The San Luis Obispo County
CAGenWeb Project

FREDERICK J. PETERSON

A Scandinavian, and descendant of the ancient Norsemen, whose home was as well upon the sea as upon the land, and who, if limited in territorial possessions, have made their influence and power felt throughout the civilized world. Mr. Peterson is a native of the Danish Island of Alsen, born January 23, 1838. In 1866 the island of his birth, with the Grand Duchies of Schleswig and Holstein, became a part of the Kingdom of Prussia. When of sufficient age to be of service, he went to sea as a sailor, and for many years followed that vocation. In 1853 he came to the United States, and as soon as he was of the proper age became an American citizen. In 1857 he made a voyage to his native land, remaining in Denmark six months, afterward going to Australia, where he remained twelve years, generally engaged as a sailor along the Australian coast. That, however, did not occupy all his time, as he more than once essayed mining, and also got married in that country, marrying September, 1867, Miss Susan Adelaide Elliott, from which union six children have been born. In 1869 he came to California, abandoned his life as a sailor, and settled upon a ranch in San Luis Obispo County. Mr. Peterson’s ranch comprises an area of 300 acres, situated in Harmony Valley, about midway between Cayucos and Cambria, a view of it being given elsewhere in this book. Mr. Peterson also owns another ranch of 400 acres on Toro Creek, which he expects during 1882 to occupy as a dairy farm, and make his future home while leasing his other place.

Source: History of San Luis Obispo County, California, pp339-340. Transcribed for the CAGenWeb Project by Cathy Portz.

JEFFREY PHELAN

Previously mentioned as the founder of the first school in the whole region, was born in County Waterford, Ireland, August 13, 1824, remaining in his native land until 1851, when he emigrated to America, landing in New York. Thence he went direct to Covington, Kentucky, where he remained five months; took a journey through Ohio, and then to Galena, Illinois, where he engaged in lead mining during a three years’ residence in that State. In 1854 he came by sea to California, landing in San Francisco in October of that year. Making no stop in the metropolis, he went direct to the mines on Sutter Creek, in Amador County, and remained there a successful miner for three years. In 1858, he made a visit to his dear old Ireland, leaving California in May, and returning in August following. While in the old country he married Miss Alice Hearn, a native of County Waterford, and brought his wife with him to the land of his adoption. Making a stay of one month in San Francisco upon his return, he paid a short visit to a brother at New Almaden, and in the fall of 1858, came to San Luis Obispo County, where he has since lived. His place is nearly two miles north of Cambria, where he has a comfortable home, and an intelligent and happy family of wife and six children, three daughters and three sons. A view of his home is given elsewhere in this book. Mr. Phelan was one of the first settlers in the coast region, and when he came there was no such town in existence as Cambria, and people of the Anglo Saxon race were exceedingly rare in that quarter, his eldest daughter being the first child born in that section of the county. Since his residence here he has shown a great spirit of enterprise and industry, assisting materially in the construction of the first school house and the first store in Cambria, and aiding in other advances for the good of the community. Mr. Phelan’s ranch contains 1,400 acres of land. His business being stock-raising and dairying, he has 200 head of cattle, and 100 milking cows. The dry seasons of 1862-63-64 caused him very serious losses, but with his great energy and perseverance, he has been enabled to overcome them.

Source: History of San Luis Obispo County, California, p339. Transcribed for the CAGenWeb Project by Cathy Portz.

C. H. PHILLIPS

Throughout this history, particularly in the chapter relating specially to the city of San Luis Obispo, the name of C. H. Phillips frequently occurs. There are men whose inventive genius, leading enterprise, and great energy make history while they live and wherever their lot may be cast. Mr. Phillips has thus made history in his endeavors to build the San Luis Obispo Railroad, in his organization of the San Luis Obispo Bank, and in the company to supply the city with water. His extensive operations in real estate have made his name familiar to all the people of the county. With his activity he has made business a success, and advanced all the interests surrounding him. Many people are so dependent on the circumstances of the times that they wait until opportunities have passed before they decide, but Mr. Phillips makes circumstances conform to his desires, and is at once ready to reap all the advantages that may arise. Tall in form, of strong physique, and commanding appearance, he represents the type of energy and force. Such is one of the principal business men of San Luis Obispo.

Chauncey Hatch Phillips is the full baptismal name of this gentleman. He was born in Wadsworth, Medina County, Ohio, July 5, 1837. His father was Nelson Phillips, and his mother Almira Hatch, the first being a native of New York, born in 1807, and the latter of Vermont, born in 1808. The father was of the old pre-Revolutionary stock, of New York, his grandfather having served in the war for independence, and was taken prisoner by the Indians. Mr. Phillip’s mother was a descendant of one of the early settlers of New England, coming from England in the colonial days. In their early married life they were farmers in the State of New York, but became pioneers of the West, locating first in the wilds of Ohio, then at a later day making their home in the lovely land of Wisconsin, by the shores of Fond du Lac. Wherever young C. H. Phillips was in those early days, there he went to school, and wherever he has been through life, there he has been a student, thus fitly claiming an education of the first-class for every rank of social and business life. Removing to Fond du Lac at the age of eight years, he there remained for eight years more, when, at the age of sixteen, he left his home to make his own way in the world. He went to Walworth County, in the same State. With his ambition, he sought the higher plains of life, teaching school, reading law, and various pursuits in the way of earning a livelihood.

In 1862 he returned to Fond du Lac, married, and early in 1864 came by steamer to California, leaving his wife and child at home. He remained in San Francisco but ten days; then continued his journey to Napa. There he engaged as teacher, opening his school April 4, 1864. His first term was for three months. At first his success seemed doubtful, as he adopted a new system, which took the people by surprise. But at the end of his term, he had given such satisfaction that he was re-engaged for a term of five months. After this he entered the law office of Hon. Chancellor Hartson to continue the study of the law. In a short time he received the appointment of Deputy County Clerk, under J. Maurice Carter, afterward of Marshall & Carter, of Salt Lake, a noted law firm. After this he was appointed Chief Deputy Collector of Internal Revenue of the Fifth District, by the Collector, Hon. W. C. S. Smith.

This was in the spring of 1865, and was the opening of a business peculiarly adapted to Mr. Phillips, being the handling and accounting for of large sums of money, in transactions requiring the utmost exactness, and pursuing minute ramifications. He was in the Internal Revenue service five years, till April 1, 1870, and part of the time was also clerk in the bank of James H. Goodman & Co. At one time, while thus employed, he organized a bank at Woodland, Yolo County, but it did not open for business. Mr. Phillips was then appointed Chief Deputy Collector of the Second District, at San Jose, by Dr. L. H. Cary, the Collector. In the following year the district was consolidated with the First, or San Francisco District, and the office removed to San Francisco. There the office was entirely under the charge of Mr. Phillips, and the receipts aggregated $5,000,000 annually, he having control of this vast sum without bonds, none being then required. Formerly he had given bonds in a large amount, with James H. Goodman, C. Hartson, Judge Crouch, and H. H. Knapp as his sureties. These were men with whom he had been associated at Napa.

In the fall of 1871 he sought a new home in San Luis Obispo, and proceeded to organize a bank for that place, which until then had no such institution. In this he was associated with H. M. Warden. The bank was opened for business on the 13th of December, 1871, and continued successfully in business as a private institution until October 15, 1873, when it was merged into a corporation, styled the Bank of San Luis Obispo, with a capital stock of $200,000. The incorporators were C. H. Phillips, H. M. Warden, E. W. Steele, George Steele, P. W. Murphy, J. P. Andrews, Hugh Isom, D. W. James, M. Gilbert, John Harford, Wm. L. Beebee, James H. Goodman, and I. G. Wickersham. H. M. Warden was President and C. H. Phillips Cashier, and the organizer without the knowledge of any but the corporators. Mr. Phillips was Cashier four years, then President one year, and was its manager at all times.

In the history of the bank are many interesting incidents, but a few of which will illustrate the character of the manager. In August, 1875, came the great revulsion, and the failure of the Bank of California, then the financial dictator of the Pacific Coast. All ordinary banks feel as if they must succumb, and suspend payments in such cases, spreading the ruin. Mr. Phillips did nothing of the kind. The news of the failure of the Bank of California was received by telegraph. Any nervousness or exhibition of fear would have been taken as evidence of weakness, and would have caused a panic, a run, and failure. But Mr. Phillips at once posted a notice that all demands would be paid, and met his customers with perfect coolness and reassuring confidence. This averted a panic, and saved the bank. A few of the wealthy depositors stood by him manfully. R. E. Jack had on deposit $18,000. This was told, and he declared his confidence in the bank and that the money should stay. Nathan Goldtree had $10,000, which he at first proposed to withdraw, but the explanations of Mr. Jack and the coolness of Mr. Phillips reassured him, and he allowed it to remain.

Mr. Phillips’ residence was, in 1878, in the northern part of the city at some distance from his neighbors.

On the 1st of April, 1878, at about 8 o’clock in the evening he was called to the front door, where he found a suspicious-looking character, who invited him to come out. This Mr. Phillips declined, and was stepping back into the house, when the villain caught him and struck at his breast with a large knife. A struggle ensued which was witnessed by a young daughter of Phillips, there being a bright light in the hall shining out of the door. Mr. Phillips at last escaped and closed the doors, and the robbers decamped. Several had been seen, but two had been so closely observed by himself and daughter that a description was given by which they were subsequently arrested and convicted. The robbers, as that was proven to be their business, and robbing the bank their intention, were two Mexicans, one Frenchman, and one Swiss.

In October, 1878, he retired from the bank after being five years its manager, during which it had paid its stockholders $100,000 in dividends. It had a credit of $50,000 in San Francisco.

After leaving the bank he engaged in the business of real estate and insurance agency, which, with a few experimental episodes, he has continued to the present, making a grand success. The present style of the firm is C. H. Phillips & Co., being associated with Mr. P. H. Dallidet, Jr., a young gentleman, a native of San Luis Obispo, and who for four or five years was a deputy in the office of the County Clerk.

The transactions of Mr. Phillips, both before and after his association with Mr. Dallidet, have been very large. In 1875 he was the purchaser of the Morro y Cayucos Rancho of 8,100 acres, but the title was not then satisfactory, but at a subsequent date the title was perfected and the land sold on terms very satisfactory to all. The town of Cayucos was laid out in 1875 under Mr. Phillips’ supervision, and he gave broad and straight streets, one of which, Ocean Avenue, is one mile in length and 100 feet in width.

In May, 1882, he made arrangements with Steele Brothers to sell for them their lands on the Corral de Piedra, Balsa de Chemissal, Arroyo Grande, and Pismo Ranchos, and these lands were sold at good prices. In September, 1882, he bought the Corbitt tract of 1,900 acres for $8,000, and sold it in ninety days for $16,000. In 1883 he took the San Miguelito Rancho to sell, and many other large transactions are recorded. His business has been so successful that from June, 1882, to April, 1883, his profits aggregated $30,000.

Mr. Phillips, although so absorbed in business, takes much interest in politics and public, educational, and social affairs. In 1879 he received the nomination by the Republicans for the position of Railroad Commissioner for the Third District of California. He was opposed by Gen. George Stoneman, nominated by the Workingmen’s Party, by the New Constitution Party, and by the Democrats. As an example of how outside, or class parties, are governed by principle is shown the fact that the Prohibition Party, professedly temperate, indorsed the nomination of General Stoneman, who was openly opposed to their principles, and rejected Mr. Phillips, a strictly temperance man. With the strange combinations against him Mr. Phillips was defeated. In 1879 he commenced the publication of the Advocate, a newspaper which he edited and conducted with ability for nearly one year, when he sold it. He has occupied many positions of public trust and influence, being for four years a member of the Town Council and part of the time President, during which many important improvements were made in the city, building the bridges over San Luis Creek, etc. He has also been school trustee and President of the Board of Education, in all instances being the active power of the different bodies of which he was a member.

Mr. Phillips is a member of the Masonic Order, of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of the Chosen Friends, and of the Knights of Pythias. In religion he is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics a Republican.

He has a very interesting family of wife and seven children, one being married and residing with her husband, Mr. Sperry, on the Arroyo Grande, and the others occupying their splendid home in the suburbs overlooking the city of San Luis Obispo. Mr. Phillips was married at Fond du Lac, January, 18, 1862, to Jane Woods, a native of Vermont. Their children are Mary Woods Phillips, now Mrs. Sperry, born at Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, January 10, 1863; Jane, born in Napa, September 17, 1867; Eliza, born in Napa, August 29, 1869; C. H., Jr., born in San Francisco, August 28, 1871; Josephine, born in San Luis Obispo, January 24, 1874; Chester D., born in San Luis Obispo, September 15, 1876; and Nelson Burnham, born in San Luis Obispo, September 15, 1881.

Source: History of San Luis Obispo County, California, between pp60-61. Transcribed for the CAGenWeb Project by Cathy Portz.

Of the other meritorious and deserving residents of Cayucos and vicinity, two, Messrs. Powell and Kingery, are also briefly sketched as men of importance in their community. Of these

DAVID C. POWELL

Was born in Jackson County, Missouri, July 22, 1847, being the eldest of eleven children in a family of four sons and seven daughters. His father’s name was Silas Powell, and his mother before marriage was Harriet Rice. His grandfather was the distinguished Baptist preacher, Joab Powell, well known in Missouri, the principal field of his labors. When the subject of this sketch was three years of age, his parents emigrated across the plains to Oregon, finding there a home, where they resided until 1869. There he passed his years of youth, obtaining his education in the schools of that State, and becoming familiar with the business of farming and the management of stock. In 1869 his parents decided to seek a more Southern clime, and removed to genial California. While on the long journey he had the sad misfortune to lose his father, who died in Santa Clara County, and the family continued their way to San Luis Obispo. David C. Powell being the eldest of the children, upon him devolved the duty of caring for the others. Settling upon a ranch he entered into the business of farming, dairying, and stock-raising, with success, his farm comprising an area of 920 acres, which he owns. In 1871 he came to reside at his present home , which belongs to his mother, now Mrs. Shipp. In this place are 327 acres, and the fine improvements shown in the engraving on another page.

Mr. Powell, was married November 21, 1877, to Miss Martha C. Petty, a native of Missouri, and two boys bless the union. Both Mr. and Mrs. Powell are fond of society, and enjoy greeting their friends at their hospitable home.

Mr. Powell, while actively and strictly attending to business, finds time to attend to his duties as a prominent citizen. Politically he acts with the Democrats, and was in 1876 chosen to the honorable office of Justice of the Peace, which office he now holds.

Source: History of San Luis Obispo County, California, p345. Transcribed for the CAGenWeb Project by Cathy Portz.

GEORGE W. PROCTOR

Mr. Proctor, well known as a most enterprising and valuable citizen of San Luis Obispo, was born in Rhode Island May 5, 1823. After losing his mother, whose death occurred while the family were still at the place of young George’s birth, he proceeded to New Hampshire, and resided there until he attained his majority. Up to the year 1858, Mr. Proctor followed the trade of blacksmith, supporting himself and wife, whom he had taken in early years, but who died in 1849. The railroad shops of New England furnished him employment mostly during those and following years.

In 1851 he married for his second wife Miss Lucinda Morris. Seven years later the family took its departure for California, and located at Pine Grove in Amador County, where, for a year or two, Mr. Proctor was to work at his old trade. Then for eight years in Elliott, San Joaquin County, he continued the same way of life, at the end of it coming to San Luis Obispo, as to a certain betterment of his fortunes. First, Cambria knew him, and knew him well for twelve years, while he built a hotel, the Proctor House, mentioned in the account of Cambria, which accompanies this work. Upon his ranch, taken up in the earliest years of Cambria, the town came to be built. The hotel mentioned is, and long has been, a landmark in the town. Its present keeper is George S. Davis, as is already set down. In 1879 the Salinas River country held out much inducement to those whose restlessness prevailed, and across the mountains to San Miguel went Mr. Proctor, permanently locating near that small town. There he proposes to spend his days, and has improved a portion of land by the planting of fruit trees, which already show a splendid growth. The accompanying lithograph shows clearly the natural scenery surrounding his place, with the improvements in the way of trees, windmill, house, etc., which he has accomplished in this short time. Mr. Proctor is now the blacksmith of San Miguel and the Estrella region, and notwithstanding any physical disability, is of irrepressible energy, and equal to whatever emergency may arise. He is full of projects for reform, political, religious, or moral; knows all about the value of fertilizers, irrigation, and high cultivation; can discuss the virtues of a tariff much better than many Congressmen, and one may be quite sure of getting a fresh and original stock of ideas by listening to him a few minutes.

Source: History of San Luis Obispo County, California, p377. Transcribed for the CAGenWeb Project by Cathy Portz.

JOHN M. PRICE

John M. Price was one of those whom fate in its waywardness snatched from misfortune and distress and cast, apparently helpless and deserted, upon this peaceful shore, where wealth and honors and happiness were to reward his future efforts. Born in Bristol, England, September 29, 1810, and growing up in that seaport town, he found the most available vocation for a boy without a fortune to be that of a sailor. When but fifteen years of age he became a sailor boy, going on a three-year voyage as a whaler in the Southern Ocean.

SAILS FOR THE PACIFIC.

Returning from his first voyage, after a brief stay on shore he shipped on the bark Kent, Captain Lawton, for the South Sea, as the Pacific Ocean was then called, again in search of whales. On this vessel was a hard master, and the life of the sailor was not a happy one. An adventurous youth who had made the acquaintance of the world in the seaport town of Bristol, and at eighteen was on his second voyage along the pleasant shores of the Pacific, was not the one to submit tamely to the brutalities so commonly reported of sea captains. Although he was exacting of his men, working them severely, and very rough, he was considerate of their health, and in case of accident was energetic in their protection.

ARRIVES IN CALIFORNIA.

The Kent, sailing along the Spanish coast of South America and Mexico, entered the harbor of Monterey. There three sailors deserted, whose names, Mr. Price thinks, were Thomas Cole, Wm. Malthus, and Anderson. A few kanakas were obtained, but the bark sailed away, short-handed, for the coast of Lower California in search of whales, and sea elephants, or whatever yielded oil.

LANDS TO KILL SEA ELEPHANTS.

While sailing close to land along the coast of Lower California, large numbers of sea elephants were seen on the shore; as Mr. Price says, “millions and millions of them.” Four boats with men were sent on shore to kill the elephants for their blubber, but the boats capsized in the surf, losing most of the implements, and one man drowning. With such implements as they could get the slaughter began, and an immense number were killed and the blubber heaped in great piles like hay-stacks. The ship sailed off and on for a week or more, making repeated efforts to aid and rescue those on shore. At last a kanaka swam through the breakers with a line, and a boat was pulled through.

An effort was made to get the blubber to the ship, but the sharks were so numerous and so voracious that they tore it from the lines, and the work was abandoned until the vessel could go to some Mexican port and obtain a supply of fresh water and wood. The bay of Manzanillo was the port sought. It was then a wild, uninhabited region. On the southern shore of the bay was a hut where the Custom House officer stopped when at the port. The city of Colima was at some unknown distance inland.

RUNS FROM THE SHIP.

Young Price had agreed with another apprentice who had been subjected to ill-treatment to run from the ship at the first opportunity. Here was the promised chance. All had to go ashore for wood and water. A large river enters the bay on the north side. To this the Captain went with a boat, taking Price with him. They had to fight alligators to get up the stream, and then, finding the water bitter and the alligators so numerous, they left it for another stream on the eastern side of the bay. This was favorable for the project of desertion. As many men and boys as could be spared were put on shore to cut wood and carry it to the boats, and others took water to the ship.

After working very hard for several days, and the wood all on board. Price and his mate concluded their time to run had arrived, and so slipped away unobserved and hid themselves in the dense thickets of brush that covered the neighboring hills. Night was approaching and the Captain could not wait to hunt for the deserters, who lay concealed until the ship sailed away. The two boys then made their way toward the interior, and soon were overtaken by the customs officer on his way to Colima. He gave them directions, and they afterwards fell in with a party of Indians who provided them with an abundance of food and assisted them on their way.

KIND TREATMENT AT COLIMA.

In due time they arrived safely at Colima and were taken in charge by the people, who expressed the utmost solicitude for their health and comfort. Mr. Price says: “They made babies of us. They couldn’t do too much for us. My hands were, like sailors’, well covered in the palms with tar, and from handling tarry ropes were as hard as leather. This excited their pity, and they would take hold of our hands and examine them, constantly saying, ‘Pobre muchachos; pobre ma nos!’ until I got tired of being so pitied and petted. It was a thing I wasn’t used to. I never can forget how kind the people were to us, wanting us to stay with them forever. I could talk a little Spanish, and here learned to talk better. I had been on the coast before, and in sailing up touched at Valparaiso and other ports, and the Captain called on me to interpret for him in doing his business, so I was a little acquainted with the ways of the people.”

AN OPPORTUNITY TO GO TO CALIFORNIA.

Mr. Price remained at Colima, enjoying the hospitality of that kind people for nearly a year, when a German gentleman came there on a visit. He had a vessel at the port and was going to Monterey, in California. Thither Price wished to go, and his newly-formed acquaintance was glad to take him as a sailor and as an interpreter familiar with the country.

While at Colima the cholera prevailed to an alarming extent. The city had a population of about 3,000, and the dead cart was going constantly. Those most subject to the attacks of the disease were the young people from fifteen to twenty-five years of age, and seldom survived the attack more than twenty-four hours. Mr. Price suffered from an attack of cholera, but after a severe struggle, aided by good care and a strong constitution, he recovered.

SAFE AT MONTEREY IN 1830.

The vessel on which he sailed for Monterey arrived safely at her point of destination in the year 1830, and since that date California has been his home. About the ancient capital and in the Salinas Valley, riding horses and herding cattle, and doing such other work as the rancheros of that period required, the ci-devant sailor remained for six or seven years, and then came to San Luis Obispo and engaged as vaquero for Capt. W. G. Dana on the Nipomo, receiving $15.00 per month wages. There he was peacefully engaged, excepting an occasional skirmish with the raiding Indians from the Tulare Valley, until, in 1840, he was one day surprised by a party of soldiers riding up to him and

MAKING HIM THEIR PRISONER.

For what cause he did not know. He had never taken any part in politics, or in the question of who should bear the high-sounding titles, or divide the revenue exacted from the ships that came to Monterey. Little did he care whether Gutierrez, Carrillo, Castro, Vallejo, or Alvarado bore the titles or gathered the customs duties, so that he was left alone with his horses and cattle in the oak-covered hills and grassy valleys of quiet Nipomo.

But he was soon made aware that the foreigners in the north had risen in insurrection, and that he was one and must go as prisoner. The great story of the valiant Governor Alvarado was told him; how the treacherous foreigners had arisen and had been put down and captured after a terrific struggle, and were now prisoners en route from Monterey to Mexico for trial and execution. The vessel taking them would stop at Santa Barbara to take others who would be arrested. Price was charged with being a revolutionist, although he protested he knew nothing of what had occurred. His protestations were unavailing and he was taken along to Santa Barbara, no other foreigner in this region being disturbed.

As this so-called insurrection formed so important an episode in the life of Mr. Price, and is also a noted chapter in the early history of California, we will interpolate the story in this biographical sketch of the veteran pioneer.

THE GRAHAM INSURRECTION.

The name of Graham has been mentioned in the preceding chapter, and the part he took in overthrowing the Government of Gutierrez and placing Alvarado in power. For this service Alvarado had promised him and the other foreigners that he would cause the repeal of the laws prohibiting their holding land without naturalization, and would make them grants of land. Graham had also become offensive from his familiarity, and exacting the fulfillment of his promises. For these offenses Alvarado determined to get rid of all by a coup de main, at the same time accomplishing a coup d’etat.

Whether anything like an insurrection was contemplated is extremely doubtful; that none was attempted is quite certain, but as the affair was generally known as the Graham insurrection, it may as well be described under that name. The reader will recollect that when Alvarado was threatened with arrest, he fled to the cabin of Isaac Graham, and with him planned the affair which terminated in making Alvarado the recognized Governor of California.

SKETCH OF GRAHAM.

Graham was one of those characters that could have been raised nowhere except on a frontier. He was a native of Tennessee, and at a very early age left the civilized part of the United States and struck into the vast wilderness which formed the western half of the American Continent. He was of immense physical strength, with endurance and persistence that knew no failure. Whether making his way across lofty mountains, trackless deserts, or fighting a horde of Indians, he was always the same self-reliant and persistent character, destitute of fear. Thrown in early life into scenes where his own prowess was his reliance for the protection of his life and property, he had come to regard his own notions of right and wrong as his guide, and the law as a mere cobweb to be brushed aside as of little account; hence Alvarado had little difficulty in inducing him to engage in a revolution.

When that revolution was accomplished, and Alvarado was Governor, Graham had as little reverence for the man he had assisted to office, or his authority, as for any other. It is said that, forgetting the high and mighty title with which Alvarado decorated his name, Graham would slap him familiarly on his back and pass some joke, as he would to a fellow-trapper who slept under the same bearskin in the cleft in the rocks, in the Sierra Nevada. He had accumulated considerable property in distilling grain and raising cattle. He had a famous race-horse which had won for him many thousands of dollars, much of which was still due him from those who had matched their horses with his. Alvarado had promised him land for the services he had performed, which promise he had neglected to fulfill, though repeatedly reminded of it. Graham and his friends were getting persistent, impertinent, and troublesome.

ARRESTED BY ALVARADO.

Alvarado conceived the plan of getting rid of the “whole tribe” at one swoop. He charged them with having formed a conspiracy to overturn the Government, and ordered the arrest of nearly all the Americans in and around Monterey, or within several hundred miles of the place. The arrest had to be done quietly or the sturdy old hunters would get alarmed and put themselves on the defensive, and Alvarado well knew their fighting qualities. They were, by twos and threes, privately informed that Alvarado wanted to see them, and, when confronted with him, were charged with conspiracy and chained up to be shot. So quietly had this been carried on that 160, nearly the whole number, were inveigled into town before the alarm was raised.

They did not try to entrap Graham in this way, however. He was too wary to be caught that way, and would be likely to make a big fight when they attempted to put chains on him, even if the Governor was present. They undertook to kill him outright. Six of them went to his bedside in the night, when he was asleep, and he was awakened by the discharge of a pistol so near his head that the flash burned his face, the ball passing through the collar on his neck. As he arose to his feet, six other pistols were discharged so near him that his shirt took fire in several places. One shot only hit him, that passing through his arm. After this firing, the party fell back to reload, for old Graham was on his feet, and no one cared to meet the old man, who was now thoroughly aroused. He had concluded that discretion was the better part of valor when the assailants were six to one, and commenced retreating, which so encouraged the arresting party that they made a rush and succeeded in overthrowing him. One of them undertook to stab him, but the dirk passed into the ground between Graham’s arm and his body. Before the assassin could repeat the blow, Graham was dragged away to where José Castro, who was the leader of the party, was standing, whereupon Castro struck him on the head with the flat of his sword so severely as to bring him to the ground, at the same time ordering him to be shot, which, however, was not done. The whole party connected with Graham in farming and distilling were carried in chains to Monterey and thrown into the adobe prison on the mud floor, which, as it was during the rainy season, April, 1840, was in reality a mud floor.

THE PRISONERS SENT TO SAN BLAS.

Here the whole number were detained several days with insufficient food and water, while the authorities debated the question of shooting all of them. At this juncture a merchant vessel, the Don Quixote, came into the harbor, and succeeded, by some pretensions of authority, in inducing the authorities to send the prisoners to San Blas for trial. Some of the names of the parties arrested and the localities from whence taken were, Lewis Pollock, John Vermillion, William McGlone, Daniel Sill, George Frazer, Nathaniel Spear, Capt. James McKinley, Jonathan Fuller, and Captain Beechay, of San Francisco; William Blirkin, George Fergusson, Thomas Thomas, William Langleys, Jonathan Mirayno, William Weeks, Jonathan Coppinger, William Hauts, Charles Brown, Thomas Tomlinson, Richard Westlake, James Peace, Robert McAlister, Thomas Bowen, Elisha Perry, Nathan Daily, Robert Livermore, William Gulenack, Jonathan Marsh, Peter Storm, Job Dye, William Smith, Jonathan Warner, and two Frenchmen, of San Jose; Wm. Thompson, James Burnes, F. Eagle, Henry Knight, Jonathan Lucas, Geo. Chapel, Henry Cooper, Jonathan Herven, James Lowyado, Francisco La Grace, Michael Lodge, Joseph Whitehouse, and Robert King, of Santa Clara; Isaac Graham, Daniel Goff, Wm. Burton, Jonathan Smith, and Henry Niel, of Natividad (Graham’s neighborhood); Wm. Chard, James O’Brien, Wm. Bronda, Wm. Malthas, Thos. Cole, Thos. Lewis, Wm. Ware, Jas. Majous, of Salinas; Leonard Carmichael, Edward Watson, Andrew Watson, H. McVicker, H. Hathaway, Henry Bee, Wm. Trevavan, Jonathan Maynard, Wm. Henderson, Jas. Meadows, Jonathan Higgins, Mark West, George Kenlock, Jeremiah Jones, Jonathan Chamberlain, Daniel _____, Joseph Bowles, James Kelley, James Fairwell, Walter Adams, Mr. Horton, James Atterville, Mr. Jones, Jonathan Christian, Wm. Chay, Wm. Dickey, Charles Williams, and Alvan Willson, from Monterey, and John Michael Price was arrested as above stated, and added to the prisoners aboard the ship Roger Willams, of Boston, which had been chartered for the purpose of taking them from Monterey to San Blas. Forty-five prisoners were taken to that port, of about one hundred and sixty arrested.

ALVARADO’S CRUELTY.

While at Monterey the treatment of the prisoners was most inhuman. Mr. Thomas J. Farnham, an American traveler who happened to arrive in Monterey at the time, and wrote a book on California, gives a most vivid account of the affair. The prison, a dungeon with a mud floor and one small hole for air, was crowded to suffocation. No bedding or seats were provided, and not much provision was made for food. Thomas O. Larkin, the American Consul, was permitted to feed the prisoners occasionally, otherwise they would have suffered for food. Some could not stand up, and all were emaciated and pale. No conspiracy could be proven against them, except by the testimony of a worthless character, whose name does not deserve to be remembered.

Nevertheless a number were condemned to be shot, but this sentence was suspended through the energy of Mr. Farnham and the action of the vessel, the Don Quixote, on which he came, which, instead of anchoring, would sail out and in, leading Alvarado to fear that an American fleet was outside, and it was concluded to send the prisoners to San Blas for trial.

The result of the whole matter was that forty-four were retained for trial at San Blas, and the rest liberated. The forty-four were placed on board a ship, and started south with the intention of putting in at Santa Barbara, where Price was added to the list, José Castro being in charge.

THE PRISONERS AT SANTA BARBARA.

The bark Don Quixote, the merchant vessel spoken of, followed the course of the vessel containing the prisoners. They had a most disagreeable trip, being treated much as they were in the prisons of Monterey. Farnham gives the following account of the prisoners coming from Monterey to Santa Barbara:—

The Englishman before spoken of, died with his last wants administered by some of the hospitable and kind ladies of the town.

ALVARADO’S SHORT-LIVED TRIUMPH.

For the time being Alvarado had triumphed, as the prisoners had been sent onward to San Blas, in Mexico. There was great rejoicing among his friends, and of so much importance was it considered that a general thanksgiving was ordered in May, 1840. Two months later a French ship and the American ship-of-war St. Louis entered the harbor of Monterey to inquire into the circumstances. Alvarado left immediately to attend to some Indian disturbances in the interior, and as Castro was in Mexico with the prisoners, there was no military man or person in authority to hold responsible for the affair, and after a few days the ships sailed away, and Alvarado returned to his post.

Mr. Price says the prisoners were well used after leaving Santa Barbara. After arriving at San Blas they were sent to Tepic and consigned to the quartel.

ALVARADO’S INCENTIVE.

The true incentive of Governor Alvarado’s treacherous conduct was now made apparent. His accusation against the foreigners in California and their arrest and deportation to Mexico for trial was to proclaim his devotion to the authorities in power—a penitential offering. Alvarado, a few years previously, had rebelled against the central Government, deposed, or defied, Carrillo, who had been appointed to the office of Governor, and assumed the position himself. He now wished to make an exhibition of his zeal in his country’s cause, to show his great valor and the mighty power that he wielded in that distant Mexican Territory, and how he had grasped in his hand all the foreigners in his dominions who had assisted him to gain office on that former occasion, and now offered them as a sacrifice.

The country was then at war with Texas, which State had seceded, and, winning some battles, had sent an expedition to New Mexico which Governor Armijo had captured and sent in chains to the central capital. Alvarado thought this a good occasion to conciliate the Government of Mexico, to gain great applause, and emulate the grand feat of the Governor of New Mexico. For this he fabricated the charges against Graham and the foreigners, seeking in the most ungrateful and treacherous manner the one who had been the most useful to him, first attempting his death, then causing him every possible suffering and indignity, thus to the better exhibit his deep repentance and devotion to the superior Government. Under the pretense of a threatened uprising which had no foundation whatever, and in the name of patriotism, he committed the foulest of crimes, exhibiting a treachery of the most contemptible character, and a cruelty consistent with a low order of manhood in a semi-civilized people.

JUSTICE ACCORDED THE PRISONERS.

At Tepic the prisoners appealed to the American Consul to present their case and obtain release and redress. But that official appeared to be of very little force and availed them nothing, and they therefore asked the aid of Mr. Barron, the British Consul. Through that gentleman’s influence the condition of the prisoners was at once ameliorated, and steps were at once taken to repair, as far as possible, the wrong done. They were released from the quartel, and an allowance of $3.50 a week was given them to pay their current expenses. This was much more than necessary, as living was very cheap at Tepic, ten cents a day being sufficient to purchase all the food required.

Negotiations were continued to settle the difficulties to the satisfaction of the prisoners. These had continued for several months when $400 was offered each as liquidated damages, and all to be set free at San Blas. All but fifteen of the party accepted these terms. These fifteen, among whom were Price and Graham, declined, but demanded to be returned to their homes in California, and to be compensated in the full amount of their losses and sufferings.

Price had been peaceably engaged at what were regarded as high wages, and was the owner of 200 or 300 head of cattle and horses in California. At last satisfactory terms were agreed upon, and a Mexican vessel carried the released prisoners back to Monterey, where they landed in high glee after an absence of six months. Those who accepted the $400 and liberty at San Blas scattered to various parts of the world, and but a part of them returned to California.

Mr. Price returned to his old place on the Nipomo, and soon thereafter engaged as major-domo of the Huasna Ranch for Mr. Isaac J. Sparks, at $20.00 a month, in which position he continued for several years.

FREMONT APPEARS.

In 1846, he was residing on the Arroyo Grande, at the old ranch house, a short distance below the site of the present village, and had in his service eight Indians. The Mexican War was in progress, and it was understood that California had been taken by the Americans, but all was quiet on the Arroyo Grande, save the lowing of the cattle, the neighing of the horses, the excitement of the rodeo, and the occasional slaughter of a beef for the consumption of the people. Suddenly, about the last of the year, he was surprised by the appearance of an armed body of Americans, who quickly surrounded his house and demanded his surrender. Mr. Price, in his bluff manner, asked what they wanted him to surrender; they had everything already and were welcome to what they wished.

This was the American battalion under Fremont, en route to Los Angeles to co-operate with Commodore Stockton and General Kearny. The valley of the Arroyo Grande was then a dense monte of willows, and into this the Indians had fled and concealed themselves. Fremont ordered his men to arrest them. Price asked, “Why do you want to arrest them, they are but a few unarmed Indians who are working for me.” Still Fremont insisted on having them caught, and Price said, “Go ahead, but you might as well try to arrest a lot of quail as to find them in that monte.” Fremont at last seeing the futility of the search and the uselessness of the capture, desisted, and went on his way. That was about all Mr. Price saw of the war which transferred the country from the domain of Mexico to that of the United States.

In the harbors of San Francisco, Monterey, and San Diego, ships of war came and went. Sailors and soldiers were seen on the streets and plazas, and garrisoned the castillos and presidios of the larger towns, but the quiet of San Luis Obispo was not disturbed, and the war passed and the great revolution was consummated, while the cattle grazed over the hills of Nipomo and the vaqueros sought their herds through the monte of Arroyo Grande.

GOLD MINING.

Peace reigned in California long before the treaty of Guadaloupe Hidalgo was made, and before the news of its ratification at Querêtaro rumors of the discovery of gold in the Sierra Nevada spread through the land. That wonderful discovery excited everybody, and Mr. Price, accompanied by his brother-in-law, Mr. F. Z. Branch, went over to the Stanislaus and tried their luck in washing for gold. After a practical experience sufficient to take off the glamour of the gold-mining enthusiasm, and with a fair degree of success in accumulating the brilliant scales, they returned to their ranchos on the coast.

On their return journey they made the discovery of the dead bodies of the Read family at San Miguel, and raised the party which went in pursuit, the particulars of which are related in the record of the crimes of San Luis Obispo.

PUBLIC SERVICES.

Under both nationalities, Mexican and American, in public and private, Mr. Price has been intrusted with important offices. Alcalde and Juez de Paz under Mexican rule, and Alcalde, Justice of the Peace, County Judge, Supervisor, etc., after the change of flags. In the archives of San Luis Obispo are many of the old documents in the Spanish language bearing the signature of Juan Miguel Price, being ordinances, proclamations, and decisions, of a very interesting character. The Alcaldes, Prefects, and Sub-Prefects, then had power exceeding that of the Legislature of the present time, and some orders were made respecting the conduct of individuals that would hardly be submitted to by the Americans of to-day, as long as there is a high Appellate Court to “whip in” to constitutional limits and throw its shield of technicalities over criminals. The good, fatherly Alcaldes made rules for the people as for children, and their authority was obeyed.

Mr. Price had been continued in the office of Alcalde, but by what authority after the Americans took possession of the Government it is unnecessary to inquire. There appears to have been an election as indicated by a letter from Colonel Mason, then Military Governor, dated Monterey, January 25, 1848, to J. M. Bonilla, also an Alcalde of San Luis Obispo. Colonel Mason writes: “I send this appointment of J. M. Price as Alcalde, but not on account of the election that was held, for that was unauthorized.”

A CELEBRATED CASE.

Several letters are on file in reference to a decision of Judge Price in the case of taking possession of a pair of millstones at the mission. The following are sufficient to explain the matter:—

To this order the following reply was sent, evidently under the effort to be as formal and respectful as the curious-looking Spanish paper used would permit.

The return letter from Governor Mason acknowledges the correctness of Mr. Price’s action and motives, and continues him in the office of Alcalde. The position, in the disturbed condition of the country, without law or precedent, was one of great responsibility and the most experienced jurists would have been much perplexed, but Mr. Price, aiming at simple justice, gave satisfaction as Alcalde. His subsequent political acts, as County Judge, Supervisor, etc., will be further noticed in the political history of the county.

MARRIAGE AND FAMILY.

Mr. Price was married in 1844 to Señorita Doña Andrea Colona, a native of California, and thirteen children have been born to them, five sons and eight daughters. The home is distinguished for its hospitality, the visitor being always welcomed with the kindness and polite attention that so distinguishes the native Californian. Mr. Price is devoted to his family as they are devoted to him, and he has taken great pains in giving each of his children a first-class education. Throughout life he has been active and public spirited, in early days fighting the Indians in protection of the settlements and stock, and in later years serving the public as one of its most prominent and influential citizens. His life has been one full of adventure and interest. Cast upon the world to depend upon himself when a mere child, and upon a strange country and among strange people when a boy, he has made his way by the inherent qualities of his nature and by his unaided energies to wealth and honor in his old age. This venerable gentleman still resides upon his grand estate of 7,000 acres of the Pismo Rancho, within sound of the beating waves of the Pacific Ocean, enjoying the rest and dignity of a wealthy farmer, and held in the highest esteem by all.

Source: History of San Luis Obispo County, California, pp63-69. Transcribed for the CAGenWeb Project by Cathy Portz.