Hello Listers, I've just subscribed to this list so here goes. Looking for my gr-grandfather, Benjamin F. Potter, b. 1867 somewhere in Nevada. He came to California around 1890 or maybe a little before. Married Matilda Heins (misspelled Hynes in the San Francisco 1900 Census) around 1897. They had one daughter, Melba Charlotte Potter, b. April 16,1898. Benjamin was a ships engineer aboard the steamer passenger/cargo ship, the Walla Walla. It was involved in a shipwreck with a French ship on January 2, 1902, 15 miles off the coast of Cape Mendocino, California. He was listed as missing, presumably drowned. According to the San Francisco 1900 Census his father was from England and mother from Massachusettes. I have located only one set of people in Eureka City, Eureka County, Nevada 1880 Federal Census whose birth places fit but have no way of confirmation especially since Benjamin is not listed with them on them. Nevada didn't keep birth records in 1867. I'm trying to find out where in Nevada Ben was born and who his parents were. If this information rings any bells or anyone has any ideas where else I might look I would appreciate hearing from you. Thanks so much, Virginia Southas Bellevue (suburb of Seattle) Washington