In memory of Juan Mendoza Died February 6, 1865 by the hands of Cave J. Couts aged 46 years Rest in Peace, In Memory Of Juan Mendoza By the hands of Cave J Couts. AGED 46. Rest in peace, Edward L Greene- Native of Co. Longford Ireland. Came to California in 1852. He was naturalized in 1861. He became a member of the state legislature in 1869.
JUAN MENDOZA WAS THE VICTIM OF A FATAL SHOTGUN BLAST TO THE BACK. THE ASSAILANT WAS CAVE JOHNSON COUTS, A LOCAL LANDOWNER AND PROMINENT SAN DIEGAN BORN IN TENNESSEE. AS THE STORY GOES, MENDOZA WORKED AS MAJORDOMO, OR CHIEF STEWARD, ON ONE OF CAVE COUTS' RANCHES. COUTS CLAIMED THAT MENDOZA HAD THREATENED HIS LIFE AND IN A HASTY ACT OF REVENGE KILLED MENDOZA IN BROAD DAYLIGHT. THE ACTION, OF COURSE, VIOLATED THE LEGENDARY "CODE OF THE WEST" WHICH PROHIBITED "SHOOTING AN UNARMED MAN" AND "SHOOTING A MAN IN THE BACK." COUTS WAS TRIED BY JURY FOR HIS CRIME AND WAS FOUND NOT GUILTY. THIS WAS RECEIVED "WITH MUCH APPLAUSE" FROM LOCAL CITIZENS SINCE THREATENING THE LIFE OF A MAN, AS MENDOZA ALLEGEDLY DID, GAVE COUTS THE RIGHT TO STAND HIS GROUND AND KILL HIM., SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF ANTONIO GARRA SR.
A LEADER AMONG HIS PEOPLE
CUPENO-KAVALIM CLAN
DIED JANUARY 10, 1852
REST IN PEACE ERECTED 1992 H.S.F., 38 YEARS
HE LEFT BEHIND HIS YOUNG WIFE, ANN
GREENE., Sacred to the memory of
A leader among his people
Cupeno Kavalim Clan
Rest in peace
Erected 1992 H. S. F.