USA > California > Riverside County > History of Riverside County, California > Part 15
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C. D. Bevier bought a lot on Main street and the land com- pany gave him another. He moved his stables from Pinacate and started the first livery in Perris. He also built the brick building now owned and occupied by the Hook Bros. department store.
In time all the business places in Pinacate were moved to Perris and other lines of business were started. The Perris Valley Bank
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opened August 11, 1890, with James Patterson, Jr., as cashier. A meat market opened in 1888. Mesdames Banks & Norton supplied the needs of the gentle sex in the millinery line, as also did Mrs. J. C. Reynolds. There were blacksmith shops, one saloon, a boot and shoe shop, and the only Chinese resident was Gee Lee, the laundry- man. There were several contractors and builders in Perris, among them T. M. Mott, A. L. Broch, F. T. Merritt, J. R. Moore, Harry McCanna, M. A. Penny, Charles S. Hoag, B. Gardener and B. M. Velzy. Mr. Schmutzler was a first-class painter who lived in the north end of the valley on a fine ranch, but was always on hand when his services were needed.
This Perris valley was an exception to the general rule in Southern California, inasmuch as it always kept ahead of the town in matters of development. The few scattering claims of 1884 soon grew to hundreds, and every section of level government land in the valley was located. Alternate sections belonged to the Southern Pacific Railroad Company, under the terms of the land grant, and these were eagerly purchased by homeseekers. A majority of the settlers came into the valley because they were poor and could not afford to pay the speculative prices asked for land in better known localities, and it was only the wonderful fertility of the soil and its adaptability to grain culture that enabled the settlers to make a liv- ing and improve their homes. Every rancher who had the will to work and manage gained ground year by year, and each season was marked by some improvements. The board shanties gave place to substantial frame houses, trees were planted and the ranches gradu- ally assumed a homelike appearance. Little orchards and vineyards were set out and industriously cultivated by the thrifty settlers, wells were bored and windmills set up, and thus water was secured for irrigation in a small way. During this period the business of the valley had enormously increased. A branch line of the Santa Fe Railroad was built through the valley, from Perris to San Jacinto, a distance of twenty miles, and great quantities of barley, wheat and rye were marketed yearly. Large shipments of gold ore from the adjacent mining country, and wool from the sheep ranches added to the volume.
The first white child born in Perris was Lucy Renuia Kingston, now Mrs. Ray Small of Riverside. Mr. and Mrs. John Kingston, with their little daughter, Grace, came from Illinois to Perris, Febru-
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ary 28, 1886. Mr. Kingston had come to find a place where he might regain his health, but within six weeks from the arrival of the family in Perris, on the 9th of April, a few hours after the birth of the baby girl, Mr. Kingston died. A few months later Mrs. Kingston, with her two little girls, went to her Eastern home, but was soon obliged to return on account of her own health. She reached Perris the second time May 8, 1888, her father and mother returning with her. Miss Grace Kingston is now a most efficient bookkeeper in the George N. Reynolds Department store in Riverside, and Mrs. Kingston is now Mrs. M. L. Mapes of Perris.
It must be admitted here that Mathew Lutz was the pioneer settler near the townsite. He came here to work on the railroad, and liked the country so well that he took up a claim and became a resident. When the Kingston family arrived the first time the only trees in or around Perris were to be found at the Lutz home about a mile north of town on the Riverside road.
Another pioneer to be mentioned in the history of the valley is William Newport, a rancher in Menifee. Mr. Newport was born in England in 1856. He came to this country in 1876, and came to Perris valley in 1885 and purchased 2,000 acres of land. When he moved to Menifee, although a young man, he resembled the patri- archs, as there were twelve wagons in his train, loaded with imple- ments, provisions, lumber, and his cook-house on wheels was a building 9x18 feet. He found the valley very dry, and inhabited only by a few poor people; but poor as they were they pitied the young man who, as they thought, was to make a failure of farming. After unloading.the caravan he built a good ranch house and two large barns, and began farming his 2,000 acres, nearly every foot of which was tillable. Could you see this same ranch today you would find a beautiful home presided over by a dignified, queenly wife, who was Miss Katherine Lloyd, also a native of England. There are four fine, manly boys, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Newport, and one daughter, Katherine. The house is filled with many luxuries and interesting curios, and the grounds about the place are large and beautiful. Mr. Newport has been a most valuable factor in showing what can be done with land in that section when properly handled.
For years it was believed that irrigation was unnecessary upon the greater portion of Perris valley lands. Trees and vines made a good growth without water, save that which fell during the rainy
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season, but when the trees and vines reached a bearing age they produced little or no fruit. It became apparent that lack of water was the cause of barrenness, for the average trees picked out in an orchard and plentifully watered made a bounteous yield, while those on dry land, a few rods distant, would be barren. One by one the advocates of "dry farming" began to discover they were mistaken. About that time the sentiment in favor of irrigation became so strong that public meetings were held, and it was decided to form an irriga- tion district under the Wright act. Many obstacles were encountered, however, and it was not until about a year and a half that the boun- dary lines were definitely established and the work of organization was begun in earnest. And this brings us to perhaps the most im- portant period in the history of Perris and the valley, the bringing in of the Bear Valley water and the results following its being taken away.
The Perris Irrigation District comprised 13,000 acres of land, and was organized by order of the board of supervisors of San Bernardino county, on May 20, 1890, under the provisions of an act of the legislature of this state, entitled, "An Act to provide for the organization and government of irrigation districts, and to provide for the acquisition of water and other property, and for the distribu- tion of water thereby for irrigation purposes, approved March 7, 1887." This act is familiarly known as the Wright act. By an order of the board of supervisors the district was divided into five di- visions, numbered 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. An election was held in the dis- trict May 20, 1890, to fill the various elective offices, namely: Five directors, one for each division or precinct of said district, and a treasurer, collector, and assessor. The following were elected to fill these offices. Directors-J. W. Nance, first division; Israel Metz. second division; George P. Oakes, third division; W. F. Warner, fourth division ; C. T. Gifford, fifth division. Officers-D. G. Mitchell, treasurer; H. N. Doyle, assessor; and Julius C. Rieger, collector.
On June 13, 1890, the board of directors organized by electing J. W. Nance, president and Dr. W. F. Perry, secretary. The ques- tion of water supply was the question before the directors, and the entire board resolved itself into a committee of investigation to ascertain the most reliable, and at the same time the cheapest water supply.
To facilitate matters O. G. Newman of Riverside and James 10
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Taylor of Pomona were selected as advising engineers. On the 17th day of June they left Perris to examine all available and known water sites of the San Jacinto mountains, such as Lake Hemet and the proposed works of the Soboba Water company, on Indian creek. On July 3rd they left Perris for Redlands, from which point they proceeded up the Santa Ana canyon to the summit and to Bear valley to examine the Bear Valley dam and reservoir. It was while standing on that magnificent piece of masonry and looking over the vast expanse of water that they mutually agreed that it was the safest, best and most feasible system of water supply yet examined, and further agreed that if it could be had at a satisfactory cost the Perris valley lands should have no other. The Bear Valley reser- voir at that time was the largest irrigation reservoir in the United States, and plans were then on foot to enlarge it, which would so . increase its capacity that it would be the largest of any kind in the world.
O. G. Newman of Riverside, in his report, said: "On July 3, 1890, we examined the Bear Valley and its water supply, visiting the dam and the lake. The lake is now about five and a half miles in length, with an average width of two-thirds of a mile, having a depth of water at the dam of fifty-three feet, which is equal to a supply of about 3,334 inches under a four-inch pressure, for a six and two- thirds month irrigating season, or about 5,560 inches for a period of four months, according to an official map of Bear Valley reser- voir, in addition to the waters wasting into Bear creek during the winter season. The present dam is sixty feet in height. The contour of Bear valley and of the narrow canyon leading to Bear creek is such that a dam of considerable additional height can be constructed at a minimum cost, to store almost an unlimited amount of water. The valley above the dam is large and nearly level; the slopes of the entire valley, especially to the south, are heavily timbered, prevent- ing the melting of the snow, which falls in abundance during the winter months. The gaugings of the rainfall of Bear valley, taken during a period of six years prior to November, 1890, show an aver- age of about fifty-two inches, with a maximum annual rainfall of 94.6 inches. The average rainfall for the year 1889 was 42.8 inches. The drainage area, or the water shed of the valley, is estimated at about seventy-five square miles, and the present dam is located at an elevation of 6,450 feet above sea level. The cool atmosphere and
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the frequent summer rains compensate to a larger degree for the natural loss by evaporation, and the water supply is also largely angmented by the numerous living streams continually pouring into the lake from the mountain's side, whose crest reaches an elevation of 7,500 feet above sea level.
"The water from the Bear valley would be conducted to the Perris Irrigation district by means chiefly of an open canal, piping and fluming possibly a small portion of the distance. The entire distance to be overcome and the grade of the canal necessary for the most feasible route, render the expenditure heavy in the con- struction of the required conduit. However, it is our opinion that the most permanent supply of water, and by far the largest supply, can be delivered to the Perris Irrigation District at a minimum cost from the Bear valley when a new dam is constructed.
"The present water supply of the reservoir reaches only the fifty-three foot contour, representing the depth of water at the dam. The eighty-foot contour shows a capacity about four times present capacity, and the higher contour shows a proportionately larger capacity for storage. Much more might be said, in a general way, and estimates of cost of delivering the water at the district from the different sources referred to can only be obtained by a more extended and careful research and surveys."
A preliminary survey was at once ordered, and the same made by A. H. Koebig, showing cost from San Mateo tunnel to the end of the district, and in his report of same he says :
"A canal with the capacity of 5,000 inches over the line described in my report would cost $344,752, to which I have added twenty per . cent for incidentals and general superintendency, which amounts to $68,950. Adding this to the first amount the entire cost will be $413,700. This would cover the cost of construction of a canal of the capacity of 5,000 inches from the entrance of the same into San Jacinto valley, to the south boundary line of Perris Irrigation Dis- trict, covering the entire district. The cost of a canal over the same line, with a capacity of 15,000 inches, would be $774,427. One-third of that, which is the pro rata of 5,000 needed by the Perris Irriga- tion District, would be $258,142, so that 5,000 inches, delivered through a canal of 15,000 inches capacity would cost $86,610.80 less delivered through a canal of only 5,000 inches' capacity." James T. Taylor, engineer for the Perris Irrigation District, in his report
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on estimated cost of canal, etc., for the delivery of 2,000 inches of water, says: "Upon examination of maps, profiles and estimates of preliminary surveys, I am of the opinion that $175,000 is suffi- cient to conduct the entire amount of 2,000 inches of water from the point of delivery from the Bear Valley company to the district, and also to the south end of the same and across the valley to the east side. The total distance, estimated to be about nine miles to the district, six or seven miles along the western boundary, and about five miles across the valley. The water to be conducted by means of canals and pipes, either of wood or iron."
On August 5, 1890, Dr. W. F. Perry handed in his resignation as secretary, and Col. H. A. Plimpton was appointed in his place. Owing to circumstances beyond the control of the board matters progressed slowly, and no definite arrangements were entered into with the Bear Valley Water Company until the 7th of October. In the meantime, the Bear Valley and Alessandro Company, asked through petition presented by various petitioners, to have all lands north of the county line, except a portion of section 36, township 3, south, four west, excluded from the district. At the same time a petition was presented by various owners to have 4,150 acres east of the San Jacinto river annexed to the district. Both being duly adver- tised and no objections having been filed the said petitions were granted, leaving the district's present area about 17,680 acres.
Several propositions were made to the board by the Bear Val- ley Water Company, and it was only on October 7th that finally a proposition was presented which, in the judgment of the board, is the best, surest and cheapest proposition of any colony in this, the orange belt of the state. The following is the proposition in full, and the same was duly accepted by the board.
Perris, Cal., Oct. 6, 1890.
To the Board of Directors of the Perris Irrigation District :
The Bear Valley Land and Water Company hereby offers to the Perris Irrigation District sixteen thousand (16,000) of its class "B" acre water right certificates (a copy of the resolution of the Bear Valley Land and Water Company providing for the issuance of said certificates hereto and made a part hereof), with the option unto the Perris Irrigation District of increasing the number of said certificates to twenty thousand (20,000) certificates; provided the
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said Perris Irrigation District shall exercise said option on or before July 1st, A. D. 1891.
The water represented by the before mentioned certificates will be delivered by the Bear Valley Land and Water Company, at its own expense and free of all expense to the Perris Irrigation District, at the southeast corner of section 2, township 3 south, range 3 west, S. B. M., in the county of San Bernardino, State of California.
The water, represented by eight hundred (800) certificates, will be delivered, as above set forth, by the, Bear Valley Land and Water Company, on or before April 1st, A. D. 1891.
The water, represented by twenty-two hundred (2,200) more cer- tificates, will be delivered, as above, on or before April 1st, A. D. 1892.
The water, represented by two thousand (2,000) more certifi- cates, will be delivered, as above, on or before April 1st, A. D. 1893. The water, represented by two thousand (2,000) more certifi- cates, will be delivered, as above, on or before April 1st, A. D. 1894. The water, represented by two thousand (2,000) more certifi- cates, will be delivered, as above, on or before April 1st, A. D. 1895.
The water, represented by the remainder of said sixteen thou- sand (16,000) certificates, and also of the additional four thousand (4,000) certificates, if the Perris Irrigation District shall have, as hereinafter set forth, exercised its option to take twenty thousand (20,000) certificates, shall be delivered, as above set forth, in such quantities and at such times after April 1st, 1895, as the Perris Ir- rigation District shall direct; provided, however, that the Perris Ir- rigation District shall take all of the water represented by the re- mainder of said sixteen thousand (16,000) certificates, or by the re- mainder of said twenty thousand (20,000) certificates, as before set forth, on or before the first day of April, 1890; and provided that the Perris Irrigation District shall never cumulate a demand for the water represented by the remainder of the sixteen thousand (16,000) or twenty thousand (20,000) certificates during any one year, and shall never demand more than the water represented by three thousand (3,000) certificates during each year of said remain- ing period.
Said certificates shall be paid for by the Perris Irrigation Dis- trict, as follows, to-wit: Fifty thousand ($50,000) dollars in cash January 1st, 1891, and the balance of payment shall be made by the delivery, upon said last named date, of bonds of the Perris Irriga-
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tion District, at par, bearing interest at the rate of six per cent per annum, the issuance and validity of which bonds shall have been passed upon and approved by a court having jurisdiction in such cases, said bonds to be issued on a basis not exceeding twenty-five dollars ($25.00) per acre.
It is further made a part of this offer that said certificates here- inbefore mentioned, and the whole thereof, shall be collateral security for the performance by said district of its obligations and the pay- ment of said bonds, and shall be held by the Board of Directors of Perris Irrigation District, with such charge imposed thereon, until said obligations shall have been fulfilled and discharged by said district.
AMMON P. KITCHING, Vice-President Bear Valley Land and Water Co. F. E. BROWN,
Chief Engineer of Bear Valley Land and Water Co.
The following resolution of the Bear Valley Land and Water Company, referred to in the foregoing proposition, is a part thereof : RESOLVED: That this company authorize the issue of one hundred thousand (100,000) certficates, to be called "Class B, Acre Water Right Certificates," which shall be sold to such parties as the Board of Directors shall hereafter determine, for the price of $15 each, and the payment of an annual sum of $2.78 on each cer- tificate, payable equally April 1st and October 1st of each year. Said certificates to be subject to and subordinate to the rights, under contracts of the company with the North and South Fork Ditch Company's class "A" certificates, contract for 200 1-7 inches of water, held by Domestic Co., and contract for 57 1-7 inches of water held by Crafton Co.
Said certificate shall express on the face thereof from what canal, ditch, pipe line or other source of supply other than that expressed on the face thereof.
Each certificate of said "Class B, Acre Water Right Certifi- cates" shall entitle the holder to one acre foot, or 43,560 cubic feet, of water per year, to be called for at such times and in such amounts as the owner thereof shall desire; provided, however, that this company shall not be compelled to furnish more than one- eighth of an inch per day to each of such certificates, an inch being equal to a flow of one-fiftieth of a cubic foot per second.
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These certificates shall always be personal property. All of said above conditions to be expressed on the face of said certificate.
The amount realized from the sale of said certificates to go into the construction fund of the company, and to be used in the construction of dams, ditches, canals, pipe lines, reservoirs and the purchase of such property as may be necessary or useful in the carrying on of the business of this company, or in the pay- ment of such indebtedness as has or may be incurred in the con- struction of dams, ditches, pipe lines or reservoirs, or reservoir sites, or the purchase of the same or rights of way.
The total cost per acre, counting interest on amount invested, water and maintenance of canals included, will be $4.28 per acre, or $2.78 per acre amount actually paid for water. Immediately after accepting the foregoing proposition the board passed a reso- lution ordering a special election to be held on the 1st day of November, 1890, for the purpose of determining the question whether or not bonds to the amount of $442,000 shall be issued for construction of the necessary canals, works, etc., amounting to a bonded indebtedness of $25 per acre-of these bonds $240,000 to be used to pay for the water certificates, and $202,000 will be used, or as much as will be required in distributing it on the land; and in accordance with notice duly published and posted a special election was held Saturday, November 1st, in the five precincts of the Perris Irrigation District. The whole number of votes cast were seventy -sixty-nine votes in favor of the issuance of bonds and one vote against bonds.
At a special meeting of the board of directors immediately thereafter it was resolved that in pursuance of said election, and by virtue and in pursuance of the authority vested by law in said board, bonds of said district to the amount of $442,000 be issued; that said bonds shall be payable in gold coin of the United States, in installments as follows, to-wit:
At the expiration of eleven years, five per cent of said bonds; at the expiration of twelve years, six per cent; at the expiration of thirteen years, seven per cent; at the expiration of fourteen years, eight per cent; at the expiration of fifteen years, nine per cent; at the expiration of sixteen years, ten per cent; at the expira- tion of seventeen years, eleven per cent; at the expiration of eigh- teen years, thirteen per cent; at the expiration of nineteen years,
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fifteen per cent; and for the twentieth year, a percentage sufficient to pay off said bonds, and that said bonds shall bear interest at the rate of six per cent per annum, payable semi-annually, on the first day of January and July of each year. The principal interest of said bonds shall be payable at the office of the treasurer of the district; said bonds shall be each of the denomination of $500, signed by the president and secretary, and the seal of the board of directors shall be affixed thereto; and it was also resolved by the board of directors at same meeting to sell $227,000 of the bonds, and notice of the sale of said amount of bonds was sent by the sec- retary to a daily paper in each of the cities of San Francisco, Sacramento and Los Angeles, as well as our own paper, the New Era, to the effect that sealed proposals will be received by the board at the office in Perris, up to 10 a. m., January 2, 1891.
In accordance with the provisions of the Wright act, under which this district is organized, the matter was at once taken into the courts for a review of the proceedings of the board of directors, and to test validity, etc., of the bonds; and on the 13th of December the court decreed that all the proceedings of said board, from the organization of the district up to and including the order for the issuance and sale of its bonds, be and the same are hereby approved, confirmed, and declared legal and valid.
The following report made by the assessor of the Perris Irrigation District to the board of directors at a special meeting called to receive the same, will give something of an idea as to the real value of property within said district, a most gratifying showing for the growth and development of the valley in a less period than half a decade.
Perris, Cal., Dec. 9th, 1890.
To the Honorable Board of Directors, Perris Irrigation District:
Gentlemen-In accordance with your request I made a care- ful assessment of all real property in the Perris Irrigation Dis- trict. I have taken cash values for my guide, and have made the same equitable, and herewith report :
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