The area now known as California was occupied for hundreds of years by Native Americans. An estimated 300 different
groups lived in California, each of which occupied its own region, spoke its own language, and had its own customs.
The Native Americans of California were hunter-gatherers who employed fishing techniques. They gathered food from
the sea and nearby foothills. They hunted small animals and larger game such as antelope and deer. They lived in
earth-covered plank houses. Men wore a skin folded around the hips, women a short skirt with an apron in front.
The Native Americans of California participated in trading activities where currency was represented in the form
of shells.
The religion of the Californians coincides with indigenous beliefs around the world. Rites of passage for birth,
death, marriage, and puberty were observed by all. The shaman was the religious leader of the group. Shamans would
perform ceremonies to heal the sick and to celebrate religious observances. California shamans were associated
with the grizzly bear for its power to destroy enemies and return to life.
On September 28, 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, a Portuguese explorer, arrived in California from the west coast
of Mexico. Another explorer, Sebastian Vizcaino, returned to California after reading Cabrillo’s notes in Mexico.
On November 12, 1602, Vizcaino landed in San Diego and celebrated High Mass. The land was claimed for Spain. Spanish
settlers came to California in 1769. Juniperro Serra, a Spanish friar, was one of these settlers who hoped to convert
the natives. By 1770, two missions had been built—one in San Diego and one in Carmel.
The mission system in California was the most effective way to impose Spanish culture on the native people. The
missions attempted to Christianize the natives, teaching them Spanish and the “civilized” customs of Europe. The
complete integration of the native population never took place. Instead of becoming true members of society, the
Native Americans of California became a laboring class that was exploited as the colony grew. They had to obey
and participate in religious rites, as well as the daily mission activities and subsequent abuse. Many “Indians”
also died of European diseases such as small pox. Intermarriage between the Spanish and Native Americans created
an entirely new population.
In 1781, the pueblo of Los Angeles was established. In 1784, Governor Pedro Pages granted Manuel Nieto use of the
mission lands to herd cattle and horses. In 1804, Manuel Nieto, the richest man in California, died. In 1821, the
Mexican people established the Republic of Mexico. During this time, in the 1820s, more European and American settlers
came to California to make a living.
The first overland wagons arrived in California in 1826, and Abel Stearns came to Los Angeles in 1829. On August
9, 1833, the Mexican government declared the secularization of mission lands. One year later, in 1834, the heirs
of Manuel Nieto petitioned Jose Figueroa for the title to the land grant known as Rancho Los Coyotes. The governor
granted their petition and distributed the land into five parcels: Los Coyotes, Las Bolsas, Los Alamitos, Los Cerritos,
and Santa Gertrudes.
In 1840, Juan Jose Nieto sold Rancho Los Coyotes to Andreas Pico of California. Six years later, on July 7, 1846,
California was annexed to the United States. On May 30, 1848, the war with Mexico came to an end with the signing
of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. California became a member of the United States of America on September 9,
1849.
The life of the ranchos changed greatly during the years from 1862 to 1864. The great drought of those years killed
cattle by the thousands, which practically ruined the large landowners. In 1868, Abel Stearns, like many other
landowners, sold his rancho to be divided into farmland. In 1869, Daniel Gridley purchased 1,600 acres of land
from Abel Stearns. By May of 1873, many farm families were living in the Artesia area.
The village of Artesia formally became a community when the Artesia School district was established on May 3 1875.
the Artesia Land Company set aside 5 acres of land at the southwest corner of Main Street and Orange Avenue (now
Pioneer and 183rd Street) for a school to be built. The first schoolhouse was located at what is now the corner
of 183rd street and Alburtis. The schoolhouse was a rustic, timbered two story building with a classroom on each
end floor. At its opening, 44 students were enrolled. The building was heated by a wood-burning stove, and water
came from an Artesian well drilled by Nathaniel D. Robinson, school Trustee.
George R. Frampton was the first graduate of the Artesia Grammar School in 1890. He went on to become one of the
town's early leaders. A member of one of Artesia's most notable families, George was second president of the first
bank, Artesia citizens Association president, Masonic Lodge worshipful Master, second Postmaster, as well as an
elementary and high school board member.
(Source Images of America Artesia 1875-1975 article rewritten by
Barbara Guyton Ziegenmeyer)
This is William's log sheet for Feb. 25, 1925.
His duties that included scouting stolen horses, making arrests and patrolling
the area.
William
G. Mathews was the first constable in the town of Artesia, and he served in law
enforcement until his retirement in 1949. Mr. Mathews was one of the original
signers to establish the Chamber of Commerce in 1923, and a member of the
Artesia School District Board for many years. The Mathews family donated land
for the building of Luther Bank School, located at 17711 Roseton Avenue. He was
instrumental in the incorporation of the city and was elected Man of the Year by
the Chamber of Commerce in 1965.
Contributed
by Barb Z. 2008 