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Modoc County, California Genealogy: Difference between revisions

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''[[United States|United States]] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png|go to]][[California|California]][[Image:Gotoarrow.png|go to]] [[Modoc_County,_California|Modoc County]]''
{{Locality
|Name=Modoc County
|ID=395587
|Level=2
|Country=United States
|CountryID=1
|Locality1=California
|Locality1id=327
|Locality2=Modoc County
|Locality2id=395587
}}{{breadcrumb
| link1=[[United States Genealogy|United States]]
| link2= [[California, United States Genealogy|California]]
| link3=
| link4=
| link5=[[Modoc County, California Genealogy|Modoc County]]
}}


Guide to '''Modoc County California genealogy.''' Birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, family history, and military records.  
Guide to '''Modoc County, California ancestry, genealogy and family history''', birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, family history, and military records.


{{CADC}}  
{| style="width:18%; float:right"
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<center><div id="fsButtons"><span class="online_records_button">[[California Online Genealogy Records]]</span></div></center>
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<center>{{Infobox U.S. County 2016
|organized= February 17, 1874
|county seat= Alturas
|parent county= [[Siskiyou County, California Genealogy|Siskiyou]]
|variant spellings=
|county1= [[Klamath County, Oregon Genealogy|Klamath (OR)]]
|county2= [[Lake County, Oregon Genealogy|Lake (OR)]]
|county3= [[Lassen County, California Genealogy|Lassen]]
|county4= [[Shasta County, California Genealogy|Shasta]]
|county5= [[Siskiyou County, California Genealogy|Siskiyou]]
|county6= [[Washoe County, Nevada Genealogy|Washoe (NV)]]</br><center>[[Modoc County, California Genealogy#Maps and Gazetteers|See County Maps]]</center>
|county7=
|county8=
|county9=
|county10=
|county courthouse= [[Image:California, Modoc County Courthouse.png|300px]]
|county location in state= [[Image:California Modoc Map.png|185x185px]]
|adoption=
}}
|}</center>
<div style="width:17%; float:left; margin-right:4em; padding:0px">__TOC__</div>
== County Information ==


{{Infobox U.S. County
=== Description ===
| county = Modoc County
Modoc County was created 17 February 1874<ref>Individual County Chronologies, https://digital.newberry.org/ahcb/documents/CA_Individual_County_Chronologies.htm</ref> and was named for the Modoc people who lived in what is now northern California, near Lost River and Tule Lake. Its county seat is Alturas. It is located in the northeast area of the state.<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Merced County, California" in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia'', https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modoc_County,_California 05/04/2017.</ref>
| county_map = California Modoc Map.png
| state = California
| state_map = California.png
| latd =
| longd =  
| founded year = 1874
| founded date = February 17
| seat = Alturas
| building image =  
| building address = Modoc County Courthouse<br><span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1339174827866_687" />]&nbsp;204 Court Street<br>PO Box 131<br>Alturas, CA 96101-0131<br>Phone 530.233.6205&nbsp;<br> [http://www.co.modoc.ca.us/ '''Modoc County Website'''] }}


=== County Courthouse ===
=== County Courthouse ===
{{CA Courthouse Intro|Modoc}}
'''Modoc County Courthouse'''<br>205 S East Street<br>Alturas, CA 96101-0131<br>Phone: 530-233-6516<br> [http://www.co.modoc.ca.us/ Modoc County Website]<br><br>
County Clerk has divorce, probate, court and voter registration records from 1874. <br>County Recorder has birth, marriage and death records. <ref>''Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'', 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Modoc County, California. Page 85 {{WorldCat|50140092|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|1049485|item|disp=FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002}}.</ref>


County Clerk has&nbsp;divorce, probate, court and voter regisitration records from 1874&nbsp;<br>County Recorder has birth, marriage and death records <ref name="HBG">''Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'', 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Modoc County, California. Page 85 {{WorldCat|50140092|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FHL|1049485|item|disp=FHL Book 973 D27e 2002}}.</ref>  
=== Modoc County, California Record Dates  ===
{{CA Record Dates Intro|Modoc}}
{| cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" border="1"
|-
| bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" colspan="7" | <center>'''Known Beginning Dates for Government County Records<ref>''Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'', 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Modoc County, California. Page 84-88 {{WorldCat|50140092|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|1049485|item|disp=FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002}}; Alice Eichholz, ed. Ancestry’s Red Book: American State, County, and Town Sources, Third ed. (Provo, Utah: Ancestry, 2004), 81-83.</ref></center>
|-
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Modoc County, California Genealogy#Birth|Birth*]]'''
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Modoc County, California Genealogy#Marriage|Marriage]]'''
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Modoc County, California Genealogy#Death|Death*]]'''
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Modoc County, California Genealogy#Court Records|Court]]'''
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Modoc County, California Genealogy#Land and Property Records|Land]]'''
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Modoc County, California Genealogy#Probate Records|Probate]]'''
| width="14.2%" bgcolor="#e4d8e5" align="center" | '''[[Modoc County, California Genealogy#Census Records|Census]]'''
|-
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1894
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1874
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1882
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1874
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1874
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1874
| width="14.2%" align="center" |1850
|-
| colspan="7" | <center>*Statewide registration for births and deaths started in 1905. General compliance by 1920.</center>
|}


<span id="fck_dom_range_temp_1339174584187_34" />
=== Record Loss ===
{{CA Record Loss Intro|Modoc}}
{|
|-
|
There is no known history of courthouse disasters in this county.


=== Historical Facts ===
|}
=== Boundary Changes ===
{{CA Boundary Changes Intro|Modoc}}
{|
|-
|
* '''Parent County(s):''' Created from [[Siskiyou County, California Genealogy|Siskiyou]] County, on 17 February 1874.<ref>https://digital.newberry.org/ahcb/documents/CA_Individual_County_Chronologies.htm#MODOC</ref>
* '''County Seat:''' Alturas<ref>''Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'', 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002).{{WorldCat|50140092|disp=At various libraries (WorldCat)}}; {{FSC|1049485|item|disp=FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002}}.</ref><br>
*[https://digital.newberry.org/ahcb/documents/CA_Individual_County_Chronologies.htm#Individual_County_Chronologies California Individual County Chronologies] - Newberry Library list of all boundary changes by county
*[https://publications.newberry.org/ahcb/map/map.html#CA California Historical Borders - Map] at Newberry Library Atlas of Historical County Boundaries; ''Also at:'' [http://www.mapofus.org/california/ mapofus.org] - animated maps illustrating California county boundary changes
|}


{{Wikipedia|Modoc County, California}}  
=== Populated Places ===
{{CA Populated Places Intro|Modoc}}


==== Parent County ====
For a complete list of populated places, including small neighborhoods and suburbs, visit [https://california.hometownlocator.com/counties/cities,cfips,049,c,modoc.cfm HomeTown Locator]. The following are the most historically and genealogically relevant populated places in this county:<ref>Wikipedia contributors, "Modoc County, California," in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia'', https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modoc_County,_California, accessed 17 September 2019.</ref>


'''17 February 1874:''' Modoc County was created from [[Siskiyou County, California|Siskiyou]] County. '''County seat: '''Alturas <ref name="Handybook">''The Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America'',10th ed. (Draper, UT:Everton Publishers, 2002).</ref>  
{{Populated places
<!--cities column------------------->
| cities-col1=<div>
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alturas,_California Alturas]
</div>
| cities-col2=<div></div>
| cities-col3=<div></div>
<!--unincorp column------------------->
| unincorp-col1=<div>
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davis_Creek,_California Davis Creek]
</div>
| unincorp-col2=<div>
* Stronghold
</div>
| unincorp-col3=<div>
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tionesta,_California Tionesta]
</div>
<!--census column------------------->
| census-col1=<div>
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adin,_California Adin]
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Pines,_California California Pines]
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canby,_California Canby]
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cedarville,_California Cedarville]
</div>
| census-col2=<div>
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daphnedale_Park,_California Daphnedale Park]
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eagleville,_Modoc_County,_California Eagleville]
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Bidwell,_California Fort Bidwell]
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_City,_Modoc_County,_California Lake City]
</div>
| census-col3=<div>
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Likely,_California Likely]
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lookout,_California Lookout]
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newell,_California Newell]
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Pine_Creek,_California New Pine Creek]
</div>
<!--native american column------------------->
| native-col1=<div>
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alturas_Indian_Rancheria Alturas Indian Rancheria]
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cedarville_Rancheria Cedarville Rancheria]
</div>
| native-col2=<div>
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Bidwell_Indian_Community_of_the_Fort_Bidwell_Reservation_of_California Fort Bidwell Indian Community of the Fort Bidwell Reservation of California]
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Likely_Rancheria Likely Rancheria]
</div>
| native-col3=<div>
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lookout_Rancheria Lookout Rancheria]
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XL_Ranch XL Ranch]
</div>
}}


==== Boundary Changes  ====
=== History Timeline ===
[http://www.mapofus.org/california/ "Rotating Formation California County Boundary Maps"] (1850-1925) may be viewed for free at the MapofUS.org website.
{{CA Historical Timeline Intro|Modoc}}
==== Record Loss  ====


== Places/Localities  ==
== Resources ==
{{CA Resources Intro|Modoc}}


==== Populated Places  ====
=== Bible Records ===
{{CA Bible Intro|Modoc}}


==== Neighboring Counties ====
=== Biographies ===
{{CA Biographies Intro|Modoc}}


*[[Klamath County, Oregon|Klamath County, Oregon]]
*[http://www.usgwarchives.net/ca/modoc/bios.html Modoc County Biographies] (USGenWeb Archives)
*[[Lake County, Oregon|Lake County, Oregon]]  
*[https://cagenweb.org/modoc/bio.htm Modoc County Biographies] (CAGenWeb Project)
*[[Lassen County, California|Lassen]]
*[[Shasta County, California|Shasta]]
*[[Siskiyou County, California|Siskiyou]]
*[[Washoe County, Nevada|Washoe County, Nevada]]


== Resources  ==
=== Business, Commerce, and Occupations ===
{{CA Business Records Intro|Modoc}}


=== Bible Records  ===
=== Cemeteries ===
{{CA Cemeteries Intro|Modoc}}


=== Biography  ===
{| style = "border:1px solid black; width:70%;"
|-
| colspan="2" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black"| <center>'''Cemeteries of Modoc, California''' online and in print</center>
|-
| width="25%" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black" | <center>'''Tombstone Transcriptions Online'''</center>
|bgcolor="#F0F0F0" valign="top" style="border:1px solid black" |
*[https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/search?firstname=&middlename=&lastname=&birthyear=&birthyearfilter=&deathyear=&deathyearfilter=&location=Modoc+County%2C+California%2C+United+States+of+America&locationId=county_207 Find a Grave]
*[https://billiongraves.com/search# BillionGraves]
*[https://cagenweb.org/modoc/ CA GenWeb]
*[http://www.usgwarchives.net/ca/modoc/cemeteries.html USGW Tombstone Transcription Project]


=== Cemeteries ===
|-
| width="25%" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black" | <center>'''Tombstone Transcriptions in Print''' ([[The Value of Cemetery Records in Print |Often more complete]])</center>
|bgcolor="#F0F0F0" style="border:1px solid black" valign="top" |
* {{FSC|United States, California, Modoc - Cemeteries|subject|subject-id=320605196|disp=FamilySearch Catalog}}
* [https://www.worldcat.org/search?qt=worldcat_org_all&q=Modoc+county+california+cemeteries WorldCat.org]
|-
| width="25%" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black" |<center>'''List of Cemeteries in the County'''</center>
|bgcolor="#F0F0F0" style="border:1px solid black" valign="top" |
* [https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/search?cemetery-name=&cemetery-loc=Modoc+County%2C+California%2C+United+States+of+America&only-with-cemeteries=cemOnly&locationId=county_207 Find a Grave]
*[https://www.familysearch.org/research/places/?includeIsParent=true&primaryText=Modoc,%20California,%20United%20States&reqParents=395587&reqParentsLabel=County&reqParentsType=209&searchTypeaheadInputText=Search%20Within:Modoc,%20California,%20United%20States&reqTypes=20&reqTypeLabel=Cemetery FamilySearch Places]
|-
| colspan="2" bgcolor="#E0E0E0" style="border:1px solid black"| <center>See '''[[California Cemeteries]]''' for more information</center>
|}


=== Census ===
=== Census Records ===
{{CA Census Intro|Modoc}}


{{Census|California}}  
{{Historical populations
|type = USA
|heading = Census
|footnote = Source: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modoc_County,_California#Demographics "Wikipedia.org".]
|1880 |4399
|1890 |4986
|1900 |5076
|1910 |6191
|1920 |5425
|1930 |8038
|1940 |8713
|1950 |9678
|1960 |8308
|1970 |7469
|1980 |8610
|1990 |9678
|2000 |9449
|2010 |9686
}}
*[https://cagenweb.org/modoc/census.htm Modoc County Census Records] (CAGenWeb Project)


=== Church History and Records ===
=== Church Records ===
{{CA Church Intro|Modoc}}


{{CA Church Intro}}
* '''1864-1985''' {{RecordSearch|2790461|California, Church Records, 1864-1985}} at FamilySearch — [[California, Church Records - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images


=== Court Records  ===
''' List of Churches and Church Parishes'''<br>
*'''[https://www.familysearch.org/research/places/?reqParents=395587&reqParentsLabel=Modoc%2C%20California%2C%20United%20States&reqParentsType=209&reqTypeGroups=3&reqTypeLabel=Churches%20and%20Church%20Parishes FamilySearch Places]''': Map of cities and towns in this county - [[FamilySearch Places|How to Use FS Places]]


=== Crime and Criminals  ===
=== Court Records ===
{{CA Court Intro|Modoc}}


=== Directories ===
=== Directories ===
{{CA Directories Intro|Modoc}}
*'''1970-2024''' {{RecordSearch|5000290|United States, Residence Database, 1970-2024}} at FamilySearch — [[United States, Residence Database - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index, coverage may vary<br>


=== Ethnic, Political, or Religious Groups ===
=== Emigration and Immigration ===
{{CA Emigration Intro|Modoc}}


==== Germans  ====
=== Ethnic, Political, and Religious Groups ===
{{CA Ethnic Groups Intro|Modoc}}


=== Gazetteers ===
=== Funeral Homes ===
{{CA Funeral Homes Intro|Modoc}}
{| style="width:100%; vertical-align:top;"
|-
|
<ul class="column-spacing-halfscreen" style="padding-right:5px;">
<li>[https://www.kerrmortuary.com/ Kerr Mortuary] in Alturas</li>
</ul>
|}


=== Genealogy ===
=== Genealogies ===
{{CA Genealogies Intro|Modoc}}


=== History  ===
=== Guardianship ===
{{CA Guardianship Intro|Modoc}}


{{CA History Intro}}
=== Land and Property Records ===
{{CA Land Intro|Modoc}}


=== Land and Property  ===
''Online Land Indexes and Records''<br>
*[https://cagenweb.org/modoc/land-tax.htm Modoc County Land and Tax Records] (CAGenWeb Project)
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/full-text Full-Text Search - Land Records] at FamilySearch - index & images; dates, records, and places vary; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P00oMDsAsSw How to Search]


{{CA Land Intro}}
=== Local Histories ===
{{CA Histories Intro|Modoc}}


=== Maps ===
=== Maps and Gazetteers ===  
{{CA Neighboring Counties Intro|county={{CA Modoc County}}}}
{{CA Maps Intro|Modoc}}
*[http://www.mapofus.org/california/ Maps of California (1850-1925)]
*[https://www.familysearch.org/research/places/?reqParents=395587&reqParentsLabel=Modoc%2C%20California%2C%20United%20States&reqParentsType=209&reqTypeGroups=8&reqTypeLabel=Cities%20and%20Towns FamilySearch Places]: Map of cities and towns in this county - [[FamilySearch Places|How to Use FS Places]]


[[Image:Camodoc.png|center|400px]]
=== Migration ===
{{CA Migration Intro|Modoc}}


=== Migration ===
Early migration routes to and from Modoc County for emigrant settlers included:<ref>National Park Service, "California Trail" (map) in ''California National Historic Trail'' at http://www.nps.gov/cali/planyourvisit/upload/CALImap1-web.pdf (accessed 5 August 2011).</ref><ref>Wikipedia contributors, "California Trail" in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia'' at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Trail (accessed 5 August 2012).</ref>
*'''''[[California Trail]]''''' 1846 to 1869 from western Missouri to northern California
*'''''[[Applegate Trail]]''''' since 1846 (avoided the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forty_Mile_Desert#Forty_Mile_Desert Forty Mile Desert]) by leaving the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humboldt_River Humboldt River] in [[Nevada, United States Genealogy|Nevada]] early at present-day [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rye_Patch_State_Recreation_Area Rye Reservoir], Nevada and passing through the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Rock_Desert Black Rock Desert] to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fandango_Pass Fandango Pass] past [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goose_Lake_%28Oregon-California%29 Goose Lake] on to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_River_%28California%29 Lost River] and eventually the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willamette_Valley Willamette Valley] in [[Oregon, United States Genealogy|Oregon]]
*The '''''Lassen Cutoff''''' 1848 was established by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Gold_Rush gold rushers] from [[Oregon, United States Genealogy|Oregon]] going to [[California, United States Genealogy|California]]. It branched off the [[Applegate Trail]] at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davis_Creek,_California Davis Creek], went through [https://www.fs.fed.us/wild-horse-burro/territories/DevilsGardenPlateau.shtml Devil's Garden] to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pit_River Pit River] passing east of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mt._Lassen Mt. Lassen], and turning west to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rancho_Bosquejo Lassen Rancho, California], and from there to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacramento,_California Sacramento]. In some years as much as 1/3 of emigrants mistakenly took the Applegate Trail-Lassen Cutoff, a much longer and more difficult trail than the Truckee or Carson routes.
* '''1906-1935''' {{RecordSearch|2137266|California, Pioneer Migration Index, Compiled 1906-1935}} at FamilySearch — [[California, Pioneer Migration Index - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images


Early migration routes to and from {{PAGENAME}} for emigrant settlers included:<ref>National Park Service, "California Trail" (map) in ''California National Historic Trail'' at http://www.nps.gov/cali/planyourvisit/upload/CALImap1-web.pdf (accessed 5 August 2011).</ref><ref>Wikipedia contributors, "California Trail" in ''Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia'' at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Trail (accessed 5 August 2012).</ref>
=== Military Records ===
{{CA Military Intro|Modoc}}


:*'''''[[California Trail]]''''' 1846 to 1869 from western Missouri to northern California
''''' Civil War'''''<br>
:*'''''[[Applegate Trail]]''''' since 1846 (avoided the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forty_Mile_Desert#Forty_Mile_Desert Forty Mile Desert]) by leaving the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humboldt_River Humboldt River] in [[Nevada|Nevada]] early at present-day [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rye_Patch_State_Recreation_Area Rye Reservoir], Nevada and passing through the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Rock_Desert Black Rock Desert] to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fandango_Pass Fandango Pass] past [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goose_Lake_%28Oregon-California%29 Goose Lake] on to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_River_%28California%29 Lost River] and eventually the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willamette_Valley Willamette Valley] in [[Oregon|Oregon]]  
*'''1883''' [http://genealogytrails.com/cal/modoc/1883pensioners.html Modoc County – List of Pensioners on the Roll, January 1, 1883] (Genealogy Trails)
:*The '''''Lassen Cutoff''''' 1848 was established by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Gold_Rush gold rushers] from [[Oregon|Oregon]] going to [[California|California]]. It branched off the [[Applegate Trail]] at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davis_Creek,_California Davis Creek], went through [http://www.fs.fed.us/rangelands/ecology/wildhorseburro/territories/DevilsGardenPlateau.shtml Devil's Garden] to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pit_River Pit River] passing east of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mt._Lassen Mt. Lassen], and turning west to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rancho_Bosquejo Lassen Rancho, California], and from there to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacramento,_California Sacramento]. In some years as much as 1/3 of emigrants mistakenly took the Applegate Trail-Lassen Cutoff, a much longer and more difficult trail than the Truckee or Carson routes.
*[http://www.usgwarchives.net/ca/modoc/military.html Modoc County Civil War Veterans] (USGenWeb Archives)


=== Military History and Records ===
'''''World War I'''''<br>
* '''1914-1918''' {{RecordSearch|3029259|California, Geographical and Name Index of Californians who served in WWI, 1914-1918}} at FamilySearch — [[California, Geographical and Name Index of Californians who served in WWI - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*[http://www.usgwarchives.net/ca/modoc/military.html Index to Modoc County World War I Draft Registrations] (USGenWeb Archives)


=== Naturalization and Citizenship ===
''''' World War II'''''<br>
*[http://www.usgwarchives.net/ca/modoc/military.html Index to Modoc County World War II Army Enlistees] (USGenWeb Archives)
*[http://www.genealogytrails.com/cal/ww2honorlist3.html#Modoc Modoc County Honor List of Dead and Missing Army and Army Air Forces Personnel] (Genealogy Trails)
 
''''' Korean War'''''<br>
*[http://genealogytrails.com/cal/modoc/koreancasulaties.html Modoc County Korean War Casualties] (Genealogy Trails)
 
''''' Vietnam War'''''<br>
*[http://genealogytrails.com/cal/modoc/vietnamcasualties.html Modoc County Vietnam War Casualties] (Genealogy Trails)
 
=== Naturalization and Citizenship ===
{{CA Naturalization Intro|Modoc}}


=== Newspapers ===
=== Newspapers ===
{{CA Newspapers Intro|Modoc}}
*'''1800s-1999''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/62116/ U.S., Newspapers.com Marriage Index, 1800s-1999] at Ancestry - index ($)
*[https://cdnc.ucr.edu/ California Digital Newspaper Collection] at UCR Center for Bibliographical Studies and Research
*[https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/50029/ California, U.S., Newspapers.com Stories and Events Index] at Ancestry — index & images ($)


{{CA Newspaper abstracts|Modoc}}
=== Obituaries ===
{{CA Obituaries Intro|Modoc}}
 
*[http://genealogytrails.com/cal/modoc/obitindex.html Modoc County Obituaries] (Genealogy Trails)
*[http://www.usgwarchives.net/ca/modoc/obits.htm Modoc County Obituaries] (USGenWeb Archives)
 
=== Other Records ===
{{CA Other Records Intro|Modoc}}
 
==== Voting Records ====
California county clerks were to keep voting registers every other year from 1866 and well into the 20th century. These large books, called Great Registers, listed the men who registered to vote in that county. Besides name and age, the record may show place of birth, address, occupation, naturalization date and sometimes even a physical description.<br>
 
These records are at the [[California State Library]] (1866-1944), and microfilmed copies are available through [https://www.familysearch.org/centers/locations/ FamilySearch Centers] (1866-1910). Ancestry ($) has a searchable database of Modoc Great Registers from 1875-1898.<br>
 
The Modoc records for 1874 are available on the RootsWeb site, by clicking [http://sites.rootsweb.com/~cagha/registers/registers-index.htm here].
*'''1866-1898''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/2221/ California, U.S., Voter Registers, 1866-1898]  at Ancestry - index ($)
*'''1866-1910''' [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-30285/california-great-registers-1866-1910?s=275764761 California, Great Registers, 1866-1910] at MyHeritage -  index($)
 
=== Periodicals ===
{{CA Periodicals Intro|Modoc}}


=== Probate Records ===
=== Probate Records ===
{{CA Probate Intro|Modoc}}


{{CA Probate Intro|Modoc}}
''Online Probate Indexes and Records''<br>
*'''1782-1999''' [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=8639 California Wills and Probate Records 1782-1999] at Ancestry — index & images ($)
*[https://www.familysearch.org/search/full-text Full-Text Search - Wills and Probate Records] at FamilySearch - index & images; dates, records, and places vary; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P00oMDsAsSw How to Search]
 
 
=== School Records ===
{{CA Schools Intro|Modoc}}
 
=== Social Security Records ===
*'''1935-2014''' {{RecordSearch|1202535|United States Social Security Death Index}} at FamilySearch — [[United States Social Security Death Index - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to use this collection]]; index. ''Also at [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/3693/ Ancestry], [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/social-security-death-index findmypast], [https://www.fold3.com/title/830/ Fold3], [https://www.genealogybank.com/explore/ssdi/all GenealogyBank], [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10002/us-social-security-death-index-ssdi?s=270606331 MyHeritage], and [https://stevemorse.org/ssdi/ssdi.html Steve Morse].'' [[United States Social Security Administration Records#Social Security Death Index (SSDI)|Click here for more information]].
*'''1936-2007''' [https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/60901/ U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007]
*'''1936-2007''' {{RecordSearch|5000016|United States, Social Security Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT), 1936-2007}} at FamilySearch - [[United States, Social Security Numerical Identification Files (NUMIDENT) - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
 
=== Tax Records ===
{{CA Tax Intro|Modoc}}
 
=== Vital Records ===
{{CA Vital Intro|Modoc}}


=== Repositories  ===
==== Birth ====
{{CA Birth Intro|Modoc}}


==== Archives, Libraries and Museums  ====
* '''1812-1988''' {{RecordSearch|1674703|California Births and Christenings, 1812-1988}} at FamilySearch — [[California Births and Christenings - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
* '''1905-1995''' {{RecordSearch|2001879|California Birth Index, 1905-1995}} at FamilySearch — [[California Birth Index - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index. ''Also at: [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10070/california-births-1905-1995?s=275764761 MyHeritage]($)''
*[http://genealogytrails.com/cal/modoc/vitalrecords/birthnotices.html Modoc County Birth Notices] (Genealogy Trails)


==== County Courthouse  ====
==== Marriage ====
{{CA Marriage Intro|Modoc}}


==== Family History Centers  ====
* '''1800-2007''' [https://search.findmypast.com/search-world-records/united-states-marriages?state=ca%2ccalifornia California, United States Marriages] at Findmypast — index $
* '''1960-1985''' {{RecordSearch|1949339|California Marriage Index, 1960-1985}} at FamilySearch — [[California Marriage Index - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index. ''Also at: [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10202/california-marriages-1960-1985?s=275764761 MyHeritage]($)''
* [http://abish.byui.edu/specialCollections/westernStates/search.cfm Western States Marriage Index] at BYU-Idaho
* [http://genealogytrails.com/cal/modoc/marrnotindex.html Modoc County Marriage Notices] (Genealogy Trails)


*[[Introduction to LDS Family History Centers]]
==== Death ====
*[[Alturas California Family History Center]]<br>
{{CA Death Intro|Modoc}}
*[[Cedarville California Family History Center]]<br>


=== Societies  ===
* '''1776-2000''' {{RecordSearch|3518938|California Deaths and Burials, 1776-2000}} at FamilySearch — [[California Deaths and Burials - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index
* '''1905-1939''' {{RecordSearch|1932433|California Death Index, 1905-1939}} at FamilySearch — [[California Death Index 1905-1939 - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
* '''1940-1997''' {{RecordSearch|2015582|California Death Index, 1940-1997}} at FamilySearch — [[California Death Index 1940-1997 - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index. ''Also at: [https://www.myheritage.com/research/collection-10071/california-deaths-1940-1997?s=275764761 MyHeritage]($)''


=== Taxation ===
==== Divorce ====
{{CA Divorce Intro|Modoc}}


{{CA Tax Intro}}
* '''1966-1984''' {{RecordSearch|2015584|California Divorce Index, 1966-1984}} at FamilySearch — [[California Divorce Index - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index


=== Vital Records  ===
== Research Facilities ==
{{CA Research Facilities Intro|Modoc}}


{{CA Vital Intro}}
=== Archives ===
{{CA Archives Intro|Modoc}}


==== Birth  ====
=== FamilySearch Centers ===
{{FamilySearch Centers Intro}}


==== Marriage  ====
*[https://locations.familysearch.org/en/us/ca/alturas/104-east-13th-street Alturas California FamilySearch Center]


==== Divorce  ====
=== Libraries ===
{{CA Libraries Intro|Modoc}}


==== Death ====
=== Museums ===
{{CA Museums Intro|Modoc}}
 
'''Modoc County Historical Society Museum'''<br> 600 South Main Street<br> Alturas, California 96101<br>Phone: (530) 233-2944<br>[http://www.sierranevadageotourism.org/content/modoc-county-historical-museum/sie57F87E730265CB68A Website]<br><br>
 
== Societies ==
{{CA Societies Intro|Modoc}}


=== Voting Registers  ===
'''Modoc County Historical Society Museum'''<br> 600 South Main Street<br> Alturas, California 96101<br>Phone: (530) 233-2944<br>[http://www.sierranevadageotourism.org/content/modoc-county-historical-museum/sie57F87E730265CB68A Website]<br><br>


== Websites ==
== Websites ==
{{CA Websites Intro|Modoc}}


*[http://cagenweb.org/modoc/ Modoc County CAGenWeb]
*[http://www.usgwarchives.net/ca/modoc/modoc.html USGenWeb Archives]
*[http://www.linkpendium.com/genealogy/USA/CA/Modoc/ Linkpendium]  
*[http://www.linkpendium.com/genealogy/USA/CA/Modoc/ Linkpendium]  
*[http://www.familytree101.com/california/modoc-county.html Modoc County, CA History, Records, Facts and Genealogy] (Familytree101)
*[http://genealogytrails.com/cal/modoc/ Modoc County, California Genealogy Trails]
*[http://www.usgwarchives.net/ca/modoc/modoc.html USGenWeb Archives]  
*[http://ldsgenealogy.com/CA/Modoc-County.htm Modoc County CA Genealogy] (ldsgenealogy.com)
*[http://www.usgwarchives.net/ca/modoc/modoc.html USGenWeb Archives] backup site
*{{FSC Place IDNum|2370|California|Modoc}} – The FamilySearch catalog contains descriptions and access information for all genealogical materials (including books, online materials, microfilm, microfiche, and publications) in their collection.  Use [https://familysearch.org/search/ Historical Records] to search for specific individuals in genealogical records.
*{{FHL|206696|subject-id|disp=FamilySearch Family History Library Catalog}}


== References  ==
== Research Guides ==
{{CA Research Guides Intro|Modoc}}


{{reflist}}
* [https://www.library.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/ModocResearch.pdf Modoc Research Guide] at California State Library


{{California|California}}
== References ==
<references />


{{California|California}}
[[Category:Modoc_County,_California]]
[[Category:Modoc_County,_California]]
[[Category:California Counties]]
[[Category:California, United States]]

Latest revision as of 19:41, 17 April 2025


Guide to Modoc County, California ancestry, genealogy and family history, birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, family history, and military records.

County Facts
County seat: Alturas
Organized: February 17, 1874
Parent County(s): Siskiyou
Neighboring Counties
Klamath (OR) • Lake (OR) • Lassen • Shasta • Siskiyou • Washoe (NV)
See County Maps
Courthouse
California, Modoc County Courthouse.png
Location Map
California Modoc Map.png

County Information

Description

Modoc County was created 17 February 1874[1] and was named for the Modoc people who lived in what is now northern California, near Lost River and Tule Lake. Its county seat is Alturas. It is located in the northeast area of the state.[2]

County Courthouse

Modoc County Courthouse
205 S East Street
Alturas, CA 96101-0131
Phone: 530-233-6516
Modoc County Website

County Clerk has divorce, probate, court and voter registration records from 1874.
County Recorder has birth, marriage and death records. [3]

Modoc County, California Record Dates

Information for this chart was taken from various sources, often containing conflicting dates. This information should be taken as a guide and should be verified by contacting the county and/or the state government agency.

Known Beginning Dates for Government County Records[4]
Birth* Marriage Death* Court Land Probate Census
1894 1874 1882 1874 1874 1874 1850
*Statewide registration for births and deaths started in 1905. General compliance by 1920.

Record Loss

There is no known history of courthouse disasters in this county.

Boundary Changes

Populated Places

For a complete list of populated places, including small neighborhoods and suburbs, visit HomeTown Locator. The following are the most historically and genealogically relevant populated places in this county:[7]

Cities
Unincorporated communities
  • Stronghold
American Indian Communities
Census-designated places


History Timeline

Resources

Bible Records

Biographies

Business, Commerce, and Occupations

Cemeteries

Cemeteries of Modoc, California online and in print
Tombstone Transcriptions Online
Tombstone Transcriptions in Print (Often more complete)
List of Cemeteries in the County
See California Cemeteries for more information

Census Records

For online censuses (state and federal) and for more information, see California Census.

Historical populations
Census Pop. %±
1880 4,399 —
1890 4,986 13.3%
1900 5,076 1.8%
1910 6,191 22.0%
1920 5,425 −12.4%
1930 8,038 48.2%
1940 8,713 8.4%
1950 9,678 11.1%
1960 8,308 −14.2%
1970 7,469 −10.1%
1980 8,610 15.3%
1990 9,678 12.4%
2000 9,449 −2.4%
2010 9,686 2.5%
Source: "Wikipedia.org".

Church Records

Church records vary significantly depending on the denomination and the record keeper. Usually listed on the town level, they may contain ages, dates (baptism, christening, birth, marriage, death), maiden names, and more. See also California Church Records.

List of Churches and Church Parishes

Court Records

Directories

Emigration and Immigration

Ethnic, Political, and Religious Groups

Funeral Homes

Genealogies

Guardianship

Land and Property Records

Land and property records provide exact location of land, often reveal family relationships, and give names of witnesses and neighbors. They include deeds, abstracts and indexes, mortgages, leases, grants and land patents. See California Land and Property for online resources, including early land grants.

Online Land Indexes and Records

Local Histories

Local histories are available for Modoc County. Histories may include biographies, church, school and government history, and military information. For more information about local histories, see California Local Histories.

Maps and Gazetteers

Klamath CountyLake CountyWashoe CountySiskiyou CountyShasta CountyLassen CountyCA MODOC.PNG
Click a neighboring county
for more resources

Migration

Early migration routes to and from Modoc County for emigrant settlers included:[8][9]

Military Records

Civil War

World War I

World War II

Korean War

Vietnam War

Naturalization and Citizenship

Newspapers

Obituaries

Other Records

Voting Records

California county clerks were to keep voting registers every other year from 1866 and well into the 20th century. These large books, called Great Registers, listed the men who registered to vote in that county. Besides name and age, the record may show place of birth, address, occupation, naturalization date and sometimes even a physical description.

These records are at the California State Library (1866-1944), and microfilmed copies are available through FamilySearch Centers (1866-1910). Ancestry ($) has a searchable database of Modoc Great Registers from 1875-1898.

The Modoc records for 1874 are available on the RootsWeb site, by clicking here.

Periodicals

Probate Records

Probate records include wills, fee books, claim registers, legacy records, inheritance records, probate ticklers, and dockets. They may give the decedent's date of death, names and residences of spouse, children, parents, siblings, in-laws, and others. For online records and more information, see California Probate Records.

Online Probate Indexes and Records


School Records

Social Security Records

Tax Records

California tax records complement land records and can supplement the years between censuses. There may be gaps of several years in the tax records of some counties. For more information, see California Taxation.

Vital Records

Vital Records consist of births, adoptions, marriages, divorces, and deaths recorded on registers, certificates, and documents. The state has records since July 1905, although county records may start earlier. See California Vital Records for more information.

Birth

Marriage

Death

Divorce

Research Facilities

Archives

Listed below are archives in Modoc County. For state-wide facilities, see California Archives and Libraries.

FamilySearch Centers

FamilySearch Center and Affiliate Library Locator map - search for local FamilySearch Centers or Affiliate Libraries

  • FamilySearch Centers provide one-on-one assistance, free access to center-only databases, and to premium genealogical websites.
  • FamilySearch Affiliate Libraries have access to most center-only databases, but may not always have full services normally provided by a FamilySearch center.

Local Centers and Affiliate Libraries

Libraries

Listed below are libraries in Modoc County. For state-wide library facilities, see California Archives and Libraries.

Museums

Modoc County Historical Society Museum
600 South Main Street
Alturas, California 96101
Phone: (530) 233-2944
Website

Societies

Listed below are societies in Modoc County. For state-wide genealogical and historical societies, see California Societies.

Modoc County Historical Society Museum
600 South Main Street
Alturas, California 96101
Phone: (530) 233-2944
Website

Websites

Research Guides

References

  1. ↑ Individual County Chronologies, https://digital.newberry.org/ahcb/documents/CA_Individual_County_Chronologies.htm
  2. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Merced County, California" in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modoc_County,_California 05/04/2017.
  3. ↑ Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Modoc County, California. Page 85 At various libraries (WorldCat); FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002.
  4. ↑ Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002), Modoc County, California. Page 84-88 At various libraries (WorldCat); FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002; Alice Eichholz, ed. Ancestry’s Red Book: American State, County, and Town Sources, Third ed. (Provo, Utah: Ancestry, 2004), 81-83.
  5. ↑ https://digital.newberry.org/ahcb/documents/CA_Individual_County_Chronologies.htm#MODOC
  6. ↑ Handybook for Genealogists: United States of America, 10th ed. (Draper, Utah: Everton Pub., 2002).At various libraries (WorldCat); FS Library Book 973 D27e 2002.
  7. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "Modoc County, California," in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modoc_County,_California, accessed 17 September 2019.
  8. ↑ National Park Service, "California Trail" (map) in California National Historic Trail at http://www.nps.gov/cali/planyourvisit/upload/CALImap1-web.pdf (accessed 5 August 2011).
  9. ↑ Wikipedia contributors, "California Trail" in Wikipedia: the Free Encyclopedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Trail (accessed 5 August 2012).
v • d• e
Links to California-related articles
Topics
Counties
Extinct Co.
Major
 Repositories
Bancroft Library · California State Library · Sutro Library · California State Archives · California Historical Society · Society of California Pioneers Library · State Lands Commission · California Genealogical Society and Library · Carlsbad City Library · Chinese Historical Society · Fresno City and County Historical Society Archives · Huntington Beach Central Library · Immigrant Genealogical Society Library · Long Beach Public Library · Los Angeles Public Library · Los Angeles FamilySearch Center · Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County · County of Los Angeles Public Libraries · Napa Valley Genealogical Society and Library · Oakland California FamilySearch Center · San Diego California FamilySearch Center · Santa Cruz Public Library Downtown · Sons of the Revolution Library · Southern California Genealogical Society and Family Research Library · Southwest Museum Braun Research Library · Tuolumne County Genealogical Society Library · National Archives at Riverside · National Archives at San Francisco · FamilySearch Library
Migration
 Routes
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