SOURCE: The History of Contra Costa
County, California - published by The Elms Publishing Co., Inc., Berkeley,
California, 1917
In presenting this new history of Contra Costa County
to the public, we do so in the earnest hope that it will prove to be the
most complete compilation of local chronicles that has up to this time been
offered to our citizens. The authenticity of the facts contained in the
various articles is as absolute as the utmost care could make it. The data
have been procured from the best-known authorities, and the biographical
sketches, when completed, were subjected to the most searching examination
for verification and correction. That no errors will be discovered in this
production is too much to hope for; but we do most certainly trust that if
any misstatements there be, either in number or by their nature, they will
not be found sufficiently important to detract from that character for
reliability which it has been our constant aim and endeavor to impart to
this history.
In this new work the design has been to make clear
the development of ideas and institutions from epoch to epoch. The social
and economic conditions of the people have been preserved in the narrative,
and much attention has been paid to describing the civil characteristics of
the several towns and cities, both in the conduct of their local affairs and
in the relation to each other and the county at large. It has been our
object in this work to hew straight to the line, simply satisfied to furnish
such information as we were able to gather concerning important matters or
interesting events, and where the desired materials were lacking we have not
attempted to supply the deficiency by filling in the vacant niches with
products of the imagination. We have not striven for effect; our object is
merely to give an authentic account of facts recent and remote, disposed in
a proper and orderly manner, so as to enable our readers to clearly
understand the history of their community from its origin down to the
present day.
This work is a collection of data by a staff of
contributors consisting of the most accurate and capable writers in their
respective fields in the county, who here crystallize and preserve the
material they have gathered from many sources.
Never, so far as I am aware, has any local history
in any county been prepared as this has been. Each writer is in a position
to speak with absolute authority upon the subject of which he treats, and it
was the intention of the editor that each should present in the most
attractive and concise form such material relative to the matter of which he
writes as had not appeared in any previous publication. How far that hope
has been realized the critical reader may judge. It has also been the aim
of the editor to limit the sketches to a statement of such facts as will be
of interest to the readers of today and of importance to those of the years
to come.
In sending forth this volume we trust that, in
addition to its value as a depository of accurate information and useful
knowledge, it will prove an effective instrument in creating a more lively
public sentiment regarding historical subjects, and that it will especially
foster an interest in the annals of our own county. If my collaborators and
myself have helped to perpetuate the memory of the heroism, the fortitude,
the suffering, and the achievement of the men and women who placed Contra
Costa County, California, in the foremost rank of the counties of this
State, we shall be content.
F.
J. Hulaniski, Editor.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta