1st Mayor of San Diego, in office June 17,1850, January 14, 1852, and was the brother to fame Judge Roy Bean and brother Samuel Bean.
Joshua Bean was born to Phantly Roy Bean b. 1779 Virginia and his wife Anna Gore b. abt 1792. His paternal grandparents were Benjamin Bean and his wife Fernetta Johnston, daughter of Archibald Johnston. Both grandparents were born in Virginia.
Joshua Bean served with Zachary Taylor in the Mexican-American War and came to California in 1849 and San Diego in 1850, where he was a trader and saloon owner. Bean was appointed Major General of the State Militia and served to crush the Antonio Garra revolt in 1851. Later he had a small role in preventing the massacre of John Edward Irvine near Redlands, California.
San Diego was incorporated by the California State Legislature in 1850. Bean, the last alcalde of San Diego, was elected mayor in the first election under the charter on June 16. Bean was the first U.S. mayor of San Diego and served from 1850 until 1851. While mayor, he illegally "sold" City Hall and city pueblo lands to himself and his drinking buddy Cave Couts (the City Hall was recovered).
In 1851 he moved to Los Angeles, where he kept a saloon, and store, in Mission San Gabriel, called the " Headquarters ". He was ambushed and killed, just outside Mission San Gabriel, on the south west corner in 1852 during an argument over his wife leaving him.
From the newspaper,
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Los Angeles Star, Number 27, Nov. 13 1852
Died suddenly, on the 7th instant at the Mission San Gabriel, Major General Joshua H. Bean, aged 33. It is proper when death removes from society a valuable member, that the loss should be felt. It is proper when the gallant, the brave, and the warm hearted are gathered to their eternal homes, that the kindly tear of friendship should moisten the ashes of the dead. It is thus that society painfully realizes and saddened friendship grieves the death of the subject of this notice. It will be seen that he died in the flower of his manhood. Age had not chilled one throb of that manly heart, from which the kindliest emotions arose as naturally as rises the perfume from the violet. Gen. Bean was born in Kentucky. While yet very young he emigrated to Texas, and upon the breaking out of the war with Mexico, he entered the service of the Government, and served with honor in Gen. Taylor's line. He came to California early in 1849. and settled in San Diego, of which city he was the first Mayor under the state organization. In 1850. the Legislature elected him Major General of the Division. In this capacity he has twice been in command of troops called out to repress Indian insurrections. In the fall of 1851, his energy was conspicuous, and it was principally owing to his active and decisive conduct, that the extensive conspiracy of Antonio Garra was crushed in the bud. In all of his responsible positions, he has so borne himself as to merit the reputation of an able, an upright and gallant, man. He so lived in this community that all that knew him. became his friends, and in his death remain his mourners. Poor Bean! young and robust, he might have reasonably looked forward to old age. All around him was bright and brightening. Hope, decked in her choicest garments, seemed prepared to strew along his path her most brilliant promises of a successful future; but "Pulvis et umbra sumus; Quia scit, anadjiciant hodiernae crastina summae Tempora di superi ?."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From " Los Angeles Star, 13 Nov 1852
Note: attending a Maromo, the term should be ' Maroma ' for wedding.
Assassination of Gen. Bean
Gen. J. H. Bean was most basely assassinated on the night of Sunday last, near the Mission of San Gabriel. He was shot in the right breast, the ball taking an upward direction, and passing entirely through him, from which wound he languished about 24 hours, and until two o'clock of the morning of Tuesday. By whom the deed was committed appears to be shrouded in the deepest mystery, and altho' the coroner's jury has been unceasing in its endeavors to gain, some clue to the murderer, success seems as distant as ever. Gen. Bean, upon the night in question, had attended the " maromo,"' and was probably returning to his lodgings in the Mission building when he was waylaid by the assassin, and murdered in the manner above stated. It seems probable from the nature of the wound, that Gen. Bean must have approached within a very few feet of the murderer, and that he was not aware of the presence of a foe until after the death wound had been given. He then drew his pistol and fired three times, as is supposed somewhat at random, and in different directions. He then walked a short distance and fell. The report of the pistol being distinctly heard in the neighborhood, several persons immediately repaired to the spot, and Gen. Bean was taken up and conveyed to his bed. He was blessed with unusually robust health, end his friends cherished hopes that he might survive. Every possible attention was rendered him by Dr. Hope. Sturgis, and Hodges, but no attention could avail to preserve his life, his death ensued in twenty four hours after the wound was received. Gen. Bean possessed many noble qualities. He was a general favorite, and could boast of many warm and devoted friends. His death has created a deep sensation in this community, and his remains were followed to their last resting place by a procession of citizens much more numerous than we ever before witnessed in this city. The coroner's inquest, which has been in constant session since the tragic occurrence, but as yet arrived at no conclusion, and the mystery of the whole affair, from present appearance, is incapable of a satisfactory solution. Gen. Bean, in his last mounts, used the name of a native Californian in such a connection as led some of his friends to suppose that he knew his murderer ; but the person implicated delivered himself to the authorities, and established a perfect alibi, as we are informed by several gentlemen who attended the examination.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From : Los Angeles Star, 27 Nov 1852
Excitement—Meeting of the citizens. Not withstanding the fact that the assassination of Gen. Bean was perpetrated in such a manner as to preclude the probability of the discovery of its author, we take pleasure in stating that the events of the past week shadow forth a prospect of the punishment not only of the murderer in this instance, but the breaking up of a gang of desperadoes who have for years been a terror to travellers in this part of the state. Ever since Gen. Bean's death, his friends, of whom he had many and true, have been unremitting in their exertions to ferret out the circumstances of his assassination. We stated in our last that a man had been arrested on suspicion, but it has since transpired that he had no connection with the affair. His examination however has led to the arrest of six persons named Eleuterio, Cipriano Sandoval, Juan Rico. Jose Alvisu, Reyes, and —, some one of whom, there is every reason to believe, was guilty of the murder. These persons are supposed to belong to the gang of the noted Solomon Pico, the band referred to above. They were brought into town on Thursday and Friday, and taken charge of by a guard of citizens. Yesterday afternoon a public meeting was held at the Court House, at which J. O. Wheeler, Esq. presided, and Don M. C. Rojo and Wm. H. Rand acted as Secretaries. It was resolved by the citizens present, that as the county jail was too insecure for the safe detention of the prisoners, they should be conducted to some suitable place, and there guarded till their connection with the murder of Gen. Bean could be ascertained: and Mr. D. W. Alexander was charged with, and became responsible for their safe keeping, the citizens generally agreeing to assist. A committee, consisting of Messrs D. W. Alexander, M. Goodman, Henry Hancock, J. L. Brent, J. G. Downey, Col. Stewart and M. C. Rojo, was then appointed, who were to take the whole matter under advisement, and report some plan to be pursued in its further investigation. In the mean time, other persons are suspected, and strong efforts are being made to have them arrested. We are requested not to give further particulars till something more definite can be ascertained as to their whereabouts. It is not improbable that these persons will be tried by a people's court, and the guilty ones punished as they deserve. There can certainly be no objection to this mode of procedure, when we hear our very court officers acknowledge that the law is utterly incapable of bringing them to justice. If these proceedings shall lead to the detection of Solomon Pico and any of his party, our citizens will be well repaid for their exertions, though no atonement can be made for the many travelers who have been the victims of those desperadoes, between San Diego and Monterey. It is to be hoped, however, that passion will not get the better of justice and judgment, but let every thing be conducted in a manner worthy of an American community.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From Sacramento Transcript, April 18 1850
Assembly Chamber, at 5 o'clock, p. m., and elected by joint ballot the following officers of the militia of the State: Major Generals — Ist Division, Hon. T. J. Green ; 2d Division, Hon. J. E. Brackett ; 3d Division, Hon. David F. Douglass ; 4th Division, Capt Joshua H. Bean. Brigadiers — Ist Division, Major T. B. Eastland, Col. A. M. Winn ; 2d Division, Dr. R. Semple, Maj. McDonald ; 3d Division, John E. Addison, Esq., Hon. D. P. Baldw in ; 4th Division, Col. T. H. Bowen, Hon. J. M. Covarnibias. Adjutant General— Hon. T. P. Per Lee. Quartermaster General — Hon. J. C. Morehead. I
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sacramento Transcript, April 15 1851
Indians.—The hostile excursions of the Indians about Los Angeles have become so frequent and annoying that the citizens, headed by Pio Pico, have addressed the Governor upon the subject, requesting his interference and protection. Col. Joshua Bean has been ordered out with fifty rangers to punish them.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Los Angeles Star Groceries and Liquers
The undersigned, having recently purchased the stock goods formally belonging to J. H. Bean deceased, inform the public of San Gabriel and vicinity that he will continue the business heretofore carried on by the said deceased, as the old stand. A well selected stock of the best Family Groceries and liquors will be always on hanb, which will be offered for sale at the lowest prices. ROY BEAN. San Gabaiel, Jan 29.1853
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Los Angeles Star, 26 Feb 1853
Rumors from San Gorgonio.
Frequent rumors reach our city from San Gorgonio, that the Indians are deprived of the use of the water, by Mr Weaver, and that in consequence they are unable to sow their grain , We hope the rumors may not prove true ; for the acts complained of are outrages which may provoke retaliation. The law expressly provides that the Indians shall retain uninterrupted possession of lands they may have occupied for a series of years. Moreover, these Indians are Juan Antonio's Cahuillas, with whom Gen. Bean formed a treaty, pledging the faith of the State that they should not be molested so long as they observed its terms. Thus, to deprive them of any of their former privileges would be a violation of both the law and the treaty, and may lead to serious difficulties. We hope Mr Weaver appreciates the importance-of maintaining inviolate the pledged faith of the State with these Indians, and the dangers he may incur by provoking them to hostilities.
Joshua Bean had a sister, Sarah H. Bean, married in Shelby County, Kentucky on 2 March 1837, it mentioned her mother Anne, that she was still alive
Joshua Bean was born to Phantly Roy Bean b. 1779 Virginia and his wife Anna Gore b. abt 1792. His paternal grandparents were Benjamin Bean and his wife Fernetta Johnston, daughter of Archibald Johnston. Both grandparents were born in Virginia.
Joshua Bean served with Zachary Taylor in the Mexican-American War and came to California in 1849 and San Diego in 1850, where he was a trader and saloon owner. Bean was appointed Major General of the State Militia and served to crush the Antonio Garra revolt in 1851. Later he had a small role in preventing the massacre of John Edward Irvine near Redlands, California.
San Diego was incorporated by the California State Legislature in 1850. Bean, the last alcalde of San Diego, was elected mayor in the first election under the charter on June 16. Bean was the first U.S. mayor of San Diego and served from 1850 until 1851. While mayor, he illegally "sold" City Hall and city pueblo lands to himself and his drinking buddy Cave Couts (the City Hall was recovered).
In 1851 he moved to Los Angeles, where he kept a saloon, and store, in Mission San Gabriel, called the " Headquarters ". He was ambushed and killed, just outside Mission San Gabriel, on the south west corner in 1852 during an argument over his wife leaving him.
From the newspaper,
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Los Angeles Star, Number 27, Nov. 13 1852
Died suddenly, on the 7th instant at the Mission San Gabriel, Major General Joshua H. Bean, aged 33. It is proper when death removes from society a valuable member, that the loss should be felt. It is proper when the gallant, the brave, and the warm hearted are gathered to their eternal homes, that the kindly tear of friendship should moisten the ashes of the dead. It is thus that society painfully realizes and saddened friendship grieves the death of the subject of this notice. It will be seen that he died in the flower of his manhood. Age had not chilled one throb of that manly heart, from which the kindliest emotions arose as naturally as rises the perfume from the violet. Gen. Bean was born in Kentucky. While yet very young he emigrated to Texas, and upon the breaking out of the war with Mexico, he entered the service of the Government, and served with honor in Gen. Taylor's line. He came to California early in 1849. and settled in San Diego, of which city he was the first Mayor under the state organization. In 1850. the Legislature elected him Major General of the Division. In this capacity he has twice been in command of troops called out to repress Indian insurrections. In the fall of 1851, his energy was conspicuous, and it was principally owing to his active and decisive conduct, that the extensive conspiracy of Antonio Garra was crushed in the bud. In all of his responsible positions, he has so borne himself as to merit the reputation of an able, an upright and gallant, man. He so lived in this community that all that knew him. became his friends, and in his death remain his mourners. Poor Bean! young and robust, he might have reasonably looked forward to old age. All around him was bright and brightening. Hope, decked in her choicest garments, seemed prepared to strew along his path her most brilliant promises of a successful future; but "Pulvis et umbra sumus; Quia scit, anadjiciant hodiernae crastina summae Tempora di superi ?."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From " Los Angeles Star, 13 Nov 1852
Note: attending a Maromo, the term should be ' Maroma ' for wedding.
Assassination of Gen. Bean
Gen. J. H. Bean was most basely assassinated on the night of Sunday last, near the Mission of San Gabriel. He was shot in the right breast, the ball taking an upward direction, and passing entirely through him, from which wound he languished about 24 hours, and until two o'clock of the morning of Tuesday. By whom the deed was committed appears to be shrouded in the deepest mystery, and altho' the coroner's jury has been unceasing in its endeavors to gain, some clue to the murderer, success seems as distant as ever. Gen. Bean, upon the night in question, had attended the " maromo,"' and was probably returning to his lodgings in the Mission building when he was waylaid by the assassin, and murdered in the manner above stated. It seems probable from the nature of the wound, that Gen. Bean must have approached within a very few feet of the murderer, and that he was not aware of the presence of a foe until after the death wound had been given. He then drew his pistol and fired three times, as is supposed somewhat at random, and in different directions. He then walked a short distance and fell. The report of the pistol being distinctly heard in the neighborhood, several persons immediately repaired to the spot, and Gen. Bean was taken up and conveyed to his bed. He was blessed with unusually robust health, end his friends cherished hopes that he might survive. Every possible attention was rendered him by Dr. Hope. Sturgis, and Hodges, but no attention could avail to preserve his life, his death ensued in twenty four hours after the wound was received. Gen. Bean possessed many noble qualities. He was a general favorite, and could boast of many warm and devoted friends. His death has created a deep sensation in this community, and his remains were followed to their last resting place by a procession of citizens much more numerous than we ever before witnessed in this city. The coroner's inquest, which has been in constant session since the tragic occurrence, but as yet arrived at no conclusion, and the mystery of the whole affair, from present appearance, is incapable of a satisfactory solution. Gen. Bean, in his last mounts, used the name of a native Californian in such a connection as led some of his friends to suppose that he knew his murderer ; but the person implicated delivered himself to the authorities, and established a perfect alibi, as we are informed by several gentlemen who attended the examination.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From : Los Angeles Star, 27 Nov 1852
Excitement—Meeting of the citizens. Not withstanding the fact that the assassination of Gen. Bean was perpetrated in such a manner as to preclude the probability of the discovery of its author, we take pleasure in stating that the events of the past week shadow forth a prospect of the punishment not only of the murderer in this instance, but the breaking up of a gang of desperadoes who have for years been a terror to travellers in this part of the state. Ever since Gen. Bean's death, his friends, of whom he had many and true, have been unremitting in their exertions to ferret out the circumstances of his assassination. We stated in our last that a man had been arrested on suspicion, but it has since transpired that he had no connection with the affair. His examination however has led to the arrest of six persons named Eleuterio, Cipriano Sandoval, Juan Rico. Jose Alvisu, Reyes, and —, some one of whom, there is every reason to believe, was guilty of the murder. These persons are supposed to belong to the gang of the noted Solomon Pico, the band referred to above. They were brought into town on Thursday and Friday, and taken charge of by a guard of citizens. Yesterday afternoon a public meeting was held at the Court House, at which J. O. Wheeler, Esq. presided, and Don M. C. Rojo and Wm. H. Rand acted as Secretaries. It was resolved by the citizens present, that as the county jail was too insecure for the safe detention of the prisoners, they should be conducted to some suitable place, and there guarded till their connection with the murder of Gen. Bean could be ascertained: and Mr. D. W. Alexander was charged with, and became responsible for their safe keeping, the citizens generally agreeing to assist. A committee, consisting of Messrs D. W. Alexander, M. Goodman, Henry Hancock, J. L. Brent, J. G. Downey, Col. Stewart and M. C. Rojo, was then appointed, who were to take the whole matter under advisement, and report some plan to be pursued in its further investigation. In the mean time, other persons are suspected, and strong efforts are being made to have them arrested. We are requested not to give further particulars till something more definite can be ascertained as to their whereabouts. It is not improbable that these persons will be tried by a people's court, and the guilty ones punished as they deserve. There can certainly be no objection to this mode of procedure, when we hear our very court officers acknowledge that the law is utterly incapable of bringing them to justice. If these proceedings shall lead to the detection of Solomon Pico and any of his party, our citizens will be well repaid for their exertions, though no atonement can be made for the many travelers who have been the victims of those desperadoes, between San Diego and Monterey. It is to be hoped, however, that passion will not get the better of justice and judgment, but let every thing be conducted in a manner worthy of an American community.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From Sacramento Transcript, April 18 1850
Assembly Chamber, at 5 o'clock, p. m., and elected by joint ballot the following officers of the militia of the State: Major Generals — Ist Division, Hon. T. J. Green ; 2d Division, Hon. J. E. Brackett ; 3d Division, Hon. David F. Douglass ; 4th Division, Capt Joshua H. Bean. Brigadiers — Ist Division, Major T. B. Eastland, Col. A. M. Winn ; 2d Division, Dr. R. Semple, Maj. McDonald ; 3d Division, John E. Addison, Esq., Hon. D. P. Baldw in ; 4th Division, Col. T. H. Bowen, Hon. J. M. Covarnibias. Adjutant General— Hon. T. P. Per Lee. Quartermaster General — Hon. J. C. Morehead. I
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sacramento Transcript, April 15 1851
Indians.—The hostile excursions of the Indians about Los Angeles have become so frequent and annoying that the citizens, headed by Pio Pico, have addressed the Governor upon the subject, requesting his interference and protection. Col. Joshua Bean has been ordered out with fifty rangers to punish them.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Los Angeles Star Groceries and Liquers
The undersigned, having recently purchased the stock goods formally belonging to J. H. Bean deceased, inform the public of San Gabriel and vicinity that he will continue the business heretofore carried on by the said deceased, as the old stand. A well selected stock of the best Family Groceries and liquors will be always on hanb, which will be offered for sale at the lowest prices. ROY BEAN. San Gabaiel, Jan 29.1853
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Los Angeles Star, 26 Feb 1853
Rumors from San Gorgonio.
Frequent rumors reach our city from San Gorgonio, that the Indians are deprived of the use of the water, by Mr Weaver, and that in consequence they are unable to sow their grain , We hope the rumors may not prove true ; for the acts complained of are outrages which may provoke retaliation. The law expressly provides that the Indians shall retain uninterrupted possession of lands they may have occupied for a series of years. Moreover, these Indians are Juan Antonio's Cahuillas, with whom Gen. Bean formed a treaty, pledging the faith of the State that they should not be molested so long as they observed its terms. Thus, to deprive them of any of their former privileges would be a violation of both the law and the treaty, and may lead to serious difficulties. We hope Mr Weaver appreciates the importance-of maintaining inviolate the pledged faith of the State with these Indians, and the dangers he may incur by provoking them to hostilities.
Joshua Bean had a sister, Sarah H. Bean, married in Shelby County, Kentucky on 2 March 1837, it mentioned her mother Anne, that she was still alive
1st Mayor of San Diego, in office June 17,1850, January 14, 1852, and was the brother to fame Judge Roy Bean and brother Samuel Bean.
Joshua Bean was born to Phantly Roy Bean b. 1779 Virginia and his wife Anna Gore b. abt 1792. His paternal grandparents were Benjamin Bean and his wife Fernetta Johnston, daughter of Archibald Johnston. Both grandparents were born in Virginia.
Joshua Bean served with Zachary Taylor in the Mexican-American War and came to California in 1849 and San Diego in 1850, where he was a trader and saloon owner. Bean was appointed Major General of the State Militia and served to crush the Antonio Garra revolt in 1851. Later he had a small role in preventing the massacre of John Edward Irvine near Redlands, California.
San Diego was incorporated by the California State Legislature in 1850. Bean, the last alcalde of San Diego, was elected mayor in the first election under the charter on June 16. Bean was the first U.S. mayor of San Diego and served from 1850 until 1851. While mayor, he illegally "sold" City Hall and city pueblo lands to himself and his drinking buddy Cave Couts (the City Hall was recovered).
In 1851 he moved to Los Angeles, where he kept a saloon, and store, in Mission San Gabriel, called the " Headquarters ". He was ambushed and killed, just outside Mission San Gabriel, on the south west corner in 1852 during an argument over his wife leaving him.
From the newspaper,
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Los Angeles Star, Number 27, Nov. 13 1852
Died suddenly, on the 7th instant at the Mission San Gabriel, Major General Joshua H. Bean, aged 33. It is proper when death removes from society a valuable member, that the loss should be felt. It is proper when the gallant, the brave, and the warm hearted are gathered to their eternal homes, that the kindly tear of friendship should moisten the ashes of the dead. It is thus that society painfully realizes and saddened friendship grieves the death of the subject of this notice. It will be seen that he died in the flower of his manhood. Age had not chilled one throb of that manly heart, from which the kindliest emotions arose as naturally as rises the perfume from the violet. Gen. Bean was born in Kentucky. While yet very young he emigrated to Texas, and upon the breaking out of the war with Mexico, he entered the service of the Government, and served with honor in Gen. Taylor's line. He came to California early in 1849. and settled in San Diego, of which city he was the first Mayor under the state organization. In 1850. the Legislature elected him Major General of the Division. In this capacity he has twice been in command of troops called out to repress Indian insurrections. In the fall of 1851, his energy was conspicuous, and it was principally owing to his active and decisive conduct, that the extensive conspiracy of Antonio Garra was crushed in the bud. In all of his responsible positions, he has so borne himself as to merit the reputation of an able, an upright and gallant, man. He so lived in this community that all that knew him. became his friends, and in his death remain his mourners. Poor Bean! young and robust, he might have reasonably looked forward to old age. All around him was bright and brightening. Hope, decked in her choicest garments, seemed prepared to strew along his path her most brilliant promises of a successful future; but "Pulvis et umbra sumus; Quia scit, anadjiciant hodiernae crastina summae Tempora di superi ?."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From " Los Angeles Star, 13 Nov 1852
Note: attending a Maromo, the term should be ' Maroma ' for wedding.
Assassination of Gen. Bean
Gen. J. H. Bean was most basely assassinated on the night of Sunday last, near the Mission of San Gabriel. He was shot in the right breast, the ball taking an upward direction, and passing entirely through him, from which wound he languished about 24 hours, and until two o'clock of the morning of Tuesday. By whom the deed was committed appears to be shrouded in the deepest mystery, and altho' the coroner's jury has been unceasing in its endeavors to gain, some clue to the murderer, success seems as distant as ever. Gen. Bean, upon the night in question, had attended the " maromo,"' and was probably returning to his lodgings in the Mission building when he was waylaid by the assassin, and murdered in the manner above stated. It seems probable from the nature of the wound, that Gen. Bean must have approached within a very few feet of the murderer, and that he was not aware of the presence of a foe until after the death wound had been given. He then drew his pistol and fired three times, as is supposed somewhat at random, and in different directions. He then walked a short distance and fell. The report of the pistol being distinctly heard in the neighborhood, several persons immediately repaired to the spot, and Gen. Bean was taken up and conveyed to his bed. He was blessed with unusually robust health, end his friends cherished hopes that he might survive. Every possible attention was rendered him by Dr. Hope. Sturgis, and Hodges, but no attention could avail to preserve his life, his death ensued in twenty four hours after the wound was received. Gen. Bean possessed many noble qualities. He was a general favorite, and could boast of many warm and devoted friends. His death has created a deep sensation in this community, and his remains were followed to their last resting place by a procession of citizens much more numerous than we ever before witnessed in this city. The coroner's inquest, which has been in constant session since the tragic occurrence, but as yet arrived at no conclusion, and the mystery of the whole affair, from present appearance, is incapable of a satisfactory solution. Gen. Bean, in his last mounts, used the name of a native Californian in such a connection as led some of his friends to suppose that he knew his murderer ; but the person implicated delivered himself to the authorities, and established a perfect alibi, as we are informed by several gentlemen who attended the examination.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From : Los Angeles Star, 27 Nov 1852
Excitement—Meeting of the citizens. Not withstanding the fact that the assassination of Gen. Bean was perpetrated in such a manner as to preclude the probability of the discovery of its author, we take pleasure in stating that the events of the past week shadow forth a prospect of the punishment not only of the murderer in this instance, but the breaking up of a gang of desperadoes who have for years been a terror to travellers in this part of the state. Ever since Gen. Bean's death, his friends, of whom he had many and true, have been unremitting in their exertions to ferret out the circumstances of his assassination. We stated in our last that a man had been arrested on suspicion, but it has since transpired that he had no connection with the affair. His examination however has led to the arrest of six persons named Eleuterio, Cipriano Sandoval, Juan Rico. Jose Alvisu, Reyes, and —, some one of whom, there is every reason to believe, was guilty of the murder. These persons are supposed to belong to the gang of the noted Solomon Pico, the band referred to above. They were brought into town on Thursday and Friday, and taken charge of by a guard of citizens. Yesterday afternoon a public meeting was held at the Court House, at which J. O. Wheeler, Esq. presided, and Don M. C. Rojo and Wm. H. Rand acted as Secretaries. It was resolved by the citizens present, that as the county jail was too insecure for the safe detention of the prisoners, they should be conducted to some suitable place, and there guarded till their connection with the murder of Gen. Bean could be ascertained: and Mr. D. W. Alexander was charged with, and became responsible for their safe keeping, the citizens generally agreeing to assist. A committee, consisting of Messrs D. W. Alexander, M. Goodman, Henry Hancock, J. L. Brent, J. G. Downey, Col. Stewart and M. C. Rojo, was then appointed, who were to take the whole matter under advisement, and report some plan to be pursued in its further investigation. In the mean time, other persons are suspected, and strong efforts are being made to have them arrested. We are requested not to give further particulars till something more definite can be ascertained as to their whereabouts. It is not improbable that these persons will be tried by a people's court, and the guilty ones punished as they deserve. There can certainly be no objection to this mode of procedure, when we hear our very court officers acknowledge that the law is utterly incapable of bringing them to justice. If these proceedings shall lead to the detection of Solomon Pico and any of his party, our citizens will be well repaid for their exertions, though no atonement can be made for the many travelers who have been the victims of those desperadoes, between San Diego and Monterey. It is to be hoped, however, that passion will not get the better of justice and judgment, but let every thing be conducted in a manner worthy of an American community.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From Sacramento Transcript, April 18 1850
Assembly Chamber, at 5 o'clock, p. m., and elected by joint ballot the following officers of the militia of the State: Major Generals — Ist Division, Hon. T. J. Green ; 2d Division, Hon. J. E. Brackett ; 3d Division, Hon. David F. Douglass ; 4th Division, Capt Joshua H. Bean. Brigadiers — Ist Division, Major T. B. Eastland, Col. A. M. Winn ; 2d Division, Dr. R. Semple, Maj. McDonald ; 3d Division, John E. Addison, Esq., Hon. D. P. Baldw in ; 4th Division, Col. T. H. Bowen, Hon. J. M. Covarnibias. Adjutant General— Hon. T. P. Per Lee. Quartermaster General — Hon. J. C. Morehead. I
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sacramento Transcript, April 15 1851
Indians.—The hostile excursions of the Indians about Los Angeles have become so frequent and annoying that the citizens, headed by Pio Pico, have addressed the Governor upon the subject, requesting his interference and protection. Col. Joshua Bean has been ordered out with fifty rangers to punish them.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Los Angeles Star Groceries and Liquers
The undersigned, having recently purchased the stock goods formally belonging to J. H. Bean deceased, inform the public of San Gabriel and vicinity that he will continue the business heretofore carried on by the said deceased, as the old stand. A well selected stock of the best Family Groceries and liquors will be always on hanb, which will be offered for sale at the lowest prices. ROY BEAN. San Gabaiel, Jan 29.1853
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Los Angeles Star, 26 Feb 1853
Rumors from San Gorgonio.
Frequent rumors reach our city from San Gorgonio, that the Indians are deprived of the use of the water, by Mr Weaver, and that in consequence they are unable to sow their grain , We hope the rumors may not prove true ; for the acts complained of are outrages which may provoke retaliation. The law expressly provides that the Indians shall retain uninterrupted possession of lands they may have occupied for a series of years. Moreover, these Indians are Juan Antonio's Cahuillas, with whom Gen. Bean formed a treaty, pledging the faith of the State that they should not be molested so long as they observed its terms. Thus, to deprive them of any of their former privileges would be a violation of both the law and the treaty, and may lead to serious difficulties. We hope Mr Weaver appreciates the importance-of maintaining inviolate the pledged faith of the State with these Indians, and the dangers he may incur by provoking them to hostilities.
Joshua Bean had a sister, Sarah H. Bean, married in Shelby County, Kentucky on 2 March 1837, it mentioned her mother Anne, that she was still alive
Joshua Bean was born to Phantly Roy Bean b. 1779 Virginia and his wife Anna Gore b. abt 1792. His paternal grandparents were Benjamin Bean and his wife Fernetta Johnston, daughter of Archibald Johnston. Both grandparents were born in Virginia.
Joshua Bean served with Zachary Taylor in the Mexican-American War and came to California in 1849 and San Diego in 1850, where he was a trader and saloon owner. Bean was appointed Major General of the State Militia and served to crush the Antonio Garra revolt in 1851. Later he had a small role in preventing the massacre of John Edward Irvine near Redlands, California.
San Diego was incorporated by the California State Legislature in 1850. Bean, the last alcalde of San Diego, was elected mayor in the first election under the charter on June 16. Bean was the first U.S. mayor of San Diego and served from 1850 until 1851. While mayor, he illegally "sold" City Hall and city pueblo lands to himself and his drinking buddy Cave Couts (the City Hall was recovered).
In 1851 he moved to Los Angeles, where he kept a saloon, and store, in Mission San Gabriel, called the " Headquarters ". He was ambushed and killed, just outside Mission San Gabriel, on the south west corner in 1852 during an argument over his wife leaving him.
From the newspaper,
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The Los Angeles Star, Number 27, Nov. 13 1852
Died suddenly, on the 7th instant at the Mission San Gabriel, Major General Joshua H. Bean, aged 33. It is proper when death removes from society a valuable member, that the loss should be felt. It is proper when the gallant, the brave, and the warm hearted are gathered to their eternal homes, that the kindly tear of friendship should moisten the ashes of the dead. It is thus that society painfully realizes and saddened friendship grieves the death of the subject of this notice. It will be seen that he died in the flower of his manhood. Age had not chilled one throb of that manly heart, from which the kindliest emotions arose as naturally as rises the perfume from the violet. Gen. Bean was born in Kentucky. While yet very young he emigrated to Texas, and upon the breaking out of the war with Mexico, he entered the service of the Government, and served with honor in Gen. Taylor's line. He came to California early in 1849. and settled in San Diego, of which city he was the first Mayor under the state organization. In 1850. the Legislature elected him Major General of the Division. In this capacity he has twice been in command of troops called out to repress Indian insurrections. In the fall of 1851, his energy was conspicuous, and it was principally owing to his active and decisive conduct, that the extensive conspiracy of Antonio Garra was crushed in the bud. In all of his responsible positions, he has so borne himself as to merit the reputation of an able, an upright and gallant, man. He so lived in this community that all that knew him. became his friends, and in his death remain his mourners. Poor Bean! young and robust, he might have reasonably looked forward to old age. All around him was bright and brightening. Hope, decked in her choicest garments, seemed prepared to strew along his path her most brilliant promises of a successful future; but "Pulvis et umbra sumus; Quia scit, anadjiciant hodiernae crastina summae Tempora di superi ?."
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From " Los Angeles Star, 13 Nov 1852
Note: attending a Maromo, the term should be ' Maroma ' for wedding.
Assassination of Gen. Bean
Gen. J. H. Bean was most basely assassinated on the night of Sunday last, near the Mission of San Gabriel. He was shot in the right breast, the ball taking an upward direction, and passing entirely through him, from which wound he languished about 24 hours, and until two o'clock of the morning of Tuesday. By whom the deed was committed appears to be shrouded in the deepest mystery, and altho' the coroner's jury has been unceasing in its endeavors to gain, some clue to the murderer, success seems as distant as ever. Gen. Bean, upon the night in question, had attended the " maromo,"' and was probably returning to his lodgings in the Mission building when he was waylaid by the assassin, and murdered in the manner above stated. It seems probable from the nature of the wound, that Gen. Bean must have approached within a very few feet of the murderer, and that he was not aware of the presence of a foe until after the death wound had been given. He then drew his pistol and fired three times, as is supposed somewhat at random, and in different directions. He then walked a short distance and fell. The report of the pistol being distinctly heard in the neighborhood, several persons immediately repaired to the spot, and Gen. Bean was taken up and conveyed to his bed. He was blessed with unusually robust health, end his friends cherished hopes that he might survive. Every possible attention was rendered him by Dr. Hope. Sturgis, and Hodges, but no attention could avail to preserve his life, his death ensued in twenty four hours after the wound was received. Gen. Bean possessed many noble qualities. He was a general favorite, and could boast of many warm and devoted friends. His death has created a deep sensation in this community, and his remains were followed to their last resting place by a procession of citizens much more numerous than we ever before witnessed in this city. The coroner's inquest, which has been in constant session since the tragic occurrence, but as yet arrived at no conclusion, and the mystery of the whole affair, from present appearance, is incapable of a satisfactory solution. Gen. Bean, in his last mounts, used the name of a native Californian in such a connection as led some of his friends to suppose that he knew his murderer ; but the person implicated delivered himself to the authorities, and established a perfect alibi, as we are informed by several gentlemen who attended the examination.
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From : Los Angeles Star, 27 Nov 1852
Excitement—Meeting of the citizens. Not withstanding the fact that the assassination of Gen. Bean was perpetrated in such a manner as to preclude the probability of the discovery of its author, we take pleasure in stating that the events of the past week shadow forth a prospect of the punishment not only of the murderer in this instance, but the breaking up of a gang of desperadoes who have for years been a terror to travellers in this part of the state. Ever since Gen. Bean's death, his friends, of whom he had many and true, have been unremitting in their exertions to ferret out the circumstances of his assassination. We stated in our last that a man had been arrested on suspicion, but it has since transpired that he had no connection with the affair. His examination however has led to the arrest of six persons named Eleuterio, Cipriano Sandoval, Juan Rico. Jose Alvisu, Reyes, and —, some one of whom, there is every reason to believe, was guilty of the murder. These persons are supposed to belong to the gang of the noted Solomon Pico, the band referred to above. They were brought into town on Thursday and Friday, and taken charge of by a guard of citizens. Yesterday afternoon a public meeting was held at the Court House, at which J. O. Wheeler, Esq. presided, and Don M. C. Rojo and Wm. H. Rand acted as Secretaries. It was resolved by the citizens present, that as the county jail was too insecure for the safe detention of the prisoners, they should be conducted to some suitable place, and there guarded till their connection with the murder of Gen. Bean could be ascertained: and Mr. D. W. Alexander was charged with, and became responsible for their safe keeping, the citizens generally agreeing to assist. A committee, consisting of Messrs D. W. Alexander, M. Goodman, Henry Hancock, J. L. Brent, J. G. Downey, Col. Stewart and M. C. Rojo, was then appointed, who were to take the whole matter under advisement, and report some plan to be pursued in its further investigation. In the mean time, other persons are suspected, and strong efforts are being made to have them arrested. We are requested not to give further particulars till something more definite can be ascertained as to their whereabouts. It is not improbable that these persons will be tried by a people's court, and the guilty ones punished as they deserve. There can certainly be no objection to this mode of procedure, when we hear our very court officers acknowledge that the law is utterly incapable of bringing them to justice. If these proceedings shall lead to the detection of Solomon Pico and any of his party, our citizens will be well repaid for their exertions, though no atonement can be made for the many travelers who have been the victims of those desperadoes, between San Diego and Monterey. It is to be hoped, however, that passion will not get the better of justice and judgment, but let every thing be conducted in a manner worthy of an American community.
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From Sacramento Transcript, April 18 1850
Assembly Chamber, at 5 o'clock, p. m., and elected by joint ballot the following officers of the militia of the State: Major Generals — Ist Division, Hon. T. J. Green ; 2d Division, Hon. J. E. Brackett ; 3d Division, Hon. David F. Douglass ; 4th Division, Capt Joshua H. Bean. Brigadiers — Ist Division, Major T. B. Eastland, Col. A. M. Winn ; 2d Division, Dr. R. Semple, Maj. McDonald ; 3d Division, John E. Addison, Esq., Hon. D. P. Baldw in ; 4th Division, Col. T. H. Bowen, Hon. J. M. Covarnibias. Adjutant General— Hon. T. P. Per Lee. Quartermaster General — Hon. J. C. Morehead. I
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Sacramento Transcript, April 15 1851
Indians.—The hostile excursions of the Indians about Los Angeles have become so frequent and annoying that the citizens, headed by Pio Pico, have addressed the Governor upon the subject, requesting his interference and protection. Col. Joshua Bean has been ordered out with fifty rangers to punish them.
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Los Angeles Star Groceries and Liquers
The undersigned, having recently purchased the stock goods formally belonging to J. H. Bean deceased, inform the public of San Gabriel and vicinity that he will continue the business heretofore carried on by the said deceased, as the old stand. A well selected stock of the best Family Groceries and liquors will be always on hanb, which will be offered for sale at the lowest prices. ROY BEAN. San Gabaiel, Jan 29.1853
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Los Angeles Star, 26 Feb 1853
Rumors from San Gorgonio.
Frequent rumors reach our city from San Gorgonio, that the Indians are deprived of the use of the water, by Mr Weaver, and that in consequence they are unable to sow their grain , We hope the rumors may not prove true ; for the acts complained of are outrages which may provoke retaliation. The law expressly provides that the Indians shall retain uninterrupted possession of lands they may have occupied for a series of years. Moreover, these Indians are Juan Antonio's Cahuillas, with whom Gen. Bean formed a treaty, pledging the faith of the State that they should not be molested so long as they observed its terms. Thus, to deprive them of any of their former privileges would be a violation of both the law and the treaty, and may lead to serious difficulties. We hope Mr Weaver appreciates the importance-of maintaining inviolate the pledged faith of the State with these Indians, and the dangers he may incur by provoking them to hostilities.
Joshua Bean had a sister, Sarah H. Bean, married in Shelby County, Kentucky on 2 March 1837, it mentioned her mother Anne, that she was still alive
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