California Genealogy

Automobilists declare that San Mateo County is the leader in highway construction. This is attested to by the astonishing fact that a fair Sunday or holiday brings forth 15,000 motor cars on the main highways, exclusive of the traffic on the coastwise roads, which have just been opened to the public. To accomplish the work of road building, now a reality, millions of dollars and herculean energy were required. Streams were traversed by bridges and mountains reduced to hills in order to make the boulevards practical for all purposes of traffic. Nature has been kind to San Mateo County, and … Read more

Although the city of San Mateo seized upon the designation of the “Floral City” some few years ago, this title could well be extended to take in practically the whole county; the rich soil, dependable rains, and equable temperature causing a growth of semitropical verdure the year around. Wild flowers and orchids, palms and hardy apple trees-all seem to do equally well, some of the larger country estates being famous for the beauties of their gardens, while nearly all of the most modest bungalows are surrounded by beds of roses or covered with clinging vines. San Mateo County in its … Read more

Although all parts of San Mateo County are within about forty miles of San Francisco and within a few hours by auto, there are few sections of the state that are better supplied with game and fish. It is true that a few years ago there was much better hunting, but everything considered, the coast region in San Mateo County is not to be despised. In years past the grizzly bear was common throughout the peninsula. It is said that these bears were even larger than the famous Kadiak Island grizzlies, said to be the largest in the world. Stories … Read more

The very beginning of San Mateo may be traced back to the little wayside mission or hacienda on the banks of San Mateo Creek. The interest that still clings to the spot where this little building once stood, is that it was the first step toward the foundation of the present city. As the route between the Mission Dolores and that at Santa Clara lay through the peninsula which was occupied only by Indians, many of whom had been brought under the benign influence of the Franciscan fathers, a small mission or station was established on the banks of San … Read more

The next navigator to pass the shores of the future San Mateo County after Sebastian Viscaino and Gaspar de Portola was an English Captain, George Vancouver, in command of the sloops “Discovery,” and “Chatham.” He arrived in the bay of San Francisco toward the end of 1792, and anchored off the Presidio, where he was invited ashore by the genial Franciscan friars and entertained. At their suggestion he made the trip down the peninsula on horseback to see the Santa Clara Mission. The following passages are taken direct from his book, “A ‘Voyage of Discovery round the World,” in which … Read more

Although San Mateo County’s natural beauties and advantages have been the prime factors of development; the progressive spirit manifested by the people, and the activity of the county’s various promotion organizations have been the actual moving forces behind the phenomenal development which has taken place during the last few years. The achievements of the San Mateo County Development Association command particular attention. This aggressive association is the most important of these organizations in the county. It was organized in April, 1910 by the public spirited citizens of the county, primarily to obtain better transportation facilities and lower rates, and in … Read more

Following the trail of the discoverers came the Franciscan fathers, building their missions in an unbroken chain, six hundred miles long, from San Diego to San Francisco-and passing through San Mateo County. Gradually the region which later became this county, ceased to be an unknown land because of the proselytizing work of the priests among the Indian tribes, and it began to attract settlers. For many years the advent of the newcomers was imperceptible; but as time passed their numbers increased, while the population of the native tribes correspondingly decreased, and little settlements began to form throughout the country. Among … Read more

On account of the natural barrier of mountains and hills separating the Coastside from the other districts, this particular part of the county was somewhat retarded in its growth until the coming of the Ocean Shore Railroad. This portion of the peninsula possesses a romantic interest, in that it was the first place in the county to be discovered by the Spanish people when taking possession of the seacoast of Central California. In the beginning there were only a few settlements and large ranches for dairying, grain and farming purposes. All this is being changed, as there has been a … Read more

The following is a true account of the struggle of the Colma pioneers for the possession of the land they occupied and to which they had rightful title. The legal battle, which finally left them in undisputed title to their soil, was important, not only to them but to a large proportion of the land holders in the county. This narrative is based upon a short historical account of Colma and the Colma Valley from the pen of Mr. Robert Sheldon Thornton, still residing at Colma, and fast verging upon his ninety-seventh year. Mr. Thornton mentions the names of the … Read more

San Mateo County is typical of California at its best. The days in summer are delightfully warm and balmy, being enhanced by clear skies, brilliant sunshine and clean, sweet air laden with the fragrance of blossom and cedar. The perfect ripening of fruit and the perennial bloom of flowers is convincing proof of this. Those who first enter the county from the San Francisco boundary are impressed by the immediate change from the harsh weather of that place, with its high winds and fog banks, more or less prevalent throughout the entire year, to the agreeable warmth and brilliant sunshine … Read more