This is your ancestry,
Cathy Carey!

A long, long time ago, in the summer of 1964, my little brother John married a beautiful young woman named Cathy Allen. I was away at Guantánamo Bay with the Navy at the time, but my wife Jeanette and son Dave both attended their wedding, along with their namesakes, my parents.

I wondered then whether Cathy's Allen ancestors were any relation to my own. They were not, having come from New England while mine came from Indiana and, possibly before that, from Virginia. Anyway, Allen is an extremely common surname. But later on, Cathy mentioned that the maiden name of one of her grandmas had been Winans! I recently found time to research Cathy's connection to my own (and John's) Winans ancestors. These are the results...

Winans ancestors

Going back to the first Winans immigrant to America, here is Cathy's Winans line, as recorded in Alice Winans Egy Woolley's Winans Family Genealogy, with the bracketed numbers referring to the author's system of identifying each person:

• John (Jan) Winans [1] (1640?-1694), may have come from the Netherlands to the Dutch colonies in the New World. He married Susannah Melyn, the daughter of Cornelis Melyn, and was one of the founders of Elizabethtown, New Jersey.
• John Winans [1-5] (1673-1734), who married Remember (Baldwin ?), and lived in Elizabethtown. My brother and I are descended from John's younger brother, Conrad [1-7] (~1680-1732) and Sarah Palmer.
• Lewis Winans [1-5-5] (~1718-?), who married Lydia Kelsey, and also lived in Elizabethtown.
• Benjamin Winans [1-5-5-2], (1746?-1842?), who married Mary Sutton. Ben served in the Continental army during the Revolution, migrated to Miami county, Ohio, and may, or may not, have lived to be 100 years old. He has his own page in this Carey family album.
• Benjamin Britton Winans [1-5-5-2-1] (1775-1868), who married Sarah Jane Ross. He accompanied his parents to Ohio and eventually moved a few miles across the Indiana border to St. Marys township, in Adams county. He also has his own page. Thanks to my contacts with some of his descendants, I have a lot of information on Benjamin, his parents, and his children.
• Richard Hugh Winans [1-5-5-2-1-5] (1824-1886), who married Rosabelle Flagg. Richard was born in Miami county and moved to Indiana. His page contains a very moving and interesting description of pioneer life.
• Charles Spencer Winans [1-5-5-2-1-5-7]. Here's where Mrs. Egy's information ends. She says of Charles only that he "...was a Baptist Minister. He lived in Malaga, Calif. in 1909 and my father, Walter Scott Winans received a letter from him." Malaga is in Fresno county and currently has a population of about 1,000 people.

The following information on Cathy's Winans heritage is based on what her mother and aunts told her, plus what I've been able to find in the U. S. Census and other public records...

Great-grandpa:

Cathy's great-grandfather, Charles Spencer Winans, was born February 1862 in Indiana and later moved to Ohio, then to California. In 1889, he married Margaret Bates, who was born 6 Feb 1868 in Indiana, and died 25 Nov 1959 in Kern county, CA. Charles served in the U. S. Army during the Indian wars. Millie and her sisters remember him well. Accoring to his mother's biography in the Biographical and Historical Record - Adams and Wells Counties, Indiana, Lewis Publishing Co. Chicago, IL, 1887:

Charles S. served five years in the regular army, having enlisted September 27, 1881, and being mustered out September 27, 1886. He was promoted to the rank of Corporal for meritorious service. His was the First Regiment Company I, United States Infantry...

Charles and Margaret had the following children:

1. a child who died in infancy,
2. Paul Winans, born 7 Aug 1893 in Indiana, died 19 Feb 1952 in Los Angeles county, CA,
3. Elizabeth Winans, born Apr 1896 in Indiana,
4. Cathy's grandmother, Ruth Charlene Winans, born 20 May 1900 in Ohio, died 2 Aug 1995 in Los Angeles county.¹

In the 1900 census, this family was living in Harrison township, Van Wert county, Ohio. Charles was listed as a "preacher". I could find no record of them in the 1910 census, but in 1920, Charles W. and Margaret B. Winans were living in Oakvale, in Mariposa county, CA, where Charles was a "farmer" on a stock farm. In 1930, Charles, now listed as a "farm laborer", and Margaret were living in Novato, in Marin county.

Grandma:

Ruth Winans married Calvin Warren Probasco, who was born 29 Sep 1887 in California, and died 16 Jun 1967 in Boron, CA. Ruth and Calvin had the following children:

1. Dorothy E. "Dot" Probasco, born 2 May 1917 in Fresno county, died 29 Jun 2010 in the Lancaster, CA, area.
2. Cathy's mother, Mildred L. "Millie" Probasco, born 1 Apr 1920 in California, died 14 Apr 2016 in Oregon. Millie married Cathy's dad, Roger Allen (1910-2000), and they raised their family in Los Angeles.
3. Virginia S. "Jennie" Probasco, born 9 Jun 1923 in Sonoma county.
4. Calvin Henry Charles Probasco, born 5 Apr 1926 in Sonoma county, died 20 Sep 2010 in Carmichael, Sacramento county, CA.

Probasco Ancestors

Just who was Cathy's grandfather, this Calvin W. Probasco, and what do we know about his family? His surname sounds Spanish or Italian, and I've heard that it might be Basque. There are a number of Probasco genealogy sites on the world wide web, including:

• Probasco Families in America, where I see suggestions of Dutch and Polish ancestry, and,
• Probasco Family Genealogy Forum, where many people post information or questions about their Probasco roots.

While we're investigating some of the information available at these, and other, sites, we'll present here what we think we know about Cathy's Probasco ancestors. We'll start with the earliest Probasco in her line that we've been able to identify:

Great-great-grandpa:

John Workman Probasco was born 14 Nov 1804² in New Jersey. He married Charlotte Ann Hall 30 Jul 1825 in Somerset county, NJ. Charlotte was born 10 Oct 1807 in New Jersey. They lived in Ohio, Iowa and Illinois, and were among the pioneers who came to California during Gold Rush days. We've traced their movements through a series of U. S. census records which aren't always completely legible, or in agreement with one another:

• 1850, in Brown county, IL.
• 1860, in Mariposa county, CA, in this census and the next two, in "Township 3".
• 1870, in Mariposa county, CA.
• 1880, in Mariposa county, CA, when John was enumerated with his son Henry's family.

John was listed as a farmer, and later as a stock raiser, in censuses. John died 14 Oct 1893 and Charlotte 23 Jun 1879 and are buried together in the Preston-Probasco Family Cemetery.³ Note the difference in death dates between his tombstone and his obituary, from the 21 Oct 1893 issue of the Mariposa Gazette:

DIED.

PROBASCO — At Oakvale, Oct. 14, 1893, John W. Probasco, a native of New Jersey, aged 89 years.

Deceased was one of the oldest pioneers of that section of the country, and leaves a good record, as having been an industrious, useful citizen. Several sons survive him.

John and Charlotte had the following children:

1. Gettymariah Probasco, born 11 Nov 1826 in NJ, died 7 Dec 1883 in Iowa. Married Ira Sharon.
2. Sarah Elizabeth Probasco, born 19 Jan 1828 in NJ, died 14 Aug 1861 in CA. Married Samuel DeMoss.⁴
3. Harriet Probasco, born 24 Apr 1830 in NJ, died 1 May 1830 in NJ.
4. John Workman Probasco jr., born 18 Apr 1831 in NJ, died before 1900 in IL. Married Sarah Jane Ellidge.
5. Ann Probasco, born 18 Jul 1835 in NJ, died 3 Oct 1835 in NJ.
6. Jacob P. "Jake" Probasco, born 15 Dec 1836 in NJ, died 30 Jul 1929 in CA. Married Sarah Ann Orme.
7. Elvina Probasco, 7 Mar 1840 in OH, died 18 Nov 1912 in CA. Married (1) _____ Dickinson, married (2) _____ Bell.⁵
8. Catherine Harmelia "Kate" Probasco, born 17 Nov 1842 in Lee county, IA, died 4 Apr 1909 in CA. Married (1) _____ Schmidt, married (2) James Chapman.
9. Cathy's great-grandfather, Henry Workman Probasco, born 8 Mar 1845 in Brown county, IL, died 26 Dec 1906 in CA. Married Sarah Angeline Preston.

Uncle Jake:

Jacob P. Probasco's obituary in the 31 Jul 1929 Madera Daily Tribune describes a long and interesting life:

Jacob Probasco Dies

With the death of Jacob Probasco, 92, early yesterday morning at his ranch home near Oakvale, Mariposa Co., one of the earliest white pioneers of the mountain sections passed away. Probasco, a native of Illinois, came west with his parents while still a youth, driving an ox team across the plains and battling the Indians on his way west. For a time he worked for Brigham Young, the great Mormon leader, at Salt Lake City. From there he came to Yreka and later settled with the other members of the family in Cathay Valley, Mariposa Co. All told, he had lived in California 76 years. He settled on the Probasco home ranch near Oakvale about 56 years ago.

He was married in 1870 to Annie Orme. Seven children were born to them. In addition to being a miner and rancher, Mr. Probasco was also a great deer hunter. The deceased is survived by one son and three daughters, Wm. H. Probasco of Raymond, Mrs. Lenora Westfall of Oakvale, Mrs. Olive Willhoite of Live Oak, and Mrs. Mary Helm of Fresno. Funeral services will be held at 2 o'clock Thurday afternoon from the Probasco ranch home at Oakvale. Burial will be in the family burial ground on the ranch.

In the 1880 census, Jacob and family were enumerated on the same page as John, who was living with Henry's family. Jacob is buried in the Preston-Probasco cemetery. His Find A Grave page includes several good pictures and lists the following children for him and Annie:

1. John Edward Probasco (1874-1919)
2. Mary Jane Probasco Helm (1875-1963)
3. Bernice Probasco Waller (1878-1908)
4. William Henry Probasco (1880-1962)
5. Lenora Adeline Probasco Westfall (1889-1988)

Jacob outlived his young wife by 27 years. Annie has her own Find A Grave page which lists her birthplace as Leicestershire, England, and includes this obituary from the Mariposa Gazette of 1 Mar 1902:

Death of Mrs. Jacob Probasco.

Mrs. Jacob Probasco passed away at her home in Oakvale, Sunday, Feb. 16, 1902, suddenly after four days sickness. She was 46 years, 11 months and 16 days of age and a native of England. She was a loving wife and mother and leaves a husband, six children, (two boys and four girls) and many relatives and friends to mourn her absence. Interment took place at family cemetery Monday, Feb. 17, 1902. J. C. Appling of the Methodist church officiating.

A precious one from us has gone,
  The voice we loved is stilled.
A place is vacant in our home,
  Which never can be filled.
A Loved One.

Great-grandpa:

Henry Workman Probasco was born 8 Mar 1845 in Illinois and died 26 Dec 1906 in California. He married Sarah Angeline Preston, who was born 12 Oct 1854 in St. Clair county, Missouri, and died 22 Apr 1953 in California. Henry and Sarah were divorced before 1900. They are both buried in the Probasco-Preston cemetery. This was Sarah's obituary from the 22 Apr 1953 edition of The Fresno Bee:

RITES ARE SCHEDULED FOR MRS. SARAH PROBASCO, 98, OF MARIPOSA COUNTY

OAKVALE, Mariposa Co – Graveside services will be held in the Oakvale Cemetery at 11 AM Saturday for Mrs. Sarah Angeline Probasco, 98, a resident of Mariposa County most of her life. The services will be under the direction of the R. C. Jay Chapel of Madera.

Mrs. Probasco was a native of Missouri, and crossed the plains with her family in a covered wagon. The family lived in Nevada, Placerville, and Napa before moving to Mariposa County about 90 years ago.

Henry and Sarah had the following children, all born in California:

1. Charles Clarence Probasco, born 5 Nov 1874, died 12 Jan 1957 in Madera county.⁶
2. Henry Arthur Probasco, born 22 Feb 1876, died 18 Jun 1894.
3. Walter Workman Probasco, born 20 Aug 1879, died 1900.
4. Eugene Probasco, born Nov 1880, died Mar 1898.
5. Edith M. Probasco, born Feb 1883.
6. Elva E. Probasco, born Sep 1885.
7. Cathy's grandfather, Calvin Warren Probasco, born 29 Sep 1887, died 16 Jun 1967 in Kern county.⁶
8. Aldace (or Aldon) W. Probasco, born in 1890.
9. Effie H. Probasco, born Feb 1893.

Henry was listed in the 1900 census with 5 of the above children, living in Mariposa county, Township 5.

Grandpa:

After Henry Probasco's death, the Probasco kids stuck together. In 1910, five of them, including Calvin, were living together in Oakvale, with Edith listed as head of household. In 1916, Calvin married Ruth Winans:

PROBASCO-WINANS July 1, 1916 Mariposa Gazette

A marriage license was issued by County Clerk GALLISON last Saturday to Calvin W. PROBASCO and Miss Ruth C. WINANS both of the Oakdale district.

Calvin and Ruth stayed in Oakvale long enough to be enumerated there in 1920, along with their first child Dot. This was the year when the census takers made their rounds in January, so Cathy's Mom, Millie, didn't get counted until 1930, when Calvin, Ruth, and their four children were living in Novato, next door to Ruth's parents. Calvin and Ruth eventually moved to Boron, on the far eastern edge of Kern county, CA. His obituary appeared in the Mojave Desert News, California City, CA, 22 Jun 1967:

Services for Boron resident

Services for Calvin Warren Provasco, age 79 of 26714 John St., Boron, were held in Boron Bible Church June 20 at 11:00 A.M. with Richard Olson officiating.

A retired farmer, Mr. Provasco was a native son having been born here Sept. 29, 1887. He had lived the last eight years in Kern County. He is survived by Ruth, his widow; three daughters, Dorothy Allen, Boron; Mildred Allen, Los Angeles; Virginia Ackerman, Downey; a son, Rev. Calvin Provasco, Carmichael and a sister, Effie Preston of Raymond, Calif.

Interment was in Mariposa Cemetery with Stickel Mortuary handling arrangements.

Ruth and Calvin are buried together in the Mariposa District Cemetery.

How are we related? Oh yes, in case you were wondering, Cathy (Allen) Carey is our eighth cousin. Welcome to our family, Cathy!