San Jacinto California Genealogy

A History of California’s Great Hemet-San Jacinto Valley

“Down Memory Lane: A Historical Record of People and Events in California’s Great Hemet-San Jacinto Valley,” compiled by Homer D. King in an Anniversary Supplement to the Hemet News on September 15, 1960, offers a detailed and vibrant exploration of this unique area’s past and present. This comprehensive guide is an invaluable resource for genealogists, historians, and anyone fascinated by the intricate web of stories that constitute our collective past.

Biography of John Down

John Down came to Riverside in 1874, his only capital being his trade as bricklayer, combined with an energetic disposition and a willingness to labor. He purchased block 2, range 7, on Main Street, between Second and Third streets, planting the same in oranges. The same year he commenced work for Mr. E. M. Sheldon, who had started the pioneer brickyards on the west side of Buena Vista avenue, north of town, and two years later he entered into partnership under the firm name of Sheldon & Down. The brick-yards were gradually increased to meet the growing demands, and conducted … Read more

Ora B. Todd of Panama NY

Ora B. Todd7, (Bela6, Caleb5, Gideon4, Gideon3, Michael2, Christopher1) born Dec. 20, 1808, in Salisbury, N. Y., died Feb. 9, 1889, in San Jacinto, Cal., married Oct. 1832, Lorinda, daughter of Luke and Lucia Wolcott, who was born Oct. 27, 1810, died Oct. 19, 1885, in Santa Paula, Calif. They removed from Panama, Chautauqua County, N. Y., to Santa Paula, Calif., in March 1884, whence they seem to have moved to Santa Jacinto, where he died. Mr. Todd was a good reader of music, which he taught some in the old fashioned way; a fine violinist and a most excellent … Read more