NL #54, March-April 2007

In this issue we describe the Delano connection to the Alexander Valley in California, where our 2007 reunion will be held on June 29 and 30. Many DELANOs have settled in the Pacific Coast States; however at this Reunion we celebrate the DELANO/Fitch/Carrillo connection. The DELANO ancestor who was responsible for this connection was Henry Delano Fitch. He married Josefa Carrillo of a prominent San Diego family when California was under Spanish rule. Henry D. Fitch was the son of Capt. Beriah Fitch and Sally Delano5 (Thomas4, Thomas 3, Lt Jonathan2, Philippe1). Sally (sometimes called Sarah) has the DFIP descent number 640. Henry was born on 7 May 1798 and went to sea at the age of 17. Through marriage, Capt. Fitch became the landowner of Rancho Sotoyome. The Rancho?s 48,800 acres included the entire Alexander Valley as well as land outside the valley. Fitch hired Cyrus Alexander to manage the ranch. Later Alexander left Fitch?s employ to start his own ranch. Fitch hired the brother of Kit Carson to carry on the management of Rancho Sotoyome. The valley later became known by Alexander?s name. Today the site of Alexander?s homestead and part of his ranch are located on the land owned by the Alexander Valley Winery. We happily take note of Cousin John Ely Marsland?s centennial birthday celebration, held at his home near Easton, Maryland on 19 January 2007 and offer our congratulations. Also in this issue we announce that we are upgrading the standard for our DNA testing program from a 25-marker test to a 37-marker test, in line with recommendations from the International Society of Genetic Genealogists (ISOGG). To view this newsletter in it is entirety, click here