California Genealogy

Surprise Valley Record, Cedarville, Modoc County, California, March 1922 Wednesday, March 1, 1922 Meets Tragic Death Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Russell, of this place, received telegrams from Annapolis Monday conveying the sad news their son, John had fallen from the top of an elevator and was crushed to death, but no details were given. John was appointed a cadet to West Point Military Academy last fall and had just finished his examinations and gave promise of a bright future. He will be remembered as a bright, clean boy of excellent habits making friends with all with whom he came … Read more

Surprise Valley Record, Cedarville, Modoc County, California, June 1925 June 3, 1925 Mrs. Ruth McLane, of Gridley, accompanied by Mrs. Allie Benner and Miss Eva Street, of Napa, arrived here last Saturday, by auto. They formerly resided here, where they have many friends who are very glad to meet them again. Death Of R. F. Cook Richard Franklin Cook was born in Missouri in 1864 and came to California in 1888 and resided in Surprise Valley continually since then. He was married to Martha M. Smith in 1888, the issue of that union being two boys and one girl; Leonard, … Read more

Surprise Valley Record, Cedarville, Modoc County, California, June 1924 Wednesday June 4, 1924 Improving The many friends of Ellsworth Scammon were shocked last week when the report was in circulation that he died at Westwood. However, late telegrams failed to confirm the report, and we are informed by Westwood parties that Ellsworth has passed the crisis and is now on the road to recovery, which his many friends will be glad to hear. Married At Alturas, Cal., June 1, 1924, Ellis R. Adams to Miss Grace Jones. The many friends of the newly married couple extend hearty congratulations and wish … Read more

Surprise Valley Record, Cedarville, Modoc County, California, June 1923 Wednesday June 6, 1923 Dr. J. McCosh Smith, well known throughout Modoc County, died near Los Angeles several days ago and his remains were taken East to his old home for interment. His many friends here regret to hear of his death. Card Of Thanks We desire to extend our sincere thanks to the people of Surprise Valley for favors conferred during their late misfortune in the death of our brother Alexander Stevens. Mrs. A. Gibson Howard Stevens Last week a man by the name of John Thompson was taken ill … Read more

Surprise Valley Record, Cedarville, Modoc County, California, June 1922 Wednesday, June 7, 1922 A pair of bootleggers visited Lake City last week. They were so generous with their jackass brandy that they took some to our Justice of the Peace, John Franklin. Mr. Franklin returned the compliment and gave the gentlemen a good night’s sleep in the city jail. Good enough, John, don’t let them sleep out when you have such a commodious place for them. Lake City’s financial man, Mr. George Sweeney was in Cedarville one day last week attending to business. Earn Dowden and family, were visiting in … Read more

Surprise Valley Record, Cedarville, Modoc County, California, July 1925 July 1, 1925 Pioneer Resident Passes Adam E. Rinehart, one of the old time residents of this valley, died at Lakeview last Wednesday evening from a sudden attack of pneumonia. His remains were brought to Cedarville and interred in the Odd Fellows cemetery Friday afternoon, the services being conducted by Rev. R. L. Waggoner, assisted by Cedarville Lodge No. 249, of which Order he has long been a highly esteemed member. The choir rendered several beautiful and appropriate selections. On the 18th inst. he motored to Lakeview, taking with him Mrs. … Read more

Surprise Valley Record, Cedarville, Modoc County, California, July 1924 Wednesday July 2, 1924 May Have Been Hurt George Weilmunster and little son were down from Lake City Saturday evening, and Mr. Weilmunster informed us that while riding at Benton Meadows, near Davis Creek, he found a bay mare running loose on the range, with a saddle on and a rope around her neck. She had evidently been running on the range in that condition for a week or more, and had been seen by others. He caught the animal and removed the rope and saddle, which can be seen for … Read more

Surprise Valley Record, Cedarville, Modoc County, California, July 1923 Wednesday July 4, 1923 Percy Harris was awarded $629 damages from Porter Heard last week by the Superior Court. W. H. Mayfield and family moved to town last week and are occupying the Whittier residence, on Main St. The preliminary hearing of Claude Coonse for the murder of Frank Gooch has been set for next Monday. Robinett and Wylie are attorneys for the defendant. A report of another murder at Denio last week reached here. Mrs. Tregaskis, 25, had been shot and killed by a man named Tompkins, 65, and he … Read more

In 1917 and 1918, approximately 24 million men, (98 percent of men present in America), born between 1873 and 1900 completed draft registration cards. During these two years, three registration days were held in each district where the registrant completed the registration card. Information found on these cards generally included, among other information, birth date, birth location, father’s birthplace, and the address of next of kin. This civilian registration is often confused with induction into the military; however, only a small percentage of these men were actually called up for military service. J – L Surnames – 1917-1918 Modoc County … Read more

Surprise Valley Record, Cedarville, Modoc County, California, July 1922 Wednesday, July 3, 1922 A man named Dodson, of Susanville was arrested for bootlegging at Alturas last Saturday. He had a large quantity of liquor and evidently came prepared to do an extensive business. We are also told that four or five other bootleggers were jailed during the Round up for bootlegging and will later on have their trial. This speaks well for the activity of the Alturas officials. Born – In Lakeview, Oregon, June 22nd, 1922, to Mr. and Mrs. O. R. Decious, a son. Died From Rabies One day … Read more