USA > California > Alameda County > Washington Township > History of Washington Township, Alameda County, California > Part 5
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In 1857, Geo. W. Cook and Pel. Folger came to the town and took up a tract of land south of town, which they cultivated for some years.
Mr. Marshall, who was elected the first Justice of Peace of the township, in 1859, had jurisdiction over a large territory, includ- ing the only towns in the township-Union City, Alvarado, Cen- treville and Mission San Jose, in which latter place he resided.
In 1862, J. C. Palmer, who had recently moved into the locality, believing the soil and climate to be most suitable for grape grow- ing and wine making, imported from France and Spain ten thous- and grape cuttings. The success of the enterprise was immediate, and thousands of acres of fine vineyards now crown the beautiful low-lying hills to the west and south of the town, and a number of fine wineries are located in this acreage. The excellence of these wines has brought a splendid revenue to this section, which is yearly increasing.
In 1868 came the "big" earthquake, which threw down the old church. Its destruction was but the work of a few seconds. E. S. Ehrman, who was standing on the porch of the old adobe store, tells that a crash was heard, an immense cloud of dust arose, and the old church was in ruins! The five bells were not injured; three hang in the new church, one is in Father King's church in Oakland and the other cannot be traced. The foundation and the steps of the old structure were used in the new building, which, with a commodious parsonage, was immediately erected. Some few of the old Dons lie buried beneath white slabs under the old flooring, which was never disturbed, but is now covered with a modern wooden floor.
One of the finest of palm trees stands in the Palmdale grounds, the former home of E. L. Beard. It is sur- rounded by many more of its kind, and is over forty feet high and fourteen feet in girth. A beautiful curled leaf willow is also in these grounds, grown from a cutting taken from the grave of Napoleon. A broad and beautiful olive avenue, which is a noticeable feature in the landscape, leads from the town of Irving- ton, nearly two miles, through the Palmdale vineyards, prune and olive groves, to the Gallegos homestead in Mission San Jose. Frosts have never been known in this favored spot, oranges and
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MISSION SAN JOSE
lemons thrive, and all fruits bear freely, though the locality is the home of the orange, grape and olive.
The Ancient Order of United Workmen was organized at the Mission September 24, 1878, with H. E. Mosher as Master Work- man. This order owns its own building, in which several other lodges hold their meetings. There is also a large hall owned by the Order of the Holy Ghost, in which the Portuguese society of that name hold their meetings.
In 1884 a very destructive fire nearly destroyed the town, tak- ing all of the old buildings not destroyed by the earthquake, ex- cept the old adobe store, which had been a part of the Mission buildings. When the fire threatened the new church buildings and the church itself the great barrels of claret stored in the cellars in the old adobe were taken, at the suggestion of Mr. Joseph Sun- derer, and used because of the lack of water to quench the fire, and thereby the buildings were saved.
After this fire a competent volunteer fire department was or- ganized and maintained, and was of the greatest service when a second disastrous fire devastated the town in 1895. In this fire all of the stores and houses on the west side of Main Street were de- stroyed. The town has since been well rebuilt and is a brisk, thriving, busy little place with about 800 inhabitants.
In 1890, a Catholic Seminary, for the education of young men desiring to enter the priesthood, was built in the Mission grounds. The bricks used in its construction were made on the grounds. This institution was conducted for two years, when the building was sold with a part of the grounds to the Dominican Sisters, whose mother convent is situated at Guererro and 24th Street, San Francisco. In this handsome and commodious building, sur- rounded by beautiful grounds, these Sisters have established the Josephineum Orphanage. Sixteen professed Sisters and over one hundred girls between the ages of four and fourteen years are inmates of this institution.
In October, 1901, the Standard Electric Light Company brought its line into Mission San Jose from the Blue Lakes, Alpine County. This is, to date, the longest line in the world, carrying the biggest voltage in the world-40,000 volts. The large distributing station is situated just north of the town and here there is a large trans- former to reduce the power for house distribution.
The Suburban Electric Light Co. was incorporated June 14, 1901, with a capital of $500,000. It distributes light and power throughout Alameda County, including as a matter of course all the towns and homes in Washington Township. This Company secures its power from the Standard Electric Company and from the Bay Counties Company.
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
In 1892, a Columbus celebration was held to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the discovery of America by Columbus. Im- pressive and elaborate ceremonies were conducted in the church by the Archbishop, assisted by the local and visiting priests. All of the Indians in the neighborhood were brought in to participate in the celebration. A procession with various appropriate floats, preceded by one with R. A. Abbey as Columbus, was a brilliant feature of the day. Great tables were spread under the old fig and olive trees, all of the Indians were given a feast, and the old- time hospitality was extended to the thousands of visitors who were present from far and near. It was the only celebration of the kind held in the State.
The founding of the Mission was celebrated on its centennial anniversary, June 11, 1897, and was also the only one of the kind ever held in the State. The church services were most imposing and dignified, as commemorating the anniversary of a church with a service of 100 consecutive years. The great parade of the vari- ous Catholic societies in the valley, the several beautiful floats, the splendid music, the numbers of school children, the most lavish floral display and a happy revival of old Spanish hospitality made a day never to be forgotten by those attending. Again the few remaining Indians from their homes near Niles, Sunol and Pleas- anton were present and were given a feast in the old Mission gar- dens, under the old olive trees. A giant barbecue was held on the Gallegos place to help feed the 10,000 guests who came from all parts of the State to be present. The township also sent its full quota of guests and every vehicle possible to secure in the valley was utilized to carry the crowds from the station, for Mis- sion San Jose is two miles from the railroad, and the roads were lined with people walking. To-day the little town is well on the way, marking off the years of another century.
The Indian's Lament. -...
Tanaya, the Chieftian, awoke from his slumber, Woke from a sleep of a century's years,
Opened his eyes with a wild look of wonder, Gazed on the landscape, and burst into tears.
"Where are the tall waving grasses and flowers, Where are the beautiful sycamore trees?
How oft 'neath their branches we rested for hours, Soothed by the silence and fanned by the breeze!
"Once a broad river ran down in its splendor, Singing in beauty its song to the sea. Now its scarred banks are the only reminder Of all the bright hours we spent there in glee.
"How oft we were wont to go gaily riding And chasing the antelope over the plain!
Has the great 'white snake,'* which I see swiftly gliding, Destroyed the vast herds of the cattle and game?
"Full well I remember the good Father's coming To gather my people and make them obey ; To teach them the beauty and value of learning, To teach them to labor and teach them to pray.
"I see not the camp fires which always were burning, I hear not the sound of their laughter and song; Deep in my heart I feel a fond yearning To welcome my people, to whom I belong.
"Naught but the mountain, in splendor reposing, Remains to remind me of all which I seek; And now as I feel my eyes again closing, The last rays of sunset illumine its peak.
"No one to care for whatever betide me, None to remember, wherever I roam; Take me again to thy bosom and hide me, To wake in a happier hunting-ground home."
*The great 'white snake' refers to the old Indian superstitution of the white snake in their Pooish worship, and also to the smoke of railroad trains, which now trail their length through the valley.
Union City and Alvarado
First Court House in Alameda County
In the days of long ago-days that are now classed as those "before the Gringo came"- Union City and Alvarado came into existence upon a portion of the Rancho Portrero de los Cerritos, in the northwestern portion of Washington Township in what is today Alameda County.
Union City, the first of the two to be settled, is located on the banks of Alameda Creek near a point then known as the Devil's Elbow. It was in 1851 that Union City first sprang into existence, Mr. J. M. Horner being its founder and the builder of the first warehouse upon the bank of the creek. This stream pours its waters into an extensive slough which stretches far out toward the bay, where a very tortuous channel was formed.
It is said that in 1846 this creek was navigable for light craft as far up as Bell Ranch Bridge. In fact, until 1878 small vessels used this channel as far as the sugar refinery, but today the channel is filled, and the course of the water entirely changed.
The founder of Union City developed a plan for cutting a canal
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UNION CITY AND ALVARADO
across the marshes to connect with the bay, which should be a continuation of Crandall sloughi. By this means the water flow would have been admitted into the canal, and thus the flooded marshes would have been reclaimed, the creek relieved of surplus water, and Union City, together with Alvarado, would now have been in direct communication by water with San Francisco, as they were in the early days. In addition, hundreds of acres of marsh land could have been reclaimed. Unfortunately, Mr Horner's canal scheme never existed beyond his own ideas, and the result was that the Devil's Elbow, where the water has dammed and overflowed, eventually filled and is now a bed of sandy sed- iment.
Union City and Alvarado are nearly surrounded by marsh, and in the old days every year brought an overflow from the creek, which caused a few days' flood, wherein the going out of doors without rubber boots was anything but agreeable. The two little towns had the advantage of good lands, extensive ware- houses, with steamer and schooner communication, which tended to rapidly develop the rich agricultural surroundings to the east.
It is known that Union City received its title from the first steamer which plied between that place and San Francisco. This vessel, "The Union," had a novel history, having been originally constructed in New Jersey and brought in sections, aboard ship, around Cape Horn, and imported to the coast by Charles Minturn. When this steamer first entered upon the service between Union City and San Francisco it was owned by Mr. J. M. Horner, and was placed on the route to carry produce to market. It had limited accommodations for chance passengers.
Mr. Horner had, in 1851, purchased an extensive tract of land, which included the original townsite of Union City. From his own and other agricultural interests, a large amount of freight was carried from Union City to the city of San Francisco. History states that the sales of produce from Mr. Horner's acreage alone, one year, brought forth a revenue of $270,000.
Prior to the entry of the steamer "Union," freight transporta- tion had been confined to sailing vessels, many of which plied between Union City and San Francisco at regular intervals. "The Union" was a historic craft upon San Francisco bay, her first owner, Charles Minturn, having been the originator of the ferry between Oakland and San Francisco. Her first master was Capt. Olney, who afterward commanded the "Senator." Following Capt. Olney came Capt. Marston, who later dwelt at Centreville, where some of his descendants grew to manhood and womanhood. Next, "The Union" was commanded by Capt. Trefry, who for years guided her destiny. He was afterward a resident of Centre-
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
ville, and for many years filled the office of constable. Union City was the location of the first flour mill of any size established within the limits of the state, this being also an enterprise of the Horners, (John and Wm. Y.) who, in 1853, built at the little port a mill having a run of eight burrs, costing at that time $85,000. It was operated by steam power, and the flour gained a state reputa- tion, through the award at the first Agricultural Fair in California of the first premium. The Union City flour competed with eight samples ground from California grain, and the united judgment of three New York merchants awarded the premium for excellency to the sample from "Horner's Mill at Union City." This pre- mium was a silver cup.
In the early '60s this mill was the scene of a distressing accident. Mr. Jos. Lyndall, a half brother of Mr. McClure, who was a part owner in the mill at that time, was caught by a belt, and being dragged against the machinery, was terribly injured. From the effects of this accident Mr. Lyndall died two days later.
This mill was operated for many years, but was finally aban- doned. The buildings were moved to where the foundry now stands, and are yet in use.
The first dwelling in Union City was originally occupied by Capt. Bulmer, and today still does duty as a home. It stood where the buildings of the water works now are until it was moved to its present location, opposite the foundry. This house is said to have been built of drygoods boxes, but later to have been improved by additions of lumber. It was first occupied as a home by Mr. Joseph Ralph and family, later by Capt. Marston and family, A. E. Crane, Mr. and Mrs. Ashley Cameron, and Mr. and Mrs. Churchill. It then passed into the possession of one John Miller, who sold it to G. Platt, who in turn transferred it to a man named Quigley. Afterwards it became the property of Capt. C. C. Scott, and at present is owned and occupied by Mr. Dennis Harrington. During these years its uses have been ex- tremely varied. It has done duty as a store, saloon and gambling house; also as a men's furnishing store. It afterward was used again as a dwelling house, then a boarding house, later as a saloon, and later still, again used as a home.
Another old house is the one occupied by John Moffit, built by Capt. C. C. Scott in 1852. This historic landmark was owned and lived in by the Curraghs, one of the earliest families of Union City the members of which, with the exception of Dr. John Cur- ragh of San Francisco, have years ago passed to their long home.
In 1851 William M. Liston came to Union City to take charge of the two warehouses that had been built there by Henry C. Smith. In addition to these warehouses, the two dwelling houses
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UNION CITY AND ALVARADO
mentioned were then in existence, and Mr. Liston constructed the third.
The first retail grocery store in Union City was kept by Capt. Bulmer. This establishment first occupied a tent, but was later moved into a wooden structure. Capt. Bulmer, Union City's pioneer merchant, now sleeps in "Lone Tree" cemetery at Hay- wards.
The first hotel was established by A. M. Veasy, who afterward gained political prominence as county clerk of Alameda county.
Almost contemporary with Mr. Veasy's hotel, a second hotel was opened by one Andrew Forbes, the building being added to and improved by Joseph Ralph. Later Mr. Ralph turned his attention to farming near Alvarado.
The first white child born in Union City was the daughter of Edward D. and Mary Gadding Clawiter. The Clawiters had emigrated to California from Bremen, coming around Cape Horn on the ship "Reform," having been six months on the way. They arrived at Union City in 1852, and their daughter was born on August 7th of that year. Her birth was a great event in those days. People came from all directions to see the wee stranger, and many brought gifts. From Mr. J. M. Horner she received a town lot, and was by him christened "Union." The lot, which was the baby's christening gift, has long since been washed away by the floods, and today not a vestige of land remains to show where it was located.
Union Clawiter grew to be a handsome woman, cultured, refined, and possessing a lovable disposition. Her education was acquired at the public schools and at the "S. S. Harmon Pacific Female College" of Oakland. She was the first of a long list of young ladies who attended that school from this vicinity. At twenty years of age Miss Clawiter married Converse Howe, a member of the well-known Drexler family. She made her home in Southern California, and became the mother of four sons. Mrs. Howe passed away on January 19, 1890, and her husband followed a year later, both finding a last resting place at Pomona.
From 1852 arrivals increased, and Union City soon became a good-sized community. As has been already told, the Horner mill building was moved from its original location. Its size was largely increased under the ownership of George Tay & Co., who in 1870 es ablished in it a foundry at Union City, investing therein a capital of $75,000. This industry became at once a financial success, netting for many years 40 per cent on the investment. It was later operated by a stock company, and was called the "George H. Tay Co." Its business manager and superintendent was Charles R. Nauert, who was retained by the company through
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
thirty-six years of service. His son, A. Bertram Nauert, was em- ployed as the company's shipping clerk for a number of years. The Tay foundry gave employment to thirty-five men, and dis- bursed about $4,000 a month to the employes.
Another enterprise of Union City was a glue factory, estab- lished in 1873 by Frank Fernholtz, its location being near the present water works. The humidity of the atmosphere prevented the production of a first-class quality of glue, and after two years of experiment, this factory was closed, much to the relief of the residents.
Artesian water was first discovered on the old Henry S. Smith place, the original well having an eight-inch flow. Shortly after other wells were sunk by Quigley and Capt. Richard Benson, the last being extremely active. Its overflow was distributed into a natural depression, which Capt. Benson first covered with rock and gravel, thus forming a pretty little lake about 300 feet in diameter, and about S or 10 feet deep. The Benson place having passed into the possession of Capt. Richard Barron, its new owner built up an island in the center of the little pool, upon which were planted all kinds of vines, while the banks of the lake were fringed with a hedge of calla lilies. Small boats were kept on the lake, and it became one of the attractions of the country side, many people coming miles to view the beautiful hedge with its wonderful growth of white flowers.
The Barron place in 1896 became the property of Mr. W. H. Dingee of Oakland, together with a large amount of property adjoining. Upon this land Mr. Dingee sunk thirty-five wells, ranging from 72 to 500 feet in depth, and from 8 to 14 inches in diameter. The largest flow of water comes from a well close by what is called "Plummer's Creek." Using this artesian tract as a basis, Mr. Dingee organized the Oakland Water Company, carry- ing the flow into Oakland through a large water main. Later he transferred this holding to the Contra Costa Water Company.
A minor industry established at Union City, and after a few years' existence at that point, transferred to Oakland, was the soap factory of Lanz Brothers.
Union City had a rival, in Alvarado, which was located one-half a mile to the east, and was first called New Haven. It is claimed that Alvarado was the outgrowth of political spite on the part of Mr. Henry C. Smith.
Having once been honored by being the county seat of Alameda County, Alvarado may claim precedence over other small towns in Washington township.
In 1853, Contra Costa and Santa Clara Counties were repre- sented in the assembly, the first by H. W. Carpentier and the
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UNION CITY AND ALVARADO
latter by W. S. Letcher and Henry C. Smith, who dwelt at "New Haven."
On March 10, 1853, the legislature then being convened at Benecia, Solano County, at that time the state capital, Mr. Smith presented a petition from the residents of Santa Clara and Contra Costa Counties asking that a new county, to be called Alameda, be created from territory then comprised within the limits of the two original counties. Acting on this petition, a bill entitled "An act to create the County of Alaineda and establish the seat of justice therein, to define its boundaries and provide for its organ- ization" was passed by the legislature. Under these conditions, Henry C. Smith may well be called the "Father of the County," as it was by his persistent efforts that Alameda County became a reality.
Upon the presentation of the bill, a sharp contest arose between Mr. Smith and Mr. Carpentier as to the location of the county seat, each desiring it to be in his own locality.
On March 28, 1853, the bill creating Alameda County received the governor's signature, and on the 6th of April, 1853, Alameda County became a division of the state, with New Haven as its seat of justice, this name having been originally given to Alvarado by Mr. J. M. Horner. This town was afterward called "Alvarado," in honor of Don Juan B. Alvarado, governor of California in 1836.
In the month of May, following the establishment of Alameda County, the first election of officers took place. This election still stands in the memory of old residents as the "Steeple Chase," there being five or six candidates for each office. Whigs and Democrats were the parties in those days.
In the election so little regard was paid to the proper names of persons that until after the ballots were cast, many candidates were known only by their nicknames. One elected official who upon the ballots, was represented by the name of Tom Snook, proved upon election to be A. H. Broder, Esq., Sheriff of Alameda.
Alameda's first Court of Sessions convened at Alvarado on Monday, June 6, 1853, in a room above the store of A. M. Church & Co.
After organization the court adjourned until the following morning at 8 o'clock, and during the consideration of extensive business many claims against the county were presented and allowed. It is interesting reading to the people of the present day to know what the commonwealth had to pay for goods and services, also who were the first creditors of Alameda County.
To D. L. Lord, for blank book and stationery, etc., $425.
A. M. Church, services for obtaining books, etc., for desk, $49. Liberty Perham, for work on county desk, $33.
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
W. C. Weaver, for work on county desk, $48.
J. L. Long, two days' services as ass. jus. C. S., $12.
A. Marier, one day's service as ass. jus. C. S., $6.
A. W. Harris, one day's service as ass. jus. C. S., $6.
J. M. Horner, for lumber for county desk, $16.50.
C. J. Stevens, for lumber for county desk, $9.
The salary fund the first year was $4,500.
This first holding of court was a great day at Alvarado, and there were many visions of a city to spring up along the banks of Alameda Creek which would rival in size and business the San Francisco of today.
On September 14, 1854, the court of sessions again met, and Henry C. Smith was allowed $200 for rent of the court room located over his store, he having purchased the building from A. M. Church.
First Beet Sugar Mill in the United States
This being the first charge of this character against the county, it produced a great deal of dissatisfaction on account of the inade- quacy of accommodations. In the first place, the county possessed no lock-up, and the sheriff when holding a prisoner either had to personally watch him or lock him in a room at the Brooklyn House, the public hotel of the town. This dissatisfaction developed a strong feeling that the county seat had not been well chosen. An agitation for its removal arose which bore fruit in the selection later of San Leandro for this official dignity. San Leandro then
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UNION CITY AND ALVARADO
consisted of only a few scattering houses, located on the Estudillo homestead. A vote upon the question, ordered from no one knew where, and by no designated authority, transferred the county seat on the 30th day of December, 1854, to San Leandro by a majority of 234 votes. By force of this election, justice was next administered in the little town located on the Estudillo ranch.
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