24 Facts About Philip Crosthwaite

Philip Crosthwaite was an early settler of San Diego, California, and Rosarito, Baja California.

Philip Crosthwaite was born 1825, in Athy, County Kildare, Ireland, to Edward and Rachel Crosthwaite.

Philip Crosthwaite's parents were visiting their old home, having emigrated to the United States some years before.

On returning to America, Philip was left in the care of his grandparents in Ireland and lived with them until 16, when he visited his mother.

Philip Crosthwaite was slightly wounded by the Californio Lancers during the battle on December 6,1846.

In 1847 Philip Crosthwaite was appointed Suplente of Pueblo de San Diego.

Philip Crosthwaite didn't get rich, but did bring back 47 ounces of gold.

In 1851, Philip Crosthwaite served in the Garra Insurrection, with the rank of third sergeant.

Philip Crosthwaite held a number of offices at an early day, being the first county treasurer, deputy sheriff several years, and sheriff one or two terms.

Philip Crosthwaite lived for several years in Mission Valley, above Old Town, and later owned Rancho San Miguel in Baja California.

Philip Crosthwaite was lessee of Mission San Diego de Alcala in 1848, and later joined the gold rush.

Philip Crosthwaite kept a store in Old Town, and later in new San Diego, in partnership with Thomas Whaley.

Philip Crosthwaite purchased Rancho San Miguel, near Ensenada, Baja California, in 1861 and moved there, but still spent much of his time in San Diego.

Philip Crosthwaite was an active in the San Diego Lodge of the Freemasons.

Philip Crosthwaite visited his sister in San Andreas, California, where her husband William Jeff Gatewood was publishing the San Andreas Register.

Philip Crosthwaite suggested that Gatewood move the paper to San Diego, which didn't have a newspaper then.

Philip Crosthwaite did and the first issue of San Diego Union was issued October 10,1868.

Philip Crosthwaite was appointed Chief of Police in San Diego in 1869.

Philip Crosthwaite is buried in an unmarked plot in the Masonic section of Mount Hope Cemetery, but it was since marked by the Masons in 1968.

Philip Crosthwaite had almost fifty grandchildren at the time of his death.

Philip Crosthwaite was a well-built man, with a full beard and a remarkably deep voice.

Philip Crosthwaite was known to be a fearless man, whose courage was proved in many hard encounters.

Philip Crosthwaite was a man of strong character and had enemies as well as friends.

Philip Crosthwaite was fond of telling his recollections of early days, often in a joking manner.