California Pioneers Buried in Manteca - Some Who Died in Strange Ways
Jeff checks out graves of historic pioneers buried in the East Union Cemetery in Manteca, California. The cemetery dates back to 1872 and contains the remains of folks who came out west in search of gold in the 1840s and 1850s.
One of the graves is that of an 18-year-old man who had dreams of striking it rich only to die of malaria days after his ship landed in San Francisco.
He visits the grave of a man killed by his own bull, the first female deputy sheriff of San Joaquin County, a possible Indian scout for General George Custer, a boy who climbed an electric tower and was zapped and a county supervisor who decided to end it all in a not-so-successful method.
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My brother was a caretaker there at East Union cemetery, I used to come by after work and help him maintain the grounds there. He had a lot of friends that he went to school with that were buried there. Thank you for the educational episode. Hometown ♥️
@jbenziggy
Жыл бұрын
Much appreciated comment, Lance! It was a surprise to me learning of the historical graves there!!
@michaelgmoore5708
Жыл бұрын
I liked seeing all those grave màrkers and the stories that went with them. Life is definitly too short as my grandma always said to us! Thank you Jeff and Sarah for being here as our friends and teachers.
There is a row of graves in the East Union Cemetery that belongs to a religious group called the Duokhobors. They arrived in Manteca in the early 20th Century and established the "Russian Colony" east of Hwy 99 between French Camp Road and Lathrop Road. The Doukhobors in 1899 were supported by nonother than Leo Tolstoy who not only paid for their voyage to Canada, but also travelled with them. My spouses' great grandparents who are buried in the East Union Cemetery were Nick and Vera Shaloff (you passed right by their grave stones). In fact, the University of the Pacific Alumni House is named after the Vereschagin family who travelled with the Shaloff's from Russia.
@tim2269
Жыл бұрын
I didn't think anyone outside of Canada knew about these peculiar people.Thanks for sharing
I’ve been called creepy and morbid for wanting to visit old cemeteries. However, in my opinion there is no better way to find the history of a town. Most of the older cemeteries here will list the manner of death. One thing I noticed when I was young were all of the people who succumbed to diseases. It was pretty easy, and fascinating, to find the years effective treatments were developed for those diseases when headstones no longer listed them. It was also interesting to see cholera as the main manner of death in most of the old mining towns. At the time I assumed accidents in the mines would be the main culprit but disease was still top salesman for the grim reaper. Thanks for the upload, I sure appreciate it!
Wow you out did yourself on this one. All the history that California has. And who would think a female sheriff in the 20's ? And the parents who lost both their sons in the same day such tragedy . And of coarse our civil war veterans, who I have a special place in my heart for these veterans. As always great job, time and effort.
@jadeh.2746
Жыл бұрын
Annie Jack-Reynolds was my cousin's grandmother.
Hello Jeff and Sarah, I've not been able to comment on your great post recently due to the fact that in April 2023, I suffered a massive brain stroke and bleeding on the brain as well as a heart attack.. I was released from the hospital May 2023. I'm very blessed to be in the land of the living. Keep up the great work in bringing us great content. I appreciate all that you and Sarah do and produce.
I live in Manteca and I was just wondering a couple of days ago if you had ever done an episode on the union cemetery! Thanks, Jeff. 🙂
Hey Jeff, thank you covering a piece on my family, my not so distant relative Reynolds clan. Greatly appreciated.
Jeff, you did such a great job - thank you so much for coming out! I'm amazed at how much interest there's been in this little place. I'm one of the volunteers who run EUCA, so I'd love to talk about a few things people commented on: 1] We were pretty sure Mr. Bradley, the 'Custer' scout, wasn't really with Custer - though it was written in our oldest record, c. 1920. 2] The caretaker cottage was where the gas station is now; the little East Union Church used to be on that ground. In the 1970's, the house & land was sold- the house was moved; the money was used to build our present office and to pave EUCA roads, around 1985. 3] The last wooden marker is quite the mystery: John Murphy died in 1850, just like you said - "somewhere near Lathrop". About 20 years ago, someone decided that was his marker, and added the cement engraving. But in our records, that place is occupied by a child named Gladys Adams, so I think the marker is hers. 4] Elijah Borah, re-interred from San Francisco, evidently had relatives in Manteca, so they moved him here. 5] The house near Jack Tone & French Camp Roads belonged to Milton Miller, a 3rd great grandpa of mine. He's buried at the nearby Atlanta cemetery. So sad no one is doing anything to save it! 6] Good catch on noticing our security cameras! 7] I'm so happy that people think our headstones are nicely kept - we occasionally use water and soft scrub brushes, that's usually it. We have an all-volunteer group who came together in 2014; Friends of EUC re-started in 2016 - we welcome help!! 8] Doukhobors went from Russia to Saskatchewan, then a few came here - my neighbor as a child, Nellie [Reibin], was part of that group. I have tons of info about them, really interesting. 9] We love having people visit! The office usually has a volunteer in the morning, but you can come in whenever the gates are open. Also, we do have hundreds of spots still available, we're not just a historical cemetery :)
Cemeteries can be interesting places to visit. This one particularly so - thanks to your hard work. I really appreciate the hours of research and video production that goes into an episode like this. Thanks!!
Always interesting to walk through an old cemetery and see the markers of the first settlers and you giving us the history on some is a plus!
I love the history hunting of cemeteries. Your research adds to the great value of your channel. We honor these people by not forgetting
Wow, electrocution, drowning, shot, bulls, wagons, what a medley of deaths you presented today. This was very interesting and very sad 😢 Thank you Jeff. ❤️Jodie 🇦🇺
I love how your voice is so clear and detailed description of your stories, always look forward to a new video. Keep em' coming jeff!
@jbenziggy
Жыл бұрын
Thank you so much. You are very kind to tell me! Jeff
I always enjoy when you do the cemetery videos. We always learn so much from the history you bring . 😮
Loved the Annie Reynolds story! Wow, a female sheriff back then. Based on her picture she was a small figured woman, However she must have been a formidable force. Anyway you know I'm an old LE guy so I love hearing about past LE persons. In her 87 years of life can you imagine what she has seen. Thanks for sharing and like always thanks for taking us on the adventure.
Jeff .. You left me in tears. The boys who drowned to the Meet Me In Heaven marker. Can't swim and jumped in -- thank you for sharing. I enjoyed the oddities.
There are so many tragedies at that cemetery. The Tracy cemetery also has a crazy amount of tragedies as well. Thank you for all the hard work you put into these videos jeff Yes, I agree 12:20🙏🏻
Thanks again Jeff and Sarah for bringing us some history that we would have never found out if you had not researched and presented it the way you did. I appreciate all you do to learn us some history each Sunday morning.
Another awesome video. Thank you Jeff for the time and work you put into your videos
@jbenziggy
Жыл бұрын
Thank you, Tim! For some reason, this video was hard to finish!
Jeff, I really do enjoy not only the cemetery visits, But the way you intersperse interesting stories about the people buried there. 👍
Jeff, thank you for the history of the founders of Manteca. If you had waited for this first week of May to go there to the cemetery if would have been alot cooler; like Winter.
Your videos always spark a memory for me. On this video it reminded me of touring the Delta in my uncle Stan Francisco’s old junky boat around 1967 or so and I was around 16 yrs old. The steering wheel consisted of a huge wrench to steer with. It was a scary trip but so interesting seeing all the mothballed ships! My Uncle Stan was quite a character! He used bailing wire to fix his cars and his homemade helicopter which ended up killing him in an accident. I think that happened at a Stockton airport. He lived in Manteca at the time. Sure loved hearing about all the crazy things he did in his life. What’s also endearing to me was he looked just like my Dad but they weren’t twins. 😊. Thanks for bringing up great memories!
I watch many different history sites and you do something I have not seen any of the others. You do a lot of videos on the pioneers from the pre wild west days. I really appreciate that. It is a period of our history that could easily be forgotten if not for all the hard you do to keep the stories alive.
I love your channel! That grave of Emma Torbert made me think of Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Jesus made salvation that easy. And gifts are free for the taking. No obligation. Thank you Jeff! Great video!!
Always interesting, and well-researched!
Thank you for this video. I've passed by this cemetery numerous times when living near Manteca and never had a chance to take a look inside. Incredible history!
Thank you Jeff for educating us about the people at this cemetery. Good job as always
We love discovering our California history in depth. Another great video!!
When I lived in Manteca years ago, I took long walks everyday and walked through that cemetery, I was always intrigued by the wooden head stone and wondered about the story behind it… all the names, dates and places they came from…what a great history lesson.
@jbenziggy
Жыл бұрын
Thanks! Happy to know you appreciated this video based on your personal there, Susan!
Wonderful video, so much history. Sad stories of some, and interesting stories of others. A female Sheriff wow she was ahead of her time. Thank you again for the history lesson. Hugs to Sarah ♥
Well done Jeff. You are so respectful to those that blazed the trail before us. You are a gentleman indeed sir.
@jbenziggy
Жыл бұрын
Wow, nice words greatly appreciated!
Every marker has a story, and made more interesting by your research. It shows your love of your job as a historian. Always look forward to your vlogs.
Thank you! I’ve enjoyed your commentary on our local history and residents of our area. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Fascinating personal histories...and always told with respect. 😊😊
Thank you Jeff ! for another great episode !
Another great historical video Jeff thanks for sharing.
Another great historical video, thanks Jeff. Actually this is the first cemetery that I've seen a PTZ Web Cam keeping watch over the area which I think is a good idea.
I really like the history cemeteries provide us .
I really enjoyed this visit. So much history in the city I grew up in. The community is so blessed that the Friends of the East Union Cemetery formed about 15 years ago to get this cemetery in the shape it is today…it was in bad shape.
@jbenziggy
Жыл бұрын
I thought you would enjoy this one! I bet you were unfamiliar with the stories of those residing within! Thanks for the comment, Linda. I wondered if you buried your mom there.
@lindaryno6355
Жыл бұрын
@@jbenziggy Fortunately, she hasn’t had to be buried yet. She will be buried with my dad at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery. I do have a niece buried at East Union.
Interesting as usual. I always like hearing the stories of pioneers.
I love your posts. Now that I'm retired, and finally have the free time to travel, I'm disabled and can't. Your videos are my way of getting to see all of the places I wanted to visit. Have you ever thought of visiting the site where Jackie Coogan's car crashed, resulting in the death of actor Trent Durkin?
Thanks for all your research, Jeff. You make visiting a cemetery very informative.
When I fist moved to CA in 1969, which was my dream, I lived in Raymus Village, and new addition then, there in Manteca. I love hearing about the people and places where I lived.
Thank you for taking the time making this video. We always learn so much about history from your videos.
Always interesting and thought provoking. Thanks Jeff!
Thank you again, History Hunters. I had passed by that cemetery I don't know how many times and never went in to check it out. Great stories. There is a cemetery outside of Farmington that I will bet has some history as well. God willing, I will check out both some day for myself..
I appreciate the work you put into researching these people. ❤️
What a cool video! So informative and historically interesting. Always look forward to Sunday!
I drove by this cemetery so many times when visiting my aunt and grandparents. It always looked very intriguing but my grandparents were never into visiting cemeteries. Thanks for the video! Finally got to see how truly historic it is
@jbenziggy
Жыл бұрын
Happy to hear you enjoyed it!
Another great video! I’m waiting for the day I run across you filming a video in the same areas I’m in on a daily basis. Keep up the great content.
Happy Sunday!
Another great vlog. Thank you Jeff!
Amazing that those old gravestones are in such magnificent shape, I’m sure that’s due to the dryer climate there. The farewell handshake, according to Google, represents a final farewell to earthly existence and God’s welcome into heaven. Great video, Jeff!
Fantastic video once again! Always enjoy your content!
Thanks again Jeff, for enlightening us with the pioneers. Wish we had someone here in Australia 🇦🇺 doing similar stories about our past pioneers. 😉
@muckytrails323
Жыл бұрын
Go for it sue 😊
As always, very informative and interesting!! Thanks for all you do Jeff
Hello Jeff, Thanks for another interesting story and telling it's history. May they all Rest🙏 Peace. Have a wonderful Sunday🌞
Fascinating stuff Jeff. I love exploring old cemeteries. The pioneers led amazing lives, every one.
@alichtenwalter
Жыл бұрын
Thank you for taking the time to make this cemetery video. We learn a lot about history.
Sunday it is.always enjoy all your hard work.
I checked and 1st John Bradley (who found Custer's remains) was killed a year later while leading a charge against Chief Joseph and Nez Pierce Indians at their encampment in Montana in 1877. He's buried at the Big Hole Battlefield (killed and buried initially in a single grave, but later reburied in a mass grave with the twenty-nine other Calvary troopers who died in the same battle.).
Nice job Jeff! Growing up in that area, the only time I visited a cemetery was to visit family that passed away. Hope your video is seen by family you talked about and brought back memories of their long lost family or friend. The folks that traveled great distance to California probably never had contact again with the ones they left behind. You did make me chuckle. Adopt a palm tree, that's one plant I don't see anymore in Colorado. Other than on a In and Out Burger cup :). Love seeing history from the area that I drove past all the time, and never knew.
Enjoyed watching another of your videos.
It’s so neat to see local cemeteries! Thank you! San Joaquin county native here, as I now reside in Calaveras county. There is so much history up here in valley springs too!
@jbenziggy
Жыл бұрын
Calaveras County is a beautiful place! Did you see the videos we’ve done up there?
Once again, interesting video. I enjoy learning about the history of cemeteries and their residents.
Another truly wonderful episode! I always seem to learn at least 1 new thing from y'all, thank you for that ❤
I drive by this cemetery often and have never visited it. Thank you for the tour!
@jbenziggy
Жыл бұрын
Glad it was interesting to you! Thanks!!!
Very cool I always learn about our local towns from you ! I apreaciate all your time and research on these sites
I love these videos. A lot of interesting stuff here. Thanks for sharing!
I grew up near by that cemetery. I knew there were a few civil war vets there. I never went in, great video, thank you.
Really look forward to seeing your history videos. They are greatly appreciated.
@jbenziggy
Жыл бұрын
Fantastic! Nice to hear! Thank you, A B!
Your research, as always, really makes your stories come alive. Thank you for all you do to keep these people's memories alive...
Thank you Jeff, I appreciate your hard work and knowledge that you put into these great blogs. Please know you are appreciated..Take care and God Bless in your journeys.
Another great video. Thanks Jeff!
excellent video, as usual!!
As usual another fantastic show thank you!
@jbenziggy
Жыл бұрын
Much appreciated, Ted!!!
Great job once again Jeff, keeping history alive.
Jeff, Thank you for this great video!
Educational as always. Thanks!
Hi ! Great vlog ! They are always interesting and informative !! One day I will get to California ! Thanks again for all your hard work and keep on vlogging !! Deborah 🇨🇦
My hometown! Always fun to learn about the local history. Thanks!
@jbenziggy
Жыл бұрын
Great! So you’re from Manteca!
@bonnycollins14
Жыл бұрын
Manteca and Oakdale area. I’ve been following your history hunting for a few years and always learn something new and interesting. I’m curious about the cemetery in French Camp. I have a few family members there.
Thanks again Jeff, for sharing such tragedies
@jbenziggy
Жыл бұрын
You’re welcome! Thanks, John!
Didn't know about David Rosen owning the Melrose record shop. Love that you pointed out the Civil War veterans. Thanks for sharing!
Wonderfully done!!!!😊
I really like these videos of cemeteries,
Great visit ! Thank you for your videos .
Love the detail into each one you spent time on as the history is amazing was taken back by the even sadder ones of the Warren and Gamlin family's. Great video Jeff and Thankyou for sharing it
It's so interesting to hear the stories behind the stones❤
Thanks, great stuff
Thank you Always enjoy your videos
Hi sarah and jeff, Loved this history information, you always give me something more to learn, if not for you, but I surely appreciate all your heard work and time that you put into the work that you do. Interesting place there that you was at. Thankyou so much for the heard work. I enjoy it so much. Take care and god bless, see you again soon.
I love your content and I love cemeteries and history so thank you for validating the hobby I get bullied for
Always looking forward to your programs. Thank you very much.
Jeff, thank you so much for this very interesting and informative video. I loved some of the stories you told of the unfortunate people buried in that cemetery. I wish you would do more videos like this one. You remind me so much of my Junior High School History teacher who like you took the time to remember the people that died before us, whether it be from sickness, war or some kind of tragedy. Their stories are very interesting and I think important to retell so that we might learn about these pioneer people from a time so different from ours today. Thanks again for all you do. Keep up with the lessons for we have so much to learn.
Great episode! (Your biggest Homesick Tennessee(formerly California) fans! Stopped at Fort Donelson National Battlefield today and met a park ranger from…Manteca!!! Thanks for another great video Jeff!
Another good video. 🎉
My brother lives in Ripon so I found this episode very interesting. Your channel is awesome!
@jbenziggy
Жыл бұрын
Awww thanks Pamela! We so appreciate the nice comments!
Delightful look back at history.
Very educational and I an tell you took a lot of time learning the pioneers life back then. Thankyou for sharing.
@jbenziggy
Жыл бұрын
Thank you Joan! Yes it takes me a lot of research!
Another fascinating episode. Thanks.
Awakened in a better world, what a great thought for todays world. Boy this video is chocked full of interesting history. Thanks for the work put into this one!!