San Mateo County, California
History, Records, Facts and Genealogy

San Mateo County was created on April 19, 1856 from the southern portion of San Francisco County which in that year became the City and County of San Francisco. San Mateo County lost territory to no other county. The County has had two Boundary Changes:

Most of San Mateo County is territory which was in San Francisco County from 1850 to 1856 when it was moved to San Mateo County.
Territory of significant size was in Santa Cruz from 1850 until 1868 when it was added to San Mateo County.

The County was named after the Spanish name for Saint Matthew. As a place name, St. Matthew appears as early as 1776, and the arroyo, the point and the settlement at the unofficial San Mateo Mission are all so designated on the early maps. Until about 1850, the name appeared as San Matheo. The County Seat is Redwood City . See also County History for more historical details.

Counties adjacent to San Mateo County are San Francisco County (north), Alameda County (east), Santa Clara County (southeast), Santa Cruz County (south).

San Mateo County Cities Include Belmont, Brisbane, Burlingame, Daly City, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Menlo Park, Millbrae, Pacifica, Redwood City, San Bruno, San Carlos, San Mateo, South San Francisco. Incorporated Towns Include Atherton, Colma, Hillsborough, Portola Valley, Woodside. CDPs (A census-designated place (CDP) is a type of place or area identified by the United States Census Bureau for statistical purposes) Include Broadmoor, El Granada, Emerald Lake Hills, Highlands-Baywood Park, Montara, Moss Beach, North Fair Oaks, West Menlo Park. Unincorporated Communities Include Kings Mountain, La Honda, Ladera, Loma Mar, Los Trancos Woods, Middleton Tract, Pescadero, Princeton-by-the-Sea, San Gregorio, Sky Londa

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Family Trees & Genealogy Tidbits

The use of published genealogies, electronic files containing genealogical lineage, and other compiled sources can be of tremendous value to a researcher.

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Extended History

San Mateo County Courthouse
Completed 1910

The fourth and grandest of San Mateo's courthouses was built on the site of the second and third, which were destroyed in the 1906 earthquake. It was here in Redwood City in 1931 that the colorful jurist George H. Buck decided the Flood Estate case, a battle over the estate of a wealthy financier and philanthropist that gained national attention. The Roman Renaissance building was turned over to the San Mateo County Historical Association in 1997 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places

EARLY DAYS OF SAN MATEO AND REDWOOD CITY

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 [in San Francisco] 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 Mateo Creek on land later owned by W.D.M. Howard, to guard in some measure against the possible hostile attacks of natives.

The hacienda was erected where the Camino Real spanned the San Mateo Creek. It stood on the north bank of the Creek and on the west side of the highway. Later a small chapel was erected near the hacienda where mass was said by the priests on their way between the missions Santa Clara and San Francisco. An adobe building was constructed, the substantial walls of which stood until the earthquake of 1868 when they were wrecked beyond repair. It was pulled down in 1870. Until that time the walls and the redtiled roof remained in a fair state of preservation. The tiles, nevertheless, were preserved and were given as a memorial by Wm. H. Howard to the town of Burlingame which utilized them in the construction of an artistic station on the Southern Pacific tracks where they still serve as a reminder of the early days of the county. Mr. Geo. H. Howard the architect designed this station.

San Mateo, like other peninsula towns, traces its origin to small beginnings. The delightful climate and natural beauties of the place magnified by the graceful sweep of oak-dotted meadows from the foothills to the bay, exerted a potent charm upon the wealthy pioneer in search of a country home; as well as on the penniless and frugal settler wishing to earn a livelihood in the new community.

The early settlers were typified by such men as John B. Cooper, the first man to settle on the site of San Mateo—W.D.M. Howard, who purchased the San Mateo Rancho in 1848, Nicholas DePeyster, who came in 1850, Dr. Post in 1851, David S. Cook, and David Haver in 1852. Other early settlers in this town were men like Henry Husing, the first merchant of the town, who began trade in 1859; followed by the merchant firm of Skidmore and Purcel. In 1861 Charles and William Remington became the first blacksmiths of the place.

As the lumber business was the first important industry at Redwood City, so was dairying at San Mateo. Where once grazed the herds affording the milk supply of the old Palace Hotel of San Francisco, now stand the cities of San Mateo and Burlingame. The old dairy house of the Sharon Estate still stands, its rough weatherworn sides and dilapidated roof forming a marked contrast to the spick and span residences of these modern cities and the palaces of the millionaire colony at Hillsborough.

The town grew steadily, and in 1863 a part of it was platted by Mr. C.B. Polhemus. Following the completion of the San Francisco and San Jose Railroad, which later became the Southern Pacfic Railroad, San Mateo began to attract the attention of wealthy men as an ideal for the location of their palatial residences.

In 1865 Rev. Alfred Lee Brewer founded the Episeopal Church of Saint Matthew in San Mateo. The beautiful stone church that met its fate in the great earthquake of 1906, was erected also in that year. In 1866 Dr. Brewer established St. Matthew's School, erecting the buildings beside the church. Here the school grew and prospered, establishing a high reputation throughout the Pacific Slope. It was not until 1892 that the school was moved to Hillsborough, where it remained until it was closed in 1915.

Prosperity came to the growing town, not unmixed with a seasoning of misfortune. On the morning of June 15, 1883 at a few minutes to nine o'clock, a disastrous fire started, which completely consumed the Central Block, an entire square opposite the Southern Pacific Station. Although the Fire Department had just purchased a new fire engine, and the whole town turned out to fight the flames, nothing could be done. It was discovered too late that there were but two hydrants available to tap the water, of which there was a copious supply.

In those days the town was the northern terminus of the San Mateo, Pescadero and Santa Cruz stage line, the proprietors of which were Taft and Garretson. The Concord coaches of the company plied daily to Pescadero and Santa Cruz, carrying passengers and the mail. Today, the routes followed by the modern "jitney," are very similar to those of the former stage line. The stations of this route were San Mateo, Crystal Springs, San Felix, Byrne's Store, Eureka Gardens, Halfmoon Bay or Spanishtown, Purissima, Lobitas, San Gregorio, Pescadero, Pigeon Point, Seaside, Davenport and Santa Cruz. The distance was 78 miles.

An historical account of early San Mateo would not be complete without mention of Laurel Hall, a select seminary for "young ladies and little girls" opened in May, 1864. This was situated a mile south of the town on the western side of the county road, now the State Highway.

Today many matrons living not only in the county, but scattered throughout the state, have cause to remember with affection the educational advantages and happy school life of Laurel Hall.

San Mateo enjoyed a steady growth, and soon became the recognized purchasing center of the county. The stores of the city did a thriving business and were forced to remain open late Saturday nights to accommodate customers coming from the coast side as well as the surrounding country.

San Mateo was incorporated as a city of the sixth class on September 4th, 1894. The election called for this purpose was carried by a vote of 150 for, and 25 against incorporation.

The incorporation was accomplished only after much opposition by large property owners, who objected to the proposed boundaries of the new city, all desiring to be left outside of the proposed incorporate limits.

The first Board of Trustees consisted of A.H. Payson, Gco. W. Dickie, Chas. Herbst, J.H. Hatch and Robt. Wisnom. R.H. Jury was the clerk, Wm. F. Herbst treasurer, and Peter Rodgers, marshal.

The fixing of the boundaries of the proposed city of San Mateo was the greatest problem which confronted the committee on incorporation, and many were the wordy battles fought by them before the Board of Supervisors before this was finally accomplished.

That the city of San Mateo acquired the water front along the easterly limits of the City of Burlingame, from Peninsula to Burlingame avenues, was clue to the foresight of the committee, who entered into a compromise with Wm. H. Howard to include those portions of the Howard lands, then known as the Polo Field and Howard Dairy, within the City of Burlingame, in exchange for this water front. These lands are now bounded by Howard avenue to the north, "H" Street to the east, Peninsula avenue to the South and Park Road to the west.

The time is not far distant when the waterfront will be a valuable asset and mean much to San Mateo.

The account of the early days of this city would be incomplete without mention of the growth of the Episcopal Church of St. Matthew, whose foundation was practically contemporary with that of the city itself.

When first entering the grounds, one notices the ideal surroundings of the church which are typically English, and conform gracefully with the English type of the Church.

In May, 1865 the first church building was erected and equipped, in San Mateo where the present building now stands. At that time San Mateo consisted of about twelve scattered homes, while the business center of the town was on the county road where the Parrott Place now stands.

Rev. G. A. Easton preached the first sermon in a school house in this location. The following year th Rev. A.L. Brewer D.D., from New York succeeded him. Those who have served as rector of the parish, following Dr. Brewer, are: Rev. WP. Case, Rev. W. H. Knowlton, Rev. J.R. de Wolf Cowie, Rev. E.L. Parsons, and Rev. N.B.W. Galloway. Rev. W.H. Cambridge succeeded to the pastorate in 1911.

In 1906 the church building was destroyed by the earthquake of April 18, 1906; and it was not until four years later that the beautiful new structure was completed. During this time services were conducted in the parish house.

The church building is an adaptation of modern construction to English Gothic, with steel frame and concrete structure. The windows are all memorials: the large windows facing east and west were given by Ogden Mills and Mrs. Whitelaw Reid in memory of their father and mother. The other persons commemorated are Rev. N.B.W. Gallwey and members of the Howard, Grant and Crocker families. The windows are by Heaton, Butler and Bayne of London, while the organ which is of exceptionally fine tone, was built by the Hope-Jones Company.

The parish includes Grace Chapel, Homestead, St. Paul's, Burlingame and St. Andrews, Lomita Park.

The site of Redwood City is on the Rancho de las Pulgas of the early Mexican period, and was known as the Embarcadero or shipping point.

Most of the early traffic in lumber to San Francisco was effected through Redwood Creek, which ran inland from the Bay about three miles to the center of town where a wharf known as the Bridge Street Landing was built.

The first American settlement of Redwood City began in 1851 with the erection of a small house opposite this landing by Capt. A. Smith. Mr. G.H. Burnham then started a shipbuilding yard, and was soon followed by others in this industry, so that in a short time this community became a recognized boat-building center.

During 1852 several hundred settlers arrived, attracted by the commercial possibilities of the place as well as the belief that all this territory which was originally a large Spanish grant, would be declared government land, and that they could acquire title by "squatting."

On September of this year [1916] a hotel was opened by William Shaw; and soon after, two other hotels, the Pulgas House and the American House were opened. A school house built of rough boards was erected this year.

S.M. Mezes, agent for the Arguellos, owners of the Pulgas Ranch was the first real estate operator of Redwood City. In 1854 he laid out a town site which he called Mezesville, and for a long time Redwood City was known by this name.

A short time after San Mateo became a county in 1856, Redwood City was chosen as county seat, and a ten thousand dollar Court House and jail were built.

MEXICAN LAND GRANTS IN SAN MATEO COUNTY

THESE grants of land in San Mateo County, together with similar grants throughout Mexico and California, were made in the early Spanish colonial days by the governor of California, and ratified by his assembly or junta, although such ratification was not absolutely necessary. It was the aim of the Mexican government to make these grants as a reward for military service, but this was not a set rule and many civilians received such grants. Often they were given verbally and not confirmed until months and sometimes years afterwards, yet the grantees were considered to have valid title to their land.

When the Franciscan fathers established their mission church in San Francisco, they claimed as land appurtenant to the Mission all that portion of San Mateo County which extended to San Mateo Creek. The United States government refused to allow their claims,—and as a result, San Mateo County land titles continue to date back to grants made by the Mexican government, subsequently confirmed by the United States government. A large part of the bay side of the county was included in the following important grants:

Canada del Corte de Madera. A part located in San Mateo County,—remainder in Santa Clara County. Granted in 1833 by Jose Figueroa to D. Peralta and Maximo Martinez. Claim filed August 14, 1852; rejected by the Governor's commission on October 2, 1855, but confirmed by the District Court on April 6, 1858.

Buri Buri. Area 15,739.14 acres. Jose de la Cruz Sanchez et al., claimant for Buri Buri, in San Mateo County; granted to him September 18, 1835, by Jose Castro. Claim filed March 9, 1852, and confirmed by the Commission on Jan. 31, 1854, and by the District Court on Oct. 16, 1855. An appeal was dismissed May 11, 1858.

Las Pulgas. Area 35,240.47 acres. Maria de la Soledad and Ortega de Arguello, et al., claimants. Granted on December 10, 1835, to Louis Arguello. Claim filed Jan. 21, 1852, which was confirmed by the commission October 2, 1853; again confirmed by the District Court Jan. 26, 1855, and later by the United States Supreme Court. Patented.

San Pedro. Area, 8,926.46 acres. Francisco Sanchez, claimant for San Pedro. This tract was granted to him on January 26, 1839 by Juan B. Alvarado. Claim filed on September 22,1852; was confirmed by the commission on December 13, 1853, and an appeal dismissed March 20, 1857.

Corral de Tierra. Area 4,436.18 acres. Tiburcio Vasquez claimant for Corral de Tierra, was granted his claim on October 5, 1839 by Manuel Jimeno. Claim filed on February 17, 1853, was confirmed by the commission August 15, 1854, and by the District Court April 18, 1859. An appeal was dismissed on June 29, 1859.

Canada de Raymundo. Area 12,545.01 acres. Maria Louisa Greer et al., claimants for Canada de Raymundo. Claim granted August 3, 1840 by Juan B. Alvarado to John Copinger. The claim
was filed on February 3, 1852 and confirmed by the commission November 29, 1853, and by the District Court on January 14, 1856. An appeal was dismissed on November 11, 1856.

Canada de Guadalupe y Visitacion y Rodeo Viejo. Area 9,594.90 acres. Henry R. Payson, claimant for Canada de Guadalupe y Visitacion y Rodeo Viejo. Granted July 31, 1841 by Juan B. Alvarado
to Jacob P. Leese. Claim filed March 2, 1853; confirmed by the commission January 30, 1855, and by the District Court on June 18, 1856; an appeal dismissed April 1, 1857.

Feliz Rancho. Area 4,448.27 acres. Domingo Feliz was the claimant for the Feliz Rancho. The claim was granted on May 1, 1844 by Manuel Micheltorena. Claim filed February 17, 1852. It was confirmed by the commission on January 27, 1854; and by the District Court on October 29, 1855. An appeal was dismissed November 18, 1856.

Rancho de San Mateo. Area 6,538.80 acres. W.D.M. Howard, claimant for Rancho de San Mateo. Granted May 5, or May 6, 1846 by Pio Pico to Cayetano Arenas. Claim filed February 7, 1853; and confirmed by the commission September 18, 1855. An appeal was dismissed April 6, 1857. Patented.

The Buri Buri Rancho became the property of D.O. Mills.

The Pulgas Grant made to the distinguished Arguello family extended from the present City of San Mateo to San Francisquito Creek, and included Redwood City.

The San Mateo grant about which much of the history of San Mateo County clings, was made by Pio Pico, the last governor of California under Mexican rule, to his secretary, Cayetano Arenas, in 1846, in compensation for services rendered to the governor during the Mexican War. This was the last Mexican grant made. It was one of the smallest—6,535 acres—but it was probably the most valuable of all the granted tracts.

It extended from the foothills to the bay and included Coyote Point, about one-half the present city of San Mateo, all of Burlingame and most of Hillsborough, as well as the picturesque twelve-mile chain of Spring Valley Lakes whose waters supply the City of San Francisco.

The San Mateo Rancho became the property of W.D.M. Howard; large portions of which are still retained by his descendents. Mr. Howard paid $25,000 for this property and expended a similar sum to enclose this area with a fence. Mr. Burlingame became interested in that portion of this property which subsequently took his name; while William C. Ralston, the famous banker was also a part owner in this section. Mr. Ralston's interests passed on to Senator Sharon who in turn granted large tracts to many of the leading citizens of San Francisco, including the Popes, and Henry T. Scott and others whose villas and beautiful grounds are landmarks in this portion of the county.

The history of this grant which is now the most thickly settled portion of the county and the most highly developed, goes back nearly one hundred and twenty years to the time when Borica the seventh governor of all the Californias, Baja and Alta, selected this territory for a cattle ranch to be operated under the direction of the Mexican government. It was called "Rancho del Rey," or the King's Ranch.

The reason for the establishment of this ranch was the shortage of cattle in the Californias, and consequently a shortage in beef, hides and tallow. For three years a drought had prevailed so that immense herds of cattle owned by the Mexican government at Monterey had dwindled to 1200 head. This made it very difficult to provide meat for the troops at the Presidio of San Francisco and the crews of the royal vessels touching there.

The Mexican government decided to start another federal cattle ranch—and for this purpose Borica selected the natural pastures of the plains and the grassy slopes to the south of the present site of the City of San Mateo. The boundaries of this ranch were marked off from the maps of Cordoba and Alberni which contained the first surveys of the peninsula.

The ranch prospered and all went well in spite of the strong opposition of the priests at Dolores Mission who objected to this interference with their rights to supply the troops and vessels with beef at their own prices. They went so far as to make a protest to Spain, but Borica's action was approved. When the Franciscan fathers discovered that products of the King's Ranch were to be used only for government supply and would in no way interfere with their monopoly of the extensive trade with foreign ships, they withdrew their opposition

San Mateo County, California
History, Records, Facts and Genealogy

County Court Courthouse Records

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County Vital Records

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County Census Records

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County Maps & Atlases

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County Military Records

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County Tax Records

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County Genealogical Addresses

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County Church & Cemeteries

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Family Trees & Genealogy Tidbits

Extended History

San Mateo County, California History, Records, Facts and Genealogy

County Court Courthouse Records

See Also California Land Records, Marriage Records, Court & Probate Records

County Vital Records

See Also Vital Records in California

County Census Records

See Also Research In Census Records & Statewide Records that exist for California

County Maps & Atlases

See Also Research In State Map Collections

County Military Records

See Also Military Records in California

County Tax Records

See Also Research In Tax Records

County Genealogical Addresses

See Also Other California Genealogical Addresses

County Church & Cemeteries

See Also Church & Cemetery Records in California

Family Trees & Genealogy Tidbits

Extended History

San Mateo County, California
History, Records, Facts and Genealogy