This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: melda1 Surnames: Ontis, Ontes, Cathy, Cathey Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.california.counties.sierra/643/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Was there a permanent record made of mining claims for the early days? If so, how do I find this and is it indexed? The California State Census of 1852, Sierra County, page 106, line 45, has: John Ontes, age 23, miner, born Illinois, last residence Illinois, male citizen of the US. His is the last entry on that page, but unfortunately no indication of specific town or camp within the county is given. Was there more than one town at that time? He was originally from Jersey County IL and appears there on 1850 census. Not sure why I cannot find him in 1860 census, but would like to dig up more of his life as a miner, whether he worked a specific claim, etc. By 1863 he's in Ukiah, Mendocino County with a livery business and in 1864 he's in Cloverdale in Sonoma County. He married Jane, nee Weaver, Cathey, a Civil War widow and shipwreck survivor, supposedly on 22 Jul 1866, but we find no record of this in Sonoma County. Any ideas? Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.