This post has got me a little choked up too. Our girl Judy over at the San Marino Historical Society invited us over to check out a new box of old stuff donated by Michael White researcher Dorothy Ross. Judy Carter is an aces archivist who has fully supported the restoration of the adobe from the get-go. Dorothy is a terrific researcher and there are some undiscovered gems in her collection, but this one took the cake: a photocopy of Michael White's funeral card. Let me tell you why.
Besides the sentimental value of such an item, there are some unanswered questions. Jane and I walked every row in the San Gabriel Cemetery, and none of "our" Whites are buried there. (of course we checked the burial register too!) At least some of "our" Whites are in the San Gabriel Mission cemetery, but the records from 1850 to 1910 are missing in action. So where could we find Michael White, who supposedly died broke and somewhere in L.A? Smart money's on Nuestra Señora Reina de los Angeles, Our Lady Queen of Angels down on Olvera St. It's the Church he probably helped Joseph Chapman build. Nice. Like going home after a long journey.
Here's what the card says:
Don Miguel White
QEPD
Natural de Inglaterra, falleció en esta ciudad el Sabado 28 de Febrero a la una de la mañana á la cedad de 84 años y 14 dias.
Sus funerales tendrán lugar el Domingo 1 de Marzo partiendo el cortejo funebre de la residencia de Don Juan Castillon No. 146 Calle Aliso a las 3 de la tarde para la Iglesia de Ntr. Sra. De Los Angeles.
Suplicamos a Ud nos acompane en este acto de caridad cristiana.
Maria G. de White, Viuda
Hijas:
Juana W. de Courtney
Zaragoza W. de Alvarado
Francisca W. de Heslop
Jane W. de Capdevielle
Ester W. de Castillon
Hijos
Santiago White
Jose Miguel White
Los Angeles, Febrero 28 de 1885
___________________________________________
And for my non-Spanish-speaking amigos, here's what it means:
Don Miguel White
RIP
A native of England died in this city on Saturday, February 28 at one o'clock in the morning at the age of 84 years and 14 days.
His funeral will take place on Sunday March 1, the funeral procession will start from the residence of Don Juan Castillon, No. 146 Maple Street, at 3 pm for the Church of Our Lady Queen of Angels. We beseech you join us in this act of Christian charity.
Maria G. White, Widow
Daughters:
Joan W. Courtney
Zaragoza W. Alvarado
Frances W. Heslop
Jane W. Capdevielle
Esther W. Castillon
Sons:
James White
Jose Miguel White
Los Angeles, February 28, 1885
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