USA > California > San Diego County > San Diego > History of San Diego, 1542-1908 : an account of the rise and progress of the pioneer settlement on the Pacific coast of the United States, Volume I > Part 24
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In 1851, Crosthwaite served in the Garra Insurrection, with the rank of third sergeant. After these troubles, he was the mainstay of the citizens in preserving the peace, at the time when the San Francisco "Hounds" were terrorizing the town, and was seriously wounded in the discharge of his duty, as has been related.
He held a number of offices at an early day, being the first county treasurer, deputy sheriff several years, and sheriff one or two terms. He was also sehool commissioner in 1850. county clerk and recorder in 1853-4, and justice of the peace in 1854. He lived for several years in Mission Valley, above Old Town, and later owned the San Miguel Rancho in Lower California. He was lessee of the San Diego Mission in 1848, and later went to the mines. He also kept a store in Old Town, and later in
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PHILIP CROSTHWAITE
One of the most notable and memorable of early American settlers and prominent in business and political life
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HISTORY OF SAN DIEGO
new San Diego, in partnership with Mr. Whaley. Ilis old ledger, kept in 1853, is now owned by Mr. Joseph Jessop, and shows many enrions things. The first entry in it shows the sale of over $200 worth of provisions to Lientenant Derby, for the use of the Indians working on the San Diego River dam. The prices charged are also very interesting, now.
He purchased the San Miguel Rancho in 1861 and removed to Lower California, but still spent much of his time in San Diego. He was an active and earnest Freemason, and the first Worship- ful Master of San Diego Lodge No. 35-the oldest lodge in the Southwest. When Lieutenant Derby left San Diego. he pre- sented Crosthwaite with the Past Master's jewel, which the lat- ter later gave to his beloved lodge, and which is now a cherished item of their furniture.
He married Josefa Lopez, a daughter of Bonifacio Lopez, of San Diego, 1848. They had a large family, of which seven sons and two daughters survived him. His daughter Mary was mar- ried to J. N. Briseño, of San Diego, but the others live in Lower California. He died in San Diego, February 19, 1903. Mrs. Wm. Jeff Gatewood was his sister. It is said he had nearly fifty grandchildren at the time of his death.
Crosthwaite was a well built man, with a full beard and a remarkably deep voice. It is related that an uncle by marriage. Mr. Hempstead, stopping off at La Playa on his way to San Francisco in the 50's, recognized him by his voice, though he had not seen him for years. He was known to be an utterly fearless man, whose courage was proved in many hard encounters. He was a man of strong character and had enemies as well as friends. Part of these troubles were due to religious differences, he being an Episcopalian and his wife a Catholic. He was fond of telling his recollections of early days and his stories were not always accurate or free from prejudice. He was fond of a joke, and it has been said that he carried this propensity into his tales of old times; but a careful study of them shows clearly enough that the inaccuracies and discrepancies are no more than was natural with one who talks a good deal and whose memory is not remarkable for its accuracy. That Crosthwaite had some faults is doubtless true, but he was beyond question a strong. res- olute man, well fitted for the rough life of his time.
CURLEY, William. Was an otter hunter with Crosthwaite and others, in 1846. Served as a volunteer in the Mexican War. He was an elector at San Diego, April 1. 1850. Mar ried Ramona Alipás, daughter of Damasio and Joana Machado de Alipás (later the wife of Thomas Wrightington), in 1844. He was drowned in December, 1856, on the beach near Point Loma, while out otter hunting with an Indian. His widow after- ward married William Williams, and moved to Los Angeles.
273
FERRELL QUITS THE COUNTRY
DARNELL (or Darnall), Thomas R. Kept a store in San Diego in the early 50's; his store was robbed in February, 1856. In the following March he was chosen city trustee. He was an organizer of the San Diego & Gila Railroad Company. Ile was unmarried. Was Worshipful Master of the Masonic Lodge in 1858. He left San Diego soon after the latter year.
ENSWORTH, A. S. 'Squire Ensworth came to San Diego as a teamster in government employ. He was elected justice of the peace in 1856 and assemblyman in 1859. He was a "self- made man," who studied law after being elected justice, and later engaged in the practice of law, with considerable success. He was quite a reader and had a large library, for the times. He died in a hospital at Los Angeles.
FERRELL, William C. This pioneer came from North Caro- lina, where he had two daughters living. He settled at San Diego about 1850, and at the first election, held in that year, was chosen district attorney. He was a lawyer of ability and a use- . ful member of the community. He was one of the founders of new San Diego, with Davis and others. In 1852 he was appointed collector of the port and served one year. In 1854 he was asses- sor and school commissioner, and, the following year, served as assemblyman. In 1858 he was a city trustee, and in 1859 dis- trict attorney again. In December of the last named year, he went to Reventadero, near Descanso, Lower California, where he lived the life of a recluse until his death. The reason for this aetion is somewhat obscure, but the traditional reason is at least plausible. It is said that, being a somewhat testy man and hav- ing set his heart upon winning a certain case, it was decided against him; whereupon, he became enraged. banged his books down upon the table, and declared that, since he could not get justice in this country, he would quit it, and proceeded to do so. There is evidence that he left in haste a document on file in the county elerk's office containing directions for the settlement of a number of small accounts, for the disposal of his personal effects, ete. His San Diego friends kept him supplied with read- ing, and when they visited him, found him always well informed and, apparently, happy. The newspapers of the time contain many references to Ferrell, how he watched over San Diego from his mountain fastness, etc. He died June 8, 1883.
FRANKLIN, Lewis A. Came to San Diego in the summer of 1851, with George H. Davis, in a trading vessel from San Fran- cisco. They decided to remain, and their San Francisco repre- sentative. Thomas Whaley, followed in October, and he and Franklin opened the Tienda California (California Store). This partnership was dissolved in April. 1852, Franklin retiring.
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In 1851, he served in the Garra campaign, as a second lieuten- ant. With his brother Maurice, he built the Franklin House, which was long a prominent landmark. Ile also practiced law in the 50's.
FITCH, Henry D. Captain Fitch was a native of New Bed- ford. Mass. In 1826-30, he was master of the Mexican brig Maria Ester, calling at California ports. In 1827 he announced his intention of becoming a Mexican citizen and was naturalized in 1833. He was baptized at San Diego in 1829 as Enrique Domingo Fitch. His elopement with Señorita Josefa Carrillo is related elsewhere. In 1830-31 he was master of the Leonor and brought 50 Mexican conviets to San Diego, where 23 of them remained. He kept a general store in Old Town for many years and in 1845 this was the only store in the place; there had been some other small shops previously. He bought and sold hides, tallow, and furs, outfitted otter hunters, and made trading voy- ages along the coast. At different times he was a partner of Stearns, Mckinley, Temple and Paty. He was San Diego's first syndico, in 1835, and held other public offices. In 1845, he made the first survey and map of the pueblo lands. In 1841 he received a grant of the Sotoyomi Rancho, in Sonoma County, and began to develop his interests there. He died in San Diego in 1849, and was the last person buried on Presidio Hill. The family removed to the ranch near Healdsburg soon after his death, and continue to reside there. Fitch Mountain, in Sonoma County, was named for him. Mrs. Fitch died at the age of 82, having kept her faculties remarkably to the end.
Their children were eleven in number, as follows: Henry E .. born in 1830; Fred., 1832; William, 1834; Joseph, 1836; Josefa, 1837 : John B., 1839; Isabella, 1840; Charles, 1842; Michael. 1844; María Antonia Natalia, 1845; and Anita, 1848.
The estimates of his character vary somewhat, but are mostly favorable. Dana hints that he was eoarse, and perhaps he was somewhat so, according to that young man's standards ; old sea captains were not then noted for their polish. The testimony is clear however, that he was an honorable, popular, and influential man and a useful citizen.
FORSTER, John. Often ealled Don Juan Forster, was born in England in 1815. He came to Guaymas in 1831 and two years later to California, settling at Los Angeles. In 1844 he removed to San Juan Capistrano and purchased the ex-mission lands there, where he lived for twenty years. In 1845 he was grantee of the National Rancho. In 1864, having sold the latter place, he bought the Santa Margarita Raneho from Pio Pico and spent his remaining days there. He was for many years a man of great wealth and lived and entertained in generous style; but in later years his affairs beeame involved and he died compara-
275
LIEUT. ANDREW B. GRAY
tively poor. He had not much liking for politics, but gave con- siderable attention to a number of colonization sehemes, none of which he was able to carry to a successful conclusion. He died February 20, 1882. He was a useful and highly respected citizen.
In 1837, he married Isadora Pico, sister of Pio and Andrés Pico. They had six children, some of whom are still living in San Diego County.
GITCHELL, J. R. One of the ablest of early lawyers. Was the first attorney of the San Diego & Gila Railroad, and drew its charter. He was district attorney in 1856-7-8, and was a prominent member of the Masonic order. Ile left San Diego and settled in Los Angeles.
"SQUIRE" ENSWORTH
GRAY, Andrew B. In addition to his service on the boundary commission, Lieutenant Gray was one of the founders of new San Diego, and probably the original initiator of the project. He was a surveyor of more than ordinary ability, and made a survey for the old Southern Pacific Railroad on the 32d parallel in 1854, as far as the Colorado River; from that point, he made only a reconnaissance into San Diego, but it was sufficient to demonstrate the feasibility of the route. His report was pub- lished in 1856, and is a very valuable document. During the Civil War, he became a major-general in the Confederate Army.
GROOM, Robert W. Was a competent surveyor and a man
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HISTORY OF SAN DIEGO
of good sense and high standing. He filled the office of county surveyor in 1856, 1859, 1861-2-3, and was assemblyman in 1858 and 1860. IIe then went to Arizona.
HAYS, John. First county judge of San Diego County, and county treasurer in 1853. He came from Texas, where he had been an actor in the early troubles. His farm and fish-pond on Point Loma are described by Lieutenant Derby. He died May 24, 1857. having broken his neck by walking over a steep bank while on his way home, at night.
He was an elector in 1850, and a director of the San Diego & Gila Railroad from its organization in November; 1854.
HOFFMAN, Dr. David B. This name first appears on the records on December 1, 1855, and in that and the following years he served as coroner. He was admitted to practice law, April 1, 1856, and in 1859, 1860, and 1861, served as district attorney. In 1857 he was town trustee, in 1862 assemblyman, in 1865 school trustee, and in 1868 Democratic presidential elector for Cali- fornia. He was collector of the port from 1869 to 1872, and also acted as tidal ganger. His wife's name was Maria Dolores, daughter of Peter Wilder and Guadalupe Machado, who died August 12, 1887. He died in 1888, leaving a son named Chaun- cey, also a daughter. Miss Virginia Hoffman. He was a good physician and a much respected citizen.
ISRAEL, Captain Robert D. Is one of the few "real pio- neers" still. living. He is a native of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. Served in the Mexican War, in the Second Division, in the Rifles, and saw much hard service. Immediately after being mustered out, in 1848, he came to San Diego. He lived at Old Town sev- eral years, engaged in blacksmithing, keeping a saloon, and doing contracting with his brother. Joseph H. Israel. He became keeper of the lighthouse on June 14, 1871, and served until Jan- uary 6, 1892. He was orderly sergeant in the Garra campaign and in charge of the firing squad which executed that brave man. HIe served as policeman and jailor in the early 50's, in 1858 was justice of the peace, and in 1865 school trustee. He married María Arcadia Alipás, daughter of Damasio and Juana Machado de Alipás, Their children are: Henry C., Joseph P. (died young), Robert L., and Joseph P., second. Since 1895 he has lived in Coronado. ITis memory is clear and his stories of early days most interesting and valuable.
JOHNSON, Captain George A. Captain Johnson is one of the best remembered of old San Diegans. He owned the Peñas- quitas Rancho and was a large rancher and cattle raiser, and also largely interested in the Colorado Steam Navigation Com- pany. He served as assemblyman for San Diego County in 1863 and 1867.
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GEORGE LYONS AND FAMILY
KELLY, Robert. A native of the Isle of Man, where he was born in 1825. Came to America while young and lived in New York and New Orleans. In 1850 he came west to the Colorado River and built a ferry-boat for the use of the government engi- neers. It was made of cottonwood timber, sawed by hand. He soon after came to San Diego and helped build the Davis wharf, in 1850-1. In 1852 he became, with Colonel Eddy, the owner of the Jamacha grant. They raised rye, wheat, oats, barley, and potatoes on 300 acres, and this was among the earliest success- ful agriculture in San Diego County. In 1857 he sold his ranch and engaged in mercantile business with Frank Ames at Old Town. In 1860 he again engaged in cattle raising with F. Hin- ton, on the Agua Hedionda Rancho, and later became sole owner of the raneho and made it his home. He served as juez de paz. In 1856 he was attacked by bandits and seriously wounded. He owned considerable real estate in new San Diego and was an enterprising and public spirited citizen. He was never married Mr. Charles Kelly, at present a member of the common couneis of San Diego, is his nephew.
KURTZ, Daniel Brown. Mr. Kurtz was the second mayor of San Diego, succeeding General Bean in 1851. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1819, and came to San Diego in June, 1850 ; studied law under J. R. Gitchell and was admitted to prac- tice in 1856. He was state senator in 1852 and 1855, county judge in 1855-6, but resigned in the latter year; assemblyman in 1861 and 1865-6, and president of the town trustees in 1862. He was appointed brigadier-general of State Militia by the governor in July, 1856. Was a director of the old San Diego & Gila Rail- road in October, 1855. He was a carpenter and did considerable contracting at Old Town and elsewhere. He removed to San Luis Rey in 1866, and resided there until his death, which occurred March 30, 1898.
LYONS, George. A native of Donegal, Ireland, who came to San Diego in 1847. He had been carpenter on board a whaler on the Northwest coast. He kept a store in Old Town from 1851 to 1858. In the latter year he was elected sheriff and served two terms, until 1862, when he was succeeded by James McCoy. He was city trustee and postmaster in 1853-4, trustee again in 1855, etc. He was also a director of the San Diego & Gila Rail- road from its organization in 1854.
In 1850, he married Bernarda Billar, daughter of Lieutenant Billar, at one time commandant of the San Diego Presidio. They had ten children. seven sons and three daughters. Their eldest son, William J. Lyons, married Sarah Ames. He was asso- ciated with H. A. Howard in the real estate business in boom days, and the Souvenir, published by the firm of Howard &
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HISTORY OF SAN DIEGO
Lyons, consisting of advertisements written for them by Thomas L. Fitch, is famous. He has also been largely interested in min- ing in the Alamo district, Lower California. His daughter, Mary Dolores, was married to J. B. Hinton. She is now deceased. They had no children.
Son, Benj. Lyons, married Hattie Connors, daughter of Jas. W. Connors. They live at Coronado and have three children.
George Lyons is one of the best known of the few survivors of the days before the 50's.
D. B. KURTZ One of the first mayors of old San Diego
MANNASSE, Joseph S. A native of Prussia, who came to San Diego in 1853 and opened a store. He began with small capital, but prospered and soon became a large dealer. In 1856 he formed a partnership with Mareus Schiller, which continued many years. In 1868 the firm started a lumber yard at the foot of Atlantie and E Streets, and soon after bought and stocked the Encinitos Rancho. They built up a large business, but suf- fered severely in the drought and hard times and the early 70's,
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ACCOUNT OF JAMES McCOY
also in the great fire at Old Town in April, 1872. They laid out and sold Mannasse & Schiller's Addition, one of the carliest addi- tions after Horton came. In later years, Mr. Mannasse's prin- cipal business was that of broker and collector. He was a public spirited citizen ; served as city trustee two or three terms, and was president of that body when Horton made his purchase, but did not sign the deed. On account of his small stature he was called Mannasse Chico, or Mannasito.
He married Hannah Schiller, a sister of his partner. They had one daughter, Cilita Mannasse. Mr. Mannasse died Decem- ber 26, 1897.
JAMES MCCOY
For many years one of the most prominent citizens of Old San Diego, filling various offices, including that of State Senator
McCOY, James. A native of County Antrim, Ireland, born August 12, 1821. Came to America in 1842, and in 1849 became a member of Magruder's Battery, and accompanied it to San Diego. He was stationed at San Luis Rey, with a small squad, for over two years, and had some experience in Indian warfare. In 1859 he was elected county assessor and in 1861 sheriff. To the latter office he was re-elected five times and served until 1871, when he became state senator. He was a city trustee for four- teen years and took an active part in the public movements of his day.
In 1868, he married Winifred Kearny. who survived him. She is now Mrs. F. D. Murtha. They had no children.
Mr. McCoy was a man of strong personality. He had his friends, also some bitter enemies. While city trustee he was
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HISTORY OF SAN DIEGO
deeply involved, with Charles P. Taggart and others, in the tide lands speculation, over which a political controversy raged. The "tide landers" won at the polls, but the courts finally decided that the city had no title to the tide lands. Mr. McCoy was a man of considerable ability and a stanch friend of Old Town.
MINTER, John. According to the Herald, this man was attacked by an Indian and seriously ent in the left arm, in Aug- ust, 1857. He married Serafina Wrightington, daughter of Thomas Wrightington, and they had a family of six children. He died several years ago. Had two daughters, one of whom, Ellen L., married Jas. W. Connors, Jr., and the other married. his brother, William.
MOON, William H. A Georgian who settled at San Diego in 1849. He was an eleetor April 1, 1850, and a member of the first grand jury in September of that year. The records show that he was a justice of the peace and ex officio associate justice of the court of sessions, in 1850-1. He was a quaint character. He died February 3, 1859. He is the "Squire" to whom Derby refers, who
"Goes 'round a-walkin'
And sasses all respectable persons With his talk of pills he's invented To give a spirit of resentment."
MORSE, Ephraim W. This sterling pioneer is deserving of more space than the limits of this work allow. He was not only one of the earliest American settlers, but one of the most public spirited and active workers for the building of the new eity.
Mr. Morse was born October 16. 1823, in Amesbury, Massa- elmsetts. He was a farmer and school teacher until the discov- ery of gold in California. when he caught the fever and joined a company formed for the purpose of emigrating to the coast. "This company," he said, "was intended to be, and was. a select company. No one could join without presenting satisfactory recommendations from the selectmen of the town, the mayor of their city, or some prominent preacher." There were 100 of these associates. With their joint funds they bought the ship Leonore and freighted her with such goods as they thought would be salable. The constitution of the company was dated December 28, 1848, and stated that the organization was "for the purpose of buying and chartering a ship, and freighting her as the directors shall see fit, for the coast of California, and engaging in such trading and mining operations as shall be deemed most advisable." The capital stock was $30.000. divided into 100 shares of $300 each. Each member undertook to give his personal time and attention to the interests of the company, not to engage in speculation on his own account, nor to assume
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ARRIVAL OF E. W. MORSE
any pecuniary liability without the company's consent, not to engage in any game of chance or skill by which money might be lost or won, nor to use any intoxicating liquors unless prescribed by a physician, all under penalty of a fine. Members were to be sustained and protected in sickness and interred at the com- pany's expense in case of death. No stockholder was to be allowed or required to perform any labor on the Sabbath, "except works of necessity and mercy."
This company of highly proper young men were chiefly friends and neighbors of Mr. Morse's. Among their occupations were the following: Farmers, teachers, carpenters, clerks, bookkeep- ers, bookbinders, masons, seamen, hatters, blacksmiths, geologists, sail-makers, joiners, stair-builders, traders, moulders, brass fin- ishers, machinists, soap-makers, truckmen, laborers, eurriers, civil engineers, shoemakers, tailors, chemists, harness-makers, saddlers, and weavers. (This reminds one of the days of the Híjar colony.) Before sailing, they attended a special religious service at Tremont Temple, in Boston, where the Rev. Edward Beecher delivered an address full of solemn admonitions; he seemed to regard them as the leaven of a moral reformation, of which California stood particularly in need. Mr. Morse's papers include a copy of a pamphlet containing this address, with a list of the passengers, and much other curious information.
The Leonora sailed February 4, 1849, and, after an unevent- ful voyage, reached San Francisco on July 5th. Here the ship and cargo were sold and the company dispersed to the mines, on the Yuba River. Mr. Morse had for a partner a man named Levi Slack. They found the hot weather and other climatic con- ditions trying, and after four or five months returned to San Francisco to recuperate. They had read Dana's Two Years Before the Mast, and also met a man who had lived in San Diego and told them something about its climate. The partners there- fore concluded to come to San Diego, and to bring with them a "venture," consisting of a stock of goods for a general store, a ready-framed house, etc. They came on the bark Fre- mont, and arrived in April, 1850. Liking the place, they put up their house at Davistown and opened their store. The building was 20x30 feet, with an upstairs room, where they slept. Within a month after his arrival, Mr. Morse found his health completely restored. In 1851, he returned to Massachusetts by way of the Nicaragua ronte, having a stormy and adventurous trip, but arrived safely. He married Miss Lydia A. Gray, of Amesbury, and while preparing to return to California with his wife, received news of the death of Mr. Slack and therefore hurried back to California, alone, leaving his wife to follow. He was Absent all together six months, and returned in May, 1852. Mrs.
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HISTORY OF SAN DIEGO
Morse came out with Thomas Whaley and wife, the following year.
By April, 1853, the new town had begun to dwindle and, hav- ing an opportunity to become a partner with Mr. Whaley at Old Town, Mr. Morse removed to that place. They kept a gen- eral merchandise store in one of the adobe buildings on the plaza. In 1856 this partnership was dissolved and Morse kept his store alone for three years. He then disposed of his stock and went to Palomar to engage in stock raising and farming. In 1861 he returned to San Diego and again engaged in business as a merchant, in the old Rose House, beneath the Herald office, and was also agent for Wells, Fargo & Co.'s express. In June, 1869, he sold out his stock at Old Town to Philip Crosthwaite and removed to Horton's Addition, taking the express office with him, much to the disgust of his old neighbors. From this time onward he was a resident and active worker for the new city.
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