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 22
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On motion of Director Ryland, the Board proceeded to ballot for the location of the College. Three ballots were taken, with the fol- lowing result : First ballot-Alameda County, three votes ; Santa Clara, two ; Napa, two. Second ballot-Same as first. Third ballot -Alameda, four ; Napa, two; Santa Clara, one.
It was then Resolved, That the location of the Agricultural, Min- ing and Mechanic Arts College be fixed in the County of Alameda, at such locality within the limits of said county as may be decided by the Board after contemplated negotiations have been fully carried out.
It was rumored for some weeks before that Berkeley had been selected for the site, and that a beautiful tract of land, contiguous to that of the College of California, had been pitched upon. It was said that 100 acres had been selected, for which $30,000 was to be paid.
On the 6th of June a fracas of a fatal character occurred at Robert Livermore's, in Livermore Valley. A Californian named Moche, who had been drinking heavily, made an attack with a knife upon a young man named Foscalini, who avoided him several times, but finally turned upon him and discharged his pistol at him, emptying three chambers of the weapon, each shot taking effect. Both parties were on horseback. The wounded man instantly wheeled his horse, rode away rapidly, and soon disappeared. When about three miles from the place of shooting, Moche fell heavily from his horse, head foremost, to the ground, and when approached was found to be dead, his neck having been broken by the fall. It was found, however,
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that either of the shots was sufficient to kill him. Foscalini sur- rendered himself, and after an examination before Justice Marks, of Pleasanton, was dismissed. Moche, who was partly paralyzed, was, nevertheless, considered a desperate and dangerous man. Some ten years previous it was said he attacked a stage single-handed, and on its refusal to halt at his command, he sent a shot from his revolver through it.
On the 30th of June a very tragic affair occurred at Mount Eden, a Dane, named Peter Jobson Schmidt, having murdered his sister and then shot and killed himself. Contrary to his wish, his sister, whom he had sent for to his native land some time previously, had determined to marry a young man in the neighborhood, and it seems that this drove him crazy. Schmidt was a farmer, owning 112 acres and unmarried, this sister keeping house for him. The poor girl made a desperate struggle for life, and the contest was a severe one. Two shots of his gun had entered her body; the first below her right nipple and the second in her heart. Whether the affection the man had for his sister, or the weight of his financial troubles, with which he was beset, had upset his reason, is not known ; but he had pre- viously proved himself a man of good character. Indeed, he had previously made a will, in which he devised all his estate to his sister Jane, the girl whose life he took, and whose fate he thus horribly ended with his own.
There evidently was a murderous mania abroad about this time, and another shooting affair took place on the 29th of June at Centre- ville, but without a fatal result, although the wounded man was shot at three times. The offender, whose name was Chas. Deil, was ar- raigned before the Grand Jury, then in session at San Leandro, on a charge of assault with the intent to murder. The man shot was wounded above the hip.
At the July term of the County Court, the Grand Jury came into Court with eleven indictments for all kinds of crimes.
During the middle of July the people of the valley were put in possession of a long-sought boon-a daily mail.
The Union County Convention took place at San Leandro on the 22d of July, when County and Judicial Officers were nominated.
Prof. Wm. T. Lucky, an eminent teacher, took charge of the Ala- meda Seminary in August.
A company was formed in San Francisco with the intention of raising chiccory, a plant much used in the preparation of ground cof-
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.
fee. F. B. Granger sowed twenty-five acres on his ranch in Alvarado for this company, which produced an abundant crop. The same com- pany was desirous of growing the sugar beet, which was found to do well in the same locality.
Since the passage of the game law, quail multiplied very rapidly in the county; so much so, indeed, as to be looked upon as a nuisance by the farmers.
A Fuse Factory, erected in Brooklyn Township, near the railroad, below the farm of John Mathews, was one of the industrial gains of the year 1867.
The Democratic County Convention was held in San Leandro on the 10th day of August, when County Officers were nominated. For Members of Assembly, J. West Martin and J. B. Ward; for County Judge, A. H. Griffith ; for District Attorney, Geo. M. Blake, (a convert from the Union ranks); for Sheriff, John Gieschen; for County Treasurer, John Threlfall; for Public Administrator, H. D. Ellerhorst; for Coroner, Dr. Lambert. It appeared that besides Mr. Blake, Captain Mayhew, a prominent member of the other party, had joined forces with the Democracy. The result, however, was favor- able to the Unionists, on the day of election.
Sheriff Morse, in pursuit of his laudable enterprise in ridding the county of thieves and desperadoes, succeeded in making another im- portant arrest one day in Angust, down at the New Almaden quick- silver mines, in Santa Clara County. The individual arrested was one Joaquin, charged with grand larceny in stealing cattle from the ranch of S. B. Martin, in Murray. The Sheriff was accompanied by Officer Richardson, of Oakland, and Deputy Sheriff Hall, of Santa Clara. Morse was well disguised, and found the object of his search in a small cabin near the mines. Joaquin was in bed, feigning sickness. Richardson covered the man with a double-barrelled shot-gun, while the Sheriff tumbled him out of bed. It was found that the ruffian although nabbed, was vigilant, and had concealed beneath the bed clothes a navy revolver, full cocked and ready for use. The danger- ous appearance of the shot-gun, however, prevented any attempt on the part of the prisoner to use his arms.
A social and literary association was organized by the congregation of the Presbyterian Church at San Leandro, on the 7th of August. A. constitution and rules were adopted. W. M. McFadden, was chosen President; George Smith and Mrs. Alexander, Vice-Presidents; O. Morrison, Secretary; and Mrs. G. E. Smith, Treasurer.
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On Monday, August 19th, the incorporators of the Oakland Bank of Savings filed their articles of incorporation in the County Clerk's office. The declared object was "to accumulate and invest the funds and savings of its members for their benefit." The capital stock was set down at $150,000, divided into 1,500 shares of $100 each. The Board of Directors chosen for the first six months were W. W. Crane, Jr., A. C. Henry, E. M. Hall, Samuel Merritt, and P. S. Wilcox.
Sheriff Morse succeeded in getting back the jail-breaker, Hagan, who had escaped from the county jail a few months previously. He was captured in the classic region of Fort Yuma, on the outer edge of our civilization, and taken in charge by Morse at Los Angeles. On the way up, he was fastened by a chain, and on the presentation of an opportunity he drew a large file from some unknown recess of his person and in a short time had severed a link, in the hope of es- cape. He was detected too soon, however, for this, and the "Bastile" at San Leandro was thereafter, until sent to San Quentin, his abiding place.
Little is said in this book of thunderstorms, lightning, etc., because they seldom occurred. There were heavy peals, however, on the morn- ing of the 23d of August, after sunrise.
There were two fires in the southern part of the county in the latter part of August. On the 17th the Mission Hotel, kept by James Threlfall and owned by Señor Vallejo, was burned; and on the 26th the stable belonging to the Warm Springs Hotel was destroyed, con- suming a large quantity of hay and grain, and what was worse, eleven valuable horses, that could not be got out in time to save their lives.
George C. Gorham, Union Candidate for Governor, accompanied by Gen. LaGrange, Frank M. Pixley and Rev. Dr. Cox, spoke at various meetings in Alameda County; or, in common parlance, "stumped the county," during the month of August. The Democrats, too, had their speakers in the county, and on the 24th held a big barbecue at Haywards, which was numerously attended by the Dem- ocracy from all parts of the county, and much enthusiasm excited.
On Wednesday, September 4th, the body of Timothy Harrington, a wholesale butcher of San Francisco, who had suddenly disappeared about a month previous, was found in the hills several miles from the Mountain House, near the Livermore Pass. In a pocket of deceased was found $20 in coin, a bank check book, and a letter of credit. The remains evidently had not been disturbed by either man or beast.
The State and county election was held on the 4th of September.
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HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
The Union ticket was defeated throughout the State, and although successful in Alameda County, it was with much reduced majorities. Following was the vote: Governor-Geo. C. Gorham (Union) 1,344; H. H. Haight (Democrat) 1,190; majority, 154. Lieutenant-Gov- ernor-J. P. Jones (Union) 1,430; Wm. Holden (Democrat), 1,140; majority, 290. For the other State Officers, the Union majorities ranged from 347 for Pacheco, for State Treasurer, to 185 for D. O. McCarthy, for State Printer. For Congress, Higby had 301 votes over Coffroth.
For County Officers the majorities averaged about the same. For Assembly-Dwinelle (Union) had 1,390 votes to J. West Martin's (Democrat) 1,184; A. M. Church, 1,419 to John B. Ward's 1,132. For District Attorney - O. H. LaGrange, 1,425; Geo. M. Blake, 1,155. Sheriff-H. N. Morse, 1,533; John Gieschen, 1,050. County Clerk-I. A. Amerman, 1,449; Jas. F. Kapp, 1,126. Treasurer- R. A. McClure, 1,382; John Threlfall, 1,189. County Surveyor- WVm. F. Boardman, 1,464; G. W. Hughes, 1,119. Superintendent of Schools-A. L. Fuller, 1,426; Rev. Benj. Ackerly, 1,137. Public Administrator-C. Whipple, 1,437; H. D. Ellerhorst, 1,111. Cor- oner-W. B. Clement, 1,432; B. Lambert, 1,123.
Every township, Murray excepted, gave majorities for the Union ticket. For Township Officers, the result was a mixture, Oakland, Washington and Eden elected Union Supervisors ; Brooklyn and Murray, Democrats ; and Alameda an Independent.
One of the most important discoveries made in the county was that of a blue granite quarry, found on the property of A. D. Pryal, nurseryman, in the foot-hills, about four miles northeast of Oakland. Mr. Pryal sold this quarry to Mr. J. S. Emery, contractor, and from it was procured the stone for building the Deaf, Dumb and Blind Asylum.
Hon. N. Hamilton tendered his resignation of County Judge, and Governor Lowe filled the vacancy by the appointment of Stephen G. Nye to the vacant position. Judge Nye has ever since continued to occupy the position. He had just been admitted to practice in the United States District Court, and was at the time editor of the San Leandro Gazette.
San Leandro, as will be noticed by these disconnected items, was a place of much sociability, there having been a continuous course of socials, dime parties, dances, concerts, etc., but until now we have not had an opportunity to chronicle anything in the shape of a dra-
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matic performance. The time has at last come. At the Planters' Hotel, on the evening of the 18th of September, there was a display of amateur theatricals by the San Leandro Amateur Dramatic Club, when the farce of " Oblige Benson " was performed for the benefit of a local festival. Mr. Moore represented " Benson," a dignified law- yer ; Mr. Borein, "Southdown," a thick-headed farmer; Mr. Mor- rison, " Meredith," the fascinating lawyer's clerk ; Miss Hall, the susceptible Mrs. Benson ; and Miss Fenner Mrs. Southdown. All of that youthful and talented dramatis personae, then in the enjoy- ment of all the advantages of single blessedness, have since ceased to play mock parts and entered eagerly into the realities of life.
A new flouring mill was established at Haywards by Messrs. Morse & Heslep. The building was frame and the motive power steam, with a capacity to grind 20 tons of barley in a day.
The corner stone of the Deaf, Dumb and Blind Asylum, near Oak- land, was laid on Thursday, the 28th of September. An address was delivered by Warring Wilkinson, the Principal, and other gentlemen, on the occasion.
A new paper, called the Daily Morning Herald, made its appear- ance in Oakland on the 2d of October. It professed neutrality in politics and was published by W. D. Harwood. It was discontinued for want of sufficient support, on the 15th of December. Mr. Har- wood resumed his position as "local " on the Oakland News.
While blasting rock at his ranch, north of Temescal, Mr. A. D. Pryal found three petrified substances resembling bombshells, im- bedded 20 feet in the rock. Breaking off the ends from the shells, which were about half an inch thick, he found the insides com- pletely filled with clay, which crumbled at the touch of the finger. The largest shell was about a foot long and five or six inches in di- ameter and oval shaped. Mr. P. presented these remarkable articles to the College of California.
About 2 o'clock, on the morning of the 3d of October, a man named W. L. Joy, an American, residing at Amador Valley, was shot and killed at Haywards, by a Chilano, named Noratto Ponce. They had been playing cards, and had had a dispute. The Chilano went out of the room, but soon returned and shot Joy, committing a cold-blooded murder. He then escaped to the hills, leaving his horse in a corral close by. Sheriff Morse was soon informed of the mat- ter, and was early in pursuit of the murderer, who, for the time being, managed to elude capture. Having heard, however, that he
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was hiding somewhere in the Livermore mountains, the Sheriff thought to entrap him, and, with this view, secured the assistance of Officer Conway, of Oakland. On the Ist of November the two started for the hiding-place of the culprit via Dublin. The Sheriff had secret information that Ponce would endeavor on that evening to escape to the lower country, and he watched for him on a by-road that led into the main traveled road, on the way to San José. They first made fast the gate that led to the main road, and then hid themselves behind a haystack there, to await the arrival of their man. About half-past nine o'clock they heard the footsteps of horses coming up on the gallop, and the voices of two men. The Sheriff recognized one of the voices as that of Ponce, who was con- versing with a companion. The Chilano unsuspectingly opened the gate, tied it, and moved forward towards the place where the officers were hiding. When within about ten feet of Sheriff Morse, the lat- ter drew a shot-gun and ordered the man to stop, which he refused to do ; at the same time he turned his horse around quickly and started back, but only to encounter Conway, who levelled a six- shooter and commenced firing at the fugitive. Morse followed suit and lodged a charge of buckshot in his back. The Chilano suc- ceeded in firing two shots at Conway without effect, but with the latter's last shot the murderer fell from his horse. He managed to get up quickly, however, and in the darkness escape. They hunted around for him until 2 o'clock in the morning, but without success. When daylight appeared they renewed their search, aided by eight or ten Mexicans, and discovered his coat, completely riddled with buckshot and balls. Half a mile from his coat was found his boots. His horse was wounded in the thigh and not worth taking away. Nothing further was heard of the murderer until about the 7th of November, when Sheriff Morse received a letter from Sheriff Classen, of Contra Costa County, informing him that if he came to Mar- tinez he would give him information as to Ponce's whereabouts. About 8 o'clock of the same evening, Morse was at the designated place, prompt and prepared. The information received was that Ponee was supposed to be in Cisco, Placer County. For Cisco Morse started, accompanied by Deputy Sheriff Swain of Contra Costa County. The intention was to take the Sacramento boat at Antioch, and for the latter place they started. At Antioch they learned the man they wanted was not at Cisco, but was concealed in Rigg's Canon, near Mount Diablo. To reach the place designated they had
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to return by boat to San Francisco and cross from there to San Lean- dro, where they took saddle horses and proceeded to the Black Hills, north of Livermore Valley. Oficer Conway of Oakland accom- panied them from San Leandro, and all arrived at the cañon about 11 o'clock at night. The party surrounded the house where Ponce was supposed to be concealed, but waited till daylight before entering. A thorough search failed to discover the object of their solicitude. Sconting through the hills and canons they discovered his hiding place, where he was in the habit of sheltering himself before his first encounter with the officers.
At this point they fell in with an old native, who, on being exam- ined and threatened, conveyed the information that Narrato's hiding place was then at Pinole, near the bay. Back again went the offi- cers to San Leandro ; from there they went to San Francisco and took the boat for Martinez, the place they had first set out for. On the following morning (Sunday) they started for Pinole, which is eleven miles south of Martinez and seven east of San Pablo. They searched all the houses through the valley as they went. Arriving at the house of one José Rojos, they saw a man on the mountain side, with a bundle on one arm and a shot gun on the other, and they thought he might be the man they were looking for. Conway and Swain went into the house with instructions to let no one out until Morse had ascertained who the man was on the hillside. Just as Morse got to the hill, he heard Swain cry out "he's here ;" which cry was followed by the report of a pistol shot. Morse immediately directed his horse to the house on a run, when he discovered Narrato Ponce running away, trying to escape from the officers, who were shooting after him as rapidly as possible. A ravine intervening, Morse had to dismount. He immediately called upon the fugitive to stop and lay down a pistol he carried in his right hand ; but the latter paid no attention to this command, and kept on running, endeavor. ing to escape. A shot from Conway here struck him in the right hand, and he immediately changed his revolver to the other, keeping the officers covered. Morse, finding that the fellow was determined not to be taken alive, concluded to end the play. Four shots from his Henry rifle, however, failed to have any effect, owing to the manner in which Ponce jumped about to frustrate the Sheriff's aim ; but the fifth shot entered his stomach, piercing his pistol belt, and went through his body, coming out near the backbone. When struck he pitched forward on his face, and expired with his revolver firmly clenched in his hand.
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HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
An inquest was held on the body by Justice A. F. Dyer, and a verdict rendered in accordance with the facts stated. The body was identified as that of Ponce by several persons who were well acquainted with him. It was stated to the grand jury, by one who knew him well, at the time he was indicted, that he was a more des- perate character than the celebrated Joaquin Muriatti, and his indom- itable pluck showed that he was brave as well as cruel. A reward of $500 had been offered by the Governor for the capture of this man, but it was a small compensation for the expense gone to, danger encountered, and hardships endured by the captors.
While hunting for Ponce, Sheriff Morse overhauled, in the Am- ador hills, another offender named Antonio Martinez, alias Jesus Forez, an ex-convict, who had been evading the law for six months previous. There were several charges of grand larceny against him. He was taken to San Leandro, whence he was taken to Sonoma County to stand his trial.
A man named Henry Clark, who had become insane on religion, committed suicide by taking a dose of strychnine on the 30th of Sep- tember. He resided at Stony Brook, Washington Township, and was well known. He labored under the delusion that he was a Prophet of the Lord, and after several years of ineffectual labor at making converts, he became discouraged and ended his life. His pe- culiar insanity was brought on by a blow on the head. He left a wife and two children, besides his father and mother, to mourn his fate.
A report having gained currency to the effect that the ferry be- tween San Francisco and Alameda was to be discontinued, Mr. W. Bray, of Fruit Vale, addressed a letter to the President and Secre- tary of the company to ascertain what truth there was in it, when, under date of October 7, that gentleman replied that the only change contemplated was an extension of the road to the Western Pacific Railroad, and probably a connection with the Oakland road, so that the citizens of Oakland might have the accommodations of the line with the southern part of Alameda County.
At the Judicial election held in October, the Democratic candi- dates were elected throughout the State, but were in considerable mi- norities in this county. Currey (Union) received 1,067 votes and Sprague (Dem.) 754. Swett (Union), candidate for Superintendent of Education, received 1,111 votes to Fitzgerald's (Dem.) 704. For County Judge, Nye had 1,043 to Griffith's 666.
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The murder of Officer Richardson in Oakland, on the 22d of Oc- tober, caused an unusual sensation. It appears that the late Gen- eral Wright, about four years previously, had placed a colored man named Thomas in charge of a block of land which he owned in Oak- land, and on which there was erected a small house. Some short time previous, Mr. E. Bigelow had sold this property to some gentle- man who desired to obtain possession of it and gave Thomas legal notice to vacate, but he refused to do so, contending, in true squatter style, that the property was Government land, and threatened to shoot anyone who might molest him. For this a complaint was made and a warrant issued for his arrest. The arrest was entrusted to Mr. Richardson, and while in the execution of this duty he was shot dead by Thomas. Thomas and his wife (the latter as accessory be- fore the fact) were arrested and lodged in the County Jail at San Leandro by Sheriff Morse, to await trial on the charge of murder.
The fair of the newly organized agricultural society was held at Haywards on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, October 23, 24, 25 and 26, 1867. The prizes offered consisted only of engraved diplomas, handsomely framed. The attendance on the first day was good. The opening address was delivered by Gen. O. H. LaGrange, and was highly spoken of as a talented effort. There were on exhibition quite a number of home-made agricultural implements, and a large display of agricultural and horticultural products. The principal feature of the exhibition, however, was the horse show. There was more or less racing every day, and some excellent stock was on the ground. The particulars of this exhibition will be found in the agricultural chapter of this work.
The amount of property tax levied for the fiscal year
1867-8 was - $146,739.97
Amount delinquent Nov. 19, 21,805.91
Amount collected, - $124,934.06
Colonel J. B. Crockett, of Brooklyn, was appointed by Governor Haight to fill the vacancy in the Supreme Bench, occasioned by the resignation of Judge Shafter. Col. Crockett was considered one of the best lawyers in the State. He still occupies the position to which he was then appointed.
Patents were received in the month of December, at the United States Land Office, San Francisco, for the following named persons, residents on the ex-Mission of San José tract, in Washington Town-
16
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HISTORY OF ALAMEDA COUNTY.
ship : William Walker, Timothy Rix, John Threlfall, James Emer- son, Robinson Ruckledge, John Taylor, Rufus Denmark, Robert Bonner, Jas. Threlfall, E. Willard, Martin Brophy, Marcus Torrey, Stephen Larkin, Origin Mowry, Elijah Forrester, Alfredson Carey, Luther E. Osgood, Edward Neihaus, Jolın Blacow, Andrew J. Tyler, Wm. Hopkins, Samuel J. Brown, R. J. Horner, Jesus J. Vallejo, Alfred O. Rix, Elias L. Beard, Michael Gannon, Patrick Clark, Frank Rosa, Joshua Wahup, Barton Mowry, Margary Walker, Michael J. Overacker, Christian Knittle, George Zeigenfuss, Simon Backman, Wm. J. Reed, Wm. Johnson, Wm. Corbett, Hiram M. Young, Chas. Kelsey, Max. Seigrist, Henry Hagan, Mich. H. Ryan, Otho Morgan, Caleb S. Haley, S. J. Marston, Ebenezer Haley, John J. Riser, Waitsill Baker, Richard A. McClure, Josiah Wilkinson, Chester Harris, Calvin J. Stevens, John M. Moore, Peter Wessinger, George W. Patterson, Herman Eggers, J. Wilson Musser, Antonio Rozas, James Shinn, Jos. Nicholls, Wm. Threlfall, Howard Overacker, Dan- iel Sanborn, Hypolite Bez, Benj. Donnegan, Robert Blacow, Mark Lyons, Anna M. McDavid, Nicholas Bergman, Jas. A. Trefry, Rich- ard Threlfall, Andrew B. Forbes, Henry Dusterberry, Garret S. Norris, Robert Blacow, Geo. W. Cook, Jolin Proctor, Jotham S. Marston, Ernest H. Frick, Isaac Sampson.
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