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REFERENCEVOCPARTMENT,
CALIFORNIALA
OVERSIZE
SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1223 90192 0034
SINE
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MORS
LITERIS
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BOOK NO.
ACCESSION
q979.463 H6291
251527
NOT TO BE TAKEN FROM THE LIBRARY
FORM 3427-5M-2-30
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from California State Library Califa/LSTA Grant
http://www.archive.org/details/historyofcontra00munr
HISTORY OF
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY CALIFORNIA
WITH
Biographical Sketches
OF
The Leading Men and Women of the County Who Have Been Identified with Its Growth and Development from the Early Days to the Present
ILLUSTRATED COMPLETE IN ONE VOLUME
HISTORIC RECORD COMPANY LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA 1926
* 9 979. 463 16291
251527
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Numbers refer to pages.)
TABLE OF CONTENTS 9
PREFACE 15
INDEX OF NAMES. 1096
HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTORY : THE EARLY HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA 33
Influence of tradition and mythology on discovery of America. SPANISH AND ENGLISH EXPLORATIONS AND DISCOVERIES (p. 33) : Explorations and discoveries of Cortez and Alarcon. Explorations in Alta or Nueva California (p. 36) : Discoveries by Cabrillo and Ferrolo on the Pacific Coast-Drake's voyages of discovery and plunder-New Albion-Drake circumnavigates the globe-Voyages and discoveries of Viscaino. Colonization of Alta California (p. 41) : Missionary work of the Jesuits-Junipero Serra and the Franciscans succeed the Jesuits-Joint colonization by Church and State under Serra and Galvez-Expeditions by land and sea under Portola and Galvez-The nine- teen missions, with dates of their founding. Aborigines of California (p. ++) : Viscaino's description of the Indians of California-Their characteristics and mode of life-Superiority of Northern tribes over those of the South. THE PASSING OF SPAIN'S DOMINATION (p. 46) : Visits of La Perouse and Van- couver to the Pacific Coast-Spanish monopoly of the fur trade-The Ameri- can smugglers-Russian activities on the Pacific Coast-Fort Ross-The Mexican struggle for independence-El Ano de los Temblores-El Ano de los Insurgentes. THE FREE AND SOVEREIGN STATE OF ALTA CALIFORNIA (p. 49) : The arbitrary administrations of Chico and Gutierrez-Alvarado and Castro raise the standard of revolt-The Free State of Alta California proclaimed-Recognition of Alvarado in the South, and his appointment as governor under Mexican authority. DECLINE AND FALL OF MEXICAN DOMI- NATION (p. 51): The government passes into the hands of native-born Californians-Growth of foreign population and influence-Arrest and im- prisonment of foreigners-Capture of Monterey by Commodore Jones- Micheltorena's administration in Los Angeles and Monterey-Pico succeeds to the government-His troubles with Castro and the "foreign adventurers"- Marsh's letter to Cass. THE AMERICAN CONQUEST OF CALIFORNIA (p. 61) : Fremont's expedition to California-The Bear Flag Republic-Making of the flag. Under the Stars and Stripes: Commodore Sloat raises the American flag at Monterey-Activities of Stockton and Fremont-Capitulation of Gen- eral Pico at Cahuenga. Mexican laws and American officials-Peace estab- lished. GOLD! GOLD! GOLD! (p. 67) : Viscaino's reference to gold-First discovered in 1841 at the San Francisco Ranch, or in 1842 at San Francis-
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quito-Marshall's discovery of gold at Coloma in 1848-The controversy over dates-Account of the great gold rush. MAKING A STATE (p. 77) : Organization of a provisional government and adoption of a State constitu- tion-Election of State officials-The first legislature-Admission of Califor- nia to Statehood.
CHAPTER II
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY: GENERAL FEATURES.
81
ADVANTAGES OF LOCATION (p. 81) : Area, boundaries, and population- The water front-Fresh water anchorage-Most valuable river traffic-Fine system of highways-Unsurpassed climate. EASTERN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY (p. 83) : Topography and products-The rich valleys-The sandy lands- The tule lands-Dairying. MOUNT DIABLO (p. 85) : San Francisco Exam- iner's account of its discovery and naming by the Spaniards in 1772-Legends and description of the mountain-The Mount Diablo Estate. VALLEYS IN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY (p. 88) : Tassajara Valley-San Ramon Valley- Alhambra Valley-Ygnacio Valley.
CHAPTER III
EARLY COUNTY HISTORY
91
Division of State into counties, 1850-Original boundary of the county- Present boundary-Acts of the court of sessions, 1850: assessments for county expenses and public buildings ; licenses levied-Board of supervisors created, 1852-Provision for $27,000 court house, 1854-Division of county into dis- tricts, 1855-Assessed valuations in 1850 and 1875-Assessor's report, 1853- Spanish families and early land claims-The Indians of Contra Costa County -Old adobes. Transportation : Early ferries and passenger boats-Building and extension of railroad lines-Bridges and ferries-Minerals and mining- Important industrial concerns.
CHAPTER IV
COUNTY OFFICERS. 102
OFFICERS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, FROM ITS ORGANIZATION TO THE PRESENT TIME: Senators-Assemblymen-District judges-County judges and superior judges-Associate justices of court of sessions-Justices of the peace-District attorneys-County clerks, recorders, and (after 1855) audi- tors-County clerks-County auditors-County recorders-County sheriffs- County tax collectors and treasurers-Tax collectors-County treasurers- County assessors-Public administrators-County coroners-County surveyors -Superintendents of schools-County commissioner and county physicians- County supervisors.
CHAPTER V
MARTINEZ
110
Townsite laid out for Martinez heirs by Col. W. M. Smith, 1849-Grant of Pinole and San Pablo Ranchos to Ignacio Martinez and Francisco Castro, 1823-William Welch secures Las Juntas Rancho, 1832-Early settlers- Survey of the first addition, 1850-1851-Town incorporated and trustees
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elected-Incorporation voided by supreme court-Contra Costa Gazette estab- lished, 1858-Other newspapers-Martinez reincorporated, 1876-Boun- daries-Fires and earthquakes-Civic improvement and industrial expansion.
CHAPTER VI
RICHMOND
114
First inhabitants: anthropological and geological revelations of the shell mounds-Location and importance of the city-Crespi's expedition, 1772- Petition of Francisco Castro to Provincial Assembly for grant of three square leagues in "Los Cuchigunes," or "San Pablo," 1823-Decree of Assembly granting land solicited-History of subsequent delays and petitions, including petition for additional square league-Original territory and augmentation finally granted by Figueroa to successors of Castro, 1835-Subsequent history of the property-Protracted litigation and final decree in partition, 1894- The Tewksbury, Emeric, and Nicholl interests and subdivisions-The coming of the Santa Fe-Other subdivisions of the "Town of Richmond"-Santa Fe shops moved from Stockton to Richmond-Incorporation and annexation mat- ters-The Standard Oil Company-Transportation and power facilities- Schools of the city-Richmond Union High School-Roosevelt Junior High School-Newspapers-Post offices-Tables.
CHAPTER. VII
PITTSBURG
140
1
Present population of the city-Survey of the townsite for "New York of the Pacific"-General Sherman's account of the survey-Aspirations for loca- tion of State capital there-Discovery of coal and change of town's name to Black Diamond-Importance of fishing industry-The C. A. Hooper Com- pany's influence on industrial growth of the city-History of the Los Médanos Rancho-Change of the city's name to Pittsburg-Phenomenal growth of the city-Fire department-City Hall-Veterans' Memorial Building-Public schools-Public Library-Water system-Chamber of Commerce-Light and power facilities-Transportation-Newspapers-Banks-Post office-Principal industrial firms-Fraternal organizations.
CHAPTER VIII
ANTIOCH
143
William W. Smith, founder of Smith's Landing-Early settlers and growth of the town-Name Antioch adopted at community picnic, July 4, 1851-Brief history of the schools-Account of the organization of the churches-Lodges of the city-Discovery and mining of coal and copper- Establishment of industries-The Antioch Ledger-Banks-Population and incorporation-Fire department-Water supply-Light and power-Sewer system-City Hall-Streets-Transportation by land and water-Products- Memorial Building-Antioch Free Library-City officers.
CHAPTER IX
CONCORD
148
Townsite platted by Salvio Pacheco, Fernando Pacheco, and Francisco Galindo, 1869-Todos Santos, alias "Drunken Indian"-Early settlers-
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Lodges of the city-Churches-Schools-Banks-The Concord Sun-Incor- poration of Concord as a city of the sixth class, 1905-Population-Streets and sewers-Light, power, gas, and water supply-Fire department-Fires- Modern buildings-Mount Diablo Union High School-Libraries-Chamber of Commerce-Products-Shipping facilities-Diablo Air Mail Field Base.
CHAPTER X
CROCKETT
151
Location-Named in honor of Judge J. B. Crockett-Original townsite- California & Hawaiian Sugar Refining Company-Community center club house-Thomas Edwards, the founder of Crockett-The Edwards family home-Notes from the diary of John Edwards. Later Growth of the Town : The town in 1883-The California Beet Sugar & Refining Company-The California & Hawaiian Sugar Company-The Crockett Record and Crockett Signal-Population of the city-First National Bank and Bank of Pinole- Churches of the city-Growth of the schools-John Swett Union High School -Other modern buildings-The fire department-Crockett and Valona Busi- ness Men's Association-Citizens' Improvement Association-Lodges of Crockett-Veterans' Memorial Hospital.
CHAPTER XI
EL CERRITO 157
Founded by William F. Rust in 1888-Post office established at Rust- Incorporated as a city of the sixth class under the name El Cerrito in 1917- Establishment of schools and churches-Erection of modern school buildings- Population in 1926-Improvement of streets-City Hall-First board of trustees-Present city officials-Advantages of El Cerrito as a residential city -Clubs and associations-Assessed valuation of city property-Quarrying by Bates & Borland and the Hutchinson Company-The El Cerrito Journal- The fire department-Annexation election of 1926, and control of San Pablo Avenue.
CHAPTER XII
OTHER TOWNS OF THE COUNTY 159
Bay Point (p. 159)-Danville (p. 160) ; Mount Diablo Country Club- Alamo (p. 162)- Pacheco (p. 164)-Brentwood (p. 166)-Byron (p. 168) -Clayton (p. 171)-Oakley (p. 172)-Rodeo (p. 173)-Tormey (p. 173) -Cowell (p. 174)-Walnut Creek (p. 174)-Lafayette (p. 174)-San Ramon (p. 175)-San Pablo (p. 176)-Morgan Territory (p. 177)-Avon (p. 177)-Hercules (p. 178).
CHAPTER XIII
LIBRARY DEVELOPMENT. 178
MARTINEZ BRANCH LIBRARY (p. 178) : Work of the E. Q. V. Society and the Martinez Free Reading-Room and Library Association-Library building-Yearly circulation of books. ANTIOCH BRANCH LIBRARY (p. 179) : The Library Club-Mr. Williams' reading room for boys-Work of the Woman's Club and Library Association-Library building-Yearly circula-
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tion of books. CONCORD BRANCH LIBRARY (p. 180) : Organization and work of the Library Association-Library building-Yearly circulation of books. CROCKETT BRANCH LIBRARY (p. 181) : Library of the Crolona Men's Club -Cooperation of the California and Hawaiian Sugar Company-Library building-Yearly circulation of books. WALNUT CREEK BRANCH LIBRARY (p. 181) : Work of the Woman's Club-Library building. PITTSBURG BRANCH LIBRARY (p. 182) : Mr. Crosby's gift of books, and the opening of a library-Library building-Yearly circulation of books. RICHMOND
LIBRARY (p. 182) : Richmond Library Club formed, and library established- Cooperation of Woman's Improvement Club-Library building-West Side Branch of Richmond Public Library; yearly circulation-Stege Branch ; yearly circulation-Grant Branch-Enlargement of main library building-Yearly circulation of books. THE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM (p. 183) : Contra Costa County Free Library-Yearly circulation-History and growth-Co- operation with local branches and with schools.
CHAPTER XIV
LODGES OF THE COUNTY 184
Masonic Lodges-Royal Arch Chapters-Eastern Star Chapters-Odd Fellows Lodges-Odd Fellows' Encampments and Cantons-Odd Fellows' Hall Association-Rebekah Lodges-Knights of Pythias and Pythian Sisters- Benevolent Protective Order of Elks-Improved Order of Red Men-Native Sons of the Golden West-Native Daughters of the Golden West-Patrons of Husbandry-American Legion Posts.
CHAPTER XV
BANKS AND BANKING 192
Primitive banking methods-Contra Costa Savings & Loan Bank of Pacheco-Bank of Martinez-Bank of Antioch-Contra Costa County Bank -Bank of Pinole-First National Bank of Contra Costa County-San Ramon Valley Bank-Mechanics Bank of Richmond-First National Bank of Rich- mond-Richmond Savings Bank-First National Bank of Concord-Bank of Byron-First National Bank of Walnut Creek-Bank of Brentwood-First National Bank of Antioch-National Bank of Martinez-Bank of Oakley- Bank of Richmond-First National Bank of Crockett.
CHAPTER XVI
IRRIGATION 196
Public sentiment in favor of irrigation, as reflected by early editorials in the local press, 1876, 1879-East Contra Costa Irrigation Company (p. 197) -Knightsen Irrigation District (p. 198)-Lone Tree Irrigation District (p. 200)-Brentwood Irrigation District (p. 201)-The Bryron-Bethany Irrigation District (p. 202)-Growth of irrigation, as reflected by the press : news items, chronologically arranged, and giving additional data regarding the history of irrigation in the county.
CHAPTER XVII
THE PIONEERS: NATIVITY, NECROLOGY, BRIEF MENTION 209
Brief summaries of the lives of many of the early pioneers of the county,
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together with data of birth, marriage, and death-often under data line as given in the local press-and with the surnames arranged in alphabetical order, rather than chronological, for greater convenience of reference.
CHAPTER XVIII
GLEANINGS FROM THE FILES OF THE CONTRA COSTA GAZETTE, 1858-1926 245
A chronological presentation of excerpts from the complete set of bound volumes in the office of the Gazette in Martinez, covering the more important events, historical, political, and personal, that have occurred in Contra Costa County since the early days; tracing the gradual development and expansion of its varied interests; and recalling many interesting incidents in the lives of its pioneers.
PREFACE
In the compilation of the History of Contra Costa County for this work, the writer has pursued an uncharted course. The general State history, which introduces the story, has been taken from early publica- tions, the accuracy of which cannot be questioned. The story of Contra Costa County has been gleaned from many sources, the earliest of which was the Slocum history of 1882. This book is regarded as being fairly correct, so far as it goes, to the time of its publication. The files of the newspapers have been a source of information, as have, also, interviews with many of the oldest inhabitants. The citizens of the various cities, towns and villages have kindly supplied material, when called upon, and this has been woven into the story of their localities; also, this information has been verified by scanning the files of the newspapers, to check up on items and dates.
One feature that has never appeared in former county histories is the chapter on the early settlers who have passed away. This will be of absorbing interest, for it mentions many whose names, even, would not otherwise have been mentioned, because no representatives of their families are now in the county. The files of the Martinez Gazette, dating from September, 1858, have yielded much of the data for this chapter, as also the data for the chapter of gleanings from the local press. The value of these files to the county and State can never be estimated in dollars and cents, and they should be safeguarded for the future.
To all those who have kindly extended a helping hand, the writer wishes to extend his hearty thanks. Especial mention is due the Martinez Gazette, Martinez Standard, Crockett Signal, Antioch Ledger, Brent- wood News, Byron Times, Richmond Independent and Richmond Record- Herald. To Ed. W. Netherton the writer wishes to extend thanks for the irrigation articles; to Mrs. Alice Whitbeck, for her story of the library development; and to C. A. Odell, for his history of Richmond, the early data for which required much research work. To each and every one who has responded when called upon, acknowledgment is here given.
The publishers wish to thank the following photographers for their cooperation in supplying photographs : Lancaster Studio, Martinez ; Smith Studio, Pittsburg; and Hartsook's Studios in Stockton, Oakland and San Francisco.
The biographies of many will be missed from the section devoted to the stories of the lives of the people, as will also their portraits; not be- cause of the fault of the publishers of this book, but because it was impos- sible to impress upon many the importance of recording for posterity their life histories and family records. In other cases the life history has been omitted out of deference to the wishes of some member of the family.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
The growth of Contra Costa County is so rapid, with its many and varied opportunities on every hand, that it has been impossible to give a fully detailed record of the achievements of the past few decades; it is to be hoped that these will be more amply recorded in some work of a future date, when what is now taking place shall have become settled history.
The publishers have asked no remuneration from any quarter, and have made no charge for printing any material; their only source of revenue has been from the sale of the history. To all those who have supported the work, thanks are here given. We feel sure that in the com- ing years this History of Contra Costa County will prove invaluable, and will be a source of gratification to the families of those mentioned herein.
HISTORIC RECORD COMPANY, Inc.
Los Angeles, Cal., December 16, 1926.
COURT HOUSE, MARTINEZ, CALIF 36 sent using
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTORY: THE EARLY HISTORY OF CALIFORNIA
For centuries before the discovery of America, there had been a vague tradition of a land lying somewhere in the seemingly limitless expanse of ocean stretching westward from the shores of Europe. When Columbus proved the existence of a new world beyond the Atlantic, his discovery did not altogether dispel the mysteries and superstitions that for ages had enshrouded the fabled Atlantis, the lost continent of the Hesperides. Romance and credulity had much to do with hastening the exploration of the newly discovered western world. Its interior might hold wonderful possibilities for wealth, fame and conquest to the adventurers who should penetrate its dark unknown.
The fabled fountain of youth lured Ponce de Leon over many a league in the wilds of Florida; and although he found no spring spouting forth the elixir of life, he explored a rich and fertile country, in which the Spaniards planted the first settlement ever made within the territory now held by the United States.
.When Cortez's lieutenant, Gonzalo de Sandoval, gave his superior officer an account of a wonderful island ten days westward from the Pacific Coast of Mexico, inhabited by women only, and exceedingly rich in pearls and gold, although he no doubt derived his story from Montalvo's romance, the "Sergas de Esplandian," a popular novel of that day, yet Cortez seems to have given credence to his subordinate's tale, and kept in view the conquest of the island.
SPANISH AND ENGLISH EXPLORATIONS AND DISCOVERIES
To the energy and enterprise of Hernan Cortez is due the early exploration of the northwest coast of North America. In 1522, Cortez established a shipyard at Zacatula, the most northern port on the Pacific coast of the country that he had just conquered. Here he intended to build ships to explore the upper coast of the South Sea (as the Pacific Ocean was then called) ; but his good fortune, that had hitherto given success to his undertakings, seemed to have deserted him, and disaster fol- lowed disaster. He finally, in 1527, succeeded in launching four ships. V
34
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Three of these were taken possession of by the king's orders for service in the East Indies. The fourth and the smallest made a short voyage up the coast. The commander, Maldonado, returned with glowing reports of a rich country he had discovered.
In 1528 Cortez was unjustly deprived of the government of the coun- try he had conquered. His successor, Nuno de Guzman, president of the royal audiencia, as the new form of government for New Spain (Mexico) was called, had pursued him for years with the malignity of a demon. Cortez returned to Spain to defend himself against the rancorous and malignant charges of his enemies. He was received at court with a show of high honors, which in reality were hollow professions of friendship and insincere expressions of esteem. He was rewarded by the bestowal of an empty title. He was empowered to conquer and colonize countries at his own expense, for which he was to receive the twelfth part of the revenue. Cortez returned to Mexico, and in 1532 he had two ships fitted out, which sailed from Acapulco, in June of that year, up the coast of Jalisco. Por- tions of the crews of each vessel mutinied. The mutineers were put aboard of the vessel commanded by Mazuela; and the other vessels, commanded by Hurtardo, continued the voyage as far as the Yaqui country. Here, having landed in search of provisions, the natives massacred the com- mander and all the crew. The crew of the other vessel shared the same fate lower down the coast. The stranded vessel was afterwards plundered and dismantled by Nuno de Guzman, who was about as much of a savage as the predatory and murderous natives.
In 1533 Cortez, undismayed by his disasters, fitted out two more ships for the exploration of the northern coast of Mexico. On board one of these ships, commanded by Bercerra de Mendoza, the crew, headed by the chief pilot, Jiminez, mutinied. Mendoza was killed and all who would not join the mutineers were forced to go ashore on the coast of Jalisco. The mutineers, to escape punishment by the authorities, under the command of the pilot, Fortuno Jiminez, sailed westerly away from the coast of the mainland. After several days' sailing out of sight of land, they discovered what they supposed to be an island. They landed at a place now known as La Paz, Lower California. Here Jiminez and twenty of his confederates were killed by the Indians, or their fellow mutineers, it is uncertain which. The survivors of the ill-fated expedition managed to navigate the vessel back to Jalisco, where they reported the discovery of an island rich in gold and pearls. This fabrication doubtlessly saved their necks. There is no record of their punishment for mutiny. Cortez's other ship accomplished even less than the one captured by the mutineers. Grixalvo, the com- mander of this vessel, discovered a desolate island, forty leagues south of Cape San Lucas, which he named Santo Tomas.
Cortez, having heard of Jiminez's discovery, and possibly believing it to be Sandoval's isle of the Amazons, rich with gold and pearls, set about building more ships for exploration and for the colonization of the island.
35
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
He ordered the building of three ships at Tehauntepec. The royal audien- cia having failed to give him any redress or protection against Nuno de Guzman, he determined to punish him himself. Collecting a considerable force of cavaliers and soldiers, he marched to Chiametla. There he found his vessel, La Concepcion, lying on her beam ends, a wreck, and plundered of everything of value. He failed to find Guzman, that worthy having taken a hasty departure before his arrival. His ships having come up from Tehauntepec, he embarked as many soldiers and settlers as his vessels would carry, and sailed away for Jiminez's island. May 3, 1535, he landed at the port where Jiminez and his fellow mutineers were killed, which he named Santa Cruz. The colonists were landed on the supposed island and the ships were sent back to Chiametla for the remainder of the settlers. The vessels became separated on the gulf in a storm and the smaller of the three returned to Santa Cruz. Embarking in it, Cortez set sail to find his missing ships. He found them at the port of Guayabal, one loaded with provisions, the other dismantled and run ashore. Its sailors had de- serted and 'those of the other ship were about to follow. Cortez stopped this, took command of the vessels and had them repaired, and then set sail for his colony.
Finding the interior of the supposed island as desolate and forbidding as the coast, and the native inhabitants degraded and brutal savages, with- out houses or clothing, living on vermin, insects and the scant products of the sterile land, Cortez determined to abandon his colonization scheme. Gathering together the wretched survivors of his colony, he embarked them on his ships and in the early part of 1537 landed them in the port of Acapulco.
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