statistics of later years indicate no falling-off in any kind of property. This is the more remarkable as the wealth of San José made it a shining mark for government demands, and large amounts of live-stock and other property were loaned to private individuals and to other ex-missions. Don Jesus, though somewhat independent of supervision and informal in his methods, must be regarded as a very efficient manager. It is probable, however, that in 1840 the ebb of prosperity had begun and that the elements of approaching decadence were somewhat more apparent than is indicated by the imperfect records that have been preserved.
At Santa Clara Padre Viader concluded his missionary service of nearly 40 years in 1833, when he left the country. His successor was the Zacatecan prefect Padre Francisco García Diego who served to the end of 1835 with an associate from 1834 in the person of Padre Rafael de Jesus Moreno, after whose death in 1839 Padre Mercado took charge of the ex-mission.[1] Statistical reports by the missionaries
- ↑ José Viader was born at Gallines, Catalonia, on Aug. 27, 1765, and became a Franciscan at Barcelona in May 1788, sailing for Mexico in 1795, and starting from the college of S. Fernando for Cal. in Feb. 1796. His only missionary service was at Sta Clara from 1796 to 1833. His superiors accorded to him more than medium merit and ability both in temporal and spiritual affairs. Autobiog. Autog. de los Padres, MS.; Sarría, Inf., 1817, MS., 68-9; Payeras, Inf., 1820, MS., 138. Padre Viader was a large man of fine physique; somewhat reserved and stern in manner with strangers, but well liked by all acquaintances, with whom his manner was always frank and courteous; very strict in all matters pertaining to the faith and religious observances, noted for the size of the crucifix hanging always with the rosary from his girdle; a diligent and effective man of business, devoted to the temporal prosperity of his mission, and not always impressed with the sanctity of the revenue laws. His diaries of two expeditions to the Rio de Merced and in search of sites for new missions in 1810 appear in my list of authorities. It is related than one night about 1814 while going to attend a dying neophyte he was attacked by three Ind. who tried to kill him but were instead overcome by his great physical strength, becoming subsequently the padre's faithful and useful allies. In 1818 he made a tour to S. F. and S. Rafael as secretary to the padre prefecto. In 1821 he was present at S. Juan Bautista at the laying of the corner-stone and dedication of the new church. In 1826 he declined to take the oath of allegiance. Swan in a newspaper sketch often reprinted mentions the valuable services attributed to Viader in connection with the drought of 1828-30, which he is said to have foretold. In early years he had desired to retire, but had consented to remain at the request of superiors and neophytes. Of his departure in 1833 on the coming of the
