USA > California > Los Angeles County > History of Los Angeles County, California, with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, residences, fine blocks and manufactories > Part 32
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We had hy way of variety, several horse-races about New Year's time. Pin Pico ran Fisk Johnson against Jose Sepulveda's Bayu l'intu- three thousand dollars a side-distance, four hundred yards. Pinto won. There was a sernb race next day between numerous Californian borges- mile heats -- Jurtest time, two minutes three seconds. Sundry cock. fights took place on the plaza last Sunday. The bulls are all too poor lo fight."
Again he writes :-
March 30, 1837, a race took place at Pico's Ranch: stakes one thousand dollars for three Jeagnes, The horses were entered by Pin Pico and Jose Sepulveda. Pred's horse wan, making the distance in seventeen and a half minutes. After the race, there was a free fight, and a man was badly stabbed.
And again :---
JANUARY 20, 1860. A horse-race-un gran current-of several horses, came uff on the plain, just below town. The stake was a one hundred dollar purse, together with the entrance fees, forty dollars. Each nag, mile heats, best two in three. A Kosilla, or whitey-roan colt of Chicy Vejar, won every time-shortest that, one minute and fifty five seconds. All California colts who had never run for uver fifty dollars before. llalf the town went to look on, and considerable money changed hands.
O, what a fall was here! From ten thousand dollars cash and one thousand head of horned cattle, to a paltry one han- dred dollar purse-all in eight years.
CURRENT EVENTS.
From 1850 to 1853, the Indian tribes of the Mojave desert and neighboring mountains kept the inhabitants of Lox Angeles county in constant hot water; stealing stock, aml not uufrequently murdering the ranchers. In the last men- tioned year, the Tejon reservation was established, and the wild tribes were henceforth umler better control.
1834.
In his "California Recollections," Rev. James Woods esti-
97
997
VIEW OF VERNON DISTRICT PUBLIC SCHOOL BUILDING, AND PORTION OF GROUNDS, LOS ANGELES CO CAL.
.SALIENTO BY THOMPSON & WEST.
93
HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
inates that during the year 1854, The average of violent deaths in Los Angeles City, was not less than one a day, for the most part Mexicans and Indians, but not unfrequently persons in the higher walks of life. During this year, he says, a company of roughs from the frontier visited the city, and conducted themselves in such an outrageous manner toward respectable native families, acting as though they considered their houses bagnios, that the nalives became enraged, and falling upon them, killed three, wounded two others very severely, and chased the rest out of the city. Another writer says, that murders were of almost nightly occurrence, and yet no police force existed ju the city. Under date November 16th, the Southern Califor- viun complains of the past dull week-only four murders. Yet even in those red-handed days, some few people managed to die peaceably in their beds of old age. Thus we read in the paper just quoted (September 14th): "DIRD .- In this city, on the 5th instant, Dona Maria Francisca Villalobos de Tavia, in the one hundred and twelfth year of her age."
Under date of August 11th, the following order appears on the Supervisors' minutes :-
" Ordered, that the sum of one thousand dollars be approprinted from the county treasury, ont of fund for current expenses, for the opening of a wagon rond over the Sau Fernando mountain, from the mission of San Fernando to the San Francisco Ranch; provided, that the same shall not be paid until this board is satisfied that a good road, passable for louded wagons is made over said mountain in the direction of the Tejon
SEPTEMBER 21st, the market report of Los Angeles has The following quotations :---
Beef cattle.
$2500$30.00
Cows and calves 30.00
Stock cattle
20.00
Sheep ...
450
Flour, per ewt. 7.00
Hay, per ton' 10.00
Butter, per pound. 1.010
Eggs, per dozen. .75
1855.
There were but few events of importance chronicled during the year 1855; but from the Los Angeles Star of March 10th, we copy the following :-
FATAL, AFFRAY-THREE MEN KILLED AND TWO WOUNDED.
On Sunday evening, March 4th, an all'ray occurred nt a Mexican dance-house in this city. A Fonoranian was stabhed by another and mortally woumled so that he died almost instantly. Coustable llale promptly arrested the murderer, and was conveying him to jail assisted by Mr. Pancho Johnson, when four men overtook them on horseback and commenced firing, probably with the intent of sesquing the prisoner. Mr. Johnson rud the prisoner were severely, but not langerously wounded. Mr. Hale promptly returned the fire of these desperadoe», wonnding one of them so severely that he died the next morning. On the same evening, a short time after this nflair, Dr. W. B. Osburn was attacked by several of the same gang of desperadoes, but escaped unhurt, although some half dozen shots were fired at him.
It is probable that Dr. Osburn shot one of the gang, as one of them was found dead about three miles from town. The man that Mr. Ilale shot is recognized as Dionicio Garcia, who killed the Sheriff at Mon- terey county last summer.
This year throughout was marked by considerable activity in business, aml a large increase in the exports of the county. We capy the following from the Stur of November:
Abstract of shipments coastwise of domestic produce from the port of San Pedro, for the four months, ending Detaber 31. 1855.
Grapes, boxes 31,1195
Value, $153.475
(ther fruits, boxes. 1,036 =
5,255
Salt, Ibs .. .330,0110
=
5,775
Beans, “ 130,316
6,4166
Wool, " 38,000)
4,750
Other productions, tons 258
=
21,000
Aggregate No. of tons, indse . . 2,395. Aggregate value
$202,254 00)
No. of vessels entering the port of } San Pedro, JJuly Ist, to Oct, Ist. §
62
Enrolled and licensed tonnage of } sante ..
23,621 11 9ff
1856.
The season of 1855 6 was very dry, only 5,867 inches of rain being registered from November to April, inclusive; as a natural consequence there was considerable loss of stock.
The chief incident of this year is best set forth in the fol- lowing extracts from the Los Angeles News, of July 26th, et
GREAT EXCITEMENT IN LOS ANGELES-THE CITIZENS IN ARMS- THREATENED ATTACK ON THE TOWN.
Ou Sa urday morning, July 19th, an attachment was issued from the Justice's Court of Alex. Gibson and placed in the hands of W'm. Jen- kins, a deputy constable, for execution on the property of a Mexican named Antonio Rnis. This circumstance, simple in itself, Indl to events which kept the town in a state of alarm and excitement during nu entire week. On that morning Jenkins proceeded to execute the writ, and meeting with some little obstruction in the discharge of his duty, roshly drew his justol aud fired, the ball taking effect in the breast of Antonio Ruis, causing his death on the evening of the following day. Immediatelyafter committing the rash deed Jenkins surrendered himself to justice, and was admitted to bail. On the death of Ruis, a warrant was issued for his apprehension, on application by the District Attor- ney to Judge Ilayes, and he was committed to the custody of the Under Sheriff to await examination. That officer did not think proper to place him ju confinement, but let him go at large, and to this cir- enuistance is mainly attributable the excitement that followed, the Spanish population taking offense that one who had, in their estima- tion, committed a murder, should be at large and armed. Great excite- ment prevailed amongst them from the time of the shooting till the funeral. The deceased was a quiet, inoffensive inan, and was highly esteemed by his acquaintances The feelings of his friends were not expressed in public until after the funeral, when they held a public meeting at the graveyard. During the proceedings at the graveyard, reports were brought to town of the nature of the speeches, and alarm begau to spread among the citizens. At last it was understood that the crowd intended to attack the jail (where Jenkius had heen confined by order of ludge Hayes), and in a short time a strong guard was in readiness to give them a warm reception should they attempt to carry
out their threats. The guard remained on duty all night, aud no dis. turbance occurred.
Tuesday-Abont sundown, rumors began to prevail of meetings among the lowest and most abandoned Sonoramans and Mexicans, and that they were to attack the town at night, These reports were con- firmed. Immediately the City Marshal and three deputies monnteil their hor-es and patroled the outskirts of the city. Crowds were detected in several Auspicious places, nml about nine o'clock all hud withdrawn to their rendezvous, a hill behind the church, from which it was intemled to march in und sack the town. Warning to that effect hnd been sent to certam citizens, whom they did not wish to aver- whelm in the general destruction. The lenders Fuldly avowed their intentions, and indulged in the tiercest maledictions against the Amer- ienne, stating their determination to wipe ont nud sack the town. The citizens were not idle. Every man that could procure n gun or pistol went to the aid of the Sheriff (1). W. Alexander), who hund his rendez- vous at the jail, the point of the anticipated attuck.
SEIZURE OF ARMS,
Between nine and ten o'clock n party of banditti called at the resi- dence of the Roman Catholic priest, and while nue or two engaged him in conversation, the others ransacked the house, and curried off'nbont n dozen stand of arms, and a small brass cunnon.
ALARM OF FAMILIES,
Families living in the outskirts of the town left their honses and come into the city; others congregated together for intnal protection.
REMONSTRANCES WITH THE MOB.
Several gentlemen rode np, from time to time, to the hill where the insurgents were drawn up, to remonstrate with them on the madness of their course, Their efforts were immediately counterneted by the cup- tain, a Frenchman, who ordered these persons ta lenve.
THE ATTACK.
About twelve o'clock, the moon being up, W. C. Getman, the Mur- shal, and his deputy, Win. Peterson, rode towards the hill where the insurgents were drawn up, accompanied by five or six armed citizens, for the purpose of ascertaining the position and force of the mob. There were then supposed to be from two tu three hundred persons, all arined; a large number were mounted. While the party were reeon. noitering, the mob were put in motion towards the town. Getmun directed his party to retire, the footmen first, Peterson and himself protecting them from attack by the crowd. It appears he stopped too far behind. as the scouts from the insurgents came in sight of him, recognized him and fired. lle returned the fire, discharging two shots, when the horseigen came up with him and he had to retreat. The party on foot discharged their arms and also retreated, Getman and Peterson still keeping behind to protect them. From this cause Getman fell behind his party, when four mounted Mexicans nale np and fired, one ball taking effect in his hend, which caused him to fall from his horse. While on the ground, these ruffiuns rode past him, each firing nt him (none of the shots resulted futally, how- ever), and then fled towards the crowd, which by this time had reached the plaza.
ARRIVAL OF THE MILITARY.
The alarm being given, the military company on duty at the jail, having first removed the prisoner, marched to the plaza, but too much time had been lost, and when they arrived the other purty had marched off' to the shrill notes of a fife. The military remained on duty until daylight, patroling the city and suburbs, but no trace of the insurgents could be found.
WEDNESDAY-It was resolved when the firing first began to send to the Monte for assistance, and MIr. O. W. Chills volunteered for the service. Mounting lis horse, he started off' alone about one o'clock in the morning, and well and faithfully executed his mission. About ten o'clock a party of citizens from the Monte, mounted und armed. numberiug thirty-six muskets, arrived in town and were received with loud cheers. At an carly hour in the morning hand- hills were circulated calling a public meeting of the citizens in front of the Montgomery House. Military companfes were organized in addition to the Rangers and City Guards. Judge Norton took charge of the Guards, J. (. A. Stanley led the Rangers mul Dr. Griffin the
94
HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
citizens' company. Strict watch was kept thronghont the night. Dob Andres Pico, at the head of a party of twenty Cahfornians, well armed and mounted, started out to scour the hills and ravines, and returnel on Thursday evening, bringing in a prisoner, a Frenchman. one of those in command of the insurgents. Don Andres and party had a most harassing duty, having ridden fully seventy miles during the search. Wednesday night passed over without any occurrence tending to disturb the prace of the town.
Till REDAY During the day the country for miles around was scoured by a party of rangers. At night the military were again on duty, but nothing of importance ocenrred.
FRIDAY The town assumed itx nsnal peaceful character. The Rangers were out on duty and citizens relieved from their alarm: at night the uxnul guard were set, but no further alarm. *
*
*
*
At the trial of Jenkins, on Tuesday, be was held to answer to the charge of manslaughter. The bail was fixed at three thousand dollars. Bonds were given and the prisoner released. *
* *
*
Fernando Carierga, the Frenchman, arrested by lon Andres Pico's company, was, at the trial, proven to be the leader of the Mexicans who took the arms from the Padre; and that he was designated as " ('aptnin." lle was held to answer on a charge of assanlt with intent to commit murder, and was released on bail, the amount beiug fixed at two thousand dollars.
We have failed to discover that either of these men were ever punished, or even tried, on account of their action in this affair. To guard against such occurrences in the future, a meeting of citizens was called and the following report of proceedings is copied from the Mer of July 26, 1856 :--
PROCEEDINGS OF PUBLIC MEETING.
On Wednesday, the 23d of July, a public meeting was held for the purpose of taking steps to prevent crime, and to organize in defense of the lives and properties of citizens.
{In motion, Ilun. Myron Norton was called to the chair and H. N. Alexander elected Secretary. On taking the chair Judge Nortou explained the purpose for which the meeting was convened, and called upon all good citizens to come forward and unite togetber for the promotion of the object in view. Don Andres Pico was then called for, and on taking his position on the stand was loudly cheered. lle addressed the assemblage, and explained to the Spanish-speaking population the objects of the meeting. On motion of (. Sims, Esq., a romwittre was appointed to draft resolutions, expressive of the inveting. On motion the committee was composed of the following gentlemen: Dr. J. S. Griffin, C. Sims, Captain R. S. Dinner, John W. Shore, Jon Andres Pico, Dr. Wm. Jones, Captain E ward Hunter, Francisco Mellus, Ira Thompson. Don Tomas Sanchez, Abel Stearns. Dom Antonio F. Coronel, Don Juan Padilla, Don Luis Sansevaine, .Incob Elins, 11. Penelone, Hlou. Myron Norton.
On motion the meeting adjourned for one hour to give time for prep- aration of resolutions. About one o'clock the meeting was called to undler in pursuance of adjourmment, when the committee submitted the following preamble and resolutions, which were unanimously adopted :-
WHERESS, This meeting is well convinced by severe experience that we have amongst us a great number of thieves, robbers and murderers, who have stolen our property, murdered our citizens, and from whom we are in hourly danger of our lives; therefore
Krsole-d, That a committee of twenty citizens be appointed to inquire into and hear of any and all persons making complaint or accusation into the character, condnet and occupation of all disorderly and suspicious persons, and that upon the order of such committee the said persons may be released, or sent out of the country, and that the military formed from the people for the purpose of preventing and ristraining the disgraceful violations of the law and order in this community, hold themselves in readiness under the order of the com- mittee to carry out its directions.
Resolved, That we. the people, are adverse to the shedding of blood, and desire to avoid such necessity; and we pledge our lives and
honor- that we will not take away the life of any man uuleas he is fonnd resisting the proper authority, which we have found it nec- essary to confide to the committee, or in some other way disturbing or threatening the public peace by demonstrations with arms.
Resolved. That all persons found assembled in the county of Los Angeles, or on the roads or highways, with arms, unless they belong to some mil tary company shall be arrested and disarmed. unless they give satisfactory account of themselves; and that the military eoui- panies formed from the citizens shall he under the general control of the Sheriff' of the county.
Resolved, that the following gentlemen compose said committee: Hon. W. G. Dryden, Francis Mellns, Don Augustine Olvera, Abel Stearns, Don Tomas Sanchez. Dr. J. S. Griffin. Dr. J. B. Winston. Captain Edward Hunter, Don Cristoval Aguilar, Don Antonio F. Coronel, John Foster, Dr. Stephen C. Foster, Don Luis Sansevaine, J. G. Downey. Jacob Elias, D. Marshessault, J. S. Mullard, J. G. Nichols, Collins Wadhams, Hon. B. I), Wilson.
Resolved, That it sball require a majority of the committee to sen- tence a man to be expelled from the country: it was further
Resolved, That one thousand copies of the proceedings and resolu- tions be printed in hand-bill form, for distribution-five hundred in Spanish and five hundred English.
Resolved, That a committee of five be appointed by the meeting to collect voluntary subscriptions for the purpose of aiding our eit- izens in carrying out and enforcing the foregoing resolutions.
Upou motion the following gentlemen were nominated said committee: Don Juan Padilla, Ignacio Coronel, Abel Stearns, Dr. J. B. Winston, H. Penelone. It was then moved that all parties who had not enrolled their names in Major Harvey's company be requested to come forward and enroll themselves ready for duty. Ou motion the meeting adjourned. MYRON NORTON, Chairman.
H. N. ALEXANDER, Secretary.
A short time before this a Vigilance Committee was formed'at San Gabriel, and a number of dangerons persons expelled from the community.
The following statistics for the year 1856, are gleaned from the Star columns :-
REPORT
Of Los Angeles County Assessor to the Surveyor-General for the year 1856.
CROPS.
Wheal.
442 aeres.
Oats.
59
Barley ..
3.532
Cora
4,024
Broom-eorn
45
"
Beans
STOCK.
Saddle-horses and mares
2,760
Wild
8,460
Work mules
263
Wild ..
38
Asses
28
Tame cows
263
Wild .
69,438
Work oxen
883
Sheep
20,180
Goats
300
Hogs.
1,000
VEHICLES, ETC.
Wagons
131
Carts
33
Buggies.
34
Carriages
22
Thresbing-machines
2
Reaper
1
C'orn mill
1
FRUIT TREES.
Vines bearing
592,400; do. youug 134,000
Apples "
460; " 11
.1,500
Apricots "
700; "
.1,920
Alves
.9; Almonds
9
Citron
12; Cherry
25
Currants
1,000; Fig, old.
.670
Fig. young.
160; do. Cochinea]
.10; " young
.50
Nectarines
.27
Oranges, bearing.
151; do. young
4,200
Olives
517; **
.. 50
Plums, young.
.511
Pomegranates, bearing ... 340; do. youug.
1,014
Pine-apples
.. 87
Pears, old.
.1,304; do. young 1,000
Bermagot
12
Peacbes, bearing.
3,378; do. young. .116:
49,658
.. 68
Raspberry, young
1.000
Wafonts, bearing.
.806; do, young .. 151
There are three grist-mills in the county, all of which are worked by "motive power."
The number of acres assessed in the county (the lands for which the occupants have no government title as yet being omitted) is one million three thousand nine hundred and thirty.
VALUES.
Value of land
402,219 00
' improvements =
230,336 00
=
=
city property
187,582 00
=
= improvements. 457,535 00
personal property 1,213,079 00
Total value of real estate and per-
sonal property
$2,490,750 00
SCHEDULE
Showing the amount and value of domestic produce, shipped coastwise Trom the port of San Pedro, from July 1, 1856, to March 31, 1857; also imports for the same term.
Beans İbs 136,345 Value
5,353
Barley Ils 36,700 ..
917
Corn ftvs
643,300
12,866
Corn meal lbs
34,000
1,010
Grapes [bs
1,427,710 ..
128.414
Oranges, other fts 1bs
56,373
..
11,274
Hides No. of.
12,517
25,024
Salt, bushels
11,016
15.435
Wine, gallons
25.655 ..
19,240
Wool, Ibs.
73,850
1.
7.384
Miscellaneous produce
6,718
Aggregate exports tons 2,226 Valne $233,635
IMPORTS-COASTWISE.
General merchandise, tons 3,65g
Lumber. thousands. .405,801
Shingles, thousands .202,000
During the same period there were eutered eighty-two vessels, har- ing an aggregate tonnage of twenty-six thousand nine hundred sad fifty-two and fifty-one eighty-fitths, employing oue thonsaud one hundred and sixty-zeven men; cleared. seventy-nine vessels baviug an aggregate tonnage of twenty-six thousand nine hundred and forty-five and cigbty eighty-fifths, employing one thousand one bnudred and thirty-one men.
Stage-coaches
Quiuee.
Lemon, bearing
-
RESIDENCE & RANCH OF THOMAS CAREY, VERNON DISTRICT. LOS ANGELES CO CAL .
PULITIHED DY THOMPSON & WISE
95
HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
1857.
This year was marked by the murder of Sheriff Barton and party by Flores and his hand, a full account of which appears in our chapter on crimes; also by considerable uncasiness among the good people of Los Angeles county, owing to the hostile attitude of the Mortnons at Salt Lake. Ahnost with the begin- ning of the year, troops began to move through the city, going to various points upon the frontier. The excitement culmi- nated when news of the " Mountain Meadow Massacre" arrived. Thus we read under date-
OCTOBER 17th-A mass meeting of the citizens of Los Angeles cumvened at the pavilion, un the plaza, October 12, 1857, to investigate the facts in the recent massacre on the Salt Lake road, of mure than one hundred Americans. The meeting was organized by the election of Mr. George N. Whitman, Chairman. The meeting was addressed by Dr. Andrews, Messrs. Sparks, Margradge, Chapman and others. Atan adjourned meeting held the following day, it was resolved that the atrocious act was perpetrated by the Mormons, nod their allies, the Indians; and that the President of the United States should take prompt measures for the punishment of the murderers.
And again :-
DECEMBER 6-A large number of citizens of Los Angeles, assembled at the Montgomery House for the purpose of preventing the sale of arms to the Mormons. The proclamation of Brigham Young, declaring Utah Territory under martial law, was read by the Chairman, The meeting was addressed by J. R. Scott, Esq., who stated that there had been and still are, large quantities of arms and ammunition eunstantly di-jxmed of to the Mormons by merchants of Los Angeles, and that con- siderable quantities were received on the steamer yesterday, for imme- diate transportation to Utah, by Mormon wagons, now waiting for the same. The following petition, presented by M. Keller, was accepted, and signed by the officers of the meeting :-
"To Gen. W. S. Clark, Commanding General of Pacific Department: -Recent and reliable information seems to he established, that it is the intention of the Mormons to oppose the Inited States by force of anins. They need horses, cattle, provisions, and clothing, all of wineb they see in our possession. If they were determined upon making the furay, they could pour one thousand five hundred of their men, assisted by a large number of Indians, through the Cajon Pass into our unpro- tected valley, inside of thirty days. We, therefore,'invite your atten- tion to these facts, and earnestly regnest you to take such steps as you think proper."
The following editorial appeared in the Los Angeles Star under date December 26th :-
MILITARY AFFAIRS.
The exposed position of this district, lying on the confines of the State, and open to irruption hy the Mormon forees, has attracted the attention of the Commander of the Pacific Department, General Clark. wbo has issued certain orders to the troops iu this district. We are enabled to state, on authority, the following movements: Major Blake, commanding at Sau Diego, is ordered to take post at Martins Ranch. at the mouth of the Cajon Pass, with the stnfl, baud, and all the mounted men of his command. Lieutenant Mercer of Fort Tejon, is also under orders, with his company for the same place. Dr. Ten Broeck is to accompany Lieutenant Mereer's command. Lieuenant W. T. Magru- der, Regimental Quartermaster, First Dragoons, is authorized to furnish stores and transportations for his command. The united force, it is supposed, will amount to about eighty meu, aud are to hold themselves in readiness for a march to the Colorado.
In this year Anaheim was founded by a colony of Ger- Inans (Si chapter on Anaheim.)
1858.
During 1858 there was a marked and steady rise in Los Angeles real estate, and general prosperity throughout the county was the rule.
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