USA > California > San Benito County > History of San Benito County, California : with illustrations descriptive of its scenery, farms, residences, public buildings, factories, hotels, business houses, schools, churches, and mines : with biographical sketches of prominent citizens > Part 38
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The first trustees of Cienega were James H Lawn, W. J. Crow, and J. IL. Jay. Miss Ida Rhinchart was the first teacher employel.
The Board of Examination this year consisted of A. Martin, Superintendent of schools. A. Leggett, R. J. Nual, and J. N. Thompson. Six first, five second, and eight third-grade certifi- cates were granted.
FIRST TEACHERS' INSTITUTE.
The first San Benito County Teachers' Iustitute was held at Hollister in September. About twenty-five teachers were pres- the State Normal School, was present and instructed the lusti- tute.
During the year 1879, two new districts were formed, viz .: Junction, May 13th, and Platea, September 23d. The first trustees of Junction were E. P. Wright, V. Brooks, aud G. W. Ware. Miss Pierce Wright was the first teacher.
The first trustees of Platea were U. S. Mathews, Isaac Jaines, and John L. Siaith. Geo. E. Root was the first teacher employed. The Board of Examination this year consisted of County Superintendeut Martin, S. T. Black, W. H. Housh, J. N. Thompson. Certificates were granted as follows: Four first, seven second, and one third-grade.
SECOND TEACHERS' INSTITUTE.
The second San Benito County Teachers' Institute was held
The beginning of the year 1877 was saddened by the death ; in October, Superintendent Martin presiding. Prof. Allen was
182
EXPLOITS OF VASQUEZ. THE NOTED BANDIT.
premat one day, but he had to return to San Jose on account of sich in.
A school house, a ting about $1,00, was built in Oak Grove district anl paid for by subscription At the election this ser J . Thompson was elected County Superintendent of
In the year 1ss), the Board of Elneation and Examination comisiaal of & T Black, president, J. S. Thompson, County Superintendent uf schools, A Martin, W. H. Housh, and Geo. Varese Seven first, and reven second-grade certificates were grantel to applicants who had passed the examination, and three first and three recond-grade certificates were granted to holders of State certificate -.
THURN TEACHERS' INSTITUTE.
The third San Benito County Teachers' Institute was beli at Hollister in October. Profx. Allen and Childs of the State Normal School, Prof. E. Knowlton of San Francisco, and Prof. Parvin were present, and instructed the Institute, Superintend- ent Thompson presided.
The first graduates of the puldie schools were Olena Week, Belle Hitchcock, and Ella MeC'ray, who graduated at the Hollister public school, June 3, ISSI.
NEW SCHOOL . HOUSES.
Hollister school district voted a tax and built a two-story school-house consisting of four rooms, and costing about $6,000, in the year 1875, and in 1881 voted a tax of $1,800 to build an addition to the old school-house, and to improve the grounds.
In 1875, Union district voted a tax and built a school-house, costing about $1,000. Many of the school-houses have been built by subscription, and I have never learned their cost.
There are now twenty-four entire and three fractional districts in the county, employing thirty-three teachers.
'The following table will show number of teachers, children, etc., in the county since its formation.
STATISTICS OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN SAN BENITO COUNTY FOR THE YEARS ENDING JUNE 30TH.
4014-2001 / K
King.huy el.
Children.
No. umirr five years
011471111.11
[ 1] )1-111
ary of teachers.
Total mumssint of State
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IS:6
15
10
15
1.484
1.156
605
: 3-10
54 471
18.126
35
27.435 00 05,637 00
1579
1830
?4
. 90 4
23
1,593
:16
1,184
640
76-10
6+ 00
31.
16,536
32,799 00
Tiburcio Vasquez, the Noted Bandit.
Tilt- nobel handit was born in Monterey county, of Mexi- can parents, in the year 1837. When only fifteen years of age, he openel a dance-house and saloon at Monterey, and von afterward, becoming embroiled with certain Americans who frequented his place, he was obliged to fly the town. lle afterward claimed that at this time the Americans were wholly in the wrong, beating and abusing his women, and that in taking their part he brought troulde upon himself.
Ile resisted arrest, and removed to Memlocino county, taking with him some cattle, probably stolen. Here officers again attempted his arrest, but after a fight he once more capel. According to his own account, this worthy son then proceedled to his mother's home in Monterey, and asked her blessing, telling ber that he was "going to suffer and take chances"-or, in other words, take to the road. The maternal benediction having been duly given, he started out on his law. less course.
His first exploit was the robbery of some pedliers in Monte- rey county; next he captured and robbul a stage. Soon after this he found himself at the head of a band of Mexican desper- adloes, who acknowledged him as a leader, and obeyed his com- mands. He continued his career of crime until 1857, when he was arrested in Los Angeles county for horse-stealing ; was convicted and took up his abode at San Quentin. Wearying or the place, he escaped, but was shortly recaptured, and served until 1863.
Soon after his discharge, he joined Procopio and Soto, both noted bandits, and aided these worthies in their many enter- prises throughout California, until Soto was slain in a fight with Sheriff Harry Morse, of Alameda county. Vasquez mod- estly attributed his own many escapes to his courage (mi valor), as he said he was ever ready to fight, though he always endeavored to avoid bloodshed.
Along with some members of his band he now organized a rail on Tres Pinos, which is here given in full by Mr. A. Snyder :-
"About 5 o'clock P. M. of August 26, 1873, Adon Leiva and one Gonzales came into my store, as they had done at other times, and bought some articles, and paid for them. They hung around the store until about sundown, at which time William Burnett arrived with the New Idria stage, which arrived half an hour early that evening. I then changed the inail and stepped outside to see the stage off. In five or six minutes after the stage left for New Idria, Vasquez, Chaves, and one Moreno, appeared in front of the store on horsehack, armed with revolvers and rifles. They alighted from their horses and tied them to the fence, close up to the store porch, at the same time. I watched them closely.
15
9
1.533
1.00:
. 3-10
: 251
16,500 9%
. 617.11.111
Mate.
Female
1.456
1,03%
4
8.6 85 $ 15,000 00$ $5.691 00
19
14
1,545
: 3-10
הל צה
19,184 49
$9,005 00
18,563 90
$2,550 00
1,53%
1,195
-10
7 3-10
183
EXPLOITS OF VASQUEZ. THE NOTED BANDIT.
as they were better armed than when, on otlier occasion -. the same parties hal visited my store, purchased goods, paid for them and went away. I noticed while they were tying their horses, that Chaves hal a lot of rope in his sile coat- pocket. They eyed me very closely while they were tying their horses lust then Mr. Lewis Smith, a neighbor, stepped into the store and called for a brom. I told him that. I did not like the looks of those fellows. In a moment after, Vasquez came up to me and inquired for a letter for some Spanish name. I then stopped behind the desk to look for a letter for the name called for. At the same time I heard some one say two or three times, in an audible tone of voice, "Lay down." I did not find any mail for the name called for. and turned aroundl to tell him there was none, when I saw my clerk, Mr. Johu Engrath, and Mr. Smith, and Mr. Henry Murry, lying on the floor, and right across the room from me stood Gonzales and Don Leiva with six-shooters open on me, also Moreno standing in the door aiming a rifle at me, and tell- ing me to lie down. I did not lie down at the first request, and my first impulse was to shoot one of them with a rifle I had within my reach, it having but one load in it. I then thought of iny family in the adjoining building, and that, should I shoot one of them, they would kill me anyway, and perhaps, my family. They then spoke to me again, with vengeance, and told me if I did not lie down at once they would blow the top of my head off right where I was standing, at the same time drawing a head on me. I need not tell how large those cylinders looked to mne at that moment, but will say that they seemed to enlarge every moment. Taking all things into consid- eration, I submitted and lay down behind my desk. And right here I must acknowledge that it was the mnost trying thing I ever did in my life; hut to save my own life and that of my family, I submitted and told them to help themselves. Vasquez theu tied my hands very tightly on my hack, laid me on muy face, and covered me all over with a blanket. They then tied muy clerk, tying his hands on his back, and his feet to his hands; they laid him on his face, and then they tied Mr. Smith's and Mr. Murry's hands on their backs. Then, before pilfering the store and our pockets, Vasquez made a few remarks, as follows : "Boys, I am sorry to treat you in this manner, but if I was to turn out to make my living by work, and the people should find out who I am, they would hang me iuside a week's time. And the only way I have to make a living is hy robhiug other people, and as long as other people have money, I will have my share of it, at the risk of muy life." And he further stated to me that I had submitted, and my life should he spared. They then went through our pockets, after which they pilfered the store. At this time I heard Mr. Haley, who was driving a four-horse team for Mr. A. B. Grogan, calling me by name five or six times. I dared not answer. ' They finally hit him on the head with a six- shooter, took him down out of the wagon, tied him to the
fore-wheel, and took what spare change he had, leaving him in that coudition, with the horses attached to the wagon Four - ing that the horses would start, he worked himself loose, but remained in a stopping porition, that they might not detect his bring untied By this time n Mr Conly, his wife and one little boy came along, and were stopped. Mr. Conly was taken off the wagon and brought near the store, aud tiel down on the ground; at the same time Mrs. t'only screaming at the top of her voice, they threatened to shoot her if she did not quit serenming, as she would alarm the neighbors Just then Mrs. Suyder came out of her der, walkel up to Mrs. Conly, took her by the hand and led her into the house, telling her to be quiet and maybe their lives wonhl be saved. Mr. Conly's little boy got down on his hands and knees, crawled across the road, climbed a foner, and went across the river to une of the neighbors The hostler at the stable was confronted and tobl to lie down The boy, not knowing what it meant, laughed at them. They hit him over the head with a gun, then tied him and took him back of the barn.
MURDER OF THREE CITIZENS.
Mr. George Redford, from Gilroy, with a four-hors team, drove up, and was unhitching his team. They ordered him to lie down. le, being a little deaf, may not have understood them, but ran once around his wayon, then into the stable, when they shot him throngh the beart. At this moment & Frenchman, who had stopped for the night with a band of sheep, was near the barn. He knew them, and they knew him. They instantly shot at him, tear- ing his upper teeth out. He ran, jumped over a fence into au adjoining field, then back in front of the store, and they after him, and as he jumped the fence again, upon the store porch, they shot him through the breast. I heard hin fall and struggle in death,
At this moment I heard another shot, in front of the hotel. Mr. Leland Davidson, who was proprietor of the hotel, had heen sick for several lays, and was not aware of what was going on. He heard the shooting, and arose from his chair, went to the front door, and had it partly open, when his wife ran in from the back part of the house, sereamning to her husband to close the door, stating, at the same time, that robbers were rohhing the store. She ran up to her husband . and reached her arm over his shoulder in the act of closing the door. At this moment Vasquez appeared in front of the door and instantly raised his rifle and fired through the door, the hall entering Mr. Davidson's heart. He fell back in his wife's arms and expired in a moment. They then came into the store, took me up and took inc to the room where my family was. They ordered me to have my wife hand over all the money that was in the house. Mrs. Snyder told them she would if they would spare her husband's life. They told her
184
EXPLOITS OF VASQUEZ, THE NOTED BANDIT.
that her husband hal submitted to their request ami his life should be span 1 After getting what money there was in the hone, they start . I back to the store with me On the way back, ('haves anl Va nez stoppei an | hebl a conversation in Spanish Vavjuez finally told him, in English, that he was Captain of this ban'l, and that, as i hal submittel, my life slonbl be saved. They then took me back to the store, lail me down on my side, with iny hanel til on my back, aud coverexi me with a blanket, after which they commenced pack- ing their horse with goods taken from the store. My hands, having been tiel so tight, at this thine became very painful; my arms were swollen up to my shoulders. I made a special request of them, for the third time, to loosen the ropes around ny wrists, as they were tied so tight that the ropes cut through the skin. (I wore the sores on my wrists for two months afterwards.) Vasquez finally came to me and exam- ined the ropes, and sail they were too tight. ile loosened them for ine, and i thanked him kindly for doing so, as it afforded me great relief. They then took down sardines oysters, crackers, and cheese, and ate a hearty supper.
VASQUEZ REQUESTED TO HURRY.
I told them I wished they would hurry, as I had not hal my supper, and was hungry. They repliel that they, also, were hungry, and would not leave until they got through eat- ing their lunch, When they had finished eating, Vasquez tokl them to go to the stable and bring away all of the good horses, which they would drive ahead of them. The robbers took cleven hivises out of the stable and drove off with them, two of them being my own. They shot and killed oue blind horse that was in the stable. I was robbed of about six hundred dollars' worth of goods, two horses, about $430 in coin, my watch, aud weapons. It was supposed that they got about $1,200 in coin from all parties altogether. The robbers then luft, and we ull arose to our feet, and Mr. Smith's boy, not being tied, untied his father, and his father untied the rest of us. I at once went to where my family was, aud found them all safe. I then went into Mr. Davidson's room, and found him dead, and his wife lamenting over him. I returned to the store, where I found the Frenchman lying on his back, dead, on the store porch. I took a lantern, went to the barn, and found George Redford lying on his face, dead, on a pile of hay in one of the stalls. The next moruing found us surrounded by some two hundred of the neighbors, who had learned of the robbery and murder. During the shooting, Mrs. Snyder and Mrs. Sam Moore, who were in the house at the time, had forethought enough to lie that down upon the floor in order to escape the bullets that were flying around."
Thus euds the robbery at Paicines, as given by A. Snyder.
Vasquez started with his hand for Elizabeth Lake, Los Angeles county, and while on the road, succeeded in seducing
the wife of Alon Leiva (his Lieutenant). The latter caught the pair in migrante delicto, and swearing revenge, proceeded at ouce to Los Angeles, where he surrendered himself, and there- after furnished the officers with much valuable information regarding the methods pursued by Vasquez.
Soon after this, assisted only by his new Lieutenant, Chaves, he robbed the stage at Coyotes Holes Station, on the Owens River roal, capturing, in all, sixteen men from whom they took two hundred dollars in mouey, besides watches, jewelry and pistols.
HIS OPERATIONS AT SAN GABRIEL.
His next act of importance was at San Gabriel, where, on April 16, 1874, he and his band visited the house of Alexander Repetto, disguised as sheep-herders, and tying Repetto to a tree, compelled him, under pain of instant death, to sign a check on Temple & Workman's bank, Los Angeles, l'or eight hundred dollars. A nephew of Repetto's was then dispatched to Los Angeles to get this cashed and was warned that at the first symptom of treachery his unele would be killed. Upon arrival at the bank, the boy's manner excited suspicion and the bank officers detained him until he told why the money was needed so urgently. Sheriff Rowland at once organized a posse and started for the mission, but the boy, by hard rid- ing across country, reached there ahead of them, paid the ran- som and released his uncle. The robbers fled, and when not more than a thousand yards in advance of the officers, robbed John Osborne and Charles Miles of Los Angeles, whom they met in a wagon; then away again and made good their escape. This was the last exploit of Vasquez.
For a long time Sheriff William R. Rowland, of Los Angeles, had been quietly laying plans for his arrest. Again and again the game had escaped him, but "it is a long lane that has no turning." Early in May, 1874, he learned that Vasquez was making his head-quarters at the house of "Greek George," about ten miles due west of Los Angeles, toward Santa Monica, and not far from the Cahuenga Pass.
The house was situated at the foot of a mountain, and was built of adobe, in the form of the letter L, the foot of the letter being toward the mountain range, and the shank extending south. Behind the house ran a comparatively disused road, leading from San Vicente through La Brea Rancho to Log Angeles. In front of the house a sinall bunch of willows surrounded a spring, and beyond these a vast rolling plain stretched westward and southward to the ocean.
A window in the north end of the building afforded a look. out for many miles. Other windows in like manner com- manded the remaining points of the compass. The middle sec- tion of the shank was used as a dining-room, and a small room in the southern extremity as a kitchen.
It was well known that Vasquez had confederates in Los
185
EXPLOITS OF VASQUEZ, THE NOTED BANDIT.
Angeles, who kept him constantly portal as to all plans laid for his capture. This being the case, the utmost secrecy was necessary. The morning of Thursday, May 15th, was deter- mined on for making the attack, and during the preceding day horses for the Sheriff's party were taken one by one to a ren. dlezvous ou Spring street, near Seventh. To di-arm suspicion, it was determined that Sheriff Rowland should remain in Low Angeles, and the attacking force eight in all) was placed in charge of the Under Sheriff, Mr. Albert Jolinson. The remaining members were : Major H. M. Mitchell (attorney.at law of Los Angeles), J. S. Bryant (City Constable), E. Harris (policeman), W. E. Rogers (of the Palace saloon), B F. Hartley (Chief of Police), D. K. Smith (a citizen), aul Mr. Beers (of San Francisco, special correspondent of the San Francisco Chronicle). The party were armed with rilles, shot guns (loadled with shgs), and revolvers.
At 1:30 A. M. they started, and by 4 o'clock had arrived at Major Mitchell's bee ranch, situated up a small canon not l'ar from the house of Greck George. Here Mr. Johnson left a portion of his party, while with the rest he climbed the mountains to reconnoiter. A heavy fog at first obscured all objects, but as this lifted, they could discern a horse, auswer- ing in appearance to that usually rillen by the bandit, picketed near the house. Twice a man resembling Vasquez enme ont of the dwelling, and led this horse to the spring, then back again and re-picketed him. Soon a second mau, believed to be the bandit's Lieutenant (Chaves) went in pursuit of another horse, and then Mr. Johnson prepared for action.
VASQUEZ SURROUNDED.
His two companions (Mitchell and Smith) went in pursuit of the man last seen, while he returned to the bee ranch, war- shalled his forces and prepared to attack the house. Just at this moment (provilentially it would almost seem) a high box wagon drove up the canon from the direction of Greck George's house. In this were two natives, and the Sheriff's party at once clambered into the wagon and lay down, taking with them one of these men. The driver they commanded to turn his horses and proceed back to Greek George's house, driving as close thereto as possible, and promising him that on the least sign of treachery they would shoot him dead. He obeyedl his instructions, and in a short time the house was reached and surrounded.
As the party advanced upon the door leading into the din- ing-room, a woman opened it partially, then, as sbe caught sight of them, slammed it to with an exclamation of affright. They burst in just in time to see Vasquez spring from the tahle, where he had been eating breakfast, and through the narrow kitchen window. in the end of the house facing south. As he went through officer Harris fired on him with his Henry rifle. and as he rushed for his horse, shot after shot showed him the
utter hopelessness of escape. Throwing up his hands, he advancel toward the party and surrendered, saying: " Boys, you have done well ; I have been a dl- fool, but it is all my own fault. I'm gone up " Two other men were arrestedl at the same time the one Mitchell and Smith went after, and another). A large number of arms all of the Intest pattern and finest workmanship, were found in the house. Greek George (George Allen, was arrested in Los Angeles.
Vauquer was conveyed to Los Angeles and placed in jail. Here he received the best of medical treatment, and as his injuries were only flesh wounds, soon recovered. Much maudlin sympathy was expended on him by weak headed women while he remained in Los Angeles jail.
His last victim, Mr. Ripetta, of San Gabriel called to soe him. Alter the usual salutations, Rapetto remarked : " I have ealled, signor, to say that so far as I am concerned, you I can settle that little account with God Almighty. I have no hard feelings against you, none whatever." Vasquez returned his thanks in a most impressive manner, and began to speak of repayment, when Rapetto interrupted him, saying: " I do not expect to be repaidl. I gave it to you to save further trouble, but I beg of you, if you ever resume operations, not to repeat your visit at my house,"
"Alı, señor," replied Vasquez. " If I am so unfortunate as to suffer conviction, and am compelled to undergo a short term of imprisonment, I will take the earliest opportunity to reim- burse you. Scuor Rapetto, I am a cavalier, with the heart of a cavalier! Yo soy un caballero, con el corazon de un cubal. lero!" This with the most impressive gesture and laying his hand upon his heart.
He was taken to San Jose, and tried for murder. Being found guilty, he was there hanged March 19, 1875.
Several others of the band were captured and sent to San Quentin. Some were shot by officers, and the whole band was thoroughly broken up.
VASQUEZ'S OWN ACCOUNT.
In reply to questions of a press reporter, Vasquez gave the following account of himself, substantially :-
"I was born in Monterey county, California, at the town of Monterey, August 11, 1835. My parents are both dead. I have three brothers and two sisters. Two of my brothers reside in Monterey county, one unmarried and one married ; the other resides in Los Angeles county ; he is married. My sisters are both married ; one of them lives at San Juan Bau- tista, Monterey county, the other at the New Idria quicksilver mines. I was never married, hut I have one child in this county a year old. I can read and write, having attended school in Monterey. My parents were people in ordinarily good circumstances, owning a small tract of land, and always had enough for their wants. My career grew out of the cir-
..
EXPLOITS OF VASQUEZ. THE NOTED BANDIT.
custanes by which I was surrounded. As I grew up to manhood, I was in the habit of attending ball- and parties given by the native Californians, into which the Americans, then beginning to be numerous, would force themselves and shove the native-born men aside, monopolizing the dance and the women This was almt 1532 A spirit of hatred and revenge cak provision of the I had numerous fights in deforme of what I believed to be my right and those of my countrymen. The officers were continually in pursuit of me I believed we were nujustly and wrongfully deprived of the social rights that belong to us. So perpetually was i involved in these difficulties, that I at length determined to leave the thickly settled portions of the country, and did so. gathered together a small band of cattle, and went into Mendo. cinn county, luck of Ukiah, and beyond Falls Valley. Even here 1 was not permitted to remain in peace. The officers of the law sought me ant in that remote region, and strove to drag me before the courts. I always resisted arrest. I went to my mother and told her that Fintended to commence a different life. I asked for and obtained her blessing, and at once commenced the career of a robber. My first exploit consisted in robbing some peddlers of money and clothes in Monterey county: My next was the capture and robbery of a stage conch in the same county. I had confederates with me from the first, and was always recognized as leader. Robbery after robbery followed each other as rapidly as circumstances allowed until, in 1857 or '58, I was arrested in Los Angeles for horse-stealing, convicted of grand larceny, sentenced to the pemtentiary, and was taken to San Quentin, and remained there until my term of imprisonment expired in 1863. Uje to the time of my conviction and imprisonment, I had robbed stage coaches, wagons, houses, etc., indiscriminately, carrying on my operations, for the most part, in daylight, sometimes, however, visiting houses after dark.
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