USA > California > Contra Costa County > History of Contra Costa County, California; with biographical sketches of the leading men and women of the county who have been identified with its growth and development from the early days to the present > Part 29
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 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114
Business transacted at the Depot in Martinez for December : Shipped to San Francisco, 81,700 pounds of barley, 2 cows, 2 calves, 2 horses, 1000 pounds dried fruit, 3980 pounds wine, 11,500 pounds grape fruit, 719,186 pounds wheat; to Port Costa, 146,200 pounds barley; to Oak- land, 5 bulls ; to San Jose, 83,120 pounds general merchandise. Received, 360,000 pounds general merchandise.
January 9, 1866 .- The Fernandez Hotel has been leased by H. R. Wright for five years.
W. R. Matthews is canvassing the town to see what chance there is of the citizens' subscribing for a gas company, with proposed capital of $50,000. If that amount is raised, M. G. Elmore of San Francisco will subscribe $20,000.
The Martinez Free Library and Reading Room opened October 7, and began with 130 books; there are now 300 books, in addition to maga- zines and other periodicals. The room used is donated by Dr. Strentzel.
Walnut Creek has the honor of starting the anti-Chinese movement in this county. A meeting was held on January 27.
John Gambs, of Pacheco, has over 13,000 gallons of wine stored in his cellar.
Selby's Smelting Works use over 400 tons of coal per month.
Antioch's new postmaster, ex-Sheriff D. P. McMahon, took charge of the office on January 25.
February 6, 1886 .- The Martinez Hotel, in the Fernandez Building, was opened to the public Tuesday evening. A grand ball was held Fri- day evening.
EARLY DAYS, PITTSBURG. CALIFORNIA
-
273
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
February 13, 1886 .- An anti-Chinese meeting is called for Monday evening at the Court House.
There was a slight earthquake felt Wednesday evening at nine-thirty o'clock.
Charles Ludden is making a lot of gymnasium apparatus for the Martinez schoolyard, for the boys and girls. The children should be . supplied with all needful appliances for obtaining healthful exercise.
Contra Costa County is destined to become a paradise of vineyards and orchards, of which Ygnacio and Diablo Valleys will be the central portion.
Mrs. Corbett, the postmistress, has decided to move into the new Martinez Hotel building, and a large corner room is being fitted up for the office.
March 30, 1886 .- Brentwood is booming right along and will be a lively town this summer.
Dr. H. V. Mott has been appointed postmaster at Brentwood.
A branch of the Y. M. I. is being organized in Martinez. Father Aerden has been made temporary president, and Will Lawlers, secretary.
Curry & Jones have secured the contract for carrying the mail over the route from Martinez through Pacheco, Concord, Antioch, Judson- ville, Stewartville, Somersville, and Nortonville, for the next four years.
The California and Nevada Railroad Company have put on trains between San Pablo and Oakland. They will soon connect up San Pablo Creek with the Walnut Creek stage.
April 3, 1886 .- The new Methodist Episcopal church at Lafayette will be dedicated tomorrow.
The fare from San Francisco to Stockton is ten cents via the river boats. The fare from Port Costa to Stockton via the Southern Pacific is $2.30.
April 10, 1886 .- An exciting baseball match took place at Martinez Sunday between the "Courthouse Gang" and the "Down Town Chumps." Seven innings were played and the final score was 35 to 18 in favor of the Chumps. The game was enjoyed by both participants and spectators.
April 17, 1886 .- Y. M. I. No. 25 was organized Sunday at the Catholic church, with 50 charter members. James Kenna was elected president.
Up to May 1, 1886, the seasonal rainfall is 23.48 inches.
B. J. Murphy has been appointed postmaster for Concord, and Mrs. A. Guyeth for Walnut Creek.
W. R. Matthews has started a movement for holding a fair in Martinez during the stay of the G. A. R. visitors in San Francisco, about the middle of August, for the purpose of displaying the various resources of the county. At the conclusion of the fair the exhibits are to be taken to San Francisco and displayed there. Every farmer in the county is requested to make exhibits of everything raised from the soil.
274
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
May 22, 1886 .- The Pacific Yacht Club will sail up to Martinez tomorrow.
Ninety degrees in the shade Sunday.
John Conway has been appointed postmaster at Danville.
Justice of the Peace F. M. Smith and Miss Libbie Tibbetts were united in marriage Thursday morning, May 20, 1886, by Judge A. Van R. Paterson.
A new warehouse for Blum & Company is being erected at Bay Point, upon the site of the old one that was blown down two years ago. The new building is 150 by 44 feet. They will also erect a small station house, as Bay Point is a flag-station.
May 29, 1886 .- W. B. Thomas has purchased E. W. Hiller's ice business.
Vessels at Nevada Dock are storing away grain at the rate of 100 car-loads per day. The accumulation of cars on Tuesday was 450.
June 12, 1886 .- The El Cierbo Hotel at Selby was opened on Satur- day, June 5, with a grand ball. The proprietor, Mr. Pickford, is to be congratulated on his well-appointed place.
June 19, 1886 .- Mrs. B. J. Murphy has been appointed postmaster at Concord.
An interesting game of ball was played Sunday at the new recreation grounds in Martinez between the Haymakers of Clayton and the 2nd nine of the Martinez club. The score was 16-17 in favor of Martinez.
June 26, 1886 .- The new schoolhouse at Port Costa is finished, and reflects credit on Mr. Casey, chairman of the board of trustees, and Mr. O'Donnell, the contractor. It is located near the old building on a lot 75 by 100 feet.
Amount of tax levied $3,750.00
Losses from various sources 1,102.00
$2,648.00
Cost of building
$1,600.00
Cost of lot
1,000.00
Fencing, etc. 298.00
July 10, 1886 .- For the first time since 1854, when Colonel Baker delivered a thrilling oration, the Fourth of July was celebrated in Martinez in a manner worthy of the day and its associations. Nearly every building in town was decorated and every individual exerted himself to add to the temporary attractions. A fine procession wended its way through the principal streets, headed by Grand Marshal L. C. Wittenmyer and his aides, A. J. Soto, Myrtel Blum, Frank Glass and James Briare. The floats were numerous and well named. The principal address was made by General G. W. Bowie. An oration by Judge Paterson was also delivered. Two baseball games were played: One between Clayton and Martinez, with a score of 21 to 15 in favor of Martinez; and one between the
275
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Martinez Club and the Hofberg Club of Pacheco, with a score of 4 to 5 in favor of Hofberg. The day ended with fire works and a grand ball.
July 17, 1886 .- The Concord postoffice made a Money Order.
The narrow gauge has bought six new passenger coaches and two locomotives, which are to be put on the new lines from Oakland to Temescal.
The losses sustained from the extensive grain fires in Sycamore Valley were: Charles Wood, $2000; D. Sherburne, $300; J. D. Smith, $100; John Camp, $250; besides damages to pastures of the first two named.
July 31, 1886 .- The new wagon road was completed July 30 from Martinez to Port Costa at a cost of $668 per mile. The contractor lost $137 on the job. The road will be continued on to Crockett.
August 7, 1886 .- On Tuesday Judge T. A. Brown sent his resignation to Governor Stoneman, to take effect October 1, 1886. In July, 1885, he was stricken with paralysis while attending to the duties of his office.
September 4, 1886 .- Work began on macadamizing Main and Ferry Street, of Martinez, Tuesday morning. It will take from sixty to seventy-five days to complete the contract.
The California raisin crop for this year is estimated at 600,000 boxes. September 18, 1886 .- The Fair was very successful and reflects credit upon Contra Costa County.
The delegates of the Congregational churches of Solano and Contra Costa Counties held their conference in the Congregational church at Martinez.
J. J. Jones, of the Alhambra Poultry Yards, received premiums at the State Fair for the best breeding hens of Dark Brahmas, Buff Cochins, Plymouth Rocks, Brown Leghorns, White Leghorns, one male and four females each ; the best Brown Leghorn cockerel and pullet; the best White Leghorn cockerel and pullet; and the best Houdan cock and hen.
October 2, 1886 .- The first shower of the season occurred Thursday.
Port Costa, October 9, 1886 .- McNear is building a warehouse, 100 by 100 feet, between Burke's Hotel and the railroad. It is intended for storing hay, potatoes, etc., and will be fireproof.
Brentwood Lodge, No. 243, A. O. U. W., was installed Saturday evening in Wristen's Hall by District Deputy Grand Master Frank Cole- man and State Deputy Frank S. Poland.
Pierce Ryan, of Byron Hot Springs, is having an addition to the hotel erected. It will be 150 feet long and two stories high.
October 23, 1886 .- Judge Warmcastle received his commission Satur- day and opened court Monday morning.
There will be a grand turnout this evening at Martinez to listen to Hon. James McKenna and J. P. Abbott at Bennett's Hall. The Concord Brass Band has been engaged for the occasion.
The Martinez town trustees have purchased a hook and ladder truck for $225, the original cost of which was $600. About $30 will put it in fine order.
276
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
November 13, 1886 .- The Terry residence, near Clayton, was totally destroyed by fire; estimated loss, $20,000, half of which is covered by insurance.
A special election was held in Township No. 5. J. J. Burke was elected.
January 15, 1887 .- The lower portion of Ferry Street is being repaired by the railroad company.
The Port Costa Lumber Company is located at Valona, having ac- quired Smith & Moore's business and franchises, one from Dr. Strentzel, and one from Prof. John Muir, which includes the entire water-front from Starr's Mills at Crockett to Vallejo Junction. A contract for 1500 feet of wharf, 200 feet wide, has been let. The company is a com- bination of all the Oregon pine lumber interests of the Coast, and the new yards will be the general coast distributing point.
January 22, 1887 .- 3.68 inches of rain have fallen, as against 15 inches for 1886.
Feburary 5, 1887 .- Mount Diablo Parlor No. 101, N. S. G. W., was organized in the Odd Fellows Hall this week by C. M. Belshaw, of Antioch. The following were elected: A. E. Dunkel, Past President; T. A. McMahon, President; W. T. Wallace, Jr., C. Y. Brown, and James Johnston, First, Second and Third Vice-Presidents; F. L. Glass, Re- cording secretary; Guy Shirley, Financial Secretary; A. E. Blum, Treas- urer; H. E. Curry, Marshal.
The twelve instruments for the new Cornet Band of Martinez ar- rived Thursday.
February 12, 1887 .- The snowstorm of Saturday was a surprise. Up to yesterday noon we have had 7.47 inches of rain for the season. In the interior of the county the rainfall has been much heavier.
The first ball of the Black Diamond football club will be held in the Black Diamond Hall Tuesday evening.
Quite an exodus from the coal mines of this county to Washington Territory has recently taken place.
That portion of Main Street one block below the bridge has been macadamized and is now in fine shape.
March 5, 1887 .- A Board of Trade was organized in Martinez by an enthusiastic assemblage held in the courthouse Saturday evening. The organization was fully perfected the following Thursday with 170 members. The following officers were elected: President, E. B. Smith ; vice-president, S. Blum; treas., Bank of Martinez; sec'y, Will Acton.
The following communication speaks for itself :
Los Angeles, Calif., March 8, 1887. L. I. Fish, Esq., Martinez, Calif.
Dear Sir : The box of fine navel oranges, lemons, and limes came this forenoon and are now doing duty in our show windows for Contra Costa County. Have labeled them as you desire and given them the center front of the window. They are very fine-no better anywhere. . .. Am glad
277
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
you thought to send limes in all stages of growth, as it effectually dis- poses of the "frozen and snow-bound" business. . . . A good many come in and ask about them, etc. . Many say they will go north, where they can get soil at a reasonable price, with rainfall and climate thrown in. Yours truly, (Signed) E. W. Giddings, Agent, Central and Northern California Immigration Association.
Over $2000 have been subscribed to make known our resources. A general interest is manifested. The windows of the Board of Trade room are gradually being filled with displays of products of the county. Every variety of temperate and semi-tropical products is grown in Contra Costa County-wheat, barley, alfalfa, fruit and vegetables. It has a climate that is unexcelled. The tide of immigration is setting this way. The Board of Trade numbers 200 members.
April 9, 1887 .- The Board of Trustees of Martinez have determined to take steps to recover the block in the eastern portion of the town known as the Plaza. The block in question is claimed by S. Blum. The object of the board is to have the court definitely determine the ownership. The Plaza was a portion of the William Welch ranch. In 1851, when the town was platted by the heirs through Joseph Swanson, their agent, F. M. Warmcastle, Elam Brown, N. B. Smith, J. F. Williams, T. A. Brown, and others, purchased lots adjoining the square, which was known as the Plaza up to 1870.
April 16, 1887 .- (Antioch Ledger)-N. W. Smith, of Lone Tree Valley, has 1600 almond trees, five to seven years old; also, 400 French prune, 600 apricot, 150 peach, 100 plum, sixty fig, sixty apple and pear, and twelve cherry trees.
May 7, 1887 .- The old toll road from Redwood Canyon to East Oakland may now be traveled free of charge, the franchise having expired.
3000 tons of rails will be required for the new double track between Oakland and Port Costa. The track will be twenty-two miles long.
R. D. Thomas has purchased a tract of land in the flat south of town for the purpose of boring for water. He is of the opinion that he can furnish ample water for private and public use. He also believes that he can furnish electric lights.
May 28, 1887 .- The trustees of the town met Tuesday evening and granted a permit to D. R. Thomas to lay four-inch pipes in the streets for supplying the town with water for a term of twenty years.
The annual meeting of the Contra Costa County Agricultural Society was held in Concord on Saturday and plans for reorganization were made.
June 4, 1887 .- Express offices were opened this week by Wells-Fargo & Company in John Conway's store at Danville and in H. C. Hurst's store at San Ramon.
Why use tugs? To the surprise of everybody in Martinez, the large bark-rigged ship "Roswell Sprague," capacity 1000 tons, came up the
278
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
Straits last Sunday under full sail in a spanking breeze and dropped anchor off the head of Grangers' Wharf, having on board 600,000 feet of cedar plank and timber for railroad bridges, tunnels, culverts, etc., being constructed along the line.
Mr. Thomas is now actively engaged in supplying the town with water. He has seven wells on his tract in the flat, 512 to 7 inches bore, all connected with one main. His 50,000-gallon tank at the wells is full, and his engine is at work every day pumping to the main reservoir. He expects to have water in the town mains within a week.
July 2, 1887 .- During the present week Mr. Thomas has placed about 1500 feet of pipe leading water to the residences of E. R. Chase, O. L. Morgan and Alexander Tait.
July 30, 1887 .- Water rate fixed at $3.75 per month, per hydrant, to be paid D. R. Thomas by the town of Martinez.
July 30, 1887 .- Concord is to organize a Y. M. I. tomorrow.
Things are booming at Nevada Docks, Port Costa, Crockett, Valona and Selby.
The postoffice at Moraga has been discontinued and its business trans- ferred to Oakland.
A slight idea of the vast quanity of wheat going into the warehouses may be gathered from the fact that 580 carloads arrived at Port Costa in one night last week.
West Hill Water Works, owned by D. R. Thomas, will supply 20,000 gallons daily to the Southern Pacific Railway.
August 20, 1887 .- The Martinez Hook & Ladder Company, headed by the band, paraded the streets last evening and made a fine showing.
August 27, 1887 .- The Martinez Gas Company will commence build- ing their works Monday. A lot has been purchased from S. Blum & Company of ample dimensions for their requirements. The stock of the company is about all taken, and gas for Martinez is assured at three dollars per thousand cubic feet.
Contra Costa wants telegraphic facilities.
September 10, 1887 .- The boom has reached Byron and extensive improvements are being made in that wide-awake and rapidly progressing town. A new Congregational church, a commodious schoolhouse, and a fine lumber yard have been erected, and the contractors have just com- pleted the finest town hall in Contra Costa County.
The boom has struck Danville; two real estate offices have been opened, and several of the old residents have sold out.
September 17, 1887 .- The San Francisco and San Joaquin Valley Railway Company was incorporated last Saturday, capital stock $10,000,- 000, for the purpose of carrying freight and passengers from a point at or near Antioch, Contra Costa County, to a point near Rogers, Kern County, 380 miles.
Work is being pushed rapidly on the gas works. A force of men are engaged in laying pipe mains through the streets.
279
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
October 1, 1887 .- On Monday some twenty of the Martinez sports- men signed their names for the purpose of organizing a gun club. The following names were enrolled: Ed. Morgan, W. A. Hale, A. P. Nelson, W. J. Douglas, George Gill, L. D. Anderson, E. J. Summerfield, T. S. Davenport, A. E. Blum, George McMahon, J. P. Briare, Charles Hewitt, Charles Wright, C. E. Curry, F. A. Hodapp, T. A. McMahon, R. A. Fraser, Harry Moore, Frank Prairo and Steve Bennett.
The new Methodist Episcopal church at Byron is rapidly nearing completion.
Semi-annual report of Librarian :
Number of books in library 601
Number of paper-covered books 301
Number of books purchased since April. 84
Number of books donated since April 10
Average attendance at Reading Room. 25
(Signed) Martha C. McMahon
Cash on hand for fiscal year ending on October 4,
1887 $ 37.05
Total expense for year $284.10
October 22, 1887 .- Sixty-two teachers attended the Institute at Concord.
The first meeting for the purpose of the organization of the stock- holders of the Martinez Gas Company was held October 20. Dr. J. Strentzel was elected president; R. R. Bunker, vice-president; Alex Bad- lam, secretary ; R. R. Thomas, treasurer.
November 5, 1887 .- On Sunday evening, for the first time in its history, gas was lighted in Martinez for public use.
The main streets have been macadamized. The West Hill Water Works provide ample water. A fine fire company has been organized; also the Martinez Brass Band.
November 19, 1887 .- The fiftieth anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Barber was celebrated November 14, 1887. when about 140 of their personal friends, old and young, assembled at the family homestead. Lunch tables were spread and filled with good things to eat. A pleasant time was enjoyed by all.
The Thanksgiving ball given by the Martinez Military Band was a so- cial and financial success. Tasty and elaborate decorations were made. A novel grand march was a feature of the evening. A large attendance enjoyed the sumptuous feast.
December 3, 1887 .- The new string band recently organized in Martinez has begun practicing and soon will be able to furnish excellent music for dances. Max Blum, first violin; A. E. Blum, second violin ; Professor Leroy, cornet; C. H. Wright, double bass. Two more pieces are soon to be added.
280
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
December 17, 1887 .- The Native Daughters of the Golden West, Ramona Parlor No. 21, was duly initiated at the Knights of Pythias Hall last Saturday evening. List of officers: Mrs. Lizzie Russell, Presi- dent; Mrs. C. K. Wittenmyer, Past President; Mrs. Emma Case, First Vice-President; Babe Jones, Second Vice-President; Jennie Fraser, Third Vice-President; Kate Potwin, Recording Secretary ; Cora Hough, Financial Secretary; Mame Jones, Treasurer; Maggie Carrigan, Inside Sentinel ; Ella Swain, Outside Sentinel.
The California Steamship Navigation Company has bought the Walker, and now the fare, by river, from San Francisco to Stockton is seventy-five cents.
December 24, 1887 .- The twenty-fifth anniversary of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Raap was remembered by their numerous friends at their home on the outskirts of Martinez.
January 4, 1888 .- The Gazette appears today in a new form as a semi-weekly paper with a new dress.
January 7, 1888 .- M. Cohen, formerly of Danville, has opened a store in the Martinez Hotel building.
January 11, 1888 .- During the past three or four days the weather has been cold about Martinez; in fact, the coldest since 1854. The ther- mometer has been down as low as 26 degrees. Ice over an inch thick has been taken out of troughs, and every puddle is frozen over.
January 14, 1888 .- Twenty-two degrees was reported at the depot at 6 :30 a. m. ; 18 degrees at Pacheco; 14 degrees at Walnut Creek. Water pipes burst in a most extravagant manner and plumbers were in great demand.
January 18, 1888 .- The new hose cart ordered for the county arrived Sunday and is a beauty.
February 25, 1888 .- The opening of coal mines at Somersville has been the means of employing many men at that place, and it is now one of the liveliest in the county.
February 29, 1888 .- The Steamer Julia was blown up at 6:10 Mon- day, as it was leaving the wharf at South Vallejo with seventy passengers on board, about forty of whom were killed. The steamer was burned to the water's edge. Fire was communicated to the petroleum tank on the wharf, and soon the whole structure was in flames.
April 4, 1888 .- The Town Improvement Commission met last Satur- day at the courthouse and endorsed the movement for roads, bridges, town hall and other improvements.
A Leap Year Ball was given by the Native Daughters of the Golden West and was largely attended. Splendid music was rendered. The grand march was led by Mrs. L. T. Russell, president, and A. T. Gartley.
April 7, 1888 .- The ninth anniversary of the Concord Hook & Ladder Company, No. 1, was celebrated Thursday, April 5. The Concord and Martinez bands were in evidence, and the Martinez Fire Department was
281
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
out in full force. A grand ball was held, followed by a grand feed. The celebration was a grand success.
May 26, 1888 .- A fine new Cottrell cylinder press has just been in- stalled in the Gazette office. It is a fine piece of machinery.
September 18, 1889 .- The work of clearing away debris and re- building the burned portion of Port Costa is progressing rapidly. The new warehouse will be 1500 by 100 feet, and much more spacious than before.
The new residence erected for C. S. Cousins, of Pinole, is now completed.
The Twenty-ninth Annual Fair of the Contra Costa County Agri- cultural Society, but in reality the first of Agricultural District No. 23, will open Monday, September 23.
October 2, 1889 .- John L. Heald, of Heald's Foundry at Crockett, has finished putting in the wine-making machinery at Senator Hearst's place in Sonoma.
October 9, 1889 .- The first rainfall of the season, that of Monday, was phenomenal; 1.50 inches fell during the day, which is remarkable for the first rain.
October 9, 1889 .- The extensive agricultural works at Crockett owned by J. L. Heald have been incorporated. Mr. Heald started the business originally at Vallejo. Under the new management the works will be enlarged.
October 12, 1889 .- Thursday afternoon the last blow was struck by the contractor on the new bridge. That evening the band turned out to celebrate the event.
The old zinc warehouse at Ferry Wharf, an old landmark built in 1850, in Martinez, is being torn down by George T. Bush. The older residents will remember that steamers landed at this warehouse and dis- charged their cargoes.
October 26, 1889 .- The Walnut Creek Library will be opened on Monday evening, October 28, under the name of the San Ramon Valley Library.
November 2, 1889 .- A company has been formed in St. Paul to operate an extensive cannery at Martinez, and will occupy the old steel plant.
A paper mill for Antioch is about to be established.
November 6, 1889, a heavy frost was felt at Danville.
December 7, 1889 .- The Ramona Parlor, Native Daughters of the Golden West, will give a fancy dress ball on their anniversary, next Tues- day evening.
Mrs. L. M. Willis has sold the Antioch Ledger to Mr. Gill, of Lemoore, and is going to retire.
December 18, 1889 .- On Monday afternoon, about three o'clock, the 50,000-gallon water-tank of the West Hill Water Company, which
282
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY
was filled to overflowing, suddenly burst, throwing water, splinters and iron hoops in all directions.
January 18, 1890 .- Twenty-eight years ago last Saturday, January 11, 1862, occurred the great flood in California, an event which has served as a date from which to determine the period of other occurrences. In the season of 1861-1862 there was 10.80 inches of rain previous to Janu- ary 1. In January, 15.36 inches of rain fell, and that heavy fall caused the devastating flood. This season there was 20.58 inches before Janu- ary 1.
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.