USA > California > Alameda County > The centennial year book of Alameda County, California : containing a summary of the discovery and settlement of California, a description of the Contra Costa under Spanish, Mexican, and American rule, biographical sketches of prominent pioneers and public men > Part 14
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"The U. S. Government has given the gratuitous use of the ยท splendid dredging machine which has been in use at Mare Island, and the work will be commenced as soon as the contract money is paid in to the treasurer, W. A. Bray, Esq.
WV. A. BRAY, A. A. COHEN,
A. L. TUBBS, L. JOHNSON,
JOHN CAPERTON, R. E. COLE."
The work was accordingly proceeded with, and the harbor, for a time, was cleared of its obstruction.
Rumors having become rife charging that all was not right in the Treasurer's office, a committee, consisting of Jonathan Mayhew and Sam. M. Davis, was appointed by the Board of Supervisors, to ex- amine that officer's books, when it was discovered that his accounts showed defalcations in the office amounting to $8,107.37. The won- der was what the Treasurer, Mr. Breyfogle, had done with the money ; but when it is remembered that gambling was a prevalent vice among men, there ought to have been no great wonder how the money was squandered. Of course the county, possessing sufficient security, ultimately sustained no loss in funds.
On the 2d of September took place the State and County election. There were three tickets in the field-Regular Democratic, Broderick Democratic, and Republican. On the State ticket, Latham (Dem.) received 1,069 votes ; Currey (Brod.), 664 votes; and Stanford (Rep.), 299. At this election Mr. Higley, County Surveyor of this county, was elected to the office of Surveyor-General. The Demo- cratic county ticket was generally successful. John A. Lent (Dem.)
142
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
was elected County Judge, to succeed Wm. H. Glascock, who suc- ceeded Judge McKee when elected District Judge. The other officers elected were P. E. Edmondson (Dem.), Sheriff ; W. H. Glascock (Dem.), District Attorney ; D. S. Lacey (Dem.), Assessor ; F. K. Shattuck (Brod.), Assemblyman ; J. R. Mason (Brod.), County Clerk ; John W. Carrick (Rep.), Treasurer; E. H. Dyer (Brod.), Surveyor ; J. M. Selfridge (Brod.), Coroner ; H. Gibbons (Rep.), Supt. Schools. Alameda and Brooklyn elected S. M. Davis (Dem.) Supervisor ; Oakland Township, Malachi Fallon (Dem.) to the same office ; Eden Township, A. A. Anderson (Dem.); Murray Township, J. W. Dougherty (Dem.); and Washington Township, Wm. Shinn, the only Republican of the lot. The contest was a very bitter one, and much personality was indulged in during the canvass.
On October 4th opened the first Annual Fair of the Alameda County Agricultural Society, which was held in the Pavilion on the plaza. A long list of premiums, divided into two classes, were offered, for which two kinds of diplomas were given-one handsomely framed and the other with a plain frame. The Fair lasted from the 1st to the 14th of the month, and was well attended. From some cause or other the Society suffered from the embarrassment of debt, but kept up its organization and held its shows for several years, un- til merged into the Bay District Agricultural Association. A state- ment of the treasurer showed that from the date of its organization to the conclusion of this Fair, the Association had collected $6,606.97, while the disbursements were $6,558.53, with $58.44 left in the treasury, and obligations to the amount of $2,000 to provide for.
On the 30th of December of this year a meeting was held in Oak- land to aid in making an effort to procure the location of the next State Fair in that city. It did not, however, have the desired effect.
A "College of Teachers and Trustees" was organized at San Lean- dro on the 31st of October. The object of this association was to bring teachers and trustees together for the purpose of advancing the educational interests of the county. There was a large attendance. The following named gentlemen were elected officers: President, W. H. Souther; Vice President, A. More, of Oakland; Business Committee, Robert Blacow, Jos. H. Taylor and Joseph Demont. County Superintendent H. Gibbons was, by virtue of his office, the Secretary. The College recommended the organization of a Teachers' Association, which was accordingly done on 12th of the same month .
143
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES.
The legislation for the county for 1859 consisted of the following enactments :
An Aet to authorize the Board of Supervisors of Alameda County to levy a special tax for school purposes. Not to exceed 25 cents on the $100.
An Act to fix the salary of the County Judge of Alameda County. The County Judge to be elected at the next general election to re- ceive $2,000 per annum as compensation for his services.
An Aet for the improvement of San Antonio creek. Board of Supervisors appointed Commissioners ; plans and specifications to be provided; county not responsible stockholders; may purchase work when $40,000 are paid in; privileges to expire in ten years.
An Act to authorize Charles Minturn, Ira P. Rankin and E. C. M. Chadwiek to erect a wharf at Castro's Landing, in Alameda or Contra Costa County; franchise for twenty years. Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa to fix rate of wharfage.
It was to be supposed that the bridge controversy had been finally settled by the action of 1857, but the purchase was not finally con- summated. In the Legislature of this year the owners of the bridge endeavored to have an aet passed confirming the original contract with the Court of Sessions before proceeding to construct a new bridge to take the place of the old one, then in a dilapidated condi- tion. The vote on the question was close, but the House refused the legislation sought.
The following statements, taken from the Assessor's and Treasurer's books, show the material condition of the county :
Total number of aeres assessed,
179,959
Value of personal property,
$1,436,995
Value of real estate,
1,618,205
Improvements on real estate,
441,415
City and town lots,
197,875
Improvements on same, -
219,720
Total value of property, - $4,094,169
Total tax, 1859-60,
- $56,756.52
State portion, -
23,485.23
County portion, -
-
33,271.00
Delinquent tax, 1858-9,
$2,272.24
Excess of assessment over last
year (without supplemental) - $233,057.00
144
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
Townships, in point of wealth, were as follows :
Eden,
$1,085,618
Washington, - 1,016,845
Oakland, 679,913
Brooklyn,
640,170
Murray,
322,364
Alameda,
169,300
The average value of real estate, as assessed in the several town- ships, was as follows :
PER ACRE.
Eden (a fraction over), -
$11.44
Washington (a fraction over),
10.00
Oakland,
15.80
Brooklyn, -
11.56
Alameda,
39.44
Murray,
1.10
The following is the first list made out of "rich men," as they appeared according to valuation on the Assessor's books in 1859 :
J. J. Vallejo, $190,050; Wm. Castro, $148,000; Estudillo Family, $120,359; Hathaway, Brady & Crabb, $60,800; Soto Family, $60,392; J. B. Larne, $56,145; Ygnacio Peralta, $54,100; A. Alviso, $45,900; S. B. Martin, $43,250; H. G. Ellsworth, $38,975; J. W. Dougherty, $31,800; F. Higuera, $28,950; Livermore, Estate of, $28,300; Contra Costa Steam Navigation Co., $28,000; Edward Minturn, $27,200; Rob't Simson, $26,750; E. L. Beard, $26,285; A. M. Peralta, $25,550; Clemente Colombet, $25,100; A. B. Fabes, $23,000; Antonio Sunol, $21,400; W. M. Lubbock, $20,000; Earl Marshall, $18,000; G. W. Patterson, $17,320; Mrs. A. C. Colombet, $17,000; Thomas G. Carey, $15,400; H. N. Carpenter, $15,000; Benjamin Holladay, $15,000; C. J. Stevens, $14,725; A. Lewelling, $13,700; Cal. St'm Nav. Co., $13,500; Z. Hughes, $13,450; Richard Threlfall, $12,450; Wm. Glaskin, $12,000; Coffee & Risdon, $12,000; H. P. Irving, $11,675; Win. H. Souther, $11,500; E. S. Eigenbrodt, $11,450; Mulford & Co., $11,425; William M. Maddox, $11,250; Cull & Luce, $11,040; R. B. Donavan, $10,950; Jesse Beard, $10,625; J. Lewelling, $10,385; A. L. Pioche, $10,300; Domingo Peralta, $10,000.
Condition of public schools: Districts, 16; children, 2,230; boys, between 4 and 18, 719; girls, 685; total, 1,404; under 4 years, 826; born in California, 1,303; orphans, 58; attending school, 616; aver- age attendance, 361. Male teachers, 13; female, 14; schools, 18;
145
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES.
pupils in private schools, 146. State school money drawn to pay salaries, $2,136.68; raised in school boundaries, $3,700; drafts on account salaries, $6,419.00; expended on school houses, $1,578.00; for school libraries and apparatus, $132.00; county tax received for school purposes, $4,866.87; total expenditure, $8,250.00.
-
1860-A Memorable Year-Overthrow of the Democratic Party-Bad Condition of the Roads-New Board of Supervisors-Thick Fog on the Bay-Another Effort to Secure the State Capital for Oak- land-Ended in Failure-Hope for the Future-Activity of the County Agricultural Association-The Supervisors Empowered to Appropriate Money in its Aid-The Washoe Fever Breaks Out and the County Treasurer Gets Leave to Visit the Mines-Dredging the Bar Once More-Governor Weller a Resident of the County- Much Enterprise Evinced-Great Demand for Land-Wild Geese-Prolific Subjects for Discussion-Springing the Kate Hays Title on Oakland Property-Several Convictions for Mur- der, but no Executions-Poor Crops and Stagnation-Legislative Enactments-A Review of the Progress of the County, and a Comparison with Some of its Neighbors-Census of 1860.
The year 1860 is a memorable one in the annals of the nation. In it occurred the great Presidential contest, in which the Democratic party was overthrown in the Union, in this State, and in this county. It was the year in which Abraham Lincoln was elected President of the United States. The fact is simply mentioned to mark a period in our political and social history. It was also the year for taking the Federal census, and presents a resting-place for reflection-for observing our ten years' growth and establishing our status.
The number and importance of local events, apart from politics, was considerable. The proceedings of the Board of Supervisors con- tinued to be of little value to the historian, but of great importance to the internal economy of the county. Roads, bridges, the care of the sick and the schools, received constant attention, and providing for these taxed the wits of our township statesmen to the utmost.
The county guardians this year were : J. Lewelling for Eden ; F. K. Shattuck for Oakland; A. W. Swett for Brooklyn ; C. S. Eigen- brodt for Washington ; and M. Murray for Murray.
10
146
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
In January of the year the Grand Jury of the Court of Sessions found it necessary to call attention to the bad condition of the roads and bridges, urging the Board of Supervisors to attend to their re- pair, just as if they had not had their hands full wrestling with them constantly.
In the same month a very thick fog covered the bay and surround- ing country for several days, and the ferry-steamer Contra Costa had in consequence to lay up until it cleared off. No serious injury, how- ever, resulted therefrom.
In the Legislature, our representatives, Senator Redman and As- semblyman Shattuck, had labored to make Oakland the State Capi- tal, and would have succeeded only for the apathy of the people. It has been shown that Senator Redman and Assemblyman Rodgers, during the previous session of 1859, had secured the appointment of a committee to visit Oakland, which subsequently presented a report recommending the selection of this fair young city. On a vote being taken, the proposition was lost by only two votes. The prospect for the future looked bright. But the people of the town did not suffi- ciently sustain their representatives. Next year's work was unavail- ing, and Sacramento got it. Although much money has been sunk in the buildings erected at Sacramento, there is no great cause to dread a defeat for Oakland or some of her suburbs when the battle is again renewed, as it certainly must be, on account of the unsuit- ableness of the present location.
The lately organized Agricultural Society was very active this year. It appealed to the Legislature, backed by numerously-signed petitions, for power for the Board of Supervisors to donate $500 annually towards the support of the society. The Legislature passed the enactment prayed for, but the Board hesitated to make the appro- priation at first, on account of the numerous demands on the treas- ury ; but subsequently yielded, adding the amount to the tax levy, which, besides this, was for the year placed at $1.55. The members busied themselves in the formation of the Bay District Association, then recently organized, and in endeavoring to break up the State Association, the management of which did not please the people of the bay counties, and Senator Redman endeavored to have its charter repealed, but without success.
At this time the Washoe excitement was at its height, and many of our prominent citizens, as well as many who were not prominent, caught the contagion of the time and went off to the new mining
147
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES.
region, and to such an extent did the fever rage that our County Treasurer asked leave from the Legislature to absent himself from his post to seek his fortune with the rest, and got it.
The scheme for dredging the Oakland bar had not, down to this date, resulted satisfactorily, and a bill was introduced in the Legis- lature to enable the Board of Supervisors to tax the county for the work, and it passed.
Among those who had made Alameda County their home at this date was John B. Weller, a former Governor of the State, who re- sided at Fruit Vale. He participated in the proceedings of his party and devoted some little attention to our local affairs.
There was considerable enterprise displayed in Alameda County this year, and much was done, besides the Fair, to develop its indus- trial resources. Mr. J. B. Ward, agent of the Estudillo Rancho, bored a tunnel in the hills through which runs the San Leandro Creek, to make a reservoir for irrigating the land below, near the place where the Contra Costa Water Company has lately bored a much larger one and constructed a very extensive reservoir. C. L. Place, of San Francisco, built a 70-ton sloop at San Antonio. A company was formed under the name of Anderson & Cummings, to run a stage to Stockton and carry the U. S. Mail. This service had cost the Government previously $42,000 a year, but this company, in which several Alamedans were interested, did the business for $10,000. The company failed, however, and the California Steam Navigation Company, which held the contract before at an exorbi- tant remuneration, again secured the prize.
William Blacow, of Centreville, purchased of Mr. J. D. Patterson, of New York, a number of fine French Merino sheep, including the celebrated ram " Napoleon III," which have thriven finely, and done much to improve our flocks. At this time, too, commenced the im- provements of Mr. W. A. Bray in the vicinity of Fruit Vale, which now so much adorn the eastern suburbs of the City of Oakland. The Santa Rita Rancho, near Pleasanton, was confirmed to S. B. Martin, and has since proved one of the most productive pieces of land in the State. Mrs. Blake, who had been conducting a Young Ladies' Academy with success in Oakland, leased the spacious and elegant premises of J. Ross Browne, to accommodate the increasing number of her pupils. Notwithstanding that the year did not turn out as satisfactory for farming as was expected at first, there was a great demand for land. The Alameda County Medical Association was formed this year.
148
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
The phenomena of the day was the presence of myriads of wild geese, which covered the Bay slope and filled the air, supplying plenty of sport for those who prized such game.
The county was constituted one revenue district by the Supervisors, under the Revenue Act of April 30.
The year was prolific with subjects for discussion. The Presi- dential election, the merits of the three parties in the field, the atti- tude of the county towards the State Agricultural Society, the grant- ing of $500 to the County Association, the Bar bill, and the care of the sick poor, all were subjects for considerable comment. In Oak- land, the springing of the Kate Hayes title, bought up by Mr. Car- pentier, aroused the indignation of the people, involving, as it did, half a million dollars' worth of property, already paid for by many purchasers. The Court record of this year was not a satisfactory one. There were three or four trials for murder ; but as is usual in California, the result was not a satisfying of justice, but a heavy bill of expense to the county. Horse thieves, too, abounded.
The year previous a contract was made by the Supervisors with the Sisters of Mercy in San Francisco to provide for the care of in- digent sick of the county, the new law establishing county infirm- aries not having yet gone into force. The charge was $1.25 per day per patient.
The crops did not turn out as well as had been expected, and there was great stagnation in business on account of the scarcity of money and the low prices obtained for farm products ; yet there was no despondency, and nothing like suffering.
The moment has now arrived to take a glance backward and review the social, industrial and financial condition of the county. A decade of years has been passed through-three of them as a portion of an- other county and seven under our own name and sign manual, " do- ing our own behests for our own behoof." The contemplation, the reader will agree, is a most satisfactory one. It is pleasant to be the chronicler of such progress and such pleasing results. In every sense had the county prospered. The material gain was very great ; the increase in population, to say the least, remarkable. Where, before, all was wild and uncertain, now everything is civilized and satisfac- tory. The habits of home life have been restored to the immigrant ; woman graces the scene and adorns the household ; the family is gathered under the roof-tree, and uncouth habits are corrected. Do-
149
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES.
mestic animals gather around the homestead, and the pleasures and joys of the far-off home are renewed. From a mere sojourner, the new comer has become a settler. All the cherished habits of a civil- ized community have been put on ; churches, societies and schools have been established, and promise is given of a future fraught with comfort, leisure and refinement. Land susceptible of the highest cultivation has been secured, and where care and diligence have been exercised, it has been made to " blossom like the rose." The climate is found to be of the most agreeable description for health and per- sonal comfort, as well as beneficial for the productiveness of the earth. The geographical position is found to be most favorable, and every product within easy reach of a profitable market.
Figures have heretofore been given of other most prosperous coun- ties, for the purpose of comparison, to prove our own gain as well as the State's. Sacramento, from the start, had a large population, owing to her proximity to the gold mines and the commercial advan- tages of her principal town, as well as possessing the State capital. Santa Clara contained the oldest town in the State, and was rich, too, in a certain precious metal (cinnabar), as well as in agricultural ad- vantages. Both had thousands of population when we had but a few hundreds, and possessed prosperous cities when Alameda had nothing better than a mere hamlet.
At this date Alameda cultivated 75,000 acres of land-more than Sacramento, and considerably more than Contra Costa and Santa Clara. Our return of grain and potatoes, grown in 1858, is 1,392,100 bushels, to Sacramento's 927,442. Our production of barley, in 1859, was over 1,000,000 bushels, nearly double that of any other county in the State, and altogether in excess of our neighbors, with whom we have been comparing figures. In the growth of wheat we were only ex- celled by Contra Costa (our old partner), Napa and San Joaquin ; while in the product of oats we raised about three times as much as the best of the other counties of the State, averaging 70 bushels to the acre. Of potatoes we grew, in 1860, 1,830 acres, and cut 5,200 tons of hay, for which we had a ready market. Of horses we counted 7,982 head ; of cows, 18,276 ; of sheep, 26,800, and of hogs, 2,785. A great increase was shown in our poultry, numbering 25,426, and producing 462,300 dozen eggs-more than double any other county. Of fruit trees, of all kinds, we had 316,286; of gooseberry and raspberry vines, 39,030. We had under strawberry vines, 204 acres, and under grape vines, 200 acres. Four flouring-mills had been estab-
150
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
lished, several saw-mills and a tannery. We not only had numerous schools, well-spread throughout the county, but also two colleges and one ladies' seminary, all of a high order.
The following is a synopsis of the year's legislation :
An Act to authorize the. Board of Supervisors of Alameda and Santa Clara Counties to make appropriations to agricultural societies, and to legalize an appropriation heretofore made. May make an annual appropriation of not more than $500 to the Alameda County Agricultural Society. The appropriation of same sum to the Santa Clara Valley Agricultural Society.
An Act, approved March 6, 1860, for amending the Oakland charter of 1854, granting further powers to the Common Council.
An Act providing for the payment of a judgment in favor of Trus- tum C. Gilman against the county of Contra Costa. Board of Sup- ervisors to levy a tax of one per cent. upon $100 each year till paid, with interest at ten per cent., and costs. "The Gilman judgment fund," judgment obtained in March, 1856, to the amount of $20,427 and accruing interest and costs.
An Act concerning roads in the counties of Alameda and Santa Clara. All roads in Alameda and Santa Clara, now used as such, declared to be so considered.
An Act to provide for the opening of a channel across the bar at the mouth of San Antonio Creek. Commissioners, James Dougherty, Alfred L. Tubbs and W. A. Bray.
An Act for the education and care of the indigent deaf, dumb and blind in the State of California. Plans and specifications for build- ing. Contract for $10,000 approved.
An Act for the establishment of county infirmaries, for the relief of the indigent, and to amend an Act entitled an Act to provide for the indigent sick in the counties of this State. The Supervisors to establish said infirmaries.
Several steamers found business carrying freight and passengers, and a line of telegraph stretched through the county.
The county owned in real estate, according to a very liberal mode of assessment, which indicated only about one-third the real value, $2,065,400 ; in improvements, $740,765 ; and in personal property, $1,575,415 ; making a total valuation of $4,381,580. Our rate of taxation was only $1.55 on the $100; less than any other county in California.
By the census of 1860, Alameda had a considerably larger popula-
151
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES.
tion than Contra Costa ; while Santa Clara held her own, and Sacra- mento nearly trebled us.
Let us compare the figures of the four counties for 1852 and 1860, and the reader can clearly see how we grew numerically :
1852.
1860.
Alameda,
8,926
Contra Costa,
2,745
5,328
Santa Clara,
6,664
11,912
Sacramento,
- 12,589
24,145
The Surveyor-General's report of the state of the crops in Alameda County this year was as follows: "The crops in this county have been good. Many of the ranch-owners are inclosing the valley tracts extensively, thus limiting the range for pasture. Much attention has been given to sheep-raising. Some superior imported stock has been introduced this year. The wool clip is generally of a fine quality."
152
HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
WM. WILSON,
No. 961 BROADWAY, - OAKLAND.
PRACTICAL
Watch and Clock Maker.
MAKES REPAIRING A SPECIALTY.
XII
XI
X
XI
HA
KEEPS CONSTANTLY ON HAND,
The FINEST of JEWELRY,
A Splendid Lot of
GOLD AND SILVER WATCHES, AS Well as Chains, ALL OF WHICH ARE GUARANTEED.
153
UNDER THE STARS AND STRIPES.
CHAPTER XVIII.
FROM THE CENSUS OF 1860 TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OAKLAND FERRY RAILROAD IN 1863.
-
1861-An Eventful Year-Military Movements in Alameda County- Home Guard-Camps Downey and Merchant-A Winter of Floods-Destruction of Cattle-The "Skinners"-The Bar Bond Tax-The New Board of Supervisors-County Officers and Re- presentatives-Benj. F. Butler, an Engraver-The Democracy Successful at the Oakland Charter Election-Dismemberment Movement-Military Appointments-A Deputy Sheriff for Mur- ray-The Hirsche Murder-Breyfogle's Bondsmen-Coal Disco- veries-The Destruction of the New Court-house Prophesied Seven Years before it Happened-A Lawyer-Editor laments Over the Healthy Condition of the County- County Seat Festivities-Col- lege of California-Centreville Making a Large Display of the Fair Sex-The Santa Clara Settlers and the Governor-Fruit Injured by Frost and Grain by Rust-A Regiment of Dragoons- Republican Successes at the Elections-Bay District Agricultural Association-The Alameda Fair-Obituary of a "Judge of the Plains"-Condition of the Schools-Acts of the Legislature.
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