CC - 2009-19 - Savannah Memorial Park as Historic LandmarkRESOLUTION NO. 2009 -19
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, SUPPORTING THE DESIGNATION OF SAVANNAH
MEMORIAL PARK AS A CALIFORNIA STATE HISTORIC LANDMARK
WHEREAS, Savannah Memorial Park has operated since the early 1850's and served the
first settlement in California established by citizens of the United States and pioneering families of
the Rosemead-El Monte area-historically referred to as "the end of the Santa Fe Trail," and
WHEREAS, Savannah Memorial Park serves as the final resting place of local veterans
who served in the American military since the War of 1812, and
WHEREAS, Savannah Memorial Park is believed to be the oldest Protestant cemetery in
southern California, and
WHEREAS, it is believed that Savannah Memorial Park meets criteria for designation as a
California Historical Landmark as established by the California Office of Historic Preservation, and
WHEREAS, designation of Savannah Memorial Park as a California Historical Landmark
will assure preservation of this important historic site for future generations.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Rosemead,
California, as follows:
Section 1. That the City Council places its full support behind the El Monte Cemetery
Association in its application for designation of Savannah Cemetery as a California Historical
Landmark.
Section 2. That the City Clerk of the City of Rosemead shall certify to the adoption of the
Resolution which shall become effective upon its approval by the City Council.
PASSED APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the
City of Rosemead on the 14th day of April, 2009.
272C4"
Margaret CI
Mayor
ATT ST:
LU A L L
loria Molleda
City Clerk
APPROVE AS TO FORM:
Joseph . Montes
Interim City Attorney
State of California-The Resources Agency Primary #
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI#
BUILDING, STRUCTURE, AND OBJECT RECORD
Paoe 2 of 21 *NRHP Status Code
*Resource Name or # Savannah Memorial Park
B1. Historic Name: Savannah Cemetery, aka El Monte Cemetery and American Graveyard
B2. Common Name: Savannah Memorial Park
B3. Original Use: (See Page 3) B4. Present Use: (See Page 3)
*135. Architectural Style: (See Page 3)
*B6. Construction History: (Construction date, alterations, and date of alterations) "In the early 1850s (Note: another source
suggests the date was 1846), Henry Dalton, one of El Monte's pioneer settlers and owner of the Rancho San
Francisquito, found two graves on his property protected by a heavy growth of cactus. This was in the area of the
present Savannah Cemetery, and some little distance west of what was later to be known as the community of
Savannah. The names of the markers were indiscernible. Not wishing to disturb their final resting place, and realizing
the sanctity of the hallowed ground, (continued on Page 4)
*137. Moved? ENo ❑Yes ❑Unknown Date: Original Location: (See Page 4)
*138. Related Features: The site is bounded by sections of wrought iron and chain-link fencing, with an interior
circular drive with two entrances on Valley Blvd. A variety of trees ranging in size from a large camphor (see Figure
3, Page 7), oaks and cedars to smaller ornamental varieties that have been planted during beautification efforts dating
back to the 1960s. The site incorporates a storage shed, water well, and pump housing. Other features include a flag
pole, a seven-inch military siege mortar donated by the United Veterans of the Republic in July 1929 (see Figure 1,
page 7), and dedicatory rock and plaque placed by the E1 Monte Cemetery Association May 30, 1922 (see Figure 2,
page 7).
139a. Architect: b. Builder:
*1310. Significance: Theme: Area:
Period of Significance: Property Type: Applicable Criteria:
(Discuss importance in terms of historical or architectural context as defined by theme, period, and geographic scope. Also address integrity.)
The settlement known as El Monte played a significant part in California's early pioneer history. It was first an
encampment on the old Spanish Trail, an extension of the Trail from Missouri to Santa Fe. By the 1850s, some began
to call El Monte the "End of the Santa Fe Trail." In 1851, El Monte's first pioneers trekked the Santa Fe Trail to
unappropriated land in the San Gabriel Valley. Early in that decade, a permanent settlement was established by
immigrants from Texas, and other southeastern states. In 1987, the state recognized the contributions of the El Monte
pioneers and community by bestowing a California Historical Landmark designation (California Registered
Historical Landmark No. 975). (continued on Page 4)
B11. Additional Resource Attributes: (List attributes and codes)
*1312. References:
Edwin H. Carpenter, Earle Cemeteries of the Ci X of Los
Angeles (Los Angeles, 1973), pp. 749.
(continued on Page 5)
B13. Remarks: (See Page 6)
*1314. Evaluator: Edwin D. (Randy) Wiggins
*Date of Evaluation: 04/03/09
(This space reserved for official comments.)
(Sketch Map with north arrow required.)
I! lad
U-2'.
ti
See Page 21 for larger image
DPR 523B (1195) *Required information
State of California-The Resources Agency Primary #
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI#
CONTINUATION SHEET Trinomial
Paae 3 of 21 *Resource Name or # Savannah Memorial Park
*Recorded by: Edwin D. (Randy) Wiggins *Date: 04/U3/09 Lg Continuation O Update
(front Page 2, DPR 5238, B3 - Original Llw)
133. Original Use: Savannah Memorial Park served as the graveyard for the first settlement (El Monte - California
Registered Historical Landmark No. 975) in Southern California founded by citizens of the United States. This
settlement, known as El Monte, played a significant part in California's early pioneer history. It was first an
encampment on the Old Spanish Trail, an extension of the Trail from Missouri to Santa Fe. By the 1850s, some began
to call El Monte the "End of the Santa Fe Trail." In 1851, El Monte's first pioneers trekked the Santa Fe Trail to
unappropriated land in the San Gabriel Valley. Early in that decade, a permanent settlement was established by
immigrants from Texas, and other southeastern states. The first verifiable and documented burial occurred in July
1853. Mary Alice Rogers, the nine-year-old daughter of Harriett Guess, one of the founding pioneer families, was the
first known settler-family burial. Earlier graves dating before 1850 were reported by San Francisquito Rancho owner
Henry Dalton. An estimated 400 burials occurred before 1900.
(front Page 2, DPR 5238, B4 - Present Use)
134. Present Use: Serving as the original pioneer cemetery, Savannah, under the management of the El Monte
Cemetery Association, still performs a limited number of burials. An estimated 3,900 burials have been documented
on Association records since the first verified interment in July 1853. It was reported that burials occurred at the site
before 1853, plus a number of undocumented and unauthorized burials have occurred since. Many gravesites have
been preserved in their original state, however, several disinterments and relocations have occurred. It is estimated
that room for 250 interments is practical.
(from Page 2, DPR 5238, B5 - Architechural Shjle)
*B5. Architectural Style: As characterized by author C. D. Sloane in his book, The Last Great Necessity, "Two
centuries of interaction between the cemetery and American society has left the cemetery, once central to the urban
scene, a necessary, but not necessarily desirable, neighbor in the suburbs." The Savannah Memorial Park served the
founders of the El Monte settlement as their first burial grounds. Identified in survey and patent documentation (to
the successful claimant, Ranchero Henry Dalton) as the Graveyard, the site is an excellent example of early settlement
burial grounds. As was common in this period, the graves of Spanish and Mexican colonists occurred in consecrated
ground within or adjacent to the San Gabriel Mission, the church at the pueblo or later at Calvary Cemetery.
American settlers, who were primarily from Protestant denominations and therefore weren't afforded mission
churchyard burials, sought to set aside land as common community burial grounds.
The site didn't initially display any unusual design distinction or architectural styles. Local accounts report
that Henry Dalton found two graves (protected by cactus plants from coyotes) on this section of his property in 1850
(another account places the date closer to 1846). While he couldn't determine the identities, because weathering had
obliterated the names on the markers, he determined to leave the graves as the beginning of a burial place for the
people of the E1 Monte community. As the site was above the lowlands of El Monte that were subject to flooding and
had a high water table, and being on the road used for hauling wood and fence posts to the Mission, Savannah was a
well-suited and situated site for a burial grounds.
The first boundary enclosures were the cactus plants around the two graves. A cactus hedge was planted to
protect the expanded grounds from grazing stock. In 1863 a board fence replaced the cactus hedge. The settlers went
over to the site and staked out the plots according to their varied needs. Family gravesites were established with
multiple plots, with family monuments surrounded by individual gravemarkers. All individual gravesite boundary
enclosures (see Figure 4, Page 8) have long been removed. Funerary monuments and associated art works are
representative of the stylistic type for the period as are the methods of fabrication. Columns, tablestones, tablet on
bases, cradle, crypt, obelisks, tapered shafts on pedestals serve as gravemarkers throughout the cemetery. Family
gravesites also incorporate family monuments in addition to individual gravestones and headstones. Individual
gravemarkers are inscribed with various decorative symbols of the respective periods.
DPR 523L (1195) *Required information
State of California-The Resources Agency Primary #
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI#
CONTINUATION SHEET Trinomial
Paae 4 of 21 'Resource Name or # Savannah Memorial Park
'Recorded by: Edwin D. (Randy) Wiggins *Date: 04/03/09 N Continuation ❑ Update
(continued Jrom Pagc 2, DPR 5236, 86 - Construction History)
Mr. Dalton ceded two acres surrounding the graves as a burial ground for the people of the community. There were
no legal proceedings recorded. The settlers went over to the site and staked out the plot according to their varied
needs. A good cactus hedge protected the plot from grazing stock and wild animals and thus originated the nucleus
of the present cemetery on Valley Boulevard. None of the original cactus hedge has survived.
The American settlers viewed the cemetery as an important community resource. A fund was established,
most likely for maintenance purposes. The Los Angeles Semi-Weekly News carried an article in the July 9, 1867
edition, "Ball at E1 Monte! A Grand Ball will be given at the new Hall of J. Weil, Esq., in Lexington, El Monte, on
Thursday Evening, July 111h 1867, for the Benefit of El Monte Cemetery Fund: Committee Arrangements: [list of 18
men, including F.P.F Temple, George Durfee, W.R. Rowland, John Read [sic], F. Lamborn [sic]]." Many of these men
were leaders in the local and surrounding communities and played prominent roles in the development of southern
California.
In the late 1870s, realizing a larger cemetery would ultimately be required, and wishing to definitely define its
boundaries and protect the area in perpetuity, Sam Adams, Asa Ellis, and John Guess, pioneer property owners,
deeded sufficient ground from their adjoining holdings to extend the plot from Mission Drive to Valley Boulevard. A
sixty foot strip the entire width of the west end was also part of the deed, making the triangular plot with a Boulevard
on each side, as it is at the present time. The plot now has an area of four and one-half acres. The year 1880 saw the
beginning of organized care of the cemetery. At the suggestion of M.F. Quinn, Mrs. John Snoddy called a meeting of
those interested in the cemetery for the purpose of forming an organized group to assure better care of the grounds. A
committee was formed, and three trustees were appointed whose duty it was to maintain the cemetery for the
ensuing year. During the trusteeship, the board fence was replaced by an attractive and practical pipe-railing fence.
Grass was sown and the cemetery took on the appearance of care and orderliness.
(continued from Page 2, DPR 523b, B7 - Original Location)
B7. Original Location: The site remains intact with the exception of a small strip along Valley Boulevard where
graves were relocated in the 1927-29 timeframe to accommodate widening of Valley Boulevard. According to El
Monte Cemetery Association records, the Superior Court awarded the Association damages for the removal of 60
graves as well as a 17-foot wide strip involving 11 tiers including an unknown quantity of graves.
(continnied from Page 2, DPR 523b, B10 - Significance)
El Monte pioneers and settlers had a significant impact upon the economic and social history of Southern
California's half-forgotten formative years. This was a time when Anglo-Saxon customs and institutions impacted
upon the pastoral life of Spanish-Californians, with the conversion of great grazing ranchos into farms and
settlements, with the gradual displacement of frontier violence and instability by a more restrained, law-abiding
society and with transformation of so called cow-counties of past Gold Rush era into the small beginnings of Southern
California of modern time. Annexation by the United States in 1848 had little immediate effect upon the prevailing
social and economic institutions of California and scarcely touched the rural traditions and habits of its people. Then
the discovery of gold set in motion one of the most spectacular migrations the world has ever seen. It swept over
much of California and obliterated the old order, the old culture, the old customs and way of life.
The Gold Rush in effect created two Californias - north of Monterey huge migration overwhelmed native
populations and transformed drowsy adobe pueblos into sprawling cosmopolitan cities. The southern half of the state
offered a striking and arresting contrast. Here the Gold Rush destroyed little that was old, created little that was new.
There was almost no increase in population, only a few settlements, and two years after the discovery of gold, the six
southern counties had a total white population of less than 8,000. (continued on Page 5)
DPR 523L (1195) 'Required information
State of California-The Resources Agency Primary #
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI#
CONTINUATION SHEET Trinomial
Page 5 of 21 *Resource Name or # Savannah Memorial Park
*Recorded by: Edwin D. (Randy) Wiggins *Date: 04/03/09 ® Continuation ❑ Update
(continued front Page 4, DPR 523L, Continuation Sheet 11310 - Significancel)
At the time of American conquest the ranchos were the dominant feature of California life. They remained a
controlling factor in much of the state's settlement and agricultural development for nearly one-half of a century.
Their conversion into cities, towns and farming Ct n1I11Llnltles served in lar);e measure to brim into being the Southern
California of the 20'h century.
Thanks to Mexico's chasmic weakness and growing, Cunfusiun V, ithin the province (Alta California) itself,
American influence in California grew rapidly after 1840. New England merchants dominated the all-important hide
and tallow trade; American fur hunters breached the mountain barrier on the east; and an aggressive vanguard of
American settlers pressed overland from the east. Many of the latter group of pioneers and settlers found their way to
E1 Monte - where they settled, farmed and cultivated, developed industry, built a community that included schools,
commercial establishments, churches, fraternal organizations, retired and lived out their lives, with their final resting
place - the graveyard at the end of the Santa Fe Trail.
The name "El Monte" is Spanish for a wooded spot. The name was given this district by Spanish settlers as
early as the eighteenth century and was doubtless so named as the area had been covered by willow trees and
scattered throughout with larger trees and patches of meadows. To the travel-worn 49ers and settlers alike, El Monte
was a veritable paradise. An abundance of grass and water for their animals, together with fuel and shade, provided
ideal camping accommodations. Many lingered for weeks, but with eyes upon the gold towns of the north, they
moved on. The fact that on their arrival all pioneer emigrant parties stopped here to camp, induced Ira W. Thompson
to establish a stage depot in El Monte. This was known as Willow Grove and was located on the site of the first camp.
Among the first pioneers were the Ira Thompson family, Nicholas Smith, Grant Cuddeback, followed by Sam King,
Dr. Whistler, Nat Vise family, John Guess, James Durfee, and Dr. Thomas Mayes.
According to Edwin H. Carpenter, author of Early Cemeteries of the City of Los Angeles, western burial
practices and cemeteries came to California with the arrival of the Spaniards. For the first half century or so, burials
were in cemeteries adjoining the Franciscan missions or, in some cases within the mission churches themselves.
Calvary Cemetery, while part of municipal lands was effectively deeded to the Church in November 1844 although it
was formally consecrated in 1866.
While local accounts place the community burial grounds dating to either 1846 or 1850, the first burial entry
noted in the burial register is July 22, 1853, of MaryAlice Rogers, daughter of pioneer Harriett (Holyfield) Rogers
Guess. Edwin H. Carpenter suggests a date circa 1851, thereby predating other early cemeteries such as the Workman
(private) in Puente in 1854 and Palomares (private) in Pomona in 1859.
(continued from Page 2, DPR 523b, B72 - References)
Hubert Howe Bancroft, History of California 7 vols., (San Francisco, 1886-1890)
Cleland, Robert Glass, The Cattle on a Thousand Hills, Southern California 1850-80, (Huntington Library, 1941)
Dakin, Susanna Bryant, A Scotch Paisano, (Berkeley, 1939)
Lyman, Edward Leo, San Bernardino: The Rise and Fall of a California Community (Signature Books, Salt Lake City
1996), pp. 95-99, 108, 308-311, 341, 345, 367-369.
Sanchez, Joseph P., Explorers, Traders, and Savers: Forging the Old Spanish Trail, 1678-1850 (University of Utah
Press, Salt Lake City 1997)
Alhambra-San Gabriel-Monterey Park Community Book
The Work Progress Administration, El Monte from the Pioneer Days History and Biographical Sketches, Project N-
5740, Parts I & 2, pp. 1-82
(continued on Page 6)
DPR 523L (1195) *Required information
State of California-The Resources Agency Primary #
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI#
CONTINUATION SHEET Trinomial
Page 6 of 21 *Resource Name or # Savannah Memorial Park
*Recorded by: Edwin D. (Randy) Wiggins *Date: 04/03/09 Q9 Continuation ❑ Update
(contiru►.ed from Page 5, DPR 523L, Continuation Sheet, B12 - References)
Bell, Joy, "Index to Early Residents of El Monte, California and Women of Courage", A Project Presented to the
Faculty of California State University Dominguez Hills, Spring 1993, pp. 1-18.
"To Place Gun in Cemetery," El Monte Herald, June 7, 1929, News of Rosemead Section
"Siege Mortar to be Placed in Cemetery," El Monte Herald, June 14, 1929, p. 1
"Huge Mortar Placed in Cemetery," El Monte Herald, June 28, 1929, p. 1
"Hold Funeral for F.E. Mills," El Monte Herald, June 28, 1929, p. I
"Hold Funeral for F.E. Mills," El Monte Herald, July 5, 1929, p. 1
"El Monte and Rosemead Pay Honor to Dead," El Monte Herald, July 12, 1929, p. I
"Communities Pay Tribute to Hero Dead," 1'1 Monh'Herald, July 5, 1929, p. I
History of Los Angeles County (Oakland: Thompson and West, 1880), p. 133
King, William, "El Monte, An American Town in Southern California, 1851-1866," 1 he 1listorical Society of Southern
California, pp. 317-332
Pomeroy, Elizabeth, "Savannah Memorial Park traced," Whittier Daily Nc'Ws, Discoveries Section, p. ?
Wilson, John Albert. A History of Los Angeles County. Oakland: Thompson & West, 1880.
An Illustrated History of Los Angeles County... Chicago: Lewis Pub. Co. 1889.
Los Angeles Semi-Weekly , July 9, 1867, "Ball at El Monte!"
(continued from Page 2, DPR 523b, B13 - Remarks)
"Unfortunately for the cause of historical research, the early southern California newspapers devoted comparatively
little attention to local happenings, but gave most of their space to articles, copied from eastern newspapers, dealing
with national and international affairs, and to scientific and literary items." - footnote from The Cattle on a Thousand
Hills, p 303.
"Ineffectual efforts were made by various Protestant denominations early in the fifties to organize churches in Los
Angeles. James Woods, a Presbyterian minister, came to the pueblo in 1854. Another Presbyterian minister, the Rev.
W.E. Boardman, came to southern California in 1858 because of ill health, started a Sunday school, and organized the
First Protestant Society, a union of the members of various Protestant faiths. Boardman also preached in El Monte
(distinctly a Protestant, if not a godly, community), and perhaps elsewhere in the county..."- footnote from The
Cattle of a Thousand Hills, p 305.
DPR 523L (1195) *Required information
State of California-The Resources Agency Primary #
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI#
CONTINUATION SHEET Trinomial
Page 7 of 21 *Resource Name or # Savannah Memorial Park
Figure 1:
Siege Mortar
View: Northwest
Placed July 1929 by United Veterans of the
Republic
Figure 3:
Camphor Tree
View: East
Figure 2:
Dedicatory Rock and Plaque
View: Northeast
DEDICATED TO
THE MEMORY OF
CALIFORNIA
PIONEERS
ERECTED BY THE
EL MONTE
CEMETERY
ASSOCIATION
MAY 30, 1922
DPR 523L (1195) *Required information
"Kecoraeo oy: v.owin u. (minov) wrQf?rns
4/ U3/ VV Ly t-onunuaaon u upoaie
State of California-The Resources Agency Primary #
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI#
CONTINUATION SHEET Trinomial
Paae 8 of 21 "Resource Name or # Savannah Memorial Park
"Kecorclect Dy: tdwin U. (Kandy) Wiggins -Uate: U4/Us/U9 2g Continuation U
Figure 6:
Gibson Family Monument - unknown date
(this monument is no longer in evidence in the
View: South
Fielding W. Gibson (1854-1935) - Los Angeles
County Supervisor (1861-63).
Figure 5:
Savannah Memorial Park - unknown date
View: Northeast
Figure 4:
Savannah Memorial Park - unknown date
View: North
State of California-The Resources Agency Primary #
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI#
CONTINUATION SHEET Trinomial
Paae 9 of 21 *Resource Name or # Savannah Memorial Park
*Recorded by: Edwin D. (Randy) Wiggins *Date: 04/03/01) ® Continuation ❑ Update
t•
r
Figure 7:
Funeral of Charlie E. Wiggins (age 13) -1905
i
Figure 8:
Guess Family headstones - unknown date
View: Northwest
DPR 523L (1195) `Required information
State of California-The Resources Agency Primary #
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI#
CONTINUATION SHEET Trinomial
Page 10 of 21 *Resource Name or # Savannah Memorial Park
*Recorded by: Edwin 1). (Randy) Wiggins *Date: 04/03/09 ® Continuation ❑ Update
r
Figure 9:
Savannah Memorial Park - August 2004
View: North
s
Figure 10:
Savannah Memorial Park - October 2007
View: Southeast
DPR 523L (1/95) *Required information
State of California -The Resources Agency Primary #
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI#
CONTINUATION SHEET Trinomial
Paae I I of 21 "Resource Name or # Savannah Memorial Park
-Kecoraea Dv: Edwin U. (I<andv) wieQins ° ua[e: ua/ u3/ uy pqLontinuaiion u
Figure 11:
Savannah Memorial Park - April 2007
View: East
Figure 12:
Savannah Memorial Park - April 2007
View: South
State of California-The Resources Agency Primary #
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI#
CONTINUATION SHEET Trinomial
Page 12 of 21 *Resource Name or # Savannah Memorial Park
*Recorded by: 1 in 1) W,i ,,1 l 1~ iggins *Date: 04/03/09 Q9 Continuation ❑ Update
s, f*
Figure 13: Figure 14:
John Guess (1827-1919) family monument. Robert Tweedy (1811-1899) family monument
View: West Yew: West
Original 1852 pioneer with Captain William Original 1851 pioneer
Johnson; School Trustee; Master Mason -
Lexington Lodge No. 104 (1862)
- r Cl _sO
B®RN
DIED
,
Figure 15:
John Broaded (1843-1889)
View: Northwest Figure 16:
Los Angeles County Treasurer (1882-88) Veteran of War of 1812 -Trumpeter in the
Second Regiment of West Tennessee
Volunteer Mounted Gunmen (Cavalry).
DPR 523L (1195) *Required information
State of California-The Resources Agency Primary #
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI#
CONTINUATION SHEET Trinomial
Page 13 of 21 `Resource Name or # Savannah Memorial Park
'Kecoraea DV: h0win U.
uate: U4/ us/ UJ 12S1 Lonanuauon Li
Figure 18:
Asa Ellis (1817-1890) Monument
View: West
Los Angeles County Supervisor (1864-66); State
Assemblyman (1867-68, 1871-72, 1877-78);
Regent, University of Missouri, Sheriff in Missouri,
Los Angeles County Tax Collector (1883-84); IRS
Collector (1885), appointed by President
Cleveland.
1~. u WN
ILkll N CARMICHCAL
PVT US ARMY
WORLD WAR It
IV 24 1915 JUN A 1944
SILVER STAR BSM PH
Figure 19:
Wilbur N. Carmicheal (1915-1944)
Died as a result of wounds received in action.
Received 2 Silver Stars, a Bronze Star and a Purple
Heart.
Figure 17:
John Holt (1792-1872) Monument
View: Northeast
Veteran of War of 1812.
Figure 20:
Samuel Sawyer Thompson (1798-1882)
Original pioneer of El Monte; Los Angeles
County Supervisor (1854-55).
State of California-The Resources Agency Primary #
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI#
CONTINUATION SHEET Trinomial
Page 14 of 21 "Resource Name or # Savannah Memorial Park
mecvraea oy. towin u.
Figure 21:
James D. Durfee (1840-1920)
Original pioneer of El Monte; first to
experiment in growing walnuts in the
area; instrumental in introducing free
textbooks to California public schools
(which originated in La Puente 1884);
Los Angeles County Assistant Assessor
(1887-88)
Figure 23:
Thomas Jefferson Wiggins (1835-1914)
Original pioneer of El Monte.
. Vill
Figure 22:
Jonathan Tibbet (1824-1904)
Original pioneer of El Monte; built first house in El
Monte.
DPR 523L (1195)
uaie: u4/ ui/ u7 Ib %,untinuauon u upuate
Figure 24:
James Cleminson (1833-1910)
View: West
Early pioneer to Southern California; settled in El Monte in
1858.
State of California-The Resources Agency Primary #
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI#
CONTINUATION SHEET Trinomial
Page 15 of 21 'Resource Name or # Savannah Memorial Park
-Kecoraea oy: eawin U. (Kanay) vviggins uate: a ri u. Lj~ uanunuauon u
1
Figure 27:
Benjamin F. Maxson (1841-1899)
Civil War veteran, enlisted in Company
K, 13'1' Wisconsin Infantry; Trustee of
Mountain View School Board, active in
Grand Army of the Republic.
• +i37,
Figure 26:
Edward D. Gibson (18541935)
Los Angeles County Sheriff (1890-
92); last Sheriff to occupy the office
in the Old County Courthouse M1
located on Spring between Court
and Franklin Streets; son of
Fieldinq W. Gibson.
Figure 28:
Albert S. Rowland (1855-1891)
View: West
Youngest son of John Rowland for
whom Rowland Heights is named. His
brother, William R. Rowland, was a
Sheriff of Los Angeles County (1872-75
& 1880-82) and was responsible for the
capture of the bandit Tiburcio Vasquez.
William was the youngest to serve as
Sheriff of Los Angeles County at 25.
'Required inform.
Figure 25:
James B. Freer (1843-1924)
View: East
1850 Pioneer to California
hate of California-The Resources Agency
Primary #
)EPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
HRI#
:ONTINUATION SHEET
Trinomial
Page 16 of 21 "Resource Name or # Savannah Memorial Paris
'Recorded by: Edwin U.
' 7 8# 1; NYAI
Ke A Nt i. !
;tom
q vu '[5
Figure 29:
Barney S. Bryant (1835-1908) Monument
View: East
First Constable, El Monte; his brother Samuel
Bryant, was a member of the posse detailed to
capture the notorious Mexican bandit, Tiburcio
Vasquez.
Figure 31:
Moses Clinton Cuddeback (1853-1920)
Family Monument
View: North
First white child born in El Monte 22 January
1853.
l!a[e: U4/ U i/ U) 129 Uontinuation L.1
Figure 30:
John Cleminson (1798-1879)
Early California pioneer (1852)
Figure 32:
Charles O. Cunningham (18341865)
Monument
View: North
First Justice of the Peace in El Monte; Los
Angeles County Judge; killed by Indians in
Arizona at aqe 31.
State of California-The Resources Agency Primary #
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI#
CONTINUATION SHEET Trinomial
Page 17 of 21 *Resource Name or # Savannah Memorial Park
*Recorded by: Edwin D. (Randy) Wiggins *Date: l
4
Figure 33:
Dr. Frederick Payson Cave (1853-1907)
Monument
View: West
Opened first drug store in El Monte (1892);
built up large practice as a physician;
invented an acetylene gas light for home &
office; first to advance the movement for
establishing a high school in El Monte; El
Monte School Board Member.
Figure 35:
Anna H. Norris (1874-1961) and Matthew Tyler Norris
(1855-1943)
Parents of Gordon W. Norris, Poet Laureate of
California (1953-61). Matthew Tyler Norris was the first
child born of English-speaking parents in the San
Gabriel Valley.
Continuation ❑ U
f R TIMMA►S A.MAiYES
I'* C301:n
Figure 34:
Thomas A. Mayes (1825-1874)
Los Angeles County Coroner (1854-55); one
of the first physicians in El Monte (1852);
while in Mexico he served as Government
Army Surgeon (1847-50); trustee of the
Lexington Grammar School.
Figure 36:
John Stephenson (1851-1937)
Veteran of Indian War, Co. H, 9r" Infantry mustered out
in 1878; member of National Indian War Veterans'
Association, Gen. George Cook Camp, No. 9; well-
acquainted with William (Buffalo Bill) Cody and other
famous Indian Scouts of the period, Los Angeles Police
1887-1937; first retired police officer of the Los Angeles
force, holder of department badge No. 1.
APR 523L (1195)
State of California-The Resources Agency Primary #
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI#
CONTINUATION SHEET Trinomial
Paae 18 of 21 `Resource Name or # Savannah Memorial Park
-Kecoraea Dv: V.dWin U. (Kandy) VVi _,VIns -uaie:
Figure 38:
Samuel King (1806-1855)
Original 1851 pioneer; Sheriff, Lumpkin
County, Georgia (1834-36 & 1838-40),
second Sheriff of County; avid horse
racer and breeder, killed in a gun fight
with Micajah Johnson.
FEES. 14: ht.F i
OCT. 16, 1511
Figure 40:
Michael F. Quinn (1836-1911)
Quartermaster U.S. Army (1854) on an expedition against the
Sioux Indians; served later on an expedition against rebellious
Mormons of Utah; active in temperance work and a staunch
Prohibitionist; organizer of the Society of Pioneers of Los Angeles
County, served as President; appointed Justice of the Peace and
fondly known as Judge Quinn.
Figure 37:
Chester M. Doyle (1887-1949)
Mayor of El Monte (1916-18)
U4/ U3/ VY ILSj u ontinuauon u upowe
Figure 39:
David Lewis (1821-1886)
Los Angeles County Supervisor (1855, 1856);
specialized in the culture of hops and flax.
State of California-The Resources Agency Primary #
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI#
CONTINUATION SHEET Trinomial
Paoe 19 of 21 "Resource Name or # Savannah Menwrial Park
-Kecoraea uv: Ldwin L).
Figure 42:
Archibald N. Wiggins (1883-1927)
Native son of Thomas J. Wiggins, who came to
California in 1852; educated at Old Mission
School (was one of seven pupils at the time);
known as the "Watermelon King of Southern
California", appointed Deputy Constable of El
Monte; worked to close saloons on Sundays.
vale: U4/ u3/ uy In Uontinuation Li
Figure 41:
Ella Lee Stephenson (1863-1927)
Born on Lee ranch at the corner of what is now
Valley Blvd. and San Gabriel Blvd.; father was
early settler coming to El Monte in 1849; family
organized the first Baptist church in the state.
State of California -The Resources Agency Primary #
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI#
LOCATION MAP Trinomial
Paae 20 of 21 *Resource Name or Savannah Memorial Park
*Map Name: Google Maps *Scale: Unknown
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State of California -The Resources Agency Primary #
)EPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI#
SKETCH MAP Trinomial
~aae 21 of 21 "Resource Name or # Savannah Nlemorial Park
"Drawn By: Los Angeles County Assessor
'Date: 02/02/2001
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BEN-EL SEC. 18
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) SS.
CITY OF ROSEMEAD )
I, Gloria Molleda, City Clerk of the City of Rosemead, do hereby certify that the
foregoing Resolution No. 2009-19 being:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROSEMEAD,
CALIFORNIA, SUPPORTING THE DESIGNATIONS OF SAVANNAH
MEMORIAL PARK AS A CALIFORNIA STATE HISTORIC LANDMARK.
was duly and regularly approved and adopted by the City Council on the 14`h of April,
2009 by the following vote to wit:
Yes: Armenta, Clark, Low, Ly, Taylor
No: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
loria e- d a
City Clerk
ROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JEFFREY STEWART, INTERIM CITY MANAGER
DATE: APRIL 14, 2009
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION SUPPORTING EL MONTE CEMETERY ASSOCIATION'S
APPLICATION FOR DESIGNATION OF SAVANNAH CEMETERY AS A
CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL LANDMARK
SUMMARY
Savannah Cemetery has been an integral part of the Rosemead community and its
environs since the early 1850's. It serves as the final resting place of several of
Rosemead's pioneering families and American veterans who have served the nation
since the War of 1812.
The El Monte Cemetery Association has been advocating for the cemetery's
designation as a historic site for many years. The Association is again submitting its
application to the State of California and has asked the cities of Rosemead and El
Monte to adopt resolutions in support of their application. Both the resolution and the
association's application are attached for City Council review.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends that City Council adopt Resolution No. 2009-19 supporting the El
Monte Cemetery Association's Application for designation of the cemetery as a
California Historical Landmark.
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
This item has been noticed through the regular agenda notification process.
by:
ParksW R6Qreation Director
'solution No. 2009-19
Monte Cemetery Association Application for Historical Landmark Designation
APPROVED FOR CITY COUNCIL AGENDA: ITEM NUMBER:
RESOLUTION NO. 2009 -19
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ROSEMEAD, CALIFORNIA, SUPPORTING THE DESIGNATION OF SAVANNAH
MEMORIAL PARK AS A CALIFORNIA STATE HISTORIC LANDMARK
WHEREAS, Savannah Memorial Park has operated since the early 1850's and served the
first settlement in California established by citizens of the United States and pioneering families of
the Rosemead-El Monte area-historically referred to as "the end of the Santa Fe Trail," and
WHEREAS, Savannah Memorial Park serves as the final resting place of local veterans
who served in the American military since the War of 1812, and
WHEREAS, Savannah Memorial Park is believed to be the oldest Protestant cemetery in
southern California, and
WHEREAS, it is believed that Savannah Memorial Park meets criteria for designation as a
Califomia Historical Landmark as established by the California Office of Historic Preservation, and
WHEREAS, designation of Savannah Memorial Park as a California Historical Landmark
will assure preservation of this important historic site for future generations.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Rosemead,
California, as follows:
Section 1. That the City Council places its full support behind the El Monte Cemetery
Association in its application for designation of Savannah Cemetery as a California Historical
Landmark.
Section 2. That the City Clerk of the City of Rosemead shall certify to the adoption of the
Resolution which shall become effective upon its approval by the City Council.
PASSED APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the
City of Rosemead on the 14th day of April, 2009.
Margaret Clark
Mayor
ATTEST:
Gloria Molleda
City Clerk
APPROVE AS TO FORM:
Joseph M. Montes
Interim City Attorney