USA > California > Los Angeles County > History of Los Angeles County, California, with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, residences, fine blocks and manufactories > Part 35
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During the autumn of this year there was an unusual prevalence of a severe form of typho-malarial fever, many cases terminating fatally. lu this year, 1868, the first bank was organized in Los Angeles by Alvinza Hayward and Johu (. Downey, under the firm Dame of " Hayward & Co.," capital, one hundred thousand dollars. Later in the same year the banking house of " Hellman, Temple & Co." was organized; capital, one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars. By the reorganization and consolidation of these two houses, in Feb- ruary, 1871, was established the " Farmers' and Merchants' Bank of Los Angeles," with a capital at present of five hundred thousand dollars.
1869.
The years 1809 aud 1870 were years of no marked events. Dur- ing the year 1869 an epidemic of small-pox lingered for many months about the city. The winters of 1869-70 and 1870-71 were remarkable for a very light rain-fall, the first baving less than nine and the second less than eight inches, with much dry northerly and westerly wind and frequent sand-storms. Despite these drawbacks a steady development weut on, though the drought prevented the in- auguration or prosecution of enterprises involving auy heavy expendi- ture of money. (Historieal Sketch, page 70.)
Under date January 7th, we read in the News :-
The floating debt of the county has at last been paid off; with the exception of only five thousand dollars standing against the eash fund. which the Board of Supervisors are now making arrangements to pay. thus placing the whole machinery of the county government upon a cash basis in the future. There is also a surplus in the Treasury of fifteen thousand dollars, which will be used for the redemption of the county bonds of 1861.
It was estimated that fully sixty thousand acres were this year brought under cultivation in the county. During the spring of 1869 there was an abundance of rain. Crops were good. but in anticipation of a possible tightness in the money market, which usually succeeds a period of prosperity, the banks were gradually drawing in their capital.
In this year, the San Pedro and Los Angeles Railroad was completed, and the following account of an excursion thereon is from the News of October 28th :-
EXCURSION AND BALL .. - On Tuesday, October 26th, a large number of citizens availed themselves of the railroad company's invitation to enjoy a free excursion to Wilmington. Two trains each were run for the benefit of the excursionists, and both were crowded to their utmost capacity, not less than one thousand five hundred people made the round trip. The heat and dust detracted somewhat from the enjoyment uf the occasion; hut in the main it was heartily eujoyed. "Colonel Chipley, the Secretary of the company, who engineered the affair, was
indefatigable in his efforts to contribute to the comfort and enjoy- ment of ull. The last train, consisting of ten cars, all crowded with their living freight, came to the depot about 9:30 v'elock, bringing the musicians who were to play at the promised hall. Large numbers were waiting to join in the dance. Alter something of a delay. occasioned by difficulty experienced in clearing the spacious hall of the closely packed crowd of citizens of the male persuasion, who occu- pied every inch of available space, the music struck up and the danc. ing commenced. Those present enjoyed themselves in the highest, and retired satisfied that the new depot had been suecessfully dedicated.
That the financial depression looked for by the banks earlier in the year, came at last is evident from the following editorial in the News of-
DECEMBER 10. 1869. A petition was presented to the State Legisla- ture by the resident voters and taxpayers of Los Angeles county. protesting against the repeal of the law known as the Law Regulating Fees and Salaries, passed by the Legislature of 1867-8. The reasonz are, that at the present time, Los Angeles county is about two hundred aud seventy five thousand dollars in debt, and taxes exceedingly high, produce and live-stoek worth comparatively nothing. Also protest against the increase of salary of the District Judge, believing four thousand dollars per annum ample compensation. There are other offiees that are yet too bigh, the reforin bill gives the Sheriff a salary of four thousand dollars per annum, payable from the county Treasury. Ilpon investigation, it will be found that outside of and independent of the salary, the perquisites amount to ahout eight thousand seven bundred dollars, making a total of twelve thousand seven hundred dollars. The County Clerk will find it hard to discharge the duties of the various offiees, such as County and District Clerk, Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, County Recorder and County Auditor for the sum of three thousand five hundred dollars per annum. This shows that the fee hill works a great hardship on some officials.
1870.
During the spring of 1870, large amounts of freight and also many passengers passed through Los Angeles on their way to Owens river.
In February a petition was circulated asking the Legislature for a division of Los Angeles eouaty, on the line of the Sau Gabriel river, and to create the new county of Anaheim. A remonstrance was also cireulated against the proposed division.
FEBRUARY 22d-Washington's birthday was ushered in at Los Angeles by the booming of cannon, ringing of bells, ete. The college band during the morning, from the plaza and other points through the city, played the National airs. The courts and offices were elosed and the transaction of business suspended.
In the News of April 9th, we read :-
LOCAL. BILLS-Among the bills signed by the Governor, are the fol- lowing: Funding Act for Los Angeles; Authorizing Los Angeles to huild or buy a Court House and fire-proof vault; Concerning water courses in Los Angeles; Legalizing Los Angeles assessment roll; Legal- izing certain Los Angeles City ordinances: Re-distrieting Los Angeles iuto Supervisor districts: A bill creating Water Commissioners in Los Angeles.
And again :-
COURT HOUSE-The Legislature passed a law authorizing the Board of Supervisors of this county to issue houds to the amount of twenty- five thousand dollars, for the purpose of building or purchasing a Court House, which will euahle the Board of Supervisors to purchase the building now occupied as a Court House, under a contract made some years ago, and during a time of great depression iu the value of real estate. for twenty-five thousand dollars, which could to-day he sold for forty-five thousand or fifty thousand dollars. Thereby, it insured to the county a good and substantial building, and to the tax payers the benefit of the rise of property, that has taken place since the contract to purchase was entered iuto.
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RESIDENCE AND PARTIAL VIEW OF DAIRY FARM OF M. W. TALBOT, COMPTON, LOS ANGELES C9 -CAL. 3/4 MILES FROM R.R STATION.
PORTIANEO BY THOMPSON & WIST.
HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
RACISCO MIL CABRARY
TUESDAY, APRIL, 26th, was a gala day among-
The members of Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Los Angeles couaty, the occasion being the celebration of the fifty-first aniversary of the introduction of the order into the United States. Grand Sire, F. D. Farasworth of the Grand Lodge of the United States, was present and delivered an oratioa.
All the lodges in the county were present, and took part in the grand procession which was led by the Wilmington military brass-hand of twenty-two pieces. The procession marched through the principal streets lo the Episcopal church to listen to the oration of Grand Bire Farnsworth; the oration finished, the procession again moved through the principal streets, returning to the Odd Fellows' HIall where it was disbanded. A bull was held in the evening at the Teutonia and Armory llalls, upwards of one hundred couples were present. At 12 o'clock the dancers proceeded to the dining-room of the Bella Union Hotel, where the finest supper ever spread in Los Angeles, was prepared for the assemblage. Toasts were then read and the party retired.
The following dispatch to the editor of the Daily News wns received un Monday, August 22d, and a congratulatory dispatch returned to San Diego.
NEW SAN DIEGO, August 22, 1870.
We rejoice at the event of telegraphic communication between Los Angeles and San Diego, may the railrond speedily follow.
A. E. HORTON, D. E. FELSENHIELD, BEN. TRUMAN.
1871.
In May, 1871, tri-weekly mails were established hetween Los Angeles and San Bernardino. In October, the Los Angeles ('ity post-office was created by the Postmaster-Gen- eral, a foreign money-order office for the issuance of money- onlers payable in Great Britain and Ireland.
IUNE-The Ku Klux were abroad, and a certain citizen of Los Angeles received the following suggestive notice with the usual skull and cross-bones accompaniments :--
LOS ANGELES, June 17, 1871.
Notice is hearby given by the uadersigned persouse that you have to leave and quit this place of order of Goverment Laws ! within 48 ours Peacibly, we will bold and protecte this section No. 26 unter all cir- comstaacesse.
The effort necessary to evolve this gem of composition probably proved fatal to the authors, as nothing further appears to have come of it.
JULY 4th was celebrated in grand style. Public and private buildlings vied with each other in gorgeousness of decoration. All the societies paraded to the music of hoth civil and military bands. Never in the history of the city, did this day call furth so much noisy patriotism and gun-powder enthusiasm.
Throughout the summer and fall, trade with Owens river, and other portions of the interior was good. " Prairie Schoon- ers" left the Los Angeles depot, daily, with heavy loads of goods. This was a good summer for the few settlers at Santa Monica, that watering-place being thronged every Sunday. Land sales were reported good. The Los Angeles and Sau Bernardino Land Company sold some thirty thousand acres near Anaheim, during August and September.
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OCTOBER 31st was the opening lay of the Southern District Agricultural Society's Fair. The city was crowded with peo- ple, and much money was distributed. About two thousand dollars were given in premiums for fast horses. The races and stock show took place in Agricultural Park ; the exhibition of goods, and the industrial department in Stearn's Hall. Upon the whole, it was pronounced a great success
DECEMBER ISth, Hon. Murray Morrison, District Judge of the Seventeenth Judicial District, died in Los Angeles, where he had resided since 1838. Two days later, his remains were followed to their last resting-place in the Catholic cemetery by a large concourse of citizens, the members of the Bar walking in procession.
1872.
A correspondent of the New York Tribune, in the spring of 1872, in a letter to that journal, thus states his impressions concerning a portion of the inhabitants of southern Cali- fornia :-
The " Pike" has, 1 find, a tolerably large representation in Los Angeles county, as well as in its neighbor San Diego, The Pike ought to be a Missonrian, hnt there are also Texas Pikes, and in fact the name has been applied in this State to the wandering gipsy-like southern " poor white." Your true Pike is a squatter, an invader of other peoples rights. " lle owns a rifle. a lot of children and dogs, a wife, and, if he enn read, a law book," said a lawyer, describing this creature to me; "he moves from place to place, as the humor seizes him, and is generally an injury to his neighbors, ffe will not work, but he has great tenacity of life, and is always ready for a law suit." " I found a Pike the other day killing and salting hogs, and actually hauling the pork off to sell it!" said a gentleman, in wbose company we were discussing these people. "Surely that was All industrious Pike." said I, "Yes, but, confound it, they were my hogs," he replied, with a natural wrath at the recollection. Near San Diego a Pike family were pointed out to me who had removed from: Texas to California and back to Texas four times. They were now going hack home again-"to please the old woman." They traveled in an old wagon drawn by a pair of broncho or nutive horses, and would probably be six or eight months on the road.
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JULY 4, 1872, was celebrated in Los Angeles in grand style. Most of the societies of the city were represented in the pru- cession, also most of the business houses. A company of Forty-niners formed the principal feature in the procession. One carried a transparency bearing thereon several inscrip- tions, such as " We are going to Hangtown," " What is flour worth at Hangtown? $1 per pound," all being truly character- istic of those early times. Hon. B. D. Wilson was President of the day and General Banning Grand Marshal. A grand ball and fire-works closed the evening.
The following account of a bull-fight in Sonora town is from the Los Angeles News of October 27th ;-
A BULL-FIGIIT IN SONORA.
Yesterday afternoon that portion of our city kaown as Sonora was eatertained by a gennine bull-fight, one of those relics of the barbarous ages that have not yet been thoroughly obliterated hy civilization. A large uumher of persons, principally native Californians, of all ages and
both sexes, had assembled and occupied elevated seats in the cirenlr arena wherein the bult-fight was to take place. At the hour of com- mencement three individuals dressed as clowns stepped into the pit. each one bearing in his hamla red flag attached to a small stick These were the picadores. One of them was well advanced in year- and shortly after the first anima! had been turned into the arena and had become sathiciently enraged to make it somewhat warm for his turmentors, the old fellow, not having the elasticity of youth, was impated by the infuriated brute against the fence and finally tosell over it. Be-ide, being badly gored it transpired afterward that some of his ribs were broken. He did not appear again, however. in the pit, which was seemingly a source of inch disappointment to the spectators, not in consequence of his misfortune, but because he was reported to be the best of the three picadores, The other two cou- tinned to worry the pour bull, and sneceeded tur some time to avoid all his plunges. Finally one of them, taking the wrong direction, was slightly elevated on the horus of the bull, the points of which bnd been sawed ntf. Nothing dannted, he continued to torment the poor beast with increased ardor. Several brads, to which were atlised variun4 appendages in the way of ribbons, leaves of colored paper, ete., wore then passed to the matadores, With a brad in one hand and a banner in the other they await the onset of the bull, and as he came within reach proded him in the neck and nt the same time darted aside. The poor bull tore the ground with rage, the brad meanwhile sticking in his neck and a dozen varions colored ribbons streaming in the wiml as he rushed blindly, foaming at the month, at the agile picadorrs. who would then stand aside to receive the pluadits of the fair senoritus that were in attendance. The bull was then taken out and the band struck njen lively air. The clown who had heretofore kept at a safe and respectful distance from the bull, being perched on the fence, then danced a potka and sang a song full of Mexico and " Libertad." Another boll was then driven into the ring and the same perforamnee was passed through as before, the bull in the present case being more successful than his predecessor, inasmuch as he checeeded in tossing the picadores several times, What was considered the he-t sport of all, however, was the " Grand Ride" performed on the second bull. The animal being lassoed and thrown to the ground and a riata tied around his body-to this the picador was to hold to ride the bull-a novel crown, ornamented with fire-erekers and an immense back- gear made of wires, covered also with fire-crackers, were then placed npun the bull. being conuceted together by means of a fuse. The picador then addressed the assemblage und asked them to contribute their mite us it would probably be his last ride. Mounting and grasping the rinta the animal was relieved of its bonds, and the fire-crackers attached to its tail ignited. Plunging around the ring at a breakneck speed both bull and rider seemed enveloped in flame and smoke, which continued until the poor creature fell from sheer exhaustion. The enthusiastic delight of the spectators beggars description. Cries were then raised for a third animal, which, being fresh and more forions than the others, soon compelled the weary picadores to abandon the field. The elowu then extended an invitation to anyone from among the audience to take their places, but no one felt disposed so to do, and the performance was declared at an end.
NOVEMBER-The opening day of the Agricultural l'air and the fall races of the Southern District Association took place Wednesday, No. vember 13th, and continued five days. The trotting races were gov- erned by the rules of National Congress, and the running races by the rules of the Sacramento State Agricultural Society. Most of the horses entered belonged to the county. The rnuning race free for all-Cal. fornia and half-breed horses, five mile dash, was a very interesting race -several San Diego horses were in this race. The show of cattle was very small and inferior, exhibiting much neglect. Stock men elnim that there is not attention enough paid to this department, hnt tou much to races and raising stock. The industrial exhibit was held at the Skating Rink, aud was very fine. The display of fruit was also good.
1873.
This year was almost destitute of events of general interest. In November was held the Third Annual Exhibition of the Southern District Agricultural Society. This fair lasted five
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HISTORY OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
days and was largely attended. The first trotting race was won by " Pilot," owned by H. T. Hazard, Esq. There was an Excellent display in all departments, and the whole affair was pronounced a grand success.
1874.
Writing in the year 1874, Major B. C. Truman, in his Semi- Tropical California, says ;-
In what may be termed the agricultural zone of Los Angeles county. there are about three thousand square miles ; Jand nader cultivation and 'irrigation, abont fifty square miles ; land under cultivation with- ont, irrigation, fifty square miles; the balance, two thousand nine hun- dred miles, being devoted to purpose of grazing, and used for stock- raising at present.
We find further that the total of property assessed in the county this year was twelve million three hundred and twen- ty-three thousand five hundred and twenty-two dollars. The exports for the year amounted to forty-eight million two thon- sand one hundred and sixty-nine pounds, and the imports to one hundred and twenty-four million five hundred and twenty-two thousand four hundred and eighty-two pounds. There were three hundred and fifty-two steamers and ninety-four sailing vessels arrived during the year.
Little occurred worthy of record beyond the usual celebra- tion on July 4th; and the fourth agricultural fair, which was held this year in October, lasted five days, and was quite as successful as those which had preceded it.
1875.
This was a year of horse-races. Several took place in May, and when the time came for holding the regular agricultural Fair in November, six days were devoted instead to horse-rac- ing, and the exhibition was not held. The " Fourth of July" was duly honored with a parade, pronounced by the Los An- gebr's Star, " the finest ever witnessed in this city."
DECEMBER 9, 1875-A petition was circulated in Los Angeles, and umversally signed by leading merchants and others, requesting Good- all, Nelson & Perkins, of San Francisco, to order all their steamers, both up and down, tu stop at Santa Monica. Hitherto only certain steam- ers of the line stopped there, causing inconvenience and delay to owners of freight.
l'pon the evening of December 27. 1875, the district court room of Los Angeles was crowded with citizens, to take into consideration the prospect of connecting this city with Salt Lake by rail. Col. J. J. Warner was called to the chair, and W. Il. Brouks acted as secretary. Letters from the Citizens' Committee to Senator J. P. Jones and his reply thereto were read. The meeting was addressed by Col. J. G. lloward, llenry D. Barrows, Col. Crawford, and J. J. Ayers. Resolu- tions were adopted, calling for an immediate resumption of work on the railroad, via Cajon Pass, and recommending the Los Angeles and Independence Railroad to levy an assessment on the subscribed stock at once. Mr. Barrows notified those present that two hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars had been subscribed.
The following statement of exports and imports for the year is from the "Herald Pamphlet " for 1876, page 38 :-
EXPORTS.
IMPORTS.
l'ounds.
Los Angeles
9.825,436
71.650,111
Wilmington
1,287.017
1.423,901
Compton.
1,554,561
140,435
Downey
6,734.428
5,829,240
Norwalk
118,390
3,915
Anaheim.
2.228,991
1.037,107
San Fernando
1,141,255
1,341,529
San Gabriel.
1,175,812
433,609
El Monte
543.22 !!
265,472
Spadra.
861,149
3,262,079
Colton
348,974
2,125,895
Other Stations
64,107
Grand Totals
26,383,34!
87,513,883
1876.
The Centennial year of American Independence will long be remembered in every portion of the Union, and Los Angeles county gives way to none in her pleasant memories of that gratifying epoch in our country's history. "Though having nothing in common with the popular celebration of disenthrall- ment from a foreign yoke-save in a spiritual sense-the festivities of the year were here commenced by the native population at San Juan Capistrano. Upon the evening of Good Friday, the people there proceeded to commemorate the day by burning the traitor Judas in effigy. This it would seem is an ancient, Spanish custom, and did it stop at the simple immolation of the archtraitor, none could find fault. But not content with this harmless vengeance upon the memory of him whose name is a synonym for perfidy through- out Christendom, they tied the blazing figure upon the back of a wild bull, and turned the animal loose. What wonder that the poor brute in his agony of fright stampeded the crowd, destroyed their gardens, and "raised Judas generally " throughout that sleepy, indolent, Mexican settlement.
In her celebration of the Centennial, Los Angeles spared neither trouble nor expense, and fairly covered herself with glory. Preparations began in April, when a committee was appointed to prepare a plan for the celebration, and from that time out, all was action ! In the parade which took place ou July 4th, not only the citizens of Los Angeles officiated, but virtually those of the whole county, and had the great roll been then and there called, probably but few names would have been left unanswered. Gen. P. Banning acted as presi- dent of the day. Mr. James J. Ayers recited an original poem, and Hon. James G. Eastman delivered an oration. There was more than the usual amount of powder burned, some whisky (but no blood) split, and everybody was sublimely happy, and noisily patriotic. With gunpowder, whisky, a chance to parade, and an opportunity to speak, what more could any reasonable American citizen require to make a successful holiday ?
The fall of the year was marked by a visit from General Sherman, who was duly serenaded at his hotel, and responded in a brief speech. But yet more interesting to record was the visit of the great actress, Madam Modjeska. She was accom- panied hy her husband, M. Bozenta, and by a friend, M. Paproski, and in the seclusion of a small vineyard which she purchased near Anaheim sought rest and relaxation from the exertions of a trying profession. M. Paproski established a bee ranch near by, and even after the artiste had returned to active life the two gentleman remained for some time. When, finally, all left, they took with them the hearty friendship and good wishes of all with whom they had come in contact. The usual races under management of the agricultural association took place in November.
In this year General Andres Pico and Don Manuel Requena died.
1877.
August 4th the county sustained a severe loss in the death of Hon. Benjamin Hayes, formerly District Judge of the Southern District of California. He had been a resident of the county for twenty-seven years. The several conrts adjourned, and his funeral was attended by the citizens en masse.
The October exposition was held under the united auspices of the Horticultural and Agrienltural Societies. The opening address was made by J. De Bath Shorb, Esq., President.
During this fall a petition to the Legislature was quite extensively signed throughout the country, praying :-
1. For the collection of taxes semi-annually or quarterly.
2. For authorizing tax-collectors (both county and immeipal) to receive some proportionate amount (say ten per centum) of the taxes in silver coin.
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