I could never imagine how callous a person would have to be to vandalize a grave marker. So sad to disrespect a cemetery. Interesting history Jeff, thanks for this.
The settlers, along with who share genetic affinity with the settlers are a minority in the area and very disliked by the majority. Its a growing trend everywhere
Oh! And when you leave Hornitos, into Cathy’s valley, there is a tiny cemetery to your right. They have a grave of a man who fought in the war of 1812! Love Grandma Debbie
I remember your video on the 4 highway patrolmen. Too many broken headstones 🪦 looks like vandalism. I’ve always enjoyed walking through those old cemeteries and wondering how there lives were and how they passed away. It’s amazing to see how different the headstones were (how they wrote) compared to today. Thanks Jeff for another great video!
My mother told me that when she was little they would lay the person who passed in the living room for 3 days for people to come pay their respects. she was born in 1922 so still did things the old way. When she passed I asked the nurse for scissors to cut her hair, which I will forever keep.
That's where the term " wake" came from. They would keep the body out for a few days so as to not bury a person who may be in a coma, as not to be buried alive.
My neighbors who ran the local funeral home in Roseville CA between 1935-1966 died about 2000 and his wife had him brought home set up in his casket Looks like Mr Ross in this cemetery was a Oddfellow with those circles on top gravestone
I live in Merced, and if you want to see a beautiful cemetery, go to Hornitos. Those old prospectors sure found enough gold to have gorgeous statues. Hornitos is the home of the bandit Jauquine Murietta , and the first Gheridelli factory! Love Grandma Debbie
This is so cool. I am a California native born and raised in Kern county. I appreciate you showing this old cemetery and the stories of the people buried there. Calif has so much to explore that I haven’t seen. One day on my way to Ridgecrest I came upon an old mining town called Randsburg. I was amazed to see so many really old cars and buildings. Thank you so much….I just subscribed.
Jeff, I just wanted to say that you have done another wonderful video showing what life was like many years ago and how we handled our loved ones when they passed away. I remember when we had services for our family members in our living rooms in our own homes. Thinking about it now, it was a strange kind of custom but that's what they did back then to honor our loved ones. How things have changed from those times. Thank you, Jeff for another wonderful history lesson. It was indeed a different way of life way back then.
Fantastic! Thank you! Yeah Muir wrote some letters to family from Hopeton in 1868 and 1869. The man was a bonafide stud the way he climbed mountains and walked everywhere!
Thanks so much for this one! I visited this cemetery many times back in the ‘60s and you’re right- it is very much deteriorated. There is no more beautiful time of year in that area and your capture of the rainbow is stunning. I grew up right on the Stanislaus-Merced County line and our family hobby was touring the historic areas in the foothills. Our favorite old cemetery was the one at Hornitos, not too far from there. Stoked with an interest in history, I’ve spent most of my life in the East, but so many of your videos have rekindled that early interest in the people who left here to make a perilous journey to California. Your respect for all of them shows in all you do. Great work!
Another great video as usual. Thanks, Jeff. These are my favorite ones from you. Just walking around a cemetery and giving history lessons of the people buried there. Very respectful.
Wow - Bertha's grave. We also watched your episode on the brave men that were killed. I can only imagine the pain she carried in her heart - thus, the expression, "heavy heart." It's good that this place survives and hopefully your efforts to cover these cemeteries will keep the focus where it needs to be. Happy Sunday!
Loved this trip to Hopeton & surrounding area.. Beautiful! Have missed you & was so happy to tune in right away.. I’m from the Bay Area originally & always brings me home.. Hope Sarah is well & ❤to you both! Keep ‘em coming!
Thank you. But I’m confused. You said you missed us but you must know we’re haven’t gone anywhere. I post every Sunday! Maybe you haven’t hit the notification bell?
Nice you were in my neck of the woods. I'm from Atawater but spent many days in Hopeton and Snelling. My dad was the propane delivery guy and he would take me every weekend to deliver propane to all the farms in Hopeton and Snelling. Not sure if they still hold it but Hopeton use to have a Portuguese Festa every year which I went to every year. I miss those days.
My favorite yearly Festas were at the Atwater, Buhach, and Hopeton Pentecostal Halls. Always felt the three had the best tasting Sopas in the Valley. Portuguese immigrants and their decendants had a major impact on the farming/dairy industry in the Central Valley. Good memories!!!
Those are my favorites too.. My dad always provided tthe propane to cook. I'm portugues, and most of my family were dairymen in the Patterson area. Those were the good ol days.
I remember when my Uncle died he was laid out in my grandparents house. My grandparents came from Italy legally. I was quite young so it didn't really bother me to come down the stairs in the morning knowing that he was there.
Jeff, thank you for another amazing video! That is horrible about your great grandfather! 😢Very sorry to hear that! I have never been to a home wake. I’m sure when my grandparents were young they attended many. They all grew up in rural areas and no money for a special service. It is so sad to see how these gravestones have been broken apart. Disgusting how people can desecrate a final remembrance! That rainbow was beautiful after all the rain and storms. ❤
Thank you very much! Just to clarify, I was speaking about my grandfather not my great grandfather. He died before he reached 38 which I find would be tragic.
God Bless you Jeff, for the respect you show to each grave that you comment on. There are those that seem to forget that each grave represents someone's husband, wife, son or daughter, mother or father, friend. Your words are kind and heartfelt. May the Peace of the Lord be upon you. God Bless you and Sarah, and your families.
Always thrilled when I see you have posted a new video. So interesting to see where the people buried there were born. Leaving home to explore and start life somewhere else. I often wonder if they ever got to see family and friends they left behind. No "jumping on a plane" to "go back home" There is a sad story of a family in Georgia. They had come from up North and settled in rural Georgia. Built a beautiful home and farm in the early 1800s and lived there a long time. The husband was a preacher and one day said he felt called to go to Texas. The wife didn't want to go. She'd have to leave her flowers and trees she planted and the house with so many memories. She'd have to leave all her friends. The husband kept packing the wagon, the children were getting ready to go. The husband and children got in the wagon and called for the wife to come on. She walked out to the wagon and said, "You go ahead, MY Texas is right here. She went back inside, took a pistol and killed herself. Never to leave her homeplace she loved so dearly. After the funeral, the husband and children did indeed continue to Texas.
Very well done. I miss all the green in the winter as a kid in Marin. I noticed on the markers of Mr. Ross at 13:00 and Trooper Gore the 3 chain links. Looked it up and it is a symbol of membership in the Independent Order of Oddfellows. Learn something every time from your videos
Hello Jeff and Sarah! Pet sematary was an incredible find. It is a shame that it has not been restored and markers replaced or repaired. That is such a historical landmark. The beautiful rainbow expressed it all! Once again, thank you!!!!!
When my oldest son passed away as a baby in 1971. We had an at home wake, with my sons body in my mother laws living room. That was in Kentucky. When my brother passed five years ago. We had an Irash wake for him. Where we celebrated his life.
Thanks for sharing! Do folks do that any more? Well, I did hear about a slain police officer here in our county who was taken to his home for a wake so I guess some religions do that.
We look forward to watching you every Sunday. Please come down and do a story on EG Lewis the Father of Atascadero colony. Take a tour of the old city hall building which has bern restored. It was also the site of a couple movies ( Steve Martin and another with Mel Gibson). Atascadero was planned out, all the streets and started as a tent city advertised to people back east to come buy a home site.
Another great cemetery video. I enjoy these old ones and learning about the people buired there. You inspired me to film and check out the old cemetery in the ghost town of Fairbank, AZ back in Nov of 2022. That cemetery was pretty destroyed too but think its because of age and weather, its on a hill with nothing around it. Haven't quite figured out how to put it into a video yet. Like this one, the headstones were difficult to read. I'd like to do a little research and see if I can find any more info. Great job on the video!
Hello Jeff I enjoy your show very much this one is on Holton a little town I used to go through quite often when I was in the Air Force in 1973 I run into a young man who was born and raised in Hopton he used to talk about the bars that were there and how many fights would go on and since there was no police force or Sheriff's in that area they had to come from Merced so of course by the time they got there the fights were over with and people had already left because of this the Merced County made them tear down all of the bars in that town which I believe used to be for different bars🎉
It is possible to subscribe through the television. You just scroll down (push down on your remote control)to where you can push thumbs up on the video/view the timeline and it will allow you to hit subscribe by simply clicking on where it says channel. It will then give you the option to either go to the channel to view more videos or subscribe. I hope this helps. 😊
It's so sad that the grave stones have been damaged. I wonder if any of their relatives live nearby. I remember the video of the CHP officers. I was two when that happened. I grew up in the San Fernando Valley, which is roughly 20 miles away from the tragedy. What heartbreaking events that she lived through. Thank you, Jeff and Sara, for another great video and lesson of our past.
I'm always amazed at the amount of details you're able to provide for any topic, event, or location you're covering. I believe the detriment we see to the markers is normal attrition due to lack of perpetual care, weather and types of materials used for the headstones. Since the town was so small, chances are there were no relatives in the area to continue caretaking of the graves. I'm originally from CA, the bay area, but now live on the eastcoast. There are many cemeteries out here in the same state. Private and civil minded groups have undertaken restoration of some of the cemeteries. This was a great episode. Thank you.
the graveyards video. It's really sad to see unforgortten graves. My grandma grandfather died in the 1899 in Pennsylvania. They had him laying in the parlor for days to say goodbye. My grandmother said it scared her and she had nightmares. There are a lot of graves forgotten .thanks.
Intrepid Jeff, venturing out in a break in the weather. Always appreciated.---I follow another site where cemeteries are visited, some deep in the woods. I often wonder how many times it's storm damage that causes the wreckages.
I worked the hopeton area as a game warden and before that as a deputy sheriff. There are a few graves around behind gates that would be interesting to see what information you can find about them. I have a few photos of one if you are interested in seeing them.
I’m in a puddle. I miss that area so very much! Thanks for the great content as always Jeff! Your biggest Tennessee (formerly California) fans!♥️ #homesick #centralvalleyhome
Awwww, sorry you miss California so badly! Thank you for the nice comment! I would love to get back to Tennessee someday for videos there! I mean other than the time I visited Memphis!
Thank you for another interesting and touching episode. I live in the Merced County corner of Turlock. You recently did a video from Lakewood Cemetery, and mentioned the railroad tracks nearby. I have a funny story. My brother would come to Turlock on Sundays to see our dad in the nursing home. Sometimes on his way home he would stop at Lakewood and record himself playing his guitar in the peaceful surroundings. One day he started playing a sweet little tune and the train blew its whistle. He turned around and yelled some obscenities at the train, then started again. And he posted that on Facebook.
Good video Jeff , thank you for this one ,,, you know it's funny you probably spend a week gathering and digging up all this information only to shorten it up to 19 minutes or so. THANK YOU FRANK FROM MONTANA PS. 125 thousand now that's great
You got that right! Hours and hours of editing for a 20-minute video plus travel time and time spent shooting. It’s insane! But I appreciate your acknowledgment!
Great storytelling! I stopped at the Snelling cemetery about 6 months ago on my way back to Fresno from Angels Camp. I saw CHP Officer Gore's grave. I had no idea he was one of the Officers killed in the Newhall incident! Keep up the great work!!
A well-done video, Jeff, and a very beautiful area you took us to. I appreciate the history you provide through your stories. Within minutes after my husband passed away, a full rainbow suddenly appeared across the sky outside the window of his hospital room. Rainbows have become a significant and meaningful symbol to our family.
I missed your video yesterday Jeff, as I tested positive for COVID-19 and was chasing down Paxlovid with Kaiser... I love these old cemeteries and what you tell us about the history of the folks. I was just in Sedona, Arizona and GPS told me about a cemetery there. Come to find out, it was very small but full of history! Sedona Schnebly the pioneer who they named the town after is buried there! I was so excited to see this grave and I took pictures of all the graves! Quite a few graves were re-marked with "Unknown" which I find sad, to be lost forever in time. Thanks for your editing skills & research expertise!
Sorry to hear that you have Covid. I got hit with a chest congestion thanks to my grandkids. Glad you got to visit Sedona! I never had the privilege of going there!
Love the mid-winter California green! Those are some nice old markers. In a mostly forgotten place like that, its surprising that what is there is still around. Well done sir!
Hi... beautiful countryside...love it ...the old cemetery is so sad that the headstones are cracked and have fallen over... vandalized. Love the stories about the people's lives back in the day...thanks for vlogging and your research. Have a great weekend. Deborah 🇨🇦
Your the best. Keep doing what you do. I live in California not by choice but for work. California is beautiful but can’t love it because of all the crime and politics.
Thanks for the lovely visit and stories! My grandma and her parents and siblings grew up about 30 minutes away in Madera, I grew up very familiar with that area. However, I never heard of Hopeton!
Thank you for another great film. Will you or Sarah research the condition of the cemetery? Maybe look for a police report on vandalism? Why doesn't the county fix it? Hi Sarah. Have you been too busy working to go with Jeff? He needs to work around your schedule so that we can see you too. You are missed in the films.
It’s funny that you talked about the town of Snelling. It’s one of my favorite places to travel through when going to gold country. I was just there this past weekend and always stop at the grocery store that’s been in Snelling for years. Another great video. Thanks Jeff.
Thank you, for another wonderful installment. I've always enjoyed walking through an old cemetery and thinking back about the lives and changing times we live in It's sad to see the markers in such poor condition, I do hope this wasn't from wilful and wanton vandalism. Best wishes.
G'morning Jeff and Sarah. Enjoyed the video this morning, saddening to see the markers in such a state. While it does appear to be mainly vandalism, I also wonder if there weren't more trees in the cemetery at one time, and storms came thru & did their own damage w/ falling trees, hail, etc. The worst part in my mind is that at one time, all of these folks were "remembered", and now they've been forgotten to time. It reminds me of an old cemetery we passed on our way to a farm auction a few weeks back, it was south of the George Washington Carver park on Carver Road. As we came up the hill, off to our right, was an old, neglected, overgrown cemetery that hasn't seen care in 3 or 4 decades. Intriguing to think about who might be buried there, given some of the visible markers. Thanks again for posting, looking forward to the next one. Stay Safe and Be Blessed my Friends.
This whole area has so much history. I was driving home from briceburg one day and took a detour. I ended up driving by sign that marked the site of a town called Agua Fria, CA.
Great video Jeff, thank you so much for sharing. Hopefully, maybe 1 day they'll at least put up a large plaque up, and list all the people who were buried there.
Jeff I always enjoy your adventures and agree with your comment on todays changes with someone’s passing. I grew up going to many wakes of older relatives but I believe todays generations don’t have that experience so aren’t sure how to deal with it and lack of faith can have a part in it as well. Please keep up your journey and sharing you do a fine job! 😊
What a great way to start my day,😊 6.30am Monday here. Thanks for sharing your personal story Jeff. What a horrible way for your grandmother to hear of her husbands passing and such a tragic death, poor man. ❤️Jodie 🇦🇺
@@jbenziggy I’m a 55 yr old female and my husband is turning 61 in June and retiring. Have been in Wollongong my whole life. We are hoping to come over there for a visit.🤞 Hopefully one day you can see the Gong (Wollongong) and Australia 🇦🇺
I'm not sure if you mentioned it previously, or I missed it in this video, but I was reading parts of that article that you posted regarding Bertha Gore and her son being one of the CHP officers that were shot and killed... And on the far right side at the bottom of the article it said that she was quoted as saying her "husband committed suicide because of their son's murder." So, her traumatic and tragic life was even worse than we initially thought. What a poor woman. Hopefully she's a peace now, with her father, husband, and son. Thank you for sharing all this info with us though, Jeff. I genuinely appreciate what you do and thoroughly enjoy watching your videos. I absolutely love history. (Of course after watching the rest of the video, I see that you did mention at the end that Max Gore had taken his own life. I suppose it would have been better for me to wait till the video is over to comment, lol.)
Long time Jeff... I really enjoyed the scenic beauty, peacefulness, your narrative, and the overall flow of this video. The quality of your work is obviously reflected by the increase in your subscribers, which, BTW, has nearly tripled since our first meeting. I love that area and spent many hours in the region while researching and hiking the now defunct Yosemite Valley Railroad which once ran from Merced terminating at El Portal at the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park. Lots of fun memories there. As your channel grows, I look forward to the day when your passion and success enable you to make this your full-time pursuit. Keep up the great work! Dave
I cannot thank you enough for that very nice comment you left yesterday. I was beaming inside at what you had to say! I love and appreciate how the public is responding to my channel and am glad that we are expanding. We just hit 125,000 subscribers this past weekend which is wonderful. I do hope to do this full-time one day and put forth more videos! Thank you, Dave!
It’s bad enough losing loved ones.all theses busted grave stones are really bad Jeff. The 49’s were special folks. And it still happens today. Mrs Gore was a tragic store her father her son. And her sharing. Great stuff Jeff. Appreciate your dedication! 💯👍👊
Jeff, up in the town of Mariposa, there is a cemetery with the grave of the voice of Popeye. I'm not sure how many people voiced Popeye over the years. One of my relatives directed many of those cartoons. I had two relatives that worked in the industry at that time. Seymour and Abner Kneitel. One was adopted from what I heard, but I'm not sure which one. *EDIT* One of the voices of Popeyes is Billy Costello. Wikipedia shows him as being buried in Mariposa.
Mr. Ruddle's family were pioneers in this area, and his brother, Allan Ruddle, was notably killed nearby by the Joaquin Murietta gang in 1852. Allan was buried on the family ranch outside of Snelling and was the final straw that caused the Governor to create the California Rangers to capture or kill Joaquin. The outrage also got neighbor Charlie Bludwourth to join the Rangers. Years later with the inception of Merced County, Charlie became the county's first sheriff.
Wow you sure helped e out here! Hey do you know that little cemetery off of LaGrange Road where Bludworth is buried? It’s in private property but I want to get in there. Any ideas other than trespassing?
Jeff, I have never been to the Snelling Pioneer Cemetery, but I'm sure I drove by it when I was on La Grange Road driving through Snelling. I would use the written directions listed in FindAGrave stating its 'just north' of the Merced Falls Road intersection. I don't know how accurate FindAGrave GPS coordinates. Now would be the time to see it as it is supposed to able to be seen from La Grange Road. I've been to many of these pioneer cemeteries that require a walk over private property, and I have never had anyone reject my attempt to access a cemetery to pay personal respects to those who paved the way.
Hi jeff, i really enjoyed that you included the beautiful rainbow. That was so pretty. But like you I'am so sad about the graves and the gravev stones that are cracked and laying in the dirt.😢 Doesn't anyone in the cemetary take care of the place. Sure doesnt look like it. Very sad. Thank you again jeff a wonderful history video. ❤
Hey thanks again, Regina. I really don't know who or if anybody takes care of that cemetery. It does appear that someone has kept the grass down. As always, we appreciate the nice words you leave for us! God bless you and yours!
Thank you, Ted. I think I am the caring person you see. I very much appreciated your very generous thoughts about me and my UA-cam videos. I sense you are also a very thoughtful individual!
I could never imagine how callous a person would have to be to vandalize a grave marker. So sad to disrespect a cemetery.
Interesting history Jeff, thanks for this.
agree
The settlers, along with who share genetic affinity with the settlers are a minority in the area and very disliked by the majority. Its a growing trend everywhere
Oh! And when you leave Hornitos, into Cathy’s valley, there is a tiny cemetery to your right. They have a grave of a man who fought in the war of 1812!
Love Grandma Debbie
I remember your video on the 4 highway patrolmen. Too many broken headstones 🪦 looks like vandalism. I’ve always enjoyed walking through those old cemeteries and wondering how there lives were and how they passed away. It’s amazing to see how different the headstones were (how they wrote) compared to today.
Thanks Jeff for another great video!
My mother told me that when she was little they would lay the person who passed in the living room for 3 days for people to come pay their respects. she was born in 1922 so still did things the old way. When she passed I asked the nurse for scissors to cut her hair, which I will forever keep.
🕯🙏🌿
That's where the term " wake" came from. They would keep the body out for a few days so as to not bury a person who may be in a coma, as not to be buried alive.
Another great history episode Jeff and Sarah. Keep Up the great work. I really enjoy all of your presentations and content.
We did this for my grandparents back when they died. We do this in the Appalachia mountains.
My neighbors who ran the local funeral home in Roseville CA between 1935-1966 died about 2000 and his wife had him brought home set up in his casket
Looks like Mr Ross in this cemetery was a Oddfellow with those circles on top gravestone
I live in Merced, and if you want to see a beautiful cemetery, go to Hornitos. Those old prospectors sure found enough gold to have gorgeous statues. Hornitos is the home of the bandit Jauquine Murietta , and the first Gheridelli factory!
Love Grandma Debbie
Thank you for today's touching episode. Merced county is picturesque.
Thank you, Edna! I appreciate the comment!
This is so cool. I am a California native born and raised in Kern county. I appreciate you showing this old cemetery and the stories of the people buried there. Calif has so much to explore that I haven’t seen. One day on my way to Ridgecrest I came upon an old mining town called Randsburg. I was amazed to see so many really old cars and buildings.
Thank you so much….I just subscribed.
Welcome, Emily! I hope to get to Randsburg someday! Sounds like a neat old town!
Jeff, I just wanted to say that you have done another wonderful video showing what life was like many years ago and how we handled our loved ones when they passed away. I remember when we had services for our family members in our living rooms in our own homes. Thinking about it now, it was a strange kind of custom but that's what they did back then to honor our loved ones. How things have changed from those times. Thank you, Jeff for another wonderful history lesson. It was indeed a different way of life way back then.
I’ve summited Mt Whitney a couple times and anything with John Muir is fascinating to me. Great one Professor Benziger. 😂
Fantastic! Thank you! Yeah Muir wrote some letters to family from Hopeton in 1868 and 1869. The man was a bonafide stud the way he climbed mountains and walked everywhere!
If there’s not there should be a law against the desecration of graves with stiff penalties. Thank you, Jeff!
There are laws against doing that to a cemetery. I believe it’s felony vandalism.
Thanks so much for this one! I visited this cemetery many times back in the ‘60s and you’re right- it is very much deteriorated. There is no more beautiful time of year in that area and your capture of the rainbow is stunning. I grew up right on the Stanislaus-Merced County line and our family hobby was touring the historic areas in the foothills. Our favorite old cemetery was the one at Hornitos, not too far from there. Stoked with an interest in history, I’ve spent most of my life in the East, but so many of your videos have rekindled that early interest in the people who left here to make a perilous journey to California. Your respect for all of them shows in all you do. Great work!
Could never figure out why one would vandalize graveyards. Great video Jeff. 😊
Good question!
Maybe some of it's vandalism but alot of it is from flooding there.
You were being chased by a double rainbow in the beginning, Jeff. Love your adventures!!! 💖🙏🌹🙏💖
I grew up there, and started school at Hopeton Elementary school. Beautiful there.
Many Thanks Jeff, for another outstanding history lesson..
Very welcome! Thank you very much for spending part of your Sunday watching this.
Another great video as usual. Thanks, Jeff.
These are my favorite ones from you. Just walking around a cemetery and giving history lessons of the people buried there.
Very respectful.
Awesome! It’s nice to hear feedback like this, so thank you so very much, Edward!
Wow - Bertha's grave. We also watched your episode on the brave men that were killed. I can only imagine the pain she carried in her heart - thus, the expression, "heavy heart." It's good that this place survives and hopefully your efforts to cover these cemeteries will keep the focus where it needs to be. Happy Sunday!
Loved this trip to Hopeton & surrounding area.. Beautiful!
Have missed you & was so happy to tune in right away.. I’m from the Bay Area originally & always brings me home.. Hope Sarah is well & ❤to you both!
Keep ‘em coming!
Thank you. But I’m confused. You said you missed us but you must know we’re haven’t gone anywhere. I post every Sunday! Maybe you haven’t hit the notification bell?
What a beautiful vibrant rainbow 😃
Nice you were in my neck of the woods. I'm from Atawater but spent many days in Hopeton and Snelling. My dad was the propane delivery guy and he would take me every weekend to deliver propane to all the farms in Hopeton and Snelling. Not sure if they still hold it but Hopeton use to have a Portuguese Festa every year which I went to every year. I miss those days.
My mother used to live in Atwater and my grandparents lived in Livingston!😊
My favorite yearly Festas were at the Atwater, Buhach, and Hopeton Pentecostal Halls. Always felt the three had the best tasting Sopas in the Valley. Portuguese immigrants and their decendants had a major impact on the farming/dairy industry in the Central Valley. Good memories!!!
Those are my favorites too.. My dad always provided tthe propane to cook. I'm portugues, and most of my family were dairymen in the Patterson area. Those were the good ol days.
I believe such great memories for U.....So, NEAT!!!
Yea in the 1960’s we went to the Soapish and dance in back of the church.
I could listen to you talk for hours. You should do some audio books Jeff !! Love the channel.
Wow, thanks! That’s so nice of you to say so!
I remember when my Uncle died he was laid out in my grandparents house. My grandparents came from Italy legally. I was quite young so it didn't really bother me to come down the stairs in the morning knowing that he was there.
Jeff, thank you for another amazing video! That is horrible about your great grandfather! 😢Very sorry to hear that! I have never been to a home wake. I’m sure when my grandparents were young they attended many. They all grew up in rural areas and no money for a special service. It is so sad to see how these gravestones have been broken apart. Disgusting how people can desecrate a final remembrance! That rainbow was beautiful after all the rain and storms. ❤
Thank you very much! Just to clarify, I was speaking about my grandfather not my great grandfather. He died before he reached 38 which I find would be tragic.
God Bless you Jeff, for the respect you show to each grave that you comment on. There are those that seem to forget that each grave represents someone's husband, wife, son or daughter, mother or father, friend. Your words are kind and heartfelt.
May the Peace of the Lord be upon you.
God Bless you and Sarah, and your families.
Amen! Thank you! Blessings to you too!
Been through Snelling many times on our way to Lake Don Pedro. Never knew there wascso much history there. Thanks for sharing!
Another wonderful episode. Appreciate all of the work you do.
Another gr8 history listen. Yes, the hard ships the people went through back then, very hard. Thanks for your stories.😊
Always thrilled when I see you have posted a new video. So interesting to see where the people buried there were born. Leaving home to explore and start life somewhere else. I often wonder if they ever got to see family and friends they left behind. No "jumping on a plane" to "go back home" There is a sad story of a family in Georgia. They had come from up North and settled in rural Georgia. Built a beautiful home and farm in the early 1800s and lived there a long time. The husband was a preacher and one day said he felt called to go to Texas. The wife didn't want to go. She'd have to leave her flowers and trees she planted and the house with so many memories. She'd have to leave all her friends. The husband kept packing the wagon, the children were getting ready to go. The husband and children got in the wagon and called for the wife to come on. She walked out to the wagon and said, "You go ahead, MY Texas is right here. She went back inside, took a pistol and killed herself. Never to leave her homeplace she loved so dearly. After the funeral, the husband and children did indeed continue to Texas.
You always take us to the most interesting places and educate us with your research. Thank you, Jeff.
My pleasure! Thank you! Without my faithful viewers I would have no reason to do this!
Jeff, bringing the beauty of the valley to life yet again. Thank you for sharing this one.
You bet! Glad you appreciate the valley like I do!
Very well done. I miss all the green in the winter as a kid in Marin. I noticed on the markers of Mr. Ross at 13:00 and Trooper Gore the 3 chain links. Looked it up and it is a symbol of membership in the Independent Order of Oddfellows. Learn something every time from your videos
Hello Jeff and Sarah! Pet sematary was an incredible find. It is a shame that it has not been restored and markers replaced or repaired. That is such a historical landmark. The beautiful rainbow expressed it all! Once again, thank you!!!!!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you, Connie! Love the comment!
When my oldest son passed away as a baby in 1971. We had an at home wake, with my sons body in my mother laws living room. That was in Kentucky. When my brother passed five years ago. We had an Irash wake for him. Where we celebrated his life.
Thanks for sharing! Do folks do that any more? Well, I did hear about a slain police officer here in our county who was taken to his home for a wake so I guess some religions do that.
@@jbenziggy they still do it in Kentcky as of 2 years ago. When my ex's Uncle Passed.
The club no parent ever wants to join. My wife and I are members of it, too. It was a long time ago, but my condolences for the passing of your son.
We look forward to watching you every Sunday.
Please come down and do a story on EG Lewis the Father of Atascadero colony. Take a tour of the old city hall building which has bern restored. It was also the site of a couple movies ( Steve Martin and another with Mel Gibson). Atascadero was planned out, all the streets and started as a tent city advertised to people back east to come buy a home site.
I really enjoyed this. Not that the graves are broken, but just the back stories you find and share.
You create value in all your videos Jeff! Thankful for your channel every Sunday! Have a blessed day!
I appreciate that! Thank you, Joyce! Blessings!
Thanks again for sharing, Jeff and Sarah
Our pleasure! Thank you!
Another great cemetery video. I enjoy these old ones and learning about the people buired there.
You inspired me to film and check out the old cemetery in the ghost town of Fairbank, AZ back in Nov of 2022. That cemetery was pretty destroyed too but think its because of age and weather, its on a hill with nothing around it. Haven't quite figured out how to put it into a video yet.
Like this one, the headstones were difficult to read. I'd like to do a little research and see if I can find any more info.
Great job on the video!
Another fantastic piece !! Thank you Jeff. Rob
Thank you very much Rob!
Hello Jeff I enjoy your show very much this one is on Holton a little town I used to go through quite often when I was in the Air Force in 1973 I run into a young man who was born and raised in Hopton he used to talk about the bars that were there and how many fights would go on and since there was no police force or Sheriff's in that area they had to come from Merced so of course by the time they got there the fights were over with and people had already left because of this the Merced County made them tear down all of the bars in that town which I believe used to be for different bars🎉
It is possible to subscribe through the television. You just scroll down (push down on your remote control)to where you can push thumbs up on the video/view the timeline and it will allow you to hit subscribe by simply clicking on where it says channel. It will then give you the option to either go to the channel to view more videos or subscribe. I hope this helps. 😊
Thanks but my friend wanted to know if he can set up an account on the TV. Can that be done on the living room TV?
@@jbenziggy Unfortunately, no. You have to create it through a smartphone, laptop or computer.
It's so sad that the grave stones have been damaged. I wonder if any of their relatives live nearby.
I remember the video of the CHP officers. I was two when that happened. I grew up in the San Fernando Valley, which is roughly 20 miles away from the tragedy.
What heartbreaking events that she lived through.
Thank you, Jeff and Sara, for another great video and lesson of our past.
Such rich history around. Thank you for bringing it to light Jeff.
I'm always amazed at the amount of details you're able to provide for any topic, event, or location you're covering. I believe the detriment we see to the markers is normal attrition due to lack of perpetual care, weather and types of materials used for the headstones. Since the town was so small, chances are there were no relatives in the area to continue caretaking of the graves. I'm originally from CA, the bay area, but now live on the eastcoast. There are many cemeteries out here in the same state. Private and civil minded groups have undertaken restoration of some of the cemeteries. This was a great episode. Thank you.
the graveyards video. It's really sad to see unforgortten graves. My grandma grandfather died in the 1899 in Pennsylvania. They had him laying in the parlor for days to say goodbye. My grandmother said it scared her and she had nightmares. There are a lot of graves forgotten .thanks.
Yeah I think bodies of loved ones scare the little ones. I know I didn’t like seeing my great grandparents lying in their coffins.
Intrepid Jeff, venturing out in a break in the weather. Always appreciated.---I follow another site where cemeteries are visited, some deep in the woods. I often wonder how many times it's storm damage that causes the wreckages.
Thank you ,Spring is almost here.
Yes and I am looking forward to it and summer!
@@jbenziggy it's gonna be a hot one.Stay cool and safe.
I have spent much time in California but you explore so many interesting places that most people haven’t seen.
I try to visit places others have not!
I worked the hopeton area as a game warden and before that as a deputy sheriff. There are a few graves around behind gates that would be interesting to see what information you can find about them. I have a few photos of one if you are interested in seeing them.
I’m in a puddle. I miss that area so very much! Thanks for the great content as always Jeff! Your biggest Tennessee (formerly California) fans!♥️
#homesick
#centralvalleyhome
Awwww, sorry you miss California so badly! Thank you for the nice comment! I would love to get back to Tennessee someday for videos there! I mean other than the time I visited Memphis!
@@jbenziggy absolutely! There’s A LOT to see and do! We’d love to give you a tour of some of our favorites! Thanks Jeff & Sarah!
Thank you for another interesting and touching episode. I live in the Merced County corner of Turlock.
You recently did a video from Lakewood Cemetery, and mentioned the railroad tracks nearby. I have a funny story. My brother would come to Turlock on Sundays to see our dad in the nursing home. Sometimes on his way home he would stop at Lakewood and record himself playing his guitar in the peaceful surroundings. One day he started playing a sweet little tune and the train blew its whistle. He turned around and yelled some obscenities at the train, then started again. And he posted that on Facebook.
Have you ever been in Oakdale and have that obnoxious fire horn blast from the fire station? It will scare you like nothing else!
I'm glad I got out of there before all that rain and snow across Donner pass. Another great one thanks for sharing stay safe out there.
Thanks, you too!
Good video Jeff , thank you for this one ,,, you know it's funny you probably spend a week gathering and digging up all this information only to shorten it up to 19 minutes or so. THANK YOU FRANK FROM MONTANA PS. 125 thousand now that's great
You got that right! Hours and hours of editing for a 20-minute video plus travel time and time spent shooting. It’s insane! But I appreciate your acknowledgment!
Beautiful area, thanks for the history.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!
Thanks for another great video
Thanks for watching! Much appreciated!
Great storytelling! I stopped at the Snelling cemetery about 6 months ago on my way back to Fresno from Angels Camp. I saw CHP Officer Gore's grave. I had no idea he was one of the Officers killed in the Newhall incident! Keep up the great work!!
A well-done video, Jeff, and a very beautiful area you took us to. I appreciate the history you provide through your stories. Within minutes after my husband passed away, a full rainbow suddenly appeared across the sky outside the window of his hospital room. Rainbows have become a significant and meaningful symbol to our family.
Thanks Jeff for another enjoyable video. Keep up the good work!
Thanks, will do!
Great episode Jeff. Give Sarah a high 5 for me. It was good to see her ( for a few seconds, 😆).
You hunt history, I enjoy watching history.
What a beautiful day for hunting history! Thanks for another great video.
Thanx for the video. It is sad that these out of way Cemeteries are neglected and destroyed. 😢
I agree with you!
Good Morning Jeff , I wonder how some of these headstones get so beat up, I'm thinking vandalism. Thanks for Sharing. 😊
I also think that it was vandalism but it’s a good possibility that tree limbs had fallen over the course of 150+ years and destroyed the markers.
I missed your video yesterday Jeff, as I tested positive for COVID-19 and was chasing down Paxlovid with Kaiser... I love these old cemeteries and what you tell us about the history of the folks.
I was just in Sedona, Arizona and GPS told me about a cemetery there. Come to find out, it was very small but full of history! Sedona Schnebly the pioneer who they named the town after is buried there! I was so excited to see this grave and I took pictures of all the graves! Quite a few graves were re-marked with "Unknown" which I find sad, to be lost forever in time.
Thanks for your editing skills & research expertise!
Sorry to hear that you have Covid. I got hit with a chest congestion thanks to my grandkids. Glad you got to visit Sedona! I never had the privilege of going there!
Love the mid-winter California green! Those are some nice old markers. In a mostly forgotten place like that, its surprising that what is there is still around. Well done sir!
Thanks again, my UA-cam friend! Appreciate knowing you are there as a viewer and fellow creator in Nevada! Keep up the good work!
Jeff and Sarah , thank you for the history lesson 👍👍👍
Our pleasure!
Hi... beautiful countryside...love it ...the old cemetery is so sad that the headstones are cracked and have fallen over... vandalized. Love the stories about the people's lives back in the day...thanks for vlogging and your research. Have a great weekend. Deborah 🇨🇦
Your the best. Keep doing what you do. I live in California not by choice but for work. California is beautiful but can’t love it because of all the crime and politics.
Thanks for another excellent video. Keep up the good work.
Thanks, will do!
Thanks for the lovely visit and stories! My grandma and her parents and siblings grew up about 30 minutes away in Madera, I grew up very familiar with that area. However, I never heard of Hopeton!
If you’re afraid of wet grass, consider using gaiters or tall boots. If your pant legs ever do get wet they will dry or freeze and eventually dry.
Well I came directly from work so I really wasn’t sure what I would encounter. Your tip is noted! Thank you!
Thank you for another great film. Will you or Sarah research the condition of the cemetery? Maybe look for a police report on vandalism? Why doesn't the county fix it? Hi Sarah. Have you been too busy working to go with Jeff? He needs to work around your schedule so that we can see you too. You are missed in the films.
I appreciate that you're doing videos of ordinary people. The people who built the country. 🙏❤️🙏
Thank you!
It’s funny that you talked about the town of Snelling. It’s one of my favorite places to travel through when going to gold country. I was just there this past weekend and always stop at the grocery store that’s been in Snelling for years. Another great video. Thanks Jeff.
I plan to feature Snelling in the coming months so I think you’ll like it!
i love your history vidoes...thank you for the vidoes!
Awesome! Love hearing that! Thanks for watching!
Thank you, for another wonderful installment. I've always enjoyed walking through an old cemetery and thinking back about the lives and changing times we live in It's sad to see the markers in such poor condition, I do hope this wasn't from wilful and wanton vandalism. Best wishes.
Thank you for the thoughts! A cemetery is a place where we can all ruminate in the past and our own mortality!
G'morning Jeff and Sarah.
Enjoyed the video this morning, saddening to see the markers in such a state. While it does appear to be mainly vandalism, I also wonder if there weren't more trees in the cemetery at one time, and storms came thru & did their own damage w/ falling trees, hail, etc.
The worst part in my mind is that at one time, all of these folks were "remembered", and now they've been forgotten to time. It reminds me of an old cemetery we passed on our way to a farm auction a few weeks back, it was south of the George Washington Carver park on Carver Road. As we came up the hill, off to our right, was an old, neglected, overgrown cemetery that hasn't seen care in 3 or 4 decades. Intriguing to think about who might be buried there, given some of the visible markers.
Thanks again for posting, looking forward to the next one. Stay Safe and Be Blessed my Friends.
Thanks for another great history lesson, Jeff. Yet another town most of us had never heard of. Thank you again.
Yeah very few people know about this place! Thanks for enjoying!
@@jbenziggy
Took a minute to figure out you meant "others"😂
@@jayforkner2692 sometimes I type too fast.
This whole area has so much history. I was driving home from briceburg one day and took a detour. I ended up driving by sign that marked the site of a town called Agua Fria, CA.
Great video Jeff, thank you so much for sharing. Hopefully, maybe 1 day they'll at least put up a large plaque up, and list all the people who were buried there.
Fingers crossed! Thanks, Joel! Always like your commentary!
Jeff I always enjoy your adventures and agree with your comment on todays changes with someone’s passing. I grew up going to many wakes of older relatives but I believe todays generations don’t have that experience so aren’t sure how to deal with it and lack of faith can have a part in it as well. Please keep up your journey and sharing you do a fine job! 😊
What a great way to start my day,😊 6.30am Monday here. Thanks for sharing your personal story Jeff. What a horrible way for your grandmother to hear of her husbands passing and such a tragic death, poor man. ❤️Jodie 🇦🇺
Thank you! Nice to hear! What country do you reside in?
@@jbenziggy I’m from Wollongong an hour and 20 minutes south of Sydney in Australia.
@@swansfan6944 love to visit some day!
@@jbenziggy I’m a 55 yr old female and my husband is turning 61 in June and retiring. Have been in Wollongong my whole life. We are hoping to come over there for a visit.🤞 Hopefully one day you can see the Gong (Wollongong) and Australia 🇦🇺
I'm not sure if you mentioned it previously, or I missed it in this video, but I was reading parts of that article that you posted regarding Bertha Gore and her son being one of the CHP officers that were shot and killed... And on the far right side at the bottom of the article it said that she was quoted as saying her "husband committed suicide because of their son's murder." So, her traumatic and tragic life was even worse than we initially thought. What a poor woman. Hopefully she's a peace now, with her father, husband, and son. Thank you for sharing all this info with us though, Jeff. I genuinely appreciate what you do and thoroughly enjoy watching your videos. I absolutely love history.
(Of course after watching the rest of the video, I see that you did mention at the end that Max Gore had taken his own life. I suppose it would have been better for me to wait till the video is over to comment, lol.)
Long time Jeff...
I really enjoyed the scenic beauty, peacefulness, your narrative, and the overall flow of this video.
The quality of your work is obviously reflected by the increase in your subscribers, which, BTW, has nearly tripled since our first meeting.
I love that area and spent many hours in the region while researching and hiking the now defunct Yosemite Valley Railroad which once ran from Merced terminating at El Portal at the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park. Lots of fun memories there.
As your channel grows, I look forward to the day when your passion and success enable you to make this your full-time pursuit.
Keep up the great work! Dave
I cannot thank you enough for that very nice comment you left yesterday. I was beaming inside at what you had to say! I love and appreciate how the public is responding to my channel and am glad that we are expanding. We just hit 125,000 subscribers this past weekend which is wonderful. I do hope to do this full-time one day and put forth more videos! Thank you, Dave!
It’s bad enough losing loved ones.all theses busted grave stones are really bad Jeff. The 49’s were special folks. And it still happens today. Mrs Gore was a tragic store her father her son. And her sharing. Great stuff Jeff. Appreciate your dedication!
💯👍👊
Nice trip thank you . Hopefully someone is going to fix up the grounds.
I hope so too! Thanks, Steve!
Jeff, up in the town of Mariposa, there is a cemetery with the grave of the voice of Popeye.
I'm not sure how many people voiced Popeye over the years. One of my relatives directed many of those cartoons.
I had two relatives that worked in the industry at that time. Seymour and Abner Kneitel. One was adopted from what I heard, but I'm not sure which one.
*EDIT*
One of the voices of Popeyes is Billy Costello. Wikipedia shows him as being buried in Mariposa.
I never could understand why people destroy grave stones . It’s just heartbreaking.
You and me both!
Thank you Jeff! Sundays I try and play catch up watching your video's that I alway's enjoy!
You rock! Thank you!
Thank you for reminding me of our history 👍
Very sad personal bit in this so sad but loved the history of the rest Thankyou Jeff
I live so close to this cemetery and never even knew it was there. Thank you it was interesting❤
12:39 What an awesome headstone.
Agreed! It really piqued my interest!
Mr. Ruddle's family were pioneers in this area, and his brother, Allan Ruddle, was notably killed nearby by the Joaquin Murietta gang in 1852. Allan was buried on the family ranch outside of Snelling and was the final straw that caused the Governor to create the California Rangers to capture or kill Joaquin. The outrage also got neighbor Charlie Bludwourth to join the Rangers. Years later with the inception of Merced County, Charlie became the county's first sheriff.
Wow you sure helped e out here! Hey do you know that little cemetery off of LaGrange Road where Bludworth is buried? It’s in private property but I want to get in there. Any ideas other than trespassing?
Jeff, I have never been to the Snelling Pioneer Cemetery, but I'm sure I drove by it when I was on La Grange Road driving through Snelling. I would use the written directions listed in FindAGrave stating its 'just north' of the Merced Falls Road intersection. I don't know how accurate FindAGrave GPS coordinates. Now would be the time to see it as it is supposed to able to be seen from La Grange Road. I've been to many of these pioneer cemeteries that require a walk over private property, and I have never had anyone reject my attempt to access a cemetery to pay personal respects to those who paved the way.
Hello Jeff, Thanks for sharing this story and sharing its history. Have a great Sunday 🌞
Thanks, you too! Glad you could spend time with us again!
That’s were my dad was born in Merced county. Thanks 👍🏼👍🏼
Hi jeff, i really enjoyed that you included the beautiful rainbow. That was so pretty. But like you I'am so sad about the graves and the gravev stones that are cracked and laying in the dirt.😢 Doesn't anyone in the cemetary take care of the place. Sure doesnt look like it. Very sad. Thank you again jeff a wonderful history video. ❤
Hey thanks again, Regina. I really don't know who or if anybody takes care of that cemetery. It does appear that someone has kept the grass down. As always, we appreciate the nice words you leave for us! God bless you and yours!
Wow Jeff- you look just like your granddad!
Great video!❤
Another weekly "fix" and GR8 HH vid! Thnx Jeff! ~Chris
Thanks again!
Ihave learned quite a lot of new information about the area i have called home since 1992 thanks to you and your channel.
That is awesome! Glad it helps you understand the history of this area!
Thank you for another wonderful program you seem to be such a caring person I wish there were more like you !
Thank you, Ted. I think I am the caring person you see. I very much appreciated your very generous thoughts about me and my UA-cam videos. I sense you are also a very thoughtful individual!