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The official land grant, called El Cajon Rancho, was made in 1845 to Maria Antonio Estudillo de Pedrorena, wife of Miguel de Pedrorena. It was 48,799 acres. It also included all of the cattle, sheep, and equipment the Padres and Indians had. There were only two other larger land gifts ever given by the Mexican government. The Mexican governor, named Pio Pico, gave this land to the Pedrorenas. The Pedrorenas said this land had grass growing belly deep to the cattle. The killed the cattle, with long knives like a sword, for their tallow and hides and left the meat lay.
He gave this land to the Pedrorenas in payment of $500 the government owed him. For this debt the Pedrorenas also received several other ranchos. The El Cajon Rancho was marked by thirteen oak posts. It included the towns of El Cajon, Lakeside, Santee, Bostonia, Johnstown, Glenview, and parts of Grossmont.
Don Miguel de Pedrorena was born in Madrid, Spain and went to school in London, England. He was sent to San Diego in 1838, from Lima Peru, by McCall importers and company and married Maria Antonio Estudillo. He died in 1850 and is now buried in Old Town.
When the American soldiers came to this area, he was made a Captain and helped lead some of the battles for independence. It is said that they had a baby girl born just as the American flag was raised in Old Town, San Diego. Her name was Ysabel. They also had other children--Miguel, a son, Elena and Victoria, daughters.
His business was buying and selling. During his time in San Diego he was appointed as collector of customs in 1845; he was harbor master in 1847-1848; he was also a justice of the peace in the area.
Copyright 2000 Kimberlyn @ Hillsdale Middle School
All right reserved.
