Contra Costa County CA Archives History - Books .....Township No. 2 1882
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Book Title: History Of Contra Costa County, California

TOWNSHIP NUMBER TWO.

   Geography.—Township Number Two is bounded on the north by Townships One,
Three, Four and Five; on the east, by Townships Three, Four and Five, and south
and west by Alameda county.

   Topography. — The topography of this township possesses all the varied
scenery of fertile valley, undulating slopes, and high mountains. It embraces
the productive vales of San Ramon, Tassajara, Green, Moraga and Lafayette, all
of which are enclosed by hills that rise to a considerable altitude, whose
slopes are well wooded and sheltered.

   Soil.—The soil of this township is not a whit behind that of any other
portion of the county, the rich alluvial lands of the level country possessing
wonderful properties in the production of grain, while the higher lands afford
ample pasturage for stock of every kind.

   Products.—The produce of this district is entirely in keeping with those of
other portions of the county. Grain is grown in large quantities, the harvest
each year apparently increasing; dairying is carried on to some extent; while
there is scarcely a house without an orchard, large or small.

   Timber. — Before the settlement of the country by Americans, the valleys were
covered to a greater extent than they are to-day, with different kinds of trees,
such as white and live-oaks, sycamores, besides chemisal and a dense jungle of
undergrowth; with the advance of years, many of these prime trees have fallen
victims to the woodman's ax, while indomitable perseverance has cleared away the
brushwood, and left a park-like landscape, dotted with umbrageous boughs.

   Climate.—The climate of the entire township cannot be described as anything
but pure; warm days occur as they should, in their proper season; the same may
be said of the colder weather. Being within ken of the Bay of San Francisco, the
general influence of the sea-breezes, without the strong trade-winds, is felt,
while there is hardly any time of the year, from April till October, that
out-door labor may not be conducted with profit to pocket and person alike.

   Early Settlement.—Township number two has the honor of claiming the second
oldest settler in Contra Costa county. In the year 1847 the Hon. Elam Brown, who
had gone to the San Antonio redwoods from Santa Clara, learned that the Rancho
Acalanes was in the hands of Wm. A. Leidesdorff, of Yerba Buena (San Francisco),
for sale, the Spanish proprietor, Valencia, being in his debt. In due course the
purchase of the grant was consummated, and on February 7, 1848, he brought up
his family through the Moraga valley, and took formal possession; that same
evening, while Mrs. Brown was engaged in preparing the meal, the men were hard
at work erecting a temporary covering, fashioned after the most approved pioneer
method. With Mr. Brown came his son Clarence, Josiah Allen (a son of Mrs. Brown
by a former marriage), Melissa Allen, and Elizabeth Jane Allen. Before this,
however, Mr. Brown had disposed of one-tenth of his newly-acquired property for
the insignificant sum of one hundred dollars, to Nathaniel Jones, who, about the
same time, moved on to the tract.

   As we first saw this beautiful locality the young grain had not yet put forth
its heads, but all was a magnificent vista of never-ending emerald, from the
depths of the valley to the summits of the adjacent hills. Everywhere proclaimed
a rare fertility, and promise of large returns. How different, however, must the
picture have been that first greeted the eyes of these strangers. The country
was rugged in the extreme; wild oats overran both hill and dale, through which
indistinct trails found their way in perplexing confusion; traveling was more or
less dangerous, for beasts of prey were plentiful, while all around bore
evidence of an almost impossible fertility; the most that was looked for was
unlimited pasturage for horses sheep, and cattle.

   We have, so far, only spoken of the earliest American settler in the
township; the original locators, however, were Jose Maria Amador, who obtained
the San Ramon Rancho in 1826, but who had his habitation without the present
precincts of this county, in Alameda, and Valencia (mentioned above), who, in
the year 1828, was granted and occupied the Acalanes Rancho (at Lafayette), and
Moraga, the Laguna Palos Colorados, or Redwood Rancho. About the same time Juana
Pacheco, a widow residing at San Jose, made application for the San Miguel
Rancho, whither she sent her nephew, Ygnacio Sibrian, who built an adobe near
Walnut Creek, on land now owned by William Rice, and resided in it.

   These, therefore, were the original settlers in what we now know as
Supervisor Township Number Two. Later, in 1832, Mariano Castro and Bartolo
Pacheco made application for the San Ramon Rancho, and occupied a place near
where Leo Norris now lives, while, about the same time, a Scotchman named
William Welch applied for that tract of land known as the Welch Rancho, and
established his homestead near Walnut Creek.

   It was thus that the district now under notice was occupied in 1847 when Mr.
Brown acquired the Rancho Acalanes. On taking possession, his first care was the
construction of a more substantial home than that mentioned above, for which
purpose he had brought with him lumber already cut and fit for use. This
building he first placed about two miles from the present hamlet of Lafayette,
on land now occupied by Thomas W. Bradley, but the supply of water failing here,
he was compelled to move to some more advantageous site, yet it was not until
after the third transference that the place on which Mr. Brown now lives was
selected. At the same period Nathaniel Jones was engaged in the construction of
his residence, and these were evidently the two first frame buildings erected in
the township. Here, then, were these two pioneer families, located far away from
the world, but safely ensconced in a beautiful valley, with every promise of a
bright future. Of course, the ordinary commodities of the household had to be
procured from a distance, the nearest point being San Jose on the one hand, and
Yerba Buena on the other. The first was a journey by land and the more readily
undertaken, to reach the last the Bay intervened and acted as a determent. To
the first named place the trip was by ox-team, but more often on horse-back,
through the San Ramon valley, past the residence of Jose Maria Amador, and out
at the point where the town of Hay wards now stands, and thence on by the
Mission San Jose' to the Pueblo, where Dr Stokes, and a year or two later
Charles M. Weber, had well-stocked stores. With the establishment of a
household, Mr. Brown, now true to his instincts, commenced to test the
capabilities of the ground for farming purposes. In the Spring of 1848, he sowed
some acres of wheat and barley— the Spaniards had before this sowed some very
small quantities—all of which he had to transport to Sainsevain's mill at San
Jose to have turned into flour. Mr. Brown, in the year 1849, bought a
horse-power mill at Benicia, and erected it near his house on the land now
occupied by Mr. Bradley, and thus saved this journey. In the Spring of this
year, too, Mr. Jones commenced the artificial beautifying of his home, by
planting those fine, large locust trees which now give the name of Locust Farm
to his place of residence. These are the product of seed brought to the country
by Major Stephen Cooper, of Benicia, in 1846, and subsequently presented to Mr.
Jones.

   From the foregoing it will be acknowledged that the pioneer families of
Township Number Two were those of Hon. Elam Brown, and Nathaniel Jones. The
country in its general aspect has been greatly changed since their arrival,
especially in the matter of ditches, many of these which now are of considerable
magnitude, being then mere drains. The prime cause of this we believe to have
been the breaking of the upper crust of the soil by the tramping of stock, which
increased in numbers year by year and consequently caused the greater damage as
their hundreds were changed into thousands.

   Here then were these gentlemen left "monarchs of all they surveyed," until
the discovery of gold. At this period that vast horde of immigrants, who had
left their homes in the Atlantic and other States to the potent shibboleth of
gold, commenced to find their way into the fertile valleys and metal-producing
gorges of California. Nearly all took a turn at the mines, some to amass wealth,
others to be plunged into irretrievable ruin of mind and body. Happily, among
all these, there were some with home instincts still left in their bosoms, who
sought out the valleys pregnant, too, with wealth, but of a different nature,
and fixed their abodes in what was then a solitude, but which by their own
industry, and the unremitting labor of others, has, to-day, become a fruitful
and populous country, still holding out promise of yet greater productiveness.

   First among these to settle in Township Number Two were Leo Norris and
William Lynch, in the Fall of the year 1850. They came to the San Ramon valley,
and took up the land now occupied by them. Here they found a branch of the Soto
family residing in an adobe house then standing about a hundred and fifty yards
from the site of Mr. Norris' present residence, and which they occupied by
permission of the Amadors. They only remained, however, for a month or two after
the arrival of Mr. Norris. In the month of September, 1850, Messrs. Norris and
Lynch erected the house now occupied by the former, which was the first frame
building put up in the valley, the lumber for which was brought from the
redwoods of San Antonio. As there were no roads, its transport from there to San
Ramon by way of Mission San Jose, Sunol valley, and the spot where now the
village of Dublin is planted, was a tedious undertaking, but all was surmounted,
and the dwelling completed in time to be occupied before the Winter had set in.
In the Spring of 1851, these energetic pioneers put in the first crop in the
valley, on land now owned by Mr. Lynch—about twelve acres of barley which
yielded one hundred and ten bushels to the acre. That same season a field was
fenced by them with willows procured from the banks of the adjacent creek, the
saplings, some of which were never removed, having in the intervening years
become handsome trees of goodly proportions. These may be seen still standing to
the rear of Mr. Lynch's house lot. In the same year, but later, a Mr. Russell
located near the head of the valley, on land that has since been divided up, but
a portion of which is now occupied by Elisha Harlan. In a conversation with
David Glass, who occupies a handsome dwelling near the head of the valley, we
were informed that in the month of November, 1850, he settled about a half a
mile from where the town of Walnut Creek now stands, on land at present in the
possession of A. D. Briggs. At that time a man named William Slusher lived in a
little cabin near where the Walnut Creek House has since been erected, while
Alexander Boss resided where now dwells William Rice, and there cultivated some
vegetables. The Francisco Garcia family lived near the present residence of Col.
Stone, in the vicinity of Alamo, while not far from there were other Spaniards
dwelling, who were interested in the San Ramon Grant.

   By the year 1851 those individuals who had been to the mines, and had felt
the blessings of the "glorious climate of California," came down from the
gold-producing mountain gorges, spied out the land, took up claims, and returned
whence they came. Of course, it has been impossible to keep track of who these
were, or where they located; they were simply birds of passage, who knew no
other permanent roost but the mines. In this year, however, one man, named John
R. Boyd, located on what is now popularly called the Railroad Ranch, but how
long he remained there we have been unable to gather. In Sycamore valley there
settled in 1851 Leonard Eddy on that tract of land at present owned by Hon.
Charles Wood, while in the Tasajara valley there located about the same time
Abner Pearson, and the Gillett brothers, who in the following year raised a crop
of grain on the farms now owned by John Johnston and Harrison Finley. On that
portion of the San Ramon Grant, now occupied by Mr. Hemme, there lived, in 1852,
a Mr. Sweitzer, who it is presumed located there during the previous year. Where
Mrs. Jamieson's house now is, there settled in 1851 one Francisco Otoya.

   On October 8, 1852, D. P. Smith located a little to the east of Alamo, but
moved to his present property the year after. When he came to the township there
were only four houses between what is now the village of Alamo and the county
seat at Martinez; these were, the shanty already noticed as being occupied by
David Glass, the next was the residence of Elwell and Wall on the Biggs place,
the old Welch house, and a building near Martinez in the possession of M. R.
Barber. In that same year there located, on the stream southwest of Walnut
Creek, Josiah Shafer, James Bell, Daniel Seeley, William Comstock and Zelotus
Reed. There came also about the same time Carroll W. Ish, who took possession of
the little house a short distance above the mansion of August Hemme, while John
Smith, a Scotchman, resided on the land now owned by William Hemme, a nephew of
August Hemme, to the south of Danville, and William Chick dwelt on the land now
owned by James M. Stone. In this year Henry Russell went to San Ramon with
Samuel Russell, and now lives near Leo Norris, on the way to Haywards. John P.
Chrisman resided on the creek above Danville, where now lives Thomas Flournoy.
while in the Tassajara district Philip Mendenhall occupied a portion of the land
now in the possession of Hon. Charles Wood. Further up the valley, on the
Sycamore creek, Wade Hayes lived on Bell's land, Francis Matteson was located
where he now resides, and on the Tassajara road there were Mark Elliott and
Wilson Coats on their present places, and Levi Maxey. On a portion of the
present property of Mr. Flournoy there dwelt a Dr. Watts, while in the same year
Horace W. Goodwin settled on the place now occupied by Mr. Coats. In the month
of September of this year Benjamin Shreve came to Lafayette. In October R. O.
Baldwin visited the San Ramon valley, and being impressed with its beauties, he,
therefore, in partnership with William Meese, purchased three hundred acres of
land, which they have since divided, the old friends being now next-door
neighbors. On their arrival they found two brothers, Alexander and Henry Moore,
in possession of a large tract of land, engaged in stock raising, and residing
in the house now occupied by Albert Young; while, in Walnut Creek, there located
about the same time the Sanford family, Erastus Ford, who arrived in Martinez in
1850, Benjamin Hodges and William Wells.

   In the year 1852, David Glass started a small trading-post on the place now
owned by Hon. A. W. Hammitt, which was patronized by the settlers in the country
round, and is supposed to be the first store in the county opened outside of
Martinez. The fate of this little mart was as follows: In 1855, Mr. Glass
disposed of his stock to Henry Hoffman, who transferred it to, and opened a
store at the place where the village of Alamo has since been built. In this
year, too, on the same property, Mr. Glass planted the first orchard in San
Ramon valley, the trees having been obtained from Oregon, while, to this year,
is the honor of building the first house in the village of San Ramon, which was
constructed by John White, and is now the residence of George McCamley. It may
be remembered that one William Slusher occupied a cabin near the Walnut Creek
House; in 1852 we find that it belonged to George Thorn, who had purchased it,
its original owner leaving the district. In this year, too, we have the
establishment of a school-house at Lafayette, and another in the San Ramon
valley. The latter stood at the foot of the eminence known as Cox's hill, near
the village of Limerick (San Ramon), while another, at a very early date, was
taught by one Sylvester Began, near a clump of oaks on Leo Norris' land. Mr.
Began, upon the abandonment of this last seminary, became the preceptor of the
first mentioned institution.

   In the year 1853, Socrates Huff and L. C. Wittenmyer came to the Isaac
Russell place, while B. Alcorn located next to Mark Elliott. Felix G. Coats,
too, came in this year, as did also three men named Jones, Lane and Beemer, on
the Jenkins place. In the Summer of this year Milo J. Hough came to the township
and first settled at Lafayette, where he found among others there located, Hon.
Elam Brown and family, Nathaniel Jones and family, James H. Gorham and family,
and George W. Hammett and family. He here, too, found in the course of
construction by "Squire" Brown, a grist-mill, which commenced operations in that
Fall. It stood about seventy-five yards from the present hotel, on the site now
occupied by the store and residence of Benjamin Shreve. That same Fall, Mr.
Hough located a hotel in that hamlet. About the same time there settled in the
district, David Hodge and family, on the stream known as Release creek, as did
also Isaac Hunsaker, Wesley Bradley, Ira True, Br. Turner, John W. Jones, Sol.
P. Davis, near Pacheco, and several others whose names are now unremembered. To
the San Ramon valley, in the year 1853, there came William W. Cox, while to
Green valley was William Z. Stone, and to the vicinity of Walnut Creek, John Baker.

   Besides these mentioned above, we have since learned that there were living
in the year 1853, in Township Number Two: Richard Fergusson, on the land
adjoining Messrs. Baldwin and Meese; at the time August Hemme was in partnership
with Wade Hayes; Andrew and Daniel Inman, Henry Seymour and Jesse Bowles were in
Green Valley, on the place now occupied by L. L. Boone; "Old Man" Mitchell, with
his wife, and Isaac N. B., and John Mitchell settled in San Ramon, on the tract
adjoining that of Erastus Ford; James M. Thomson also located, and at that time
resided in a frame house near the San Ramon creek, a few hundred yards north of
the present village of Alamo; John McDonald settled in Green Valley, on the land
now occupied by J. P. Chrisman; James M. Allen built a house in the "Willows,"
adjoining the property of E. H. Cox in San Ramon valley.

   In the year 1852 there settled in the San Ramon valley Joel Harlan, who died
March 28, 1875. He had been a prominent resident of the county for several
years, and arrived in the State in 1846. During the session of the first
Legislature Mr. Harlan and his family were residing not far from San Jose', and
on the organization of counties his dwelling fell within the limits of Contra
Costa, as then established. Purchasing a tract of land a year or two
subsequently, he erected a house in the Amador valley, but on the creation of
Alameda county, mainly from the territory originally comprised in Contra Costa,
one of the points defining the boundary line between the two counties was the
house of Joel Harlan. The building was always considered to be on the Contra
Costa side of the county line, but it was removed or demolished in 1857, when
Mr. Harlan removed to the handsome property on which his widow now resides.

   Of those settlers who came to the township in the year 1854, we have the name
of William Hook, who had lived for a short time in Martinez, during the previous
year, engaged in mercantile pursuits, and in the year under notice purchased the
property on which he now resides, while in January of that year James M. Stone
settled in the vicinity of Danville. In the Fall of 1854 Jesse H. Williams took
up his residence, where he now lives, in the vicinity of the Moraga valley. He
there found in that locality William Southard, living on the place now occupied
by Dennis Flynn, on the property of Horace W. Carpentier. Jackson Gann had a
place in the Redwood canon, and his brother, Wilson Gann, dwelt about half a
mile from the store that had then been recently opened by John Courter; Jack
Allen resided on the San Antonio (now Oakland) road, while there was a man named
Inmer, located near the "Tule Patch," which later in the year was bought by
Edward Curry, who took up his residence thereon. Besides these, George and David
Meacham were on a place on the road to Walnut Creek, where it joins that to
Oakland, and not far from him was John Merrill. Across the Moraga creek, between
the store and the redwoods, lived William Brown, a preacher, well known in those
early times, while on the banks of Walnut creek there dwelt Phineas Harrington
and Daniel Hunsaker.

   We have mentioned the store at Moraga: in the Spring of 1854 John Courter
opened it, conducted it for four or five years, and admitted several partners
into the concern, finally disposing of the whole stock to Lewis Mason, who,
dying, a man named Wilkie managed its affairs for the widow. The business was
sold subsequently to Lawrence G. Peel, who in turn disposed of it to one
Harrington, who closed out in the Spring of 1872. This store was the first frame
house built in Moraga valley.

   In the year 1854 the nucleus of the village of Alamo had been formed. Two
stores were then in full operation, one kept by George Engelmeyer, the other by
S. Wolf & Co., the latter being the first built; while, at this period, besides
the school-house already mentioned, a Cumberland Presbyterian church stood near
it on Mr. Hemme's land. This building was afterwards moved to Alamo, towards the
end of the year 1875.

   In the Fall of 1855 Milo J. Hough, who we have said located in Lafayette, and
built a hotel there in 1853, removed to where the village of Walnut Creek now
stands, and there built a hotel on the north side of the creek, at the entrance
to the town, on the lot now occupied by the widow Shannon. It was twenty-four by
forty feet, and in it was opened the first store in Walnut Creek. The hotel,
which was known by the name of the Walnut Creek House, was destroyed by fire
April 5, 1867, thus removing one of the old familiar landmarks of the county. To
the Moraga district there came in 1855, Franklin Hostetter and David Carrick,
who located on Walnut creek, while in the same year a school-house was opened on
the site of the present seminary, and taught by Philip Sage, services being held
in the building by Parson Brown, whom we have mentioned above. On November 10,
1855, that well-known resident of Danville, Thomas Flournoy, settled on his
present property, while, in the same year, the present estimable proprietor of
the Rogers Hotel, in Walnut Creek, W. B. Rogers, settled in the San Ramon
valley. In the Fall of that year Joshua Bollinger took up his location in the
canon to which he has given his name, and John Johnston settled where he now
resides, having purchased the land from Abner Pearson and the Gillett brothers.

   In the month of May of the year 1856, Albert Sherburne arrived with his
family in the county, and settled on a farm owned by his brother, Hon. D. N.
Sherburne, in the San Ramon valley near the Cox place. Mr. Sherburne has since
then resided in Sycamore valley, and is now a prosperous resident of Walnut
Creek, where he for several years conducted a store. Nathaniel S. and Chas. E.
Howard also came to the township in this year, and located where they now
reside, about two miles from Danville.

  In this year, or the previous, but certainly about that time, a school was
established on the site o£ the blacksmith shop, south of Mr. Glass' store, at
San Ramon; while, about the same period, orchards were first planted in the
Tassajara and Sycamore districts. About this year Lawrence G. Peel, who, having
disposed of his business at the store in Moraga valley, removed to Walnut Creek
and opened a store there, which he conducted until his death in 1869, when the
business was purchased by Albert Sherburne. This establishment stood on the
place now occupied by Antone Silva, the original store with its internal
fixtures still standing.

   Among those who settled in the township in 1857 were C. B. Nottingham, who
had resided in different portions of the State since 1851, and came from San
Jose to his present place in the Fall of the year. In this same season came also
James Foster, a most respected citizen, who pitched his tent in the then
thriving village of Alamo, where he opened a wheelwright shop, and followed his
calling for twelve years, while John Larkey took up his residence near Walnut
Creek during that year.

   In this year the first school in the Sycamore district was opened in a house
that stood near the residence of Mark Elliott, while buildings were springing up
in every quarter.

   First among the settlers to arrive in the year of 1858 was Albert W. Stone,
who purchased his present valuable farm in the month of January. He was followed
by J. C. Peterson, F. L. Hamburg, at Alamo; Michael Kirsch, at Walnut Creek, and
ex-Sheriff M. B. Ivory, in Green valley; the last gentleman now residing in the
"Stone House," in Township Number Five.

   During the year 1859, we have not been able to gather the names of any
new-comers, though of course there were several who settled in the township. We
learn that the Hon. D. N. Sherburne moved at that period into the Sycamore
valley, to the place on which he has since built his very elegant mansion.

  On June 6, 1859, there occurred near Lafayette one of those distressing
events, that though unseldom, when they are first announced send a thrill of
horror through a whole community. The calamity to which we refer was the death
of Mrs. Robert S. Linville and her two children by fire. It would appear that
whilst Mr. Linville, in company with a hired man, was engaged a short distance
from his house in milking cows, he discovered that his house was on fire. On
reaching his dwelling he found it completely enveloped in flames, his wife upon
the ground a few yards from it with her feet in a spring of water. Her clothes
were entirely burnt off. She endeavored to inform him of the cause of the fire,
but could only articulate the word "lamp." Mr. Linville made an effort to rescue
his children—one of whom was about three years of age, the other two months— but
his efforts were fruitless, and thus the bereaved husband and father saw those
dearest to him perish (the mother dying about an hour after in extreme agony) in
the flames without being able to succor them.

   On October 19, 1859, the corner-stone of an academy was laid, under the
auspices of the Contra Costa Educational Association. It was a large three-story
building, situated about a mile and a half south of Alamo, nearly opposite Mr.
Hemme's present residence, and was first placed in charge of Rev. David McClure,
Ph. Dr., now Principal of the California Military Academy at Oakland. This
gentleman was succeeded by Professor J. H. Braly, at present of the State Normal
School at San Jose, who in turn was followed by a Rev. Mr. King, under whose
administration it was destroyed by fire, and never rebuilt. It had a short life,
and died a natural death; it was too far in advance of the times and the wants
of the community who then resided in the beautiful San Ramon valley. Let us hope
that the new institution at Danville, now being talked of, may share a better
fate. Of the first we may say: "Quieta non movere. Requiescat in pace!"
   In the year 1860 Daniel Seeley located in Alamo, James M. Stow in Danville,
William Rice on the place where he now resides near Walnut Creek, and George W.
Yoakum in the Morago Valley, besides many others whose names we have not learned.

   From the above date the settlement of the township has been rapid, the broad
acres, hitherto unreclaimed, being put under contribution by the horny-handed
sons of toil who had established themselves on its fertile bosom. In an almost
incredibly short space of time, handsome homesteads commenced to rise from the
wild oats, and the valleys began to assume an air of true civilization; with
what result, it is unnecessary for us here to state; these efforts speak for
themselves; let the prosperous fields, orchards, and gardens tell their own tale.

   We find that on April 22, 1860, a Catholic Church in San Ramon valley was
dedicated, under the invocation of San Ramon; while such was the progressive
feeling in Lafayette, that a library association had been formed there.

   In 1861 a newspaper, called the Pacific Cumberland Presbyter, under editorial
charge of Rev. T. M. Johnson, was published at Alamo; while, during the
following year, 1862, we learn that the cultivation of tobacco was successfully
undertaken by Messrs. Stout & Peden. On March 8, 1863, there died near
Lafayette, at the age of seventy-one years, Stephen Jones, an old pioneer. This
gentleman was the father of that well-known argonaut of the county, Nathaniel
Jones, was a native of Virginia, and came to California from Illinois in 1853.
October 8, 1864, a stage-line was opened by Brown & Co., of Lafayette, between
Walnut Creek and Lynchville (Limerick, or San Ramon), and connecting with the
Oakland line. Nothing of particular local historical interest would appear to
have occurred during the next few years. We have already noticed the burning of
the original Walnut Creek House, April 5, 1867. On March 30th a railroad meeting
was held at Walnut Creek, when the substantial interests of the county were well
represented, and much interest manifested in the proposed undertaking of
providing railroad communication for the interior of the county; and in November
the new school-house at San Ramon was completed. In 1868 we have nothing to
record; but on April 30, 1869, there died, at his residence near Alamo, John M.
Jones, who had lived in the vicinity about sixteen years. His burial took place
under direction of the Masonic Order, on May 1st, and was attended by a very
large concourse of people of the county, desirous of paying a last token of
respect to an esteemed citizen.

   During the year 1870 we can find nothing to relate. On Sunday, April 30,1871,
a serious affray occurred in Moraga valley, that resulted in the arrest of James
Steele and Mr. Yoakum on the charge of assault with firearms upon several
members of the Moraga family. It was reported at the time that fifteen or twenty
rifle shots were fired by the assaulting party, three of the shots taking effect
upon and killing a horse ridden by one of the Moragas. The affray arose out of a
dispute as to the rightful possession of lands originally owned, and until a
short time before the disturbance, occupied by the Moragas, but since then
claimed by Carpentier and Yoakum under judicial decrees. The bitterness
remained; the trouble had not ceased. On April 27, 1872, Isaac Yoakum was shot,
but it was a matter of doubt if the offense was comitted in Contra Costa or
Alameda county. It appears that on Thursday, April 25th, a poundmaster, whose
corral was about four miles on the Alameda side of the Moraga valley, came to
Yoakum's residence in Brooklyn, and informed him he had sixteen head of his
(Yoakum's) cattle confined. On the following day Yoakum proceeded to release the
cattle and drive them back to his ranch in Moraga, aided by the poundmaster.
They were both armed, but had not traveled far when Yoakum was shot at. The
place of shooting was near the milk ranch then occupied by a man named Lipskin,
about three miles and a half from the Moraga store. Three shots were fired. The
first took effect, hitting the old man in the right thigh, about six inches
above the knee, but making only a flesh wound. While seeking the shelter of a
gulch close at hand the second shot was fired. The third was fired at him while
peeping out of his hiding place. Yoakum asserted that several persons were
engaged in the shooting, one of whom he recognized. He said that the men on the
milk ranch refused to come to his assistance when requested, and he had to
remain in the gulch some time, his wound bleeding considerably. Finally, he was
helped into a milk wagon, where he was made as comfortable as possible, and
conveyed home. Still the difficulties continued; hard words, and still harder
blows were exchanged; one Silverio Monjas lost his life at the hands of George
Steele, July 8, 1871, a full account of which will be found in our chapter on
Homicides; while, June 14, 1873, Miss Gumecinda Moraga sued Isaac Yoakum, in the
Third District Court, for the sum of ten thousand dollars damages, for an
assault alleged to have been committed during the difficulties.

   On May 12, 1872, a new church intended for the Methodist Episcopal
denomination was dedicated at Walnut Creek, while, on February 1, 1873, a
meeting of citizens interested in railroad communication was held at the same
place. There died at the residence of his son, James M. Stone, in San Ramon
valley, on September 4, 1873, at the advanced age of seventy-nine years, Elias
Stone, a native of New York State, a veteran soldier who served his country in
the war of 1812-15, and was present under General Scott at Lundy's Lane, and
other engagements. The residence of W. D. Boone, situated about half a mile east
of Danville, was totally destroyed by fire, together with all its contents, on
October 20th of this year; and, as we have mentioned elsewhere, the late Joel
Harlan was gathered to his Father, March 28, 1875. During the last week of the
month of October, 1875, the Presbyterian Church at Danville was commenced and
the corner stone laid with impressive ceremonies, it being dedicated June 18th;
while, about the end of the year, the old Cumberland Presbyterian Church on the
original site between Alamo and Danville, was removed to the first-named town.
About the month of July, 1876, August Hemme had commenced the erection of his
present magnificent mansion. Mr. Hemme was one of the early San Ramon resident
farmers, who sold the property on which he has now built, and removed to San
Francisco some dozen years previously. Having prospered greatly in a financial
way, he re-purchased the place he formerly owned, together with several hundred
acres of adjacent San Ramon land, on which he has constructed the
architecturally handsome edifice mentioned above.

   From the foregoing remarks it will be seen the progress that these years of
American occupation have brought upon this township. It will be readily
appreciated by the reader how impossible it is for us to record fact for fact as
it occurred, and name for name as their possessors arrived to locate. The memory
at all times is but a frail reed whereon to bear the weight of one's
information, yet to it chiefly do we trust, and such names as may be recollected
by the pioneers whom we consult are the only ones that we dare mention.

   ALAMO.—This village is situated about two miles north of Danville on the San
Ramon creek, and has but little of its former activity remaining. At an early
date, however, the little place boasted of a large trade with the Spanish
population, and soon two stores were opened, the first by Henry Hoffman
(afterwards Wolf & Co.,) and the other by George Englemire. In 1854 these two
buildings composed the village, Wolf's store being the growth from the stock
purchased by Henry Hoffman from David Glass, in the year 1853, and was in its
establishment the only store of any pretensions between Martinez and Mission San
Jose. It first was conducted in a portion of the building now occupied as
Henry's Hotel; the other store stood on the opposite corner, where the road to
Mount Diablo intersects the main county highway. The third house to be erected
was a brick store for Wolf & Co. on the opposite side of the county road, where
he kept also, in a small way, a house of entertainment. In the course of a year
or two Henry Hoffman severed his connection with the Wolf store—when it was
removed to Danville, in 1858—and remained in Alamo keeping hotel for several
years. His partner in 1859 was William Maxey. Some attempt would appear to have
been made in this year to instil life into the little burg, for we learn that
the Contra Costa Educational Association built a large three-story academy near
its precincts, and opened it under the charge of Rev. David McClure, now of
Oakland. This glory, however, was short-lived; fire destroyed the building in
1868, and it was never rebuilt. In the month of March, 1861, the town boasted a
newspaper called the Pacific Cumberland Presbyter, edited by Rev. T. M. Johnson.
In noticing its first number, the Contra Costa Gazette remarks: "The articles
are generally of a religious character, and it is a theological publication. As
far as we have examined, we should judge the subjects to be well handled and
sufficiently varied for a work of that class."

   Alamo is the Spanish name for the Poplar, a species of tree found in large
numbers in the valley, and creeks which flow through it, hence the name of the
village. It now comprises a hotel, a store, a few shops, a school house and a
Presbyterian Church, which originally stood on the road between Alamo and
Danville, but was removed to the former in December, 1875.

   DANVILLE.—This pretty little village takes its name from Dan. Inman, who
owned the property on which it now stands. About the year 1858 a hostelry was
opened by H. W. Harris, at the junction of the Tassajara and county roads, to
which he gave the name of Danville Hotel, and as a blacksmith's shop and store
were added, the little cluster of houses assumed the patronymic of the
caravansarie, by which it is still known. The town site was never surveyed into
lots, but as necessity called for it, Dan. Inman disposed of them. In this same
year, 1858, S. Wolf, M. Cohen and Henry Hoffman, having dissolved the firm of
Wolf & Co., Mr. Cohen removed to Danville, opened a store there, and built the
second house in the village. Here he conducted his business in the old house
until 1864, when he erected the present edifice.

   Twice in her short existence has Danville been visited by the forked tongue
of the fiery fiend; on July 9, 1873, the Danville Hotel, mentioned above,
succumbed to the devouring element, and again in the month of October, when the
house of W. D. Boone was destroyed.

   The little town at present contains among other buildings the handsomest
church building in the county, an exhaustive history of which, written for us by
Rev. R. S. Symington, the present pastor; a Christian Church; a flourishing
school, a capital Granger's Hall; a good hotel; two excellent stores; and a
number of pretty residences. Its rather crooked main street ever displays an air
of business, while its surroundings are wonderfully lovely, as it is guarded by
that grim old sentinel, Mount Diablo, whose form, as seen from here, is noble in
the extreme.

   DANVILLE CHURCH.—The following history was supplied us by Rev. R. S.
Symington, of Danville, and is produced verbatim: The first Presbyterian
services in San Ramon valley were conducted by Rev. D. McClure, who commenced
his labors in A. D. 1857. In the year 1859 he built a Seminary in the valley,
and after that devoted most of his time to that enterprise. No church was
organized under his ministry.

   In February, 1863, Rev. R. H. Avery came to the valley. The first year he
held services in Pacheco, San Ramon and Green valley; the second year he
extended his labors to Antioch. On the 10th of July, 1865, he gathered together
the scattered members of the church, and with the assistance of Rev. H. S.
Huntington, organized the "Contra Costa Presbyterian Church." The following
named persons were the organizing members, to wit: James R. McDonald, David
Hall, Elias Kinsey, Charles H. Sears, James McHarry, Mrs. E. K. Avery, Mrs.
Eliza Grothie, Mrs. Elizabeth Prince and Mrs. Gregory. Mr. Elias Kinsey was at
the same meeting elected and ordained a ruling Elder, and this little band of
disciples sat down for the first time together at the table of the Lord. Having
no house of worship, and the members scattered from San Ramon to Antioch, the
session met wherever it was the most convenient; sometimes in the pastor's
study, sometimes in the school-house and sometimes in a private dwelling. During
the same year the church was much discouraged by the removal of Mr. James R.
McDonald and David Hall, but before the end of the year they were greatly
strengthened by the addition of Mrs. Sarah Young, Mr. C. W. Boyers and Mrs. M.
A. Boyers, his wife. In 1867 the session received Mrs. Carrie Penniman and Mrs.
Webb from the Congregational Church, and Mrs. Panthy C. Meese on examination. At
a meeting held in Danville, in 1868, the session received into the church,
Jonathan Hoag and Mary Hoag, his wife, Mr. Joseph Wiley and Nancy Wiley, his
wife, James McClelland and A. B. Hoag, Mrs. Helen Vincent from the Methodist
Episcopal Church, and David Glass and Eliza Glass, his wife, from the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, Mrs. Jane R. Watson from the Scotch Presbyterian Church,
Mrs. Mary A. Young from Brooklyn Presbyterian Church, and Mr. A. J. Young,
Lizzie Hoag and Hugh Wiley upon examination. The congregation, after proper
notice, met in the Danville school-house, May 14, 1871, and elected Bros. J.
Wiley and A. J. Young Elders, and on the same day they were ordained. Rev. H. R.
Avery having accepted a call from the Tomales Church, his connection with this
church ceased May 14, 1871. While we rejoice in the enlargement of our beloved
Zion, we rejoice with trembling; for of the thirty-four received during the nine
years of Bro. Avery's labors, only thirteen remained when he left. Thirteen
received letters of dismission, four were lost sight of, and four had gone home
to glory.

   After Bro. Avery left, the session secured the services of Rev. James L.
Wood, a licentiate of the Presbytery of San Francisco, for a term of six months,
terminating January 1st, 1872. In 1874 the session employed Rev. Ed. Verrue at a
salary of nine hundred dollars, four hundred to be secured from the church, and
five hundred from the Board of Domestic Missions. At a meeting held July 5,1874,
at San Ramon, considerable religious interest was manifested. Four persons
united with the church upon profession of their faith, and others were
interested. The pastor was assisted in this meeting by Rev. Stonall and Rev.
Mesern. Up to this period no effort had been made to build a church. In
September, 1874, the session called a meeting of the congregation to assemble at
the house of Bro. Joseph Wiley October 1, 1874. The congregation met according
to appointment, and after considerable discussion, "concluded not to build at
present." The congregation concluded to retain Bro. Verrue one year longer,
without specifying the amount of his salary, and applied to the Board of
Domestic Missions for five hundred dollars on his behalf. Another meeting of the
congregation was called to meet at Bro. Wiley's June 2, 1875, at four o'clock,
p. M. This meeting was well-attended, and, after mature deliberation, it was
unanimously "Resolved, to proceed at once to the erection of a house of worship
at Danville." A subscription paper was circulated, and four hundred dollars were
subscribed. The Presbytery of San Francisco met in Danville June 7, 1875, and
recommended this church to the Erection Board for the sum of six hundred
dollars, to assist in completing the building. A fresh impetus was given to the
work, and the subscription was raised to fifteen hundred dollars. A committee
was appointed to select a site and report when called on. July 16th, same year,
another meeting of the congregation was held at Danville school-house, and all
persons interested in church matters were requested to attend, and their aid and
counsel were solicited. As the church was located at Danville, the Presbytery
was requested to change the name from Contra Costa Presbyterian Church to
Danville Presbyterian Church.

   The congregation adjourned, to meet June 23d, 4 o'clock p. M., at Danville.
According to appointment, the congregation met at the Danville School-house, and
elected the following persons Trustees of Danville Presbyterian Church, to wit,
J. J. Kerr, R. O. Baldwin and David Glass. After adjournment, the Trustees met,
and elected J. J. Kerr, President and R. O. Baldwin, Treasurer. In accordance
with the laws of California, articles of incorporation were filed at once;
Charles Giddis, Architect of San Francisco, submitted a plan and specifications
to the Trustees, which were accepted, and the building was let to C. E. Dunchu,
at the sum of $3,000. As Brother Verrue's term would expire in December, it was
thought proper to make arrangements to have it supplied. It was thought by many
that the religious element of the community could be so combined as to unite in
the support of one minister. A meeting of the citizens was called; an invitation
was extended to all, male and female, to meet at Danville School-house, August
29, 1875, to consider this subject. At that meeting there was a general
attendance, and great unanimity prevailed; and as no one denomination could give
a minister a competent support, it was "Resolved, to unite on the one who got
the largest number of votes." And to remove all difficulties in reference to
salary, and definitely settle this matter at the beginning, it was "Resolved, to
place on the ballot the amount each one was willing to give; and no matter who
was elected, the voter was bound to pay this amount to the pastor elect." The
ballot was cast, and Reverend R. S. Symington, of San Jose Presbytery, was
elected pastor. Since the appointments heretofore had been scattered over a wide
scope of country, and had consequently accomplished very little for the cause of
Christ, it was "Resolved, that when the church building is completed, the pastor
shall hold services in it every Sabbath, at 11 o'clock A. M., except the fifth
Sabbaths in the months." It was further "Resolved, that the pastor's salary be
$1,200, to be paid quarterly, in advance." When Brother Verrue closed his
connection with Danville Church, there were, in good and regular standing in it,
but thirteen members—one of this number, Brother David Hall, was soon called to
join the Church Triumphant, leaving but twelve. With this little flock scattered
far and wide, with the Herculean task of building a costly house of worship on
their hands, and not one-half of the money subscribed to pay the original
contract for building it, with strong men, thinking men, the sons of Anax all
around us, saying, "What will these feeble Jews do?" the whole field wore a
gloomy aspect. But the precious promise, "Fear not, little flock, it is the
Father's good-will to give you the Kingdom," cheered the little band, and they
cheerfully worked on. There were two things especially encouraging: a live
Sunday-school, and nobody seemed discouraged. Go where you would, every man,
woman and child seemed cheered with the hopes of a bright future. On the first
day of October, 1875, the corner-stone was laid, with proper ceremonies; and on
the eighteenth day of June, 1876, the building was dedicated to the worship of
God. On a careful examination, the Trustees found they had incurred a debt of
$2,500. The congregation resolved to pay every dollar of that amount before
solemnly dedicating the house to the worship of God. On the day of dedication,
before the services commenced, a statement was made of the condition of things,
and an earnest appeal was made to the vast assembly present for help to pay the
debt—and a noble response was made. Men of ordinary means came forward, and
subscribed from $50 to $250; till all was subscribed but $165. Here they seemed
to hang. Every man had given all he could give. What could be done? Another
appeal was made. The minister was in the pulpit, ready to commence the services;
the choir was waiting to commence that grand anthem, "Lift up your heads, oh ye
gates! and the King of Glory will come in." There was a painful silence for a
few moments. A gentleman who had been watching the whole scene with marked
interest—who was a member of the Baptist church, and resided some distance from
the church—broke the silence by saying: "Clerk, tell them the debt is paid." It
thrilled, like an electric shock, the whole audience. Eyes unused to tears, wept
for joy—"and there was great rejoicing throughout all the camp of Israel." It
was the happiest day ever known in Danville. The services were peculiarly
interesting; and though the house was packed to its utmost capacity, and the
services much longer than usual, yet marked attention continued to the end.

  The building of this house of worship is an epoch in the history of this
church. It locates the interests of this people. It is a home for the
Christian's soul. It is a moral educator. It stands with its spire constantly
pointing to Heaven, every day bearing its silent testimony for God. Every
traveler marks it. Every journal in the land notices it. Every pious man seeking
a home is influenced by it.

  The session of the church, anxious to harmonize the whole community, made an
appointment at San Ramon, a village three miles from Danville and as the Sabbath
School met every Sabbath at eleven o'clock, they made the appointment at ten
o'clock there, and at twelve o'clock at Danville. This seemed to satisfy all
parties, and the work went on smoothly for two years, and the "Lord added to the
church daily such as shall be saved." In September, 1877, a meeting was held in
Cox's Grove, and seven persons joined the church, and a good religious
impression was made on the surrounding community. At the close of the second
year the session thought that the interests of the church demanded a different
arrangement. The congregation at Danville seemed lessening, interest in the
Sabbath School was going down and they felt that something must be done. They
therefore resolved to change the hour for services at Danville, from twelve to
eleven o'clock, in accordance with the original resolutions made when they
determined to build a house of worship, and make the appointment at San Ramon
school-house at any time in the day except eleven o'clock. This did not meet the
wishes of the people of that vicinity, and six persons asked for letters of
dismission, which were granted. After some time they organized a Methodist
church and their connection with this church ceased. This cast a gloom over the
whole Church. A short time after this five of the remaining members asked and
received letters of dismission to unite in organizing a Presbyterian church at
Walnut Creek, thus cutting down our membership to a mere handful again. In their
discouragement the session called a meeting of the church, March 12, 1879, for
consultation and prayer to Almighty God for wisdom and help. Up to this time
there had been no Deacons in the church. It was determined therefore to elect
and ordain one Elder and two Deacons. The ballot was cast in favor of V. Craig,
Elder, and J. T. Heed and Hugh Wiley, Deacons, and on the following Sabbath they
were ordained. They also resolved to hold a protracted meeting in the following
September, and in the meantime to pray for the special influence of the Holy
Spirit upon the people. At a meeting of the Session April 6,1879, the following
question, sent down from the General Assembly to the Presbyteries, was
discussed, to wit, "Shall representation to the General assembly be reduced?"
Our representative to the Presbytery was instructed to vote in the negative. The
protracted meeting commenced September 27, 1879. A pavilion consisting of a
kitchen and dining-room was constructed, two-China cooks were employed. Mrs. A.
Hemme presented the church with four full sets of table furniture, a
cooking-stove and apparatus, the people supplying provisions.

   Lunch was served every day at twelve o'clock, and for those who resided at a
distance, arrangements were made for tea and remaining all night. Services
commenced at eleven o'clock. At one o'clock, Praise meeting in the audience
room; young people's meeting in one of the parlors of the church, and female
prayer meeting in the parsonage, and public services at seven and a half
o'clock, P. M. This meeting continued twenty days. Twenty-six persons united
with the church. Christians were greatly revived, and the whole community
greatly improved. These meetings have been continued every year since and with
like results. To this people this is the Feast of the Tabernacle. An impetus was
given at this meeting that carried the church over its embarrassments, and from
that time forward to the present its condition has been uniformly prosperous.
The Board of Home Missions kindly assisted this church till 1879, when it
declared itself self-supporting. In 1880 J. T. Reed returned to the Eastern
States, leaving but one Deacon to attend to the financial business of the
church. On the 7th of November, 1880, the congregation met after due notice had
been given, and elected R. 0. Baldwin, to the office of Deacon, and on the
following Sabbath he was duly ordained.

   The present pastor, Rev. R. S. Symington, commenced his labors January 1,
1876. At that time there were thirteen members in good and regular standing in
the church. The foundation of the church edifice was laid; a subscription of
fifteen hundred dollars was all that could be raised to pay a debt of
thirty-five hundred. Since that time (a period of six years and four months) the
building has been completed, the debt paid, the church furnished, carpeted and
cushioned. The Session has received to communion in the church one hundred and
twelve persons, eighty of this number have been upon examination, thirty-two by
letter, (some of those received upon examination had once been members of some
church, but had lost their standing as members). Of this number twenty-three
have received letters of dismission, three have died, and seven have left the
country. In all this success they acknowledge the hand of God.

   DANVILLE GRANGE, No. 85, PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY.—This Lodge was organized by
Worthy Deputy R. G. Dean, October 1, 1873, with the following lady and gentlemen
members: Mrs. Jonathan Hoag, Mrs. Sallie Boone, Mrs. Charles Wood, Mrs. J. M.
Jones, Mrs. S. Labaree, Mrs. R. B. Love, Miss Olivia Labaree, Miss Lizzie Stern,
Miss Hattie Van Patten, Miss Frances P. Rice, Jonathan Hoag, A. W. Stone,
Charles Wood, D. A. Sherburne, Wade Hayes, R. O. Baldwin, Leonard Eddy, R. B.
Love, William Bell, J. B. Sydnor, J. J. Kerr, Isaac Russell, Thomas Flournoy,
John Stern, W. W. Cox, Francis Matteson, D. A. Caldwell, John Camp, Hugh Wiley,
James O. Boone. We have been unable to procure the names of the first officers
of this Grange, but those of the present are: D. N. Sherburne, Master; James M.
Stone, Overseer; Charles Wood, Secretary; M. W. Hall, Steward; S. D. More,
Assistant Steward; R. S. Symington, Chaplain; R. O. Baldwin, Treasurer; C. E.
Howard, Secretary; S. F. Ramage, Gatekeeper; Mrs. C. E. Howard, Ceres; Mrs. S.
Labaree, Pomona; Mrs. W. Z. Stone, Flora; Miss Olivia Labaree, Lady Assistant
Steward.

  LAFAYETTE.—This hamlet was founded by Hon. Elam Brown on his arrival in the
district in 1847; that is to say, that he built the first among the cluster of
houses that now make up the village, but it was left to Mr. Shreve to give to
the place the name it now bears. That gentleman, passing through the village in
the year 1852, was induced to remain among them, and taught the school there
during the Winter of 1852-53, presumably one of the first in the county; while
here, too, at a very early date, were laid out a cemetery, and a church built.

  In 1853, Milo J. Hough, at present residing near Walnut Creek, settled in
Lafayette, and built a hotel there in that year, which he conducted until his
removal in 1855. Here, too, in 1853, was erected the first grist mill in the
county. Mr. Brown, feeling that the journeys to San Jose with grist were
somewhat of an undertaking, purchased a horse-power mill at Benicia, and
transporting it to Lafayette, placed it on the site now occupied by the store
and residence of Benjamin Shreve. The building was destroyed by fire in the year
1864.

  The life of Lafayette, like most of the other small towns in the county, has
been principally composed of prosperity and adversity. Stories are told of the
days when the thoroughfares were lined with teams from the redwoods, whose
drivers spent their hardly earned money with reckless profusion. It had some
instinctive feeling for the necessities appertaining to a town; blacksmith's
shops were duly opened, houses of entertainment sprang up as if by magic, while
a taste for culture developed itself. On January 21, 1860, the Lafayette Library
Association was organized, but we much fear that the society has long ago died a
natural death. With the promise of a railroad at no very distant date, it is
thought the prospects are brighter; while we feel certain that were its beauties
known, and its locality more easy of access, Lafayette would become a Summer
resort second to none in California.

   SAN RAMON.—This is the name given to the Post-office at what is usually known
as the village of Limerick, which we believe also once rejoiced in the name of
Lynchville. It is situated in the lovely San Ramon valley, near its head, in the
extreme south of the county, three miles above Danville, and eight from
Hayward's in Alameda county.

   The first house erected in the village is that now occupied by George
McCamley; it was built by John White in the year 1852, and remained there in
solitary grandeur until a man named Eli Brewin constructed a blacksmith's shop
on the site now occupied by J. H. Dutcher. About the same time, which was in
1857, Reuben Harris put up a building which was destroyed by fire in 1880, while
a Doctor Caldwell, who afterwards moved to San Jose, erected a frame house to
the south of the creek. He disposed of this fabric to a man named Slankard.

   On April 22, 1860, we find that the Catholic Church was dedicated with
appropriate ceremonies—its Patron being St. Ramon; while, in or about 1863-4,
Peter E. Peel opened a store, which he afterwards sold to one Con-way. In 1864,
J. D. Horan built the house now occupied by James Barrett, and, in 1867, the
handsome new school-house was completed. The building is in size forty-six by
twenty-six feet, with walls that give a clear height of thirteen feet.

   WALNUT CREEK.—A dozen miles from the county seat, and situated near the
northern end of the San Ramon valley, lies, sequestered in the vale, surrounded
by mountains, and overlooked by the beetling cliffs of Diablo, the beautiful
village of Walnut Creek, the most thriving of all the smaller towns in the county.

   We have seen that, in 1849, William Slusher built a small cabin near where
the present Walnut Creek House stands. In 1852 he had already sold it to George
Thorn, and when William Wells arrived in the country it was the only place with
a roof to it in what is now Walnut Creek. The next house to go up was the hotel,
built in 1855, by Milo J. Hough, who had come over from Lafayette. It stood on
the north side of the creek, at the entrance to the town, was called the Walnut
Creek House, and was burnt down April 3, 1867. It occupied the lot where now the
Widow Shannon resides. The third house to be erected was one by Thorn, who had
abandoned the Slusher place and built the premises now occupied by Thomas E.
Middleton, but in what year we have not been able to discover.

   In the hotel, which was twenty-four by forty feet, Mr. Hough conducted the
first store in Walnut Creek, and in the following year opened a blacksmith's shop.

   How a village came to be started at this point, we are informed, was in this
wise: it was the point where the great arteries of communication converged. Here
the principal thoroughfares from the valleys of the interior crossed the road
from Martinez to San Jose, Oakland and San Francisco. The land belonged to the
above-named George Thorn who sold it to Penniman, who, about the year 1860,
changed the county road, which then followed the sinuosities of the creek, and
opened the main street. He also offered lots for sale, which were soon
purchased, and thus was the pretty little town firmly launched into a premanent
existence.

   In or about 1859, a man named Searles opened a store in the village, and in
1861 or 1862, McDonald & Whetmore established their mercantile business where
now stands the Walnut Creek House. In 1863, or thereabouts, Lawrence G. Peel
opened his store and conducted it until 1869, when he died, and his
establishment was purchased by Albert Sherburne. It stood on the ground now
occupied by Antone Silva; indeed, the old store, with its former internal
fixtures, may still be seen there.

   The little town would appear to have progressed during its first years; in
point of fact these were its most prosperous times. It became in 1864 the centre
of a considerable staging business. Through here Brown & Co's conveyances to San
Ramon ran in connection with those to Oakland; while in 1867, during the general
excitement in regard to railroad building, it was here that the principal
meetings to further the scheme were held. On May 12,1872, the Methodist
Episcopal church was dedicated, while, in regard to the schools, the earliest we
have been able to learn about, was one which stood in 1857 on land now owned by
Mrs. Hargreaves.

   From the publications of the time, we glean the following distressing
catastrophe, which may be thought worthy of record, and is here produced so that
our younger readers may be reminded of the dangers that may attend the use of
fire-arms by those who are of not sufficient age to fully realize the risks they
incur to themselves, and the dangers in which their fellows may be placed by
their want of due caution and lack of experience.

   On Monday, September 22, 1873, two step-sons of I. T. Sherman, Colonel and
Lincoln Grant, the former thirteen and the latter ten years of age, were finding
amusement in firing an old pistol at a mark near the bridge, a few yards from
Walnut Creek village. The younger boy, Lincoln, was to shoot in his turn, but
the cap missed fire; and the elder, Colonel, was assisting in putting on a fresh
cap, the younger lad holding the butt of the pistol, and at the same time
holding the hammer back with his finger, as, from some defect, it was not
self-holding when set back. While thus engaged, the older boy, Colonel, having
hold of the barrel of the pistol with one hand, and with the other placing the
cap on the nipple, the hammer escaped from the finger-hold of the younger boy,
and the pistol was discharged, the ball entering the abdomen of the elder, from
the effects of which the poor lad died that same day, to the intense grief of
his bereaved relatives.

   Fire, that fell destroyer, once more visited the vicinity of our beautiful
little town in 1875. On the last day of that year, the dwelling of Dr. Rowan, at
Bareges springs, succumbed to the devouring element. The Doctor had gone to
Walnut Creek, and, while there, was attracted by smoke in the direction of his
house. He started for home at once, to find on his arrival his all in ashes.
Thanks to generous hearts, however, a subscription for his relief was
immediately set on foot, and before long a handsome sum realized.

   These are the chief incidents that have occurred in Walnut Creek since its
commencement, so far as we have been able to gather. To-day it is one of the
most charming localities on the Pacific Coast, and for it we predict a great
future. We can safely assert that depression in business is not everlasting.
With facilities for rapid communication with San Francisco, Walnut Creek must
become a place of resort; it has the best climate within ken of the Bay of San
Francisco; it is, even now, but from two to three hours by stage from Oakland;
while, when the country is opened up by the promised line of railroad through
the valley, we shall have spring up a host of pleasure-seekers in one of the
most delightful districts in California.

   ALAMO LODGE, No. 122, F. AND A. M.—This Lodge was formally opened Under
Dispensation, January 9, 1858, and a Charter granted to it by the Grand Lodge on
May 13th of the same year. The Charter Members and officers Under Dispensation
were: John E. Mitchell, W. M.; F. Vanderventer, S. W.; I. N. B. Mitchell, J. W.;
S. Maupin, Secretary; John C. O'Brien, Treasurer; I. N. Morgan, S. D.; J. T.
Flippin, J. D.; William Wyatt, Tyler. On the granting of the Charter, the
following were the officers chosen: John E. Mitchell, W. M.; S. Maupin, S. W.;
I. N. B. Mitchell, J. W.; G. W. Gobell, Secretary; J. M. White, Treasurer; J. T.
Flippin, S. D.; J. C. O'Brien, J. D.; J. L. Labaree, Tyler. The membership of
the Lodge, which is in a very flourishing condition, is fifty-five, while its
officers for the current term are: J. M. Hinman, W. M.; A. Williams, S. W.; C.
Sharp, J. W.; E. L. Baker, S. D.; W. E. Hook, J. D.; J. S. Huntington,
Treasurer; J. B. Sydnor, Secretary; J. M. Wilson, Farmer Sanford, Stewards; G.
W. Yoakum, Marshal; N. Graber, Tyler. The day of meeting is on Saturday of, or
after full moon.

  This Lodge was first started in the town of Alamo, where it had a handsome
brick building. The edifice was destroyed by the earthquake of October 21, 1868,
when permission was granted to the Brethren by the Grand Lodge to remove to
Danville. Here, February 29, 1869, they held their first meeting, and Under
Dispensation, dated January 4, 1873, moved to Walnut Creek, first rented a house
where they met, until the present Lodge was built. The first meeting in the new
building was held November 23, 1878.

  MOUNT DIABLO LODGE, No. 91, A. O. U. W.—Was instituted April, 4, 1879, with
the following Charter Members:—A. G. Annis, M. L. Gray, J. M. Wilson, Thomas
Johnson, J. E. Rockwell, M. M. Shuey, M. Kirsch, C. Sharp, Robert Thomson, P.
Thomson, Charles Thompson, James Hammond, Farmer Sanford, J. E. Pearson, J. M.
Simpson, John McCullough, Henry Miller, Charles Niner, D. E. Cameron. The first
officers were: M. L. Gray, P. M. W.; J. M. Wilson, M. W.; Thomas Johnson, F.; M.
Kirsch, O.; James Hammond, Recorder; Farmer Sanford, Financier; M. M. Shuey,
Receiver; A. G. Annis, G.; J. E. Rockwell, I. W.; R. Thomson, O. W. The lodge,
which is in a flourishing condition, has a membership of seventy, while the
officers for the current term are: C. Sharp, P. M. W.; T. Middleton, M. W.;
James Hammond, F.; W. A. Rodgers, O.; E. S. Moore, Recorder; J. M. Wilson,
Financier; H. S. Shuey, Receiver; M. Kirsch, G.; E. Ford, I. W.; Frank Webb, O.
W. The lodge meets at their hall in Walnut Creek, at the corner of Main and
Bonanza streets, on Friday of each week. The hall is thirty-six by sixty feet,
and well-appointed. To this lodge is the honor of being the first in the State
of California, in the Ancient Order of United Workmen, to own its own building.

  BAYLEAF LODGE No. 7, DEGREE OF HONOR.—Was instituted April 6, 1881, with the
undermentioned charter members: J. M. Wilson, Mrs. M. J. Wilson, G. W. Yoakum,
Mrs. R. A. Yoakum, T. E. Middleton, Mrs. T. E. Middleton, J. M. Stow, Mrs. Alice
Stow, T. E. Moore, Mrs. Nellie Moore, E. L. Baker, M. Kirsch, Mrs. M. Kirsch,
Thomas Johnson, Mrs. T. Johnson, E. Ford, Mrs. E. Ford, Charles Niner, Mrs.
Charles Niner, C. Sharp, Mrs. C. Sharp, Miss May Lawless, M. E. Hook, Robert
Jones, Mrs. Nettie Jones, Mrs. W. Renwick, Fred. L. Foster, H. S. Shuey, Mrs. H.
S. Shuey, J. E. Worden, Mrs. J. E. Worden, H. M. Waterbury, James Hammond, David
E. Cameron, Mrs. D. E. Cameron, Mrs. Mattie Slitz, Miss Lizzie Frazer, Walter A.
Rogers. The first officers to serve were: Mrs. Thomas Johnson, P. W. S. of H.;
Mrs. H. S. Shuey, W. S. of H.; Mrs. R. A. Yoakum, S. of H.; Miss May Lawless,
Secretary; Mrs. J. M. Wilson, Treasurer; Mrs. M. Kirsch, S. of C.; Mrs. E. S.
Moore, S. U; M. Kirsch, I. W.; F. L. Foster, O. W. The Lodge, which is in a
flourishing condition and numbers thirty-seven members, has for its present
officers: Mrs. H. S. Shuey, P. W. S. of H; Mrs. G. W. Yoakum, W. S. of H.; Mrs.
E. S. Moore, S. of H.; Mrs. Lizzie Frazer, Secretary; Mrs. J. M. Wilson,
Treasurer; Mrs. M. Kirsch, S. of C.; Mrs. E. Ford, S. U.; M. Kirsch, I. W.; G.
W. Yoakum, O. W. The Lodge meets on the first and third Monday of each month, at
the A. O. U. W. Hall.

   WOODBINE CHAPTER, No. 43, ORDER OF EASTERN STAR.—Was instituted May 8, 1880,
with the undermentioned charter members: A. Sherburne, W. S. Burpee, Farmer
Sanford, A. Williams, I. E. Baker, G. W. Yoakum, N. Graber, J. Zable, John
Simms, John Atkinson, J. M. Hinman, Mrs. B. B. Hinman, Mrs. C. L. Sherburne, J.
M. Wilson, Mrs. R. A. Yoakum, Mrs. M. J. Wilson, Mrs. M. L. Burpee, Miss Minnie
Sanford, Mrs. F. Sanford, Mrs. J. Zable, Miss Laura Zable. The first officers
who served were: J. M. Hinman, W. P.; Mrs. B. B. Hinman, W. M.; Mrs. C. L.
Sherburne, A.M.; J. M. Wilson, Secretary; Arthur Williams, Treasurer; Mrs. R. A.
Yoakum, Conductress; Mrs. M. J. Wilson, Assistant Conductress; Mrs. M. L.
Burpee, Ada; Mrs. F. Sanford, Ruth; Miss Minnie Sanford, Esther; Miss Laura
Zable, Martha; Mrs. M. A. Williams, Electa; John Atkinson, Warder; N. Graber,
Sentinel. The Lodge, which is in a flourishing condition, has a present
membership of thirty-two, while the officers now serving are: C. Sharp, W. P.;
Mrs. R. A. Yoakum, W. M.; Mrs. C. L. Sherburne, A. W.; W. S. Burpee, Secretary;
A. Williams, Treasurer; Mrs. M. C. Burpee, Conductress; Mrs. M. C. Sharp,
Assistant Conductress; Mrs. B. B. Hinman, Ada; Miss Lydia Hinman, Ruth; Mrs.
Minnie Middleton, Esther; Mrs. M. J. Wilson, Martha; Mrs. L. A. Williams,
Electa; A. Sherburne, Warder; N. Graber, Sentinel. Meets at the Masonic Hall, on
the second and fourth Tuesday in each month.

   TWILIGHT LODGE, No. 331,1. O. G. T.—This lodge was instituted June 10, 1880,
with the following charter members: Rev. J. M. Hinman, Mrs. B. B. Hinman, Miss
L. B. Hinman, H. Steele, Mrs. L. A. Steele, Miss Alice Trevits, Miss Florence
Trevits, Miss Katie Shannon, Miss Lydia Himnan, Frank Stone, T. J. Dunnagan, L.
S. Jones. The first officers were: Mrs. B. B. Hinman, W. C. T.; Miss Florence
Trevits, W. V. T.; Miss Katie Sherman, W. Chaplain; Miss Lydia Hinman, W.
Secretary; Frank Stone, W. Fin. Sec.; Miss F. Trevits, W. Treasurer; Miss Alice
Trevits, W. Marshall; T. J. Dunnagan, W. I. G.; L. S. Jones, W. 0. G.; Rev. J.
M. Hinman, P. W. C. T. The membership at present is forty-nine. The lodge meets
every Monday evening, and is in a flourishing condition, while the officers for
the current term are: H. S. Raven, W. C. T.; Miss M. E. Murry, W. V. T.; B.
Galloway, W. Secretary: N. Graber, W. Fin. Sec.; Miss Lydia Hinman, W.
Treasurer; A. E. Hodges, W. Marshall; J. Larkey, W. I. G.; J. Dunnagan, W. O.
G.; Mrs. B. B. Hinman, W. Chaplain; Miss Artie Stone, W. R. H. S.; Miss Katie
Shannon, W. L. H. S.; Miss Mamie Baker, W. Asst. Sec.; Miss Minnie Putnam, W.
Asst. Marshall; Rev. J. M. Hinman, P. W. C. T.

  THE BAREGES SULPHUR SPRINGS.—These springs are situated near the town of
Walnut Creek, in the Ygnacio valley, and are the property of John Denkinger.
When they were discovered we know not, but in 1875, Dr. Rowan, the then
proprietor, had a residence on the spot which was destroyed by fire in that
year, since when no building for the entertainment of guests has been
constructed. Bath-houses, however, there are, which are open to the public on
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The medical and curative virtues of these waters
are well established, and their chemical analysis is identical with that of the
waters of the world-famous Bareges springs of the Spanish Pyrenees. They are
situated in one of the most charming rural neighborhoods of the State, and
easily accessible from all directions.


Additional Comments:
Extracted from:

HISTORY OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY,
CALIFORNIA,
INCLUDING ITS GEOGRAPHY, GEOLOGY, TOPOGRAPHY, CLIMATOGRAPHY AND DESCRIPTION;
TOGETHER WITH A RECORD OF THE MEXICAN GRANTS; THE BEAR FLAG WAR; THE MOUNT
DIABLO COAL FIELDS; THE EARLY HISTORY AND SETTLEMENT, COMPILED FROM THE MOST
AUTHENTIC SOURCES; THE NAMES OF ORIGINAL SPANISH AND MEXICAN PIONEERS; FULL
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY OF THE COUNTY; SEPARATE HISTORY OF EACH TOWNSHIP, SHOWING
THE ADVANCE IN POPULATION AND AGRICULTURE;
ALSO,
Incidents of Pioneer Life; and Biographical Sketches
OF EARLY AND PROMINENT SETTLERS AND REPRESENTATIVE MEN;
AMD OF ITS TOWNS, VILLAGES, CHURCHES, SECRET SOCIETIES, ETC.
ILLUSTRATED.
SAN FRANCISCO: W. A. SLOCUM & CO., PUBLISHERS
1882.




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