History of Alameda County, California : including its geology, topography, soil, and productions, Part 66

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 66

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).

On April 30, 1876, by the Act of the Legislature entitled " An Act to incorpo- rate the town of Livermore, Alameda County," the people of that place became incor- porated within the following boundaries: "Commencing at the southeast corner of the north half of the northwest quarter of section nine, township three south, range two east, Mount Diablo base and meridian; running thence along the southerly line of said north half of the northwest quarter of section nine, township three south, range two east, and along said line produced one and one-fourth miles to a point; thence southerly and at right angles to said last-named line one and one-fourth miles, or thereabouts, to a point in the southerly line of plat eighteen, of the rancho El Valle de San José, as defined and laid down in the final decree of partition of said rancho; thence easterly and along said last-named line one and one-fourth miles to a point; thence northerly in a direct line to the point of commencement." At this time the popula- tion was by census determined to be eight hundred and thirty, and the number of buildings two hundred and thirty-four, since when the growth of the town has been steady.

As incorporated the town site contains eight hundred and forty acres, which is sur- veyed off into four distinct plats, as follows: The Mendenhall plat, or original town; the McLeod addition, the Waterman addition, and the Smith-Grant addition. Upon the first-named is located the larger portion of the town. The McLeod and Waterman additions contain substantial improvements, and there is little doubt but their growth will be rapid. The Smith-Grant addition was surveyed in 1878 by the Pacific Mutual Life Insurance Company, but only a portion of it is located within the town limits, that outside being divided into homestead plots of several acres each.

The population of the town is, at the present writing, upwards of fifteen hundred, while the number of buildings has increased in like proportion since the census of 1876.

The site of the town is one of the finest to be found on the coast. It is a gently sloping plain bounded by low hills on the north and the Arroyo Mocho on the south, the banks of which abound with oak and sycamore trees of great size. The soil is a gravelly loam, good for garden purposes, and most favorable to the growth of trees, both fruit and ornamental. Mud is almost unknown-a few hours after the most vio- lent rain-storm the streets are free of water and in good condition.

The business portion of the town is compactly built, generally in a substantial manner. The brick block of Messrs. M. Waterman & Co., built in 1874, is one of the finest mercantile establishments outside of Oakland. The residences are gener-, ally neat and attractive. The public school building is a two-story, eight-room edifice,

471

MURRAY TOWNSHIP.

and cost upwards of nine thousand dollars, with its furniture, the block on which it stands having been presented by William M. Mendenhall. Just south of the town, on the bank of the Arroyo Mocho, is the Collegiate Institute, where pupils from all parts of the Pacific Coast obtain a thorough scholastic training. Its hotels are com- fortable, its streets well kept, and its surroundings beautiful.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH .- This church was organized on the 12th day of February, 1871, at a meeting held in a school house located in the old town of Ladds- ville, by Rev. W. W. Brier (who for several months previous had preached semi- monthly, under direction of the Board of Home Missions), with nine members, W. B. Kingsbury, Horace R. Huie, Morton P. Scott, F. A. Anthony, Owen Owens, Mrs. F. A. Bias, Mrs. Mary M. Huie, Mrs. Margaret Scott, Mrs. Helen S. Kingsbury. H. R. " Huie and Owen Owens were ordained as elders. Five Trustees were chosen by the congregation, as follows: D. Inman, Jessie Bowles, Hiram Bailey, W. B. Kingsbury, and F. A. Anthony. Continued to hold services in school house until the spring of 1872, when, by vote of the congregation, they moved to the College school building, then kept by W. B. Kingsbury, now occupied by J. D. Smith; where regular services were held until February 1, 1873, W. W. Brier acting as supply. Owing to the distance from the town of the College building, Exchange Hall was secured and occupied until July 26, 1874, Rev. C. W. Anthony, brother of F. A. Anthony, a graduate of the State University and a student in the Presbyterian Theological Seminary, located in San Francisco, hav- ing preached several times while a licentiate. . A meeting was held April 6, 1873, and a call extended, which was accepted, and soon after graduating, June 1, 1873, he commenced his labors as pastor, and continued until August 31, 1879, when he resigned, and soon after moved with his family to Illinois. June 16, 1872, by vote of the Trustees, it was resolved to enlarge the Board to nine members instead of five, and to take steps toward building a church. D. Inman, Jessie Bowles, F. A. Anthony, C. J. Stevens, Owen Owens, Hiram Bailey, H. R. Huie, W. W. Wynn, and Wm. M. Men- denhall were elected, but not until the last of 1873 was anything accomplished toward building. On the 8th of December, 1873, A. D. Spivalo Esq., of San Francisco, gave lots one and two, and the church bought lot three, block thirty-seven, paying seventy-five dollars for it, the contract having been let on December 1, 1873, to Messrs. Freeman, Conkrite, & Harrington, to build and complete the outside of the church, for two thousand dollars, estimated to seat two hundred and fifty. Application having been made to the Board of Church Erection for aid, which was given, amounting to eight hundred dollars currency, it was then decided to complete the same and furnish it, which was done at an entire cost of about three thousand five hundred dollars. Dedicated July 26, 1874, Rev. Dr. Scott of St. Johns Church, San Francisco, preaching the sermon, assisted by Rev. W. W. Brier, and the pastor, Rev. C. W. Anthony. After the resignation of Mr. Anthony the church was without a regular pastor until November 23, 1879, when a call was extended to Rev. Joseph Hemphill, a licentiate of the San Francisco Theologi- * cal Seminary, which was accepted, and he commenced his labors January 4, 1880, and continued until March, 1881. On July 24, 1881, Rev. P. F. Phelps, of First Church, San Francisco, received a call, accepted, and now fills the pulpit. Present' Trustees, W. W. Wynn, Dr. W. S. Taylor, John Armstrong, W. F. Mitchell, J. R.

472

HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.

Swartz, L. Laughlin, F. R. Fassett, F. A. Anthony, W. W. Colestock. Elders, Wm. Anthony, W. W. Wynn, Dr. W. S. Taylor, and W. W. Colestock. Superintendent of Sunday-school, W. W. Wynn.

LIVERMORE COLLEGE .- Livermore College, the only private institution of learn- ing in the east end of Alameda County, is situated on the north bank of the Arroyo Mocho, a wooded stream skirting the suburbs of the bustling town of Livermore. The main college building is three stories in height, is flanked by lesser additions, and numerous out-buildings, and surrounded by shaded and beautifully kept grounds. Located as it is, in the very center of mountain-locked Livermore Valley, the view from the cupola of the building is very extensive, and one of the most beautiful in the State. Livermore College was founded in 1870 by Dr. and Mrs. Kingsbury. The site, of six acres (which has since been increased by purchase), was presented by Wm. M. Mendenhall, and the cost of the building was largely defrayed by the assist- ance of residents of the valley, and the then incipient town. In 1875 the premises were purchased by Prof. J. D. Smith, then an instructor in Washington College, who has continued as owner and principal, to the present time. Its pupils are about fifty in number, of both sexes, and from every part of the Pacific Coast. The principal is an experienced teacher, and excellent disciplinarian, and always employs assistants of acknowledged learning and ability. Graduates of this institution are how to be found all over the State, engaged in various occupations, with almost uniform success.

LIVERMORE PUBLIC SCHOOL .- The first public school in Livermore was organ- ized in May, 1866, and taught by Miss Esther Weeks, now Mrs. Babb, of Washington Corners. School opened with thirteen pupils, six of whom were children of George May, who was one of the trustees. A school house, twenty-four by thirty-six feet, had been erected during the autumn of 1865 by Israel Horton, the cost of which was met chiefly by subscription. The house was located not far from the big oaks near the old Livermore House on the Dublin road, about a mile and a half northwest from what is now the town. A short time before the school opened a dancing party was held in the school house, to raise money to procure desks. It seems to have been a great success, as the people came from all parts of the surrounding country, and even from as far away as Antioch. The second teacher was J. W. Guinn, now of Los Angeles, and well known as a prominent educator in the State. In the spring of 1869 the house was moved east of the town to a lot given by A. J. McLeod, and in the following year another building was erected on the same lot for another department, to meet the demands of the growing school. F. R. Fassett was then placed in charge of the school, with Miss Brier (now Mrs. Fassett), as teacher of the primary department. Not long after a dispute arose with reference to the land title, and it became necessary to remove the buildings again. W. M. Menden- hall then donated to the district the block of land bounded by Fifth, Sixth, I and J Streets, and to this site, which is still the location of the school, both buildings were moved. In a few years the number of pupils so far exceeded the accommodations that new and larger rooms became necessary, accordingly, the old buildings were sold, one of which is now doing duty as J. F. Meyers' carpenter shop on Fifth Street, the

yours Truly John wishing

473

MURRAY TOWNSHIP.

other as a saloon on Mill Square. The present school building was erected in 1877. It is fifty by eighty feet, two stories high and designed for eight rooms, with ample hallways, etc. The four rooms on the lower floor were sufficient for the demands of the schools at the time of its erection, but in the summer of 1880 it became neces- sary to finish half of the upper flat. At present the school trustees are: J. F. Meyers, Jesse Bowles, and Hiram Bailey. The present corps of teachers is as follows: J. T. McDonald, A. B., Principal, Department I .; Miss Mary F. Buckelew, Department II .; Miss Minnie E. Buckelew, Department III .; Miss Ada F. Allen, Department IV., and Miss Emma C. Smith, Department V. There are upwards of two hundred and fifty pupils in the school, and the number is increasing with the growth of the town.

LIVERMORE LODGE, NO. 218, F. & A. M .- The first meeting for the purpose of organizing this lodge was held at Pleasanton July 16, 1871, when the following breth- ren signed the petition: James Beazell, Charles M. Dougherty, Frederick Kapp, L. W. Winn, J. W. Goldman, Harris Arendt, John A. Bilz, Joseph Harris, A. J. Taylor, W. A. Jordan, Henry Angelopulo, J. Koopman, J. S. Moor, who received dispensation August 26th to open a lodge of Masons in due and ancient form. October 19, 1872, the lodge was instituted, with the following charter officers: Charles M. Dougherty, W. M .; Frederick Kapp, S. W .; J. S. Moor, J. W .; William A. Jordan, Treas .; John A. Bilz, S. D .; Joseph F. Black, J. D .; L. W. Winn, Tyler. In November, 1874, the lodge was transferred from Pleasanton to Livermore, where they had their first meeting on November 28th, in Odd Fellows' Hall. There are at present forty-seven members on the roll, the officers for the year 1882 being: James Beazell, W. M .; F. R. Fassett, S. W .; W. H. Wright, J. W .; R. W. Graham, Treas .; J. F. Meyers, Sec .; George W. Brock, S. D .; N. B. Holmes, J. D .; R. Hunter, Joseph Harris, Stewards. The lodge, which is in a flourishing condition, meets, on the Saturday on or after full moon, in Odd Fellows' Hall. They purchased in the spring of 1882 a tract of land for a Masonic Cemetery, about half a mile from the town, where it is the intention to lay out a burial-ground worthy of the Order.

· LIVERMORE LODGE, No. 219, I. O. O. F .- Was organized May 23, 1873, by Grand Master W. J. Garnett, of Oakland, assisted by T. Rodgers Johnson, R. W. G. Secretary, and Brothers Grand: Salz, Rix, and K. Pomeroy Osgood Its charter mem- bers were: James Beazell, R. W. Graham, William Gibbons, J. F. Meyers, P. Hinckley, R. McGlashan, A. St. Clair, A. A. Overacker, J. T. Campbell, William H. Wright, P. C. Waltonbaugh; the first officers being: J. F. Meyers, N. G .; R. W. Graham, V. G .; P. A. Hinckley, Sec .; James Beazell, Treas .; William Wright, W .; Israel Horton, C .; J. H. Taylor, I. G .; A. St. Clair, O. G .; William Gibbons, R. S. N. G .; J. T. Camp- bell, L. S. N. G .; N. D. Dutcher, R. S. S .; E. P. Braydon, L. S. S. The officers for the year 1882 are: N. D. Dutcher, J. P. G .; W. F. Mitchell, N. G .; Wendell Jordan, V. G .; O. R. Owens, Sec .; A. G. Beazell, P. G. P., Sec .; R. W. Graham, P. G., Trcas. The lodge, which has a present membership of fifty-six, in good standing, is in a flourish- ing condition, and meets in their own hall, built in 1874, every Thursday evening.

VESPER LODGE No. 62, A. O. U. W .- This lodge was organized October 18, 1878, with twenty-two members, by Deputy Grand Master Dr. Barrows, with the follow- 31

474

HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.

ing charter officers : James Beazell, P. M. W .; Israel Horton, M. W .; N. D. Dutcher, Foreman ; Jesse Bowles, Overseer ; George W. Brock, Recorder ; A. J. McLeod, Financier ; George E. Kennedy, Receiver; F. Malley, Guide ; John Aylward, I. W .; R. Case, O. W. The number of members on the roll at present is ninety-five, and the officers for the year 1882 are : C. W. Bradshaw, P. M. W .; B. D. Morrill, M. W .;. William Gibbons, Foreman ; G. S. Fitzgerald, Overseer ; F. A. Anthony, Recorder; G. E. Kennedy, Financier ; Israel Horton, Receiver ; J. S. Munos, Guide ; H. Gardemeyer, I. W .; William Budworth, O. W. Meets at Odd Fellows' Hall every Tuesday evening. They have not lost a single member since organization.

LIVERMORE LODGE, No. 200., I. O. G. T .- This lodge was instituted January 24, 1881, by G. W. C. T., R. Thompson, with sixty-eight charter members, the first officers being : Rev. L. Wallace, W. C. T .; Mrs. A. L. Smith, W. V. T .; F. A. Anthony, W. Sec .; G. W. Langan. W. F. Sec .; George E. Kennedy, W. Treas .; J. R. Swartz, W. M .; Miss Minnie Buckelew, I. G .; P. H. McVicar, O. G .; F. A. Anthony, Lodge Deputy. There are at present eighty-five members on the roll, who meet every Monday evening at the Odd Fellows' Hall. The officers for 1882 are: Joseph May, W. C. T .; May Smith, W. V. T .; G. V. Shearer, W. Sec .; A. K. Anthony, W. F. Sec .; A. Weymouth, W. Treas .; George Munroe, W. M .; Corinne Bardellini, W. I. G .; G. W. Langan, W. O. G.

LIVERMORE COUNCIL, NO. 1070, A. L. of H .- This council of the American Legion of Honor was organized by D. S. Van Slack, D. C., December 22, 1882, with the following charter members : L. H. Cutler, G. B. Shearer, Joseph B. Bardellini, D. F. Bernal, William Bradley, William M. Mendenhall, C. J. Pullen, J. A. Wallman, J. H. Harden, C. Schmidt, F. Gonzales, Z. B. Cheney, H. W. Farmer, G. W. Raymond, P. C. Beaufort, M. F. Mack, J. McBride, Martha A. McBride, J. Schock, T. Gorner, A. Schlinghyde, L. Hilton. The present membership is thirty-five, and the original officers who are those now serving are: L. Cutler, G. C .; T. Gorner, V. C .; G. B. Shearer, Sec .; D. F. Bernal, Treas .; Joseph B. Bardellini, Col. Meets in Odd Fellows' Hall on the second and fourth Friday in each month.

THE LIVERMORE PUBLIC LIBRARY .- An organization known as the Livermore Public Library Association was organized in the spring of 1878, by a number of pub- lic-spirited men and women of the town, who recognized the advantages of such an institution. By means of public entertainments funds were raised, and a substantial library building, costing $500, erected during the fall of that year upon the principal business street, the use of a lot having been donated by C. J. Stevens. A debt was thus formed which, though afterwards increased by the purchase of books, was, three years later, entirely paid. The association has now about thirty life members, is the owner of property worth $800, and is free from debt. The library and read- ing-room is kept open by a librarian five hours a day, and its use is free to all. The parties most prominent in the organization and building up of this public institution were Israel Horton, W. P. Bartlett, George E. Kennedy, R. W. Graham, Elliott Aubury, Mrs. N. G. Patterson, Mrs. A. W. Bartlett, G. W. Langan, and W. F. Lau- meister. Nearly all the parties above named are still interested in the Library, and

475

MURRAY TOWNSHIP.

will continue their labors to build up an institution of which that of to-day is but a nucleus, and upon which the Livermorean of fifty years hence may look with com- mendable pride.

"HERALD."-The Livermore Herald was started in January; 1877, by W. P. Bartlett, and has at this writing entered upon its seventh year of publication. It is a four-page, seven-column newspaper, and has been for nearly three years entirely printed .in Livermore ; is local in character and largely devoted to the advancement of the interests of Murray Township. In fact, much of the growth and development which is now taking place in the town and valley is ascribed by many to the efforts of the Herald in behalf of this section. The journal has been conducted to the present time by Mr. Bartlett, its founder and owner, a vigorous writer, who has in addition to his work on the paper, published considerable statistical, descriptive, and historical mat- ter regarding Livermore Valley and other portions of the State. The Herald enjoys a wide circulation, both in the township and abroad, and a liberal advertising patron- age. It is published on Thursday of each week.

LIVERMORE HOOK AND LADDER COMPANY, NO. 1 .- This, the senior company of the Livermore Fire Department, was organized October 12, 1874, with about thirty charter members, who elected the following officers: J. H. Mahoney, President; Anton Bardellini, Vice-President; their trucks being procured from San Francisco. In 1875 a two-story truck-house was erected, partly by subscription and partly by the issuance of stock, on Second Street. The present membership is seventeen, and the officers for 1882 are: W. Jordan, foreman; P. McKeany, First Assistant; F. Sangmaster, Second Assistant; J. F. Meyers, Secretary; F. Malley, Treasurer. The company is under the direction of the Chief Engineer of the Fire Department, and has done good service. They meet in their own Hall.

NIAGARA FIRE ENGINE COMPANY, NO. 1 .- This organization was instituted in Exchange Hall, July 12, 1876, with the following members: George E. Freeman, F. A. Anthony, A. M. Jackson, William H. Church, Rod. Church, William S. Low, John T. Campbell, R. N. Caughill, E. P. Braydon, and C. J. Stevens, the first officers elected being: George E. Freeman, Foreman; John T. Campbell. First Assistant; William S. Low, Second Assistant; E. P. Braydon, Secretary; William H. Church, Treasurer. The present company consists of fifty-two members, with the following officers: C. W. Bradshaw, foreman; W. S. Smith, First Assistant; N. D. Dutcher, Second Assistant; Theo. Gorner, Secretary; C. J. Stevens, Treasurer. They hold their meetings at the Town Hall, on the second Wednesday of each month, and have in their charge a double-decker hand-engine, purchased from the Stockton Fire Depart- ment in 1876, which is still in a good state of preservation. This company is most active and in a high state of efficiency.

LIVERMORE SPRING WATER COMPANY .- This association was incorporated October 19, 1874, by John Aylward, Robert Livermore, William Gibbons, Valen- tine Alviso, and M. Mullany, the President of the company being John Aylward, and the Secretary William Gibbons. Water is supplied by the Las Pocitas Springs, two

476

HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.

miles and a half north of Livermore, and is brought in a flume two miles long to two reservoirs, whence it is conducted by pipe and distributed through the town. In 1876 the waters of the Arroyo Mocho were condemned and conducted through pipes five miles in length, to the northern water-works. The Company has three reservoirs with the respective capacity of five hundred and fifty thousand, two hundred and fifty thousand, and six hundred thousand gallons.

WAREHOUSES OF W. WATTERMAN & CO .- The storehouses of this firm were built in the year 1874 by Alexander Esdon, and subsequently sold by him to the present proprietors. They are three in number, and measure respectively three hun- dred by eighty feet, one hundred by eighty feet, and one hundred by sixty feet, and have a capacity in the aggregate of fourteen thousand tons of grain, while separated therefrom are the hay warehouses, capable of storing two thousand tons. This firm ranks among the largest grain-dealers in Alameda County, and has its buildings nearly always full of grain and hay.

LUMBER YARD OF HORTON & KENNEDY .- This yard was first started in the fall of 1869, by E. M. Derby, who continued it until 1878, when Messrs. Horton & Kennedy became its proprietors, since when it has been conducted by them, they keeping always on hand a large stock of lumber. In connection therewith they are the owners of the famous Horton & Kennedy Enterprise Windmill, manufactured for them in the Eastern States, and also deal in pumps, barb-wire, etc.

WAGON AND CARRIAGE FACTORY OF JOHN AYLWARD .- This enterprise was first located at Mission San José but transferred to Livermore in the month of Sep- tember, 1879, when Mr. Aylward built his present premises, and has since carried on à general blacksmith and wagon-making business, whence he supplies a large portion of the surrounding country.

LIVERMORE BREWERY .- This enterprise was established in December, 1873, by Messrs. Schwerin & Schobel, who continued it until June, 1874, when W. Jordan located it on First Street, since which time it has been considerably enlarged. It was originally run by horse-power only; in December, 1882, however, a six horse-power steam-engine was introduced to put the machinery in motion; while the capacity is about four hundred barrels per year.

OLIVINA VINEYARD .- This vineyard, the property of Julius P. Smith and man- aged by J. H. Taylor, is located three miles south from Livermore, on a ranch of two thousand acres, three hundred and fifty of which is planted in vines, which are in a flourishing condition, and promise to be a perfect bonanza to the proprietors.

THE LIVERMORE COAL MINES .- The first discovery of coal in Murray Town- ship was made in Corral Hollow, upwards of twenty years ago, by Captain Jack O'Brien, at that time engaged in the sheep business in that vicinity. A company was formed, and for several years the mines were worked successfully. Finally, the entire property was sold to W. T. Coleman, of San Francisco, since which time but little has been done. The vein was about eight feet thick, and the coal of the same quality as

477

MURRAY TOWNSHIP.

that from the Monte Diablo mines. In 1873 Thomas Harris and Jenkins Richards discovered fine coal croppings in the edge of the Livermore Valley, about three miles north of the Corral Hollow Mines. A stock company was immediately formed, and a copy of articles of incorporation filed by the directors, W. A. Jones, W. Jenkins, T. Harris, J. Richards, and W. W. Wynn, on May 2, 1874. The amount of capital stock was ten thousand dollars divided into twenty thousand shares. Operations were begun immediately, a shaft being sunk to a depth of five hundred feet, at which depth the coal became harder and brighter. From the bottom of this shaft gang- ways were driven east and west five hundred feet. Large and powerful machinery was erected for the purpose of hoisting, and upwards of two thousand tons of coal were taken from the mine and shipped to different locations along the railroad. This vein is about three feet six inches in thickness, but somewhat mixed with slate.

In 1876 there was discovered another fine vein of coal, four feet in thickness, and perfectly clean, overlying the first vein about one hundred feet, but running under lands owned by private parties. The company expended nearly seventy thou- sand dollars in the mine, but, owing to the large quantities of foreign coal which were being imported to the district at low rates, they became embarrassed and were com- pelled to suspend operations.

In the Fall of 1876 another organization was formed, known as the Summit Coal Mining Company. They discovered a vein of pure coal, four feet in thickness, one mile east of the old mine. A shaft was sunk on the vein some three hundred feet, and several hundred tons of coal taken from the mine.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Alameda County, California : including its geology, topography, soil, and productions, Part 66

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