The Pleasants were noted Orange County citizens known for their writings documenting Southern California history.
J.E. (Joseph Edward) Pleasants (1839-1934), a prominent city official and historian, was appointed the first Orange County Bee Inspector in 1902. He married Mary Refugio Carpenter (1845-1888) in 1868. They lived on the Rancho Cañada de los Alisos and later upper Santiago Canyon. After her death, J.E. sold their ranch to actress Helena Modjeska. J.E. married Adelina Brown (d. 1943) in 1890, and they settled in Williams Canyon. Adelina was a schoolteacher and prolific historian, although many of her articles appeared under J.E.'s name. In 1931 she wrote the principal sections for a three-volume History of Orange County, California. Most of her later writings appeared in newspapers. She was active in the Orange County Historical Society.
From the description of Pleasants family papers, 1856-1973 (bulk 1860-1869, 1920-1940). (University of California, Irvine). WorldCat record id: 48464003
