Dublin in Alameda County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Tom Donlon

1834 - 1859

Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, July 6, 2022

1. Tom Donlon Marker

Inscription. A native of Longford, Ireland. He pledged $50 to help build Old Saint Raymond’s Church in 1856. While working on the church, he fell from the roof and was killed at age 25. A school in Dublin was named for him by vote of the student body.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Churches & Religion • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1856.

Location. 37° 41.985′ N, 121° 56.341′ W. Marker is in Dublin, California, in Alameda County. Marker can be reached from Donlan Way. The wood marker stands next to the Donlon family plot in the Dublin Pioneer Cemetery; part of the Dublin Heritage Park & Museums. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6600 Donlon Way, Dublin CA 94568, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. John S. Martin (here, next to this marker); Kolb Family (a few steps from this marker); Henry Moller (within shouting distance of this marker); James Witt Dougherty (within shouting distance of this marker); The Nielsen Family (within shouting distance of this marker); John Bonde (within shouting distance of this marker); Norris Family (within shouting distance of this marker); Harlan Family (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dublin.

Additional commentary.

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

1. City Historian Update
A chance encounter with Dublin City Historian Steven Minniear in the cemetery two days ago led to an interesting conversation about local history. Mr. Linniear said there is no record of Tom Donlon falling from the church roof. A published death notice said he died after a short illness. Mr. Linniear surmises the family could have been embarrassed about Tom falling off a church roof, or he did have an illness that contributed to his fall and ultimately led to his death.

— Submitted July 8, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California.

Donlon Family Plot image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, July 6, 2022

2. Donlon Family Plot

Thomas H. Donlon Headstone image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Joseph Alvarado, July 6, 2022

3. Thomas H. Donlon Headstone

To the Memory of
Thomas H. Donlon
Who departed this life
Sept. 16, 1859,
In the 25 year of his age
Native of Co. Longford
Ireland
May his soul rest in Peace

Erected by his beloved
Sister Eliza

Dear friends for me do not weep
I am not dead but here asleep
Short was my time, long is my rest
In me God called, he thought it best

Credits. This page was last revised on July 12, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 8, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. This page has been viewed 102 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 8, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. 2, 3. submitted on July 9, 2022, by Joseph Alvarado of Livermore, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.