USA > California > Riverside County > History of San Bernardino and Riverside counties, Volume I > Part 37
USA > California > San Bernardino County > History of San Bernardino and Riverside counties, Volume I > Part 37
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79
So the giant Indian chief called the "Sacred Eagle," after first placing the white feather of a dove in his beak, sent him aloft to the abode of the evil one. The bird returned with the feather, and a score of the most powerful Indians scaled the mountainside, and the council occurred. After some discussion, it was decided to play a game of cards for the possession of the valley. The Indians chanting a good luck gambling song, were fast winning, when the evil one, becoming enraged, siezed an ace of spades and dashed it against the mountainside with such angry force that the mountain opened, receiving him spluttering in its depths and the sulphurous hot springs at the mountain's base bear evidence of his continued presence beneath the rocks.
Here is another legend from the Coahuillas: In the days of long ago, the Coahuillas dwelt across the mountains to the eastward, near San Luis Rey Mission. Now, although of a peace-loving disposition, they were constantly harassed by their warlike neighbors, who stole their ponies, devastated their fields and burned their jacales. At last the perse- cutions could no longer be endured and at command of their chief the tribesmen gathered in council for the purpose of calling upon the God of Peace to assist and direct them to another country where they might acquire a quiet homeland.
Now being a gentle people, so the tale runs, they found special favor with the great Spirit, by whom they were directed to travel westward, and instructed that they would be guided to their new home by a fiery arrow, for which they must be constantly watching. The tribe started upon the journey, and one moonless night there appeared across the heavens a blazing arrow, which took its course westward, settling upon the mountain, where the shaft was consumed by fire, but the head embedded itself, clear cut, in the mountainside. The camp was aroused, and resumed their journey, and located in the shadow of the mountain whereon was the arrowhead, and lived happily.
It is related that when in the year 1851 Brigham Young desired to found a colony which was to be a resting place to the saints coming to this City of Zion from Europe and Australia, he sent out a party to select a location. Before his band of disciples started on their quest, however, he told the two leading elders of a vision that had appeared to him He had beheld upon the side of a mountain the head of an arrow pointing down to a rich and fertile valley. When the party should come to this sign of the arrowhead, there in the valley to which it pointed, he enjoined them to stop, and found a new branch of Zion. After long, wearisome plodding through Utah and Nevada, the travelers came to the dreary stretch of Mojave Desert.
262
SAN BERNARDINO AND RIVERSIDE COUNTIES
Nearly perishing from lack of water, thoroughly discouraged. they were on the point of turning back, when an angel appearing, admonished them to be of good cheer, continue their journey, and soon they would reach the land of their reward.
The following day they came to Cajon Pass, and from there viewed the beautiful San Bernardino Valley. The elders, beholding the great white arrowhead, defined against the dark green background, recognized this as the valley of their leader's vision. So here they settled, founding in San Bernardino one of the most healthy, prosperous offshoots Mor- monism ever put forth, until 1857, when Brigham Young recalled them, most of them obeying the command.
ANOTHER LEGEND OF THE ARROWHEAD
Captain Manuel Santos, of the San Manuel Mission Indian Reserva- tion, gave to his lifelong friend John Brown, Jr., well known pioneer of 1849, the following romantic Indian legend of the Arrowhead, which story the Indians believe as true, coming down to them in tradition from their ancesors for many generations.
This wonderful freak of nature, containing in area about twenty acres, lies about eight miles north of the City of San Bernardino on the side of a mountain, a portion of the San Bernardino range of mountains plainly visible for miles around. Its shape as a perfect arrowhead, gigan- tic in proportion, at once attracts the attention of all beholders. Tourists entering the San Bernardino Valley are eager to learn something of this wonderful phenonenon of nature.
Among the first inhabitants, the Mexicans and Americans, there are various mysterious legends, but none compare with the Indians for love and romance.
A great many years ago the San Bernardino Valley was inhabited by the Cahuilla, the Serrano and the Guachama tribes of Indians, the Guachamas occupying the center of the valley. Villages, or "Rancherias," were scattered in various directions. Here the Indians lived in peace and happiness and had plenty to eat. Guachama means, in Indian, a place where there is plenty to eat. In the valley the hare, the rabbit, the quail, the duck and the goose abounded; along the foothills and moun- tains the deer and bear were numerous; the acorns, the juniper berries, the pinones (pine nuts), choke cherries, mescal and tunies (prickly pear ), furnished varieties of food, provided bountifully by nature, justifying the Indians in calling the valley as the place of plenty to eat.
While enjoying this happiness these Indians discovered the curative qualities of the hot water near the base of this mountain, so gathered there, partook of this hot water, bathed in it, and covered themselves with the warm mud.
In the course of time a village grew up, governed by one their chiefs. Among the family of this famous chief was a most beautiful dusky maiden, perfect in physical stature, with bewitching eyes and long, black hair over her shoulders. Two Indian braves fell in love with this charm- ing beauty and pressed their devotions so earnestly that she found it difficult in preserving harmony between them. The observing old chief realizing the situation summoned the two lovers to appear before him, and announced their fate to them, that they must forthwith settle this love affair according to Indian custom, must fight a duel with bows and arrows, the victor to have the hand of his daughter in marriage. He commanded one of these lovers to go along the mountain range west and hunt for the hardest flint rock among the crags and peaks to make
263
SAN BERNARDINO AND RIVERSIDE COUNTIES
arrowheads for the points of his arrows, and further directed him to have his quiver full and ready and in two weeks' time be prepared for his antagonist ; the same orders the old chief gave to the other lover, bidding him to go eastward along the mountain range.
During these two weeks the old chief sent couriers to all the surround- ing villages, Yucipa, Potrero, Indio, Malki, Soboba, Coahuilla, Agua Caliente, Temescal, Temecula, Juapa, Guachama and Cucamunyo, inviting the Indians from these rancherias to come to his village and witness the great duel that was to take place between two Indian braves, the con- queror to have his daughter in marriage. The momentous day arrived. Hundreds of Indians arrived eager to witness the tragedy. Just before the noon hour, the dignified old chief comes out of his wigwam; his squaw follows holding her daughter's hand. The two lovers are called and appear before the chief with their bows and quivers filled with arrows pointed with arrowheads made of the hardest flint rock to be found on the mountain side. The chief makes an opening among the assembled Indians, and measures off forty paces and orders the braves to take their places and prepare for the mortal combat. Death-like silence prevails. With deep, penetrating voice the old chief asks the braves if they are ready-both signifying by a nod of the head they are-and at the command to fire, did so with lightning rapidity, when one of the braves falls with an arrow piercing his heart. The conqueror realizing the danger he had just escaped, and the prize he had won, in this his moment of triumph, approaches his victim, draws the arrow from his heart, the arrowhead saturated and dripping with blood, places it in his bow and fires it away up on the mountain side, where the winter's rains and the summer's suns have caused the arrowhead to grow and grow until it attained the size as you now see it on the mountain side, exciting the wonder and admiration of all beholders.
PIONEER MONUMENT AT CAJON PASS. Most impressive were the cere- monies at the unveiling and dedication of the pioneer monument on December 23, 1917, erected near the edge of the old Trails National Highway, at the juncture of the Santa Fe and Salt Lake Trails.
It is the first ocean-to-ocean highway monument constructed on the coast.
The monument is twelve feet high and seven feet square at the base, built of cement and rock, having a granite slab bearing the following inscription :
"Santa Fe and Salt Lake trail, 1849. Erected in 1917 to honor the brave pioneers of California, by Pioneers Sheldon Stoddard, Sidney P. Waite, John Brown, Jr., George Miller, George M. Cooley, Silax Cox, Richard Wier and Jasper N. Corbett."
These pioneers were appointed by the San Bernardino Society of California Pioneers to build this monument and they constructed it themselves without any outside assistance.
Little Hattie Irene Knight, great-granddaughter of Sheldon Stoddard, unveiled the monument.
Mrs. Sheldon Stoddard was a daughter of Capt. Hunt (Jane Hunt), who came through the Pass in 1851.
. Then followed the presentation of the monument to the Native Daughters, Native Sons and Board of Supervisors by John Brown, Jr.
Mrs. Lettie Woodward Kier accepted for the Native Daughters; Edward Wall, great-grandson of Capt. Jefferson Hunt, for the Native Sons, and Supervisor Mark B. Shaw for the Board of Supervisors.
The ceremony was not only interesting but historical, for seated near
264
SAN BERNARDINO AND RIVERSIDE COUNTIES
in places of honor were some of those who came with the first group in 1851. Mrs. Nancy Daley, Sarah A. Rathbun and Justis Morse were of that first caravan, and Mrs. Mary A. Crandall, who followed in the fall.
At the base of the monument were placed by Mrs. Byron Waters, oil, corn and wine, emblematic of the hope that the Pioneers might live to see days of comfort in California-and that day had arrived.
The most ancient history related at the time was that of Don Pablo Belarde, 84 years old, who came through the Pass in 1843 with a mule pack train packed with Navajo blankets, which were traded for wild horses on the Lugo ranch and driven over this Santa Fe trail back to New Mexico.
MONUMENT BUILDERS
J. N. CORBETT, DE LA M. WOODWARD (DECEASED), UNCLE SHELDON STODDARD (DECEASED), RICHARD WER, SIDNEY P. WAITE, JOHN BROWN, JR.
Capt. Jefferson Hunt made three trips over this trail in 1847, 1849 and 1851.
James WV. Waters passed over the trail in 1844 with a mule back train loaded with blankets and returning with abalone shells for the Navajo Indians.
Henry Willis, John Brown and George L. Tucker were, in 1861, granted by the California Legislature a charter for a toll road through the Pass, which road was opened and operated for twenty years, most of the time by John Brown, Sr.
Fred T. Perris, constructing engineer of the Santa Fe, and who sur- veyed for that railroad early in the '80s, was asked for a speech ; just at that time a very long train passed by, and pointing to it he said : "There's my speech."
265
SAN BERNARDINO AND RIVERSIDE COUNTIES
Sheldon Stoddard, 83 years of age, was present. Sixty years before he had passed over the Santa Fe Trail through the Pass.
But one of the most touching bits of history was that of an aged pio- neer mother, who was one of the members of the first caravan to enter San Bernardino Valley on June 20, 1851, through the Pass. Her name was Mrs. (Nancy) Edward Daley, daughter of Capt. Hunt, who had charge of the caravan. She, with her family, had been on the way for a year. They were tired, weary and longed for the sight of something besides the dry sands of the desert. She took her baby-born on the way-in her arms and hurried on ahead of the rest of the party. Coming down the hills and into Cajon Pass, she came to the little stream of
PIONEER MONUMENT
water running near where the monument now stands, and laying her baby down on the green grass stopped and raised some cool water to her lips, fell on her knees and exclaimed : "This is heaven."
There were present at this dedication several hundred old pioneers and men of prominence from other cities. It really proved to be a monu- ment to sentiment and old memories.
Federal Judge B. F. Bledsoe, a Native Son, gave the address. Others who spoke were: Judge J. W. Curtis, a grandson of Rev. I. C. Curtis, who came through the Pass in the early '60s; Judge Rex B. Goodcell. whose grandfather came through the Pass in 1857 and who is a son of the first San Bernardino County graduate of the State Normal School; Attorneys R. E. Swing and Grant Holcomb, the latter a grandson of W. F. Holcomb, who came to San Bernardino in 1860 and discovered gold in Big Bear and Holcomb Valley, and Pioneer William Stephen.
This monument was built and dedicated when Woodrow Wilson was President of the United States; Hon. Hiram Johnson, United States senator ; Hon. James Phelan, United States senator ; Hon. W. D. Stephens,
266
SAN BERNARDINO AND RIVERSIDE COUNTIES
Governor of California; J. W. Curtis and H. T. Dewhirst, judges of the Superior Court ; James B. Glover, Mark B. Shaw, R. L. Riley, Jeff Kin- caid and A. B. Mulvane were members of the Board of Supervisors. Joseph W. Catick was mayor of San Bernardino.
W. E. Leonard, Clyde Pierson, Fred Martin, Frank Giles and R. R. Davis were members of the Common Council.
Native Sons who cared for the old pioneers that day were: John Andreson, Jr., Guy Haile, Thomas Shay, Roy Burcham, Charles Vail, Tony Preciado, Dr. F. M. Gardner, A. A. Garner, Guy Dunlap, Rubert Easton, Dr. L. M. Coy, Bert Gibson, A. H. Bemis, Edward Poppett, Lester King, J. McGinnis, Wilson Bemis, Ross Crandall and C. J. Daley.
CHAPTER XXII THE PIONEERS
The pioneer settlers of a new county, or community, or city, inde- pendently of any intrinsic qualities which they may possess, are objects of peculiar interest in succeeding generations. We delight to read their names and treasure in memory the slightest incident connected with their persons and their settlement. The Pilgrims of New England and the Colonists of Virginia, as the years go by, are gradually raised from the level of common humanity and placed before our contemplation on ped- estals, challenging the admiration and respect of posterity. Each suc- cessive step in the settlement of the country, as adventurous pioneers pushed out from the populous centers into the rapidly receding wilder- ness, has brought to notice courageous, enterprising men, who have con- nected their names indissolubly with rising States and embryo cities.
If we of the present generation are to honor the pioneers of all times and localities, how great a meed of praise must we give the hardy argo- nauts of the State of California! Perhaps we are too prone to think of the Golden State as a land of everlasting sunshine, a land of plenty, of treasure and of comfort. Perhaps we do not fully realize in this day the men who blazed the trails over this country were forced to meet and overcome obstacles the like of which were not to be found elsewhere within the boundaries of the nation. True, the American pioneers journeyed into a country that needed civilization. The natives were not the ruthless, murderous hostiles of the plains. The soil was ready for tilling without the heart-breaking labor of clearing the land of mighty forests. But, despite these advantages there were labors that tried the fiber of the hardiest. The country was not for the weakling. The journey across the trackless plains and prairies, with the constantly attending dangers to be encountered, was alone a task to be faced only by the bravest. Unlimited faith, energy and self-reliance were needed to glean over millions of golden metal from the mines of California between 1848 and 1860. The possession of the most splendid ability and per- severance was necessary for the work of transforming the vast stretch of stock ranges into an inhabited country of prosperous cities, productive orchards and vineyards, comfortable and happy homes and a habitation of law-abiding people of high principles, constructive citizenship and honorable laws of living.
In San Bernardino County, the pioneers found awaiting them many trials, and their faith had to be great. The marauding Indians were always a danger; the traversing of almost impassable mountains and scorching desert sweeps was the cause of untold privations; wild animals, pests, drouths, cholera, fevers and floods all combined to make their labors difficult. Over all they triumphed, and through their faith and valor have left us not only a heritage of material wealth and happiness, but the example of strength and endurance that can do no less than to encourage us in the continuation of the great work which they inaugu- rated.
No history of this county is complete which fails to make account of its pioneer women. Leaving homes of comfort and refinement in the East, they braved the dangers and endured the privations of pioneer life, animated by the devoted love of woman for the man of her heart, and full of enthusiasm for rearing in the new land of the West the insti-
267
268
SAN BERNARDINO AND RIVERSIDE COUNTIES
tutions of religion, education and charity which should transform that country into a land of refinement, and cover the wild prairies with the bloom and beauty and fragrance of peaceful and happy homes. While our minds are thrilled by the stirring narratives of the enterprise and deeds of the pioneer in trade, in manufactures, in the professions and politics, our hearts swell with emotion at the mention of the names and works of their companions in courage and in toil.
The earliest settlers of San Bernardino County were in the main native Californians of Spanish descent, men of honor, fearless and upright. Prominent among this class of pioneers, who helped to make California history as a Mexican territory, and did their share in the rapid changes of Government, were: Antonio Yorba, grantee of Santa Ana de Santiago, 1801; Bernardo, Tomas and Teodosio, sons of Antonio Yorba; Leandro Serrano, claimant of Temescal Grant, 1828; Juan Ban- dini, to whom Jurupa Grant was made in 1838; Tiburcio Tapia, grantee of Cucamonga, 1839; Antonio Maria Lugo, Jose M., Jose C. and Vicente, his sons, who were granted the San Bernardino Rancho in 1842; Diego- Sepulveda, one of the grantees of San Bernardino Rancho; Jose M. Valdez, mayor-domo of Cucamonga Rancho; and Francisco Alvadado and Jose Bermuda of San Bernardino.
The early American and foreign pioneers of the county were men possessed of great physical endurance and indomitable will. For the most part they became naturalized citizens of the new country which they entered, and, being of a shrewder and more provident type than the native Californians, they infused new spirit and enterprise into the politics and social conditions of the day and locality. Among them were such men as : Col. Isaac Williams, an American, owner of the Chino Rancho; B. D. Wilson, an American, who at one time owned a large interest in Jurupa Grant ; Michael White, born in England, the grantee of Musciabe Rancho; Louis Robidoux, a native of St. Louis, of French descent, owner of Jurupa ; Cornelius Jansen, born in Denmark, who purchased a part of the Jurupa Grant and resided at Agua Mansa ; Cristobel Slover, who came in with the New Mexican colonists in 1842, and for whom Slover Mountain was named; Daniel Sexton, of Louisiana, who entered San Bernardino County in 1841 ; Pauline Weaver, a member of Ewin Young's party, who came in from New Mexico in 1831; Louis Vignes, a Frenchman; and Don Abel Stearns, one of the ablest and earliest of the American settlers of the state, who owned various property rights in the county.
Among the first of the colonists to come in from New Mexico were Lorenzo Trujillo and family ; Manuel Espinosa and family ; and Gregorio Atencion and Hipolito Espinosa and their families. These colonists arrived in 1842 under the leadership of Lorenzo Trujillo and accom- panying what was known as the Workman-Rowland party, led by William Workman and John Rowland. Following them in 1843 and 1844, came the following, who located at Agua Mansa: Ignacio Molla, Jose Antonio Martinez, Juan Jamarillo, Pablo Belarde, Esquipelo Garcia, Bernardo Bjillo, Nestor Espinosa, Doroteo Trujillo and Miguel Bustamente.
The story of the Mormon pioneers has been written, and with them started the history of San Bernardino County and city. They were men of spirit, of faith and of courage, and accomplished great achievements under the leadership of such men as Amasa Lyman and Charles C. Rich, who were in charge of the 1851 colonists; Bishop Nathan C. Tenny, Bishop Crosby, Captains Hunt, Andrew Lytle and Jesse Hunter, David Seely, H. G. Sherwood and others.
269
SAN BERNARDINO AND RIVERSIDE COUNTIES
THE SAN BERNARDINO SOCIETY OF CALIFORNIA PIONEERS OPENING ODE
(Composed by Hon. B. F. Whittemore, secretary of the Society of California Pioneers of New England, on board the excursion train while entering the San Bernardino Valley, April 17, 1890.)
THE GOLDEN LAND
Tune-Beulah Land.
We've entered now the Golden State,
Where warmest welcomes for us wait,
The land where corn and oil and wine, Are full and plenty as sunshine.
Chorus
Oh! golden land, proud golden land,
We hail our welcome, and our hand
Is given now, with right good will,
To those who greet us for we still
Remember that in '49
We had no oil, nor corn, nor wine.
San Bernardino leads the van,
With fruits delicious, and we can
But tell them what our hearts now feel, And wish them joy, long life and weal. Chorus The ladies and the children sweet,
Who gladden us with smiles, and greet The veterans of '49,
For them we ask for bliss divine: Chorus God bless the ties that henceforth bind Old Argonauts, and may we find
This happy hour in all our years, The pleasantest for pioneers. Chorus
So let us all while gathered here Each Saturday throughout the year, In memory our friends enshrine, Who gave us corn, and oil, and wine. Chorus
The San Bernardino Society of California Pioneers was organized January 21, 1888, in the west courtroom of the old courthouse on Court Street, in San Bernardino, pursuant to a call in the newspapers signed by Major B. B. Harris, Sydney P. Waite and George W. Suttenfield.
The constitution adopted by the society declares the objects to be attained are :
First-To cultivate the social virtues of its members and to unite them in the bonds of friendship.
Second-To create a fund for benevolent purposes in behalf of its members.
270
SAN BERNARDINO AND RIVERSIDE COUNTIES
Third-To collect and present information and facts connected with the early settlement of California, and especially of the County of San Bernardino, and with the history thereof.
Fourth-To form libraries and cabinets and by all other appropriate means to advance the interests and increase the prosperity of the society.
Fifth-To create a fund for the purpose of a suitable lot and the building thereon, a memorial hall in which to perpetuate the memory of the Pioneers whose heroism, energy and sagacity induced them to settle in this county, and thus be among the founders of the Golden State.
The following persons are entitled to membership: All persons who are citizens of the United States, or capable of becoming such and who were residents of California prior to the 31st day of December, 1850, and those who were residents of San Bernardino County at the time of its organization, April 26, 1853, and the male descendants of such persons are eligible for active membership. Life members may be elected who contribute the sum of $50 to the pioneer treasury. Honorary members may be elected by unanimous vote of the society. The first amendment abolished all distinction as to sex.
At the first election the following officers were chosen :
George Lord, president ; John Brown, Sr., James W. Waters, David Seely, William F. Holcomb and N. P. Earp, vice presidents ; Henry M. Willis, corresponding secretary ; John Brown, Jr., secretary ; B. B. Harris, treasurer, and N. G. Gill, marshal.
The new society met with hearty support, most of the citizens who were eligible becoming members. Thus it was made up of men who have horne their share of the stirring events of early California history, and who had been largely instrumental in building up the city and county of San Bernardino.
These men proved themselves not only Pioneers of the past, but Pioneers of the present and Pioneers of the future, taking an active part in all public affairs and often led the way along the paths of progress.
Among their first activities was their prompt and persistent opposition to the tearing down of Sutter's Fort so that a street could be opened where that valued landmark was situated. The mayor of Sacramento addressed a message of thanks to the Pioneer Society for their vigorous and successful opposition. Then the Pioneer Society turned its atten- tion to the necessity of having a free county road to our mountains, which in time was accomplished by the county supervisors purchasing the Arrowhead Toll Road from the Arrowhead and Reservoir _Company for the sum of $20,000. They were among the first to urge the building of a new courthouse ; they joined with the Native Sons of the Golden West in moving for a holiday on Admission Day, September 9, so that California history could be studied more: the old Pavilion in Pioneer Park was the result of effective work of the Pioneer Society; they secured a change in the laws regarding the burial of the indigent poor.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.