3 |
8.J.0 |
|
72.0 |
32.8 |
291 |
91.4 |
|
60.5 |
52.0 |
21.5 |
68.2 |
|
(iO.5 |
52.8 |
19.0 |
66.9 |
Daily Range-
15.6 25.6 25.2 13.7 14.0 13.8 2!).4 28.3 14.6
From the last State Meteorological Report (1888) we quote the following observations:
" The following table, compiled from observa- tions taken by Ezra Fisk three miles south of Lodi, shows the mean temperature of San Joa- quin County at snnrise, at 2 p. m. and at sunset for every month for five consecutive years, 1882-'86. Very few localities on the coast possess so equable and moderate a climate as these figures indicate."
From the table which follows in that report we see that during the winter months the tem- perature at snnrise was generally from three to nine degrees above freezing point, the very coldest (one morning only) being 32.78.°, which is scarcely' freezing; while dnring the summer months the temperature at 2. v. m., the hottest portion of the day, ranged from eighty-one to ninety degrees, — which is not severe, — the very hottest being about ninety-one. The column denoting the temperature at sunset shows that even that degree of heat is not lasting, as it often is in the Eastern States even as far north as the Lake region.
Of course, as is evident to everyone, in the mountainous sections there are an infinite num- ber of limited variations from any table that may be compiled from observations taken from any given locality, while a plain like that of the San Joaquin valley will insure more uniformity to such tables.
The winter of 1848-'49 was very severe, the snow falling to the depth of several inches December 2. In December, 1850, another cold
spell occurred, the thermoinster falling to 20° and ice half an inch in thickness was formed within dwellings. January 21, 1854, the Stock- ton slough was frozen over; and this occurred again in the winter of 1865. In 1874 snow fell to the depth of four inches, and in January; 1880, to a depth of over four inches.
But, notwithstanding all the extremes we have noticed, the following characteristic burst of eloquence from W. R. Ellis has sufficient cause for its fervor: " Stranger, compare the figures in the accoinpanj'ing table with the an- tics of the mercury in the Eastern States. Did you ever talk with an old acclimated Californian who had spent a winter season "down east," after basking twenty years under the fair and balmy skies of the Pacific slope? If you have never met him, go hunt hiin up. Ask him gently how he enjoyed the old-fashioned winters of his boyhood. If he doesn't tell you that he would rather be a lamp-post in California all the year 'round than the mayor of the biggest town east of the Rocky Mountains in cold weather, he is probably a 1-lawyer."
As to the amount of rainfall, we presume the following brief table will be as serviceable as a more extended one:
Aeerage Precipitation in Saa Joaquin County.
|
ES a p •3 |
a- |
a |
•a 3 |
■5 |
& CD |
a trq a |
en 0 fD B c |
0 0 0 ft "1 |
0 < CD B a' |
a 0 CD B a- |
||
|
EUie |
9 OR |
1.56 |
1.12 |
O.fil |
n.2n |
0.05 |
none |
none |
0.01 |
0.37 |
0.93 |
2.09 |
|
Farmington |
9 38 |
3.3:3 12.70 |3.7r |
0.88 |
0.37 |
none |
none |
U.IS |
1.10 |
0.7.T |
1.79 |
||
|
Lathrop — Stockton. . . |
9.9,^ |
•3.2s |
2.00!3,03 |
U.81 |
oir |
none |
none |
U.ll |
0.45 |
U./iS |
1.73 |
|
|
OH-'. |
2.(M |
2.09!l.,M |
U.t>3 |
0.18 |
U.Ul |
none |
0.05 |
UAH |
1.37 |
3.13 |
||
|
Tracy |
1.11 |
1.39 |
1.83 l.M |
0.51 |
0.41 |
none |
none |
0.08 |
0.33 |
0.73 |
1-74 |
FLOODS.
The principal floods in this valley in modern times have been the following:
In the winter of 1846-47 the water of the Stanislaus rose eight feet in one hour, and dur- ing the month of January it overflowed its banks, covering the country for miles out. In the winter of 1849-'50 there was another flood, but not so great. In March, 1852, the water reached a higher point than at any time pre-
24
HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY.
viouslj. During that month the rainfall was measured in Sacramento as thirteen inches. No register was kept here at Stockton. During the month of December following the lands along the Calaveras were covered for about live weeks. On the 8th the water on the streets of Stockton reached a point twenty inches higher than ever had been known here before. The bridge over the channel was carried away, and with it the engine house, which was also used as an armory by Major R. P. Hammond's company of minute men. It was durino- the winter of 1861— '62
o
that the Sacramento valley, including Sacra- mento city, had its most damaging deluge; and it was durine the same winter that high waters again visited the low lands of this county. About the middle of January a freshet from the rains along the mountains was met by the back waters from the San Joaquin river in the west, and the whole country seemed for miles around to be an unbroken ocean, with a city in its cen- ter, like Venice, the "Mistress of the Seas." ■The Mokelumne river, higher by several feet than ever known by white men before, broke over its banks, inundating even the high land upon which Lodi now stands. Woodbridge was an island. Several citizens came to Stockton in a small boat from a distance of ten miles or more. R. C. Sargent was shipwrecked within forty I'ods of his own door in Union Township, when returning from Stockton with several per- sons and freight. A schooner anchored in ten feet of water on J. Brack's ranch. For live weeks the sun was not seen. Flour went up to $40 a barrel and hay sold for §50 per ton.
In 1874 the Mokelumne rose so high as to cover the streets of Woodbridge.
The winter of 1889-'90 was characterized by raining weather almost constant for many weeks, and many streets in Stockton were covered with water; but by this time the people had been so long drilled in fortifying themselves that tlie loss of property was not great.
Until leveeing shall have been completed, the
low grounds in unprotected sections will of course be subject to overflow, especially since hydraulic mining in former years filled up the streams with debris to a considerable extent.
HEATHFULNESS.
Ill regard to the healthfulness of the valley, to say nothing of the sanitary effects and rapid desiccation and curing of most of the spon- taneous vegetable productions wiien the dry sea- son commences, the daily atmospheric current is constantly sweeping away in their incipiency the miasmatic exhalations and pestilent fermen- tations which might otherwise incubateand brood undisturbed over the rich bottom land near the mouth of the tributary streams. In this un- avoidable purification, carried on and forever to continue in obedience to the preservative and unalterable laws of nature, we have the prom- ise of the future healthfulness of the increas- ing population. The experience of the past, too, may well inspire confidence. Carefully kept and scientifically- arranged necrological tables extending back more than ten years, show in Stockton a rate of mortality which compares favorably with the most healthy places on the globe, the ratio of mortality, exclusive of death from external causes or violence, being annually only one death to sixty-five of the population; while in jSTorway the ratio of the mortality is one in fifty-six; Sweden, one in forty-nine; Eng- land, one in forty-four; Prussia, one in thirty- six; Philadelphia, one in forty-six; Baltimore, one in forty-one; New York, one in thirty- eight; United States (as shown by correct esti- mates of the eighth census), one in forty-five. ! Epidemics and virulent infections have been rare and disinclined to spread, and more genial and mild temperature of the sheltered region tends to stay the development of pulmonary af- fections and disease of the respiratory system, while the chilling fogs and harsh winds on the coast are liable to provoke their dreaded at- tacks.
HI8T0RZ OF S.iN JOAQUIN COUNTY.
25
^P' c^^
_ >l,-;_«>»_>i, faeiotayg>>3lglS> .^u ete >l^ rt» kU
m¥EXICAN TIMES.^
ir^^^rJa® 'T' ^ -^^^^ ^^r* ^ 1
^
CHAPTER II.
EAELY DISCOVERIES.
lARLY in 1773, Father Crespi, who discov- ered San Francisco bay, started from Mon-
^ terey with a few soldiers and volunteers? passed through what is now known as Santa Clara, moved up the east side of the bay, and reached a stream, March 30, at the place now called Anti- och. It was the river since named San Joaquin, Father Crespi being the first man, other than the Indians, that beheld its waters. He then returned to Monterey, passing by the base of Mt. Bolgon, named after a tribe of Indians who inhabited that part of the county. The Spaniards after- wards changed the name of the mountain to Diablo.
In after time, when the missions of Cali- fornia became strong, the Catholic fathers were in the habit of throwing military expeditions into the country northeast across the river first discovei'ed by the pioneer Padre Crespi, captur- ing the Indians and taking them to the missions for the good of their souls. In 1826 an expe- dition of this kind from Santa Clara was de- feated on the Stanislaus river, losing thirty-four men, and immediately repeating the experiment they lost forty-one more, but succeeded in cap- turing forty-four Indians, mostly women and children.
INDIAKS.
The rivers of and near the county of San Joa- quin, excepting the Calaveras and the Stanis-
laus, retain their ancient Indian names; the termination umna, signifying river, as in Cos. umn£, Mokelumnti, Tuolumna, and Lakishumn£ This last name was changed by the Spaniards to Stanislaus, because their combined forces, from San Jose and San Francisco, were defeated in 1829, on the banks of that river, by a chief called Estanislao.
At the death of Estanislao, Jose Jesus (pro- nounced ho-zay ha-soos), became chief of the tribe, the Sikayurana, with his rancheria (pro- nounced rancheree), at Knight's Ferry, called by the Indians Chapaircy. The range of his tribe was between the Stanislaus and French Camp creek. They were always friendly to the Americans, but were hostile to the native Cali- fornians. Jesus once made a raid upon San Jose, driving from the town a thousand horses away to his strong-hold in the foot-hills of the Sierra Nevada, the Spanish people not being able to either resist or pursue him. He was an educated Indian, and at one time was an alcalde at San Jose, but believing his people were wronged, by being deprived of the herds which they had helped the '• padres " to accumulate, he returned to San Joaquin and headed foraging expeditions against the missions, making a wholesale business of taking from them what he deemed to be his own. The present site of Stockton is said to be due to this fact. He was a man six feet high, dressed in the full holiday
36
HISTORY OF SAM JOAQUIN COUNTY.
attire of the Spanish raiichero, with cotton shirt, and drawers, calzonazos, sash, serape and som- brero. Different from his followers, he was cleanly in his habits, proud and dignified in deportment. In 1849 he was unjustifiably wounded by an American in Stockton. Captain Weber, learning the fact, paid Dr. W. M. Ryer $500 for his services in attendance upon the wounded man, and thus saved the life of his friend. This separation between these two allies was final, as Jesus was never again heard of, and it is supposed that he died from the effects of that shot.
The Calaveras river, known to the Indians as. the Yachekumna, was the north boundary line of the territory claimed by the Yacheko tribe, whose main village, or rancheria, was near where Stockton now stands. Wild grapes being numerous along the banks of the streams in this section, the Hudson Bay Company named the Calaveras Wine creek; but at a later day a Spaniard named Jose Noriega camped on the bank of this stream, and in the morning was surprised to find that he had been stopping over night among numerous bones and ski;lls of men. He had chanced upon an ancient burial ground, where a conflict had taken place between the Yachekos and the Siyakumnas under Estanislao. Noriega therefore gave to the stream the name Calaveras, a Spanish word meaning skulls. The territory claimed by the Yachekos (or Yache- kumnas), lay between French Camp creek and the Calaveras. After the whites began to settle here the Indians began to scatter away, like the wild animals of the forest, to remote and obscure places. It was the custom of their chief, how- ever, after Mr. Weber settled here, to pay hi m an annual visit and give and receive presents; and Weber's reciprocation of kindness generated a respect toward him.
The Mokelumne river takes its name from a powerful tribe of Indians, the Mokelkos, wlio formerly inhabited its lower banks and adjacent country; or the tribe took its name from the river. The name has been variously spelled, as Mokuelumne, Moquelmnos, etc. The lands of
the Mokelkos lay between the Mokelumne, lower Cosumnes and Dry creek on the north and a line within 300 yards of the center of Stockton on the south, the San Joaquin river on the west and Staples' Ferry on the east. They claim to have had at one time a member- ship of 3,000. Their youngest chief, Maximo, was still living but a few years ago, said to be about 100 years of age. They also claimed that they were always successful in their wars with neighboring tribes, and these conflicts were nu- merous. They were indeed tall and stout, and of a physique superior to that of any other Cali- fornia Indian; and they felt proud of their new religion, Jesuitical Christianity, and on that account also felt superior to all other savages. In a contest with the Walla Wallas, a tribe of Oregon Indians who came to fight with guns on horseback, the Mokelkos were assisted by other tribes as far south as Los Angeles; and they charged that the Walla Wallas poisoned the waters, causing the death of thousands. This probably was the scourge of 1833, — small-pox or fever.
The Digger Indians, more migratory, rarely exceeded five feet eight inches in height, and though strong were seldom symmetrically built. Characterizing the prevailing types were a low, retreating forehead, black, deep-set eyes, thick, bushy eyebrows and hair, prominent cheek- bones, a nose depressed at the bridge and some- what wide-spreading at the nostrils, thick projecting lips, large, white teeth, and a nearly black complexion. In summer their only dwell- ings were a shed of brush to screen them from the sun, and in winter they dwelt in holes in the ground covered with brush and mud. They were too lazy to hunt, preferring rather to sub- sist upon acorns, berries, roots and grasshoppers. They had two ways of capturing these insects. One was to form themselves in a circle a lialf mile across and agitate the grass and weeds over them with sticks, driving the grasshoppers into a small pond in the center made for the purpose; and the other was to make windrows of grass and burning them while they would cliase the
HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY.
27
insects into the flames, which burnt off their ■wings. ,
In their personal habits these Indians wei-e exceedingly filthy.
In 1845 the small-pox prevailed fearfnlly among the Indians in this vicinity. The white settlers fled to San Jose, leaving a man named Lindsay to guard their flocks. The savages mur- dered him, on the peninsula that bears liis name, burned his buildings and fled to the Coast Hange with the live-stock. After that they never re- appeared upon the plains.
JVone of the valley Indians used canoes or boats made from tiie trunks of trees, or of bark. Instead, they employed a kind of raft, pointed at both ends, ten feet long and three or four feet wide, made of tulcs tightly woven together with willow. They M-ere propelled byadouble- bladed oar, and were buojant and serviceable. Their fish spears were made of bone.
The Indians were still in their aboriginal , simplicity in 1850-'51. AVith the exception of a few of tlie wealthier chiefs, who at that time dressed and rode "a la Mexicana," the costume for the men consisted of a simple shirt and sometinies even less, and a short skirt attached to the waist for the women. In their cliaracter they were as simple as in their habits. The valley Indians at first were inclined to look upon the Americans as trespassers; but the lessons learned by their conflicts with General Sutter, and the teaching by the " padres," liad not been without effect, inspiring them with a salutary awe; and they accepted the situation as grace- fully as possible, believing that a masterly peace for the present was their best policy. It is among their traditions that the white man was to come, but would be expelled by the plague and their own prowess, and tliat they will again enjoy their former hunting grounds.
Although nominally Christianized, the few remaining Indians still keep iip their monthly aboriginal feasts and dances. At these they invoke the spirits to crown the seasons with plentiful crops of ground-nuts and acorns, and abundance of game. If their liupes arc realized.
they invite the neighboring tribes to a grand harvest feast, when feasting, dancing, gambling and athletic games are the order of the day. Their medicine men perform their incantations, to pacify the evil spirits, ward off pestilence and disease, and to heal the sick. Their prophets and seers orate on the traditions, past prowess and glories of the tribe, and forecast the horo- scope of the future.
On the occurrence of a death, their lamenta- tions are touching in the extreme. The mourn- ers ol the tribe sit in a circle, with bowed heads, and for hours, and through the long night pre- vious to a burial, give expression to their deep grief in dismal wailing, or the dolorous chant- ing of a death song. They bury their dead, bestrewinff the graves with beads and shells. Some of their traditions are interesting and poetic, but in a brief sketch like this are inad- missible.
To explain, however, the condition of some of the tumuli, or mounds, built by the Indians, containing large quantities of human bones, found at various Indian encampments on the Mokelumne river, they say that these tumuli are the burial places of the dead, referring to those who died of the plague already referred to.
It is also a tradition that these valleys, prior to the advent of the whites, had periodical showers of rain, accompanied by thunder and lightning, during the summer months, and that the Great Spirit, as a token of his displeasure at their coming, has withheld the rain, proposing to drive them out by the sterility of the soil which would necessarily follow the absence of rain; that when the whites leave the country the summer rains will come again. This change in the climate occurred about sixty years ago. They have another tradition which should be of some interest to the whites of the present and the future generations. It is, that a flood once tilled the valley of the Mokelumne from bluft^ to bluff, and overflowed at a point near the Poland House, at the rancheria on the Megerle ranch, and below Staples' ferrj', the water running in the direction of Stockton, and that many thou-
28
HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY.
sands of Indians were drowned. The country indeed bears evidence of such a wash, at no very distant date; and the slope of the country is such that the sweep of the currents would be in that direction. Their legends and customs would make a paper of great value to those in- terested in the history of a rapidly vanishing race; but for the present work we must forego further mention.
In 1852 most of the Indiani had removed to the mountains. There were four rancherias; first at the crossing of the Calaveras, at Davis' and Atherton's Ferry, containing about forty; second, on the Mokelumne, near Staples' Ferry, numbering fifty-five; third, at Dent and Van- tine's Ferry, on the Stanislaus river, number- ing 275; fourth, at Bonsell's Ferry, on the San Joaquin river, numbering twenty. The last remnant of the Indians of San Joaquin County, seeing the lands all passing under the control of the whites, sought to save a little piece for themselves, by purchasing it from the people who had taken it from them. They made a bar- gain with a man by the name of Thomas B. Parker, to take up for them a school section, for which they were to pay him in work §350. They worked until, by an agreed price, their la- bor amounted to S371, but they never received a title to the land. Mr. Parker was killed in the mines before deeding the land to them, and they were turned off from the section by an order of the court.
Colonel J. J. Warner, now of Los Angeles, was a member of the Ewing Young trapping expedition of 1832-'33; and he relates concern- ing the scourge of the latter year the following:
"In the fall of 1882 there were a number of Indian villages on King's river, between its mouth and the mountains; also on the San Joa- quin river, from the base of the mountains down to, and some distance below, the great slough. On the Merced river, from the moun- tains to its junction with the San Joaquin, there were no Indian villages; but from about this point on the San Joaquin, as well as on all of its principal tributaries, the Indian villages
were numerous; and many of those villages contained from fifty to 100 dwellings, all of which were built with poles and thatched with rushes. With some few exceptions the Indians were peaceably disposed. On the Tuolumne, Stanislaus and Calaveras rivers, there were In- dian villages above the mouths, as also at, or near, their junction with the San Joaquin. The most hostile-disposed Indians were those of the Calaveras river. The banks of the Sacramento river, in its whole course through its valley, were studded with Indian villages, the houses of wliich, in the spring, during the day-time, were red with the salmon the aborigines were curing.
"At this time there were not, upon the San Joaquin or Sacramento rivers, or any of their tributaries, nor within the valleys of the two rivers, any inhabitants but Indians, among whom we occasionally found one who had fled from some of the missions of California. On no part of the continent over which I had then, or have since traveled, was so numerous an Indian population subsisting upon the natural pro- ducts of the soil a"nd waters as in the valleys of the San Joaquin and Sacramento. Thei'e was no cultivation of the soil by them: game, fish, nuts of the forest and seeds of the fields, consti- tuted their entire food. They were experts in catching fish in many ways, and in snaring game in divers modes.
"On our return, late in the summer of 1833, we found the valleys depopulated. From the head of the Sacramento to the great bend and slough of the San Joaquin, we did not see more than six or eight live Indians; while large numbers of their skulls and dead bodies were to be seen under almost every shade-tree near wa- ter, where the uninhabited and deserted villages had been converted into graveyards; and, on the San Joaquin river, in the immediate neighborhood of the larger class of villages, which, the preceding year, were the abodes of a large number of those Indians, we found not only many graves, but the vestiges of a funeral pyre. At the month of King's river we en-
HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN GOUNTT.
39
countered the first and only village of the stricken race that we had seen after entering the great valley; this village contained a large num- ber of Indians, temporarily stopping at that place.
"We were encamped near the village one night only, and, during that time the death angel, passing over the camping ground of these plague-stricken fugitives, waved his wand, sum- moning from the little remnant of a once num- erous people, a score of victims, to muster in the land of the Manitou; and the cries of the dying, mingled with the wails of the bereaved, made the niglit hideous in that veritable 'valley of death.'
"This disease, which swept down the valley of the Sacramento, and up tliat of the San Joa- quin, appeared, so far as I could judge (and 1 came near dying from it), to be a most acute and violent type of remittent fever. It attacked members of our party, when we were upon the San Joaquin, near tiie Merced river, and nearly every one of our party suffered from it. Two Indian boys, about fifteen or sixteen years of age, one a Columbia river ur Oregon Indian, the other from New Mexico, both of our party, died of the fever. The disease presented none of the symptoms of cholera. Its fatality among the Indians was, in my opinion, in great meas- ure, owing to the treatment of the sick, which was to give them a hot-air bath in their sweat- houses, and then immerse them in water; the immersion was suon followed by death. Ex- cepting the Indians ot our company that died, I was the most severely affected tnember of our party. In fact I was left, while on the inarch, the day following our encampment at the mouth of King's river, unable to ride, and, as was supposed, to die; bnt in the evening I revived, and was able to mount ray muleand reach camp."
After the people of California heard of the ravages of the cholera in other parts of the world, many of those who had learned of tiie pestilence among the Indians of the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys in 1833, erroneously assumed that it also was the cholera.
The "sweat-house" treatment Colonel War- ner refers to is thus more particularly described :
On the river bank they would dig holes large enougli to contain a number of the afflicted and cover it over with dirt, leaving a small aperture at the top through which the sick were crowded. After building a hot fire within the apertxire was closed and the sufferer left to roast. After being duly roasted or heated he was taken out and at once plunged into the cold stream. Of course they all died who were taken sick.
FIEST " AMEEICANS."
The first white citizen from the United States, according to ail the accounts we have, to enter the San Joaquin valley, was Jedediah S. Smith, who in 1825 came through by way of Walker's Pass, or near it, at the head of a trapping party. Pie was a native of the State of New York, had been for a number of years engaged in the busi- ness of hunting beaver in the Rocky Mountains, and was at this time employed by General Ash- ley, of St. Louis, Missouri. On this expedition he was in partnership with Messrs. Jackson and Sublette, imder the firm name of the Rocky Mountain Fur Company. Each of these part- ners led trapping parties during the early spring and autumn up and down known rivers, and in search of unknown ones, where beaver might be plentiful. Smith trapped- the waters of this valley until 1827, when he went out of the Sac- ramento valley near its northern limits and was soon afterward attacked by Indians on the Ump- quah river, and nearly all his men massacred. With two men who had escaped, he readied Fort Yancouver, on foot, where he made an arraiio-emeut with the resident agent of the Hudson Bay Company to furnish a guide to conduct a trap]iing party to the beaver-stocked rivers of California, if the company would send aparty to Umpquah and recover the large quan- tity of beaver skins, traps, etc., which he had at the time of his defeat.
This trapping party, under the command of John McLeod, came in at the head of the Sacra- mento valley, in the latter part of 1827 or early
30
HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY .
in 1828, and trapped the waters of the Sacra- mento and San Joaqnin valleys. Soon after- ward another party, under the lead of Mr. Ogden, a native of New York, who also had been in the employ of the Hudson Bay Company, entered the San Joaquin valley by the route Smith had come or one near it.
Ewing Young, a native of Tennessee, who had been leading trapping parties in the West, came to the San Joaquin river and its tributaries in 1829 or 1830. In the spring or summer of 1832, another party from Fort Vancouver, under the lead of Michel Lafraraboise, entered the Sacramento valley and trapped the waters of the two valleys until the spring of 1833. In the fall of 1882 Young entered the San Joaquin valley from Los Angeles by the Fort Tejon route, with a trapping party. Finding that the San Joaquin river and its tributaries had recently been trapped, he and his party hurried along to the Sacramento river, about eight or ten miles below the moutli of the American river and there found the Hudson Bay trappers. Y''oung's ex- pedition, terminating in the winter of 1833-'34, was the last one passing tiirough this valley, of which we have any account, that was independ- ent of the Pludson Bay Company; and its only survivor is Colonel J. J. Warner, of Los An- geles. J. Alexander Forbes, of Oakland, is probably the only survivor of the leading trap- pers of the Hudson Bay Company of that early period. In company with William G. Ray, in 1830, he took charge of the California depart- ment of that company, with headquarters at Yerba Buena, now San Francisco. The nearest outpost of the company was at French Camp, this county, which they occupied during the trapping portions of the year from 1828 to 1845. The trapping parties of the Hudson Bay Com- pany were so well experienced and well armed that the Indians, who had at that day no guns, had a wholesome fear of them and kept themselves at a very respectful distance. Hence there was no collision between the whites and the reds while the former were present. Their policy wes to fulfill all promises to the red men, punish
them severely for any depredation, and never trust them to any considerable extent. An Indian was never allowed to enter their camps without permission, and they never gave op- portunities for surprise. It was on account of this policy that Captain Sutter was able to hold his position at New Helvetia; and it was also due to the fact that he followed the advice of his intimate friend, Forbes, that he afterward became a tower of strength among the Indians.
In 1844 James Williams was a settler on the Stockton slough.
In August, 1844, David Kelsey with his wife and two children, a boy and a girl, settled at French Camp, and built a tule house. Mr. Gulnac, who was stopping at the Cosumnes river, had offered to give Mr. Kelsey a mile square of land if he would stop at that place, and live one year; he turned over to him the "swivel" that Sutter had given him. Every night Mr. Kelsey threw this piece of ordnance " into battery," and tired an evening gun, 'which he did to frighten the Indians, on the same principle that a boy sometimes whistles as he is going through the woods after dark. At that time there was only one other liouse in the et)unty, also constructed of tule, occupied by Thomas Lindsay, at Stockton. Mr. Kelsey re- mained for several months at that place, and after his family had been obliged to live for two months on boiled wheat, meat, milk and minf tea, gathered along the banks of the creek, he buried the swivel and removed temporarily to San Jose, where he first saw Captain Weber.
While at that place he unfortunately went to see a sick Indian who had the small-pox, just before returning to French Camp. After return- ing he was immediately taken sick, and Mrs. Kelsey desired to take him to Sutter's Fort, where he could have medical assistance, not knowing that he had the small-pox. When they reached Stockton, Mr. Lindsay induced them to stay, over night, and while there a man by the name of James Williams gave him some medicine that caused the disease to break out. Lindsay immediately vacated the premises, giv-
HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN GOUNTT.
31
ing, as he felt, advice that had a twang of bar- barism in it; he told them if the old man died to leave his body where the coyotes would devour it. In about six days the father died, tlie mother and boy were prostrated with the same disease, and little America, a girl eleven years of age, was left alone with her sick mother and brother, to administer to their wants, while her dead father lay unburied in a hut, — a sad introduc- tion to the first American girl who ever saw the place where Stockton stands, and a sadder one to the fii'st white woman that visited the place; I'or the mother became blind from the effects of the disease, beholding that delirious, weird scent of pestilence and death as the last, to liauut the memory through the coming years of darkness; a hidous pliantom, a scene of dissolution, was tliat last look of the mother upon her surround- ings of that little child nurse. Some herders chanced to come that way, who, after consider- able hesitation, assisted little America in bury- ing Irer father, and was buried near the soutli- west corner of El Dorado and P'remont streets, Stockton. One of them, George F. Wyman, afterward became the husband of America.
There seemed to have been two reasons why they hesitated in coming to her assistance: iirst, they feared the small-pox, and secondly. Captain Sutter had said that he would have any man shot who brouglit the contagion to the Fort or went among the Indians who had it.
About two weeks after they left, Thomas Lindsay returned to his house on Lindsay's Point in Stockton, and was killed by the Luck- lunma Indians from lone Valley in Amador County, who tired the Tulley House with their victim's body in it and drove off all the stock. A party of whites, Mexicans and friendly In- dians, went in pursuit of the band who had com- mitted the depredations and overtook them at the place called the " Island," near the foot- hills, where a conflict occurred, resulting in the burn- ing of the Indian rancheria, with what provi- sions and property they had, the killing of a few of the warriors of the hostile tribe and the cap- ture of one Indian boy by William Daylor, of
Daylor's ranch in Sacramento County. One Mexican, by the name of Yaca, a member of the Vaca family who formerly lived in Solano County, was killed by the Indians in the fight. After this defeat they retreated into the moun- tains.
In 1845 came the Schmidt parly, only to re- turn again, however, on hearing of the war news, as hostile demonstrations began a few months afterward between the United States and Mexico.
In November, 1846, the Isbel Brothers took up land on the Calaveras, Dr. I. C. Isbel occu- pying the north side of the river, and his brother James the south side, where Fremont had crossed it in 1844. The Doctor erected a log cabin near the river, which possibly is still standing, as one of the most ancient relics of white civili- zation in this county. The same year, Turner Elder erected a cabin at Dry creek, where the village of Liberty was afterward laid out. On the opposite or north side of the creek, a little further down, his father-in-law, Thomas Ehoads, located. Thomas Pyle settled at what is now known as Staples' Ferry the same year, with his family. It was during the month of November, 1846, that Samuel Brannan, of Sacramento, es- tablished his colony on the Stanislaus, about a mile and a half above its mouth, naming the place Stanislaus City. It will therefore be ob- served that during this year (1846), two dis- tinct colonies were ettablished and four ranches taken up in San Joaquin County, — at the points where the old Spanish trail between Sutter's Fort and San Jose crossed the several streams in the county. When warlike disturbances began, Weber's party first left, then Samuel Brannan's colony in the spring 'of 1847, and then all the rest except Buckland and the ranch- ers on the Spanish trail to dispute possession of the country with the Indians. Dr. Isbel re- tained his claim until 1848, and then sold it to the Hutchinson Brothers, and they in turn sold it to Mr. Dodge. Pyle abandoned his place in 1848, moving near San Jose, where he was killed by a young Spaniard about 1855. A man named Smith took up the place, claiming a
33
HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY.
grant, and sold it to John F. Pyle (brother of Thomas), and John W. Laird, who had married one of his sisters. Tliese- parties sold to Staples, JSichols & Co. in February, and moved there in April, 1850. Elder lived at Dry creek about one year, and then moved npon the north bank of the Mokelumne river, to a place afterwai-d knov^n as Benedict ranch, and while there twins were born in his family, whom they named John and JSTancy. These were the second children born of American parents in the county. Soon afterward Elder moved to the Daylor ranch in Sacramento County. Buckiand moved from Stanislaus City to Stockton in the fall of 1847.
When in the fall of 1847 Turner Elder left his log house and claim at Dry creek, Mrs. Christena Patterson, his aunt, moved into it, her husliand having died while crossing the moun- tains in 1846. Soon afterward she married JSTed Robinson, — the ceremony being the iirst wedding in the county. Mr. Robinson abandoned this place on tlie discovery of gold.
In 1846 the Mexican war brought many to this coast, among them the famous Stevenson's regiment of New York volunteers, —a body of men selected on account of their energetic char- acter and tlieir ability as mechanics. Under Stevenson's command tliree vessels came trom New York, — the Tiiomas H. Perkins, Susan Drew and the Loochoo. The Susan Drew en- tered at Monterey February 22, 1847, with 100 men under the command of Captain Thomas E. Ketchum, of this county. The Thomas H. Perkins arrived March 6, 1847. Among her crew were John H. Webster and Samuel Catts, since then residents of Stockton. The Loochoo, arriving twenty days afterward, had on board" Martin Cahill, also a resident of this county. Before the close of this year hundreds of immi- grants were arriving in the territory, and Weber succeeded in forming a settlement here, the nucleus of Stockton. Among these settlers were Eli Randall, Joseph Bussel, Andrew Ba- ker, John Sirey, R. B. Thompson, H. T. Plan- ning, Mr. McKee, George Frazer Fairchilds and a man named Pyle. Besides these there
were a large number of servants, and Mexicans in the employ of Captain AYeber.
But the cry of gold, like tlie calling " cluck- cluck " of the domestic fowl on discovering a littleraorsel of food, immediately brought immf- grants to this territory by the tens of thousands. The first impulse was, of course, to the mines, and the second to the initial settlements on good lands, including Stockton and vicinity. But before the rebounding wave could strike the agricultural sections, Stockton began rapidly to grow, on account of its becoming an entrepot for the transportation of goods and miners' sup- plies to the gold fields. By December, 1849, it became a city of over 1,000 inhabitants, with many vessels lying in the slough.
There is one account very explicit as to the settlement of Mormons in Castoria Township in 1846. It is probably correct, although we do not find it elsewhere. It must be given as part of this narrative. It says in substance: In the fall of 1846 the Mormon's made an attempt at settlement. They came, some thirty of them, up the San "Joaquin river in a schooner, land- ing on the east bank near where the Central Pacific Railroad crosses, and then went over the country to the north bank of the Stanislaus river to a point about one and one-half miles from its mouth, where a location had been pre- viously selected by Samuel Brannan, under whose orders the settlers' were acting. The party, all of whom were well armed vs^ith rifles and revolvers, had come intending to stay. The little schooner that brought them, the first probably that ever ascended San Joaquin river, was loaded with wheat, a wagon and implements necessary to found a settlement and put in a crop. They soon completed a log house, cov- ered with oak shingles made on the ground. They erected a Pulgas red- wood saw-mill and sawed the boards from oak logs with which to lay the floor. As soon as the building was com- pleted they plowed ground and sowed wheat, fencing it in. In this way, by the middle of January, 1847, they had eiglity acres sowed and enclosed. The fence was made by cutting down
HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY.
83
and cutting up 9ak trees, rolling the butt and large pieces into a line and covering tlieni witli limbs. The native Calitbrnians made their fences in this way. Then dissensions arose among them, and the leader. Stout, lelt the country. The author states that this was the first permanent settlement in the valley, as Lindsay's house had been burned and he killed; but it could hardly be regarded as permanent from what followed.
The account continues: The valley was filled at this time with wild liorses, elk and an- telope, which went in droves by thousands. Deer were very plenty. The ground was cov- ered with geese; the lakes and rivers with ducks, and the willow swamps along the river banks wei'e tilled with grizzly bears. The paths of the beai's were as much worn and well defined as the paths of cattle or horses. A bear's path can never be mistaken. They travel with their legs wide apart, and in going over a road a thousand times they invariably step in the same place, so that a regular grizzly bear's path is nothing but two parallel lines of holes worn in the ground. Bear's oil took the place of lard in cooking.
The only provisions sent for the colony was unerround wheat, sugar and coffee. All else had to be procured with the rifle. They had a mill with steel plates instead of buhrs, driven with a crank by hand. The wheat was cut or ground up in this way, but not bolted. Every man had to grind his own supply and do his own cooking. The winter of 1846-'47 was very wet and stormy. In consequence of the rain the river rose very rapidly. Eight feet an hour " on the perpen- dicular" was marked. About the middle of January, 1847, the river overflowed its banks and the whole country was under water for miles in every direction. The San Joaquin river was three miles wide opposite Corral Hollow. After digging their first meagre crop of potatoes, wLich were mostly rotten, the en- terprise was abandoned. Mr. Buckland, who afterw^ards built the Buckland House in San Francisco, was the last of the little colony to leave the place. W. H. Fairchilds, afterward
•3
county supervisor, moved him to Stockton in 1847. The balance of the colony had gone to the lower country, but when the gold excite- ment broke out they concentrated at what is known as Mormon Island, and worked the mines, depositing their dust with Samuel Bran- nan " in the name of the Lord," and when they wanted their money it is said he told them he would be happy to honor their check signed by the Lord, and until this was done he should keep the deposit secure.
Subsequently in the early settlement of Stock- ton, a small company of Mormons settled near the bulkhead of Mormon channel, and after them the channel was named. Somewhat corrobora- tive of this accountof the settlement in Castoria Township, it is known that in 1846 eighty acres was sown to wheat in that township, but tliere was no yield; and here let us stop to make a little inquiry into the early experiments in grain growing in this county. In the year 1847, Joe Bnssel sowed about sixteen acres to wheat near Lindsay's Point, but it was not worth cutting. In 1851 W. L. Overhiser raised sixteen acres of barley on the Calaveras river north of Stock- ton, and this he harvested, and this would seem to have been the first crop harvested in San Joaquin County. Mr. Sargent grew between forty and fifty acres near where Wood bridge now stands, and harvested .it, and it was after the driest winter ever known in the State; and these were the only fields cut in the county.
The next year Sargent and Overhiser each harvested about sixty acres of grain, and quite a number of others grew grain in small fields, so the assessor's returns show there was 4,001 acres of grain. There was of wheat 5,145 bushels; barley, 111,489 bushels; oat?, 1,625 bushels; corn, 1,245 bushels; potatoes, 42 3-10 tons. And this grain was cut with cradles which cost $150 apiece.
In October, 1847, a company of overland emigrants arrived at the place, on their way to the lower country. Mr. Weber persuaded them to stop for a time and look over the valley, to see if they would not consider it to their ad-
34
EIHTORT OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY.
vantage to remain. W. H. Faircliilds, since a county supervisor, was of this party, as well as Nicholas Gann and his wife Ruth, who, while they were camping on the point where Weber's house now stands, in October, gave birth to a son, to whom they gave the name of William. This was the first child born of white parents in the county. With the exception of Mr. Fair- cliilds, the parties all decided to move farther south.
It was during that year that Captain Charles Imus undertook to carry out a " wild horse scheme." He selected a point on the San Joa- quin river, where San Joaquin city now stands, which he considered favorable, and then went to the mountains west of the valley and com- menced cutting timber to build a corral, into which he proposed driving wild horses, and there to capture them; when Pico, on whose grant ne was cutting the timber, put a stop to his visions of corraling the '• untamed steeds of the desert," by singing to him the pathetic song of >• Wood. man. Spare that Tree," and the Captain, not caring to verify the old saw of " a nod is na sae good as a kick for a blind iiorse," folded up his tent like the Arab, and departed into the lower country. Captain Imus was the leader of the party that crossed the plains in 1846, of which the Pyles, Isbels, Elders, and Rhoads were members.
In 1847 Eli Randall, Joseph Bussell, An- drew Baker, John Sirey (variously spelled), R. B. Thompson, John H. Webster, Mr. McGee, George Frazer, W. H. Fairchilds and Mr. Pyle, are mentioned as being in and about Stockton, and at that time there was no settlement in the connty whatever outside of Stockton, and this was true until 1849, with the exception of a few transients already mentioned, — Boswell, Scott and Doak at the ferry, and Dr. I. P. Isbel, and there were no women or children with them.
Samuel Catts, who settled permanently in Stockton in January, 1849, first stopped at San Francisco in 1847, then in the military service. The next year he passed through here on his way to Mokelumne Hill, with a very rudely-
constructed cart liauled by oxen. The team hauled the load by a piece of wood being at- tached to their horns, to which the cart or load was hitched. These California carts were made entirely of wood, composed of two wheels and box, the wheels being about two and a half feet in diameter.
WEBEE AND THE CONQUEST OF CALIFOENIA.
Soon after Mexico gained her independence from Spain a party of revolutionists obtained control of the government and formed a new constitution, which deprived the Mexican States of many of tlieir former privileges. This angered the Californians, and in Monterey they arose in a mass and declared themselves inde- pendent until tlie re-adoption of the old consti- tution. Efforts were made tu incite the people to arins, and a body of men under General Val- lejo disbanded the American troops and trans- ported the Government otScials to Mexico. Peace was restored in 1837, and the people took the oath of allegiance; but in their hearts there was a feeling of hatred against the Mex- ican government which time could not heal. Governor Alvarado and General Vallejo fell into an angry dispute, each asking for the other's removal. The home government con- cluded to stop trouble by displacing both of the grumblers. In August, 1842, Micheltorena arrived in San Diego with an army, and with two-fold power — that of civil and military gov- ernor— and was generally welcomed by the people. During this happy period Commodore Jones, of the United States government, sailed into Monterey and promptly hoisted the Ameri- can flag, which excited the Mexicans for a time; but upon the Commodore's taking down the flag all was again quiet. Both General Vallejo and ex Governor Alvarado, not liking this movementiby the home government, united their forces with those of Castro, and attempted to drive Micheltorena back into Mexico.
About this time, and after the arrival of Weber, an alliance was formed between the pioneers and Indians, strengthened by the ar-
Efsrjur OF SAff joaquin county.
35
rangeiiient which he made with Jose Jesus at Sutter's Fort, and the policy of this party was that of peace, as their desire was to remain neutraL The sinall-pox, together with tlie breaking out of tlie Micheltorena war, depopu- lated the county in 1844. During the latter part of this year and the early portion of tlie next, a serious departure was made by the for- eign population of the country from their un- derstood policy of non-intervention between opposing factions of the country. Tlie first in- stance of this was exhibited iu forcing upon Captain Weber, at San Jose, who was conduct- ing a large mercantile business there, and was exposed to depredations from the outlaws and other ruffians under Micheltorena. Wiieii Micheltorena came within twelve miles of San Jose to suppress the rebellion, he was met by Captain Weber with an armed force, Castro's army having fled from San Jose. Depending upon his friendship with Micheltorena, and re- sorting again to peace measures, he sent a note to that gentleman informing him that Castro had fled, and requesting him to march around the town. The Mexican general informed him that he must pass through the town in pursuit of Castro. As- tliis meant destruction of prop- erty and possibly of life, Weber determined to resist it. ,
Hastily summoning the men of San Jose he told them of the condition of affairs, and said that by organizing the progress of the pursuing army could be checked. A company was formed, and Weber placed in command; and they set out to meet the enemy. He sent a message to Micheltorena, informing him what he had done, and telling him that he was acting only in de- fense of his property, and that he had no designs whatever against him. However, when Weber met the General he relied upon strategy to ac- complish his purpose. Commanding his men to appear on the surrounding hills he had them ride quickly about from point to point, appear- ing and re-appearing so that he would seem to have a large army. When the scouts of the enemy appeared Weber's force would drive
them back. Tliese m ineuvers lasted for several days, until Castro, hearing of the brave stand of this handful of men, became ashamed of his cowardice, and re-enforced Weber. Michel- torena, finding that he had truly a large force in tiie country, made peace and agreed to leave the valley.
The next year, and just before the full inaug- uration of war between the United States and Mexico iu California, Captain Weber was ap- praised of the event by the naval officers at Yerba Buena, and, to more fully satisfy himself regarding the coming events, on pretence of business started for Yerba Bnetia, and on arriv- ing there learned that Fremont was across the bay. Going over, he met him and learned the contents of the Government dispatches to Fre- mont brought by Gillespie, and also his plans, and particulars concerning the Bear Flag insur- rection. Weber informed Fremont of the movements of Castro and of the helpless con- dition of the families of the immigrants, and it was thought advisable to bring them together in some fortified place.
Weber then returned to Yerba Buena. On liis way back to San Jose, in passing through the Redwood mountains, in June, 1846, he talked too freely with an Irish settler named John Coppinger, who had a Mexican wife, and betrayed Weber to Castro,- then at Santa Clara preparing to attack the Bear Flag party. Weber began raising a force in that region to ])rotect San Jose. Going to that pueblo one day on business, the Alcalde invited him to his house. He went, not suspecting danger, and he was taken prisoner, together with a Mr. Wash- burn, his blacksmith. Castro's men were then eager for his life, and twice was he taken out of his cell to be shot; but so strongly were Castro and another officer attached to him for past serv- ices tiiat his life was spared.
On the 7th of July came the news of the hoisting of the American flag at Monterey and the hasty departure of Castro for Los Angeles, tak- ing Weber, Washburn and Burt with him. Durins the flight, Castro released Washburn
36
HISTOBY OF SAW JOAQUIN COUNTY.
and Burt, but kept Weber, whom he took all the way to the Kio Grande, leaving him there to find his way back afoot and alone. He ar- rived in Los Angeles some two or three days after the capture, for the first time saw Com- modore Stockton, and on that occasion the Com- modore talked so sweetly to Captain Weber that the latter decided to name his town here in his honor.
When Castro left Los Angeles he buried all his artillery; and Weber, learning that the forces were searching for it, told Fremont that if he were provided with a detachment of men and some money, he thought he could find it. These were provided, and, finding some of his friends who had been in Castro's army, Weber handed them a little money and the artillery was found. Among the cannon was the lirass tield-piece of Captain Sutter. This and other pieces were placed on board vessels at the close of the war, and Sutter's was restored to him.
Reaching San Jose the first of October, he received in a letter the startling news that Flores had risen in revolt near Los Angeles, and Gilles- pie, who had been left to hold that town, was a prisoner. Fears beiig entertained that the re- volt might excite an open rebellion of the Cali- fornians in the middle and northern depart- ments. Captain Weber received orders to enlist as many men as possible for either three or six months. What occurred directly afterward demonstrates that Weber was a far better sol- dier than Fremont. The latter was sent on a swift coaster from Yerba Buena fast in the wake of the Savannah to San Pedro, with 200 rifle- men, who were to land in the night at Santa Barbara and take the place by surprise. On his way down he was told by the captain of a mer- chant ship coming up that it was impossible to obtain any horses in that vicinity, as they had all been stolen by the Californians, and he there- npon turned about and came back to Monterey, The Americans were therefore defeated of their purpose. The news of this imbecile movement humiliated Weber. Receiving a letter from Captain Montgomery asking him to obtain
horses for Fremont's command, he replied that if horses were to be found he would have them. He got them; and with his splendid company of mounted riflemen, he rode over all the country between San Jose and San Juan, collecting more horses and driving them to that place. Captain Maddox, riding back to San Jose, immediately started on another raid in the range of moun- tains bordering on the coast west of Yerba Buena. Having heard of the coming of Weber in search of horses, the Californians and for- eigners endeavored to hide their animals in the hills, and in order to secure them it was neces- sary for Weber to divide his company in squads of two, three and four, and ride quietly through the surrounding hills. In taking horses with- out regard for friend or foe, he clianced to take those of Wm. D. Howard & Co., which crippled their business, as they could not tiien travel throughout tlie country with their mer- chandi.-e. Howard's horses were at this time in charge of Saiicliez, and the owner remon- strated with Weber, but in vain. However, lie iinally went to Captain Montgomery and ob- tained relief.
Weber left all the horses in charge of the officers at Yerba Buena, and with his men scoured the opposite country as far north as Martinez for yet more. These were driven to San Jose and pastured on Weber's ranch, but soon were in the possession of Fremont, who with 300 mounted and equipped men started for Los Angeles.
During the first week in December, Lieuten- ant Bartlett ventured out of reach of the vessel's cannon at Yerba Buena and was taken prisoner by Sanchez and a force of fifty men, who had started another " revolution." Weber, hearinjr of the imprisonment of his friend, made preji- aration to pursue Sanchez. For a time he was in doubt regarding his future plan of action, and even brave men were in fear. The army was 500 miles away, the force of the pueblo was small and inferior, the marines of the ves- sels were useless without horses, and the strength of the enemy was unknown. Sending
HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY.
37
word to Captain Maddox at Monterey to come to Santa Cruz and intercept Sanchez sliould he retreat' in that direction, Captain Weber sent word by water to Captain Montgomery of his intended plan and also for a force to hold the pueblo in his absence. Lieutenant Pinckney arrived to hold the post, and Captain Weber started for Terba Buena. On the way he learned that Sanchez had gone with liis prisoners into the mountains. Arriving at Yerba Buena, he consulted Commodore Hull, now in command of the department, and they agreed upon a plan.
The force, consisting of two mounted com- panies and one of artillery, after a tedious de- lay, started on their march. Sanchez, hy the tardiness of the troops, had increased his force to more than 200 men and advanced to San Jose expecting to Und it unoccupied. Lieutenant Pinckney, however, was there to receive him and he again returned to the mountains. As on their march toward Santa Clara the troops came into a dense hedge of tall mustard, San- chez and his men came galloping over the plain and tired upon the troops as tliey approached, throwing them into dismay, as their position was very disadvantageou-s and iheir naval com- mander was ignorant of land tactics. Rcach- ing the open plain, they brought their cannon into play, and the famous battle of Santa Clara was fought, with victory in two short hours on the side of the troops. Sanchez, the last revo- lutionist of the period, was obliged to capitu- late. While the terms of surrender were under consideration, a body of men came over the hills at a double quick, firing upon the Sanchez party at every step. It was the brave Captain Maddox, who, tired of waiting, was advancing toward Santa Clara, and, hearing the tiring, rapidly advanced, only to meet the defeated foe.
In January, 1847, the Californians were everywhere conquered, and soon afterward peace was declared between the United States and Mexico.
WEBEK AND CIVIL AFFAIRS.
We will now proceed to mention the other prominent events of Weber's life prior to 1849,
reserving a formal biography of him, containing other points, for a future chapter.
Mr. Weber came to California in 1841 with the noted Bartelson party, consisting of thirty- tive men and one woman. The lady was Mrs. Nancy A. Kelsey, wife of Benjamin Kelsey, the tirst woman to cross the plains to this country. The Bartelson party was a combination of emi- grants for three different points. One party was destined for Oregon ; another was a company of Jesuit priests going to the western wilds on a mission to the Indians in Idaho and Oreoron; and of this party Father P. J. DeSmet was the leading spirit. The third party was the Cali- fornia wing, numbering thirty-six, as before mentioned.
Leaving Independence, Missouri, May 8, 1841, they all traveled together as far as Fort Hall, near Salt Lake, where the division took place. Bartelson's party started for California, without a guide, by the way of Mary's (now Humboldt) river. They went to Carson river, and from the latter by a branch to the main channel of the Walker's river, up which they went to a point near its source. Crossing thence the Sierra Nevada, tliey descended its western slope between the Stanislaus and Tuolumne rivers. Crossing the San Joaquin river, they finally arrived at the ranch of Dr. Marshe, near the eastern base of Mt. Diablo, November 4, 1841, having been about six months on the way. Here the company rested for a number of days, and then disbanded, each going to the point in the country which his interests demanded. Captain Weber and a friend started for Sutter's Fort, having lettei's of introduction to Captain Sutter. Passing through the country now known as San Joaquin County, he beheld for the first time the land that the result of his own labors was to people within his life-time with 30,000 souls.
Weber spent the winter of 1841-'42 at the fort, in the employ of Sutter. While there he found a quantity of seeds which had been laid away and apparently forgotten. By way of ex- periment, he planted them, and had good suc- cess. In the spring the premises seemed like
38
EISTORT OF SAN JOAQUIN OOUNTT.
an enchanted fortress in the midst of perennial gardens. Besides flowers, there were three kinds of tobacco and some vegetables.
WEBER AND THE INDIANS.
During the same winter Jose Jesus, the cele- brated chief of the Siyakumna tribe, visited the fort, at which time Weber first met him, and a permanent friendship gradually grew up be- tween them, which had mncii to do with the peaceable manner in which the country was afterward settled by the whites.
The Captain learned, in his intercourse with the foreigners in the country, that a sentiment was springing up among them in favor of event- ually Americanizing California, and concluded that he was fully warranted in casting his des- tinies with the other venturesome spirits who bad decided to make Alta California their future home. In the spring he visited San Jose and decided to make, that his home until the time should come, if ever, when it would become necessary to wrest from Mexico a portion of the country, over which to hoist a flag with the " Lone Star." The intention of those who came here previous to June, 1846, with the expecta- tion of making this their home, without regard to tiieir nationality, was to work a political change in the country, " peaceably if they could, forcibly if they must;" and this was to be done not because of any desire to injure the native Californians, nor in a spirit of conquest, but because it was evident to those clear-headed Argonauts that to make the country a prosper- ous one (one that would warrant occupation by a people of progressive civilization), necessitated a radical change in the manner of administering the affairs of State. This change they proposed to effect in connection witii the native inhabi- tants, if they could; and if tins could not be done, when they became strong enough, event- ually to wrest a portion of the territory from Mexico and form a government of their own.
Captain Weber formed a partnership with GuillermoGulnac, and soon established a credit which enabled the firm to do a very large busi-
ness. They were the lirst parties in that portion of the State to build a flouring mill and manu- facture flour, combining with the business the manufacture of sea-biscuit or crackers, this mill having been erected and flour made in 1842. Tiiey also entered quite largely into the manu- facture of soap and American shoes, being tlie first manufacturers of the latter in California. In July, 1843, Gulnac petitioned Manuel Mich- eltorena, the Governor of California, for a grant of eleven square leagues (48,000 acres) of land, to be located in the vicinity of French Camp, in the San Joaquin valley. Captain Weber' was the real party who wanted the land, but not being yet a Mexican citizen he employed Gul- nac, who had the right to petition for land. About this time the commercial partnership was dissolved, the Captain becoming the suc- cessor to the business, and Gulnac, his eldest son, Jose, and Peter Lassen, with several vacaros, took the cattle belonging to them and Captain Weber, and proceeded to take possession of the applied for grant, at first making their head- quarters where Stockton now is; but owing to the fact that the Hudson Bay trappers had left for the summer, they became alarmed for their personal safety among the Indians and moved their camp up to the Cosumnes river, so as to be in reach of Sutter's Fort for protection. Gul- nac visited Sutter, and was presented hy that oflicer with a swirel gun such as the navy used in those days when attacking an enemy in small boats, mounting the swivel in the bow. This " young cannon " was to be used by Gulnac as a warning to the Indians to "flee from the wrath to come." It would make a " heap big noise " when fired, and was respected accordingly by the aborigines.
The reason which caused Captain Weber to desire the location of his proposed grant on the " np country side of the San Joaquin river," was due to the political intentions of those pio- neers which in 1843 had assumed so definite a form as to have caused the question to be dis- cussed among them where the division line was to be drawn between the Mexican provinces and
HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNT F.
the territory to be taken from them, in case it should result in that extreme measure; and the conclusion had been tacitly arrived at that the San Joaquin river and the bays of San Francisco, San Pablo and Suisun were to form the line of division. Thus it may be seen that a strong reason for choosing a locality north of the San Joaquin was to secure land where one could gradually concentrate his property within the limits of the country to be acquired. Another reason for selecting this special locality was the facilities it would give one for dealing with the Hudson Bay trappers who made their headquar- ters every winter at Fi'ench Camp, from whom, in exchange f(jr fur, he obtained ammunition, blankets, clothing, etc., of a better quality and at lower figures than could be obtained elsewhere at that time.
The attempt to settle the expected grant failed because of the fears of Gulnac, and the Captain obtained a passport from the alcalde of San Jose, and proceeded to visit Sutter's Fort, with a view of seeing the Indian chief, and making a treaty of peace with him, if possible. After arriving in the country, an Indian runner was sent to find the chief, and ask him to meet the Captain at a given time and place. A meeting was ar- ranged, and at the appointed time the two men, representatives of their races in the country, met. Captain Weber explained his plans to the Indian, stating that he was desirous of settling on land in the San Joaquin valley; that the Americans were desirous of being his allies and friends; that they were not coming to injure nor rob, but as friends to aid and benefit his tribe; that he wished to settle here to be beyond the reacli of the Spaniards, in case of trouble between the Americans and native Californians, against whom this celebrated chief was waging an endless war. The result was a friendly alli- ance that remained unbroken to the end. The chief advised the building of the American village at the point where it was located, the present site of Stockton, and agreed to provide all the help necessary in the tilling of the soil, and to furnish a war party when called upon
to defend the settlers' property against either Indians or Mexicans. The Captain was gener- ous in his presents, and a friendship was started at the interview that lasted during the life of Jesus, and the Captain ever remembered the Siyakumna chief as one of his most reliable and valued friends of early days.
This great Siyakumna chief believed that he and his people had been wronged by the Span- ish, and he would never smoke the pipe of peace with them. He would swoop down upon the plains and carry off their stock, taking it to his stronghold in the foot-hills of the Sierras; and if the missions or settlers of those valleys saw fit to attempt a rescue, he fought them, and was universally victorious. The San Joaquin river divided his territory from the Californians, and when east of that stream he was upon his " na- tive heath;" and it was rare indeed that the pur- suers followed him into his own country. They had learned better in their battle on the banks of the Stanislaus in 1829, when Estanislao, the former chief of the Siyakumnas, defeated their combined San Jose and Yerba Buena forces.
It will be seen that Jose Jesus was so circum- stanced as to receive favorable advances from a people who gave as one of their reasons for de- siring his friendship, the probable hostility that might in the future exist between them and the Spanish people of the country. He believed that he was strengthening himself against his old foe. It will also be observed that the line beyond which the native Californians, even in armed parties, found it dangerous to pass, was the San Joaquin river. Beyond this it was con- sidered and understood by them to be savage and inhospitable wilds. Jesus had made them respect that river as the practical north bound- ary line of their territory.
In December, 1847, the Polo Indians from the mountains crossed the San Joaquin river and stole a quantity of horses from Livermore and Dr. Marshe; and those gentlemen sent to Captain Weber a statement of the fact, and asked him to use his influence among the tribes and see if he could not recover their stock. The
40
BISTORT OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY.
Captain sent a runner to his friend Jesns, ask- ing liim to search for trails, and from his man- ner of reading signs tell him what tribe had taken the stock, and where to. In due time a response came, and an expedition was fitted out, consisting of a party of whites and the chief of the Sijakumnas, with his warriors, all under the command of Captain Weber. Tliej struck im- mediately for the head- waters of the Calaveras. Wlien thej reached what was later known as Murphy's camp they found the horses, and a battle ensued, resulting in the destruction of a couple of Indian villages, the killing of some hostile Indians, and the recapture of the stolen horses. The expedition returned in February, 1848, and the chastisement they had given the Polos was effectual in putting a stop to further raids by Indians upon the settlers.
Immediately after the return Captain Weber planned and commenced preparations for an expedition to ujove in May up the San Joaquin valley, to chastise a tribe of Indians known as the Chowchillas, whose range was beyond the present town of Merced. They would not enter into any treaty of peace vrith the Americans, and openly declared their hostility. Sutter was to furnish twenty men, San Jose forty, and the Captain was able to raise about thirty in his part of the country. Jesus was to furnish 200 warriors under his own command; but before the different quotas of the expedition assembled at any rendezvous for the campaign, news reached Tuleburg that gold had been discovered, and the Chowchillas escaped being whipped into a friendly feeling for the Americans. The failure of the movement was the cause of the loss of many a miner's life in after times.
MEXICAN CUSTOMS.
The old California families residing iiere at the time of the American occupation were lav- ish in their expenditures, and princely in their hospitalities. They had a vast amonnt of prop- erty, but little money, as their remoteness from the commercial world cut off occasion for the use of money. To the stranger arriving at their
adobe dwellings they would say most heartily, you are welcome to the use of all you see here. If the visitor should express admiration for a valuable horse or a beautiful work of art, which perhaps might have descended through gener- ations, his host would immediately say in the most courtly manner, " At your service, sir; take it; take it." It was not, of course, in- tended that the visitor should walk off with the horse or the valuable work of art, but it showed the spirit of hospitality that prevailed among the old time, easy going Mexican descendants of the better class.
Prior to the influx of the gold-seekers tiie vast stretch of country west of the Sierras was a garden of sleepy ease, dotted with scenes of great picnics, grand dances and wild round-ups. Thousands of horses and cattle roamed over the plains almost uncared for throughout the year. Adobe houses, half castle and half house, nestled twenty or twenty-five miles apart on the high- est points of ground obtainable in the valleys, where the owner, dressed in his light gown and leather breeches seamed with buttons, could look out over the fields. Every family knew every other family. Parties of visitors were almost constantly traveling from house to house on horseback. •
At the annual round-ups hundreds of mounted men, with whirling lassos, monstrous spurs, and saddles studded with silver filagree, gath- ered from many miles around to divide the year's increase of stock and brand the yearlings; and a great time it was. The picnics were at- tended by parties coming so far as fifty miles sometimes, and would often last for days, at which horse-racing and fandangos (dancing to guitar music) were the principal amusements. One favorite pastime was to ride in a circle at a gallop and pull off the head of live chickens buried in the ground. Occasionally, also, an old-fashioned Spanish bull-fight was had.
The white-plastered mud walls of the adobe house were topped by a roof of tiles. The floors were often bare, but the better rooms were floored with bricks a foot square. The
HISTORF OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY.
41
Californiaus were a fine, manly people, tall, straight and well formed, and were affectionate and gentle when courteously treated. No bands of robbers ranged the country to disturb the peace, for money was scarce and horses and cattle were too abundant to be worth stealing. Cattle were often killed for tallow alone. Dipped candles were the best light-givers of those times. Meat, milk and corn, were the main articles of food. The corn was pulverized on granite stones, and madeinto slap-jacks, called tortillas.
Home life was held so sacred tliat lovers had much trouble in getting opportunities to see their sweethearts; and it often happened that two or three of them would club together and get up a ball at their own expense, simply for the purpose of meeting their inamoratas. On such occasions invitations were extended far and wide; and when a marriage was to take place everybody knew it, as it had been an- nounced in the nearest church; and everybody would be present at the feast and ceremony.
But these old Californians, like the Indians, seemed to be unadaptable to the ways intro- duced from the States. Those who are yet liv-
ing are very poor. They sold their possessions cheaply to the gold-seekers and squandered the money they thns obtained, not recognizing the necessity of becoming more industrious and in new lines of work when the population in- creases in density. A few years ago a poorly- clad man came riding into Stockton, with the traditional silver-spangled bridle and saddle as his only relics of pristine luxury. It was Jo- seph Liverinore, whose Spanish name was Jose Positos, given him from his possessions, known as " El Rancho de los Positos" (the ranch of the little pools). His eyes dimmed as he recalled the days gone by and lamented the present. He came to town for the purpose of seeing once more the faces familiar in happier times, and of calling up again the scenes of forty years ago. It was his last ride over the plains on which he used to gallop to the scenes of hilarity, for shortly afterward he died.
When this State was first divided into coun- ties San Joaquin contained the following well- known Mexican families: R. Gonzales, E. Sofia, J. Ma Martinez, J. Ma Carillo, Francisco Duarte, Jose de Lopez and R. Buelna.
42
HISTORY OF SAN JOAqUIN COUNTY.
P^i
it^t^t^t^t^t^^iiJ^S
i^gt^t^t^C^t^l^C^i
'^^,
THE PIONEER SOCIETY
hf7^
CHAPTER III.
^^^OYEMBER 21, 1868, there appeared in the Stockton daily newspapers the follow- ing notice:
To the Pioneers of the County of San Joa- quin:
Pioneers who arrived in this State prior to the 1st of January, 1851, are respectfully re- quested to meet at the City Hall on Monday, the 23d instant, at seven o'clock in the evening, for the purpose of organizing an association in this city. Many Piojieees.
Stockton, November 21, 1868.
A meeting was accordingly held, at which Dr. R. K. Reid was elected temporary chairman and John H. Webster temporary secretary. On motion of J. B. Hall the temporary officers were declared per#ianent. A committee of nine persons who had arrived prior to the admission of California into the Union was appointed to draw up plans for the formation of a society, namely, John B. Hall, E. W. Colt, George S- Evans, H. F. Hubbard, Dr. C. Grattan, R. B. Smith, G. A. Keith, J. D. Spencer and E. H. Allen.
The second meeting was held November 30, at which the above committee reported progress, and short speeches were delivered by Drs. Shurtleff, Holden and Grattan, and Messrs. Masterson, Colt, Peters, Groves and others, giv- ing reminiscences of their experience in the early days. At the third meeting, December 7, a series of resolutions were adopted defining
the limits and conditions of membership, the conditions of the first election under the con- stitution to be adopted, and enumerating the details of business to be transacted until said election. The initiation fee was fixed at $10.
The constitution, which was made up from those of the societies at San Francisco and Sac- ramento, was adopted the same evening, with thirty names subscribed, in accordance with the third resolution, and the following officers were elected: Dr. G. A. Shurtleff, President; E. W. Colt, Secretary; Thomas K. Hook, Treasurer. At the next meeting, J. B. Hall, J. A. Jackson and S. Y. Tredway were elected Vice-Presidents, • and the following to compose the Board of Directors: B. Howard Brown, Dr. C. Grattan, John Schraick, S. P. Gorhatn, J. C. White, A. W. Brush, W. Canfield, G. A. Keith and E. W. Atwood.
The articles of incorporation of the San Joa- quin Society of California Pioneers are as fol- lows:
1. The name of the corporation shall be, and is, the San Joaquin Society of California Pio- neers.
2. All persons who were citizens of the United States, or capable of becoming citizens thereof, and who were residents of California prior to the ninth day of September, one thou- sand eight hundred and fifty, the day of the ad- mission of California into the Union, and the male descendants of all such persons, shall be
BISTORT OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY.
43
eligible to membership. Honorary and life members may be admitted in accordance with the provisions contained in the by-laws.
3. The purposes for which the corporation is formed are: To cultivate the social virtues of its members and unite them by the bonds of friendship; to create a fund for benevolent pur- poses, in behalf of the members; to collect and preserve information and facts connected with the early settlement of California and especially of the valley of the San Joaquin, and with the history thereof, from the time of such settle- ment to the admission of the State into the Union; to form libraries and cabinets, and by all other appropriate means to advance the in- terests and perpetuate the memory of those whose sagacity, energy and enterprise induced them to settle in this country and to become the founders of a new State.
4. The principal business of the corporation will be transacted at the city of Stockton, in the county of San Joaquin, in the said State.
5. The corporation shall exist for the term of fifty years.
6. There shall be ten directors of the corpora- tion, who shall be elected annually by the mem- bers thereof.
Since the date of organization, the presidents of the society have been: G. A. Sluirtleif, 1868-'70; John B. Hall, 1870-'71; E. K. Reid, 1871-'73; George S. Evans, 1873-'74; F. W. Todd, 1874-'76; Wm.Graham, 1876-'77; W. F. Freeman, 1877-'78; Henry Adams, 1878-'79; C. Grattan, 1879-'80; John Wallace, 1880-'81; Theodore Lee, 1881-'83; Andrew Wolf, 1888- '84; Jeremiah Robinson, 1884-'85; John Grat- tan, 1885-'86; R. E. Wilhoit, 1886-'87: T. K. Hook, 1887-'88; Geoiige Gray, 1888-'89; Arch- ibald Leiteh, 1889-'90.
Secretaries (Recording): Edward W. Colt, 1868-'69; M. H. Bond, 1869-'70; Julius Steiny, 1870-'73-, Alonzo Rhodes, 1873-'77; Julius Steiny, 1877-'78; Alonzo Rhodes, 1878-'79; A. G. Brown, 1879-'80; W. F. Freeman, 1880-'83; W. H. Robinson, 1883-90. To one acquainted with the facts it is no wonder whv Mr. Robin-
son has been elected secretary, correspondent, etc., of so many societies. His penmanship is exceedingly beautiful, orthography and punctu- tion exact, and all his statements of fact exhibit a marked degree of painstaking.
LIST OF MEMBEES.
The most retrospective moods of the pioneers will be best satisfied by scanning the following list of members of the San Joaquin Society of California Pioneers. While printing the list, it was thought best to include also those sons of pioneers who have recorded their names there; and all the names of the members are given in the order in which they are recorded. Although we have taken special care in transcribing the names, a few were difSciilt to decipher and a few members probably wrote I for J and thus mis- led the printer. The name •' Panama " in the fourth column signifies the Isthmus of Panama, though some came by way of the port of Panama and some by the Sau Juan del Slid route. The word " Overland " signifies the northern route generally, without specifying the various cut-offs, etc.
NA3IE. NjkTrvITT. AERIVED. EOCTTB. TE88EL.
Geo- Aug. Shnrtleff... Mass. Oct. 3, '49 Cape Horn Mt. Vernon
Edwin W. Colt..- Ga. JnlyU, "49 Mexico California
John B Hall Md. Ang.lU.oO Cape Horn Eepnblic
Solvman P. Gorhani..Me. Sept. 7/50 Panama S. Sands
Albert W. Brash III. Oct.28, "49 Plains Prairie
[Schooner
Wellington Canfield..N. Y. Aug. 21, '50 Panama California
B. Howard Brown Mass. Apr. 6, "50 Cape Horn Richmond
Robert King Reid Penn. Sept.l6,"49 Panama
Th. von Urunigen Switz. Sept., "49 Panama Panama
Daniel Severy ..Me. Sept., '49 CapeHorn
Andrew Wolf Ohio Sept. 1, "49 Plains
John Tuohv Ireland Feb. 18, "50 Cape Horn Victoria
Thos. K.Hook Penn. Sept., '49 Plains
Louis E. Chicard Penn. Nov., "49 Plains
John H. O'Brien N.J. Aug.15,'49 Cape Horn Isabel
Isaac Murray Britain Sept.. "49 Mexico
Augustus Vo'bbe Prussia Apr., 10, "50 Cape Horn Gellert
Manlv Dver Ohio Aug. i5,'49 Plains
Morris H". Bond... N. Y. Aug. 8, '49 Cape Horn Panama
Chas C. Brnckmann.. Germany Dec, '49 Cape Horn Cecrops
Martin Cahill Ireland Mch 26,'4T Cape Horn Loochoo
Heiirv O. .Mathews Ireland Oct., '49 Panama Union
William Gelabert Spain Nov., '44 Savanna
Thomas H. Brown. -..Mass. Panama
Clem't A. von Detten Prussia Aug., '49, CapeHorn Pacific
John Wallace England Dec, "49 Magellan Pera
Joseph Hale Mass May, "50 CapeHorn Euphrasia
William O Tripp Albany Jan. 7, '50 Cape Horn Chart.Oak
Samuel Catts Md. Mch 6, "47 Cape Horn THPerki's
Fred A. Spear Mass. May 2, '50 CapeHorn Hannibal
Charles F. Whale ..N. Y. June IS, "49 Panama Oregon
Wm. McK. Carson.... Md. Jnlv31. '49 Cape Horn J. Parker
Nathaniel C. Culver.. N. Y. May 3. '49 Mexico
Henrv T. Fanning. . ..N. Y. Apr., '44 Cape Horn P'rtsmo'th
Daniel .\dee ." N. Y. Sept.17,'49 (ape Horn Keoha
Chas. S. Stevens.. . N. Y. Dec, '49 Overland
James J. Evans Kv. Sept 29, '49 Overland
Francis W. Todd Kv. June 4, "49 Panama Panama
Francis F. Culver. , Vt. Julv 6. '49 Cape Horn EdEverett
Elijah W.Attwood.... Conn. June29,'49 Cape Horn Mentor
Charles H.Walcott....N.H. Oct. 3, '49 CapeHorn Nautilus
44
HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY.
|
NAME. NATOTTT. |
ARRIVED. |
KOOTB. |
VESSEL. |
NAME. NATIVITr. |
ARRrVED. |
ROUTE. VESSEL. |
||
|
John C. White .... |
.Ohio |
Sept. 2, '49 |
Overland |
John Grattan |
.N.Y. |
Oct. 10, '49 |
Cape Horn Canton |
|
|
Edward Masterson . . |
..Ireland |
Sept. 15, '49 |
Mexico |
Wm. F. Freeman.. . |
Mass. |
Julys, '49 |
Cape Horn BdEverett |
|
|
Henry Ramsay |
.Norway |
Apr. 10, '50 |
Cape Horn |
EPrescott |
John Henry Fischer |
.Mass. |
Aug., 2), '.50 |
Cape Horn Magdala |
|
J. W. van Benechoten.N. Y. |
Dec, '43 |
Mexico |
John Gross |
Prussia |
Auff., 5, '50 |
Panama |
||
|
A. ii- Brown |
..Me. |
^^July 9, '49 |
Cape Horn |
Suliote |
Wm. Hall |
.S. C. |
Apr., '50 |
|
|
Ira McRay |
..Ohio |
Oct. 10, '49 |
Panama |
SierraNev |
H. G. Boisselier |
.Germany |
Sept. 12, '49 |
Cape Horn Talisman |
|
M. Walthall, Jr .... |
..Miss. |
May as, '51 |
Panama |
Columbus |
John Petty |
.Tenn. |
Mch., '50 |
Panama |
|
James T. Wadsworth.Mass. |
Oct. 2, '49 |
Cape Horn |
Yeoman |
Alonzo Rhodes |
..N. (^ |
Sept. 1, '49 |
Mexico |
|
|
Euseell B. Smith.. .. |
.Vt. |
Aug 20, '49 |
Overland |
B. F. Rogers. |
.Mich. |
May, '.-)0 |
Overland |
|
|
Stephen Burgen |
, France |
June 1, '49 |
Mexico |
chas.D. Benjamin.. |
..N.Y. |
Dec. 14, '49 |
Panama |
|
|
Jeremiah Robinson. |
..Mass. |
Oct. 9, '49 |
Cape Horn Walt Scott |
Joseph Kile |
..Ohio |
Sept 20, '49 |
Overland |
|
|
L. P. Whitman |
.Mass. |
Sept. 16, '49 |
Cape Horn |
Elizabeth |
H. B. Rhodes. ... |
..Va. |
Sept. 20, '49 |
Overland |
|
J. A^ Morrison |
..N. Y. |
Mch21, '49 |
Cape Horn Ohio |
A. Leitch |
N. C. |
Sept. 28, '49 |
Overland |
|
|
Cornelius Chaplin . |
.N. Y. |
July 17, '50 |
Overland |
Harvey Squires |
..Conn. |
Aug., '50 |
Overland |
|
|
Theodore bee |
..N. Y. |
Aug., '49 |
Cape Horn Helena |
C. R. Ralph |
,.Vt. |
Dec , '49 |
Overland |
|
|
John V. McGowan |
Nov.Scotia Aug. 4, '49 |
Panama |
Panama |
J. M. Fisher |
..Teun. |
Sept., 2, '50 |
Overland |
|
|
L. Beyseer |
. France |
Mch 81, '.50 |
Cape Horn |
Londfm |
Edward A. Everett. |
..R.I. |
Mch., '50 |
Cape Horn |
|
H. Tinkham |
..Vt. |
Sept.12,'49 |
Cape Horn |
Lanark |
W. A. Ballard |
..Ohio |
July 24, '50 |
Overland |
|
John H. Webster... |
.Me. |
Mch 6, '47 |
Cape Horn THPerki's |
Henry Fisk |
.Germany |
June, '.bO |
Cape Horn |
|
|
S.H. Pickett |
..N.Y. |
June 28, '49 |
Cape Horn Mentor |
Peter G. Sharp |
..N.Y. |
Sept. 4, '49 |
Overland |
|
|
0. P. F. KallenhftCh. |
..N.J. |
Aug. 8, '49 |
Cape Horn Panama |
H. D.C. Barnhart... |
.Penn. |
Nov., '59 |
Overland |
|
|
Thomas Henderson. |
..Iowa |
Oct. 16, '49 |
Overland |
J.H. Fowler |
. Mass. |
June 1,'19 |
Mexico |
|
|
G. A. Keith |
..111. |
Aug. 2,-i,'49 |
Overland |
George West |
.Mass. |
Mav 20, '50 |
Panama |
|
|
W. S Taylor |
-Iowa |
Sept. 15,')9 |
Overland |
R. B. Parker |
.Mass. |
Feb. 22, '50 |
Cape Horn' |
|
|
Joseph Adams |
.Me. |
Apr. 6, '.50 |
Cape Horn |
Eli h:. Nelson. |
N.Y. |
June 23, '49 |
Panama |
|
|
R. B. Bateman. .. . |
.N.J. |
June 2r,'49 |
Mexico |
H. Wiggers |
.Germany |
Sept., '49 |
Panama |
|
|
William Saunders . |
Mass. |
Ocl. a, '49 |
Cape Horn |
Louis M. Booth |
..N.Y. |
Aug. 1, '50 |
Overland |
|
|
H. H. Hewlett . . . |
.N. Y. |
Aug., '50 |
Panama |
California |
George Lemon |
. Ireland |
July 27, '50 |
Overland |
|
George S. Evans .. |
. Mich. |
July 4, '49 |
Mexico |
Wm. J. Floyd |
■ Ky. |
Sept. I, '50 |
Overland |
|
|
John S. Haines |
Ind. |
Sept. 16, '49 |
Overland |
George W. Smith. . . |
Ohio |
July 17, '49 |
Panama |
|
|
William Lottrnan. .. |
.Germany |
Apr. 16, '49 |
Cape Horn HNeasm'h |
M. M. Richardson . |
..N Y. |
Sept 7, '.50 |
Overland |
|
|
Daniel W. Fanning. |
.N.Y. |
Oct. 21, '48 |
Southern |
Amos W. Gove |
..Boston |
July 6, '49 |
Cape Horn EdEverett |
|
|
John Seamands. ... |
.111. |
July 10, '50 |
Overland |
Charles Dallas |
.Scotland |
Dec. 25, '49 |
Overland |
|
|
David P.Douglass... |
..Tenn. |
Oct., '48 |
Mexico |
John luglis |
. Scotland |
Aug., '49 |
Cape Horn |
|
|
George L. Smith. . .. |
.Germany |
Oct. 18, 'J9 |
Panama |
C. R. Montgomery.. |
.Maine |
June, '50 |
Panama |
|
|
James Smyth |
Texas |
Aug., '49 |
Panama |
J. L. Mowbray . . . . |
.N.Y. |
Sept., '49 |
Cape Horn |
|
|
G. W. Trahern |
Miss. |
Mavl, '49 |
Overland |
J. M. Hogan |
.Ohio |
Apr., '49 |
Mexico |
|
|
Koswell C. Sargent. |
N. H. |
Oct 3, '49 |
Overland |
G.H.Ashley |
.Mass. |
Aug., '48 |
Cape Horn |
|
|
Samuel Foreman... |
.Ohio |
Sept. 1, -49 |
Overland |
Will Wright |
.England |
Feb., '50 |
Overland |
|
|
Stephen H. Davis — |
R. I. |
Feb., '5.5 |
(;ape Horn |
W. D. Ashley |
.Penn. |
July 16 '50 |
Overland |
|
|
Ransom Eccleston . |
Ohio |
Aug. 18, '49 |
Overland |
George M. Kasson.. |
.Conn. |
Aug. 5, '50 |
Overland |
|
|
Elias Ireland |
.N.J. |
Sept. 1, '50 |
Overland |
Jacob K. Meyer |
.Switz. |
Aug. 25, '49 |
Overland |
|
|
EzraFiske |
Mass. |
Apr. 6, '50 |
Cape Horn |
Michel Caricot . ... |
,Va. |
Dec, '49 |
Mexico |
|
|
Henry Barnhart |
.Penn. |
Aug. 9, '49 |
Overland |
Wm. B. White |
. Mass. |
Apr., '60 |
Cape Horn |
|
|
Christopher Graltan |
.Ireland |
Oct. 6, '49 |
Cape Horn |
Canton |
H. S. Parrington. |
Me. |
Apr. .5, '50 |
Panama |
|
Thomas D. Wren,. |
.s. c. |
Mch 10, '50 Aug. 18, '49 |
Cape Horn |
Coosa |
Wm. Robison |
Va. |
Jan., '46 |
Cape Horn |
|
Henrv C. Shattuck |
Mich |
Overland |
Edward McD. Graham. Cal. |
|||||
|
Thomas Sedgwick, Sr.England |
Aug., '49 |
Cape Horn |
R. Bond |
John W.Farley |
.N.Y. |
Oct., '49 |
Cape Horn |
|
|
Thomas Corcoran... |
.Ireland |
Aug., '48 |
Overland |
John McCloskey. .. |
.Ireland |
Aug. 12, '49 |
Overland |
|
|
Julius .Steiny |
Russia |
Dec. 25, '49 |
Cape Horn |
Mandara |
R.W.Craig |
N.Y. |
Aug., '50 |
Panama |
|
William Colnon |
.Ireland |
Aug. 9, '50 |
Panama |
John Patterson |
.Penn. |
Aug. 8, '50 |
Overland |
|
|
Jerome Myers |
.Indiana |
June, '50 |
Panama |
John Lovejoy |
.Ireland |
Mch 11, '.50 |
Cape Horn |
|
|
Septimus Williams. |
.Ohio |
Sept., '49 |
Overland* |
Henry S. Sargent.... |
.Me. |
May 15, '50 |
Cape Horn |
|
|
David Jockers . . . . |
.Oliio |
Aug. 10, '50 |
Overland |
S. F. Rodman |
.Penn. |
Aug. 5, '49 |
Overland |
|
|
John Schraick |
.Switz. |
Nov. 10, '49 Dec, '49 |
Mexico |
Josiah Hunter. |
.Ireland |
Aug. 9. '49 |
||
|
Columhus Hampton |
.Va. |
Mexico |
Hiram Hamilton — |
.Ohio |
July 2!, '50 |
Overland |
||
|
J. A. Blasingame... |
.Ala. |
Mch 12, '50 |
Panama |
J. D. Peters |
||||
|
Samuel Myers |
.Penn. |
Sept. 1, '19 |
Overland |
JohnPerrott |
.England |
Sept. 18, '49 |
Overland • |
|
|
Joseph O'Donnell. |
Ireland |
Aug., '50 |
Australia |
Charles Sedgwick. . |
Sept. 17, '49 |
Cape Horn |
||
|
Arthur H. Rich |
.Wis. |
Aug., 14, '49 |
Overland |
Nerval Harrison — |
Va. |
Sept. 5, '50 |
Overland |
|
|
J. Carsten Grupe... |
.Germany |
July 16, '49 |
Cape Horn |
Oly C. Kroh |
.111. |
Dec. 22, '50 |
By sea |
|
|
Henry Ortman |
Germany |
July 18, '49 |
Cape Horn |
F. W. Moss |
.Ky. |
Aug. '50 |
Mexico |
|
|
E R. Stockwell |
Vt. |
July, '49 |
Cape Horn |
Thomas S.Wood... |
.Mass. |
July, '49 |
Cape Horn Capital |
|
|
W. W. Easten |
• Ky. |
Sept., '.50 |
Overland |
N. Milner |
.Ind. |
Sept. 1, '50 |
Overland |
|
|
N. Vizelich |
Austria |
Feb., '49 |
Cape Horn |
A rchitect |
Daniel L. Learned . |
.Mass. |
'50 |
Arizona |
|
John Vanderbilt ... |
.N.Y. |
Aug. 6, '49 |
J.M.Eyer- |
Henry A. Chaplin... |
.N.Y. |
|||
|
Peter P. Jahant |
. France |
July, '50 |
Overland |
[son |
Wm. L. Overhiser .. |
..Penn. |
Oct. 12, '49 |
Cape Horn |
|
E. Canavan |
.Ireland |
May, '49 |
Mexico |
John N. Small |
.Me. |
Nov. '49 |
Cape Horn Lamart'n |
|
|
H. T. Compton |
.Md. |
Aug., '50 |
Cape Horn .State Me. |
J. K. Mead |
Conn |
Aug. 17, '50 |
Overland |
|
|
Charles Grunsky |
. Germany |
Aug., '49 |
Panama |
Pedraza& |
B. Whipple |
.N.H. |
Sept. 28, '49 |
Overland |
|
Wm. H. Smith |
.Germany |
June 27, '49 |
Cape Horn |
rcallao |
Elias Hildreth |
.Me |
Sept. 19, '49 |
Overland |
|
J. W. Rover |
.N.Y. |
June 6, '.50 |
Cape Horn Congress |
John N. Maver |
.Germany |
Nov. 9, '49 |
Mexico |
|
|
David H. Minard... . |
.Ohio |
June .3, '50 |
Panama |
John Baldwin |
Mo. |
May 7. '49 |
Oregon |
|
|
H. Kraft |
.Germany |
Oct. 12, '49 |
Cape Horn |
Salem |
H. L. Parrington... |
.Me. |
May 28. '50 |
Cape Horn |
|
Russell Farnham.. |
N.Y. |
Aug. 29, '49 |
Panama |
William H. Post ... |
.N.Y. |
Feb. 7, '49 |
Cape Horn Sabinia |
|
|
Thomas A. Wilson.. |
.Ohio |
Sept. 4, '48 |
Overland |
Shnbal Dunham |
.Mass. |
Sept.j '49 |
Overland |
|
|
Armaud RoUand |
.Canada |
Doc. 13, '49 |
Cape Horn T. P. Hart |
Henry E. Adams.... |
.Cal |
|||
|
William Tirney |
.Ireland |
Aug 23,'49 |
Cape Horn |
Philip Fitzgerald... |
.N.J. |
Sept. 1, '.50 |
Overland |
|
|
J. B. Mahoney |
.N.Y. |
Aug. 28, '49 |
Cape Horn GeoWash- |
George Gray |
.Me |
April 5, '50 |
CapeHorn B'm'gham |
|
|
JohnWasley |
. England |
Jan. 21, '50 |
Panama |
[ington |
M S. Thresher |
.N. Y City |
Aug. 6, '49 |
Capelloru J G Coster |
|
Edward OuUahan... |
.Ireland |
May 4, '50 |
Cape Horn |
S. Sands |
Charles C. Cushman |
.Mass. |
Aug. 2, '49 |
CapeHom Russell |
|
James Woods |
.Mass. |
Jan. 23, '50 |
Cape Horn |
A.Lawton |
George W. Hnrey . . |
.Penn. |
July, '49 |
Overland |
|
W. Graham |
.Md. |
Aug. 24, '50 |
Overland |
Lafayette Sellman.. |
N.Y. |
Sept. 7, '50 |
Panama |
|
|
C. W. Bidwell |
Ohio |
Sept. 7, '49 |
Overland |
Charles W. Brunton |
.Ind |
Panama |
||
|
Ben. E. S. Ely |
. Penn. |
Aug., '50 |
Cape Horn |
Sheridan |
A. C. Blossom |
.N.Y. |
Sept. 8, '49 |
Cape Horn Samoset |
|
L. P. Jarvis |
.Me |
Apr. 7, '50 |
Cape Horn |
Glencoe |
Joseph J. Simmons |
Ga. |
Nov., '49 |
Arizona |
|
John H. Tone |
.N.Y. |
Aug., '50 |
Mexico |
Henry Hall |
Texas |
Dec, '49 |
Arizona |
|
|
L. L. Huntley |
111. |
Aug. 6, '.50 |
Overland |
Peter Clapp |
.Mass. |
Apr. 6, '50 |
CapeHom Lamartine |
|
|
Henry Adam's |
.N. H. |
Feb. 32, '44 |
Cape Horn Vandalia |
Enoch Pevton |
Va. |
Aug. 'Zi, '50 |
Panama |
|
|
B H. Wardrobe |
.Mass. |
Apr. 15, '50 |
Cape Horn Chester |
A. W. Harrold |
.CaL |
|||
|
James S. Davis |
.Mo. |
Sept., '49 |
Overland |
J. W. Hammond |
.Mass |
Oct. 2, '49 |
CapeHorn Mt.Vernon |
|
|
James A. Jackson... |
.Ga. |
Sept., '49 |
Wm. M. Bagsrs |
.Md. |
July 23, '50 |
CapeHorn Republic |
||
|
Wm. Glaskin |
.'Md. |
May 20, '53 |
Panama |
Michael H. Myers... Thomas B. Taylor... |
.Penn. .Penn. |
July 29, '50 Aug. 30, '49 |
||
|
Wm. H.Hall |
Mexico |
|||||||
|
Laogier Basilio |
.Sardinia |
Jan. 22, '50 |
Cape Horn |
J. R. McDonald .... |
.Scotland |
Aug. 22, '.50 |
Overland |
|
|
W. J. Warder |
.Ky. |
Aug., '50 |
Overland |
H. B. Bishop |
.N.Y. |
Aug. 8, '49 |
Panama |
|
|
Augustus Goodhart. . |
.N.Y. |
July 19, '49 |
Cape Horn |
''rot on |
Andrew Girard |
.Va. |
Sept., '49 |
Overland |
HI8T0RT OF SJC'T JOAQUIN COUNTY.
45
NAatE. NATIVITY.
E. L Fatton Ky.
JameB M. Garnett Va.
Frederick Wright Stockton
I'. H. Dial Tenn
Fred P. Clark Cal.
Ernest Wagner ...Germany C. F. Ziegenfelder Germany
John Nai^el Germany
Henry Hodgkine. .. .England
JohnBehape Austria
JohuGinn Mo.
Thomas E. Tvnau....N. Y. City
Allen M. Harris N. Y.
Peter Esau Prussia
Frank P. Adams Stocktou
Beuj. Watroiis Mass.
Mrs. M. E. Pache
John N. Woods Ind.
James A. Louttit La
Joseph Pratt Me
George F. Pache Cal.
E. B. Pache Cal.
Philip F. Pache Cal.
Wm. H. Robinsou England
DavidP. McNeill Va.
Henry C. GiUiugham Penu. Zolh Kecno .. '. Conn.
T. J. Chiiloner Me
George L. Wolf Cal.
Joseph H. Tam Cal.
P. C. Condell Kugland
Henry Stnding. .. ...Germany
I.D.Hamilton .Ohio
AeaCl.rk N.Y.
W. E. Saunders Mass.
George S. Ladd Vt.
John Greer Va
Otis Perrin Mass.
Jamee A. Shepherd... .Ky.
S. V. Tredway Peun.
John D. Winter Mass.
Levi Langdou Conn.
Eoley E. Wilhoit .Ky.
Albert J. Woods Mo.
E W. S. Woods .... Mo
A.B.Bennett N.Y.
T. D Heiskell Va
C. H. Liudley Cal
William Ennis N. J.
James Turner Ohio
Joseph Putnam Vt.
Joseph H. Cole N.Y.
Rufus B. Lane Me.
J. G. Swinnerton . . . .Wis.
C. M. Weber Cal.
M. M. Brierlv Iowa
H. K, Clifford Me.
C. D. Reynolds Va
Charles i. Hamilton .Ind.
T. W. Gilbert Me
J. B Harelson Ky.
S. L. Magee Me
George A. Jahanl Cal.
F. J. Post Cal.
John H. Field Nova Sco
John P. McClenahan.Mo
F. M. Ferguson... 111.
James R. Henry Tenn.
T Lucas.. . Germany
Arthur Wilhoit Stockton
William R. Barnes . . . W. Indies
A. C. Meeker N. Y.
B. F. Langford Tenn.
Beuj. V. Thompson ..Va.
D. M. Pool Ala.
W. L. Howell Penn
ClarK Ralston Penn
F. M. Kennedy Ind.
James Barter ... N.Y. Charles A. Robinson. Cal.
Wm. F Piper Prussia
Hiram M.Jones ... N. Y. Walter W. Vanghan..Ohio
B. F. Reynolds Va.
Sebra Briggs Me.
B. ('. Harris Va.
A. J. Tibbetts N. H.
Charles E. Murray . .Scotland Louis Rieffel . .Alsnce
John M. Sullivan N. Y. City
Sanborn Blaisdell ....Me.
G. W. King Me.
Fred Yost Penn.
J. H. Ziegenfelder .. Md. J. D. McClenahan (Jal.
George R. Wells N.Y.
W. H Smucker Ky.
|
ARRIVED. |
ROtlTE. VESSEL. |
|
Oct., '49 |
Overland |
|
Sept. 2fi, '49 |
CapeHorn MaryAnna |
|
March 5, '50 |
Panama |
|
July 23. '50 |
Overland |
|
Aug. '49 |
Overland |
|
Aug. 8, '49 |
Cape Horn Sophie |
|
July 3, '50 |
Cape Hum |
|
Sept., '30 |
Overland |
|
May 3, '30 |
Panama Indiana |
|
July 15, '50 |
Panama |
|
March, '50 |
Cape Horn Sarah |
|
Aug. 5, '50 |
Panama Ocean |
|
Nov., '49 |
Overland |
|
Dec. 1, '57 |
Panama |
|
Panama |
|
|
July 6, '49 |
Cape Horn E. Everett |
|
July 10, '50 |
Overland |
|
Dec, '49 |
Overland |
|
April 8. '.30 |
Panama |
|
Feb. 22, '44 |
Cape Horn Moscow |
|
Sept , '49 |
CapeHorn Sac'm'nto |
|
March 24. '49 |
Lembeacel |
|
April 1.3, '4P |
Pacific Helena |
|
Aug. 1.3, '49 |
Overland |
|
July 25, '49 |
Overland |
|
May 5, '50 |
Cape Horn Herculean |
|
Feb. 22, '49 |
Mexico |
|
Sept. 1.3, '49 |
Cape Horn Floyd |
|
Oct. 5, '49 |
Overland |
|
Dec. 10, '49 |
Overland |
|
Dec. 3, '43 |
Mexico |
|
Jan. 1, '50 |
CapeHorn J.Walls Jr |
|
Aug. 8, '50 |
Overland |
|
Panama |
|
|
July, '49 |
Cape Horn |
|
Oct. IB. '49 |
Overland |
|
July 8, '.30 |
Overland |
|
July, '49 |
Overland |
|
July, '49 |
Cape Horn Pharsalia |
|
April 35, '30 |
Panama |
|
May 14, '50 |
Cape Horn |
|
Overland |
|
|
Aug., '53 |
Overland' |
|
Aug., '50 |
Cape Horn |
|
Sept. 20, '49 |
Overland |
|
Sept. 18, '50 |
Overland |
|
Aug., '49 |
Cape Horn Oxford |
|
Aug., '30 |
Overland |
|
May 7, '30 |
Cape Horn Belgrade |
|
Julv 4, '4S |
^lexico |
|
April 27, '50 |
Panama |
|
Cape Horn |
|
|
May 1, '30 |
Panama |
|
Jan. ], '49 |
Mexico |
|
July, '49 |
Panama Callao |
|
Feb. 23, '50 |
Panama Charlest'wn |
|
Jan., '.oO |
Panama (^olnmbus |
|
July 31, '49 |
Panama Humboldt |
|
Oct., '49 |
Overland |
|
July 17, '50 |
Overland |
|
July 31, '50 |
Overland |
|
Sept. 26. '49 |
Overland |
|
Ang 33, '50 |
Panama Philadel. |
|
Aug., '50 |
Overland |
|
Aug. 5, '30 |
Overland |
|
Aug. 27, '50 |
Overland |
|
May 3, '49 |
Cape Horn |
|
Sept. 9, '49 |
Cape Horn |
|
Aug. 1, '49 |
Overland |
|
Aug., '49 |
Cape Horn |
|
June, '49 |
Cape Horn |
|
Aug. 18. '49 |
Cape Horn |
|
Mari.-h. '47 |
Cape Horn Stev.Eegt |
|
Sept. 1, '49 |
Panama |
|
Oct.. '49 |
Panama |
|
April 20, '49 |
Pacific |
|
June 27, '50 |
Panama |
|
Aug. 15, '50 |
Overland |
KAME. NATIVITY. ARRIVED.
C. S. Stephens Ky. March, '47
J. P. McClenahan, Jr. Cal. John Kaller
Augustus Hanson Sweden April 7, '50
Chiirles E. Benjamin. Cal.
A. T. Gear Penn. Oct., '49
William Jones
Samuel M. McLean Va. May 14, '50
Charles Poppe N. Y. City Aug., '50
Albert M. Henry ... .Cal.
Wm. L. Robinson Stockton
Charles H.Hatton .. July 28, '50
M. D. Plummer Me. Aug. 16, '49
S. Reid N.Y. Nov , '74
J. L. Oilman Me April 13, '50
T.J. Keys Ohio Sept., '50
T.A.Caldwell Tenn. Oct. .3, '49
S.D.Woods Tenn. April, '50
I. H. Knowles K.I. Aug 16, '49
W. H. Lawreiice Cal.
Frank E.Lane Cal.
Ralph P. Lane Cal.
James Manning N.J. April, '.30
William Dallas Iowa Dec, '49
John Parnell . England Aug. 6, '50
E.Lawrence i anada July 31, '50
W. M. Czartoryski Galacia Nov. 14, '49
N.K.Rog-rs N.Y. Nov. 17. '49
H. E. Perley Canada Aug. 24, '50
W.O.Lewis Ky. 1846
A.D.Harrison Cal.
G. E. Harrison Cal.
A. C. White Cal.
James Swinertou Ohio Aug., '49
H. M. Fanning N.Y. Sept., '49
Helen Blaisdell
H. M. Peck III. Oct. 1.3, '49
C. Ralston Ohio July 31, '50
L. M. Plummer
IraW.Ladd Vt. Dec. 6, '52
Jamee Swinnerton, Jr.
Edwin E. Hedges N. J. Aug. 29, '50
Franklin Wolf Cal.
ROUTE. VESSEL.
New Mexico
Cape Horn
Overland via Oregon
CapeHorn M. Wat'mn Overland
Overland
Cape Horn Eodolph
Cape Horn Agate
Overland
Overland
By sea
Cape Horn
Mexico
Overland
Overland
Overland
Cape Horn
Cape Horn Clyde
Cape Horn
Mexico
Ovi-rland Cape Horn
Overland Overland
Panama
Overland
Dr. Caspar W. Norcoin, a native of JNTorth Carolina, cau.e by way of Cape Horn to this State, arriving in August, 1849, and shortly afterward locating in Stockton for tlie practice of his profession. Here he enjoyed a line pat- ronage. From the close of 1859 to the spring of 1872 he was pursuing advanced studies con- nected with his chosen profession in the great schools of Europe. He died in Stockton, in August, 1872.
John Henry Fischer was born September 24, 1820, in Sa.xeCoburg, German}', and emigrated early in life from his native country to America. During the gold excitement of 1849, he left New Orleans for the new El Dorado, arriving here in Ansjust. From 1851 cmward he was a resident of San Joaquin Connty. He was a Past Arch of the order of Druids of Stockton, and at the time of his death was District Dep- uty Grand Arch of District IN'o. 6. His death occurred October 9, 1873.
Edwin W. Colt, the first permanent secretary of the San Joaquin Pioneer Society, died June 18, 1869. He was a useful member of the com- munity.
46
EI8T0RT OF SAN JOAQUIN OOUNTT.
Charles S. Stevens died October 20, 1869.
Theodore von Grunigeii died November 13, 1869.
William Glaskin died in Stockton, January 27, 1870.
Edward M. Howison died February 15, 1870, while in office at Sacramento. Here in Stockton he was secretary for C. M. Weber and fi. P. Hammond for a long period.
Captain John Schraick died December 6, 1870, in San Francisco, and was bnried in this county at his own request, by the Masonic fra- ternity, assisted by the Pioneer Society, the Druids and the Fire Department. He was born in Wurtemburg, Germany, and when quite young emigrated to the city of New Orleans, where he learned the trade of blacksmith and resided until the Mexican war. He then fol- lowed this trade and wagon-making at Browns- ville, Texas, until in 1847, when he sold out and became an assistant engineer on a United States Government transport steamer, continu- ing until the close of the war. During 1849 he came to California through Mexico. Here he was miner, teamster, forwarding and com- mission merchant, saloon-keeper and employe on steamboats. He was rich in this world's goods more than once, and as often poor.
James Alanson Jackson emigrated in 1849 from Georgia, his native State, to California, arriving in July. For a number of years he was a resident of Tuolumne County, as mer- chant, miner or trader, as opportunity afforded. Removing with his family to Stockton, he en- gaged here as a commission merchant in com- pany with J. D. Peters, and afterward with William Glaskin. His business character was unsullied. He died the last week in January, 1871.
Isaac Murray was born on the Island of Al- derney, of Irish parentage, September 19, 1796; he settled at an early age in Stockport, England ; and removed to Carrick-on-Suir in Ireland in 1827, where he was mostly engaged as a dry- goods merchant till 1835. Then he emigrated to Mexico and established himself there and
successfully operated an extensive manufactory of cotton goods until the close of the Mexican war. In September, 1849, he arrived in Cali- fornia. He was an eminent advocate of the principles of freedom, even to the extent of loss of business to himself. He died August 18, 1871.
G. D. Dickinson, an old pioneer, was born in Virginia in 1806, was left an orphan at an early age and tutored by an uncle. He emigrated to Rutherford County, Tennessee, in 1822, where he married Isabella McCreary in 1828. In 1832 he removed to Jackson County, Missouri, and lived there fourteen years, being one of the earliest pioneers. In May, 1846, with wife and six children, he left for the then almost unknown California, and arrived at Sutter's Fort in No- vember. He had a perilous journey. He suc- cessfully pushed through the very storm that caught the noted Reed and Donner party. The first winter in this State he passed at Santa Clara, three miles from San Jose. While there he and his two sons were forced to take part in the war until the treaty with Mexico was con- cluded in 1846. In June, 1847, he arrived in Monterey, and resided there eighteen months, burnt tlie first brick kiln, and built the first brick house ever erected in the State of Califor- nia. In June, 1848, he went to Hangtown and other mining points; wintered at Mokelumne Hill, and was the discoverer of the noted gulch that bears his name. In April, 1849, he located in Stockton, when there was neither a wooden nor a brick building in the place. During the ensuing autumn he was chosen a delegate to the State constitutional convention, and soon after the adjournment of that body he was elected prefect and served as such until Cali- fornia was made a State. His daughter, Mar- garet E., was the first American lady wedded in Stockton; she married A. G. Lowrj', October 29, 1849. In the spring of 1851 he moved to Dickinson's Ferry, in Tuolumne County, and lived there until within a short time before his death, which occurred October 25, 1870.
J. B. L. Cooper, who died in April, 1872, a
MISTOBY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY.
47
worthy member of the Pioneer Society and of the community generally, left his native State, New y.ork, in March, 1849, and came to Cali- fornia by way of Cape Horn, arriving in October following. During his career in this county he was a farmer.
General David F. Douglass, who died June 16, 1872, a member of the board of directors of the Pioneer Society, was born in Sumner County, Tennessee, January 8, 1821. He was an efficient volunteer soldier in the Mexican war. Arriving in California in 1848, he took a special interest in the progress of his adopted State. He was one of the first State Senators from this district, the first United States Mar- shal of California, Secretary of State 1855-'57, and member of the Assembly for several ses- sions. In all these i-elations he served the peo- ple faithfully. For the last sixteen years of his life he was engaged in agriculture.
Cornelius Chaplin died February 21, 1874, in the prime of his life.
Stephen Starbuck was born in 1828, in Peru, of American parents, came to California in 1849 and engaged in business in Stockton, and died here in June, 1875.
H. T. Fanning was born in Hudson, New York, November 29, 1819, and in April, 1844, came to California in the United States ship Portsmouth. He was a very generous man. His death took place May 30, 1875.
C. L. Eol.inson, who died August 26, 1875, was born in Lexington, Missouri, in 1829. In 1849 he left home and crossed the plains to this country, and here for the iirst two or three years he was employed in teaming to the moun- tains, after which he settled in the southern part of San Joaquin County and successfully engaged in farming and stock-raising. He died in Stock- ton, after a very short illness.
Russell B. Smith, a native of Vermont, emi- grated to California in 1849, by the overland route, and for some time engaged in various pursuits incident to pioneer life, and at length settled down in stock-raising, in which business he continued until his death, which occurred
December 22, 1875. He was always known as an upright citizen.
Frank Eock, a native of Ohio, emigrated first to Arkansas, and subsequently to California in 1849, by the overland route, while still a young man. Engaging at once in farming and stock- raising, he pursued these vocations with signal success until his death, Januai-y 3, 1876. He left a young and devoted wife to mourn his loss.
George J. Daubney, a native of England, was brought by his parents when a child to the United States; was educated and learned the trade of printer in Indiana, and in 1849 came to the Golden State. After following his trade for a period at Stockton he became chief clerk and book-keeper for J. D. Peters, and afterward for the firm of Peters & Stewart, extensive grain-dealers in Stockton, in which capacity he did satisfactory work. After a protracted ill- ness he died at the Morton House, in San Fran- cisco, December 28, 1875, and was buried at Stockton.
Mrs. Marie Chicard was born in 1807, in France, and in 1849, with her husband and children, emigrated directly to California and settled in Stockton. Her husband, Jean George Chicard, died in 1860, leaving one son and three daughters. She died May 8, 1876, at the resi- dence of her daughter, Mrs. Julius Pache, in Stockton.
Julius Steiny, born in St. Petersburg, Rus- sia, in 1815, came in the Mandarin around Cape Horn to this State, arriving December 25, 1849. For a time he served as secretary of the Pioneer Society here, in which capacity he ex- hibited great care, was a fine penman, and finally died May 24, 1878.
E. H. Allen died June 18, 1880.
Henry B. Rhodes was born in Rockingham County, Virginia, February 8, 1812; was mar- ried June 12, 1837, and moved to Saline County, Missouri. In May, 1849, he started across the plains to this State. In October, 1853, he settled in Stanislaus County, near Milton, where he resided until his death, August 23, 1880.
George Lemon, born in the town of Bally-
48
HISTORY OP SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY
ronan, County Derry, Ireland, in 1819, came to Oregon and thence to this State, settling in San Joaqnin County about 1§65. He died October 15, 1880.
John Inglis, a native of Scotland, arrived in August, 1849, and died IS^ovember 20, 1880.
Stephen Burgun, a charter member of the Pioneer Association, was born in the district of Lorraine, France, in 1816, and in 1827 the family emigrated to New York., where Stephen was employed in a large importing house, and was advanced yearly to important responsible positions. In 1837 he went to iSTew Orleans and conducted the same line of business until December, 1848, when he left for California by way of Texas and Mexico, and arrived here June 1, 1849. In 1851 he conducted business in San Francisco., and subsequently worked in the mines. In 1852 he came to Stockton, and, with Captain Jordan, carried on an extensive business in lumber, and continued his residence here the remainder of his life. He was a gener- ous-hearted, sincere Christian. His death took place February 5, 1881.
Captain Charles M. Weber died May 4, 1881. See full biography, which find by the index.
Austin Sperry died at Oakland July 22, 1881.
William Gelabert died February 2, 1882. He was born at Port Mahon, on the Spanish island of Majorca, in the Mediterranean Sea, in 1822. At the age of twelve years he joined the United States navy and continued in that service, with some slight interruptions, ibr eighteen 3'ears. He came to this coast on the United States ship Erie. In 1846 he belonged to the Savanna frigate under Commodore Sloat, and July 7, that year, he was at the raising of the American flag at Monterey. After the con- quest of California he went back to his former home, but returned in December, 1848, and took an active part in the stirring scenes of early settlement and the crystallization of so- ciety, and of the State. In 1868 he joined the Baptist Church, and remained a consistent and active meuiber for the remainder of his life.
Joseph John Simmonds died May 19, 1882.
In 1841 he was a justice of the peace and a class-leader in the Methodist Episcopal Church at Lewisburg, Conway County, Arkansas. In 1849, via Fort Smith, in that State, he came across the plains to California, arriving in Sep- tember at the mines of Mariposa. After taking out about $2,000 there he came to Stockton early in 1850, and entered into mercantile busi- ness with B. W. Owens and two men named Brown. Shortly afterward he sold out, and, in company with his soii-in-law, McJones, started a store in Sonora, Tuolumne County, and con- tinued there in prosperity up to the big fire of 1852, when his losses were heavy. After con- ducting a grocery for a time in Stockton, with loss, he retired to ranching at South French Camp. McJones died, and after that event his principal business was bee culture, on the San Joaquin river. Some years before his death, while traveling in the Coast Range, his team ran away with him and injured him so severely that he never recovered. In 1851 he sent his son-in-law back to Arkansas to bring out his I family, but his wife died on the way. Amid i all his sad misfortunes he was ever true to his religion.
William Wright, a native of England, died June 30, 1882. .
C. E. Ralph died September IT, 1882. He was born and reared at Woodstock, Yerraont. At the age of sixteen or seventeen years he went to Michigan and lived there until he was of age, in the meantime becoming married. In 1849, after a tedious journey, he arrived in this State, in December, with his family. Here he engaged in farming, stock-raising and trad- ing until 1856, with financial success. Then, with his family, he returned East, by way of Panama, where, during the riots, they barely escaped with their lives, but losing nearly all his wealth. The riot was between the natives and California passengers. After spending a short time in Michigan he came again to the land of "golden" opportunity, with his family, by the overland route. Settling in this county he engaged in farming, which he followed until
HISTOBT OF SAN JOAQVIN COUNTY.
49
he was county assessor. This office he filled for two terms with satisfaction to the public.
John S. Haines was born in Rising Sun. In- diana, October 20, 1826, and died in Stockton, March 12, 1883.
David Parks McNeil was born December 9, 1809, in West Virginia, and died February 14, 1883. During the earlier years of his manhood he was a carpenter. In 1849 he came overland to California, arriving at Placerville in the fall. There he followed mining until 1854, and then moved to the vicinity of Woodbridge, this county, where he was engaged in the agricult- ural pursuits until his death. He was one of the oldest Freemasons in the valley.
Charles Dallas died suddenly at his ranch in Stanislaus County, near Turloch, on Monday morning, August 13, 1883. aged sixty-eight years. His residence being in Stockton, his remains were buried here, in the Rural Ceme- tery.
Daniel Adee died August 15, 1883, at the age of seventy-seven years and ten months.
Joseph Kile was born August 23, 1812; went to Missouri in 1830; served in Doniphan's regi- ment tlirough the Mexican war; arrived in Cali- fornia September 20, 1849; engaged a short time in mining, and then devoted his time and taleiits to farming and stock-raising, in which pursuits lie accumulated a great amount of property. He was twice married. His death took place May 23, 1884.
William Sauuders also died May 80, 1884. Albert Gallatin Brown: find sketch by in- dex.
John M. Blankenship, near F'rench Camp, was born in Mercer County, West Virginia, July 28, 1828; iive years afterward iiis parents moved with him to Iowa; and in October, 1850, he arrived in Stockton. For a year and a half he mined and freighted at Mokel- umne Hill. February 1, 1852, he went from San Francisco to Iowa, by way of the isth- mus; was married in Iowa, May 20, 1852, to Miss Mary Ann McGee, of Marion Count}'. April 1, 1858, he left that State again for Cali-
4
fornia, with his wife, and settled near French Camp, on a tract of 700 acres of land which he purchased from Mr. Weber. The situation is a beautiful one, and on fine land, a part of which is covered by a fine growth of white- oak trees.
Edwin Whipple arrived in California Septem- ber 20, 1849. In 1851, in company with Messrs. Putnam and Howard, he began improv- ing a tract of land on the Mokelumne river, in San Joaquin County, which relation was con- tinued for ten years. In 1861 an amicable divi- sion was made, and Mr. Whipple continued to reside upon his portion of the property until his death in November, 1884. His wife had died in Boston, Massachusetts, before he came West, and he never again married, the great object of his life seeming to be to provide for his only son William. In the East he had been an Odd Fellow.
Morris Hartwell Bond died February 11, 1885.
James M. Garnett died March 10, 1885. A native of Virginia, he arrived in California September 26, 1849, and resided thenceforward in San Joaquin County, engaged as a farmer, and at the time of iiis death was county as- sessor.
James H. Smyth died April 19, 1885. He was born February 9, 1822, near Belfast, Ire- land, of Scotch and EnglisTi ancestry. When yet a boy he left home for the United States, and lived two years near New Brunswick, New Jersey, where he joined the Presbyterian church. He resided in Galveston, Texas, five years, dur- ino; which time he was a six-months volunteer in the Mexican war under General Houston. Joining a party of surve^'ors, he traveled over the greater portion of Texas and bought consid- erable land. In August and September, 1849, he came via New Orleans and the Isthmus to California. After mining a year or two he re- turned to Texas and purchased still more land. In 1852 he came acrain to California and bought and settled upon his home ranch eight miles east of Stockton, on the Copperopolis road. At
50
HISTORY OP SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY.
first his product was principally barley, which was haultd by his own team to Knight's Ferry Sonera and other mining towns. In the autumn of 1859 he returned to Ireland, on a visit to his brother, Eev. Samuel Smyth, and while there married an old acquaintance, Miss Caroline Smyth, January 3, 1860. In 1874 he sufiered the fracture of a knee, which rendered him per- manently lame, and during the last five years of his life he sufiTered greatly' as an invalid.
"William H. Smucker was born in Kentucky in 1817. After serving in the Mexican war he visited Durango and Santa Fe, and in 1850 he came from Fort Leavenworth overland to Cali- fornia. In 1856 he was secretary to W. P. Coleman, president of the San Francisco Vigi- lance Committee. He died July 16, 1885.
J. M. Sullivan was an inlant when in 1847 he was brought to this State by his father, a soldier in the I'amous Stevenson's regiment. He passed his early life in the counties of Calaveras and Santa Clara, and resided in Stockton only during the last few years of his life. He died in San Francisco, August 27, 1885, but little over forty years of age.
George W. Hurey was born in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, in 1822, and died Sep- tember 2, 1885, leaving a wife, one daughter and three sons, all of whom are members of the Pioneer Society. Mr. Hurey, being an early set- tler on Eoberts Island, demonstrated the feasi- bility of the successful cultivation of those apparently worthless tule lands. He was also one of the earliest contributors to the State and district fairs, winning the first prizes for tine fruits and vegetables, and greatly stimulating the inture reclamation of the most valuable lands of this county. He left a comfortable home for his family.
John Kaller, an old pioneer farmer, was a native of Baden-Baden, Germany, and was killed by a runaway team in October, 1885.
J. W. Yan Bensf'hoten died' January 12, 1886.
Joseph F. Harrison was born April 11, 1822, in Monongalia County, Virginia; 1848-'50 he spent in Lee County, Iowa, and ai rived in Cali-
fornia a few days before it was admitted as a State into the Union. Until September, 1857, he coiiducted a saddle and harness shop in Stockton. He then spent one year visiting his old home in Virginia, and returning to Califor- nia he commenced farm life on the Calaveras river, and continued as a resident of this county the remainder of his life. In 1880 he sufiered a stroke of paralysis, which disabled him from work as long as he lived. He died March 1, 1886.
John L. Crittenden died May 16, 1886, at Merced, California. He was born in Massachu- setts in 1832. Arriving in Calitornia July 11, 1850, he engaged in mining, was alterward a farmer in Contra Costa County some time, and finally became a resident of Cottonwood, Mer- ced County, in 1872. He was elected super- visor of that county in 1882, and sherift' in 1884.
Stephen H. Davis, born in 1829, in Provi- dence, Khode Island, died iu Stockton, August 19, 1886. He was an eminent builder of steam- boats, some of which are running on California rivers and some even on those of Eastern Asia. He was an industrious, honest man, having the Welfare of the community at heart.
Zoth Keeno, born at Stonington, Connecticut, in 1810, died at Stockton September 8, 1886. He arrived at Monterey February 22, 1844, on the bark Moscow, from Boston. He served five years in the American navy on board the frig- ates Macedonia and Columbia. He was quiet and unobtrusive in manner, and childlike in disposition.
Thomas Sedgwick, a native of England, emi- grated to the United States when a young man, and resided in Columbia County, New Vork, until he came to California. While there he was wounded iu the head by a shot during the " Barn-burner" riots, while in the discharge of his duty as deputy sheritf. He arrived on the coast in August, 1849, on the bark Robert Bond, and was engaged for the remainder of his life mostly in fanning and stock-raising, five miles from Stockton, on the Linden road. He
BISTORT OF 8AN JOAQUIN COUNTY.
51
died September 3, 1886, at the advanced age of ninet}'-t\FO years. He was killed by a locomo- tive.
Daniel Severy, a native of Maine, arrived in California in September, 1849, by way of Cape Horn; was engaged in the mines, visited various parts of the State, and finally, about 1866, set- tled in Stockton, where he followed carpentry and the raising of shade and ornamental trees. He was a charter member of the Pioneer Association, and a faithful attendant of their meetings and reunions. His death occurred in November, 1886, when he was sixty-eight years of age.
liev. James Woods was born in New Brain- tree, Massachusetts, April 22, 1815. His liter ary education he received in Wilbraham and Amherst academies in Massacliusetts, and at the Wesleyan University in Connecticut. In 1836, on account of impaired health, he went to Georgia and was engaged in teaching there. His theological training he received in the seminary of Columbia, South Carolina; was licensed to preach in 1840, and the next year ordained by the Transylvania Presbytery. His first charge was at Painted Lick, Kentucky. In 1840, in York District, South Carolina, he married Eliza A., <laugiiter of Rev. Aaron Will- iams; she was a lady of remarkable personal attractions. From Kentucky Mr. Woods re- moved to Tennessee, Florida and Alabama, having congregations in all these States. At Jackson, Alabama, in November, 1848, he was commissioned a missionary to California. After visiting various points in the Gulf States in the interest of missions, he set sail. May 17, 1849, with wife and two children, from New York, in the bark Alice Tarlton, around Cape Horn, and arrived in San Francisco Jannary 12, 1850. An opening in Stockton, made by Captain Weber, the proprietor of the site, — who was patiently awaiting his arrival, — was promptly occupied by Rev. Mr. Woods. Soon he had a house of worship built and organized a church, and a successful pastorate of four years was full proof of his zeal and efficiency. (See churches of
Stockton.) On account of his health he went to San Francisco and to Los Angeles, and he laid the foundation of the Presbyterian Church at the latter place. In 1857 he was in Suisun, and then successively in Santa Rosa, Healds- burg, Smartsville, Virginia City, Carson, San Diego, Tombstone, etc., and finally Winters, "Volo County, his last organization and field of labor, from which he retired in 1883, utterly broken in heal.h. Thence onward he quietly resided at his pleasant home in Winters. His death took place October 10, 1886.
George W. King, a native of Maine, left New Orleans for California N"ovember, 1848, by way of Panama, where he was detained a lono- time by fever, captains of vessels refusing him pas- sage because of it. Finally he was 2-escued by a circus woman, who smuggled him aboard a vessel and cared for him until he was restored to health. He arrived in San Francisco in Oc- tober, 1849, and for twenty years was a wood dealer on the San Joaquin river. He died N^o- vember 22, 1887, about fifty-eight years of age.
Henry Stading was born in Hamburg, Ger- many, in 1880, and died in Stockton November 21, 1886. He early commenced a seafaring life, and was in Australia when the news of the California gold discovery reached him. Arriv- ing here, he at once formed a partnership with J. Carsten Grupe, and followed gold-mining at Mokelnmne Hill. 1 1 1851 he began conduct- ing the Golden Lion Hotel, in company with Charles Meyers. In 1853 he removed to Campo Seco and lived there until 1864, when he re- turned to Stockton; and here with the exception of visiting his native land for one year he passed the remainder of his days.
Aaron Clark Meeker was born in Middleburs:, Schoharie County, New York, in 1816, and died in Lodi, this county, February 26, 1887. Cross- ing the Isthmus in 1849, he worked at mining on the American and Feather rivers and in other districts. Returning East in 1850, he brought his family across the plains to this State the same year, settling in Woodbridge, this county; in 1859 he removed to Lodi. Early in February,
53
HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY.
1887, be celebrated the fifty-first anniversary of his wedding. He was twelve years justice of the peace, seven years notary public, and in other positions of trust; but he led a quiet life.
A. T. Gear was born in Pennsylvania in 1820. In December, 1848, he arrived in Oregon from Indiana, and came on the bark Ocean Bird to San Francisco in 1849. The eloquent language of the obituary committee of the Pioneer So- ciety— George S. Ladd and Enoch Peyton — concerning his life and character, we venture to quote: "We have traced him through several stages of early life, and on his arrival in Cali- fornia we find him in possession of a native vigor and energy which neither tlie disadvan- tages of an unpropitious culture could retard nor the blasts of adverse fortune depress. Un- daunted by difdculties, we observe him in the progress of life stemming the current of adver- sity and braving the dangers and hardships which he too frequently had to encounter. In manners he was an accomplished gentleman. His love for mankind flowed in the purest cur- rent. Scrupulous to himself, he was charitable and indulgent to others. The storms of life had broken the heart of the man, but out of its wounds gushed the tide of sympathy and charity. His grave is not among strangers, for it is watered by the tears of an affectionate family. He is at rest, and life's mission fulfilled."
John K Mayer died December, 1887.
Harvey Loomis Farrington was born at Brewer, Maine, May 20, 1825. In 1849 he came on the bark Belgrade to San Francisco, arriving in May, 1850. Placing the machinery in the steamer Fashion he was employed as en- gineer on that steamer, on the San Joaquin and Sacramento rivers. ]Kext he was machinist in the Sutter Iron Works at San Francisco; then, settling in Tuolumne County, he and his brother built a saw-mill above Sonora, and engaged in the lumber business. Later he engaged in cattle-raising on the Tuolumne river. Selling out he moved to Stockton, where he was em- ployed as machinist in the Globe Foundry of Keep& Briggs. At length he formed a partner-
ship with his brother, Herman S. Farrington, and G. C. Hyatt, under the style of Farrington, Hyatt & Farrington, and conducted the Stock- ton Iron Works, and was a member of the firm at the time of his death, December 23, 1887.
John L. Gilman was born in Meddybemps, Washington County, Maine, April 2, 1880. He left Machias, that State, November 6, 1849, and reached San Francisco April 15, 1850, in the brig Agate. Engaged in mining until 1861, mostly in Tuolumne County, then in stock- raising until 1871, when he started a saloon in Stanislaus County, which he soon abandoned on account of his health. He finally settled at Acampo, where he remained in business until his death at San Francisco, December 3, 1887.
Thomas Kent Hook, president of the San Joaquin Society of California Pioneers for a time, was born in Greene County, Pennsyl- vania, November, 1816. At the age of two years he lost his father, and was cared for by his grandfather until he was fifteen years old, when his grandfather also died. He then ap- prenticed himself to the cabinet-maker's trade. He served his time faithfully and mastered his art, but his ambition and energy were not to be thus circumscribed. In 1849, although in feeble health -and with but little money, he started for California, with a companion, a wagon and four mules, from Terre Haute, Indi- ana, March 4. At St. Joseph he abandoned the wagon and proceeded with packed mules. Dur- ing the next hundred miles he was attacked by cholera, deserted and leit to die by his sworn companion, but was rescued and nursed back to health by three brother Odd Fellows who chanced that way. At length he reached Cali- fornia penniless but with health, strength and ambition. He engaged at mining at Winters' Bar, on the Mokelumne river, with indiifei'ent success, and in December, 1849, he came to Stockton. Here he again became very sick. On recovery he joined a party of twenty-seven to explore Death valley in search of a mythical silver mine, and on this journej' his sufferings were indescribable. During the ensuing eight
HiaTOKY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY.
53
years he, like many others, found more gold in agricultural than in mineral land. His ranch was near Stockton. At the end of tliese eight yearshe was elected sheriff, and at tiie conclusion of his term in this office he was elected mayor of the city of Stockton. He was a gentleman nf shrewd judgment, quaint humor and firm integ- rity. His death occurred October 11, 1888.
W. 0. Tripp, one of the oldest members of the San Joaquin Pioneer Societ}', died Decem- ber 10, 1888, in Oakland, this State. He was born in 1807, at Albany, New York, moved south in his early 'teens, and in 1828 married, in Baltimore. Spent many years of active business life in Richmond, Virginia, from which city, attracted by the boom of the period, he in 1849 started for California. Coming by sail around Cape tlorn he landed at San Francisco early in 1850. He located first at Sonora, this State, where he was engaged in business for twelve years, enjoying a high degree of respect. His family joined him soon after his location there. He resided in Stockton during the last several years of his life. The last three years he was too great an invalid to engage in a laborious occupation. Sickness reduced his little fortune seriously, but never affected his patient disposition.
Jacob K. Meyer, a native of Switzerland, settled about 1830 in Ohio. March 1, 1849, he left Republic, that State, with a team for Inde- pendence, Missouri; thence, on tiie 8th of May, he set forth for the distant west, and reached Stockton in October. First he followed mining at Curtis's and Sullivan's creek, Tuolumne County, for about six months. From April, 1850, to December, 1851, he followed teaming, and then returned to Ohio by sea. He crossed the plains again to California, arriving at Stock- ton in October, 1852. Shortly afterward he settled on a farm near French Camp, where he remained until 1884, when he moved to Santa Cruz County, near Watson ville, where he died, January 3, 1889. He had been twice married, his second wife surviving him; but he never had any children.
Lafayette Sellman died March 25, 1889.
H. G. Boisselier, an active member of tiie Pioneer Society, was accidentally drowned April 13, 1889, in his fifty-eighth year, while on a steamer bound for San Francisco. He was buried in the Rural Cemetry, under the honors of several societies.
J. Carsten Grupe came from New York in a schooner around Cape Horn to California, land- ing at San Francisco July 17, 1849, after a voy- age of six and a half months. He came on to Stockton by schooner and proceeded directly to the Southern mines at Mokelumne Hill, in Calaveras County. After a brief trial of gold- mining he returned to Stockton and began teaming for Henry Meyers. Soon he became joint owner, though he left the business in charge of Meyers while he went back to Moke- lumne Hill, where he found a companion — Henry Kolmoos — engaged in whipsawing lum- ber, which then brought $1 a foot. Later he Went to Middle Bar, bought an interest in a store, and also commenced damming the Moke- lumne river preparatory to gold-mining. In 1852 he visited his native Germany, returning to Stockton the fall of the same year. De- cember 1, that autumn, he married and settled where the family homestead now is. By his death he left a wife and eight children, four sons and four daughters, he himself being the first called by death, July 7, 1889, to break the family circle.
Washington Osceola Lewis came to California as early as 1846, by way of Mexico, from Mis- souri, and then took part as a soldier in wrest- ing this country from Mexico. He was a Cor- poral in Company G, Missouri Mounted Yolun- teers, Captain Anson Smith, in the regiment commanded by Colonel Sterling Price. He was a man of courage and fond of the frontier. He was a native of Kentucky, and at the time of his death in August, 1889, was seventy-four years of age.
William M. Baggs died October 17, 1889. Robert "W. Craig was born May 27, 1821, in the State of New York, and came to this State
54
HISTORY OF SAIf JOAQUIN COUNTY.
in 1850 by way of the Isthmus of Panama. lu 1856 he purchased his farm in O'Neil Township, where he resided until his death, some years oince. He married Miss Mary S. Blair, of Stocliton, in 1855, and brought up a family of children.
Moses Hammond was born at Dighton, Mas- sachusetts, April 3, 1800, and when two years of age his parents moved to Newport, llhode Island, where he lived until 1849; then in com- pany with his brother, Captain John Hammond, he came to California by the Panama route. They had fitted out a schooner at Newport and sent it around Cape Horn. At Panama they were taken sick with the yellow fever, and as Mr. Hammond was fortunate in curing all the cases he received the titla of " Doctor," and al- though he has never practiced medicine that appellation has ever since clung to him. The vessels which were loaded at Newport were the schooner Alexander and the brig General Cobb. Their cargoes consisted of the frames of two scows, one house, carts, shovels, rockers, grocer- ies, provisions, hardware of all kinds, etc. He was in business in San Joaquin City about a year. After the fire, in 1851, he sold his goods in Stockton at a great profit, his sales amount- ing to several thousand dollars a day. He died at his residence, January 2, 1879.
Besides the foregoing the following-named pioneers have also died, most of them members of the Pioneer Society at Stockton :
NAME. NATIVITY. DATE OF DEATH
OP of obituary. Richard P. Ashe
W. A. Ballard Ohio 1878
Charles Blanchard N. T. Sept. 33, '76
C. C. Bruckman Germany Sept. 33, '76
Charles D. Camp Vt. April 29, '80
L. E. Chicard Pa. Dec. 7, '83
Henry F. Campton Md. Feb. 9, '83
C. M. Creanor Pa. Dec. 6, '83
William Dennis N. J. Jan. 23, '74
R. A. Downing 111. Jan. 23, '74
John W. Dowling 111. Jan. 30, '75
Ed. A. Everett Ohio Jan. 30, '75
W. H. Fairchilds Pa. Aug. 23, '83
Russell Farnham N. Y. Aug. 37, '88
Thomas Henderson Iowa Aug. 27, '83
Josiah Hunter Ireland Dec. 28, '83
NAME. NATIVITY. DATE OF DF.ATH
or of obituary. Samuel Langdon N. C. March l^, '80
Green T. Martin N. C. March 18, '80
Thomas Marshall Mass. Oct. 36, '83
John Murphy Ireland July 22, "iO
Henry Ortman Germany Aug. 26, '73
John Petty Tenn. March 5, '80
Henry Ramsay Norway Sept. 11, '88
M. Rosenberg Germany Sept. 11, '83
George W. Smith Ohio Nov. il, '83
A. V Snyder Md. July 23, '81
Frank Stewart Md. July 23, '81
C. M. Tureman Ky. May 15, '77
John Vanderbilt N. T May 15, '77
J. T. Wadsworth Mass. Oct. 9. '76
M. Walthall, Jr Miss. April 30, '73
John Wasley England Sept. 20, '79
John H. Webster Maine June 11, '81
T. D. Wren La. June 28, '81
Among the living are the following: Otis Perrin, still an active business man of Stockton, was born in Massacliusetts in 1826, and in 1849 came to California by way of Cape Horn. First he went to the mines in Tuolumne County, where he constructed a canal for the purpose of turning the Tuolumne river at Haw- kins so that the bed of the river could be mined. In 1850 he did a similar piece of en- gineering at Jacksonville on the same river. He then mined several j'ears in Garrote, where he was one of the proprietors of the Wasliing- tou Hotel for ten years. He was also one of the proprietors of a ditch company who constructed thirteen miles of ditch for irrigating purposes, of which he was the superintendent several years. In 1864-'66 he was a member of the Legislature two terms from Tuolumne and Mono counties and in 1869 he settled in Stock- ton, where he was first appointed Receiver for the United States Land Ofiice, and re-appointed under successive administrations. He has since been president and superintendent of the Stock- ton Combined Harvester & Agricultural Works. J. D. Peters was in his early days a sailor and was in the city of New Orleans when the gold excitement of California began to prevail. After spending several years among the miners, in 1857 he embarked in the grain business and was from 1860-'68 the confidential agent of Isaac Friedlander. He inaugurated the popular
HISTORY OF SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY.
55
system of storage, which now is generally fol- lowed throughout the valley, and built the first grain warehouse in Stockton. He has been largely interested in banks, railroads, shipping and many other enterprises of importance. At the time of the suspension of the Bank of Cal- ifornia, Mr. Peters alone, of all the grain deal- ers of the San Joaquin valley, continued to pay cash for giain.
Henry Barnhai't, the heaviest taxpayer in San Joaquin County, is an Argonaut of 1849, born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, April 1830. After spending two years in the mines of El Dorado County, he re'urned home and after a residence there of three years he moved to Missouri, from which State he came to Cali- fornia in 1859, accompanied by his family, set- tling five miles from Woodbridge, wiiere he con- tinued to live until 1875. He then moved to his present residence about two and one-half miles north of Stockton. He is one of the greatest land owners in the valley, has had mucli experience in bu^'ing and selling land throughout the State, and he is also a scientific agriculturist. He has spent §100,000 in the reclamation of swamp lands in this county and also in Yolo and Solano counties. At tiiis writing (November, 1889,) the unusual amount of rain has stopped his work when his expendi- tures were amounting to $1,000 a day for labor.
Jonathan H. Dodge, still living northeast of town, was born in Lamoille County, Vermont, April 21, 1819, and came to California in 1849 by the Panama route from McHenry County, Illinois. After spending seven months in the mines on the South Fork of the American river, about six miles, from where gold was first discovered, he settled in Elliott Township, this county, about two miles from his present home. His present farm he purchased in 1857.
E. E. Nelson, a native of the State of New York, made the long and perilous voyage around Cape Horn in 1849 and settled in Stockton the next year, where he engaged in business about two years. Selling then his interest here, he purchased a farm about three miles from the
city, where he lived most of the time until No- vember, 1878, when he returned East and since then he has been a resident of the city of Brooklyn, New York.
AVilliam C. Miller, proprietor of warehouse Stockton, was born in Union County, Indianas December, 9, 1824; in 1828 the family moved to Niles, La Porte County, that State; and in 1849 William came overland to this State, re- siding first in El Dorado and Sacramento counties until 1851, when he removed to this county, which he has since made his home. Pie has been an extensive raiser of cattle and sheep, and made a fortune.
William D. Ashley was born in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, 1819, and came across the plainii in 1850. He spent some months in the Georgetown mines, and in 1852 he pur- chased part of the land he now owns in O'Neil Township, eight miles from Stockton. • William L. Overhiser is a native of the State of Pennsylvania. At the age of four years he moved to Columbia County, New York. He was one of a party of nine who organized them- selves into an association at Long Island, pur- chased the ship "Sailor," and came around the Horn to California, bringing with them a large number of passengers. The vessel was sold after their arrival in San Francisco, Octo- ber 12, 1849. For about a- year he engaged in teaming to the mines at Johnstown, Sullivan's creek and Murphy's camp; also in prospecting. In the fall of 1850 he purchased 160 acres of land on Calaveras river, and went into partner- ship with J. B. L. Cooper, nephew of Peter Cooper, New York, who also had 160 acres. In 1851 he raised sixteen acres of barley, and in the next season sowed sixty acres, and en- closed them with a wire fence, the first in the county. He has been largely interested in breed- ing Norman horses, Durham cattle, Berkshire hogs and Merino sheep. Mr. Overhiser, as noticed elsewhere, was the first in this county to try the experiment of artesian irrigation.
William H. Robinson, Secretary of