South San Jose in Santa Clara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
George Donner, Jr.
Photographed By Syd Whittle, April 25, 2009
1. George Donner, Jr. Marker
[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
this page online
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
Photographed By Syd Whittle, April 25, 2009
2. George Donner, Jr. Marker
The small grave marker to the left marks the grave of his young son Albert mentioned in marker text.
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.)
Photographed By Syd Whittle, April 24, 2009
3. Back of Donner Monument
Photographed By Syd Whittle, April 25, 2009
4. Small Plaque at Bottom of Monument
Native Sons of
The Golden West Observatory Parlor #177
and
E Clampus Vitus
Mountain Charlie Chapter #1850
Photographed By Syd Whittle, September 20, 2008
5. Donner Monument
Located at Donner Memorial State Park in Nevada County, California.
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
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 4,378 times since then and 130 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.
