Pioneer Sketches
Charlotte (Dolan) Zerfing

Compiled by Nancy Smith

1/9/98
AMOS AND CHARLOTTE (DOLAN) ZERFING (Added two pictures of Cemetery, 14 Apr 2000)

CHARLOTTE DOLAN, daughter of--James and Nancy (Harrison) Dolan, was born in Waterford TWP, Washington County, Ohio, February 1843. Charlotte came with her parents to Iowa, arrived 20 April 1844. She was living with her parents when they moved to their permanent location south of Tipton in Center TWP. Her mother (Nancy) died in 1846 and her sister Malvinna cared for her in the home until her father remarried in 1851 to Amanda Stratton. She is still living with her father and step-mother on the 1860 census Center TWP, Cedar Co IA.

Charlotte married probably late 1860 or early 1861 AMOS ZERFING born 22 Aug 1834 in Upper Mahony TWP., Northumberland Co.,PA ,son of Nathan and Judith Amelia (Klock) Zerfing. They were a neighboring family in Center TWP of German descent. In the fall of 1860 the Zerfing family all began moving to Woodbury County, Iowa.

Amos and Charlotte moved to near Sioux City, Woodbury County, Iowa where they listed two children on the 1870 census. He was a farmer.
Sometime between 1876 and 1879, they went to California. On the 1880 Census CA, 5th District, Fresno Co. Amos is listed as a farm laborer, and had been out of work two months of the prior year. The child Kate is not listed.( I am assuming she died before 1880. Where?)

Charlotte is listed on her father's will in 1891 with no residence!!
By the 1900 CA Census, they have moved to San Jose TWP., San Luis Co.,CA
Only the two younger sons are still living with them. They have been married for 39 years, and have 6 children 5 living. Amos and the two sons are listed as farmers and owned their farm.

On the 1910 CA census they were in Morro TWP, San Luis Obispo, CA
with Arthur and Logenis still residing with them. Amos is 75 years old.

Amos died in 1916 and was buried in the Cayucos-Morro Bay Cemetery.
He is no longer listed on the 1920 CA Census Morris TWP, Cayucos precinct, San Luis Obispo.CA.

1920 Charlotte is still living with Arthur and Logenis and they are both still single. An Emma Cast is living with them age 63.

Charlotte is mentioned in her sister Malvinna Dolan Peacock's obituary 25 June 1931 as surviving sister and living in California.(Sirfing)

According to Charlotte's obituary, she died 21 August 1931 at her ranch home on Old creek, and was buried in the Cayucos-Morro Bay Cemetery. which was only months after the passing of her sister. She was the final child to die of the five children in her father's first marriage to Nancy Harrison.
Her son Nathan was of Los Angeles, Anna L. of Cayucos, Mrs. W.A.(Julietta)Fairbanks of Fresno, Arthur L. and Lute F. were still in Cayucos CA.

Children of Amos and Charlotte Zerfing:
* 1. Nathan C.. born January 1863 IA married Nancy Davis (Census1920, In Monterey Park CA)
2. Kate born about 1866 (4 on 1870 census)probably died before 1880 census
* 3. Anna Lee born 11 July 1871 IA ; 1900 San Francisco Co., San Francisco City, CA: 1920 San Jose City, Santa Clara Co. CA:1931
living in Caycucos, San Luis Obispo C. CA. She died 14 November 1954 and is buried in Cayucos-Morro Bay Cemetery, San Luis Obispo Co. CA. Never married.
* 4. Julietta born January 1873 IA married William A. Fairbanks
* 5. Arthur L. born 13 January 1876 IA, 1931 on Cayucos Ranch San Luis Obispo Co CA. He died on 30 Oct 1955, and is buried in Cayucos-Morro Bay Cemetery, San Luis Obispo Co, CA. Never married.
* 6. Louzanis Franklin born 21 October 1879 (probably Fresno Co.) C,A 1931 on Cayucos Ranch San Luis Obispo Co., CA. He died 6 May 1952 and is buried in Cayucos-Morro Bay Cemetary, San Luis Obispo Co, CA. Probably never married.



NATHAN C. ZERFING, son of Amos and Charlotte (Dolan) Zerfing was born in Iowa , January 1863. He lived with his parents in Woodbury Co. IA until about 1876-1879 when they moved to Fresno Co. CA
Nathan married 28 February 1892 Nancy Davis born June 1860 in Tennessee. They were married by Rev.T.C. Miller in Paso Robles,San Luis Obispo, CA. ( Book D 137)
1900 CA Census Arroyo Grande TWP., San Luis Obispo Co. They are listed as having 5 children 4 living.
1910 CA Census San Luis Obispo Co- Child May not listed
1920 CA Montery Park City, Los Angeles Co.
Nathan's death was before 1954 as he was not listed as a surviving relative at sister Anna's death in 1954.

Children of Nathan and Nancy Zerfing:
* 1. Lottie A (probably Charlotte Ann) born 18 June 1893 Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo Co. CA -Married Maurice J. Pettijohn
* 2. Mary Jane born 6 June 1895 LaPaloma Station-Married C.A.Ganoung
3. Infant Date unknown
4. Henry born February 1898 CA - Married Florence born1900 CA
1920 Ca census Monterey Park, Los Angeles Co. CA
5. May born May 1900 CA Probably died beford 1910.



LOTTIE A. ZERFING, daughter of Nathan and Nancy (Davis) Zerfing was born 18 June 1893 Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo Co. CA.She married MAURICE J. PETTIJOHN born November 1891 Sedgewick Co.,KS son of James H. and Rosa Pettijohn. They were married on 13 April 1911 by L.C. Routzohn in Arroyo Grande,San Luis Obispo Co. CA.(Book I Page 189)
In the 1920 CA Census they are living in Monterey Park City, San Antonio TWP, Los Angeles Co., ED 11 Page 11 and had 4 children. He was working in the oil fields in 1920.
She remarried to Alfred Ash before 1954. She is listed as Mrs. Alfred Ash on Anna Zerfing death certificate, and Mrs. Ann Ash on Arthur's death certificate in 1955. She was living in Long Beach at that time. Alfred Ash was born 26 February 1913 and died 15 Dec 1994. His residence was listed as Fair Oaks Sacramento, CA on SS# record.
Lottie Ann's death record has not been found.
In 1955 on Lottie's delayed birth certificate, she is at 1955 Steamlee Ave., Long Beach, CA. 6/13/55

Children of Maurice and Charlotte Pettijohn:
* 1. Rose born 1912 CA
2. Jenette born 1914 CA
3. June born 1915 CA
4. Lois born 1918 CA



ROSE PETTIJOHN, daughter of Maurice and Lottie (Zerfing), was born 18 Dec 1911. She probably married Stevan Pavitt . A Mrs. Stevan Pavitt of San Luis Obispo (grand-niece) is listed on Anna Zerfing death certificate. A Rose Pavitt is listed on SS# as died 4 November 1993 of Coos Bay, Coos, OR 97420
1. Stevan Pavitt may be a child born 5 Nov 1935 issuing state is CA and died Oct 1976 New Braunfels, ComalCo., TX



MARY JANE ZERFING, daughter of Nathan and Nancy (Davis) Zerfing was born 6 June 1895 LaPaloma Station, San Luis Obispo Co., CA. She married C.A. GANOUNG on 22 September 1914 (from delayed birth certificate) Mary Jane died 5 February 1988 Santa Barbara, Santa Maria Co. CA (SS#)
Her address in 1955 was 501 N. LIncoln, Santa Maria , CA. (on delayed birth certificate)
Mary was the informant on both Anna and Arthur Zerfing's death certificates. She is listed as Mrs. (W.H.) Ganoung in 1954 (Anna) and Mrs. Mary Ganoung in 1955 (Arthur).

A William Ganoung born 29 Nov 1887 died Oct 1964 SS#Issuing state is CA
not checked.

Children of C.A. and Mary Jane Ganoung:
1. Child born 7 February 1917(childs orig birth cert on Mary Janes delayed birth cert)



ANNA LEE ZERFING, daughter of Amos and Charlotte (Dolan) Zerfing was born 11 July 1871 in Woodbury Co., IA. She was single all her life. Anna is found in 1900 census San Francisco Co., San Francisco City , CA.. In 1920 census, she has moved to San Jose City, Santa Clara Co.,CA. By 1931 when her mother died, Anna is back living in Caycucos, San Luis Obispo CO. CA--probably on the ranch with her brothers.
She and her brothers moved to San Luis Obispo City in 1937 and lived at 1228 Mill Street. She kept house for her brothers for 17 Years in SLO and before that on the ranch at Old Creek after her mother died in 1931. Brother Louzanis Franklin died before her in 1952. She was 83 years, 4 months, 3 days old when she died at SLO General Hospital. Cause of death was Cerebral vascular accident, and generalized arteriosclerosis. She was hospitalized for 35 days.
Anna died 14 November 1954 and is buried in Cayucos-Morro Bay Cemetery, San Luis Obispo Co., CA. Her sister Julia and brother Arthur were both still living when she died.



JULIETTA E. ZERFING, daughter of Amos and Charlotte (Dolan) Zerfing was born January 1873 in Woodbury Co. IA. She married WILLIAM A. FAIRBANKS born February 1871 CA, son of Augustus D. and Ruth Fairbanks both from IN. (1880 Census CA Morro City, Morrow TWP, San Luis Obispo CO,CA) Julietta and William were married 1 November 1893 by A.F. Hubbard in Santa Margarita, CA. (Book D Page 346)
1900 CA Census San Luis Obispo Co San Jose TWP (ED30 St5 Line 24) 4 children, William was a farmer.
1910 CA Census Fresno Co TWP #4 (ED53 St8) 4 children 4 living.William a farmer.
1920 CA Census Fresno Co. (ED15 ST8 Line79) 1 child William Jr. was still living at home.William Sr. was still a farmer and William Jr. a laborer.
Julia was still alive in 1955 as she made an affidavit for Mary Jane, and Ann Zerfing for their delayed birth certificates. 6/23/55
Julia is listed as Mrs. W.A. Fairbanks in 1954 and Mrs. Julia Fairbanks in 1955. She is living in Taft, Kern Co. CA in both those years. She was almost 83 years old at that time.
She is the only surviving sibling at Arthur L.'s death.

Children of William and Julietta Fairbanks:
* 1. Alsie M. born 18 September 1894 CA -not on parents 1920 Census
She married George Butlin. She died in April 1985 in Taft,Kern Co. CA
2. Winfred L. born July 1896 CA- not on parents 1920 Census
Not listed on either Anna or Arthur's death certificate. (Death before 1954.)
* 3. Hilla S. born February 1898 CA- not on parents 1920 Census
* 4. William A. born January 1900 CA- living at home on 1920 parents Census



ALSIE M. FAIRBANKS,daughter of William and Julietta (Zerfing) Fairbanks was born 18 September 1894 CA. She married before 1920 to George Butlin. He was born 19 January 1894 She is mentioned as Mrs. George Butlin on Anna Zerfing's death certificate in 1954 as a niece. She is listed as Mrs. Alsie Butlin in 1955 on Arthur's death certificate. She is living in Taft, Kern Co., Ca at that time. Children?
Her husband George died in July 1973 in Taft, and Alsie died in April 1985 also in Taft, Kern Co. CA. Her mother Julia was also living in Taft in 1955.



HILLA S. FAIRBANKS, daughter of William and Julietta (Zerfing) Fairbanks was born in February 1898 CA. She married Verne DeTar (sp?).
She is mentioned as Mrs. George DeTar on Anna Zerfing's death certificate in 1954 and Mrs. Hilda DeTar on Arthur's death certificatein 1955. Her residence is listed as Sicisan ? in 1954 and California in 1955. Children?



WILLIAM A. FAIRBANKS, son of William and Julietta (Zerfing) Fairbanks was born in January 1900 Ca. He is still living at home on 1920 parents census.
On Aunt Anna Zerfing death certificate he is listed as her nephew and living in Honolula, HI. On Uncle Arthur Zerfing death certificate he is listed as Judge William Fairbanks and living still in Honolula,HI. Marriage and children are unknown.




ARTHUR L. ZERFING, son of Amos and Charlotte (Dolan) Zerfing was born 13 January 1876. His birthplace was Taggert ?, Woodbury Co., IA. He worked with his father until Amos died in 1916 and then he and his brother carried on the work on the ranch on Old Creek. They had a dairy farm. His sister kept the house for them. After his mother died, they sold the ranch and moved to San Luis Obispo City at 1228 Mill Street.
He died on 30 October 1955 in San Luis Obisbo General Hospital after a six wk illness. Cause of his death was cardio-respiratory failure and cerebral-vascular accident. He was single and not a veteran. He was buried at Cayucos-Morro Bay Cemetery, San Luis Obispo Co., CA.



LOUZANIS FRANKLIN ZERFING, son of Amos and Charlotte (Dolan) Zerfing was born 21 October 1879 in California probably Fresno CO. He worked as rancher and dairy farmer with his brother Arthur until they retired to San Luis Obispo in 1937. The three, Franklin, Arthur and Anna, lived together there until Louzanis Franklin died 6 May 1952. He was single. He was buried in the family plot in Cayucos-Morris Bay Cemetary, San Luis Obispo Co.,Ca. This cemetary is near where the family ranch had been.

This page created 30 Jan 1998. Last updated 14 April 2000, by Nancy Smith.

Cayucos-Morris Bay Cemetary, San Luis Obispo Co.,Ca
The Pacific Ocean can be seen in the background, even a ship on the left, if you look real close.
Old Creek Road comes in from the right. Freeway 10 to Cayucos goes to the right, also, closer to the ocean.
The Zerfing plot is near the right, about half way back.
Thanks to the Cemetery maintenance man for the photo.

April 14, 2000: Came across two more pictures from the above cemetery, received from Carolyn M. Johnson of Palo Alto, CA, in March 1998:

Zerfing Marker

Son - Arthur L; Daughter - Anna L; Son - Louzanis;

Father - Amos; Mother - Charlotte

Father - Amos, Mother - Charlotte

Nancy standing behind the stone of James Dolan, Mt. Zion Cemetery, Cedar County, South of Tipton, IA.
Also buried nearby are his wife, Amanda, son, George B., as well as two children of George B, Susie and Blanche.