Streetwise History: Kings Creek Road
By Lisa Robinson
In these articles, we will look at street names in the San Lorenzo Valley and explore their hidden history.
James King and his family were among the first residents of the upper San Lorenzo Valley. James and his wife Mary Carpenter were from Missouri. They travelled across the plains by emigrant train arriving in Sacramento in September 1849. Kings Creek and Kings Creek Road are named for them.
They homesteaded 160 acres in the upper San Lorenzo Valley where they cleared lumber, raised cattle and pigs, and grew fruit.
In 1868, bears were abundant and King’s ranch with its plentiful supply of piglets had become the “abiding-place of Bruin.” One night the squealing was so loud that James was alarmed. He loaded his double-barrel shotgun with two-dozen pistol balls and along with a revolver and accompanied by his dogs set out in his nightclothes to apprehend the bear.
As he reached the creek, which was about 100 feet from the house, the bear was climbing out the far side. He raced down into the creek bed and took aim lodging the bullets “into the bear a la posteriori.” It was speculated that the 300-pound bear, no doubt, provided many a tasty meal.
In 1871, a “tremendous” 200-pound mountain lion met a similar fate on the ranch when, at night, he entered the corral to feast on a hog. James, candle in one hand and a single-barreled shotgun in the other, and his dog, approached the animal. The dog attacked, causing the lion to leap up a tree. James went beneath the tree whereupon the lion sprang to the ground extinguishing James’ candle, knocking off his hat, and scratching his face. Immediately, the dog attacked again, and again the lion sought refuge in another tree, however this time James discharged his fire-arm and the lion was killed. James was knocked twelve feet backwards onto his back by the recoil.
In 1872, after the family had moved into Santa Cruz, James was first appointed the city marshal by the city board of trustees (a non-compensated position), and later, in 1878, the city pound keeper. In 1880, he impounded 169 head of stock and collected $334.65 in charges.
Impounded animals were charged at rate of $2.50 for driving it to the pound and an additional 50 cents per day for up to seven days for large animals such as horses, oxen, etc., less for smaller ones such as dogs, after which the animals would be sold. The money raised from the sale would then be used to cover the impound costs and the balance would be available for the owner to claim provided they did so within six months, otherwise it was paid into the city general fund.
James held the position until his death in 1893. His wife, Mary passed away five years later.
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Thank you for the story. I have been wondering, since I live on Kings Creek Road. Where was the King ranch house?