USA > California > San Francisco County > San Francisco > The annals of San Francisco; containing a summary of the history of California, and a complete history of its great city: to which are added, biographical memoirs of some prominent citizens > Part 59
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Early in 1849, the Rev. T. D. Hunt organized a Temper- ance Society in San Francisco, which lived several months and accomplished some good by the dissemination of its peculiar doc- trines, successfully relieving much of the distress of the times, by laying the axe to the root of the great producer of vice, poverty and wretchedness. During its existence, Mr. Hunt and others delivered a number of lectures, on which occasions some who needed the benefits of such an organization, were persuaded to sign the pledge of total abstinence. The work thus begun has since been more vigorously prosecuted by the Order of the SONS OF TEMPERANCE, of which there are almost forty subordinate divisions in successful operation in the State, scattered princi-
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ANNALS OF SAN FRANCISCO.
pally throughout its northern portion, the farthest south being at Santa Clara and Mariposa. On the 9th of September, 1851, the representatives of the divisions then existing met in San Francisco and organized the " Grand Division of California." There are four subordinate divisions in this city, embracing some five hundred members. In the entire State the roll of membership is not short of 2,500. Numerous branch organizations have likewise grown into successful operation in San Francisco and the other cities of California. There are two flourishing unions of the Daughters of Temperance, one at Sacramento and one here ; of the Templars of Honor there are also two organizations at the same places ; and there are eight sections of the Cadets of Tem- perance, consisting of lads of between twelve and seventeen years of age, who do good service. The section in this city numbers over forty members, though of very recent date. The temper- ance influence has been markedly and beneficially felt. Various hotels are conducted on strictly anti-intoxicating principles, and some of the great refreshment saloons have abolished the sale of stimulating draughts.
Distinct from these great Orders, branches of which exist in every hamlet of our mighty empire, there have arisen in San Francisco various local associations, whose objects have been more or less limited to peculiar sects or races, whom they have either sought to unite in closer social intimacy or to mutually aid and succor when they might become necessitous. The descend- ants of the Pilgrim Fathers, as early as September, 1850, organ- ized the New England Society of San Francisco, for the first object. A meeting was held by a number of immigrants from the Eastern States, at the American House on Clay street, opposite the plaza ; and the subsequent organization of the society was com- pleted at the District Court-room in the old City Hall at the corner of Pacific and Kearny streets, and the following officers chosen :-
President .- Charles Gilman, of N. H.
Vice-Presidents .- J. C. Derby, of Mass., W. H. Clark, of Me., John A. Collins, of Vt., G. V. S. Gibbs, of R. I., and Theodore Dimond, of Ct.
Treasurer .- Geo. W. Gibbs. Auditor .- H. K. W. Clark. Librarian .- Wm. A. Dana. Corresponding Secretary .- Louis R. Lull. Recording Secre- tary .- Henry L. Dodge. Executive Committee .- J. P. Treadwell, Lucien Skinnett, J. Satterlee, C. D. Cushman, Robert Hopkins, and O. N. Bush.
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In 1851, the society had made arrangements to furnish a library and reading-room for the use of the members. Rooms had been secured in a wooden building on the north side of Washington street, between Kearny and Montgomery streets, and a large collection of books, pamphlets and newspapers had been ordered from the Atlantic States, and a part of them were then on their way. The building in which were the society rooms, and all the books, records and papers in the hands of the officers were destroyed in the fire of May 3d and 4th of that year. General Wilson and Messrs. Satterlee, Clarke and Austin, prominent members of the association, were badly burned, and narrowly escaped with their lives. The society soon replaced its losses and resumed its prosperity. It has succeeded eminently in its objects ; and its members, by constant intercourse, are in a measure reconciled to the want of homes and families, and made to feel less like isolated and uncared-for strangers. It celebrates its anniversary on the 22d of December annually by speeches, feasting, etc., and in 1853 a new feature was introduced by the presence of ladies, wives and relatives of the members.
The SOCIETY OF CALIFORNIA PIONEERS was instituted in August, 1850, as we have already fully described, for a some- what similar object. It sought to bind together in social union the original founders of the great city of St. Francis, and to per- petuate the reminiscences of their days of toil, by collecting and preserving the early records of California history.
Numerous other exclusively charitable and benevolent associ- ations have since been instituted. In 1851, the French citizens organized a society called the French Benevolent Society, designed to relieve the necessities of their sick and indigent countrymen. More recently the Germans have formed a German Benevolent Society, for similar purposes, and have enrolled almost three hundred members. The Jewish residents of the city have been equally mindful of the wants of those of their own persuasion by founding the First Hebrew Benevolent Society. The soldiers, who served in the Mexican War, and who are numerous among our citizens, have in May, 1854, organized a society among themselves, of which Gen. Wool is president, to perpetu- ate their old associations, and render mutual aid and succor to.
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those who may be destitute. On the 4th of August, 1853, the San Francisco Ladies' Protection and Relief Society was estab- lished, by the wives of numerous influential citizens, for the pur- pose of affording protection and assistance to women in need and distress, residents or strangers. Very many unfortunate females have been furnished, through the exertions of its members, with comfortable homes, and provided with situations in respectable families, where they are enabled to earn honest livelihoods. Medical, Law, Library and Literary Associations, with the va- rious Religious Societies already noticed, are numerous, and most of them, besides their more special objects, have beneficial pro- visions for their needy and deserving members.
This much has been done for the adult sufferers of the dismal days of the gold hunt and the present beneficiaries of the land of wealth,-but there were also little children in San Francisco, though few in number, who had been left fatherless and mother- less to be tossed about in the great mælstrom of passion-who knew not wherewith to feed their hunger, nor where to rest their wearied bodies, nor from whom to expect sympathy or assistance. Honor to the great young city, these were not forgotten ! In February of 1851, a few ladies of the different congregations of the city, cordially met in the First Presbyterian Church, and, having buried the hatchet of sectarian jealousies, established the "San Francisco Orphan Asylum," under the following ·officers :-
President .- Mrs. Williams.
Vice-President .- Mrs. Wiley. Treasurer .- Mrs. Boring. Secretary .- Mrs. Warren. Managers .- Mesdames Waller, Taylor, Wheeler, E. V. Gil- lespie, Joyce and Dubbs. Trustees .- Messrs. Chas. Gilman, Stephen Frank- lin and Daniel L. Ross. Matron .- Mrs. Wilson.
This society commenced with eight orphans, and now has about thirty under its charge. Since it left the church it has occupied rent free the cottage of Mr. Halleck on Folsom street, but has now removed to the beautiful structure which has been built for its accommodation. The common council, April 4th, 1853, passed an ordinance conveying to the trustees all the in- terest had by the city in a lot of ground near Yerba Buena Cemetery, for the purpose of erecting on it a suitable building.
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The right to the land was in dispute, but the parties adverse to the city's title had readily renounced their claim, and now the city did the same. The situation is a pleasant one, though re- tired, and the building erected is a handsome and commodious edifice. About $24,000 have been expended upon the building and grounds.
The Roman Catholic citizens of San Francisco have had a similar institution in connection with the St. Patrick's Catholic Church and school since 1852, in which there are now about fifty orphans, over whom five Sisters of Charity exercise their kind and matronly care. This asylum is situated in Happy Valley, and like the other is doing much good, and is very generously sus- tained.
In all these works of benevolence have been shown the finer parts of human nature, -- even though their field has been only San Francisco,-and their gratifying results are as certain indices of the real merits of the place, as the hosts of crime are of the evils of unchecked passion and excitement. The good already gained is surely an earnest of what may yet be done.
JUSTPES.COURT
Alcalde's Office, west side of Portsmouth Square.
JOHN W. GEARY,
LAST ALCALDE AND FIRST MAYOR OF SAN FRANCISCO
CERTAIN men in the histories of various countries, have, from different causes, acquired a universal hold upon the affections of the people. Such was the enthusiasm, which actuated every member of the Grande Armée,-noblesse and bourgeoisie,-in his life and death attachment to the Little Corporal ; such, the grati- tude and reverence unanimously rendered to our First President ; and such the admiration and respect for the subject of our sketch, evinced by the heterogeneous population of the new "city in the Occident. We can, without being accused of fulsome flattery, or without the fear of contradiction, employ terms of
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high eulogy in speaking of one of the earliest and most vigorous of the pioneers, who have hewn for San Francisco a path to glory and greatness through dangers and difficulties unappreciated by any who did not share them. We have already, in our work, noticed the prominent part he has taken in numberless enter- prises for the public good, and the various and multiform relations which he has filled in this country ; and through all, the appro- bation of his acts and the confidence in his integrity, were such as to make him a favorite of the people. The mass of man- kind is ever ready to respect, honor and reward those virtues which itself has not ; but it is rare to discover a society without any, who refuse their sanction to what they know to be good, if only for envy's sake. Who then, would have expected to have found a community, so lawless and reckless, so passion-actuated and fancy-governed, so wild, desperate and daring, so pregnant with vices and so barren of virtues, as it was described in the history of nations, the first to exhibit to centuries of civilized life, a lesson of thankfulness for good done, of forbearance and sacrifice of personal desires, of zeal and earnestness in rewarding real merit ? Colonel Geary was not even a native of the place, nor a long resident of the country, nor an old associate of its inhabitants, but was left friendless on a strange shore, where a strange city saw and appreciated his pre-eminent qualities.
John W. Geary is a Pennsylvanian, born in Westmoreland County, and although but thirty-five years of age, he has won a lasting fame by his firm adherence to the cause of right and duty in the various parts of our country in which he has been placed in civil, military, judicial and executive positions. He has been rewarded by the prosperity and esteem that attends upright con- duct and honorable actions, even though without the advantages of wealth and influential or numerous friends to gild life's troubles at the outset of his career and help him to position and renown.
His parents never had much pecuniary means, and very early in his life, his father was afflicted with a tardy attack of illness, during which he became much involved in debt, and died without leaving any thing to satisfy his creditors. Young Geary then be- came the sole stay of his mother, whom he supported by teaching school, and eventually through his praiseworthy and industrious
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exertions, succeeded in defraying every dollar of his deceased parent's indebtedness. This at once gave him a high reputation in his native place. So honorable a return for a mother's tender rearing is unusual ; it is more uncommon,-indeed, it is never expected,-that a son should so nobly vindicate the memory of his father, by the generous gift of his hard earnings. The posi- tion of a school-teacher not being wholly consonant with his inclinations, he removed to Pittsburg, and accepted and filled for a short time only the situation of clerk to a wholesale establish- ment, quitting the business in disgust, in consequence of certain dishonorable requirements, exacted by his employer. Meanwhile his own efforts had given him a classical education, which he completed at Jefferson College, Canonsburg, Pa., creating life- long friends among professors and classmates, by the early exhi- bition of those same qualities that have since endeared him to so many others in public and in social life.
While at college his preference and pre-eminence were in the various departments of the mathematical chair, and accordingly he subsequently gratified his predilection and assumed the profes- sion of a civil engineer, in the practice of which he went to Ken- tucky, partly in the employ of the Commonwealth and partly in that of the Green River Railroad Company, and was engaged in the survey of several very important branches of the public im- provements of that State. After an experience with the Engineer Corps, in many of the States, he successively filled all the various offices from a clerkship to the superintendency of the Alleghany Portage Railroad, and during several years, discharged the duties of his responsible positions with complete satisfaction.
Actuated by his mathematical abilities, it is not strange he should, at a very early date, have exhibited a fondness for mili- tary tactics. He admired, and labored strenuously by the out- lay of time and means to perfect our volunteer system. From a private in the ranks, he rose rapidly through all the grades to that of Brigadier-General, to which he was unanimously elected by the brigade, comprising Cambria and Somerset Counties.
The war with the Mexican States soon after this furnished an opportunity for the citizen soldier to do in earnest, what he had been doing in play-to temper and to test the steel he had
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been making-to ascertain the practicability and the use, beyond a mere amusement, of all his music and marching, his gaudy colors and fatiguing drills. Mr. Geary responded among the first, to the call for volunteers, and was accepted to participate in the coming conflict, along with the " American Highlanders," whom he commanded. They were incorporated in the Second Pennsylvania Regiment, of which, on organization, Captain Geary was almost unanimously elected Lieutenant-Colonel. His regi- ment joined the army of General Scott at Vera Cruz, and served in the advance under the command and on the line of operations of that great chieftain through his brilliant campaign in Mexico. He was attached to General Quitman's division, and distinguished himself by his bravery and military skill in the battles of La Hoya, Chapultepec, Garita de Belen and the City of Mexico, and was so well appreciated and esteemed by his command, that on arriving at the capital of the Montezumas, their leader, Colonel Roberts, having died, he was elected Colonel by a vote of more than two-thirds of the regiment, and was the first American ever to receive a commission dated at that place. Such a com- pliment, at such a time, could not be regarded as the reward of friendship or political preference. It was the spontaneous and grateful gift of associates in arms-the men who had fought by his side, shared his privations, suffering and dangers, and served cheerfully under his command through the hazardous march across the country of a powerful enemy. It was the reward for his own gallantry from the hands of the gallant soldiers who had witnessed and best knew how to appreciate his merits. The Second Pennsylvania Regiment had done pre-eminent service in the Mexican war. They were foremost in many terrific strifes, enthusiastic, uncomplaining under fatigue, and anxious to lead any enterprise of danger and difficulty. They had stormed and taken the almost inaccessible heights of Chapultepec in the face of the enemy's batteries-and Geary, though wounded in the attack by a spent grape-shot, was with them in the victory ; they had entered the fearful causeway of the Garita de Belen, under a terrific fire from every side, drenching with their blood every foot of the distance gained, and accomplishing a victory, despite even the intention of the commander-in-chief, who had believed
46
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a mere feint and not an assault possible or feasible ; and lastly, in connection with the gallant Quitman's command, they had the honor assigned them of raising the ensign of their country over that of the fallen enemy, within the walls of the conquered city. In the appointments that followed the victory, Colonel Geary was made first commander of the great citadel of the City of Mexico in consideration of his valuable aid in the capture of the capital.
Colonel Geary has always been remarkable for his close atten- tion to his duties and business industry. During the campaign, he exhibited, in a striking manner, this peculiarity of character. He had never in a single instance been known to have been negligent of duty. He daily visited in person every portion of the regiment, and inspected the police and condition of his men, examining the state of the hospitals, and relieving the sick either by personal care or explicit directions through others. His men always welcomed his appearance on such occasions, and hailed it with as much hope as that of the physician. He was neverthe- less a strict disciplinarian, and was never slow properly to bring to punishment when detected, the idle or vicious.
The treaty of peace having closed the war, he returned to his native State, marching his whole regiment from the City of Mexico to the City of Pittsburg, three thousand miles, the season being the most sickly of the year, without losing a single indi- vidual from his command, numbering at that time nearly four hundred men. The regiment originally consisted of eleven hun- dred Pennsylvanians, embracing sterling men of all professions and branches of industry ; but of this number not two hundred and fifty are now living, the casualties of war and disease having swept away the most of them. Upon his arrival at Pittsburg, his troops being the first from the seat of war, the enthusiasm of their reception knew no bounds. The whole population, amounting to thousands upon thousands of people, turned out on the occasion. Cannon were fired, bells rung forth peals of joy, the roads were strewn with flowers, and triumphal arches erected at every hundred yards-and the shouts and huzzas of the populace rent the air. The Hon. William Wilkins, in a public speech, complimented the services of the gallant, weather-
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beaten and war-worn troops, and their much honored leader. The excitement of the universal jubilee ran to the highest pitch. The whole country around likewise seemed crazy with joy ; and when he reached his western home, he was publicly and enthu- siastically welcomed by every citizen of his native place.
On the 22d of January, 1849, President Polk, in return for his valuable services during the campaign in Mexico, appointed Colonel Geary postmaster of San Francisco, with powers to create post-offices, appoint postmasters, establish mail routes, and make contracts for carrying the mails throughout California. He thus unconsciously placed him in the way of all his subsequent success and popularity among the people of the Eureka State. It was all chance, cries one ; it was tak-deer (destiny), exclaims the Persian. Whatever it was, judging from the man as he had previously shown himself, we must suppose that even under other circumstances or in another place, his career would have been equally praiseworthy though doubtless less liberally rewarded.
Colonel Geary, with his customary energy, promptly returned from Washington, with his commission, to his home in West- moreland County, where he expeditiously closed his business and sailed with his wife and child, on the 1st of February, from New York for Chagres in the steamer Falcon, on her second trip. Arrived at the Isthmus, he left Chagres in a small boat, accom- panied, besides Mrs. Geary and child, by Captain Bezer Simmons and wife. At that time there was no accommodation for travel- lers attempting the transit. No provisions were to be had along the route. Wild beasts and alligators were numerous. The party in the boat became almost starved on the third day out ; but the inhabitants of the country, being at that time exceed- ingly hostile, refused to supply their wants. Col. Geary, at a bend in the river, went ashore and offered without success to purchase food. Not being able to buy, and observing chickens running about, he drew his revolver and shot two, throwing the owners a dollar in recompense. Three men instantly attacked him with clubs, supposing he had discharged all his loads, but desisted as soon as he informed them that he had four left for their service. He crossed to the opposite side of the peninsula, keeping his assailants at bay. Here he discovered a tent, and
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obtaining rude utensils, prepared and cooked his chickens by the time the boat with his family and friends arrived. They took a hearty meal, and were no little revived in strength and spirits. They returned to their canoe, and at sunset were deserted by their guides and boatmen, and left to pass the night as they best could on the banks of the Chagres River, surrounded by wild beasts. The ladies slept in the boat, wrapped in blankets, and the colonel and captain alternately kept guard on shore. The night was terrible under their unprotected condition. The rain was pouring in torrents-the air was full of the strange cries of tropical beasts-while numerous amphibious animals, splashing and dashing through the water, added to the dismal sounds. We may here incidentally observe that, though on this occasion every danger was happily passed, Col. Geary and child are at present, the only surviving members of the party. In the morn- ing, the route was resumed and Gorgona reached on the fourth day, at which place mules were obtained, and the party started for the City of Panama. Mrs. Geary was the first lady who ever made use of the side-saddle and rode in the American fashion on this journey, which was accomplished in six hours and a half, two entire days being frequently required. Here the necessity of waiting for the steamer Oregon, the second that had sailed for San Francisco, and which was making the voyage around Cape Horn, and intended stopping at Panama to take on board the Falcon's passengers, detained Col. Geary at this city about twenty-six days, during which he did not remain idle or inactive. At this time many of the passengers, by the Isthmus, suffered from privation and disease. They were crowded together, in a sickly neighborhood, without the hope of a speedy departure, comfortless, friendless and destitute. Col. Geary accordingly organized and presided first over a Masonic society, and subse- quently over an association of Odd-Fellows, for the purpose of alleviating the sufferings and relieving the miserable condition of the unfortunate gold seekers. Both these societies are still in existence, and have accomplished much good ; but the present travelling facilities have materially removed the necessity for any such interference. In connection with several other gentlemen, he contributed and assisted in the publication of the first Ameri-
Comis Respectfully
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JOHN W. GEARY.
can paper in the English language ever issued in the place, which also continues to exist.
About this time a singular and unprecedented adventure occurred to the colonel, and which was so remarkable that we take this opportunity of relating it. He had established his quarters in two or three rooms of the second story of a house on the north side of the plaza, near the jail, and in these apartments he had daily been in the habit of displaying his goods, to dry and air them. Three or four days after his arrival in the city, he discovered that he had been robbed, during the night, of a num- ber of valuable articles, and about daylight went to the guard, consisting of a sergeant and twelve men, whose guard-house was in the jail building, to obtain information concerning the robbery. Here, though he addressed them in good Spanish, they pretended not to understand him, and directed indignant and insulting queries to him. The whole party gathered closely around, drew their side-arms and circled them about his head. One of them, finally, struck him on the ear, and being incensed at so gross an outrage, he knocked the fellow down. Hastily perceiving his error and observing his desperate position, he rushed between two men, tripping them, and knocking down a fourth, sprang into the guard-room. This was about thirty feet deep, and along the back wall the arms were arranged in a row. He seized a loaded musket from the rack, and placing his back to the re- mainder, threatened to shoot the first who should enter the door. Glancing his eyes around he recognized his perilous situation. The sides of the room were of rough logs, between the inter- stices of which peered at every corner the dark and desperate faces of the prisoners in the contiguous jail cells. Before him were thirteen armed and hostile men, anxious and determined to destroy him. On repeating his questions concerning the robbery, one of them threw himself on a pile of blankets and said that they had slept in that position all the night and had kept no watch. This man attempted, by rolling himself on the blankets, to seize the colonel by the leg and trip him, upon which the lat- ter snatched the rascal's bayonet from its scabbard and placed it on the end of the musket in his hands. The fellow repeating his effort, the colonel stabbed him in the leg, and seizing him
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