A memorial and biographical history of the counties of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura, California Containing a history of this important section of the Pacific coast from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospective future; with full-page steel portraits of its most eminent men, and biographical mention of many of its pioneers and also of prominent citizens of to-day, Part 10

Author: Storke, Yda Addis
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Chicago, The Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 738

USA > California > San Luis Obispo County > A memorial and biographical history of the counties of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura, California Containing a history of this important section of the Pacific coast from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospective future; with full-page steel portraits of its most eminent men, and biographical mention of many of its pioneers and also of prominent citizens of to-day > Part 10
USA > California > Santa Barbara County > A memorial and biographical history of the counties of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura, California Containing a history of this important section of the Pacific coast from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospective future; with full-page steel portraits of its most eminent men, and biographical mention of many of its pioneers and also of prominent citizens of to-day > Part 10
USA > California > Ventura County > A memorial and biographical history of the counties of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura, California Containing a history of this important section of the Pacific coast from the earliest period of its occupancy to the present time, together with glimpses of its prospective future; with full-page steel portraits of its most eminent men, and biographical mention of many of its pioneers and also of prominent citizens of to-day > Part 10

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY.

Recently, under promises of a speedy resump- tion of work upon the railroad, financial affairs have assumed a better aspect, and a more healthful feeling has been given to business.

During the boom of 1887 there were re . corded twenty-eight sales ranging from $10,- 000 to $250,000, which alone aggregated $1,679,000. There were, further, about $500,000 worth of property covered by bonds; and at the lowest estimate $3,000,000 in sales of smaller figures than those just given; thus during seven months of that year over $5,- 000,000 changed hands.

During the same period of seven months, at least $500,000 were expended in improve- ments, buildings, etc.

The Santa Barbara postoffice is of the sec- ond class; its staff comprises a postmaster (salary $2,300) and three assistants. The total receipts of the postal account average $8,000 per annum. The registry business comprises about 3,000 pieces yearly. The money order business, domestic and interna- tional, and postal notes, paid, for 1890, are estimated at $35,000; postal money orders and postal notes issued approximate $25,000 per annum. There are in this office 675 boxes, of which perhaps eighty per cent. are rented at 75 cents per quarter.

Santa Barbara has had free postal delivery since July 15, 1890, there. being three car- riers, at $600 per year.

The city officials of Santa Barbara, Sep- tember, 1890, are as follows: Mayor, P. J. Barber; Councilmen, Jos. B. Wentling, Frank P. Moore, M. F. Burke, C. E. Sher- man, H. B. Brastow; Police Judge, W. H. Wheaton; Assessor, A. Davis; Treasurer, Ulpiano Yndart; City Attorney, Thomas Mc- Nulta; Tax Collector, W. S. Maris; Clerk, F. N. Gutierrez; Surveyor, Engineer and Street Superintendent, John K. Harrington;

Janitor and Fire Engineer, J. T. Stewart; Marshal, D. W. Martin; Night Watchmen, G. J. Fullington, Thomas Knightly; School Trustees, C. A. Storke, George F. Trenwith, and J. T. Johnston.

The old graveyard adjoining the Santa Barbara Mission must have received 6,000 to 10,000 dead into its narrow limits.

Soon after the coming of the Americans, a site for a new cemetery was chosen on the hillside, immediately north of the town. The town plat, when surveyed, was found to in- clude portions of this ground; and as the city was built up about it, much complaint was made of the interment of bodies there, and further use was prohibited by a city ordi- nance. This was, however, disregarded by the then president of the Mission, and so the grand jury took up the question, in Septem- ber, 1873, and burials here were then discon - tinued. Thomas Hope donated a tract of --- acres in a district lying about five miles from Santa Barbara, toward the Patera, and this is the present Roman Catholic burying ground.

THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.

The first movement toward the establish- ment of a public library originated with the order of Odd Fellows, which organization had procured a collection of books, and main- tained for a time a library under their own auspices. Circumstances arose which caused the discontinuance of this library, and the books were removed from circulation and stored away for a considerable time.

Under the regulations of "An Act to Es- tablish Free Public Libraries and Reading Rooms, approved by the Legislature of Cali fornia, April 26, 1880, the city council, in session of February 16, 1882. adopted a res olution to establish such an institution, and five trustees were accordingly voted for at the next election of city officers, T. B. Dibblee,

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY.

James M. Short, O. N. Dimmick, W. E. Noble, and S. B. P. Knox being elected.

After a number of preliminary meetings a permanent organization was effected, Dr. S. B. P. Knox being elected permanent presi- dent, and James M. Short permanent secre- tary.

The custodians of the former Odd Fellowa' Library donated all the books, etc., which had belonged to that institution, and which were formally accepted by the trustees of the Santa Barbara Free Public Library.

The books so delivered comprised 2,921 volumes; to these, during the first year, were added by purchase 300, and by donation 252 volumes.

A set of very liberal rules and regulations were adopted, and Mrs. Mary Page was elected librarian.

The library at present contains 5,740 well- selected volumes, and it issues 3,974 cards, each representing a drawer of books. Fiction represents the greatest demand from readers, and next come travels, history, and miscel- laneons works. The rooms are comfortably fitted, and every care is taken to provide for their profitable use by readers and students. Mrs. M. C. Rust, the present librarian, has been the incumbent for the past few years, and Mrs. F. C. Lord her assistant. Both ladies are attentive, courteous and capable in the discharge of their duties.

THE SANTA BARBARA NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY.

In December, 1876, this society was or- ganized with a list of twenty-one members and the following officers: President, Rev. Stephen Bowers; Vice Presidents, Mrs. Ell- wood Cooper, H. C. Ford, L. N. Dimmick; Treasurer, Dr. Mason: Corresponding Secre- tary, Mrs. H. G. Otis; Recording Secretary, Miss Abbie I. Hails; Curator, Prof. Al- phonse Bel.

The objects of the society, as set forth in its constitution, are, "The increase and diffu- sion of knowledge of the natural sciences, by the establishment of a museum, the read- ing and publication of original papers," etc.

For the first two years of its existence, the society met in the Santa Barbara College building. Its property at this time consisted of a few specimens, contained in one case, and a few books and pamphlets. Removing hence, the society occupied until 1883 a place in the public library, owned by the I. O. O. F. During this period, little progress was made. In 1883 a new impetus was given by the transfer of about 1,200 volumes of Gov- ernment publications, which had been in charge of the Santa Barbara College. Funds were now donated by the citizens for the pur- chase of necessary furniture and book-cases.

In 1884 the society removed from rented rooms to two fine rooms adjoining the Free Public Library, liberally offered by the pro- prietors of the Clock Building. During this year, from the proceeds of an entertainment given by the citizens, there was purchased a collection of archæological specimens, valued at $300.

For many years, large numbers of fine ethnological and archæological specimens, im- possible to replace, had been unearthed and carried from this section by Government ex- peditions, agents of foreign museums, col_ lectors for institutions in other States, and innumerable individuals collecting for specu- lation. The Natural History Society has done energetic and most desirable service in checking this movement, and in collecting and preserving for the use of this section relics thereunto appertaining. The museum and library have been steadily increasing, by donations and by purchase. This society's library is a depository-and the only one south of San Francisco-of all the publica-

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY.

tions issued by the United States Govern- ment, exceedingly useful as works of reference. These rooms are accessible to all during the public library hours, but books may be taken ont only by members of the society.

The museum contains: In entomology, 299 species; ornithology, 85 mounted birds, 6 nests, 132 eggs; mammals, 5 species, mounted; conchology, about 900 species ma- rine and fresh-water shells; crustacea, 12 marine specimens, numerous corals; reptiles, 33 species, in alcohol; botanical, marine algæ, 330 species; flowering plants, abont 2,000 mounted specimens, 80 miscellaneous vari- eties; geological, 69 fossils, corals, crinoids, fish, shells, and insects; minerals, over 500 specimens; Indian relics, over 700 varieties, very interesting; bound volumes, 2,053; pam- phlets and parts of volumes, 3,534; a large painting, by Henry C. Ford of "the Grizzly Giant," Sequoia gigantea; a stone chair used by the Incas of South America, found near Guayaquil; numerous photographs and curios.

The present officers of the society are: President, H. C. Ford; Vice Presidents, L. G. Yates, James W. Calkins, Mrs. A. A. Boyce; Treasurer, Mrs. Mary A. Ashley; Corresponding and Recording Secretary, L. G. Yates; Curator and Librarian, Mrs. C. F. Lord; Publication Committee, H. C. Ford, L. G. Yates.

The society has a membership of over forty-five, of whom, however, not very many are active members. It is proper to note that Henry Chapman Ford, president of the society, is a painter of some distinction, and that to his devotion and enthusiasm are due his charming etchings and studies in oil of the old missions, being the only pictures in existence of the entire chain of those his- toric structures, now mostly fallen to ruin.

Dr. Lorenzo Gordin Yates, corresponding and recording secretary, has been honored by

election as a Fellow of the Linnean Society of London, a distinction enjoyed by only six citizens of the United States. Dr. Yates, assisted by John Gilbert Baker, F. R. S., of the Royal Herbarium at Kew, is about to publish a list of " All Known Ferns," which will be a valuable contribution to fern knowl- edge.

The librarian and curator, Mrs. C. F. Lord, is most energetic, assiduous, and efficient in her duties, and courteous in her treatment of persons visiting the rooms.

FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS.

The fraternal organizations of Santa Bar- bara are as follows:

Santa Barbara Lodge, No. 192, F. & A. M .: E. G. Dodge, W. M .; W. B. Squier, Secretary.

Magnolia Lodge, No. 242, F. & A. M .: B. F. Thomas, W. M .; R. D. Smith, Secretary.

Corinthian Chapter, No. 51, Royal Arch Masons: J. W. Hiller, High Priest; A. B. Williams, Secretary.

St. Omar Commandery, No. 30, Knights Templar; Sir F. M. Casal, E. C .; Sir J. H. Anstin, Recorder.

Santa Barbara Lodge, No. 156, I. O. O. F .: D. O. Kelly, N. G .; T. R. Dawe, Secretary, Channel City Lodge, No. 232, I. O. O. F .: C. S. Sawyer, N. G .; W. H. Stafford, R. S. Santa Barbara Encampment, No. 52, I. O. O. F., organized December, 1875: J. M. Hol- loway, C. P .; Fred Forbush, Scribe.

Santa Barbara Lodge, K. of P., No. 25, organized in 1876: S. W. Ireland, C. C .; A. Davis, K. of R. and S.

Castle Rock Lodge, K of P., No. 151, or- ganized in 1886: L. Brooks, C. C .; J. L. Hurlbut, K. of R. and S.

A. O. U. W., Lodge No. 172, organized in 1881: J. T. Johnson, W. M .; W. HI. Myers, Recorder.

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY.

Santa Barbara Parlor, No. 116, Native Sons of the Golden West: W. H. Maris, President; C. J. Murphy, Secretary.

Branch No. 39, Young Men's Institute: L. F. Ruiz, President; Rudolph Wakurka, Secretary.

Young Men's Christian Association and Free Reading Room, organized April, 1888.

Starr King Post, No. 52, Department of California, G. A. R .: H. M. Van Winkle, Post Commander; F. A. Rowan, Adjutant; A. Davis, Quartermaster.

Starr King Woman's Relief Corps: Flor- ence Salada, Mrs. E. J. Thompson, Secretary.

Marguerite Chapter, No. 78, O. E. S .: Mrs. N. M. Axtell, W. M .; Eli Rundell, Secretary.

Woman's Christian Temperance Union: Mrs. H. D. Vail, President; Mrs. M. F. Clapp, Secretary.

CHURCHES.

With the advent of Americans, other than Catholic churches were speedily organized in the county. As early as 1854, Rev. Adam Bland, Presiding Elder of the Los Angeles Circuit of the Methodist Episcopal Church, held services here, and thus this denomina- tion may be called really the pioneer of Prot- estantism in this county, although not the first to organize.

The circumstances were adverse to organ- ization up to 1868, when the Rev. R. R. Dunlap was appointed to the charge of the community embracing Santa Barbara, La Pa- tera, Montecito, Carpenteria and San Bnena- ventura, although there was no organized society in any of these places. In 1868, Rev. P. Y. Cool was appointed to the service, and succeeded in organizing a church with eight- een members, and building a parsonage and chapel. The first worship was conducted in the court-house, then called the Egerea House. The native population were much opposed to

having Protestant service in the town, but offered no violence, although resorting to an- noying disturbances, such as cansing the squealing of hogs and the howling of dogs to interrupt the service. The public school- house also was at one time used for holding service.

On July 17, 1869, the contract was let for a new brick church which cost $5,824.75, which was dedicated December 5, 1869. At the end of Mr. Cool's three-year pastorate, there were sixty-one members and parishion- ers. When the present incumbent, E. W. Caswell, was appointed, September, 1888, the charge numbered 210 members and parish- ioners, with an average attendance of 128 Sunday-school scholars.

The Parochial Church (Catholic) of Santa Barbara was built in 1853 by the Franciscans. In 1855 Bishop J. Amat arrived and took possession. In 1865 the church was burned, and rebuilding was begun in 1866. The first pastor was V. R. B. Rajo, who remained in charge only ten months, being succeeded by Rev. F. Torrentian, who was in 1887, in his turn, succeeded by V. R. F. James Vila, the present incumbent, who has the entire charge, wholly independent of the mission, the friars having nothing to do with the administration of the parish. Father Vila is assisted by Father M. G. G. B. F. Cesari.

Trinity Church .- In March, 1867, Rev. T. G. Williams having been sent to Santa Bar- bara by the bishop, a meeting of Episcopa- lians was held, a board of trustees elected, and a church incorporated under the name of " Trinity." Services were held regularly in the old brick school-house until Christ- mas-day, 1869, when, a brick church having been built, the first Protestant place of wor- ship in the county was opened. The interior of the church at that time was unfinished. This church was used continuously up to

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY.

1887. Late in 1886, in anticipation of the speedy arrival of the railroad, and the conse- quent probable great increase of the congre- gation, movements were taken to secure larger quarters. Wm. R. Broome donated a valuable lot, and a handsome building was thereupon erected. Although the edifice was not yet complete, on Easter Sunday, 1888, Rev. Dr. John Bakewell held the first service therein, to a congregation of over 500 persons; and on July 29, Rt. Rev. Bishop Kip, as- sisted by the Dean of the diccere, formally opened the new church, under the old name of "Trinity." This church has now (October, 1890) been without a pastor since August.

St. Mark's Episcopal Church was organ- ized in the spring of 1876, with Rev. Robert Scott as pastor. A suitable edifice was built, but it was sold to the Baptist congregation when St. Mark's re-united with Trinity Church, from which it was an offshoot.

The Congregational Church had services here as early as 1866, when Rev. J. A. John- son preached his first sermon in the court- house. At the close of the service, a resolu- tion was adopted, asking him to remain in the town and organize a church society, which he did. In 1867 a permanent society was or- ganized. Mr. Johnson's ministry closed in 1869. In 1870 a new brick church was ded- icated, built at a cost of $9,000 on a lot do- nated for the purpose. The present pastor, Rev. C. T. Weitzel, was installed in 1887.

The Presbyterian Church was organized in June, 1869, under Rev. Thomas Frazer, with an enrollment of nineteen members, many being ex-members of the congregation organized by Mr. Johnson. Rev. H. H. Dubbins was the first pastor, and the next, Dr. Phelps, who increased the congregation to nearly 100. In 1874 was built a church costing $15,000. The present pastor is A. H. Carrier.

The Baptist Church was organized in 1874. The first pastor was H. I. Parker. In 1875 this congregation purchased the old Presby- terian chapel, and in 1882 St. Mark's (an off- shoot from Trinity), which is still their place of worship. Rev. Alex. Grant is the present pastor.

The Unitarian Church was organized about 1880. The present place of worship is a chapel on State street, near which is building a handsome new stone chapel for this denom- ination at a cost of $28.000. Rev. Philip S. Thacher is pastor.

The Christian Church was organized here in 1888. Rev. T. D. Garvin is pastor. Serv- ice is held in the old Trinity chapel.

The Holiness Church was organized in 1884. The pastor is J. A. Foster.

The Faith Mission was established in 1884. Mrs. E. J. Scudder is pastor.

In 1889 a very handsome church was built, a ta cost of $16,000. In 1887, the East Santa Barbara Methodist Church was organ- ized, a lot was purchased, and a new church erected, at a cost of $2,100.

The Methodist Church, South, was organ- ized in 1889, and a church building is being erected.

BANKS.

The First National Bank is the pioneer financial institution of this county. It was organized in 1873; its president being Mort- imer Cook, and the other officers the present ones. In 1876 was completed the present bank block at the corner of State street and Cañon Perdido, an imposing three-story brick structure.

This bank at present controls a system of safe deposit vaults also.

The officers are: J. W. Calkins, president; Hugh D. Vail, vice-president; A. L. Lin- coln, ashier; H. P. Lincoln, assistant cashier.

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY.

The Santa Barbara County National Bank was organized in July, 1875, as a State insti- tution, being then known as the Santa Bar- bara County Bank, with a paid up capital of $50,000. In February, 1880, it was reorgan- ized under the National Banking Laws, tak- ing its present title. About the end of 1886 its capital was increased to $100,000. Its statement for August, 1887, showed an increase in business of nearly $200,000 over that shown in December, 1886. The officials of the bank are as follows: William M. Eddy, president; Jolin Edwards, vice-president; Eugene S. Sheffield, cashier; Charles A. Ed- wards, assistant cashier. These officers are the same in charge since the beginning, save the assistant cashier, lately added.

The Santa Barbara Savings Bank was in- corporated September, 1886, opening its doors for business in December, 1886, with a capi- tal of $50,000. In October, 1887, it was merged in the Commercial Bank, incorporated August, 1887, which commenced business October 1, 1887. Its officers at organization were: John H. Redington, president; E. B. Hall, vice-president; W. B. Metcalf, cashier. The present officers are: George S. Edwards, president; E. B. Hall, vice-president; W. B. Metcalf, cashier. This bank expects to occupy, by January 1, 1891, its own new edifice, now building on State street.

THE COURT-HOUSE

was built in 1872. For years past, constant complaints had come in from successive grand juries of the total inefficiency of the court-house and jail, from which prisoners could escape alinost at will. The murderer of Abadie had thus escaped, after some $1,700 had been spent for guarding him. After many delays on the score of deficiency of funds, the board of supervisors requested the legislature to pass a bill authorizing the

issne of bonds, not to exceed $50,000, bear- ing interest at seven per cent. per annum, payable in thirty years from date. The bill was passed, and plans called for, that of P. J. Barber being selected from among the many offered. From the many bids received, that of Edward R. Fogarty, for $16,825 for car- penter work, was accepted, and two bids of Stevens and Joyner, for $16,595 and $1,922, for regular and for supplementary mason- work, respectively. The corner-stone was laid on October 5, 1872. The architecture is pure Corinthian in order. The edifice has a cupola, and a surmonnted dome, with lan- tern finish. The general plan has the form of a Greek cross. The material is brick and iron, upon a stone foundation. Originally, and for many years, the jail was situated in the basement of the main building. Be- sides the court-rooms and judges' chambers, the court-house contains the offices of all the connty officials except the recorder. The building cost some $60,000. Within the last few years there has been placed in it a fine steel lined vault for the safe-keeping of the county's treasure and court records.

THE COUNTY JAIL

was built in 1876, at a cost of about $9,000. It is 28 x 36 feet, and contains an office, sitting- room, dining-room, kitchen, pantry, closet, and hall. In the second story are three large cells for female prisoners, the main entrance to which is through a wrought-iron skeleton door. The prison part of the jail is 28 x 31 feet over the ground, and one story high. The floor is of stone, save in the prisons, where it is of three-eighth inch steam-boiler iron, overlaid with wood. Entering through the iron door, one reaches the hall, which is six feet wide, and rnns the full length of the building. This hall is made of iron bars, three fourths of an inch square, set on end,

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY.

three inches apart, between the floor and the ceiling, with iron doors at the left and right, opening into the cells, eight In number. The doors are opened by levers from the main hall. The cells are seven feet long, six wide, and eight high. During the day, the pris- oners have the freedom of the hall, being locked up at night. The ceiling, floor, parti- tions, and doors of the cell, are all made of the boiler iron aforesaid.

THE SANTA BARBARA COUNTY HOSPITAL, POOR FARM, AND ALMS-HOUSE,

(for these establishments are combined in one), is situated just outside the city limits on the east. The grounds cover an area of about ten acres, sufficing for the raising of fruits and vegetables in a garden and orchard attached to the premises. The board of supervisors each year appoints a county phy- sician and a hospital superintendent, and nurses are employed as needed. There are at present one female and about twenty male inmates. The percentage of females seeking assistance here is small, owing to the same reason which accounts for the fact that the character of the inmates is rapidly changing; formerly they were mostly acute cases, but now they are mainly chronic. This is because very many of those received here are either tramps, or sick persons who reach Santa Bar- bara with means of support for a few days only, after which they become objects of charity. Dr. S. B. P. Knox, who is the pres- ent incumbent, has been county physician for some eight years in all, at one time filling the office for six years in succession.

Besides the inmates of the poor farm, the county has some forty pensioners, mostly of Spanish-American blood, who live at their own dwellings, or with relatives, and receive a monthly allowance of $4, $6, or $8. 5

RAILROADS.

From time to time movements have been made in Santa Barbara to secure the running of railways, of various lines, through this section. Meetings had been held, resolutions adopted, and memorials drawn up, but all to very little, in fact to no, purpose.

Only when it was clear that self-interest was thoroughly warranted, when further de- lay would positively divert an important and desirable revenue into other channels, when the rich products of this section guaranteed freight shipments to warrant extortions, the railroad at last condescended.

On the afternoon of Friday, August 19, 1887, the first regular passenger train pulled into Santa Barbara, with a large number of visitors from Los Angeles, Ventura, and other neighboring cities. At the same time arrived a special excursion train from San Francisco, with a load of railway officials and other parties interested in Santa Barbara. Altogether, it is estimated that about 5,000 people visited the city during this railway jubilee celebration. The hotel accommoda- tions proving inadequate, the houses of the citizens were thrown open in generous hospi- tality to the visiting strangers, who were met at the station, with bands and couveyances, and driven about the city. In the evening was given at the Arlington a grand banquet, at which sat down fifty of the guests, witlı fifty of the leading citizens. Also there were read many letters and telegrams of re- grets from prominent State officials and railway magnates. Speeches and toasts were offered, and congratulations on this event for Santa Barbara. The next day, Saturday, August 20, there was a grand parade at 10 A. M., in which participated the public or- ganizations of Santa Barbara and other points in the county, as well as many features of individual representation. The procession

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY.

was headed by the Presidio Band, of San Francisco, and the local bands followed at intervals. One of the most interesting feat- ures was the illustration of the successive stages of progress in land transportation- the pack-mule, the stage coach of 1860, and the Pullman car of 1887. Many of the de- signs displayed upon floats in the procession were developed in the flowers for which this section is justly famous. At noon, the pro- cession moved to Burton Monnd, where the Santa Barbara ladies served a complimentary lunchcon to the citizens and the visitors, after which this large and enthusiastic throng listened, before adjourning, to other speeches.

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Author: Storke, Yda Addis Publication date: 1891 Publisher: Chicago, The Lewis Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 738

Author: Storke, Yda Addis
Publication date: 1891
Publisher: Chicago, The Lewis Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 738