Robert Livermore

Robert Thomas Livermore, also known as Don Roberto Livermore, (c. 3 November 1799#tag:ref|He was christened on 15 December 1799 at the age of six weeks.

In 1822, he deserted from his ship in San Pedro, where he met another British ship-jumper - the Scot John Gilroy (namesake of the city of Gilroy). At that time, there were only a handful of English-speakers in Alta California, and Livermore probably also met the American Joseph John Chapman.

Livermore worked for a time at Mission San Gabriel and then moved north, working as the mayordomo (ranch foreman) at Rancho Bolsa del Potrero y Moro Cojo of Joaquín de la Torre, near Castroville. On 20 June 1823, Robert was baptized at the Mission Santa Clara into the Catholic faith, given the name Juan Bautista Roberto y José. ). The only other inhabitant of the area at the time, besides the Ohlone, was José Amador (his rancho was near the present city of Dublin), who received his land grant a short time earlier. Livermore and Amador both helped each other build their adobes.

On 5 May 1838, Livermore married the widow Maria Josefa de Jesus Higuera Molina (1815–1879), daughter of Jose Loreto Higuera, grantee of Rancho Los Tularcitos, at the Mission San José.

Livermore's grave marker in 1942, during the time his real grave was lost. Livermore's grave marker currently in the mission floor, showing a death date 14 March 1858.

The rancho's economy was based on cattle, hides, and tallow, as well as agriculture. Livermore planted the first wine grapes in the area and today, the Livermore Valley is one of California's premier wine-growing regions.

Livermore studiously avoided involvement in politics, and all evidence indicates he got along well with both the Mexican and Anglo communities, When Alameda County, California, was formed in 1853, Livermore was appointed supervisor of roads in the county. In 1854 he purchased Noriega's half of Rancho Las Positas and deeded his half of Rancho Cañada de los Vaqueros to Noriega.

The Livermore Memorial Monument, located in Portola Park in Livermore, serves as a memorial. It is listed as a California Historical Landmark.