Across The Great Plains, 1853
This 14-page story was written by Rufus Sheldon Thompson in 1914 and addressed to his son Charles Henry Thompson.
“Pioneers” Family History
1937
This 19-page family history was written by Elva Coulthard in 1937.
At age 23
At the woodpile
Rufus Thompson and Clarinda Baker
wedding, 1857
Portrait in his later years
Original “Pioneers” Manuscript, 1937
This 54-page document about the life of Rufus Sheldon Thompson was written out longhand by Elva Coulthard in 1937.
Photograph Gallery
“Pioneers” Part II
1974
This 20-page family history was written by Frances Gray Hand in 1974, as a continuation of Elva Coulthard's earlier writings.
Clarinda and Rufus Thompson at 107 Elm, Modesto, CA
With his brother William "Billy" Henry
Harrison Thompson
With his grandchildren: Johnnie Coulthard, Frances Gray, Clara Gray, Grandpa Thompson, Sheldon Thompson (baby), Lois Coulthard (seated), Frankie & Rufus Thompson (children of Henry)
On his 90th birthday,
Aug 1, 1921, in Modesto
Rufus Thompson
(1831-1922)
Laurel and Lowell’s maternal great-grandfather was an early pioneer who traveled across the plains from St. Charles, Illinois to Placerville, California in 1853. Read through several writings by and about him below, and see a number of photographs him in the gallery.