USA > California > Alameda County > Washington Township > History of Washington Township, Alameda County, California > Part 7
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
Mr. Stevens then opened a store about where Pire's machine shop is now, and afterward put up a two story building where Hansen's Hall now stands. The lower part was used as a store, and on the upper floor grain was stored. The building was des- troyed by the earthquake of 1868, Mr. Stevens narrowly escaping death, at that time there were twenty tons of grain on the top floor. The wooden building that was erected on the site was used as a store by Stevens & Bond. Bond & Haley, Haley & Dodge, W. W. Haley Co .; afterwards it burned down.
Another store was opened about 1854 by Capt. Bond and Capt. Valpey, nearly opposite the Newark road. Afterwards Miss Maria Reeder taught for some time a select school in the building, which was finally moved across the street and now forms a part of the Episcopal rectory.
In 1855, William Barry built a store on the site of the one now occupied by F. C. Harvey, which was long after moved back, and is now a part of the present store. Barry & Wilson kept this store two years. Then it was sold to Steiner, Popper & Co., then to Jacob Salz, to Salz & Niehaus, and then to Jos. Herrscher, of San Leandro. In the early 60's Dr. Robert Hall kept a few drugs for sale, and then a Frenchman went into the drug business; after him came Titus, who was succeeded by A. Lernhart, an expert chemist, pharmacist and druggist; by care and attention he has built up a good business.
The first blacksmith shop was opened by Capt. Bond and James Beazell, nearly opposite the Newark road. Chas. Hilton was the woodworker. The building was afterward moved and rebuilt about where A. Lernhart's drug store is now, and was then run by Seal & Beazell, with Hilton still the woodworker. Mr. Beazell after- ward moved to Irvington and then to Livermore, where he fol- lowed his trade until called to be State Senator from this county, in 1875. Chas. Hilton remained in Centreville until his death. His widow still makes her home here with her daughter, Mrs. H. W. Lynch.
The first hotel was conducted by William Ogden in a small building on the present site of the Gregory House. Thomas Nu- sham was the next landlord, and then Mr. Myer; following him came Wm. Milton, Milton & Dildine, and Bamber & McLeod, in 1866 McLeod moved to Irvington and built the Union Hotel. During this time the hotel had burned and Mr. Milton had built a larger and better one. This one also burned and, in 1869, the present Gregory House was built. Under the management of Mr.
SYCAMORES, SYCAMORE FARM.
67
CENTREVILLE AND VICINITY
Henry Gregory this wayside inn became very popular, particularly with the Wheelmen's Clubs.
James Lewis came to Centreville in 1858 and worked a year in the Ogden House; he then rented a place adjoining Capt. Bond's and ran a boarding house. The building was afterward used as a dwelling for two families. Not many years ago it was sold to a Portuguese and moved away. Mr. Lewis built the United States Hotel, in 1859, and was landlord until his death. After that Mrs. Lewis carried on the business until she, too, passed away. Mr- Santos is now the proprietor.
The first town flag-pole was erected near the center of the road. The present one was put up in 1877, is 100 feet high, and floats a forty-foot flag.
The first stage line through Centreville was owned by J. M. Horner. It ran from Mission San Jose to Union City, where it connected with the steamer for San Francisco. Chas. Allen, brother-in-law of J. J. Riser, was the driver.
A stage line running from San Jose to the Embarcadero of San Antonio (now East Oakland) passed through Centreville at an early day. Cameron Brothers soon started an opposition line. The rivalry became intense and excitement ran high. The fare was reduced to twenty-five cents. People traveled for the fun of it. Cameron Brothers came off victorious, and continued to carry on the business for many years in spite of several attempts of rivals to drive them from the field. The fare was permanently fixed at one dollar. The passing of these four-horse coaches was the feature of the day, for they carried not only passengers, but also the mail and express. Mr. Ashley Cameron, one of the broth- ers, owned a farm near Centreville, and with his family, resided there until his death, a few years ago.
An express line was started about 1855 by Mr. Hoag. After- wards he sold out to Bamber & Co. C. E. Driscoll was the driver. Later Cameron Brothers carried it. Wm. Barry was the express agent in Centreville.
John Proctor early established the first nursery in the town- ship. Orchards were planted in 1853, and cherries were sent to market in 1861 by Capt. Bond, and sold for thirty cents a pound. Many of the fruit trees planted by the early settlers were brought across the plains, or by way of the Isthmus of Panama. The Alden fruit drier, which dried the fruit by artificial heat, was one of the early industries, but did not flourish long. The build- ing afterwards burned. A cannery met with a like fate. A few years ago another small drier was started by Oliveria & Son, and has proved successful.
In 1859, Mr. Daniel Beck, with his family, came to Centreville
68
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
He opened a harness shop, the first in the town, and built up a prosperous trade. In his later years he handed the business over to his son, who now conducts it successfully.
A textile manufactory was established in 1855 by Wm. Barry, where grain bags were made for the use of the farmers.
The first singing school was opened by Mr. and Mrs. Ham. It was well attended, and proved one of the social events of the winter. At the end of the session a grand concert was given by the pupils.
In 1858, Centreville determined to fittingly celebrate the 4th of July. Invitations were sent out to the adjoining towns to participate in the celebration, which was not unlike those of the present day. The Hon. S. B. McKee of Oakland was the orator of the day.
The old May-day picnics were very enjoyable affairs, the whole community taking part. These picnics were made up of family groups and their friends, each group being independent of the others, yet in all cases forming a harmonious whole. There was no dancing then on the grounds, but the day was invariably cele- brated by a May-day ball in the evening at Centreville. Later the public picnics came into vogue and eliminated to a great degree the sociability that had existed among the early settlers. In 1862, the May-day ball was held in Milton's hotel, and there were present over one hundred and fifty couples, "the bravest and fairest in the land."
A fine display of the schools of San Lorenzo, Haywards, Al- varado, Irvington and Centreville in the form of a musical celebra- tion or festival was held June 10, 1870, in Centreville, was largely attended, and proved very enjoyable.
It was about the year 1854 that Alameda County became thor- oughly aroused by the depredations of a band of cattle thieves, whose operations spread throughout the county. Seemingly, no man's cattle were safe while this state of affairs existed. A mass meeting of the citizens was called to meet at Centreville in the Methodist church. The meeting was largely attended, officers were elected, and an executive committee of twelve ap- pointed. In November, 1855, through the energy of this com- mittee, four of the thieves were captured and taken to Alvarado, where they were placed under guard in the old Brooklyn hotel. During their first night of confinement, two of them, Mexicans, escaped. The irate citizens. determined that the other two should not follow in the footsteps of the fleeing ones, so formed a posse, took the prisoners from their place of confinement, carried them to "The Willows" (on what is now part of the Patterson estate), and hanged them. During the afternoon following the lynching,
69
CENTREVILLE AND VICINITY
an inquest was held, at which Justice Marshall of Mission San Jose presided, and from the evidence presented, the following verdict was brought in: "Found hung, by some person or persons un- known to this jury." The two Mexicans who escaped were pur- sued, captured, and on the same night met their fate on the banks of the Alameda Creek at the hands of the infuriated and despoiled citizens.
At the time the first two thieves were captured, a lawyer named White was arrested and kept prisoner in Centreville to prevent his assisting the thieves. An investigation of White's actions by the vigilantes caused the arrest of a bad character called "Grizzly Jack." who lived in the hills back of Mission San Jose. A man named Gates was also arrested, but nothing being proved against these two they were set at liberty, though compelled to leave the country. One of them went to Nicaraugua with Walker's fili- bustering expedition, was captured and executed there. The rendezvous of this band of marauders was in Stockton Pass, just beyond Mission San Jose, at a house occupied by one Tom Gear, who fled from the state on the arrest of his confederates.
In 1863 occurred another execution near Alvarado. At this time a band of Mexican desperadoes roamed the hills, and No- vember 23d several parties in Alvarado were fired upon by members of the gang, who immediately fled. The citizens gave pursuit, and captured one of them. He was taken to the Brooklyn House, and placed under guard. That night he was taken out by the vigilantes and hanged. An inquest was held upon his body, Justice Bond of Centreville presiding. Another graphic verdict was produced, the following being its text: "Found hung by the neck to the rail of Alvarado bridge, by person or persons un- known to this jury." It is claimed by old residents of Alvarado that this lynching was performed by residents of Alvarado, and not by the vigilantes, whose organization was established at the mass meeting in Centreville.
In spite of the fact that it was ofttime searched for, the rollcall of Alameda County's vigilantes disappeared as thoroughly as if it had never existed. Doubtless the names written there would have a familiar sound to many old settlers in Washington Township.
An incident of interest may be mentioned here. Mr. Howard Overacker, while walking in the orchard back of his house toward the creek, one Sunday in 1864, heard a call of distress. Hastening to the spot he found a man with a broken leg, who had lain there several days without food or other relief. This was a Mr. Gardener, who, with his companion, Mr. Rice, a well-known auctioneer of San Francisco, was driving from San Francisco via Haywards to the then famous resort of Warm Springs, but in the darkness of
70
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
the night they turned on the road running past the old adobe in the nursery grounds. Reaching the bank of the creek, the horses stopped, but the driver foolishly gave them a sharp cut with the whip, and all plunged about twenty-five feet down into the creek. Mr. Rice was killed, but with careful nursing Mr. Gardiner recovered.
Politically Centreville has been well represented in the county and state. Upon the organization of the county in 1853, Wm. H. Coombs was elected district attorney, J. S. Marston, county treas- urer, and W. W. Brier, county superintendent of schools. In 1854 C. C. Breyfogle was elected assessor, and at the expiration of his term of office, was elected county treasurer.
The county Board of Supervisors was organized May 9, 1855. In 1862, Howard Overacker was elected supervisor, which office he held until 1866. In 1871 he was again elected, and continued to hold the position until 1880, when he was succeeded by Henry Dusterberry, also a resident of Centreville. The present incum- bent, C. F. Horner, was elected in 1901.
The office of superintendent of schools was held by W. F. B. Lynch from 1873 to 1877.
John L. Beard was chosen state senator in 1896, and the present assemblyman is John G. Mattos, Jr. Judge Sandholdt is serving his third term as justice of the peace.
Dr. Selfridge held the office of coroner from 1858 to 1860.
One of the earliest settlers in Centreville was the Rev. W. W. Brier, who came from Indiana with his young wife. He was the moving spirit in the establishment of churches, not only in this part of the country, but all over the state. He had charge of the Centreville and Alvarado churches for several years, afterward devoting his time to home mission work, and the cultivation of a fine fruit farm. Dr Bucknel and Dr. Geo. Goucher were among the early settlers, but did very little in the way of their profession. Dr. J. M. Selfridge, now of Oakland, was the first physician to take up a regular practice in the township. His practice was large, and he was one of the familiar features of the time as he rode about the country in his sulky, visiting the sick. He was prominent in church and school work, and was ever ready with a helping hand for those who needed assistance or encourage- ment.
Dr. Cyrus H. Allen, who served in the 8th Vermont Regiment as surgeon throughout the Civil War, came to California to recu- perate his broken health and settled at once in Centreville, in 1867. He has lived here continuously ever since, engaged in the active practice of his profession; in the early days fording swollen streams on horseback, or in his high sulky, traveling all over the valley
71
CENTREVILLE AND VICINITY
PINE AVENUE ON THE H OVERACKER PLACE.
72
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
and into the high hills and mountains as far as Livermore and beyond; for it often happened that he was the only physician be- tween San Jose and San Lorenzo. Known far and near he is con- sidered as belonging to the township rather than any one locality. He has recently associated with him a younger man, Dr. C. A. Wills, whose home is also in the village. Other physicians who have been residents of the town are Drs. Robert Hall, Buteau, Hastings, Hall, Walliser, Cabral and Emerson; the latter two are now living here and in active practice.
The legal profession has always been well represented by men of excellent reputation. Mr. T. C. Huxley, who has achieved an enviable distinction in a legal way, came to the township in 1875, residing at the Mission and on a ranch near Warm Springs for a time; since then he has made his home in Centreville, where he has an office and one also in Oakland. His example has been followed in this respect by Hon. John G. Mattos, Jr., Mr. Benja- min Mickle, although a more recent comer makes a third in this trio of lawyers, who are well and favorably known, not only through- out the county, but in this part of the State. Mr. John J. Riser, who came to the State in 1847 as a soldier of the Mexican War. settled in the vicinity of Centreville, in 1851, and resided in the town continuously until the spring of 1904.
Captain James R. Trefry came to the township at an early day and was captain of the steamer "Union," which ran from Alvarado to San Francisco and other points. He built one of the first houses in Centreville, was constable for many years and a terror to evil doers. He has a fund of interesting reminiscences of pioneer days; in 1902 he moved to Newark where he still resides.
Another of Centreville's early settlers was George Lowrie, who came in 1853, and who still resides in the vicinity.
George W. Patterson came to the state in 1849, and soon after engaged successfully in grain farming near Centreville. He gave generously to the civil war funds, for the relief of the Nebraska sufferers in 1873, to schools and to other worthy causes. His fine grove of oaks and walnuts grown from nuts brought from Indiana are a fitting monument to his enterprise and love of for- estry. The sons have handsome and substantial dwellings on the homestead.
Abijah Baker, also an early settler, owned a large farm in the neighborhood, and also gave generously to good causes. The lot upon which the Lincoln school stands was his gift to the district.
Dr. Lorenzo Yates was the first dentist, but he is better known as a careful and scientific investigator. He gave much attention to the Indian antiquities of the township, and collected an exten- sive cabinet of Indian and other curiosities. Many of these are
73
CENTREVILLE AND VICINITY
now in Golden Gate Park Museum of San Francisco. Most of the curios in the cabinet of Lincoln School District were donated by him. He also recorded a number of geological and barometrical facts of value. He has written several scientific books of note, and is a member of the very exclusive scientific Linnean Society of London, having received his appointment on the demise of Asa Grey, the noted botanist. There were but eight other mem- bers of this society in the United States at that time. Dr. Yates now resides in Santa Barbara.
Rev. W. F. B. Lynch was one of Centreville's most influential citizens. He was called in 1868 as pastor of the Presbyterian church, which position he held several years. He identified him- self with the educational interests of the township and county, and was instrumental in founding Washington College, intending to establish and incorporate there the main features of the Poly- technic schools. In 1873 he was elected county superintendent of schools, continued to hold the office until 1877, and was several years a member of the board of education. Very popular with the young people of the township, he was often called upon to perform their marriage ceremonies.
When the Alameda Creek formerly poured down in a flood, a portion of the stream flowed through "Crandall Slough," a half mile below Centreville. Near its banks on the Alvarado road stands a tiny house with doors and windows gone. This was the residence of the Crandall family, from whom the slough received its name. Mr. and Mrs. Crandall were people of much intelligence and of marked character. They were vegetarians in diet, and believed in dress reform, Mrs. Crandall appearing in the first "bloomers" ever worn in this section.
This slough was broadened and deepened by the great flood of 1862, and a deep pond was washed out back of the Hawley home in George Patterson's field. There was a spring here at the time, and the waters coming in a rushing torrent enlarged it into a pond, so deep that it was never fathomed until a few years ago, after it had filled in, when the depth was found to be twenty- four feet.
The ranch of E. L. Beard was over-run at that time by so many gophers that the grain crops were seriously threatened. The flood destroyed these pests, and also destroyed many large sycamore trees. The flood was caused by the extremely heavy rains and the melting of the snow that had fallen to an unusual depth in the hills that year, the Livermore high ridge having snow on it as late as May.
About half a mile beyond the Crandall slough was "Pacheco Lane" (now part of the Decoto-Jarvis Landing road), leading from
74
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
the old adobe house on the Alameda Creek, the home of the Pacheco family, to the main road. Following this lane was a ditch (a part of which still remains) that marked the boundary between the Pacheco and Alviso grants. The ditch ran from the creek south- west to the corner of the Antone George property and the Patterson estate, where it turned westward across the field, and a mile beyond was lost in the swamp. This willow swamp, covering over one hundred acres, was fed by fresh water springs that kept the ground wet and supported a dense undergrowth. Since the establishment of pumping plants and reservoirs for supplying the bay cities with water, these springs have disappeared, the trees are dying, and the swamp will before many years become only a memory. It was originally a part of the Alviso grant, but is now owned by the heirs of George Patterson and Samuel F. Brown. Scat- tered through it are many fine sycamore and oak trees, some of them rivaling in size and beauty any that are to be found in the valley.
In the fifty years of which we write, there has been but one serious alarm to the inhabitants. This was the earthquake of October, 1868. The Presbyterian church was so badly damaged that it had to be rebuilt. Stevens' store fell, and Milton's hotel slid from its under-pinnings. All over the valley, chimneys fell or were twisted completely around. Those on Howard Overacker's house went through the roof. The back part of Dr. Selfridge's house, which was built of concrete, was thrown down. The family then moved to Oakland, where the doctor had preceded them two years before. The earth continued to quake with more or less force for several days.
The Washington-Murray Township Water Company was organized here May 17, 1871. The purpose was to preserve the water rights of Alameda Creek for the use of the people of the two townships, but the purpose was afterwards defeated.
The first fraternal order in the township, the "Sons of Temper- ance," called the "Agricola Division," was organized June, 1855, in Mr. Brier's study. The meetings were held in the Ogden Hotel.
The organization of the "Pioneer Society " was suggested by Wm. M. Liston and Wm. Barry by a notice published in the "Inde- pendent" of November, 1876, calling for a meeting to be held in Centreville on November 29. Although there was a meeting on that day, the organization was not completed until December 23d, with the following officers: President, Capt. George Bond; first vice-president, William Liston; second vice-president, C. C. Scott; treasurer, L. E. Osgood; and secretary, William Barry, who is the only survivor of these officers. One hundred and two pion- eers signed the constitution, all of whom were residents of the
75
CENTREVILLE AND VICINITY
township at this time, and who had arrived in California prior to March 23, 1853. Of these but forty are now living, and but eight have continued in full membership. These members have their annual banquets at the Gregory House in Centreville, where they live over in anecdote and story the halcyon days of the past.
There were nineteen honorary members who were the wives and daughters of these men. Of these, Mrs. W. W. Brier, Mrs. Mary Brier Moores, Mrs. James Hawley, Mrs. Clara Hawley Lay- son, Mrs. Emeline Tyson, Mrs. John Hall, Mrs. Mary Emerson and Mrs. Laura Walton are the only survivors.
Alameda Lodge No. 167, F. and A. M., was organized Septem - ber 9, 1863. Of the first officers only Perry Morrison is living. The order erected Masonic Hall on the Niles road on a lot given by Howard Overacker. The lower floor is used for a banquet room, and above is the pleasant lodge room and different ante- rooms. The fraternity held a great celebration February 22, 1866, which was pronounced at the time the most brilliant social event ever given in the valley, some two hundred and fiftypeople par- ticipating in the gaities incident to the ball and supper.
A Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star was organized in Masonic Hall in 1899, receiving a charter six months later, the legal time. The Chapter meets once a month, and has nearly one hundred members.
At one time the Grangers had a large and flourishing society, which was very active in an industrial and social way.
December 15, 1881, Centreville Council I. O. O. F. was insti- tuted with sixty-five members.
Washington Parlor 169, N. S. G. W., was organized December 13, 1890, and now has a membership of sixty-nine.
Centreville Lodge 170, K. of P., which was organized in Novem- ber, 1890, has a present membership of forty-seven.
Maple Camp No. 146, W. of W., was organized May 19, 1894, and has now a membership of one hundred and seventeen. In this time it has paid for death losses $6,000, and erected two monu- ments to departed members.
Central Assembly No. 191, U. A., organized January 22, 1900, in Hansen's Hall, has a membership of sixty-nine, is a very popular order, and growing rapidly.
Amor da Patria Conselho No. 5, U. P.E. C., is a very strong Portuguese society, organized August 12, 1888, having a present membership of two hundred and eighty-four. It is the largest of the five lodges in the township, and the fraternal society having the largest representation in the township.
Freitas No. 27, I. D. E. S., another Portuguese lodge, was organized February 28, 1900, and its membership is now eighty-
76
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
nine. The object of these societies is mutual protection and fraternal aid.
› : There are also two Portuguese women's societies, the S.P.R.S.I., and the Portuguese Protective. It will be seen from the number of these societies that the fraternal spirit is strong in the village.
The present township Red Cross Society was organized in Centreville in 1898, and its ninety-two enrolled members did efficient work during the Spanish war. A fund still remains in the bank for future needs.
There is a woman's society connected with each of the Protes- tant churches, and both are in a flourishing condition.
The town hall of Centreville was erected by its citizens in 1868. When about to be sold to satisfy a mortgage, the ladies of the town formed an association and purchased the property. It is now under their control, and they attend to all the business con- nected with it.
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.