The herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1893-1900, 1894-09-12
FL GOBERNADOR HA MUERTO,
Don Pho Pico's Notable Career
at an End.
An Historical Character Joins the
Great Majority.
The Last Mexican Ruler of Alta Gall
fornia--Some Interesting Facts
About His Career-Died
In Poverty.


OF California, died at his residence in
this city yesterday morning. after
short Illness. The writer saw him driv-
ing through the streets in his buggy be.
hind his " ell known brown horse only
few days ago.
Don Pho Pico was born in Los Angeles
county at the Mission San Gabriel, on
the LIST OF May, 1901, consequently he
was in his oath year. Notwithstanding
his great age, he was hearty, vigorous
man up to within a few days of his
death.
He was declared governor Of Alta
California on the 10Th of February. 1845,
in consequence of revolution inau-
gurated against Governor Micheltoreno,
who had armed prisoners and marched
them against Los Angeles to establish
his authority in the southern part of
the state. After he had been elected as
governor an army was raised In this
pueblo to march against Mioheltoreno's
forces. They confronted each other at
the Oahuengs paes and had bloodless
battle there on the Goth. On the 22d
Mioheltoreno and his general, Caetro.
signed treaty of peace aud abdication,
and Pico returned to Los Angeles the
recognized governor OF Alta California.
During the war of Mexico. which took
place in 1896 and reached this state as
soon as Commodore Sloat arrived at
Monterey and took possession of Cali
fornia and raised the American flag
there, Governor PiCo vainly endeavored
TO sustain the Mexican cause against
our naval forces on this coast and the
Fremont battalion, which marched by
land from Monterey to attack Los Apge
les, whilst Com modore Stockton with
force of sailors came up from San Diego.
The latter fought a decisive battle at the
crossing of the San Gabrial river, and
General Flores, the Mexican general,
and Governor Pico fed the country.
General Andreas Pico, q brother of the
governor, raised a small force OF
vaqueros and made a fsint
against Fremont near San Fernando,
which resulted in the surrender on fa-
vorable terms to General Fremont of the
pueblo OF Los Angeles. In the mean
time, Stockton had received an uncon
ditional surrender of the city, and
turned over its command to Gensral
Kesrney. Out of this conflict of mis-
taken authority arose the celebrated ar
rest and court-ma-tial Of General (Oolo-
neD Fremont, which was greatly embit-
tered by the part which Senator Benton
took against the deposition Of his son-in-
law by the military authorities.
Y After the settlement OF the war and
the acquisition of California by the
treaty OF Guadalupe de Hidalgo, ex-
Governor Pico continued to reeide in
Los Angeles. where he had immense in
terests, both in ranches and in city
property. But he was of q very litigious
temperament, and was constantly in
the courts. Most OF his vast possessiors
were dissipated by the enormous ex-
pense attendant upon his incessant liti-
CATION, and the, closing years of his life
were embittered by poverty brought
upon him by bis own contentious dispo-
eition. The reports OF the California
courts are filed with cases which he
had initiated. and some OF the more inn
portant of them we're carried to the
United States supreme court.
The funeral of the last of the Mexican
governors OF California will take place
from his late residence, West Fifteenth
street.
III. d. Barrows of $50 South Main
street was seen by q HERALD reporter
Iast evening. AS the gentleman is the
which considerable authentic informa-
ton of Don Pho Pico is given, he is nat
urally we'll informed regarding the life
of the old-time governor.
Mr.. BRrrows stated that after Don
Pho was elected from San Bartolo
rancho, where he had lived for many
years, he was given house by Col. j.
j. Warner in the southwestern part OF
the city, In this place, with Mexican
boy to do the cooking and assist the old
gentleman, the last days OF the kindly
old man were passed away. Col. War
ner and his wife were the godchildren of
the old man, he having stood with them
at their marriage many years ago, &C
cording to the Spanish custom.
Although residing among Americans
for over 40 years. since the change OF
government, he had never learned to
speak English and all his conversation
wac carried on in his native language.
He was a kind, generous man, friend
to those in need, and many OF the early
settlers owe much to his helping hand.
Irving W. Larimore, physical director
OF the Y. III. @. A., Des Moines, Ia, Gays
he can conscientiously recommend
Chamberlain's Pain Balm to athletes.
gymnasts, bicyclists. football players and
the profession in general for bruises,
sprains and dislocations; also for sore
ness and stiffness of the muscles When
applied before the parts become swollen
it will effect cure in one-half the time
usually required. For sale by Of &
Vaughn, Fourth and Spring. and O. F.
Heinzemsn, 222 North Main, druggists