USA > California > San Bernardino County > Ingersoll's century annals of San Bernadino County, 1769-1904 : prefaced with a brief history of the state of California : supplemented with an encyclopedia of local biography and portraits of many of its representative people > Part 19
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
In 1868 Camp Cady was regularly established as a military post for the protection of the Mojave region, on the road between Wilmington and Northern Arizona Territory, by about 100 United States troops, under Col- onel Ayers. It was maintained until about 1870.
AGRICULTURE.
For several years after the departure of the Mormons farming seemed to be at a standstill, although good crops were raised where they were put in. Yet a number of first-class settlers appeared during the period between 1858 and 1865.
Dr. Barton purchased the Old Mission property-640 acres for $500, and in 1859 set out 60,000 vines. The same year H. M. Willis set a large vine- yard at Old San Bernardino and H. M. Carpenter put out his vineyard in the foothill district that was later known as Crafton. There were already, as has been noted, large vineyards at Cucamonga and El Rincon and small orchards and vineyards in the New Mexican settlements along the Santa
.
DR. BEN BARTON
157
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Ana. During this period the first orange trees in the county were set out and orchard products began to attract attention. The United States cen- sus for 1860 reports 8,219 acres in the county under cultivation. The value of live stock is put at $141,661. According to the assessment rolls the valua- tion of the county was $417,228 in 1860.
About 1870 the raisin, or Muscat grape was introduced and the first raisins were put upon the market. The first Muscat raisins in the county were made by George Lord in this year. By 1870, it had been demonstrated that the orange would do well at Old San Bernardino and several small groves were coming into bearing. An influx of settlers began to come in about this time. The "Silk Culture Company" purchased lands on the plains beyond the Santa Ana in 1869, and began selling lands and putting out orch- ards and vineyards. Out of this small beginning grew the present city of Riverside.
In 1873, the Cucamonga Association was formed to irrigate and sub- divide this already highly improved tract of land. The same year the Val Verde Company, made up of prominent citizens of San Bernardino was organized to utilize the waters of the Mojave river for irrigation purposes.
During the year 1872, according to carefully compiled statistics used by Judge Boren in an address upon the resources of San Bernardino county, the county produced 300,000 lbs. of wool; 250,000 bushels of grain, 300,000 lbs. of potatoes, 3,500 tons of hay and manufactured somewhere in the neigh- borhood of 200,000 gallons of wine and brandy.
The county assessment of 1873 puts the entire valuation of the county at $1,339,377. (For further details see chapter on Agriculture.)
TRADE.
The completion of the toll road through the Cajon Pass and the ferry across the Colorado river at Ft. Mojave in 1862, both of which were due to the energy of John Brown, Sr., gave a new impetus to the trade with Arizona and Utah. Regular stage communication with Arizona was maintained and a large amount of freighting to the mines of the desert and to Arizona and Utalı was carried on during the sixties. Grain, hay and flour produced in the valley, goods from San Pedro and mail and express matter brought from San Francisco and overland by the Butterfield stage company were distributed from San Bernardino. In 1866, several stage lines were giving regular service to different points in Arizona. In 1867, we find this notice in the Guardian of February 23: "For Montana. The trade with this ter- ritory is now opening up as it is expected that the snow will have disappeared by the time wagons from this point will have reached that part of the moun- tains that are snowclad. Last week two long trains started out and on Wednesday last another followed. May they have a successful venture."
158
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
In 1869 note is made of a shipment of fruit made to Arizona by Mr. Jacoby.
SAWMILLS AND LUMBER INDUSTRY.
The mountains of San Bernardino were originally heavily timbered. The upper canyons and ravines were well covered with pine and spruce and this timber supply early attracted attention. The first mill of which we have record is mentioned by B. D. Wilson in his report on the Indians made to the government in 1852. He says: "In the San Bernardino mountains there is a single millsite claimed by Louis Vignes as lessee from the Mexican government for five years. I believe now occupied by Daniel Sexton in his name." This mill was located in the Mill Creek canon and was probably
LA PRAIX SAW MILL
the first saw mill in the county. In 1854 the county records show the sale of the mill of Lonis Vignes and Daniel Sexton to Julian Williams, (Col. Isaac Williams) for $1000. In 1859 Williams' heirs disposed of the"Chino Mill" to Len Nappy for $5000.
The Mormons were in need of timber for their residences on their first arrival and early in 1852 built a road into the mountains and erected two and possibly three sawmills, within a few months. These were located on Seeley and Huston flats. One of these, which is on record in 1854 as the "Salamander Steam Saw Mill" was built by Lyman, Rich and Taylor, and after passing through various hands was known as the Davis Mill. In Nov- ember 1854, Captain Jefferson Hunt purchased of Charles Crisman, one-half
159
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
of a certain steam sawmill, known as "Crisman's steam sawmill," for which he paid $6000.
As the timber on the lower flats was cut off mills were erected higher in the mountains and new roads were opened. Among the lumbermen of the sixties were J. M. James, who built the first circular steam sawmill in the county ; D. T. Huston who operated the "Clipper" sawmill for several years; W. X. La Praix, whose mill was located on Cedar Flats, and others. Timber hauled from the San Bernardino mountains to Los Angeles and coast points sold for $40.00 per M, and $15.00 per M was paid for hauling it about this time.
In 1873. according to a report made to the State Board of Agriculture, there were four saw mills in the county which produced 3.000,000 feet of lum- ber and 500,000 shingles. In 1881 the assessment rolls give four steam saw- mills with an output of 400,000 feet of lumber and 500,000 shingles. In 1882, William La Praix, Tyler Brothers, E. Somers, Hudson & Taylor and Frank Talmadge were operating the saw mills, most of which were located in Devil's Cañon. Lumber was freighted to San Bernardino by especially constructed lumber wagons which carried from three to four thousand feet at a load. The season for lumbering in this district was short as the winters at this elevation are cold and the snowfall too deep to admit of work.
During the boom years-1886-1889-the lumber men did a thriving business as it was impossible to get lumber out fast enough to supply the demand. There were then six mills operating with a capacity of five or six million feet per annum. At present there is, according to the report of the forest reserve examiners, a timber area of 249,000 acres in the San Ber- nardino mountains, 90,000 of which is classed as "first-class." The timber is principally yellow pine. The government does not own the best timber lands as they had been acquired by various lumber companies before the forest reserve was made. The Brookings Lumber Company of Highland. is now doing the heaviest lumber business.
MANUFACTURING.
The first grist mills in the county were very primitive affairs erected at Chino and on the Santa Ana at Jurupa, known as Robidoux's mill. The large flour mill built by the Mormons was for many years the principal one in this part of the state and large quantities of flour were shipped from it to Arizona and other points. "Meeks" mill was built on Warm Creek near its juncture with the Santa Ana, in 1859-this was later known as Mathews mill. A grist mill was also located at Rincon in early days. In 1873 the three grist mills in the county ground out 7,350 barrels of flour, according to a report made to the State Board of Agriculture.
About 1858 the Cram Brothers began the manufacture of chairs, tables
160
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
and chests of drawers at Old San Bernardino, using the Mill Creek zanja as power. A "breast" water wheel was put into the zanja and the machinery necessary was improvised as there was none to be obtained in the country at that time. The timber used was mostly the elders and willows growing along the zanja. This furniture, while very primitive in structure, was sub- stantial, and some of the chairs, at least, are still in use. It was sold in this vicinity and taken to neighboring settlements and to Los Angeles for sale.
During the sixties and seventies, William McDonald manufactured cof- fins, and furniture and supplied the neighboring towns, some of his product
COUNTY OFFICIALS OF SAN BERNARDINO-1874
H. M. Willis, Judge
W. J. Curtis, Dist. Att'y Sydney P. Waite, County Clerk
J. J. Rousseau, Surveyor John Garner, Supervisor
John Mayfield. Sheriff
Harden Yager, Treasurer
Henry Goodcell, Supt. Schools
Cornelius Jensen, Supervisor
James W. Waters, Supervisor
being shipped to Los Angeles. The firm of Tittle & Brodhurst, succeeding W. S. Tittle who began business in the early seventies, had one of the largest wagon manufactories outside of San Francisco in the state and their work was distributed over Southern California and as far east as Arizona.
The Guardian of October 16, 1869, stated: "The enterprising firm of Rodgers & Kier have just completed and shipped to Arizona, on Tuesday last, 120 sets of harness, being a fit-out for twelve ten-mule teams ordered by Mr. Arriola of Prescott. Another order for the same amount is now being filled by the same firm."
161
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
MININC.
Holcomb and Bear valleys were largely exploited during the sixties and more or less work continued to be done in their vicinity during the seventies. The Ivanpah district was first opened up about 1860 and considerable amounts of silver were taken from its mines during these years.
Considerable prospecting was done in Lytle Creek cañon and both placer and hydraulic mining was carried on here and more or less gold taken out. There was also prospecting done in the Yucaipe valley.
The Twenty-nine Palm and Panamint Districts began to come into prominence in the early seventies. The Borax mines of the Armogosa coun- try were first located about 1870 and at once began to yield a rich harvest. It was known that a rich tin mine existed at Temescal and the marble ledges near Colton had been nincovered but not worked to any extent.
During the ten years from 1863 to 1873. $115.000 in bullion was shipped from San Bernardino by Wells Fargo, and this was doubtless but a small part of the entire output of the county.
For further information see chapter on Mining.
THE BEE BUSINESS.
It is said that the first bees were brought into Los Angeles County about 1856 and $150.00 was paid for the first stand. The first bees were brought into San Bernardino county about 1860 by Lafayette Mecham, and Mrs Craft states that her husband, Ellison Robbins, paid $50.00 for a single stand
San Bernardino with its extensive foothill and mountain bee "pastures" was particularly well adapted to the business of honey making and the num- ber of bees multiplied rapidly.
In 1872, it was estimated that about ten tons of honey were produced in the county. In 1874. Dr. Sheldon of San Bernardino was awarded the first prize at the St. Louis Fair for honey. And here San Bernardino honey was brought into competition with that from every other state in the Union.
The sages, both white and black, are abundant in many localities in this county and the sage honey is universally acknowledged as superior to any other variety. The business of the apiarist is a pleasant and profitable one in a favorable season, but is too uncertain to be depended upon alone.
The Census report of 1900 gives the county 5602 swarms of bees, but this census was taken in 1899, just after the drought when the stock had run very low. It is estimated that there are 17,000 stands in the county at the present time.
. 162
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
SCHOOLS.
As has been seen, the Mormons established a school as soon as they reached the valley. With the organization of the county, several districts were established and schools were maintained from the first. The school buildings of this early period were mostly adobes, the furnishings were scanty and the organization crude. In 1858, six school districts were in ex- istence ; in 1861 the number had increased to nine. In 1862, Ellison Robbins, then County Superintendent, held the first Educational Convention ever con- vened in the county. During the seventies a number of new and very credit- able school houses were built, and the schools made decided advance both in attendance and effectiveness. (See chapter on Schools.)
THE CITY OF SAN BERNARDINO.
This city which had been incorporated, as we have seen in 1854, was disincorporated, March 6, 1863, and did not again have a corporate existence until 1869, when it was reincorporated as a town.
In 1858, there were three stores in San Bernardino-Jacob's General Store (which later became Meyerstein's), on the corner of C and Fourth streets ; Calisher's on the N. E. corner of C and Fourth, and Lewis Anckers' store on Third street. Brazleton's livery stable was then the only estab- lishment of that kind, and Pine's, which later became Starke's Hotel, was opened. Dr. Barton had established his drug store which was followed by a store kept by Dr. Peacock.
A writer in the Los Angeles Star, thus describes San Bernardino in 1866: "There are from eighteen to twenty large stores, well stocked with goods ; two large hotels-Pine's and Miller's; a saddler's-Foy; livery stable and apothecary's shop. The Court House is a neat, well arranged one-story building and is well cared for."
A correspondent of the Wilmington News, for the same year, gives this description of the appearance of San Bernardino and vicinity :
"Large trains of wagons are constantly arriving and departing for Salt Lake, La Paz and other points in Arizona. The whole appearance of the town is that of progression. Some of the finest stock I have seen in the lower country, I have seen in and around San Bernardino. The Wilming- ton and Yuma stage established by Banning, has given quite an impetus to this town. Brick buildings are taking the place of adobe."
The first brick block in the city is said to have been put up by W. H. Stewart. in 1867, on the corner of Third and D streets.
During the sixties there seems to have been considerable social activity
163
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
in the little frontier town. The San Bernardino Dramatic Association was organized in 1859 and for a number of years furnished the citizens with amusement. A Temperance Association was also organized the same year, which "it is hoped will prove of lasting benefit to all those who need its in- fluence. On Tuesday last, Q. S. Sparks delivered a temperance lecture in the school house. It has seldom been the privilege of our citizens to listen to a more beautiful or more eloquent oration," writes the correspondent of the Los Angeles News. The officers were, N. Vise, president ; Q. S. Sparks, vice-president ; N. C. Fordham, secretary : William Pickett, treasurer.
A Library Association was formed under the title "San Bernardino Association," with H. G. Sherwood, president; D. N. Smith, secretary and librarian.
The first newspaper seems to have been the San Bernardino Herald, inder the editorial management of J. Judson Ames, which made its first ap- pearance June 16, 1860. In 1861 J. S. Waite became the editor. The San Bernardino Patriot was established about the same time and died in the spring of 1862. The Guardian made its first appearance in February, 1867. H. Hamilton, editor, succeeded by E. A. Nisbet, and the Argus, Will D. Gould, editor, appeared in 1873.
Efforts were made to secure telegraphic connection with Los Angeles in the early sixties when the first telegraphic communication was established at that place but were unsuccessful. Fourth of July celebrations, May Day picnics and balls, both public and private, seem to have been very popular. Watermans Springs, the Arrowhead Springs and hotel were the popular resorts.
A Union Sunday School had been started about 1858, and was main- tained for many years. Early in the sixties a Congregational church was organized and not long afterward a Methodist church. The Latter Day Saints maintained regular services, their first church having been located near corner of Second and Utah streets. A Catholic church was built about 1865 but was destroyed by fire. In 1871 a new church, then one of the finest in the country was dedicated.
The two adobe rooms which had served as school rooms during the Mormon period continued to be used until the erection of the two-story brick school building in 1874. Several private schools were maintained in San Bernardino in early days. Many of our older citizens will remember the tall, stern, yet kindly Captain J. P. C. Allsop, who had a private school here, located on Fifth street between Grafton and Canal, from 1862 until 1867. Mrs. E. A. Nisbet also kept a school, and in 1873 Prof. C. R. Paine opened his Academy and Business College.
In 1866, there were two different companies operating stages between San Bernardino and Los Angeles. The Banning Company was running a weekly stage from Wilmington to Yuma via San Bernardino and the U. S.
164
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Mail Company sent weekly stages to La Paz, A. T. In 1867 a weekly stage was started between San Diego and this city, via Temecula and San Luis Rey and was kept up for several years. For fuller account of the stage station period of San Bernardino's history see chapter IX.
During the year 1871 a number of "elegant and substantial" buildings were put up. Among these were, the store of William McDonald, a two- story brick, 23 by 70 feet. This was built to accommodate his furniture business, which at this time was one of the most extensive interests of the town. Furniture and coffins were shipped from this establishment to Los Angeles, and to all parts of Southern California. Judge Boren built a hand- some store building on the corner of Fourth and Utah (D), to be occupied by Meyerstein's General Store-one of the largest establishments in the country. The Masonic Hall, built this year, was the finest structure yet put up in San Bernardino. It stood on Utah street and was 27 by 80 feet, two stories, of brick, with an imitation stone front. Most elaborate services were held at the laying of the corner stone of this building-the first Masonic Hall, built especially for the purpose in this part of the state.
The "Resources of San Bernardino," published by Arthur Kearney in 1873, notes: "The Catholic church, the new school house, the Masonic Hall. Mr. Water's building and Miller's Hotel, are costly and creditable structures, and so is the Boren block on Fourth street. The wagon manu- factory of Tittle & Brodhurst, on Utah street is one of the most complete of the kind in Southern California-even Los Angeles patronizes it. The furniture house of McDonald is also an elegant establishment. The private residences of Judge Boren and Mr. Jacobs are also costly and elegant."
In 1873. San Bernardino was put into telegraphic communication with the outer world by the completion of a line from Anaheim. The office was established in the Boren block.
THE TELEGRAPH IN SAN BERNARDINO.
The first effort to secure telegraphic communication with the outside world was made in 1860 when the telegraph wires first reached Los Angeles. A meeting was called at Dr. Barton's drug store and a committee was ap- pointed to raise funds to build a line between San Bernardino and Los An- geles. Evidently the citizens of the town felt that two stage lines a week could supply all the news they cared for, as nothing seems to have resulted from the meeting.
In 1873. however, when the railroad had brought the telegraphic wires as far as Anaheim, the citizens were more ready to act: After many discus- sions and some dissension of opinion, the bonus, $2500.00, demanded by the Western Union Company, was raised, principally through the efforts of
165
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
Judge A. D. Boren and Meyerstein & Co. September 18th, 1873, the line was completed and the first message was sent out from San Bernardino, by De La M. Woodward, who acted as operator, and as president of the board of town trustees, dictated the first message.
The Argus of this date says: "Telegraphs are the percursers of railroads, and consequently the advance guard of the grand and invincible army of progress and universal prosperity. Let us rejoice, and in our rejoicing let no dissension mar the festivities of so important an epoch in the history of our embryo city. The following dispatches were sent and received last night :
"San Bernardino, Sept. 18, 1873, To Horton, founder of San Diego- The telegraph line from Anaheim to this city has just been completed. As the interests of San Diego and San Bernardino are mutual, we extend to your thriving city the hand of fellowship, hoping that the iron rail may soon con- nect our thriving city with the rising metropolic of the Pacific Coast.
DE LA M. WOODWARD, President Board of Town Trustees." "San Diego, Sept. 18.
"De La MI. Woodward, President Board of Trustees, San Bernardino:
"Your telegram just received. Allow us to congratulate you on being thus brought intimately into connection with the world. We appreciate your sentiments with regard to our mutual inter- ests and earnestly await the day when we can return the compli- ment in person by the railroad. Allow us to shake hands through the medium of the telegraph. Our little city by the sea extends to you and to the citizens of San Bernardino, her best wishes for your success and future pros- perity. A. E. HORTON."
Telegrams were also received from the citizens of Anaheim, the World and Union of San Diego; C. A. Wetmore and from the Alta, of San Francisco. On the same DE LA MONTAIGNE WOODWARD day a telegram announced that forty miles of the San Diego and Arizona Military line had been completed the same date.
166
HISTORY OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY
RAILROADS.
Between 1865 and 1875, San Bernardino was kept in a state of almost constant agitation upon the subject of railroads. It was inevitable that a transcontinental line would some time enter Southern California, and the probabilities were largely in favor of either the San Gorgonio or Cajon Passes as the gateway for admission. Railway connection with Wilmington and Los Angeles and with San Diego was also certain, yet year after year passed by and rumors, organizations, surveys and talk all had no practical results. The Texas Pacific, the Narrow Gauge Coast line, the Narrow Gauge between San Diego and San Bernardino, the Los Angeles and Independence, and a dozen other projects loomed up and faded out of existence, although in a number of cases work was actually begun.
The growth of San Bernardino county and city was slow during these years of waiting ; there was no rushing in any direction-the citizens mostly seem to have been satisfied with an ideal climate, a comfortable living and existing conditions. Yet both the county and the town made substantial progress, as has been seen.
In April, 1874, the Southern Pacific road reached Spadra, twenty-five miles east of Los Angeles, and there came to a standstill. The next move appeared uncertain and San Bernardino watched for it anxiously. There were various railroad meetings, much discussion and great hopes. It was not until fall that the railroad officials got around to San Bernardino and then they offered little encouragement. The town was off their direct route, and they could not afford to deflect a transcontinental line, they said. When it began to be hinted that the depot might be located at Colton rather than San Bernardino, the citizens seem to have regarded this as too absurd for serious consideration. Later, after conferences with the Southern Pacific officials, San Bernardino found that she might "get left," but she still ridi- culed the idea of a rival town at Colton. It was a serious blow to the hopes of the county seat when the depot was finally built at Colton, yet from the coming of the railroad must be dated a new era in the growth and prosperity of San Bernardino county.
In 1874, San Bernardino began to take on city airs. The new Court House-now the "Old Court House"-was built and was the pride of the county, although there had been much discussion and a good deal of opposi- tion to the "excessive expense" before the plans and location were agreed upon. With the approach of the railroad, the influx of many strangers, and the numerous improvements entered upon, there was a change of spirit in the "Forest City." The Guardian in an editorial thus expatiates:
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.