Reminiscences of a Ranger or, Early Times in Southern California [with interesting provenance]

Bell, Horace

Published by Yarnell, Caystile, & Mathes, Printers, Los Angeles, 1881

9" x 5.75", 457 pp, in original pebbled green cloth with decoration in gilt. Boards bowed, spine panel frayed at ends and partially split at joints, corners well rubbed. Binding sound, text unmarked. On the front free endpaper is an instamp of Mrs. and Mrs. W.B. Temple of Covina, California; penciled name and address of another Temple family member, and ink note reading "See page 232 regarding Jonathan Temple." Born in Massachusetts, Jonathan Temple "emigrated to Alta California in 1827, becoming a Mexican citizen, adopting the Spanish language and a Spanish name, and eventually marrying into a prominent Californio family. After acquiring Rancho Los Cerritos in 1843, he became one of the largest landowners in Los Angeles County" (wiki). William B. Temple and his wife, Ruth, owned a lemon ranch in Covina and were active in civic and business affairs -- especially relating to farming and irrigation, in Southern California. Reminiscences of a Ranger is a classic narrative of life (and law enforcement) in early Los Angeles. Bell was a mounted ranger who later became an attorney and newspaper publisher. Cowan p.44; Graff 240; Howes B325; Zamorano 80 #5. Seller Inventory # 24050

Bibliographic Details

Title: Reminiscences of a Ranger or, Early Times in...
Publisher: Yarnell, Caystile, & Mathes, Printers, Los Angeles
Publication Date: 1881
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Good
Edition: First Edition.