John Thomas Becraft and Marietta E Hamilton
Husband John Thomas Becraft [6177]
Born: 28 Feb 1862 - Plumas, California, United States Christened: Died: 24 Oct 1930 - Sacramento, Sacramento, California, United States![]()
Buried: - East Lawn Memorial Park, Sacramento, Sacramento Co, CA 1 FamilySearch ID: LHNK-F9B Find A Grave ID: 182128071
Father: James Thomas Becraft [2507] (1827-1911) 2 Mother: Rebecca Ann Holmes [2716] (1834-1878) 3
Marriage: 14 Nov 1883 4Events
• Event: Plumas National, 6 Dec 1879, Quincy, Plumas, California, United States. Page 3
Letter from Greenville
----
Greenvill, Dec. 2d, 1879.
Ed. National: -- Not to be behind in exhibiting her men of endurance and speed, Greenville came in for her share of glory on a six hour, go-as-you please walking match, and we can now rank ourselves with San Francisco and other cities, as having had a contest attended with unusual excitement and deep interest. On the morning of Thanksgiving Day our little town was filled with people, eager to witness the first walking match in the county. The merits of the eight contestants were discussed before the start, which took place at 10 o'clock. A. M., and respectively backed by coin. There never was such an exciting contest in this Valley, men, women and children being deeply interested in the progress of the trampers. Pools were opened and extensively patronized, with Cameron, Becraft and Frank Holmes as favorites, the rest selling in the field. Considerable money changed hands. The distance being a quarter stretch, a half mile was considered a lap. A good view was had of the field on Main street, and at the top of the bell the eight plodders started off, with Abe Holmes and Frazer in the lead, which they maintained for the first lap, but soon fell behind. Frank Holmes rapidly gained on his competitors, and kept the lead for the first two hours. As each contestant turned the stake he was loudly cheered, which seemed to act as a restorative to their wearied limbs. Frazer withdrew first, Emmons second and Abe Holmes third, the latter considerably used up. On his forty-second lap young Becraft, who was quite a favorite, and considered sure for a purse, met with an accident, running a splinter in his foot, having walked in his stocking feet. It was immediately extracted, and he skipped off again at a lively gait, amid the cheers of the crowd, but after he had made three more laps the pain in his foot became so severe that he was forced to withdraw. Sheldon, who made a good exhibition, and was considered good for third money, withdrew next, on account of a swelling in his foot, which left the field to Cameron, Lowry and Frank Holmes.
At the fourth hour the excitement ran high, and the last half hour it was at its pitch. Lowry passed Holmes, and astonished his friends by gaining on Cameron, and it was thought by many that he would succeed in getting first money, but as the time was drawing to a close it became evident that he could not accomplish it, although the distance at the close being only fifty feet between the two. The men were lustily cheered, and borne away by their friends, while Holmes, the third man, plodded along, and elicited much applause at his angular gait, much used by professionals. The affair was a success for Greenville, and the prevailing topic for discussion.
Another match is in contemplation, which bids fair to be a success. After the match several walks were indulged in by others, which caused much merriment. M.F. Levy was matched against Cameron, on his last mile, but it being a dead thing for the merchant, he won easily. Time not recorded. J.S. hall and W. Stanley endeavored to show their skill as pedestrians, but on his first lap Hall lost his equilibrium, and he fell into the lap of mother earth.
The following is the score of the contestants:
Name No Laps No Laps No Laps No Laps No Laps No Laps
1st hour 2nd hour 3rd hour 4th hour 5th hour 6th hour
A Cameron 10 1/2 20 1/2 33 1/4 44 1/4 54 64 1/4
John Becraft 10 1/2 22 1/2 33 1/4 43 1/4
John Emmons 10 1/2 22 29
Draper Lowry 10 1/2 21 1/4 31 1/2 42 1/2 52 1/4 64
F.D. Frazer 10 1/2 21 3/4 27
Frank Holmes 11 1/2 22 3/4 33 1/4 42 1/2 50 3/4 57
Tom Sheldon 10 1/2 20 29 1/2 37 3/4
Abe Holmes 10 19 3/4 29 1/2 39 1/2
Total No. of Miles
A. Cameron, 32 1/2 - First prise, $50; J. Becraft, 21 3/4; John Emmons, 11 1/2; D. Lowry, 32- Second prise, $30; F. D. Frazer, 13 1/2; F. Holmes, 28 1/2-- Third prise, $20; T. Sheldon, 16 7/8; Abe Holmes, 17 1/4.
Many amusing inccidents occurred during the day, but space will not permit to describe. The T.M.'s sat down to a grand dinner at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Thom, where, it was reporte, many "laps"-- of the tongue and jaws--- were made over the bounteous supply of luxories which the lady members contributed. In the evening an enjoyable dance was held at the Union hotel, and dancing with a go-as-you-please was indulged in by a large crowd until the 'wee sma' hours. We hope to spend many more pleasant holidays like the one recorded.
.• Event: Plumas National, 27 Nov 1880, Quincy, Plumas, California, United States. Page 3
The Waling Match - The Greenville Walking Match, on Thanksgiving Day, six-hours, go-as-you-please, was a success, and quite a crowd attended. The pools did not sell very lively, as it was thought that the parties were not evenly matched. The race began at 10 o'clock, sharp, with six entries, viz: A.N. Cameron, John Very, Draper Lowery, W.H. Leak, Peter Kelly, John Becraft. Very took the load for some time, but was overtaken and passed by Cameron, who went to the front and held the position all the way through. Kelly drew out first, with only eleven miles to record. Becraft dropped out next, with 15 1/2 miles. The contest then continued between the remaining four until eight minutes before the close, when Leak gave up all hopes of third money and dropped out, with 28 1/2 miles to his record. Cameron took first prise, amounting to $73, with 34 1/2 miles to his record, and exceeding his last year's record. Draper Lowery took second prise, $39, making 32 miles. John Very took the third prise, $20, recording 29 1/2 miles.• He appeared on the Federal census in 1900 in Seneca, Plumas Co, CA. John T Becraft, b Feb 1862, age 38y, married 17 years, born CA, farmer; wife Mary E, b Dec 1857, age 42y, (5 children, 5 living), born CA; son Clarence H, b Aug 1884, age 15y, born CA, at school; dau Grace V, b Aug 1886, age 13, born CA, at school; dau Pearl S, b Jan 1891, age 9y, born CA, at school; dau Frankie J, b July 1894, age 5y, born CA; dau Viola S, b Feb 1898, age 2y, born CA.
Hoosier, John L, boarder, b Feb 1823, age 77y, widowed, born IN, day laborer.• He appeared on the Federal census in 1910 in Seneca, Plumas Co, CA. John Thomas Becraft, age 48y; wife Marietta, age 52y; dau Frankie, age 15y; dau Gretta, age 12y; dau Thelma, age 8y.
• He appeared on the Federal census in 1920 in Sacramento, Sacramento, California, United States. John Becraft, age 58y; wife Etta, age 62y; dau Frankie, age 26y; dau Gretta, age 21y; dau Thelma, age 18y; Olive Gimblin, F, age 23y; Earl Gimblin, M, age 4y11m.
• He appeared on the Federal census in 1930 in Sacramento, Sacramento, California, United States. John T, age 68, born 1861, CA, Marrietta, age 72, born 1857, wife.
• His obituary was published in the Plumas National Bulletin on 6 Nov 1930. Plumas National Bulletin, Quincy - 6 November 1930 2;4 John Thomas
Becraft, a native of Plumas County and for many years a resident of Indian
Valley, died October 24 in his home in Sacramento following a siege of ill
health that had extended over a period of five years. Funeral services were
in Sacramento and were attended by a large number of friends and relatives.
J.T. Becraft was born in Plumas County February 28, 1862 to Mr. and Mrs.
James T. Becraft. November 14, 1883, he took as bride Marietta Hamilton of
Big Meadows, now the site of Lake Almanor Dam.
For a number of years Mr. and Mrs. Becraft made their home in Big Meadows, moving finally into Indian Valley where they resided until 1918 when they removed to a farm upon the outskirts of Sacramento.
Becraft was active in farming until about five years ago when poor health
compelled his retirement.
A loyal, loving husband and father and a good neighbor and friend, his
death is deeply mourned by all who knew him.
Becraft is survived by his wife, a son, Clarence H. Becraft of Oakland and
four daughters, Mrs. Grace McBroom of Oakland, Mrs. Frankie Raulett of
Sacramento, and Mrs. Gretta Packard and Mrs. Thelma Renkert, both of
Richmond. He leaves two brothers, Charles E. Becraft of Washington and
Cyrus L. Becraft of Oregon and a sister, Mrs. May Kendall of Sacramento.
.
Wife Marietta E Hamilton [6176]
Born: 13 Dec 1857 - Big Meadow, Calaveras, California, United States 4 5 6 Christened: Died: 23 May 1950 - Sacramento, Sacramento, California, United States 5 6![]()
Buried: - East Lawn Memorial Park, Sacramento, Sacramento Co, CA 1 FamilySearch ID: LCSB-YXF Find A Grave ID: 182127686Events
• She appeared on the Federal census in 1900 in Seneca, Plumas Co, CA. John T Becraft, b Feb 1862, age 38y, married 17 years, born CA, farmer; wife Mary E, b Dec 1857, age 42y, (5 children, 5 living), born CA; son Clarence H, b Aug 1884, age 15y, born CA, at school; dau Grace V, b Aug 1886, age 13, born CA, at school; dau Pearl S, b Jan 1891, age 9y, born CA, at school; dau Frankie J, b July 1894, age 5y, born CA; dau Viola S, b Feb 1898, age 2y, born CA.
• She appeared on the Federal census in 1910 in Seneca, Plumas Co, CA. John Thomas Becraft, age 48y; wife Marietta, age 52y; dau Frankie, age 15y; dau Gretta, age 12y; dau Thelma, age 8y.
• She appeared on the Federal census in 1920 in Sacramento, Sacramento, California, United States. John Becraft, age 58y; wife Etta, age 62y; dau Frankie, age 26y; dau Gretta, age 21y; dau Thelma, age 18y; Olive Gimblin, F, age 23y; Earl Gimblin, M, age 4y11m.
• Her sister's obituary appeared in the Plumas National Bulletin on 29 Mar 1923.
Plumas National Bulletin, Quincy, 29 March 1923 - 1:6
Plumas Daughter Goes to Final Rest in Great Beyond
Funeral services, followed by burial in the Taylorsville Cemetery were held Thursday afternoon, March 22, for Mrs. Isabelle Powers who died March 20, 1923, following an illness of approximately three years. The services were attended by many relatives and friends from all parts of the valley.
Ada Isabelle Hamilton Powers was born at Big Meadows, Plumas County, March 6, 1859. Her education was gained in the schools of the County and she resided at home until her marriage November 25, 1880 to Carmack Powers. To this union were born seven children, two sons and five daughters, all of whom were in attendance at the bedside of their mother, when death came, except Alida, who was kept away by illness.
In addition to the children, who are Walter and Wallace Powers, Mrs. Sadie Stark, Mrs. Rachel Kelley and Mrs. Amy Hardgrave of Taylorsville, Mrs. Alida Edson of Susanville and Mrs. Fay Bouchard of Palermo, Mrs. Powers is survived by her husband and four sisters, Mrs. Etta Becraft of Sacramento, Mrs. Mattie Thatcher of Redding, Mrs. Amy Overmeyer of Merced and Mrs. Josie Webb of Chico, and twelve grandchildren.
Mrs. Powers was a faithful wife, an unselfish and sacrificing mother, and a loving sister. Fond and tender memories of her loving kindness will long linger in the hearts of those who were dear to her. Staunch and true in her ideals of friendship she was ever ready to defend the cause of a friend.
During the three years of her sufferings, she had builded a monument of patience and faith that will always gleam in the memory of her friends. In her passing, the town has lot an ardent admirer of its beauty. And as we laid her away among the little first overlooking the town, we asked that her rest be deep and sweet. We commend her to our God, be radiant and beautiful.• She appeared on the Federal census in 1930 in Sacramento, Sacramento, California, United States. John T, age 68, born 1861, CA, Marrietta, age 72, born 1857, wife.
Children
1 M Clarence Hamilton Becraft [5609]
Born: 18 Aug 1884 - Plumas, California, United States 5 6 7 Christened:![]()
Died: 18 Apr 1940 - Oakland, Alameda, California, United States 6 8 Cause of Death: electrocuted Buried: FamilySearch ID: LZBQ-5GT Find A Grave ID: 235137240Spouse: Mary Margaret Cozzaglio [5610] (1895-1974) Marr: 31 Aug 1912 - Plumas, California, United States
2 F Grace Vivian Becraft [6289]
Born: 29 Aug 1886 - Big Meadows, Plumas Co, CA 5 6 Christened: Died: 15 Jul 1946 - Oakland, Alameda, California, United States 5 6 Buried: 18 Jul 1946 - Oakland, Alameda, California, United States FamilySearch ID: LH81-QLYSpouse: Fred McBroom [6290] (1884-1968) Marr: 19 Mar 1907 - Oakland, Alameda, California, United States
3 F Pearl Gladys Becraft [10824]
Born: 21 Jan 1891 - California, United States Christened:![]()
Died: 22 Jun 1905 - Plumas, California, United States![]()
Buried: - Greenville District Cemetery, Greenville, Plumas Co, CA 1 FamilySearch ID: 9VSW-CCT Find A Grave ID: 76674709Spouse: Did Not Marry
4 F Frankie Jo Becraft [6825]
Born: 3 Jul 1894 - California, United States 5 6 Christened: Died: 28 May 1983 - Sacramento Co, CA 5 6![]()
Buried: - East Lawn Memorial Park, Sacramento, Sacramento Co, CA 1 FamilySearch ID: 9VSW-CC1Spouse: Frank Benjamin Ranlett [6826] (1898-1957)
5 F Gretta Violamae Becraft [6827] 9
Born: 5 Feb 1898 - California, United States 5 9 Christened: Died: 28 Dec 1985 - Sacramento Co, CA 5 9 Buried: FamilySearch ID: LH81-QT2Spouse: Percy Magill Packard 10 [6828] (1901-1989) Marr: Abt 1922 11
6 F Thelma Dorothea Becraft [6829]
Born: 24 Sep 1901 - California, United States 5 6 Christened: Died: 22 Oct 1993 - Contra Costa, California, United States 5 6 Buried: FamilySearch ID: LH81-WD9Spouse: Renkert [6830] ( - )
Burial Notes: Wife - Marietta E Hamilton
Sec 8
1 Findagrave.com.
2 Tim Becraft, "Thomas."
3 Tim Becraft.
4 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "FamilySearch Family Tree," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org : accessed 21 Nov 2025), entry for Marietta E Hamilton, person ID LCSB-YXF.
5 California Death Index, 1940-1997 (Sacramento, Ca: State of California Department of Health Services, Center for Health Statistics, 19--.).
6 www.familytreelegends.com.
7 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "FamilySearch Family Tree," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org : accessed 6 Nov 2025), entry for Clarence Hamilton Becraft, person ID LZBQ-5GT.
8 California Death Index, 1940-1997 (Sacramento, Ca: State of California Department of Health Services, Center for Health Statistics, 19--.), 17 Apr 1940.
9 www.familytreelegends.com, California Deaths, 1940-1997.
10 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "FamilySearch Family Tree," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org : accessed 22 Nov 2025), entry for Percy M Packard, person ID LCM3-848.
11
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "FamilySearch Family Tree," database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org : accessed 22 Nov 2025), entry for Percy Magill Packard, person ID LCM3-848.
Table of Contents | Surnames | Name List
This website was created 2 Dec 2025 with Legacy 10.0, a division of MyHeritage.com; content copyrighted and maintained by castlewrks@aol.com