Theodore Thure "Swede Bill" Strombeck

1.

Anders Johannson1 Strömbäck He married Caisa Henriksdotter

Anders Johannson Strömbäck and Caisa Henriksdotter had the following child:

2.

i.

Eric2 Strömbäck was born in 1762 in Sottunga, Åland, Finland. He died on 14 Oct 1823 in Vaxholm, Stockholm, Sweden. He married Stina Matsdotter She was born on 08 Aug 1765. She died in 1830.

Notes for Eric Strömbäck:

From 1815 to 1819 Eric lived at Hyres Folk, Vaxholm, Stockholm, Sweden with Wife Stina and 6 children.

2.

Eric2 Strömbäck (Anders Johannson1) was born in 1762 in Sottunga, Åland, Finland. He died on 14 Oct 1823 in Vaxholm, Stockholm, Sweden. He married Stina Matsdotter She was born on 08 Aug 1765. She died in 1830.

Notes for Eric Strömbäck:

From 1815 to 1819 Eric lived at Hyres Folk, Vaxholm, Stockholm, Sweden with Wife Stina and 6 children.

Eric Strömbäck and Stina Matsdotter had the following children:

i.

Johan Erik3 Strömbäck was born on 06 Sep 1793 in Bogla, Sweden.

ii.

Gabriel Strömbäck was born on 23 Jan 1798 in Bogla, Sweden.

3.

iii.

Petter Pehr Strömbäck was born on 29 Jun 1800 in Bogla, Sweden. He died on 05 Mar 1852 in Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden. He married Christina Sofia Hedström on 09 Nov 1823 in Flackebo, Vastmanland, Sweden. She was born on 18 Sep 1799 in Kloster, Sweden (Christened 29 June 1800.). She died on 23 Jan 1834 in Danderyd, Stockholm, Sweden (Buried 31 Jan 1834.).

Notes for Petter Pehr Strömbäck:

In 1828 Petter Strömbäck is listed in the Sweden Household Clerical Survey on the farm Nora Ättonde Roten in Danderyd, Stockholm with wife Christina Sophia Hedstrom, son Thore Theodor, and maid Anna Sophia Törg. He was known as "Inspektor."

iv.

Lena Lotta Strömbäck was born on 05 Dec 1802 in Bogla, Sweden.

v.

Maria Helena Strömbäck was born on 05 Dec 1802 in Bogla, Sweden.

vi.

Anna Stina Strömbäck was born on 10 Sep 1804 in Bogla, Sweden.

3.

Petter Pehr3 Strömbäck (Eric2, Anders Johannson1) was born on 29 Jun 1800 in Bogla, Sweden. He died on 05 Mar 1852 in Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden. He married Christina Sofia Hedström on 09 Nov 1823 in Flackebo, Vastmanland, Sweden. She was born on 18 Sep 1799 in Kloster, Sweden (Christened 29 June 1800.). She died on 23 Jan 1834 in Danderyd, Stockholm, Sweden (Buried 31 Jan 1834.).

Notes for Petter Pehr Strömbäck:

In 1828 Petter Strömbäck is listed in the Sweden Household Clerical Survey on the farm Nora Ättonde Roten in Danderyd, Stockholm with wife Christina Sophia Hedstrom, son Thore Theodor, and maid Anna Sophia Törg. He was known as "Inspektor."

Petter Pehr Strömbäck and Christina Sofia Hedström had the following child:

4.

i.

Theodore Thure "Swede Bill"4 Strombeck was born on 03 Feb 1829 in Nora, Danneryd Parish, Stockholm, Sweden (Baptized 12 Feb 1829.). He died on 06 Nov 1910 in 385 Poplar Avenue, Fresno, Fresno Co., CA. He married Memjilitt (Mimilette) Ottawa Hawa, daughter of Chief Totochoo Muc-cah Hawa and Whapasah, on 05 Jun 1858 in Finegold, Madera Co., CA. She was born between 1843–1844 in Madera Co., CA. She died on 06 Jul 1899 in Madera, Madera Co., CA (Mimjilitt died of consumption.).

Notes for Theodore Thure "Swede Bill" Strombeck:

Born Theodor Thure Strömbäck. He arrived in San Francisco port and deserted his ship. (Nils William Olson, "Swedish Seamen Who Deserted in U.S. Ports, 1841-1858." In Swedish American Genealogist, vol. 3:4 (Dec. 1983), pp. 141-157.)

THEODORE THURE STROMBECK (Guinn, J. M., History of the State of California and Biographical Record of the San Joaquin Valley, California, Chicago: Chapman Publishing, 1905)

Theodore Thure Strombeck was born in 1829 in Stockholm, Sweden, the son of a Collector of the Court. He ran away from home when he was 16 and went to sea as a cabin boy for two years. In 1847 his ship sailed into the harbor of Yerba Buena, now San Francisco, where he left it.

When gold was discovered, Strombeck rigged up a launch and started up the San Joaquin River to Stockton, which then was the main distributing point to the mining country. After two years shipping freight, Strombeck made another move to the southern mines and at Coarsegold Gulch and the Fresno River he not only engaged in mining but also supplied the adjacent camps with meat. Since there were no roads at the time his supplies had to be taken over the trails by Pack train. By that time, the summer of 1851, the Fresno River country was well populated. About that time Strombeck gave himself the name of "Swede Bill."

Many of the Indians in the lower hills were friendly but the Monos, living along the Sierra ranges, viewed the white man with distrust. Warfare developed when Monos murdered two men at Fine Gold, a mining camp a few miles from Coarsegold. The Mariposa Battalion was formed to go in pursuit of the Indians, and Strombeck was a member of the expedition. Strombeck was in Company B, commanded by Captain John Boling. Major James D. Savage headed the battalion which discovered Yosemite Valley and gave it its name after the Indian tribe found as its inhabitants. Strombeck was one of the first to see its beauties.

Strombeck's ranch here at Coarsegold was the rancheria of the Chukchansi tribe of Indians, many whom still are residents of the district. He married Memerite Melliot, the daughter of Chief Hawa of the Chuckchansi Indians. The daughters are Mrs. J. H. Elam of Coarsegold, Mrs. Fred O. Ninnis of Fresno, Mrs. Mary Jones of Coarsegold and Kathryn Strombeck. The sons included Fred, William, Leonard, Charles and John Strombeck. The Strombeck property later belonged to Will Krohn and is now the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wells.

Another of the ranches is known as The Crossing, situated where the Raymond-Coarsegold Road crosses the Fresno River, six miles west of Coarsegold. The first post was an adobe building erected by John Ledford and George W. Carson. It was sold shortly after to J. L. Hunt and J. R. Nichols, and Nichols in turn, sold his holdings to J. R. Roan. The adobe was built in 1852. Three Frenchman left the Hunt & Roan post during the summer of '52 on a prospecting trip to the higher country. Two were killed by a band of Indians, the third made his way back to Coarsegold Gulch. From there a band of thirty miners went back with him, found the bodies near the valley and after burying them returned home.

In 1855 the first tourist party to Yosemite left The Crossing. In the party were Walter Millard, Alexander Stairs and W. Hutchings, all of San Francisco. They made the trip with guides provided by John Hunt.

Strombeck did the 1880 U.S. Census for District 1 of Fresno County, now Madera County. Because of his Indian wife he was able to survey the Indians in the county, a rare record for that period.

Strombeck lived in the Coarsegold area until his death in 1911 [1910].

Thure became a US citizen on October 20, 1857 in the 13th District, Mariposa County. He was give a land grant of 169.30 acres on May 20, 1862 in the Stockton office in township range 008S-020E of the SW¼NE¼, Lot/Trct 3, SE¼NW¼, NW¼SE¼. In the 1880 Voter Register he farmed in Crane Valley, which is now covered by Bass Lake. In the 1898 Voter Register he is described at 5’ 9½” tall, fair complexion, blue eyes, and gray hair.

Census Records:

In 1860 Theodore was a miner residing in Township 2 (Millerton PO), Fresno Co., CA with his wife Memjelitt and daughters Mary and Kate.

In 1870 Theo farmed in Coarse Gold Gulch, Township 1 (Millerton PO), Fresno Co. with his children Mary, Annie, Leonard, Josephine, and Christine and school teacher Reuben Bramlette (25 IL). At that time his wife, Memielet, lived nearby with her parents Totochoo and Whapasah and other relatives.

In 1880 T. T. Strombeck still farmed in District 1, Fresno Co. with his wife Memjilitt and children Leonard, Josephine, Christine, Charles, and William. (Theodore was the census enumerator and signed his name Thure Theodore Strombeck and his wife Memjilitt.)

In 1900 Theodore mined in Township 4, Madera Co. with sons Charles, William, and John.

In 1906 Fresno City Directory Theo was a farmer living at 2048 White Avenue, Fresno.

In 1910 Theodore lived at 385 Poplar Avenue in Fresno with his son-in-law Frederick C. Mimmis, daughter Christina, and their son Ross.

Newpaper Articles:

Fresno Weekly Expositor, Volume 3, Number 4, 15 May 1872

Minutes of the Board of Supervisors

It was ordered that the sum of $299.50 be credited to the Roadmaster of District No. 1, T. T. Strombeck. [Similar listings appeared many times in the following years.]

Fresno Weekly Expositor, Volume 3, Number 27, 23 October 1872

Coarse Gold Gulch— T. T. Strombeck, Inspector; Thos. Jones and C. F. Walker, Judges; voting place at T. J. Alien’s Store. [Appears again for other voting days.]

Fresno Weekly Expositor, Volume 5, Number 35, 16 December 1874

Good Roads.—We are informed that Nelson Mudgett, T. T. Strombeck and James H. Bethel, Roadmasters on the north side of the San Joaquin river, have the roads in their respective districts in excellent condition. The roads in the districts mentioned are reported in a better state of repair than they have ever before been.

Fresno Weekly Expositor, Volume VII, Number 3, 3 May 1876

FINE QUARTZ.—Yesterday T. T. Strombeck left at this office a number of specimens of gold bearing quartz taken from n vein lately discovered on Sprangle Gold Gulch, the rock shows a large amount of free gold and is exceedingly rich. The ledge is about thirty inches wide and is well defined. It has been prospected to the depth of eight feet with encouraging results. Mr. Strombeck owns a liberal interest in the find, and he says he thinks it will beat Tom. Jones’ mine all to pieces.

Fresno Weekly Expositor, Volume VIII, Number 43, 6 February 1878

Strombeck TT. Fresno Flats: Possessory claim of 160 acres, situated l 1/2 miles west of Chas Michael’s place, improvements and personal property; tax and cost … 24 14

Fresno Weekly Expositor, Volume IX, Number 15, 24 July 1878

While at Capt. Mace’s Hotel, in Madera, we called to see our genial and clever friend, T. T. Strombeck, who had the misfortune, a short time ago, to get himself pretty badly “used up” by being thrown from his wagon. At first it was thought that Bill would not survive, but now he seems to be getting on first rate; and, with the vitality and grit with which he is luckly possessed, assisted by the care and direction of the skillful surgeon and clever physician, C. E. Brown, we have all confidence in his speedy restoration.

Fresno Weekly Expositor, Volume XI, Number 15, 21 July 1880

A villainous plot to destroy the reputation for Intelligence of a district in this county, has been unearthed. One of the Census Enumerators returned his whole district, comprising over a thousand persons, as entirely illiterate—not being able to either read or write. The returns were forwarded to the Census Supervisor of this District, and they would probably have been passed as correct, had he not struck the names of two or three school-teachers. These were the straws that busted in the backbone of the official camel, and consequently the list was sent back for correction, and this is how the joke leaked out. Strombeck says it was a mistake, but it will take all his salary, “Settin’ ’em up,” to keep the boys quiet.

Fresno Weekly Expositor, Volume XIII, Number 42, 31 January 1883

Strombeck T T—S½ of SE¼ of sec 1 t Bsr 2o e, 80 acres, 120 dols, W½ of NE¼ of sec 12 t 8 s r 2o c, 80 acres, 120 dols, impts thereon 200 doh, farm utensils 25 dols, 2 wagons 100 doh, horse 2o dols, lo horses 200 doh. 9 colts 9o dols, 20 stock cattle I6<> dols, 3o hogs 60 dols, total 1095 dols, tax and cost -... 22 70 [Similar listing later.]

Expositor, Volume IV, Number 47, 23 November 1883

Rich Strike.—John Krohn informs us that Floyd. Dods, Strombeck and others, have just made a very rich strike in their mine on French Gulch. They struck ore that they feel certain will pay over $100 per ton. They have leased an arastra and will commence crushing at once. [Similar article in 1888.] [An "arrastra" is a primitive, horse- or mule-powered mill used for crushing and pulverizing ore, particularly gold or silver ore.]

Expositor, Volume X, Number 71, 24 December 1886

T T Strombeck to D R McKenzie and J Krohn- Lot 3, SE¼ NW¼ of NE½ of NW¼ of SW¼ SE¼ and S½ of SE¼ if Sec 12, T8, R20, $600.

Stockton Mail, Volume 24, Number 28, 10 September 1891

A fire broke out Monday near the old Millerton road at Coarse Gold, Fresno county, and burned over 5,000 acres of land before extinguished. The fences of Fred and William Ninnis, Peterson, Strombeck, D. R. McKenzie and John Krohn were destroyed, and the hoisting works and seventy cords of wood at the Todas Flat mine, owned by John Krohn, were burned.

Fresno Bee, Volume XLIII, Number 110, 7 November 1910

Theodore T Strombeck, aged 81, and a native of Sweden, died last night at his home at 385 Poplar avenue. He was the captain of the first steamboat that went up the river to Stockton and had made Fresno his home for the past sixty years. [Thure died at the home of his son-in-law Fred C. Ninnis in Fresno.]

The Fresno Morning Republican, Monday, Nov 14, 1910, Page 10:

A PIONEER OF PIONEERS WAS THE LATE MR. STROMBECK

- Took Part in the 1851 War Against the Yosemite Indians

- Was Also Member of Battalion Company That Entered the Valley

It is a coincidence worthy of note that, within one week of each other there died in this city two Fresno pioneers, who had lived in county for more than half of a century and who from personal experience and participation could speak of the very early days in this county, of Indian uprisings and of the stirring times before Fresno county was carved out in 1856 of the extensive domain then known as Mariposa county and which in February, 1850, when the state was organized into counties, comprised what is now Merced, Mono, Mariposa, Fresno and Madera counties.

Theodore Thure Strombeck died on Sunday one week ago at the home of his son-in-law, Fred C. Ninnis, at 385 Poplar avenue, at the age of 82 years. Mrs. C. A. Hart died last Saturday at the age of 85 years. She was the widow of the late C. J. Hart, who was the first county judge of Fresno county, serving from 1856 to 1859, and before marriage to him the widow of James McKenzie, who came with the army detachment sent to California to give the miners and settlers in the mining districts protection and which detachment laid out and built in 1852 and was the first to garrison Fort Miller, located most picturesquely on the banks of the San Joaquin river a good mile beyond Millerton, the first county seat, known the early mining days as the village of Rootville, the fort and town being named for General Miller, who commanded the first garrison.

LINKED TO EARLIEST DAYS.

In the passing away therefore of the late Mr. Strombeck and of Mrs. Hart, death has removed two personages in whom the history of the present day Fresno county was linked with its earliest recollections and events, recorded or unrecorded. There are few left living today in the county--not over ten or twelve-whose recollections or experiences were contemporaneous with those of the departed named above and possibly none whose advent to Fresno in what was then known as the Southern Mines antedated them. They came both in the prime of vigorous youth among the earliest of pioneers, to wrest the land from the cruel treacherous savage, they came to settle up a virgin land classed by the first comers as a desert; they lived to see a principality established where the wild antelope galloped across the plains and the bear unhindered roamed the woods for his prey; they saw the desert land made to bloom like a garden with the application of the life-giving waters from the snow-capped Sierras, in short they lived to see a miracle performed by man and ended this existence crowned by years and after a life's experience which has been the theme of many a writer of romances and unique to the California pioneer of the days of '49.

As a woman the pioneer experiences of Mrs. Hart led her into gentler paths even in the rough times of the gold era in the mining camps along the San Joaquin in the foothills. Strombeck participated in all the early exciting incidents. The obituary notices following his death on the 6th did not identify him as the man who took a personal part in the stirring events of the first settlers in Fresno county, and who, with the courage that was characteristic of the Western pioneer, took life in hand as a member of punitive expeditions against the treacherous Indians, or the viler white outlaws. Strombeck was a member of the Mariposa battalion expedition which, in pursuit of the Yosemite band of marauding Indians, discovered the Yosemite valley, suggested its name and examined many of the principal objects of interest.

INDIAN WAR OF 1851.

The interesting story of that expedition is comprised in a volume, "Discovery of the Yosemite and The Indian War of 1857 Which Led to That Events," by Lafayette H. Bunnell, M.D., who was surgeon of the volunteer battalion. Concerning that organization, Bunnell himself wrote that he had to rely upon his own resources and memory, for nothing could be obtained in the archives of California that would aid him. Of that historical battalion and on the memorable expedition to the valley, Strombeck was a member of Company commanded by Capt. John Boling. the battalion nominally under command of Major James D. Savage.

The latter was a post trader on the Fresno river, a historical character who strengthened his business relations with the Indians by marrying daughters of four or five sub-chieftains, who was a chieftain himself among them, who in his trade relations with them amassed a fortune of $100,000, considered princely in those days, and having been murdered on August 16, 1852, at Kings river rancheria by one Harvey, the first county judge of Tulare county, lies buried on the Fresno river on the site of the pioneer trading post, the late Dr. Lewis Leach, who was a business partner, erecting over the grave a monument that stands today main on an unfrequented trail off the road what is now Madera county.

The story of the early day experiences of Theodore T. Strombeck would fill a book. They were lived in strenuous, primitive times and among strenuous men in a day when lawmen not only were the representatives of law and order, but also executed those laws and orders 88 vigilantes. Strombeck was born at Stockholm, Sweden, his father being collector of the port at that place. He was only 16 years of age, when the desire to go out into the broad world seized him, and he ran away from home to go to sea.

A few years of the life on the billowy seas and his vessel sailed into San Francisco harbor, then known to sea-faring men as Yerba Buena. This was before the discovery of gold - in the fall of 1847 - so that he was also one of the very earliest pioneers of California as well.

With the excitement of the discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill about January 30, 1848, Strombeck followed the general tide and the rush to the mines. He rigged up a launch to convey provisions and miners' supplies to Stockton, then the head of navigation and the distributing point to the interior. Strombeck acted as navigator of the launch and was one of the first to pilot, a sailing craft up the river to Stockton. Some of the accounts have it that he was probably the first.

Two years were spent in this occupation and he came then to the Southern Mines, locating Coarse Gold, then in Mariposa county, afterward this county and now in Madera. There he became identified with mining operations at Coarse Gold Gulch, which in the summer of 1851 was already a prominent mining camp, but in October deserted because of threatened Indian war. He also supplied the nearby mining camps on the upper stretches of the San Joaquin with meat, using pack horses as a means of transportation over traveled trails because there were no roads save those followed by the Indians, the miner with pack trains and the stages.

Stirring events came to pass and tragedies to be enacted, some of which history has recorded, but many more are recalled only in story or legend with few of the participants left to tell of them. Strombeck was one of the few left of the almost thinned out band that helped to make so much of Fresno county history that is not recorded. The Mono tribe of Indians, living on the Sierra range, looked with jealousy at the encroachment of the white man represented in the rough miners and the not less rough settlers. There was muttering of uprising, threatening the lives and property of the miners and few settlers unprotected save by their own efforts and far civilization in a newly settled frame History records several small massacres at Savage's trading post in 1850, at Cassidy Lane's trading post in January, 1857, below Millerton, near now Pollasky, and a murder of two men at Fine Gold Gulch. This was the climax.

IN MARIPOSA BATTALION.

Then followed the organization of the Mariposa battalion and the historical campaign against the Indians, with several battles fought, the aborigines trounced at every turn, and the final signing of a treaty in April, 1851, at Fort Barbour, the headquarters of the Indian commissioners, and the predecessor of Fort Miller. The pursuit into the Yosemite valley by Boling's company and the dispersal of the Yosemite band of Indians is history, because it resulted in the discovery of the great valley and the bringing of it to the knowledge of the world. In this connection, also, in August 1852, three Frenchmen were on a prospecting tour to the Yosemite country near the valley and attacked by a band of Indians. Two were killed, and the other made his escape to the nearest settlement, chased by the Indians as far as Grizzly Meadows, and arriving at Coarse Gold spread the alarm. Thirty or more miners formed a volunteer party, Strombeck among the number, to find the remains. The bodles were found near the valley and buried.

The battalion formed at Mariposa was well mounted and armed, but notwithstanding had its trials and experiences in pursuing the Indians over the unknown mountain trails into the valley. Arrived at the point where Wawona is now located, a band of marauders was discovered at the morning meal. The miners' advance guard espied them, advanced cautiously and made an attack upon the camp before the Indians knew of their presence. Twelve or fifteen red men were in the party and not one escaped. No one in the pursuing party was injured. The bodies of the Indians were cremated in their own campfire, but this was no sacrilege because the Indians cremated the bodies of their dead in those days.

CLOSE ON THE TRAIL

Mr. Strombeck had lost a horse at the hands of the Indian marauders, horse flesh among them being considered a food delicacy and the settlers suffering much loss frequently. Nor did it matter much how the horse came by his death, anything in line of horse flesh was meat for the Indian cooking pots. Rummaging about camp, Mr.

Strombeck discovered the foot of a horse covered with a rawhide boot or shoe. From this he recognized the horse stolen from him only a short time before.

On this expedition the Mariposans were close on the trial of the Indians making for security to their mountain fastnesses and defiant of the orders to come to the valley and surrender to the Indian commissioners and be allotted to a blissful existence on the reservations, one on the Fresno and the other on the Kings river. At Wawona was found a trail showing that a greater body of fugitives had gone on to the valley. The surprised camp was evidently that of the rear guard.

On the following morning the trail of the Indians was followed into the valley, then absolutely unknown by the white man, the pursuers proceeding cautiously to the vicinity of Bridal Veil falls and scouting the vicinity, located an encampment on the opposite side of the river. Discovery was made of the bodies of the two murdered miners. They were in such an advanced state of decomposition that graves were dug close to them as possible and the bodies interred. A wooden head-board has been erected by the state with the simple legend, "Two men killed by Indians," and to this day can be seen near Bridal Veil Falls.

It being the month of April, and the water high in the Merced river, the miners in pursuit dare not cross the stream to give battle, but after some days of scouting in which the doggedness of the white man was pitted against the cunning and artifices of the red, the main encampment was surprised, fire was opened on the Indian camp and the aborigines having nothing save primitive arms, surrendered or were captured, the band and its chief taken prisoners and the campaign ended with the scattering of the war-like Yosemite band of Indians, closing with the capture of the chief, Teneya, and his later massacre by his own tribesmen, a story as thrilling as that of "The Last of the Mohicans," though lacking the poetic details of Cooper's famous tale, for Teneya was the last of his tribe.

AN EARLY VIGILANTE

Punishing murderous and marauding Indians was not the only experience that fell to the lot of Pioneer Strombeck. It is related that as late as 1863 the robbing of Chinese huts and mining camps for the sluiced gold was frequent and notorious by what is believed to have been an organized band among whom were two brothers named Al and John Dixon. All races and classes were their victims. Their depredations were borne with forbearance until 1864, when a determined band of twelve men, Strombeck among the number, organized silently and one winter's night assembled at the rendezvous of the outlaws. For some reason not explained, only one of the robbers was caught, Al Dixon, and the next morning his body was found hanging to a tree on the road from Fresno Crossing to Coarse Gold. Jim Rains, another outlaw of the band, met with a similar fate later, but the work of the vigilantes had its effect in dispersing the gang, and sluice-box robberies were given a salutary check.

A SENSE OF HUMOR

Mr. Strombeck lived continuously in Fresno county and was part of its history during all these years. He was universally known as "Swede Bill," following the old custom of giving everyone a nickname, and surnames not being the fashion in vogue. Mr. Strombeck gave himself this nickname at a congenial gathering at T. J. Allen's store at Coarse Gold, of which he was in charge. "Dutch BIll," "Scotch Bill," "Irish Bill" and "American Bill' had all been toasted and a second bottle was brought out by the storekeeper for another round on "Swede Bill." The name stuck to him ever after.

The late Mr. Strombeck was not without a sense of humor, and a story related by him was that his nearest approach to death was on account of that disposition for practical joking. He had placed a piece of limburger cheese in the hatband of a dandy of Millerton of the old days. The latter discovered the identity of the practical joker and sought him with a loaded gun. When they met, Strombeck dodged behind a convenient rock boulder and saved his life.

HEADING OFF AN INDIAN

On another occasion when there was threat of an Indian uprising, and these occurrences were frequent to disturb the life of the miners and villages, an Indian friend of the whites informed them of the intentions of the red men. Shortly after when a party of miners of which "Swede Bill" was one was encamped near Crook's place on the Fresno river, an Indian was seen approaching in a suspicious manner. The camp was immediately alarmed, "Swede Bill” seized his rifle and taking' careful aim clipped off a portion of the ear of the Indian. They met afterward at Coarse Gold and the Indian pointing his mutilated ear stepped forward, shook hands and grunted. They were friends ever after.

The late Mr. Strombeck had an inexhaustible fund of stories of incidents and events of the long ago. He was a man of wonderfully retentive memory and could relate details of happenings of fifty years ago. In him was epitomized the early history of the county from its earliest days for nearly sixty years.

Fresno Bee, April 30, 1952:

Coarsegold Settler Was One of First to See Yosemite

COARSEGOLD – If Theodore Thure Strombeck still were living, he probably could be found next Saturday telling celebrants at Coarsegold's Centennial how he rode into the magnificent Yosemite Valley and was one of the first white men to see its beauty.

Strombeck, was one of pioneers of California and the Coarsegold area, was born in Stockholm, Sweden. He ran away from home when he was 16 and went to sea.

In 1847 his ship sailed into the harbor of Yerba Buena, now San Francisco, where he left it. When gold was discovered. Strombeck rigged up a launch and started up the San Joaquin River to Stockton, which then was the main distributing point to the country. After two years shipping freight, Strombeck made another move to the southern mines and at Coarsegold Gulch and the Fresno River he not only engaged in mining but also supplied the adjacent camps with meat. Since there were no roads at the time his supplies had to be taken over the trails by pack train. By that time, the Summer of 1851, the Fresno River country was well populated.

Indian Wars - Many of the Indians in the lower hills were friendly but the Monos, living along the Sierra ranges, viewed the white man with distrust and Indian warfare developed, when two men were murdered at Fine Gold, a mining camp a few miles from Coarsegold, the Mariposa, Battalion was formed to of the Indians and Strombeck was a member of the expedition. Strombeck was in Company commanded by Captain John Boling. Major James D. Savage headed the battalion which discovered Yosemite Valley and gave it its name after the Indian tribe found as its inhabitants.

Strombeck's ranch here at Coarsegold was the rancheria of the Chooc-chancie tribe of Indians, many whom still are residents the district. He married Memerite, a Chooc-chancie girl. The daughters are Mrs. J. H. Elam of Coarsegold, Mrs. Fred O. Ninnis of Fresno, Mrs. Mary Jones Coarsegold and Kathryn Strombeck. The sons included Fred, William, Leonard, Charles and John Strombeck.

The Strombeck property later belonged to Will Krohn and is now the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wells.

Another of the ranches brought to mind by Coarsegold's Centennial is known as The Crossing, situated where the Raymond-Coarsegold Road crosses the Fresno River, six miles west of Coarsegold.

The first post was an adobe building, erected George by W. John Carson. Led- It was sold shortly after to J. L. Hunt and J. R. Nichols and Nichols in turn, sold his holdings to J. R. Roan. The adobe was built in 1852.

Three Frenchman left the Hunt and Roan post during the Summer of '52 on a prospecting trip to the higher country. Two were killed by a band of Indians, the third made his way back to Coarsegold Gulch. From there a band of thirty miners went back with him, found the bodies near the valley and after burying them returned home.

In 1855 the first tourist party to Yosemite left The Crossing. In the party were Walter Millard, Alexander Stairs and W. Hutchings, all of San Francisco. They made the trip with guides provided by John Hunt.

On Saturday, the celebration will include events which marked the day celebrations such as picnics, foot races and other athletic events. In the evening an outdoor dance will be featured.

Sunday, the annual Coarsegold Amateur Rodeo will be held at the rodeo ground south of here on Highway 41. The riders will include cattlemen from all parts of the San Joaquin Valley. Howard Parker is chairman the rodeo committee.

4.

Theodore Thure "Swede Bill"4 Strombeck (Petter Pehr3 Strömbäck, Eric2 Strömbäck, Anders Johannson1 Strömbäck) was born on 03 Feb 1829 in Nora, Danneryd Parish, Stockholm, Sweden (Baptized 12 Feb 1829.). He died on 06 Nov 1910 in 385 Poplar Avenue, Fresno, Fresno Co., CA. He married Memjilitt (Mimilette) Ottawa Hawa, daughter of Chief Totochoo Muc-cah Hawa and Whapasah, on 05 Jun 1858 in Finegold, Madera Co., CA. She was born between 1843–1844 in Madera Co., CA. She died on 06 Jul 1899 in Madera, Madera Co., CA (Mimjilitt died of consumption.).

Notes for Theodore Thure "Swede Bill" Strombeck:

Born Theodor Thure Strömbäck. He arrived in San Francisco port and deserted his ship. (Nils William Olson, "Swedish Seamen Who Deserted in U.S. Ports, 1841-1858." In Swedish American Genealogist, vol. 3:4 (Dec. 1983), pp. 141-157.)

THEODORE THURE STROMBECK (Guinn, J. M., History of the State of California and Biographical Record of the San Joaquin Valley, California, Chicago: Chapman Publishing, 1905)

Theodore Thure Strombeck was born in 1829 in Stockholm, Sweden, the son of a Collector of the Court. He ran away from home when he was 16 and went to sea as a cabin boy for two years. In 1847 his ship sailed into the harbor of Yerba Buena, now San Francisco, where he left it.

When gold was discovered, Strombeck rigged up a launch and started up the San Joaquin River to Stockton, which then was the main distributing point to the mining country. After two years shipping freight, Strombeck made another move to the southern mines and at Coarsegold Gulch and the Fresno River he not only engaged in mining but also supplied the adjacent camps with meat. Since there were no roads at the time his supplies had to be taken over the trails by Pack train. By that time, the summer of 1851, the Fresno River country was well populated. About that time Strombeck gave himself the name of "Swede Bill."

Many of the Indians in the lower hills were friendly but the Monos, living along the Sierra ranges, viewed the white man with distrust. Warfare developed when Monos murdered two men at Fine Gold, a mining camp a few miles from Coarsegold. The Mariposa Battalion was formed to go in pursuit of the Indians, and Strombeck was a member of the expedition. Strombeck was in Company B, commanded by Captain John Boling. Major James D. Savage headed the battalion which discovered Yosemite Valley and gave it its name after the Indian tribe found as its inhabitants. Strombeck was one of the first to see its beauties.

Strombeck's ranch here at Coarsegold was the rancheria of the Chukchansi tribe of Indians, many whom still are residents of the district. He married Memerite Melliot, the daughter of Chief Hawa of the Chuckchansi Indians. The daughters are Mrs. J. H. Elam of Coarsegold, Mrs. Fred O. Ninnis of Fresno, Mrs. Mary Jones of Coarsegold and Kathryn Strombeck. The sons included Fred, William, Leonard, Charles and John Strombeck. The Strombeck property later belonged to Will Krohn and is now the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wells.

Another of the ranches is known as The Crossing, situated where the Raymond-Coarsegold Road crosses the Fresno River, six miles west of Coarsegold. The first post was an adobe building erected by John Ledford and George W. Carson. It was sold shortly after to J. L. Hunt and J. R. Nichols, and Nichols in turn, sold his holdings to J. R. Roan. The adobe was built in 1852. Three Frenchman left the Hunt & Roan post during the summer of '52 on a prospecting trip to the higher country. Two were killed by a band of Indians, the third made his way back to Coarsegold Gulch. From there a band of thirty miners went back with him, found the bodies near the valley and after burying them returned home.

In 1855 the first tourist party to Yosemite left The Crossing. In the party were Walter Millard, Alexander Stairs and W. Hutchings, all of San Francisco. They made the trip with guides provided by John Hunt.

Strombeck did the 1880 U.S. Census for District 1 of Fresno County, now Madera County. Because of his Indian wife he was able to survey the Indians in the county, a rare record for that period.

Strombeck lived in the Coarsegold area until his death in 1911 [1910].

Thure became a US citizen on October 20, 1857 in the 13th District, Mariposa County. He was give a land grant of 169.30 acres on May 20, 1862 in the Stockton office in township range 008S-020E of the SW¼NE¼, Lot/Trct 3, SE¼NW¼, NW¼SE¼. In the 1880 Voter Register he farmed in Crane Valley, which is now covered by Bass Lake. In the 1898 Voter Register he is described at 5’ 9½” tall, fair complexion, blue eyes, and gray hair.

Census Records:

In 1860 Theodore was a miner residing in Township 2 (Millerton PO), Fresno Co., CA with his wife Memjelitt and daughters Mary and Kate.

In 1870 Theo farmed in Coarse Gold Gulch, Township 1 (Millerton PO), Fresno Co. with his children Mary, Annie, Leonard, Josephine, and Christine and school teacher Reuben Bramlette (25 IL). At that time his wife, Memielet, lived nearby with her parents Totochoo and Whapasah and other relatives.

In 1880 T. T. Strombeck still farmed in District 1, Fresno Co. with his wife Memjilitt and children Leonard, Josephine, Christine, Charles, and William. (Theodore was the census enumerator and signed his name Thure Theodore Strombeck and his wife Memjilitt.)

In 1900 Theodore mined in Township 4, Madera Co. with sons Charles, William, and John.

In 1906 Fresno City Directory Theo was a farmer living at 2048 White Avenue, Fresno.

In 1910 Theodore lived at 385 Poplar Avenue in Fresno with his son-in-law Frederick C. Mimmis, daughter Christina, and their son Ross.

Newpaper Articles:

Fresno Weekly Expositor, Volume 3, Number 4, 15 May 1872

Minutes of the Board of Supervisors

It was ordered that the sum of $299.50 be credited to the Roadmaster of District No. 1, T. T. Strombeck. [Similar listings appeared many times in the following years.]

Fresno Weekly Expositor, Volume 3, Number 27, 23 October 1872

Coarse Gold Gulch— T. T. Strombeck, Inspector; Thos. Jones and C. F. Walker, Judges; voting place at T. J. Alien’s Store. [Appears again for other voting days.]

Fresno Weekly Expositor, Volume 5, Number 35, 16 December 1874

Good Roads.—We are informed that Nelson Mudgett, T. T. Strombeck and James H. Bethel, Roadmasters on the north side of the San Joaquin river, have the roads in their respective districts in excellent condition. The roads in the districts mentioned are reported in a better state of repair than they have ever before been.

Fresno Weekly Expositor, Volume VII, Number 3, 3 May 1876

FINE QUARTZ.—Yesterday T. T. Strombeck left at this office a number of specimens of gold bearing quartz taken from n vein lately discovered on Sprangle Gold Gulch, the rock shows a large amount of free gold and is exceedingly rich. The ledge is about thirty inches wide and is well defined. It has been prospected to the depth of eight feet with encouraging results. Mr. Strombeck owns a liberal interest in the find, and he says he thinks it will beat Tom. Jones’ mine all to pieces.

Fresno Weekly Expositor, Volume VIII, Number 43, 6 February 1878

Strombeck TT. Fresno Flats: Possessory claim of 160 acres, situated l 1/2 miles west of Chas Michael’s place, improvements and personal property; tax and cost … 24 14

Fresno Weekly Expositor, Volume IX, Number 15, 24 July 1878

While at Capt. Mace’s Hotel, in Madera, we called to see our genial and clever friend, T. T. Strombeck, who had the misfortune, a short time ago, to get himself pretty badly “used up” by being thrown from his wagon. At first it was thought that Bill would not survive, but now he seems to be getting on first rate; and, with the vitality and grit with which he is luckly possessed, assisted by the care and direction of the skillful surgeon and clever physician, C. E. Brown, we have all confidence in his speedy restoration.

Fresno Weekly Expositor, Volume XI, Number 15, 21 July 1880

A villainous plot to destroy the reputation for Intelligence of a district in this county, has been unearthed. One of the Census Enumerators returned his whole district, comprising over a thousand persons, as entirely illiterate—not being able to either read or write. The returns were forwarded to the Census Supervisor of this District, and they would probably have been passed as correct, had he not struck the names of two or three school-teachers. These were the straws that busted in the backbone of the official camel, and consequently the list was sent back for correction, and this is how the joke leaked out. Strombeck says it was a mistake, but it will take all his salary, “Settin’ ’em up,” to keep the boys quiet.

Fresno Weekly Expositor, Volume XIII, Number 42, 31 January 1883

Strombeck T T—S½ of SE¼ of sec 1 t Bsr 2o e, 80 acres, 120 dols, W½ of NE¼ of sec 12 t 8 s r 2o c, 80 acres, 120 dols, impts thereon 200 doh, farm utensils 25 dols, 2 wagons 100 doh, horse 2o dols, lo horses 200 doh. 9 colts 9o dols, 20 stock cattle I6<> dols, 3o hogs 60 dols, total 1095 dols, tax and cost -... 22 70 [Similar listing later.]

Expositor, Volume IV, Number 47, 23 November 1883

Rich Strike.—John Krohn informs us that Floyd. Dods, Strombeck and others, have just made a very rich strike in their mine on French Gulch. They struck ore that they feel certain will pay over $100 per ton. They have leased an arastra and will commence crushing at once. [Similar article in 1888.] [An "arrastra" is a primitive, horse- or mule-powered mill used for crushing and pulverizing ore, particularly gold or silver ore.]

Expositor, Volume X, Number 71, 24 December 1886

T T Strombeck to D R McKenzie and J Krohn- Lot 3, SE¼ NW¼ of NE½ of NW¼ of SW¼ SE¼ and S½ of SE¼ if Sec 12, T8, R20, $600.

Stockton Mail, Volume 24, Number 28, 10 September 1891

A fire broke out Monday near the old Millerton road at Coarse Gold, Fresno county, and burned over 5,000 acres of land before extinguished. The fences of Fred and William Ninnis, Peterson, Strombeck, D. R. McKenzie and John Krohn were destroyed, and the hoisting works and seventy cords of wood at the Todas Flat mine, owned by John Krohn, were burned.

Fresno Bee, Volume XLIII, Number 110, 7 November 1910

Theodore T Strombeck, aged 81, and a native of Sweden, died last night at his home at 385 Poplar avenue. He was the captain of the first steamboat that went up the river to Stockton and had made Fresno his home for the past sixty years. [Thure died at the home of his son-in-law Fred C. Ninnis in Fresno.]

The Fresno Morning Republican, Monday, Nov 14, 1910, Page 10:

A PIONEER OF PIONEERS WAS THE LATE MR. STROMBECK

- Took Part in the 1851 War Against the Yosemite Indians

- Was Also Member of Battalion Company That Entered the Valley

It is a coincidence worthy of note that, within one week of each other there died in this city two Fresno pioneers, who had lived in county for more than half of a century and who from personal experience and participation could speak of the very early days in this county, of Indian uprisings and of the stirring times before Fresno county was carved out in 1856 of the extensive domain then known as Mariposa county and which in February, 1850, when the state was organized into counties, comprised what is now Merced, Mono, Mariposa, Fresno and Madera counties.

Theodore Thure Strombeck died on Sunday one week ago at the home of his son-in-law, Fred C. Ninnis, at 385 Poplar avenue, at the age of 82 years. Mrs. C. A. Hart died last Saturday at the age of 85 years. She was the widow of the late C. J. Hart, who was the first county judge of Fresno county, serving from 1856 to 1859, and before marriage to him the widow of James McKenzie, who came with the army detachment sent to California to give the miners and settlers in the mining districts protection and which detachment laid out and built in 1852 and was the first to garrison Fort Miller, located most picturesquely on the banks of the San Joaquin river a good mile beyond Millerton, the first county seat, known the early mining days as the village of Rootville, the fort and town being named for General Miller, who commanded the first garrison.

LINKED TO EARLIEST DAYS.

In the passing away therefore of the late Mr. Strombeck and of Mrs. Hart, death has removed two personages in whom the history of the present day Fresno county was linked with its earliest recollections and events, recorded or unrecorded. There are few left living today in the county--not over ten or twelve-whose recollections or experiences were contemporaneous with those of the departed named above and possibly none whose advent to Fresno in what was then known as the Southern Mines antedated them. They came both in the prime of vigorous youth among the earliest of pioneers, to wrest the land from the cruel treacherous savage, they came to settle up a virgin land classed by the first comers as a desert; they lived to see a principality established where the wild antelope galloped across the plains and the bear unhindered roamed the woods for his prey; they saw the desert land made to bloom like a garden with the application of the life-giving waters from the snow-capped Sierras, in short they lived to see a miracle performed by man and ended this existence crowned by years and after a life's experience which has been the theme of many a writer of romances and unique to the California pioneer of the days of '49.

As a woman the pioneer experiences of Mrs. Hart led her into gentler paths even in the rough times of the gold era in the mining camps along the San Joaquin in the foothills. Strombeck participated in all the early exciting incidents. The obituary notices following his death on the 6th did not identify him as the man who took a personal part in the stirring events of the first settlers in Fresno county, and who, with the courage that was characteristic of the Western pioneer, took life in hand as a member of punitive expeditions against the treacherous Indians, or the viler white outlaws. Strombeck was a member of the Mariposa battalion expedition which, in pursuit of the Yosemite band of marauding Indians, discovered the Yosemite valley, suggested its name and examined many of the principal objects of interest.

INDIAN WAR OF 1851.

The interesting story of that expedition is comprised in a volume, "Discovery of the Yosemite and The Indian War of 1857 Which Led to That Events," by Lafayette H. Bunnell, M.D., who was surgeon of the volunteer battalion. Concerning that organization, Bunnell himself wrote that he had to rely upon his own resources and memory, for nothing could be obtained in the archives of California that would aid him. Of that historical battalion and on the memorable expedition to the valley, Strombeck was a member of Company commanded by Capt. John Boling. the battalion nominally under command of Major James D. Savage.

The latter was a post trader on the Fresno river, a historical character who strengthened his business relations with the Indians by marrying daughters of four or five sub-chieftains, who was a chieftain himself among them, who in his trade relations with them amassed a fortune of $100,000, considered princely in those days, and having been murdered on August 16, 1852, at Kings river rancheria by one Harvey, the first county judge of Tulare county, lies buried on the Fresno river on the site of the pioneer trading post, the late Dr. Lewis Leach, who was a business partner, erecting over the grave a monument that stands today main on an unfrequented trail off the road what is now Madera county.

The story of the early day experiences of Theodore T. Strombeck would fill a book. They were lived in strenuous, primitive times and among strenuous men in a day when lawmen not only were the representatives of law and order, but also executed those laws and orders 88 vigilantes. Strombeck was born at Stockholm, Sweden, his father being collector of the port at that place. He was only 16 years of age, when the desire to go out into the broad world seized him, and he ran away from home to go to sea.

A few years of the life on the billowy seas and his vessel sailed into San Francisco harbor, then known to sea-faring men as Yerba Buena. This was before the discovery of gold - in the fall of 1847 - so that he was also one of the very earliest pioneers of California as well.

With the excitement of the discovery of gold at Sutter's Mill about January 30, 1848, Strombeck followed the general tide and the rush to the mines. He rigged up a launch to convey provisions and miners' supplies to Stockton, then the head of navigation and the distributing point to the interior. Strombeck acted as navigator of the launch and was one of the first to pilot, a sailing craft up the river to Stockton. Some of the accounts have it that he was probably the first.

Two years were spent in this occupation and he came then to the Southern Mines, locating Coarse Gold, then in Mariposa county, afterward this county and now in Madera. There he became identified with mining operations at Coarse Gold Gulch, which in the summer of 1851 was already a prominent mining camp, but in October deserted because of threatened Indian war. He also supplied the nearby mining camps on the upper stretches of the San Joaquin with meat, using pack horses as a means of transportation over traveled trails because there were no roads save those followed by the Indians, the miner with pack trains and the stages.

Stirring events came to pass and tragedies to be enacted, some of which history has recorded, but many more are recalled only in story or legend with few of the participants left to tell of them. Strombeck was one of the few left of the almost thinned out band that helped to make so much of Fresno county history that is not recorded. The Mono tribe of Indians, living on the Sierra range, looked with jealousy at the encroachment of the white man represented in the rough miners and the not less rough settlers. There was muttering of uprising, threatening the lives and property of the miners and few settlers unprotected save by their own efforts and far civilization in a newly settled frame History records several small massacres at Savage's trading post in 1850, at Cassidy Lane's trading post in January, 1857, below Millerton, near now Pollasky, and a murder of two men at Fine Gold Gulch. This was the climax.

IN MARIPOSA BATTALION.

Then followed the organization of the Mariposa battalion and the historical campaign against the Indians, with several battles fought, the aborigines trounced at every turn, and the final signing of a treaty in April, 1851, at Fort Barbour, the headquarters of the Indian commissioners, and the predecessor of Fort Miller. The pursuit into the Yosemite valley by Boling's company and the dispersal of the Yosemite band of Indians is history, because it resulted in the discovery of the great valley and the bringing of it to the knowledge of the world. In this connection, also, in August 1852, three Frenchmen were on a prospecting tour to the Yosemite country near the valley and attacked by a band of Indians. Two were killed, and the other made his escape to the nearest settlement, chased by the Indians as far as Grizzly Meadows, and arriving at Coarse Gold spread the alarm. Thirty or more miners formed a volunteer party, Strombeck among the number, to find the remains. The bodles were found near the valley and buried.

The battalion formed at Mariposa was well mounted and armed, but notwithstanding had its trials and experiences in pursuing the Indians over the unknown mountain trails into the valley. Arrived at the point where Wawona is now located, a band of marauders was discovered at the morning meal. The miners' advance guard espied them, advanced cautiously and made an attack upon the camp before the Indians knew of their presence. Twelve or fifteen red men were in the party and not one escaped. No one in the pursuing party was injured. The bodies of the Indians were cremated in their own campfire, but this was no sacrilege because the Indians cremated the bodies of their dead in those days.

CLOSE ON THE TRAIL

Mr. Strombeck had lost a horse at the hands of the Indian marauders, horse flesh among them being considered a food delicacy and the settlers suffering much loss frequently. Nor did it matter much how the horse came by his death, anything in line of horse flesh was meat for the Indian cooking pots. Rummaging about camp, Mr.

Strombeck discovered the foot of a horse covered with a rawhide boot or shoe. From this he recognized the horse stolen from him only a short time before.

On this expedition the Mariposans were close on the trial of the Indians making for security to their mountain fastnesses and defiant of the orders to come to the valley and surrender to the Indian commissioners and be allotted to a blissful existence on the reservations, one on the Fresno and the other on the Kings river. At Wawona was found a trail showing that a greater body of fugitives had gone on to the valley. The surprised camp was evidently that of the rear guard.

On the following morning the trail of the Indians was followed into the valley, then absolutely unknown by the white man, the pursuers proceeding cautiously to the vicinity of Bridal Veil falls and scouting the vicinity, located an encampment on the opposite side of the river. Discovery was made of the bodies of the two murdered miners. They were in such an advanced state of decomposition that graves were dug close to them as possible and the bodies interred. A wooden head-board has been erected by the state with the simple legend, "Two men killed by Indians," and to this day can be seen near Bridal Veil Falls.

It being the month of April, and the water high in the Merced river, the miners in pursuit dare not cross the stream to give battle, but after some days of scouting in which the doggedness of the white man was pitted against the cunning and artifices of the red, the main encampment was surprised, fire was opened on the Indian camp and the aborigines having nothing save primitive arms, surrendered or were captured, the band and its chief taken prisoners and the campaign ended with the scattering of the war-like Yosemite band of Indians, closing with the capture of the chief, Teneya, and his later massacre by his own tribesmen, a story as thrilling as that of "The Last of the Mohicans," though lacking the poetic details of Cooper's famous tale, for Teneya was the last of his tribe.

AN EARLY VIGILANTE

Punishing murderous and marauding Indians was not the only experience that fell to the lot of Pioneer Strombeck. It is related that as late as 1863 the robbing of Chinese huts and mining camps for the sluiced gold was frequent and notorious by what is believed to have been an organized band among whom were two brothers named Al and John Dixon. All races and classes were their victims. Their depredations were borne with forbearance until 1864, when a determined band of twelve men, Strombeck among the number, organized silently and one winter's night assembled at the rendezvous of the outlaws. For some reason not explained, only one of the robbers was caught, Al Dixon, and the next morning his body was found hanging to a tree on the road from Fresno Crossing to Coarse Gold. Jim Rains, another outlaw of the band, met with a similar fate later, but the work of the vigilantes had its effect in dispersing the gang, and sluice-box robberies were given a salutary check.

A SENSE OF HUMOR

Mr. Strombeck lived continuously in Fresno county and was part of its history during all these years. He was universally known as "Swede Bill," following the old custom of giving everyone a nickname, and surnames not being the fashion in vogue. Mr. Strombeck gave himself this nickname at a congenial gathering at T. J. Allen's store at Coarse Gold, of which he was in charge. "Dutch BIll," "Scotch Bill," "Irish Bill" and "American Bill' had all been toasted and a second bottle was brought out by the storekeeper for another round on "Swede Bill." The name stuck to him ever after.

The late Mr. Strombeck was not without a sense of humor, and a story related by him was that his nearest approach to death was on account of that disposition for practical joking. He had placed a piece of limburger cheese in the hatband of a dandy of Millerton of the old days. The latter discovered the identity of the practical joker and sought him with a loaded gun. When they met, Strombeck dodged behind a convenient rock boulder and saved his life.

HEADING OFF AN INDIAN

On another occasion when there was threat of an Indian uprising, and these occurrences were frequent to disturb the life of the miners and villages, an Indian friend of the whites informed them of the intentions of the red men. Shortly after when a party of miners of which "Swede Bill" was one was encamped near Crook's place on the Fresno river, an Indian was seen approaching in a suspicious manner. The camp was immediately alarmed, "Swede Bill” seized his rifle and taking' careful aim clipped off a portion of the ear of the Indian. They met afterward at Coarse Gold and the Indian pointing his mutilated ear stepped forward, shook hands and grunted. They were friends ever after.

The late Mr. Strombeck had an inexhaustible fund of stories of incidents and events of the long ago. He was a man of wonderfully retentive memory and could relate details of happenings of fifty years ago. In him was epitomized the early history of the county from its earliest days for nearly sixty years.

Fresno Bee, April 30, 1952:

Coarsegold Settler Was One of First to See Yosemite

COARSEGOLD – If Theodore Thure Strombeck still were living, he probably could be found next Saturday telling celebrants at Coarsegold's Centennial how he rode into the magnificent Yosemite Valley and was one of the first white men to see its beauty.

Strombeck, was one of pioneers of California and the Coarsegold area, was born in Stockholm, Sweden. He ran away from home when he was 16 and went to sea.

In 1847 his ship sailed into the harbor of Yerba Buena, now San Francisco, where he left it. When gold was discovered. Strombeck rigged up a launch and started up the San Joaquin River to Stockton, which then was the main distributing point to the country. After two years shipping freight, Strombeck made another move to the southern mines and at Coarsegold Gulch and the Fresno River he not only engaged in mining but also supplied the adjacent camps with meat. Since there were no roads at the time his supplies had to be taken over the trails by pack train. By that time, the Summer of 1851, the Fresno River country was well populated.

Indian Wars - Many of the Indians in the lower hills were friendly but the Monos, living along the Sierra ranges, viewed the white man with distrust and Indian warfare developed, when two men were murdered at Fine Gold, a mining camp a few miles from Coarsegold, the Mariposa, Battalion was formed to of the Indians and Strombeck was a member of the expedition. Strombeck was in Company commanded by Captain John Boling. Major James D. Savage headed the battalion which discovered Yosemite Valley and gave it its name after the Indian tribe found as its inhabitants.

Strombeck's ranch here at Coarsegold was the rancheria of the Chooc-chancie tribe of Indians, many whom still are residents the district. He married Memerite, a Chooc-chancie girl. The daughters are Mrs. J. H. Elam of Coarsegold, Mrs. Fred O. Ninnis of Fresno, Mrs. Mary Jones Coarsegold and Kathryn Strombeck. The sons included Fred, William, Leonard, Charles and John Strombeck.

The Strombeck property later belonged to Will Krohn and is now the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wells.

Another of the ranches brought to mind by Coarsegold's Centennial is known as The Crossing, situated where the Raymond-Coarsegold Road crosses the Fresno River, six miles west of Coarsegold.

The first post was an adobe building, erected George by W. John Carson. Led- It was sold shortly after to J. L. Hunt and J. R. Nichols and Nichols in turn, sold his holdings to J. R. Roan. The adobe was built in 1852.

Three Frenchman left the Hunt and Roan post during the Summer of '52 on a prospecting trip to the higher country. Two were killed by a band of Indians, the third made his way back to Coarsegold Gulch. From there a band of thirty miners went back with him, found the bodies near the valley and after burying them returned home.

In 1855 the first tourist party to Yosemite left The Crossing. In the party were Walter Millard, Alexander Stairs and W. Hutchings, all of San Francisco. They made the trip with guides provided by John Hunt.

On Saturday, the celebration will include events which marked the day celebrations such as picnics, foot races and other athletic events. In the evening an outdoor dance will be featured.

Sunday, the annual Coarsegold Amateur Rodeo will be held at the rodeo ground south of here on Highway 41. The riders will include cattlemen from all parts of the San Joaquin Valley. Howard Parker is chairman the rodeo committee.

Notes for Memjilitt (Mimilette) Ottawa Hawa:

Name Memjilitt, recorded thus by her husband, Thure, who did the 1880 census.

Theodore Thure "Swede Bill" Strombeck and Memjilitt (Mimilette) Ottawa Hawa had the following children:

5.

i.

Mary5 Strombeck was born on 07 Mar 1858 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. She died on 20 Oct 1930 in Fresno, Fresno Co., CA. She married Thomas Jones, son of Thomas Jones and Ann Clubb, on 13 Sep 1873 in Fresno Co., CA. He was born in Apr 1833 in Shire Newton, Monmouthshire, Wales. He died on 27 Nov 1914 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA.

Notes for Mary Strombeck:

Obituary - The Fresno Morning Republican, Oct. 21, 1930:

Mrs. Mary Jones Of Coarsegold Dies At 76 Mrs. Mary Jones, 76, pioneer restdent of Coarsegold, died in Fresno yesterday after an illness of only a few days. She was visiting relatives in this city.

She is survived by, the following children: Mrs. Mary Gash and Mrs. Ruby Scott of Fresno, Mrs. Martha Ledbetter and Mrs. E. Emma Furman of Bakersfield, Mrs. Nellie Whitfield of Coarsegold, Mrs. May Noble of Raymond, Mrs. Grace Williams Bass lake, Mrs. Dolly Stafford of Berkeley, Dick Jones of Sugar Pine, Mack Jones of Mariposa, Thomas and Freeman Jones of Coarsegold. She was the sister of Mrs. Josie Elam of San Francisco, Mrs. Fred Ninnis of Fresno, Mrs. Anna Ninnis of Tulare, William Strombeck of Auberry and John and Charlie Strombeck of Mariposa.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later by the Mission Undertaking company.

ii.

Kate Strombeck was born in 1859 in Madera Co., CA. She died before 1870 in Madera Co., CA.

Notes for Kate Strombeck:

Kate only appears in the 1860 census but not the 1870 or other records and is presumed deceased.

6.

iii.

Annie Strombeck was born on 22 Feb 1862 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. She died on 11 Apr 1943 in 312 Cornell Avenue, Fresno, Fresno Co., CA. She married William John Ninnis Jr., son of William John Ninnis Sr. and Jane Harvey, on 24 May 1879 in Fresno Co., CA (Married by J. M. Johnson). He was born on 24 Dec 1852 in Twelveheads, Gwennap, Cornwall, England. He died on 05 Nov 1907 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA.

Notes for Annie Strombeck:

In 1900 Annie was a boarding house keeper in Madera County with 8 children. In 1910 she was a nurse midwife with 4 children. In 1920 she lived with son Ralph and wife in Fresno.

Fresno, California · Monday, April 12, 1943:

Annie Ninnis, 81, Is Found Dead In Kitchen Of Home By Son

Mrs. Annie Ninnis, 81, was found dead in the kitchen of her home at 312 Cornell Avenue late yesterday afternoon. Coroner A. Yost said although the exact cause of death has not yet determined, presumably it resulted from natural causes. Her death was discovered by her son, Ralph Ninnis, and other members of the family when they returned from a trip to Madera. Mrs. Ninnis was born in the Coarsegold district and was a daughter of William Strombeck, a pioneer settler that section. In addition to son, she is survived by two sisters, Mrs. F. C. Ninnis of Fresno and Mrs. Josephine Elam of Raymond. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the Yost Webb Mortuary.

iv.

Leonard Strombeck was born in 1864 in Fresno Co., CA. He died on 05 Jan 1886 in Coarse Gold Gulch, Madera Co., CA.

Notes for Leonard Strombeck:

Expositor, Volume VIII, Number 79, 11 January 1886

Leonard Strombeck, son of our old friend T. T. Strombeck, of Coarse Gold Gulch, died at his father’s home on the 5th instant, of consumption. Young Strombeck was a bright boy and well liked by all who knew him. His remains were followed to the grave by a large concourse of friends.

7.

v.

Josephine Holly Strombeck was born on 06 Apr 1867 in Fresno Co., CA. She died on 09 Aug 1958 in Madera Co., CA. She married John Henry Elam, son of Joel Thomas Elam and Sarah Anne Callis, on 14 Dec 1882 in Fresno Co., CA (Married by J. M. Johnson). He was born in 1842 in TN. He died on 04 Feb 1923 in Kerman, Fresno Co., CA.

8.

vi.

Christine Strombeck was born in Nov 1869 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. She married Frederick Charles Ninnis, son of William John Ninnis Sr. and Jane Harvey, on 18 Dec 1886 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. He was born on 01 Jul 1862 in England. He died on 24 Mar 1955 in Fresno Co., CA.

Notes for Christine Strombeck:

Expositor, Volume X, Number 78, 4 January 1887

Married - NINNIS – STROMBECK - At Coarse Gold Gulch, December 18, 1886, by J M Johnson, JP, C. F. Ninnis to Christena Strombeck.

vii.

Charles Strombeck was born on 31 Aug 1876 in Madera Co., CA. He died on 17 Feb 1958 in Monterey Co., CA.

Notes for Charles Strombeck:

Obituary - The Californian from Salinas, Feb. 18, 1958:

Charlie Strombeck, 81, of Greenfield, passed away in a Salinas hospital yesterday. His death followed a long illness. Mr. Strombeck was a lifetime resident of Monterey county and had made his home in Greenfield for the last 10 years, No known reldatives survive.

9.

viii.

William Strombeck was born on 31 Aug 1879 in Madera Co., CA. He died on 26 Oct 1954 in Fresno Co., CA. He married Alice Soledad, daughter of George Soledad and Lilly, on 09 Sep 1918 in Fresno Co., CA. She was born on 15 Feb 1900 in Auberry, Fresno Co., CA. She died on 03 Nov 1948 in Fresno Co., CA.

Notes for William Strombeck:

Fresno Weekly Expositor, Volume XVI, Number 2, 29 April 1885

Waylaid.-Last night at 12o’ciock, while Wm. Strombeck was crossing Front street to board the north bound train to go to Madera, he was “stood up’’ by two men who relieved him of $55. The thieves escaped.

In 1930 William lived at the Cold Springs Rancheria in Auberry with wife Alice and their children Theodore, Lula, and William.

Madera Tribune, Volume LII, Number 63, 12 May 1944:

GETS LONG JAIL TERM

Logan Johnson, charged with battery as the result of alleged knocking down and stamping on the head of Wm, Strombeck at North Fork recently, was sentenced to serve 90 days in jail and was placed under two years probation and ordered to pay $40 per month for three months and $20 thereafter for support of a minor child by Justice Ike Enlow of the fifth township. District Attorney E. Coffee appeared for the people.

ix.

John Strombeck was born on 17 Jan 1883 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. He died on 26 Jul 1954 in Fresno, Fresno Co., CA. He married (1) Ellen Soledad She was born in 1880 in Auberry, Fresno Co., CA. He married (2) Topsy Buffalo, daughter of John Buffalo and Manda Jack, on 16 Jan 1918 in Fresno Co., CA. She was born on 20 Feb 1883 in CA. She died on 20 Jan 1970 in Fresno Co., CA.

Notes for John Strombeck:

Madera Mercury, Volume XXII, Number 35, 27 February 1904

FOR TWO YEARS. John Strombeck Found Guilty and Will Go to Prison.

From Saturday's Daily. The jury in the case of the people vs. John Strombeck, on trial for having marked a colt with intent to prevent identification by its true owner, last night brought in a verdict of guilty, and recommended the defendant to the mercy of the court. This morning Judge Conley sentenced Strombeck to two yearn in San Quentin. Attorney Larcw, one of the attorneys for the defense, stated that the case will be appealed, hut in the meantime Strombeck will go to Slate's prison to begin serving his sentence. The ease was argued yesterday afternoon and given to the jury about 5 o'clock. The jurymen retired and deliberated until supper time when they adjourned. After supper they asked for some instruction on some of the testimony and finally, after taking several ballots, brought in a verdict of guilty.

In the 1910 Indian census John was a mine tunneler in Township 10, Fresno County with wife Ellen, step-daughter Carrie Murphy (6), sister-in-law Topsy Lee (21) and her son Ralph Lee (1). In 1920 he was a farmhand at the Indian Mission, Auberry, with wife Ellen.

Obituary - Fresno Bee, July 27, 1954:

John Strombeck CLOVIS-Obsequies will be conducted in the Auberry Mission Church at 10 AM tomorrow for John Strombeck, 71. who had lived all of his life in Central California. Strombeck, a retired laborer who resided at 7600 Barstow Avenue for the past year, died yesterday in a Fresno hospital. The survivors include a brother, William Strombeck of Clovis, and two sisters, Mrs. Josephine Elam and Mrs. Christine Ninis, both of Fresno. Interment will be in the Indian Mission Cemetery under: the direction of the Boice Funeral Home.

5.

Mary5 Strombeck (Theodore Thure "Swede Bill"4, Petter Pehr3 Strömbäck, Eric2 Strömbäck, Anders Johannson1 Strömbäck) was born on 07 Mar 1858 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. She died on 20 Oct 1930 in Fresno, Fresno Co., CA. She married Thomas Jones, son of Thomas Jones and Ann Clubb, on 13 Sep 1873 in Fresno Co., CA. He was born in Apr 1833 in Shire Newton, Monmouthshire, Wales. He died on 27 Nov 1914 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA.

Notes for Mary Strombeck:

Obituary - The Fresno Morning Republican, Oct. 21, 1930:

Mrs. Mary Jones Of Coarsegold Dies At 76 Mrs. Mary Jones, 76, pioneer restdent of Coarsegold, died in Fresno yesterday after an illness of only a few days. She was visiting relatives in this city.

She is survived by, the following children: Mrs. Mary Gash and Mrs. Ruby Scott of Fresno, Mrs. Martha Ledbetter and Mrs. E. Emma Furman of Bakersfield, Mrs. Nellie Whitfield of Coarsegold, Mrs. May Noble of Raymond, Mrs. Grace Williams Bass lake, Mrs. Dolly Stafford of Berkeley, Dick Jones of Sugar Pine, Mack Jones of Mariposa, Thomas and Freeman Jones of Coarsegold. She was the sister of Mrs. Josie Elam of San Francisco, Mrs. Fred Ninnis of Fresno, Mrs. Anna Ninnis of Tulare, William Strombeck of Auberry and John and Charlie Strombeck of Mariposa.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later by the Mission Undertaking company.

Notes for Thomas Jones:

In 1860 Thomas farmed in Millerton, Fresno County, with Thomas Hill (34 NY) and Indian servants Rapheal (44 CA) and Shemup (14 CA). He became a naturalized citizen on June 18, 1867 in Millerton. In 1880 Thomas farmed in Crane Valley with wife Mary and chilren Ellen, Thomas, and U.S.G. In 1891 he farmed in Coarsegold. In 1900 he was a stock raiser in Madera Co. with Mary and 10 children. In 1910 he farmed in Forest Reserve, Madera Co. with 5 children.

Thomas became a naturalized citizen on 18 June 1867 in Fresno.

The Expositor, Fresno, November 14, 1877:

From Thomas Jones we learn that the Yo Semite Stage and Turnpike Company has corps of engineers in the field making the necessary surveys for their new road from Madera to the Yo Semite Valley. The new road will be some thirty miles shorter than the present one from Merced, and will be a pleasanter route….. The mountain people are feeling cheerful over the prospects for a good Season….. Work has been suspended for the Winter on Jones & Thornsberry’s quartz mine. During the Summer they have sunk on the vein to the depth of seventy-two feet. They have, at the bottom of the shaft eighteen inch vein with well defined walls. The ore in rich in free gold and sulphurets, and the metal is generally diffused through the rock.

The Fresno Morning Republican, December 1, 1914:

PIONEER DIES IN MADERA

MADERA, Nov. 30 - Thomas Jones died at his home near Coarse Gold last night. He had been a resident of the county for 63 years, coming to the state with the gold excitement. He was well known to earlier settlers, but ill health and the seclusion consequent to old age has kept him close to his home in the mountains for several years past.

Thomas Jones and Mary Strombeck had the following children:

10.

i.

Ulysses S. Grant6 Jones was born on 06 Aug 1874 in Madera Co., CA. He died on 10 Sep 1964 in Alameda, Alameda Co., CA. He married Gertrude Kneale on 01 Oct 1903 in Benecia, Solano Co., CA. She was born on 23 Sep 1883 in CA. She died on 13 Jun 1949 in San Mateo Co., CA.

Notes for Ulysses S. Grant Jones:

In 1910, 1920, 1930, and 1940 Ulysses worked in a leather tannery in Redwood City with wife Gertrude and son Ulysses, his son out of the house by 1940.

11.

ii.

Ellen "Nellie" Jones was born on 31 Jul 1875 in Madera Co., CA. She died on 19 Oct 1955 in Colton, San Bernardino Co., CA. She married William Benjamin Whitfield, son of William Wilkinson Whitfield and Harriett Winnifred Powers, on 09 Dec 1897 in Madera, Madera Co., CA. He was born in Sep 1876 in CA. He died in 1914 in Madera Co., CA.

Notes for Ellen "Nellie" Jones:

In 1920 Nellie was a widow at McGilvray's Quarry in Madera County with 6 children; the only wage earner was son Erwin running a steam engine at the quarry. In 1930 she live on River Road in Madera with sons Eldridge and Howard and their wifes.

The Fresno Bee, Oct 22, 1955:

WHITFIELD-In Colton. October 19. 1955, Nell Whitfield.

beloved mother of Mrs. Barney Olivas of Upland. Dewey Whitfield of Ontario, Erwin Whitfield of San Jose. Mrs. Ola Campbell of Colton, Whitfield of Yosemite National Park, Mrs. Harry Bryant of Colton, Howard Whitfield of San Jose and Leslie Whitfield of Coarsegold; sister of Thomas Jones, Freeman Jones and Mrs. Dolly Stafford, Mrs. all of Coarsegold. Claude Williams of Bass Lake, Mrs. Martha Brown and Mrs. Emma Fehrman. both of Bakersfield, and Mrs. Ruby Begwell of Fresno: also survived by 11 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. A native of Coarsegold. aged 80 years. Funeral services will be held in the Tinkler Chapel, North Broadway at Mission Belmont. Monday afternoon, October 24, 1955 at 2 o'clock. Rev. A. B. Sidebotham officiating. Interment in Belmont Memorial Park.

iii.

Thomas Jones Jr. was born on 17 Jan 1877 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. He died on 17 Apr 1956 in Madera Co., CA. He married (1) Ella E. Oyler She was born in 1876 in CA. She died on 07 Dec 1948 in CA. He married (2) Hilda Ethel Webber She was born on 01 Sep 1902 in CA. She died on 01 Jan 1995 in El Sobrante, Contra Costa Co., CA.

Notes for Thomas Jones Jr.:

Fresno Morning Republican, March 1, 1916:

CONDUCTS INQUEST IN MADERA MURDER CASE

Coroner's Jury Exonerates Thomas Jones for Death of Albert Ninnis MADERA, Feb. 29-A coroner's jury at Coarse Gold today exonerated Thomas Jones for the shooting yesterday of Albert Ninnis following a quarrel. According to testimony given at the inquest Ninnis went to the Jones' place yesterday morning on horseback. At the house he started to quarrel with Jones, wanting him to come and fight. Jones refused, and Ninnis attacked him. Jones hit Ninnis over the head with his revolver and knocked him down, and then Ninnis made a move for his hip pocket, apparently to get a gun. Jones then fired four shots at Ninnis, all of which took effect, killing him instantly. Sheriff Lewis and Assistant District Attorney J. J. Coghlan went to the scene, but arrived last night too late to do any investigating. Deputy Coroner Robert Jay conducted the inquest. The quarrel which led to the shooting has been brewing for nine years. Jones and Ninnis were related, Jones has always borne a good reputation.

In 1910 Thomas Jr. farmed in Twp. 4, Madera County with wife Ella. In 1920 and 1930 he farmed in Coarsegold with Ella. In 1950 he ranched in Coarsegold with wife Hilda.

Fresno Bee, April 18, 1956:

Tom Jones Of Coarsegold Dies Of Heart Attack

COARSEGOLD, Madera Co.Tom Jones, 79, a cattleman and lifelong resident of Coarsegold, died yesterday while he was being taken to a Madera hospital following a heart attack. He was stricken in his ranch home and was rushed to the hospital by his wife, Hilda, and Al Pettit, a business associate who was visiting in the home. Freeman Jones, a brother and also a cattleman, is ill in his home here and has not been informed of his brother's death. Jones was born in Coarsegold in 1877 and his parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Tom Jones, were among the area's earliest settlers. His father came from England in 1848 and homesteaded between Coarsegold and Fresno Flats. Jones went to work at the age of 17 for Tom Beasore at $1 a day and bought his first cattle with savings from his wages. He remained in the business until his death. He took over the Beasore Meadows store, established by Beasore, and operated it for 30 years along with his cattle business. He inherited the Beasore in the high mountains back Bass Lake when Beasore died in 1952. Jones and his brother were the honored guests at Coarsegold Old Timers banquet in 1953.

In addition to his widow and brother, he is survived by five sisters, Mrs. Dolly Stafford of Coarsegold, Mrs. Martha Brown and Mrs. Irma Turman of Bakersfield, Mrs. Grace Williams of Bass Lake and Mrs. Ruby Bagwell of Merced.

Funeral services will be held Friday at 1 PM in the Jay Funeral Home in Madera. Burial will be in the Oakhurst Cemetery.

Johnny Alberta Jones (born John Albert) spent the summers with Tom and Ella and took their name as family. He became famous a a mule backpacker to even Ronald Reagan. His story is HERE.

12.

iv.

David Ross "Mack" Jones was born on 20 Mar 1880 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. He married Daisy Victoria Whitfield She was born on 06 Aug 1880 in Volcano, Amador Co., CA. She died on 21 Jun 1962 in Mariposa Co., CA.

Notes for David Ross "Mack" Jones:

In 1910 David farmed in Twp. 4, Madera County with wife Daisy and children Floyd and Harriet. In 1920 he was a gold miner in Coarse Gold, Mader County with Daisy and 6 children. In 1930 he was a gold miner in Mariposa with Daisy and 4 children.

13.

v.

Fremont Ernest "Freeman" Jones was born on 17 Sep 1882 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. He died on 30 Jan 1965 in Madera Co., CA (Buried February 2, 1965 in Oakhill Cemetary in Oakhurst.). He married Lucille Josephine McMann She was born on 21 Sep 1891 in Madera Co., CA. She died on 20 Jul 1993 in Madera Co., CA.

Notes for Fremont Ernest "Freeman" Jones:

In 1930 Fremont was a stock farmer on River Road, Coarsegold with wife Lucille, children Frema and John, mother Mary Jones, brother Richard Jones, and nieces Marion L (8) and Virginia G. (6) Scott. In 1950 he ranched on Hwy 41, Madera County with Lucille with son-in-law Milton Herschfelt, daughter Frema, and their daughter Mary.

Obituary - Fresno Bee, Feb. 1, 1965:

Freeman Jones Of Coarsegold Succumbs At 82

MADERA Funeral services for Freeman Jones, 82, a prominent foothills cattleman and a lifelong resident of the Coarsegold area, will be held tomorrow at 11 AM in the Jay Chapel.

Jones died Saturday. He was born in 1882 on his father's ranch and grew up in the open range era which has contributed so much to the history and legend of the Old West. His father, Thomas Jones, arrived in California from England in 1848 after a voyage around the horn, He built a cabin and settled down on Deadwood Mountain overlooking the present Highway 41.

Freeman's brother, Tom, who died in 1956, also was a cattleman and for many years operated the Beasore Meadows store established by Tom Beasore, a legendary early day foothills peace officer.

Freeman Jones attended the old Coarsegold Grammar School and later helped his father build the Hawkins School. In 1912 he took up a homestead in 1 the Coarsegold area and started raising cattle. He was one the first cattlemen to be issued a grazing permit in the Sierra National Forest. He was active in all mountain activities and served on many committees pertaining to the growth of the area.

Survivors include his widow, the former Lucille Mann; a daughter, Mrs. Frema Herschfelt of Fresno; four sisters, Mrs. Ruby Bagwell of Fresno, Mrs. Grace Williams of Bass Lake, and Mrs. Emma Furhman and Mrs. Martha both of Bakersfield; and a granddaughter, Mary Herschfelt of Fresno.

14.

vi.

Mary Ann Jones was born in Sep 1884 in Madera Co., CA. She died in 1938. She married Arthur Stanley Gash, son of Francis Marion Gash and Mary L. Taylor, on 05 Sep 1905 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA (License issued.). He was born on 14 Feb 1881 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. He died on 16 Oct 1957 in Fresno, Fresno Co., CA.

15.

vii.

Dolly Alice Jones was born on 28 Mar 1887 in Madera Co., CA. She died in 1971 in Bakersfield, Kern Co., CA. She married (1) Albert E. Ninnis He was born in Dec 1884 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. He died on 28 Feb 1916 in Madera Co., CA (Buried in Oakhill Cemetary in Oakhurst.). She married (2) Elmer Nathen "Dewey" Stafford He was born on 22 Jun 1892 in Sanger, Fresno Co., CA. He died on 10 Jan 1980 in Midway City, Orange Co., CA.

Notes for Dolly Alice Jones:

In 1930 Alice D. Stafford lived on Chestnut Street, Berkeley, children Albert P. Stafford and Evelyn M. Stafford and a roomer.

viii.

Martha Beatrice Jones was born on 08 Nov 1890 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. She died on 17 Feb 1982 in Boise, Ada Co., ID (Buried Greenlawn Cemetery, Bakersfield.). She married Charles Alexander Brown, son of Elza Brown and Melvina Slutts, on 05 May 1933 in Whittier, Los Angeles Co., CA. He was born on 20 Jan 1896 in Van Buren Co., IA. He died on 26 May 1964 in Bakersfield, Kern Co., CA.

Notes for Martha Beatrice Jones:

The Idaho Statesman, Boise, February 19, 1982:

Martha B. Brown

Graveside services for Martha B. Brown, 91, of 8211 Ustick Road, who died Feb. 17, 1982, in a Boise nursing home, will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Bakersfield, Calif., with local arrangements by Summers Funeral Home.

She was born Nov. 8, 1890, in Coursegold, where she was reared and educated. She lived in Madera, Coalinga, Bakersfield and Taft, Calif. She married Charles A. Brown on May 5, 1933, Whittier, Calif. They lived in Bakersfield for 43 years before moving to Boise in November 1981.

Survivors include a son, William R. Harbour of Cascade; two stepdaughters, Lela Clammer of Lakewood, Calif., and Garnett Kellermeyer of Whittier; a sister, Ruby Bagwell of Fresno, seven grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, a son, six sisters and four brothers.

16.

ix.

Grace Jones was born in Jan 1893 in Madera Co., CA. She died in 1966. She married Claude Elwood Williams, son of Frank Williams and Clara A. Lee, on 26 May 1914 in Fresno Co., CA. He was born on 28 Sep 1887 in Fresno, Fresno Co., CA. He died on 03 Jun 1973 in Fresno Co., CA.

Notes for Grace Jones:

Madera Tribune, Number 191, 11 February 1966

Grace Williams Dies at Bass Lake Home

Mrs. Grace Williams died at her home here Thursday morning at the age of 74. Born in Coarsegold, Mrs. Williams had spent her life in the mountain area. She is survived by two sons, G. E. (Bud) Williams and Claude E. Williams Jr., both of Bass Lake, a daughter Mrs. Joyce Kimbro Boswell of Bass Lake, seven grandchildren, and four sisters, Mesdames Martha Brown and Emma Furmen of Bakersfield, Dolly Smith of Big Pines and Ruby Bagwell of Fresno. Services are scheduled for Monday at 1:30 p.m. in the Little Church in the Pines. Interment will be in the Oakhill Cemetery in Oakhurst. Lisle's Funeral Home of Oakhurst is in charge of arrangements. Friends who wish to make contributions in lieu of flowers may donate to the fund of the Little Church in the Pines.

Fresno Bee, February 12, 1966:

Rites Are Set For Founder Of Bass Lake School, Church

BASS LAKE, Madera Co, Funeral services for Mrs. Grace Williams, 74, granddaughter of Indian Princess Melliot of the Chukchansi

tribe and a life-long Madera County resident, will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday in the Chapel of the Pines here. Burial will be in the Oakhill Cemetery at Oakhurst under the direction of the Lisle Funeral Home.

Mrs. Williams was one of 12 children born to Tom and Mary Jones of Coarsegold. Her father came around the Horn from Sweden to California with his as a child. The family moved directly to Madera County where Mrs. William's grandfather started the first store in the Coarsegold area. He also homestead the old Chukchansi Rancheria.

Young Jones met and married the Indian maiden who was the daughter of the princess and they lived in the Coarsegold area. Mrs. Williams, as a child, attended school in Coarsegold and after marrying Claud Williams in the summer of 1912, moved to Crane Valley (Bass (Lake). She lived in this area for 54 years. Mrs. Williams bore three children and after giving two eldest their primary education in 1925 she and her husband set to work to establish a school. In 1948, they donated the land for the present Lake School. A year later, she fulfilled another of her dreams, that of establishing an interdenominational church for the area, she donated the land for the Little Church in the Pines. She became a charter member of the congregation and was chosen as the church's first Mother of the Year. Mrs. Williams also was a member of the Grandmothers Club of California No. 24. Her survivors include sons, G. E. (Bud) Williams and Claud Williams, and daughter, Mrs. Joyce Boswell, all of Bass Lake; four sisters, Mrs. Ruby Bagwell of Fresno, Mrs. Martha Brown and Mrs. Emma Furmen of Bakersfield and Mrs. Dolly Smith of Pine, Inyo County, and seven grandchildren.

17.

x.

Emma Matilda Jones was born on 19 Jan 1894 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. She died on 20 Nov 1975 in Bakersfield, Kern Co., CA. She married Clair William Fuhrman, son of U. J. Fuhrman and Emma Louise Stahl, on 05 Apr 1925 in Salinas, Monterey Co., CA. He was born on 01 Nov 1902 in West Salem, Ohio. He died on 19 Dec 1961 in Veracruz. Mexico.

18.

xi.

May Margaret Jones was born on 04 May 1896 in Raymond, Madera Co., CA. She died on 13 Feb 1949 in Merced Co., CA. She married Guy Edgar Noble He was born on 23 Nov 1894 in Palo Alto Co., IA. He died on 08 Mar 1966 in Madera Co., CA.

xii.

Richard Arvin Jones was born on 07 Jul 1898 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. He died on 27 Oct 1943 in Madera Co., CA.

Notes for Richard Arvin Jones:

Richard enlisted in the US Army on 30 Nov 1942. He did not marry.

19.

xiii.

Ruby Lee Jones was born on 24 Feb 1902 in Madera Co., CA. She died on 04 May 1984 in Fresno, Fresno Co., CA (Buried Arbor Vitae Cemetery, Madera.). She married (1) Clarence Marion Scott, son of Robert Scott and Mary Matilda Pickering, on 14 Sep 1920 in Bakersfield, Kern Co., CA. He was born on 23 Dec 1886 in Ohio. He died on 21 May 1944 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA. She married (2) Charles O. Bagwell in Oct 1950 in Los Vegas, Nevada.

Notes for Ruby Lee Jones:

In 1950 Ruby Scott was divorced and lived alone at 1744 Michigan, Fresno.

Fresno Bee, September 7, 1962:

Mrs. Ruby L. Bagwell accuses Charles O. Bagwell of cruelty in a divorce suit filed in the superior court. The Bagwells were married in Las Vegas, in October, 1950.

Fresno Bee, May 5, 1984:

Ruby L. Bagwell Funeral services for Ruby, Lee Bagwell, 82, of Fresno be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday in the Stephens Bean Chapel. Burial will be at Belmont Memorial Park. Mrs. Bagwell died Friday. She was born in Coarsegold and had lived in Fresno all of her life. She was a homemaker. Surviving are two daughters, Marian Murphy and Virginia Zingarelli, both of Fresno; three grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren.

6.

Annie5 Strombeck (Theodore Thure "Swede Bill"4, Petter Pehr3 Strömbäck, Eric2 Strömbäck, Anders Johannson1 Strömbäck) was born on 22 Feb 1862 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. She died on 11 Apr 1943 in 312 Cornell Avenue, Fresno, Fresno Co., CA. She married William John Ninnis Jr., son of William John Ninnis Sr. and Jane Harvey, on 24 May 1879 in Fresno Co., CA (Married by J. M. Johnson). He was born on 24 Dec 1852 in Twelveheads, Gwennap, Cornwall, England. He died on 05 Nov 1907 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA.

Notes for Annie Strombeck:

In 1900 Annie was a boarding house keeper in Madera County with 8 children. In 1910 she was a nurse midwife with 4 children. In 1920 she lived with son Ralph and wife in Fresno.

Fresno, California · Monday, April 12, 1943:

Annie Ninnis, 81, Is Found Dead In Kitchen Of Home By Son

Mrs. Annie Ninnis, 81, was found dead in the kitchen of her home at 312 Cornell Avenue late yesterday afternoon. Coroner A. Yost said although the exact cause of death has not yet determined, presumably it resulted from natural causes. Her death was discovered by her son, Ralph Ninnis, and other members of the family when they returned from a trip to Madera. Mrs. Ninnis was born in the Coarsegold district and was a daughter of William Strombeck, a pioneer settler that section. In addition to son, she is survived by two sisters, Mrs. F. C. Ninnis of Fresno and Mrs. Josephine Elam of Raymond. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the Yost Webb Mortuary.

Notes for William John Ninnis Jr.:

William was previously married to Mary Jane Kinsman (1859-1919) on 2 Apr 1872 in Nevada Co., CA and divorced there in 1876 with children Albert Ewert Ninnis (1873-1936) and Lillian Violetta Ninnis (1875-1973).

In 1861 William live at Twelveheads, Gwenap, Cornwall, England with his father William Ninness (tin miner) and mother Jane and sisters Elizabeth, Caroline, and Ellen. In 1870 he and his father were miners in Grass Valley, Nevada County, CA. On 8 Sept 1899 he was appointed postmaster of Gertrude in Madera County. In 1900 he was a goldminer in Gold Flat, Nevada County while wife Annie was back in Madera County with 8 of their children.

The San Francisco Examiner, Nov. 6, 1907:

NINNIS In this city, November 5, William; beloved son of Jane and the late William Ninnis and loving brother of Mrs. John Kinsman, Mrs. William Harris, Mrs. W. W. Bray and Fred Ninnis of Fresno, a native of England, aged 56 years.

William John Ninnis Jr. and Annie Strombeck had the following children:

20.

i.

Lenora “Nora”6 Ninnis was born on 25 Oct 1880 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. She died on 01 May 1963 in Porterville, Tulare Co., CA. She married Thomas Compton West Jr., son of Thomas Comption West and Melvina Gila Slinkard, on 24 Sep 1899 in Gertrude, Madera Co., CA. He was born on 09 May 1876 in Mariposa, Mariposa Co., CA. He died on 05 Jan 1957 in Hanford, Kings Co., CA.

ii.

Theodore Thurry Ninnis was born on 30 Mar 1882 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. He died on 13 Sep 1965 in San Diego, San Diego Co., CA. He married Nellie Leona Thompson She was born on 06 Jun 1887 in Arbuckle, Colusa Co., CA. She died on 13 Mar 1953 in San Diego, San Diego Co., CA.

Notes for Theodore Thurry Ninnis:

In 1920 Theodore was a store laborer in San Diego with wife Nellie and step-son Chester A. Martin. In 1930 he was an engineer for the gas company at 3021 Columbine Street, San Diego with Nellie and Chester and brother-in-law Paul S. Thompson, and a roomer. In 1940 he was a ice plant laborer with Nellie at the same address.

21.

iii.

Albert E. Ninnis was born in Dec 1884 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. He died on 28 Feb 1916 in Madera Co., CA (Buried in Oakhill Cemetary in Oakhurst.). He married Dolly Alice Jones She was born on 28 Mar 1887 in Madera Co., CA. She died in 1971 in Bakersfield, Kern Co., CA.

Notes for Albert E. Ninnis:

In 1910 Albert was an outdoor laborer in Twp. 4, Madera County with wife Dolly and children Percy and Baby girl.

Fresno Morning Republican, March 1, 1916:

CONDUCTS INQUEST IN MADERA MURDER CASE

Coroner's Jury Exonerates Thomas Jones for Death of Albert Ninnis MADERA, Feb. 29-A coroner's jury at Coarse Gold today exonerated Thomas Jones for the shooting yesterday of Albert Ninnis following a quarrel. According to testimony given at the inquest Ninnis went to the Jones' place yesterday morning on horseback. At the house he started to quarrel with Jones, wanting him to come and fight. Jones refused, and Ninnis attacked him. Jones hit Ninnis over the head with his revolver and knocked him down, and then Ninnis made a move for his hip pocket, apparently to get a gun. Jones then fired four shots at Ninnis, all of which took effect, killing him instantly. Sheriff Lewis and Assistant District Attorney J. J. Coghlan went to the scene, but arrived last night too late to do any investigating. Deputy Coroner Robert Jay conducted the inquest. The quarrel which led to the shooting has been brewing for nine years. Jones and Ninnis were related, Jones has always borne a good reputation.

iv.

Arthur R. Ninnis was born on 22 May 1886 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. He died on 04 Apr 1909 in Madera Co., CA (Buried in Oakhill Cemetary in Oakhurst.).

Notes for Arthur R. Ninnis:

Fresno Herald, April 6, 1909:

Young man dies – Arthur Ninnis, a well-known and highly respected young man of Poison Switch, died at his home at that place Sunday morning. He had been ill for about three weeks with pneumonia. Mr. Ninnis was about 22 years old and had many friends throughout the county who will learn with regret of his untimely death.

22.

v.

Ulyssus Samuel Grant Ninnis was born on 22 May 1888 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. He died on 15 Apr 1980 in Alameda Co., CA. He married Della Jane Johnson She was born on 19 Jan 1895 in Harrison Gulch, Shasta Co., CA. She died in 1989 in Madera Co., CA.

Notes for Ulyssus Samuel Grant Ninnis:

In 1930 Ulysses was a steel company laborer at 706 Gilman, Berkeley with wife Della and 4 children.

23.

vi.

Josephine Annabella Ninnis was born on 12 Jul 1890 in Madera Co., CA. She died on 14 Dec 1974 in Fresno Co., CA. She married William Stewart Davidson He was born on 06 Oct 1889 in Edinburgh, Scotland. He died on 28 Jun 1970.

24.

vii.

Jane Christine "Jennie" Ninnis was born on 26 Sep 1892 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. She died on 20 Apr 1968 in Fresno, Fresno Co., CA. She married Columbus Claire Smale, son of John Gerrard Smale and Elizabeth Dempsey, on 18 Jan 1918 in Fairfield, Solano Co., CA. He was born on 21 Oct 1892 in Modesto, Stanislaus Co., CA. He died on 11 Jan 1989 in Santa Rosa, Sonoma Co., CA.

viii.

Della R. Ninnis was born on 19 Jan 1895 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. She died on 28 Mar 1916 in Oakhurst, Madera Co., CA (Buried in Oakhill Cemetary in Oakhurst.).

25.

ix.

Ralph Alfred Ninnis was born on 28 Oct 1899 in Raymond, Madera Co., CA. He died on 13 Jun 1969 in Fresno Co., CA. He married Josephine Annie Oliva She was born on 18 Oct 1899 in Madera Co., CA. She died on 15 Dec 2003 in Fresno Co., CA.

Notes for Ralph Alfred Ninnis:

In 1930 Ralph was an automobile supply salesman at 312 Cornell Avenue, Fresno with wife Josephine and son Gayle.

7.

Josephine Holly5 Strombeck (Theodore Thure "Swede Bill"4, Petter Pehr3 Strömbäck, Eric2 Strömbäck, Anders Johannson1 Strömbäck) was born on 06 Apr 1867 in Fresno Co., CA. She died on 09 Aug 1958 in Madera Co., CA. She married John Henry Elam, son of Joel Thomas Elam and Sarah Anne Callis, on 14 Dec 1882 in Fresno Co., CA (Married by J. M. Johnson). He was born in 1842 in TN. He died on 04 Feb 1923 in Kerman, Fresno Co., CA.

Notes for John Henry Elam:

In 1880 John was a blacksmith in Dist. 3, Fresno County with wife Mary and children Lucinda, John, Henry, and Walter. He was previously married to Mary M. Lunceford who died in 1881. In 1920 he was a blacksmith in Coarsegold living on the Krohn ranch.

Obituary - Fresno Morning Republican, February 6, 1923:

ELAM - Near Kerman, February 4, 1923, John H. Elam, loving father of Mrs. Goldie Norser, Mrs. Kate Mullins, Mrs. Ida Jones, Mrs. Grace Rey and Miss Ruth Elam; John, Henry, Walter, William, Wesley, Thomas and Leonard Elam: loving brother of Mrs. Mary Priterman, Mrs. Martha Reeres and Mrs. Fannie Kinman, T. M. Flam of Kerman, T. Elam of Fresno, Arch Parley of Los Banos, William Parsley Mariposa county, California: a native of Tennessee, aged 80 months and 11 days. Friends are invited to attend the services this (Tuesday) afternoon at 1 o'clock from the chapel of the Mission Funeral Directors, North, Broadway at Belmont. Interment Mountain View cemetery, Fresno.

John Henry Elam and Josephine Holly Strombeck had the following children:

26.

i.

Catherine Isabelle (Kate)6 Elam was born on 01 Aug 1884 in CA. She died on 01 Apr 1979 in Sutter, Sacramento Co., CA. She married David Burrell Mullins

27.

ii.

Ida M. Elam was born on 17 Apr 1886 in Fresno, Fresno Co., CA. She died on 18 Jul 1985 in Merced, Merced Co., CA. She married Henry S. Jones, son of George W. Jones and Cloa M. Koontz, on 25 May 1904 in Madera Co., CA. He was born in Aug 1878 in CA. He died on 04 May 1908 in Madera Co., CA.

Notes for Ida M. Elam:

In 1920 Ida M. Jones was a dressmaker at 409 Grove Street, San Francisco with her sisters Ruth and Grace Elam and 2 lodgers.

28.

iii.

William Cleveland Elam was born on 21 Jan 1888 in Raymond, Madera Co., CA. He died on 21 Dec 1962 in San Jose, Santa Clara Co., CA. He married Myrtle Bell Davidson, daughter of John Angus Davidson and Isabella McQuatters, on 05 Dec 1912 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. She was born on 04 Jan 1892 in Toronto, York Co., Ontario, Canada. She died on 29 Jan 1985 in OR .

Notes for William Cleveland Elam:

William arrived in Vancouver, British Columbia in July 1912. There he married Myrtle Davidson and sired his first two daughters. In 1920 he was a granite cutter on Saine Highway, Baring, King Co., WA with Myrtle and two daughters. In 1930 he was a granite cutter Barron, Jackson Co., OR with family. He appears to have detoured through Nevada as son William was born there, and in 1940 back to Ashland, Oregon. In 1950 he and Myrtle were in Santa Clara, CA where he was a granite cutter on monuments.

29.

iv.

Charles Wesley Elam was born on 25 Oct 1890 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. He died on 27 Apr 1966 in Raymond, Madera Co., CA (Buried in Oakhill Cemetary in Oakhurst.). He married Olla Doris Whitfield She was born on 17 Mar 1903 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. She died on 28 Jan 1986 in San Bernardino Co., CA (Buried in Montecito Memorial Park, Colton, CA.).

Notes for Charles Wesley Elam:

In 1930 Wesley was a stonecutter in Knowles with wife Ola and children Doris and Thomas.

30.

v.

Grace Nella Elam was born on 02 Jun 1893 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. She died on 24 Apr 1995 in Merced, Merced Co., CA. She married Arthur Sydney Rae, son of William Rae and Emily Bisson, on 15 May 1920 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA (License issued.). He was born on 01 Aug 1893 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA. He died on 19 May 1960 in Merced Co., CA.

Notes for Grace Nella Elam:

Merced Sun-Star, April 27, 1995:

GRACE RAE, 101

Grace Nella Rae, who lived in Merced 66 years, died Monday at Franciscan Convalescent Hospital. She was 101. Mrs. Rae was born June: 2, 1893 in Coarsegold and attended Raymond Grammar School. A homemaker, Mrs. Rae was an avid gardener and loved flowers and cooking. She served as president of the Delhi American Legion Post Auxiliary No. 189, and president of the Auxiliary of the Livingston Veterans of Foreign Wars. Mrs. Rae also served on the Guardian Council of Livingston Bethel No. 123 of the International Order of Jobs Daughters. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Rae, in 1960. She is survived by a daughter, Grace Hay, of Merced; four grandchildren; four greatgrandchildren and a great great-grandchild. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Winton District Cemetery with the Rev. Judy Smith of Unity Church of Christianity of Merced presiding. Arrangements are under the direction of Ivers and Alcorn Funeral Home in Merced.

vi.

Ruth Ann Elam was born on 06 Mar 1898 in Madera Co., CA. She died on 20 May 1982 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA. She married Robin Adair Whittlesey, son of Harry R. Whittlesey and Caroline Whittlesey Robinson, on 31 Oct 1924 in Oroville, Butte Co., CA. He was born on 25 Oct 1897 in Butte, Silver Bow Co., MT. He died on 08 Jul 1990 in San Antonio, Bexar Co., TX.

Notes for Ruth Ann Elam:

Obituary - San Francisco Examiner, May 22, 1982:

WHITTLESEY, Ruth Ann - In this City, May 20, 1982, beloved wife of Robin A. Whittlesey; loving sister of Ida May Jones and Grace Rae of Merced; also survived by many nieces and nephews; a native of Coarse Gold, CA; aged 84 years. At her request no services will be held. Green Street Mortuary.

31.

vii.

Leonard Percy Elam was born on 27 Nov 1899 in Madera, Madera Co., CA. He died on 01 Mar 1958 in Oakhurst, Madera Co., CA. He married Hazel Victoria Hawke She was born on 03 May 1899 in Madera, Madera Co., CA. She died on 09 Jul 1978 in Oakhurst, Madera Co., CA.

8.

Christine5 Strombeck (Theodore Thure "Swede Bill"4, Petter Pehr3 Strömbäck, Eric2 Strömbäck, Anders Johannson1 Strömbäck) was born in Nov 1869 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. She married Frederick Charles Ninnis, son of William John Ninnis Sr. and Jane Harvey, on 18 Dec 1886 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. He was born on 01 Jul 1862 in England. He died on 24 Mar 1955 in Fresno Co., CA.

Notes for Christine Strombeck:

Expositor, Volume X, Number 78, 4 January 1887

Married - NINNIS – STROMBECK - At Coarse Gold Gulch, December 18, 1886, by J M Johnson, JP, C. F. Ninnis to Christena Strombeck.

Notes for Frederick Charles Ninnis:

Frederick was became a naturalized US citizen in 1873 by virtue of naturalization of his father. In 1900 he was a photographer in 4th Township, Madera County with wife Christine, adopted son Ross, and boarder Edward Remilleret, a stableman from France.

Frederick Charles Ninnis and Christine Strombeck had the following child:

32.

i.

Ross Albert Jack6 Ninnis was born on 11 Jan 1893 in Reno, Washoe Co., NV (Ross was adopted.). He died on 12 Sep 1951 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA. He married (1) Jeanie Evelyn Wilson on 06 Jan 1915 in Fresno, Fresno Co., CA (Seperated July 1919). She was born on 16 Mar 1895 in Ontario, Canada. She died on 26 Apr 1996 in San Mateo Co., CA. He married (2) Gertrude Jenevieve Ludwig She was born on 02 Feb 1894 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA. She died on 04 Jan 1969 in San Mateo, San Mateo Co., CA.

Notes for Ross Albert Jack Ninnis:

Fresno Bee, Volume LXII, Number 20, 23 July 1920

“Former Fresnans Air Home Troubles Impossible to Please “Friend Wife” Tells What He Did and What She Did”

It can’t be done. This is the conclusion of Ross A Ninnis, former Fresnan and travelling salesman for the Fisk Rubber company, after almost four years of married life in which he did everything he could think of to please his wife. Now he is suing for divorce in the San Francisco courts.

In the facts he sets forth Ninnis explodes the common supposition that a “drummer’s’’ life is one gay, romantic episode after another, little hampered by home ties. These are the things he says he said he did to try to please his wife: Brought her boxes of candy, but she threw them on the floor. Gave her silk underwear, but she said it was not a gift, but a necessity he was supposed to provide for her. Gave her all his earnings, but she complained she didn’t have much money other women, and urged him to falsify his expense account so he could get more. Came in off the road, tired and hungry and sleepy, but cooked his own meals, washed the dishes, and fed, bathed and dressed their two Infant sons. These are the things he says she did to him: Refused to return him enough of his salary to buy himself clothing. Told other persons he owed her money. When he was sick, told him he would have to earn extra money to pay his doctor bill. Ridiculed him when he had the influenza; telling him he was not sick, but scared. Slapped, scratched, cursed, kicked him. threw water in his face, hit him with a stick and chased him with a butcher knife. Stayed out late at nights, refused to say where she had been, drank to excess, smoked cigarettes against his will, sulked, and threatened to leave him. His conclusion was: “what’s the use!’”

The couple were married in Fresno, January 7, 1915, and separated in July, 1919. They lived at 2347 Grant-av.

9.

William5 Strombeck (Theodore Thure "Swede Bill"4, Petter Pehr3 Strömbäck, Eric2 Strömbäck, Anders Johannson1 Strömbäck) was born on 31 Aug 1879 in Madera Co., CA. He died on 26 Oct 1954 in Fresno Co., CA. He married Alice Soledad, daughter of George Soledad and Lilly, on 09 Sep 1918 in Fresno Co., CA. She was born on 15 Feb 1900 in Auberry, Fresno Co., CA. She died on 03 Nov 1948 in Fresno Co., CA.

Notes for William Strombeck:

Fresno Weekly Expositor, Volume XVI, Number 2, 29 April 1885

Waylaid.-Last night at 12o’ciock, while Wm. Strombeck was crossing Front street to board the north bound train to go to Madera, he was “stood up’’ by two men who relieved him of $55. The thieves escaped.

In 1930 William lived at the Cold Springs Rancheria in Auberry with wife Alice and their children Theodore, Lula, and William.

Madera Tribune, Volume LII, Number 63, 12 May 1944:

GETS LONG JAIL TERM

Logan Johnson, charged with battery as the result of alleged knocking down and stamping on the head of Wm, Strombeck at North Fork recently, was sentenced to serve 90 days in jail and was placed under two years probation and ordered to pay $40 per month for three months and $20 thereafter for support of a minor child by Justice Ike Enlow of the fifth township. District Attorney E. Coffee appeared for the people.

William Strombeck and Alice Soledad had the following children:

i.

Theodore Thure6 Strombeck was born on 17 Jan 1916 in Auberry, Fresno Co., CA. He died on 03 Nov 1995 in Fresno Co., CA.

ii.

Lula Christine Strombeck was born on 03 Jun 1919 in Auberry, Fresno Co., CA. She died in 2005 in Fresno Co., CA.

iii.

William Wellington Strombeck was born on 07 Jun 1922 in Auberry, Fresno Co., CA. He died on 08 Jun 2005.

iv.

Victor David Strombeck was born on 08 Mar 1927 in Auberry, Fresno Co., CA. He died on 21 Feb 2000.

v.

Harwood F. Strombeck was born in 1929 in Fresno Co., CA. He died before 1940 in Fresno Co., CA.

Notes for Harwood F. Strombeck:

Harwood only appears in the 1930 census.

vi.

John Henry Strombeck was born on 28 Sep 1931 in Fresno Co., CA. He died on 15 Oct 1972 in Tulare, Tulare Co., CA (Buried Big Sandy Rancheria Tribal Cemetery, Auberry.). He married Lena Harriet Tom on 25 Jul 1960 in CA. She was born on 29 Apr 1925 in Fresno, Fresno Co., CA. She died on 10 Aug 2004 in Tollhouse, Fresno Co., CA.

Notes for John Henry Strombeck:

In1950 John was a fruit picker in an orchard living in Friant.

33.

vii.

Virginia Barbara "Iva" Strombeck was born on 24 Mar 1934 in Fresno Co., CA. She married (1) Charles Robert Miller, son of Ernest Robert Miller and Marie E. Elliott, about 1951. He was born on 02 Oct 1929 in Potter Valley, Mendocino Co., CA . He died on 03 May 1992 in Mendocino Co., CA. She married (2) Frank V. "Mickey" Woodley, son of Frank Woodley and Deloras B, on 13 Jun 1960 in Fresno Co., CA. He was born on 22 Aug 1929 in AZ. He died on 06 Sep 2007 in Fresno Co., CA.

Notes for Virginia Barbara "Iva" Strombeck:

Fresno Bee, May 27, 1988:

Family arrested in drug case

Four members of a Pinedale family, suspected of being involved in fencing stolen property and in cocaine sales, were arrested Thursday by undercover Fresno County sheriff's deputies. Investigators said 1 Virginia Barbara Woodley, 54, her daughter, Carol Jean Miller, 34, and two grandsons, ages 16 and 14, were taken into custody after a search warrant was served at their residence, 347 W. Pinedale Ave. Deputy Jerry Haroldson said about a half-ounce of rock cocaine, valued at about $800, a small quantity of marijuana and numerous pieces of property believed to be stolen were recovered. The property included a television set, three videocassette recorders, two handguns and numerous videocassette movies.

10.

Ulysses S. Grant6 Jones (Mary5 Strombeck, Theodore Thure "Swede Bill"4 Strombeck, Petter Pehr3 Strömbäck, Eric2 Strömbäck, Anders Johannson1 Strömbäck) was born on 06 Aug 1874 in Madera Co., CA. He died on 10 Sep 1964 in Alameda, Alameda Co., CA. He married Gertrude Kneale on 01 Oct 1903 in Benecia, Solano Co., CA. She was born on 23 Sep 1883 in CA. She died on 13 Jun 1949 in San Mateo Co., CA.

Notes for Ulysses S. Grant Jones:

In 1910, 1920, 1930, and 1940 Ulysses worked in a leather tannery in Redwood City with wife Gertrude and son Ulysses, his son out of the house by 1940.

Ulysses S. Grant Jones and Gertrude Kneale had the following child:

34.

i.

Ulysses S. Grant7 Jones Jr. was born on 30 Sep 1909 in CA. He died on 22 Feb 1987 in Contra Costa Co., CA. He married Leila Gladys Swett She was born on 02 Mar 1914 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA. She died on 12 Oct 1978 in San Diego Co., CA.

Notes for Ulysses S. Grant Jones Jr.:

In 1940 Ulysses was a mail carrier in Redwood City with wife Leila. He enlisted in the Army on 19 July 1943 and was dischared 13 Feb 1946. In 1950 he was divorced and piloted a charter fishing boat in Redwood City with his father unemployed.

11.

Ellen "Nellie"6 Jones (Mary5 Strombeck, Theodore Thure "Swede Bill"4 Strombeck, Petter Pehr3 Strömbäck, Eric2 Strömbäck, Anders Johannson1 Strömbäck) was born on 31 Jul 1875 in Madera Co., CA. She died on 19 Oct 1955 in Colton, San Bernardino Co., CA. She married William Benjamin Whitfield, son of William Wilkinson Whitfield and Harriett Winnifred Powers, on 09 Dec 1897 in Madera, Madera Co., CA. He was born in Sep 1876 in CA. He died in 1914 in Madera Co., CA.

Notes for Ellen "Nellie" Jones:

In 1920 Nellie was a widow at McGilvray's Quarry in Madera County with 6 children; the only wage earner was son Erwin running a steam engine at the quarry. In 1930 she live on River Road in Madera with sons Eldridge and Howard and their wifes.

The Fresno Bee, Oct 22, 1955:

WHITFIELD-In Colton. October 19. 1955, Nell Whitfield.

beloved mother of Mrs. Barney Olivas of Upland. Dewey Whitfield of Ontario, Erwin Whitfield of San Jose. Mrs. Ola Campbell of Colton, Whitfield of Yosemite National Park, Mrs. Harry Bryant of Colton, Howard Whitfield of San Jose and Leslie Whitfield of Coarsegold; sister of Thomas Jones, Freeman Jones and Mrs. Dolly Stafford, Mrs. all of Coarsegold. Claude Williams of Bass Lake, Mrs. Martha Brown and Mrs. Emma Fehrman. both of Bakersfield, and Mrs. Ruby Begwell of Fresno: also survived by 11 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. A native of Coarsegold. aged 80 years. Funeral services will be held in the Tinkler Chapel, North Broadway at Mission Belmont. Monday afternoon, October 24, 1955 at 2 o'clock. Rev. A. B. Sidebotham officiating. Interment in Belmont Memorial Park.

Notes for William Benjamin Whitfield:

In 1900 William T. was a lead-ore miner in Dist. 4, Madera County with wife Nellie and children William and Ellen. In 1910 he was a gold miner in Twp. 4, Madera County with Nellie, 6 children, and mother-in-law Mary Jones.

William Benjamin Whitfield and Ellen "Nellie" Jones had the following children:

35.

i.

Dewey William7 Whitfield was born on 01 Jul 1898 in Knowles, Madera Co., CA (Buried in Oakhill Cemetary in Oakhurst.). He died on 04 Jul 1981 in Fresno, Fresno Co., CA. He married (1) Lillian June Webber She was born on 04 Mar 1895 in Vermont. She died on 30 Jan 1982 in Madera, Madera Co., CA. He married (2) Esther Mathilda Muller She was born on 14 Sep 1904 in NY. She died on 03 May 1996 in Fresno Co., CA.

Notes for Dewey William Whitfield:

In 1920 Dewey was a steam engine engineer in Raymond with wife Lillian; they lived with her parents. In 1930 they lived next door to Lillian's parents in Raymond with son Merle. In 1940 they lived there with sister-in-law June Webber. Dewey registered for the Draft in 1942 when he was working at the Knowles Granite Quarry and living in Raymond. In 1950 he was a police guard for Orange Industries at 624 Riverside, Chino with wife Esther, brother-in-law Enger Muller, and step-son David Ruther.

36.

ii.

Ella Mae Whitfield was born in Nov 1899 in Madera Co., CA. She died on 01 Apr 1990 in San Diego Co., CA. She married Theron Webb He was born on 06 Mar 1898 in Fort Worth, Texas. He died on 08 Jun 1935 in Tarrant, Texas.

Notes for Ella Mae Whitfield:

Name appears as Ellen A. in 1900 census and Ella M. in 1910. In1920 Ella M. was an importer house stenagropher boarding at 412 Ashbury Street, San Francisco.

37.

iii.

Erwin Thomas "ET" Whitfield was born on 23 Feb 1901 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. He died on 19 Dec 1997 in Madera Co., CA (Buried in Oakhill Cemetary in Oakhurst.). He married (1) Celia Shankman, daughter of Yakob Jacob Shankman and Clara Lipshitz, on 27 Dec 1926 in Alameda Co., CA (Divorced in 1942 in Reno, Nevada). She was born on 05 Aug 1906 in NY. She died on 30 Dec 1952 in Napa State Hospital, Napa, Napa Co., CA (Cremated and buried in Napa Valley Memorial Park with no marker.). He married (2) Vera E She was born in 1906 in IA. He married (3) Marjorie Ann Cumpton, daughter of Benjamin Franklin Cumpton and Elvira Melissa Mitchell, on 10 Aug 1955 in Carson City, Nevada (Divorced in Aug 1973 in Madera.). She was born on 01 Aug 1917 in Gillette, Campbell Co., WY. She died on 20 Dec 1983 in Fresno, Fresno Co., CA.

Notes for Erwin Thomas "ET" Whitfield:

In 1944 San Jose City Directory Erwin was an engineer at 360 S. 4th Street living with Vera. In the 1950 census Erwin was an operating engineer at manufacturing steel in San Jose, Santa Clara County with wife Vera E. [It appears they were married although no other record located.]

Taped interview in 1994 by the Coarsegold Historical Society HERE.

Fresno Bee, December 24, 1997:

WHITFIELD, ERWIN T. Graveside services for Erwin T. Whitfield, 96, of Coarsegold, were held at 10 a.m. today at Oakhill Cemetery. Mr. Whitfield, a cattle rancher, died Friday. Arrangements are under the direction of Sierra Funeral Chapel, Services Today.

38.

iv.

Olla Doris Whitfield was born on 17 Mar 1903 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. She died on 28 Jan 1986 in San Bernardino Co., CA (Buried in Montecito Memorial Park, Colton, CA.). She married (1) Charles Wesley Elam He was born on 25 Oct 1890 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. He died on 27 Apr 1966 in Raymond, Madera Co., CA (Buried in Oakhill Cemetary in Oakhurst.). She married (2) John S. Campbell on 11 Jan 1966 in Orange Co., CA.

39.

v.

Eldridge Whitfield was born in 1906 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. He died on 16 Nov 1990 in Madera Co., CA. He married Lucy Ellen Doyle on 17 Jun 1929 in Madera, Madera Co., CA. She was born in 1904 in KY.

Notes for Eldridge Whitfield:

Madera Tribune, Volume XLIV, Number 40, 17 June 1929:

MARRIED ELDRIDGE -WHITFIELD In Madera, June 17. 1929, Eldridge Whitfield. 23. of Coarse Gold and Lucy Ellen Doyle, 25, of Fresno.

In 1940 Eldridge was a retail grocery salesman at 1120 Howard, Fresno with wife Lucy and sons Eldridge, Keith, and Stanley.

Fresno Bee, November 19, 1990:

Eldridge Whitfield OAKHURST Graveside services for Eldridge Whitfield, 84, will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Belmont Memorial Park. Mr. Whitfield died Friday. He was a bus driver for Yosemite Park and Curry Co. for 20 years. Surviving are his wife, Lucy; three sons, Eldridge of Oakhurst, James of Fresno and Keith of Idaho; two brothers, Howard of Washington and Erwin of Coarsegold; a sister, Velma Bryant of Colton; five grandchildren and seven greatgrandchildren. Lisle Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

vi.

Bernice Velma (Verneth) Whitfield was born on 07 Jun 1908 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. She married Harry Bryant on 12 Jun 1937 in Visalia, Tulare Co., CA. He was born on 17 May 1900 in Brown's Branch, MO ( ). He died on 06 Jun 1965 in Colton, San Bernardino Co., CA.

Notes for Bernice Velma (Verneth) Whitfield:

Velma's name and birth is recorded in the 1928 Indian Census. In1930 she was a servant to Ernest Schuerman who ran a boarding house in Madera.

12.

David Ross "Mack"6 Jones (Mary5 Strombeck, Theodore Thure "Swede Bill"4 Strombeck, Petter Pehr3 Strömbäck, Eric2 Strömbäck, Anders Johannson1 Strömbäck) was born on 20 Mar 1880 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. He married Daisy Victoria Whitfield She was born on 06 Aug 1880 in Volcano, Amador Co., CA. She died on 21 Jun 1962 in Mariposa Co., CA.

Notes for David Ross "Mack" Jones:

In 1910 David farmed in Twp. 4, Madera County with wife Daisy and children Floyd and Harriet. In 1920 he was a gold miner in Coarse Gold, Mader County with Daisy and 6 children. In 1930 he was a gold miner in Mariposa with Daisy and 4 children.

David Ross "Mack" Jones and Daisy Victoria Whitfield had the following children:

40.

i.

Floyd Wilfred7 Jones was born on 24 Apr 1902 in Madera Co., CA. He died on 23 Feb 1992 in Stanislaus Co., CA. He married Eleanor Katherine Woods in Jul 1929 in Stockton, San Joaquin Co., CA. She was born in 1906 in WY.

Notes for Floyd Wilfred Jones:

Modesto Bee, February 26, 1992:

FLOYD WILFRED JONES, 89, of Modesto, died Sunday. SERVICES: Private. Lakewood Funeral Home Chapel in charge of arrangements. BACKGROUND: Native of Coarsegold. Lived in 1 Modesto 43 years. Self-employed building contractor. Member Modesto Masonic Lodge and San Jose Scottish Rite Bodies. SURVIVORS: Wife, Eleanor Jones of Modesto. Daughter, Karen Parker. Two brothers, David B. Jones of Stockton and Lonnie Jones of Mariposa. Two grandchildren. REMEMBRANCES: American Heart Association, P.O. Box 4933, Modesto 95352.

41.

ii.

Harriet Winifred Jones was born on 01 Dec 1904 in Madera Co., CA. She died on 10 May 1979 in Tracy, San Joaquin Co., CA. She married Elgin Russell Al Alvord He was born on 05 Sep 1897 in Jerseydale, Mariposa Co., CA. He died on 01 Mar 1980 in Livermore, Alameda Co., CA.

iii.

Lawrence William Jones was born on 17 Sep 1910 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. He died on 05 May 1992 in Raymond, Madera Co., CA. He married Ellen Orpha Dukes, daughter of George Alvin Dukes and Orpha Anna, on 25 Nov 1933 in Mariposa Co., CA. She was born on 11 Apr 1915 in WA. She died on 26 May 2002 in CA.

Notes for Lawrence William Jones:

In 1940 Lawrence was a building plumber in Mariposa with wife Ellen and children Dayle L., Darla M., and Diane E., and brother Mack R. In 1950 he was a plumber in Mariposa with Ellen, children Doyle L., Darla M., Diane E., Denise V., and Doni V., and brother-in-law George M. Dukes.

Merced Sun-Star, May 7, 1992:

LAWRENCE JONES, 81 Plumbing contractor MARIPOSA Lawrence W. Jones, a plumbing contractor, died in his Mariposa home Tuesday. He was 81. Mr. Jones was born in Coarsegold and lived in Mariposa for 68 years. He was preceded in death by two sisters and two brothers: He is survived by five daughters, Dayle Law of El Portal, Darla Castro of Three Rivers, Diane Matlock and Denise Preston of Mariposa and Doni Merrill of Los Banos; a brother, David Jones of Stockton; 20 grandchildren; 14 greatgrandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday at Mariposa Funeral Home. The Rev. John 1 Rowlett of Raymond Community Church will officiate. Burial will be in Mariposa Cemetery.

42.

iv.

Olive Mae Jones was born on 08 Feb 1913 in Madera Co., CA. She died on 29 Apr 1969 in Mariposa Co., CA. She married (1) Meredith Andrew Hogan He was born on 21 Apr 1904 in Teller Co., CO. He died on 02 Jul 1947 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA. She married (2) Manuel Glen Hastings, son of Malon Lee Hastings and Myrtle Lizebeth Carson, on 05 Jan 1950 in Mariposa Co., CA. He was born on 02 Mar 1909 in Winona, Idaho Co., ID. He died on 04 Sep 1950 in Alameda Co., CA.

Notes for Olive Mae Jones:

In 1940 Olive Hogan lived at 451 Highland Avenue, Tracy with daughter Lamaerna and mother-in-law Merideth Hogan in the household of her sister Harriet Alford.

Modesto Bee, April 30, 1969:

Olive Hastings MARIPOSA -Services will bel held tomorrow at 2 p.m. in Tiscornia & Ivers Funeral Chapel for Olive M. Hastings, 56, who died yesterday in the local hospital. Burial will be in the Masonic Cemetery, Mrs. Hastings had lived in the Mariposa community 43 years. She leaves a daughter, Mrs. Lamerna Mari of Mariposa; a sister, Mrs. Winifred Alvord of Tracy; three brothers, Floyd Jones of Modesto, Lawrence Jones of Tracy and David Jones of Lone Pine: and one grandchild.

43.

v.

David Earl “Bodie” Jones was born on 24 Oct 1916 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. He died on 26 Aug 2003 in Stockton, San Joaquin Co., CA. He married (1) Eleanor Ruth Shiedt, daughter of Edward Henry Shiedt and Stella M. Combs, on 19 Apr 1936 in Mariposa Co., CA. She was born on 17 Apr 1918 in Chicago, Cook Co., IL. She died on 04 Oct 1998 in San Diego, San Diego Co., CA. He married (2) Jean Rosanna "Jennie" Jardine, daughter of William Richard Jardine and Beatrice Claire, on 24 Oct 1943. She was born on 03 May 1922 in Turlock, Stanislaus Co.,CA. She died on 04 Oct 2010 in Stockton, San Joaquin Co., CA. He married (3) Betty Maxine Stanberry, daughter of Jessie Johile Stanberry and Laura Mae Baxter, on 06 Apr 1947 in Minden, Nevada. She was born on 22 Jul 1924 in Big Cabin, Craig Co., OK. She died on 06 Apr 2008 in Stockton, San Joaquin Co., CA.

Notes for David Earl “Bodie” Jones:

In 1940 Earl was owner of a coffee shop on Hwy 149, Mariposa with wife Eleanor, son David, and a lodger, In 1950 he was a truck driver at 2033 Niola, Modesto with wife Betty, daughter Jenniers, and step-son John C. Harry.

vi.

Mack Ross Jones was born on 19 Jul 1918 in CA. He died on 11 Jul 1940 in Mariposa Co., CA.

Notes for Mack Ross Jones:

Fresno Bee, July 12, 1940:

Mariposa Youth Killed As Auto Goes Off Grade

MERCED (Merced Co.) July 12. -Mack Ross Jones, 22, of Mariposa, employe of the Bank of America in Merced, was killed instantly last night when the car which he was riding left the Yosemite All Year Highway along the Merced River four and one half miles above Briceburg. Jones was riding with Floris Martin, Jr., of Mariposa at the time of the accident. Martin suffered serious injuries and is being treated the Lewis Memorial Hospital in Yosemite. The accident occurred when the car went out of control for some unknown reason, plunged off the road, turned over once and landed right side up thirty feet below the roadbed. Coroner W. C. McNally investigated the accident.

Jones is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. D. R. Jones of Tracy; three brothers, David and Lawrence Jones of Mariposa and Floyd Jones of Fresno; two sisters, Mrs.

Olive Hogan, Banning, and Mrs. Elgin Alvord, Tracy. An Ivers & Alcorn ambulance brought the body to Merced, where funeral arrangements are pending.

13.

Fremont Ernest "Freeman"6 Jones (Mary5 Strombeck, Theodore Thure "Swede Bill"4 Strombeck, Petter Pehr3 Strömbäck, Eric2 Strömbäck, Anders Johannson1 Strömbäck) was born on 17 Sep 1882 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. He died on 30 Jan 1965 in Madera Co., CA (Buried February 2, 1965 in Oakhill Cemetary in Oakhurst.). He married Lucille Josephine McMann She was born on 21 Sep 1891 in Madera Co., CA. She died on 20 Jul 1993 in Madera Co., CA.

Notes for Fremont Ernest "Freeman" Jones:

In 1930 Fremont was a stock farmer on River Road, Coarsegold with wife Lucille, children Frema and John, mother Mary Jones, brother Richard Jones, and nieces Marion L (8) and Virginia G. (6) Scott. In 1950 he ranched on Hwy 41, Madera County with Lucille with son-in-law Milton Herschfelt, daughter Frema, and their daughter Mary.

Obituary - Fresno Bee, Feb. 1, 1965:

Freeman Jones Of Coarsegold Succumbs At 82

MADERA Funeral services for Freeman Jones, 82, a prominent foothills cattleman and a lifelong resident of the Coarsegold area, will be held tomorrow at 11 AM in the Jay Chapel.

Jones died Saturday. He was born in 1882 on his father's ranch and grew up in the open range era which has contributed so much to the history and legend of the Old West. His father, Thomas Jones, arrived in California from England in 1848 after a voyage around the horn, He built a cabin and settled down on Deadwood Mountain overlooking the present Highway 41.

Freeman's brother, Tom, who died in 1956, also was a cattleman and for many years operated the Beasore Meadows store established by Tom Beasore, a legendary early day foothills peace officer.

Freeman Jones attended the old Coarsegold Grammar School and later helped his father build the Hawkins School. In 1912 he took up a homestead in 1 the Coarsegold area and started raising cattle. He was one the first cattlemen to be issued a grazing permit in the Sierra National Forest. He was active in all mountain activities and served on many committees pertaining to the growth of the area.

Survivors include his widow, the former Lucille Mann; a daughter, Mrs. Frema Herschfelt of Fresno; four sisters, Mrs. Ruby Bagwell of Fresno, Mrs. Grace Williams of Bass Lake, and Mrs. Emma Furhman and Mrs. Martha both of Bakersfield; and a granddaughter, Mary Herschfelt of Fresno.

Fremont Ernest "Freeman" Jones and Lucille Josephine McMann had the following children:

44.

i.

Frema E.7 Jones was born on 11 Sep 1919 in Madera Co., CA. She died in 2008 in WA. She married Milton L. Herschfelt, son of William Henry Herschfelt and Trudella Elnora Parsons, on 10 Oct 1941 in Carson City, Nevada. He was born on 19 Aug 1917 in St. Cloud, Stearns Co., MN. He died on 22 Jan 2009 in Blaine, Whatcom Co., WA.

ii.

John F. Jones was born in 1922 in CA.

14.

Mary Ann6 Jones (Mary5 Strombeck, Theodore Thure "Swede Bill"4 Strombeck, Petter Pehr3 Strömbäck, Eric2 Strömbäck, Anders Johannson1 Strömbäck) was born in Sep 1884 in Madera Co., CA. She died in 1938. She married Arthur Stanley Gash, son of Francis Marion Gash and Mary L. Taylor, on 05 Sep 1905 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA (License issued.). He was born on 14 Feb 1881 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. He died on 16 Oct 1957 in Fresno, Fresno Co., CA.

Notes for Arthur Stanley Gash:

In 1910 Arthur was a stationary engineer in Coarsegold with wife Mary and daughters Freda and Berta. In 1920 he farmed in Coarsegold with Mary and children Freda, Roberta, and Eugene. In1930 he worked as road building construction at 469 Abbey Street, Fresno with Mary and children Freda and Eugene.

Fresno Bee, October 16, 1957:

Arthur Gash, 76, Succumbs

Arthur Stanley Gash, 76, a resident of Fresno nearly all his life, died today in his home at 422 Valeria Avenue. He was born in Missouri [CA] but came to Fresno when still a boy. He joined the United States Forest Service in 1922 and served more than 20 years before retiring. Gash was a member of the First Christian Church. He is survived by his widow, Edith; a son, Eugene, of Bakersfield; two daughters, Mrs. Roberta Johnson of Fresno and Mrs. Freda White of Bakersfield; a sister, Mrs. Pearl Boothe of Modesto, and three grandchildren. The funeral services will be announced by the Tinkler Mission Chapel.

Arthur Stanley Gash and Mary Ann Jones had the following children:

i.

Freda Lucille7 Gash was born on 03 Nov 1907 in CA. She died on 06 Aug 1999 in Grass Valley, Nevada Co., CA. She married Mr. White

45.

ii.

Roberta Eleanor "Berta" Gash was born on 11 Feb 1910 in CA. She died on 14 Apr 2009 in Oakhurst, Madera Co., CA. She married Harris Edward Johnson He was born on 09 Aug 1905 in Barrett, Grant Co., MN. He died on 09 Apr 1997 in Fresno Co., CA.

iii.

Eugene Everett Gash was born on 31 Oct 1919 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. He died on 14 Apr 1996 in San Luis Obispo Co., CA. He married Wilma Ellen Phillips She was born on 16 Jun 1918 in Fresno Co., CA. She died on 23 Jun 1993 in Grass Valley, Nevada Co., CA.

15.

Dolly Alice6 Jones (Mary5 Strombeck, Theodore Thure "Swede Bill"4 Strombeck, Petter Pehr3 Strömbäck, Eric2 Strömbäck, Anders Johannson1 Strömbäck) was born on 28 Mar 1887 in Madera Co., CA. She died in 1971 in Bakersfield, Kern Co., CA. She married (1) Albert E. Ninnis He was born in Dec 1884 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. He died on 28 Feb 1916 in Madera Co., CA (Buried in Oakhill Cemetary in Oakhurst.). She married (2) Elmer Nathen "Dewey" Stafford He was born on 22 Jun 1892 in Sanger, Fresno Co., CA. He died on 10 Jan 1980 in Midway City, Orange Co., CA.

Notes for Dolly Alice Jones:

In 1930 Alice D. Stafford lived on Chestnut Street, Berkeley, children Albert P. Stafford and Evelyn M. Stafford and a roomer.

Notes for Albert E. Ninnis:

In 1910 Albert was an outdoor laborer in Twp. 4, Madera County with wife Dolly and children Percy and Baby girl.

Fresno Morning Republican, March 1, 1916:

CONDUCTS INQUEST IN MADERA MURDER CASE

Coroner's Jury Exonerates Thomas Jones for Death of Albert Ninnis MADERA, Feb. 29-A coroner's jury at Coarse Gold today exonerated Thomas Jones for the shooting yesterday of Albert Ninnis following a quarrel. According to testimony given at the inquest Ninnis went to the Jones' place yesterday morning on horseback. At the house he started to quarrel with Jones, wanting him to come and fight. Jones refused, and Ninnis attacked him. Jones hit Ninnis over the head with his revolver and knocked him down, and then Ninnis made a move for his hip pocket, apparently to get a gun. Jones then fired four shots at Ninnis, all of which took effect, killing him instantly. Sheriff Lewis and Assistant District Attorney J. J. Coghlan went to the scene, but arrived last night too late to do any investigating. Deputy Coroner Robert Jay conducted the inquest. The quarrel which led to the shooting has been brewing for nine years. Jones and Ninnis were related, Jones has always borne a good reputation.

Albert E. Ninnis and Dolly Alice Jones had the following children:

46.

i.

Albert Percy7 Ninnis was born on 19 Nov 1905 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. He died on 15 Jan 1972 in Fresno Co., CA (Buried in Belmont Memorial Park, Fresno.). He married Francesca Marie "Francis" Siccardi She was born on 08 Aug 1909 in CA. She died on 05 Jul 1980.

Notes for Albert Percy Ninnis:

Albert took the surname of his step-father Stafford. In 1940 he was a tool and die maker at 19316 Santa Maria, Eden, Alameda Co., CA with wife Francis and children Jean and Albert; they lived with Francis' parents.

Fresno Bee, January 17, 1972:

Albert Stafford, Pinedale, Dies; Rites Are Set

Funeral services for Albert Ninnis Stafford, 66, of Pinedale, a lifelong resident of Fresno and Madera Counties, will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Yost & Webb Chapel. He died Saturday of a long illness. Stafford, a native of Madera County, was a veteran of World War II. His mother, Dolly Smith, died two weeks ago in Bakersfield. Stafford has no immediate survivors.

47.

ii.

Evelyn M. Ninnis was born on 18 Nov 1909 in CA. She married Albion J. Howell, son of Harry Burton Howell and Onida Blanche Hall, (Divorce on cruelty June 1941 in Oakland.). He was born on 02 Jul 1896 in CA. He died on 16 Dec 1941 in San Francisco, San Francisco Co., CA.

16.

Grace6 Jones (Mary5 Strombeck, Theodore Thure "Swede Bill"4 Strombeck, Petter Pehr3 Strömbäck, Eric2 Strömbäck, Anders Johannson1 Strömbäck) was born in Jan 1893 in Madera Co., CA. She died in 1966. She married Claude Elwood Williams, son of Frank Williams and Clara A. Lee, on 26 May 1914 in Fresno Co., CA. He was born on 28 Sep 1887 in Fresno, Fresno Co., CA. He died on 03 Jun 1973 in Fresno Co., CA.

Notes for Grace Jones:

Madera Tribune, Number 191, 11 February 1966

Grace Williams Dies at Bass Lake Home

Mrs. Grace Williams died at her home here Thursday morning at the age of 74. Born in Coarsegold, Mrs. Williams had spent her life in the mountain area. She is survived by two sons, G. E. (Bud) Williams and Claude E. Williams Jr., both of Bass Lake, a daughter Mrs. Joyce Kimbro Boswell of Bass Lake, seven grandchildren, and four sisters, Mesdames Martha Brown and Emma Furmen of Bakersfield, Dolly Smith of Big Pines and Ruby Bagwell of Fresno. Services are scheduled for Monday at 1:30 p.m. in the Little Church in the Pines. Interment will be in the Oakhill Cemetery in Oakhurst. Lisle's Funeral Home of Oakhurst is in charge of arrangements. Friends who wish to make contributions in lieu of flowers may donate to the fund of the Little Church in the Pines.

Fresno Bee, February 12, 1966:

Rites Are Set For Founder Of Bass Lake School, Church

BASS LAKE, Madera Co, Funeral services for Mrs. Grace Williams, 74, granddaughter of Indian Princess Melliot of the Chukchansi

tribe and a life-long Madera County resident, will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday in the Chapel of the Pines here. Burial will be in the Oakhill Cemetery at Oakhurst under the direction of the Lisle Funeral Home.

Mrs. Williams was one of 12 children born to Tom and Mary Jones of Coarsegold. Her father came around the Horn from Sweden to California with his as a child. The family moved directly to Madera County where Mrs. William's grandfather started the first store in the Coarsegold area. He also homestead the old Chukchansi Rancheria.

Young Jones met and married the Indian maiden who was the daughter of the princess and they lived in the Coarsegold area. Mrs. Williams, as a child, attended school in Coarsegold and after marrying Claud Williams in the summer of 1912, moved to Crane Valley (Bass (Lake). She lived in this area for 54 years. Mrs. Williams bore three children and after giving two eldest their primary education in 1925 she and her husband set to work to establish a school. In 1948, they donated the land for the present Lake School. A year later, she fulfilled another of her dreams, that of establishing an interdenominational church for the area, she donated the land for the Little Church in the Pines. She became a charter member of the congregation and was chosen as the church's first Mother of the Year. Mrs. Williams also was a member of the Grandmothers Club of California No. 24. Her survivors include sons, G. E. (Bud) Williams and Claud Williams, and daughter, Mrs. Joyce Boswell, all of Bass Lake; four sisters, Mrs. Ruby Bagwell of Fresno, Mrs. Martha Brown and Mrs. Emma Furmen of Bakersfield and Mrs. Dolly Smith of Pine, Inyo County, and seven grandchildren.

Notes for Claude Elwood Williams:

In 1920 Claude was a resort keeper at Bass Lake with wife Grace with children Joyce and Gail and a lodger. In 1930 and 1940 he was a summer resort manager at Bass Lake with Grace and children Joyce, Gail, and Claud.

Claude remarried to Christin D. Andrade (1896-1981) on 2 June 1961 in Fresno County.

Fresno Bee, June 5, 1973

Former Bass Lake Resort Owner Claude Williams Dies

Bass Lake – Graveside services for Claude Elwood Williams, 85, one of the early Bass Lake residents and former owner of both the Falls Resort and the Williams Resort here, will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Oakhill Cemetery in Oakhurst. He died Sunday.

Williams was born in Fresno and lived across the street from Denver Church, district attorney and congressman, who brought him to Bass Lake in 1906 to work on his cattle ranch. Williams also worked on the Bass Lake dam in 1907 and built boats for the Pines Resort. He homesteaded at Hidden Meadow, about five miles west of Bass Lake, and later moved his family to The Falls where he operated the first store and the first service station at Bass Lake, a 250-gallon tank with a hand pump. In 1917, he was given a use permit by the US Forest Service for the Falls Resort, which was operated by the Williams family until 1968 when the permit ran out. Williams ran the first power company at Bass Lake, built the Bass Lake airport and owned the first airplane here. Flying was his hobby and he taught his sons to fly. He donated the property for the Bass Lake Elementary School and for the Little Church in the Pines. In 1944 he purchased the Pines Resort from Charles Blank and it is still known as the Williams Resorts. Memories of his ragtime piano playing linger throughout the foothills where he was in demand to play for dances. He lived through fire and flood the Falls Resort burned in 1924, was rebuilt and later damaged by flood swollen Willow Creek.

Williams is survived by his widow, Christine, a daughter, Joyce Boswell, and a son, Gail E. "Bud" Williams, both of Bass Lake; a son, Claude E. Williams Jr. of Bend, seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and a sister, Mrs. Bonlyn Bachtold of Fresno. The family requests any remembrances be made to the Cancer or Heart Funds.

Claude Elwood Williams and Grace Jones had the following children:

48.

i.

Joyce Claudine7 Williams was born on 29 Mar 1915 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. She died on 12 May 2009 in Torrance, Los Angeles Co., CA (Buried in Oakhill Cemetary in Oakhurst.). She married (1) Jack Thomas Kimbro, son of W. S. Kimbro and Gertrude Turman, in 1942. He was born on 23 Feb 1917 in Sanger, Denton Co., TX. He died on 24 Dec 1953 in Madera Co., CA (Auto accident). She married (2) Roland Boswell in 1963.

Notes for Joyce Claudine Williams:

Fresno Bee, June 4, 2009:

Joyce Boswell March 29, 1915 - May 12, 2009

Joyce Boswell, a 94- year-old resident of Spring Senior Assisted Living in Torrance, CA, passed away on May 12th, 2009 after a long battle with illnesses related to a stroke she suffered 7 years ago. Joyce was born March 29, 1915 in Coarsegold, CA to Claude and Grace Williams. She was raised at Bass Lake, CA where she remained a resident until March of 2002. In August of 1933 she won a physical culture contest that led to a brief stint in Hollywood and some bit parts in several movies. Although a great experience, she decided to return home to Bass Lake and participate in the family resort business. In January of 1934 she competed in and won the coveted title in the fourth annual San Joaquin Valley Winter Sports Carnival in the Yosemite Valley, participating in four winter events and winning two of them. These events were Ice Skating, forwards and backwards, Skiing and Snowshoeing. She won the two Ice skating events. She was escorted to the Governors Ball at the Ahwahnee Hotel by then California Governor James Rolph Jr.

She married Jack Kimbro of Conroe, TX in 1942. They had one child, Jack II. Jack senior was killed in an auto accident in 1953. Joyce was remarried in 1963 to Roland Boswell, an LA County Fireman who had retired and moved to Bass Lake. Later she started her own retail sports wear business called the Pine Tree House and continued to operate this for many years. Upon selling the business and retiring, she began a new hobby of growing and drying and making them into arrangements. This hobby quickly grew into a small cottage industry that she continued to operate up until the stroke in 2002. Joyce is survived by her son Jack Kimbro, his wife Merta, of Torrance, CA, their three sons, Jeffrey, Trevor and Christopher, 4 great-grandchildren, and her brother C. Williams Jr. of Bend, Oregon. Graveside service will be held in early June at Oakhill Cemetery in Oakhurst CA.

ii.

Gail Erwin "Bud" Williams was born on 30 May 1916 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. He died on 11 Apr 1997 in CA. He married Maud

49.

iii.

Claude E. Williams was born on 12 May 1922 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. He married Ruth Bernice Edwards She was born on 02 Feb 1928 in Palo Alto, Santa Clara Co., CA.

Notes for Claude E. Williams:

In 1950 Claude E. Jr. was the resort manager at Bass Lake with wife Ruth and children Geraldine and Michael.

17.

Emma Matilda6 Jones (Mary5 Strombeck, Theodore Thure "Swede Bill"4 Strombeck, Petter Pehr3 Strömbäck, Eric2 Strömbäck, Anders Johannson1 Strömbäck) was born on 19 Jan 1894 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. She died on 20 Nov 1975 in Bakersfield, Kern Co., CA. She married Clair William Fuhrman, son of U. J. Fuhrman and Emma Louise Stahl, on 05 Apr 1925 in Salinas, Monterey Co., CA. He was born on 01 Nov 1902 in West Salem, Ohio. He died on 19 Dec 1961 in Veracruz. Mexico.

Notes for Clair William Fuhrman:

In 1940 Clair transported oil at 120 Mercer Street, Oildale, Kern County with wife Emma and sons Reginald and Clair.

Clair William Fuhrman and Emma Matilda Jones had the following children:

i.

Reginald Arthur7 Fuhrman was born on 17 Aug 1928 in Madera Co., CA. He died on 10 Dec 1996 in Torrance, Los Angeles Co., CA. He married (1) Jo Ellen Boultinghouse on 25 Aug 1959 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA. She was born on 07 Feb 1935 in Bakersfield, Kern Co., CA. She died on 16 Aug 2022 in Bakersfield, Kern Co., CA. He married (2) Marianne Elaine Seeley on 03 Nov 1971 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA. She was born on 13 Jun 1939 in CA. She died on 11 Mar 2014 in OK.

ii.

Clair William Fuhrman Jr. was born on 22 Jan 1933 in Lodi, San Joaquin Co., CA. He died on 26 May 2017 in Bakersfield, Kern Co., CA. He married Lois Wanna Lee Bryan, daughter of Morice Woodrow Bryan and Ella May Smith, on 09 Jun 1952 in Kern Co., CA. She was born on 03 Mar 1935 in MO. She died in 2022 in Bakersfield, Kern Co., CA.

18.

May Margaret6 Jones (Mary5 Strombeck, Theodore Thure "Swede Bill"4 Strombeck, Petter Pehr3 Strömbäck, Eric2 Strömbäck, Anders Johannson1 Strömbäck) was born on 04 May 1896 in Raymond, Madera Co., CA. She died on 13 Feb 1949 in Merced Co., CA. She married Guy Edgar Noble He was born on 23 Nov 1894 in Palo Alto Co., IA. He died on 08 Mar 1966 in Madera Co., CA.

Notes for Guy Edgar Noble:

In 1920 Guy farmed in Coarsegold with wife May and sons Edger and Ernest. In 1930 he was a quarry chainer in Raymond. In 1940 he was a gold mining prospector in Raymond. In 1950 he farmed in Lemoore, Kings County with his 2nd wife Tressa Belvail (1889-1987).

Obituary – Madera Tribune, 9 March 1966:

Guy E. Noble, 72, a well-known resident of the Raymond area for the past 62 years, died at his home in Raymond Tuesday morning after a long illness. Mr. Noble was born in Iowa, but moved to Madera County at the age of 10. A retired employe of the Madera County Road Department, he was formerly a sawyer with the Raymond Granite Company. He was also self-employed as a rancher in the mountain area. He was a former trustee of the Raymond High School District and a member of the Madera Seventh Day Adventist Church. Survivors include his wife, Tressa, of Raymond; a son, Edgar Noble of Raymond; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Mrs. Ollie Stailey of Cassville, Mo., and Mrs. Jane Leading ham of Los Angeles. Funeral services will be Friday at 2 p.m. in the Jay Chapel, with burial in Arbor Vitae Cemetery.

Guy Edgar Noble and May Margaret Jones had the following children:

50.

i.

Edgar Oliver7 Noble was born on 01 Jul 1916 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. He died on 24 Oct 2000 in Madera, Madera Co., CA. He married Rita Irene Gaskin, daughter of James Ray Tobias “Toby” Gaskin and Lottie May Crabtree, on 24 Dec 1942 in Carson City, Nevada. She was born on 27 Sep 1924 in Tuolumne Co., CA. She died on 22 Jun 2009 in Madera Co., CA (Buried Arbor Vitae Cemetery, Madera.).

Notes for Edgar Oliver Noble:

In 1950 Edgar was a carpenter at the Raymond-Knowles Quarry on Front Street, Raymond with wife Rita, children Donald and Shirley, and sister-in-law Dorthy M. Gaskin.

Fresno Bee, October 26, 2000:

EDGAR OLIVER NOBLE Mr. Noble died on Tuesday, November 24, 2000, at the age of 84. He was born in California. Edgar was a Maintenance Foreman for the Raymond Granite Quarry for 25 years, and Berry Construction for 20 years. He is survived by his wife, Rita Noble of Madera; one son, Don Noble Milton Freewater, OR; one daughter, Shirley Driggs of Madera, seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-greatgrandson. Private graveside services will be held. A reception will be held at the Meadows Mobile Home Park Club house, 1218 E. Cleveland Madera, on Friday, October 27, 2000, at 4:30 P.M.

51.

ii.

Ernest Raymond Noble was born on 17 Nov 1919 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. He died on 24 Apr 1965 in Madera Co., CA (Buried in Oakhill Cemetary in Oakhurst.). He married Ruth Marie Espe on 24 Dec 1942 in Carson City, Nevada. She was born on 22 May 1924. She died on 10 Mar 2012 in Ahwahnee, Madera Co., CA.

Notes for Ernest Raymond Noble:

Ernest served in the US Army during WWII from 1942 to 1945 in the 121st Station Hospital Unit earning the rank of Technician 4th Grade.

Madera Tribune, Volume 73, Number 240, 26 April 1965:

ERNEST NOBLE Ernest Noble, 45, a native of Coarsegold and a lifetime resident of Madera County, died suddenly Saturday while cutting wood on the Love’s place in Ahwahnee. Mr. Noble was a veteran of World War II and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8743 of Oakhurst. He is survived by his wife, Ruth, of Nipinnawasee; two daughters, Mrs. Pat Dexter of Ahwahnee and Linda Noble of Nipinnawasee: three grandchildren: his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Guy Noble, and a brother, Edgar, of Raymond. Graveside funeral services will be Tuesday at 2 p. m. in the Oakhill Cemetery in Oakhurst. Lonnie Cornwell and the VFW Post 8743 will officiate.

19.

Ruby Lee6 Jones (Mary5 Strombeck, Theodore Thure "Swede Bill"4 Strombeck, Petter Pehr3 Strömbäck, Eric2 Strömbäck, Anders Johannson1 Strömbäck) was born on 24 Feb 1902 in Madera Co., CA. She died on 04 May 1984 in Fresno, Fresno Co., CA (Buried Arbor Vitae Cemetery, Madera.). She married (1) Clarence Marion Scott, son of Robert Scott and Mary Matilda Pickering, on 14 Sep 1920 in Bakersfield, Kern Co., CA. He was born on 23 Dec 1886 in Ohio. He died on 21 May 1944 in Los Angeles, Los Angeles Co., CA. She married (2) Charles O. Bagwell in Oct 1950 in Los Vegas, Nevada.

Notes for Ruby Lee Jones:

In 1950 Ruby Scott was divorced and lived alone at 1744 Michigan, Fresno.

Fresno Bee, September 7, 1962:

Mrs. Ruby L. Bagwell accuses Charles O. Bagwell of cruelty in a divorce suit filed in the superior court. The Bagwells were married in Las Vegas, in October, 1950.

Fresno Bee, May 5, 1984:

Ruby L. Bagwell Funeral services for Ruby, Lee Bagwell, 82, of Fresno be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday in the Stephens Bean Chapel. Burial will be at Belmont Memorial Park. Mrs. Bagwell died Friday. She was born in Coarsegold and had lived in Fresno all of her life. She was a homemaker. Surviving are two daughters, Marian Murphy and Virginia Zingarelli, both of Fresno; three grandchildren and four greatgrandchildren.

Notes for Clarence Marion Scott:

In WWI Clarence served in the 626 Aero Squadron to the rank of Sergeant.

Clarence Marion Scott and Ruby Lee Jones had the following children:

52.

i.

Marion Lee "Marian"7 Scott was born on 02 Oct 1921 in Madera Co., CA. She died on 20 Jun 2012 in Fresno, Fresno Co., CA. She married William Harold "Bill" Murphy He was born on 31 Oct 1922 in Kankakee, Illinois. He died on 03 Feb 2007 in Fresno, Fresno Co., CA.

Notes for Marion Lee "Marian" Scott:

Fresno Bee, June 24, 2012;

MARIAN LEE MURPHY Marian was born on October 2, 1921, in Madera, and entered Heaven on Wednes- day, June 20, 2012, at the age of 90. She was preceded in death by her husb- and, Bill Murphy; and her son, Bill Murphy Jr. She is survived by her daughter and son- in-law, Michelle and Homer Dahl; grand- daughters and their husbands, Jennifer and Dalan Richards, and Jolene and Shane Mielke; great- grandchildren, Aleigh and Zach Richards, Tristen and Taylor Mielke; and her sister, Virginia Zingarelli. A Memorial Service will be held in the Bufe Karraker Chapel at Northwest Church on Tuesday, June 26, 2012, at 11:30 a.m. Remembrances may be made to Northwest Church, 5415 N. West, Fresno, Ca. 93711

53.

ii.

Virginia G. Scott was born on 06 Sep 1923 in Madera, Madera Co., CA. She married Mauro Morris J. Zingarelli He was born in 1920 in Italy. He died on 14 Sep 1998.

20.

Lenora “Nora”6 Ninnis (Annie5 Strombeck, Theodore Thure "Swede Bill"4 Strombeck, Petter Pehr3 Strömbäck, Eric2 Strömbäck, Anders Johannson1 Strömbäck) was born on 25 Oct 1880 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. She died on 01 May 1963 in Porterville, Tulare Co., CA. She married Thomas Compton West Jr., son of Thomas Comption West and Melvina Gila Slinkard, on 24 Sep 1899 in Gertrude, Madera Co., CA. He was born on 09 May 1876 in Mariposa, Mariposa Co., CA. He died on 05 Jan 1957 in Hanford, Kings Co., CA.

Notes for Thomas Compton West Jr.:

Fresno Bee, January 6, 1957:

ExStage Driver, School Gardener Dies In Hanford

HANFORD, Kings Co. Thomas Compton West, 80, a native of Mariposa, who followed a variety of occupations in Mariposa and Madera Counties, and in Tulare and Hanford, died in a hospital here yesterday after a long illness. Around the turn of the century, he drove a stage coach into Yosemite Valley and was the driver also of an eight-horse freight wagon. From 1918 to 1932 he lived in Tulare and was an engineer for the Associated Pipelines, He then moved to Hanford and was the gardener at the Hanford High School until his retirement in 1949.

He was a son of Thomas West, a Mariposa undersheriff who was killed by a crazed man before the son was a year old. The family moved to White River, and when he was 15 West moved to Tulare where he attended high school. He later lived at Scrub Gulch, Ahwahnee and Coarsegold, all in Madera County. Funeral services will be conducted at 10 AM Tuesday in the Goble Chapel in Tulare by the Rev. C. Strawmyer and the Hanford Lodge of the Knights of Pythias. Burial' will be in the Tulare Cemetery.

Surviving are his, widow, Nora; a son, Clyde Tulare; daughter, Mrs. Zena Cory of a Springville; a sister, Mrs. Theo Love of Ahwahnee; a half sister, Mrs. Myrtle Bergloff of Salinas; two grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Thomas Compton West Jr. and Lenora “Nora” Ninnis had the following children:

i.

Lloyd Ninnis7 West was born on 13 Nov 1900 in Madera, Madera Co., CA. He died on 17 Dec 1931 in Tulare, Tulare Co., CA.

54.

ii.

Zena Viola West was born on 24 Apr 1903 in Porterville, Tulare Co., CA. She died on 30 Jul 1987 in Porterville, Tulare Co., CA. She married Oren Lloyd Cory He was born on 17 Sep 1901 in Tulare Co., CA. He died on 28 Oct 1990 in Tulare Co., CA.

iii.

Arthur Clyde West was born on 22 Sep 1905 in Miami Lodge, Nippinawasee, Madera Co., CA. He died on 25 Jun 1972 in Riverside, Kern Co., CA. He married Olive Agnes Bowman She was born on 14 Mar 1905 in OK. She died on 11 Jun 1982 in Tulare, Tulare Co., CA.

Notes for Arthur Clyde West:

In 1940 Clyde was a tank trucker for an oil co. in Tulare with wife Olive.

21.

Albert E.6 Ninnis (Annie5 Strombeck, Theodore Thure "Swede Bill"4 Strombeck, Petter Pehr3 Strömbäck, Eric2 Strömbäck, Anders Johannson1 Strömbäck) was born in Dec 1884 in Coarsegold, Madera Co., CA. He died on 28 Feb 1916 in Madera Co., CA (Buried in Oakhill Cemetary in Oakhurst.). He married Dolly Alice Jones She was born on 28 Mar 1887 in Madera Co., CA. She died in 1971 in Bakersfield, Kern Co., CA.

Notes for Albert E. Ninnis:

In 1910 Albert was an outdoor laborer in Twp. 4, Madera County with wife Dolly and children Percy and Baby girl.