The first American came to this town in the year 1900 under Captain Mane. The people did not offer resistance to the occupation of the Americans, so there was no fighting between the natives and the Americans. The natives were at first afraid of the American soldiers. They thought that the Americans might abuse them. When the natives observed that the Americans were good and friendly, they began to leave their hide-outs and stayed in the town. The American began their policy of attraction by giving their foods to the natives. They offered cakes and candies to the children.
The Americans with the help of the prominent people organized the government. The municipal mayor or “Capitan” as was called during those days was voted by the male inhabitants who were 21 years old or above. A male may be qualified to vote if he possessed any of the following: (1) He must be 21 years old or above; (2) He could read and write; (3) and if he owned a piece of land. The first Capitan who was elected was Capitan Eduardo Vera
The Americans organized public schools. They selected big houses for school buildings. The first teachers were Americans. The most popular among them was Catler. The Americans gave pencils, paper, and slates to the pupils in order to encourage the people to go to school. Even the adults were encouraged to go to school. The subjects taught were English, language, arithmetic, reading and writing.
The Americans taught the natives healthful and sanitary living. They taught the people to clean their homes and surroundings and to make toilets. They established a provisional hospital wherein the soldiers and even the natives were treated free by the American doctors.
The Americans stayed in the place for about a year. When they left, the same system of government was instituted. The mayor or capitan was elected by the qualified voters.
In the year 1905, a very strong typhoon hit this town. It was called “Baguiong Oguis” by the people because the mountains and forest became white and no green vegetation could be seen. There was no coconut trees left so the people ordered coconut seedlings from the neighboring towns.
In 1915, a cholera epidemic broke out in this place causing many deaths. Every day many people died of it. Then in 1918, another epidemic of influenza occurred. Almost all the people got sick. During the epidemic all houses were closed. No people could be seen walking in the streets. More people died of influenza than of cholera. Then in 1919, an epidemic of smallpox occurred. Many died of it especially the children.
In 1920 a conflagration occurred. The whole town was burned. Only five houses were left, and as a result, the people suffered very much. In 1929, there occurred another typhoon causing destruction to properties.