528 pp., of which approximately the first 178 are completed by hand. (Folio) 23.5x20.5 cm (9¼x8") original suede with calf bands at top, middle, and bottom.
Handwritten ledger chronicling numerous transactions pertaining to the operation of Patton's extensive ranch located in what is today the Glen Avon section of the newly incorporated city of Jurupa Valley in Riverside County, California. Patton's interests gradually turned from machining to farming, and he would operate the first straw-burning threshing machine in the state. Farm machinery powered by straw-burning engines would became staple agricultural implements in California during the late 19th century. Entries here comprise transactions for agricultural related products such as wheat, barley, and casks, along with commodities such as tobacco, blankets, boots, gloves, etc. Included are accounts with many California notables such as I[saac] N[ewton] Van Nuys after whom the city of Van Nuys is named, early Chinese rancher Ah Foo the founder of Chinaman's Ranch, and the San Fernando Sheep Company then headed by Levi Strauss. Many other early California names here worthy of further research, along with numerous entries for A. G. Patton's "private" accounts.
From "History of Riverside County, California" by Elmer Wallace Homes, 1912, pp. 433-434 (calling Patton a "pioneer of California"):
"One of the first settlers in the West Riverside district and a man who was universally respected by all who knew him was the late A. G. Patton, who was horn near Pittsburg, Pa., in 1832. His father dying when he was but four years of age he was bound out for a time and later made his home with bis grandparents until he was about twenty years old. Having heard a great deal about the western country through the return of many of the gold-seekers from California, he was fired with a desire to try his luck in the new Eldorado and accordingly joined with some others who were of the same mind, outfitted for the trip across the plains and after the usual hardships and trials incident to the long and dangerous trip, arrived in California in 1852. He at once tried his luck at mining on the Feather river and in other places where gold was to be found, but finding the occupation yielding poor returns for the trials and hardships necessary to successful accomplishment he soon turned his attention to other matters and became interested in mechanics. For a number of years he made his headquarters in Napa and worked at the trade of machinist. He operated the first straw-burning threshing machine in the state. While residing in Napa he met and married Miss Anveline Smith, who was born in Ohio in 1848. She had come with her people to the coast and settled in Oregon, having come over the 'Oregon trail' when but a girl, and thereafter journeyed to California and to Napa, where she had an uncle living. When she had been there some time it was decided to return to the east and with this uncle she made the trip by way of Cape Horn.
When she again returned to California it was by rail, soon after the railroad had been completed connecting the east with the west. Before his marriage Mr. Patton had come to Southern California and was interested with Mr. Van Nuys and others in farming in the vicinity of San Fernando, Los Angeles county. About 1882 he went to San Bernardino county in search of land and selected a location in what is now the Glenavon district, Riverside county. Here he took up government land, a timber claim and bought a section of railroad land. Clearing some of the land from sage brush he put in a crop and then went back for his family, locating them on the new possessions the following year. He retained his interests in the San Fernando section until such a time as he could make proper disposition of them and finally made his home on his new property. Here he found a task in subduing the soil and he labored earnestly to improve a home out of the desert wastes. The balance of his life was spent on the ranch, where he died in 1901. His wife had passed away in 1888, aged forty years. There were four children born to them, viz.: Mary J., Mrs. W. E. Gallwas; Mark A., of Riverside; George K., living in the central part of the state; and John H., deceased.
Mr. Patton was the only man who proved up on his timber claim between Pomona and Riverside. He was deeply interested in educational matters and the first school, held in what was known as Pleasant Valley, was at his home; later he headed the list of subscribers who were anxious to establish a school district and the building was erected by subscription. He served on the school board for some years. In politics he was a Republican and supported men and measures in that party's interests. He was active in the organization of Riverside county in 1893. In fact, every movement that meant the advancement of the interests of the people and the betterment of local conditions in his locality never found him lacking in giving of his time and means for their furtherance. He was strictly a self-made man and wherever he was known he was highly respected and at his passing in 1901 the county lost one of her most loyal adherents and upbuilders, and the state one of her pioneers of worth."