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Francisco Apalatea
1850-1928
Block 29, Lot C10
Francisco was born on the Yaqui Indian Reservation east of Tucson, Arizona in 1850. He was educated at the San Xavier Mission nearby. Reportedly at age 14, he came west and obtained a Land grant in what is now Los Angeles. When gold was discovered in the Sierras he sold the property and came to Porterville area and married his 1st wife, a Chumash lady named Catherine Franco.
In 1873, Francisco Apalatea moved to Kern County, where he chiefly engaged in mining, mostly on Piute Mountain. He discovered and developed the Bryan mine, which he afterwards sold for $5,000. Over the years, he continued his mining interests and had several good claims.
In 1873, Francisco Apalatea moved to Kern County, where he chiefly engaged in mining, mostly on Piute Mountain. He discovered and developed the Bryan mine, which he afterwards sold for $5,000. Over the years, he continued his mining interests and had several good claims.
The Apalatea-Burlando House was moved to Bodfish and is now part of the Silver City Ghost Town Museum and film location. Silver City claims that the Apalatea-Burlando House, reportedly built in 1868, is the oldest house still standing in the Kern River Valley. It also is reported to be one of the most haunted.
Franciso Apalatea married at least 3 times. His 2nd wife was Mary (Butterbredt) Reich. Together they had 8 children and this 3rd wife was Rosa Reich, a native of the South Fork area. Their union produced an additional 5 children. That is a total of 16 children. It is not surprising that he has many relatives in the Kern River Valley to this day.
The Old Kernville Historic Cemetery Tour was researched and created by Kern River Valley Historical Society members Jenny Hanley, and Richard Rowe as part of the 2010 Kern River Valley Historical Society Annual History Days, celebrating the history of the Kern River Valley.
Photo courtesy of Silver City Ghost Town
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