Bernal and Fisher Survey Records

1883-1961

Descriptive Summary

Title: Bernal and Fisher Survey Records

Dates: 1883-1961

Collection Number: GC 1210

Creator/Collector:

Extent: (Boxes: 13 letter; 3 ½ letter; 1 volume in ov; 3 mc folders)

Repository: Seaver Center for Western History Research, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Abstract: Primarily field and level notebooks containing handwritten notes, drawings and calculations for survey work in the Los Angeles and Southern California region. Created by Joseph A. Bernal, G.M.D. Fisher, Bernal & Bernal and also Alphonso J. Bernal (son of Bernal).

Language of Material: English

Access

Research is by appointment only

Publication Rights

Permission to publish, quote or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder

Preferred Citation

Bernal and Fisher Survey Records. Seaver Center for Western History Research, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Biography/Administrative History

Joseph (Jose) Antonio Bernal (d. 1927) was the son of a Californio mother, Serafina (1805?-1898). He was cited in the Los Angeles City/County Directory 1886/1887, p. 180 as a surveyor, with 18 years experience, specializing in old Spanish land grants. In the 1910 and 1920 censuses, his occupation was listed as Civil Engineer. Two sons were also civil engineers. He had a long career as a city employee, including Surveyor in the Bureau of Engineering. Apparently well-respected and active in community affairs, his friends included Joseph Mesmer, Isidor Dockweiler, William Mulholland, E.A. Tuttle, John G. Rockhold, Eugene Biscailuz, William Traeger, R.F. Del Valle, W.R. Rowland and Boyle Workman. He died at age 71 in January, 1927. G.M.D. Fisher was an 1885 graduate from Indiana.

Scope and Content of Collection

Primarily field and level notebooks containing handwritten notes, drawings and calculations for survey work in the Los Angeles and Southern California region. Created by Joseph A. Bernal, G.M.D. Fisher, Bernal & Bernal and also Alphonso J. Bernal (son of Bernal). One large volume containing survey drawings for clients, ca. 1888-1914. Includes indices for many of the notebooks, however volumes are incomplete. Includes personal photographs, possibly of Alphonso and family; photographs of some building properties. Noteworthy are several index references to Bernal's surveys of Chinatown following violence and murder among Chinese residents (including Tong gang disputes in February, 1895 which J.A. Bernal testified in court several months later in June, 1895 in his capacity as surveyor.) ca. 1883- 1961, undated.