Hello Listers,
I've just subscribed to this list so here goes.
Looking for my gr-grandfather, Benjamin F. Potter, b. 1867 somewhere in Nevada.
He came to California around 1890 or maybe a little before. Married Matilda
Heins (misspelled Hynes in the San Francisco 1900 Census) around 1897. They had
one daughter, Melba Charlotte Potter, b. April 16,1898. Benjamin was a ships
engineer aboard the steamer passenger/cargo ship, the Walla Walla. It was
involved in a shipwreck with a French ship on January 2, 1902, 15 miles off the
coast of Cape Mendocino, California. He was listed as missing, presumably
drowned. According to the San Francisco 1900 Census his father was from England
and mother from Massachusettes. I have located only one set of people in Eureka
City, Eureka County, Nevada 1880 Federal Census whose birth places fit but have
no way of confirmation especially since Benjamin is not listed with them on
them. Nevada didn't keep birth records in 1867.
I'm trying to find out where in Nevada Ben was born and who his parents were. If
this information rings any bells or anyone has any ideas where else I might look
I would appreciate hearing from you.
Thanks so much,
Virginia Southas
Bellevue (suburb of Seattle)
Washington