USA > California > Contra Costa County > History of Contra Costa County, California, including its geography, geology, topography, climatography and description; together with a record of the Mexican grants also, incidents of pioneer life; and biographical sketches of early and prominent settlers and representative men > Part 50
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80
We find that on April 22, 1860, a Catholic Church in San Ramon val- ley was dedicated, under the invocation of San Ramon; while such was the progressive feeling in Lafayette, that a library association had been formed there.
In 1861 a newspaper, called the Pacific Cumberland Presbyter, under editorial charge of Rev. T. M. Johnson, was published at Alamo; while, during the following year, 1862, we learn that the cultivation of tobacco was successfully undertaken by Messrs. Stout & Peden. On March 8, 1863, there died near Lafayette, at the age of seventy-one years, Stephen Jones, an old pioneer. This gentleman was the father of that well-known argo- naut of the county, Nathaniel Jones, was a native of Virginia, and came to California from Illinois in 1853. October 8, 1864, a stage-line was opened by Brown & Co., of Lafayette, between Walnut Creek and Lynch- ville (Limerick, or San Ramon), and connecting with the Oakland line. Nothing of particular local historical interest would appear to have
435
Township Number Two.
occurred during the next few years. We have already noticed the burning of the original Walnut Creek House, April 5, 1867. On March 30th a railroad meeting was held at Walnut Creek, when the substantial interests of the county were well represented, and much interest manifested in the proposed undertaking of providing railroad communication for the interior of the county; and in November the new school-house at San Ramon was com- pleted. In 1868 we have nothing to record; but on April 30, 1869, there died, at his residence near Alamo, John M. Jones, who had lived in the vicinity about sixteen years. His burial took place under direction of the Masonic Order, on May 1st, and was attended by a very large concourse of people of the county, desirous of paying a last token of respect to an esteemed citizen.
During the year 1870 we can find nothing to relate. On Sunday, April 30, 1871, a serious affray occurred in Moraga valley, that resulted in the arrest of James Steele and Mr. Yoakum on the charge of assault with fire- arms upon several members of the Moraga family. It was reported at the time that fifteen or twenty rifle shots were fired by the assaulting party, three of the shots taking effect upon and killing a horse ridden by one of the Moragas. The affray arose out of a dispute as to the rightful possession of lands originally owned, and until a short time before the disturbance, occupied by the Moragas, but since then claimed by Carpentier and Yoakum under judicial decrees. The bitterness remained; the trouble had not ceased. On April 27, 1872, Isaac Yoakum was shot, but it was a mat- ter of doubt if the offense was comitted in Contra Costa or Alameda county. It appears that on Thursday, April 25th, a poundmaster, whose corral was about four miles on the Alameda side of the Moraga valley, came to Yoakum's residence in Brooklyn, and informed him he had sixteen head of his (Yoakum's) cattle confined. On the following day Yoakum proceeded to release the cattle and drive them back to his ranch in Moraga, aided by the poundmaster. They were both armed, but had not traveled far when Yoakum was shot at. The place of shooting was near the milk ranch then occupied by a man named Lipskin, about three miles and a half from the Moraga store. Three shots were fired. The first took effect, hitting the old man in the right thigh, about six inches above the knee, but making only a flesh wound. While seeking the shelter of a gulch close at hand the second shot was fired. The third was fired at him while peeping out of his hiding place. Yoakum asserted that several persons were engaged in the shooting, one of whom he recognized. He said that the men on the milk ranch refused to come to his assistance when requested, and he had to remain in the gulch some time, his wound bleeding considerably. Finally, he was helped into a milk wagon, where he was made as comfortable as possible, and conveyed home. Still the difficulties continued ; hard words, and still harder blows were exchanged ; one Silverio Monjas lost his life at
436
History of Contra Costa County.
the hands of George Steele, July 8, 1871, a full account of which will be found in our chapter on Homicides ; while, June 14, 1873, Miss Gumecinda Moraga sued Isaac Yoakum, in the Third District Court, for the sum of ten thousand dollars damages, for an assault alleged to have been committed during the difficulties.
On May 12, 1872, a new church intended for the Methodist Episcopal denomination was dedicated at Walnut Creek, while, on February 1, 1873, a meeting of citizens interested in railroad communication was held at the same place. There died at the residence of his son, James M. Stone, in San Ramon valley, on September 4, 1873, at the advanced age of seventy-nine years, Elias Stone, a native of New York State, a veteran soldier who served his country in the war of 1812-15, and was present under General Scott at Lundy's Lane, and other engagements. The residence of W. D. Boone, situated about half a mile east of Danville, was totally destroyed by fire, together with all its contents, on October 20th of this year; and, as we have mentioned elsewhere, the late Joel Harlan was gathered to his Father, March 28, 1875. During the last week of the month of October, 1875, the Presbyterian Church at Danville was commenced and the corner stone laid with impressive ceremonies, it being dedicated June 18th; while, about the end of the year, the old Cumberland Presbyterian Church on the original site between Alamo and Danville, was removed to the first-named town. About the month of July, 1876, August Hemme had commenced the erection of his present mag- nificent mansion. Mr. Hemme was one of the early San Ramon resident farmers, who sold the property on which he has now built, and removed to San Francisco some dozen years previously. Having prospered greatly in a financial way, he re-purchased the place he formerly owned, together with several hundred acres of adjacent San Ramon land, on which he has con- structed the architecturally handsome edifice mentioned above.
From the foregoing remarks it will be seen the progress that these years of American occupation have brought upon this township. It will be readily appreciated by the reader how impossible it is for us to record fact for fact as it occurred, and name for name as their possessors arrived to locate. The memory at all times is but a frail reed whercon to bear the weight of one's information, yet to it chiefly to we trust, and such names as may be recollected by the pioneers whom we consult are the only ones that we dare mention.
ALAMO .- This village is situated about two miles north of Danville on the San Ramon creek, and has but little of its former activity remaining. At an early date, however, the little place boasted of a large trade with the Spanish population, and soon two stores were opened, the first by Henry Hoffman (afterwards Wolf & Co.,) and the other by George Englemire. In
MR Barba
437
Township Number Two.
1854 these two buildings composed the village, Wolf's store being the growth from the stock purchased by Henry Hoffman from David Glass, in the year 1853, and was in its establishment the only store of any pretensions between Martinez and Mission San José. It first was conducted in a portion of the building now occupied as Henry's Hotel ; the other store stood on the oppo- site corner, where the road to Mount Diablo intersects the main county highway. The third house to be erected was a brick store for Wolf & Co. on the opposite side of the county road, where he kept also, in a small way, a house of entertainment. In the course of a year or two Henry Hoffman severed his connection with the Wolf store-when it was removed to Dan- ville, in 1858-and remained in Alamo keeping hotel for several years. His partner in 1859 was William Maxey. Some attempt would appear to have been made in this year to instil life into the little burg, for we learn that the Contra Costa Educational Association built a large three-story academy near its precincts, and opened it under the charge of Rev. David McClure, now of Oakland. This glory, however, was short-lived ; fire destroyed the building in 1868, and it was never rebuilt. In the month of March, 1861. the town boasted a newspaper called the Pacific Cumberland Presbyter, edited by Rev. T. M. Johnson. In noticing its first number, the Contra Costa Ga- zette remarks: " The articles are generally of a religious character, and it is a theological publication. As far as we have examined, we should judge the subjects to be well handled and sufficiently varicd' for a work of that class."
Alamo is the Spanish name for the Poplar, a species of tree found in large numbers in the valley, and creeks which flow through it, hence the name of the village. It now comprises a hotel, a store, a few shops, a school house and a Presbyterian Church, which originally stood on the road between Alamo and Danville, but was removed to the former in December, 1875.
DANVILLE .- This pretty little village takes its name from Dan. In- man, who owned the property on which it now stands. About the year 1858 a hostelry was opened by H. W. Harris, at the junction of the Tassa- jara and county roads, to which he gave the name of Danville Hotel, and as a blacksmith's shop and store were added, the little cluster of houses as- sumed the patronymic of the caravansarie, by which it is still known. The town site was never surveyed into lots, but as necessity called for it, Dan. Inman disposed of them. In this same year, 1858, S. Wolf, M. Cohen and Henry Hoffman, having dissolved the firm of Wolf & Co., Mr. Cohen re- moved to Danville, opened a store there, and built the second house in the village. Here he conducted his business in the old house until 1864, when he erected the present edifice.
Twice in her short existence has Danville been visited by the forked tongue of the fiery fiend; on July 9, 1873, the Danville Hotel, mentioned
438
History of Contra Costa County.
above, succumbed to the devouring element, and again in the month of Oc- tober, when the house of W. D. Boone was destroyed.
The little town at present contains among other buildings the handsom- est church building in the county, an exhaustive history of which, written for us by Rev. R. S. Symington, the present pastor ; a Christian Church ; a flourishing school, a capital Granger's Hall; a good hotel; two excellent stores ; and a number of pretty residences. Its rather crooked main street ever displays an air of business, while its surroundings are wonderfully lovely, as it is guarded by that grim old sentinel, Mount Diablo, whose form, as seen from here, is noble in the extreme.
DANVILLE CHURCH .- The following history was supplied us by Rev. R. S. Symington, of Danville, and is produced verbatim: The first Presby- terian services in San Ramon valley were conducted by Rev. D. McClure, who commenced his labors in A. D. 1857. In the year 1859 he built a Seminary in the valley, and after that devoted most of his time to that en- terprise. No church was organized under his ministry.
In February, 1863, Rev. R. H. Avery came to the valley. The first year he held services in Pacheco, San Ramon and Green valley ; the second year he extended his labors to Antioch. On the 10th of July, 1865, he gathered together the scattered members of the church, and with the assistance of Rev. H. S. Huntington, organized the "Contra Costa Presbyterian Church."
The following named persons were the organizing members, to wit: James R. McDonald, David Hall, Elias Kinsey, Charles H. Sears, James McHarry, Mrs. E. K. Avery, Mrs. Eliza Grothie, Mrs. Elizabeth Prince and Mrs. Gregory. Mr. Elias Kinsey was at the same meeting elected and or- dained a ruling Elder, and this little band of disciples sat down for the first time together at the table of the Lord. Having no house of worship, and the members scattered from San Ramon to Antioch, the session met wherever it was the most convenient; sometimes in the pastor's study, sometimes in the school-house and sometimes in a private dwelling. During the same year the church was much discouraged by the removal of Mr. James R. McDonald and David Hall, but before the end of the year they were greatly strengthened by the addition of Mrs. Sarah Young, Mr. C. W. Boyers and Mrs. M. A. Boyers, his wife. In 1867 the session received Mrs. Carrie Pen- niman and Mrs. Webb from the Congregational Church, and Mrs. Panthy C. Meese on examination. At a meeting held in Danville, in 1868, the session received into the church, Jonathan Hoag and Mary Hoag, his wife, Mr. Joseph Wiley and Nancy Wiley, his wife, James McClelland and A. B. Hoag, Mrs. Helen Vincent from the Methodist Episcopal Church, and David Glass and Eliza Glass, his wife, from the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Mrs. Jane R. Watson from the Scotch Presbyterian Church, Mrs. Mary A. Young from Brooklyn Presbyterian Church, and Mr. A. J. Young, Lizzie Hoag and Hugh Wiley upon examination. The congregation, after proper
439
Township Number Two.
notice, met in the Danville school-house, May 14, 1871, and elected Bros. J. Wiley and A. J. Young Elders, and on the same day they were ordained. Rev. H. R. Avery having accepted a call from the Tomales Church, his con- nection with this church ceased May 14, 1871. While we rejoice in the en- largement of our beloved Zion, we rejoice with trembling; for of the thirty- four received during the nine years of Bro. Avery's labors, only thirteen remained when he left. Thirteen received letters of dismission, four were lost sight of, and four had gone home to glory.
After Bro. Avery left, the session secured the services of Rev. James L. Wood, a licentiate of the Presbytery of San Francisco, for a term of six months, terminating January 1st, 1872. In 1874 the session employed Rev. Ed. Verrue at a salary of nine hundred dollars, four hundred to be secured from the church, and five hundred from the Board of Domestic Missions. At a meeting held July 5, 1874, at San Ramon, considerable religious inter- est was manifested. Four persons united with the church upon profession of their faith, and others were interested. The pastor was assisted in this meeting by Rev. Stonall and Rev. Mesern. Up to this period no effort had been made to build a church. In September, 1874, the session called a meeting of the congregation to assemble at the house of Bro. Joseph Wiley October 1, 1874. The congregation met according to appointment, and after considerable discussion, " concluded not to build at present." The congregation concluded to retain Bro. Verrue one year longer, without specifying the amount of his salary, and applied to the Board of Domestic Missions for five hundred dollars on his behalf. Another meeting of the congregation was called to meet at Bro. Wiley's June 2, 1875, at four o'clock, P. M. This meeting was well-attended, and, after mature deliberation, it was unanimously " Resolved, to proceed at once to the erection of a house of worship at Danville." A subscription paper was circulated, and four hundred dollars were subscribed. The Presbytery of San Francisco met in Danville June 7, 1875, and recommended this church to the Erection Board for the sum of six hundred dollars, to assist in completing the building. A fresh impetus was given to the work, and the subscription was raised to fifteen hundred dollars. A committee was appointed to select a site and report when called on. July 16th, same year, another meeting of the con- gregation was held at Danville school-house, and all persons interested in church matters were requested to attend, and their aid and counsel were solicited. As the church was located at Danville, the Presbytery was re- quested to change the name from Contra Costa Presbyterian Church to Danville Presbyterian Church.
The congregation adjourned, to meet June 23d, 4 o'clock P. M., at Dan- ville. According to appointment, the congregation met at the Danville School-house, and elected the following persons Trustees of Danville Pres- byterian Church, to wit, J. J. Kerr, R. O. Baldwin and David Glass. After
440
History of Contra Costa County.
adjournment, the Trustees met, and elected J. J. Kerr, President and R. O. Baldwin, Treasurer. In accordance with the laws of California, articles of incorporation were filed at once; Charles Giddis, Architect of San Francisco, submitted a plan and specifications to the Trustees, which were accepted, and the building was let to C. E. Dunchu, at the sum of $3,000. As Brother Verrue's term would expire in December, it was thought proper to make arrangements to have it supplied. It was thought by many that the religious element of the community could be so combined as to unite in the support of one minister. A meeting of the citizens was called; an invitation was extended to all, male and female, to meet at Danville School- house, August 29, 1875, to consider this subject. At that meeting there was a general attendance, and great unanimity prevailed; and as no one denomination could give a minister a competent support, it was " Resolved, to unite on the one who got the largest number of votes." And to remove all difficulties in reference to salary, and definitely settle this matter at the beginning, it was " Resolved, to place on the ballot the amount each one was willing to give; and no matter who was elected, the voter was bound to pay this amount to the pastor elect." The ballot was cast, and Reverend R. S. Symington, of San José Presbytery, was elected pastor. Since the appointments heretofore had been scattered over a wide scope of country, and had consequently accomplished very little for the cause of Christ, it was " Resolved, that when the church building is completed, the pastor shall hold services in it every Sabbath, at 11 o'clock A. M., except the fifth Sabbaths in the months." It was further "Resolved, that the pastor's salary be $1,200, to be paid quarterly, in advance." When Brother Verrue closed his connection with Danville Church, there were, in good and regular standing in it, but thirteen members-one of this number, Brother David Hall, was soon called to join the Church Triumphant, leaving but twelve. With this little flock scattered far and wide, with the Herculean task of building a costly house of worship on their hands, and not one-half of the money subscribed to pay the original contract for building it, with strong men, thinking men, the sons of Anax all around us, saying, " What will these feeble Jews do ?" the whole field wore a gloomy aspect. But the precious promise, " Fear not, little flock, it is the Father's good-will to give you the Kingdom," cheered the little band, and they cheerfully worked on. There were two things especially encouraging : a live Sunday-school, and nobody seemed discouraged. Go where you would, every man, woman and child seemed cheered with the hopes of a bright future. On the first day of October, 1875, the corner-stone was laid, with proper ceremonies; and on the eighteenth day of June, 1876, the building was dedicated to the worship of God. On a careful examination, the Trustees found they had incurred a debt of $2,500. The congregation resolved to pay every dollar of that amount before solemnly dedicating the house to the worship of God.
441
Township Number Two.
On the day of dedication, before the services commenced, a statement was made of the condition of things, and an earnest appeal was made to the vast assembly present for help to pay the debt-and a noble response was made. Men of ordinary means came forward, and subscribed from $50 to $250; till all was subscribed but $165. Here they seemed to hang. Every man had given all he could give. What could be done ? Another appeal was made. The minister was in the pulpit, ready to commence the services ; the choir was waiting to commence that grand anthem, "Lift up your heads, oh ye gates ! and the King of Glory will come in." There was a painful silence for a few moments. A gentleman who had been watching the whole scene with marked interest-who was a member of the Baptist church, and resided some distance from the church-broke the silence by saying: " Clerk, tell them the debt is paid." It thrilled, like an electric shock, the whole audience. Eyes unused to tears, wept for joy -- "and there was great rejoicing throughout all the camp of Israel." It was the happiest day ever known in Danville. The services were peculiarly inter- esting; and though the house was packed to its utmost capacity, and the services much longer than usual, yet marked attention continued to the end.
The building of this house of worship is an epoch in the history of this church. It locates the interests of this people.' It is a home for the Chris- tian's soul. It is a moral educator. It stands with its spire constantly pointing to Heaven, every day bearing its silent testimony for God. Every traveler marks it. Every journal in the land notices it. Every pious man seeking a home is influenced by it.
The session of the church, anxious to harmonize the whole community, made an appointment at San Ramon, a village three miles from Danville, and as the Sabbath School met every Sabbath at eleven o'clock, they made the appointment at ten o'clock there, and at twelve o'clock at Danville. This seemed to satisfy all parties, and the work went on smoothly for two years, and the " Lord added to the church daily such as shall be saved." In September, 1877, a meeting was held in Cox's Grove, and seven per- sons joined the church, and a good religious impression was made on the surrounding community. At the close of the second year the session thought that the interests of the church demanded a different arrangement. The congregation at Danville seemed lessening, interest in the Sabbath School was going down and they felt that something must be done. They therefore resolved to change the hour for services at Danville, from twelve to eleven o'clock, in accordance with the original resolutions made when they deter- mined to build a house of worship, and make the appointment at San Ramon school-house at any time in the day except eleven o'clock. This did not meet the wishes of the people of that vicinity, and six persons asked for letters of dismission, which were granted. After some time they organ- ized a Methodist church and their connection with this church ceased. This
29
442
History of Contra Costa County.
cast a gloom over the whole Church. A short time after this five of the remaining members asked and received letters of dismission to unite in organizing a Presbyterian church at Walnut Creek, thus cutting down our membership to a mere handful again. In their discouragement the session called a meeting of the church, March 12, 1879, for consultation and prayer to Almighty God for wisdom and help. Up to this time there had been no Deacons in the church. It was determined therefore to elect and ordain one Elder and two Deacons. The ballot was cast in favor of V. Craig, Elder, and J. T. Reed and Hugh Wiley, Deacons, and on the following Sab- bath they were ordained. They also resolved to hold a protracted meeting in the following September, and in the meantime to pray for the special influence of the Holy Spirit upon the people. At a meeting of the Session April 6, 1879, the following question, sent down from the General Assembly to the Presbyteries, was discussed, to wit, " Shall representation to the General assembly be reduced ?" Our representative to the Presbytery was instructed to vote in the negative. The protracted meeting commenced September 27, 1879. A pavilion consisting of a kitchen and dining-room was con- structed, two China cooks were employed. Mrs. A. Hemme presented the church with four full sets of table furniture, a cooking-stove and appara- tus, the people supplying provisions.
Lunch was served every day at twelve o'clock, and for those who resided at a distance, arrangements were made for tea and remaining all night. Services commenced at eleven o'clock. At one o'clock, Praise meeting in the audience room ; young people's meeting in one of the parlors of the church, and female prayer meeting in the parsonage, and public services at seven and a half o'clock, P. M. This meeting continued twenty days. Twenty-six persons united with the church. Christians were greatly re- vived, and the whole community greatly improved. These meetings have been continued every year since and with like results. To this people this is the Feast of the Tabernacle. An impetus was given at this meeting that carried the church over its embarrassments, and from that time forward to the present its condition has been uniformly prosperous. The Board of Home Missions kindly assisted this church till 1879, when it declared itself self-supporting. In 1880 J. T. Reed returned to the Eastern States, leaving but one Deacon to attend to the financial business of the church. On the 7th of November, 1880, the congregation met after due notice had been given, and elected R. O. Baldwin, to the office of Deacon, and on the following Sabbath he was duly ordained.
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.