Hi, This was sent to me not long ago. Seems the question about this Yorba/Shorb family is being passed around to many people. Hopefully this helps answer the questions. Thanks for posting the other info, Sheila :) Ramona Yorba dau of the Bernardo Yorba and Maria de Jesus Alvarado, mar Benito Wilson 1844, Plaza. Their first child, Maria de Jesus, bap 1845 San Gabriel, mar J. H. De Barth Shorb 1867 San Gabriel (see Saddleback Ancestors p262-63) That Bernardo was the son of Antonio Yorba that some like to say came with Portola, he did not, he came in 1771 as one of the replacements for Catalans who had died on the 1769 expedition. On Sun, 29 Jun 2003 13:13:48 -0700 GARY RADCLIFFE <[email protected]> (by way of Yvonne Bowers) writes: Can anyone verify who this Bernardo YORBA is and his parentage: ================================================ DeBarth Shorb was married to Maria Jesus Wilson. According to the 1880 census she was born in Tennessee. I realy have no information on her ancestery. De Barth Shorb's parents were: James A. Shorb, M.D. (1798-1867) and Margaret McMeal (1801-1873). Dr. went to California to seek his fortune leaving his wife and children in Maryland. He did not find it and eventually practiced medicine and was the physican for Mt. St. Mary, College south of Emmittsburg. While he was in California Margaret over saw the building of their home Clairvoux, near the College. The home burned down thirty of forty years ago. I have not been able to find much information on the McMeal family. She was one of Mother Elizabeth Seton's orginal students who made the trip from Baltimore to Emmittsburg. They are buried in St. Anthony's Cemetery on the College grounds. James Shorb's parents were: John Shorb (c1765-1851) and Catharine Fink (c1765-1837) John Shorb was probably born in Berks Co. near Reading, Pa.He accompanied his family to York Co. and is found in the Tax records of Hanover, Pa. before moving to Frederick Co. Md. He was married to Catharine Fink the d/o Conrad Fink.They too are buried in St. Anthony's Cemetery. John Shorb's parents were: Johannes Shorb, (c1721-1784) the immigrant and Catharine Fricker (1727-1784). John Shorb arrived in Philadelphia on the Priscilla in 1744. He first settled in or near Reading and shows up in York Co. Pa. in 1778. He paid taxes in both Hanover and Heidleburg Twp. York Co. He is buried in the Conewago Chapel Cemetery, near McSherrystown. Debarth Shorb went to California as an engineer, but but became interested in making wine and is considered one of the pioneers of the California wine industry. By the way DeBarth was not a family name, but the name of a priest who was at one time pastor at Conewago Chapel. If you are interested in additional information contact me.