Child abduction mystery in 1967: man asks for help finding clues to his origins

E-mail from Cheryl

The mystery began when a man called Samaritan Hospital. He said a woman had called him years ago and told him she was his birth mother. This woman also said he was abducted/stolen from the hospital.

This man said he didn’t think much of the call and discarded it as being untrue. When his adoptive parents passed away, he became more curious.

This man’s name is Terry Nathan Toland. He said he has a California birth certificate with a date of birth of 1971. His adoptive parents had it corrected to 1967.

He said he has actually lived in Washington all his life and his adoptive parents never tried to hide him. He said he played football and was pretty well known for his football skills and was even in USA Today once.

Here is Terry’s account: My adopted parents were John and Jo Ann Toland. My brother is Randy Charles Toland or his last name could have been Rydean back then.

People I remember from the Moses Lake area include a woman named Lynda Stricker and another couple who I only knew as Mage and Sundown.

My birthday is March 21, 1967 and my supposed real mother’s name was Sally Carey. We did live in Stanwood, Wash. for a short time. We also lived in Blaine and Ferndale, Wash. in the early ’70s. That’s all I got. I will work on getting some more info as I contact whoever is still alive from my parents’ friends. Thanks for what you are trying to do for me. Terry.

OK, does anyone know anything about this event?

Facts from the past gleaned from the Moses Lake Herald, Columbia Basin Herald and The Neppel Record by Cheryl (Driggs) Elkins:

From the Columbia Basin Herald on March 13, 1952:

School music concert Friday

The combined bands and glee clubs of the Moses Lake elementary and junior high school will be presented in concert Friday at 8 p.m. in the high school auditorium.

Mrs. Bob Smith directs the massed chorus, and Thomas Reid the 59-piece band. A full and varied program is planned. A novelty number will be staged by the interpretive rhythm group of the high school physical education group under the leadership of Mrs. Ed Bator.

Tickets are 50 cents, with proceeds going to uniforms for the junior band.

Coulee Dam

Level of Lake Roosevelt being lowered in anticipation of heavy spring runoff. Lowering will permit lake to hold up potential flood waters in Columbia.

Coulee City

First irrigation water released from equalizing reservoir Monday to permit actual farming to begin along west canal. East Low Canal still under repairs. No date set for first water.

Ritzville

Golf course to be reopened on same basis as last year, city providing water and equipment and association providing own operator for clubhouse.