USA > California > Santa Clara County > History of Santa Clara County, California : including its geography, geology, topography, climatography and description > Part 52
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
In the first week of the month of July, 1871, several heavy transactions in real estate are reported as having occurred : Mclaughlin & Ryland pur- chased from A. Pfister & Co., their property on the south-east corner of First and Santa Clara streets, with the buildings thereon, for sixty-two thousand dollars. Here, in 1872, they erected the magnificent building where now the Commercial and Savings Bank is located, and in one of the rooms of which this work has been compiled. Dr. J. C. Cobb sold to Daniel Murphy, his property on which he resided, on the east side of Second street, between Santa Clara and San Fernando streets, being one hundred and forty-eight feet front by fifty varas deep, for sixteen thousand dollars. Judge Archer sold to N. Hayes the lot on Second street adjoining the South Methodist church, for two thousand five hundred dollars. Barbara Castro de Soto sold to A. Pfister forty varas square on the south-west corner of Third and Santa Clara streets, for twelve thousand dollars, besides which, other transactions were in course of fruition, all proving the wonderful advance made in the prosperity of the city.
The number of children between five and fifteen years of age attending school in this year, was eighteen hundred and twenty-eight, an increase of two hundred and eighty-seven over last year. In addition to this number there were one thousand and forty-five children under five years, making a grand total of two thousand eight hundred and seventy-three children.
When Mr. Bishop first talked of substituting steam for horses on the San José and Santa Clara Railroad, the project was looked upon with great disfavor by the people generally, and it was a long time before the Board of Super- visors would consent to his trying the experiment. The boon was tardily granted, and the order for a suitable dummy to be made was given. It was received in July, and on the 11th a most satisfactory trial of it was made, but not long after the City Attorney discovered that it was not within the power of the Council to permit the company to use steam-power, but must
457
SAN JOSÉ TOWNSHIP.
be held to the restrictions of their franchise. October 17th the Common Council held a special meeting to pass an ordinance granting to Mr. Bishop a franchise for a railroad along First street.
On Sunday, October 29th, the ceremony of "blessing the bell "-a new one presented to St. Joseph's church by Messrs Mclaughlin & Ryland, weigh- ing three thousand one hundred and fifteen pounds-was performed by Bishop Meige, assisted by a large number of priests, and witnessed by an immense concourse of people. Until the arrival, and placing in position of the new Normal School bell, that of St. Joseph's was the largest in the city.
In the month of December, 1871, we have once more to record an inunda- tion, attended by much damage to property. On the night of Sunday, the 17th, it commenced to rain and continued without ceasing for forty-eight hours. On Tuesday night the Guadalupe and Los Gatos rivers commenced to rise, and soon overflowed their banks. In the city hundreds of dwelling- houses in the western and south-western additions were flooded, causing the greatest consternation among the inmates. Fences and small buildings were swept away, and both railroad tracks undermined in several places. On the east side of River street, south of San Augustin, seven small one-story cot- tages were borne down stream for a distance of a third of a mile. During the flood all railroad and telegraphic communication with the outside world was suspended, while the district around for two days was like an angry sca lashed by the wind.
1872 .- Having purchased the type and printing material of the Duily Guide from N. Porter, the Mercury made its appearance as a daily paper on the morning of March 11, 1872, since when it has maintained a regular course of rectitude and honor. On the 2d April, the White Cloud Consoli- dated Gold and Silver Mining Company was incorporated, with a capital stock of three millions of dollars, the place of business being San José, and the Trustees John H. Moore, Frederick Smith, S. A. Barker, Giles E. McDougall, E. A. Veazie, O. L. Crandall, and Charles Silent. Of the improvements then effected the periodicals of the time state that the side- walk in front of the new Bank of San Jose building on Santa Clara street had been widened about eighteen inches and covered with asphaltum; McLaughlin and Ryland's building, at the opposite corner, was entirely completed and ready for occupancy; the grade between Santa Clara and St. John streets, on First street, was being lowered to conform to a uniform height with the rest of that thoroughfare; S. A. Bishop was about to open the First street railroad ; the different offices in the Court House had been renovated; while other improvements were noticeable in almost every quar- ter of the city. We have to record the death of Dr. James C. Cobb, an old pioneer and highly esteemed citizen, on Friday, April 5, 1872. Dr. Cobb was a native of Vermont, but subsequently, and for many years resided in
458
HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
South Carolina, where he practiced his profession. Of this gentleman the Mercury says: "No man stood fairer in the community for uprightness of life and character-none whose death would be more generally regretted."
We cull the following from the same paper, dated April 25th: "At the corner of Market and Santa Clara streets there stands an old relic of bygone days, around which are associated interesting reminiscences and pleasing recollections. It is an old hand fire-engine, Empire No. 1. The paint, which was once bright and of brilliant coloring, has worn off by use, time and exposure, until but little of it remains. The gilded eagle in front still looks as defiant as ever, but the beak, alas, has vanished, leaving the poor old bird disfigured and homely. Empire No. 1 was known as ' Old 41' in New York, as far baek as 1830, and its quarters were at the corner of Delaney and Livingston streets. Levi Goodrich, the architect, and, we believe, Abe. Beatty, used to run with the old machine in New York. In 1850 it was sent to San Francisco, and sold to the Engine Company of which the lamented David C. Broderick was Foreman. There it remained until 1854, when the city of San Jose purchased it, and from that day to this, it has been known as 'Empire No. 1.' Since the purchase of the steamer, the old tub has been in disuse, though the pumps are in fine order and capable of doing service for some time to come. Yesterday it was used in cleaning out Chris. Schmidt's cellar. While many of the boys who used to cluster around it have been called to the other world, the old engine still stands a monument of the past." Of it may be truly said, monumentum ære perennius-a monument more lasting than bronze.
At the charter election held April 8, 1872, the following city officers were elected: Mayor, A. Pfister; Common Council, J. J. Conmy, D. C. Vestal, Frank Lewis, with L. Krumb, R. Page, S. N. Johnston holding over; Mar- shal, William Sexton; Treasurer, W. A. January.
On May 14th, articles of incorporation for a new City Market were filed in the office of the County Clerk, the incorporators being N. B. Edwards, D. A. and James Leddy, C. A. Blanchard, A. Matty, C Hertel, G. McDon- ald, J. Del Conte, B. S. Dudley, A. Larrieu, J. Sterarl, and G. Wendt. The capital stock was one hundred thousand dollars, in four hundred shares, and the Trustees, N. B. Edwards, James Leddy, C. A. Blanchard, A. Matty, and G. MeDonald. On the 19th May, the Pavilion on St. John street was destroyed by fire, while on the same evening two more conflagrations were discovered and promptly extinguished. About this time the width of the sidewalks on Santa Clara street, from San Pedro street to Second, was fixed by ordinance of the Common Council at sixteen feet. On the 24th May, the clock in the tower of the Bank of San Jose building first commenced to tell the hours. At a meeting held on June 11th, the San José Library Association was organized, and on the 12th a terrific railroad aceident occurred on the South- ern Pacific Railroad, near the Twelve-mile House.
459
SAN JOSÉ TOWNSHIP.
In the month of September of this year, a meeting of citizens interested in preventing the pollution of the fairest portion of the city-that around Mar- ket square-by the erection of additional Chinese dens, and devise some means for the removal of those already there, was held at the office of B. D. Murphy. What steps may have been then decided upon, have had no benefit in removing the blot, for the squalid hovels which go by the name of China- town, is a stain upon the Garden City. On October 19th the Central Mar- ket was opened with great éclat. Early in the month of December, the lots laid out by the University of the Pacific were sold at auction. The Univer- sity tract had been purchased some years before from the Railroad Company, and after reserving a sufficient space for a college campus, the balance of the tract was laid out into blocks for a town. The University at that time was maintained in the old brick college building at Santa Clara, with limited accommodation and a languishing patronage. The trustees determined to ereet buildings on their new tract, and by taking a fresh start, see if they could not secure the patronage and support to which the merit of the insti- tution entitled it. The lots sold readily, and soon the neighborhood of the col- lege was thickly settled. The present building was erected, the trustees ineur- ring heavy liabilities to secure its completion; but still the lukewarmness of some of the brethren of the Conference, the indifference of others, and the open hostility of a few, caused the institution to languish notwithstanding the heroic efforts of Dr. Sinex and others in its behalf. It was finally concluded that the college could never prosper with its large debt hanging over it, and after nuch consultation, it was resolved to make one grand effort to dispose of the balance of their surplus lots, and lift the debt. About this time the Annual Conference convened and brought with it Bishop Foster as presiding officer. He had had much experience with struggling institutions of learn- ing, and took in the situation at a glance. During the Conference he scarcely allowed a day to pass in which he did not lecture the brethren as to their duty in this behalf, and finally succeeded in working them up to a zeal that had scarcely ever before been excelled. The action of the trustees in selling the tract was approved, it appearing that the proceeds of the sale would be sufficient to pay off the entire indebtedness of the institution and leave a surplus of several thousands of dollars. This was not all. Before the Con- ference closed, an endowment of about fifty thousand dollars was secured for the institution, and above all, the hearty co-operation of the Church was won in its behalf. It is hard to imagine a more desirable location than the Uni- versity of the Pacific has, situated as it is in a central position, in a lovely country, in a splendid climate, and within easy access from all points of the compass.
We have to record the death, on Thursday, December 19, 1872, of Free- man Gates, a gentleman whose name has frequently occurred in these pages.
460
HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
At the time of his demise he was Under-sheriff of the county. Prior to the year 1861, Mr. Gates had been for several years Principal of the Public Schools. He then conceived the idea of erecting the San José Institute, a mixed day and boarding school, which under his management obtained a high degree of prosperity. Failing health finally compelled him to abandon the school-room, and seek out-of-door exercise, although he still retained the general management of the institution. It was this need of open-air employ- ment that prompted him to accept the appointment of Under-sheriff, the duties of which position he filled with marked ability so long as he was able to be out.
1873 .- On the 22d January, the Santa Clara Valley Mill and Lumber Company was incorporated, with a capital stock of three hundred thousand dollars, and the following directors : W. P. Dougherty, W. H. Hall, Samuel McFarland, E. W. Haskell, W. W. Pratt, John Metcalf, and G. W. Mclellan. The duration of the association is for thirty years. On March 1st is an- nounced the death of a veritable pioneer. Mrs. Sarah Ann Aram came with her husband to this coast in 1846, and had resided in or near San Jose for about twenty-five years. Her death was sad news to many an old settler.
March 24th, the San Jose Savings Bank moved into their new quarters, on Santa Clara street; and on the 14th April, the following civic officers were elected: Mayor, Bernard D. Murphy ; Common Council, J. J. Conmy, C. S. Crydenwise, A. Greeninger, Frank Lewis, D. C. Vestal, John McCune; Marshal, A. B. Hamilton ; Clerk, Montgomery Maze.
1874 .- On February 2d, it was resolved by the Common Council, that a special bill be drafted, to provide for an election for the issue of forty thousand dollars school-house bonds, for twenty years, at eight per cent. per annum, said bonds to be converted into funds for the purpose of building school-houses. On the 13th April, the officers elected at the charter election were: Mayor, B. D. Murphy ; Common Council, W. O. Barker, C. S. Crydenwise, W. F. Ellis, A. Greeninger, A. Lake, J. Lenzen ; Treasurer, W. A. January; Chief of Police, James V. Tisdal; Commissioner of Streets, Reuben Burdett; Clerk, Montgomery Maze.
1875 .- June 21st, the following preamble and resolutions were presented and read, and, on motion, the City Clerk was ordered to have them spread upon the minutes, and also to have a copy thereof sent to the family of the de- ceased: " WHEREAS death has removed from our midst Montgomery Maze, late City Clerk of the city of San Jose, and, whereas, the Mayor and Common Coun- cil deem it proper to pay a just tribute to the worth of our late associate; Therefore, be it Resolved, That we hereby express our warm appreciation of the personal character of our late associate, and give cheerful testimony to his high integrity and the eminent qualities which he brought to bear in the
461
SAN JOSÉ TOWNSHIP.
discharge of the arduous duties of his office. Resolved, That in the demise of Montgomery Maze, the city of San José has lost an active and useful citizen, his immediate associates, a firm and devoted friend, and his family, a father and husband whose energies were devoted to their well-being and happiness. Resolved, That we hereby extend to the bereaved family and friends of the deceased, our warmest sympathy, realizing, at the same time, how futile are all attempts at consolation, when a strong man has been stricken down in the prime of his life, while his usefulness was in its zenith, and while his warm heart was beating strongest for the dear ones for whom he was toiling under the inspiration of his generous love. Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the records of the Council."
The officers elected for the year 1875, were: Mayor, B. D. Murphy; Com- mon Couneil, George W. Lowry, Jonathan Sweigert, Daniel Hillyer, A. Green- inger, J. Lenzen, W. F. Ellis, W. O. Barker; Clerk and Assessor, W. N. Castle.
1876 .- April 10th of this year, were elected, Mayor, B. D. Murphy; Com- mon Couneil, A. L. Bascom, D. C. Vestal, George B. MeKee, M. Hale ; Treas- urer, John A. Lotz; Chief of Police, James V. Tisdal; Clerk and Assessor, W. N. Castle. June 26th, His Honor the Mayor, read the following resolutions :-
"WHEREAS, it has pleased an all-wise Providence to remove from our midst our esteemed friend and associate, Frank Lewis, we deem it befitting his memory, and ourselves, that the archives of our city should perpetuate the record of his many virtues, and of his influence; Therefore, be it Resolved, That in the death of Frank Lewis, the city of San Jose mourns an upright and efficient public officer, a most useful citizen, and a worthy man. Resolved, That, as members of the city government, long associated with the deceased in the conduet of public affairs, we recognize the very large measure of industry and efficiency brought by the deceased to the official duties with which he was intrusted, and that we feel with special weight this bereavement, which takes from our midst one of approved and unques- tioned integrity, of unswerving fidelity, and whose soundness of judgment was only equalled by his kindness of heart and purity of character. Resolved, That to the family and relatives of the deceased we tender our earnest sympathy in this, their great affliction, and that with these bereaved and stricken friends we will keep in grateful remembrance the record of his useful and exemplary life, and of his many endearing virtues. Resolved That these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of this Council, and that the City Clerk be instructed to forward a copy of the same to the family of the deceased, and also to the daily papers, for publication. Adopted.
On the 6th September, at a special meeting held for the purpose of hear- ing the disposition of the Fire Department, in the matter of a paid department, the President of the Board of Fire Delegates stated that the whole organi-
462
HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
zation was unanimous on the point of disbanding on November 1, 1876, whereupon the Clerk, was, on motion, instructed to communicate with the department, and obtain a minimum list of the number of men it would take to operate each company, and also to get a list of the officers and active members that are willing to work for pay.
October 23d .- The conversion into a Paid Fire Department was passed on this date, the vote being-Ayes, Greeninger, Hale, Hillyer, Lowry, McKee, and Sweigert; Noes, Vestal. The scale of salaries adopted being- Chief Engineer . per month $ 30 00
One Assistant Engineer
20 00
Two Engineers, each.
60 00
Three Foremen, each. 66 20 00
Ten Extra men for Steamer, each .
12 00
Two Drivers (three horses), each
125 00
One Driver of Hook and Ladder Company's Truck
100 00
One Tillerman 66
40 00
Six Extra men for Hook and Ladder Truck, each
12 00
One Hydrant Inspector
30 00
Two Hose Cart Drivers, each
40 00
October 30th .- The following appointments were made : Chief Engineer, F. C. Gerdes; Assistant, W. D. Brown.
Empire Engine Company No. 1 .- Foreman, Thomas Howard; Engineer, J. P. White; Driver, John Purcell; Driver of Hose Cart, Steward and Stoker, George Dash; Extra men, M. Zimmer, E. Bagley, J. S. Huey, J. H. Kiep, E. Norriega.
Torrent No. 2 .- Foreman, William Petri; Engineer, R. Knowles; Driver, James Richardson; Driver of Hose Cart, Steward and Stoker, J. Phillips ; Extra men, Thomas Brookbanks, John Moore, H. Young, J. B. Stoklin, James Eddy.
Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 .- Foreman, Benjamin Bernal; Driver, E. McGrory; Steward and Tillerman, John Toomey; Extra men, James Brady, John Doherty, P. Limmerick, C. Bailor, P. Maloney, G. Sampson.
Steward of Eureka Engine House, James Smith; Steward of Franklin Engine House, T. L. Cleal.
1877 .- The City officers elected April 9, 1877, were: Mayor, B. D. Mur- phy ; Common Council, Solomon Easterday, J. Y. McMillin, T. Gebler, A. Greeninger, A. L. Bascom, M. Hale, G. B. McKee, D. C. Vestal. On the 12th November, G. B. McKee was elected Mayor, vice Murphy resigned.
1878 .- January 7th the salaries of city officers were reduced: City Clerk to one hundred and twenty-five dollars, Chief of Police to one hundred dol-
463
SAN JOSÉ TOWNSHIP.
lars, Street Commissioner to one hundred dollars, Captain of Police to eighty- five dollars, and Detective to eighty-five dollars. February 25th the follow- ing minute is found on the City Records: "In the matter of the accept- ance by the City of San Jose Library, the following resolution was pre- sented, to wit : Be it Resolved by the Mayor and Common Council of the city of San Jose as follows: That the offer of the Trustees of the San Jose Library Association to turn the said Library over to the city, including the sum of one thousand six hundred dollars now in and to remain in the build- ing fund of said Library, together with all the books and other property belonging to said Library as a public institution, is hereby accepted, and that our representatives in the Legislature be requested to procure the pas- sage of an Act giving to the said city the authority necessary in the prem- ises. Carried."
At the charter election held in this year, April 8th, the following gentle- men were chosen civic officers: Mayor, Lawrence Archer; Common Coun- cil, C. L. Kennedy, B. H. Cottle, C. J. Martin, H. C. Kaiser, T. Gebler, Solo- mon Easterday, J. Y. MeMillin, A. Greeninger; Treasurer, J. A. Lotz; Street Commissioner, W. O. Breyfogle; Chief of Police, D. N. Haskell; Clerk, W. N. Castle.
1879 .- January 6th, J. C. Keane was appointed Clerk of Council, vice W. N. Castle, declared a defaulter, and on the 19th April, the officers elected were : Common Council, Dennis Corkery, J. Y. MeMillin, R. S. Carter, S. Grozelier; Clerk, W. F. Ellis.
1880 .- April 12th, there were elected : Mayor, B. D. Murphy ; Common Council, C. T. Settle, A. King, C. J. Martin, H. C. Kaiser; Treasurer and Collector, J. A. Lotz; Chief of Police, D. N. Haskell; Commissioner of Streets, W. O. Breyfogle; Justice of the Peace, W. H. McGrew. At the same time the following votes were cast: For incurring a debt to build the City Hall, eight hundred and forty-two ; against it, ten hundred and ninety- six. For opening Second street, one hundred and ninety-two; against it, sixteen hundred and forty-nine. For establishing a library, twelve hun- dred and thirty-two; against it, six hundred and five.
Thus is our history of San José brought to a close. It has been impossi- ble to follow the course mapped out for our guidance in dealing with the other townships. So large a city as this is, with so great a population, and a township so vast in extent and so thickly settled, it would be an impossi- bility to follow the arrival of individual by individual, not because they are not deserving of notice, but because we have neither time nor space.
In bidding adieu to this portion of our subject, we would wish here to express our thanks for the many kind and friendly aids we have received in the Garden City, whose hospitable people, beautiful trees, and handsome, home-
464
HISTORY OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
like dwellings, will ever be green spots in our recollection. To the stranger, who may pick up this volume, I say come with me to the top of the Court House dome, to learn what an enchanting scene is like.
The view from the dome is magnificent. The beholder looks over the best part of one of the finest valleys in the world. Away on one side a range of low hills breaks the view, and beyond it the vale stretches again. Immedi- ately around the Court House lies the city of San Jose, and the beauty of its houses and gardens, the width of its streets, the number of its public squares, and the spaciousness of its public buildings, arrest the eye at once. Beyond lies Santa Clara, almost hidden in the wealth of foliage that embraces it, but above which the tall spires of her churches peep picturesquely. All around lie broad acres of living green. From the Court House far away into the dim distance, where the plain meets the foot-hills, and melts into them, the scene is one of the richest verdure. There is no season of the year when this valley presents so perfectly beautiful an appearance as now-the month of April. By and by the almost tropical heat of the Summer sun will have dried up the grass and have caused the flowers to wither. The young wheat, that now wears a garment of living green, will have gladdened the eye of the farmer with golden robes, and in its full prime will have been gathered into his granaries. The foot-hills and the Coast Range will have become weary of the glorious sun, and their scorched sides will reveal their readiness once more to welcome the friendly shelter of winter clouds, and the revivi- fying influence of winter rains. But now the plain and the mountain are alike exulting in the boon of moisture, and the kindly sun is ripening and nourishing all grain, and herbage, and trees, and vegetation of whatever kind. The orchards bloom everywhere with fragrant blossoms pure as bridal vows, or roseate as bridal blushes. The distant lowing of cattle sounds musically, high up in the warm, still air, and the bells of one of the many seminaries scattered around about, are followed by the cheerful sound of children's voices. Where, better than here, could a sturdy race be nurtured? Where, better than among these hills, these plains, these grassy meadows and noble trees, and lovely gardens, can the men and women who are to do the work of this State hereafter, spend their youth? The lessons taught by Nature, in her most genial mood, will here supplement and strengthen the influence of the academic halls, and the rising generation will surely learn here, if anywhere, to associate sound minds with healthy bodies.
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.