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

San Lorenzo Pioneer Cemetery

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 10, 2016

1. San Lorenzo Pioneer Cemetery Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

This cemetery, a part of the Jose Joaquin Estudillo land grant, became the property of two pioneer San Lorenzo farmers, John Lewelling and William Meek in 1863. The first burial of record was April 10, 1853. Between 1854 and 1863 the number of burials increased and it became more difficult to identify the grave sites. It was evident an organization was necessary to supervise and maintain the property. In February 27, 1864 the San Lorenzo Cemetery Association was formed to purchase the property, lay out plots, build fences and properly maintain the grounds. Dedicated on March 24, 1964 as a memorial park by the Alameda County Board of Supervisors.

Erected 2008 by San Lorenzo Heritage Society, the Hayward Area Historical Society and E Clampus Vitus, Joaquin Murrieta Chapter #13.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 10, 1853.

Location. 37° 41.391′ N, 122° 7.729′ W. Marker is in

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San Lorenzo, California, in Alameda County. Marker is on College Street near Usher Street, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 199 College Street, San Lorenzo CA 94580, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Working Farm (approx. 0.9 miles away); Heart of the Estate (approx. 0.9 miles away); Meek Estate (approx. 0.9 miles away); Agriculture Pioneer (approx. 0.9 miles away); The Meek Mansion (approx. 0.9 miles away); The McConaghy Estate (approx. 1.4 miles away); Cannery Park (approx. 2.3 miles away); Castro Valley Veterans Memorial (approx. 2½ miles away).

Also see . . . Eeriest place in Bay Area: A place of death in San Lorenzo -- SFGate. The San Lorenzo Pioneer Cemetery is a 3-acre expanse of broken headstones, vandalized crypts, weeds, dust and mysteries. Closed for the past 50 years, it’s a glimpse into the rural and sometimes violent Bay Area that’s long since vanished. It’s the final resting place for the Yoakum brothers, who were convicted of murder and hanged by a lynch mob in 1879. A few yards away is the grave of Henry Jorgensen, who was killed in an explosion at the Trojan Powder factory in 1907. Not far from him is a man named Mahler, who committed suicide after his wife died. (Submitted on May 11, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 10, 2016

2. San Lorenzo Pioneer Cemetery Marker

San Lorenzo Pioneer Cemetery image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 10, 2016

3. San Lorenzo Pioneer Cemetery

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 11, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 402 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 11, 2016, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.