José del Carmen Lugo

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Jose del Carmen Lugo was a leader of a Californio Militia during the Mexican-American War.

He was the son of Antonio and Dolores Lugo. He was christened at the plaza chapel in Los Angeles on March 17, 1813. He grew up on his father’s rancho, Rancho San Antonio.

Jose del Carmen Lugo, in a joint venture with his brothers Jose Maria Lugo, and Vicente Lugo, and cousin Diego Sepulveda, began colonizing the San Bernardino and Yucaipa Valleys. The colony charter was approved in 1839. The land covered over a quarter of a million acres. Many would be colonizers would stay for only short periods of time. The valleys were constantly being raided by Indian horse thieves from the high desert area.

The Lugo families became strong allies with the Mountain Band of Cahuilla Indians led by Chief Juan Antonio. The Cahuilla Indians were given fine horses and supplies in return for protection from invading tribes. However the valley was constantly plagued by robberies and frequent raids.

On June 21, 1842 the Lugo family bought the San Bernardino Asistencia or Estancia. The buildings were in disrepair. Lugo made repairs and soon he and his wife and two daughters moved into the Asistencia.

By 1842 the governorship of California was about to change. So on August 4, 1842 Lugo applied and received a land grant of 35,509 acres. This protected the land that Lugos were living on.

During the Mexican American War, Jose del Carmen Lugo led a loosely outfitted Californio Militia. He was the leader of the Californio forces during the Battle of Chino and the Temecula Massacre. By January 1847 he was placed in charge of the Chino prisoners by General José Mariá Flores. On January 8, 1847 Lugo escorted the prisoners to the Chino Rancho and released them.

In March 1847 he met with John Charles Fremont in Los Angeles. Fremont requested that Lugo round up as many of Flores’ abandoned horses as possible. Lugo rounded up about 60 horses between Los Angeles and San Bernardino. Fremont and Lugo became respectable friends.

On April 1, 1849 Lugo became the first Alcalde of Los Angeles. In August 1849 he was elected Justice of the Peace of Los Angeles and served until January 1850. Then on February 27, 1852 Lugo sold the San Bernardino Rancho to Amasa M. Lyman and Charles C. Rich, of the Mormon Church, for the sum of $77, 500.

Lugo’s fortunes changed for the worst on June 9, 1854. He signed a note for $2,720 at five per cent interest per month, compounded monthly, and mortgaged all of his property including his home in Los Angeles. The debt grew to $13, 127.54. He lost his house and his land in Los Angeles to cover the note. He died a pauper.