Bernal and Fisher Survey Records, 1883-1961

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Summary

Title:
Bernal and Fisher Survey Records
Dates:
1883-1961
Creators:
Abstract:
Extent:
(Boxes: 13 letter; 3 ½ letter; 1 volume in ov; 3 mc folders)
Language:
Preferred citation:

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

Background

Scope and content:

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.

Biographical / historical:

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.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by Seaver Center for Western History Research, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County staff.
Date Prepared:
1883-1961
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:55 p.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Research is by appointment only

Terms of access:

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

Location of this collection:
900 Exposition Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90007-4057, US
Contact:
(213) 763-3359
seavercenter@nhm.org
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