1892 Modesto Grave of a Posse Victim of Train Robbers Sontag & Evans
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- Опубліковано 30 січ 2025
- Jeff will revisit the grave of a 42-year-old federal deputy Andrew McGinnes who was fatally shot while trying to apprehended the train robbers John Sontag and Christopher Evans. The deputy was ambushed by the train robbers who had held up in a Fresno County foothill cabin on Sept. 13, 1892. His body was taken to Modesto for burial.
#trainrobbers #modesto #historyhunters
As a lifelong Modesto resident, ( 60 yrs) with a minor in History concentration on San Joaquin Valley/Sierra Nevada, this channel is MUCH appreciated! Thanks!
PLEASE do more Modesto area videos! I am from the Ceres area, and have followed you for years 🙏
Sorry to hear about the loss of your Uncle Roy Dodd. Know this has been a tough time for your family, and our prayers are with you guys as always!
Hi Jeff, first off, we wish you condolences on the loss of your uncle. Sorry to hear about his passing. We always enjoy your videos around the area we grew up in and visited. One thing that I find interesting in your videos, even in the mid 1800's, how much and how far people traveled. We dont think a thing about hopping in the car and driving 1000 miles in 2 days (or less). For them, that kind of travel was months. Excellent video as always.
Thanks Jeff! Another great adventure. I enjoy following along and reading comments left by your viewers. Looking forward to your next post! Take care and stay safe!!
Wow thanks! Glad the comments keep you entertained as well! We appreciate you watching and engaging!
Love History Hunters always so interesting thank you for taking us along
Thanks for the info I have never heard of these 2 guys. Keep'em coming you rock
Hi!! Just found you on you tube, I always loved history Thank You from over a 70 old. God bless you all.
Welcome to our channel! How did you find us?
I do so enjoy your teaching 😀 I have listened to many of stories. I have learned many things I didn't know. Thanks 👍😊
How funny. I drove right by that cemetery a few days ago when I was in Modesto. It's just a few blocks away from George Lucas' former childhood home, which you probably already know. I didn't have time to stop in on this trip, so thanks for the preview, Jeff!
Another great one!! Love that you show things like where the Livery was located. Keep them coming!
Thanks, will do!
Jeff, It’s terrible to hear about your loss and I express my sincere condolences to you and your family. Thank you, for your great videos!
You’re historical videos are very interesting and educational. Great work!
Thank you very much, Mr. Thomson!
Absolutely love your "old west" episodes, keep up the great work!
Thanks guys !! Always so great, its like going back in time ..love it
Glad you enjoy it!
Your research and editing is amazing , another great history lesson thank you ,
Also I’m sorry for your loss
Good morning Jeff. I'd like to offer my sympathy and condolences to you and your family for the loss of your Uncle.
As on other episodes, I've learned much about our local history, thank you for shedding light on some of our colorful characters.
I'm looking forward to seeing and hearing more about this vast San Joaquin Valley's past.
Stan in Ceres
Thank you. I lost my wife in 2013, my grandmother in 2015, my mom in 2020 and my uncle this month.
@@jbenziggy Oh my goodness Jeff, I am so sorry for your family.
I was talking to one of my brothers yesterday and he was telling me that he knows 20 people who passed away because of the Coronavirus. Losing a family member is hard especially a parent. My dear mother passed away in March of 1993. It is especially hard during the Holiday season.
God Bless you.
Another great video.. Also I just want to convey my condolences on the passing of your Mom and Uncle. May they rest in peace eternally. Please keep your videos coming, I really enjoy them...Take care you two..
Thanks so much! Used to live in Visalia, Exeter, Tulare & Pixley. Can’t tell you how much these videos mean!♥️ We absolutely love your videos. Our condolences to you and your family.
Thanks for your condolences and many thanks for being such a great fan of our channel, Melinda!
@@jbenziggy ♥️
A lot of work went into this . Great History lesson as always and a great Video Thankyou Jeff
Thank you History Hunters for sharing this story and for you taking out time searching all this information. 👍
Thanks for another great episode! My condolences to you, Sara and your family on your Mom and Uncle's passings...
Thanks very much Daniel. 🥲
Always look forward to your travels and in depth history !
Sorry about your uncle. Nice tribute. Thanks once again for giving me something to look forward to each week.
Thank you. I lost my mom and her brother in a four-month span.
@@jbenziggy I'm so sorry Jeff. My brother died from cancer recently and I can't imagine losing so many loved ones in so short a time. My thoughts are with you.
I recently discovered your channel and have really been enjoying them and am slowly making my way through them all. It is fun to see the stories behind places near where I grew up.
My wife and I will likely be visiting Visalia to visit family in early April. I might try to visit a few of the historic places from this video when we are there. I've also spent a lot of time visiting old cemeteries, small local museums, etc., much to the chagrin of my friends and family. It is nice to see I am not alone in this obsession.
I always look forward to your videos and they never disappoint.
I'm surprised Evans was given a life sentence for 1st degree murder (two deputies), yet was still paroled! Especially back then.
Another excellent in depth bandit story from y'guys, thanks!
And condolences on the passing of your uncle.
Thanks for watching and commenting! I appreciate the condolences too. Thank you. I lost my mom and her brother in a four-month span.
It’s devastating to lose loved ones. I’m at the age where i’m loosing friends and relatives at an alarming rate. Sorry for your losses Jeff.
Actually, many criminals received relatively light sentences for serious crimes back then. Lawmen were considered rather expendable.
@@jbenziggy condolences for your loss.
@@jbenziggy so sorry to hear Jeff, much sympathy and condolences.
Hello, so enjoyed this video, my Grandmother said her parents had two mules name Sontag and Evans. My Grandmother grew up on the Bangs Ranch, North of Modesto telling me of life on the Bangs Ranch. The Bangs home was located on the corner of Bangs Ave. and Mc Henry Rd.
My Great Great Grandparents were Romulo and Isabella Bangs, Romulo being born in Mexico and Isabella in Scotland. The couple came to Modesto in the 1850;s once by covered wagon and the last time via the new Transcontinental Railroad. Romulo's Brother, Vital Bangs served in the California State Legislature.
Love Modesto History!
So many little bits of history that are so interesting that we miss as we go through our lives. Thanks
Great job Jeff! I really liked this one! Train robbers from the old west time and more!
All the pictures and all the time you put in for the research is much appreciated and as always, makes a great video! Thoroughly enjoyed! Take care now and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family with your Uncle’s passing. I know that’s a very hard thing to deal with. Maybe reflect on all the great times and memories you all had together and maybe that’ll give you a little extra strength and motivation to carry on. Hang in there and wishing you the best, Sincerely, Frank from Philadelphia, PA.
Thank you Frank. Yeah Uncle Roy always supported our videos with great comments and believed in his nephew. He was one smart man who loved history! Thanks for your expression of condolences -- I really do appreciate that sir!
You are very welcome!
I’ve watched several of your videos so far, and have enjoyed each of them. Kudos.
Awesome, thank you! We try to come out with a new one every Sunday!
That was a outstanding bit of history and well presented. A viewing pleasure as always.
Your effort into making these are phenomenal. Big thank you!
As a retired law enforcement officer I enjoy any video recounting the old LE history. Another great video and as always thanks for taking us on the adventure.
Thanks! And thank you for your service to a portion of our country! It’s not an easy job keeping the peace.
I love your channel and history.
I’m sorry for the loss of your beloved uncle.
I must tell you Jeff and Sarah....I gave up my DirecTV a few weeks ago, so I only stream now when I watch TV. I watch your programming more than anything else now! Thanks for the excellent work! God Bless you two and your family!
Now that is a great compliment! Thanks so very much for enjoying our program. It pleases us to know you are appreciating our work! We try to put a new video out every Sunday!!! Thanks again, Tommy!
@@jbenziggy I know you most likely get this a lot, but I would love to meet you one day over a cup of coffee or a cocktail, whichever way you like! I am from Pittsburgh but have been in Atlanta since 1989. I just turned 57 yesterday. I used to get to Gettysburg once a quarter, just love that place, could live there but my wife would never go for that move! I am looking forward to getting back into history as you guys have inspired me. I have a large library, but my focus on work these past 10 years has left those books very dusty. A March To the Sea tour would be very cool as there are some old sites that would require some trespassing, lol! I will keep watching for certain. If there is anyway I could help you in your endeavors, please reach out to me. I Hope to meet you one day on a history trail somewhere!
Another great narrative. FWIW, I worked in the Merrill Lynch bldg and frequently drove by that corner. It staggers me to learn that so much has happened in that area. FWIW, I was suprised that the McGinnes monument was erected by E. Clampus Vitus.
-> Did trains always carry cash or equivalents, say for payroll or emergencies? Or did Sontag, Evans and others have a way of know when it would be worthwhile to rob a specific train?
I was equally gobsmacked by your video on Dorothea Lange's photos from the Depression. I walk by so many places of note every day, unaware.
I love these local history videos and how you honor the good people. You just don't make it about the criminals but you talk about the families of the victims which I think that is way more important. For them life stops after a tragedy but they have to push forward in honor of their lost loved ones. Great investigating and finding the locations and comparing it with old photographs or drawings. So sorry for your loss. So much of that going around. I lost my grandpa and grandma on my mom's side and my wife recently lost her grandpa. She is the only one with a grandparent left since all of mine are now gone. Remember to tell the people you love how much you love them since we never know when we will be called up to meet our heavenly Father. Say hi to the Bean for me 😉.
Sorry for the losses to your family. Jeff and I each have one parent still and I have a grandmother who reached 94 this past November. Losses are never easy. Thank you for your continued support.
Keep up the great history lessons and I'll keep watching.
Jeff, you do such an amazing job of research and, like this story, about people I've never heard of - thank you!
Jeff your a brilliant historian my friend you make these stories so easy to grab a hold of and interesting. California has so much history i didn't understand just how much until seeing your page on here. As usual another absolutely great interesting story. Thanks so much.
I enjoy all the research he puts into each of his travels.
Another AWESOME video, Thank You for your interest in history. We are sorry for your loss of your Uncle, he looked like a very nice Gentleman.
Thank you kind sir. We appreciate your sentiments
Incredible research you do for these wonderful videos... thank you! Sorry to hear about your uncle. Hope you and Sarah are doing well. 🇺🇸🚜👍
We are doing fine and are blessed. Thanks For asking!
Great story! Great episode! The photos and visiting the graves really brings the story to life. It must be interesting and fun to research a story like that.
Sorry for your loss Jeff.
Thanks for another great video.
So much great information. I have been sharing your channel with my family and friends
I know that area fairly well and never heard such stories. Thanks for sharing.
Sorry to hear of the passing of your uncle and mother. Enjoyed the video immensely. Usually us Canadians' wind up in the U.S. as actors,comedians and hockey players,not outlaws! Always look forward to your videos. Hans
Many thanks for another excellent video. Condolences to you for your loss Jeff. Happy trails Mr Roy G. Dodd.
Thank you very much for your sentiments!
@@jbenziggy ❤️
Thanks Jeff, great details of our history. So interesting. You really bring them to life.
Central California Watching
Jeff, this was so interesting. I had never heard of these bandits. I love how you disperse pictures, imagery, and facts from the past with scenes from the present. As always, this video was thoroughly enjoyable and informative.💥👏👍👏
Another well researched video! Thanks!👍
Thank you! We love your videos.♥️😊
Hey Jeff great video there's a lot of history out west I think my great great kin folk Jesse James rode out west I enjoy your videos you and Sara are awesome god bliss Randy from Kentucky.
There's more great history in California than most people expect! Thank you for the very kind comments! We certainly do appreciate them, Randy!
Really enjoyed this video.i watched the cool hand luke .absolutely brilliant.i travel in the usa every year.sadly not this year.thanks for all these videos.feel like I'm there when I watch your videos.love from ireland
Fascinating. Makes me love California even more. On a side note, do you sell merch? I would love a History Hunters shirt!
We are working on getting the art for t-shirts stay tuned.
Hi ! Love all your history vlogs ,very interesting and informative ! Stay safe and keep on vlogging! My condolences on the loss of your family members .take care . Deborah Winnipeg Canada
I watched this episode this morning on my 80" LCD wall mounted TV.....I highly recommend it....oh, and we missed Sarah this morning. You briefly had a shot of the old mental hospital in Stockton. I believe it is still there, but located in a 'not so good' part of town. I think it was a victim of the Governor Reagan years in CA where most of the State Mental Hospitals went away. I'd love to see a video on those existing buildings. They are beautiful.......Russell D.
Wasn't able to be apart of this episode but appreciate your mention. Thank you for watching!
Reagan didn’t shut the hospitals. That misstates what really happened.
I love your channel I live and own Contentment Brewing Company in Modesto. I love local history and you guys are doing a fantastic job of highlighting the Central Valley! Our building was originally a 7up bottling plant. Cheers!
Hey thanks! We love your comment! By the way I have a letter signed by actress Joan Crawford in which she mentions visiting the Modesto Pepsi bottling plant!
@@jbenziggy wow! Do you think it's the same place on 208 campus way. The brewery was built in the 50s. It has a bunch of water spigots and drains in weird places. It also has an old drop safe. We don't know much about the building but it keeps surprising us. I'm not sure if you drink beer but we also make cream soda and root beer. I'd love to show you the building, we are also across from the huge grain silo. That place is pretty interesting also. We are located at the end of the old tide water railway aka now Virginia Corridor walking trail.
Another great video Jeff. Blessings from Texas
Thank you very much, Kenny Bob! I’m glad that you liked it.
Thanks as always. Larry Miller San Diego Ca. Retired
You are welcome but I have to thank you for watching. I appreciate that.
Always a great video from you jeff an more condolences for the loss of your uncle . Least his sister will be waiting for him so at least that some comfort . Sending my best wishes as always , take some time out an spend time with your family as we will be here when your ready to return .
Thank you. You are very kind! I appreciate your thoughts at this time.
My in laws family headstone is also in this video in the distance. They are buried in the section across from McGinnis where the shed is there. Good to know about the stones being put at the feet of the people buried there. I did not know that. Thank you.
Great video I'm a resident of Modesto..Thank You RIP To your Uncle Roy... Jeff
Great video as always! How do you find this stuff?
Love it! Thanks for this. We love watching the history of home.♥️
Thanks very much! We appreciate you being a constant viewer!
I'd love to read that autobiography, completely turning one's life around must be an interesting tale.
So sorry for your bereavements, Jeff. God bless🙏
Thank you very much! God bless you too!
I appreciate the length to which you go to obtain facts to the story you report on. Thank You 🙂
Thanks Norm! It’s a labor of love! Too many on UA-cam don’t do their homework!
McGinnes grave is adjacent to my great grandfathers grave. Very cool to have learned the history! Thank you!
Jeff-we are very sorry for your loss. You lost your mom & now your uncle. We are keeping you on our prayers. We hope you have spiritual strength. Thank you to you & Sarah. My wife & I really enjoy watching your channel. 🙏🥀😁
excellent video once again! Great job!
Glad you enjoyed it, Jackie! Thanks for leaving a comment! Nice!
Really interesting story about these less then famous outlaws. Thanks for uncovering another cool story of California history!
Glad you enjoyed it, Greg! Thanks for letting us/me know. Jeff
Fascinating Stanislaus Co history!
Love all this history!! Anyone who has traveled 99 between Fresno snd Bakersfield should know those towns!! I see a few of these bad guys ended up in Folsom.. I had the duty one time to deliver some lumber deep down in the old part! Had a guard in the cab with me.. we had to stop at 4 different gates shut the truck off both get out raise our hands in the air as we turned around!! My Body guard was unarmed!! Was sure glad to get out of there!! Thanks Jeff 👍👍
I love these videos another great one Jeff
Thanks 👍
Hey Guys, first of all: My Condolences to you. Sad to read your Loss. Besides that, very interesting Episode. Never heard of these two Folks before. Wonder if Sontag came originally from Germany. Sonntag (spelled out with 2 N) is the german Word for Sunday. Always love the old Photographs and Footage you´re digging out. Makes History alive! And of course: great Choice of Music ;)) A lovely Tune by the great Mr. Emmanuel. btw: I´ve send you an Email some Days ago with some Music attached. Hope it isn´t landed in Spam. If you recieved it but being too busy to answer atm, np take your time. However, wish you Guys a happy Week. All the best to you :)
Thank you, sir! You are amazing! Yes, I did receive your email, just haven't had time to respond. Life has been very busy! I so appreciate your offer of music! It adds so much to my videos! I will get back to you!
@@jbenziggy That´s great to read and hey man... absolutely my Pleaure. Your Videos are great Edutainment and give so much Joy, i´m glad to contribute a bit back. Take your time, no need to hurry. Wish you a good time over there! :)
Is the photo at 1:17 (and used in the end credits) a photo of a re-creation of the shootout, or is that actually a photo of it happening in real time? I know they had photographers come with for things like this back then, but they also liked to recreate and pose people/bodies, so I suppose it could be either.
Good point! .. My opinion is , the photos are re- creations but re- creations. They did that a lot. Maybe even the actual participants even the dead guy . They would live the body on display. Sometimes charging $ to see the corpus. At that time the News papers and dime novels would’ve been all over stuff like that.
Another great episode! I love hearing about the history of my birthstate.
Love these kinda stories, thanks .
First time learning of this history thanks again
Another great video! You guys are awesome!
Interesting story. I had never heard of these 3 before. Thanks again Jeff.
Glad you enjoyed it Melissa!
Great video and interesting history.
I lived in the town of Hanford and visited freson many times I also have family in Visalia Goshen, Tulare pixley etc I now reside in Modesto I never knew any of this and now my interest is much active thank you for this video
So sorry for both of your loses Jeff. It's tough, hang in.....Thanks for this really interesting video, I will re watch. I live in the Minnesota river valley you speak of, very close to St. Peter, Mankato and Kasota so the Contag and Sondag names are very familiar here.
I’m surprised there has been no movies about these guys that I know of. I’ve read a lot about them and wondered where that cabin is where they killed the three lawmen. The “Mussel Slough” gunfight in Hanford where the railroad double crossed the farmers was touched on in a “The Big Valley” episode.
Outstanding Jeff!
this was an exciting episode! I had no idea!
Jeff, good video, excellent story telling
Thank you kindly!
Lived in modesto most of my life and never heard about this
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Great Vlog....Thanks...
Thanks very much for watching and commenting!
Len Harris was my 4x Great Uncle, he is buried in the old Sacramento City Cemetery with his family. You should there sometime , lots of interesting early California history there. Thank you for the great videos you make. Wait.... you did go there!
Discovered History Hunters and it's great, great, great. The episode on Alabama Hills was pure gold. I've always been curious about Big Bear. Is there anything worse visiting there?
Thanks very much, Richard! I appreciate your wholehearted endorsement! Sadly we have never been to Big Bear to tell you if it’s worth seeing!
Very interesting.....keep up the good work
Thanks, will do! I appreciate your support!
So sorry for your loss Jeff. Prayers to you and your family.
Thank you Lorna! I do appreciate that!
I have family that live in modesto and im interested in this kind of stuff. I would love to go on a tour with you.
Glad I saw this. The kids from Stone Corral Elementary School (grades K-8) in Seville go to the high school where I am Principal, and I use some Sontag-Evans trivia in my bulletins from time to time.
The story is that if they got to the foothills they were almost impossible to find. I’m actually somewhat surprised there hasn’t been a significant movie about the gang, as it has a lot of interesting pieces.
Still surprised Evans was paroled considering several people were killed.
Always great history!
How interesting. Thank you for all that research. Now when I go to the cemetery, I will see that marker and know the story behind it.
Great show thanks. My heart is pretty sad without a sighting of Sara..❤️
I'll try to coax her into some shows coming up!
An Old historian told me a story some 25 years ago about Feuding Judges who eventually ended it with a gun fight. I have the whole story written down somewhere. I hope to find it. If I do, I'm sending it to you guys. Love your videos.