Jennie & Terry...was at the Native Daughter's home in San Francisco over the weekend & ran across two references to the Ratto name...they are located in the supplemental section to the Pioneer Roster. They are as follows: Benedetto Ratto Vol52 page 456s Born Genoa, Italy February 6, 1837 Married to Catherine Valerga, 1872 in Stockton. To California in 1860, to Placerville where he joined a brother, Joseph, both brothers came to San Francisco, where Benedetto bought a small boat and lived on the Sacramento & San Joaquin Rivers..later engaged as a market fisherman, and a market fur trapper. Held the record for trapping otter and beavers-moved his ark boat all over San Joaquin River. In 1882 moved from ark to a family home. Had 11 children-only four growing to maturity Richard Peter Matilda (Mrs. Ralph Vignola) Clonnida (Mrs. Santino Bava) Benjamin Deceased Stockton May 11, 1922 Joseph Ratto Vol 53-364s Born Genoa Italy Married to Angela Valargo, California, possibly San Joaquin Co. Arrived in California in 1854-located in San Joaquin Co. Took up farming. A rancher and farmer Had 10 children John J. being the oldest, born on father's ranch on Roberts Island (S.J. Co.) June 6, 1882. Angela Valargo born Venice, Italy To California in early 1860 Married to Joseph Ratto Children-10, John J. (history recorded of him). If you already have this information, just toss this. If not, enjoy. Jackie in California kimmee@volcano.net