381 Miller Creek Road, Marinwood, San Rafael, California
The House on Miller Creek Road
Built in 1956 on old ranch land. Winnie O'Leal's home for 57 years. And the long road that brought her and Tony there, from a copper camp in Arizona and a town in Hertfordshire.
The house in early 2017, photographed for the sale after Winnie died. 2017 listing photo (Bay Area Real Estate Information Services).
The story in brief
Marinwood Builders, Inc. built the house in 1956 on Lot 443 of Marinwood Unit 3. B. Edward and Elsie Uggla were very likely its first owners.
In 1959 retired Air Force Lt. Col. Antonio "Tony" O'Leal, his English war-bride wife Winifred "Winnie" and their children moved in. The family kept the house until 2017.
Tony was born "Antonio O. Leal" in 1904 in Metcalf, Arizona, a copper camp. His mother was shot and killed there in 1914, when he was 9. He joined the Army at 22 and served 32 years.
Winnie was born in Hemel Hempstead, England, in 1921. She married Tony at Maidenhead in 1945, crossed the Atlantic on a war-bride ship in 1946, and died in the house in 2016, at 95.
Every place the family lived
Scroll to follow the family from Chihuahua and Metcalf, through Tony's Army posts and Winnie's England, to Miller Creek Road. Solid pins are proven places. Dashed pins are close but approximate.
1 of 19
1
Chihuahua, Mexico
1850s to about 1900
Who: Anuario Olivas and Librada Chávez; their son Chon; Tony's mother Josefa Likely
Tony's mother, Josefa Olivas, was born about 1887 in Chihuahua. Her father, Chon (Concepción) Olivas, was born there about 1861, the son of Anuario Olivas and Librada Chávez. A church record shows a Concepción Olivas, 21, with those same parents, marrying Ma. del Refugio Parra at San Francisco de Borja on January 22, 1882. That is very likely the same man.
A Josefa Olivas was born in San Francisco de Borja in March 1889. She may be Tony's mother, but the record does not name her parents yet. Tony's father, Francisco Leal, was born about 1885 in Sonora; his hometown is not known. The pin marks San Francisco de Borja.
Josefa's father, Chon Olivas, died at Metcalf in 1918, age 57. His parents: "Anuaro Olivas" and "Librada Chavez." Arizona death records, FamilySearch.
2
Metcalf, Arizona
1902 to 1918
Who: Francisco Leal and Josefa Olivas; their sons Frank, Antonio (Tony) and Jose Proven by records
Metcalf was a copper-mining camp in the mountains above Clifton. Most of the miners were Mexican families, and today it is a ghost town. Francisco Leal was a "minero," a miner. Frank was born in 1902, "Antonio O. Leal" on October 12, 1904, and Jose (registered as Ysabel) in 1909. The "O." stood for Olivas, his mother's surname, and over the years "Antonio O. Leal" became "Antonio O'Leal."
On July 10, 1914, Josefa was shot and killed at Metcalf by Gabriel Aguilar, who then turned the gun on himself. Tony was 9. Her death certificate gives the cause as "Gun Shot Wound Inflicted By the Hand of Gabriel Aguilar (Homicidal)." Her father, Chon Olivas, reported her death. He died at Metcalf in 1918, and both are buried in the Metcalf Cemetery, where the pin is.
"Reports are that the woman was married to another man, a Spaniard, and had determined to again become reconciled with her husband, this decision causing the violent jealousy of the illict lover."The Copper Era and Morenci Leader, Clifton, July 10, 1914 (spelling as printed)
Tony's Arizona birth record: "LEAL Antonio O.," Metcalf, October 12, 1904, parents Francisco Leal and Josefa Olivas. Arizona birth records, FamilySearch.His brother's 1909 birth certificate: father Francisco Leal, 24, born in Sonora, a "Minero"; mother Josefa Olivas, 22, born in Chihuahua; 3 children, all living. Arizona Territorial Board of Health, FamilySearch.July 10, 1914: Josefa's death certificate ("Gun Shot Wound Inflicted By the Hand of Gabriel Aguilar (Homicidal)") and the Clifton paper's report the same day. Arizona death records, FamilySearch; The Copper Era and Morenci Leader, via Newspapers.com."Man Kills Woman and Suicides at Metcalf," The Copper Era and Morenci Leader, Clifton, Ariz., July 10, 1914, page 1. Newspapers.com.
3
Fort Wayne, Detroit
November 1926
Who: Antonio O'Leal, age 22 Proven by records
No record has turned up for the boys between 1914 and 1926. By November 1926 Tony was in Detroit, and on the 17th he joined the Regular Army at Fort Wayne as a private in the Coast Artillery. His Army number, 6761619, runs through every monthly roster for the next thirteen years. On December 15 he was sent to Fort Slocum, New York, to ship out to Hawaii.
November 1926, his first Army record: "O'Leal, Antonio, 6761619, jd 17," Casual Detachment, Fort Wayne, Michigan. U.S. Army muster rolls, FamilySearch.
4
Oahu, Hawaii
1927 to 1937
Who: Tony; his first wife Mary Gonzalves; Douglas and Marlene Proven by records
Tony served with Battery A, 55th Coast Artillery, at Fort Kamehameha, the big guns guarding the mouth of Pearl Harbor, and was a sergeant by 1928. On July 21, 1930, he married Mary Gonzalves, 17, of Honolulu. Douglas Charles was born at Tripler Army Hospital in December 1931, and Marlene Gay in August 1934.
In November 1934 he moved to Fort Shafter, back down to private for reasons the rosters do not give, and worked his way up again to corporal.
April 1930 census at Fort Kamehameha: single, age "24," born in Arizona. He was really 25. 1930 U.S. Census, FamilySearch.July 1930 marriage licenses: "Antone O'Leal, Mary Gonsalves." Honolulu Star-Bulletin, July 23, 1930, via Newspapers.com."In Tripler General Hospital, Dec. 18, to Mr. and Mrs. Anthony O'Leal, USA, 1112 Kuna Lane, a son, Douglas Charles." Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Dec. 23, 1931, via Newspapers.com."In Tripler General hospital, Aug. 24, to Mr. and Mrs. Anthony O'Leal, USA, of Watertown, Oahu, daughter, Marlene Gay." Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Aug. 30, 1934, via Newspapers.com.November 1934: back to private at the 64th Coast Artillery, Fort Shafter. The rosters do not say why he lost his stripes. U.S. Army muster rolls, FamilySearch.
5
San Pedro, California
1937 to 1940
Who: Tony, Mary, Douglas and Marlene Proven by records
On July 3, 1937, the Army moved Tony off Oahu, and that same day Mary and the children sailed from Honolulu on the transport Chateau Thierry. He joined Battery E, 63rd Coast Artillery, at Fort MacArthur and was a sergeant again by 1938.
The April 1940 census lists the family at 2624 Dennison Street, San Pedro: "Antone Oleal," 33, "Sargent, U.S. Army," with Mary, Douglas, Marlene and a niece, Joy Beesen. The pin marks Fort MacArthur.
July 1937: Mary, Douglas and Marlene sail from Honolulu on the Army transport Chateau Thierry, the day Tony was moved off Oahu. San Francisco passenger lists, FamilySearch.Top, July 1937: "Trfd to Btry 'E' 63d CA" (to California). Bottom, September 1939: "Trfd to CAC Unasgd Panama Department." U.S. Army muster rolls, FamilySearch.April 1940, 2624 Dennison Street, San Pedro: "O Leal, Antone," 33, Army sergeant; Mary, 26; Douglas, 8; Marlene, 5; and a niece, Joy Beesen, 11. 1940 U.S. Census, FamilySearch.
6
Panama Canal Zone
September to December 1939
Who: Tony Proven by records
In September 1939 Tony was "Trfd to CAC Unasgd Panama Department." The last monthly rosters online put him at Fort Amador, at the Pacific end of the Canal, first with Battery B, 4th Coast Artillery, then the 73rd Coast Artillery (anti-aircraft).
October to December 1939: Fort Amador, Panama Canal Zone, the last monthly rosters online. Serial 6761619 on every one. U.S. Army muster rolls, FamilySearch.
7
Fort Barrancas, Pensacola, Florida
1943
Who: Tech. Sgt. Antonio O'Leal Proven by records
In March 1943 an AP list of Florida men held in Japanese prison camps named Tony's older brother Frank, captured in the Philippines, and gave Tony as next of kin: a technical sergeant with headquarters battery, 13th Coast Artillery, at Fort Barrancas. Tony's first marriage ended sometime between 1940 and 1945. No record of how has been found.
March 7, 1943: "Corp. Frank O'Leal whose brother, Tech. Sgt. Antonio O'Leal, is attached to headquarters battery, 13th Coast Artillery, Fort Barrancas." Pensacola News Journal, via Newspapers.com.
8
Hemel Hempstead, England
1921 to the war years
Who: Winifred Joan Dewey Proven by records
Winifred Joan Dewey was born on January 6, 1921, in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. Her 1946 border card says Boxmoor, part of the town. She was the third of four children of Conrad Dewey and Claudia Daisy Harvey.
As a young woman she helped her father with his businesses, which her obituary says included a tea garden, greyhound tracks and hotels. During the war she worked as a telephone exchange operator, and that is where she met Tony.
Winifred "Winnie" O'Leal Dodge. From her obituary, Marin Independent Journal, October 2016.The four Dewey children in England's birth index, each with mother's maiden name Harvey: Violet 1914, Frederick 1916, Winifred 1921, Peter 1924. FreeBMD.
9
Maidenhead, on the Thames
July 18, 1945
Who: Antonio O'Leal and Winifred Dewey Proven by records
By now Tony was an officer, serving with the Army Air Forces in England, France and Germany. He and Winnie married at Maidenhead on July 18, 1945. England's marriage index lists both names on the same register page. Her father "was quite upset to hear she had fallen in love with a 'Yank'," her obituary says, but he was won over.
Summer 1945: Antonio O'Leal and Winifred J. Dewey, Maidenhead, volume 2c, page 1601, the same page for both. FreeBMD, England and Wales marriage index.
10
Pier 84, New York
April 1, 1946
Who: Winnie, war bride Proven by records
Winnie sailed from Southampton on the Army transport President Tyler, a 1920 liner finished at the end of the war as a ship for soldiers' wives and children. She landed at Pier 84 on the Hudson on April 1, 1946.
"One child and 521 war brides of American service men arrived here yesterday from Southampton on the Army transport President Tyler after a rough twelve-day crossing. About 155 men were at Pier 84, North River, to meet their wives as the ship docked."The New York Times, April 2, 1946
Line 19: "O'Leal, Winifred, J.," age 25. The President Tyler, arriving New York, April 1, 1946. National Archives T715, roll 7082, via the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation.Her immigration index card: war bride, President Tyler, April 1, 1946. U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, FamilySearch.
11
Tucson, Arizona
1946
Who: Tony and Winnie Proven by records
On November 19, 1946, Winnie was issued a border-crossing card at Nogales. It gives her address as 114 Palomar Drive, Tucson, so she had crossed into Mexico and back. Why she went is not known.
November 19, 1946: her border-crossing card at Nogales gives 114 Palomar Drive, Tucson, and "Boxmoor, Hertford, Engl." as her birthplace. Nogales border records, FamilySearch.
12
North Sacramento, California
1947
Who: Tony, Winnie and baby Jo Anne Proven by records
Their daughter Jo Anne was born on May 25, 1947, at Sutter Maternity Hospital, to "Mr. and Mrs. Antonio Oleal, North Sacramento." Tony was probably posted at nearby McClellan Field.
May 26, 1947, Sutter Maternity Hospital: "Mr. and Mrs. Antonio Oleal, North Sacramento, girl." Sacramento Union, via the California Digital Newspaper Collection.
13
Ladd Air Force Base, Alaska
1949
Who: Master Sergeant O'Leal and family Proven by records
Their son Leland Dale was born at the base hospital on April 8, 1949. The notice calls his father "M. Sgt." Wartime officers were often moved back to enlisted rank after the war. Ladd is today's Fort Wainwright, at Fairbanks.
"Born at Base Hosp., Ladd AFB, Alaska, 8 Apr. 1949, to M. Sgt. and Mrs. Antonio O'Leal, a son, Leland Dale." Army and Navy Journal, April 30, 1949, via Internet Archive.
14
Midwest City, Oklahoma
1950
Who: Antonio, Winifred, Joan and Leland Proven by records
The April 1950 census found the family in Midwest City, next to Tinker Air Force Base. Tony gave his age as 40 (he was 45) and his work as "Armed Forces." Their daughter Linda was born in Oklahoma City about this time.
April 1950, Midwest City, Oklahoma: Antonio, 40, born Arizona, "Armed Forces"; Winifred J., 29, England; Joan, 2, California; and baby Leland, Alaska. 1950 U.S. Census, National Archives.
15
Hawaii again
about 1953
Who: Winnie, Jo Anne, Leland and Linda Proven by records
In May 1953 Winnie and the three children sailed from Pearl Harbor to Oakland on the USNS Sgt. Charles E. Mower. The passenger list notes "wife of Maj. Antonio O'Leal," so Tony was an officer again. A 1971 article lists Hawaii among the places they lived after the war.
May 1953, Pearl Harbor to Oakland: Winifrid J., Jo Anne, Leland D. and Linda J. O'Leal, "wife of Maj. Antonio O'Leal." San Francisco passenger lists, FamilySearch.
16
F. E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming
1954
Who: The O'Leals Proven by records
In August 1954 Winnie was elected vice president of the base Officers' Wives' Club.
F. E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, August 1954: the new Officers' Wives' Club officers, with "Mrs. Antonio O'Leal, vice president." By the caption's order, Winnie is probably second from the left. Army and Navy Journal, Aug. 14, 1954, via Internet Archive.
17
Turkey
about 1955 to 1958
Who: The O'Leals Proven by records
A 1972 article says Tony came to Marinwood "after his retirement from Hamilton Air Force Base and duty in Turkey." His unit and the city are not known, so the pin marks Ankara only as Turkey's capital. Their son Mark was born about 1955.
18
Hamilton Air Force Base, Novato
1958 to 1959
Who: Lt. Col. Antonio O'Leal, retired Proven by records
Tony retired at Hamilton on December 31, 1958, as a lieutenant colonel (his permanent rank was major), after 32 years. Their youngest, Gail, was born at Hamilton Field on June 11, 1959.
January 3, 1959: "O'Leal, A, as Lt Col" among the retiring officers. Army Navy Air Force Journal, via Internet Archive."OLEAL ANTONIO, AO 493801, LTC, retired 31 12 58." Air Force Register, 1960, USAF Retired List.June 26, 1959: "At Hamilton Field, June 11, to the wife of Retired Lt. Col. Antonio O'Leal, Marinwood, a daughter." San Rafael Independent-Journal, via Internet Archive.
19
381 Miller Creek Road
1959 to 2017
Who: Tony and Winnie O'Leal; later Winnie and Elliott Dodge Proven by records
By April 1959 the phone book listed "O'Leal Antonio LtCol" at 381 Miller Creek Road, a few miles from Hamilton. Tony died in 1975. Winnie stayed, married Elliott Dodge in 1981, and lived in the house until she died there on September 28, 2016, at 95. The family sold it in February 2017.
April 1959: "O'Leal Antonio LtCol, 381 Miller Creek Rd." Pacific Telephone, Marin County directory. Library of Congress.The house in early 2017, photographed for the sale after Winnie died. 2017 listing photo (Bay Area Real Estate Information Services).Winnie's back garden. She kept more than 30 rose bushes. 2017 listing photo (Bay Area Real Estate Information Services).
Before the house
From the Miller ranch to Marinwood, the "City of Tomorrow."
The land belonged to James Miller, an Irishman who came overland to California in 1844 and in 1846 bought 680 acres in the Las Gallinas Valley. The creek below the house carries his name. Miller gave land for the little Dixie School in 1864, and his family ranched the valley until the 1930s. By 1955 the hillside was part of the Teixeira Ranch, still cattle and dairy country.
1914: ranch land in the Las Gallinas Valley. The red circle is where the house would be built 42 years later. U.S. Geological Survey, Petaluma quadrangle, 1914.
Drag the slider to watch the same spot from the air. The red outline is the lot.
Marinwood begins
In the fall of 1955 developer Gerald G. Hoytt and his company, Marinwood Builders, Inc., opened Marinwood with eight furnished model homes, calling it the "City of Tomorrow." The ads offered one-story ranch houses and "the Famous 1½ Story 'Hoytt 50 Per Cent More' Homes," with three or four bedrooms, two baths and a GE color kitchen. Veterans could buy with no down payment.
October 14, 1955: "the Famous 1½ Story 'Hoytt 50 Per Cent More' Homes." This house was built as a 1½-story, so it was likely one of them. San Rafael Independent-Journal, via Internet Archive.April 19, 1956, six days before this house's permit: "Sales Booming At Marinwood." San Rafael Independent-Journal, via Internet Archive.
By April 1956 all 500 homes in the first three units had sold, at $16,000 to $20,000 each, and foundations were in for more than 200 homes in Unit 3, the section that includes this lot. The Mary E. Silveira School opened in November 1956. The county built a bridge to Lucas Valley Road in 1958-59, and in April 1960 the Lee Brothers market opened at Marinwood Plaza, drawing 5,000 to 6,000 people the first night.
September 17, 1955: "A whole neighborhood at a time is constructed at Marinwood." San Rafael Independent-Journal, via Internet Archive.December 5, 1958: work on the Miller Creek bridge to Lucas Valley Road, replacing the builder's temporary wooden one. San Rafael Independent-Journal, via Internet Archive.April 1960: the Lee Brothers market opens at Marinwood Plaza. San Rafael Independent-Journal, via Internet Archive.
1954: the last map before Marinwood. Open hillside, ranch roads and Miller Creek. U.S. Geological Survey, Novato quadrangle, 1954.
The house and its owners
Lot 443, Marinwood Unit 3. Assessor's parcel 164-111-08.
On April 25, 1956, Marin County issued the building permit for 381 Miller Creek Road to Marinwood Builders, Inc., as both owner and contractor. It is stamped "Master Plan #3, Elevation A": floor plan number 3 with exterior style A, one of about two dozen looks the company got out of seven floor plans.
The original building permit, April 25, 1956: Marinwood Builders, Inc., owner and contractor, Lot 443, Marinwood Unit 3, "Master Plan #3, Elevation A." County of Marin, Community Development Agency, building microfiche.
Built
1956, by Marinwood Builders, Inc.
Original size
1½ stories: 785 sq ft down, 400 up, 375 sq ft garage
Lot
7,590 sq ft
Today
2,512 sq ft, 3 bedrooms, 2½ baths
Owned by the family
1959 to 2017
One phone number
GR 9-7205, later 479-7205, on every permit 1971-2011
The first family, 1956-1959
The O'Leals were not the first family. The April 1956 phone book has no one at the address. The June 1957 and April 1958 books list "Uggla B E." Bo Edward Uggla, who went by B. Edward, was a Swedish immigrant and an auditor for Electrolux, later its assistant controller. His wife Elsie, born Elsie Fuchs in Chicago, was executive secretary to the president of Electrolux. Her 2003 obituary: "They lived in Oakland, San Francisco, and Marinwood and then were transferred back to Chicago." No deed from those years has been found, but they were very likely the first buyers.
June 1957: "Uggla B E, 381 Miller Creek Rd," the first family listed at the house. Pacific Telephone, Marin County directory. Library of Congress.April 1959: "O'Leal Antonio LtCol, 381 Miller Creek Rd." Pacific Telephone, Marin County directory. Library of Congress.
Who owned it
1956Marinwood Builders, Inc. builds the house (permit April 25).
1957-58B. Edward and Elsie Uggla, the first family on record.
1959Lt. Col. Antonio and Winifred O'Leal, by the April phone book.
1975Tony dies. Winnie keeps the house.
1982A deed adds Elliott G. Dodge Jr. to the title after their 1981 marriage.
2003Elliott dies. Winnie holds the house in her trust.
2017February 24: an affidavit of Winnie's death and the sale deed, signed by Leland O'Leal as trustee, are recorded the same day. Sale price $920,000.
The tax clue. In 2016 the house was assessed at only $165,541. After the 2017 sale it was $957,168. Under California's Proposition 13, that tiny figure means the value was never reset by a sale in about forty years. Transfers between spouses do not count, so it fits one family keeping the house from the 1970s or earlier until 2017.
How the house grew
1971A 199 sq ft family room with a wall heater, $3,000. Owner Antonio O'Leal; contractor E. L. Griffin of Novato.
1977An addition to the dining area, $4,452. Owner "Mrs. A. O'Leal."
1978-80A remodel, including turning space (likely the garage) into living space.
1979-82An attached carport, 176 sq ft, with Winnie as owner-builder. An inspector sent it back in 1982 because it did not match the drawing, then it passed.
1980A solar hot water system with an 80-gallon tank.
1990-92A bathroom addition, $5,472, built by Elliott as owner-builder "E. G. Dodge."
2009A new flat roof.
June 8, 1971: permit A12080 for a 199 sq ft family room, owner "Antonio O'Leal," contractor E. L. Griffin of Novato. County of Marin building file.November 1979: the hand-drawn plan for the attached carport Winnie built as owner-builder. County of Marin building file.
The living room, looking through to the dining area. 2017 listing photo (Bay Area Real Estate Information Services).The wood-paneled family room. It may be the 1971 addition, but the permits do not say which room is which. 2017 listing photo (Bay Area Real Estate Information Services).The kitchen and the dining area beyond. 2017 listing photo (Bay Area Real Estate Information Services).Winnie's back garden. She kept more than 30 rose bushes. 2017 listing photo (Bay Area Real Estate Information Services).
The square footage. 1,185 sq ft of living space in 1956, plus the 199 sq ft family room and the 375 sq ft garage turned into living space, comes to about 1,760. The other roughly 750 sq ft of today's 2,512 likely came from the 1977 dining addition, the 1978 remodel and the 1990 bathroom, whose permits do not give sizes.
The people
Tap a name to open it.
1Antonio "Tony" O'LealOctober 12, 1904, Metcalf, Arizona - April 22, 1975, San FranciscoProven by records
Born "Antonio O. Leal" in a copper camp. Lost his mother at 9. Joined the Regular Army at 22 and served 32 years: Coast Artillery sergeant in Hawaii, California and Panama; an officer in the war, in England, France and Germany; then the Air Force from Alaska to Turkey. Retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1958 and came to Marinwood in 1959.
Two families: Douglas and Marlene with Mary Gonzalves, and Jo Anne, Leland, Linda, Mark and Gail with Winnie. He died at Letterman Army Hospital a few days after a heart attack. A memorial service was held at the Hamilton Air Force Base chapel, and his ashes were taken to Arizona.
All his life he gave a younger age, and the gap grew: "24" in 1930 (really 25), "33" in 1940 (35), "40" in 1950 (45), "53" in 1961 (57) and "67" at his death (70). No record says 1912.
Tony's Arizona birth record: "LEAL Antonio O.," Metcalf, October 12, 1904, parents Francisco Leal and Josefa Olivas. Arizona birth records, FamilySearch.November 1926, his first Army record: "O'Leal, Antonio, 6761619, jd 17," Casual Detachment, Fort Wayne, Michigan. U.S. Army muster rolls, FamilySearch.April 1950, Midwest City, Oklahoma: Antonio, 40, born Arizona, "Armed Forces"; Winifred J., 29, England; Joan, 2, California; and baby Leland, Alaska. 1950 U.S. Census, National Archives.December 21, 1961: "Postal Employee Struck By Truck." The paper gives his age as 53; he was really 57. San Rafael Independent-Journal, via Internet Archive.Tony's obituary, in two columns. It names both of his families and his brother Leo. Daily Independent Journal, San Rafael, April 24, 1975, p. 4, via Newspapers.com.California Death Index: died April 22, 1975, San Francisco. It gives his birth year as 1908; he was born in 1904. FamilySearch.
How we know: His Arizona birth record, 166 monthly Army rosters under one number, censuses, the Air Force Register, newspapers, his obituary and the death indexes.
2Winifred "Winnie" Joan Dewey O'Leal DodgeJanuary 6, 1921, Hemel Hempstead, England - September 28, 2016, at homeProven by records
War bride, officer's wife and mother of five. In Marinwood she led the Marinwood Guild of Sunny Hills (1971) and the Marin County Reserve Officers Ladies Association (1972-73). She taught arts and crafts at a Terra Linda nursery school, was past president of the Marin Garden Club, won flower-arranging awards, kept more than 30 rose bushes, loved to dance the Charleston and was "always the life of the party." Her grandchildren called her GG.
She died at home, surrounded by family. After her service at Lucas Valley Community Church, the reception was held at the house.
Winifred "Winnie" O'Leal Dodge. From her obituary, Marin Independent Journal, October 2016.Line 19: "O'Leal, Winifred, J.," age 25. The President Tyler, arriving New York, April 1, 1946. National Archives T715, roll 7082, via the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation.F. E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, August 1954: the new Officers' Wives' Club officers, with "Mrs. Antonio O'Leal, vice president." By the caption's order, Winnie is probably second from the left. Army and Navy Journal, Aug. 14, 1954, via Internet Archive.February 18, 1971: "Mrs. Antonio O'Leal Heads Sunny Hills Guild." San Rafael Independent-Journal, via Internet Archive.June 6, 1972: "Mrs. O'Leal Selected As Group's President." San Rafael Independent-Journal, via Internet Archive.Winnie's obituary, October 2016. Marin Independent Journal.
How we know: England's birth and marriage indexes, the 1946 passenger list and immigration records, the 1950 census, newspapers and her 2016 obituary.
3Elliott George Dodge Jr.July 16, 1915, Narberth, Pennsylvania - January 9, 2003, San RafaelProven by records
Navy officer and steel salesman, Winnie's second husband. Joined the Naval Reserve in 1940 and was on active duty from 1941 to 1946: the repair ship USS Vulcan in Iceland, a motor launch at the 1943 fire on the ammunition ship HMS Arrow, and navigator of USS Dutchess, which landed Marines on Okinawa. "During the months in the Pacific, I navigated 55,574 miles."
Then 27 years with United States Steel in Ohio, Chicago and Omaha, and a Naval Reserve commander. His first wife, Anita Weymouth, died in 1977. That year he met Winnie at a Reserve Officers convention in Seattle; they married on January 7, 1981. He built the 1990 bathroom himself. His ashes were scattered at sea west of the Golden Gate.
A Navy commander, printed in Elliott's chapter of World War II Reminiscences (1996). The picture has no caption, so it is most likely Elliott, but the book does not say. World War II Reminiscences (1996), via Internet Archive.July 1941: Ensign Elliott G. Dodge Jr. in the Naval Reserve officers' register, birth date "7 16 15." U.S. Navy Reserve register, 1941.April 1950, Lorain, Ohio: Elliott Jr., 34, a steel-plant salesman; Anita, 36; and sons Elliott 3rd, 6, and Randall, 2. 1950 U.S. Census, National Archives.Elliott's profile in his college fraternity magazine, autumn 1973. The Diamond of Psi Upsilon, Autumn 1973, p. 32.The first page of his chapter, "Five Years at Sea Around the World." World War II Reminiscences (1996), ch. 41, via Internet Archive.
How we know: Social Security and VA death records, Navy Reserve registers, the 1950 census, his own memoir chapter (1996) and his fraternity magazine.
4Tony's first familyMary K. Gonzalves (married 1930); Douglas Charles (1931-2013); Marlene Gay (1934-2011)Proven by records
Mary was 17 and from Honolulu when she married Tony. By 1950 she was Mrs. Louis J. Stelljes, near New Orleans. Douglas won the Bronze Star in Korea at 19 and retired as an Army master sergeant. Marlene married George Ritterbusch and moved to Daly City in 1964.
Tony's 1975 obituary lists Douglas and Marlene among his children, alongside Winnie's five. Douglas's own obituary names his parents as "Anthony and Mary Gonzalves O'Leal."
July 1930 marriage licenses: "Antone O'Leal, Mary Gonsalves." Honolulu Star-Bulletin, July 23, 1930, via Newspapers.com."In Tripler General Hospital, Dec. 18, to Mr. and Mrs. Anthony O'Leal, USA, 1112 Kuna Lane, a son, Douglas Charles." Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Dec. 23, 1931, via Newspapers.com."In Tripler General hospital, Aug. 24, to Mr. and Mrs. Anthony O'Leal, USA, of Watertown, Oahu, daughter, Marlene Gay." Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Aug. 30, 1934, via Newspapers.com.April 1950, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana: Mary K. Stelljes with her husband Louis and Marlene O'Leal. 1950 U.S. Census, FamilySearch.1951: Douglas O'Leal, 19, wins the Bronze Star in Korea. The story names "his mother, Mrs. Mary Stelljes." New Orleans States-Item, May 24, 1951, via Newspapers.com.Douglas O'Leal's 2013 obituary names his parents as "Anthony and Mary Gonzalves O'Leal." FamilySearch.
How we know: Honolulu marriage and birth notices, the 1930, 1940 and 1950 censuses, ship lists, newspapers and both obituaries.
5Tony's brothersFrank O'Leal (1902-1957) and Joseph L. "Leo" O'Leal (1909-1982)Proven by records
Frank was a career soldier too, a prisoner of the Japanese in World War II, later a master sergeant in Korea. He lived in Battle Creek, Michigan, and is buried in Prescott National Cemetery, Arizona.
Joe, registered at birth as Ysabel and in Social Security as "Jose Olivas Leal," spent his life in El Paso and was president of the Railroad Teamsters Union. Tony's obituary names "a brother, Leo O'Leal of El Paso."
Frank O'Leal's 1940 draft card, Salt Lake City, born "Metcalf, Greenely, Arizona." FamilySearch.Brother Frank's obituary: "Mr. O'Leal, born in Metcalf, spent most of his life in Battle Creek, Mich." Arizona Republic, Feb. 22, 1957, via Newspapers.com.Brother Joe "Leo" O'Leal's obituary: "Lifelong resident of El Paso ... Former President of the Railroad Teamsters Union." El Paso Times, Oct. 11, 1982, via Newspapers.com.His brother's 1909 birth certificate: father Francisco Leal, 24, born in Sonora, a "Minero"; mother Josefa Olivas, 22, born in Chihuahua; 3 children, all living. Arizona Territorial Board of Health, FamilySearch.
How we know: Arizona birth records, Social Security, WWII records, Find a Grave and their obituaries.
6Josefa Olivas and Francisco LealTony's parents. Josefa: about 1887, Chihuahua - July 10, 1914, Metcalf. Francisco: born about 1885, SonoraProven by records
Francisco was a miner at Metcalf. Josefa kept house and raised three boys. On July 10, 1914, she was shot and killed by Gabriel Aguilar, who then shot himself. The paper reported she had been living apart from her husband and had decided to go back to him.
What became of Francisco after 1914 is not known. No death, burial or later record has been found, and no record shows him being shot.
July 10, 1914: Josefa's death certificate ("Gun Shot Wound Inflicted By the Hand of Gabriel Aguilar (Homicidal)") and the Clifton paper's report the same day. Arizona death records, FamilySearch; The Copper Era and Morenci Leader, via Newspapers.com."Man Kills Woman and Suicides at Metcalf," The Copper Era and Morenci Leader, Clifton, Ariz., July 10, 1914, page 1. Newspapers.com.His brother's 1909 birth certificate: father Francisco Leal, 24, born in Sonora, a "Minero"; mother Josefa Olivas, 22, born in Chihuahua; 3 children, all living. Arizona Territorial Board of Health, FamilySearch.
How we know: Tony's birth record, his brother's 1909 birth certificate, Tony's 1930 marriage record ("Frank O'Leal" and "Josephine Oliver"), Josefa's death certificate and the Clifton newspaper.
7Chon (Concepción) OlivasTony's grandfather. About 1861, Chihuahua - September 24, 1918, MetcalfLikely
Josefa's father, and the man who reported her death. Her death certificate names her mother as "Maria Lopez." The 1882 church marriage that very likely belongs to Chon names a different bride, Ma. del Refugio Parra, so he may have married twice. That is not settled.
Josefa's father, Chon Olivas, died at Metcalf in 1918, age 57. His parents: "Anuaro Olivas" and "Librada Chavez." Arizona death records, FamilySearch.
How we know: Josefa's death certificate, his own death record and grave, and the 1882 Chihuahua church marriage with the same parents' names.
8Anuario Olivas and Librada ChávezTony's great-grandparents, of ChihuahuaLikely
Named as Chon's parents on his death record and on his likely 1882 marriage. Two more of their children have turned up: Guadalupe (Olivas) Canales, who died in Los Angeles in 1945, and Jesús Olivas, born about 1853.
How we know: Death and church records naming them as parents.
9Conrad Dewey and Claudia Daisy HarveyWinnie's parents. Married late 1912, Fulham, LondonLikely
Their four children were Violet (1914), Frederick (1916), Winifred (1921) and Peter (1924), who outlived Winnie. The closest matching records show a Conrad Dewey born in London's East End in 1877 who died in Wolverhampton in 1948, and a Claudia Daisy Harvey born in Camberwell in 1891 who died near Windsor in 1969.
Late 1912: Conrad Dewey marries Miss Harvey at Fulham, London. FreeBMD.The four Dewey children in England's birth index, each with mother's maiden name Harvey: Violet 1914, Frederick 1916, Winifred 1921, Peter 1924. FreeBMD.
How we know: England's birth, marriage and death indexes (FreeBMD). Nothing on them names Winnie directly.
Life on Miller Creek Road
The local paper, 1959 to 1975.
When the O'Leals arrived in 1959, Marinwood was still new. The children were Jo Anne, Leland, Linda, Mark and baby Gail. The San Rafael paper mentions the family often:
1960"Col. and Mrs. Antonio O'Leal" help run the Marinwood school carnival.
1961Tony, working a Christmas-season job at the post office, is struck by a mail truck and breaks his leg. He is in "good" condition.
1968Leland, "of 381 Miller Creek Road," is nominated to the U.S. Air Force Academy.
1971Winnie becomes president of the Marinwood Guild of Sunny Hills, which raised money for Sunny Hills Children's Services. The paper calls her the "English born wife of a retired Air Force officer."
1972-73She leads the Marin County Reserve Officers Ladies Association. Mark, 17, and Gail, 13, are living "at the family home."
1975Tony dies on April 22.
December 21, 1961: "Postal Employee Struck By Truck." The paper gives his age as 53; he was really 57. San Rafael Independent-Journal, via Internet Archive.February 1968: Leland, "of 381 Miller Creek Road," is nominated to the Air Force Academy. San Rafael Independent-Journal, via Internet Archive.February 18, 1971: "Mrs. Antonio O'Leal Heads Sunny Hills Guild." San Rafael Independent-Journal, via Internet Archive.June 6, 1972: "Mrs. O'Leal Selected As Group's President." San Rafael Independent-Journal, via Internet Archive.
"A memorial service for retired Air Force Lt. Col. Antonio O'Leal of Marinwood will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday in the chapel at Hamilton Air Force Base. O'Leal died Tuesday in Letterman Hospital, San Francisco, a few days after suffering a heart attack ... He was a veteran of 32 years' service ... More than half his military career was spent overseas in England, France, Germany, Panama, Hawaii and Turkey ... He was born in Metcalf, Ariz. ... Following cremation, his ashes are to be taken to Arizona."Daily Independent Journal, San Rafael, April 24, 1975
Tony's obituary, in two columns. It names both of his families and his brother Leo. Daily Independent Journal, San Rafael, April 24, 1975, p. 4, via Newspapers.com.
Winnie stayed in the house for 41 more years. She met Elliott Dodge in 1977, and they married in 1981. Elliott died in 2003. Winnie died at home on September 28, 2016, survived by her brother Peter, her five children, four stepchildren, 13 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
The records
The original records behind this story. Tap any one to see it large.
Tony's Arizona birth record: "LEAL Antonio O.," Metcalf, October 12, 1904, parents Francisco Leal and Josefa Olivas. Arizona birth records, FamilySearch.His brother's 1909 birth certificate: father Francisco Leal, 24, born in Sonora, a "Minero"; mother Josefa Olivas, 22, born in Chihuahua; 3 children, all living. Arizona Territorial Board of Health, FamilySearch.July 10, 1914: Josefa's death certificate ("Gun Shot Wound Inflicted By the Hand of Gabriel Aguilar (Homicidal)") and the Clifton paper's report the same day. Arizona death records, FamilySearch; The Copper Era and Morenci Leader, via Newspapers.com."Man Kills Woman and Suicides at Metcalf," The Copper Era and Morenci Leader, Clifton, Ariz., July 10, 1914, page 1. Newspapers.com.Josefa's father, Chon Olivas, died at Metcalf in 1918, age 57. His parents: "Anuaro Olivas" and "Librada Chavez." Arizona death records, FamilySearch.November 1926, his first Army record: "O'Leal, Antonio, 6761619, jd 17," Casual Detachment, Fort Wayne, Michigan. U.S. Army muster rolls, FamilySearch.April 1930 census at Fort Kamehameha: single, age "24," born in Arizona. He was really 25. 1930 U.S. Census, FamilySearch.July 1930 marriage licenses: "Antone O'Leal, Mary Gonsalves." Honolulu Star-Bulletin, July 23, 1930, via Newspapers.com."In Tripler General Hospital, Dec. 18, to Mr. and Mrs. Anthony O'Leal, USA, 1112 Kuna Lane, a son, Douglas Charles." Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Dec. 23, 1931, via Newspapers.com."In Tripler General hospital, Aug. 24, to Mr. and Mrs. Anthony O'Leal, USA, of Watertown, Oahu, daughter, Marlene Gay." Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Aug. 30, 1934, via Newspapers.com.November 1934: back to private at the 64th Coast Artillery, Fort Shafter. The rosters do not say why he lost his stripes. U.S. Army muster rolls, FamilySearch.July 1937: Mary, Douglas and Marlene sail from Honolulu on the Army transport Chateau Thierry, the day Tony was moved off Oahu. San Francisco passenger lists, FamilySearch.Top, July 1937: "Trfd to Btry 'E' 63d CA" (to California). Bottom, September 1939: "Trfd to CAC Unasgd Panama Department." U.S. Army muster rolls, FamilySearch.April 1940, 2624 Dennison Street, San Pedro: "O Leal, Antone," 33, Army sergeant; Mary, 26; Douglas, 8; Marlene, 5; and a niece, Joy Beesen, 11. 1940 U.S. Census, FamilySearch.October to December 1939: Fort Amador, Panama Canal Zone, the last monthly rosters online. Serial 6761619 on every one. U.S. Army muster rolls, FamilySearch.March 7, 1943: "Corp. Frank O'Leal whose brother, Tech. Sgt. Antonio O'Leal, is attached to headquarters battery, 13th Coast Artillery, Fort Barrancas." Pensacola News Journal, via Newspapers.com.The four Dewey children in England's birth index, each with mother's maiden name Harvey: Violet 1914, Frederick 1916, Winifred 1921, Peter 1924. FreeBMD.Late 1912: Conrad Dewey marries Miss Harvey at Fulham, London. FreeBMD.Summer 1945: Antonio O'Leal and Winifred J. Dewey, Maidenhead, volume 2c, page 1601, the same page for both. FreeBMD, England and Wales marriage index.Line 19: "O'Leal, Winifred, J.," age 25. The President Tyler, arriving New York, April 1, 1946. National Archives T715, roll 7082, via the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation.Her immigration index card: war bride, President Tyler, April 1, 1946. U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, FamilySearch.November 19, 1946: her border-crossing card at Nogales gives 114 Palomar Drive, Tucson, and "Boxmoor, Hertford, Engl." as her birthplace. Nogales border records, FamilySearch.May 26, 1947, Sutter Maternity Hospital: "Mr. and Mrs. Antonio Oleal, North Sacramento, girl." Sacramento Union, via the California Digital Newspaper Collection."Born at Base Hosp., Ladd AFB, Alaska, 8 Apr. 1949, to M. Sgt. and Mrs. Antonio O'Leal, a son, Leland Dale." Army and Navy Journal, April 30, 1949, via Internet Archive.April 1950, Midwest City, Oklahoma: Antonio, 40, born Arizona, "Armed Forces"; Winifred J., 29, England; Joan, 2, California; and baby Leland, Alaska. 1950 U.S. Census, National Archives.May 1953, Pearl Harbor to Oakland: Winifrid J., Jo Anne, Leland D. and Linda J. O'Leal, "wife of Maj. Antonio O'Leal." San Francisco passenger lists, FamilySearch.F. E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, August 1954: the new Officers' Wives' Club officers, with "Mrs. Antonio O'Leal, vice president." By the caption's order, Winnie is probably second from the left. Army and Navy Journal, Aug. 14, 1954, via Internet Archive.January 3, 1959: "O'Leal, A, as Lt Col" among the retiring officers. Army Navy Air Force Journal, via Internet Archive."OLEAL ANTONIO, AO 493801, LTC, retired 31 12 58." Air Force Register, 1960, USAF Retired List.The original building permit, April 25, 1956: Marinwood Builders, Inc., owner and contractor, Lot 443, Marinwood Unit 3, "Master Plan #3, Elevation A." County of Marin, Community Development Agency, building microfiche.June 1957: "Uggla B E, 381 Miller Creek Rd," the first family listed at the house. Pacific Telephone, Marin County directory. Library of Congress.April 1959: "O'Leal Antonio LtCol, 381 Miller Creek Rd." Pacific Telephone, Marin County directory. Library of Congress.June 26, 1959: "At Hamilton Field, June 11, to the wife of Retired Lt. Col. Antonio O'Leal, Marinwood, a daughter." San Rafael Independent-Journal, via Internet Archive.June 8, 1971: permit A12080 for a 199 sq ft family room, owner "Antonio O'Leal," contractor E. L. Griffin of Novato. County of Marin building file.November 1979: the hand-drawn plan for the attached carport Winnie built as owner-builder. County of Marin building file.December 21, 1961: "Postal Employee Struck By Truck." The paper gives his age as 53; he was really 57. San Rafael Independent-Journal, via Internet Archive.February 1968: Leland, "of 381 Miller Creek Road," is nominated to the Air Force Academy. San Rafael Independent-Journal, via Internet Archive.February 18, 1971: "Mrs. Antonio O'Leal Heads Sunny Hills Guild." San Rafael Independent-Journal, via Internet Archive.June 6, 1972: "Mrs. O'Leal Selected As Group's President." San Rafael Independent-Journal, via Internet Archive.Tony's obituary, in two columns. It names both of his families and his brother Leo. Daily Independent Journal, San Rafael, April 24, 1975, p. 4, via Newspapers.com.California Death Index: died April 22, 1975, San Francisco. It gives his birth year as 1908; he was born in 1904. FamilySearch.Frank O'Leal's 1940 draft card, Salt Lake City, born "Metcalf, Greenely, Arizona." FamilySearch.Brother Frank's obituary: "Mr. O'Leal, born in Metcalf, spent most of his life in Battle Creek, Mich." Arizona Republic, Feb. 22, 1957, via Newspapers.com.Brother Joe "Leo" O'Leal's obituary: "Lifelong resident of El Paso ... Former President of the Railroad Teamsters Union." El Paso Times, Oct. 11, 1982, via Newspapers.com.April 1950, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana: Mary K. Stelljes with her husband Louis and Marlene O'Leal. 1950 U.S. Census, FamilySearch.1951: Douglas O'Leal, 19, wins the Bronze Star in Korea. The story names "his mother, Mrs. Mary Stelljes." New Orleans States-Item, May 24, 1951, via Newspapers.com.Douglas O'Leal's 2013 obituary names his parents as "Anthony and Mary Gonzalves O'Leal." FamilySearch.July 1941: Ensign Elliott G. Dodge Jr. in the Naval Reserve officers' register, birth date "7 16 15." U.S. Navy Reserve register, 1941.April 1950, Lorain, Ohio: Elliott Jr., 34, a steel-plant salesman; Anita, 36; and sons Elliott 3rd, 6, and Randall, 2. 1950 U.S. Census, National Archives.Elliott's profile in his college fraternity magazine, autumn 1973. The Diamond of Psi Upsilon, Autumn 1973, p. 32.The first page of his chapter, "Five Years at Sea Around the World." World War II Reminiscences (1996), ch. 41, via Internet Archive.Winnie's obituary, October 2016. Marin Independent Journal.October 14, 1955: "the Famous 1½ Story 'Hoytt 50 Per Cent More' Homes." This house was built as a 1½-story, so it was likely one of them. San Rafael Independent-Journal, via Internet Archive.April 19, 1956, six days before this house's permit: "Sales Booming At Marinwood." San Rafael Independent-Journal, via Internet Archive.1914: ranch land in the Las Gallinas Valley. The red circle is where the house would be built 42 years later. U.S. Geological Survey, Petaluma quadrangle, 1914.1954: the last map before Marinwood. Open hillside, ranch roads and Miller Creek. U.S. Geological Survey, Novato quadrangle, 1954.
This is a selection. The complete record, a 1,247-page book with every one of the more than 750 record images, the research notes and the data, is in the family's Google Drive folder, "381 Miller Creek Rd, San Rafael - house history records."
What's still unknown
How Tony's first marriage ended, between 1940 and 1945. His 1945 English marriage certificate will say whether he was a bachelor or a divorced man, and give his father's name and job. It was ordered from England's General Register Office on October 15, 2026, and should arrive by airmail in early to mid November.
What became of Francisco Leal after 1914, and who raised the three boys. Arizona's state death certificates to 1976 are free at genealogyapp.azdhs.gov, but the site's "I'm not a robot" check has blocked the search so far.
The Leal grandparents in Sonora. Too many Francisco Leals were born there in the 1880s to pick one. Brother Frank's 1957 Arizona death certificate, or Tony's 1975 California one, may name the town.
Josefa's mother: "Maria Lopez" on the 1914 certificate, or Refugio Parra from Chon's 1882 marriage. The 1889 San Francisco de Borja birth register, already saved, may answer it.
Where the family lived from 1910 to 1926. They have not been found in the 1910 or 1920 census under any spelling.
Tony's wartime commission and service. His personnel file (Army 6761619, officer AO 493801) is at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, though many Army files of that era were lost in its 1973 fire.
Where in Arizona his ashes were taken, from his 1975 California death certificate.
The 1950s deeds and prices, builder to the Ugglas and the Ugglas to the O'Leals. The county's online index starts in the mid-1970s; the older books are at the Marin County Recorder in San Rafael.
Winnie's father's businesses. The 1921 census of England and old British newspapers, both on paid sites, would name them.
