My Lofton line was originally from Cabarrus Co, NC, then Washington Co, IN, Hancock Co, IL, and then to Yuba Co, CA. Yes, Frances R. Lofton was mining at one time but I'm not sure where in CA it was. I've been told his grandchildren were born in El Dorado Co. Their father, William Harding, was in CA, mining or panning on the Consummes River, El Dorado Co, on the 1850 census. Not sure about the Middletons. My earliest, Lorel Middleton, was born in CA 13 July 1884. His mother's maiden name was ROSE. He married Letha Matilda Creps, daughter of William Creps and Matilda Lofton. I've never heard of Pleasant Fouts. Hope this helps. Bea << Were your Loftons or Middletons ever in Missouri at any time? Were they ever miners at the Deer Creek Mine in Yuba County during the Gold Rush years, perhaps in the company of a man named Pleasant Fouts? Thanks, Jan >>