Daily Alta California, Volume 1, Number 103, 29 April 1850
REPORT FROM THE SELECT COMMITTEE
On the Derivation and Definition
of the Names of the several Counties
of the State of California, &c.
SANTA CLARA. — According to the Roman Book of Martyrs or Martyrology, as Hortolana, the pious mother of Santa Clara, was once kneeling before a crucifix, praying earnestly that, being with child, she might be happily delivered, she heard a voice whispering, ”fear not, woman, thou wilt safely bring forth,” whereupon a brilliant light suddenly illumined the place, and the mother inspired by the mysterious prediction, baptised her child Clara, which is the feminine of clear or bright.
Clara was afterwards sanctified on account of her many eminent virtues, and accordingly venerated by the Catholics in all Roman Catholic churches.
The mission of Santa Clara, from which the County derives its name, was founded on the 12th day of January, 1777. The county is fertile, and abounds in timber and water, but particularly in quicksilver. Its inhabitants declare it to be the most advantageously situated for a large and flourishing city. Its chief town is the Pueblo of San Jose, the permanent seat of government until removed by law as prescribed by the constitution. ” Quien sabe ?”