Imperial Valley press., 1924-11-29
Judge Tells Of
First White Men
to TrOd Valley
Continued from page y


now Holtvihe ana returning around
the sand hills, crossed the Colorado
River again at Yuma and made their
way back to their settlement in
Mexico.
1.-Two years later this same ad-
vcnturous Spaniard, having been
raised to high rank by the Spanish
government for his valuable SER
vices was sent out on second trip,
this time to the San Francisco bay.
He took with him on this expedition
Il much larger party in which there
were several families seeking to
establish homes on the Pacific coast.
They passed through this coun-
try over much Of the same course
as before and on their way, while
camped in Coyote canyon on the
west side of the valley, the first
white child was born Oh Christmas
eve, l77G.
Kearny Here Later
Seventy years later, General
Stephen w. kearny with his staff
and small army of soldiers crossed
over this valley through much the
same course as was followed by de
ANA.
"As early as 1856, an effort was
made to secure congressional aid in
retaining this territory by irriga-
tion with the waters of the Colo
RADIO River. This having failed, 1t
was not until 1896 that an organic
ed effort was made to secure water
for developing and reclaiming these
desert lanus.
SIT was then that the late c. R.
lockwood began the organization of
the California Development CON-
pany, which later brought our lands
under irrigation.
"In 1901 the frs. water was de-
livered from the Colorado River
to the thirsty sands of the desert by
this company and from then on the
valley grew and blossomed as the
rose.
lon the eve OF the valleys great
est prosperity in 1905, the mighty
Colorado River tore through the di-
version works and swept across our
valley lands to the Salton Sea be-
vond and for nearly two years the
water refused to yield to the hand of
man.
Not withstanding adversity, the
sturdy pioneers persevered and over
come their many difficulties.
And then with prosperity there
came that spirit found in all true
American people. 1t asserted itself
in our valley, that desire for indie
pendenee, and thereupon the good
people on our west, our San Diego
brothers, to whom we owed allegi,
ance, assisted us in dividing their
great domain and giving to us Q
county of our own.
County Since 1907
con August 6, 1907, we had oul
first election and selected seat fol
our county government at FL Cen
tro. as we'll as officers to take
charge of our public affairs.
~ cannot pass this point with
out referring to the image stand
ing yonder in the court yard of our
first sheriff, the late Mobley Mead.
ows, a brave and fearless officer
typical of the western plains, be
loved by all who knew him.
''No less were we honored in hav.
ing for our first district attorney
the late John NJ. Eshleman, who
thereafter occupied high official po
sition with honor to himself and
credit to the state which lie so ably
served.
These. men and their associates
laid well the foundation for oul
present local government, and upor
that foundation their successors
have builded the government struc'
ture we now have and enjoy.
"And now after II years il
temporary quarters this government
of ours is to have and enjoy :
real home.
"May I say on behalf of those
who are now to occupy this beauti
ful structure as your servants, thai
they are deeply grateful to those
who have made it possible, and 1 as
sure you that those who are to fol
low will be as deeply appreciative.'