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Archiver > CASCLARA > 2003-11 > 1068394936
From: carolyn <>
Subject: [CASantaClara] Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery History............................
Date: Sun, 09 Nov 2003 08:22:16 -0800
A depressing situation............... Reading the history of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Mountain View
http://www.fpcmv.org/history.htm
it says that their cemetery was turned over to the City of Mountain View
in exchange for tax relief- in part the article reads:
"The old cemetery became an issue that confronted the church because of
the heavy taxes for paving and improvements on streets bordering the
burial grounds. A special meeting of the congregation was held on
February 20, 1927, to decide what should be done with the property. A
final decision of the matter was deferred until the regular congregation
meeting on April 8, when it was agreed that the church trustees should
contact the town board about taking over the land. By 1930, the
delinquent taxes constituted a great burden, coming at the time of the
economic depression. The disposal of the old cemetery to the City of
Mountain View took place in that year, when the city officials agreed to
accept it in lieu of tax payment, and a deed to the land was given by
the church to the city on September 19. At that time it was understood
that the land would be used for a park, but it was to be many years
before Pioneer Park became a reality."
The ultimate outcome is that the City of Mt View built the "Pioneer
Park" and new City buildings over the cemetery---------
Pioneer Park is a beautiful, oak shaded green space tucked in between
the library, city hall, and the performing arts center. It's a great
place to unwind and relax.
What many modern park visitors don't know is that this peaceful spot is
also the final resting places of many of Mountain View's early
settlers...hence the name "Pioneer" park. This was Mountain View's
Cemetery, created on land donated by a member of the Castro family. The
tombstones, remains, and coffins weren't moved when the park was created
in the 1960s, instead a layer of landscaping was added on top of them.
http://members.aol.com/GCSP/hauntedmv.htma
the park has been dug up numerous times to build parking garages and
expand the civic center. The largest project was the construction of the
new Mountain View Library. Archeological students from San Jose State
uncovered remains and tombstones from the site. They were then blessed
and reburied in a portion of the park close to Church Street. (when they
say reburied- they mean that no headstones or any visable reminder that
this is a cemetery exists at the ground level)
I would hope that a record/inventory of the information found on the
headstones was made......................
BTW- anyone with an interest in California historic cemeteries should
follow the legislation and preservation efforts of the California Saving
Graves folks-lead by Sue Silver
www.usgennet.org/usa/ca/state/
Best, Carolyn Feroben
http://www.cagenweb.com/santaclara/
To make things worse, the park has
reburied in a portion of the park close to Church Street.
From: "Imogene Bennett" <
<mailto:>>
Subject: [CASantaClara] Robert McGee KING, Death in Mountain View 1879
Date: Sat, 8 Nov 2003 11:47:16 -0600
Does anyone descend from Robert McGee KING and his wife Sarah H. BRALY?
Below is his obit. Is there a cemetery beside this Union Church or does the
obit mean his funeral service was held there and perhaps buried elsewhere?
From: The Cumberland Presbyterian, April 10, 1879, p 4
DEATH OF MINISTERS
San Jose, Cal., March 24
Rev. Robert McGee King, A.M., died yesterday morning at his late residence
in Mountain View. He was burried to-day from the old Union church, Mountain
View, where he last proclaimed publicly the word of life.
D. E. Bushnell.
Thanks a lot.
Imogene Bennett
Springfield, MO
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