Sonoma County CA Archives History - Books .....Legislative History Of Sonoma County 1880
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Book Title: History Of Sonoma County

THE LEGISLATIVE HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY.
ITS ORGANIZATION AND POLITICAL HISTORY.

   THE ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY.—The first organization of counties in the
United States originated in Virginia, her early settlers becoming proprietors of
vast amounts of land, living apart in patrician splendor, imperious in demeanor,
aristocratic in feeling, and being in a measure dictators to the laboring
portion of the population. It will thus be remarked that the materials for the
creation of towns were not at hand, voters being but sparsely distributed over a
great area. The county organization was, moreover, in perfect accord with the
traditions and memories of the judicial and social dignities of Great Britain,
in descent from whom they felt so much glory. In 1634 eight counties were
established in Virginia, a lead which was followed by the Southern and several
of the Northern States, save in those of South Carolina and Louisiana, where
districts were outlined in the former, and parishes, after the manner of the
French, in the latter.

   In New England, towns were formed before counties, while counties were
organized before States. Originally, the towns, or townships, exercised all the
powers of government swayed by a State. The powers afterward assumed by the
State governments were from surrender or delegation on the part of towns.
Counties were created to define the jurisdiction of Courts of Justice. The
formation of States was a union of towns, wherein arose the representative
system; each town being represented in the State Legislature, or General Court,
by delegates chosen by the freemen of the towns at their stated meetings. The
first town meeting of which we can find any direct evidence, was held by the
congregation of the Plymouth Colony, on March 23, 1621, for the purpose of
perfecting military arrangements. At that meeting a Governor was elected for the
ensuing year; and it is noticed as a coincidence, whether from that source or
otherwise, that the annual town meetings in New England, and nearly all the
other States, have ever since been held in the Spring of the year. It was not,
however, until 1635, that the township system was adopted as a quasi corporation
in Massachusetts.

   The first legal enactment concerning this system provided that whereas:
"Particular towns have many things which concern only themselves, and the
ordering of their own affairs, and disposing of business in their own towns;
therefore the freemen of every town, or the major part of them, shall only have
power to dispose of their own lands and woods, with all the appurtenances of
said towns; to grant lots and to make such orders as may concern the well
ordering of their own towns, not repugnant to the laws and orders established by
the General Court. They might also impose fines of not more than twenty
shillings, and choose their own particular officers, as constables, surveyors
for the highways, and the like." Evidently this enactment relieved the General
Court of a mass of municipal details, without any danger to the powers of that
body in controlling general measures of public policy. Probably, also, a demand^
from the freemen of the towns was felt, for the control of their own home concerns.

   The New England colonies were first governed by a "General Court," or
Legislature, composed of a Governor and small council, which court consisted of
the most influential inhabitants, and possessed and exercised, both legislative
and judicial powers, which were limited only by the wisdom of the holders. They
made laws, ordered their execution, elected their own officers, tried and
decided civil and criminal causes, enacted all manner of municipal regulations;
and, in fact, transacted all the business of the colony.

   This system which was found to be eminently successful, became general* as
territory was added to the Republic, and States formed. Smaller divisions were
in turn inaugurated and placed under the jurisdiction of special officers, whose
numbers were increased as time developed a demand, until the system of Township
organization in the United States is a matter of just pride to her people.

   Let us now consider this topic in regard to the especial subject under review:

   On the acquisition of California by the government of the United States,
under a treaty of peace, friendship, limits, and settlement with the Mexican
Republic, dated Guadalupe Hidalgo, February 2, 1848, the boundaries of the State
were defined. This treaty was ratified by the President of the United States, on
March 16, 1848; exchanged at Queretaro, May 30th, and finally promulgated July
4th, of the same year, by President Polk, and attested by Secretary of State,
James Buchanan. In 1849 a Constitutional Convention was assembled in Monterey,
and at the close of the session, on October 12th, a proclamation calling upon
the people to form a government was issued "to designate such officers as they
desire to make and execute the laws; that their choice may be wisely made, and
that the government so organized may secure the permanent welfare and happiness
of the people of the new State, is the sincere and earnest wish of the present
executive, who, if the Constitution be ratified, will with pleasure, surrender
his powers to whomsoever the people may designate as his successor." This
historical document bore the signatures of "B. Riley, Bvt. Brig. General U. S.
A., and Governor of California, and official—H. W. Halleck, Bvt. Capt. and
Secretary of State."

   In accordance with Section fourteen of Article twelve of the Constitution it
was provided that the State be divided into counties, and Senatorial and
Assembly districts, while the first session of the Legislature, which began at
San Jose, on December 15, 1849, passed, on February 18, 1850, "An Act
subdividing the State into counties and establishing seats of justice therein."
This act was finally confirmed, April 25, 1851, and directed the boundaries of
Sonoma county to be as follows:—

   "Beginning on the sea-coast, at the mouth of Russian river, and following up
the middle of said river to its source in the range of mountains called
Mayacmas; thence in a direct line to the northwestern corner of Napa county;
thence down and along the western boundary of Napa county to its termination in
Carnero mountains; thence in a direct line to the nearest point of Carnero
creek; thence down said creek to its entrance into Napa river; thence down the
middle of Napa river to its mouth, excluding the island called Signor, or Mare
Island; thence due south to the north line of Contra Costa county; thence down
the middle of said bay to the corner of Marin county 1 thence following the
boundary of said county to Petaluma creek; thence up said creek, following the
boundary of Marin county, to the ocean, and three miles theiein; thence in a
northerly direction parallel with the coast to a point opposite the mouth of
Russian river, and thence to said river which was the place of beginning." It
was ordered that Sonoma should be the seat of justice.

   Prior to this time the county had been included in the District of Sonoma, a
division which had originated with the Mexican authorities during their power,
and that included all the counties now between the bay of San Francisco and the
Oregon line, west of the Sacramento river; it had not been interfered with on
the accession of American rule,-but retained the official designation given to
it by the Spaniards.

   On April 11, 1850, An Act of the Legislature was passed organizing a Court of
Sessions, which defined its composition as follows:—

   The Court consisted of the County Judge, who should preside at its sessions,
assisted by two Justices of the Peace of the county as Associate Justices, they
being chosen by their brother justices from out of the whole number elected for
the county. The duties imposed upon this organization were multifarious. They
made such orders respecting the property of the county as they deemed expedient,
in conformity with any law of the State, and in them were vested the care and
preservation of said property. They examined, settled, and allowed all accounts
chargeable against the county; directed the raising of such sums for the
defraying of all expenses and charges against the county, by means of taxation
on property, real and personal, such not to exceed, however, the one-half of the
tax levied by the State on such property; to examine and audit the accounts of
all officers having the care, management, collection, and disbursement of any
money belonging to the county, or appropriated by law, or otherwise, for its use
and benefit. In them was the power of control and management of public roads,
turnpikes, fences, canals, roads and bridges within the county, where the law
did not prohibit such jurisdiction, and make such orders as should be requisite
and necessary to carry such control and management into effect-to divide the
county into townships, and to create new townships, and change the division of
the same as the convenience of the county should require. They established and
changed election precincts; controlled and managed the property, real and
personal, belonging to the county, and purchased and received donations of
property for the use of the county, with this proviso, that they should not have
the power to purchase any real or personal property, except such as should be
absolutely necessary for the use of the county. To sell and cause to be
conveyed, any real estate, goods, or chattels belonging to the county,
appropriating the funds of such sale to the use of the same. To cause to be
erected and furnished, a Court-house, jail, and other buildings, and to see that
the same are kept in repair, and otherwise to perform all such other duties as
should be necessary to the full discharge of the powers conferred on such court.
Terms were ordered to be held on the second Monday of February, April, June,
August, October, and December, with quarterly sessions on the third Monday of
February, May, August, and November of each year.

   No records are to be found of how the county was partitioned at this date;
but it is presumed that it had been divided into four townships, viz: Petaluma,
Sonoma, Russian River, and Bodega. At any rate, we know that, in 1856,
the-county was apportioned into the townships of Sonoma, Vallejo, Petaluma,
Analy, Santa Rosa, Russian River, Mendocino, Washington, Bodega, within the
present boundaries, and Ukiah and Big River, in what is now Mendocino county.

   By the Act of April 25, 1851, Mendocino was ordered to be attached, for
judicial and revenue purposes, to Sonoma county, until a county government
should be organized; but it was not until March 11, 1859, that an Act was passed
by the Legislature defining its boundaries and fixing its duties, the same
enactment defining its southern boundary, and consequently the north--ern limit
of Sonoma as the Valhalla river.

   Though a thorough search of the archives of Sonoma has been made, no trace of
the boundary lines of townships can be found until the year 1867, when the
county was partitioned as follows:—

   Analy.—Commencing at the junction of the Laguna with Mark West creek: thence
down Mark West creek to Russian river; thence down Russian river to the mouth of
"Dutch Bill's creek;" thence up said creek to its intersection with the
quarter-section line dividing Section 27, T. 7 N., R. 10 W.; thence east on said
quarter-section line to the range line between townships nine and ten west;
thence south to the south line of the Jonive rancho; thence east one half mile;
thence south on quarter-section line to the north line of the Rancho Canada de
Pocolome; thence westerly on the north line of said rancho to the range line
aforesaid; thence due south on saidline to the Estero Americano or county line;
thence southeasterly along the county line to the Rancho Laguna de San Antonio;
thence northeasterly on the northerly line of said rancho to the easterly line
of the Blucher Rancho; thence north along the east line of Blucher Rancho, to
the southwest corner of Lot No. 28 of the Rancho Roblas de la Miseria; thence
due east to the Cotate line; thence on the Cotate line to its most westerly
corner; thence northeasterly on the Cotate line to the middle of Section
twenty-two; thence west one-half mile to the Petaluma and Santa Rosa road;
thence north to the Laguna; thence down said Laguna to the place of beginning.

   Bodega.—Commencing at the mouth of "Dutch Bill's creek" on Russian River;
thence up said creek to its intersection with the quarter-section line dividing
Section 27, T. 7 N., R. 10 W.; thence east on said quarter-section line to the
range line between Townships nine and ten west; thence south on said range line
to the south line of the Jonive Rancho; thence east one half mile; thence south,
on quarter-section line to the north line of the Rancho Canada de Pocolome;
thence westerly along the north line of said Rancho to the range line aforesaid;
thence due south along said range line to the Estero Americano, or county line;
thence down said Estero Americano to the Pacific Ocean; thence up the coast
northerly to the mouth of Russian river; thence up said river to the place of
beginning.

   Cloverdale. — Commencing at the north-easterly corner of Sonoma county;
thence south-westerly on a straight line to the most northerly corner of the
Tzabaco Rancho; thence along the line of the Tzabaco Rancho across Russian river
to the most southerly corner of the Rancho Musalacon; thence in a westerly
direction following the line of the Tzabaco Rancho to the top of the divide
between Russian river and Dry creek: theme in a north-westerly direction
following the top of said divide to the Prichett mountain; thence nearly west to
the junction of Smith creek with Dry creek; thence north-easterly following the
divide between said creeks to a point due south of the junction of Peter's creek
with Dry creek; thence due north to the said junction; thence northerly
following Peter's creek to the county line; thence following the county line
easterly to the place of beginning.

   Mendocino.—Commencing on the north-easterly line of the Sotoyome Rancho, at
or near the mill of Lamphier and Alexander; thence south-westerly along the road
leading from said mill to Russian river; thence up said river to the north line
of Township nine north, Range nine west, being at or near the north-east corner
of Section three west, along said township line to the Tzabaco Rancho line;
thence north-easterly along said rancho line to the north-east comer of the
Conolly Tract; thence north-westerly along the line separating the sold from the
unsold portion of the Tzabaco Rancho (said line being at or near the summit of
the divide separating Russian river and Dry creek ) to the northerly line of
said Rancho; thence following the top of divide between Dry creek and Russian
river north-westerly to the top of Pritchett mountain; thence nearly west to the
junction of Smith creek with the main Dry creek; thence north-westerly following
the divide between said creeks to a point due south of the junction of Peter's
creek with Dry creek-thence north to the said junction; thence northerly
following Peter's creek to the county line; thence on the county line westerly
to the head waters of the Valhalla, nearly north of Richardson's Rancho; thence
following said stream down to its junction with the first tributary west of Flat
Ridge; thence following said tributary in a south-easterly direction to its
source nearest Mount Tom; thence to the top of Mount Tom; thence due south to a
branch of the middle fork of the Valhalla south of Reagan's or Hawk Ridge;
thence up said branch to the top of the ridge dividing the waters of Dry creek
from the waters of the middle Valhalla; thence along said divide in a southerly
direction to the head waters of the middle Valhalla-thence along said divide in
a southerly direction to the head waters of the east branch of Austin's creek;
thence down said creek to Russian river-thence up said river to Bedwell's upper
line, excluding him; thence easterly on said Bedwell's upper line to the
Sotoyome Rancho line; thence northerly and westerly along the rancho line to the
place of beginning.

   Santa Rosa.—Commencing at the junction of the Laguna with Mark West creek;
thence up said creek to its intersection with the county line about twfl miles
south of Porter's; thence south-easterly on the county line to its intersection
with main Sonoma creek; thence down Sonoma creek to its intersection with the
south-easterly line of Los Guilicos Rancho about one and one-half miles
south-easterly from Adler's house; thence following said line north sixty
degree's west to the range line between six and seven west about half a mile
west of Adler's house; thence south on said range line to the south-east corner
of the north-east quarter of Section 24, T. G K. R. 7 W.; thence due west on
quarter-section lines dividing sections 24, 23, 22, 21, 20, 19 of T. 6 K, R. 7
W., and sections 24, 23, 22 of T. 6 N., R. 8 W., to the Santa Rosa and Petaluma
road via Gossages; thence north on said road to Laguna bridge; thence down the
Laguna to its junction with Mark West creek.

   Sonoma.—Commencing on the county line where the main Sonoma creek crosses the
line; thence down said creek to its intersection of the southeasterly line of
the Los Guilicos Rancho, about one and one-half miles southeasterly from Adler's
house; thence following said line north, sixty degrees west, to the range line
between Townships six and seven, about one-half mile west of Adler's house south
on said range line to its intersection with the base line of Rowe's survey of
the Petaluma Rancho near J. W. McKamy's; thence southerly along said base line
to Dennis Murray's north line; thence easterly and southerly along Murray's
boundary lines excluding Murray to Mrs. Nancy Hinkston's lands; thence easterly
and southerly along said Mrs. Hinkston's northerly and easterly lines to J.
McDevitt's land; {hence easterly to J. McDevitt's most northerly corner; thence
southerly along the easterly lines of J. McDevitt and P. H. Pharris to the
northwesterly line of Lot No. 50 of the Bihler purchase; thence southerly about
one-third of a mile to the most westerly corner of said Lot; thence southerly on
the south-westerly line of Lots Nos. 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58 of the
Bihler purchase; thence in the same direction to the mouth of Sonoma creek;
thence up said Sonoma creek to the mouth of the Huichica creek; thence up
Huichica creek to the county line; thence along the county line to the place of
beginning.

   Petaluma.—Commencing at the most southerly corner of the Cotate Rancho;
thence north-westerly on the south-westerly line of said Rancho to the most
easterly corner of Lot No. 30 of the Rancho Roblar de la Miseria; thence west,
on the southerly line of Lots Nos. 30 and 38 to the west line of said rancho,
near the south-east corner of C. E. Bartlett's land; thence south on the west
line of the Roblar Rancho to the Rancho Laguna de San Antonio; thence
south-westerly on the northerly line of the Rancho Laguna de San Antonio to the
county line; thence following the county line southeasterly to the Petaluma
creek; thence up Petaluma creek to the most westerly corner of Lot No. 312 of
the PetaluAa Rancho, being the most westerly corner of said Rancho; thence
north-easterly along the line of said Rancho to the place of beginning.

   Vallejo.—Commencing at the north-east corner of the south-east quarter of
section 24, T. 6 N., R. 7 W.; thence south on said range to its intersection
with the base line of Rowe's survey of the Petaluma Rancho, near J. "W.
McKamy's; thence southerly along said base line to Dennis Murray's north line;
thence easterly and southerly along Murray's lines, including Murray's, to Mrs.
Nancy Hinkston's land; thence easterly and southerly along said Hinkston's
northerly and easterly line to J. McDevitt's land; thence easterly to McDevitt's
most northerly comer; thence southerly along the easterly lines of McDevitt's
and P. H. Pharris' to the north-westerly line of Lot No. 50 of the Bihler
purchase; thence south-westerly about one-third of a mile to the most westerly
corner of said lot; thence southerly on the southeasterly line of lots Nos. 50,
51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58 of the Bihler purchase; thence in the same
direction to the mouth of Sonoma creek; thence following San Pablo bay around to
the mouth of Petaluma creek; thence up said creek to the north-westerly corner
of lot No. 312 of Petaluma Rancho; thence northerly on the Petaluma Rancho line
to the most southerly corner of the Cotate Rancho; thence north-westerly on said
rancho line to its intersection with the quarter-section line dividing Section
22, T. 6 N.., R.8W; thence east on quarter-section line dividing Sections 22,
23, 24 of said township, and 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 of T. 6 N., R. 7 W., to
place of beginning.

   Russian River.—Commencing at the junction of Mark West creek and Russian
River; thence up Mark West creek to its intersection with the range line between
Townships seven and eight, about one mile south of Tar-water's house; thence
north along said range line to the north-east corner of the south-east quarter
of Section one; thence due west one and one-half miles to the center of Section
two; thence north to the line of the Malcomes Rancho; thence on said rancho line
north to its intersection with main Bed-well's creek; thence down said creek to
the Sotoyome Rancho line; thence westerly on said line to the northerly line of
F. Bed well's land; thence on said Bedwell's line, including him to Russian
river; thence down said river to the place of beginning.

   Washington.—Commencing at the northerly corner of Sonoma county; thence
south-westerly on a straight line to the most northerly corner of Tzabaco
rancho, thence with said rancho line south-westerly across Russian river to the
most southerly corner of the Rancho de Musalacon; thence westerly along the line
of said Tzabaco Rancho to its intersection on or near the top of the divide
between the waters of Russian river and Dry creek, with the line separating the
unsold portion of said Tzabaco rancho from the farms on Dry creek; thence along
said separating lines in a south-easterly direction nearly on the summit of said
divide to the line between Tzabaco and Sotoyome Ran-chos at the north-east
corner of the Conolly tract; thence south-westerly along the dividing line
between said ranchos to the township line, between townships nine and ten,
north; thence along said township line due east to Russian river; thence down
said river to the ford at the most western corner of J. Wood's land; thence
along the road leading from said ford in a north-easterly direction to the line
of the Sotoyome rancho where it crosses Sausal creek near what was formerly
Jordan's mill, thence up the main and eastern branch of said Sausal creek to its
source a short distance east from the house of Ycang, thence due east to the
county line; thence north-westerly along the county line to the place of beginning.

   St Helena.—Commencing on the north-easterly line of the Sotoyome rancho where
Sausal creek crosses the same, thence up the main and eastern branch of Sausal
creek to its source a short distance east of the house of Young, thence due east
to the county line; thence south-easterly along said county line about fifteen
miles to its intersection with Mark West creek, about two miles south of
Porter's, thence following down Mark West creek, westerly to the eastern line of
Township 8 N., R. 8 W.; thence north on said township line to the north-east
corner of the south-east quarter of Section one, near Tarwater's; thence due
west one and one-half miles to the centre of Section two; thence north to the
line of Malacomes Rancho; thence on said Rancho line north to its intersection
with the Sotoyome Rancho line; thence northerly and westerly along said rancho
line to the place of beginning.

   Salt Point—Commencing on the coast of the Pacific Ocean at the mouth of the
Valhalla river; thence north-easterly on the county line to its intersection
with one of the tributaries of the north fork of the south Valhalla, being the
north-west corner of Mendocino township; thence following said stream down to
its junction with its first tributary west of Flat Ridge; thence up said
tributary in a south-easterly direction to its source nearest Mount Tom; thence
to the top of Mount Tom; thence due south to a branch of the middle fork of the
south Valhalla, south of Reagan's or Hawk Ridge; thence up said branch to the
top of the ridge dividing the waters of Dry creek from the waters of the middle
Valhalla; thence along said divide in a southerly direction to the head waters
of the east branch of Austin's creek to Russian river; thence down to the mouth
of the Valhalla, or place of beginning.

   Some years later a further change in townships took place, and those of Ocean
and Redwood established, while portions of St. Helena were absorbed by Mendocino
and Santa Rosa, and the balance given the name of Knight's Valley, making the
townships of the present day to be fourteen in number, viz.:—Analy, Bodega,
Cloverdale, Knight's Valley, Mendocino, Ocean, Petaluma, Redwood, Russian River,
Washington, Salt Point, Santa Rosa, Sonoma, Vallejo.

   In the year 1855 a change had come o'er the spirit of the governmental dream
of the county. The Court of Sessions was abolished and an act passed on March
20th, entitled "An Act to create a Board of Supervisors in the counties in this
State, and to define their duties and powers." For better reference the ninth
section of the above act is quoted in full:—

   "The Board of Supervisors shall have power and jurisdiction in their
respective counties; First, To make orders respecting the property of the
county, in conformity with any law of this State, and to take care of and
preserve such property. Second, To examine, settle, and allow all accounts
legally chargeable against the county, and to levy, for the purposes prescribed
by law, such amount of taxes on the assessed value of real and personal property
in the county, as may be authorized by law: provided the salary of the County
Judge need not be audited by the Board; but the County Auditor shall, on the
first judicial day of each month, draw his warrant on the County Treasurer in
favor of the County Judge for the amount due such Judge as salary, for the month
preceeding. Third, To examine and audit the accounts of all officers having the
care, management, collection or disbursement of any money belonging to the
county, or appropriated by law, or otherwise, for its use and benefit. Fourth,
To lay out, control and manage public roads, turnpikes, ferries, and bridges
within the county, in all cases where the law does not prohibit such
jurisdiction, and to make such orders as may be requisite and necessary to carry
its control and management into effect. Fifth, To take care of and provide for
the indigent sick of the county. Sixth, To divide the county into townships, and
to change the divisions of the same, and to create new townships, as the
convenience of the county may require. Seventh, To establish and change election
precincts, and to appoint inspectors and judges of elections. Eighth, To control
and manage, the property, real and personal, belonging to the county, and to
receive by donation any property for the use and benefit of the county. Ninth,
To lease or to purchase any real or personal property necessary for the use of
the county; 'provided no purchase of real property shall be made unless the
value of the same be previously estimated by three disinterested persons, to be
appointed for that purpose by the County Judge. Tenth, To sell at public
auction, at the Court House of the county, after at least thirty days previous
public notice, and cause to be conveyed, any property belonging to the county,
appropriating the proceeds of such sale to the use of the same. Eleventh, To
cause to be erected and furnished, a court house, jail, and such other public
buildings as may be necessary, and to keep the same in repair; provided that the
contract for building the court house, jail, and such other public buildings, be
let out at least after thirty days' previous public notice, in each case, of a
readiness to receive proposals therefor, to the lowest bidder, who will give
good and sufficient security for the completion of any contract which he may
make respecting the same; but no bid shall be accepted which the Board may deem
too high. Twelfth, To control the prosecution and defense of all suits to which
the county is a party. Thirteenth, To do any and perform all such other acts and
things as may be strictly necessary to the full discharge of the powers and
jurisdiction conferred on the Board."

   To these various duties, in themselves of a most difficult nature, were added
the onerous responsibilities of canvassers of election returns, the
investigation of bonds required to be given by newly-elected officers, and a
general superintendence of all monetary transactions in which the county,
through her officers, has any interest.

   In the year 1851, on the organization of the county, the county seat was
located at the town of Sonoma, then the most prosperous city north of the bay of
San Francisco, but in 1854, a bill was passed in the Legislature authorizing its
removal to Santa Rosa, which was done without delay and before the Sonomans
could fairly realize the effects of the contemplated change. The Sonoma Bulletin
of April 8, 1854, says: "The first intimation we had of the people's desire to
move the county seat from Sonoma to Santa Rosa was through the legislative
proceedings of March 28th, which informs us that a bill had been introduced and
passed for that purpose." The bill provided that a vote of the people should be
taken on the question of removal, and the election took place on September 6th.
The issue of the above-named periodical, printed on the 14th of that month, thus
touchingly alludes to the result: "The county seat—that's a gone or going case!
The up-country people worked furiously against us, and have come out victorious.
What majority the new seat got we are not aware; but whatever it is, why it is
as it is, which incontestable truth consoles us!" The archives were removed on
the 22d September, and steps immediately taken for the permanent location of the
county seat at Santa Rosa, a full record of which will be found in our history
of that city.

   As soon as the organization of Santa Rosa as the capital of Sonoma county was
complete, the erection of public buildings was forthwith commenced. The Court
House was built in the year 1859; while in 1871-2 the neat and substantial Hall
of Records was constructed, a description of which we here produce:

   The Hall of Records.—The outside size of the building is about thirty feet by
sixty feet, and the interior is in one room of good proportions, twenty-six feet
by fifty-six feet, or thereabouts in size on the floor. The principal entrance
at one side, facing the public square, leads through a small vestibule. Thence
entering the main room we find on the right hand a space railed off, ample in
size for the Recorder and Auditor's private office. This space contains a
Recorder's receiving desk, close by the rail, protected by glass and walnut
framing. Adjoining this is the Auditor's desk, similarly fitted up. To the rear
of them and against the wall are the racks, with pigeon holes and book spaces
for the two departments of the office, having glazed paneled doors in front,
each with drawers underneath for miscellaneous papers.

   There is also close by a small standing desk on pivots, useful for the
purpose of receiving the signatures of persons on the outside of the rail.

   At the other extreme end of the building, on the same side, is a similar
space, appropriated to the use of the copying department, fitted up with a
standing desk and a private desk, similarly railed off.

   Between the two compartments named is a large map table, with two drawers,
moving through from side to side, opening both sides of the table, giving an
opportunity to examine the contents of both drawers at one and the same time.

   The desk containing the racks for holding the books of public record for real
estate and mortgage transactions stands a little to the left or opposite side of
the building. It is about thirty-four feet long, with a row of racks on each
side of this piece of furniture running the full length of it. Every space for a
book is divided by ornamental divisions from the one adjacent. The front edge of
each at the bottom has a roller of manzanita wood, thus facilitating the
handling of the heavy books, at the same time protecting their edges from undue
wear. This is an invention of Mr. A. P. Petit, the architect, and though simple
answers its purpose admirably.

   The whole of the furniture is exceedingly appropriate to its purpose, making
one of the best fitted-up halls for public records of the State.

   The furniture is of black walnut, solid and elegant. The panels of the doors
and desks of plate glass. All receptacles have the best tumbler locks, and the
whole a credit to all parties concerned. The cabinet-makers were Johnson & Best,
of San Francisco.

   In addition to these buildings, Sonoma county possesses two institutions of
which she may well be proud; these are the hospital and county farm. Both are
under the direct control of Dr. J. B. Gordon, are well managed, and reflect much
credit upon himself and his assistants. Below we produce a sketch of the county
hospital:—

   County Hospital.—This building was completed and handed over to the Board of
Supervisors in the month of December, 1866. It is situated in that portion of
the city of Santa Rosa known as Green's addition, and is fully equal to any
public building of its kind, outside of San Francisco, to be found in the State.

   The foundation is composed of cement; lime and gravel manipulated and rammed
into trenches, two feet wide and eighteen inches deep; on the east side is a
cellar, ten by fourteen feet, eight feet deep, walled with brick, stairs leading
to pantry. The size of the building is forty-six feet, front and rear, by
forty-two feet deep, with building in rear twenty by twenty-five feet, used as
wash and wood house. The first floor is set up four feet above grade of lot. The
first story is twelve feet high, the second eleven feet all clear. First story
contains a hall, eight feet wide, through the center of the building; on the
east side is a ward for females, with bath room adjoining, supplied with warm
and cold water; on the west side is a dining room, and three rooms for the use
of the managers of the institution; a flight of stairs, with moulded handrail,
and balustrade of mahogany, leads from below to the second story, which contains
also a hall corresponding with that below; on the east of this a ward, extending
the whole length of the building, and affording accommodation for seventeen
patients, and divided in center by folding doors; on the west of the hall is the
physician's office, a dark ward for the blind, wash room, laundry and bath-room;
in the center of hall, over the stairs, is a dome and skylight for ventilation.
Every window is supplied with inside blinds. On the south front is a porch,
eight feet wide, from base; each story, with neat cornice, supported by open
antirs, with neat cap and on rear end of building six patent water-closets,
three for each story, supplied with water from a tank containing two thousand
gallons, conveyed by means of patent windmill. The building is covered with tin,
standing groove, well painted; cornice of building has projection of three and a
half feet, supported by brackets, while the whole is of the villa order of
architecture. The size of the lot is one hundred and eighty feet east and west,
four hundred and sixty feet north and south in clear. It is inclosed by picket
and board fence on all sides, in a most substantial manner. The total cost of
the structure was eight thousand eight hundred dollars, while that of the lot
was four hundred and fifty, a considerable portion of the latter sum. being
donated by citizens of Santa Rosa.

   Postoffices.—One of the first signs of a thorough county organization is the
establishment throughout its length and breadth of a system to facilitate the
transmission of correspondence from point to point; to attain this object is the
cause of postoffices. To set at rest any doubt which may remain in the minds of
the residents of Sonoma as to who were the first postmasters at the different
stations in the county, the accompaning information has been most courteously
furnished us by the Postoffice Department at Washington.

   "Postoffice Department, Office of the First Assistant P. M. General,
Washington, D. C, Oct. 3, 1879.—Alley Bowen & Co. Santa Rosa, Cal.—Your
communication of Sept. 3, 1879—in which you ask for the date of the
establishment of the postoffices and postmasters to present dat^ in Sonoma Co.,
Cal.—has been received at this department. In answer to your inquiry, please
find the following, as shown by the records of this department.
                               JAMES H. MAN,
                       Acting 1st. Asst. P. M. Gen'l

   Sonoma, established November 8, 1879, Lilburn W. Boggs, postmaster; 
   Petaluma, February 9, 1852, Garrett W. Keller; 
   Bodega, February 20, 1852, Joseph M. Miller; 
   Santa Rosa, April 23, 1852, Donald McDonald; 
   Smith's Ranch, September 29, 1854, Stephen Smith; 
   Russian River, November 1, 1854, Harmon J. Heald, changed to Healdsburg April
14, 1875; 
   Windsor, August 31, 1855, Seiver Lewis; 
   Bloomfield, July 12, 1856, Horace Lamb; 
   Stony Point, April 13,1857, Parmenas N. Woodworth; 
   Two Rocks, July 17, 1857, Clark A. Hough; 
   Cloverdale, August 15, 1857, John A. Hartman; 
   Pacific Home, June 15, 1858, William W. Fergusson, discontinued April 19, 1860;
   Lakeville, January 31, 1859, Joshua Chadbourne;
   Analy, August 7, 1860, Lewis M. Miller;
   Albany, February 25, 1862, Elijah Brookhire, discontinued, April 13, 1864;
   Duncan's Mills, December 20, 1862, Thomas Beacon;
   Timber Cove, February, 24,1863, Fred'k Helmke;
   Fisherman's Bay, July 10, 1863, Andrew J. Fisk;
   Clairville, January 5, 1865, David Odell;
   Mark West, October 25,1865, Henry G. Giamini;
   Sebastopol, October 2,1867 John Dougherty;
   Ocean View, March 25, 1870, Hugh Marshall;
   Occidental, December 7, 1876, Andrew J.Blaney;
   Fort Ross, May 23, 1877, George W. Call;
   Tyrone, July  18,  1877, Hiram C. Smith.

   THE POLITICAL HISTORY OF SONOMA COUNTY.—Owing to the absence of the archives
the early history of Sonoma county is enveloped in considerable darkness.

   Prior to the acquisition of California by the Government of the United
States, the large District of Sonoma, which included all the territory between
the Sacramento river and the ocean, and Oregon and the Bay of San Francisco, was
under the rule of the Mexican Government, and was divided into Prefectures,
amenable to a Grand Council at Sonoma, the holders of office being designated by
the Spanish name of Alcalde.

   The first civil officer, we are told by Mr. R. A. Thompson, was John Nash,
who was commissioned by General Kearny as Alcalde of Sonoma. He had a most
exalted idea of the dignity of his office; assumed ministerial as well as
judicial powers; signed himself "Chief Justice of California." and having been
removed by the Military Governor, he refused to recognize the authority and held
on to the office. Lieutenant Sherman—now General Sherman— captured him and took
him before Governor Mason, at Monterey, who reprimanded and released him. This
first civil officer of Sonoma—"Chief Justice Nash" as he called himself, and
"Squire Nash" as his neighbors called him—was a good natured, illiterate but
honest man. When the rumors of gold reached Sonoma, Squire Nash was employed by
a number of persons to go to the mines, take observations and report. This was
in 1848; he returned with gold dust to the value of eight hundred and thirty
seven dollars. He then went to Mormon Island with a party of Sonoma miners, and
died there that winter. He was succeeded in his office by Lilburn W. Boggs,
Ex-Governor of Missouri, a man eminently capable of exercising the functions
belonging to that position.

   Between the years 1846 and 1849 the county remained under the control of the
military. Let us see what was the state of the political horizon during that
time. According to Tuthill—as to civil law, the country was utterly at sea. It
had a governor in the person of the commandant of thy military district it
belonged to, but no government. While the war lasted California, as a conquered
province, expected to be governed by military officers who, by virtue of their
command of the Department, bore sway over all the territory that their
Department embraced. But after peace had come and the succession of military
governors was not abated, a people who had been in the habit of governing
themselves, under the same flag and the same constitution, chafed that a simple
change of longitude should deprive them of their inalienable rights.

   General Persefer F. Smith, who assumed command on arriving by the California,
the first steamship that reached San Francisco (February 28, 1849), and General
Riley, who succeeded him (April 13, 1849), would have been acceptable governors
enough, if the people could have discovered any where in the Constitution that
the President had power to govern a territory by a simple order to the
commandant of a military department. The power was obvious in time of war, but
in peace it was unprecedented. Left entirely to themselves, the people could
have organized a squatter sovereignty, as Oregon had done, and the way into the
sisterhood of States was clear.

   They felt that they had cause for complaint, but in truth they were too busy
to nurse their grievance and make much of it. To some extent they formed local
governments, and had unimportant collisions with the military.

But, busy as they were, and expecting to return home soon, they humored their
contempt for politics, and left public matters to be shaped at Washington. Nor
was this so unwise a course under the circumstances, for the thing that had
hindered Congress from giving them a legitimate constitutional government was
the ever-present snag in the current of American political history, the author
of most of our woes, the great mother of mischief on the western continent—slavery.

   When it was found that Congress had adjourned without doing anything for
California, Brigadier General Riley, by the advice, he said, of the President
and Secretaries of State and of War, issued a proclamation, which was at once a
call for a Convention, and an official exposition of the Administration's theory
of the anomalous relations of California and the Union- He strove to rectify the
impression that California was governed by the military arm of the service; that
had ceased with the termination of hostilities. What remained was the civil
government, recognized by the existing laws of California. These were vested in
a Governor, who received his appointment from the supreme government, or, in
default of such appointment, the office was vested in the commanding military
officer of the department, a Secretary, a departmental or Territorial
Legislature, a Superior Court with four judges, a Prefect and Sub-prefect and a
Judge of the first instance for each district, Alcaldes, local Justices of the
Peace, ayuntamientos, or Town Councils. He moreover recommended the election, at
the same time, of delegates to a Convention to adopt either a State or
Territorial Constitution, which, if acquiesced in by the people, would be
submitted to Congress for approval.

   In June 1849 a proclamation was issued announcing an election to be held on
the 1st of August, to appoint delegates to a general convention to form a State
Constitution, and for filling the offices of Judge of the Superior Court,
prefects, sub-prefects, and First Alcalde or Judge of the first instance, such
appointments to be made by General Riley after being voted lor. The delegates
elected to the Convention from Sonoma were General Vallejo, Joel Walker, R.
Semple. L. W. Boggs was elected but did not attend.

   The manifesto calling the Constitutional Convention divided the electoral
divisions of the State into ten districts; each male inhabitant of the county,
of twenty-one years of age, could vote in the district of his residence, and the
delegates so elected were called upon to meet at Monterey, on September 1, 1849.
The number of delegates was fixed at thirty-sewn, five of which were appointed
to San Francisco.

   As was resolved, the Convention met at Monterey <»n the date above named,
Robert Semple of Benicia, one of the delegates from the district of Sonoma,
being chosen president. The session lasted six weeks; and, notwithstanding an
awkward scarcity of books of reference and other necessary aids, much labor was
performed, while the debates exhibited a marked degree of ability. In framing
the original Constitution of California, slavery was forever prohibited within
the jurisdiction of the State; the boundary question between Mexico and the
United States was set at rest; provision for the morals and education of the
people was made; a Seal of State was adopted with the motto Eureka, and many
other matters discussed.

   In August General Riley issued commissions to Stephen Cooper, appointing him
Judge of First District, and C. P. Wilkins Prefect of the district of Sonoma,
while one of General Riley's last appointments before the adoption of the
Constitution, was that of Richard A. Maupin, well remembered among Sonoma's old
residents, to be Judge of the Superior Tribunal, in place of Lewis Dent,
resigned. Another well known pioneer who was at the Convention from Sacramento
county was Major Jacob R. Snyder, a resident of Sonoma till his death.

   We find that the "Superior Tribunal of California" existed at Monterey in
1849; for, in September of that year a "Tariff of fees for Judiciary Officers"
was published, with the following order of the Court: "That the several officers
mentioned in this order shall be entitled to receive for their services, in
addition to their regular salary, if any, the following fees, and none others,
until the further order of this Court." Here is added a list of the fees to be
appropriated by Judges of the First Instance, Alcaldes and Justices of the
Peace, clerks of the several courts, Sheriff or Comisario, District Attorney,
and Notaries Public.

   We have already said that Stephen Cooper was appointed Judge of First
Instance for the District of Sonoma. He commenced his labors in that office in
October, 1849, as appears in the early record of the proceedings of that Court
extant in the office of the County Clerk of Solano county. The record of one of
the cases tried before Judge Cooper is reproduced as an instance of the quick
justice that obtained in 1849:—

   "The people of California Territory vs. George Palmer—And now comes the said
people by right their attorney, and the said defendant by Semple and O'Melveny,
and the prisoner having been arraigned on the indictment in this cause, plead
not guilty. Thereupon a jury was chosen, selected and sworn, when, after hearing
the evidence and arguments of counsel, returned into Court the following
verdict, to wit:

   "The jury, in the case of Palmer, defendent, and the State of California,
plaintiff, have found a verdict of guilty on both counts of the indictment, and
sentenced him to receive the following punishment, to wit-

   " On Saturday, the 24th day of November, to be conducted by the Sheriff to
some public place, and there receive on his bare back seventy-five lashes, with
such a weapon as the Sheriff may deem fit, on each count respectively, and to be
banished from the district of Sonoma within twelve hours after whipping, under
the penalty of receiving the same number of lashes for each and every day he
remains in the district after the first whipping.

      "(Signed)                      ALEXANDER RIDDELL, Foreman.

   "It is therefore ordered by the Court, in accordance with the above verdict,
that the foregoing sentence be carried into effect."

   The Constitution was duly framed, submitted to the people, and at the
election held on the 13th November, ratified by them, and adopted by a vote of
twelve thousand and sixty-four for it and eleven against it; there being,
besides, over twelve hundred ballots that were treated as blanks, because of an
informality in the printing.

   We here reproduce two of the tickets which were voted at the time, and were
distributed in and around Sacramento and the upper portion of the State:—

PEOPLE'S TICKET.

FOR THE CONSTITUTION.

FOR GOVERNOR.
John A. Sutter.

FOR   LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR,
John McDougal.

FOR REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS,
William E. Shannon, 
Pet. Halsted.

FOR STATE SENATORS,
John Bidwell, Upper Sacramento, 
Murray Morrison, Sacramento City, 
Harding Bigelow, Sacramento City, 
Gilbert A. Grant, Vernon.

FOR ASSEMBLY,
H. C. Cardwell, Sacramento City, 
P. B. Cornwall, Sacramento City, 
John S. Fowler, Sacramento City, 
J. Sherwood, 
Elisha W. McKinstry, 
Madison Waltham, Coloma, 
W. B. Dickenson, Yuba, 
James Queen, South Fork, 
W. L. Jenkin, Weaverville.


PEOPLE'S TICKET.

FOR THE CONSTITUTION.

FOR GOVERNOR,
Peter H. Burnett.

FOR LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR,
John McDougal.

FOR REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS,
Edward Gilbert, 
George W. Wright.

FOR STATE SENATORS,
John Bidwell, Upper Sacramento, 
Murray Morrison, Sacramento City, 
Harding Bigelow, Sacramento City, 
Gilbert A. Grant, Vernon.

FOR ASSEMBLY,
H. C. Cardwell, Sacramento City, 
P. B. Cornwall, Sacramento City, 
John S. Fowler, Sacramento City, 
H. S. Lord, Upper Sacramento, 
Madison Waltham, Coloma, 
W. B. Dickenson, Yuba, 
James Queen, South Fork, 
Arba K. Berry, Weaverville.

   The result of the election was: Peter H. Burnett, Governor; John McDougal,
Lieutenant-Governor; and Edward Gilbert and George W. Wright sent to Congress.
The district of Sonoma polled at this election but five hundred and fifty-two
votes, four hundred and twenty-four of which were for Burnett. Of the
representatives sent from Sonoma, General Vallejo went to the Senate, and J. S.
Bradford and J. E. Brackett to the Assembly. Some difficulty would appear to
have arisen at this election, for Mr. R. A. Thompson says: "General Vallejo's
seat was first given to James Spect, but on the 22d December, the committee
reported that the official return from Larkin's Ranch gave Spect but two votes
instead of twenty-eight, a total of but one hundred and eighty-one votes against
General Vallejo's one hundred and ninety-nine." Mr. Spect then gave up his seat
to General Vallejo.

   We now produce the following interesting record of some of those who formed
the first California Legislature, not because it bears specially on our subject,
but as a matter of curiosity, interest and reference:

   The following is from the Colusa Sun of April 26th :—

   Hon. John S. Bradford, of Springfield, Ill., who was a member of the first
California Legislature, procured from some of his colleagues a short
biographical sketch. Thinking it might be a matter of interest to the people of
California at the present time, he sends it to us. We have the original
document, with the sketches in the handwriting of each member, Most of these
gentlemen have figured conspicuously in the history of the State since, but we
believe there are but few now living. Three of the sketches, Jose M.
Covarrubias, M. G. Vallejo, and Pablo de la Guerra, are written in Spanish, but
we have had them translated.

   Senators.—David F. Douglass—Born in Sumner county, Tennessee, the 8th of
January, 1821. Went to Arkansas with Fulton, in 1836. On 17th March 1839, had a
fight with Dr. Wm. Howell, in which H. was killed; imprisoned 14 months;
returned home in 1842; immigrated to Mississippi; engaged in the Choctaw
speculation; moved with the Choctaws west as a clerk; left there for Texas in
winter of 1845-46. War broke out; joined Hay's regiment; from Mexico immigrated
to California, and arrived here as wagoner in December, 1848.

---------M. G. Vallejo—Born in Monterey, Upper California, July 7th, 1807. On
the first of January, 1825, he commenced his military career in the capacity of
cadet. He served successfully in the capacity of Lieutenant, Captain of Cavalry,
Lieutenant-Colonel, and General Commandant of Upper California. In 1835 he went
to Sonoma county and founded the town of Sonoma, giving land for the same. He
was a member of Convention in 1849 and Senator in 1850.

---------Elcan Heydenfelt—Born in Charleston, South Carolina, September 15,
1821; immigrated to Alabama in 1841; from thence to Louisiana in 1844; to
California in 1849. Lawyer by profession.

---------Pablo de la Guerra—Born in Santa Barbara, Upper California, November
29, 1819. At the age of nineteen he entered the public service. He was appointed
Administrator-General "de la rentas," which position he held when California was
taken by the American forces. From that time he lived a private life until he
was named a member of the Convention which framed the Constitution of the State.
Represents the District of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo in the Senate.

---------S. E. Woodworth—Born in the city of New York, November 15, 1815;
commenced career as a sailor, A. D. 1832. Sailed from New York March 9, 1834.
Entered the navy of the United States June 14? 1838. Immigrated to California,
via Rocky Mountains and Oregon, April 1, 1846. Resignation accepted by Navy
Department, October 29, 1849. Elected to represent the district of Monterey in
the first Senate of the First Legislature of California for the term of two years.

---------Thomas L. Vermeule—Born in New Jersey on the 11th of June, 1814;
immigrated to California November 12, 1846. Did represent San Joaquin District
in the Senate. Resigned.

---------W. D. Fair—Senator from the San Joaquin District, California; native of
Virginia; immigrated to California from Mississippi in February, 1849, as
"President of the Mississippi Rangers;" settled in Stockton, San Joaquin
District, as an attorney at law.

---------Elisha O. Crosby—Senator from Sacramento District; native of New York
State; immigrated from New York December 25, 1848; aged 34.

---------D. C. Broderick—Senator from San Francisco; born in Washington City, D.
C., February 4, 1818; immigrated from Washington to New York City, March, 1824;
left New York for California, April 17, 1849.

---------E. Kirby Chamberlin, M- D.—President pro tem. of the Senate, from the
District of San Diego; born in Litchfield county, Connecticut, April 24, 1805;
immigrated from Connecticut to Onondaga county, New York, in 1815; thence to
Beaver, Penn., in 1829; thence to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1842; served as Surgeon
in the U. S. A. during the war with Mexico; appointed Surgeon to the Boundary
Line Commission, February 10, 1840; embarked from Cincinnati, Ohio, February 15;
arrived in San Diego, June 1, 1849, and in San Jose, December 12, 1849.

---------J. Bidwell—Born in Chautauque [sic] county, N. Y., 5th of August, 1819;
immigrated to Pennsylvania; thence to Ohio; thence to Missouri; thence in 1841
to California; term in Senate one year.

---------H. C. Robinson—Senator from Sacramento; elected November 15, 1849; born
in the State of Connecticut; immigrated at an early age to Louisiana; educated
as a lawyer, but engaged in commercial pursuits; arrived at San]Francisco,
February, 1849, per steamer "California," the first that ever entered said port.

---------Benjamin S. Lippincott—Senator from San Joaquin; born in New  York;
immigrated February, 1846, from New Jersey; by pursuit a merchant, and elected
for two years.


   Assemblymen.—Elam Brown—Born in the State of New York, in 1797; emigrated
from Massachusetts in 1805; to Illinois in 1818; to Missouri; 1837; and from 
Platte county, in Missouri, 1846, to California.

---------J. S. K. Ogier—Born in Charleston, South Carolina; immigrated to New
Orleans, 1845, and from there to California, December 18,1848.

---------E. B. Bateman M. D.—Emigrated from Missouri, April, 1847; residence,
Stockton, Alta California.

---------Edmund Randolph—Born in Richmond, Virginia; immigrated to New Orleans,
1843; thence to California, 1849; residence, San Francisco.

---------E. P. Baldwin—Born in Alabama; emigrated from thence in January, 1849;
arrived in California, May 1, 1850; represents San Joaquin District; resides in
Sonora, Tuolumne county.

---------A. P. Crittenden—Born in Lexington, Ky.; educated in Ohio, Alabama, New
York and Pennsylvania; settled in Texas in 1839; came to California in 1849;
represents the county of Los  Angeles.

----------Alfred  Wheeler—Born in the city of New York, the 30th day of April,
1820; resided in New York City until the 21st of May, 1849, when he left for
California. Citizen and resident of San Francisco, which district he represents.

---------James A. Gray, Philadelphia—Monterey, California; immigrated in 1846 in
the first New York Regiment of Volunteers.

---------Joseph Aram—Native of State of New York; immigrated to California,
1846; present residence, San Jose, Santa Clara county.

---------Joseph C. Morehead—Born in Kentucky; immigrated to California in 1846;
resides at present in the county of Calaveras, San Joaquin District.

----------Benjamin Cory, M.  D.—Born November 12, 1822; immigrated to the Golden
State in 1847; residence in the valley of San Jose.

---------Thos. J. Henley—Born in Indiana; family now reside in Charlestown, in
that State; immigrated to Califormia in 1849, through the South Pass; residence
at Sacramento.

---------Jose M. Covarrubias—Native of France; came to California in 1834;
residence in Santa Barbara, and Representative for that district.

---------Elisha W. McKinstry — Born in Detroit, Michigan; immigrated to
California in March, 1849; residence in Sacramento District, city of Sutter.

---------George B. Tingley—Born August 15, 1815, Clermont county, Ohio;
immigrated to Rushville, Indiana, November 4, 1834; started to California April
4,1849; reached there October 10th; was elected to the Assembly November 13th,
from Sacramento district, and is now in Pueblo de San Jose.

---------Mr. Bradford, himself, represented our (Sonoma) district in the Assembly.

   On Saturday, December 15, 1849, the first State Legislature met at San Jose,
E. Kirby Chamberlin being elected President pro tem. of the Senate, and Thomas
J. White, Speaker of the Assembly.

   In the year 1850, Senator M. G. Vallejo became convinced that the capital of
California should be established at a place which he desired to name Eureka, but
which his colleagues, out of compliment to himself, suggested should be named
Vallejo. To this end the General addressed a memorial to the Senate, dated April
3, 1850, wherein he graphically pointed out the advantages possessed by the
proposed site over other places which claimed the honor. In this remarkable
document, remarkable alike for its generosity of purpose as for its marvelous
foresight, he proposed to grant twenty acres to the State, free of cost, for a
State Capital and grounds, and one hundred and thirty-six acres more for other
State buildings, to be apportioned in the following manner: Ten acres for the
Governer's house and grounds; five acres for the offices of Treasurer,
Comptroller, Secretary, of State, Surveyor General, and Attorney-General, should
the Commissioners determine that their offices should not be in the Capitol
building; one acre to State Library and Translator's office, should it be
determined to separate them from the State House building; twenty acres for an
Orphan Asylum; ten acres for a Male Charity Hospital; ten acres for a Female
Charity Hospital; four acres for an Asylum for the Blind; four acres for a Deaf
and Dumb Asylum; twenty acres for a Lunatic Asylum; eight acres for four Common
Schools; twenty acres for a State University; four acres for a State Botanical
Garden; and twenty acres for a State Penitentiary.

   But with a munificence casting this already long list of grants into the
shade, he further proposed to donate and pay over to the State, within two years
after the acceptance of these propositions, the gigantic sum of three hundred
and seventy thousand dollars, to be apportioned in the following manner: For the
building of a State Capitol, one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars; for
furnishing the same, ten thousand dollars; for building of the Governor's house,
ten thousand dollars; for furnishing the same, five thousand dollars; for the
building of State Library, and Translator's office, five thousand dollars; for a
State Library five thousand dollars; for the building of the offices of the
Secretary of State, Comptroller, Attorney-General, Surveyor-General and
Treasurer, should the Commissioners deem it proper to separate them from the
State House, twenty thousand dollars; for the building of an Orphan Asylum,
twenty thousand dollars; for the building of a Female Charity Hospital, twenty
thousand dollars; for the building of a Male Charity Hospital, twenty thousand
dollars; for the building of an Asylum for the Blind, twenty thousand dollars;
for the building of a Deaf and Dumb Asylum, twenty thousand dollars; for the
building of a State University, twenty thousand dollars: for University Library,
five thousand dollars; for scientific apparatus thertfor, five thousand dollars;
for chemical laboratory therefor, three thousand dollars; for a mineral cabinet
therefor, three thousand dollars; for the building of four common school
edifices, ten thousand dollars; for purchasing books for same, one thousand
dollars; for the building of a Lunatic Asylum, twenty thousand dollars; for a
State Penitentiary, twenty thousand dollars; for a State botanical collection,
three thousand dollars.

   In his memorial, the General states with much lucidity his reasons for
claiming the proud position for the place suggested as the proper site for the
State Capital. Mark the singleness of purpose with which he bases these claims:—

   "Your memorialist, with this simple proposition (namely, that in the event of
the government declining to accept his terms it should be put to the popular
vote at the general election held in November of that year— 1850), might stop
here, did he not believe that his duty as a citizen of California required him
to say thus much in addition—that he believes the location indicated is the most
suitable for a permanent seat of government for the great State of California,
for the following reasons: That it is the true center of the State, the true
center of commerce, the true center of population, and the true center of
travel; that, while the Bay of San Francisco is acknowledged to be the first on
the earth, in point of extent and navigable capacities, already, throughout the
length and breadth of the wide world it is acknowledged to be the very center
between Asiatic and European commerce. The largest ship that sails upon the
broad sea can, within three hours, anchor at the wharves of the place which your
memorialist proposes as your permanent seat of government. From this point, by
steam navigation, there is a greater aggregate of mineral wealth within eight
hours' steaming, than exists in the Union besides; from this point the great
north and south rivers—San Joaquin and Sacramento—cut the State longitudinally
through the center, fringing the immense gold deposits on the one hand, and
untold mercury and other mineral resources on the other; from this point steam
navigation extends along the Pacific coast south to San Diego and north to the
Oregon line, affording the quickest possible facilities for our sea-coast
population to reach the State Capital in the fewest number of hours. This age,
as it has been truly remarked, has merged distance into time. In the operations
of commerce and the intercourse of mankind, to measure miles by the rod is a
piece of vandalism of a by-gone age; and that point which can be approached from
all parts of the State in the fewest number of hours, and at the cheapest cost,
is the truest center.

   "The location which your memorialist proposes as the permanent seat of
government is certainly that point.

   "Your memorialist most respectfully submits to your honorable body, whether
there is not a ground of even still higher national!tv; it is this:— that at
present, throughout the wide extent of our sister Atlantic States, but one
sentiment seems to possess the entire people, and that is, to build in the
shortest possible time, a railroad from the Mississippi to the Bay of San
Francisco, where its western terminus may meet a three weeks steamer from China.
Indeed, such is the overwhelming sentiment of the American people upon this
subject, there is but little doubt to apprehend its early completion. Shall it
be said, then, while the world is coveting our possession of what all
acknowledge to be the half-way house of the earth's commerce—the great Bay of
San Francisco—that the people of the rich possessions are so unmindful of its
value as not to ornament her magnificent shores with a capital worthy of a great
State?"

   Upon receipt of General Vallejo's memorial by the Senate, a committee
composed of members who possessed a thorough knowledge of the country comprised
in the above quoted document, both geographical and topographical, were directed
to report for the information of the President, upon the advantages claimed for
the location of the capital at the spot suggested in perference to others. The
report in which the following words occur, was presented to the Senate on April
2, 1850:—" Your committee cannot dwell with too much warmth upon the magnificent
propositions contained in the memorial of General Vallejo. They breathe
throughout the spirit of an enlarged mind and a sincere public benefactor, for
which he deserves the thanks of his countrymen and the admiration of the world.
Such a proposition looks more like the legacy of a mighty Emperor to his people
than the free donation of a private planter to a great State, yet poor in public
finance, but soon to be among the first of the earth."

   The report which was presented by Senator D. C. Broderick of San Francisco,
goes on to point out the necessities which should govern the choice of a site
for California's capital, recapitulates the advantages pointed out in the
memorial, and finally recommends the acceptance of General Vallejo's offer. This
acceptance did not pass the Senate without some opposition and considerable
delay; however, on Tuesday, February 4, 1851, a message was received from
Governor Burnett, by his Private Secretary, Mr. Ohr, informing the Senate that
he did this day sign an Act originating in the Senate entitled "An Act to
provide for the permanent location of the Seat of Government." In the meantime
General Vallejo's bond had been accepted; his solvency was approved by a
committee appointed by the Senate to inquire into that circumstance; the report
of the commissioners sent to mark and lay out the tracts of land proposed to be
donated was adopted, and, on May 1, 1851, the last session of the Legislature at
San Jose was completed; but the archives were not moved to the new seat of
government at Vallejo then, the want of which was the cause of much
dissatisfaction among the members.

   The Legislature first sat at Vallejo on January 5, 1852, but there was
wanting the attraction of society which would appear to be necessary to the seat
of every central government. With these Sacramento abounded, from her proximity
to the mines. The Assembly therefore, with a unanimity bordering on the
marvelous, passed a bill to remove the session to that city, ball tickets and
theater tickets being tendered to the members in reckless profusion. The bill
was transferred to the Senate and bitterly fought by the Hons. Paul K. Hubbs and
Phil. A. Roach. The removal was rejected by one vote. This was on a Saturday,
but never was the proverb of we "know not what the morrow may bring forth," more
fully brought to bear upon any consideration. Senator Anderson it is said passed
a sleepless night, through the presence of unpleasant insects in his couch; on
the Monday morning he moved a reconsideration of the bill; the alarm was sounded
on every hand, and at 2 p. M. on January 12, 1852, the Government and
Legislature were finding its way to Sacramento by way of the Carquinez Straits.
On March 7, 1852, a devastating flood overwhelmed Sacramento, and where they had
before feared contamination, they now feared drowning. The Legislature adjourned
at Sacramento May 4, 1852, the next session to be held at Vallejo. On January 3,
1853, the peripatetic government met again at Vallejo, whither had been moved in
May, the archives and State offices. Once more the spirit of jealousy was
rampant; Sacramento could not with any grace ask for its removal back thither;
but she, working with Benicia, the capital was once more on wheels and literally
carted off to the latter town for the remaining portion of the session, when a
bill was passed to fix the capital of the State at Sacramento, and thereafter
clinched by large appropriations for building the present magnificent capitol
there. The last sitting of the Legislature was held on February 4,1853, when it
was resolved to meet at Benicia on the 11th of the month, the vote then taken
being as follows: Ayes—Messrs. Baird, Denver, Estill, Hager, Hubbs, Hudspeth,
Keene, Lind, Lott, Lyons, McKibben, Roach, Smith, Snyder, Sprague, Wade,
Wom-bough—17. Nays—Crabb, Cofforth, Foster, Gruwell, Ralston, Walkup—6.

   But to return to our particular subject. During the first session at San
Jose, but little was done beyond dividing the State into counties, and
organizing their governments. At this time, Robert Hopkins was elected District
Judge and Assemblyman, J. E. Brackett, Major-General of the second division of
militia. Mr. Hopkins, who with the Hon. George Pearce had been appointed a
committee to visit the capital in order to prevent, if possible, the
establishment of a boundary line which would include the Sonoma valley in Napa
county, was a resident lawyer of Sonoma. On arrival at San Jose, the question of
appointing a Judge for the Sonoma district was attracting attention, and the
only candidate was W. R. Turner, who though a gentleman of capabilities, did not
reside there, and probably had never visited the spot. Pearce proposed to
Hopkins to run for the office; he allowed himself to be put in nomination, and
he beat Turner, who knew not of opposition, just as he was putting forth his
hand to seize the prize. The vote was unanimous for Hopkins, and Turner received
some other district. Thus we see how narrow was the escape which Sonoma had at
the outset of receiving a District Judge, who was utterly unknown to her
residents. Pearce went to San Jose for one purpose and accomplished another,
while Hopkins came back a full-fledged Judge of a most important district.

   The State of California was admitted into the Union on September 9, 1850, and
on January 6, 1851, the second Legislature met at San Jose. Martin E. Cook, at
this session, represented the Eleventh Senatorial district, which was composed
of the counties of Sonoma, Solano, Napa, Marin, Colusa, Yolo, and Trinity—in
short all that territory west of the Sacramento river, while in the lower house,
this county in conjunction with Napa, Marin, and Solano, were represented by
John A. Bradford and A. Stearns. The census agent to the Legislature at this
period reports the population of Sonoma county to be five hundred and sixty-one
souls.
We have elsewhere mentioned the establishment of the Court of Sessions; they
held their first meeting in the county in 1850, the court being composed of A.
A. Green, who was County Judge, and Charles Hudspeth and Peter Campbell,
Associates. In 1851 Judge Green died, when Martin E. Cook was appointed, but he
declining to serve, W. O. King was chosen to fill the office, and he held one
term of court.

   On September 3, 1851, the first gubernatorial election was held under the new
order of things. In this contest, John Bigler, who received twenty-three
thousand seven hundred and seventy-four votes in the State, against twenty-two
thousand seven hundred and thirty-three, got by P. B. Redding, his Whig
opponent, had the assistance of that new power which had commenced to creep into
the State, in the shape of the squatting element. He was democratic in his
manners, being "hale-fellow" with all. Not so his opponent, who was a gentleman
of more genteel bearing than the kind-hearted, unambitious, landless Governor,
who was always mindful of his friends. Bigler, in all his messages, urged
economy, but found it difficult to prevent an office being made for a friend.
Tuthill remarks: "It was his pet project to unite the Southern and Western men
of his party, and let the free-soilers shift for themselves; but it is not in
that direction that party cleavage runs. The Southerners scorned the alliance.
They were 'high-toned,' and looked down upon a Missourian, as little better than
a man from Massachusetts. The Governor's project would not work. He carried
water on both shoulders and spilt very little on either side."

   In November, 1851, the Hon. C. P. Wilkins succeeded Judge Green in the
position of County Judge; Israel Brockman was Sheriff, and Dr. John Hendley,
County Clerk and Recorder. In 1852, on July 8th, we find the first record of
proceedings of the Court of Session extant among the county archives, when the
Judge, C. P. Wilkins, and his associates, Peter Campbell and J. M. Miller, were
present, with J. Hendley, Clerk, and J. A. Reynolds, Under Sheriff] assembled to
impanel a Grand Jury. These were: W. D. Kent, J. D. George, Alexander Spect,
Samuel Havens, H. N. Ryder, Josiah Wilkins, James Crenshaw, J. P. Thrasher, A.
C. Hollingshead, J. W. Davis, George Smith, Arnold Hutton, Edward Beasley,
George Edgerton, John Smith, Benjamin Mitchell, H. L. Kamp, J. M. Gilliland,
Robert Anderson, George B. Farrar, Hosea Norris, and Leonard Dodge. On October
3d, Phil. R. Thompson and A. C. Godwin were appointed Associate Justices, in
place of the two gentlemen mentioned above, whose terms had expired.

   The first Board of Supervisors for the county met at Sonoma on July 5, 1852,
and took charge of those affairs not coming within the immediate duties of the
Court of Sessions. The members were D. O. Shattuck, who was called upon to fill
the distinguished position of Chairman, William A. Hereford of Santa Rosa
district, Leonard P. Hanson, and James Singley. At the Presidential election in
the Fall of this year, E. W. McKinstry was elected District Judge; J. M.
Hudspeth, Senator; H. S. Ewing and James McKamy, Assemblymen.

   In the year 1853, we find that the late General Joe Hooker, then a resident
of Sonoma, was elected to the post of Road Overseer, and that Washington
township was created and a polling precinct established at the store of A. C.
Goodwin, which occupied a position on the site of the present town of
Geyserville. The Democratic Convention met this year at Santa Rosa, and
nominated Joe Hooker and Lindsay Carson for the Assembly, and a full county
ticket. The Settlers' Convention, met on August 6th and nominated a full county
ticket, headed by James N. Bennett and Judge Robert Hopkins for the Assembly.
When the election day arrived, September 7th, — Carson was elected to the
Legislature and Bennett and Hooker were equal. The removal of the county seat
from Sonoma to Santa Rosa did not enter largely into the first contest though
such a change was openly discussed; in the second heat the election of either
Bennett or Hooker hinged directly on the ibsue. The election came off on October
29th, and Bennett, who lived in and was sponser for Bennett valley, beat Hooker,
a resident of Sonoma, by thirteen votes. Lindsay Carson resigned before the
meeting of the Legislature, therefore another special election was had which
resulted in the return, on the 23d, December of W. B. Hagans, who was opposed by
James Singley and Joseph W. Beiden.

   The story of the removal of the county seat, will be found fully set forth in
the history of Santa Rosa township. From that date onwards the county progressed
in every branch of public interest.

   The first full record of election which we have been able to find in the
county archives was that held in the month of November, 1856, and is as follows:—

   For Presidential Electors, A. C.Bradford, 1519 votes; For member of Congress,
Charles L. Scott, 1456 votes; For Clerk of Supreme Court, C. S. Fairfax, 1481
votes; For State Superintendent of Public Instruction, J. J. Molder, 1481 votes;
For Prison Director, Moses Arms, 380 votes; For Senator, A. W. Talieferro, 1088
votes; For members of Assembly, Uriah Edwards, 1357 votes, and Richard Harrison,
1152 votes: For County Superintendent of Public Instruction, Edward Fisher, 1134
votes; For County Assessor, S. D. Towne, 1106 votes; Amendments to
Constitution—Yes, 169; No; 0.

   While on the subject of votes, let us here produce, as a matter of curiosity
the vote taken in regard to the proposed railroad on May 9, 1868: Cloverdale to
Marin county, 2092; Cloverdale to Vallejo, Solano county, 1589: Donahue, Yes,
3166; Donahue, No, 429; Cloverdale to Petaluma, 3.

   In conclusion of this portion of our work we now come to the greatest
political act of late years, namely, the order for a new Constitution and its
passage by an immense majority throughout the State.

   It was found that the provisions in regard to taxation and property were of
too vague a nature to be allowed to hold at this period of progress. At the time
when the, old constitution was framed in Monterey, it was never contemplated
that the State would be ever anything but a purely mining country; and as each
mining section had its own local laws, more distinct terms in regard to what was
legally meant by property and taxable property, were not thought to he
necessary. At last the day came when a decision of the Supreme Court ruled that
credits are not property in the sense in which the word property is used in
Section 13 of Article XI of the Constitution, and, cannot be assessed for taxes,
or taxed as property, even if secured by mortgage. (The People vs. Hibernian
Bank, Cal. Reports, 51).

   The popular voice became clamorous on this decision for a change of rule; and
though having been before mooted, and successfully balked by former sessions of
the Legislature, an Act to provide for a convention to frame a new Constitution
for the State of California was approved March 30, 1878; and by a proclamation
of the Governor an election throughout the county of Sonoma was ordered to be
held on June 19, 1878, for the purpose of electing delegates to a Constitutional
Convention, to meet at Sacramento on September 28th. Thirty-two delegates were
to be elected by the State at large, of whom not more than eight should be
residents of any one Congressional district. The Convention duly met at the
State capital, and after much labor framed the new Constitution. The election
for the adoption or rejection caused a deep-seated feeling throughout the length
and breadth of our land, and for months the country was in a perfect ferment; at
last the 7th of May arrived; the following morning the news was flashed from
west to east and north to south of the adoption of California's new organic law.
Under its provisions the new order of officers were elected on [September 4,
1879, and now nothing but time can solve the riddle as to its working.



Additional Comments:
Extracted from:

HISTORY
—OF-

SONOMA COUNTY,
-INCLUDING ITS—
Geology, Topooraphy, Mountains, Valleys and Streams;
—TOGETHER WITH—
A Full and Particular Record of the Spanish Grants; Its Early History and
Settlement, Compiled from the Most Authentic Sources; the Names of Original
Spanish and American Pioneers; a full Political History, Comprising the Tabular
Statements of Elections and Office-holders since the Formation of the County;
Separate Histories of each Township, Showing the Advancement of Grape and Grain
 Growing Interests, and Pisciculture;
ALSO, INCIDENTS OF PIONEER LIFE; THE RAISING OF THE BEAR FLAG; AND BIOGRAPHICAL
SKETCHES OF EARLY AND PROMINENT SETTLERS AND REPRESENTATIVE MEN;
—AND OF ITS—
Cities, Towns, Churches, Schools, Secret Societies, Etc., Etc.
ILLUSTRATED.
SAN FRANCISCO:
ALLEY, BOWEN & CO., PUBLISHERS.
1880.



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1879, by ALLEY, BOWEN & Co.,
in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C.

PACIFIC PRESS,
Oakland, Cal. Printers., Stereotypers and Binders.


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