California Pioneers Buried in Manteca - Some Who Died in Strange Ways

Jeff checks out graves of historic pioneers buried in the East Union Cemetery in Manteca, California. The cemetery dates back to 1872 and contains the remains of folks who came out west in search of gold in the 1840s and 1850s.
One of the graves is that of an 18-year-old man who had dreams of striking it rich only to die of malaria days after his ship landed in San Francisco.
He visits the grave of a man killed by his own bull, the first female deputy sheriff of San Joaquin County, a possible Indian scout for General George Custer, a boy who climbed an electric tower and was zapped and a county supervisor who decided to end it all in a not-so-successful method.
#historyhunters #manteca #californiahistory
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[@lanceolson9366]

My brother was a caretaker there at East Union cemetery, I used to come by after work and help him maintain the grounds there. He had a lot of friends that he went to school with that were buried there. Thank you for the educational episode. Hometown ♥️

[@jbenziggy]

Much appreciated comment, Lance! It was a surprise to me learning of the historical graves there!!

[@michaelgmoore5708]

I liked seeing all those grave màrkers and the stories that went with them. Life is definitly too short as my grandma always said to us! Thank you Jeff and Sarah for being here as our friends and teachers.

[@troybilt61]

There is a row of graves in the East Union Cemetery that belongs to a religious group called the Duokhobors. They arrived in Manteca in the early 20th Century and established the "Russian Colony" east of Hwy 99 between French Camp Road and Lathrop Road. The Doukhobors in 1899 were supported by nonother than Leo Tolstoy who not only paid for their voyage to Canada, but also travelled with them. My spouses' great grandparents who are buried in the East Union Cemetery were Nick and Vera Shaloff (you passed right by their grave stones). In fact, the University of the Pacific Alumni House is named after the Vereschagin family who travelled with the Shaloff's from Russia.

[@tim2269]

I didn't think anyone outside of Canada knew about these peculiar people.Thanks for sharing

[@CFarnwide]

I’ve been called creepy and morbid for wanting to visit old cemeteries. However, in my opinion there is no better way to find the history of a town. Most of the older cemeteries here will list the manner of death. One thing I noticed when I was young were all of the people who succumbed to diseases. It was pretty easy, and fascinating, to find the years effective treatments were developed for those diseases when headstones no longer listed them. It was also interesting to see cholera as the main manner of death in most of the old mining towns. At the time I assumed accidents in the mines would be the main culprit but disease was still top salesman for the grim reaper. Thanks for the upload, I sure appreciate it!

[@martindriver6026]

Wow you out did yourself on this one. All the history that California has. And who would think a female sheriff in the 20's ? And the parents who lost both their sons in the same day such tragedy . And of coarse our civil war veterans, who I have a special place in my heart for these veterans. As always great job, time and effort.

[@jadeh.2746]

Annie Jack-Reynolds was my cousin's grandmother.

[@defuller1]

I live in Manteca and I was just wondering a couple of days ago if you had ever done an episode on the union cemetery! Thanks, Jeff. 🙂

[@muhammadsalaam]

Hello Jeff and Sarah, I've not been able to comment on your great post recently due to the fact that in April 2023, I suffered a massive brain stroke and bleeding on the brain as well as a heart attack.. I was released from the hospital May 2023. I'm very blessed to be in the land of the living. Keep up the great work in bringing us great content. I appreciate all that you and Sarah do and produce.

[@jadeh.2746]

Hey Jeff, thank you covering a piece on my family, my not so distant relative Reynolds clan. Greatly appreciated.

[@janicezacharias1279]

Jeff, you did such a great job - thank you so much for coming out! I'm amazed at how much interest there's been in this little place. I'm one of the volunteers who run EUCA, so I'd love to talk about a few things people commented on: 1] We were pretty sure Mr. Bradley, the 'Custer' scout, wasn't really with Custer - though it was written in our oldest record, c. 1920. 2] The caretaker cottage was where the gas station is now; the little East Union Church used to be on that ground. In the 1970's, the house & land was sold- the house was moved; the money was used to build our present office and to pave EUCA roads, around 1985. 3] The last wooden marker is quite the mystery: John Murphy died in 1850, just like you said - "somewhere near Lathrop". About 20 years ago, someone decided that was his marker, and added the cement engraving. But in our records, that place is occupied by a child named Gladys Adams, so I think the marker is hers. 4] Elijah Borah, re-interred from San Francisco, evidently had relatives in Manteca, so they moved him here. 5] The house near Jack Tone & French Camp Roads belonged to Milton Miller, a 3rd great grandpa of mine. He's buried at the nearby Atlanta cemetery. So sad no one is doing anything to save it! 6] Good catch on noticing our security cameras! 7] I'm so happy that people think our headstones are nicely kept - we occasionally use water and soft scrub brushes, that's usually it. We have an all-volunteer group who came together in 2014; Friends of EUC re-started in 2016 - we welcome help!! 8] Doukhobors went from Russia to Saskatchewan, then a few came here - my neighbor as a child, Nellie [Reibin], was part of that group. I have tons of info about them, really interesting. 9] We love having people visit! The office usually has a volunteer in the morning, but you can come in whenever the gates are open. Also, we do have hundreds of spots still available, we're not just a historical cemetery :)

[@DALEf4u]

Always interesting to walk through an old cemetery and see the markers of the first settlers and you giving us the history on some is a plus!

[@mikes3174]

Cemeteries can be interesting places to visit. This one particularly so - thanks to your hard work. I really appreciate the hours of research and video production that goes into an episode like this. Thanks!!

[@talesfromanoldmanpatoneal6372]

Loved the Annie Reynolds story! Wow, a female sheriff back then. Based on her picture she was a small figured woman, However she must have been a formidable force. Anyway you know I'm an old LE guy so I love hearing about past LE persons. In her 87 years of life can you imagine what she has seen. Thanks for sharing and like always thanks for taking us on the adventure.

[@DK-et6lm]

I love the history hunting of cemeteries. Your research adds to the great value of your channel. We honor these people by not forgetting

[@swansfan6944]

Wow, electrocution, drowning, shot, bulls, wagons, what a medley of deaths you presented today. This was very interesting and very sad 😢 Thank you Jeff. ❤️Jodie 🇦🇺

[@privatepilot4064]

I love your channel! That grave of Emma Torbert made me think of Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Jesus made salvation that easy. And gifts are free for the taking. No obligation. Thank you Jeff! Great video!!

[@philipcollins5440]

I always enjoy when you do the cemetery videos. We always learn so much from the history you bring . 😮

[@funnydogs19]

There are so many tragedies at that cemetery. The Tracy cemetery also has a crazy amount of tragedies as well. Thank you for all the hard work you put into these videos jeff Yes, I agree 12:20🙏🏻

[@stargater2892]

Jeff .. You left me in tears. The boys who drowned to the Meet Me In Heaven marker. Can't swim and jumped in -- thank you for sharing. I enjoyed the oddities.

[@timberk5]

Another awesome video. Thank you Jeff for the time and work you put into your videos

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you, Tim! For some reason, this video was hard to finish!

[@Hugo-py2ce]

I love how your voice is so clear and detailed description of your stories, always look forward to a new video. Keep em' coming jeff!

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you so much. You are very kind to tell me! Jeff

[@cameronmccreary4758]

Jeff, thank you for the history of the founders of Manteca. If you had waited for this first week of May to go there to the cemetery if would have been alot cooler; like Winter.

[@jerryfountain7921]

Thanks again Jeff and Sarah for bringing us some history that we would have never found out if you had not researched and presented it the way you did. I appreciate all you do to learn us some history each Sunday morning.

[@mikeseier4449]

Jeff, I really do enjoy not only the cemetery visits, But the way you intersperse interesting stories about the people buried there. 👍

[@random22026]

Fascinating personal histories...and always told with respect. 😊😊

[@sharonholding5982]

Wonderful video, so much history. Sad stories of some, and interesting stories of others. A female Sheriff wow she was ahead of her time. Thank you again for the history lesson. Hugs to Sarah ♥

[@TOPTENTRAVEL01]

Always interesting, and well-researched!

[@ErinoftheValley]

Thank you! I’ve enjoyed your commentary on our local history and residents of our area. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@patriciaschindler6468]

We love discovering our California history in depth. Another great video!!

[@charlesroller5844]

I watch many different history sites and you do something I have not seen any of the others. You do a lot of videos on the pioneers from the pre wild west days. I really appreciate that. It is a period of our history that could easily be forgotten if not for all the hard you do to keep the stories alive.

[@unbiasedobserver]

Your videos always spark a memory for me. On this video it reminded me of touring the Delta in my uncle Stan Francisco’s old junky boat around 1967 or so and I was around 16 yrs old. The steering wheel consisted of a huge wrench to steer with. It was a scary trip but so interesting seeing all the mothballed ships! My Uncle Stan was quite a character! He used bailing wire to fix his cars and his homemade helicopter which ended up killing him in an accident. I think that happened at a Stockton airport. He lived in Manteca at the time. Sure loved hearing about all the crazy things he did in his life. What’s also endearing to me was he looked just like my Dad but they weren’t twins. 😊. Thanks for bringing up great memories!

[@muan108]

Thank you Jeff for educating us about the people at this cemetery. Good job as always

[@fredwhitten230]

Thank you Jeff ! for another great episode !

[@peanut_trucker]

Another great historical video Jeff thanks for sharing.

[@Darkk6969]

Thank you for this video. I've passed by this cemetery numerous times when living near Manteca and never had a chance to take a look inside. Incredible history!

[@161papa]

Once again, interesting video. I enjoy learning about the history of cemeteries and their residents.

[@waltersfield]

Always interesting and thought provoking. Thanks Jeff!

[@UsualmikeTelevision]

Fantastic video once again! Always enjoy your content!

[@robertbiastre6037]

Another great vlog. Thank you Jeff!

[@MyBob1950]

Every marker has a story, and made more interesting by your research. It shows your love of your job as a historian. Always look forward to your vlogs.

[@LadiCady]

Thanks for all your research, Jeff. You make visiting a cemetery very informative.

[@skiptalaska8603]

What a cool video! So informative and historically interesting. Always look forward to Sunday!

[@alichtenwalter]

Thank you for taking the time making this video. We always learn so much about history from your videos.

[@shirleydowning9383]

I appreciate the work you put into researching these people. ❤️

[@susanlahti9104]

When I lived in Manteca years ago, I took long walks everyday and walked through that cemetery, I was always intrigued by the wooden head stone and wondered about the story behind it… all the names, dates and places they came from…what a great history lesson.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks! Happy to know you appreciated this video based on your personal there, Susan!

[@Moultrie31768]

Another great historical video, thanks Jeff. Actually this is the first cemetery that I've seen a PTZ Web Cam keeping watch over the area which I think is a good idea.

[@heden1460]

Interesting as usual. I always like hearing the stories of pioneers.

[@williamclifford9757]

Sunday it is.always enjoy all your hard work.

[@lindaryno6355]

I really enjoyed this visit. So much history in the city I grew up in. The community is so blessed that the Friends of the East Union Cemetery formed about 15 years ago to get this cemetery in the shape it is today…it was in bad shape.

[@jbenziggy]

I thought you would enjoy this one! I bet you were unfamiliar with the stories of those residing within! Thanks for the comment, Linda. I wondered if you buried your mom there.

[@lindaryno6355]

@@jbenziggy Fortunately, she hasn’t had to be buried yet. She will be buried with my dad at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery. I do have a niece buried at East Union.

[@mikewhite2aadvocacy172]

Enjoyed watching another of your videos.

[@dannasilva9079]

As always, very informative and interesting!! Thanks for all you do Jeff

[@edmcconnell2105]

I really like the history cemeteries provide us .

[@scottherrick7531]

Well done Jeff. You are so respectful to those that blazed the trail before us. You are a gentleman indeed sir.

[@jbenziggy]

Wow, nice words greatly appreciated!

[@rosezingleman5007]

Fascinating stuff Jeff. I love exploring old cemeteries. The pioneers led amazing lives, every one.

[@alichtenwalter]

Thank you for taking the time to make this cemetery video. We learn a lot about history.

[@jaybryant-green585]

I love your posts. Now that I'm retired, and finally have the free time to travel, I'm disabled and can't. Your videos are my way of getting to see all of the places I wanted to visit. Have you ever thought of visiting the site where Jackie Coogan's car crashed, resulting in the death of actor Trent Durkin?

[@ShellyPurple47]

When I fist moved to CA in 1969, which was my dream, I lived in Raymus Village, and new addition then, there in Manteca. I love hearing about the people and places where I lived.

[@webchuck1]

Hello Jeff, Thanks for another interesting story and telling it's history. May they all Rest🙏 Peace. Have a wonderful Sunday🌞

[@AB-ye7bw]

Really look forward to seeing your history videos. They are greatly appreciated.

[@jbenziggy]

Fantastic! Nice to hear! Thank you, A B!

[@greyghostjay]

I love these videos. A lot of interesting stuff here. Thanks for sharing!

[@dsinavich5141]

Hi ! Great vlog ! They are always interesting and informative !! One day I will get to California ! Thanks again for all your hard work and keep on vlogging !! Deborah 🇨🇦

[@christinedelman887]

Another truly wonderful episode! I always seem to learn at least 1 new thing from y'all, thank you for that ❤

[@vonwebber7852]

Nice job Jeff! Growing up in that area, the only time I visited a cemetery was to visit family that passed away. Hope your video is seen by family you talked about and brought back memories of their long lost family or friend. The folks that traveled great distance to California probably never had contact again with the ones they left behind. You did make me chuckle. Adopt a palm tree, that's one plant I don't see anymore in Colorado. Other than on a In and Out Burger cup :). Love seeing history from the area that I drove past all the time, and never knew.

[@user-sp2le5kx9f]

Delightful look back at history.

[@daveforeman6931]

Thank you again, History Hunters. I had passed by that cemetery I don't know how many times and never went in to check it out. Great stories. There is a cemetery outside of Farmington that I will bet has some history as well. God willing, I will check out both some day for myself..

[@ourlifeinwyoming4654]

Happy Sunday!

[@susancarden749]

Thanks again Jeff, for enlightening us with the pioneers. Wish we had someone here in Australia 🇦🇺 doing similar stories about our past pioneers. 😉

[@muckytrails323]

Go for it sue 😊

[@Gwillya]

Wonderfully done!!!!😊

[@sside8]

Amazing that those old gravestones are in such magnificent shape, I’m sure that’s due to the dryer climate there. The farewell handshake, according to Google, represents a final farewell to earthly existence and God’s welcome into heaven. Great video, Jeff!

[@tombaker4586]

Very good walks ! The stories of the past are endless. Tom, Belgium.

[@IDNHANTU2day]

Always looking forward to your programs. Thank you very much.

[@seandompe7300]

Very cool I always learn about our local towns from you ! I apreaciate all your time and research on these sites

[@deeannefritz8424]

Educational as always. Thanks!

[@bonnycollins14]

My hometown! Always fun to learn about the local history. Thanks!

[@jbenziggy]

Great! So you’re from Manteca!

[@bonnycollins14]

Manteca and Oakdale area. I’ve been following your history hunting for a few years and always learn something new and interesting. I’m curious about the cemetery in French Camp. I have a few family members there.

[@davidbarker8354]

I drove by this cemetery so many times when visiting my aunt and grandparents. It always looked very intriguing but my grandparents were never into visiting cemeteries. Thanks for the video! Finally got to see how truly historic it is

[@jbenziggy]

Happy to hear you enjoyed it!

[@tedmccullen7466]

As usual another fantastic show thank you!

[@jbenziggy]

Much appreciated, Ted!!!

[@johnpeddicord4932]

Thanks again Jeff, for sharing such tragedies

[@jbenziggy]

You’re welcome! Thanks, John!

[@reginamay2767]

Hi sarah and jeff, Loved this history information, you always give me something more to learn, if not for you, but I surely appreciate all your heard work and time that you put into the work that you do. Interesting place there that you was at. Thankyou so much for the heard work. I enjoy it so much. Take care and god bless, see you again soon.

[@r2angels739]

Another great video! I’m waiting for the day I run across you filming a video in the same areas I’m in on a daily basis. Keep up the great content.

[@melindagordonbeck8958]

Great episode! (Your biggest Homesick Tennessee(formerly California) fans! Stopped at Fort Donelson National Battlefield today and met a park ranger from…Manteca!!! Thanks for another great video Jeff!

[@maryturko6490]

It's so interesting to hear the stories behind the stones❤

[@nicholedecker9124]

I really like these videos of cemeteries,

[@isabelaguilar2903]

Jeff, Thank you for this great video!

[@TropicalGardenGuy]

Another great video. Thanks Jeff!

[@meyhemmolly]

I drive by this cemetery often and have never visited it. Thank you for the tour!

[@jbenziggy]

Glad it was interesting to you! Thanks!!!

[@pamelakern2849]

This was so interesting 😊 So many people with fascinating stories. Annie Reynolds was wonderful ❤

[@tractorhyatt7044]

Another great video, Jeff! Thank you! The practice of moving cemeteries to make room for development seems like a not so good of an idea. I wonder if there have been instances where they just moved the headstones, but not the bodies. Kinda like the movie Poltergeist. Also when most of the folks were buried in that cemetery, that was way out in the country. Now look at the noisy traffic and sprawl that is enveloping the cemetery. Hate to see that, but that seems to be happening all across the country. Enjoyed watching, thank you!

[@Fatboypool]

I grew up near by that cemetery. I knew there were a few civil war vets there. I never went in, great video, thank you.

[@whip-its_dad4239]

Great visit ! Thank you for your videos .

[@jackyandell2489]

Thank you Jeff, I appreciate your hard work and knowledge that you put into these great blogs. Please know you are appreciated..Take care and God Bless in your journeys.

[@y077er]

Great job once again Jeff, keeping history alive.

[@Xpyburnt_ndz]

Another gr8 HH vid from our local area!!! Some gr8 history from/by those folks buried there! Thnx Jeff!

[@CLEMANSJK]

It’s so neat to see local cemeteries! Thank you! San Joaquin county native here, as I now reside in Calaveras county. There is so much history up here in valley springs too!

[@jbenziggy]

Calaveras County is a beautiful place! Did you see the videos we’ve done up there?

[@joanwilliams1376]

Very educational and I an tell you took a lot of time learning the pioneers life back then. Thankyou for sharing.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you Joan! Yes it takes me a lot of research!

[@leahreposa4599]

excellent video, as usual!!

[@gerrymaitland9799]

Your research, as always, really makes your stories come alive. Thank you for all you do to keep these people's memories alive...

[@ahsatan8997]

I love your content and I love cemeteries and history so thank you for validating the hobby I get bullied for

[@AT1881Cowboy]

I appreciate your videos, Jeff. I love how you recognize the fact that heaven is real. Thank you.

[@jbenziggy]

I do believe in Jesus and his Word! Thanks so much! Blessings to you!

[@AT1881Cowboy]

@@jbenziggy That is Awesome, Jeff!!! I do too. I love researching and reading about Biblical Archeology. Love reading His word too each morning. My wife and I listen to gospel country music which includes a lot of Bill Gaither's singers and arrangements. It is like I know them all personally. Take good care, Brother!

[@anaheimskip]

I remember when it almost was closed down. Fortunately, the community came together to save it. There is too much history there for it to be lost. Joshua Cowell was the father of Manteca. Between him and the Civil War soldiers, the cemetery had to be saved.

[@marks1638]

I checked and 1st John Bradley (who found Custer's remains) was killed a year later while leading a charge against Chief Joseph and Nez Pierce Indians at their encampment in Montana in 1877. He's buried at the Big Hole Battlefield (killed and buried initially in a single grave, but later reburied in a mass grave with the twenty-nine other Calvary troopers who died in the same battle.).

[@corinnerenshaw3621]

Love you stories that went along with the person you were talking about.

[@joelhurley2678]

Jeff, thanks again for another fun video and historical information that you shared on this wonderful video. I really enjoyed the history and was really fun to see those beautiful headstones thank you so much.

[@jbenziggy]

I love your very thoughtful comments and appreciate you being one of our devoted viewers, Joel! Thank you and blessings!

[@joelhurley2678]

@@jbenziggy Your Welcome.

[@Crustymarine]

We do enjoy these videos. Part of our Sunday evening fare, along with Word on Westerns.