Alameda-Contra Costa County CA Archives Obituaries.....Harlan, Elisha C. April 17, 1938
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Oakland Tribune, April 18, 1938
"Oldest S. F. Native Dies.

Elisha Halran, Whose Father Crossed Plains In 1845 [1846], Dead at 88.

ALAMEDA, April 18.  Elisha Harlan, 88, whose father came to California with the 
Donner party [incorrect], but separated from the ill-fated group at Truckee 
Canyon [incorrect], died today [yesterday, April 17] at his home, 2149 Santa 
Clara Avenue.

Harlan was the oldest living person born in San Francisco.

His family came to the United States from England in 1656, settling in 
Pennsylvania.

Harlan's father was Joel Harlan and his grandfather was George Harlan, who led 
the train of 80 covered wagons from Independence, Mo., in April, 1845 [1846].  
They met the Donner party and crossed the plains and desert with them until 
they reached Truckee Canyon [incorrect], where a difference of opinion arose as 
to the best route to take.

TOOK OTHER TRAIL

The elder Harlan decided on a trail established by Henry Fowler in 1844 and 
took his train safely over the northern route to California.  The Donner party 
attempted the other trail, with a tragic fate that became history.

In San Franciscok Joel Harlan married Minerva Jane Fowler, who had accompanied 
her parents in the Harlan wagon train.  They were married on April 7, 1849, by 
Governor Boggs, and Elisha was born the next year, 1850.

In 1856 Joel Harlan pruchased a ranch of 2000 acres, a part of the Amador grant 
in Contra Costa County, and established the El Nido Rancho.  Elisha worked with 
his father on the ranch and held an interest in it at the time of his death.

DAUGHTER SURVIVES

Elisha's wife [Elmina Plamondon], a native of Oregon, died some years ago 
[1934]. His only immediate survivor is a daughter, Mrs. Mable H. Davidson, with 
whom he made his home in recent years.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow at 2 p.m. at the Smiley & Gallagher 
Chapel, 1415 Oak Street, to be followed by burial in Dublin [Cemetery]." END

Additional Comments:
Oakland Tribune (Alameda County, California), April 18, 1938 (Monday), Page D3, 
Column 4.

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