South San Jose in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

William Henry Eddy

1817 – 1859

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, January 29, 2012

1. William Henry Eddy 1817 – 1859 Marker

Inscription. He led the forlorn hope of the Donner Party.
Dedicated Memorial Day, 1946

Erected 1946 by E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Exploration • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1946.

Location. 37° 17.92′ N, 121° 51.435′ W. Marker is in San Jose, California, in Santa Clara County. It is in South San Jose. Marker can be reached from Curtner Avenue. This marker is located in the northern part of Section C in Oak Hill Cemetery. The cemetery is located at the intersection of Curtner Avenue and Monterey Highway (State Route 82). 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. Jean Jacques Vioget (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. Louis H. and Anna M. (Grandma) Bascom (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dr. John Townsend (about 300 feet away); George Donner, Jr. (about 400 feet away); Montgomery Maze (about 500 feet away); Margaret Caldwell Fox

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(about 800 feet away); Charles Henry McKiernan (approx. 0.3 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 Diary. Daniel M. Rosen's Website homepage:
The Donner Party was the most famous tragedy in the history of the westward migration. Almost ninety wagon train emigrants were unable to cross the Sierra Nevada before winter, and almost one-half starved to death. Perhaps because they were ordinary people -- farmers, merchants, parents, children -- their story captures the imagination. The logs on this site contain the words of the participants from their diaries, letters and first-hand accounts, balanced by the perspective of later historians. The logs describe the locations of their trail and camps in detail so you can follow in the Donner Party's wagon tracks and footsteps. (Submitted on February 4, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Additional commentary.
1. William Gordon Huff
The image of William Henry Eddy seen on the marker was sculptured by this well known artist.

William Henry Eddy image. Click for full size.

via Find A Grave, unknown

2. William Henry Eddy

His sculptures were on display at the Golden Gate International Exposition that was held on Treasure Island in the San Francisco Bay in 1939 and 1940, along with many other venues. He was an active member of E Clampus Vitus and his work is used on many Clamper plaques throughout Northern California. He provided the many scenes seen on the ECV Wall of Comparative Ovations located in Murphys, California.

— Submitted February 5, 2012.

Additional keywords. Donner Party

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, January 29, 2012

3. William Henry Eddy 1817 – 1859 Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 4, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 918 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 4, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. 2. submitted on March 23, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3. submitted on February 4, 2012, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.