THE PERALTA CLAIM.
The Land Commissioners will decide on the merits of the Peralta claim this morning. The Chronicle says that this is one of the most important claims that has come before the Commissioners - certainly more important than any yet decided by the present Board. The claim embraces the villages of Oakland, San Antonio, Alameda, and the whole range of the coast for ten miles; and about three thousand people are settled upon it. The claim was granted in fee simple to the senior Peralta, as a reward for military services, and was occupied by him until his death. It is stated that he lived to the age of 120 years, and could lasso a bull after he was 100 years old; that he rode forty miles the day before his death, which occurred in San Jose, from an attack of cholera.
The sons of Peralta occupy this extensive claim in subdivisions, Ignacio and family occupy the southern and eastern portion; Antonio and family the middle; Domingo and family the northern and western; and Vicente and family the northern and middle western portion. Each of the Peraltas has his vineyards and orchards, and lives in a style worthy the ancient barons.
Squatting has been carried on more extensively on this claim than upon any other in the State, (if we except the Lemantour claim, and it is doubtful whether this is worthy to be dignified with the appellation of claim,) The firm of Carpentier, Adams & Moon, squatted upon and laid out the village of Oakland, and it is believed that they have sold lots and given quit-claim deeds to the amount of near a quarter of millions of dollars. Single lots, with this title, have been sold as high as fifteen hundred dollars. The knowing ones, the Americans, however, never paid very high for their titles; but Frenchmen, and others, ignorant of the titles which these men gave, have paid high prices. Last summer, a company of about one hundred squatters combined together, and took possession of all the surveyed lots claimed by Carpentier, Adams & Moon, which gave each one a lot. Several difficulties grew out of this seizure. Carpentier, at one time, tearing down the fences, &c. An action was also brought by Carpentier & Co. before the county court to regain possession. But the plaintiffs could show no title to the land, and the action was dismissed. The combined squatters still retain possession.
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| San Joaquin Republican, Volume 4, Number 9, 12 January 1854 |
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