Humboldt County
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Please share your Family Group Sheet information, Descendents Chart, Photos, etc. of a Humboldt county ancestor. Simply email your contribution to the County Coordinator.
E. Bleiinerhassett is a native of South Carolina, and a grandson of the Blennerhassett of the Ohio, so celebrated in the story of Aaron Burr and his southwestern empire. He served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War, and came to the State of Nevada, in 1870. He was one of the Democratic Presidential Electors for Tilden, and was also Chairman of the Democratic State Central Committee. Married the only daughter of C. Chenowith, of Winnemucca, Humboldt County. Their union has been blessed with two children.
Contributed 2025 Jan 12 by Norma Hass, extracted from 1881 History of Nevada by Myron Angel, page 460.
Joel Bradshaw, son of John and Susannah Bradshaw, was born at Jacksonville, Morgan
County, Illinois, October 22, 1842. His parents were natives of the State of
Tennessee, but emigrated to Illinois in early life, and settled in Morgan
County. John Bradshaw was born in 1819, his wife being only two years his
junior, born in 1821, and has passed the greater part of his life on a farm. In
1846 he settled on a farm in Hancock County, Illinois, where he lived until
1866, when he removed to Franklin County, Kansas, where he still resides. But to
return to the subject of this sketch. He lived with his parents until April 13,
1864, when he started across the plains, in charge of a four-horse wagon, in the
employ of a man named John M. Jones, and arrived in Marysville, Yuba County,
California, September 1st, of that year. During the succeeding four years he was
roaming around through the State, and on the nineteenth of November, 1868,
arrived in Paradise Valley, in Humboldt County, Nevada. Three months later he
went to White Pine on a prospecting tour, and was for two years in that
district, east and south of White Pine for a distance of twenty-five to 150
miles. In October, 1871, he returned to the valley, and on the twenty-first of
that month, homesteaded the northwest quarter of section twenty, where he now
resides. He has added to his original amount until he has at present 300 acres
of as good soil as the valley contains, all under a wire fence, and well
improved. He has about twenty-five acres in alfalfa. His house is one of the
best in the valley, ceiled throughout. In politics Mr. Bradshaw is a liberal, in
religion a Protestant. He was married November 21, 1876, to Miss Adelia Akin, a
native of Salt Lake City, Utah, daughter of Jonas and Eliza Jane Akin. By this
union there are two children, named Joel Pomera and Francis. In business Mr.
Bradshaw has been successful, and is blessed with a pleasant home that in summer
has the appearance of an oasis on the plains.
Contributed 2025 Jan 12 by Norma Hass, extracted from 1881 History of Nevada by Myron Angel, page 456.
Hon. Thomas J. Bradshaw is a native of Jacksonville, Morgan County, Illinois, where he was born in 1840, and lived on a farm till the age of twenty-three. Like most young men, he had an intense desire to get a larger view of the world than could be obtained by looking across a prairie, and in 1863 he pushed out west across the plains, bringing up at Virginia City, in Montana, remaining here but one year he then went to the newly-discovered mines of Kootenay, in British Columbia. Fortune had no favors for him there, and he left for Washington Territory, traversing much of the country since so famous for wheat, taking Walla Walla and other noted points in his course. Seeing nothing peculiarly attractive, he concluded to try California, and lived two years in Colusa County in that State. Whether because his expectations were not realized, or that he had not satisfied his desire for travel, he pushed out into the Territory of Nevada, and connected himself with the greatest railroad enterprise of the age, remaining with the Central Pacific Company until the last rail was laid which connected the Occident and Orient of the American Continent. When this was done he settled down for life in the sage-brush, having, perhaps, a father's feeling for the land which he had assisted in developing. His judgment as to the resources of the land proved correct, and he soon made a pleasant home, a view of which is given in another part of this work. He owns 640 acres, or one square mile of fine soil in Paradise Valley, and cultivates it all. He has not surrounded himself with the good things of this world for himself alone, for he is a happily married man, with five children to share his joys and assuage his sorrows. His neighbors manifested their appreciation of his upright character and ability by sending him to the Legislature during the session of 1880, from which he returned with the respect of his constituents.
Contributed 2025 Jan 12 by Norma Hass, extracted from 1881 History of Nevada by Myron Angel, page 456.
James Byrnes, son of James and Mary Byrnes, was born at Rome, New York, October
20, 1848, and was educated at the common school of his native town. His parents
resided on a farm near Rome, and James worked thereon until March, 1867, when he
sailed for the Pacific Coast, and arrived at San Francisco, California, April
2d, following. About a month later he went to Paradise Valley, Nevada, where he
arrived May 9, 1867, and has resided there ever since. In 1872 he returned East,
and while there was married to Miss Mary Skahen, a daughter of Patrick and
Catherine Skahen of Rome, New York, February 13, 1872. He and his bride at once
returned and settled at their present residence. By this union they have had
four children born, viz.: Kittie, December 4, 1873; Charles, October 25, 1875;
James, September 18, 1877; Alice, August 31, 1879, all living. Mr. Byrnes has a
good ranch all under fence, and 400 acres cultivated. A view of his place
appears on another page. In politics Mr. Byrnes is a Republican, in religion a
Catholic.
Contributed 2025 Jan 12 by Norma Hass, extracted from 1881 History of Nevada by Myron Angel, pages 456-457.
This well-known pioneer business man came to Paradise, in Humboldt County, from
Sacramento, California, in 1862, shortly after the discovery of the famous
valley, and has, perhaps, done as much as any other person to develop and make
known its resources. He first engaged in freighting goods to the valley, soon
adding trade to it, opening the first store in the place. He also ran a hotel in
connection with the store. In 1873 he erected a flour mill, the first run by
steam in the State. He also found time to engage extensively in farming and
raising blooded stock, mostly cattle, some of which rank among the best on the
Pacific Coast. Mr. Kimler is also heavily interested in mining, being the
Superintendent of the Bullion Mill and Mine, situated about two miles from the
town of Paradise. He has been and is now a live man, who sees at a glance the
opportunities for business, and acts without delay. His humanity is broad and
liberal, prompting him to acts of public as well as private benefits. The
erection of the Odd Fellows Hall illustrates his public spirit, he has assisted
many worthy but impecunious men, putting them in the way of doing well for
themselves. A view of his place of business will be found in another part of the
work. The building is fifty-four feet by eighty-five, and two stories in height,
and is an ornament to the town.
Contributed 2025 Jan 12 by Norma Hass, extracted from 1881 History of Nevada by Myron Angel, page 457.
Charles A. Nichols, son of Asa and Harriett (Hildreth) Nichols, was born in the town of Crown Point, Essex County, New York, September 30, 1823. His education was confined mostly to the public schools, with a short attendance at a select school. After reaching the age of eight years he only attended the winter terms, working on a farm during the summer, and when sixteen years old left school and devoted his time entirely to farming and hauling lumber. With his meagre facilities, Mr. Nichols had acquired a good knowledge of the common branches, and in 1844 went to Michigan, with an uncle, locating in Branch County, and engaged in teaching school in the winter and working on a farm during the summer. This he continued until the fall of 1851, when he was obliged to change his residence on account of poor health, and desiring to try his fortune in the mines, came to California by way of the Isthmus of Panama, arriving in San Francisco in November, 1851. He at once went to the mines at Sonora, on foot, being almost penniless. In company with Dr. Hallinger, of Branch County, Michigan, he prospected for a claim, and not being supplied with blankets sufficient for the life he was leading, he contracted a severe cold and was compelled to lay idle at Sonora all winter. In the spring, he bought a claim on Woods Creek, from which he took out enough to pay his doctor's bills. In company with Amos Gustin, he left the mines at that place and started for Fresno. When he reached Merced River, he concluded to go to work in a quartz-mill, and was to receive $100 per month, but the man failed and Mr. Nichols got nothing. Soon after he engaged in mining and merchandizing on the river, and very soon was well situated from a financial point of view. In May, 1855, he sold his business and returned to Michigan, thence to Iowa, and in the fall of the same year returned to Michigan, and was married to Miss Susan A. Cragin, daughter of Milo and Susan Cragin, of Quincy, Michigan, and with his bride removed to Iowa, settling in Ozark, Jackson County, where he, in connection with an uncle, was engaged in milling and merchandising, for a few months, when Mr. Nichols removed to Hopkinton, Delaware County, and purchased a mill-site and saw-mill, partly constructed, for $5,500, and through the ill-luck of his uncle, lost every dollar. The creditors allowed Mr. Nichol to finish the mill, and he also erected a flouring mill, and by good management and industry cleared the indebtedness on the property. In 1864, Mr. Nichols rented the mills, and again sought the Pacific Coast and located in Honey Lake Valley, California, where he farmed one season, and then removed to Paradise Valley, Humboldt County, Nevada, where he was joined by his wife and daughter, and has since resided. He has held the office of County Commissioner of Humboldt County for four years, and was also Justice of the Peace two years. Their daughter, Hattie Josephine, is married and living in the valley.
Contributed 2025 Jan 12 by Norma Hass, extracted from 1881 History of Nevada by Myron Angel, page 457.
William A. Sperry is a native of the State of Connecticut, born in the town of
Derby, December 18, 1840. At the age of eleven years he went to Illinois and
engaged in farming. As youth ripened into manhood he desired a wider field for
his labors, and at the age of twenty-two years sailed on the ship Northern Light
to the Isthmus of Panama, and from there came to San Francisco, California, in
the steamer Golden Gate. Unlike nearly all new arrivals, he did not seek the
mines as his first occupation, but going into the Sacramento Valley he pursued
the same business he had followed in his Illinois home. After two years as a
farmer he went to Dutch Flat, Placer County, and commenced mining, where he
stayed about one year. From there he went to Summit Valley, thence to Bear
Valley, thence to Meadow Lake, and finally arrived at Dutch Flat again. Having
traveled rather extensively through California, he came to Nevada, and for a
period of three months was located at Gravelly Ford. He then came to Paradise
Valley, Humboldt County, and was there about the same length of time, when he
went to White Pine, and for two years was engaged in quartz mining. He then came
back to Paradise Valley, and taking up some Government land settled down as a
tiller of the soil, where he has since resided. In 1873 he built a fine house,
and has a well-appointed farm. In January, 1879, he was married to Lena E.
Wilder, of Athens, Michigan.
Contributed 2025 Jan 12 by Norma Hass, extracted from 1881 History of Nevada by Myron Angel, pages 457-458.
William Stock is a native of Germany, the country to which the United States is so largely indebted for the steady, industrious emigration which has done so much to make the wilderness blossom like the rose. He came to the United States in 1854, making his first halt at Cincinnati, in Ohio, where he engaged in coopering for five years. The reports of fortunes easily made in California swept him off his moorings, and the summer of 1850 found him on his way to the farthest West. He worked for two years in the mines in Trinity and Shasta counties, and then three more at farming. Having accumulated a considerable sum by his industry, and desiring to try the world for himself, he purchased an ox-team and went to freighting between California and Nevada, and made his way into Paradise Valley among the first. His experience there will be found more fully related in connection with the history of the Indian difficulties in 1863-64-65-66. He also mined at Silver City, Idaho, during the years 1864-65, visiting California during the time. In the fall of 1866 he came to Paradise again, and located the farm upon which he has since lived, in company with G. H. Carroll. His adventures and hair-breadth escapes during these years will be a source of interest as long as people shall be interested in frontier tales.
Contributed 2025 Jan 12 by Norma Hass, extracted from 1881 History of Nevada by Myron Angel, page 458.
Hon. M. S. Thompson was born in Alleghany County, Pennsylvania, in the year 1827, where
he received his early education, and in 1852 he came to California. In 1853 he
settled in Sonoma County, and built a flouring mill, being the first to enter
that branch of industry in that county. With a party of ten men, he left that
portion of the country in 1858 and crossed into the then Territory of Nevada,
for the purpose of finding a rich mine said to have been discovered by some
emigrants as early as 1849. It was said to be located in the Black Rock country,
now Humboldt County, and of immense richness. [See page 54.] He was not favored
by dame fortune in this enterprise, but liking the climate he concluded to
settle there, and has since been an active, energetic resident of Humboldt
County. He has identified himself with the politics of the State in a creditable
manner, and has had considerable to do with the law-making, from the time of its
merging from a Territory into a State. Was three times a member of the
Territorial Council. In 1859 he was appointed by Gov. J. W. Nye as one of the
Commissioners to form and organize the county government of Humboldt. He was
nominated and elected Lieutenant Governor of Nevada, under the first
constitution, but as the constitution was defeated in 1864, he did not enter
upon the duties of that office. Mr. Thompson was a member of the Senate, during
the first and second sessions of the State Legislature. From this time on, he
was engaged in mining, until in 1878 when he was again elected to the Senate,
and in all of the many positions to which he has been elected and appointed, he
has given the utmost satisfaction to his constituents. In politics he has been a
thorough Republican, and in all the years of his political life has not once
swerved from his fixed principles. The healthy town of Mill City is his home and
post-office address.
Contributed 2025 Jan 12 by Norma Hass, extracted from 1881 History of Nevada by Myron Angel, pages 455-456.
1. JAMES1 HENDRA was born in 1835 in England. He married ELIZABETH
PENNHALE. She was born in
1834 in England.
James HENDRA and Elizabeth PENNHALE had the following children:
i. JONATHAN2 HENDRA was born in 1863 in England.
ii. ALICE HENDRA was born in 1867 in Nevada.
iii. JANE HENDRA was born in 1869 in Nevada. She married FREEMAN SPRINGER.
2. iv. THOMAS M/S HENDRA was born on 06 Jan 1871 in Star City, Humboldt, Nevada.
He died on 04 Jun 1933 in Reno, Washoe, Nevada, USA. He married Hattie Eliza
NELSON, daughter of John NELSON and Eliza A LANE, on 28 Nov 1906 in
Humboldt, Nevada, USA. She was born about 1881 in Nevada.
3. v. SOLOMON HENDRA was born in 1872 in Nevada. He married LUCY NELSON. She
was born on 22 Feb 1874 in Humboldt, Nevada, USA. She died in Dun Glen,
Pershing, Nevada, USA.
2. THOMAS M/S2 HENDRA (James1) was born on 06 Jan 1871 in Star City,
Humboldt, Nevada. He
died on 04 Jun 1933 in Reno, Washoe, Nevada,
USA. He married Hattie Eliza NELSON,
daughter of John NELSON and
Eliza A LANE, on 28 Nov 1906 in Humboldt, Nevada, USA. She
was born
about 1881 in Nevada.
Thomas M/S HENDRA and Hattie Eliza NELSON had the following child:
i. RAYMOND3 HENDRA was born about 1913 in Nevada.
3. SOLOMON2 HENDRA (James1) was born in 1872 in Nevada. He married
LUCY NELSON. She was
born on 22 Feb 1874 in Humboldt, Nevada, USA.
She died in Dun Glen, Pershing, Nevada,
USA.
Solomon HENDRA and Lucy NELSON had the following children:
i. ELIZABETH E3 HENDRA. She married John FLOYD on 19 Nov 1874 in Humboldt,
Nevada, USA.
ii. EUGENE NOBLE HENDRA.
iii. CECILIA HENDRA.
I am fortunate enough to have a wealth of personal records, photos, etc. of the Hendra's of Dun Glen NV [Dun Glen was in Humboldt County before Pershing County was created] of which Thomas is one. But there is a nagging problem with his middle name that I have been trying to solve for years. In documents like his 1933 death cert., some census records, and various newspaper articles his middle initial is listed as "S". But the problem is in ALL of my personal family info, such as pictures, bibles, and handwritten documents, his middle name is Mitchell. --David Beskeen, 2025 Jan 03, david@beskeen.net
Our past queries may hold a valuable clue for your family history research.
I am looking for these relatives - John L. Wiley and Mary E. Hargis.
They were married in Winnemucca, NV, in 1877. I have lost them. I think
Mary Wiley died in Winnemucca.
Michael mwiley@windshift.com 2010 Apr 12
I am trying to find out who or what Donnelly Peak was named for or
after. Any info or direction (for info) would be greatly appreciated.
Sheila shemehst@earthlink.net 2010 Feb 12
Just looking for any info on the history of the Reil family in the
Winnemucca area. My grandmother was Mabel Reil and great aunt was Louise
Reil - she was a school teacher, I think. I visited Winnemucca in the
early 60's - just wish they would have left more information on the
family history. Thank you.
William coldas@yahoo.com 2010 Feb 12
Seeking info about Mr. Wilde, Mr. Barclay, or Mr. George Fitzmeyer, who
lived in or near Winnemucca around 1925-30. George may have been a
musician.
Mushroom Pie MushroomPie1@aol.com 2009 Dec 30
I am researching the family of Hiram Henry McColley of Humboldt County,
Nevada. He was a native of Franklin County, Ohio born 13 May 1833. He
went to California about 1854 and then to Nevada about 1863. He lived in
Star City, Dun Glen, McDermitt, and Willow Creek. He died in Winnemucca
Nov 20, 1918. His wife was Lucy S. Lenhart or Lemhart. They were married
in 1869 in Winnemucca. They had no children but she had a son William
Coulter by a previous marriage to William Coulter who died in the Civil
War.
Steven ohfranklin@hotmail.com 2009 Dec 30
I am looking for an obituary for Emory R. Churchill who died in
Winnemucca on 12 Jul 1960. Would be very happy to get a scanned copy by
email or a transcribed copy. Do not necessarily need a photocopy.
Charles chartemp@aol.com 2009 Dec 30
I am researching the families of Pablo (Paul) and Isabelle Mendosa
Laveaga and Melinda (Mellie) Mendosa and Phillip Roberts. It appears
that Pablo was married three times, but only he and Isabella lived in
Nevada; first at Unionville around 1869 and then later Winnemucca.
Patricia pperry@sonoraca.com 2009 Aug 21
Seeking more information on James Byrnes and his wife Mary Skahen as well as their offspring:
James, along with others from Rome, New York,
appeared to have come to your beautiful county after their involvement
in the Civil War. James came with brothers John and Thomas, both of whom
later returned to Rome.
John married and had several daughters
but his wife and daughters apparently died by 1890 as he returned to
marry a second time in Rome in 1890.
James is buried in Nevada
but as yet I am unable to find where the rest of the family has gone. My
mother was a Byrnes and I am descended through Thomas. I did find that a
window in the Roman Catholic Church in Winnemucca was given by the
Byrnes family and I found a line drawing of the homestead in Paradise
Valley but curiosity continues as to the whereabouts of descendants.
Regards, B
Barbara mdthistle@msn.com 2009 Apr 19
I am looking for information on my great-great grandmother, Virginia Irene
Murray or Irene Virginia Murray. My grandmother said she was born in
Wells, NV. She had a least 1 son, Kenneth Murray. That is about all I
know.
Kim kimdanp1@hotmail.com 2008 Dec 13
I am looking
for information on William deHaven who apparently died in Winnemucca on
27 Jan 1873 and was buried there. There is no record of him in the
graveyard at Winnemucca. William lived in Red Bluff, CA and was, at the
time, running a flock of sheep near Winnemucca. William deHaven and his
family came to California in 1839, leaving from Pineville, Missouri, in
an ox drawn prairie schooner along with a train of about 100 others.
William was elected captain of this train. What I am really interested
in is William's death record and the location of his burial.
Sarah
rnsbradbury@yahoo.com 2008 Dec 13
Looking for any info
on Matthew Hetherston who mined in the Spring City area of Nevada
between 1870 and 1902. But died in Paradise. I have the 1880 and 1900
Census but I am looking for more info. Such as death record and cemetery
where he may be buried.
Dianne Viking7305@aol.com 2008 Oct 11
Liba WASHBURN b. 1807 VT arrived in Humboldt Co.
Nevada prior to August 1866, he ran a Stage Station somewhere out of
Winnemucca, NV. A letter dated 15th August 1866 from Fairbanks Ranch,
Nevada, Nov & Dec, 1868 Receipts issued Winnemucca, NV for Liba
WASHBURN, shows Liba paying for shoeing of horses, wheat & various
items: $310.
Liba's son, Albert WASHBURN b. 1843 MI, mustered out
California Calvary 1866 and moved on to Nevada, both father & son were
involved in some mining deals, around Humboldt Co.
Albert owned a
Blacksmith shop in Paradise Valley, NV. 1870's. Liba'sdaughter, Ellen
Allison, Son in Law, James N. Allison &their children, left Marysville,
California and joined Liba & Albert Washburn.The ALLISON'S settled in
Paradise Valley, where Pearl Elizabeth ALLISON was born abt 1879. I have
original records from Humboldt Co. naming several individuals, I would
be willing to share information to acquire some of the close to 40
newspaper mentions of my WASHBURN & ALLISON grandparents there in
Humboldt Co.
The James Allisons & gggrandfather Liba Washburn
left Paradise Valley in 1882, with a band of horses for Fort Spokane,
Washington Territory. I have in my possession original personal papers
from Humboldt Co. mentioning other names living in that location from
1866 to 1882.
Dee broncs13@msn.com 2008 Oct 11
Robert and Maud Ward lived in Humboldt County off and on from about
1911 to 1935. They were divorced prior to 1920. Robert died in Winemucca in
December 1935. He is a member of the Buckaroo Hall of Fame (he preferred
Vaquero).
Harry genseeker06@knology.net 2008 Jun 29
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