South San Jose in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
George Donner, Jr.
[Front of Marker:]
Delayed en route and low on provisions, the wagon train was trapped by snow in the Sierra Nevada near Donner Lake in late October. Of the nine members of Jacob Donner’s family, only three children survived the winter: the younger George, his sister Mary, and their half-brother Solomon Hook.
On 8 June 1862 George Donner, Jr. married Margaret Watson in San Jose, California. They had eight children. George settled near Sebastopol in Sonoma County where he established a farm. He died there on 16 February 1874, aged 37, and was brought to Oak Hill Cemetery for internment. Lying next to George is his son Albert. George’s sister Mary Donner Houghton is also interred nearby.
Back of Marker:]
To the Overland Pioneers found at Oak Hill Memorial Park and to those who perpetuate their history.
The following early overland emigrants are interred in Oak Hill Memorial Park.
Cemetery plot maps are available at the office.
Members of the Stephens Townsend Murphy Party of 1844:
John M. Murphy * Moses Schallenberger * Dr. John Townsend
Members of the Donner Party of 1846:
George Donner,Jr. * Martha Jane (Patty) Reed Lewis * Virginia Reed Murphy * Margaret W. Reed * William H. Eddy * James F. Reed * Mary Donner Houghton * William McCutchen * James F. Reed, Jr. * Thomas K. Reed
Members of other Overland Emigrant Parties of 1846:
Joseph Aram * Amanda Bailey Branham * Mary Pyle Overfelt * Edward G. Pyle Sr. * Sarah Wright Aram * Jacob D. Hoppe * Elizabeth Pyle Tanner * Nancy Leigh Young * Isaac Branham * Hiram Owens Miller * Thomas S. Pyle * Samuel C. Young
Erected 2004 by Native Sons of the Golden West Observatory Parlor #177 and E Clampus Vitus, Mountain Charlie Chapter #1850, August 15, 2004.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus, and the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is February 16, 1874.
Location. 37° 17.86′ N, 121° 51.39′ W. Marker is in San Jose, California, in Santa Clara County. It is in South San Jose. Monument is located in the "Pioneer" Section of Oak Hill Memorial Park (Near the Monterey Road entrance gate.). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 300 Curtner Avenue, San Jose CA 95125, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Dr. John Townsend (within shouting distance of this marker); Jean Jacques Vioget (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); William Henry Eddy (about 400 feet away); Dr. Louis H. and Anna M. (Grandma) Bascom (about 700 feet away); Montgomery Maze (approx. 0.2 miles away); Margaret Caldwell Fox (approx. ¼ mile away); Charles Henry McKiernan (approx. 0.4 miles away); History of Vieira Park (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in San Jose.
Also see . . . The Donner Party. (Submitted on May 1, 2009.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 1, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona. This page has been viewed 4,383 times since then and 135 times this year. Last updated on May 2, 2010, by Rick Helin of San Jose, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 1, 2009, by Syd Whittle of Mesa, Arizona.