Laird Family of California

(V.) Eleazer⁵ Givens Laird, younger son of James⁴ Kerr Laird, James³, Capt. David², James¹; was born in Hopkins Co., KY, on 9 Mar. 1830.[1] His father moved to Union Co., KY, when he was very young, and then his father died when he was about 4 years old. He grew up in Union Co., KY, on a small ranch with his mother and older brother, Robert Laird, and when the gold rush hit, he sold his inheritance in his father’s estate to his brother Robert on 26 Mar. 1850,[2] and rode to St. Louis, MO, to join a wagon train for California, following several of his elder cousins on the Givens side.[3] He was probably living and working in Missouri during the 1850 federal census, but he managed to escape the census taker that year. He traveled overland to California in an ox‑drawn wagon, in 1852, settling first in San Joaquin Co., CA, about 2 miles north of Lockeford, CA, near the ranch of his cousin, James Laird Christian, where he owned 400 acres of land. The ferry on the old Upper Sacramento Road crossing the Mokelumne River one mile west of Lockeford was originally called Laird's Ferry.[4] In the 1860 Federal Census Eleazer and Mary Laird were living in Elkhorn twp, San Joaquin Co., CA, where he was a farmer, very close to his cousin James L. Christian and his brother-in-law, Jesse McDowell, where his widowed mother was living with them.[5]

Eleazer Givens Laird married Mary Jane McDowell on 27 July 1853 in Stockton, CA.[6] The family story is that Eleazer met Mary Jane on the trail across the Sierra Nevadas into California. She was born probably in Adair Co., KY, on 22 Apr. 1834,[7] but grew up in Montgomery Co., IL, where her parents moved when she was very small, and had come to California also in 1852 with her brothers, Jessie F. and John McDowell, Jessie's wife, Elizabeth, who died enroute in Nevada, and their children.[8] The parents of Jessie, John, and Mary Jane McDowell have not yet been identified. Jessie F. McDowell remarried and lived in Elliot, San Joaquin Co., CA, where he was a farmer.[9] John McDowell apparently returned to Illinois, where he married and had some children, then returned to California by 1860 and eventually settled in Volcano or Academy, Fresno Co., CA.[10]

In 1856 Eleazor G. Laird and his wife, Mary J. Laird, sold land in Union Co., KY, that had belonged to the estate of his deceased brother, Robert R. Laird, to Harvey A. Thompson.[11] Then Eleazor G. Laird and his mother, Louisa L. Laird, sold 2 more parcels of land in Union Co., KY, to Harvey A. Thompson in 1856 and 1857.[12]

Eleazer Givens Laird and Mary Jane (McDowell) Laird left the Lockeford area about 1864, moving to Merced Co., CA, where they resided near Snelling, CA, and then after 1870, they moved to Mariposa Co., CA, where they settled on the Bull Run Ranch in Catheys Valley, CA, on the road to Mariposa. In the 1870 federal census they were living in rural Merced County, where he was a farmer,[13] and in the 1880 federal census they were living in “Magoon,” Mariposa Co., CA, where he was a farmer and stock raiser.[14] They also had a summer home in Jerseydale, CA, near the entrance into Yosemite Valley, and the family used to go horseback riding and camping in Yosemite Valley before there were many roads. At one point the ranch house in Catheys Valley burned down completely, and was rebuilt in a different spot.[15]

On 1 Feb. 1879 the Mariposa Gazette reported on an Indian massacre that had occurred at a ranch in Mariposa County on January 26th. The year before an Indian named Willie Ross had slain a rancher named Thompson, of which he was convicted and sentenced to prison for life, but many of the ranchers of Mariposa County were not satisfied with the verdict, and believed that the presence of any Indians in the county posed a threat to the ranchers. Eleazer Givens Laird belonged to a vigilante group called the “Chowchilla Rangers” operating out of the Jerseydale/Chowchilla area. On the early morning of 26 Jan. 1879 three Indians were shot to death at a ranch about 5 miles below Mariposa, and another one, a 70-year-old Indian called “Teacher,” supposedly the father of Willie Ross, was hung by the neck. A squaw was also accidently wounded in the attack. The Gazette reported on this “dastardly, infamous, and inhumane massacre” which stunned and outraged the entire community, and indictments were handed down quickly against E. G. Laird, Robert Laird, Samuel Laird, Fred Holt, John Hale, Nat Green, George Hendricks, and Charles Grove for the murders. Sheriff Meany soon arrested Laird and his sons at Mormon Bar, about 2 miles below Mariposa, while they were driving a load of hogs into town. The trial opened on 25 April 1879, by which time the mood of the citizenry had changed, and the support of the defendants was considerable in the community. The only witnesses for the prosecution were Indians that had witnessed the massacre, including the mother of Willie Ross. The defense attorneys, W. E. Turner, Esq., and David S. Terry, Esq., objected to the witnesses “on the grounds that they (the Indians) did not understand the nature of the oath, and their testimony not admissible under the law. This proposition being sustained by indisputable authorities offered by the defendants, the Court ruled sustaining the objection, hence the prosecution was left like a ship without sail or rudder, with a big cargo to dispose of cheaply.” The next day, the prosecution unable to present a case without witnesses, the case was sent to the jury without arguments, and the jury quickly returned a “not guilty” verdict. The Gazette ended its coverage with this comment: “In fact, there appeared a unanimous congratulation to see and know that the grand farcical drama, or by whatever name it is pleased to be called, was ended. It is to be hoped, as well as it is highly probable, that no more bills of indictment will be found in the future founded upon Indian evidence alone, as appears in these cases.”[16]

On 4 Feb. 1884 Eleazer Givens Laird was declared “insane,” and committed to the insane asylum in Stockton.[17] Eleazer Givens Laird died on 22 June 1891 in Jerseydale, Mariposa Co., CA, aged 61 years, 3 months, 13 days,[18] apparently a suicide, as reported in the Mariposa Gazette of 27 June 1891:

“DEATH OF ELEAZER G. LAIRD.

“Last Monday morning, the shocking news was brought to town that E. G. Laird had committed suicide at his ranch, at Snow Creek, about 3 o'clock that morning. Mr. Laird was suffering from an attack of insanity, and his family had been watching his movements for some days, but that morning he eluded their vigilance, and going about sixty yards from the house, cut his jugular artery, and also stabbed himself near the heart. He had been afflicted for some years with these attacks of mental aberration, and had been treated for them, but never entirely cured. He leaves a wife, and large family of grown children, who are among our most respected citizens, and who have the sympathy of all know them, in this dreadful calamity. The funeral took place on Tuesday, and the body was taken to the Given's graveyard, near Hornitos, for burial.”[19]

Mary J. Laird was living in Mariposa Co., CA, in the 1900 federal census, with her youngest daughter, Virginia, and her grandson, David Hamilton.[20] Mary Jane (McDowell) Laird died on 15 Nov. 1901 in Stockton, CA, aged 67 years, 7 months.[21] They were both buried in the Givens’ Cemetery on the Texas Ranch, near Hornitos, Mariposa Co., CA.[22]

Eleazer G. Laird and Mary Jane McDowell had 12 children:

A. Louisa Mary Jane Laird, born on 17 Aug. 1854 in San Joaquin Co., CA, died on 9 Dec. 1862, aged 8 years, 4 months, and was buried in the Givens’ Cemetary near Hornitos.[23]

B. Sarah⁶ Catherine Laird, born on 11 Feb. 1856 in San Joaquin Co.,[24] married Azel Bentel Hamilton on 22 Sept. 1880.[25] He was born in Missouri.[26] They settled in Merced Co., CA. Sarah Catherine (Laird) Hamilton died on 2 Feb. 1895 in Cunningham, Merced Co., CA, aged 38 years, 11 months, 19 days,[27] and was also buried in the Givens’ Cemetary near Hornitos, CA.[28] He remarried to Lily Ward in ca. 1900.[29] Azel Bentel Hamilton died on 10 May 1917 in San Francisco, CA.[30] They had children:

1. Paris Robinson Hamilton, born on 26 June 1881 in Merced Co., CA,[31] married Sarah “Sadie” Elizabeth (Williams) Buttermore, daughter of George and Martha (Wilds) Williams, on 2 June 1910 in Merced, CA.[32] In the 1880 federal census George and Martha Williams were living in Amador Co., CA.[33] Paris and Sadie Hamilton were living in Amsterdam Village, Merced Co., CA, in the 1920 federal census, where he was a farmer.[34] She was born on 30 Jan. 1877 in Plymouth, Amador Co., CA, and she died on 31 Dec. 1941 in Los Angeles, CA, of cancer. He died in Oct. 1958 in Portland, OR, of a heart attack while traveling.[35] They had 3 children.

2. Elsie Alice Hamilton, born on 13 Dec. 1884 in Merced Co., CA,[36] never married, died on 30 Dec. 1976 in Merced, CA, aged 92 years.[37] She was living in San Francisco in the 1920 federal census, where she was working as a clerk.[38]

3. Everette Bentel Hamilton, born on 1 Oct. 1887 in Merced Co., CA,[39] married Ida E. Johnson on 14 Feb. 1914,[40] and they lived in Chico, CA. She was born on 1 Apr. 1878.[41] He died on 17 Dec. 1918 in Chico, CA.[42] They had one son.

4. David McElrath Hamilton, born on 4 Nov. 1890 in Merced Co., CA,[43] was raised by his grandmother, Mary Jane (McDowell) Laird, after his mother died, and married Rose Murphy, but they had no children.[44] He died on 9 Dec. 1918 in Stockton, CA, of influenza,[45] and she remarried, and moved to San Luis Obispo, CA, where she was a librarian.[46]

5. Myrtle Jane Hamilton, born on 3 Jan. 1895 in Merced Co., CA,[47] was raised by the family of her grandfather's cousin, Samuel Lewis Givens,[48] after her mother died, married Charles Peard after 1920, but had no children.[49] He was born on 3 Aug. 1891,[50] and died in Mar. 1964 in Merced, CA. She died on 23 Oct. 1985 in Merced, aged 90 years.[51] She was still living with the Samuel Givens family in Yosemite, Merced Co., CA, in the 1920 federal census.[52]

C. Robert⁶ Robinson Laird, born on 26 Apr. 1858 in San Joaquin Co., CA,[53] never married. He was a teamster, rancher, and farmer in Mariposa County, and he died on 30 July 1908, and was also buried in the Givens’ Cemetery near Hornitos.[54]

D. Eusibia⁶ “U Sibbie” Nevelle Laird, born on 9 Jan. 1860 in Lockeford, San Joaquin Co.,[55] married George Carlisle Wills, eldest son of Benjamin and Jemima Amanda (Cathey) Wills Jr., original pioneers of Catheys Valley, Mariposa Co., CA, on 1 Jan. 1880 in Mariposa Co., CA.[56] He was born on 28 June 1848 in Arkansas,[57] a grandson of Benjamin and Lurana (Nixon) Wills. Benjamin Wills Jr. was born on 30 Jan. 1819 in St. Claire, AL, and Jemima Amanda Cathey, daughter of Andrew and Mary Mariah (Deaver) Cathey, for whom Catheys Valley was named, was born on 30 Aug. 1829 in Haywood Co., NC.[58] Benjamin Wills was living in Catheys Valley, Mariposa Co., CA, in the 1870[59] and 1880 federal censuses,[60] and George C. and Eusibia Wills were also living in Catheys Valley in the 1880 federal census.[61] George Carlisle Wills died on 24 July 1914 in Merced, buried in the Catheys Valley Cemetery,[62] and U Sibbie Nevelle (Laird) Wills died on 25 Apr. 1945 in Merced, buried in Merced.[63] She was living with the family of her son-in-law, Benjamin D. Handy, in Bradley, Merced Co., CA, in the 1920 federal census. U Sibbie Nevelle Laird and George Carlisle Wills had children:

1. Claude Pierson Wills, born on 25 Sept. 1880 in Catheys Valley, Mariposa Co., CA,[64] married 1.) Ethel Cora Merritt, on 9 Jan. 1918 in Oakland, CA.[65] She was born on 26 Mar. 1884 in Fresno Co., CA, and raised in Catheys Valley by one of the Cathey families, her parents having died when she was young. She died on 7 Feb. 1922 in Colfax, CA, and he remarried to 2.) Evelyn Boe. They had no children. He lived near Reno, NV, and in Colfax, CA, and he died in July 1954 in Colfax, buried in Nevada.[66] They were living in the Colfax School for the Tuburculosis in the 1920 federal census, and his sister Mary (Wills) Failing was living with them.[67]

2. Mary Amanda Wills, born on 2 Mar. 1882 in Catheys Valley, CA,[68] married 1.) Enos Burr Failing, as his second wife, on 20 Dec. 1908.[69] He was a dairyman,[70] born in MI,[71] they were divorced before 1920. She remarried to 2.) Eugene Fern “Vern” Owens, son of William and Vonia Albina (Booth) Owens, in 1922. He was born on 2 Sept. 1896 in Breckinridge, TX. She died on 13 Nov. 1975 in Turlock, CA, buried in Merced. Enos Burr Failing remarried also, 7 more times, and died in 1961 in Ft. Worth, TX.[72] Eugene Fern Owens died on 28 Sept. 1966 in Turlock, and was also buried in Merced.[73] She was living with her brother, Claude Wills, in the Colfax School for the Tuburculosis in the 1920 federal census, with her first two children. She had 2 children by Enos Burr Failing, and 1 son by Eugene Fern Owens.

3. Jesse Marvin Wills, born on 22 Sept. 1884 in Catheys Valley, CA,[74] never married. He was drafted into World War I service from Mariposa County, and afterwards he raised livestock in Catheys Valley, Mariposa Co., CA. He died in Apr. 1958 in Mariposa, and was buried in Merced.[75] He was living in Mariposa Co., CA, in the 1920 federal census, where he was a stock rancher.[76]

4. Robert Jarrett Laird Wills, born on 15 Feb. 1887 in Catheys Valley, CA,[77] never married, a farmer in Merced Co., he died of tuberculosis on 27 Feb. 1916 in Merced Co., CA,[78] and was buried also in Merced.[79]

5. Violet Louise Wills, born on 29 Aug. 1888 in Catheys Valley, CA,[80] married Benjamin Dean Handy, son of Henry C. and Anna P. Handy,[81] on 2 Aug. 1913.[82] He was born on 14 Oct. 1878[83] in NE.[84] She was a schoolteacher in Merced, CA. They lived for a while in Canada, then returned and settled in Colfax, CA, in 1921, and she died on 8 Sept. 1927 in Colfax, CA, and was buried in Merced. He died in Apr. 1963 in Turlock, and was also buried in Merced. They were living in Bradley, Merced Co., CA, in the 1920 federal census, where he was a farmer.[85] They had 5 children.

6. Pansy Usibbie Wills, born on 2 Mar. 1891 in Catheys Valley, CA,[86] married Shelvy Huffman, son of William Arthur and Nannie (Anthony) Huffman, of Normandy, TN, on 21 Feb. 1912 in Merced, CA.[87] He was born on 30 Oct. 1882 in Normandy, TN, a grandson of Moses and Eliza (Troxler) Huffman, of Normandy, TN.[88] He was a farmer in Merced Co., CA, and afterwards retired to Los Angeles, CA. They were living in Bradley, Merced Co., CA, in the 1920 federal census, where he was a fruit farmer.[89] Pansy Usibbie (Wills) Huffman died in ca. 1981. They had 4 children.

E. Samuel⁶ James Laird, born on 22 June 1862 in Clements, San Joaquin Co.,[90] married Perminda Eva Coughran, daughter of John S. and Matilda Jane (Lewis) Coughran, of Mariposa Co., on 22 Jan. 1885 in “Pea Ridge,” Mariposa Co., CA.[91] She was born in Oct. 1864 in CA.[92] Her father was born in Arkansas, her mother was born in Illinois,[93] and they were living in San Joaquin Co., CA, in the 1900 federal census.[94] Samuel James Laird was a farmer, and lived near Lodi, CA, for a while, then lived in Woodland, Yolo Co., CA, where he was in the construction business, and also in Medford, OR, for a while. He died on 4 Nov. 1926 in Esparto, Yolo Co., CA, and was buried in Woodland Cemetery. They were living in Woodland, CA, in the 1920 federal census, where he was a farmer.[95] Sam Laird and Eva Coughran had 2 daughters:

1. Grace⁷ Winifred Laird, born on 22 Jan. 1886 in Fresno Co., CA,[96] married Henry Ferdinand Grothe, son of August A. and Anna (Weinkauf) Grothe, of Mendocino Co., CA,[97] on 25 Dec. 1910.[98] He was born ca. 1883 in CA, and his parents were both from Prussia. He was a farmer in Esparto, CA. They were living in Esparto in the 1920 federal census where he was a farmer.[99] He died on 28 Nov. 1935 in Esparto, Yolo Co., CA, and Grace Winifred (Laird) Grothe died in June 1975 in Fort Bragg, CA.[100] They had one daughter.

2. Blanche⁷ Irene Laird, born on 2 Apr. 1890 in Sanger, CA,[101] married Charles H. Rominger, son of Charles F. and Elizabeth (Blickle) Rominger, on 28 Oct. 1915.[102] He was born on 24 June 1888 in CA, and died in May 1982 in Winters, CA,[103] and his parents were both from Germany.[104] They were living in Arbuckle, Colusa Co., CA, in the 1920 federal census, where he was a farmer.[105] They had 3 children.

F. David⁶ Terry Laird, born on 30 Apr. 1864 near Lodi, San Joaquin Co.,[106] went to the Yukon in 1898 during the Alaskan Gold Rush, returned in 1902,[107] and married Eva Rose Turner, daughter of William T. and Mary E. (Camp) Turner, of Hornitos, Mariposa Co., CA,[108] on 28 June 1902 in Mariposa, CA.[109] She was born in 1868 in Mariposa Co., CA. Her father was born in Indiana on 14 Nov. 1837, died on 23 June 1892, and was buried in St. Catherine’s Catholic Churchyard in Hornitos.[110] He kept a livery stable in Hornitos, and was also town constable.[111] Her mother was born in Iowa in ca. 1846, a daughter of T. K. and Philena Camp, of Stockton, and had come to California overland in 1853.[112] David Terry Laird was a sheriff in Ceres, CA, and he died on 20 Apr. 1934 in Ceres, near Modesto.[113] She died on 17 Feb. 1951 in Cananeo, Sonora, Mexico.[114] They were living in Ceres, Stanislaus Co., CA, in the 1920,[115] and the 1930 federal censuses,[116] where he was a farmer. David Laird and Eva Turner had children:

1. Rita⁷ Mary Turner Laird, born on 17 Aug. 1903 in Mariposa Co., CA,[117] married (___) Gilman, and settled in Los Angeles, CA.[118] She supposedly died in Arizona, but her death record was not found in the Social Security Death Index.

2. Dr. Terry⁷ Turner Laird, born on 23 July 1905,[119] was supposedly a physician in Oakdale, CA, during World War II,[120] and afterwards in Sausalito, CA.[121] He married May Ellen (___) in ca. 1927.[122] She was born ca. 1904 in CA,[123] and they were living in Watsonville, Santa Cruz Co., CA, in the 1930 federal census, where he was a pharmacist.[124] They had one son who was also a physician, Dr. Terry Scott Laird, of Gilroy, CA.[125] Dr. Terry Turner Laird died on 19 Sept. 1975 in Tiburon or Belvedere, Marin Co., CA.[126]

3. Genevieve⁷ Nevelle Laird, born on 21 July 1908 in Watsonville, CA,[127] married Joseph Berry, a reporter, and they settled in Sacramento, CA.[128] She was also a schoolteacher in Ceres, CA. Her death record was not found in the Social Security Death Index.

G. Eleazer Givens Laird Jr., born on 7 Dec. 1866, died on 25 Nov. 1868 in Merced Co., CA.[129]

H. John⁶ Richard Laird, born on 8 Nov. 1868 in Merced Co., CA,[130] married Lily May Hurd, daughter of James and Nettie Hurd,[131] on 19 Dec. 1894 in Snow Creek, Merced Co., CA.[132] She was born on 16 Feb. 1876 in Athenia, OR, or Iowa.[133] Her father was born in ca. 1844 in New York, and her mother was born in ca. 1850 in Iowa.[134] She also had a half‑brother, Henry J. Hurd, born in Oregon in Jan. 1888, who was living with them in Mariposa Co., CA, in the 1900 federal census.[135] John Richard Laird was a farmer and raised livestock in LeGrand, Merced Co., CA, and he died on 5 Feb. 1939 in Merced, CA,[136] and was buried in Plainsburg Cemetery. She died on 18 Dec. 1951 in Merced.[137] They were living in LeGrand, Merced Co., CA, in the 1920 federal census, where he was a farmer,[138] and in Merced County in the 1930 federal census.[139] John Laird and Lily Hurd had children:

1. Ralph⁷ Jarvis Laird, born on 13 Dec. 1897 in Mariposa Co., CA,[140] married Elsie Krottos, daughter of Charles William and Lena (Gulnick) Krottos, of LeGrand, CA,[141] on 10 Feb. 1920.[142] She was born ca. 1899 in MN.[143] He had a nursery in Bell, CA, and he died in June 1967,[144] but his death record has not been found. She was probably the Elsie Laird born on 15 Sept. 1898 who died in Nov. 1972 in Downey, CA.[145] They had a son.

2. Royal⁷ “Roy” Byron Laird, born on 26 Oct. 1904 in Mariposa Co., CA,[146] married 1.) Gwenllian Priscilla Linn, daughter of Frank and Priscilla (Morgan) Linn, on 6 Aug. 1923.[147] She was born on 7 Oct. 1906 in Fayetteville, AR, and died on 6 Oct. 1955 in Merced, CA.[148] He remarried to 2.) Ann Soares in July 1956, but they were divorced in about 1961, and he remarried again to 3.) Mrs. Barbara (Leas) (___) on 28 July 1962 in Reno, NV.[149] She was born on 7 Nov. 1911.[150] He had a welding shop in Merced, CA, and he died on 20 July 1981 in Merced. Barbara (Leas) Laird died in Apr. 1996 in Merced.[151] He had 2 children by Gwenllian Priscilla Linn.

3. (Unnamed child), born and died on 21 Sept. 1909 in Mariposa, CA.

4. May⁷ Irene Laird, a twin, born on 30 Nov. 1915 in Merced, CA,[152] married 1.) Frank Scrivner, son of Arthur and Fanny (Thomas) Scrivner, on 31 Jan. 1942 in Yuma, AZ. He was born on 18 July 1910. He was a truck driver, and they settled in Los Angeles, CA, but they were divorced, and he died in Oct. 1985 in Weslaco, TX.[153] She remarried to 2.) Russell Franklin Jordan, son of Arthur L. and Beatrice (Sunderland) Jordan, on 23 Nov. 1951 in Los Angeles, CA. He was born on 19 July 1917, and died on 3 Aug. 1980 in Torrance, CA. She was still living in Torrance, CA, in the 1980s.[154] She had 2 children by Frank Scrivner, and 1 more daughter by Russell Franklin Jordan.[155]

5. Fay Isabelle Laird, a twin, born on 30 Nov. 1915, died on 30 Jan. 1916 in Merced Co., CA.[156]

I. George⁶ Thomas Laird, born on 27 July 1870 in CA,[157] never married. He was a miner in Pendleton, OR, Emmett, ID, and other places, and he died on 12 Apr. 1939 in Emmett, ID.[158] He was unmarried and living in Spokane, WA, in the 1920 federal census, where he was a driller at a quartz mine.[159]

J. William⁶ Franklin “Frank” Laird, born on 24 Feb. 1872 in Mariposa Co., CA,[160] married Martha Marian Palmer, daughter of John G. and Louisa M. (Duncan) Palmer, of Chowchilla, Mariposa Co., CA,[161] on 6 Oct. 1895 in Jerseydale, CA.[162] She was born on 1 Feb. 1880 in Chowchilla, CA,[163] a granddaughter of William B. and Martha Duncan, of Chowchilla;[164] her father was born in England, and her mother was born in Kansas.[165] They were living in San Joaquin Co., CA, in the 1900 federal census.[166] William Franklin Laird was a farmer and miner in Lodi, CA, and he died of black pneumonia, or black lung disease, from the mining dust, on 13 Mar. 1903, aged 31 years, 18 days.[167] He was buried in the Givens’ Cemetery near Hornitos, CA. Martha Marian (Palmer) Laird remarried to Albert H. Bruce on 7 Feb. 1904 at the Arlington Hotel, but they were divorced before 1920. He was born ca. 1880 in CA,[168] and was living in Wawona, Mariposa Co., CA, in the 1920 federal census, a farmer.[169] Martha may have remarried to a (___) Smith before 1920, and she was apparently living in Reno, NV, in the 1920 federal census, with her daughter and son-in-law, working as a dental assistant, a widow for a second time. She died in ca. 1950, and was buried in the Masonic Cemetery in Merced, CA. Frank Laird and Martha Palmer had 3 children:

1. Ruth⁷ Louisa Laird, born on 3 Aug. 1896 in Mariposa Co., CA,[170] married 1.) Lawrence Joel Seaman in ca. 1918 in Reno, Nevada. He was born on 28 May 1893 in Reno, and they were living in Reno in the 1920 federal census.[171] They were divorced, and she remarried to 2.) Hugh McDonald, on 15 Feb. 1928 in San Francisco, and 3.) Lewis Stockton. Lawrence Joel Seaman died on 14 Sept. 1960. Ruth Louisa (Laird) (Seaman) (McDonald) Stockton was hit by an automobile and died on 24 Apr. 1970.[172] She and her first husband were both interred in the Masonic Cemetery in Merced, CA.[173] She had one daughter by Lawrence Joel Seaman.

2. Frances⁷ Marion Laird, born on 9 May 1898 in San Joaquin Co., CA,[174] married Nelson Fontaine before 1920. He was born on 23 Dec. 1891 in KA. They had no children. They were living in Emeryville, Alameda Co., CA, in the 1920 federal census, where he was a butcher in the slaughterhouse.[175] He died in Oct. 1966,[176] and she died in Dec. 1979 in Fremont, CA,[177] and they were both buried in the Masonic Cemetery in Merced, CA.[178]

3. Jessie Pearl Laird, born on 18 July 1900 in Lodi, CA,[179] died of whooping cough on 8 Aug. 1900 in San Joaquin Co., CA, aged 21 days.[180]

Martha Marian Palmer had a son by her second marriage to Albert H. Bruce:

4. Albert Bruce Jr., born ca. 1907 in CA,[181] married, and had a family.[182] He was living with his half-sister, Frances Fontaine, and her husband in Emeryville, CA, in the 1920 federal census.

K. Louis⁶ Porter “Doc” Laird, born on 8 Mar. 1874 in Stockton, CA,[183] married Leona Edna McClure, daughter of Henry Emerson and Frances (Helm) McClure, of LeGrand, Merced Co., CA,[184] on 30 Apr. 1900.[185] She was born on 19 Aug. 1880 in CA, her father was born in Arkansas, and her mother was born in Missouri. He received the nickname, “Doc,” as the story goes, from his father, who felt that with 8 sons, one of them should be a doctor.[186] He later went by “Porter” and he was a farmer and raised livestock, and settled in LeGrand, Merced Co., CA, then in Modesto, CA. He died on 6 July 1950 in Modesto, CA, and she died on 20 May 1930 in Modesto, CA.[187] They were not found in the 1920 federal census in California. Porter Laird and Leona McClure had children:

1. Lester⁷ McClure Laird, born on 17 Sept. 1901,[188] married 1.) Alice (___), but she died, and he remarried to 2.) Margaret (___). She was born on 19 Mar. 1895. He was a student at the California School for the Deaf and Blind in Berkeley, CA, in the 1920 federal census,[189] and was still single and living in a hotel in San Francisco in the 1930 federal census, where he was an insurance agent.[190] He had very poor eyesight, and eventually settled in Fresno, CA, where he had a newspaper stand, but had no children. He retired to Tacoma, WA, and died on 10 Sept. 1990 in Tacoma. Margaret, his second wife, died on 6 Mar. 1989 in Tacoma, WA.[191]

2. Forrest⁷ LeRoy Laird, born on 29 Apr. 1904 in Mariposa Co., CA,[192] married Jimmie Elkins in 1927 in Modesto, CA, but they were later divorced. He worked for the highway department in Vallejo, CA, and he died on about 10 Jan. 1942 in the U.S. Navy, of “swamp fever,” or bronchial pneumonia, at a Sea Bees Naval Station somewhere in Virginia or the Carolinas.[193] She remarried to (___) McRae, and was still living in Modesto, CA, in the 1980s. He had one daughter.

3. Veryl⁷ Ruby Laird, born on 5 Nov. 1912 in Merced, CA,[194] married 1.) Charles Henry Guth, son of Charles and Flora Guth,[195] on 29 Aug. 1931 in Modesto, CA, and they settled in Modesto. He was born on 3 July 1904 in CA. He worked for Borden's Milk in Modesto, and he died in Modesto, CA. She remarried to 2.) Leslie Arthur Stevens, son of Arthur Leslie and Mabel Stevens, on 5 May 1936 in San Francisco, CA, and they moved to San Jose, CA. He was born on 14 Nov. 1895 in Redding, CA, and he worked as a frame cutter, and later in the government's alcohol tax division. He also died, in Sacramento, CA, and she remarried again to 3.) Claude Francis Clement on 10 Sept. 1951 in Seattle, WA, and moved to Seattle. He was born on 4 May 1909 in Canada, and was a plant engineer. He has also died, in Vancouver, Canada. She worked as a secretary in a Ford automobile dealership in Seattle, and was retired and living in Des Moines, WA, in the 1980s.[196] She had one son by Charles Henry Guth, one daughter by Leslie Arthur Stevens, and another daughter by Claude Francis Clement.[197]

4. Virginia⁷ Kathryn Laird, born on 1 Oct. 1914 in Modesto, CA,[198] married Jesse Lambert Johnston, son of Jacob Mullis and Alpha Omega (Duke) Johnston, on 10 Nov. 1934 in Modesto, CA. He was born on 16 July 1908 in Roundtimber, TX, and died on 27 May 1978 in Sacramento, CA. They lived in Modesto, Sonoma, and Sacramento, CA. She died on 3 May 1982 in Sacramento, after a long illness.[199] They had 2 daughters.

L. Virginia⁶ “Jennie” Mabel Laird, born on 20 Mar. 1876 in Jerseydale, Mariposa Co., CA,[200] looked after and cared for her mother, Mary Jane (McDowell) Laird, and her sister Sarah Laird Hamilton's children, until her mother died in 1901. She then married William Alexander “Alex” Wallace, son of William Jasper and Sarah Eunice (Washburn) Wallace, of Catheys Valley, Mariposa Co., CA, on 30 Sept. 1902 in Stockton, CA, in Grace Church, by the Rev. C. E. W. Smith.[201] William Alexander Wallace was born on 29 June 1873 in Catheys Valley, CA,[202] a grandson of Joseph and Priscilla (Edwards) Wallace, of Anderson Co., TX, and of Alfred Finney Washburn, of Mariposa, CA, and his first wife, Eunice Wheat (Maxwell) Washburn. His father, William Jasper Wallace, was born in Autauga Co., AL, in 1829, and his mother, Sarah Eunice Washburn, was born in New Orleans, LA, in 1846, and they were living in Mariposa Co., CA, in the 1880 federal census.[203] She was descended from a number of old New England families of some prominence, and from 8 Mayflower passengers, as well as some Revolutionary War officers. Alex Wallace and Jennie Laird had been sweethearts since childhood, growing up together in Catheys Valley. They settled first in Fresno, CA, where 3 sons were born, and he ran a coal yard. Then they moved to Oakland, CA, where one more son and finally a daughter were born, and he was in the grading and contracting business with his brothers Charlie and Frank Wallace. In Jan. 1919 they moved to Merced County, and built a big ranch house near Atwater, CA, in what is now Winton, CA, where he had a fruit orchard, and was in the building contracting business.[204] In the 1920 federal census they were living in Winton Village, Merced Co., CA, where he was a farmer,[205] and in Mitchell Precinct, Merced Co., CA, in the 1930 federal census.[206] William Alexander Wallace died on 28 Apr. 1943 in Mercy Hospital, Merced, CA, aged 69 years, 10 months.[207] Virginia Mabel (Laird) Wallace moved to Maxwell, Colusa Co., CA, after he died, and lived in a little house next door to her son Leland Wallace. She was a warm, loving, huggable grandmother, who never seemed to be in a hurry, and always had time for her grandchildren. She died on 3 Mar. 1963 in Maxwell, CA, aged almost 87 years. They were both buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Oakland, CA. Jennie Laird and Alex Wallace had children:

1. Ferris Wayne Wallace, born on 26 Aug. 1903 in Fresno, CA,[208] married Jean Margaret Sutherland on 30 Jan. 1942 in Carson City, NV.[209] She was born on 16 Nov. 1903 in Lauder, Manitoba, Canada.[210] They had no children. Ferris Wallace worked for an automobile dealer in San Francisco, then they owned a grocery store in San Bruno, CA, with his brother‑in‑law, Charles Sutherland.[211] They retired to Mountain View, CA, where he died on 17 Feb. 1980 after a long illness. Jean Margaret (Sutherland) Wallace died on 18 Apr. 1988 at a convalescent hospital in Carmichael, CA, aged 84 years.

2. Letus Alexander Wallace, born on 9 May 1905 in Fresno, CA,[212] married Elsie Elizabeth “Betty” Hamill, daughter of Thomas and Margaret (Boyd) Hamill, both originally from County Antrim, Northern Ireland,[213] on 25 May 1935 at her parents’ home in San Francisco, CA.[214] She was born on 14 Aug. 1906 in San Francisco.[215] They had no children. Letus Alexander Wallace was a branch manager of the Crocker‑Anglo Banks of Fresno and Merced, CA, a 33rd Degree Mason, a Shriner, a Potentate of the Tehran Temple in Fresno, active in civic affairs, and very well respected in the community. After retiring from the bank, they moved to Merced, where he ran a dried fruit packing plant in Merced, and was active in establishing the Merced County Historical Association. Being active in the history of Merced County, he was also instrumental in gathering information on the Wallace and Laird families of the central valley. Elsie Elizabeth (Hamill) Wallace died on 2 Feb. 1985 in Merced, CA, of cancer, and Letus Alexander Wallace died on 26 Feb. 1985 in Merced, CA, of a heart attack. They were both buried in Evergreen Mausoleum, Merced, CA.[216]

3. Leland Evarts Wallace, born on 27 Apr. 1906 in Fresno, CA,[217] married Crystal Violet Cushman, daughter of Wilfred Lisander and Lovey Gregory (Ford) Cushman, on 17 July 1937 in Dixon, CA.[218] She was born on 20 June 1911 in Dixon, CA, a granddaughter of William Henry and Harriet Stratton (Robinson) Cushman, and of Samuel Benn and Ann Linton (Peake) Ford.[219] They settled in Maxwell, Colusa Co., CA, where he was manager of the Crocker‑Anglo Bank there, and active in civic affairs, and she ran a clothing store. Leland Evarts Wallace died on 28 Feb. 1972 in Carmichael, CA, of cancer, and Crystal Violet (Cushman) Wallace died on 19 July 2000, and was they were both buried in Maxwell, CA.[220] They had 3 sons.

4. Edward Winslow Wallace, born on 12 Sept. 1908 in Oakland, CA,[221] died on 7 Dec. 1923 in Winton, CA, near Atwater, of typhoid fever.[222]

5. Virginia Nevelle Wallace, born on 4 Oct. 1917 in Oakland, CA,[223] married John “Jack” Allen Maltby, son of John Alfred Montrose Hanson and Harriet Adora (Cornell) Maltby, on 9 Mar. 1946 at Trinity Episcopal Church, San Francisco, CA, by the Rev. Leighton Nuggent.[224] John Allen Maltby was born on 30 Nov. 1915 in Dawson City, Yukon Territory, Canada,[225] a grandson of John Robert and Annie Maria (Hanson) Maltby, of Dawson City, YT, and of Nelson James and Elizabeth Alice (Paxton) Cornell, of Lewiston, Niagara Co., NY. His father was born in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada, and his mother was born in Lewiston, NY. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, stationed in the Persian Gulf.[226] They settled in San Carlos, San Mateo Co., CA. Jack Maltby and his twin brother, Chart Maltby, started an electrical wholesale supply business in San Francisco in 1955, which is still in the family. Virginia Nevelle (Wallace) Maltby died on 6 Sept. 1974 in Sequoia Hospital, Redwood City, CA, of cancer,[227] and Jack A. Maltby died in Los Gatos, CA, on 19 Apr. 2005, aged 89 years.[228] Virginia Nevelle (Wallace) Maltby had 2 children.

{Back to Site Index}{1922 Laird Family Reunion Picture}

© 2002 John A. Maltby, Redwood City, California

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[1] The birth date from the Laird Family Bible and his gravestone; Woodworth, Robert Bell, The Descendants of Robert and John Poage (Pioneer Settlers in Augusta County, VA.), Vol. One, which deals with the descendants of Robert Poage, McClure Printing Co., Staunton, VA, 1954, [hereinafter Woodworth, Descendants of Robert Poage], p. 1055; Reichlein, Jane Tyler Craig, The Samuel Givens Family and Kin, 1981, [hereinafter Reichlein, Samuel Givens Family], p. 217; Bassett, Minerva Bone, Some Webster County, Kentucky, Families, Gateway Press, Baltimore, 1983, [hereinafter Bassett, Some Webster County Families], p. 57, give the date as the 8th, but the bible clearly has March 9th.

[2] Hopkins County Land Records, Book 19, p. 399, taken from LDS microfilm #0555296. The deed was witnessed by L. D. Orr and Wm Head, and was recorded on 1 Jan. 1855 in Hopkins Co., KY.

[3] His cousins Robert and Eleazer Givens, sons of his uncle Thomas Givens, went to California in 1849, returned to Kentucky the next year, and convinced their father that ranching in California was much better than Kentucky. Thomas took his family to California by ship in Dec. 1852 by way of Panama. In addition, his cousin James Laird Christian also went to California overland in 1849, and probably sent word back to Kentucky encouraging Eleazer to come west, and Joseph R. Givens, a younger half-brother of Eleazer’s mother, also went to California overland in 1852 with Eleazer’s cousin John Montgomery and a more distant cousin, John C. Givens. An account of the journey was published in the newspaper in Kentucky in 1856 when John C. Givens returned to Kentucky. It is not know if Eleazer traveled overland with any relatives from Kentucky, but John C. Givens did not mention him in the article.

[4] Per Letus Wallace, of Merced, CA, which he had heard from his mother, Virginia (Laird) Wallace.

[5] 1860 Federal Census, Staples Post Office, Elkhorn Township, San Joaquin Co., CA, p. 91, dwelling #646, family #661:

Eleazer P. [sic] Laird, 30, male, farmer, born KY

Mary J. Laird, 26, female, born KY

Louisa Laird, 6, female, born CA

Sarah C. Laird, 4, female, born CA

Robert Laird, 2, male, born CA

Eusibia Laird, 6/12, female, born CA

Louisa Laird, 53, female, born KY

Jonas Rhidington, 24, male, farm laborer, born OH

[6] California Marriage Certificate, and from the Laird Family Bible.

[7] The Laird Family Bible, which gives the date, with the place of birth written in by a different hand at a later date as “Ill.,” probably a guess, as she had come to California from Illinois. I have not been able to determine whether she was actually born in Kentucky or Illinois.

[8] Per Letus Wallace, of Merced, CA. Jesse F. McDowell married Elizabeth J. Hodge on 23 Feb. 1843 in Bond Co., IL, per the online Illinois Statewide Marriage Index. Jessie McDowell and his wife Elizabeth and their children were living in Montgomery Co., IL, in the 1850 federal census: South Western part of District 22, Montgomery Co., IL, p. 154, dwelling #850, family #866:

Jessee McDowell, 32, male, carpenter, born KY

Elizabeth McDowell, 26, female, born IL

Mary McDowell, 7, female, born IL, attending school

Tira McDowell, 3, female, born IL

Martha McDowell, 8/12, female, born IL

Mary McDowell, 16, female, born IL

Jessie’s brother John McDowell was living next door in the family of Robert White, dwelling #849, family #865:

Robert White, 29, male, mer., $1000, born VA

Martha White, 23, female, born IL

Samuel White, 1, male, born IL

Mary Roberts, 56, female, born VA

John McDowell, 19, male, teamster, born KY

[9] 1860 Federal Census, Staples Post Office [the next page, however, says Woodbridge Post Office], Elkhorn Township, San Joaquin Co., CA, p. 91-92, dwelling #648, family #663:

Jesse McDowell, 44, male, born KY

Ann McDowell, 13, female, born IL

Martha E. McDowell, 11, female, born IL

Jesse McDowell has not been located in the 1870 federal census in California. His family was not listed in either the Elkhorn or the Elliott townships in San Joaquin County.

1880 Federal Census, Elliot twp, San Joaquin Co., CA, p. 11, Supervisor’s Dist. 2, Enumeration Dist. 1113, dwelling #121, family #121:

Jesse F. McDowell, white, male, 61, married, farmer, born KY, father born VA, mother born KY

Margaret McDowell, white, female, 60, wife, married, housekeeper, born ME, father born ME, mother born ME

Lydia A. Montgomery[?], white, female, 69, sister-in-law, single, housekeeper[?], born ME, father born ME, mother born ME

Cora McDowell, white, female, 16, daughter, born CA, father born KY, mother born ME

John McCarty, white, male, 32, single, farm laborer, born Canada, father born Ireland, mother born Ireland

Michael Breen[?], white, male, 32, single, farm laborer, born Iowa, father born Ireland, mother born Ireland

[10] 1860 Federal Census, Woodbridge Post Office, Elkhorn Township, San Joaquin Co., CA, p. 92, dwelling #649, family #664:

John McDowell, 30, male, merchant, born KY

Mary McDowell, 25, female, born IL

John C. McDowell, 2, male, born IL

William M. McDowell, 1, male, born IL

1870 Federal Census, Stockton Post Office, Elliott Township, San Joaquin Co., CA, p. 14, dwelling #91, family #91:

John McDowall, 35, male, white, farmer, $2000, $700, born KY

Mary McDowall, 33, female, white, keeps house, born IL

Ciciro McDowall, 12, male, white, born IL

Wm McDowall, 11, male, white, born IL

Joe McDowall, 2, male, white, born CA

1880 Federal Census, Volcano precinct, Fresno Co., CA, enumeration district 4, p. 22, dwelling #139, family #174:

John McDowell, married, white, male, 46, farmer, born KY, father born KY, mother born KY

Mary McDowell, married, white, female, 40, keeping house, born IL, father born KY, mother born KY

John C. McDowell, married [sic?], white, male, 22, laborer, born IL, father born KY, mother born IL

William M. McDowell, married [sic?], white, male, 21, laborer, born IL, father born KY, mother born IL

George McDowell, single, white, male, 13, at home, born IL, father born KY, mother born KY

Clara McDowell, single, white, female, 7, born IL, father born KY, mother born KY

Olive McDowell, single, white, female, 6, born IL, father born KY, mother born KY

[11] Union Co., KY, Grantor Index, from Book P, p. 135, for 348½ acres of land in Union County, KY.

[12] Union Co., KY, Grantor Index, from Book P, p. 192, for 139 acres, and Book P, p. 422, for 233½ acres on the Tradewater River in Union County.

[13] 1870 Federal Census, Snelling Post Office, Merced Co., CA, p. 21, dwelling #168, family #137:

E. G. Laird, 41, male, white, farmer, $3000, $2825, born KY, a male citizen

Mary Jane Laird, 28, female, white, keeping house, born KY, cannot read or write

Catherine Laird, 15, female, white, born CA, attending school

Robert R. Laird, 13, male, white, born CA, attending school

Eusibbie Laird, 11, female, white, born CA, attending school

Samuel Laird, 8, male, white, born CA, attending school

David Laird, 5, male, white, born CA

John Laird, 2, male, white, born CA

[14] 1880 Federal Census, Magoon’s Precinct or Hites Cove, Mariposa Co., CA, p. 8, Supervisor’s Dist. 4, Enumeration Dist. 41, household #65:

E. J.[sic] Laird, white, male, 51, married, farmer & stock raiser, born KY, both parents born in KY

Mary J. Laird, white, female, 46, wife, married, keeps house, born KY, both parents born in KY

Sarah C. Laird, white, female, 24, daughter, single, helps housework, born CA, both parents born in KY

Robert R. Laird, white, male, 23, son, male, single, teamster, born CA, both parents born in KY

Samuel Laird, white, male, 17, son, male, works on farm, born CA, both parents born in KY

David Laird, white, male, 15, son, male, works on farm, born CA, both parents born in KY

John R. Laird, white, male, 13, son, male, works on farm, born CA, both parents born in KY

George Laird, white, male, 10, son, male, born CA, both parents born in KY

Frank Laird, white, male, 8, son, male, born CA, both parents born in KY

Porter Laird, white, male, 6, son, male, born CA, both parents born in KY

Virginia Laird, white, female, 4, daughter, born CA, both parents born in KY

[15] Per Letus A. Wallace.

[16] Mariposa Gazette, 1 Feb. 1879, 26 Apr. 1879, transcribed by Tom Hilk, Merced County Historian.

[17] This date confirmed by several of the Laird descendants—he presumably had what is now known as Alzheimer’s disease, but he was suicidal in his dementia.

[18] His death date and age from the Laird Family Bible, and from his gravestone, his place of death per his daughter, Virginia (Laird) Wallace, of Maxwell, CA.

[19] Mariposa Gazette, June 27, 1891, under Death Notice, reported the death of Eleazer Givens Laird, a native of Kentucky, aged 62 years, on 22 June 1891 “at Snow Creek,” and an obituary was printed for him also in the paper.

[20] 1900 Federal Census, Mariposa Co., CA, Vol. 17, E. D. 38, Sheet 4, Line 11:

Mary J. Laird, born 4/1834 in KY, her father and mother both born in Tennessee, 12 children, 9 children living

Virginia M. Laird, daughter, born 3/1876 in CA, her parents both born in Kentucky

David M. Hamilton, grandson, born 11/1890 in CA, his father born Missouri, his mother born California

[21] Her death date and age from the Laird Family Bible and her gravestone, her place of death per her daughter, Virginia (Laird) Wallace.

[22] The “Texas Ranch” had been the home of Eleazer’s uncle Thomas Givens, and then his son Thomas H. Givens. The little cemetery is in a grove of trees just off the road that leads from Cathey’s Valley to Hornitos in Mariposa County, and is just visible from the road. Leon Moore transcribed the entire cemetery and posted it on the Internet at http://www.mariposaresearch.net/GivensCemetery.html.

[23] Both dates from her gravestone, and her birth date in the Laird Family Bible. Woodworth, Descendants of Robert Poage, p. 1056, gives her birth date as 7 Aug. 1854.

[24] Her birth date from the Laird Family Bible; Woodworth, Descendants of Robert Poage, p. 1056.

[25] The marriage date from the Laird Family Bible.

[26] According to the 1920 census record of their son, Paris R. Hamilton, however Hamilton also erred in stating that his mother was born in Kentucky.

[27] Her death date and age from the Laird Family Bible and her gravestone, her place of death per Merle (Hamilton) Willett.

[28] Mariposa Gazette, Feb. 9, 1895, her obituary reads: “Mrs. Hamilton died last Saturday at Home on Bear Creek in Merced county. Mrs. Hamilton was the daughter of Mrs. Laird, and was a native of Mariposa. A husband and four little children are left desolate by her death. The funeral took place on Monday, and the body was laid to rest in the Givens Cemetery in Hornitos.”

[29] Per Merle (Hamilton) Willett, of Merced, CA.

[30] Per Merle (Hamilton) Willett, and per added paper inserted into the Laird Family Bible.

[31] His birth date and county from the Laird Family Bible.

[32] The marriage date per added paper inserted into the Laird Family Bible, their place of marriage per Merle (Hamilton) Willett, of Merced.

[33] 1880 Federal Census, Township No. 6, Amador Co., CA, page no. 7, Supervisors Dist. 2, Enumeration Dist. 38, p. 105, dwelling #89, family #90:

George Williams, white, male, 44, married, farmer, born AL, father born GA, mother born GA

Martha I. Williams, white, female, 31, wife, married, keeping home, born MO, father born KY, mother born KY

Lillie M. Williams, white, female, 14, daughter, single, at home, born CA, father born AL, mother born MO

Mary A. Williams, white, female, 12, daughter, single, at home, born Colorado, father born AL, mother born MO

Lucy E. Williams, white, female, 10, daughter, single, born CA, father born AL, mother born MO

Florence I. Williams, white, female, 8, daughter, single, born CA, father born AL, mother born MO

George W. Williams, white, male, 5, son, single, born CA, father born AL, mother born MO

Sarah E. Williams, white, female, 3, daughter, single, born CA, father born AL, mother born MO

Walbridge Taylor, white, male, male, 23, boarder, single, born CA, father born NY, mother born NY

[34] 1920 Federal Census, Township #8, Amsterdam Village, Merced Co., CA, Supervisors Dist. 6, Enumeration Dist. 162, Sheet 22 B, Washington Precinct, lines #60-65, dwelling #475, family #494:

Paris R. Hamilton, head, rented home, male, white, 39, married, able to read & write, born in CA, father born MO, mother born KY, farmer.

Sadie E. Hamilton, wife, female, white, 43, married, able to read & write, born in CA, father born AL, mother born MO, no occupation.

Harvy C. Buttermore, stepson, male, white, 20, single, able to read & write, born in CA, father born OH, mother born CA, laborer.

Merle C. Hamilton, son [sic], male [sic], white, 8, single, attending school, born in CA, father born CA, mother born CA.

Emett R. Hamilton, son, male, white, 6, single, attending school, born in CA, father born CA, mother born CA.

Paris Hamilton, son, male, white, 4, single, born in CA, father born CA, mother born CA.

[35] All per Merle (Hamilton) Willett, of Merced, CA.

[36] Her birth date and county from the Laird Family Bible.

[37] Per Merle (Hamilton) Willett, of Merced.

[38] 1920 Federal Census, San Francisco, Assembly Dist. 28, Precinct 39, Supervisors Dist. 4, Enumeration Dist. 293, Sheet #8 B, lines #96-98, 9th Avenue, house #680, dwelling #212, family #236:

Elsie Hamilton, head, renting, female, white, 32 [sic], single, can read & write, born CA, father born MO, mother born CA, clerk

Margarett McCorry, roomer, female, white, 26, can read & write, born CA, father born Ireland, English, mother born Ireland, English, stenographer

Anna McCorry, roomer, female, white, 21, can read & write, born CA, father born Ireland, English, mother born Ireland, English, stenographer

[39] His birth date and county from the Laird Family Bible, where his first name is spelled “Everette,” instead of Everett.

[40] The marriage date from the added sheet of paper inserted into the Laird Family Bible.

[41] Her birth date from the added sheet of paper inserted into the Laird Family Bible.

[42] His date date from the Laird Family Bible, his place of death per Merle (Hamilton) Willett, of Merced, CA.

[43] His birth date, county, and the spelling of his middle name all from the Laird Family Bible.

[44] Per the separate paper inserted into the Laird Family Bible.

[45] His death date from the Laird Family Bible, his place and cause of death per Merle (Hamilton) Willett, of Merced, CA.

[46] Per Merle (Hamilton) Willett, of Merced, CA.

[47] Her birth date and county from the Laird Family Bible.

[48] Samuel Lewis Givens was one of the sons of Eleazer G. Laird’s uncle, Thomas Givens.

[49] Per Merle (Hamilton) Willett, of Merced, CA.

[50] Social Security Death Index, 1937-1996, Family Tree Maker CD #110.

[51] Per Merle (Hamilton) Willett, of Merced, CA.

[52] 1920 Federal Census, Twp 2, Yosemite Precinct, Supervisors Dist. 6, Enumeration Dist. 147, Sheet #8 A, lines #26-28, dwelling #159, family #163:

Samuel L. Givens, head, owned home free, male, white, 77, married, can read & write, b. KY, father born VA, mother born KY, no occupation.

Susan L. Givens, wife, female, white, 64, married, can read & write, born CA, father born AL, mother born NC, no occupation.

Myrtle J. Hamilton, cousins, female, white, 24, single, can read & write, born CA, father born MO, mother born CA, no occupation.

[53] His birth date from the Laird Family Bible, which lists his middle name as “Robinson” not “Robertson,” but Woodworth, Descendants of Robert Poage, p. 1056, gives his middle name as “Robertson,” and his birth date as 6 Apr. 1858, but the date is clearly the 26th in the bible.

[54] Per his gravestone and the Laird Family Bible; Woodworth, Descendants of Robert Poage, p. 1056.

[55] Her birth date from the Laird Family Bible, where her name was written “Usibbie Nevelle Laird;” Woodworth, Descendants of Robert Poage, p. 1056, but she wrote her name “U Sibbie.”

[56] The marriage date from the Laird Family Bible, and from descendants of George C. Wills, probably married in Catheys Valley.

[57] Per descendants of George C. Wills, and from his gravestone in Catheys Valley Cemetery.

[58] These dates and places from descendants of Benjamin and Jemima (Cathey) Wills.

[59] 1870 Federal Census, Township No. 1, Mariposa Co., CA, p. 1, dwelling #1, family #1:

Benjamin Wills, 50, male, white, farmer, $1500, $1200, born AL, a male citizen

Amanda Wills, 40, female, white, keeping house, born NC

George Wills, 22, male, white, teamster, $700, born AR, a male citizen

Mary F. Wills, 18, female, white, at home, born AR, attending school

Sarah J. Wills, 16, female, white, at home, born CA, attending school

Susan S. Wills, 14, female, white, at home, born CA, attending school

Emma E. Wills, 12, female, white, at home, born CA, attending school

Eva V. Wills, 10, female, white, at home, born CA, attending school

Virginia N. Wills, 6, female, white, at home, born CA, attending school

Sephronia Wills, 4, female, white, at home, born CA

Alice Wills, 1, female, white, at home, born CA

[60] 1880 Federal Census, Township 1, Catheys Valley Election Precinct, Mariposa Co., CA, Page 21, Supervisor’s Dist. 4, Enumeration Dist. 40, dwelling #44, family #45:

Benjamin Wills, white, male, 61, married, farmer, born AL, father born VA, mother born GA

J. A. Wills, white, female, 51, wife, married, keeping house, born NC, father born NC, mother born IL

Emma E. Wills, white, female, 22, daughter, single, at home, born CA, father born AL, mother born NC

Eva V. Wills, white, female, 20, daughter, single, at home, born CA, father born AL, mother born NC

Virginia Wills, white, female, 16, daughter, single, at home, attending school, born CA, father born AL, mother born NC

Sophonia Wills, white, female, 14, daughter, single, at home, attending school, born CA, father born AL, mother born NC

Jessie A. Wills, white, female, 11, daughter, single, at home, attending school, born CA, father born AL, mother born NC

[Living next door to the family of Andrew Cathey]

[61] 1880 Federal Census, Township No. 1, Catheys Valley Election Precinct, Mariposa Co., CA, Page 17, Supervisors Dist. 2, Enumeration Dist. 40, dwelling #6, family #6:

George C. Wills, white, male, 31, married, farmer, born Ark., father born AL, mother born NC

Eusibia D. Wills, white, female, 20, wife, married, keeping house, born CA, father born KY, mother born (blank)

[Living next door to the family of William and Sarah E. Wallace]

[62] His death date per the Laird Family Bible, and from his gravestone in Catheys Valley Cemetery. Leon Moore has transcribed the gravestones in Catheys Valley Cemetery, and they are on line at http://www.mariposaresearch.net/CVCEMETERY.html.

[63] Per Maxine (Failing) Sloat, of Turlock, CA.

[64] His birth date and town from the Laird Family Bible.

[65] The marriage date from the Laird Family Bible, the place of marriage per Maxine (Failing) Sloat, of Turlock, CA.

[66] All per Maxine (Failing) Sloat, of Turlock, CA, and per Bert Failing, of Las Vegas, NV.

[67] 1920 Federal Census, Colfax School for the Tuburculosis, Township 13, Placer Co., CA, Supervisors Dist. 2, Enumeration Dist. 85, Sheet 13 A, lines 37-41, dwelling #317, family #366:

Claude P. Wills, head, renting, male white, 39, married, can read & write, born CA, father born AR, mother born CA, no occupation.

Ethel C. Wills, wife, female, white, 35, married, can read & write, born CA, father born unknown, mother born CA, no occupation.

Mary A. Failing, sister, female, white, 37, divorced, can read & write, born CA, father born AR, mother born CA, no occupation.

Maxine V. Failing, niece, female, white, 10, single, not attending school, can read & write, born CA, father born MI, mother born CA.

Bert C. Failing, nephew, male, white, 8, single, not attending school, can read & write, born CA, father born MI, mother born CA.

[68] Her birth date and town from the Laird Family Bible.

[69] The marriage date from the Laird Family Bible, his name listed only as E. B. Failing. His full name and prior marriage per Maxine (Failing) Sloat, of Turlock, CA.

[70] Woodworth, Descendants of Robert Poage, p. 1056.

[71] From the 1920 federal census.

[72] Per Maxine (Failing) Sloat, of Turlock. One wonders if each of the first six marriages also resulted in a divorce.

[73] Per Maxine (Failing) Sloat.

[74] His birth date and town from the Laird Family Bible, however on a separate paper inserted into the bible his birth date is listed as 21 Sept. 1884.

[75] Per Maxine (Failing) Sloat, of Turlock, CA.

[76] 1920 Federal Census, Township #3, Mariposa Co., CA, Supervisors Dist. 2, Enumeration Dist. 39, Sheet 2 B, line #66, dwelling #47, family #47:

Jesse M. Wills, head, owned house free, male, white 35, single, can read & write, born CA, father born AR, mother born CA, farmer, stock ranch.

[77] His birth date and town from the Laird Family Bible, which records his name as only Robert Jarrett Wills. Descendants of this branch of the family, however, thought that his name was Robert Laird Wills, or Robert Jarrett Laird Wills.

[78] His death date from the Laird Family Bible, which lists him as Robert Laird Wills at his death.

[79] Per Maxine (Failing) Sloat, of Turlock, CA, who knew of him as Robert Laird Wills.

[80] Her birth date and town from the Laird Family Bible.

[81] 1880 Federal Census, North Branch, Otoe Co., NE, p. 371C, the family of Henry C. Handy and Anna P. Handy had a son, Benjamin D. Handy, aged 1 year, born in Nebraska.

[82] The marriage date from the Laird Family Bible.

[83] Social Security Death Index, 1937-1996, Family Tree Maker CD #110.

[84] Per the 1920 federal census, probably in Otoe Co., NE, because his parents were living in Otoe Co., NE, in the 1880 federal census.

[85] 1920 Federal Census, Twp. 2 Bradley Precinct, Merced Co., CA, Supervisors Dist. 6, Enumeration Dist. 147, Sheet 3 A, lines #16-21, Dwelling #53, family #56:

Sibbie U. Wills, head, renting house, female, white, 59, widow, can read & write, born CA, father born KY, mother born IL, no occupation

Benjamin D. Handy, son-in-law, male, white, 41, married, can read & write, born Nebraska, father born NY, mother born MA, farmer.

Violet L. Handy, daughter, female, white, 31, married, can read & write, born CA, father born AR, mother born CA, no occupation.

Catherine V. Handy, daughter [sic], female, white, 2 6/12, single, born CA, father born Nebraska, mother born CA.

Roberta N. Handy, daughter [sic], female, white, 5 6/12, single, born CA, father born Nebraska, mother born CA.

Benjamin D. Handy Jr., son [sic], male, white, 3 10/12[?], single, born CA, father born Nebraska, mother born CA.

[86] Her birth date and town from the Laird Family Bible, her middle name spelled “U. Sibbie” in the bible.

[87] The marriage date from the Laird Family Bible, however descendants of Pansy and Shelvy Huffman believe they were married in 1911, instead of 1912, and the separate paper inserted into the bible gives the marriage date as 24 Feb. 1912.

[88] Per Charlotte (Williams) Huffman, of Los Banos, CA.

[89] 1920 Federal Census, Twp. 2 Bradley Precinct, Merced Co., CA, Supervisors Dist. 6, Enumeration Dist. 147, Sheet 3 A, lines #3-8, dwelling #51, family #53:

Shelvy Huffman, head, owned home free, male, white, 36, married, can read & write, born TN, father born TN, mother born TN, farmer, fruit farm.

Pansy W. Huffman, wife, female, white, 28, married, can read & write, born CA, father born AR, mother born CA, no occupation.

Vernon W. Huffman, son, male, white, 6, single, attending school, born CA, father born TN, mother born CA

Merle N. Huffman, daughter, female, white, 4 5/12, single, born CA, father born TN, mother born CA

Natalie Huffman, daughter, female, 2 10/12, single, born CA, father born TN, mother born CA

William C. Huffman, son, male, white, 1 6/12, single, born CA, father born TN, mother born CA

[90] His birth date from the Laird Family Bible; Woodworth, Descendants of Robert Poage, p. 1056.

[91] Per Mariposa Gazette, 24 Jan. 1885, at the residence of her parents, married by Rev. Joel Hedgepeth; also per the Laird Family Bible, which does not give the place of marriage; Woodworth, Descendants of Robert Poage, gives the date as 21 Jan. 85, which also lists her parents, but lists her name as “Eva Arminta Coughran.”

1870 Federal Census, Township No. 3, Mariposa post office, Mariposa Co., CA, Page 6, dwelling #78, family #78:

John S. Coughran, 29, male, white, farmer, $600, $500, born AR, a male citizen

Matilda Coughran, 19, female, white, keeping house, born IL

Perminda Coughran, 5, female, white, at home, born CA

Thomas Coughran, 2, male, white, at home, born CA

Adora Coughran, 1, female, white, at home, born CA

1880 Federal Census, Township No. 3, Lewis Election Precinct, Mariposa Co., CA, Page 22, Supervisors Dist. 4, Enumeration Dist. 40, dwelling #6, family #6:

John Cochrane, white, male, 38, married, farmer, born AR, father born AR, mother born AR

Matilda J. Cochrane, white, female, 29, wife, married, keeping house, born IL, father born TN, mother born IL

Perminda E. Cochrane, white, female, 12?, daughter, single, at home, attending school, born CA, father born AR, mother born IL

Dora S. Cochrane, white, female, 10, daughter, single, at home, attending school, born CA, father born AR, mother born IL

William W. Cochrane, white, male, 7, son, single, attending school, born CA, father born AR, mother born IL

Margaret M? Cochrane, white, female, 5, daughter, single, attending school, born CA, father born AR, mother born IL

Nellie E. Cochrane, white, female, 4, daughter, single, born CA, father born AR, mother born IL

Ada M. Cochrane, white, female, 1, daughter, single, born CA, father born AR, mother born IL

Charles J. Hatch, white, male, 55, boarder, single, teacher, born MA, father born MA, mother born MA

[92] Per the 1900 federal census.

[93] Per the 1900 federal census.

[94] 1900 Federal Census, San Joaquin Co., CA, Vol. 57, E. D. 102, Sheet 15, Line 29:

Samuel Laird, born 6/1861 in CA, laborer, married in 1885, father and mother born Kentucky

Eva Laird, wife, born 10/1864 in CA, her father born Arkansas, her mother born Illinois

Grace Laird, born 1/1886 in CA

Blanche Laird, born 4/1890 in CA

(plus two boarders living with them)

[95] 1920 Federal Census, Woodland township, Yolo Co., CA, Supervisors Dist. 3, Enumeration Dist. 231, Sheet 4 A, lines #23-24, dwelling #115, family #115:

Samuel J. Laird, head, owned home, mortgaged, male, white, 57, married, can read & write, born CA, father born KY, mother born IL, farmer.

Eva Laird, wife, female, white, 54, married, can read & write, born CA, father born AR, mother born IL, no occupation.

[96] Her birth date from the Laird Family Bible; Woodworth, Descendants of Robert Poage, p. 1056, gives her birth date as 31 Jan. 1888, but according to her Social Security death record, her birth date was listed as 21 Jan. 1888. In the Laird Family Bible her birth is listed in chronological order among the grandchildren of Eleazer G. and Mary Jane Laird, between Elsie Alice Hamilton, in 1884, and Robert Jarrett Wills, in 1887.

[97] 1880 Federal Census, Blue Rock Precinct, Mendocino Co., CA, Page No. 19, Supervisors Dist. 3, Enumeration Dist. 61, dwelling #126, family #127:

August Grothe, white, male, 41, married, sheep raiser, born Prussia, father born Prussia, mother born Prussia

Anna Grothe, white, female, 30, wife, married, keeping house, born Prussia, father born Prussia, mother born Prussia

Louise Grothe, white, female, 5, daughter, single, born CA, father born Prussia, mother born Prussia

Selma Grothe, white, female, 3, daughter, single, born CA, father born Prussia, mother born Prussia

Adolph Grothe, white, male, 1, son, single, born CA, father born Prussia, mother born Prussia

Leophold Grothe, white, male, 1, son, single, born CA, father born Prussia, mother born Prussia

Franz Grothe, white, male, 1/12, son, single, born CA, father born Prussia, mother born Prussia

Charles Weinkauf, white, male, 44, partner, widower, sheep raiser, born Prussia, both parents born in Prussia

Rosa Weinkauf, white, female, 74, mother-in-law, widowed, born Prussia, father born Prussia, mother born Prussia

[98] The marriage date from the Laird Family Bible; Woodworth, Descendants of Robert Poage, p. 1056, which also lists his parents.

[99] 1920 Federal Census, Esparto township, Yolo Co., CA, Supervisors Dist. 3, Enumeration Dist. 225, sheet 3 B, lines #80-82, dwelling #67, family #69:

Henry F. Grothe, head, owned home, mortgaged, male, white, 37, married, can read & write, born CA, father born Germany, German, mother born Germany, German, farmer.

Grace L. Grothe, wife, female, white, 33, married, can read & write, born CA, father born CA, mother born CA, no occupation.

Helen E. Grothe, daughter, female, white, 6, single, attending school, born CA, father born CA, mother born CA.

[100] Social Security Death Index, 1937-1996, Family Tree Maker CD #110. Her birth date was mistakenly listed as 21 Jan. 1888 in the Social Security records.

[101] Her birth date from the Laird Family Bible, which has the year as 1888, evidently entered into the bible at some later date; Woodworth, Descendants of Robert Poage, p. 1056, lists her birth year as 1890, which agrees with the 1900 census, and her place of birth as Sanger, CA.

[102] Woodworth, Descendants of Robert Poage, p. 1056, which also lists his parents.

[103] Social Security Death Index, 1937-1996, Family Tree Maker CD #110.

[104] Charles F. Rominger and Elizabeth D. Rominger were living in Cottonwood, Yolo Co., CA, in the 1920 federal census.

[105] 1920 Federal Census, Arbuckle precinct no. 1, Arbuckle township, Colusa Co., CA, Supervisors Dist. 1, Enumeration Dist. 24, sheet 11 A, lines #37-40, dwelling #272, family #272:

Charles H. Rominger, head, renting, male, white, 31, married, can read & write, born CA, father born Germany, German, mother born Germany, German, farmer.

Herman A. Rominger, brother, male, white, 27, single, can read & write, born CA, father born Germany, German, mother born Germany, German, farmer.

Blanche Rominger, wife, female, white, 29, married, can read & write, born CA, father born CA, mother born CA, no occupation.

June Rominger, daughter, female, white, 11/12, single, can read & write [sic], born CA, father born CA, mother born CA.

[106] His birth date from the Laird Family Bible; Woodworth, Descendants of Robert Poage, p. 1057, gives his year of birth as 1865, but it is clearly 1864 in the bible record.

[107] Per letters written by David Laird to his sister, Virginia Laird, from 1898 to 1902.

[108] 1870 Federal Census, Township No. One, Mariposa post office, Mariposa Co., CA, page 22, dwelling #322, family #324:

Wm T. Turner, 32, male, white, livery man, $700, $3000, born IN, a male citizen

Mary E. Turner, 25, female, white, keeping house, born IA

Clara J.[sic] Turner, 7, female, white, at home, born CA

William Turner, 5, male, white, at home, born CA

Rosie Turner, 3, female, white, at home, born CA

Mary Turner, 5/12, female, white, at home, born CA, born Jan.

1880 Federal Census, Hornitos Village, Mariposa Co., CA, page 18, Supervisors Dist. 4, Enumeration Dist. 39, dwelling #241, family #241:

William Turner, white, male, 40, married, laborer, born IN, father born IN, mother born IN

Mary Turner, white, female, 34, wife, married, keeping house, born IA, father born NY, mother born NY

Belle Turner, white, female, 16, daughter, single, at school, born CA, father born IN, mother born IA

William Turner, white, male, 14, son, single, at school, born CA, father born IN, mother born IA

Rosa Turner, white, female, 12, daughter, single, at school, born CA, father born IN, mother born IA

George Turner, white, male, 8, son, single, at school, born CA, father born IN, mother born IA

Ida Turner, white, female, 6, daughter, single, at school, born CA, father born IN, mother born IA

Alexander Turner, white, male, 4, son, single, born CA, father born IN, mother born IA

Arthur Turner, white, male, 2, son, single, born CA, father born IN, mother born IA

David Fulton, white, male, 48, boarder, single, laborer, born IN, father born IN, mother born IN

William Thomas, white, male, 33, boarder, single, laborer, born England, father born England, mother born England

Louis Covora?, white, male, 35, boarder, single, laborer, born Mexico, father born Prussa?, mother born Mexico

John Polo, white, male, 40, boarder, married, laborer, born Portugal, father born Portugal, mother born Portugal

Felomana? Polo, white, female, 28, boarder, single [sic], born Mexico, father born Mexico, mother born Mexico

[109] The marriage date per the Laird Family Bible; Woodworth, Descendants of Robert Poage, p. 1057.

[110] Per his gravestone in St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, Hornitos. The cemetery inscriptions were transcribed by Scott and Zelma Rountree, and were posted on line at http://www.mariposaresearch.net/HORNCEM.html. Mariposa Gazette, July 2, 1892, printed the obituary of Wm. T. Turner. The funeral service was held at his residence in Hornitos, and was supposedly the largest ever held in Mariposa County, the service performed by Rev. A. W. Walters.

[111] Mariposa Gazette, 13 Nov. 1880, wedding announcement of Miss Clara Belle Turner, of Hornitos, to Mr. Charles Frederick Peregoy, of Mariposa, included a sentence about her father, William T. Turner, of Hornitos.

[112] Mariposa Gazette, March 16, 1895, the Obituary of Mrs. Philena Camp, of Armona, Kings County, a native of New York, who died on 1 Mar. 1895, aged 68 years, 11 months, 2 days, mentioned the children of Mrs. Camp as being Mrs. Clara Stevens of Stockton, Mrs. Mary E. Turner of Mariposa, Mrs. Louisa Early of Stockton, Mrs. Ida Moore of Modesto, William H., James M., and W. Scott Camp of this county. The obituary also states that she and her husband and children crossed the plains from Illinois in 1853 by ox team, and located in Stockton.

Mariposa Gazette, Sept. 5, 1896, reported “Last Monday morning Mrs. W. T. Turner recieved a telephone dispatch informing her that her brother, George Camp of Hanford was dead. Mrs. Turner left immediately for Hanford to attend the funeral. No particulars as to the cause of death have reached us.”

1870 Federal Census, Castoria twp, Stockton Post Office, San Joaquin Co., CA, p. 11, dwelling #78, family #78:

T. K. Camp, 60, male, white, farmer, $4000, $800, born NY, a male citizen

Felena Camp, 53, female, white, keeps house, born NY

Wm. H. Camp, 32, male, white, laborer, born NY, a male citizen

George Camp, 30, male, white, laborer, born NY, a male citizen

James M. Camp, 23, male, white, laborer, born IA, a male citizen

Wm Scott Camp, 21, male, white, laborer, born IA, a male citizen

Louisa Camp, 18, female, white, born IA, attending school

Ida Camp, 15, female, white, born CA, attending school

[113] His death date and place from the Laird Family Bible.

[114] Per email message of Tom Hilk, of Merced, CA, who received the information from Phyllis Hembree, another descendant of William and Mary Turner.

[115] 1920 Federal Census, Ceres township, Stanislaus Co., CA, Supervisors Dist. 6, Enumeration Dist. 164, sheet 12 B, lines #71-75, dwelling #118, family #123:

David T. Laird, head, owned home, mortgaged, male, white, 54, married, can read & write, born CA, father born KY, mother born OH [sic], farmer.

Eva R. Laird, wife, male [sic], white, 52, married, can read & write, born CA, father born IN, mother born IA, no occupation.

Rita M. Laird, daughter, female, white, 16, single, attending school, can read & write, born CA, father born CA, mother born CA.

Terry T. Laird, son, male, white, 14, single, attending school, can read & write, born CA, father born CA, mother born CA.

Nevelle G. Laird, daughter, female, white, 11, single, attending school, can read & write, born CA, father born CA, mother born CA.

[Living next door was the family of her brother, George D. Turner.]

[116] 1930 Federal Census, Ceres city, Stanislaus Co., CA, Enumeration Dist. 50-1, Supervisor’s Dist. 9, Sheet 5-B, on Fifth Street, dwelling #132, family #134, lines #56-58:

David T. Laird, head, renting, $25.00, male, white, 64, married, 36 years old at marriage, can read & write, born in CA, father born KY, mother born KY, a citizen, farmer, general farm, not a veteran.

Eva R. Laird, wife, female, white, 61?, married, 33 years old at marriage, can read & write, born in CA, father born in United States, mother born in CA, a citizen, teacher, grammar school.

Navelle V. Laird, daughter, female, white, 21, single, can read & write, born in CA, father born CA, mother born CA, a citizen, teacher, grammar school.

[117] Her birth date and county from the Laird Family Bible; Woodworth, Descendants of Robert Poage, p. 1057.

[118] Per Letus A. Wallace.

[119] His birth date from the Laird Family Bible; Woodworth, Descendants of Robert Poage, p. 1057.

[120] Woodworth, Descendants of Robert Poage, p. 1057.

[121] Per Letus Wallace, of Merced, CA.

[122] Calculated from their “age at marriage” in the 1930 federal census.

[123] Calculated from her age in the 1930 federal census.

[124] 1930 Federal Census, Watsonville twp, Ward 2, Santa Cruz Co., CA, Enumeration Dist. 44-27, Supervisor’s Dist. 10, Sheet 55-A, p. 145, lines #49-50, dwelling #383, family #383:

Terry T. Laird, head, $5500, male, white, 26, married, aged 23 at marriage, can read & write, born in CA, father born CA, mother born CA, a citizen, pharmacist, not a veteran.

May E. Laird, wife, female, white, 26, married, age 23 at marriage, can read & write, born in CA, father born NJ, mother born CA, a citizen, no occupation.

[125] Per Sam Laird, of Salinas, CA, the son of Dr. Terry Scott Laird.

[126] Social Security Death Index, 1937-1996, Family Tree Maker CD #110; Ancestry.com California Death Index, 1940-1997.

[127] Her birth date and town from the Laird Family Bible; Woodworth, Descendants of Robert Poage, p. 1057.

[128] Per Letus Wallace, of Merced.

[129] Both dates from the Laird Family Bible; Woodworth, Descendants of Robert Poage, p. 1057, has different dates, a birth of 8 Dec. 1866, and death of 7 Dec. 1868, but the bible record is more likely correct.

[130] His birth date from the Laird Family Bible; Woodworth, Descendants of Robert Poage, p. 1057, says he was born on the Laird Ranch, 8 miles south of Merced.

[131] 1880 Federal Census, Greasewood, Umatilla Co., OR, page 7, Supervisor’s Dist. 110, Enumeration Dist. 145, dwelling #78, family #78:

James Herd, white, male, 36, married, farmer, born NY, father born NY, mother born NY

Nettie Herd, white, female, 30, wife, married, keeping house, born IA, father born IL, mother born MO

May Herd, white, female, 4, daughter, single, born IA, father born NY, mother born IA

Ella Herd, white, female, 3, daughter, single, born IA, father born NY, mother born IA

Retta Herd, white, female, 1, daughter, single, born OR, father born NY, mother born IA

[132] The marriage date from the Laird Family Bible; Woodworth, Descendants of Robert Poage, p. 1057, the place of marriage per Priscilla (Laird) Britton, of Atwater, CA; Mariposa Gazette, Dec. 22, 1894, under Marriages, “At Snow Creek, December 19, 1894, at the home of the bride’s uncle.” “The pretty mountain home of Mr. and Mrs. Justus Hurd was the scene of a pleasant gathering last Wednesday, when Mr. Hurd gave away his charming niece to John Laird. The groom is a son of Mrs. E. G. Laird of Jerseydale and is a quiet, highly esteemed young gentleman. The bride is a native of Oregon and has been in this county a year. She is a lovely girl and has made many lasting friends during her brief residence here. The Gazette was remembered with a generous supply of delicious cake.”

[133] Her birth date per Priscilla (Laird) Britton, of Atwater, but her place of birth does not agree with the 1880 census.

[134] Per the 1900 federal census, which agrees with the family of James and Nettie Herd in the 1880 federal census.

[135] 1900 Federal Census, Mariposa Co., CA, Vol. 17, E.D. 38, Sheet 10, Line 1:

John R. Laird, born 11/1868 in CA, farmer, married in 1895, his father and mother born in Kentucky

Lily M. Laird, wife, born 2/1876 in OR, her father born in New York, her mother born in Iowa

Ralph J. Laird, son, born 12/1897 in CA

Henry J. Hurd, brother-in-law, born 1/1888 in OR, his father born in New York, his mother born also in New York

[136] His death date and city from the Laird Family Bible.

[137] Per Priscilla (Laird) Britton, of Atwater, CA.

[138] 1920 Federal Census, Township 4, LeGrand precinct, Merced Co., CA, Supervisors Dist. 6, Enumeration Dist. 155, Sheet 5 A, lines #1-5, dwelling #23, family #23:

J. R. Laird, head, owned home, mortgaged, male, white, 51, married, can read & write, born CA, father born KY, mother born KY, farmer.

L. M. Laird, wife, female, white, 43, married, can read & write, born OR, father born NY, mother born IA, no occupation.

R. J. Laird, son, male, white, 22, single, can read & write, born CA, father born CA, mother born OR, farmer.

Royal B. Laird, son, male, white, 15, single, attending school, can read & write, born CA, father born CA, mother born OR.

May Irene Laird, daughter, female, white, 4, single, born CA, father born CA, mother born OR.

[139] 1930 Federal Census, Judicial Township No. 4, Merced Co., CA, (Enumeration District hard to read), Supervisors Dist. 11, Sheet 7-A, dwelling #152, family #171:

John R. Laird, head, owner, male, white, 62, married, age 24 at marriage, can read & write, born CA, father born KY, mother born KY, farmer, general farm.

Lillian M. Laird, wife, female, white, 54, married, age 18 at marriage, can read & write, born OR, father born NY, mother born IA

May I. Laird, daughter, female, white, 14, single, can read & write, born CA, father born CA, mother born OR

[140] His birth date and county from the Laird Family Bible; Woodworth, Descendants of Robert Poage, p. 1057.

[141] 1920 Federal Census, Township 4, LeGrand Village, Merced Co., CA, Supervisors Dist. 6, Enumeration Dist. 155, Sheet 2 A, lines #36-41, dwelling #47, family $47:

C. W. Krottos, head, owned home free, male, white, 59, married, can read & write, born NY, father born Germany, German, mother born Germany, German, truck gorden[?].

Lena Krottos, wife, female, white, 58, married, naturalized, can read & write, born Germany, German, father born Germany, German, mother born Germany, German, no occupation.

Harry Krottos, son, male, whife, 28, single, can read & write, born MN, father born NY, mother born Germany, German, machinist.

Elsie Krottos, daughter, female, white, 21, single, can read & write, born MN, father born NY, mother born Germany, German, typist in printing office.

Irvin Krottos, son, male, white, 17, single, can read & write, born Idaho, father born NY, mother born Germany, German, farm laborer.

Edna Krottos, daughter, female, white, 17, single, attending school, can read & write, born ID, father born NY, mother born Germany, German.

[142] Woodworth, Descendants of Robert Poage, p. 1057, which also names her parents, however both Ralph Laird and Elsie Krottos were listed as unmarried and living with their parents in the 1920 federal censuses, so the marriage may have occurred in 1921 instead of 1920.

[143] Calculated from her age in the 1920 federal census.

[144] Per the separate paper inserted into the Laird Family Bible, added in a later hand.

[145] Social Security Death Index, 1937-1996, Family Tree Maker CD #110.

[146] His birth date and county from the Laird Family Bible.

[147] Woodworth, Descendants of Robert Poage, p. 1057, which also names her parents.

[148] Per Priscilla (Laird) Britton, of Atwater.

[149] Per Priscilla (Laird) Britton, of Atwater.

[150] Per Priscilla (Laird) Britton, of Atwater.

[151] Social Security Death Index, 1937-1996, Family Tree Maker CD #110.

[152] Her birth date from the Laird Family Bible.

[153] Social Security Death Index, 1937-1996, Family Tree Maker CD #110.

[154] Per May (Laird) Jordan, of Torrance, CA.

[155] All per Mary (Laird) Jordan, of Torrance, CA.

[156] Her birth and death dates from the Laird Family Bible.

[157] His birth date from the Laird Family Bible; Woodworth, Descendants of Robert Poage, p. 1057.

[158] His death date and place from the Laird Family Bible.

[159] 1920 Federal Census, Burton Precinct, Spokane City, Spokane Co., WA, Supervisor’s Dist. 5, Enumeration Dist. 190, Sheet 11A, p. 157, on Pacific Ave., line #27, household #333:

Geo. T. Laird, head, renter, male, white, 49, single, able to read & write, born CA, father born KY, mother born KY, driller, quartz mine.

[160] His birth date from the Laird Family Bible; Woodworth, Descendants of Robert Poage, p. 1057.

[161] Mariposa Gazette, June 14, 1879, marriage notice of Mr. John G. Palmer to Miss Louisa M. Duncan, at the residence of the bride’s father on June 8, 1879, by Rev. R. A. Sawrie.

1880 Federal Census, Magoon & Hites Cove, Mariposa Co., CA, Page 3, Supervisor’s Dist. 4, Enumeration Dist. 41, household #21:

John G. Palmer, white, male, 36, married, farmer, born England, father and mother both born England

Louisa M. Palmer, white, female, 16, wife, married, keeps house, born KS, father born IL, mother born TN

Martha Palmer, white, female, 5 months, daughter, single, born CA, father born England, mother born KS

[162] The marriage date from the Laird Family Bible. Mariposa Gazette, Oct. 12, 1895, marriage notice gave the place of marriage as Jerseydale at the residence of the bride’s parents, married by Rev. B. F. Van Deventer. “Both the bride and groom are natives of Mariposa county and are well and favorably thought of by their many friends, who wish them every happiness in their journey through life. The wedding was private, only the relatives of the contracting parties being present. The Gazette was remembered, and an abundant supply of wedding cake tickled the palate of foreman, devil and editor, who extend their congratulations to the newly married couple.”

[163] Mariposa Gazette, Feb. 7, 1880, birth announcement.

[164] 1880 Federal Census, Magoon and Hites Cove, Mariposa Co., CA, Page 2, Supervisors Dist. 4, Enumeration Dist. 41, family #19:

William B. Duncan, white, male, 50, married farmer, born IL (parents’ birth states not listed)

Martha Duncan, white, female, 46, wife, married, keeps house, born TN, father born VA, mother born TN

John A. L. Duncan, white, male, 18, son, single, farmer, born IL, father born IL, mother born TN

Annie W. Duncan, white, female, 14, daughter, single, goes to school, born KA, father born IL, mother born TN

Ida Bell Duncan, white, female, 11, daughter, single, goes to school, born KA, father born IL, mother born TN

William B. Duncan, white, male, 9, son, born KA, father born IL, mother born TN

Simeon E. Duncan, white, male, 3, son, born CA, father born IL, mother born TN

Mariposa Gazette, Dec. 20, 1879, under Obituaries, a notice of the death of Henry Lewis Duncan, son of Mr. & Mrs. Wm B. Duncan of Chowchilla, on Dec. 16, 1879. The article states he was a native of Illinois, aged 25 years.

[165] Per the 1900 federal census, which agrees with the family of John G. and Louisa M. Palmer in the 1880 federal census, except that Martha’s mother is listed as having been born in Arkansas instead of Kansas.

[166] 1900 Federal Census, San Joaquin Co., CA, Vol. 37, E.D. 105, Sheet 18, Line 85:

William F. Laird, born 2/1872 in CA, farmer, married in 1895, his father and mother born in Kentucky

Martha M. Laird, wife, born 1/1880 in CA, her father born in England, her mother born in Arkansas [sic]

Ruth E. Laird, daughter, born 8/1896 in CA

Francis L. Laird, daughter, born 5/1898 in CA

[167] His death date from the Laird Family Bible, and his gravestone, his cause of death per Dorothy (Seaman) Longinetti, of San Martin, CA.

[168] Calculated from his age in the 1920 federal census.

[169] 1920 Federal Census, Wawona Precinct, Mariposa Co., CA, Supervisors Dist. 5, Enumeration Dist. 42, Sheet 1 A, line #8, dwelling #8, family #8:

Albert H. Bruce, head, owned home, mortgaged, male, white, 40, divorced, can read & write, born CA, father born NY, mother born NY, farmer.

[170] Her birth date and county from the Laird Family Bible.

[171] 1920 Federal Census, Reno, Washoe Co., NV, lines #78-80, living in dwelling #172, family #192, with the family of Thomas and Mable Black:

Lawrence Seaman, head, male, white, 25, married, can read & write, born NV, father born NE, mother born United States, employee R.F.M.

Ruth Seaman, wife, female, white, 23, married, can read & write, born CA, father born CA, mother born CA, housewife.

Dorothy Seaman, daughter, female, white, 6/12, single, b. NV, father born NV, mother born CA.

May Smith[?sic], mother-in-law, female, white, 38, widowed, can read & write, born CA, father born England, mother born CA, dental asst.

[172] Her death record was not found in the Social Security Death Index.

[173] Per Dorothy (Seaman) Longinetti, of San Martin, CA.

[174] Her birth date from the Laird Family Bible, her place of birth per Dorothy (Seaman) Longinetti, of San Martin, CA.

[175] 1920 Federal Census, Precinct No. 1, Emeryville town, Alameda Co., CA, Supervisors Dist. 5, Enumeration Dist. 200, Sheet 12 B, lines #81-83, 1264 64th Street, dwelling #244, family #270:

Nelson Fontaine, head, renting, male, white, 24, married, can read & write, b. KS, father born VT, mother born KS, butcher in the slaughter house.

Frances Fontaine, wife, female, white, 21, married, can read & write, born CA, father born CA, mother born CA, no occupation.

Albert Bruce, brother in law, male, white, 13, single, attending school, can read & write, born CA, father born CA, mother born CA.

[176] His birth and death dates from Social Security Death Index, 1937-1996, Family Tree Maker CD #110.

[177] Social Security Death Index, 1937-1996, Family Tree Maker CD #110.

[178] Per Dorothy (Seaman) Longinetti, of San Martin, CA.

[179] Her birth date and town from the Laird Family Bible.

[180] Her death date and age from the Laird Family Bible, her cause of death per Dorothy (Seaman) Longinetti, of San Martin, CA.

[181] Calculated from his age in the 1920 federal census.

[182] Per Dorothy (Seaman) Longinetti, of San Martin, CA.

[183] His birth date from the Laird Family Bible; Woodworth, Descendants of Robert Poage, p. 1057.

[184] 1920 Federal Census, Township 4, LeGrand Village, Merced Co., CA, Supervisors Dist. 6, Enumeration Dist. 155, Sheet 2 B, lines #57-58, dwelling #51, family #51:

Henry McClure, head, owned home free, male, white, 82, married, can read & write, born AR, father born United States, mother born U.S., farmer.

Frances C[?]. McClure, wife, female, white, 72, married, can read & write, born MO, father born NC, mother born SC.

[185] The marriage date from the Laird Family Bible.

[186] Per Letus A. Wallace, nephew of Porter Laird.

[187] Her death date and city from the Laird Family Bible.

[188] His birth date from the Laird Family Bible.

[189] 1920 Federal Census, Oakland twp, Berkeley City, Alameda Co., CA, Supervisors Dist. 5, Enumeration Dist. 174, Sheet 5B, at the California School for the Deaf and Blind, line #52:

Lester McC Laird, boarder, male, white, 18, single, can read & write, born CA, father born Scotland [sic], English, mother born Ireland [sic], Irish, no occupation.

[190] 1930 Federal Census, San Francisco, Block 160, San Francisco Co., CA, Enumeration Dist. 38-360, Supervisor’s Dist. 6, Sheet 1A, p. 186, at the Harcourt Hotel, line #7:

Lester M. Laird, guest, renting, $30, male, white, 28, single, can read & write, born CA, father and mother born CA, agent ins., insurance, employed, not a veteran.

[191] Per Veryl (Laird) Clement, of Seattle, WA.

[192] His birth date and county from the Laird Family Bible.

[193] Per Veryl (Laird) Clement, of Seattle, WA.

[194] Her birth date from the Laird Family Bible, her name listed as Ruby Veryl Laird in the bible, but she considered her name as Veryl Ruby Laird, and went by Veryl.

[195] 1920 Federal Census, Modesto twp, Stanislaus Co., CA, Supervisors Dist. 6, Enumeration Dist. 168, Sheet 13 B, dwelling #342, family #349:

Charles Guth, head, renting, male, white, 50, married, can read & write, born CA, father born Alsace Lorraine, French, mother born Australia, English, speaks English, sterilizer, milk company

Flora J. Guth, wife, female, white, 44, married, can read & write, born CA, father born VT, mother born VT, speaks English, sealer operator, milk company

F. May Guth, daughter, female, white, 19, single, can read & write, born CA, father and mother both born CA

George E. Guth, son, male, white, 17, single, can read & write, born CA, father and mother both born CA

Charles H. Guth, son, male, white, 15, single, attending school, can read & write, born CA, father and mother both born CA

Francis H. Guth, son, male, white, 13, single, attending school, can read & write, born CA, father and mother both born CA

Melvin H. Guth, son, male, white, 11, single, attending school, can read & write, born CA, father and mother both born CA

[196] All per Veryl (Laird) Clement, of Seattle, WA.

[197] All per Veryl (Laird) Clement, of Seattle, WA.

[198] Her birth month and year from the Laird Family Bible, the date by her daughter, Londa (Johnston) Hinch, of Sacramento, CA.

[199] All per Londa (Johnston) Hinch, of Sacramento, CA.

[200] Her birth date from the Laird Family Bible; Woodworth, Descendants of Robert Poage, p. 1057.

[201] The marriage date from the Laird Family Bible, and their California Marriage Record, which gave the name of the minister and the church.

[202] His birth date from the separate paper inserted into the Laird Family Bible.

[203] 1880 Federal Census, Township No. 1, Catheys Valley Election Precinct, Mariposa Co., CA, page 17, Supervisors Dist. 2, Enumeration Dist. 40, dwelling #7, family #7

William Wallace, white, male, 50, married, farmer, born AL, father born GA, mother born GA

Sarah E. Wallace, white, female, 33, wife, married, keeping house, born LA, father born VT, mother born MA

Charles A. Wallace, white, male, 14, son, single, at home, attending school, born CA, father born AL, mother born LA

Mary C. Wallace, white, female, 11, daughter, single, at home, attending school, born CA, father born AL, mother born LA

Elizabeth E. Wallace, white, female, 9, daughter, single, attending school, born CA, father born AL, mother born LA

William A. Wallace, white, male, 6, son, single, attending school, born CA, father born AL, mother born LA

Francis O. Wallace, white, male, 4, son, single, born CA, father born AL, mother born LA

Andrew Wallace, white, male, 2, son, single, born CA, father born AL, mother born LA

[Living next door to George C. and Eusibia Wills]

[204] All per Letus Wallace, of Merced, from his recollections of his parents.

[205] 1920 Federal Census, Judicial Township No. 8, Winton Village, Winton Precinct, Merced Co., CA, Supervisors Dist. 6, Enumeration Dist. 162, Sheet 15 A-B, lines #46-52, dwelling #331, family #350:

William A. Wallace, head, rented home, male, white, 46, married, can read & write, born CA, father born AL, mother born LA, farmer.

Virginia Wallace, wife, female, white, 43, married, can read & write, born CA, father born KY, mother born VA [sic], no occupation.

Ferris Wallace, son, male, white, 16, single, attending school, can read & write, born CA, father born CA, mother born CA, high school student.

Letus Wallace, son, male, white, 14, single, attending school, can read & write, born CA, father born CA, mother born CA.

Leland Wallace, son, male, white, 13, single, attending school, can read & write, born CA, father born CA, mother born CA.

Edward Wallace, son, male, 12, single, attending school, can read & write, born CA, father born CA, mother born CA.

Nevelle Wallace, daughter, female, 2 4/12, single, born CA, father born CA, mother born CA.

[206] 1930 Federal Census, Township 8, Mitchell Precinct, Merced Co., CA, Sheet 11 B, dwelling #256, family #259, (hard to read):

William A. Wallace, head, owner, male, white, 56, married, (can’t read age at marriage), can read & write, born CA, father born AL, mother born LA, farmer, fruit farm, not a veteran

Virginia M. Wallace, wife, female, white, 54, married, age 26 at marriage, can read & write, born CA, father born KY, mother born IL, no occupation.

Leland E. Wallace, son, male, white, 23, single, can read & write, born CA, father born CA, mother born CA, teller in a bank.

Nevelle V. Wallace, daughter, female, white, 12, single, can read & write, born CA, father born CA, mother born CA

Louis Ramos, hired hand, male, white, 24, single, can read & write, born CA, father and mother born in Portugal, laborer, farm

Elizabeth M. Smith, boarder, female, white, 21, single, can read & write, born CA, father and mother born CA, teacher, public school

(Can’t read name) Buse?, boarder, female, white, 24, single, can read & write, born CA, father and mother born CA, teacher, public school

[207] His death date and city from the Laird Family Bible.

[208] His birth date and city from the Laird Family Bible.

[209] The marriage date from the Laird Family Bible, and per Jean (Sutherland) Wallace.

[210] Per Jean (Sutherland) Wallace.

[211] Per Jean (Sutherland) Wallace.

[212] His birth date and city from the Laird Family Bible.

[213] Per Betty (Hamill) Wallace.

[214] The marriage date from the Laird Family Bible, and per Letus Wallace and Betty (Hamill) Wallace, of Merced, CA.

[215] Per Betty (Hamill) Wallace, of Merced, CA.

[216] Personal knowledge of the author. The funerals of Betty and Letus Wallace were attended by many prominent people from Merced and Fresno, as well as their large families.

[217] His birth date and city from the Laird Family Bible.

[218] Per Crystal (Cushman) Wallace, the Laird Family Bible has the date as 19 July 1937 in Dixon.

[219] Per Crystal (Cushman) Wallace, of Maxwell, CA.

[220] Her death per David Wallace, of Nevada City, CA.