Cyrus Grundy Dorris
Died in Alturas Cal, Oct 17, 1903, Cyrus Grundy Dorris, a native of Illinois, aged 72 years 8 months 13 days. "Uncle Doc Dorris" as he was known was born in Fulton County, Illinois, Jan. 4 1831. At the age of nine years his parents moved to Missouri where he grew to manhood. In 1847 he enlisted in the Mexican War at Ft. Levenworth, Missouri, and was sent out on the frontier. In 1848 honorably discharged at the same place. In 1850 he crossed the plains with his brother Presley Dorris and two cousins James and Hiram Davis. In 1850 to 1856 he ran a pack train from Roseburg to the mines and from Sacramento the mines. He had several encounters with the Indians while with the train. At one time he was shot in the head with an arrow. At the time he was interested in mining in Siskiyou County and in 1856 he with his parents moved to Petaluma where he was engaged in the stock and dairy business. In 1860 he and his younger brother Columbus, and parents moved to Benicia, Solano County. August 22, 1860 he was married to Elizabeth Barnes daughter of the late Dr. Barnes of Petaluma, to whom was born 13 children, 10 of whom are living. There are 7 sons and 3 daughters, Mrs. Letha Coffer of Alturas, Vernile of Montana, Edger A., Rolland D.D., Ira C. and Wiley G., Greene W. and Elsie S. of Alturas, and Minnie Bonner of Willow Ranch and Wallace T. of Montana. In 1871 he with his family and his brother Columbus and family and his Moth started for this place, but on account of his wife's health was compelled to stay all winter in Fall River Valley. The 29th of June 1872, he arrived in Alturas, where he resided until the time of his death. He is survived by one brother Carlos J. Dorris, and a sister Parthena Hayes both of this place.
The New Era
Oct 21 1903
CG Dorris Passes AwayC.G. Dorris on of the first settlers of this valley, passed peacefully away last Saturday afternoon at his home in Alturas, at the ripe age of 74 years. He was sticken with paralysis some time ago, and has since continued to fail until death relived him. The funeral took place Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock and Rev. Winthrow preached the sermon at his church. The choir sang several beautiful and appropriate hyms, after which the remains were followed by a large procession relitives and friend, to their resting place in the Masonic Cemetery. "Doc" Dorris, as he was familary called, was about the first white settler in the valley, and at one time was worth $50,000. Business reverses followed one another until at the time of his death he was a poor man, and many commendable traits of character. He leaves an aged wife, seven sons, Vernile, Edger, Rolland, Ira, Greene, Wiley, two daughters Mrs. E.V. Coffer and Miss Elsie, and an aged brother Carlos, to mourn his loss. We extend our deepest sympathy to the bereaved family.
(Comments), Cyrus Grundy Dorris had three living daughters this obit failed to mention. Minta Dorris Bonner, Mrs. E.V. Coffer is Letha Coffer Dorris.
Information provided to Roberta P. Lewis by Kathren Ferl Transcribed article as received. Spelling errors has not been corrected.
Donated by Roberta P. Lewis
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Last updated March 2008