Press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office:

On Jan. 21, 1998, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) responded to a call of found human skeletal remains. Deputies met with a citizen who had been horseback riding in the area. The citizen led the deputies to the remains located on Clam Beach near the mouth of Little River.

The remains were collected and later examined by an anthropologist, who confirmed they were human. The remains were sent to the California Department of Justice where a DNA sample was obtained. The sex of the remains was determined to be male. The DNA sample was entered into CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) and compared to reported missing persons. No match was ever made. The case was also entered into NAMUS (National Missing and Unidentified Persons System) under case number UP55179. The remains showed signs of being well-worn from either water or sand erosion. It was reported that there had been heavy rain prior to the discovery. It is possible that these remains are from an ancient burial site located near the beach or nearby rivers.

With the advancement of technology, HCSO has partnered with Othram Inc to complete Forensic Genetic Genealogy. A sample was sent to Othram Inc and later determined to be Native American. The most recent common ancestor was Catherine Prince, born in 1843. Research shows Catherine was one of the sole survivors of a Native American massacre along the Van Duzen River near Alton. Catherine may have later been adopted by the Francis family of California. The Wiyot Tribe was contacted and noted the Prince family is documented within the tribe, but no relatives could be located. 

The Sheriff’s Office is looking for family members of the following people:

• Catherine “Kitty” Frances Prince 1843-1940
• Married to James Napoleon Prince 1843-1910
• Possible children: Dan Prince, Theodore Prince, and Edith Anderson

Anyone with information is asked to contact Missing Person/Cold Homicide Investigator Mike Fridley at (707) 441-3024.