Isaac Abia Lightner

Isaac Lightner married January 21, 1860, at the "Willows" in San Jose, California to Elizabeth Henry "Lizzie" Easley, and they had one child, Cornelia, who died at the age of one in San Jose, California, in 1863. Isaac had left Missouri with his family, the Abia T. Lightner's, and arrived in California in 1849 by way of ox wagons. He attended the University of the Pacific while they lived in Santa Clara. He was deeply disappointed at having his schooling interrupted when his family left for the gold mines. They settled in Keysville on the Kern River, about 60 miles north east of Bakersfield, California. Isaac was made a 1/5 partner in the A. T. Lightner Co., which was engaged in mining.

Upon failure of the mines the family moved to Walker Basin in 1858. The first church was constructed there by Isaac between the Lightner and Walser Ranches. Ministers traveled there from time to time. Isaac remained on his father's homestead until his marriage in 1860, which ended in divorce. That, together with the death of their infant daughter, plunged him into despair. He floundered for a period ending finally in an institution in Napa. He was incarcerated with the insane for two years, the entire time proclaiming this to be untrue.

He devoted his time to writing. "The Lone Pilgrim", a book along the lines of 'Pilgrim's Promise', based on religious truth. After his release in 1886, he pursued patents for mining tools. He built the largest fly wheel in the county on the Havilah Ranch. His last days were spent with his sister, Mary Walser at the Walser Ranch in Walker Basin, California. On his grave marker is inscribed "The Lone Pilgrim".

Maintained by: John Bracchi

Originally Created by: Jim Wilbur

Record added: Jan 18, 2008

Find A Grave Memorial# 24029427