*** Source: Early California Wills, California: California Society, D.A.R., 1952, 952 pgs; Volume 3. *** ---page 3-0-6--- FOREWORD I am prompted to distribute this brief and interesting story of the beginning of land ownership in our country by the fact that I am often asked about it. Also, it seems fitting that everyone who lives in this glorious country should know something of its early history. If I can through this small publication catch the interest of the reader, I feel sure that he will seek further knowledge of the history of our whole great State, and, in so doing, will have opened for himself a field of enduring interest. I believe that the Federal Writers' Project has gathered the information herein contained from authoritative sources and I am grateful for its activities and that of the San Diego historical Society, who have so kindly sponsored the work. JAS. D. FORWARD San Diego, California May, 1939 ---end---