Santa Clara County, CA History

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Pen Pictures From The Garden of the World or Santa Clara County, California, 
Illustrated. - Edited by H. S. Foote.- Chicago:  The Lewis Publishing Company, 
1888.
 
GILROY.
 
        This beautiful and thriving city is situated on the Monterey road, about 
thirty miles south of San Jose. That portion of the county was formerly known as 
Pleasant Valley. The first house erected was by James Houck, in 1850. It was a 
small roadside inn and stable, intended for the accommodation of travelers 
between Monterey and San Jose. It was built of split redwood, and was situated 
to the north of Lewis Street, and, we believe, is still standing. The next house 
was on Lewis Street, near Monterey Street, and here a store was opened by Lucien 
Everett. This was followed by a building by John Eigelberry. The first hotel in 
the town was built by David Holloway in the winter of 1853-54. It was quite a 
pretentious structure, and stood between Lewis Street and Martin's Lane. About 
the same time David Holloway opened a blacksmith shop, and Eli Reynolds put up a 
building for a saddler's shop. About this time a post-office was established, 
James Houck being the postmaster. It is said that he could neither read nor 
write ! In 1852 the first school was opened, and continued for one season. In 
1853 a school building was erected by subscription, and school was taught by Mr. 
Jackson, the trustees being W. R. Bane and Dempsey Jackson.
        The first Protestant religious services were held in 1852, at the 
residence of W. R. Bane, and were conducted by the Rev. Mr. Anthony, of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1853 Rev. J. T. Cox, of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church South, organized a congregation, and held services in the school-house; 
and in 1854 a church building was erected at a cost of a thousand dollars. Both 
the school-house and the church have been replaced by handsome modern buildings. 
The town continued to attract settlers, and, being situated on the principal 
thoroughfare of the county, thrived and prospered.
        In 1867 F. S. Rogers, a dentist, opened an office, and in 1868 James C. 
Zuck established the first lawyer's office in the town. Zuck and Rogers formed a 
partnership for conducting a real-estate business. They purchased five acres in 
the northwestern part of town, and sold it at once as town lots. Twenty acres 
more, on Monterey Street, near the center of the town, were purchased of John 
Eigelberry, and sold in the same manner. W. L: Hoover then came into the firm, 
and thirty acres more land, on the east side of Monterey Street, were purchased 
from L. F. Bell, subdivided into lots, and sold.
        On February 18, 1868, the town was incorporated under the laws of the 
State, and christened the town of Gilroy. March 7, of the same year, an election 
for town officers was held, and the following were chosen: Trustees, John C. 
Looser, William Hanna, Frank Oldham, Jacob Einstein, Jacob Reither; Treasurer, 
H. Wangenheim; Assessor, James Angel; Marshal, A. W. Hubbard. The Assessor 
failed to qualify, and H. D. Coon was appointed in his place. J. M. Keith was 
appointed Town Clerk.
        In March, 1870, an act was passed by the Legislature incorporating 
Gilroy as a city, with the government vested in a mayor, city marshal and 
ex-officio tax collector, a city clerk and ex-officio assessor, and a city 
treasurer. At the first regular election under this charter, which was held May 
10, 1870, the following officers were elected: J. M. Browne, Mayor; City 
Treasurer, M. Einstein; City Clerk, George T. Clark; City Marshal, M. Gray; 
Councilmen, William Hanna, Jacob Reither, J. B. Morey, C. K. Farley, William 
Isaac, Volney Howard.
        A great obstacle to the prosperity of the city was the question of title 
to the land on which it was situated. The ownership in the land was an undivided 
interest in the Las Animas Rancho, an early Spanish grant. The rancho had never 
been partitioned, and there was an uncertainty as to where any particular holder 
might be located when the different interests were set off. This state of 
affairs was a source of great annoyance, as it practically clouded all the 
titles in the city and vicinity. Many meetings were held for consultation. The 
matter culminated January 3, 1879, when Henry Miller, the largest owner in the 
rancho, filed his complaint in partition. The defendants were all the other 
owners, and numbered over a thousand. The court, after hearing, appointed County 
Surveyor A. T. Herman, J. M. Battee, and H. M. Leonard, as commissioners to 
survey and set off to each owner his interest in the tract. It required several 
years to accomplish this, and it was not until June 19, 1886, that the final 
decree was filed. This settled forever the question of title, and each owner of 
property in Gilroy, or vicinity, has a claim to his land that is undisputed and 
indisputable.
        Notwithstanding it was thus handicapped, Gilroy did not halt in the 
march of progress either before or during this litigation. Substantial 
improvements were made, and the city was beautified by handsome and substantial 
buildings, beautiful gardens, fine streets, and good sidewalks. A school system 
was built up which is unsurpassed in its efficiency by any in the Union. A 
certificate of graduation from the Gilroy High School carries as much influence 
where that institution is known, as a diploma from a college or university. A 
strong and efficient fire department has been organized, and shows in the front 
rank at the annual tournaments. Good hotels are numerous. Gas and water 
companies have been organized, and are increasing their capacity in proportion 
to the demand for their services. The growth of the city, however rapid it might 
have been prior to the settlement of land titles, has received a new impetus 
since that incubus was removed, and the onward march has been increased to a 
double-quickstep.
        And there is no reason why this should not be. Surrounding the city are 
leagues of the most fertile land in California. Wherever the experiment has been 
made, it has been found to surpass expectations in its producing power. Fruits 
of all kinds mature crops of quality and quantity unsurpassed. The climate is 
superb, the people are energetic, public-spirited citizens, and good neighbors. 
With everything to make life profitable and enjoyable, we cannot err in 
predicting for the city of Gilroy a future prosperity seldom experienced 
anywhere, even in progressive America.
Following are some of the enterprises of Gilroy:
Gilroy Gas Company.�The present gas works which supply the city of Gilroy were 
completed in November, 1886, the work being done by the firm of Sims & Morris, 
of San Francisco, at an expense of $17,500 for the plant and mains. The total 
length of mains is about thirteen thousand feet, the original contract having 
been for ten thousand feet of mains. The capacity per month is about three 
hundred and fifty thousand cubic feet. There arc one hundred and ten business 
places and residences supplied by the works. The city has twenty-three street 
lamps, which were put up at the time of the erection of the plant. These works 
succeeded the old pneumatic process, which proved inadequate, but upon which the 
place depended for about sixteen years. The works are owned by a local 
corporation, the officers of which are: President, Thos. Rea; Vice-President, L. 
A. Whitehurst; Treasurer, Bank of Gilroy; Secretary, Geo. W. Lynch, of San 
Francisco. Directors: L. A. Whitehurst, J. H. Ellis, Amos Robinson, Geo. W. 
Lynch, Thos. Rea; and the manager of the works, who has held that position since 
their building, is Edgar A. Holloway. The works are operated under a lease for 
five years by Geo. W. Lynch.
Mills of Whitehurst & Hodges.�This firm was organized in 1869, under the name of 
Ricketts, Whitehurst & Hodges. Mr. Ricketts retired after about two years, and 
since that time the firm has remained as at present. For ten years they carried 
on the business of manufacturing and wholesaling lumber alone, and they then 
bought the planing-mill of William Hanna, which they have ever since conducted. 
Here they manufacture for the local market. They employ from thirty to forty 
men. They employ some six or seven men in their planing-mill; and in the timber, 
and at hauling, at least thirty men are employed.
This firm is composed of L. A. Whitehurst and P. C. Hodges.
Catholic Church.�The predecessor of the present Redemptorist Mission Catholic 
Church was located about five miles from Gilroy, on the ranch of Daniel Murphy, 
and was erected in 1852, through the liberality of Martin Murphy. The building 
came into disuse as a church, and was finally burned down. Father Devos was the 
pastor at the time of building. He came from San Jose every third Sunday, and 
after his death Father Bixlo became pastor. Dedicated by Archbishop Joseph 
Alemany. The church building of the St. Mary's congregation, at Gilroy, 
succeeded it. It was erected in 1866. December 17, 1866, it was first used as a 
church. The dedicatory ceremonies were performed by Father Hudson, the power 
having been delegated to him by Bishop Thaddeus Smat. The church building is 
seventy-two by thirty-three feet. Original contract price, $3,400, but the 
contractor, Mr. Stout, died during the progress of the building, and Father 
Hudson completed it at a cost of $500 additional. The interior height is 
twenty-four feet, and it is sixty-four feet to the top of the cross. The value 
of the church building is about $5,000. The school-house was built in 1871. The 
main building is seventy-two by twenty-eight feet, two stories. There are two 
school-rooms and two music-rooms. There is a boys' school building, erected in 
1877, through the beneficence of Mrs. James Dunn, who donated $5,000 for that 
purpose, and $1,000 of that sum was invested in the building and furnishing, 
while the remaining $4,000 was intended as a fund for the support of the 
institution, which should allow the boys to attend free.
        This is also taught by the Sisters of the Sacred Heart. The size is 
forty by twenty feet.
        There is a chapel for the use of the Sisters and the girls of the 
school, which is forty by twenty feet, and was erected in 1874.
The Gilroy Opera House.�This opera hall was erected in 1874, by a company. The 
dimensions are 124x50 feet. The seating capacity of the hall is seven hundred, 
but the hall has a capacity for one thousand one hundred, as has been 
demonstrated. The leading stockholder is John G. Otto, who has two hundred and 
seventy-two shares. The manager is Vic Bassignano, who is also secretary.
Railroad Office.�The railroad was built into town in 1869, under the name of 
Santa Clara and Pajaro Valley Railroad. The agents from the first have been C. 
F. Cevelling; C. Robinson, now an attorney at San Francisco; J. Skidmore, 
deceased; � Newhall, now in San Francisco; W. H. Haydock, now assistant 
superintendent, with headquarters at San Francisco; C. Hornbeck, now 
superintendent's clerk at Los Angeles; C. S. Green, now clerk at Mojave; and H. 
T. Emlay, present incumbent: M. J. Hanrahan has been baggage-master since April 
1, 1881. Roger O'Conner has been warehouseman since the road was built. W. B. 
Lawson is freight clerk. Gilroy station ranks next to San Jose in business on 
the road. The freight office is 40x300 feet; passenger depot, 40x100 feet. The 
grain warehouse has a capacity for some three thousand tons; engine house, with 
capacity for two engines; pumping works, wood bins, and coal bins with capacity 
for one thousand tons of coal.
Mills of the Central Milling Company.�The original buildings of the mill are 
still standing, but additions have been made, so that the buildings are now 
120x100 feet. The mill was originally built by Major McCoy, of San Jose, and it 
passed out of his hands into those of a man named Fitz. The next owners were J. 
M. Brown, C. Burrell, and Smith Bros. The Central Milling Company purchased the 
property in 1887. The officers of the company are: President, C. L. Dingley; 
Secretary, P. P. Moody; General Superintendent, J. Cross ; Superintendents 
Salmos Mill, V. D. Black ; Victor Mills, Wm. Stinebeck; San Luis Obispo Mill, 
Mr. Armstrong; Gilroy Mill, H. D. Van Schaick; King City Mill, Mr. Stinebeck. 
The roller process is used in the mills, and they have six sets of rolls, 
including three "Little Giants," and two sets of rolls have two pairs each. The 
capacity of the mill is from forty-five to fifty barrels per day of twelve 
hours. The wheat of the mill is shipped from the country surrounding Gilroy, 
which produces a splendid article of wheat, both for staple grades of flour and 
for use in the manufacture of macaroni. The mill has been running as a custom 
mill since the Central Milling Company has owned it.
        H. D. Van Schaick, manager of the Gilroy mills of the Central Milling 
Company, is a native of Onondaga County, New York, born ten miles east of 
Syracuse, on the twenty-sixth of July, 1828, his parents being Josiah and Mary 
(Bellenger) Van Schaick. The Van Schaick family is an old New York family, 
having been in that State since thirty years previous to the War of the 
Revolution. Colonel Van Schaick, a member of the family, was in the 
Revolutionary War, and served at Yorktown. The father of the subject was in the 
war of 1812, towards its close; was a carpenter, joiner, and wagon-maker by 
trade, but spent most of his life as a farmer and a contractor. The subject was 
reared at his birthplace to farming, assisting his father in his contracts, and 
of making salt barrels for the salt works at Syracuse, etc. He remained in New 
York until 1852, when he started to California, making the trip across the 
plains during the cholera season; and he himself took the cholera, but recovered 
after he had been given up. He started from home April 14, 1852, and arrived 
near Yankee Jim's, in El Dorado County, California, August 23, 1852, and engaged 
in mining. After a few months, finding mining unsatisfactory, he walked to 
Sacramento, took a steamer to San Francisco, and thence walked to San Jose, 
where he arrived, with finances very low, on the fourteenth of September, 1852, 
and the next day his capital consisted of his clothing and personal effects, his 
money being gone; and he started out to look around for a place to start in. He 
obtained work on a farm near San Jose, for a couple of months, and for another 
farmer the remainder of the season.
        In the fall of 1853 he came to Gilroy, and started with a team of four 
yoke of oxen, which he brought down for a man. He went into the Redwoods and 
engaged in chopping and splitting lumber, and as a saw-mill was soon built, he 
took a contract to furnish six hundred thousand feet of lumber, at $2.00 a 
thousand at the stump, scale measure. Finishing the contract, with a partner he 
engaged in building the saw�mill, working at felling the trees. After the mill 
got to running he engaged with Bodfish & Thomas, the proprietors. Was engaged in 
the Redwoods till the spring of 1856, when he engaged in farming on a farm he 
bought in the valley; also engaged in teaching six months in the year. He taught 
school, altogether, in Gilroy Township nearly fourteen terms.
        He afterwards bought a farm at San Ysidro, and subsequently sold it and 
bought a farm of one hundred acres. Next he engaged again in teaching, living at 
San Ysidro till 1868, and then he came to Gilroy, and afterward bought a half 
interest in a grocery store, where he was engaged in merchandising with his 
father-in-law about a year, and with Mr. Steuben for a couple of years; then Mr. 
Van Schaick ran the business alone for about six months. He then sold a 
half-interest to a man named Dryden. They were together three years, and he was 
alone then till 1879. He engaged in the mill by the month, and became 
superintendent March 30, 1887.
His first wife was Susan Angel, a native of Missouri. Her parents came here in 
1846. She died in 1868. By that marriage they had five children, four of whom 
are living. The names of their children are : Jackson E., Nellie Jane, Frank 
Charles, Angie Annette, deceased, and Lena Arnett. His present wife was Mary 
Wright, a native of California. Her parents reside near Hollister. They have one 
child, named Guy. Mrs. Van Schaick is principal of Gilroy High School. She is 
politically a Republican. Mr. Van Schaick was elected to the Legislature in 
1863, and served the regular term of 1863-64, being in the war Legislature. He 
was a member of I. O. O. F., and has passed through all the chairs. He is now R. 
S. to N. G.
 
SANTA CLARA.
 
        The early history of San Jose and Santa Clara run in parallel lines. The 
connection between the two places has been so intimate, and they are so closely 
joined by location, that they will before many years become one city. Tradition 
has it that William Clark was the first American to locate in Santa Clara.
        This is the man who first reduced the ore from the New Almaden mines. In 
1846 there came the Harlands, Van Gorden, Samuel Young, Tabor, Allen, Jones, 
Dickinson, and Bennett. In 1848 we find J. Alex. Forbes, Jonathan and Charles 
Parr, William Booth, Fielding Lard, Riley Moutry, Cobeb Rand, George W. Bellamy, 
Dr. H. H. Warburton, � Bazard, William McCutchen, William Haun, Washington 
Moody, John Whisman, William Campbell, Thomas Hudson, James Linns, Anson Angel 
and others.
        There were two stores, one kept by Robert Scott, where the cracker 
factory is now located, and one by a Frenchman at the corner of Franklin and 
Alviso Streets. The only hotel was the Bellamy House.
        The first frame building was built as a residence for Father Real, the 
priest in charge of the mission at the southwest corner of Santa Clara and 
Alviso Streets. The lumber was sawed with a whipsaw by Fielding Lard, in the 
Pulgas Redwoods. Immediately afterwards, buildings were erected by Lard, Scott & 
Haun. In 1850 a building was erected on Liberty Street, to be used as a 
school-house. It was built by subscription and was long known as the "little 
brick school-house." It was used as a place of worship by all denominations. In 
1853 the first church was built by the Methodists. In the same year the female 
seminary was erected to the west of Main Street between Liberty and Lexington. 
In 1850 Peleg Rush imported twenty-three houses from Boston and set them up in 
the town. The Union Hotel was built in 1850, and conducted by Appleton & 
Ainslee. In 1851 the Santa Clara College was established, and this institution 
is now the prominent feature of the town.
In 1850 the town site was surveyed by William Campbell into lots a hundred yards 
square, and one lot given to each citizen, with the understanding that he was to 
build a house on it within three months: failing to do so, the lot could be 
taken by another. There was no town government until 1852, when the following 
officers were chosen trustees: F. Lard, S. S. Johnson, A. D. Hight, F. Cooper, 
Riley Moutry; Clerk, C. W. Adams; Assessor, A. Madan; Marshal, William Fosgate. 
In 1862 a regular charter was obtained in accordance with the State laws, and 
the following gentlemen chosen as trustees: J. R. Johnson, A. B. Caldwell, R. K. 
Ham, J. L. Guernsey, Henry Uhrbroock. This charter was amended in 1866, and 
again in 1872. The town, as at present laid out, is two miles long and a mile 
and a half wide: it is handsomely laid out and beautifully ornamented with 
shrubbery, flowers, and rare plants. It is a quiet place as becomes a seat of 
learning, and is much sought after as a place of residence. Its easy 
communication with San Jose and San Francisco, and the social nature of its 
intelligent people, render it especially desirable for this purpose. It is well 
equipped with all the necessities and conveniences of a modern town, having a 
gas and water company, many churches, excellent schools, besides the colleges, a 
bank, and, in fact, everything to be desired in the neighborhood of a home. The 
newspaper of the town, the Santa Clara Journal, is a dignified journal, ably 
edited and conducted. It is entirely devoted to the interests of the community, 
and deserves the warm support that it receives from the people.
        Nearly all the secret societies and beneficial organizations have full 
lodges, while musical and literary societies find here a natural home. The town 
is surrounded by fruitful orchards and vineyards, and it is one of the first 
places to which the San Josean conducts the Eastern tourist who desires to see 
the country west. It is the historic spot of this county.
 
FRATERNAL AND BENEFICIAL ASSOCIATIONS.
        California is renowned for the rapid and substantial growth of the many 
social, fraternal, and beneficial organizations which have sprung up within its 
borders during the past thirty-five years. In numerical strength, wealth, and 
influence the Order of American Odd Fellowship, with its three hundred and 
fifteen lodges, embracing a membership of over twenty-five thousand, scattered 
throughout the length and breadth of the State, is entitled, perhaps, to rank 
first among the associations of this character on the Pacific Coast. The Order 
of Free and Accepted Masons, with its two hundred and thirty lodges, and a 
mem�bership of over fifteen thousand, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, with 
a membership of nearly twenty thousand, the Chosen Friends, the Knights of 
Honor, the Knights of Pythias and the Red Men, are only a very few of the many 
fraternal societies which have gained a firm and lasting foothold in the Golden 
State. It is not our purpose, however, to attempt a history of these 
institutions, nor of any particular one of them, but merely to make a brief 
review of the Order of Odd Fellowship in Santa Clara County, and more 
particularly of the two subordinate lodges of that order located in our own 
beautiful little city.
        There are, at the present time, in our county, ten lodges of the 
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, with a membership of about one thousand�or, 
one Odd Fellow to every seven and a half voters. In point of lodges there are 
seven counties in the State having a greater number than Santa Clara County, 
while in point of membership our county ranks fifth.
        The town of Santa Clara, and the country adjacent thereto, has indeed 
proved to be a prolific field for this popular organization. Here are at present 
established two subordinate lodges, with a combined membership of nearly two 
hundred and fifty; an Encampment of Patriarchs, numbering over one hundred 
members; a Rebekah Lodge, with a membership of one hundred and ten, and a Canton 
of Patriarchs Militant, well equipped, well drilled, and a most potent auxiliary 
to the older branches of the order. Santa Clara Lodge, No. 52, ranks among the 
pioneer lodges of the State in the work of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows 
of California. It was instituted on the eighteenth day of January, 1856, with 
eight charter members, whose names appear upon the charter in the following 
order: James H. Morgan, Z. L. Garwood, E. Smith, Hiram Hamilton, Jno. West, M. 
C. Baker, James Barr, and William Cameron. Of this charter list, John West alone 
retains membership in the lodge he assisted in organizing; Messrs. Smith and 
Garwood reside in other parts of the State, and the remainder of the little band 
have "crossed the dark and silent river." During the first twelve years the 
membership had increased to about sixty, and by economy and good financial 
management sufficient funds had been accumulated to warrant the effort, on the 
part of the lodge, to secure a home of its own, where it might provide the 
requirements and accommodations not to be found in rented halls.
        With this object in view an arrangement was entered into in October, 
1867, with Mr. M. W. Whittle, a prominent member of the lodge, who agreed to 
furnish the site and erect the basement, or first story, of the building, while 
the lodge agreed to complete the structure. Under this agreement work was at 
once commenced and pushed to completion in May of the following year. On July 1, 
1868, the hall was dedicated to the principles and uses of Odd Fellowship, with 
imposing ceremonies, the officers of the Grand Lodge of California officiating. 
Here, in a stately edifice, located on one of the most prominent corners in the 
business portion of town, with a large and commodious lodge-room, anterooms, 
reception rooms, etc., all fitted up in the most elegant manner, Santa Clara 
Lodge, No. 52, entered upon a new era. True, the handsome and substantial 
structure which reared its head high above its less pretentious neighbors, and 
the handsome furnishings and equipments, had incurred an indebtedness beyond the 
immediate available means of the lodge, but this was promptly provided for in a 
manner which caused no perceptible ripple in the affairs of the lodge, and no 
embarrassment to the members thereof. From the date the lodge took up its abode 
in its new and elegant quarters, its progress was steadily onward and upward; 
and so rapid had funds accumulated that, in 1875, when Mr. Whittle signified his 
intention of disposing of his interest in the building, the lodge promptly paid 
the amount demanded, and became the sole possessors of the property, together 
with the valuable property adjoining it on the south. This purchase, as in the 
case of building, involved the lodge to some extent, but they who had 
successfully managed the former indebtedness were still at the helm and proved 
themselves to be equal to the emergency, as is shown by the fact that, in the 
month of July, 1879, the last evidence of indebtedness against the lodge was 
canceled in accordance with conditions and agreements previously entered into. 
Conspicuous among those who labored faithfully and well for the lodge's 
interests during its early history we note the names of A. Madan, J. M. 
Billings, N. Cook, M. W. Whittle, D. W. Herrington, John H. Dibble, and A. J. 
Landrum. To the sagacity and good judgment of these devoted adherents the lodge 
owes much of its prosperity and standing. Of the brothers last named, A. Madan 
has "passed out through the valley of the shadow of death," leaving behind him a 
name honored and beloved by all. Brothers Billings, Cook, Herrington, Dibble, 
and Landrum are still regular attendants at their lodge meetings, directing its 
movements and assisting with their counsels. The membership at the present time 
is one hundred and thirty; the average age of the members is forty-four years; 
number of past grands, forty-two, among whom are seven past district deputy 
grand masters, and one�Nathaniel Cook�has attained the rank of past grand master 
of the jurisdiction of California.
True Fellowship Lodge, No. 238, 1. O.O. F., is a worthy scion of Santa Clara 
Lodge, No. 52, and for good work and good management ranks high among the lodges 
in the jurisdiction of California. This lodge was instituted by Grand Master D. 
D. Welty, on the tenth day of November, 1875, with fourteen charter members. The 
names, as they appear in the charter, are : E. V. Thorne, M. Beck, J. H. Howard, 
E. R. Dille, Jacob Eberhard, C. W. Vandegrift, G. A. Elliot, J. H. Dinegan, I. 
Hyman, B. F. Fish, A. V. Fatjo, J. W. Canfield, W. W. Smead, and J. Cherry.
        Eight of the charter members held withdrawal cards from Santa Clara 
Lodge, five held cards from various Eastern lodges, and one signed the petition 
for a charter as an ancient Odd Fellow. Two of the charter members have died; 
three have been suspended for non-payment of dues ; one has withdrawn from the 
order and eight still retain their membership in the lodge. The number of 
members at the present time is about one hundred, twenty-four of whom are past 
grands, and three of these are past district deputy grand masters. The average 
age of the membership is thirty-seven years.
        Numerical strength is not the only evidence of prosperity, to which the 
young lodge may justly lay claim, for it has been equally successful in its 
financial affairs. During the thirteen years of its existence, the lodge has 
provided amply for its own wants; it has taken excellent care of its sick and 
disabled brethren, and it has scattered its charities with a generous hand, 
besides accumulating funds and property more than sufficient to guarantee 
against possible financial embarrassment, present or future. The advent of True 
Fellowship Lodge, No. 238, gave an impetus to Odd Fellowship in Santa Clara 
never before experienced. A good-natured rivalry between the two lodges was 
inaugurated, which resulted in the enrollment, under the banner of the "Triple 
Links," and in the furtherance of the principles of Friendship, Love, and Truth, 
many of our most honored and respected citizens.
 
SKETCH OF METHODISM.
 
        Methodism in California was first planted in Santa Clara, unless a class 
organized by Rev. W. Robertson in San Francisco is entitled to an earlier date.
In early November of 1846, William Campbell, a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, from Saline County, Missouri, arrived at Santa Clara, then a military 
post under command of Captain Maddux, of the U. S. Marine. On the first Sabbath 
in November, Adney A. Heacox, a local preacher, just arrived from Galena, 
Illinois, preached in an adobe building fifty feet west of the present Catholic 
Church, used at the time by Mr. Campbell as a temporary residence, by permission 
of an Irish Catholic named Norris. Mr. Heacock continued to preach until 
February, 1847, when he removed to Santa Cruz. William Campbell held 
prayer-meetings, assisted every two weeks by an exhorter from Benicia named 
Jones, who continued services through the spring and summer of 1847.
        Later, in 1849, William Taylor (now Bishop Taylor) visited the valley 
and preached in the house of Wallace Finley, on the land of William Campbell, 
south of Santa Clara. A little later Isaac Owen visited the valley, and he and 
Taylor greatly encouraged the work.
        In 1851 Charles Maclay came out from the Baltimore Conference, was 
appointed pastor of the charge, and in 1852 erected the first Methodist 
Episcopal Church in Santa Clara. It was built of adobe, and stood near the place 
now occupied by the large brick house of worship. Dr. William Morrow had 
previously been pastor, but resigned on the arrival of Maclay. The first 
quarterly conference was held September 8,1851.
        Rev. William Hulbert succeeded Maclay, and he in turn was succeeded by 
N. P. Heath, in 1854, Adam Bland being presiding elder. Rev. J. Daniels 
succeeded Heath in 1856, A. S. Gibbons, president of the University of the 
Pacific, at that time located in Santa Clara, being superintendent of the 
Sabbath-school.
In 1857-58 R. B. Stratton was preacher in charge, and M. C. Briggs presiding 
elder. In 1858-59, W. S. Urmy was pastor. This was a prosperous pastoral term.
        In 1859-60 C. V. Anthony was pastor, followed by J. B. Hill in 1860-61. 
In 1861-62, M. C. Briggs was pastor. The faithful labors of Mr. Hill had 
prepared the way, the large basement of the new church was ready for use, and a 
very gracious and important revival added a large number to the membership; 
among them two of the present members of the California Conference.
        In 1863-64 J. T. Peck, afterwards bishop, was in charge. In 1864-65 T. 
H. Sinex was pastor, and I. Owen, P. E. During Dr. Sinex' term the present 
church was completed, and named the Centenary Methodist Episcopal Church. In 
October of 1868 a severe earthquake shook the pinnacles from the church and 
damaged the walls.
        In 1867-68 J. A. Bruner was preacher in charge, and remained a full 
pastoral term of three years.
        In 1870-72 J. H. Wythe was pastor. He was succeeded by Q. J. Collin, who 
remained until 1876, when E. R. Dille came into the pulpit for a three-years 
term. At the conference of 1878-79, Wesley Dennett was appointed to the charge, 
and remained three years, when George Clifford took the pastorate for a similar 
term.
        In September, 1887, M. C. Briggs, the present incumbent, was appointed 
to the place. The length of his term must be "relegated " to the arbitrament of 
the future.
        From this sketch it would appear that Santa Clara is the oldest 
university town in the State, and the Santa Clara Church is the pioneer, the 
mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother of all the churches. Yet her eye is 
not dimmed nor her natural force abated.
 
LOS GATOS.

        The first building in this now thriving town was Forbes' Mill, and for 
many years the place was known by that name. This enterprise was begun by James 
Alex. Forbes, in 1850, but it was not completed until four years afterwards. It 
was an old-fashioned structure with overshot wheels twenty feet in diameter, 
which, owing to the lack of power, the water-head being only twenty feet, was 
not successful in its operations. It passed from Forbes to a French firm, V. 
Marzion & Co., who also made a failure. A. Pfister & Co., of San Jose, then 
leased the property, but found it unprofitable. It then passed into the hands of 
Samuels & Fanner, who raised the water, by means of a dam, to a height of thirty 
feet. In 1866 W. H. Rogers & Co. purchased the property, raised the the head to 
sixty feet, and substituted the turbine wheel for the old overshot. In 1870 the 
head was raised to two hundred feet. This gave abundance of power to all the 
machinery. At this time the company was made a joint-stock concern, W. H. 
Rogers, J. Y. McMillan, W. H. Rector, W. S. McMurtry, and C. C. Hayward being 
the incorporators. It was known as the Los Gatos Manufacturing Company. A 
four-set woolen mill, two stories high, was erected and operated successfully 
until 1872, when it burned down and was not rebuilt. The flouring mill continued 
operations, changing its system, in 1883, from stones to improved rollers, and 
turning out a product that became noted throughout the coast for its uniform 
excellence. In 1886 the Central Milling Company of San Jose was formed. The Los 
Gatos Mills went into the combination and were closed. Up to 1859 there were no 
houses in Los Gatos except the mill and a few cabins occupied by the workmen. In 
1862 Mr. Samuels built a house, which has since been occupied by W. S. McMurtry 
as a residence. McMurtry & McMillan started a store and lumber yard in 1863. 
This store afterwards came into the hands of the Los Gatos Manufacturing 
Company.
        The country around the town was settled more rapidly than the town 
itself. The history of these early settlers will be found in our biographical 
sketches. These settlers found the wildcats numerous in the adjacent hills, and 
very destructive to their property. This gave the name "Los Gatos" to the town. 
The first hotel was kept by H. D. McCobb, who was also the first postmaster, 
having been appointed in 1864.
        The establishment of the woolen mills attracted a few people to the 
place. In the meantime the lumber, wood, and timber industry commenced to grow 
in the mountains, and Los Gatos became a stopping-place for the teamsters. The 
building of the Santa Cruz Turnpike road placed it on the route of travel 
between Santa Cruz and San Jose.. A few people became attracted by the beauty of 
location and salubrity of climate, and made it their home. A church was built in 
1871. There was a good school building long prior to this.
        Although Los Gatos kept along in the march of progress, its real 
prosperity dates from 1877. Early in this year the South Pacific Coast Railroad 
was completed to that point, and the town and surrounding country immediately 
came into notice.
        Travelers saw the orange and lemon trees in the grounds of Mr. Rogers 
and Mr. McMurtry, with their heavy fruitage and the luxuriant growth of the fig 
and vine and other semi-tropical fruits, and realized that they were in the true 
"warm belt." They told their friends, and from them the report spread, and the 
people of Los Gatos awoke to find their town lots worth nearly as much per front 
foot as they had formerly been per acre. At this time the settlement had been 
almost exclusively on the east side of the creek. But the location of the 
railroad depot on the west side, and the great demand for property anywhere in 
the vicinity, caused the town to cross the stream and extend in that direction. 
About this time, also, there came into bearing a few of the orchards that had 
been planted by enterprising people, and it became known that the Los Gatos 
"red-lands," which had been a comparative failure for grain, were perfectly 
adapted to horticulture. They had been selling at from $15 to $25 per acre, and 
the success of these early orchards sent the price up to $40 and $60 per acre. 
Non-progressive settlers who had no faith in the horticultural resources of this 
section, subdivided their land and sold it at these figures, congratulating 
themselves on having made a big thing out of the enthusiastic immigrant. Those 
who remained around the place, however, saw that same land go up to $200 and 
$300 per acre, and their gratification was changed to chagrin. They solaced 
themselves and each other with the declaration that people who bought at such 
prices were "crazy fools;" but as the orchards and vineyards came into bearing 
and yielded crops which annually amounted to more than the purchase price of the 
land, they confessed their mistake. Some of the old citizens saw the signs of 
the times and amassed fortunes. They were classed as "lucky ones." The only luck 
was in being able to see the great wealth that lay in the soil of that vicinity.
        In 1877 there was, in the hills back of Los Gatos, large tracts of land 
still belonging to the government. It was then considered valueless But the 
horticultural prospector cleared it from the brush and planted trees and vines 
and reaped as rich a harvest as his neighbor in the valley. It required more 
labor, but the result has been equally gratifying.
        It is impossible to give the order in which the different families 
located in this place. When the tide of immigration started it came with a rush, 
and still continues. In 1887 the town had grown to such an extent that it 
required an independent government. In July an election was held to ascertain 
the will of the people as to the proposition to incorporate under the State 
laws. The question was answered in the affirmative by a majority of one hundred 
and twenty-six votes.
        On August 6 the final order was passed incorporating the town and 
declaring the following as its first officers: Trustees�J. W. Lyndon, P. 
Perkins, Geo. Seanor, D. D. Holland, H. Sund; Treasurer, Geo. S. McMurtry; Clerk 
and Assessor, A. E. Wilder; Marshal and Tax and License Collector, J. L. Gelatt. 
The following were declared to be the boundaries of the new municipality: 
Commencing at the corner of sections 21, 22, 27, and 28, in township 8 south, 
range 1 west, Mount Diablo base and meridian; thence northerly along the line 
between sections 21 and 22, and the same prolonged to the south line of lands of 
Levi Hill, or the same prolonged thence northwesterly along said Hill's line to 
center of Los Gatos Creek; thence down the center of creek to its intersection 
with the continuation easterly of the south line of the Dawes tract, being also 
the continuation easterly of the north line of lands of Magnus Tait; thence 
northwesterly along said last- named line, and the continuation thereof to 
northeast corner of lands of H. C. Houghton; thence southwesterly along the east 
line of Houghton's land to its intersection with the Los Gatos and Saratoga 
road; thence southwesterly in a straight course through lands of Massal Buchanan 
and McCullagh, to the extreme westerly point of what is known as Fairview 
Addition, and continuing in the same course to its intersection with the line 
dividing lands of McCullagh and P. Herold; thence southeasterly along the 
last-named line to its intersection with the section line running north and 
south between lands of J. W. Lyndon and Livermore, thence southerly along 
last-named line to the south boundary line of section 20, township 8 south, 
range 1 west; thence along the south line of said section 20 and 21 easterly to 
the place of beginning.
        The census showed that there were fifteen hundred inhabitants within the 
limits of the new town.
The Los Gatos Hotel is the lineal descendant of the first hotel established in 
Los Gatos. It had its beginning in a cottage owned by H. D. McCobb, which stood 
a short distance above where the railroad depot now is. McCobb sold it to J. W. 
Lyndon in 1868; Lyndon sold it to Morgan Covell, who conducted it several years. 
Jacob Rich then acquired it, and in 1872 it was repurchased by Mr. Lyndon, who 
enlarged it and greatly improved it. In 1878 it was moved to its present 
position, and practically rebuilt.
The Wilcox House was built by Harvey Wilcox in 885. It was erected to 
accommodate the great tide of immigrants and tourists that has been pouring into 
Los Gatos seeking health and homes.
The Los Gatos Gas Company was organized in 1885, in which year the present works 
were built. The company commenced supplying gas to consumers in June of that 
year.
The Los Gatos School-house was erected in 1886, at a cost of $8,000. The 
building is fifty-three by seventy-six feet and supported by a substantial brick 
foundation. The height to the top of the flag-staff is ninety-three feet above 
the ground. The building contains four class-rooms, thirty-two by thirty-four 
feet, and one room is 16x18 feet. The ceilings are fifteen feet high and each 
room is provided with blackboards which extend entirely around the room. All the 
windows are supplied with inside blinds in upper and lower sections. In the 
matter of ingress and egress the building is well constructed. The corridors are 
twelve feet wide and the stairways five feet, with handrails of white cedar 
capped with black walnut. The newels are of fine black walnut finished in oil. 
There are two sinks with faucets on the first floor and one on the second. The 
building and grounds are well drained by underground redwood boxes. The rooms 
are ventilated by large transoms opening into the corridors, from which a 
ventilating shaft four feet square opens through the roof. The rooms are 
furnished with single Star Bent wood seats and teachers' cabinet stands. The 
house is so constructed that another four class-room building can be added 
whenever it becomes necessary, and so constructed as to appear as well as if the 
whole had been erected at once.
The Bank of Los Gatos commenced operations in 1883 as a private enterprise, 
under the auspices of Kirkland & Conklin. In November of the same year it was 
incorporated under the State laws, with the following stockholders: John 
Stanfield, Samuel Templeton, S. F. Leib, H. E. Huggins, Robert Walker, A. E. 
Wilder, H. H.Kooser, A. Berryman, D. D. Holland, Geo B. Holland, James A. 
Hamilton, Chas. Milliken, J. S. Fowler, W. C. Shore, George Seanor, Mack Davis, 
J. W. Lyndon. The present officers are Samuel C. Templeton, President; John 
Stanfield, Vice-President; Eben C. Farley, Cashier. The capital stock is 
$50,000, all taken.
The Los Gatos Ice Works were organized in 1885, by an incorporated company of 
which A. King is president, and W. D. Tisdale principal owner, superintendent, 
and manager. It has eight tanks, each of which has a capacity of ten tons. Its 
product is sold in San Francisco, San Jose, Los Gatos and Santa Cruz.
The Los Gatos and Saratoga Wine Company was organized in June, 1885, by the 
vine-growers in the vicinity of Los Gatos and toward Saratoga. The capital stock 
is $20 000, and is all in the hands of vine-growers. The product in 1885 was 
eight thousand gallons; in 1886 it was eighty thousand gallons, and in 1887 the 
company made one hundred and ten thousand gallons of wine, and thirty-five 
hundred gallons of brandy. Its officers are: Henry Wadsworth, President; Wm. 
Warren, Vice-President; Geo W. Lynch, Secretrary; A. Malpas, Business Manager; 
H. A. Merriam, Superintendent of Winery.
Santa Cruz Mountain Improvement Company.�Incorporated July, 1886, for the 
purpose of furnishing facilities for improving and building up the mountain 
district back of Los Gatos. Its officers are: J. S. Fowler, President; H. C. 
Morrill, Vice-President; V. Averill, Treasurer; C. E. Aiken, Secretary. The 
Summit Opera House was built by this company.
The First Presbyterian Church in Los Gatos was organized by Rev. J. M. Newell, 
of Santa Clara, July 3, 1881, with twenty-three members and with G. W. McGrew as 
elder, to whose efforts previous to that date its existence is due. Rev. R. C. 
Moodie has been its minister from the first. Trustees were elected July 10, as 
follows: S. S. Butler, John Henderson, W. D. Hudson, E. W. Mills, and Samuel 
Templeton. The Sunday-school was organized July 17, with E. W. Mills as 
superintendent. Services were held every Sunday forenoon, for twelve weeks, in 
Lyndon Hall. By that time a lot had been purchased from J. Y. McMillan, with a 
dwelling-house, which was converted into a chapel and used as a place of 
worship, morning and evening, for three years. In 1882 Mr. Moodie built a 
cottage on the church lot, and in 1885 purchased a portion of the lot, with a 
frontage of fifty feet, including the chapel, which he joined with his cottage, 
making his present residence, which is intended for a parsonage, cost about 
$1,600. The church edifice was erected in 1884-85, at a cost of about $3,300, or 
$5,000 inclusive of furniture, organ, chairs, chandeliers, carpet, bell, fence, 
and sheds. It was first occupied for a union thanksgiving service, in 1884. It 
was completed by the following April, and dedicated, without debt, May 3, 1885. 
One hundred and forty-two persons have been connected with the church as 
members. Its present membership is ninety-three, of whom twelve are absent. The 
Sunday-school numbers one hundred and twenty, with M. Howell as superintendent. 
The elders are M. Howell, E. B. Conklin, R. W. B. McLellan, and L. S. Wood. The 
trustees are S. S. Butler, E. B. Conklin, M. Howell, J. C. Mansur, C. H. 
Woodhams. Auxiliary organizations are a Ladies' Aid Society, a Woman's Home and 
Foreign Missionary Society, a young people's society, and a mission band, called 
"The Busy Workers." The pastor's salary is raised by subscription. The church 
received aid from the Board of Home Missions the first four years, but has since 
been self-supporting. Current expenses and benevolent contributions are raised 
by church collections. Improvements are from time to time provided for by the 
Ladies' Aid Society. The congregational expenses last year were $1415. The 
benevolent contributions were $353.
        R. C. Moodie was born in Craftsbury, Vermont, June 19, 1852. His father, 
Robert Moodie, was born in Scotland, April 23, 1788; removed to Craftsbury, 
Vermont, in 1831, where he died at the age of ninety, in 1878. His mother, Phebe 
Augusta (Blanchard), was born in Greensboro, Vermont, in 1810, and lived nearly 
all her life in Craftsbury. She was married to Robert Moodie in 1832, as his 
second wife, and was the mother of eight children (Robert Moodie having one 
daughter by a former wife), of whom R. C. Moodie is next to the youngest, and 
only two others are living. She died in 1877. Young Moodie worked on his 
father's farm until he was nineteen, with an occasional term at the Craftsbury 
Academy and at a district school, when he taught in a district school one 
winter; went in the spring of the same year to an academy at Meriden, New 
Hampshire; then two years were spent in Williston Seminary, Easthampton, 
Massachusetts; then the summer vacation was spent at Amenia, New York, in 
studies that would have occupied the senior year at Williston Seminary ; and he 
entered Yale College at New Haven, Connecticut, in the autumn of 1874, and 
graduated in 1878; then spent three years in a Presbyterian Theological Seminary 
at Auburn, New York, graduating in May, 1881. He was married the eighteenth of 
the same month, came to California in June, and settled in Los Gatos in July.
        Carrie Augusta Root (wife of R. C. Moodie) was born in Craftsbury, 
Vermont. They have two children, Walter Chafey and Willis Beecher, ages six and 
four respectively.
Ridgely Lodge, No. 294, I. O. O. F., was instituted at Los Gatos, April 4, 1882, 
by Past Grand C. J. Owen, D. D. G. M. Its charter members were: T. S. Cleland, 
B. J. Allen, L. A. Cole, James Eddy, Jay E. Fuller, J. J. Roberts. First 
officers: B. G. Allen, N. G.; J. E. V. G.; James Eddy, R. S.; T. S. Cleland, 
Treasurer. Present officers : E. A. Kennedy, N. G.; Geo. S. McMurtry, V. G.; L. 
E. Hamilton, R. S.; A. E. Wilder, Recording Secretary; W. Lee, Treasurer.
Los Gatos Lodge, No. 76, A. O. U. W.�Organized January 11, 1879. First officers: 
J. T. Harris, P. M. W.; T. S. Cleland, M. W.; H. C. Black, F.; J. B. Waterman, 
O.; A. F. McFarland, Recorder ; H. U. Ball, G.; Thos. W. Cox, I. W.; Wm. Parks, 
O. W.
Los Gatos Parlor, No. 121, N. S. G. W., was organized March 23, 1888. Officers: 
Past President, G. D. Wilson; President, Geo. S. McMurtry; First Vice-President, 
Edward C. Yocco ; Second Vice-President, N. G. Rogers; Third Vice-President; R. 
L. Hutchinson; Recording Secretary, Fen Massol; Financial Secretary, J. H. 
Coult; Treasurer, James Stanfield; Surgeon, R. P. Gober. There are three 
Trustees: Geo. R. Emerson, Fred. W. Perkins, W. S. Baker; Inside Sentinel, F. F. 
Watkins ; Outside Sentinel, A. M. Howell. Charter members: W. J. Baker, James J. 
Stanfield, Robt. L. Hutchinson, Freeman L. Howes, William A. Riggs, Robt. F. 
Kennedy, Daniel McCarthy, Wm. P. Veuve, Wm. C. Swinford, Robt. D. Baker, Frank 
F. Watkins, Edward C. Yocco, Fred. W. Perkins, Alexander NI. Howell, Geo. S. 
McMurtry, Geo. R. Emerson, Noah G. Rogers, Geo. D. Wilson, J. H. Coult, Hugh R. 
Roberts, R. P. Gober, Fen Massol.
 
CLIMATE.
        The following description of the climate of Los Gatos was written by one 
who has made the subject a special study: "The Santa Cruz Mountains shut off the 
harsh breezes from the ocean, and the creeping fog from the Bay of San Francisco 
very rarely finds its way into this vicinity. Calla lilies and the tenderest 
geraniums flourish and bloom in open air the year around. Tomatoes and green 
peas, gathered from the vines, often form a part of Christmas dinners, with 
strawberries, taken from the vines in open air, for dessert. The altitude above 
the ocean, between four and five hundred feet, and freedom from fogs, have 
caused the place to be sought by many invalids who have regained their health. 
The bay wind generally prevails through the day and the mountain breeze at 
night. This thoroughly ventilates the foothills and adds to their healthfulness. 
We have no thunder and lightning, and no cyclones, hurricanes or tornadoes; no 
heavy frosts or snows, floods or droughts; no malarious diseases. From the first 
of May to the first of November we have no rain, no showers, while in what we 
call the winter months showers and rains fall sufficient to thoroughly moisten 
the ground. We have much clear weather in winter�about the same as April and May 
in the East. The soil is so deep and open that where it is thoroughly cultivated 
it remains moist to within a few inches of the surface all summer. Travelers who 
have spent years in search of the model climate say that our climate could not 
be surpassed on the globe, and they certainly are correct. The great variety of 
growing orchards add beauty to the general appearance of the foothills and the 
valley, which spread out below Los Gatos into a picture without a parallel."
 
SARATOGA.
 
        This village was founded by Martin McCarthy in 1851. He laid it out in 
lots and blocks at that time, and called it McCarthysville. The first settlers 
after McCarthy were William Haun and his father-in-law, John Whisman. They built 
a flour-mill, which was destroyed by fire in 1864. While the mill was building 
Washburn and Pipkin opened a store, and Henry Jarboe started a blacksmith shop. 
The first post�master was Levi Millard, who was appointed in 1855. In 1863 the 
town site was resurveyed and additions made. The vacant land came into the hands 
of Charles Maclay, who rechristened it with the name of Saratoga. Its original 
founder is now dead, but his widow still lives on the place, and that she has 
kept up with the progress of events will be seen by her biographical sketch 
elsewhere in this book. A paper mill and a pasteboard mill were established in 
1868, the former by E. T. and W. T. King, and the latter by Peter Somerville. 
Both were afterwards destroyed by fire.
        The town has become widely known from its location near the Pacific 
Congress Springs, which has become one of the most famous summer resorts on the 
coast. These springs were discovered in 1850. Among those who early discovered 
the wonderful properties of the waters of these springs were D. O. Mills and 
Alvinza Hayward, wealthy business men of San Francisco. They formed a 
joint-stock company, consisting of themselves and O. F. Griffin, Louis McLane,. 
E. O. Knight, and other prominent men, and purchased seven hundred and twenty 
acres, including the spring and its surroundings. The plan was for each to erect 
a cottage for himself and family, and to erect a main building, to be used as a 
boarding-house for all. Only two cottages were built. The main building was 
erected and contained fourteen rooms. It was formally opened June 16, 1866. In 
1872 the property was purchased by Lewis P. Sage and his son, Lewis A. Sage. 
There was no cleared land on the place at this time, nor was it easy of access. 
The purchasers procured the construction of a good road, and set about improving 
the place both as to buildings and for agricultural purposes. This work has been 
done principally by Lewis A. Sage, who has had the sole management of the place. 
The hotel was reconstructed and enlarged, until it now has sixty-three rooms.
        A reservoir containing twenty thousand gallons has been built, which is 
supplied with pure water from the Quito Creek. Forty-five acres are planted to 
vines of the choicest wine varieties, of which the largest portion are six years 
old and bear profusely. Fifteen acres are in French prunes, now three years old, 
and seventy-five acres arc devoted to general agricultural purposes. Two hundred 
acres are used for pasturage, while the remainder is devoted to preserving game 
and fish for the use of the guests at the hotel. These hills abound with game of 
all kinds, while the streams are abundantly supplied with mountain trout. This 
makes Congress Hall a popular resort for sportsmen as well as invalids, and 
business men seeking recreation. Mr. James E. Gordon, in his lecture on Saratoga 
and its surroundings, says:�
        " The tourist or visitor to Saratoga need take no thought as to his 
entertainment, as Congress Hall is one of the most comfortable and attractive 
hotels on the Pacific Coast. It consists of a spacious main building, with broad 
veranda, and a number of two-story cottages adjoining, grouped upon a plateau on 
the mountain side, and surrounded by shade-trees, a beautiful lawn, and rare 
tropical plants and flowers. Facing, as it does, the grand old mountains across 
the canon, which are covered with forest trees, some of them of giant size, and 
the whole covering seven hundred and twenty acres, the surroundings make one 
feel that there is plenty of room and comfort everywhere, and just the place to 
have a good time. After a sumptuous lunch a short walk brings you to a rustic 
bridge crossing a clear mountain stream, delightfully shaded, wild and romantic, 
along which you wend your way to the celebrated Congress Springs, surrounded by 
shady nooks, rustic seats, and miniature water-falls. Aside from its valuable 
medicinal properties, it is one of the most pleasant mineral waters in 
existence. There are bathrooms convenient to the hotel, where hot and cold baths 
are served with wonderful effect upon the weak and afflicted." The water of the 
spring is celebrated the world over as a remedy in cases of dyspepsia, 
rheumatism, and impurities of the blood, as well as a refreshing beverage and 
invigorating tonic. Its analysis is chloride of sodium, 119.159; sulphate of 
soda, 12.140; carbonate of soda, 123.351; carbonate of iron, 14.030; carbonate 
of lime, 17.295; silica, alumina, with trace of magnesia, 49.882.
        As we have related in our chapter on horticulture, the Saratoga District 
was the very first to discover and take advantage of resources in the direction 
of fruit and vine-growing. The success of the earlier orchards induced the 
planting of others, and the success of these has kept up the enthusiasm until 
nearly the whole country is a succession of orchards and vineyards yielding 
golden harvests to their owners.
        The Saratoga Village Improvement Association was organized in 1887, its 
objects being to buy unimproved land, plant and cultivate trees and vines 
thereon, and sell in ten-acre lots on easy terms; to build houses, mills, 
factories, and supply same with water and gas; construct roads, bridges, and 
sidewalks; to manufacture the products of our fields and forests, and generally 
to develop the resources of Saratoga.
        A tract of five hundred acres has been secured, which will be divided 
into ten-acre lots as soon as fifty subscribers are obtained. The price of the 
lots, including planting and cultivating trees, will be $3,000, payable in 
seventy-two monthly installments.
        The Saratoga Wine Company is an association of vine-growers who have 
formed an incorporation for the purpose of manufacturing into wine the product 
of their vineyards, and thus protect themselves from any combination that may be 
formed by dealers. The officers are: A. D. Macdonald, President; Lewis A. Sage, 
Secretary and Treasurer; Peter Warner, Manager The winery is in the building at 
Saratoga formerly used as a flouring-mill. Last season the vintage amounted to 
sixty-three thousand gallons.
 
SMALLER TOWNS.
 
LEXINGTON.
 
        Lexington was at one time quite a flourishing hamlet. Situated about 
three miles above Los Gatos, it was the headquarters for the early lumbermen and 
people otherwise employed in the mountains. It was also the stopping-place for 
the Santa Cruz stages. The advent of the railroad, which left it on one side, 
took away all its support, and it has since almost ceased to exist. It is in the 
heart of the mountain fruit district, but trade and traffic do not reach it.
 
ALMA.
 
        This place, which, before the building of the railroad, was only a 
wayside inn, has grown into considerable importance since that time. Its 
history, as a village, dates from 1877, and is too recent to have much interest.
 
WRIGHTS.
 
        Wrights is a small hamlet near the summit of the Santa Cruz Mountains. 
It came into existence in 1878, when the railroad was completed. It is the 
shipping-point for wood, and also for much of the fruit grown in that portion of 
the mountain district.
 
MILPITAS.
 
        We have shown, in our chapter on land titles, how this name originated. 
The town came into existence in 1856, when Frederick Creighton erected the first 
building and opened a store. A post-office was also established at this time, 
with Creighton as postmaster, and J. R. Weller as assistant. In 1857 the first 
hotel was opened by James Kinney, who was succeeded by A. French. The building 
was destroyed by fire in 1860, but was rebuilt by Mr. French, who has ever since 
been its proprietor. The town has kept up with the times in the way of 
improvements. It has neat churches, and one of the best school buildings in the 
country. It contains shops and stores sufficient for the necessities of the 
surrounding country, and the inhabitants are contented.
 
ALVISO.
 
        In 1849 it was thought that this town was destined to become a great 
city. Sitting, as it does, at the head of San Francisco Bay, it was thought that 
it would become the shipping-point for all the lower country. It was predicted 
that, in a comparatively few years, shipping from all parts of the world would 
be moored at its wharves, and its immense warehouses be filled with the products 
of all nations. For a time it was a very active place. Warehouses were built, 
and buildings erected for hotels, dwellings, and stores. The railroad, however, 
diverted travel in 1866, and it became nearly deserted. The arrival of the South 
Pacific Coast Railroad, in 1876, revived business somewhat, but its people no 
longer anticipate that it will become the metropolis of the Pacific Coast. The 
town was incorporated in 1852, with John Snyder as its first treasurer, and A. 
T. Gallagher as its first marshal. Thomas West and Robert Hutchinson were 
members of the first Board of Trustees. Its charter has been allowed to lapse, 
and it has now no independent existence.
 
MOUNTAIN VIEW.
 
        The old town originally consisted of a stage station on the San 
Francisco road, built by James Campbell, in 1852. Opposite this station Richard 
Karr opened a store, which was managed by Jacob Shumway. In 1853 the Weilheimer 
Brothers opened a store, as did also a Hungarian called "Doc." The town was 
surveyed into lots and blocks by Frank Sleeper and Mariano Castro, but the town 
has shown no disposition to stray away from the one principal street. It never 
was incorporated. In 1869 Mr. S. P. Taylor erected the hotel which, since his 
death, has been conducted by his widow. In 1876 Enterprise Hall was built by a 
local association. Mountain View Lodge, No. 244, I. O. O. F., was instituted 
June 2, 1876.
 
MOUNTAIN VIEW STATION,
 
        Or New Mountain View, was the outgrowth of the railroad. It was laid out 
by S. O. Houghton in 1865. The first house was built by Shirley and Haines, for 
a saloon. The next building was the hotel, built by D. Frink and Shirley. The 
Methodist Episcopal Church, South, was built in October, 1872, and for the first 
year was under the charge of Rev. Isaac L. Hopkins. Mountain View Lodge, No. 
194, F. and A. M., was organized in 1868. Mountain View Lodge, No. 59, A. O. U. 
W., was organized October 16, 1878. Golden Wreath Lodge, No. 327, I. O. G. T., 
was organized May 14, 1880. The two brick warehouses were built in 1878, by 
Smith and Bubb.
 
MAYFIELD.
 
        In 1853 David Adams built a public house on what is now the route of the 
San Francisco road, and called it " Uncle Jim's Cabin." It became noted in the 
days of stage travel. The next building was used as a butcher shop by Rama & 
Cinovia, and was built in 1854. C. J. Fuller built a store in 1855, and shortly 
afterwards a blacksmith shop. In this year a post-office was established, with 
James Otterson as postmaster. In 1857 Doctor Gunning located in the town, as did 
also Judge Wallis. In the meantime Fuller had sold out his mercantile business 
to William Paul. The railroad arrived in 1864, but the station was located 
three-quarters of a mile from the town. About two years afterwards it was 
changed to its present position. The town was regularly laid out by William Paul 
in 1867, and streets opened, named, and graded. In 1866 Page & Peers opened a 
lumber yard, and in 1868 the Mayfield Brewery was built. The Catholic Church was 
erected in 1871, and in 1872 the Methodist Episcopal Church was built. Mayfield 
Lodge, No. 192, I. O. O. F., was instituted September 13, 1871. The town seems 
now to have entered on a new era of prosperity. In addition to the impetus 
received by the development of its great horticultural resources, the 
establishment of the great Stanford University in the immediate vicinity has 
given it great importance.
 
NEW ALMADEN QUICKSILVER MINE.
 
        The history of this famous mine has been frequently written, but has 
never been presented in better form than by Mrs. Carrie Stevens Walters, in the 
excellent handbook of Santa Clara County, published by E. S. Harrison in 1887. 
As the duty of the historian is to present facts; we give those connected with 
this institution in the language of Mrs. Walters:�
        Almaden�from two Arabic words�al, ' maden, `mine'�was the name given to 
the most famous quicksilver mine of the world, located in Spain. Its namesake of 
Santa Clara County, having no superior, with the single exception above 
mentioned, deserves more than a passing notice in a work of this character. The 
New Almaden quicksilver mine is situated about fourteen miles southwest of San 
Jose, in a low range of hills running parallel with the Coast Range. Tradition 
states that this mine was known to the native Indians nearly a century ago, and 
that they used the ore�red sulphuret of mercury�to form a pigment paste by 
pounding and moistening it. In 1824 the existence of the mine was made known to 
Don Antonio Sunol, who worked it for silver; but not finding this metal, and not 
suspecting the real nature of the deposit, abandoned it at the end of a year. In 
November, 1845, a Mexican officer named Andres Castillero, visiting at Santa 
Clara Mission, was shown some of the ore, and while experimenting for silver, 
discovered quicksilver. He at once filed his right to the mine as a discoverer, 
according to the Spanish and Mexican law, after which he formed a stock company, 
dividing the mine into twenty-four shares. An American named Wm. G. Chard was 
then employed, who commenced the reduction by charging a gun barrel with small 
pieces of ore, stopping the vent with clay, placing the muzzel into a barrel of 
water, and building a fire around the other end. The mercury, being driven off 
by the heat in the form of vapor, passed out at the muzzle, was condensed in the 
water, and precipitated in the form of liquid quicksilver. Three or four gun 
barrels were thus employed for several weeks. Six whaler's try-pots were next 
obtained, capable of holding three or four tons of ore, and a sort of furnace 
formed by inverting three over the other three, by which some two thousand 
pounds of metal were reduced. About this time---1846�the mine was visited by 
General Fremont, who established its value at about thirty thousand dollars! 
Soon after this, Barron, Forbes & Co., of Tepic, Mexico, became the principal 
stock�holders, and in 1847 Alexander Forbes, of the firm, arrived with laborers, 
funds, and everything necessary to the proper working of the mine. A thorough 
examination gave so much promise that work was prosecuted with vigor. In 1850 
furnaces were first constructed and large quantities of ore reduced under the 
superintendence of the late Gen. H. W. Halleck. As the true value of the mine 
became apparent, disputes concerning the title arose. The company bought in two 
titles for protection. But matters became so complicated that in October, 1858, 
an injunction was placed on the mine, which remained until February, 1861, 
during which time no work was done. In 1864 the company disposed of the mine and 
all improvements, including eight thousand five hundred and eighty acres of 
land, for $1,700,000, to a company chartered, under the laws of New York and 
Pennsylvania, as The Quicksilver Mining Company, which company is the present 
owner.
        " The workings of the mine, past and present, extend over an area the 
extreme limits of which could barely be included within a rectangular block five 
thousand feet long from north to south, six thousand feet wide from east to 
west, and two thousand three hundred feet in depth, counting from the summit of 
Mine Hill, the upward limit of the ore deposit. The workings do not cover all 
the area here indicated, but are very irregularly distributed within it. Mining 
experts will readily understand from this, and also from the fact that ore 
bodies seem to obey no special law of distribution, but are a puzzle to 
geologists, the difficulty offered in the workings of this mine. In its famous 
rival, Almaden of Spain, the ore bodies are placed with remarkable regularity, 
increasing in richness as depth is obtained, and all included within a 
rectangular block seven hundred feet long, by three hundred and fifty broad, and 
one thousand and twenty-seven in depth. It may be interesting to pursue this 
comparison a little further. For instance: the average salary paid to workmen at 
the Spanish mine is sixty cents per day ; at New Almaden, about $2.40. The 
number of workers employed at old Almaden, three thousand one hundred and 
twenty-six ; at New Almaden, four hundred and sixty; the yield per ton of ore at 
New Almaden averages little more than twenty pounds of quicksilver; at old 
Almaden the general average is about two hundred pounds of quicksilver to the 
ton; the average cost of extracting per flask of seventy-six and one-half pounds 
at old Almaden is $7.10; at New Almaden the cost is $26.38. It is safe to affirm 
that, had the Spanish mine the same difficulties to overcome in working as are 
encountered at New Almaden, it would long since have been shut down, despite the 
Rothschilds, its lessees. These facts naturally lead one to inquire something of 
the management of the Santa Clara County Almaden. The mine came under control of 
its present manager, Mr. J. B. Randol, in 1870. At that time there was an 
interest-bearing debt against the property of over one and a half million 
dollars. The amount of ore in sight was discouragingly small, the extraction 
very costly, and the stockholders were so pushed to carry on the workings of the 
mine that they were compelled to raise $200,000 by subscription. The systems of 
working the mine were crude and expensive, furnaces and condensers imperfect, 
and the mine developed only to the eight hundred-foot level, with one main 
shaft. Much of the ore was brought from lower to higher levels in bags made of 
ox-hides, and carried by Mexicans by means of a strap over the forehead�from one 
hundred and forty to two hundred pounds being conveyed at a load. Now, in 1886, 
exploration and exploitation have been made in nine shafts, six of which are in 
active operation; there is a network of underground passages aggregating nearly 
fifty miles in length ; mining work is carried on to a depth of two thousand 
three hundred feet, while the machinery is the most complete and economical of 
any mine in the world. In those sixteen years three hundred and eighteen 
thousand flasks of quicksilver have been reduced, over $5,000,000 disbursed for 
labor, and yet with a total profit to the owners of more than $4,000,000. The 
funded debt has been paid, large amounts expended in permanent improvements, and 
over $1,000,000 declared in dividends. More than one-half the world's supply of 
quicksilver comes from California. A greater portion of this is produced at New 
Almaden, a small amount being put out by other mines in the State.
        " In those earlier days the social condition of the workmen, who were 
mostly Mexicans, was inferior.  The place was noted for lawlessness, and was a 
rendezvous for Mexican banditti. Little restraint was exercised over the men, 
and gambling, drinking, and licentiousness were common. Large wages were paid, 
and it was no uncommon occurrence for a man to be killed after pay-day. There 
were no advantages of church or schools. Water for cooking and drinking purposes 
was carried on donkeys and sold by the pail�ful
        " Now the visitor leaves the railroad station two miles from the 
hacienda where are located the reduction works of the mine. Almost the first 
thing to greet the eye is a pretty school-house with its groups of neat, tidy 
children. Two teachers are employed here and four at the school on the hill, 
three miles further on, for ten months in the year, the schools being in the 
regular county school system. Along the single street for half a mile are clean, 
pretty cottages, the homes of the hacienda workmen, each cottage literally 
embowered in choice roses and other flowers. These houses are owned mostly by 
the company, who lease them to the workmen at from $2.00 to $5.00 per month. 
Cuttings and plants are supplied free from the beautiful gardens of the manager, 
where are grown more varieties of roses than in any other place, perhaps, in the 
county. Along the street in front of the houses a stream of purest water is 
conducted in a channel for domestic purposes. The street is bordered with 
shade-trees, and a neat brick walk extends its entire length. Everywhere are 
seen signs of thrift and prosperity; the people look well kept and contented, 
while an all-pervading spirit of order and system extends to the remotest 
ramifications of this important industry.
        " Three miles up a steep but well-graded road brings one to the mine 
proper, where arc the great shafts with their huge engines, in one of which, the 
engine of the Buena Vista shaft, is a piece of iron weighing twelve tons. The 
miners are principally Mexican and Cornish. Two pretty church edifices, a 
Methodist and a Catholic, located at the Hill Settlement, were built almost 
entirely by contributions from the company and manager. A social organization, 
called the Helping Hand, for which the company erected and fitted up a club 
building, for the benefit of the workmen, has a fine library of nearly five 
hundred volumes, besides a list of magazines and daily and weekly newspapers of 
the, best published. Here are held frequent entertainments, given by the 
members, and the society is a wonderful factor in the promotion of sociability, 
general information, and mental culture.
        " The Miners' Fund, to which each employe contributes one dollar per 
month, pays, among other expenditures for the good of the miners, the salary of 
a resident physician, a most skillful and competent gentleman, whose services 
are gratuitous to the contributors. The value of this arrangement will be better 
understood when it is known that a great majority of the workmen are married men 
with families. The management encourages this class, feeling that, as a rule, it 
is more reliable and responsible than that composed of men with no domestic 
ties. The population of the settlement is about fourteen hundred, of which six 
hundred are under twenty years of age. The essentials of a true home, children, 
and flowers, flourish unrestrained at New Almaden. The pay-roll is noted for men 
who have been long in the employ of the company; and it is hardly necessary to 
add that during Mr. Randol's management such a thing as a strike has never been 
thought of."
        Since September, 1887, the management of the system inaugurated and 
built up by the superintendent, Mr. Randol, has been intrusted to Col. Ferdinand 
Von Leicht, who has been connected with the quick�silver interests of California 
since 1868.
 
POST-OFFICES.
 
        Following is a list of post-offices in Santa Clara County at the present 
time:�
Agnew, Alma, Alviso, Bell's Station, Campbell, Coyote, Cupertino, Evergreen, 
Frohm
Gilroy, Gilroy Hot Sp'gs, Gubserville, Hillsdale, Lawrence, Los Gatos, Madrone, 
Mayfield, Milpitas,  Mountain View, New Almaden, Patchin, San Felipe, San Jose, 
Santa Clara, Saratoga, Sargent, Wrights.
 
PRIVATE LAND GRANTS.
 
        Following is a list of the various tracts of land in Santa Clara County 
to which title was granted by the Spanish and Mexican Governments:
Arroyo de los Pilarcitos, one square league, to Candelario Miramontes.
Canada del Corte de Madera, to Domingo Peralta.
Canada de San Felipey Las Animas, two square leagues, to Charles M. Weber, 
patented August 9, 1866.
Canada de Pala, eight thousand by twelve hundred varas, to Jose de Jesus Bernal 
et al., patented August 9, 1863.
Canada de los Capitancillos, to Guadaloupe Mining Company.
El Corte de Madera, two square leagues, to Maximo Martinez, patented June 14, 
1858.
El Pasito de las Animas, three thousand and forty-two acres, to Robert 
Walkinshaw.
Embarcadero de Santa Clara, one thousand varas, to Barcelia Bernal.
Juristac, one square league, to Antonio and Faustin German.
La Polka, one square league, to Bernard Murphy, patented March 3, 1860.
La Purisima Concepcion, one square league, to Juana Briones.
Los Tularcitos, to Antonio Higuera et al., heirs of Jose Higuera, patented July 
8, 1870.
Las Animas or Sitio de la Brea, to Jose Maria Sanchez.
Las Coches, half square league, to Antonio Sunol et al, patented December 31, 
1857.
La Laguna Seca, four square leagues, to Liberata Cesana Bull, et al., patented 
November 24, 1865.
Los Capitancillos, three-quarters of a square league, to Charles Fosset, 
patented February 3, 1865.
Las Animas, to Frederick E. Whiting.
Milpitas, one square league, to Jose Maria Alviso.
Mission of Santa Clara, to Juan C. Galindo.
Mission of Santa Clara, thirteen and thirteen-hundredths acres, church property, 
patented March 3, 1858.
Ojo de Agua de la Coche, two square leagues, to Bernard Murphy, patented January 
4, 1860.
Patrero de Santa Clara, one square league, to Robert F. Stockton.
Pastoria de las Borregas, three thousand two hundred and seven and a quarter 
acres, to Martin Murphy, patented December 15, 1865.
Pueblo of San Jose, to mayor and common council of. San Jose, confirmed October 
8, 1866.
Pala, one square league, to Ellen White et al., widow and heirs of Charles 
White.
Quito, three square leagues, to Manuel Alviso, patented May 14, 1866.
Rincon de San Francisquito, half square league, to Maria Antonio Mesa, widow of 
Rafael Soto..
Rancho del Refugio, or Pastoria del las Borregas,three square leagues, to Thomas 
Pacheco and Augustin Alviso.
Rincon de los Esteros, to Francisco Berreyessa et al., heirs of G. Berreyessa.
Rincon de los Esteros, to Rafael Alviso et al. Rincon de los Esteros, two 
thousand acres, to Ellen E. White.
Rinconada de los Gatos, one and a half square leagues, to Sebastian Peralta and 
Jose Hernandez, patented March 19, 1860.
Santa Ana y Quien Sabe, seven square leagues, to Juan Miguel Angas and Manuel 
Larios, patented May 1, 1860.
San Isidro, one square league, to Quentin Ortega et al., patented September 27, 
1869.
San Francisco de las Llagas, six square leagues, to Bernard Daniel, James and 
Martin Murphy, patented March 19, 1868.
San Antonio, one square league, to Encarnacion Mesa et al., patented August 6, 
1866.
San Vicente, one square league, Maria L. B. Berreyessa.
Santa Teresa, one square league, to Augustin Bernal, patented March 8, 1867.
San Isidro, one square league, to Quentin Ortega, patented October 22, 1868.
San Francisquito, eight suertes (two hundred varas each), Maria Concepcion 
Valencia de Rodriguez et al., patented June 8, 1868.
San Antonio, six thousand one hundred and two acres, to William A. Dana et al, 
patented, no date recorded.
Ulistac, half square league, Jacob D. Hoppe, patented October 12, 1868.
Las Uvas, three square leagues, to Bernard Murphy, patented February 18, 1860.
Yerba Buena, or Socaye, twenty-four thousand three hundred and forty-two and 
sixty-four one-hundredths acres, to Antonio Chavalla, patented January 3, 1859.
Tract of land, two thousand varas, confirmed to James Enwright.
Tract of land, fifty by sixty varas, confirmed to Francisco Arce.
Two tracts of land, three hundred and fifty-eight and fifty-one one-hundredths 
acres, to Mary S. Bennett.
Los Huecos, nine leagues, Hornsty and Roland, granted May 6, 1846, by Pio Pico, 
to Louis Arenas and John Roland,