Weaverville in Trinity County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Isabella Hoffman Martin - Queen of Grudges

Photographed by Harry Contos, May 30, 2025

1. Isabella Hoffman Martin Queen of Grudges Marker

Inscription. Across from this site was the home of John and Isabella Martin, the most feared and despised woman in the gold diggins. They were married in San Francisco in 1888. On September 2, 1890, Isabella burned their home and neighboring structures to the ground in an attempt to collect the insurance money. Isabella was later suspected of poisoning her husband John as she would let no one attend to him before he died. Her perceived enemies had their mining ditches and equipment blown up. Complaints often resulted in their houses and barns being burned as well as their horses and livestock poisoned for revenge. Isabella was probably best known locally for unsuccessfully attempting to poison the Weaverville water supply. Isabella served time in San Quentin for crimes committed in the Bay Area. She died in 1929, hopelessly insane at Napa State Mental Hospital. To learn more about her, visit the Jake Jackson Museum in Weaverville.

Dedicated May 31, 2025 by the Trinitarianus Chapter 62 of the Ancient and Honorable Order Of E Clampus Vitus

Erected 2025 by Trinitarianus Chapter 62 of the Ancient and Honorable Order Of E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Events • Women.

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In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 2, 1890.

Location. 40° 43.782′ N, 122° 56.368′ W. Marker is in Weaverville, California, in Trinity County. It is on Main Street (California Route 299), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 616 Main Street, Weaverville CA 96093, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Shasta Cascade,

on the Coast Ranges,

and in the Klamath Mountains.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and specifically in the Pacific Northwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Paymaster Mine Stampmill (within shouting distance of this marker); Trinity Congregational Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Lee Family Ranch House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Joss House (about 700 feet away); Won Lim Miao (about 700 feet away); Pacific Brewery (approx. 0.2 miles away); Weaverville Chinatown (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cameron Building Site (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Weaverville.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 30, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 30, 2025, by Harry Contos of Weaverville, California. This page has been viewed 99 times since then and 46 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on September 30, 2025, by Harry Contos of Weaverville, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. photo of the marker within its surroundings • Can you help?