History of Alameda County, California : including its geology, topography, soil, and productions, Part 63

Author: Munro-Fraser, J. P
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Oakland, Calif. : M.W. Wood
Number of Pages: 1206

USA > California > Alameda County > History of Alameda County, California : including its geology, topography, soil, and productions > Part 63

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1877 .- Upon the death of Mr. Amerman, the Board of Trustees, under date February 14th, in meeting assembled, passed the following laudatory and condolatory resolutions :-

" WHEREAS, It has pleased Almighty God in his divine wisdom to remove from our midst our beloved friend Hon. I. A. Amerman, whose enterprise, public spirit, and sociability have endeared him to the citizens of San Leandro, and for whom they entertain the highest respect and feel that they have just cause to mourn his loss. He was chiefly instrumental in framing the Incorporate Act for the town of San Leandro, also ably discharged the arduous duties of the first President of the Board of Trustees. His familiar voice we had the pleasure of listening to in the dedication of the Hall a few weeks ago.

" Resolved, That as a token of our respect and esteem, we adjourn our present meeting to February 17, 1877."

On May 7th the annual election took place, when there were elected: Joseph De Mont, Socrates Huff, J. A. Estudillo, M. C. La Grange, W. W. Reid, Board of Trus- tees; John Cleland, Assessor; J. A. Murphy, Clerk; J. H. Shirley, Marshal; W. D. Smith, Treasurer; Joseph Collingridge, Justice of the Peace.

1878 .- On April 29th, George Fleming was appointed Town Clerk in the place of J. A. Murphy, deceased; while, May 6th, R. McIntyre, O. H. Christie, F. Meyers, H. C. Powell, and I. H. Stone were elected the Board of Trustees; and John Cleland, Assessor; N. C. Lawrence, Clerk; W. D. Smith, Treasurer; J. H. Shirley, Marshal; M. L. Rawson, Justice of the Peace.

1879 .- The officers for this year, elected May 5th, were: O. H. Christie, Samuel Dasher, L. C. Morehouse, George Smith, J. S. Knowles, Sr., Board of Trustees; Fred- erick Eber, Assessor; M. L. Rawson, Clerk; J. H. Shirley, Marshal; W. D. Smith, Treasurer; J. W. Hodgkin, Justice of the Peace.

1880 .- In this year the municipality was elected on May 3d as follows: R. Par- ker, T. P. Carey, J. S. Knowles, H. F. Crane, L. C. Morehouse, Board of Trustees; H. F. Eber, Assessor; A. Robinson, Clerk; W. J. Stratton, Marshal; W. D. Smith, Treas- urer; J. W. Hodgkin, Justice of the Peace.

yours July Ma

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EDEN TOWNSHIP.

1881 .- On the 2d of May the annual election for the town officials was held, and the following result attained: T. P. Cary, J. S. Knowles, J. E. Quinn, A. F. Crane Board of Trustees; D. K. Pratt, Marshal; H. F. Eber, Assessor; A. Robinson, Clerk; W. D. Smith, Treasurer. Owing to a tie vote with Mr. Huff at the annual election, on May 21st, R. Parker was chosen for a seat at the Board of Trustees. On July 25th M. L. Rawson was appointed Clerk vice Robinson; and, on November 21st, the following resolution was spread upon the minutes of the Trustees :-

" WHEREAS, Since the last meeting of this Board, one of its members, J. S. Knowles, has been, by the hand of death, removed from the community and from the Board; and

" WHEREAS, We, in common with all the inhabitants of this town, deeply regret our loss, as well as the loss to our community of a man of such worthy character and a citizen of so much usefulness; therefore be it

" Resolved, That out of respect to his memory this Board do now adjourn until to-morrow evening at half- past seven o'clock, and that this resolution be spread upon the minutes of this Board."

Owing to the demise of Mr. Knowles, on the 5th December, O. H. Christie was called to a seat at the Board of Trustees in his stead.

1882 .- At the annual election held on the first of May, the following gentlemen were chosen the corporate officers for the year 1882-83: O. H. Christie, E. Kirkman, F. S. Dickinson, T. P. Cary, Henry Motz, Board of Trustees; H. F. Eber, Assessor; F. M. Pratt, Clerk, D. K. Pratt, Marshal; W. D. Smith, Treasurer.

We can think of no place in California that has profited more by being incor- porated than has San Leandro. The municipality have displayed good judgment in their actions, and by a wonderful unanimity in their meetings the result is seen in the perfection of streets, and the highest degree of sanitary purification.

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH .- The first services of this denomination were held by Rev. J. M. Alexander on August 25, 1864, and on February 11, 1866, the church was organized with eighteen members, preparatory services being held by Revs. S. Wells, L. Hamilton, and J. M. Alexander. On April 28, 1869, the church edifice was dedi- cated and Rev. J. M. Alexander occupied the pulpit till the 23d of May, when, resign- ing, he was succeeded by Rev. A. H. Sloat on September 12, 1869. After preaching only a few times, that gentleman left in consequence of ill-health, then the duties were undertaken by Rev. A. F. White, who commenced his labors on the last Sunday in October, 1869. He resigned December 14, 1873, and was succeeded in turn by the following clergymen: Rev. W. Alexander, January 1, 1874; Rev. Tracy Oviatt, November 1, 1874; Rev. Hiram Hill, January 6, 1878, who, leaving on August 6, 1882, was succeeded by Rev. Theo. Beaizley, who commenced August 13, 1882. The pres- ent number of members is sixty-three, while there are one hundred and fifty attend- ants at the Sabbath-school.

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH .-- This church was commenced in the month of January, 1864, and is one of the most architecturally beautiful erections in the county. It is gothic in style, thirty-two by fifty feet in dimensions, and is surmounted with a spire ninety-six feet in height. It was dedicated in August, 1864.

EDEN LODGE, F. AND A. M .- This lodge was organized February 14,

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HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.

1857, by Bro. J. F. Damon, with the following charter members: Joseph De Mont, P. E. Edmondson, J. L. Noble Hamilton, William G. Hamilton, Lewis Lengfeldt, Will- iam C. Pease, John W. Carrick, Joseph H. Taylor, Charles B. Tool, J. L. Shiman, the original officers being: P. E. Edmondson, W. M .; Lewis Lengfeldt, S. W .; Joseph De Mont, J. W .; Charles B. Tool, Treasurer; William C. Pease, Secretary; Joseph H. Tay- lor, S. D .; John W. Carrick, J. D .; John L. Shiman, Tyler. There are at present fifty-three members on the roll, and the officers for the current term are: John F. Burdick, W. M .; Frank W. Boardman, S. W .; Alonzo A. Ferreira, J. W .; J. F. E. Hopper, Treasurer; Charles H. Haile, Secretary; William S. Du Bois, S. D .; Manuel J. Cardoza, J. D .; William W. Reid, Tyler. The hall which was built in 1857, and the lot on which it stands, is owned by the Lodge, while she is the mother of five lodges in the county, a sufficient number having gone forth from her sheltering ægis to open that number of like institutions in different portions of Alameda. Eden Lodge is in a very flourishing condition

SAN LEANDRO LODGE, NO. 231, I. O. O. F .- Was organized June 8, 1875, with the following charter members: H. A. Hale, P. G .; F. W. Greeley, Ezra Smith, J. Lar- son, F. D. Moran, J. T. Krudleberger, J. F. E. Hopper, A. Lucio, G. S. E. Smith, G. H. Payne, W. J. Stratton. The first officers were: H. A. Hale, N. G .; G. H. Payne, V. G .; J. T. Krudleberger, Secretary. The present membership is fifty-seven, and the officers now serving are: Frank Boardman, Jr., P. G .; George Larson, N. G .; Manuel Avellar, V. G .; A. Lucio, Rec. Sec .; F. D. Moran, Treas .; David Ury, Per. Sec. It meets in their own hall, which was built in 1880 and dedicated in 1881, every Tuesday evening; and is in a flourishing condition.

SAN LEANDRO LODGE, NO. 12, A. O. U. W .- Was organized December II, 1877, with the following charter members: William H. Hodgkins, Robert Parker, P. N. Coughill, Jacob H. Shirley, Joseph Wallace, Eugene W. Smith, David Ury, Henry F. Eber, Alex. Robinson, Joseph Martin, H. C. Powell, Nelson McCune, Joseph A. Miller, Samuel Dasher, David J. Shields, James McDonald, Ezra Smith, O. H. Chris- tie, H. A. Hale, Louis J. Martin, Manuel J. Cardoza, Alonzo A. Ferreira. The first officers were: J. A. Miller, P. M. W .; O. H. Christie, M. W .; A. Robinson, G. F .; N. C. Powell, O .; H. F. Eber, Recr .; D. Ury, Fin .; R. Parker, Rec .; James McDonald, G .; E. W. Smith, I. W .; Joseph Wallace, O. W. The present number of members in good standing is forty-seven, and the officers for the current term are: N. G. Sturte- vant, P. M. W .; R. Morgan, M. W .; J. H. Shirley, G. F .; F. C. Barradas, O .; S. John- son, Recr .; D. Ury, Fin .; J. Gorman, Rec .; H. F. Eber, G .; J. Raveks, I. W .; H. Barr- mann, O. W.

SAN LEANDRO LODGE, No. 180, I. O. G. T .- Was instituted by Mrs. Emily Pitt Stevens, January 5, 1880, with one hundred charter members, and the following officers were installed for the first term: H. R. Huie, W. C. T .; Miss Eliza Haas, W. V. T .; Rev. J. J. Cleveland, W. C .; R. M. Saul, W. S .; Mrs. Flora Richardson, W. A. S .; Mrs. H. R. Huie, W. F. S .; Mrs. J. W. Hodgkin, W. T .; G. R. Duval, W. M .; Miss Lizzie Mercer, W. D. M .; Geo. H. Richardson, W. I. G .; William Sheehan, W. O. G .; Mrs. N. McCune, W. R. H. S .; Miss Nellie Duval, W. L. H. S .; Rev. Hiram Hill, P.

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EDEN TOWNSHIP.

W. C. T .; N. McCune, L. D. G. W. C. T. There are at present fifty-three members on the roll, while the officers serving for the current term are: W. W. Reid, W. C. T .; Miss M. Cary, W. V. T .; George Smith, W. C .; H. Pelton, W. S .; Miss M. Geary, W. A. S .; R. H. French, W. F. S .; Miss D. Halverson, W. T .; H. Morin, W. M .; Miss Anna Halverson, W. D. M .; Thomas Sturtevant; W. I. G .; David Ury, W. O. G .; Mrs. W. H. Gray, W. R. H. S .; Mrs. C. E. Case, W. L. H. S .; J. W. Driver, P. W. C. T .; George Smith, L. D. G. W. C. T. The charter members who yet remain in good standing are: J. W. Driver, Mrs. W. H. Gray, Mrs. J. A. Gallet, Miss Dena Halver- son, Miss Anna Halverson, Miss Lizzie Mercer, H. Morin, H. K. Owens, Mrs. H. K. Owens, W. R. Price, Lester Price, W. W. Reid, George Smith, Mrs. George Smith, David Ury. The lodge is in a prosperous condition, but it was deprived of about half of its members when the agricultural works of Baker & Hamilton were removed from San Leandro to Benicia.

CHAUTAUQUA LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC CIRCLE OF SAN LEANDRO .- Was organized in January, 1883, with Mrs. T. Beaizley, President, and Miss Jennie Huff, Secretary. The number of members is limited to fifteen, who meet every Tuesday evening, much interest being manifested in the various studies.

SAN LEANDRO " REPORTER."-This newpaper was started May 15, 1878, and is now in the fourth year of its existence. It is a twenty-eight column paper, published every Friday morning. The editor and proprietor is R. A. Marshall. Eight news- papers have been established in San Leandro before the advent of the Reporter, all of which have died a natural death, but by dint of energy and perseverance the circula- tion of the paper is nearly six hundred, while its advertisements are all reliable. For two years this periodical was issued as a twelve-column paper, eight by twelve inches in size, finally emerging into a six-page, then to an eight-page of the same size, and on July 2, 1881, the present size was established. On September 14, 1881, it became a semi-weekly publication, continuing so until May, 1882. It is the official organ of the town of San Leandro.

SAN LEANDRO "SENTINEL."-Was first started January 8, 1880, by Weston P. Truesdell, editor and proprietor, as a weekly. As such it continued until April, 1883, when it was changed to a semi-weekly issue. The Weekly Sentinel is a representa- tive paper of San Leandro. It is the exponent of her advantages, industries, and necessities. It is a mirror of the events, social, political, and otherwise, transpiring in the county, and is a regular visitor in hundreds of homes, and in many families no other paper is taken.

CENTRAL MANUFACTURING COMPANY OF SAN LEANDRO .- Hopper & Larson, Proprietors. This industry was first started in the year 1875 by the above parties in a small building, still standing near Smith's grocery store, where they remained about six years. In June, 1880, they began the erection of their present large factory situated on Main Street, being two stories high, and occupying an area of forty-four by seventy- two feet. Attached to it is a building twenty-five by thirty-five feet, used solely for the manufacture and repair of agricultural implements. They moved into these

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HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.

premises in October, 1881, where they are engaged in all work coming under the category of agricultural implements and blacksmithing.

SAN LEANDRO PLOW COMPANY .- This establishment for the manufacture of agricultural implements and farming machinery is located in San Leandro, and may be justly ranked among the best agricultural implement factories in the United States, though not among the largest. It comprises a planing-mill, blacksmith-shop plow-shop, machine-shop, foundry, paint-shop, etc .; in fact, everything required in a concern of the kind. The buildings are new, commodious, well arranged, and well lighted, and the machinery is nearly all new and of the latest styles, the whole be- ing driven by an elegant fifty horse-power Corliss engine. The location is considered the best to be found in the State, being close to San Francisco, with which there is hourly communication, and yet not within the limits where rents and taxes of any large city largely enhance the cost of production. The cars of the Central Pacific Railroad run into the yard, thus connecting it with the railroad system of the State, and saving all drayages, both on material arriving and goods going away. The company is a Joint Stock Corporation, composed mainly of wealthy citizens residing in San Leandro or its vicinity, and a number of the leading mechanics of the Baker & Hamilton Agricultural Works (which was run for several years in San Lean- dro, but has recently removed to Benicia). The company was incorporated April 19, 1881, with a cash capital of one hundred thousand dollars, the original and present directory being: S. Huff, President; T. P. Cary, Treasurer; W. H. Gray, Secretary; F. Meyers, L. C. Morehouse, I. H. Bradshaw, and J. De Mont.

SAN LORENZO .- This village is distant from Oakland about twelve miles, and is situated on the northern bank of the creek of the same name. In 1852-53 it was known as "Squatterville," owing to the number of squatters who took possession of portions of the Estudillo Rancho. In 1853 John Boyle erected a blacksmith's shop, and with it business may be said to have had a start in the place. He was succeeded at his death by Henry Smyth, who had been in Boyle's employ, and he started the first forge-fire in San Lorenzo.

Following Boyle's forge was the store of Daniel Olds, which occupied the position whereon the Willows Hotel now stands, and erected in 1854, and in the same year the San Lorenzo House was built by A. E. Crane. Save an establishment for drying fruit on the Alden process, which was tried some years ago, but failed, no other busi- ness venture than Smyth's works has been made in San Lorenzo.

It should be said, that in this vicinity there is the finest soil in the whole valley, as the magnificent orchards, splendid gardens, and rich grain-fields indicate. It is truly a garden spot!

The village comprises the usual quota of country stores, saloons, a post-office, and an excellent school besides. The church is a neat edifice in which union services are held, while the village is on the line of the Central Pacific Railroad.

Roberts' Landing is but one mile and a half to the northwest, whence there is communication by water with San Francisco.

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MURRAY TOWNSHIP.

G EOGRAPHY .- Murray Township is bounded on the north by Contra Costa County, on the east by San Joaquin County, on the south by Santa Clara County, and on the west by Washington and Eden Townships.

TOPOGRAPHY .- This township, the largest in Alameda County, is about one-half its whole area, and comprises nearly four hundred square miles of territory, composed of mountains of considerable altitude, the lesser undulating foot-hills, and the fertile valleys, it being estimated that there are one hundred and sixty square miles of the first, one hundred and ninety of the second, and fifty of the last.

VALLEYS .- The valleys of Murray Township are the Livermore, Vallecitos, Suñol, Amador, Alamo, and portions of San Ramon and Tassajara. The chief of these is the Livermore Valley, which is a gentle sloping plain, irregular in shape, and com- pletely surrounded by bold mountains. Its length is about fourteen miles from east to west, and its breadth from north to south from four to double that number of miles. It is situated in the northern part of the township, and extends from its western boundary line about two-thirds of the distance across it. North, northeast, northwest, southwest, and east of it the hills are low, and susceptible of the highest cultivation; while to the south, southeast, and west we have bold mountains valuable only for the timber with which they abound, and the unlimited range of pasturage which they offer. .

STREAMS .- The water-courses of Murray Township are numerous, but few of them retaining their natural uses during the summer months. The principal ones are the Arroyo Valle, Arroyo Mocho, Calaveras Creek, Laguna, Las Positas, Tassajara Creek, and Corral Hollow Creek. Save the last two, all are tributaries to the Alameda Creek, which falls into the Bay of San Francisco, and forms the shore boundary between Eden and Washington Townships. The largest of these are the Arroyos Valle and Mocho, which, having their source amid the mountains of Santa Clara County, take a northwesterly course through the township, and empty themselves, the first into the Laguna, near Pleasanton, after flowing a distance of some thirty miles; and the last disappears into the earth a few miles northeast therefrom, having run its course of fifty miles, the greater portion of the distance being through deep ravines buttressed by overhanging crags whose recesses are the home of the feathered tribes of, every hue and song. The Positas Creek has a westerly course, and drains the eastern end of Livermore Valley, emptying itself in the Tassajara, between the towns of Livermore and Dublin, while the last named itself, after watering the valley from which it takes its name-opening out to the north of Livermore Valley-meets its fate in the Laguna, near Pleasanton. Calaveras Creek has its birth in Santa Clara County, and finds its way through deep canons into Alameda County, while the Suñol

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HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.

Valley is fed by means of the Laguna, with all the waters of the Livermore and adjoining valleys.

These chief streams are principally fed by mountain torrents almost innumerable in number, which in the summer months are distinguishable only by their rugged courses, but which in winter become swirling, treacherous, angry torrents, sweeping here, and tearing thither, carrying all before them, until they mingle with the waters of the mightier streams.

Although hardly coming under the category of water-ways, it may be mentioned that there are three natural bodies of water in Murray Township, two being small ponds of a few acres each, near the east end of the Livermore Valley, which, although usually dry during the summer months, in winter have a plentiful supply of water. Not far from the foot of the Contra Costa Range, at the western extremity of the the Livermore Valley, is a tract vicariously known as the Bolsa, or Lagoon, some fif- teen hundred acres in extent, swampy in character, and covered with a thick growth of willows, which, during the winter season is generally under water, and to some extent preserving this character in summer.

CLIMATE .- We have already dwelt upon the climate of Alameda County gener- ally, and placed before the reader condensed remarks on the climate of each of the townships. Of the township now under consideration, and its chief section, the Liver- more Valley and vicinity, G. Benton Jarrett, M. D., has stated that, protected as it is by the Coast Range, it has almost entire exemption from the nightly fogs of the coast, and possessing an altitude of nearly five hundred feet, several disagreeable conditions of the sea-shore climate are removed. The breeze of the ocean is toned down, its harshness is reduced; its unpleasant effects receive a check, being deflected upward by the Coast Range of hills and mountains, and deprived of excessive humidity, it can be breathed with comfort by many invalids who feel oppressed when near the coast. The summer air is very desiccating, and dead animals left unburied become in a short time so dry that scarcely any smell is emitted. So free is the air from moisture and all morbific effluvia, that distant objects can be seen with great distinctness. The summit of Mount Diablo, though twenty-two miles distant, can be distinctly discerned with the naked eye, nearly the entire year. On the south, Cedar Mountain seems to be within an hour's walk of Livermore, though about twelve miles distant. On the east, a range of hills separates the valley from the San Joaquin; thus the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers, with their tule lands, are no part of the climate of this section, yet, they can be plainly seen from Brushy Peak summit, nine miles from Livermore.

To present more fully to the reader the climate of Livermore Valley, let us begin with the winter or rainy season. The Valley of Livermore possesses a great many features in common with the rest of the State south of San Francisco. A winter sea- son mild and agreeable and, compared to the Atlantic States, very short. The rainy, wet, or winter season, begins sometimes in October-though often November is dry- and terminates about April. The " settled " rains occur during a period of three months. Even during the " settled rainy season," a cessation often occurs for a week, much more rain falling at night than during the day. Through the entire year the roads in the gravelly part of the valley are in good condition. A few hours after the

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heaviest rains, all roads, except on adobe soil, become comparatively dry. The nature of the soil is assisted by the gradual sloping of the valley towards the mountain passes that lead to the bay of San Francisco. The southern winds prevail during winter and are those that bring the most bountiful showers. During the intervals between rains is the most delightful weather, the atmosphere being purified and yet mild and equa- ble. The coolest part of winter is a few degrees below the freezing-point; though on days when the morning is coldest, the midday and afternoon become warm and pleasant, and a man with extra wraps on is sure to be accosted with "what's the mat- ter ?" by friends solicitous concerning the state of his health. Lightning is of rare occurrence during showers. No lightning rods are used-none are needed. Few thunder showers, and those phenomenal, mostly in midwinter, and followed by colder weather and hail, soon turning to rain. Snow seldom falls in the valley; it is said to be a decennial curiosity and melts immediately. As it lies on the mountain tops, it affords a beautiful contrast with the green foot-hills and valleys beneath.

Spring-time is made beautiful by the many flowers that almost cover the hills and dales, and grasses, and evergreen trees. The orange, almond, and oleander trees live in the open air the year round; plants, such as the tomato, castor-bean, etc., become perennial.

The dry season begins in June and lasts, as before stated, sometimes till Decem- ber. During this time is one continual, uninterrupted succession of clear weather. A description of one day is that of another -- indeed, of all. The sun rises in a cloud- less sky and lights up a scene of beauty; the air, cool and buoyant, is clear as crystal without aught of fog or mist to mar the most distant view. As the heat of the sun increases, a slight breeze springs up from the west and grows in power with the fer- vency of the rays of old Sol, till slightly past noon, when both decline in force. Later a slight haze settles in the valley, while stray fog-clouds drift slowly along the distant mountain ridges. The sun sinks towards setting and now is the most lovely hour of the day. Hills and mountains are bathed in a sea of rich purple haze, bright and vivid on the high ridge, but down in the deep cañon dark and sombre. The western sky is full of cloud-specks, each aflame with color bestowed by the fast sinking king of day. Great mountain shadows race across the valley as if in friendly rivalry; and, at last, in such a halo of glory, as is seen nowhere but in this land of the western sea, the sun sinks from view beyond the hills, and the day is done.

The daytime, often hot, never fails to be followed by cool nights; and, owing to the dryness of the atmosphere, one hundred degrees is more easily borne than eighty degrees would be in the Middle States. Sun-strokes are of very rare occurrence and when they do occur are occasioned by exposure or dissipation. Cerebro-spinal men- ingitis of children and infants is entirely unknown. The cool nights are so invigorating to the physical powers, that the digestive organs have ample time and opportunity to repair any damage incurred by the hottest days of summer.

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History of Alameda County, California : including its geology, topography, soil, and productions, Part 63

Author: Munro-Fraser, J. P Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Oakland, Calif. : M.W. Wood Number of Pages: 1206

Author: Munro-Fraser, J. P
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Oakland, Calif. : M.W. Wood
Number of Pages: 1206