Ancestry of photographer Carleton Watkins

From: "Howard Watkins" howardkwatkins@gmail.com

I am doing research on the ancestry of photographer Carleton Watkins.

I see that your museum includes many of his wonderful photographs. Did [you] uncover information on his ancestry? I know he was born in Oneonta, New York and was one of eight children.

Before embarking on my own independent research, I am trying to find out if someone has already researched and published his ancestry. Also, I am trying to find out if there are any living descendants of him or his siblings. Any related information or leads would be most appreciated. ...

—Howard K. Watkins, Fresno, California

Locomotive 'Grey Eagle' vs. town name of 'Greaegle'

From: "James McCall" jamesamccall@hotmail.com

In Stephen Ambose's Nothing Like It in the World, he mentions a series of locomotives delivered to Reno in late 1868, one of which was the Grey Eagle.

Could this moniker have been used to name the town and lumber mill of Greaegle? Was a resident of the place for a few years and no one seemed to know where the name originated. Some said it was an Indian named Greaegle, but that didn't seem right as people of the region valued the railroad more. Thought you might have an answer.

—James McCall, Chico, California