Stanislaus County, California Obituaries

Genealogy Trails logo
Stanislaus County, California Obituaries

GRACIE DOTSON
OAKDALE GRAPHIC, December 16, 1885
Died, in Oakdale, December 14th, Mrs. Gracie Dotson, wife of John Dotson, aged 22 years.
History of San Joaquin County, California

J. W. DOTSON
OAKDALE GRAPHIC, February 5, 1913
J. W. DOTSON DEAD
Early Monday morning (February 3, 1913) John Walker Dotson died of heart trouble. He had been in usual health and the news came as a surprise to the Oakdale people.
Mr. Dotson was born in Clay County, Missouri, on February 8, 1852, and cane with his parents to Langworth the following year. His parents erected their first home near the present site of the Thomas Snedigar home, and from that day to this the deceased has resided in this county.
The deceased was united in marriage to Miss Grace Hamilton who passed away in 1885 3 being interred in the Langworth cemetery. To this union was born two children, Mr. Claud Dotson of Oakland, who arrived Monday night at 6 o'clock to attend the funeral of his father, and Mrs. Meryl Main who resides in Richmond, who also arrived Monday afternoon.
The deceased has been afflicted with heart trouble since the time he sustained a fall some four years ago. During the last three or four days of his life the deceased was failing rapidly, passing away at 1:15 Monday morning. A very great sadness has come into this family during the last fifteen months. This being the third death in a little over a year, and the second in the last four months. Mr. Dotson's son-in-law, Mr. Floyd Main having been killed in Richmond while employed on the new Elks' Building there. Tons of earth fell on him, crushing out his life on the fifth of last November.
One year ago on the day before Thanksgiving day Mrs. Claude Dotson, daughter-in-law of the deceased, passed away after a brief illness.
The funeral will be held at Field's Undertaking Parlor at 10 o'clock this morning. Interment will be made in Citizens' Cemetery.

JERUSHA A. JENNINGS
OAKDALE GRAPHIC, October 23, 1890
Died—In Oakdale, October 23rd, Mrs. Jerusha A. Jennings, aged 72 years, 1 month, 22 days.
OAKDALE LEADER, Oct. 24, 1890
DIED—At her residence in Oakdale, on October 23, 1890, Mrs. Jerusha-A. Jennings, aged 72 years. The deceased was a native of Ohio and emigrated to California from Missouri with her first husband, J. T. Dotson and four children in 1853. She was one of the first settlers of Oakdale, having moved from Burneyville in I871 immediately after the town was located and prepared the first meal for the public that had been served in Oakdale, She was married to L. A. Jennings in 1873, Mr. Dotson having died several years previous to that time. The deceased was much respected by all who knew her for her uniform kindness of heart and upright course toward all with whom she had dealings. She leaves many relatives and friends to mourn her loss, among the former are a husband, L. A. Jennings and two daughters, Mrs. T. F. Snedigar of Oakdale, and Mrs. McBride of Illinois, and Mr. J. W. Dotson of Oakdale. The funeral services were held at the residence at 11 o'clock today.

DOROTHY JUANITA LAMACH
Aug. 16, 1918 - June 6, 1992
Dorothy J. LaMach, 73, of Modesto, died Saturday at Hillhaven Convalescent Hospital. Mrs. LaMach was a native of Prague, Okla. She had lived in Modesto for 10 years. She was a motel manager for Purdue Industries, a waitress and a disabled veteran of World War II. She is survived by her husband, E. P. "Mac" LaMach of Modesto; stepdaughter, Arlette Baldwin of Kenai, Alaska; brother, Bert Lee Tate Jr. of Annapolis, Md; sisters, Lena Naylor of Modesto, Trudy Lee of Desert Hot Springs and Eva Cannon of Twain Harte; and four grandchildren. A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Tuesday at Lakewood Funeral Home Chapel in Hughson. Obituary from the Modesto Bee, Monday, June 8, 1992, p D 12 Stanislaus Co. [tatertom37@hotmail.com]

Ephriam Richardson

Oakdale Leader
August 31, 1939

EPH RICHARDSON, 85, DIES AT BALL GAME
Stricken while engaged at his favorite pastime—watching a baseball game, Ephriam Richardson, one of the first white children born in the Oakdale District, died of a heart attack Monday afternoon at Santa Clara.

Eighty-five years of age; "Eph" Richardson, as he was familiarly known in Oakdale, was a constant marvel to his friends; Spry and erect, always cheerful and healthy, Richardson, who only left here a few weeks ago after a visit with his old friend William Gray, appeared to be one of those men who never grow old.

He was visiting his son-in-law, William Threlfall in San Jose at the time of his death, and with Mr. Threlfall was attending a ball game there between the San Francisco Seals and the San Jose Franco Grocers.

The Seals won by a 9-8 score, and the excitement of the close game proved fatal to the aged pioneer. Deceased was born February 18, 1854, in Langworth on the old Richardson farm. He spent all his early days here, receiving his education in the local schools. Most of his years were spent in farming, although for several years, some fifty years ago, he conducted a harness shop in Oakdale, on the site of the present First National Bank building. He retired from active farming only a few years ago.
Deceased is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Jay Rydberg of Modesto, Mrs. Ben Rushing of Modesto, Mrs. William Threlfall of San Jose, and one son, George, of San Leandro. His wife passed away in 1920. Left also to mourn his death are five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held here (Thursday) morning at 10:30 o'clock from the Oakdale Undertaking Parlor.

JOHN RICHARDSON

Oakdale Leader
February 11, 1920
JOHN RICHARDSON DIES IN HOSPITAL

John J. Harding Richardson, known all over the Oakdale section familiarly as "Johnny" Richardson, died early Sunday morning at Thompson's Sanatarium after a brief illness.

The deceased was seventy-one years of age, but to young and old alike he retained his youth, and numbered his friends literally by the thousands all over the foothill section. His was a particularly lovable nature, and he made friends readily, friends to whom he was always loyal and who admired and respected him.

The deceased was born January 15, 1849 in Pike County, Illinois. He was brought by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Richardson across the plains when a lad of three. The family settled near Oakdale, or rather in Langworth in 1852, buying the old Walker place. It was here that the boy was educated and spent all of his life, engaged practically for its entire period, in farming.

A little over a week ago Mr Richardson was taken ill and a week ago Saturday was removed to the hospital. He sank rapidly and the end came Sunday morning, following an attack of pneumonia, although heart trouble is given as the direct cause of his demise.

The deceased was twice married. He is survived by a son and a daughter by his first wife, Thomas of Oakland, and Mrs. Fannie Arnold of Modesto. By his second wife he leaves one son, Emmett, of Oakdale.

Funeral services for Mr. Richardson were held this morning at the Home Undertaking Company parlors. Reverend John McBride officiated. The interment was made at Citizen's Cemetery

Lucinda Jane Wagner Richardson Obituary
Oakdale Graphic
Wednesday, January 27, 1897

OBITUARY
The funeral of Mrs. Thomas Richardson on Thursday afternoon last was the occasion of a great outpouring of old settlers, who followed the remains from the family home at Langworth to the Oakdale Union Church, and thence to the Masonic Cemetery, Reverend J. McBride preached the sermon, taking for his text I Thessalonians 4:13-18.

At the close of the sermon Mr. McBride read the following sketch of Mrs. Richardson's life:

Lucinda Jane Wagner, wife of Thomas Richardson was born in Tennesee, September 4, 1824, and died at her home in Langworth, California, January 9, 1897, aged 72 years, 4 months, and 15 days. While quite young she moved with her parents to Missouri, where they remained for a few years, afterwards making the State of Illinois their home. She married Thomas Richardson on the 9th of January, 1845. In the year 1852, in company with her husband and children, she crossed the plains. They traveled with an ox-team, and endured patiently many trials and hardships, not to say dangers, the worst being the loss of two children; finally reaching Stanislaus County, California, after having been seven months on the road, yet she was hopeful though saddened by her loss. For eight years she assisted her husband in the management of the Lone Star Hotel, and many a weary traveler went miles out of his way to be entertained by her, being sure of a kind welcome. For nearly forty years they have lived on the farm where she passed from this life of suffering, having herself assured her husband that she was going to die happy. In 1867 she became a member of the United Brethren Church, to which she has been loyal and true for thirty years. Her charity did not stop even here, as she has contributed to the building of nearly every church in this county. In case of sickness she has been a tower of strength in this community. All have long depended upon her, for she was always among the first to administer hope and comfort, and it was at the bedside of the afflicted that her noble character shone out with a brilliant lustre. By her kind words and deeds she has gained the plaudit "Well done good and faithful servant." In 1895 the many friends of Mr. and Mrs. Richardson gave them a golden wedding as a surprise. With tears in her eyes she thanked them, and expressed the hope that they, with her, might sometime wear a golden crown. She leaves to mourn their loss besides her husband, two sons, John and Ephriam Richardson, a sister and a brother not residing in this State, two nephews R.R, and T.F. Snedigar, and a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, to call her blessed. Three of these grandchildren, Mrs. B.F. Crow, Mrs. J. Watts and Leroy Porter, have received from her a mother's care. Four of her children and many friends of her youth have gone on before. Many friends are left to keep her memory sacred believing that
"God doth his own in safety keep He giveth his beloved sleep."

Thomas Richardson
Modesto Daily Evening News Saturday, Nov. 28, 1908
OAKDALE PIONEER HAS PASSED AWAY (Oakdale Leader)

Thomas Richardson, a native of Kentucky, aged 90 years, 1 month, and 26 days, passed away at the home of his son Ephriam Richardson, in Oakdale, at 10:30 o'clock Tuesday morning, Nov. 24, 1908. The aged pioneer had been confined to his bed from extreme old age and a general breaking down a greater portion of the time for several months before the brittle cord was severed.

Thomas Richardson came to California across the plains from Pike County, Ill., in 1862, pitching camp on the Stanislaus river near the spot where the Walker residence is now located, on Oct. 7th of that year. But few of the hardy pioneers who composed the party in their first camp in the then Eldorado of the far West, survive to mourn the death of their beloved friend. Since that time the deceased has continuously resided in this immediate locality, where he has been held in high esteem for his integrity of character and good citizenship. For a few years after his arrival here he was engaged in farming and stockraising, but later he was among the big cattle and sheep men of the San Joaquin Valley, numbering his flocks and herds by the thousands. To graze these heards, he owned large tracts of land in this vicinity and elsewhere. During the 70's and at other times, owing to unfavorable seasons resulting in financial reverses, much of this valuable property was swept away, but a competency remained for his declining years.

In all of his dealings, both large and small, he was upright and honorable, thus maintaining the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens.

He leaves two sons, John and Ephraim Richardson of Oakdale, and a number of grandchildren residing at Oakland, Stockton, Crows Landing, Oakdale, and Cooperstown.

(The Leader of the following week contained a correction which said that "in Thomas Richardson's obituary in last week's paper the date of Richardson's arrival in California should have been 1852 instead of 1862")

MARGARET F. RIGGINS
Funeral arrangements are pending at Franklin & Downs Funeral Homes for Margaret Fay Riggins, 53, who died Monday following a lengthy illness. A native of Missouri, she had lived in Modesto since 1968. She leaves her widower, William A. Riggins of Modesto; two sons, including Mark Riggins of Modesto; a daughter; her mother, Sara Eakin of Jamestown; four sisters, including Lena Naylor of Modesto and Eva Cannon of Soulsbyville; a brother and four grandchildren. Obituary from Modesto Bee, Tuesday, Jan 17, 1978, p B2 Stanislaus Co. [tatertom37@hotmail.com]

WILLIAM A RIGGINS
Jan 28, 1923 - Oct. 1, 1993
William Alford Riggins, 70, of Modesto died Friday at Memorial Medical Center. Mr. Riggins was a native of Oregon, and lived in Modesto since 1968. Before retiring he was a forklift operator at Tri Valley Growers. He was a member of Teamsters Union Local 748. He was a former member of American Legion Post 74. He served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946. He is survived by his children, Mark Riggins of Modesto, Bill R. Riggins of Youngstown, Ohio, and Linda Sheppard of Marysville; a brother, Claude Riggins of Porterville; a sister, Madeline Parham of Porterville, and six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be conducted at 11:30 AM today at Lakewood Memorial Park, Hughson. Lakewood Funeral Home, Hughson, is in charge of the arrangements. Obituary from Modesto Bee, Tuesday, Jan 17, 1978, p B2 Stanislaus Co. Box 285, Modesto 95353. [tatertom37@hotmail.com]

EMELINE C. DOTSON SNEDIGAR

THE GRAPHIC (Oakdale, California), March 3, 1897
DEATH OF MRS. SNEDIGAR
The funeral Mrs. T. F. Snedigar took place last Sunday afternoon from the Oakdale Union Church. There was a very large attendance, especially of pioneers of the Stanislaus river. Rev. John McBride conducted the services, assisted by Rev. J. Palmer and Rev. George Shepardson, Mr. McBride was at Tipton, Tulare county, when he received the dispatch announcing Mrs. Snedigar's death and requesting his return. His appointments were canceled, and at noon on Sunday he reached Modesto, and an hour later arrived at the home where friends and neighbors of the family of the deceased awaited him. A week before Mrs. Snedigar was in prime health, A slight cold, pneumonia, death. The services were very affecting and strong men wept. The body was enclosed in a steel gray embossed plush velvet casket. The words "at rest" met the eye of the long procession of friends who slowly filed past the open coffin and looked for the last time upon the face of their departed friend. The Stockton Undertaking Company had charge of the burial; Mr. Howe and Mr. Gilbert being present. The grave was lined and arched over with brick laid in cement. Quantities of flowers, gifts of love, covered the grave. A friend of the family wrote the following brief sketch, which was read by the preacher at the close of his sermon:
Emeline California Dotson, beloved wife of T.F. Snedigar, was born in Clay county, Missouri, Feb. 28, 1850, and died at her home in Langworth, Feb. 27, 1897, aged 46 years, 11 months and 27 days. She came to California with her parents in 1853 and was among the first pupils to enter Langworth School. In 1861, she was married to Thomas F. Snedigar. She has lived nearly all of her life upon the farm which her father, Mr. John Thomas Dotson, pre-empted upon reaching California, This homestead she considered too sacred to pass to strangers, so she and her husband bought it and built for themselves and children a happy home. She united with the United Brethren Church in 1869, and for nearly thirty years has been an active, earnest, devoted member both in the Church and Sunday school. With her joys she has had her cupful of sorrow, for five of her children died in infancy. She leaves to mourn their loss a loving husband, four sons (the eldest being Dr. W. S. Snedigar of Stockton) and three daughters, a sister Mrs. McBride in Kansas, and a brother J, W. Dotson, in this State. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother and a sympathetic neighbor. She will be missed in the church, in the neighborhood, and most of all in her home.

ROBERT R. SNEDIGAR

Oakdale Leader, September 15, 1905
THE PASSING OF R.R. SNEDIGAR
Thomas F. Snedigar received a telegram Wednesday morning announcing the death of his brother, R.R. Snedigar, at Martinsburg, Illinois, From the best information obtainable he passed away at the home of a relative at Martinsburg, on Tuesday, September 12. He left Oakdale less than a month ago—August 26th— to visit the home of his nativity. Although he has been afflicted with diabetes, at the time of his departure his condition appeared to be much improved.
The deceased was regarded as one of the foremost citizens of the locality. He had resided continuously in this vicinity for a period of more than 40 years. By his upright course in dealing with his fellow men, he was held Iw high esteem in the community where he had passed the best years of his honorable life. He was aged 66 years, 7 months, and 15 days, a native of Illinois.
The remains will be shipped to Oakdale for interment. No arrangements for the funeral have yet been made. It is probable that the body will arrive here next Tuesday or Wednesday. The deceased leaves three sons, in the persons of W.M. and O.L. Snedigar of near Oakdale and Robert O. Snedigar of Sacramento, besides many other near relatives, to mourn their irreparable loss.

Oakdale Leader, September 22, 1905
Robert Richardson Snedigar was born at Martinsburg, Illinois, January 27, 1839. He died September 13, 1905, finishing life's work where it had begun, amid the well-known and loved scenes of his childhood. Here the record book of his life was opened and here it was closed, but not ere the last page had been filled were the covers shut down. When four years of age he was left an orphan, together with a younger brother, Thomas F. Snedigar—who now alone survives, and must bear his grief unshared, a grief more intense by the destruction of a life-long intimacy of more than brotherly relation. He was taken into the home of an aunt, Mrs. Euphamia Waggnor, later Mrs. Capps, and in her he found a mother who cared for him as though he had been her own son. It was no doubt that while growing to manhood under her tender guidance and care that those principles of honesty and uprightness which so marked his later life, were instilled in him.

Endowed naturally with strength of both body and mind, he attained easily and quickly to man's estate. Realizing the responsibilities that come with such attainment, he chose to share them with him, Harriet B. Worth, whom he married April 10, 1859. Five children were given to bless this already happy union. Two have gone with the mother already to the grave, leaving to mourn their father's loss Marion, Owen and Ora, whose grief extends to and is shared by their families.

In 1864 he came to California, seeking to find a home for himself and family. He settled in Stanislaus county amid a small circle of friends and relatives who had come from the East before him. Here fortune smiled upon his labors and he made a home to protect and shelter his loved ones, a home that today mourns the loss of its master. "Uncle Dick," as he was familiarly known by many who knew him well, became early a prominent figure in the community, and one of the county's best citizens.

Thoroughly honest and upright in all his business dealings, he grew to command the respect of all who knew him. In every relation of life, he encountered men who could do nought else save honor him for his uprightness of character and for his absolute integrity of word and action. What was right, to do, and what was wrong, not to do, was a principle so thoroughly imbued within him that it was a part of his very nature itself; the mainspring that controlled his entire life. A man with the courage of his convictions always, his life was one constant endeavor to do all that was good and right within his power. No selfish motives ever impelled him; he labored that others might reap the benefits of his toil, and ungrudgingly he gave to the State, to the Church and to the family the best that was in him. To a naturally high and noble character, he added the virtue of being a Christian, holding fast through all his life to the belief in Christ and His crucifixion. At the time when Death came to him he was an active member in the Christian Church.
During his later years he was in feeble health; yet he bore his afflictions patiently and uncomplainingly. He ever had a word of cheer for those about him, forgetting his own troubles while seeking to comfort others.

The State has lost a good citizen; the church has lost an able and zealous worker; the family has lost the best of fathers. How hard it seems to bear, that sorrowing ones will never again see his loved face among them and hear his kind and gentle voice! But what a comforting thought to know that when the final summons came he was ready; his journey had been fully run, his work had all been done. No unfinished or unbegun task did he leave behind him. His spirit was ready to leave its mortal home for its immortal one, to take up its abode "within the fadeless green and holy peace of Paradise." O.F.S. (Olie Fielding Snedigar)

Oakdale Leader, September 29, 1905 THE FUNERAL OF R. R. SNEDIGAR
The remains of the late R.R. Snedigar arrived at Riverbank Monday evening and were taken from the train to the Snedigar home, a few miles distant. The funeral was largely attended at the Union church at 1:30 o'clock Wednesday, Rev. L.O. Ferguson of the Christian church, Modesto, officiating. The interment was in the Langworth cemetery by the side of the wife who had preceded him to the grave many years ago.

THOMAS F. SNEDIGAR

With the death of T. F. Snedigar on Tuesday February 4, [1919] Stanislaus county lost one more of its pioneers, "Uncle Tom" as he was familiarly called by old and young alike, came to the State in 1852 making the six months trip from Pike county, Illinois by ox team. He was twelve years old at the time and in after years remembered vividly and accurately the many hazards of the trip and the many hardships the party underwent.

When only three years of age, he was left an orphan being brought up by "Aunt Lucinda" and "Uncle Tom" Richardson, than whom no real parents could have been more loving nor more kind. They were high principled, deeply religious people and it was their constant example which instilled in the foster son those ideals of right, honor and justice for which he was famous throughout the country.
The Richardson party stopped first at Stockton and two months later on, came to the old Walker place on the Stanislaus river. Shortly afterward they moved again, this time to Lone Star, southeast of Oakdale and finally to the site of the present Richardson ranch.

He received his schooling at the first schoolhouse built in this section, which was situated just east of the old Snedigar home near Riverbank. He was one of the first scholars to attend this school. The same building was later purchased by him and moved to the old home where it stood until a few years ago when it was destroyed by the wind.

When the boy Thomas was 21, he started out for himself. He settled on S. W. Quartersection 30. After a short time he moved to S. E. Quarter section 2$ and finally to N. W. Quartersection 19, where he was married in 1864 to Emeline C. Dotson, and where he lived up to 1914 at which time the Old Homestead was sold, the family moving to "Fairview Home" on the McHenry road, two miles from Modesto.
In 1897 Mrs. Snedigar died and in July 1898 he was married again, this time to Cara H. Millark, an old family friend who became a good, faithful and loving mother to the little brood of children who were left—one a mere babe of three years.

For many years Mr. Snedigar has been prominent in all the affairs of the country and deeply interested in the charity, church and educational plans of Oakdale, Riverbank and Modesto. He was a charter member of the Board of Education of the Oakdale Union High School, a director of the First National Bank of Riverbank. The town of Riverbank is located on a portion of the old Snedigar ranch. He was a trustee of the Little Red School at Langworth until he left the district and was also instrumental in its construction, having helped to haul the bricks from which it was built, this being his first work when he started out for himself. Nine of his children received their early education in the same little school he had helped to build when he was a young man.

Mr. Snedigar was the father of 16 children, 8 of whom are now living. Olie Snedigar, the famous athlete, probation officer and prominent social worker of Oakland, is the oldest living son. He is a Y. M. C. A. secretary and has been in France for about a year. Two other children of the first marriage are also living, Mrs. Ralph Betty of Sacramento, and Thomas, who is in France with the 40th Military Police. Willis Snedigar, who was a prominent physician in Stockton died in 1909. He was the oldest of the children. Three more of the first marriage who have passed on were Kittie, Dertha and Ottie.
The children of the second marriage, Charles, Louis, Robert, Iva Mae and Irvin, are on the home place with their mother.

Mr. Snedigar has three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and a countless host of true friends who deeply mourn his death.