Local Family Histories
'Working to preserve the rich heritage of the Temecula Valley'
Bessie Barnett - Recipient of Fifty-year Pin
   One of the highlights of the Past Matrons and Past Patrons night staged in April by the Elsinore Order of Eastern Star was the awarding of a 50-year membership pin to Ysabel (Bessie) Barnett.

    Bessie, as her friends all call her, is the widow of the late Judge A. B. Barnett, former Justice of Peace and Past Master of Elsinore Lodge 289 F. and A.M.

    Mrs. Barnett was the first white child born in Temecula. Her mother was English and her father Spanish. Her maiden name was Ysabel Gonzalez.

    Senor Gonzalez brought his bride to Temecula and built her an adobe house on the Barnett ranch. Here three children were born, Ralph Barnett, who is now associated with Guenther's Murrieta Hot Springs; Chester and Francis who reside in the north.

    A further honor was paid Mrs. Barnett on April 24 when a birthday party was given by the William Friedemans at their home in Temecula.

La Laguna Revue Volume II No. 7 - May 1963