California Genealogy

California Genealogy is being developed as a genealogical and historical resource for your personal use. It contains information and records for California ancestry, family history, and genealogy. Specifically, it provides sources for birth records, death records, marriage records, census records, tax records, court records, and military records. It also provides some historical details about different times and people in California history.

We will be updating these pages frequently with additional California genealogy and historical data, so please subscribe to our website to receive notifications.

California Genealogy by Category

California Genealogy Projects in the Works

A History of the New California
A History of the New California is a 2-volume history of California written in 1903, providing a wealth of information for genealogists and history enthusiasts alike. The book is organized into chapters that cover a broad spectrum of topics, from California’s contributions to civilization and its diverse climate to detailed accounts of early Californian history and the discovery of gold. Notable sections include insights into the habits and lives of native Californians, the role of vigilance committees, and the development of major institutions such as the public school system and universities. Additionally, the book offers a detailed alphabetical list of biographies, presenting the lives of individuals who played significant roles in California’s history. This resource is important for genealogists whose ancestor’s can be found within it, or to understand the historical context of their ancestors’ lives in California.

Biographies of Monterey County, California
These biographies are extracted from a variety of sources and cover the men and women in Monterey County California’s history.

Biographies of Santa Cruz County, California
These biographies are extracted from a variety of sources and cover the men and women in Santa Cruz County California’s history.

California Genealogy Books

Please take some time and read the free genealogy books we have put online for you research:

  • 1876-1878 Pacific Coast Business Directory
    The triennial business directory, containing the name of each merchant, manufacturer, and professional in the States of California, Oregon, Nevada, the Territories of Washington, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Arizona, and Alaska, and the Colony of British Columbia.
  • Membership Roll of the Pioneers of Los Angeles County
    Provides pioneers name, birthplace, occupation, year arrived in Los Angeles County, town of residence, and when arrived in state.
  • Register of Officers of the National Guard and Naval Militia of California
    This book provides some insight into the National Guard and Naval Militia in California in 1917. We have listed only the people who served and not the structure of the military. In some cases, there were blank lines where it was thought there should be another officer, they were removed. The book does not provide information as to the dates after the names, we can only guess it is the date of the start of their service.
  • Cemeteries of California
    A list of all cemeteries in California, first by name, county and location.  A great tool to help with cemeteries that have the same name within the state.
  • 1922 Householders’ Guide of the City of Watsonville
    Alphabetical listing of names, including address
  • 1948 Directory, Alturas, Modoc County
    A listing as of June 1948 of the citizens of Alturas
  • Death Valley In ’49
    Autobiography of a Pioneer, Detailing His Life from a Humble Home in the Green Mountains to the Gold Mines of California; And Particularly Reciting the Sufferings of the Band of Men, Women and Children Who Gave “Death Valley” Its Name.
  • The Adventures of a Forty-niner
    An Historic Description of California, with Events and Ideas of San Francisco and Its People in Those Early Days, By Daniel Knower. Daniel went to California in 1849 during the start of the gold-rush days. This manuscript provides sketches on events and ideas that he saw, as well as detailing his trek to the gold rush town of Coloma.
  • Old Mission Stories of California
    In these quiet, unpretending stories the writer has attempted to give a faithful picture of life among the Indians and Spaniards in Nueva California during the early days of the past century.
  • La Baja California
    Very soon after the conquest of Mexico the attention of Cortez was attracted by certain stories told by some of the conquered tribes regarding a mysterious but wonderful country, lying far to the northwestward. This land they called Ciguatan, or The Realm of Women; and they declared that it abounded in gold, in pearls, rubies, garnets, turquoises, and many other products, rich and precious.

Recent California Genealogy

Biography of Alonzo Emery Raynes of Yreka

Alonzo Emery Raynes, was a prominent figure in northern California history—a pioneer, merchant, and public servant. Born in 1830 in Maine, he journeyed to California during the gold rush, engaging in various ventures, including mining and establishing an express business. He faced numerous challenges, including encounters with Native Americans, and…
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Biography of D. F. Ragan, M. D. of San Francisco

Dr. D. F. Ragan, M. D., served as the health officer for San Francisco, overseeing vital public health measures such as preventing food adulteration and managing quarantines for contagious diseases. His efforts significantly improved the quality of milk available to residents and addressed unsanitary conditions in areas like Chinatown. Born…
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Biography of John Davidson Powell, D. D. S. of Sacramento

Dr. John Davidson Powell, D.D.S., stands out in Sacramento’s dental profession due to his exceptional skills, extensive training, and unwavering commitment to his work. Born in Healdsburg in 1862, he graduated from the Philadelphia Dental College in 1890. After practicing in San Francisco and Calistoga, he established a successful dental…
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Biography of Charles N. Post of Sacramento

Charles N. Post, born in March 1853 in El Dorado County, California, was a distinguished assistant attorney general with a legal career that began in 1880. He served in various roles including city justice of the peace and first deputy attorney general. Post was active in several civic organizations and…
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Biography of Frank C. Pollard of Yreka

Frank C. Pollard, the under sheriff of Siskiyou County, was influential in Yreka’s business and governance for over fifteen years. Born on April 2, 1864, in Magalia, California, he is the son of pioneer J. D. Pollard. Pollard served in various roles, including deputy county clerk and city clerk, before…
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Biography of John Perry, Jr. of San Francisco

John Perry, Jr. was a distinguished figure in San Francisco’s brokerage industry. Born in 1815 in New Hampshire, he began his business career at sixteen, overcoming significant financial setbacks. Moving to California during the Gold Rush, he established a successful brokerage and was instrumental in transforming state and city scrip…
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Biography of Hon. George C. Perkins of San Francisco

Hon. George C. Perkins, a prominent U.S. senator from California, began his life in 1839 in Kennebunkport, Maine. After early struggles, he found success in various industries, notably with the firm Goodall, Perkins and Company, enhancing California’s transportation sector. A successful businessman and influential Republican politician, he served two terms…
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Biography of James Carroll Owen of Suisun

James Carroll Owen arrived in California in 1849 as a pioneer, overcoming significant hardships typical of early settlers. Born in Illinois in 1831, he and his family settled in Suisun Valley, where they engaged in mining and established the first grocery store. Owen ventured into various businesses, including butchering and…
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Biography of Frank M. O’Connell of Yreka

Frank M. O’Connell, known as Dr. O’Connell in Yreka, was a dedicated druggist since age seventeen. He progressed from clerk to manager, and eventually owned his own drugstore, earning Yreka’s trust. Born in San Francisco in 1857 to Irish immigrants, O’Connell was active in local politics as a Democrat and…
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Biography of Marcellus A. Nurse of Yolo County

Marcellus A. Nurse, a prominent civil engineer and state surveyor of California, contributed to the state’s public works, especially in reclamation and irrigation. Born in Ohio in 1846, he followed in his father’s footsteps, who was also an engineer and pioneering Californian. Nurse’s work included improving the San Joaquin and…
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Surrounding States

California has borders with Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, and Mexico.

Other California Genealogy Websites