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From Magazine July, 1969 Pictures: San Diego Historical Society and Dr. Ben Grant. by Mary Stewart

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BANCROFT LIBRARY

She was born at San Diego on De rillo patiently explained, "The name is "The Elopement." above, is an oil by cember 29, 1810. Her baptismal pronounced 'Cay-reei-yo,' with a liquid Charles Nahl (I8l'^-I878l; the picture is name was Dona Maria Antonia Castilian double 'I.' It is not pronounced believed to depict Josefa's impulsive dash Natalia Elijia Carrillo. But at the font 'Care-reeyo,' with the 'y' for double T with her cousin Pio Pico to the shore where her madrina (godmother), the Senora as in Mexico. The Mexican adaptation of her betrothed, Captain Henry Fitch, Dona Josefa Sal del Mercado, in what Spanish is a beautiful variation in itself, eafierly waited. Since Josefa Fitch did probably was a premeditated lapse of but we of the Castilian lineage prefer the not pass away until 1893. we know that memory, conferred her own first name original liquid sound for the double '1.' the paintinfi was executed during her upon the baby. And it is as Josefa that her It is a part of our heritage." lifetime. It hanfts in the Bancroft Library name has been carried down to us by her Josefa grew to be tall. She had brilliant at the University of California, Berkeley. descendants, although some have deep- hazel eyes, black hair and incredibly while frozen it to Josephine. skin. When Don Juan Bandini presented The parents of Josefa Carrillo were Don his guest. Governor Jose Maria Echean- Joaquin Carrillo and Dona Maria Ignacio dia, to the radiant girl, her gleaming hair del Candelaria Lopez, daughter of Don was banded with Loreto pearls. The visit Juan Francisco Lopez and Maria Felici- ing dignitary became smitten with both ana Arballa de Gutierrez. The family Josefa and the delightful San Diego cli traced to the Carrillos of Albornoz, back mate. Echeandfa immediately determined to 1260 A.D. As actor/rancher Leo Car to change the capital from Monterey to i!«iB :-.ISUjisi .'iS' t^

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San Diego, and to marry the Carrillos' According to one source, even before Above: Josefa Carrillo de Fitch is seated in most beautiful daughter. the Bandini tertulia in the Governor's the front row of this group portrait, at Leo Carrillo claimed that the Gover honor, Josefa already had met Captain extreme right. It is unfortunate that all nor was runty and pompous, an object of Henry Delano Fitch, who by this time surviving photographs ofJosefa show her heavy with late middle age and obviously ridicule because of his lisping Castilian was in the process of making a record marked by alt the cares of widowhood accent—an affectation which had escaped round trip to and was waxing im complicated by a large family. The child at the early Hispanic settlers of the New patient for the sight of her when the fiery left is John D. Grant, Jr., on the lap ofJohn World. (It is to this late actor-rancher and Echeandia first hove into San Diego Bay. D. Grant. The little boy standing next to them to Mrs. Fremont Older that we owe most As Don Leo and Mrs. Older told it, Josefa's is Ben E. Grant and the little girl is Effa of the details of Josefa's courtship.) All father sent her to buy new finery so she Grant De Gues. The centralfigure, seated, agreed that Echeandia and his administra might appear even more irresistible in the is the lovely Anita Filch de Grant, mother of tion eventually endeared themselves to Governor's sight, and it was at that time the brood. In the back row stand Charles no one. But the Governor visited San she met the prepossessing Yankee mer Grant; an unidentified young girl; Henry Diego soon after his appointment, and his chant captain. Grant, stepson of Anita and son ofJohn D. Grant and Anita's deceased sister, Ysabella; new constituents were hopeful Most hope Josefa was accompanied by her cousin the last boy is unidentified. ful of all were the parents of Josefa, who Pio Pico, who although a decade older had noticed the swaggering little official was the eighteen-year-old girl's good yearning after their proud young beauty. fiiend and companion. The two put out They fancied the prospect of so distin to the Maria Esther (most Califomians, guished a son-in-law. who depended on such vessels for all luxuries and many necessities, referred to with orange blossoms. Lustrous Loreto such craft as the Boston Ships, no matter pearls were about her throat. An altar how they were rigged). Josefa had climbed had been prepared at the Carrillo home; *he ship's ladder and had bent to wipe the clad in his vestments. Father Antonio salt spray from her silver-buckled slippers Menendez began the ceremony, with when she looked up into the compelling Captain Richard Barry of the Vulture blue-grey-violet eyes of Fitch. She was serving as best man. Abruptly, Josefa's accustomed to the usually not over-tall uncle* stepped between, stating that an Spaniards of the nineteenth century. order from the Governor prohibited for Towering above her was a well-favored, eigners from marrying in California with six-foot, two-inches tall seafarer who en out a special license. hanced his height with a broad-brimmed Fitch was not to be put off. "Tell the California-style hat shoved toward the Governor we shall be married in spile back of his head, and a serape hanging of him, for Josefa's parents have given vertically from one shoulder. consent!" It was the era when Yankee merchant Josefa wept for her disgrace before all ships ruled the seas, and Fitch was every her relatives and friends. But through inch the master of such a ship. With court her tears she murmured. "Enrique, why ly manners and great aplomb he took much don't you dairy me off?" time to display for Josefa's benefit his ar While appearing to bless the couple. ray of splendid wares. This was not the Padre Menendez said between closed usual fawning attention of a mere Yankee teeth, as men in prison speak, "There are trader. She was aware of his apparent other countries where you can be married Left: This portrait of Cap!. Beriah Fitch personal interest in her, and becoming with fewer restrictions." But now we {1771-1825} which hung in the "Maria Ester", color began to rise in her flawless ivory ship of his son, Capt. Henry Delano Filch, was presented to San Diego Historical Society skin. Flustered in her pleasure and em by Woodley Filch, who descendsfrom barrassment, Josefa scarcely saw the Carlos, eighth child (b.I842) of H.D.F. and gowns and laces, the shawls that the young Josefa Carrilio, his wife. Among the Fitch captain theatrically unfurled, the dainty ancestors were: James Fitch, a founder shoes he brought forth to suit her tiny feet. of Yale; John Howland and John Alden who But at last he produced a hair comb so gor came on the Mayflower. Beriah Fitch geous that she quite forgot his presence. married Sara Delano 22 Aug. 1793. She lived She was caught up in the fascinating per to 1847 and descended from Jonathan fection of the object itself. Josefa took the Delano,from whom descended Presidents tortoise comb in both hands, held it up so U.S. Grant and F.D. Roosevelt. Above: Anita, youngest child of Enrique that the rich gold banding glittered in the and Josefa Fitch, was said most to resemble summer sun,and then secured the exquisite her mother. She became Anita Fitch de Grant, piece of hair jewelry in her own dark, lus San Diego's first opera singer. trous tresses. The young Captain thought her more captivating than ever.Josefa knew flee with him at once on his magnificent full well how the hair ornament flattered horse. Some say that before leaving the her. When he told her the price—six hun house she disguised herself as Pio's valet. dred hides—her mood grew wistful as By her own account the eloping Josefa she returned the comb. Fitch urged her took with her only a small case carrying to take it home, to let her parents see how petticoats and other necessities. Then fully it complemented her ripe Spanish Don Pio helped her onto his horse and beauty. galloped away. They dashed at full speed Josefa showed the comb toDonJoaquin, to the rendezvous on the beach where who exploded. He regarded it as a ploy by know that later in the day a Spanish- Fitch was waiting in readiness with a sail an over-shrewd merchant to force a sale. California version of Romeo and Juliet, boat manned by six of his crew. A ploy it was indeed: to give Captain Fitch Act II Scene V, was played. The coura Pio Pico said, "Goodbye, cousin. May opportunity to call at the Carrillo home. geous priest, but newly arrived in San God bless you —and you, Cousin Enrique. Josefa's father surmised Fitch's intent Diego, wed the couple in a secret cere Be careful that you give Josefa no reason when the commanding figure of the young mony.** to regret having cast her lot with you." sea captain was ushered before him. All Now the romantic figure of Pio Pico Fitch replied, "I promise before God and Don Joaquin's instinctive parental sus (later to be the last Mexican governor of man that as long as I live Josefa will be picions were aroused. Right you were, California) assumes importance in the happy." Don Joaquin Carrillo. The little pueblo of drama. Pio advised Enrique Fitch to go He was careful not to take his bride on San Diego quickly was scandalized by aboard his ship and haul anchor. Then, his ship Maria Esther. Instead, to con Josefa's disregard of her parents' wishes, when night was near, to send a small boat fuse possible pursuers, he directed his her disdain for the Governor's attentions for Josefa. Fitch complied and at the indi first mate, Mr. Hatch, to act as navigator and by the ardent suit of Henry Fitch. cated hour was there with a good boat at and sail at once for Valparaiso. The elop Henry Delano Fitch, who traced his the appointed spot. Meanwhile, Pio Pico ing couple put out for the Vulture. They lineage to John Alden of the May went to his dear cousin Josefa. He spoke barely had arrived on board when h6r flower, was bom at Nantucket, Massachu persuasively to her of her love for the sails were unfurled. After seventy-four setts, May 1, 1799. He was said to have young captain, and easily Induced her to days at sea they reached Valparaiso safely. been graduated from Harvard. On Sep •Domingo Carrillo, who was an aide to Gover Captain Fitch immediately ordered ar tember 2, 18I5 when he was certified as nor Echeandia. rangements made for a wedding, which an American citizen and seaman, he was **For this act, the record simply states,"Father was solemnized by the parish priest of described as having "dark hair, grey eyes Menendez was removed with cause, October Valparaiso. Captain Barry again tteted and a dark complexion." A Congrega- 16, 1829." Out of loyalty and gratitude for the as one of the three witnesses. tionalist by faith, for Josefa he became a priest's great-hearted assistance, Josefa never The load of hides and tallow which the Roman Catholic and a Mexican citizen, publicly referred to this marriage (which would Vulture carried was sold at Valparaiso. have cleared her reputation, according to the to overcome all religious and civil bar A good offer having been received for the rigid mores of the last century); she did not riers. even allude to it in the comprehensive deposi ship herself, she was sold in that port and He persisted until at last the marriage tion which she dictated at Healdsburg, Novem shortly afterward Filch purchased the was arranged. On the wedding day,Josefa ber 26, 1875, to an amanuensis of H.H. Ban frigate Leonora. Then the Yankee captain was arrayed in shimmering white satin. croft. continued on page 73 cast anchor at Monterey than a Mexi JOSEFA tontinued from page 41 can official clambered aboard the Leonora with an order for Captain Fitch's arrest. and his lovely California bride set sail for Manfully, he left without delay to face the Boston, where Josefa was received with charges. There followed terrible months in pride by the Fitches, Delanos and Gor- which Fitch was imprisoned, kept from hams. his wife and child while Josefa herself On the return voyage of the Leonora, was under quasi-arrest. After persecution Fitch resolved to fly the Mexican flag by both church and state, the couple at along the coast of Latin America and to last were ordered to go through yet an enter at Acapulco. From Acapulco he other marriage ceremony. Some accounts sailed directly to San Diego, where he say that, at the conclusion of this rite, as cleared customs under the authority of part of their penance the Fitches were Juan Bandini, who then was collector of forced to hold three-foot candles. Through the port. the night, friends and relatives sat with When the Leonora lay at anchor in the them in the church waiting for the enor bay, women friends and the female mem mous tapers to bum down, as they finally bers of Josefa's family came to welcome did, scorching the hands that held them. her. But her mother brought Josefa the It is an established fact that as a final warning that her father had sworn to kill her. penance Captain Enrique Fitch was re Josefa felt she could not bear to live in quired to donate a bell to the Catholic enmity with "the author of her days." church at . She resolved to brave the danger and to go to him at once. Determinedly, accompan The rock which Enrique Fitch hid be Ih© San ^iego Union ied by family and friends, she went ashore. hind while waiting for Pio Pico to 12/31/69 Turning over to her sister the baby she spirit away Josefa is called Fitch's Rock, carried in her arms, the young wife ap to this day. The Captain made the first proached the half-open doorway of her survey map of the Pueblo, and it is called Col. Ben Grant, girlhood home. Her eyes fell at once upon Fitch's map. In the North, Fitch Mountain the form of her father sitting inside at was named for him. In 1841 he was gran some distance. She saw that he was armed. tee of the Sotoyome Rancho. In 1845-46 Scion Of First Nevertheless, she did not desist. "Father, he was Receptor in San Diego. The San I have returned to San Diego to ask your Diego Union for July 13, 1876 lists the pardon for leaving your house." first Ayuntamienio or Town Council, If Don Joaquin heard, he gave no indi with Juan Maria Osuna as Mayor and Settler, Dies cation. "A storm agitated his soul." He re Henry Fitch as Sindico Procurator. Ban Services for Col. Ben Ely mained seated at his writing desk, indicat croft says: "Captain Fitch was one of the Grant Jr., 74, a retired Army ing his scorn of her. earliest, most prominent and most popular physician and great-grandson of Thereupon Josefa knelt in the door of the early pioneers, straightforward in Capt. Henry Delano Fitch, first way and once more humbly begged his his dealings, generous in disposition, frank American settler in San Diego, will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Fin- pardon. She explained that she had fled and cheerful in manner; in physique a very only because of the hateful tyranny of a ley Mortuary. Portland, Ore. tall man inclined to corpulency." Grant died Monday night in a governor who set himself above civil and Judge Benjamin Hayes wrote: "Henry ecclesiastical law. Josefa entreated, but Portland hospital. He retted in Domingo Fitch...died January 13, 1849, 1965 as an executive of the Vet her father remained silent and immobile. at four o'clock and twenty minutes in the erans Adnfinistration in Port His attention, she saw, was not on the fire afternoon. He died at the old Fitch house land. arms, and she took courage. Still implor on Fitch [or Calhoun] Street. He was the A native of , ing forgiveness, she dragged herself to last white person buried on Presidio Hill. Grant was the grandson of the ward him on her knees.* He was several times alcalde [unproved], late Mrs. Anita Carrillo Grant, At length, Don Joaquin relented. He was over six feet high and very corpulent. youngest daughter of Fitch and went toward her and gathered her in his He died of fever after a brief illness." To Josefa Carrillo, who eloped in arms. "I forgive you. It is not your fault if this his grandson, the late John D. Grant, 1829 to Valparaiso. Chile, over our governors are tyrants." With affec adds in his handwriting: "He contributed the opposition of her family and tion and relief, Josefa then went to the $50,000 to the American cause." Tradi church to the marriage. Mrs. doorway and announced to all who await tion in the family is that Captain Fitch Grant was born here. ed the joyous news of reconciliation be Fitch was the master of a sail met with foul play. Some say that he died ing vessel who later became a tween father and daughter. in San Francisco and that he was poisoned. Afterward, she said, that tempestuous merchant and community lead Philip Crosthwaite declared that, just er in Old San Diego and held a day ended with a great dance with "illu before the confrontation of Mexican and large land grant on the Russian mination," and the house was not big American forces and the end of Mexican River in Northern California. A enough for all the congratulatory gifts rule in California, Pio Pico, then gover grave opened in 1968 in Presidio which the women of San Diego brought nor, warned his dear cousin that a Mexi Park is believed to have been for her. can military party was heading for San his. A few days later, with spirits as high Diego with the intent of killing all Ameri Grant was the first command as the wind in the Leonora's sails, the cans, particularly Fitch. Don Pio urged ing officer of Barnes General young Fitches cast away and pointed the Josefa to flee for her life, to join him in Hospital in Portland. During ^ ship toward Monterey. But their misfor Los Angeles. Tom by divided loyalties, World War II, he was the first • tunes had not ended. No sooner had they commanding officer of 47th| Josefa remained staunchly faithful to her General Hospital in the South | husband, sounding the alarm that alerted Pacific. all San Diego. There is no doubt that Fitch Surviving are his widow, Anna •The often-told story that Josefa crawled was beset by powerful enemies to the end blocks in the dirt to ask her father's pardon is Ray; a son. Dr. Ben E. Grant without foundation. In her narration, she speci of his days. Some of them coveted his III of Bandon, Ore.; a daughter, fically said that she knelt at the door of the large land holdings. Others undoubtedly Mrs. Don Johnson of Portland, room and then dragged herself on her knees resented his service to the U.S. Army: and five grandchildren. Military to the middle of the sala until she was within Having surveyed all the area, he was able interment will be at 3 p.m. Fri about six varas from where he sat. A vara is to provide gringo troops with a back- day in Willamette National 2.8 feet. continued on page 92 Cemeterv, Portland. was an accomplished musician.... She forty years under an erroneous impres JOSEFA continuedfrom page 73 spoke and sang in Italian, French and sion." Spanish. She was a Spanish queen if I Senora de Fitch did not always possess canon route into San Diego, by-passing ever saw one." the wherewithal for the acts of charity any possible ambush by Mexicans and/or Anita, the youngest child and the one which she was moved to perform, for she Indians. said most to resemble her mother, in 1916 was the victim of land grabbers, and little The Fitches' fifth child, Josefa, was came to the beautiful garden wedding of by little sacrificed property for taxes and eleven years old at the time of her father's her grandson Ben to my eldest sister, loans at usurers' rates of interest. But her death. In 1906 she gave this version, ac Anna Ray. From then until she passed courage never left her. Dr. Grant says that cording to the San Francisco Chronicle: away on February 4-6, 1933 we were when he was a boy his uncle Bill (Gui Enrique Fitch had established several friends. She grew roses with stems a yard llermo) related this tale: Josefa gave her great ranches. One was at Sotoyome, on long, and attributed her ageless skin to brother a load of hides to take to Tiburon the Russian River, near Healdsburg; the daily siesta which she would permit to sell. He did so,receiving $5,000 in gold. another at El Valle de las Palmas, forty nothing to disturb. Until her death she But he went to San Francisco and before miles south of Ensenada; and, most im had beauty and unbending dignity. She returning home proceeded to gamble away portant, a third was in San Francisco. This is buried beside her mother,Josefa Carrillo all the money. Next year, Josefa could he owned in conjunction with Francisco Fitch, at Oak Mound Cemetery near afford to take no further chances. She Guerrero, and it covered three and a half Healdsburg. Perhaps it is fitting that seated herself atop the high load of stink square leagues, running from the Bay another Anita (Manning) should have un ing, fly-ridden hides and took off with along Larkin Street to the old Mission, earthed the bones of Henry Fitch on them on a two-wheeled cart, with an thence to a line beyond the Spring Valley February 29, 1968, on Presidio Hill. Indian boy on either side oiling the wheels Water Works [this section at the turn of with tallow to lessen their racket. Thus the century embraced the Cliff House, Captain Henry Fitch left his widow the she brought back $5,000 in gold to feed Golden Gate Park and the Presidio]. 35,487.53-acre Rancho Sotoyome and care for her eleven children for Enrique Fitch attended a banquet in San granted him in 1841. His last will forgave another year. Francisco with such well-known men as the debts of Santiago Arguello (one halO; Whatever life's vicissitudes, until her Commodore Stockton. While there he of Miguel Pedrorena; John Borker (re death at Healdsburg on January 26, 1893, signed away his title to all the land which questing his wife to give Borker shoes); Josefa never gave up the treasured cat's- was his between Powell and Taylor and Alfredo Anselino, whom he not only eye necklace which Enrique Fitch had Streets, O'Farrell and Post. "He had al released from payment of debt but made presented to her. And nothing could take ready laid out and given Union Square to "a present of my Encyclopaedia and away her memory of how well her hus the city," said Mrs. Josefa Fitch de Bail- Practice of Medicine." Over and over in band had kept his promise to Pio Pico to hache. "An old friend, Manuel Torres, Fitch's ledgers, debts were forgiven. En cherish her. Never in her married life, still living...summoned Dr. Hope and Dr. rique Fitch also left eleven children: she said afterward, had Enrique caused McNulty to my father's assistance. All Enrique Eduardo, bom June 23, 1830 her to feel one moment of disgusta.# three accompanied him to San Diego. (Henry could have arrived legitimately When he regained consciousness, Torres any time after April 9, 1430); Frederico, SOURCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY told him what he had done. My father fell born June 28, 1832; Guillermo, Novem Visits with Anita Fitch de Grant from 1916 to 1933. back dead." His bereaved family held to ber 7, 1834,Jose, March 19,1836;Josefa, Information from Dr. & Mrs. Ben E. Grant. Informa the poisoning theory because Fitch did November 2, 1837; Juan, April 6, 1839; tion from Mrs. Josefa Fitch Fagan & daughter Kath leen White: John D. Grant & daughter Paloma Woods. not drink, would not allow liquor in his Ysabella, August 24, 1840; Carlos, Sep house, and once had incurred the wrath of History ofCalifornia. Hubert Howe Bancroft. History tember 1, 1842; Miguel, March 13, 1844; of Sonoma Co., Part //, 1937; pp. 50-51. San Diego Richard Henry Dana by throwing the Maria Antonia Natalia, September 19, Union:lu\y 13. 1876; April 24. 1874; June 24.1962. writer out of the Fitches' Old San Diego 1845; Anita, April 13, 1848.* Fitch Family Assn. Letters. April. 1929. New York Public Library Letters. 1928. Spanish Pioneers (in 7 store when Dana entered in an intoxicated A visitor to San Diego who attended condition. sections), Nellie Blair Greene; S.D. Public Library Juan Bandini's New Year Fiesta in 1849 At the recent discovery and exhumation Genealogy Room. The Coronado Story, 2nd Edition. especially singled out Josefa, noting in his J. Harold Peterson. The Journal ofSan Dieno History, of Fitch's remains, James Maidhof, the journal her "personal pulchritude and S.D. Historical Society: Oct. 1967; Jan. 1968; April San Diego State College student who 1968; Oct. 1968. The County clearness of complexion." It is impressive showed us the opened coffin, remarked Ranchos, R.W. Bracket! for Union Title (Title In to consider that after eleven accouche- on the pronounced resemblance of those surance & Trust Co.). Sonoma Democrat. Fitch family ments her comeliness was outstanding Bible. Vita! Statistics of Ljower California, Pablo of Fitch's descendants who were present. even among the younger women attend Martinez. Master Index of the D.A.R. "Northern Although they came from New York, California Marriages." in Nati. Genealogical Society ing Don Juan's celebration—which must Northern California, Mexico and San Quarterly. Healdsburg Tribune, Oct. 13. 1966. Dr. have been the last gaiety Josefa was to Diego, the young digger thought that they Elizabeth Kerr Harris (memoirs). Application for know before widowhood came upon her land. 1841. Healdsburg. Encyclopeda Universal all resembled each other, and that all the scarcely a week later. llustrada Europeo Americana, Tomo XL Collector women were goodlooking. for District of Boston. No. 6142. Missions and Mis Besides looking after a large family, One of the few mistakes that historian sionaries of California, pp. 224.225. The Sea King, Josefa found time for good works. Juan C. Garland Goodwin. On the Old West Coast, Mi(ior H. H. Bancroft made (in the Pioneer Re Bautista Alvarado in his Historia de Cali Horace Bell. Los Angeles, Harry Carr. Love Stories gister and Index, page 143) was the state fornia says, "Mrs. Fitch has always been of Old California, Mrs. Fremont Older. Time of the ment that "The last two [of Josefa and Bells, Richard F. Pourade. The California I Love, generous to the needy, the sick and to Henry Fitch's children] died in 1850-54. Leo Carrillo. Narrative of the Widow of Captain works of public utility—in fact, to all but Henry Delano Fitch, to Henry Cemiti for Bancroft. Josefa became the wife of John Grant and the Church. She believed that the Padre 1875 (Bancroft Library). Will of Henry D. Fitch. San a locally famous singer; Isabela married Presidente [Padre Jose Sanchez of San Diego. Jan. 1849 (codicil). Letters of Josefa Fitch. John Bailhaiche." It was daughter Josefa Accounts of Henry Fitch. Letters of M.G. Vallejo. Gabriel Mission, whose position corre who married John Bailhache. Daughter D.A.R. Records. Sonoma County. Mayflower Index. sponded to what one might call vicar of all "The Cairillos of San Diego." Brian McGinty. His Isabela (Ysabella in Henry Fitch's Bible, torical Society of So. Calif. Quarterly, March 1957. now in the possession of Dr. Ben Grant of the missions] prompted [Governor] Eche- andia in his persecution of her husband. Notes from Judge Bet\jamin Hayes. Carrillo Geneal Long Beach) was the first wife of John ogy, Mr. Harry H. Lee. Dicciimario de Apellidos, Grant. The first opera singer in San Diego I have tried to convince her to the con Tome XXII, lamina 4a. National Archives PLC Cal trary, but of course it is impossible to con ifornia. Index. Cases 265 & 411. San Diego Genealo was her sister Anita, who became John vince an old lady that she has lived for gical Society. Index to Revolutionary War Pension Grant's second wife, sometime after the Applications in U.S. Archives, pub. Natl. Genealo demise of Ysabella on June 15, 1861. Of gical Society. D.C. 1850 Census of the U.S.. San Anita, Dr. Grant wrote in 1948: "Grand Diego & Sonoma Counties. 1852 Special Census of *This information comes from the S.D. His California. San Diego Historical Society(Mrs. Arden). ma Grant...studied in San Francisco torical Society, which in observance of our Bancroft Library. University of California at Berkeley. under a famed teacher...and sang in opera 200th Anniversary is making an effort to docu Colonel Jack Hayes, James K. Greer. Gene M. Nik in San Francisco for several seasons. She ment the lineage ofour oldest Californiafamilies. kei. Spanish translations. Misc. 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She was born at San Diego on De rillo patiently explained, "The name is "The Elopement," above, is an oil by cember 29, 1810. Her baptismal pronounced 'Cay-reel-yo,' with a liquid Charles Nahl (1819-I878); the picture is name was Dona Maria Antonia Castilian double '1.' It is not pronounced believed to depict Josefa's impulsive dash Natalia Elijia Carrillo. But at the font 'Care-reeyo,' with the 'y' for double T with her cousin Pio Pico to the shore where her madrina (godmother), the Senora as in Mexico. The Mexican adaptation of her betrothed. Captain Henry Fitch, Dona Josefa Sal del Mercado, in what Spanish is a beautiful variation in itself, eagerly waited. Since Josefa Fitch did probably was a premeditated lapse of but we of the Castilian lineage prefer the not pass away until 1893, we know that memory, conferred her own first name original liquid sound for the double '1.' the painting was executed during her upon the baby. And it is as Josefa that her It is a part of our heritage." lifetime. It hangs in the Bancroft Library name has been carried down to us by her Josefa grew to be tall. She had brilliant at the University of California, Berkeley. descendants, although some have deep- hazel eyes, black hair and incredibly white frozen it to Josephine. skin. When Don Juan Bandini presented The parents of Josefa Carrillo were Don his guest. Governor Jose Maria Echean- Joaquin Carrillo and Dona Maria Ignacio dia, to the radiant girl, her gleaming hair del Candelaria Lopez, daughter of Don was banded with Loreto pearls. The visit Juan Francisco Lopez and Maria Felici- ing dignitary became smitten with both ana Arballa de Gutierrez. The family Josefa and the delightful San Diego cli aced to the Carrillos of Albornoz, back mate. Echeandia immediately determined ,1260 A.D. As actor/rancher Leo Car to change the capital from Monterey to T1

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San Diego, and to marry the Carrillos' According to one source, even before Above: Josefa Carrillo de Fitch is sealed in most beautiful daughter. the Bandini tertulia in the Governor's the front row of this group portrait, at Leo Carrillo claimed that the Gover honor, Josefa already had met Captain extreme right. It is unfortunate that all surviving photographs of Josefa show her nor was runty and pompous, an object of Henry Delano Fitch, who by this time heavy with late middle age and obviously was in the process of making a record ridicule because of his lisping Castilian marked by all the cares of widowhood accent —an affectation which had escaped round trip to Boston and was waxing im complicated by a large family. The child at the early Hispanic settlers of the New patient for the sight of her when the fiery left is John D. Grant, Jr., on the lap ofJohn World. (It is to this late actor-rancher and Echeandia first hove into San Diego Bay. D. Grant. The little boy standing next to them to Mrs. Fremont Older that we owe most As Don Leo and Mrs. Older told it, Josefa's is Ben E. Grant and the little girl is Effa of the details of Josefa's courtship.) All father sent her to buy new finery so she Grant De Giies. The central figure, seated, agreed that Echeandia and his administra might appear even more irresistible in the is the lovely Anita Fitch de Grant, mother of tion eventually endeared themselves to Governor's sight, and it was at that time the brood. In the back row stand Charles Grant; an unidentified young girl: Henry no one. But the Governor visited San she met the prepossessing Yankee mer Grant, stepson of Anita and son of John D. Diego soon after his appointment, and his chant captain. Grant and Anita's deceased sister, Ysabella: new constituents were hopeful. Most hope Josefa was accompanied by her cousin the last boy is unidentified. ful of all were the parents of Josefa, who Pio Pico, who although a decade older had noticed the swaggering little official was the eighteen-year-old girl's good yearning after their proud young beauty. friend and companion. The two put out They fancied the prospect of so distin to the Maria Esther (most Californians, guished a son-in-law. who depended on such vessels for all luxuries and many necessities, referred to with orange blossoms. Lustrous Loreto such craft as the Boston Ships, no matter pearls were about her throat. An altar how they were rigged). Josefa had climbed had been prepared at the Carrillo home; the ship's ladder and had bent to wipe the clad in his vestments. Father Antonio salt spray from her silver-buckled slippers Menendez began the ceremony, with when she looked up into the compelling Captain Richard Barry of the Vulture blue-grey-violet eyes of Fitch. She was serving as best man. Abruptly, Josefa's accustomed to the usually not over-tall uncle* stepped between, stating that an Spaniards of the nineteenth century. order from the Governor prohibited for Towering above her was a well-favored, eigners from marrying in California with six-foot, two-inches tall seafarer who en out a special license. hanced his height with a broad-brimmed Fitch was not to be put off. "Tell the California-style hat shoved toward the Governor we shall be married in spite back of his head, and a serape hanging of him, for Josefa's parents have given vertically from one shoulder. consent!" It was the era when Yankee merchant Josefa wept for her disgrace before all ships ruled the seas, and Fitch was every her relatives and friends. But through inch the master of such a ship. With court her tears she murmured. "Enrique, why ly manners and great aplomb he took much don't you carry me off?" time to display for Josefa's benefit his ar While appearing to bless the couple, ray of splendid wares. This was not the Padre Menendez said between closed usual fawning attention of a mere Yankee teeth, as men in prison speak, "There are trader. She was aware of his apparent other countries where you can be married personal interest in her, and becoming with fewer restrictions." But now we color began to rise in her flawless ivory skin. Flustered in her pleasure and em Left: Henry Delano Fitch was handsome;six barrassment, Josefa scarcely saw the feet, two inches tail; and captain of his own gowns and laces, the shawls that the young own ship, the Maria Esther, when he fell in captain theatrically unfurled, the dainty love with Josefa Carrillo. the beauty of Old shoes he brought forth to suit her tiny feet. San Diego. To win her, he became a Mexican But at last he produced a hair comb so gor citizen, look instruction in the Catholic geous that she quite forgot his presence. faith, and changed his first two names to She was caught up in the fascinating per Enrique (Henry) Domingo (for Domingo Carrillo, who ivns his sponsor when he fection of the object itself. Josefa took the embraced the Catholic religion). tortoise comb in both hands, held it up so Above: Anita, youngest child of Enrique and that the rich gold banding glittered in the Josefa Fitch, was said most to resemble her summer sun,and then secured the exquisite mother. She became Anita Fitch de Grant, piece of hair jewelry in her own dark, lus San Diego's first opera singer. trous tresses. The young Captain thought her more captivating than ever.Josefaknew flee with him at once on his magnificent full well how the hair ornament flattered horse. Some say that before leaving the her. When he told her the price —six hun house she disguised herself as Pio's valet. dred hides —her mood grew wistful as By her own account the eloping Josefa she returned the comb. Fitch urged her took with her only a small case carrying to take it home, to let her parents see how petticoats and other necessities. Then fully it complemented her ripe Spanish Don Pio helped her onto his horse and beauty. galloped away. They dashed at full speed Josefa showed the comb toDonJoaquin, to the rendezvous on the beach where who exploded. He regarded it as a ploy by know that later in the day a Spanish- Fitch was waiting in readiness with a sail an over-shrewd merchant to force a sale. California version of Romeo and Juliet, boat manned by six of his crew. A ploy it was indeed: to give Captain Fitch Act II Scene V, was played. The coura Pio Pico said, "Goodbye, cousin. May opportunity to call at the Carrillo home. geous priest, but newly arrived in San God bless you —and you, Cousin Enrique. Josefa's father surmised Fitch's intent Diego, wed the couple in a secret cere Be careful that you give Josefa no reason when the commanding figure of the young mony.** to regret having cast her lot with you." sea captain was ushered before him. All Now the romantic figure of Pio Pico Fitch replied, "I promise before God and Don Joaquin's instinctive parental sus (later to be the last Mexican governor of man that as long as I live Josefa will be picions were aroused. Right you were, California) assumes importance in the happy." Don Joaquin Carrillo. The little pueblo of drama. Pio advised Enrique Fitch to go He was careful not to take his bride on San Diego quickly was scandalized by aboard his ship and haul anchor. Then, his ship Maria Esther. Instead, to con Josefa's disregard of her parents' wishes, when night was near, to send a small boat fuse possible pursuers, he directed his her disdain for the Governor's attentions for Josefa. Fitch complied and at the indi first mate, Mr. Hatch, to act as navigator and by the ardent suit of Henry Fitch. cated hour was there with a good boat at and sail at once for Valparaiso. The elop Henry Delano Fitch, who traced his the appointed spot. Meanwhile, Pio Pico ing couple put out for the Vulture. They lineage to John Alden of the May went to his dear cousin Josefa. He spoke barely had arrived on board when her flower, was bom at Nantucket, Massachu persuasively to her of her love for the sails were unfurled. After seventy-four setts, May 1, 1799. He was said to have young captain, and easily induced her to days at sea they reached Valparaiso safely. been graduated from Harvard. On Sep •Domingo Carrillo, who was an aide to Gover Captain Fitch immediately ordered ar tember 2, 1815 when he was certified as nor Echeandia. rangements made for a wedding, which an American citizen and seaman, he was •*For this act, the record simply states,"Father was solemnized by the parish priest of described as having "dark hair, grey eyes Menendez was removed with cause, October Valparafso. Captain Barry again acted and a dark complexion." A Congrega- 16, 1829." Out of loyalty and gratitude for the as one of the three witnesses. tionalist by faith, for Josefa he became a priest's great-hearted assistance, Josefa never The load of hides and tallow which the Roman Catholic and a Mexican citizen, publicly referred to this marriage (which would Vulture carried was sold at Valparaiso. have cleared her reputation, according to the to overcome all religious and civil bar A good olfer having been received for the rigid mores of the last century); she did not riers. even allude to it in the comprehensive deposi ship herself, she was sold in that port and He persisted until at last the marriage tion which she dictated at Healdsburg, Novem shortly afterward Fitch purchased the was arranged. On the wedding day,Josefa ber 26, 1875, to an amanuensis of H.H. Ban frigate Leonora. Then the Yankee captain was arrayed in shimmering white satin. croft. continued on page 73 73 cast anchor at Monterey than a^ Mexi JOSEFA continuedfrom page 41 can official clambered aboard the Leonora HAROLD KEEN with an order for Captain Fitch's arrest. continued from page 49 and his lovely California bride set sail for Manfully, he left without delay to face the Boston, where Josefa was received with charges. There followed terrible months in American for the district counselor's pride by the Fitches, Delanos and Gor- which Fitch was imprisoned, kept from office to assure the community that Lin hams. his wife and child while Josefa herself coln's special problems were being han On the return voyage of the Leonora, was under quasi-arrest. After persecution dled by individuals with proper back Fitch resolved to fly the Mexican flag by both church and state, the couple at ground and understanding. along the coast of Latin America and to last were ordered to go through yet an 7) Grant greater responsibility and self- enter at Acapulco. From Acapulco he other marriage ceremony. Some accounts discipline to the students. sailed directly to San Diego, where he say that, at the conclusion of this rite, as 8) Establish a continuing institute for cleared customs under the authority of part of their penance the Fitches were teachers at Lincoln, to prepare them for Juan Bandini, who then was collector of forced to hold three-foot candles. Through handling potentially volatile situations and the port. the night, friends and relatives sat with to improve their understanding of prob When the Leonora lay at anchor in the them in the church waiting for the enor lems of Black and Brown youngsters. bay, women friends and the female mem mous tapers to burn down, as they finally 9) Make adjustments in the curriculum bers of Josefa's family came to welcome did, scorching the hands that held them. to include Negro history and literature, her. But her mother brought Josefa the It is an established fact that as a final urban problems and more-meaningful warning that herfather had sworn to kill her. penance Captain Enrique Fitch was re occupational courses. Josefa felt she could not bear to live in quired to donate a bell to the Catholic Exploring other alternatives, the teach enmity with "the author of her days." church at Los Angeles. ers' report suggested consideration of She resolved to brave the danger and to go closing Lincoln, integrating its one thou to him at once. Determinedly, accompan The rock which Enrique Fitch hid be sand students into the system's other high ied by family and friends, she went ashore. hind while waiting for Pio Pico to schools, and applying Lincoln's share of Turning over to her sister the baby she spirit away Josefa is called Fitch's Rock, federal funds to such corollary expenses carried in her arms, the young wife ap to this day. The Captain made the first as bussing. Under such a plan, the Lin proached the half-open doorway of her survey map of the Pueblo, and it is called coln campus would be converted into a girlhood home. Her eyes fell at once upon Fitch's map. In the North,Fitch Mountain community center, with recreational facil the form of her father sitting inside at was named for him. In 1841 he was gran ities, meeting rooms, public library, wel some distance. She saw that he was armed. tee of the Sotoyome Rancho. In 1845-46 fare and public-health branch offices, and Nevertheless, she did,not desist. "Father, he was Receptor in San Diego. The San perhaps vocational training for dropouts. I have returned to San Diego to ask your Diego Union for July 13, 1876 lists the This comprehensive report, presaging pardon for leaving your house." first Ayuntamiento or Town Council, many of the demands of the Lincoln If Don Joaquin heard, he gave no indi with Juan Maria Osuna as Mayor and students a year later, was moved along cation."A storm agitated his soul." He re Henry Fitch as Sindico Procurator. Ban by Dr. Twist to Superintendent Ralph C. mained seated at his writing desk, indicat croft says: "Captain Fitch was one of the Dailard with recommendations that a ing his scorn of her. earliest, most prominent and most popular high-level committee of administrators Thereupon Josefa knelt in the door of the early pioneers, straightforward in collect facts and meet with southeast San way and once more humbly begged his his dealings, generous in disposition,frank Diego representatives to demonstrate pardon. She explained that she had fled and cheerful in manner;in physique a very that the district is sincerely interested in only because of the hateful tyranny of a tall man inclined to corpulency." grappling with the Lincoln problem. At governor who set himself above civil and Judge Benjamin Hayes wrote: "Henry that point, the matter was staled, and the ecclesiastical law. Josefa entreated, but Domingo Fitch...died January 13, 1849, faculty report never was made known to her father remained silent and immobile. at four o'clock and twenty minutes in the the Board of Education. His attention, she saw, was not on the fire afternoon. He died at the old Fitch house The following July, after Lincoln's de arms, and she took courage. Still implor on Fitch [or Calhoun] Street. He was the ficiencies had been discussed repeatedly ing forgiveness, she dragged herself to last white person buried on Presidio Hill. in the semi-monthly Citizens Interracial ward him on her knees.* He was several times alcalde [unproved], Committee dialogues at City Hall, George At length, Don Joaquin relented. He was over six feet high and very corpulent. Stevens, local head of the Congress of went toward her and gathered her in his He died of fever after a brief illness." To Racial Equality (CORE) warned a CIC arms. "I forgive you. It is not your fault if this his grandson, the late John D. Grant, session that unless "drastic" changes our governors are tyrants." With affec adds in his handwriting: "He contributed occurred at Lincoln during the Summer tion and relief, Josefa then went to the $50,000 to the American cause." Tradi (of 1968), the school might not be opening doorway and announced to all who await tion in the family is that Captain Fitch in September. This implied threat at least ed the joyous news of reconciliation be met with foul play. Some say that he died reflected the toughening of attitudes which tween father and daughter. in San Francisco and that he was poisoned. was transmitted to the campus itself when Afterward, she said, that tempestuous Philip Crosthwaite declared that, just the fall semester began. day ended with a great dance with "illu before the confrontation of Mexican and Talk of a boycott started among the mination," and the house was not big American forces and the end of Mexican students last November, according to Di- enough for all the congratulatory gifts rule in California, Pio Pico, then gover Anna Toliver, newly elected student-body which the women of San Diego brought nor, warned his dear cousin that a Mexi president, and for weeks before the actual for her. can military party was heading for San walkout on Friday, April 11, teachers and A few days later, with spirits as high Diego with the intent of killing all Ameri administrators were edgy as rumors swirled as the wind in the Leonora's sails, the cans, particularly Fitch. Don Pio urged around the campus. The last of the storm young Fitches cast away and pointed the Josefa to flee for her life, to join him in signals before the actual uprising was the ship toward Monterey. But their misfor Los Angeles. Tom by divided loyalties, appearance in March before the Board of tunes had not ended. No sooner had they Josefa remained staunchly faithful to her Education of Reese Jarrett, then student- husband, sounding the alarm that alerted body president, who read a statement de all San Diego. There is no doubt that Fitch ploring "the inadequate education that we *The often-told story that Josefa crawled was beset by powerful enemies to the end blocks in the dirt to ask her father's pardon is are presently receiving." without foundation. In her narration, she speci of his days. Some of them coveted his "There is need for a curriculum ... that fically said that she knelt at the door of the large land holdings. Others undoubtedly will motivate students toward college .. . room and then dragged herself on her knees resented his service to the U.S. Army: that relates to Black and Brown students. to the middle of the sala until she was within Having surveyed all the area, he was able Classes at Lincoln High School are geared about six varas from where he sat. A vara is to provide gringo troops with a back- for the below-average students. We have 2.8 feet. continued on page 92 only one advanced class in each subject area on each grade level. This implies that to do in this situation, by whatever means on the agreement that they be quoted the teachers do not expect Black and necessary." What were requests at this anonymously. The following is a blending Brown students to make any educational point, not immediately heeded by the of their remarks: achievements. The development of a more Board, later were transformed into the "Last Winter there was a test run of relevant method of teaching is necessary twenty-two demands that accompanied student power. The cafeteria was boy in order to continuously motivate the stu the walkout. Ample warning of possible cotted for two and a half weeks in a dis dent.... The elementary disciplinary meth trouble through direct action had been pute over the quality of food.(One of the ods are becoming more fatal [i/c]. Too given by Jarrett, and there still was time twenty-two demands later was for 'Black often students are suspended before they to establish communications with the stu and Brown cooks so that we can get some have a chance to discuss a problem with dents, but the opportunity was lost. eatable food'). At first, the Associated their counselor .... The students should Some of the veteran teachers at Lin Student Body government was believed be dealt with on a more personal basis . . . coln believe that outside influences — responsible, but it disclaimed any knowl We need more Black and Brown teachers principally militant organizations such as edge of it. At any rate, it worked so well and administrators who are aware of the Black Panthers —played a role in student that one of the known Black leaders on problems of the students. The white teach revolt. It is difficult to get teachers at campus said, 'I never thought I'd see a ers should especially be aware of the sen Lincoln to talk frankly of the situation bunch of Blacks get this organized.' sitivity of the situation at hand. Unless there unless their identity is protected. "More outsiders were being observed our requests are met, we will do what Recently I met with a group of the oldest on campus, including Blacks from local ever our collective minds will provoke us —in point of service —at the home of one colleges. More Black Panthers were sell ing their newspaper near the campus. The RADIO KAY-DEED so-called Central Committee that was formed to deal with the faculty representa tives during the week school was closed had a militant look to it —with the boys wearing black-leather jackets or military fatigue jackets, and the girls in black- leather jackets and black capri pants or African-style dresses. The Central Com mittee, which was recognized by the %imo faculty as the students' bargaining rep resentatives, was Tif)t an arm of the duly v» OK) constituted studeHt government. The members said they were chosen at a meet ing at Southcrest Park. "We know what they need,' they said of the student body 24-HOUR as a whole, 'and we'll get the job done. We are the workers.' "The Central Committee concept and use of complaints of bad food in the cafe teria as a rallying point for Black Panther organizers are both outlined in mimeo graphed basic guidelines of instructions on how to organize Black high-school ADULT students. These guidelines appeared on the campus last December." These teach ers are convinced that the faculty and the school administration are being made scapegoats, suffering the label of "racist," because of a failure by the Board of Edu cation to relieve the tensions obviously MUSIC building up at Lincoln during at least the last two years. "The result has been that a small minority, maybe about twenty- five hard-core organizers, were able to "NEW HOME of San Diego CHARGERS" close the school," they said. "Most of the students are wonderfully polite and cour teous kids, and this is amazing in view of what they've been through from elemen tary school on up. They're in the so-called The crowning touch in great dining silent majority, and they were swept along THE REGENCY ROOM with the radicals." DiAnna Toliver denies the student Lunch at the Regency Room features specialists in Mexican food walkout was directed by outsiders. "Stu its popular overstuffed hot sandwiches. dents simply saw the need for change, Cocktails The Dinner menu features the Baron of Beef, and much more. and when there was no response, they de ^ MRS,; 5-9 DAILY, 3-9 SUN. cided to boycott," she said. "The Central ^ Open Every Day The liveliest spot in San Diego Committee was not a Black Panther- ^ During Racing Season THE V.I.P. LOUNGE dominated organization. It was formed by I Dancing and Entertainment a group of Black and Brown students who nightly from 5 P.M. mys JACAL felt the regular student government was 250 Hotel Circle North j part of the Establishment, part of the ad (From Highway 5 take Via de la Valle Mission Valley, ministration we were trying to get rid of. turnoff-turn left, then right at Rich- !&n.; San Diego, Calif. 91110 We couldn't get any power through the field Station to Valley Ave. or call for (where U.S. 395 crosses directions.) , Interstate 8) Student Council. Now, as a result of the Telephone (714) 291-1777 walkout, our new administration, and the granting of most of our twenty-two de mands,3nd changes in the student-govern- 92 was an accomplished musician.... She forty years under an erroneous impres JOSEFA continued from page 73 spoke and sang in Italian, French and sion." Spanish. She was a Spanish queen if I Senora de Fitch did not always possess canon route into San Diego, by-passing ever saw one." the wherewithal for the acts of charity any possible ambush by Mexicans and/or Anita, the youngest child and the one which she was moved to perform, for she Indians. said most to resemble her mother,in 1916 was the victim of land grabbers, and little The Fitches' fifth child, Josefa, was came to the beautiful garden wedding of by little sacrificed property for taxes and eleven years old at the time of her father's her grandson Ben to my eldest sister, loans at usurers' rates of interest. But her death. In 1906 she gave this version, ac Anna Ray. From then until she passed courage never left her. Dr. Grant says that cording to the San Francisco Chronicle: away on February 16, 1933 we were when he was a boy his uncle Bill (Gui Enrique Fitch had established several friends. She grew roses with stems a yard llermo) related this tale: Josefa gave her great ranches. One was at Sotoyome, on long, and attributed her ageless skin to brother a load of hides to take to Tiburon the Russian River, near Healdsburg; the daily siesta which she would permit to sell. He did so, receiving $5,000 in gold. another at El Valle de las Palmas, forty nothing to disturb. Until her death she But he went to San Francisco and before miles south of Ensenada; and, most im had beauty and unbending dignity. She returning home proceeded to gamble away portant, a third was in San Francisco. This is buried beside her mother,Josefa Carrillo all the money. Next year, Josefa could he owned in conjunction with Francisco Fitch, at Oak Mound Cemetery near afford to take no further chances. She Guerrero, and it covered three and a half Healdsburg. Perhaps it is fitting that seated herself atop the high load of stink square leagues, running from the Bay another Anita (Manning) should have un ing, fly-ridden hides and took off with along Larkin Street to the old Mission, earthed the bones of Henry Fitch on them on a two-wheeled cart, with an thence to a line beyond the Spring Valley February 29, 1968, on Presidio Hill. Indian boy on either side oiling the wheels Water Works [this section at the turn of with tallow to lessen their racket. Thus the century embraced the Cliff House, Captain Henry Fitch left his widow the she brought back $5,000 in gold to feed Golden Gate Park and the Presidio]. 35,487.53-acre Rancho Sotoyome and care for her eleven children for Enrique Fitch attended a banquet in San granted him in 1841. His last will forgave another year. Francisco with such well-known men as the debts of Santiago Arguello (one half); Whatever life's vicissitudes, until her Commodore Stockton. While there he of Miguel Pedrorena; John Borker (re death at Healdsburg on January 26, 1893, signed away his title to all the land which questing his wife to give Borker shoes); Josefa never gave up the treasured cat's- was his between Powell and Taylor and Alfredo Anselino, whom he not only eye necklace which Enrique Fitch had Streets, O'Farrell and Post. "He had al released from payment of debt but made presented to her. And nothing could take ready laid out and given Union Square to "a present of my Encyclopaedia and away her memory of how well her hus the city," said Mrs. Josefa Fitch de Bail- Practice of Medicine." Over and over in band had kept his promise to Pio Pico to hache. "An old friend, Manuel Torres, Fitch's ledgers, debts were forgiven. En cherish her. Never in her married life, still living...summoned Dr. Hope and Dr. rique Fitch also left eleven children: she said afterward, had Enrique caused McNulty to my father's assistance. All Enrique Eduardo, bom June 23, 1830 her to feel one moment of disgusta.# three accompanied him to San Diego. (Henry could have arrived legitimately When he regained consciousness, Torres any time after April 9, 1930); Frederico, SOURCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY told him what he had done. My father fell bom June 28, 1832; Guillermo, Novem Visits with Anita Fitch de Grant from 1916 to 1933. back dead." His bereaved family held to ber?, 1834, Jose, March 19,1836;Josefa, Information from Dr. & Mrs. Ben E. Grant. Informa the poisoning theory because Fitch did November 2, 1837; Juan, April 6, 1839; tion from Mrs. Josefa Fitch Fagan & daughter Kath not drink, would not allow liquor in his leen White: John D. Grant & daughter Paloma Woods. Ysabella, August 24, 1840; Carlos, Sep . Hubert Howe Bancroft. History house, and once had incurred the wrath of tember 1, 1842; Miguel, March 13, 1844; of Sonoma Co., Part II, 1937; pp. 50-51. San Diego Richard Henry Dana by throwing the Maria Antonia Natalia, September 19, Union: July 13, 1876; April 24, 1874; June 24,1962. writer out of the Fitches' Old San Diego 1845; Anita, April 13, 1848.* Fitch Family Assn. Letters, April, 1929. New York store when Dana entered in an intoxicated Public Library Letters, 1928. Spanish Pioneers (in 7 A visitor to San Diego who attended sections), Nellie Blair Greene; S.D. Public Library condition. Juan Bandini's New Year Fiesta in 1849 Genealogy Room. The Coronado Story, 2nd Edition, At the recent discovery and exhumation especially singled out Josefa, noting in his J. Harold Peterson. The Journal of San Diego History, of Fitch's remains, James Maidhof, the journal her "personal pulchritude and S.D. Historical Society: Oct. 1967; Jan. 1968; April San Diego State College student who 1968; Oct. 1968. The History of San Diego County clearness of complexion." It is impressive Ranchos, R.W. Brackett for Union Title (Title In showed us the opened coffin, remarked to consider that after eleven accouche- surance & Trust Co.). Sonoma Democrat. Fitch family on the pronounced resemblance of those ments her comeliness was outstanding Bible. Vital Statistics of Lower California, Pablo of Fitch's descendants who were present. even among the younger women attend Martinez. Master Index of the D.A.R. "Northern Although they came from New York, California Marriages," in Natl. Genealogical Society ing Don Juan's celebration—which must Quarterly. Healdsburg Tribune, Oct. 13, 1966. Dr. Northern California, Mexico and San have been the last gaiety Josefa was to Elizabeth Kerr Harris (memoirs). Application for Diego, the young digger thought that they know before widowhood came upon her land, 1841, Healdsburg. Encyclopeda Universal all resembled each other, and that all the scarcely a week later. Ilustrada Europeo Americana, Tomo XI. Collector women were goodlooking. for District of Boston. No. 6142. Missions and Mis Besides looking after a large family, sionaries of California, pp. 224,225. The Sea King, One of the few mistakes that historian Josefa found time for good works. Juan C. Garland Goodwin. On the Old West Coast, Mtgor H. H. Bancroft made (in the Pioneer Re Bautista Alvarado in his Historia de Cali Horace Bell. Los Angeles, Harry Carr. Love Stories gister and Index, page 143) was the state fornia says, "Mrs. Fitch has always been of Old California, Mrs. Fremont Older. Time of the ment that "The last two [of Josefa and Bells, Richard F. Pourade. The California I Love, generous to the needy, the sick and to Leo Carrillo. Narrative of the Widow of Captain Henry Fitch's children] died in 1850-54. works of public utility—in fact, to all but Henry Delano Fitch, to Henry Cerruti for Bancroft, Josefa became the wife of John Grant and the Church. She believed that the Padre 1875 (Bancroft Library). Will of Henry D. Fitch, San a locally famous singer; Isabela married Presidente [Padre Jose Sanchez of San Diego, Jan. 1849 (codicil). Letters of Josefa Fitch. John Bailhaiche." It was daughter Josefa Accounts of Henry Fitch. Letters of M.G. Vallejo. Gabriel Mission, whose position corre D.A.R. Records, Sonoma County. Mayflower Index. who married John Bailhache. Daughter sponded to what one might call vicar of all "The Carrillos of San Diego," Brian McGinty, His Isabela (Ysabella in Henry Fitch's Bible, the missions] prompted [Governor]Eche- torical Society of So. Calif. Quarterly, March 1957. now in the possession of Dr. Ben Grant of andia in his persecution of her husband. Notes fn>m Judge Beiyamin Hayes. Carrillo Geneal Long Beach) was the first wife of John ogy, Mr. Harry H. Lee. Diccionario de Apellidos, I have tried to convince her to the con Grant. The first opera singer in San Diego Tome XXII, lamina 4a. National Archives PLC Cal trary, but of course it is impossible to con ifornia, Index, Cases 265 & 411. San Diego Genealo was her sister Anita, who became John vince an old lady that she has lived for gical Society. Index to Revolutionary War Pension Grant's second wife, sometime after the Applications in U.S. Archives, pub. Natl. Genealo demise of Ysabella on June 15, 1861. Of gical Society, D.C. 1850 Census of the U.S., San Diego & Sonoma Counties. 1852 Special Census of Anita, Dr. Grant wrote in 1948: "Grand ♦This information comes from the S.D. His California San Diego Historical Society (Mrs. Arden). ma Grant...studied in San Francisco torical Society, which in observance of our Bancroft Library, University of California at Berkeley. under a famed teacher...and sang in opera 200th Anniversary is making an effort to docu Colonel Jack Hayes, James K. Greer. Gene M. Nik in San Francisco for several seasons. She ment the lineage of our oldest Califomiafamilies. kei, Spanish translations. Misc. San Diego Union.