Modoc County, California Queries

I invite you to enter a query for your Modoc County ancestors.

A few basic rules for posting your query:

  • Your query must have an Modoc county connection or it will not be posted.
  • Please put the date, your name and email address on the first line.
  • Please do not post queries for tracing living individuals.
  • Please do not post information on living individuals.
  • Please be specific, do not just list a surname in your query.
  • Please be sure to include at least one date in your query, even if its approximate.(See example)
  • Please use capitalization on surname only.(See example)

Example of a good query: Looking for information on John DOE, b: abt 1842 in GA, d: unk. Family tradition has it that John came to Modoc County abt 1885 with friends he fought with in the Civil War.

106 thoughts on “Modoc County, California Queries”

  1. I am looking for anyone connected to the SHERMAN or EBERSOLD families. NUEL SHERMAN and his wife, CLARISSA CLARK Sherman, arrived in Modoc County about 1860-70. They had two sons, John Fletcher Sherman and Gideon Sherman (my gr grandfather). In the 1860 Census I found Nuel, Clarissa and John in Scott Valley, Siskiyou County, CA. John was killed by robbers attacking his wagon on June 1, 1885. He and his wife were traveling and robbers dressed as Indians attacked and killed John and wounded his wife. It was later discovered that they were white men dressed as Indians. Gideon was married to Adaline Gordon by that time but I have not found him in 1860 yet. I have not seen the 1870 census but in 1880 I found Nuel, Clara, Gideon and three of Gideon?s children (Laura, Leonard, George). Nuel died in 1884. Gideon married by gr grandmother, Emily Embrey Ebersold on Nov. 1, 1883 in Modoc County. They had 4 children (Kate, 1885 Alturas, Modoc, CA); Bernal (1886 Alturas, Modoc, CA); Roxie (1888, Canby, Modoc, CA); and Rilla (1890 Surprise Valley, Modoc, CA). Rilla is my grandmother.

    EMILY EBERSOLD came to Modoc County in 1882 to teach school. Emily was from Iowa; leaving her family and coming to California alone. She taught school in Napa County from 1876-1881; then moved up to Modoc County. A very adventuresome lady!! She taught at Arlington District, Spring, 1882 for 10 weeks; Arlington District, Fall, 1882 for 5 months; Clover Swale district, Winter, 1882-1883 for 15 weeks; Arlington District, Spring, 1883 for 9 weeks; and Arlington District, Fall, 1883 for 13 weeks. Some of the children she taught were Gideon Sherman?s from his first marriage. Gideon and Emily were married in November 1883 and she quit teaching school. Eventually Gideon and Emily moved to Chico, Butte County, CA.

    Is there anyone in Modoc County (or somewhere else!) who has a connection to the SHERMAN or EBERSOLD families? Would really like to correspond with anyone who has a connection. Hoping to hear from some “cousins”

    1. My grandfather is Leonard Sherman, my great grandfather is Gideon and great great grandfather is Newell. I have pictures and information.

      1. Jan,
        I am late seeing this post, BUT I am the great great granddaughter of Newell Sherman. Also have some pictures and lots of information. Will be happy to exchange information. My e-mail address is karenherndon@cccomm.net and my slow-mail is 1191 Arrowhead Lane, Fallon, NV 89406.

        Hoping to hear from you.

        Karen

  2. Looking for information about my great grandfather, Thomas KENNEDY. He was born about 1862 in California. He married Adelaide Alzina FREEMAN in 1891 in Modoc Co. Adelaide’s parents were Ross FREEMAN (who died in Surprise Valley in Dec. 1882) and Esther SMITH of Cook Co. Illinois. The 1900 census shows Thomas and Adelaide in Tuolumne County. He was mining quartz at the time. I am looking for Thomas Kennedy’s place of birth in California, his parents names and any siblings. His parents were born in Ireland but that is all I know.

  3. Seeking info on Clarence W. Johnson born in Eagleville Ca. on 12-01-1900, mothers first name Pearl, Maiden name unknown. Thank You

  4. Hello, I am researching Willis W. Benefield who moved, with his wife Mary and three children, to a farm near Lookout in about 1876(from Colusa, was a jockey there). Six additional children were born near/in Lookout. Mary(died same year), Josephine(married Hawkins),Franklin, Thomas, Selah(Zelah?), and Ira. Have you seen any of these names? I saw some Benefiel names in the Modoc Co. list.

  5. Hi, I am interested in this family. My great-grandmother was Emma Lemberger. Her cousin, William Franklin Lemberger m. Celia Sessions in 1885 in Modoc. They supposedly had 3 kids, Nina Orvilla, 1886; John Erastus, 1892; and Doris, 1901 (possibly b. in NV).

  6. I’m doing research on Phillip Henry MOTT who married Susie Mae ARTHER in Shasta Co. in 1899. The bride was supposed to be a member of the Pitt River Tribe. Their children were named : Guy H. MOTT, b. 1901, perhaps Modoc Co., CA, and then Ivan, Pete, Madge, Eva, Violet and Georgie.

  7. I’m searching for KNIGHT/LOWREY surnames. My grandfather, George Franklin KNIGHT, listed himself as being born March 15, 1880, Modoc County on his SS-5. His parents were listed as Thomas KNIGHT and Anna May LOWREY. I’ve been told that George had 1 brother [probably Tom] and 2 sisters. I don’t know the sisters names but there was a story about them playing violins at the White House.

  8. I am researching some family history and have come across the name Nancy Jane Whitley and Nancy Jane Whitney born Turner, Oregon to James Willis WHITNEY/WHITLEY and Mary Ann Adams (died 23 March 1878, burried Lookout Cemetary, Modoc Co.) and married to Oliver Thomas Smith (born Iowa, 1843) in Modoc Co., 1871.

  9. I am looking for information regarding Wyatt OGLE b 1791 Va or NY d 1870 Lower Lake, Modoc Co, Ca. He was married to Winifred (unk last name) and they had at least six children but the only names I have are Shedrick b ca 1830, Ann b ca 1836 and Wyatt T. b 1826 Tn d aft 1900 m Martha MARTIN. Please contact me if you have any information on these folks. Thanks in advance.

  10. Looking for descendants of Thomas J. & Rebekah (HITCHCOCK) HARVEY. Children: Mary Jane 1847, Nancy Ann 1848 marr (HITCHOCK), John Calvin 1850, Joshua William 1852, Elizabeth 1854, Margaret Louise 1856 marr (GREEN) (ClLARK), Kizziah 1857 marr (COOKE), James Thomas b. 1859, Eveline 1860 marr (HORN) and Permelia 1862 marr (WAYMAN). Thomas J. lived in Adin 1879-1891. The family was connected with the Hayden Hill Mine.

    1. Hi Cheryl, Thomas Jefferson Harvey was my 3rd great grand Uncle. His parents, John W. Harvey and Mary Loggins were my 4th great grandparents. My Grandparents, my dad and other family members all lived in Adin at one time. Lora

  11. Sharon Cantrall

    Looking for place of U.S. origin for James Patrick McGINNIS and his father, Thomas McGINNIS. Both were born in County Cork, Ireland. When did they arrive in the U.S. and where did they settle? This McGINNIS family is shown in Modoc County, Calif., in 1887 where James P. McGINNIS married Nancie Jane CANTRALL. Nancie Jane was a sister to my grandfather, Andrew Jackson CANTRALL. I am very interested in the McGINNIS family and I would appreciate any help from or a connection to any McGINNIS’ out there. I have photographs and some interesting information on this family. I would be happy to share. Thanks so much.

  12. I am searcing for information on Dewitt Clinton STEVENS, b. 2-7-1808 in Luzerne Co., PA m. Elizabeth Anne COGGINS 7-4-1840 in Dixon, Lee Co., IL and d. 7-13-1884 in Big Valley, Modoc Co., CA. I noticed that you had the surname Stevens in your database and was wondering if you have info on my Dewitt? Their daughter Mary Elizabeth STEVENS was born 6-7-1858 in Yreka, Siskiyou Co., CA. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.

  13. I am looking for information on an Alexander Clinton YOUNG in Modoc County around 1880-1890 and His Daughter Ida Young STEWART married to John STEWART. They are in the Census records 1900.The Stewarts sons are also listed in the 1917-1918 civilian draft registration. Frank, Joe, Leland, Jim and John who later moved to Riverside California and died 1984.I am especially interested in finding Alexander Clinton Young burial place. Any and all help would be appreciated

  14. My name is Darwin E. HAMMERSLEY, I was raised in New Pine Creek, Oregon.

    My Grandfather was Guy Vincent HAMMERSLEY, b: Aug 6,1876; d. Jul 22, 1945. My Great Grandfather was Jacob R. HAMMERSLEY b.Sep 21,1833 in Daviess County, Indiana, d. Jan 26, 1910 New Pine Creek, Oregon

    My Grandmother Was Allie HENDERSON, (Guy Hammersley’s wife) b. Dec 15, 1875 (I believe in Davis Creek, California. Allie’s Father was Decatur HENDERSON. He died of diphtheria at the age of 39 in Davis Creek, California. I don’t know the date of his death, probably between 1875 and 1900. He may have been related to H. M. HENDERSON who arrived in Goose Lake Valley in 1869.

    I would like to find out more about Decatur HENDERSON, his wife, etc’s.

    I appreciate your help in directing me in the best way to search for this information.

    My mothers father Thomas Franklin MENEFEE owned Fandango Valley in the early 1900’s and my Mother Erbee Elizabeth MENEFEE HAMMERSLEY wrote a small book about her childhood in Fandango. She is 91 and lives with my sister in Portland, Oregon.

    1. Darwin,
      Sorry I cannot provide any of the info you are searching for. That being said you mention that your ‘Mother was Erbee Menefee Hammersley who wrote a small book about her childhood in Fandango.” This would have been “to Fandandgo Valley with Love” self published under her second marrige name of Erbee Menefee Mulkey. Note I purposely spelled Fandango incorrecrtly because that is how Fandango is spelled on the title page of her self published book. So all that being said, are you still alive and if so do you have any idea if your Mother transfered the copyright of her book to anyone?
      Thank you
      David Lee (former Lake City resident)

  15. My father Clinton Lloyd WELLS b. 09 July 1911 in Sauck Co. WI. d. 14 June 1970 in Medford, OR. He was a faller for Long Bell Camp at Glass mtn. in the early to mid forty’s. His Brother Howard Wells lived on the Oregon Calif. border at Goose Lake and lived and died in New Pine Creek. He was a minister there, Was Married twice while living in the same residence. Part of his children attended school in Altrus, CA. If anyone has any information I would greatly appreciate it. I have tried for two years to find someone who may know something and am beginning to think we didn’t really exist. Thank you for your time and consideration of my request. Laura

    1. Hi Laura, I realize, that this is an old post, but I wanted offer my assistance. I am the admin, of the New Pine Creek History group, on Facebook. I cover the area from Crane Creek, to, Willow Ranch. I know the Wells family. They are members of the group. And one owns the family land, still.
      Please feel free to respond here, on Facebook, or in the group.
      Jamie Cummins

  16. On the Modoc County Surname list, you show KELLY and KELLEY. I am looking for information about Cynthia M. (Glidden) and Robert KELLY/KELLEY, and their descendents. Cynthia was born about 1842 in either Ohio or Illinois. The KELLEY family was living in Goose Lake in 1890, and probably went there in the 1870’s (this is speculation based on when other family members went to Modoc County). Cynthia was the daughter of Florilla (CRAWFORD) GLIDDEN, who died at New Pine Creek in 1890. (My dad has previously written to you, and posted a query in which he asked about an obituary for Florilla GLIDDEN. Yesterday, he found two copies of the obituary; the text is set out below in case you are interested. This means that my dad’s query is now outdated, although our family continues to reasearch the PERKINS/GLIDDEN family in Modoc County.) If I haven’t already imposed on you enough, I also wonder, after reading the obituary, if you know what records might be available from the First Baptist Church, Goose Lake. Thanks in advance for any help you are able to provide.

    1. Hello, I am the admin of the New Pine Creek History group, on Facebook. We have lots of information and photographs, of the Perkins and Glidden family. You can join, or feel free to message me back here.
      Jamie Cummins

  17. From the Alturas NEW ERA, August 23, 1890, and August 21, 1890 MODOC INDEPENDENT: Obituary

    Death has again visited our little neighborhood and has taken from our midst one of our aged and most esteemed matrons, Mrs. Florilla Glidden. Florilla Crwaford was born in the State of New York, May 21, 1804; was married to Wm. Glidden Nov. 19, 1824, and died Aug 2nd 1890 at the age of 86 yrs., 2 months and 12 days. She was the mother of 10 children, seven of which are still living, and three dead. Their names are:- Mrs Mary D. Allen, wife of Dr. J.O. Allen, Ashland Oregon; John C. Glidden, deceased; Theodore P. Glidden of Colorado; Clark C. Glidden of Iowa; J. Sullivan Glidden deceased; Thos ?. Glidden of Illinois; Jefferson A. Glidden of Goose Lake, Cal; Wm. H. Glidden, deceased; Mrs. Cynthia M. Kelley, wife of Robt. Kelley, of Goose Lake, Cal; and Lydia A. Perkins, wife of John H. Perkins of Goose Lake Valley. Besides her ten children, she had 30 grand children and 13 great grandchildren. She had been a member of the Baptist Church for over half a century, and, until the beginning of this year her pew has seldom been found empty at the meeting of that church in this place. She was taken sick in the latter part of January last, and a little over six months of sickness and suffering, death came to her relief. She died at the residence of her daughters husband, John Perkins, where she had made her home for several years. She was kindly cared for during her long illness, by relatives and loving friends, and after the feeble spark had died, her remains were reverently carried by sorrowing friends, and laid to rest in the Cemetery at New Pine Creek, Oregon, the funeral procession being by far the largest seen in this valley. The funeral service was preached by the Rev. J. D. Bonner at the First Baptist Church, Goose Lake, where her many friends took a last look at the face of dear old “Grandma” as she was called. The casket and altar were beautifully decorated with flowers. After the funeral service, short eulogies were delivered by Rev’s. H. M. and L. E. Henderson. Appropriate ceremonies were held at the grave. This piece was signed: A FRIEND.

    1. Suzanne Glidden Sullivan

      Thank you so much for posting this. I have been working on my father’s genealogy. Florilla Glidden is my paternal grandfather’s great grandmother.

  18. Bob and Diane Elder

    A friend is searching for information on the FRAKES family in Modoc County. She needs all she can get! Another friend is looking for information on Carson LONG and his wife Lily DOLLARHIDE who lived in Fall River Mills, and in Lassen County. They were parents of two sons: Merle and Roland and some daughters. If anyone has historical or genealogical information on any of these families, I will gladly pass it on to my two friends who do not have internet access. Thank you very much.

  19. Hello Bill and Jean, I now am ready to branch off to another name on my family tree, CLARK My Father was born in Oregon and on his birth cert. it lists his father as Verrell A. CLARK — A = Alonzo Born in Modoc County, California On Feb 1, 1934 he was 28 yrs old so born about the year of 1906. I found the name CLARK in both your Modoc and Waters lists. Is there anything you maybe able to tell me or even where do I go to start to look for this person. I know he and my grandma divorced before he died. And this is all the information I have and would Love any HELP.

  20. James McCaffrey

    John SHERIN and wife Mary Jane GIBNEY came to cedarville CA. in approx 1868 they had 4 children; James, John, Edward & Margaret. The older John died in 1874, Mary Jane and two children; Edward & Margaret returned to Philadelphia PA in 1874 via wagont rain, was older John SHERIN buried in Cedarville CA and what became of children James & John SHERIN?

  21. I have extensive info on John Henry PERKINS (my great-grandfather, his daughter Mindwell Elizabeth PERKINS PATTERSON, Mindwell’s husband John PERKINS PATTERSON and his parents Robert Shanks PATTERSON and Mary Elizabeth Barnes PATTERSON and other kin who lived in Modoc County. Can provide FGS or whatever. Using PAF and have all kinds of data: voting records, census records etc. I NEED an obit on John Henry’s mother-in-law Florilla Crawford Glidden who died in New Pine Creek in 1890 because I have no parents for her even though a MASSIVE search has been made.

  22. Hi there, My name is Wendy Baker, and I am looking for any and all information about my family. Lets see, my grandmothers family settled in Lake City in either the late 1800’s or early 1900’s. Her maiden name was BROWN, Hadie Illinois BROWN. She married Elisha McDANIEL in the 1900’s, They had three children Ronald (who still owns the old grange hall and the Browns original homestead next door), Ada, and my mother, Mary. My mother was born at the church in Lake City on July 1st 1925. My grandmother, and I think my grandfather, are berried at the cemetery there. I have very fond memories of going to visit my grandmother in the summertime. Not much in Lake City back then to do. Even the store/postoffice/gas station closed down last time I was there. My Uncle, Ron McDANIEL, opened a store in the old grange hall after the original one closed up. OK, I have given you as much information as I have. I would like any more information you might have. Like anything about my great grandparents, Brown and McDANIEL, if you know anything. Or maybe you could tell me where to get more information. Also, I remember my grandma speaking of the Kennedy’s and Hamilton’s as relatives.

    1. Hello Wendy. I am Sharon Pinter (maiden name Bryan) and my grandfather Ron McDaniel was your Uncle Ron (his daughter Marla is my mother). I remember you very well from when we were young kids and used to get together with our families and Little Grandma for holidays. You are right — Hattie Illinois “Noy” Brown married H.E. (for Herbert Elisha) McDaniel in about 1915 or 1916 (I don’t have the exact date). I do know that Ronald Leland was born in 1917, Ada Marie in 1921, and your mom, Mary, in 1925, all in Lake City, CA. Noy (Little Grandma) was the oldest of nine children born to Jeduthan “Jeddy” Brown and Margaret Jane (“Maggie”) Kennedy Brown. Jeddy was born on March 23, 1855 in Butte County, CA and died on April 1, 1929 in Klamath Falls, OR. Margaret Jane Kennedy Brown was born on Nov. 29, 1871 or 1872 (I think her gravestone says 1872, but other records say 1871. She died on Dec. 26, 1946 according to her son, Erroll’s, Ancestry.com site, but her gravestone says simply “1947.” Maggie and Jeddy, and Grandma Noy and Herby McDaniel are buried in the Lake City Cemetery, as are several other Brown family members. You can look them up online. Also take a look at Erroll Kennedy Brown’s Ancestory.com pages. He passed away in 1989, but his family records have a lot of information.

      Also, Jeddy’s parents were William Brown (born in 1819 in Vermont) and Elizabeth A. Thomas Brown (born in 1833 in Indiana). Both died in Modoc County and are buried in Lake City Cemetery. If you search Jeduthan Brown on Ancestry.com (misspelled “Jeduthion” or “Jeduthian”) you will find more info. on that side of the family. Maggie Kennedy’s parents were William W. Kennedy (born 1838 in Canada) and Harriet Elizabeth Hamilton (her nickname was Hattie, and her granddaughter — Hattie Illinois — was named for her). Hattie Hamilton was born in 1854 in Santa Clara County, California. I do not have dates of death for William or Hattie Kennedy, but I think they probably are buried in the San Jose area. I am still working on those details, and trying to determine where Jeddy and Maggie were married. Little Grandma told us a lot of this history, but I always assumed Maggie was born in Lake City. It turns out she was born in Santa Clara County.

      Maggie’s grandparents (Harriet Hamilton’s parents) were Zeri Hamilton (born 1811 in New York) and Jane Blackford (born 1822 in Pennsylvania). Zeri Hamilton was a early settler in what would be San Jose Township in Santa Clara County; he owned a great deal of land just off of where Meridian Avenue is, and I believe Hamilton Avenue is named for him (Mt. Hamilton, however, is named for someone entirely different). Jane Blackford was the first teacher for Hamilton School District in San Jose. Her father was Samuel Blackford of Pennsylvania.

      Zeri Hamilton was well-known in the Santa Clara Valley and there is some info. about him online. His father was Luther Hamilton of New York, and his grandfather was Eliakim Hamilton, who was born in England, but became an officer for the Continental Army in the Revolutionary War. Little Grandma believed there was some connection to Alexander Hamilton through marriage. That’s what I remember, or have found online. I hope it helps. Also, the Modoc County Historical Museum in Alturas has info. on Lake City and some photographs of Jeddy and other family members, just in case you are ever up that way.

  23. Thank you for the page dedicated to Joseph Hamilton BROWN. My Grandfather was Jeduthan BROWN born 1855 in Butte County, CA. He married Maggie Jane KENNEDY b. 11-29-1871 and they lived in Lake City when my father, Rex Gordon BROWN, was born. (4-3-1911 – 6-10-86) My father was the youngest of 11 children and my grandfather was a farmer. Don’t have any other info on my grandfather but have been told that his father had a land grant in Modoc County. Don’t know his first or middle name. Since you have researched your family, do you think there could be a connection.

    1. Hello Rod. My name is Sharon Pinter, and my great-grandmother was Noy Brown McDaniel (your aunt). Noy’s son Ron McDaniel was my grandfather. I happened upon Wendy Baker’s post (her mother Mary was my great-aunt), and then I saw yours. I hope you are able to see my reply to Wendy’s post. If not, let me know via a reply to this message and I will re-post the information I have on the Brown-Kennedy-Hamilton families. Briefly, Jeduthan Brown (Jeddy) was born on March 23, 1855 in Butte County, CA. I don’t think he had a middle name — I’ve never seen one. Margaret Jane Kennedy (Maggie) was born on Nov. 29, 1871 (or 1872). Both Jeddy and his father, William Brown, were farmers in Modoc County. I know William Brown farmed land in the Lake City area, but I don’t know the details of that. Jeddy’s land was on the main road, near where the Grange Hall sits and there was a small cabin on it (if it’s still there — I have not be back for many years). I am not sure if the land that Jeddy owned was part of William’s original landholding or if it was an entirely separate farm. I suspect that William’s landholding was much larger. I don’t recall my Grandma Noy ever saying anything specific about that. Jeddy’s land, or at least a portion of it, eventually went to Noy, and she passed it on to her son Ron (my grandfather). All of us kids would spend time up there during the summers. I know that after Jeddy died in 1929, Maggie went to Klamath Falls and lived with Noy and her husband Hurby McDaniel. At some point, though, she returned to the property to live in Lake City. The Modoc County Historical Society in Alturas might have more info. on William Brown’s land. I hope this helps.

  24. I am looking for any information on the following: William Elija HOWE b. abt 1833 in Ottawa Ontario, Canada d. Jan 4, 1896? In Alturas CA. Marr 1. Sara Jane MILLER date unknown Marr. 2. Francis (Fanny) Arelia WHEATLEY. Newspaper clipping of Wm. on same page as Laughry (Teddy) date unreadable.

  25. Walter Jefferson MATNEY and Julia Ann COOPER lived in Alturas and Suprise Valley c. 1870 – First child William Henry MATNEY born May 14, 1870 in Alturas, died 1944 in AZ – possible additional issue of this couple: John, James, Lewis, Jefferson and several daughters unknown. William H. MATNEY married Sarah Pearl Penrose June 11, 1894 possibly in Modoc County.

    I did not see any Matneys in your data base but noticed 21 Coopers? The MATNEY, COOPERS and MAUPINS are related in Oregon, came from MO – W.J. MATNEY was on the 1843 wagon train. I believe he traveled with Jesse Applegate’s cow train and was one of 200 scouts who built the first wagon road to Oregon. I believe he was also with Jesse when he found his Applegate trail in 1846 (?). Walter went back to MO in 1848 and brought his brothers back with him. They settled at Yreka, Ashland and Jacksonville, followed gold mining some. They didn’t seem to stay in one place, makes it very difficult to research them, but family tradition and some census records indicate Walter settled in Modoc County, while his brother Carrel settled in Siskiyou. Another brother, James, lived at Ashland, Jacksonville and Yreka. All made several trips across the plains between MO and OR. I do not know the parents of Julia Ann COOPER. Hope you can help.

  26. Phoebe R. Larne

    I am looking for information on Guy and Mabel (NYE) CAREY who lived in Alturas sometime after 1920. Guy, b. 30 Apr 1892, KA, d. 26 Oct 1946 Alturas, and Mabel, b. 14 Sep 1893, in Red Bluff, CA, d. 5 Nov 1977 in Contra Costa Co., CA, were married 15 May 1913 in Red Bluff and had two children, Clarice June CAREY and Herbert (or Hubert) CAREY. Clarice married someone named ______BULLARD. Does anyone have this information? I had found Herbert listed in the phone book a few years ago, but then it was gone when I looked again the next year. Is he deceased? Did he ever marry? These are my Dad’s cousins and I would love to have any additional information for my genealogy project.

  27. Jennifer Nelson

    I am looking for any info on the family of Thomas TURNER. He moved to Alturas around 1875 and I have heard that he helped to found or founded the city. He died in 1881 in Alturas. I will continue to post new info on him but just wanted to get inquiry started. I would appreciate any help.

  28. Family tradition has it that my maternal great-grandmother was California Modoc Native American. I do not know who to start trying to find information. I only know she was called Rosalee. She may have married someone named MOORE as my grandmother was Bertha Dena MOORE. Bertha married George Edward ALLEN from somewhere in Pennsylvania. My mother, Ruth Juliette ALLEN was born in Southern California (Los Angeles or Santa Monica) on June 16, 1905. Any help would be most appreciated. Should I also be contacting another county? Thanks, in advance.

    – additional –

    My maternal great-grandmother was California Modoc. My mother was Ruth Juliette ALLEN born in Southern California June 16, 1905. Her parents were Bertha Dena MOORE and George Edward ALLEN. I have no idea where they were married, but am grabbing at straws. Bertha’s mother, Rosalee was the Modoc and I’m assuming she married a MOORE. Any help you can give for the MOORE or ALLEN marriage may be helpful. Thanks.

    1. Hello, our GG Grandmother Ramon was Indian, married to a John Cathey. They had 3 children, orphaned after the robbery murder of John, and Ramona killed by Indians. The baby Eunice, was kidnapped, and later they got her back, sending her ‘to Southern California to live with relatives, not the Pico’s, but perhaps the Alvarado or Pacheco family. Searching for descendants or connections to Eunice, or any of these families. The Rice name seems to show up everywhere, and connected our Bramlets to the Dorris family.
      We will gladly share ancestor info for Moore, Rice, Bram(b)lett, Cathey.
      ‘A Thomas Jefferson Moore, wife Mary (also Indian) of Klamath California, then of Lake Co Oregon, took the orphans in. Thomas Jefferson Moore’s Grandmother was Anne Elizabeth Cathey, who married James Madison Moore, son of William Hamilton Moore.
      Thank you, Renee Furukawa

    2. thru LDS several years ago, I was able to go thru a box of misc tribal documents for Modoc/ Klamath records of some kind, as I was searching for a Eunice, Jane & Willie or Wylie Cathey 2 of whom were adopted by Thomas Jefferson Moore, in Linkville/ Klamath area. The Moore family has been my best anchor so far,,,

  29. CHAPMAN, Albert – May 1849 – – Abt. 1879 – M. Harriet

    Unfortunately, I don’t think there is any Cross-Chapman action going on here; I am attaching a text file containing what I know about my wife’s Chapman people. I got a xerox of a letter from F. S. Chapman, dated 10/19/1884, to John W Goodwin to ask him to appoint a Mr. J. B. Reisi[sic] of to the Susanville Registrar’s office. The letterhead shows that Chapman was County Clerk and Recorder at the time. I have not found F. S. Chapman and family in the 1880 census, but from what I know he and his family lived in Modoc County at least between 1884 and 1889. (I noticed that some of the microfilmed pages of the 1880 census can be very faded, so perhaps the F S Chapmans are on a faded page)

    I found some very interesting things about J. S., F. S, and a cousin, Big John Chapman, in Fairfield’s Pioneer History of Lassen County. In 1858, Big John Chapman made a trip to Salt Lake to buy some stock, and was thrown into jail all winter and sentenced to death by the Destorying Angels, a group of renegade Mormons. He managed to escape; his friend did not. Other sections of the Fairfield book describe how Big John was shot by a rival suiter for his girl. Big John’s family forgave the shooter, and it is implied that Big John deserved what he got. (This in turn implies that perhaps he was thrown in jail in Salt Lake for good reason. ) The odd thing is, from what I can tell from various sources, his “rival” was his cousin’s future husband(AA Smith on the attachment, brother in law of F S Chapman)! The person who witnessed the shooting was F A Sloss, yet another future brother-in-law of F S Chapman! Andy Alexis

  30. Joanne N. Leetch

    Hello! My name is Joanne(Smith)Leetch. My family is from Willow Ranch. They have lived there since 1872 till present(I think there are still relatives there?).I’m not exactly sure what kind of information you have on my family, but it never hurts to ask.I have taken up the family genealogy where my grand mother left off. She tried to make a go of it, but found that it wasn’t as easy as she thought. So,I have some names and not much else so here is who I know of:(but not much about them) William M. Cloud Jr.(Grt,Grt,Grt grandfather), Emmaline(?) Cloud(Grt, Grt, Grt grandmother),Mary Jane Cloud, William Jackson Cloud, Katherine Virginia Cloud,Benjamin Franklin Cloud, Rebecca Ann Cloud, Martha Elizabeth Cloud (Grt,Grt Grandmother), James Buchanan Cloud, John Calvin Cloud, George Washington Cloud, Thomas Henry Cloud, Rolla Goodman, Dr. Clinton Henderson, Hayden Henderson, Emma Goodman Smith, Bertha Harris(Grt Grandmother),Bessie Alexander. I’m afraid that my grandmother may be correct, that this may be more than 1 person can do, but I am hoping that someone has some information on my family. I see that this is a very long letter and I apologize for taking your time like this. If you can help me in any way I would be forever greatful!!! Thank You for your time and consideration!!

    1. Hello, I’m the admin, for the New Pine Creek History group, on Facebook. And I have made posts, abt most of the names, you shared. Including photographs. You’re very welcome to join, or you can message me back here.
      Jamie Cummins

  31. Sally (Warner) Kemmerer

    Hi Bill! My grandfather, James Thomas Warner was a native of Modoc County, born in Alturas 5/21/1899. This line of our family is essentially a mystery to my branch of our family (mostly in the Sacramento area). Here’s the info I have, I realize that this may be an uneven exchange, since you seem to have so much! I understand that my gr-grandfather was Hiram Joseph Smith WARNER, b. 8/24/1844 in either Iowa or IL.

    I would like to find out b/m/d/b dates and locations for the parents of my ancestors on these lines, parents of Carrie Belle Kinsey and parents of Hiram Joseph Smith Warner, details of which are outlined below (I hope I’m not giving too much or too little info, I am NEW at this). I’m also interested to know if I have any living counsins/relatives on these lines who are also interested in geneaology up there.

    Apparently, HJS Warenr’s father was named Charles, mother Mary Jane SLOAN. His wife was Carrie Belle Kinsey, from Nebraska. Her father was Thomas KINSEY, her mother Elizabeth CLARK.

    Well, again, I am new, so feel free to give me feedback if this is not in a format you can easily work with or if you’re too busy to reply. I just thought I’d give it a shot! I have a good local resource here in Oakland in the California History Room of the library. They have GREAT stuff on Sutter, Yolo, Yuba but so far no good MODOC stuff. Thanks!

    1. I would be happy to help you with your genealogy information for this family. i have additional information for you. Please email. Marge V.

  32. I am doing a family tree. I am having a difficult time on my research on my mothers side of the family. My great great grandmother was a small girl (maybe about 10 or 12 during the Modoc War. She was a cousin to Captain Jack. Her fathers name was Ball. Her name was Dolly Ball and she later married a man named Edward Skeen. Dolly’s grand father’s name was Sheepie, no one knew his last name and he was a full blooded modoc also. I am sorry I cannot supply any more info than I have. Any help you could give me would be very much appreciated. Thank you G10839

    I have some other info that might be helpful. When they captured Captain Jack and others to either hang them or ship them to Oklahoma. My grandmother Dolly and her mother was taken in and hide by the Fairchilds at Lairds Landing so the soldiers would not find them. It is my understanding that mother and daughter married brothers named Skeen and workded on the Fairchilds Ranch. Thanks again.

  33. I am interested in the John Martin Howard Family. The following is part of the information I have available and that might be of interest to you or others researching this family.

    John M. Howard crossed the plains on his way to the gold fields of California in 1849. He worked in the mines at Placerville, but was not very successful at mining. He returned to the east on the old-time ship `Golden Gate’ by way of the Isthmus of Panama. The trip was very rough. He was seasick and there was an epidemic of fever on the ship which caused the death of many passengers. In case of death, the body was wrapped in canvas and weighted with sand before being slid down a chute into the Ocean. John and Nancy Angeline married in Missouri, March 3, 1851. With two children, they crossed the plains to California in 1857. When the train was coming across the plains, the Desert Indians attacked for the purpose of stampeding the cattle. They were partially successful, and drove away part of the stock. The emigrants fought the battle from their wagon corral and prevented a massacre. They followed the Indians to regain their stock but were unsuccessful. The Howards located in Eldorado County (Placerville is the County Seat in 1990’s) and were also in Mendocino County, California where son Jasper was born in 1866. Between 1868 and 1874 they moved the family to Modoc County California where they lived until about 1880. John M. Howard was in the stock business in Modoc County and arrived in the county as the Modoc Indian War was coming to a close. On September 1, 1878, Mr. Howard sold 160 acres of land and 300 inches of water rights from Pine Creek to Anne Wood for the sum of $800.00. This land is located approximately 3 miles SE of Alturas, CA and borders what is wildlife refuge. The John M. Howard family arrived in Oregon in 1880, locating in Civil Bend, (Brockway), in Douglas County.

    Howard Children: 1. Samanatha married a Brooks. Lived in Drain in 1916. 2. Charles N., Riddle OR. 3. Liva S, Riddle OR 4. Etta, Riddle 5. Jasper, Tenmile, OR 6. Ellen, married a Smith and lives at Tenmile 7. Iva, of Glendale 8. Annie, married a Boyle and lives in Roseburg 9. Ida May, married John Berry Fullerton. 10. John Willis, remained in Modoc Co. when the family moved to OR. An archives newspaper listed John W. Howard as the first ever surveyor of Modoc county. The first street to the west that parallels the highway in Alturas is named Howard Street. This was about 1873-74. 11. James Buchanan, remained in Modoc Co. In the 1874 voters register he was listed as a residence of Hot Spring.

    This is part of the information I have that pertains to this family. Most of Modoc County info is above.

    I would be happy to share addtional information and add information regards this family. The Bonner Family is also of interest to me if it connects with the Howards.

    Rommie Walker, Eugene OR

  34. I am searching for the Sherman’s that you may have in your database. My great-grandmother was Francis Helene Sherman. She was born 2 Nov 1890 in Lookout, Modoc, CA. She married Claude H. Carman 15 Sep 1909. She died in Susanville 16 Dec 1961.

    I am especially interested in her father, Elisha A. Sherman. This man is my stumbling block. He resided in Modoc County. There are a variety of family tales reguarding this man, but beyond his death certificate, there is really nothing I have on hand with any clues of this man.

    He died 25 Feb 1915, in Okanogan, Synarep, WA. He is buried there as well. His headstone says A. E. Sherman. Family members say He was Al Sherman. The death certificate indicates he was born 19 Oct 1938 in Maine.

    His marriage certificate says that he married Katie Shipman 21 Feb 1881 in Pleasanton, Alameda at 31 years of age. This doesn’t match his birth date on the death certificate.

    I hope that you may have something that may shed some light on this line of my family. If there’s anything more that I can provide to help, please let me know.

    Thank you in advance for your time,

    Stan Carman

  35. I would like to get the birth date of my grandmother, Maud Newport. She was born in the 1870’s in Altruas. Her mother and father were Francis and Jasper Newton Newport.

  36. Richard D. Warner

    I’ve been researching the STUDLEY family here in Maine for a few years now, and two brothers of my gr-gr-gr-grandfather, John STUDLEY have always eluded me. One brother, Silas STUDLEY, born ca. 1844 in Waldoboro, ME was said to have gone to California sometime after the death of his father who died when Silas was about 13 years old.

    Silas’ older brother, Benjamin STUDLEY, born 5 Nov 1837 in Waldoboro, and his sister, Caroline STUDLEY, born 25 Jul 1835, also seem to have disappeared about the same time (sometime after 1860).

    I’ve just discovered a deed that names Reuben WILEY and Alden WILEY, two stepbrothers of Benjamin and Silas STUDLEY. In 1859, Reuben WILEY bought his late stepfather’s homestead land and sawmill in Waldoboro. Reuben died on 13 May 1874 (at a location not yet known), and his brother, Alden WILEY bought his late brother’s interest in the farm and mill on 20 Nov 1875. Signing off on this deed as an heir was Silas J. STUDLEY of Modoc County, California. George H, Knight, notary public of Modoc County acknowledged his signature on 4 Dec 1875.

    This new information coincides with a local newspaper (Rockland, ME Courier-Gazette) entry of 28 Sept 1886 which notes “Bertha, dau. of S. J. and Mary J. STUDLEY, died 6 Sept 1886 near Lakeview, Oregon, aged 5-0-16.” I now believe that S.J. STUDLEY may have been Silas J. STUDLEY of Modoc, CA.

    Another clue that I’ve had in my files for some time is an IGI listing for a marriage of Benjamin Franklin STUDLEY to Sela Jane STANLEY on 19 Oct 1865 in Adin, Modoc County, CA. I now suspect that he may be the “lost’ Benjamin STUDLEY of Waldoboro, ME.

    Alden WILEY died in Warren, ME in 1917, and his occupation was listed as “Retired Miner”, which I take as another clue to the possibility that perhaps all four boys, and possibly their sisters, Rebecca (WILEY) HEWETT and Caroline STUDLEY, all struck out for California after their father died.

    Do you recall running across any record of these STUDLEYS and/or WILEYS in your neck of the woods?

    1. It seems my family has been working the reverse route of your search. My father is a related to Silas J. Studley (father’s mother is Alsy Juanita Converse, her mother Alsy Studley (daughter of Silas J.)). They have deep roots in Adin and Modoc County. Through marriage, there are many connections to this area (Modoc County and the Lakeview area of Oregon). There used to be a family, living in Adin, with a sizable library of Studley family history (the family bible, etc.). I recall going as a young child. The family name of the family history keepers passed with my father.

    2. Leila StudleyLefebvre

      Are you still looking for the Studleys of Oregon? I am a Studley. Silas Studley is my great- grandfather. His youngest son Oscar Albert Studley, was father to my father who is Harold Oscar Studley. Alsy Studley Converse is my great-aunt. We used to visit her in Sonoma, Ca. There are conflicting stories of the Thomas Studley in Maine, who was labeled as a farmer in Waldoborough, Maine in 1850 census.
      Both Silas and his Brother Benjamin Studley came to California and ended up buying the 1300 acres in Lakeview and Adin area raising cattle. Both Silas and Ben were recipients of their father’s property- a lumber mill in Maine, as well as other boys of Thomas Studley.. So I don’t know that he was just a farmer. One of the older Studley boys bought out the rest of Studley brothers on the mill..Ben and Silas used the Mill money to pursue their venture in Oregon. Later, Silas sold his portion to Ben and Silas moved back to Sonoma, Ca area where he also had property. There is more history in Adin area from the original ranch that Ben and Silas co-owned.. as was previously mentioned. Though Silas died in Sonoma Ca. He is buried in Lakeview with 4 of his first 4 children. Mary Jane Studley is buried in Sonoma Cemetery in the Studley Plot.. There’s a book about that the Adin area written by Glorianne Weigand. 101 Ranch in Adin, Ca

  37. In my records, I show Josephine AUSTIN marrying Charles Clinton BRUCE in Davis Creek. Any further background on her family, or his family connections in Modoc County would be helpful. Thanks!

  38. Douglas Bridges

    My name is Douglas Bridges and I live in Neosho Missouri, a small town in southwest Missouri, close to the Oklahoma border. I am researching some of my family and have reason to beleive that one of my ansester may be of modoc descent. The individual that i am researching is a Samuel Williams, a man of obvious indian descent. The problem is i have so little information on this man that i can’t continue my research. here is what I have. Sam is my Great Grandfather. He marries a lady in Ozark Mo. in 1889. He gives his origin as whitman co. Washington territory. We know that he wasn’t born in washington, but we can’t prove it. Family stories tell of Casper Bradford (sam’s fatherinlaw) being a doctor in the indian nation (oklahoma) and taking up with sam probably at the Quapaw mission. Sam contiues to follow casper and his daughter,Ollie untill their marriage. We have a picture of sam in his youth and another of a woman that we beleive to be his mother. Speculating that sam and casper met up in the quapaw agency , the location of the modoc indian relocation in 1880’s , we are hoping that he may be of the modoc tribe. We have the follow hard data on sam; DOB>8-03-1864

    DOD>7-02-1961

    Know places of residence; Springfield Missouri, Guthrie Oklahoma, Alba Missouri Saginaw Missouri. Interment: Saginaw Cemetary, Saginaw Missouri.

    With the lack of information and the absolute lack of knowledge by any of the family we are some what at a stand still. Any information on any census rolls or any other records that might be searched would be of great help.

    Thank you for your time; Douglas and Brenda Bridges

  39. Sharon Harrer Sweeney

    Looking for information on Thelma Voltaire born in Alturas Jan 20, 1904. Father was a piano tuner who travelled the western US.

  40. Peggy Lovelace Contreras

    Sewell Green Rees b. 21 Dec 1834 Ohio d. Alturas,CA m. 1864 Yreka,Ca to Clarissa; she d. 11 Jun 1918 Kennett,CA; bur. Redding Cemetery

    Sewell went to CA in 1852 and was killed by a falling building during a storm. Wife, Clarissa, crossed plains in 1854 w/parents by ox team; came by way of Donner Lake over the Donner Trail; in 1870 the family moved to Nevada Co; there for 18 yrs; mother of 6 children. Seek descendants; have info to share.

  41. Remember me? 🙂 I was looking for information on my gg-grandfather ANDREW HARPER ALLEN who died at Willow Ranch. I wasn’t sure of the death date.

    I have found in my father’s notes a handwritten copy of Andrew’s obituary. I haven’t come across the original yet. In it, it states that he died on the 15th, after a short illness, at the home of James Barnes. It also states that he was 67 years old and that he was getting ready to return to Bridgeport as soon as the roads and weather would permit, when he was taken sick.

    I also found another note as to different stories as to causes of his death, one being he was robbed and killed, another being that he had small pox, and still another that he was kicked in the head by a horse. His son wanted to have the body exhumed but the law wouldn’t allow it.

    So, with this information, I have concluded this:

    He was born Dec. 12, 1826 so he would have turned 67 in Dec. 1893. Since I have letters written to him by his daughter in late Dec. 1893 I am assuming he died in early 1894. Since he was waiting for the roads and weather to clear, my guess is somewhere between Jan. and March or April?

    When I was at the Modoc County Library in Alturas, looking through some of the microfilms of the Adin Argus I remember seeing that there was a small pox epidemic in Willow Ranch in 1894 and it was quarentined. So that fits with one of the stories of the cause of his death. Would also explain why they wouldn’t allow his son to exhume the body.

    I was wondering if you have received your Adin Argus microfilms yet and if you have, if you could check that time period for me. I did notice when I was going through the microfilms that they did list deaths of people in Willow Ranch in it. I just didn’t have enough time to go through them as thoroughly as I would like to have and not knowing even the year of death it was like finding a needle in a haystack.

    Thank you. I appreciate your help.

  42. I am trying to locate any information regarding my family while they lived in Cedarville during the years between 1917 and 1928. My grandparents were Lester Lee RIFFE m. Helen Maria TERRY in Ukiah, CA in 1911. Their children, all born in Ukiah were Mariam, Fredrick James and my father Norman Terry Riffe. The family moved to Cedarville ca 1917 and left in the late 20’s. My father’s memory is very vague about this time period, but he remembers another related family living in the area. He thinks perhaps it was SPURLOCK, BENNETT or TERRY.

    I know this is very thin information, but perhaps there is some connection. I noticed all of these related families in your surname list.

  43. I am searching for information about my family who lived in Alturas. Their names were Francis Layton and Jesse(Matthews)Day. (My deceased grandparents). I believe my grandmother, Francis, who died in 1965 or 1966 had a brother named Joe Layton who moved from Alturas to Loma Rica,CA. circa 1964. My father’s name was David Dewaine Day, born on April 19, 1938. He died in 1979. How can I go about finding-out more about the Days and/or Laytons ?? I can be reached at — seashell@usa.net Thanks!

    I am searching for information regarding my grandparents and any other ancestral information you might be able to offer. My grandmother, Francis LAYTON married my Jesse Day, my grandfather. They had my father, David Dewaine Day in 1938. My grandfathers last name by blood should be MATTHEWS, but he was adopted (never legally) by a man named DAY. My grandparents both lived in Alturas, but later moved to the Marysville area. My grandmother had many siblings, but Joe Layton is the only name I know of. Rumor has it that my grandmother was part Modoc Indian, but she wouldn’t admit to it back then. I would appreciate any information you may have. Thank you!

    1. Hi Michelle,
      First off, I don’t think I have any useful information for you regarding your grandparents.
      The reason I am writing is because of our similar connection to men/man named Day.
      I have been searching for information on my great grandfather James Teddy. My grandfather of the same name was born in Alturas.
      As far as I can tell my great grandfather and great grandmother were divorced around 1920. My Great grandmother remarried a man by the name of George Day. He was born in Nevada. My grandfather James Teddy for some reason, not sure if adopted, became James Day and so the story goes. My Father James Teddy Day was also born in 1938.
      Our family story similarities are interesting at least and both because of men named Day in the same place in the state at around the same time. Creepy right? LOL!
      Just had to share. Thanks for your time.
      Brad

  44. Hi I see you have a connection of Bricker and also Andrews i am trying to locate some information on a John Bricker born October 25 1822 who married a Sarah Andrews born October 11 1833 Wonder if you recognise this couple! Thanks Rachel Sy7777@aol.com

  45. I am doing a search for my grandfather WILLIAM HENRY MATNEY, born in Alturas 14 may 1871,married 6-11-1894, I would appricaite all the help I could get Thanks Dan Matney

    I left a previous e-mail on this search, but I think I should get the inquries in all the right places, I know William Henry Matney was born in Alturas; I know he was married there , I just dont have access to the files, I live way out in the country far from town. thanks Dan Matney

    PS I would also like to find out who his dad and mom was ?

  46. Barbara Rice Jarjoura

    I am looking for information on my family. My greatgrandfather, Morris Dick had a ranch very close to New Pine Creek. His ranch was on US395 between Willow Ranch and New Pine Creek. He was married to America (Mettie) Moore Dick. I am not sure how many children that they had.

    My grandfather Edward Rice and his brother Samuel Rice were is the area about 1900.

    Since this is my first attempt to obtain information if you could at least let me know where to start.

    1. Hello, our GGG Grandmother Ramona was Indian, married to a John Cathey, and had 3 children, orphaned after John was murdered and robbed, then Ramona killed by Indians. The “baby” Eunice was taken but they got her back later. Jane Medora Cathey, & her brother Will Cathey, were taken in by Thomas Jefferson Moore of Klamath CA, then of Lake Co Oregon. TJ’s Grandmother was Ann Elizabeth (Cathey) Moore. Eliz Cathey married James Madison Moore, son of William Hamilton Moore, son of William Hamilton Moore, son of William Moore.
      Hoping that Bram(b)lett, Rice, Cathey, Dorris, and connections will shed light on the Cathey family. Our Bramletts were married to Ica and Moses Preston Rice. They were taken prisoner in Kentucky, taken to Canada, lived in Ill, Ohio, and Missouri, in Oregon 1844, and Portland by 1852. Their parents Icay and Maiden (Foster) Rice. Grandparents Joseph and Rachel Rice. GGrandparents Thomas and Marcy (Hewes) Rice.
      A Mr Dorris gave our Bramletts work, running sheep and/ or cattle all over Cal, Or, etc. Do you know whether your Moore or Rice families are connected to either of ours ? Thank you, Renee

  47. My father was born at Alturas, Modoc County. (His father was a teacher-principal there, circa 1910-20.) His mother was born near and grew up at Big Valley, Lassen County. She was one of ten children of Levi “Lee” Elias and Sarah Jeanette “Nettie” (DOWELL) STONE. They had many relatives who lived in northern Lassen and southern Modoc, especially at or near Adin and Lookout. Will share info about them and related families.

  48. Dorothy E. Stanley

    I’m looking for any mention of the family of Belle & Abraham KIRKPATRICK. They lived in the Willow Ranch area in the 1880’s with the following children: Claud, Maudie, Clarence Marion, Lester Frank, Hiram Barnes, George Oliver & Alma Wilma.

    I believe Abraham was a blacksmith while in Modoc County. He abandoned the family leaving them destitute and returned by himself to Iowa.

    Thank you for your time and assistance!

  49. Re my Eades family, I don’t know an awful lot about them. One of my g-grandmother’s sisters, Adele Castner, married an Eades, first name unknown. She had four children that I know of, Freeland, Ezra, Marian and Dorothy. Freeland supposedly died in Napa from an outbreak of anthrax at the stockyard where he worked. I decided to start the search there because I figured that should be pretty easy to track down. But I guess he didn’t die in Napa! Have to ask grandma for better info…..

    My grandmother’s side of the family was from the Butte County area. I’m not sure where Modoc County is — is it close? Many of them ended up in the Napa area (supposedly!)

    I also found a mention of an Elsie Eades in a Norcal post, from the obituary of Elizabeth Michel. Did you see that one? I saved it for future reference.

    Anything match up here?

  50. I am trying to locate some information on my G-G-Grandfather, ANDREW HARPER ALLEN, b. 12 Dec 1826, Belfast, Ireland. The information I have gathered from family notes and letters is that he died at Willow Ranch, Modoc County and was buried there. I believe that he was there on a ranch working with race horses? The problem I have come across is the death date. In some places it is recorded as 9 Sep 1893, others it is 9 Sep 1894. However, I have also come across a letter written to him from his daughter dated 28 Jun 1898. I’m wondering if he died in Sept 1898 and somewhere along the line someone confused the 8 for a 3. At this point I’m not even sure if Sept is right but it’s all I have. I would appreciate very much if you would check those three dates for me.

    I live in Shingletown (east of Redding) and my husband and I are thinking of taking a trip up to Willow Ranch and Goose Lake in a few weeks. Do you know if there is a cemetary at Willow Ranch? There is also some reference to the fact that Willow Ranch was part of Oregon at that time? Do you know anything about that? If this is the case and I need to go to vital records, do I need to go to Klamath Falls instead of Alturas? If I’m asking too much of you, just ignore my questions, I’ll understand. I do appreciate you taking the time to do a lookup.

  51. Sandra B. Terry

    HI I am researching the following people in Cedarville. Samuel and Caroline (mcvey) Smith were my g-grandparents. Monte Leroy and Jennie (white) Smith were my grandparents. Others that I am interested in are James and Martha(McVey) Wylie my g-aunt. Grace and Lee Heryford (Grace is my grandfather’s sister), the Porters and any others that lived there. I know that Grandmother Jennie Smith lost 4 children in 1914, They were all younger than my Mother Mary Beatrcie Smith (Jenkins). They are buried in the Cedarville Cemetery. Do you have any information on these people. I have found bits and pieces but need dates and some names. Any help will be greatly appreciated. The lines are Smith, McVey, Wylie, Porter, Heryford, Kennedy, Tickner thank you Sandra B. Terry ( mother Mary Beatrice Smith Md John Ernest Jenkins.)

    I believe James and Martha Wylie’s children lived in Cedarville.

  52. I am looking for Gabriel McLean Stratton. He may also be listed as G M Stratton. He moved to CA from MO in 1860. I know that he was buried at Adin, CA in about 1894. His wife was Pelagie Chouteau, her name may be a variation like Pelisha. In the 1860 census, he would have two children born in MO. Three children were born in CA in the early 1860’s.

    Your help is appreciated. I am looking forward to your response.

    1. Although it has been many years since your original post, I am also seeking information on Gabriel McLean Stratton. My great-great grandmother is his daughter, Mary Jane.

  53. Have a Lawrence Poindexter and family that lived in Modoc County, Possible Cedarville area, also Davis Creek, New Pine creek etc. Looking for information on them.

    1. Hello Doris. Lawrence Poindexter is my Grt. Grt. grandfather. I’m not sure if you remember me or not, but we met when I lived in the Modoc between 1994 and 2000.

      Please send me an email if you have the chance. I hope this note finds you well.

  54. Could you please check your reference for NILES and HELMAN. I would like any of the the above, but specifically Sylvestor NILES, Edna NILES and Merle NILES (married a DUTTON). I don’t anticipate there being any HELMAN’s but thought it might not hurt to check since the Father of the above NILES was Jay Eugene NILES who married Mary Elizabeth HELMAN.

  55. I’m doing research on the Vernon family from the Lake City, Modoc County area and would love to hear from those with information. My relatives are:

    Sarah Fleeta Vernon-my greatgrandmother (born November 1, 1897 in Lake City) (she had many brothers and sisters most born in Modoc County)

    George Thomas Vernon-my great, greatgrandfather

    Miles Standish Vernon-my great, great, greatgrandfather (died in Lake City on January 28, 1944)

    Anderson Pleasant Vernon- my great, great, great, greatgrandfather.

    All of them resided in Modoc County.

  56. Larry C Richardson

    A mystery! My grandmother, Lora Covell, was born in Modoc County on May 28th, 1880. All evidence that I have is from Nevada (Story) Iowa. All junior siblings were born there also. Any information would certainly be appreciated.

    1. I have check my files for “Corvell”, but without any luck. Was this her maiden name. What about her siblings, mother, father, who did she marry??? With a little more information, I may get lucky.

      1. Larry C Richardson

        Thank you. Lora was the first child of Charles L. Covell and Catherine Ferner. All of the other children-Ferner, Leota, and Leon-were born in Nevada, Iowa. The family, without the father, was in Alameda, California in 1900. That is why it is such a mystery. Why would a newly married couple move to Modoc County from Nevada, Iowa in 1880, have a child, and then return to Nevada, Iowa?

  57. Could someone please check for a date of death for me. I need a death date for Harold ROBERTS who died about 1935, give or take a year, in Modoc county, probably Alturas. He was born Mar 1893 in Modoc county and lived there and in Lake county OR. He was also known as Harry but death record should be Harold.

  58. Bill & Bernice Huckaby

    We are searching for evidence of a HAZELTON family who lived in Modoc Co., near Goose Lake, in the late 1800s. Richard Pierce HAZELTON (sometimes listed as Pearse Richardson HAZELTON) reportedly died 8 Mar 1878, at Goose Lake. It is believed he worked in logging. We are looking for any evidence of his death or burial place. We are also looking for any information on his family while in Modoc Co. His wife Obedience HAZELTON and children moved to Arizona in the early 1880s. Any help will be greatly appreciated as will direction to other resources.

    HARER (HARRER) We are searching for evidence of a HARER (HARRER) family who lived in Modoc Co., near Goose Lake, in the late 1800s. Reportedly Obedience HARER, a widow, moved there about 1873, after the death of her husband in Ventura Co., to live with two sons, William Jasper HARER and John Redmond HARER, who were, “… living and working in a sawmill at the time.” Obedience reportedly died at Goose Lake in 1876. We are looking for any evidence of her death or burial place. Also looking for any information on the sons who left the area by the early 1880s. Any help is greatly appreciated.

  59. I’m seeking info on my grandfather. Robert Alva Ward. He owned a resturant in Klamath Falls, OR. in around 1922. He reportedly sold the resturant in 1922 and was not seen again. He was believed to have been hit and killed by the driver of an automobile in or near Alturas, CA… This time frame would have been in the spring of 1936 or 1937, this was never verified. He would have been about 48 years old. He belonged to the culinary alliance (teamsters union) for food handlers or waiters. He had a propensity for using morphine to which he was addicted from previous medical problems. He may have lived in the Modoc Co. area, or worked there, probably in the resturant business. Any help you can give me would certainly be appreciated. Thank you!!!!!

  60. I am looking for members of the Cockrell family from Surprise Valley. They were some of the first settlers in the valley. If you have any information, please let me know.

  61. Ken Tessendorff

    Many years ago I found a group of family group sheets that were sent to the Family History Library by one Lawrence Brinkley from Capitan, New Mexico. I have tried to search him down, but have never located him. He had done a lot of work of the SUMMERS family from Big Valley and included information on ANDERSON, DUNLAP, DURFEE, WEMPLE, GASSAWAY, FULCHER and several others. If anyone has ever heard of Mr. Brinkley? He submitted his information in 1989, but may have passed away since then.

    1. Ken Tessendorff

      Many years ago I found a group of family group sheets that were sent to the Family History Library by one Lawrence Brinkley from Capitan, New Mexico. I have tried to search him down, but have never located him. He had done a lot of work of the SUMMERS family from Big Valley and included information on ANDERSON, DUNLAP, DURFEE, WEMPLE, GASSAWAY, FULCHER and several others. Have either of you fellows ever heard of Mr. Brinkley? He submitted his information in 1989, but may have passed away since then.

      I am still searching for additional information on James CUMMINS who came to California in 1849, 1852 & 1857. He lived in Placer 1852-1855 and Calaveras 1857-1867. Perhaps you are a descendant or may know someone who is researching one of the families listed below.

      DESCENDANTS OF JAMES CUMMINS James’ married children were: Elizabeth Jane (Cummins) Murdock, Rebecca (Cummins) Summers, Thomas Jefferson Cummins, John Harbert Cummins. REBECCA’S children. Mary J. (Summers) Nash, John W. Summers, Andrew E. Summers, Emma (Summers) Dunlap, James Thomas Summers, Ida (Summers) Lamburth, Lizzie (Summers) Ingram, and Perry Summers. Family members had these names: Dunlap, Anderson, Harvey, Lamburth, Ingram, Nash. Most of these descendants lived in Modoc. Lassen, Shasta & Tehama Counties.

      THOMAS JEFFERSON CUMMINS’ children. Virginia (Cummins) Whitehead, Mary Ellen (Cummins)Tolson, Ida S. Cummins, Catherine (Cummins) Lane, Charles E. Cummins, Evelyn (Cummins) West, Ada (Cummins) Betterton, Cordelia (Cummins) Worley, Leonora (Cummins) Caldwell, Thomas D. Cummins and Blanche E. Cummins. Family members had these names: Whitehead, Santuccio, Dana, Beach, Benton, Phelan, Shiffrar, Metz, Colm, Cunningham, Cain, Smith, Moffitt, Peterson, Hill, Yelle, Shields, Tolson, Vaughn, Brooke, Enns, Orejel, MacDivitt, Halligan, Parsons, Krill, Alonso, Hege, Headington, Bevins, Easter, Carovana, Lane, Larsen, Barbeau, Taylor, Ohleyer, Shaw, Beeson, Kadeau, Green, Flynn, Winter, Killingsworth, Burleson, Hays, McPheeter, Fitch, Richardson, Slinkard, Webb, Partridge, Johnson, West, Huston, Crary, Harper, Fennell, Russell, Chalmers, Betterton, Nicholas, Schurlknight, Worley, Scaife, Oliver, Caldwell, Reddoch, Morris, Fields, Rohde, Greaser, Lamoree, Bailey, Taylor. These families live all over California, but their roots are in Modoc, Lassen, Colusa, Yolo and other counties in the Sacramento Valley.

      JOHN HARBERT CUMMINS children. Mary E. (Cummins) O’Brien, Arthur Truman Cummins, John H. Cummins, Samuel W. Cummins, Thomas J. Cummins, Susan J. (Cummins) Biggs, Sarah M. (Cummins) Fariss, Margorie V. Cummins. Family members have these names: O’Brien, Biggs, Fariss. Bevins, Many of these descendants lived in southern California in and around Los Angeles and San Diego. James Cummins’ second wife, Sarah Page, had four children. I have never found any of their decedents. Joseph Page, George Page, Elizabeth Page, James Page. I believe they all came to California with James & Sarah in 1852. They may have taken the name CUMMINGS. James Cummins & his third wife, Marjara Man (Polly Ann) also had five daughters. I have never located any descendants of these girls. The daughters were Mary C., Sarah F., Loisa (Annie), Virinda (Susan) and Martha (Nancy). Mary C. may have married a man named I. W. Ishmael at San Andraes, CA, in 1871. Polly Ann married a John Dean in 1872. Her daughters may have taken his name, but I doubt it.

      I would like to correspond with anyone researching the families of JAMES CUMMINS, HANCE MURDOCK, and JOSHUA HALL. Related family names are: WHITEHEAD, TOLSON, SUMMERS, DUNLAP, ANDERSON, HARVEY, CARPENTER, T0NEY, QUIRK, LAMBURTH, INGRAM, VAUGHN, MILLER, BEVINS, LANE, BEESON, WORLEY, CALDWELL, HALL, COOK, McCLINTOCK, POWERS, NASH, BOSTWICK, MOFFITT, YELLE, SMITH, OHLEYER, HAYS, HAUGHT, ALIFF, GREEN, WINTER, WEST, HUSTON, BETTERTON, NICHOLAS, GRAESER, TAYLOR. If a line is drawn from San Francisco to the Nevada border, descendants of James Cummins, Hance Murdock And Joshua Hall lived in almost every county north of that line, and parts of eastern Oregon, eastern Washington, and western Nevada. There are probably more than 10,000 descendants who lived or are now living in these areas. I currently have information on about 2000. I am interested mainly in historical documents, Bibles, business papers, letters, etc. that were created by these men and their children. I would like to include this information in my next book along with a descendancy chart of their non-living descendants. I would appreciate any help you can provide. I may also be able to put you in touch with other people researching the above names. Tell me what you have and what you need and I will search my database and files for a match. Give me a try. Ken

      1. Lora Harvey Renville

        Hi Ken, Not sure if I can be of any help. I am a Harvey and many of my relatives lived in Modoc County…specifically Adin, CA, Shasta and surrounding area. Not sure if I can help in your search with James Cummins. None of the other names you listed sound familiar but you never know. Lora

  62. Any information about The Anderson MARDERS Family living in Modoc county in the 1850’s, 1860’s would be greatly appreciated. Our hearts go out to you and your nieghbors! STAY DRY Thanks for your service, Walt from Cool

  63. Modoc Families: Milan Stinous RENNER, b Mar 24 1879, Alturas, Ca., Modoc Co., Ca., Wife Mary WILLIAMS b. dec 30 1879 Alturas, Modoc Co., Ca at Joseph Creek Ranch nr davis Creek, Ca. Would like any information on parents of Milan: Father, Theodore RENNER Mother, Laura Jane ESSEX, who may have been b. in Stone Coal Valley between Canby & Adin Also information on the Parents of Mary WILLIAMS; Father, Samuel WILLIAMS, Mother Marrrita HUSTED. These are Grandparents & G-Grandparents of my Wife Carole Diane Grubb, dau of Mary Levine RENNER & Ernest Harold GRUBB.

  64. Dorothy E. Stanley

    Researching KIRKPATRICK in Modoc Co., CA in the late 1880’s. Abraham and Belle (BARNES) KIRKPATRICK lived in Willow Ranch, Modoc Co. beginning about 1885 with the following children: Claud b 1878, Maudie b 1878, Clarence M. b 1881, Lester F. b 1883, Hiram B. b 1885, George O. b 1888 & Alma W. b 1889. Any info on this family will be greatly appreciated!

  65. Bill, I noted the PENLAND surname in the families list. I am researching the descendants of George H. Penland (1833-1919). George went to CA in 1852 and died in Yolo Co. in 1919. I believe one of his sons lived in Modoc Co in Alturas Twp. (1900 census). Do you have any info on these Penlands? Thanks, Bob Penland Soldotna, AK.

  66. Jennifer C. Nelson

    TURNER, Thomas: Thomas was b.1818 in Kentucky and traveled the Oregon trail to Oregon and later moved to Modoc county and died in Alturas in 1881. Any info on he or his family and wife would be appreciated: wife: Susannah E. Neal; children:Nancy, Luvicy, Mary/Polly Ann, Thomas, Sanuel, Henry, George,Andrew and Margaret.

    Lake City Cemetery: I am looking for Thomas Riley Turner. I believe he died in Lake City before 1881.

    Obituaries from Local Papers 1875-1916

    Looking for obit of Thomas L. Turner d.Oct 1. 1881 and wife Susannah d. 19 Feb 1883.

    1. Jennifer,I too am researching Thomas Lee Turner and his wife Susannah Neal, who died 1881 and 1883, respectively in Alturas, Modoc County, California. Both are buried in the Pioneer Cemetery at Alturas.

      In 1870 the Turner family lived in Shasta district, Eldorado, Baker County, Oregon with the John Wood family. John was married to their daughter Louisa/Luvicy?? This family group moved to South Fork in Modoc County in 1875, I think, where Thomas continued raising cattle and John Wood began making wagons.

      John died in 1910 in Minnesota while living with his daughter Vina Scrammon and Louisa died some years before that as John is listed as a widower in the 1910 census. Both are probably buried in the Pioneer Cemetery at Alturas also, as they aren’t listed in the main Alturas cemetery.

      My interest is in both families and especially photographs, as I am writing a book on the town of Eldorado and looking for photos of as many residents as I can find. Any help would be appreciated.

      Thanks in advance, Gary Fugate

  67. McINTOSH m. GOLDSBERRY – I am researching my birth father, Stanley Alyn McIntosh. I believe that he married in Modoc County, somewhere between 1920 and 1922. He married a Lorene Goldsberry who graduated from Modoc Union High School in 1920. Stanley graduated from the same school in 1918.

    I need the marriage certificate for leads to other members of both families. Any help that you can give me will most appreciated. Ron Morgan

  68. I am looking for information on Pardon (Pard) and Peleg Brown. Pardon Brown owned property in the late 1800s near Fort Bidwell and Peleg Brown owned property south of Cedarville. Any assistance would greatly be appreciated. Arthur Brown

  69. Looking for Naturalization papers for my grandfather, Ervay Walter KING, who lived in Alturas in 1930, working for the Salvation Army. Immigrated from Canada. Does county courthouse have naturalization records from that time period? I tried USCIS without success.

  70. I am looking for a birth record for Edith May WILSON born 1 May 1895 to Ezra Morton Wilson (former newspaper owner in Adin) and May Elizabeth Lee.

  71. Looking for information on Paul LIEBERMAN, b: April 1827 in Saxony/Prussia, d: after June 1900 (Ft. Bidwell census). Paul was a shoemaker who left his 1st family in Philadelphia after the Civil War. His name is on various voter records for Lake City and Camp Bidwell and Ft. Bidwell. He is in both the 1880 and 1900 census data. There is a Lieberman Canyon tot he east of Ft. Bidwell, Modoc County. Paul continued his trade as a shoemaker at Ft. Bidwell c. 1900
    I am a third great grandson.
    Would like to know if he married in Modoc County (1880-1900)
    Would like to know where he is buried.
    Would like to know if he had offspring with a hypothetical second wife.

  72. Looking for any photos of Fred Butler, estimated birth year 1887, on 1940 census was living with Charley M Oliver and Ella Oliver. Children were George F Butler and Mary Ella Butler. Occupation listed as Car Loader

  73. I am doing research on the Wallace Stuart Painter family. He was born in 1860 in Pennsylvania and moved to Modoc County shortly after his marriage to Rachel Ann Stochdill in 1882. He raised his family in the Lake City area,I think, and was the father of Nellie Cressler Painter who married Fredrick Streig in that same area. They lived in Lake City many years. Any information anyone has would be most welcome.

  74. David Stokesberry

    Wyatt Ogle was born: May 21st 1791 in VA. Winnifred maiden name was Monneyhan. She was born: Nov 21st 1791 in N.C. If you want more information let me know. Like wise may be we can trade information.

    David Stokesberry
    (620)-515-2165

  75. 1 February 2021, Jon Dante, nautili@frontier.com
    I am trying to find burial details (cemetery) for Ella (MILLER) STREET and son Farley STREET. Both died in the flu epidemic on 29 October 1918. Deaths occurred in Sacramento but bodies were returned by train to Cedarville/Surprise Valley.

      1. Hi Joyce. Yes, this is the same family. Martha was Ella’s mother-in-law (and my great, great grandmother). I descend through Martha’s son William Street and his daughter Rea (Rhea) Street. I would be happy to share information if you are interested. My email address is nautili at frontier.com. I also have a family tree on My Heritage which I would be happy to invite you to view (I think you would have to be member, but not sure).
        Thanks for your reply!
        Jon

  76. I am looking for details about a lady by the name of Amanda Pack, or Amanda Newberry. She was supposedly born circa 1862 and lived in California and Modoc after 1900. Other Pack families seemed to be connected to her in Oroville, Butte, Co. One woman named Amanda Pack supposedly worked for the Clark family as a cook in Oroville. Not sure if she moved on to Modoc, or if she is a completely different person. Any Packs out there in genealogy land?

  77. Do you have access to Newspapers.com? There are many mentions of Amanda Pack in Modoc County that may be helpful. If you don’t have access I would be happy to help. Let me know and I’ll provide my email address.
    Jon

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