USA > California > Santa Barbara County > History of Santa Barbara county, California, with illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 85
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 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111
COURT HOUSE.
Immediately upon the establishment of the county seat at San Buenaventura, the question of procuring suitable buildings for the use of the county officials became of importance. The Signal, in summing up
360
HISTORY OF VENTURA COUNTY.
the reasons why new buildings should be erected, said that the rent of the private buildings then in use by the county amounted to $1,044 per annum: Spear's building costing $720, the District Attorney's office $144, the Treasurer's office $120, and Jail $60, while it cost $3.00 daily to pay for guarding the prisoners, in the absence of a suitable honse of deten- tion. The total annual expenditures, then, were $2,139, " all of which," said the Signal, "might be saved in the event of erecting a new Court House."
The result of the matter was that the Board of Su- pervisors appropriated $6,000, received from the sale of the before-mentioned county bonds, to the erection of a Court House, conditioned upon the donation of 84,000 by private parties for that purpose. In addi- tion they made the grant contingent upon the gift of a suitable site. Bishop Amat, head of the diocese of Southern California, had previously offered for this purpose three blocks of the old Mission Garden, and he now came forward and renewed the proffer, with the proviso that a $10,000 building should be put up within two years. These terms were accepted, and the $4,000 being subscribed, work was soon begun on the Court House, the contract being let to W. D. Hobson and T. B. Steepleton, by whom its conditions were carried out conscientiously.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS.
Bradley Retires from the Signal-Retrospection-Murder and Lynching-Land-holders-Regular Election of 1873-Year of Prosperity-Bank of Ventura-Trotting Park-Low Fares-Shipments of Produce-The Fourth of 1874-Hon. Walter Murray-Local Option-Nativity of the Settlers- Chief Tax payers in 1874-Excessive Rain-fall-Fire Com- pany-Ventura Gas Company-Ventura Planing Mill- Newsp iper History-Free Press-Newspaper War-Politi- cal Affairs in 1875-People's Party-Election Returns for 1875-L. F. Eastin.
ON the 14th of June, 1873, Mr. Bradley retired from the management of the Signal, the only news- paper published in the county at that time. During his connection therewith he had used his best ener- gies to build up and develop the resources of a truly rich agricultural region, and now laid down his self- imposed task with all the more willingness that his objects had been so far attained. Since the paper had been established the county had been set off-the main object of its endeavors and in which it was a chief factor. Mr. Bradley's work in editing a useful local paper might be taken as a model and a reproach to many of the journalists of greater opportunities, who mistake their mission, and spoil a good local sheet in trying to achieve a wider notoriety and a more extensive sphere of action. He gave his exer- tions freely to benefit the home of his adoption, and disregarded ephemeral political discussion for the more profitable and worthy matters of connty and township. His paper shows that he knew and
appreciated the work that he was called to do, and he economized his powers in order that his grand objects of benefiting the immediate community should not fail. In this he was ably assisted by his wife, whose efforts deserve more than a passing mention. Much of the success of the enterprise was due to the energy and industry of Mrs. Bradley, who even learned to set type, and by standing for hours daily at the printer's case, besides doing her housework, aided much in lessening expenses and putting the paper on a paying basis at a time when the popula- tion was scanty and advertisements and subserip- tions few. The cause of the editor's retirement was ill-health, his being a consumptive tendency, which carried him off within a year, to the general sorrow of his fellow-citizens. In 1875 several of these citi- zens took the opportunity of celebrating, by suitable exercises, the fourth anniversary of the paper's exist- ence, at which all bore testimony to the worth of the deceased, adding an extremely pleasant feature which deserves remembrance. This was the presen- tation to Mrs. Bradley of a deed to her home, pre- viously under a mortgage. This act of appreciation is understood to have been the joint idea of quite a number, who contributed for the purpose.
The paper, on Mr. Bradley's retirement, passed into the hands of W. E. Shepherd and John J. Sher- idan, the former becoming editor.
RETROSPECTION.
[Extract from the Signal of September 27, 1873.]
"Seven years ago, aside from a few adobe houses on Main Street, in the shadow of the old Mission Church, there were no improvements on the ground where our little city now stands. Then, a man com- ing herc had to understand the language spoken by the natives, hunt up Mr. Escandon, or hold his peace, as no one but he understood the English language in the village. Then, the occasional steamer unloaded her freight from the lighters, as there was no wharf. Then, the land about the town was a vast cattle- range, and the commodities were principally tallow and hides. For years prior to that time the vaquero lassoed and drove his long-horned cattle wherever he willed-up to 1864, when the dronght brought thousands of cattle to famishing, breaking many men who had all their means in stock. This dis- astrous season cansed many to look about them for some other means of livelihood than that of keeping great herds of cattle, and some of them began to sow and plant, and agriculture began to assume some importance. Then the prospect for San Buenaven- tura seemed poor enough, and but few eared whether the sound of the hammer and saw and the ring of the anvil, which now are so common on every hand, were ever heard.
"Then, except the musical sound of the bells on the old church, there was nothing to disturb the still- ness of the air. Now, Main Street has a dozen large buildings, prominent among which are the magnificent stores of Einstein & Bernheim, and Chaffee & McKeeby, which, in size and style, would do credit to any city in the State. Instead of three or four merchants there are a dozen substantial ones engaged in general merchandising. Besides the first named firms there are, F. Martinez & Co., Antonio
ARTESIAN WELL. ON LAS POSAS RANCH VENTURA CO. CAL.
361
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS.
Schippapietra, T. Baesa, Emanuel Franz, and others, who have a first-class reputation for fair dealing. Besides these there are law and real estate offices, livery stables, saloons, carriage and blacksmith shops, a furniture store, jeweler, hotels, bakeries, restau- rants, meat market, photograph gallery, paint shop, gun shop, lumber yards, and express office. Then, a mud finish was satisfactory; now, the best of lumber and finish is considered indispensable."
MURDER AND LYNCHING.
The most sensational and striking tragedy that ever occurred in Ventura County took place on the Colonia Ranch on the third of March, 1873, resulting in the murder of George Martin by George Hargan, and the immediate lynching of the latter by the former's neighbors and friends. This is the accepted account as given by a partner of Martin :-
"George Martin, one of our most esteemed and worthy citizens, took his team and gang-plow as usual, and commenced tracing the lines around a certain piece of land that he had leased and occupied for the last three years (our lands are not fenced). After turning around a part of the land, he was met at one corner by a man named Hargan, who had also leased a piece of land partly adjoining ours, so that the two pieces lapped by each other about twenty rods. Hargan claimed that he had measured his land, and that the line should be moved so as to take a strip of Martin's land, about twenty rods long and four wide. Hargan had been on the place about four or five months, and had never done any work where he met Martin. Hargan's son was present at the time, and testified before the Coroner's jury that Hargan went in front of Martin's team and stopped it, and forbid Martin to run the furrow, and turned the team off; that Martin then said, ' let me run the line out and you can have the ground,' and started the team. When he had passed Hargan about ten feet, Hargan said, . I have told you three times, and I will tell you no more,' and fired a heavy load of buckshot, which took effect. Eight shot struck Martin a little to the left of the spinal column under the shoulder, two passing through the heart. He fell forward on the plow, between the wheel and horses and never spoke.
"Elias Woolley also saw the killing, but was too far off to hear any words that passed. After Hargan had walked a little way his son asked him if he had killed Martin dead. He said he thought he had; that was what he intended to do. Hargan then went to his house, hitched up his two-horse team, and he and his son got into the wagon and drove towards the river. After Hargan had gone about three-quarters of a mile he met a man, and told him he had killed Savier's partner, and was looking for a justice to give himself up. Some men were in pur- suit, and when he found he was pursued he put his team on a run. The race was short. He was soon overtaken and arrested. After he was arrested he made no denial; said he had left his house to kill Martin, and had gone three-quarters of a mile and shot him. The whole neighborhood turned out and con- sulted together, and kept the prisoner closely confined and guarded until the testimony was heard before the Coroner's jury. The testimony was so plain and the crime so great, and as there was no officer present to take charge of the prisoner, the bystanders took him to the lone tree near the cactus-patch and hung
him. The body was taken down after it had hung about three hours. There was but little excitement, but a great deal of determination.
" Hargan had threatened to shoot two other men this winter; on one occasion he left his plow and went for his gnu. When he got back his man had left also."
This report is inaccurate in one respect: a Justice of the Peace and a Constable were present, and demanded the prisoner in the name of the law, but their request being disregarded they went in search of assistance, but on returning the tragedy was ended.
LAND-IIOLDERS.
The next topic which presents itself to interest the reader is that of the division of the agricultural lands of the county. By the subjoined tables can be seen the progress of industrial affairs since the year 1868, when, as already observed, the large ranchos began to be subdivided and small tracts came into the possession of industrious men, to whom the county's prosperity was due. The names of all the owners of tracts larger than 500 acres, with the amount possessed by each, are given:
José Arnaz 6,000
W. Abadie. 600
G. Bartsch
500
M. H. Begy 2,200
Blanchard & Bradley
2,450
T. R. Bard .
24,461
Juan Camarillo
4,055
W. Collins.
5,000
G. Chrisman
500
D. M. Charles.
1,300
Col. Densmore 4,000
H. G. Dennison
872
J. Ellis
1,000
Edwards & Co
17,000
F. Williams & Co
23,344
G. S. Gilbert
1,150
C. Garrett
1,000
J. B. Green
8,720
F. de la Guerra
1,500
D. Hollister
1,000
Hayward Oil Works
600
E. H. Higgins
1,775
J. G. Hill 875
J. Leonard 1,000
Leach & Rynerson
650
J. Mayhew
595
T. W. More
8,000
N. Mills
1.300
J. Nichols
900
E. S. Newberry 3,000
R. Olivas.
6,640
Philad. & Cal. Petroleum Co.
131,083
J. D. Patterson.
4,492
A. Ray
1,000
R. G. de la Riva
6,667
D. W. Thompson 2,200
A. Rice. 875
J. M. Stephenson
1,000
P. A. Schaeffer.
12.500
I. T. Saxby 1.190
T. A. Scott
13,810
G. S. Sewell
895
362
HISTORY OF VENTURA COUNTY.
D. Snodgrass
555
San Buenaventura Mining Co
42,000
G. B. Taylor 8,220
Y. del Valle.
10,390
E. B. Wallsworth
500
N. S. Walls.
500
There were 95 ranchos of 100 to 200 acres; 9 ranchos of 200 to 400 acres; 7 ranchos of 500; 2 ranchos of 600; 6 ranchos of 800; 2 ranchos of 900; 7 ranchos of 1,000; 1 ranch of 1,100; 3 ranchos of 2,000; 1 ranch of 2,500; 1 ranch of 4,000; 2 ranchos of 4,500; 2 ranchos of 6,500, and 1 each of 8,000, 9,000, 10,500, 12,500, 13,500, 17,090, 23,000, 24,000, 42,000 and 131,083 acres. Total number of acres assessed, 338,761; value (assessed), $1,554,951.
REGULAR ELECTION IN 1873.
In the autumn of 1873, the regular State and county election took place. The official returns were as follows :-
OFFICIAL ELECTION RETURNS, 1873.
CANDIDATES.
San Buenaventura.
La Cañada.
Hueneme.
San Pedro.
Pleasant Valley.
Saticoy.
Sespe.
Majority.
Senate-
Steele, (R.)
89 43 40 34
26
75|31
69
Graves, (D.)
86 36 39 30 36
51
11
Assembly-
87 45 39 20
72 25
26
A. G. Escandon, (D.)
87 35 36 35 31
49 15
Butlington, (1.)
1
2
3
2
Sheriff -
83 41
49 43 15
63 16
21
Treasurer-
104
45 35
31
90 32 135
Del Campo, (D.).
75 38 30 28 30
34 11
Clerk-
Stow, (R.)
82 49 54 32
79 30
87
Miller, (D.).
92 32 24 31 31
48|11
B. T. Williams, (R.).
105 34
22
29 24
79|27
19
J. M. Brooks, (D.)
70 42
55 35
38
49 16
Surveyor
E. T. Hare, (R.)
126 58
39 31 25
81 24 317
L. D. Chillson, (D.)
14
8
6
1
21
5 11
School Superintendent
F. S. S. Buckman, (D.)
112 41 47 43 140
94 39 202
G. O. Ash, (R.)
64 40 32 20 22
32
4
Coroner-
C. L. Bard, (R.).
139 77 64 62 29 106 33 390
Delmont, (D.)
40 5 15| 2|31| 17 10
COUNTY TREASURER'S REPORT.
In January, 1874, the first report of the County Treasurer had been made public. By this it appeared that the total receipts of the county for the preced- ing year were $20,522, the disbursements $5,018, leaving a balance on hand of $15,504.
PROSPERITY.
The year 1874 was marked by substantial advances in population and material wealth of the entire county of Ventura. It was in this year that the
BANK OF VENTURA
Was organized, dating its foundation from September 19th. This important and useful institution was capitalized with $250,000. The President was L. Snodgrass; Vice-President, M. Cannon; Cashier and Secretary, H. M. Gay; Trustees, L. Snodgrass, M.
Cannon, H. M. Gay, J. M. Brooks, T. R. Bard, W. S. Chaffee, G W. Chrisman.
THE TROTTING PARK,
One of the institutions of the town, also dates its rise from 1874, in which year it was opened for racing, on September 20th. An indirect result of it has been the increased attention paid to breeding horses, the prevailing type of animal now scen in the section being very serviceable, and shapely in form, and individually equal in power and stamina to the graded horses of any other vicinity.
LOW FARES.
Perhaps a more immediately gratifying cireum- stance than the inauguration of horse-racing or the foundation of the bank, was the remarkable cheapen- ing in fares and freights coastwise from Ventura. This was the temporary result of competition between rival transportation companies doing business, as the South Pacific Coast Steamship Company, and the California Steam Navigation Company, whose inter- ests conflicted in the matter of the carrying trade. These enterprising men, with the full and unreserved consent of the inhabitants along the coast, reduced their rates of fare to such an extent as to carry pas- sengers to San Diego for $4.00, and to San Francisco for $3.00. The charge for merchandise was $1.50 per ton. This agreeable and satisfactory state of affairs did not long continue, however.
SHIPMENTS OF PRODUCE.
The shipments of merchandise from San Buena- ventura for the six months ending May 1, 1874, were: Wheat, 5,600 sacks; barley, 23,000 sacks; corn, 6,000 sacks; beans, 2,100 sacks; wool, 1,000 sacks; hogs, 300; sheep, 700; petrolenm, 1,876 barrels.
For the purposes of comparison, the figures for an equal length of time ending November 1, 1875, are here inserted: Wheat, 2,390 sacks; barley, 8,316 sacks; corn, 6,603 sacks; beans, 2,217 sacks; wool, 1,150 sacks; hogs, 1,939; petroleum, 976 barrels; flour, 370 barrels.
THE FOURTH OF JULY, 1874.
The celebration of the fourth of July, 1874, at San Buenaventura, was, perhaps, the most unique that took place in the State. The traditional car of Liberty, with Miss Griffin as the Goddess, surrounded by thirty-nine Maids of Honor, was well conceived. Uncle Sam was personated in good style by A. J. Harrington, of Santa Paula. The old Mission Band, nearly as old as the Union itself, joined in the festiv- ities. The members were Indians long ago converted from barbarism, and the instruments-rude violins, drum, and triangle-seem to have come down from a former age, and formed a striking contrast, both in appearance and sound, to the modern instruments and fine harmony of the Ventura Brass Band, which cheered the feelings of the people with the national airs. The burlesquers came in for a good share of attention. The military of 1776 was represented by
Stone, (R.) Peterson, (D )
89 38
27 16 39
59 26
E. A. Edwards, (R.)
144
30
District Attorney-
2
1
Barry, (R.)
27
363
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS.
H. S. Pope, with an old fliut-lock musket; 1874, by a Henry rifle; 1900, by a banner with a newspaper printed on both sides. Captain Sndden had a boat rigged to represent the commercial interest of the town. The procession, under charge of Dr. C. L. Bard, Marshal of the day, passed along Main Street, halting long enough to be photographed by Brewster. The Declaration of Independence was read by Judge Milton Wason. Hon. Walter Murray delivered the oration, which was replete with patriotic sentiments and sound political principles. The entire oration is too long to be admitted here, but his pre-oration will give an idea of its style and foree :-
" In defending the American people and Govern- ment from the aspersions cast upon them by other nations, and in whatever of eulogy I have felt it my duty to pass upon them, I am actuated by no servile spirit of adulation or blind partisanship. I am not one of those who would invidiously praise the Amer- ican people above every other. The blood of all the nations of Europe courses in the veins of the Amer- ieans to-day, and it would ill become us to claim any superiority over our ancestry. But if there be any superior excellencies in the American character, and I think there are; if America stands forth to-day, and I think she does, the most powerful among the nations, the most enterprising, the most fertile in invention, the most rapid in advancement and in the development of her boundless natural resources; the most attentive to the education of her youth; a coun- try where the poorest citizen stands upon an equal footing before the law with the richest; where humanity is not ground to the dust by the ancient distinctions of rank and birth; where the highest places are open to the emulation of the humblest citizens; where the greatest material prosperity is exhibited; where no man or woman need to fear star- vation; 'where there is food and work for all;' and finally where, at a call to arms to withstand a foreign foe, the whole population would rise en masse to repel aggression; all this and more, much more, that distin- guishes our beloved country as first among the nations, I attribute not to any superiority of blood or natural advantage enjoyed by the Ameriean over his fellow- man, but under Divine Providence, to the wisdom of our patriotic forefathers; to the excellence of our Republican institutions; to the glorious structure of a free government, which a Washington has defended, and Jefferson, Franklin, Adams, Monroe, and Madison, and many another sage and hero, whose name stands enrolled upon the lists of fame, have perfected, con- solidated, and bequeathed to us, the inheritors of their glory, and the fruits of their heroic deeds. In view of the great results achieved through their labors, it is well that the people of this free country assemble on the birthday of American liberty to exalt over the past, and to make promise of the great future. Well may the cannons roar, the bells ring, and the people shout. Well may the glorious stars and stripes be flung forth from mast and flag-staff, from windows and housetops, and well may a rejoic- ing nation listen with fervor and exultation even to the weak words and homely utterances of the com- monest orator."
LOCAL OPTION.
In the month of August, 1874, the question of local option in regard to the liquor traffic came up in Ven-
tura County. As in other localities much interest was evolved, and a close canvass of the matter was resolved upon by the no-license faction, but their efforts failed most decidedly of their designed effects. The ladies had intended to participate as far as possi- ble in the matter of canvassing, but from a mistaken sense of woman's mission, or from lack of courage, they failed to show as strong a front as did their sisters of Santa Barbara. The reader has already seen what a brave fight the latter waged to secure the peace of their homes, and no doubt he has com- mended their acts. In Ventura it was far different. Interested parties had raised the question of the con- stitutionality of local option, and the fear of the illegality of their proceedings, disarmed the ladies in their attempts to enter the political field.
It was said that as certain districts adjoining San Buenaventura were against licensing the sale of liquor, the town would be overrun with drunken vagabonds and saloon-keepers, in faet it would be- come the headquarters of the traffic for the whole section. This view was put forward, but does not appear to have frightened the average citizen, for at the ensuing election 144 votes were cast in favor of license, and only eight against it !
In other sections the result was not so entirely opposed to temperance. At the Santa Clara House Precinet the vote for license was 101, while forty- seven friends of reform cast their ballots against the trade. At Cañada Precinet, out of a total of thirty- six votes, sixteen were counted for the better side, and at the Ojai the temperance party were outnum- bered by three only, the vote being twenty-nine.
Thus it was found that the country was not ready for local option, but that the anti-temperance men were too numerous and influential for their oppo- nents.
NATIVITY OF SETTLERS.
One of the topics which received attention at the election in 1874 was that of the nativity of voters. As might be expected, the population of the county was cosmopolitan. Men and women of every clime had made their homes in this productive and pleas- ant land. Of the American-born voters who ap- peared at the election, seventy were born in New York, forty-six in Ohio, forty-seven in Missouri, twenty-one in Indiana, and thirty-seven in Illinois.
CHIEF TAX-PAYERS.
Prominent among the interesting phases of the growth of a new country is the topie of the division of property. It would be a fascinating pursuit to trace the fortunes of a tract of land; to study, in passing, the character of those into whose possession it falls; to gather from its condition of tillage in various years the character as to the industry and ca- pacity of its owners; to study its increasing or dimin- ishing productiveness; to enter into the details of its management; and what is vastly more important and instructive, to observe its direct and indirect
364
HISTORY OF VENTURA COUNTY.
influenee upon the condition of society and the prog- ress of civilization. All these things are within the domain of the historian, but belong more particularly to the speculative philosopher, whose cogitations and eonelusions interest the attention of comparatively few. The greater part of mankind, without taste or capacity to generalize from particulars, or to descend from theory to details, content themselves with the observation of single faets, realizing only in them any satisfactory mental food. For the careful student of history the following table will present interesting matter for comparison with the previously-related condition of agricultural and business affairs in Ven- tura County. It is essential, in order to arrive at a full comprehension of what can be learned from it, to return to the description of the Spanish ranchos which is given in the previous pages, and also to the subsequent tables of acreage, ete.
Persons who paid taxes in 1874 on $5,000, or upwards :-
José Arnaz $ 19,407
Robert Ayers 10,339
Thomas R. Bard 163,437
C. Borchard 13,735
A. W. Beekwith 11,232
A. D. Barnard 13,604
Blanchard & Bradley
28,518
L. Cerf & Co.
13,123
H. J. Campbell
14,438
Wm. Collins
12,547
G. W. Chrisman
13.765
C. P. Cuddeback
17,000
Chaffee & McKeeby
22,582
Juan Camarillo
64,439
Juan Doihasibal
13,245
Daly & Rodgers 16,060
James Eels
19,400
John Edwards
57,007
Einstein & Bernheim 22,176
H. P. Flint. 14,497
Tadeo Amat
15,420
M. Galdardeena
13,103
F. de la Guerra
22,015
Barker Gummere 150,538
John P. Green
13,000
E. B. Higgins
38,520
J. G. Hill
14,484
Hueneme Wharf Company
33,000
Dwight Hollister 10,000
Kennedy & Bard
11,650
W. Kalisher. 12,916
James Leonard 11,124
J. Mayhew 11,063
T. W. More 82,079
II. W. Mills 67,230
E. S. Newberry 11,155
John Niehols 18,400
Raymundo Olivas 35,617
Paeifie Wool-growing Company 12,237
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.