I have always said that history can be found almost anywhere. This cemetery, in the middle of an open field, called my name.
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The cemetery is located on the Stockton-Sonora Road (which began as a main) Gold Rush route. Twenty-Six Mile
House was the name of the tiny community. The first settlers there were
two Irishman named Dillon and Dooley.
By 1870 the little settlement reached its peak and was granted a post
office. James Nolan, native of Ireland was its first
postmaster. Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church was built in 1886 on land
donated by Nolan. |
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The settlement at Twenty-Six Mile House lasted until the 1890s. The
church was the last remaining building until it was torn down years
later. The little cemetery that filled up around the church is all that
remains today. This lonely little burial ground is the final resting
place for many of the Irish pioneers of that region. |
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My heart went out to Thomas & Margaret Kenedy who lost three sons, one year after the other. |
What an interesting stroll through history... you never know what you will find along the roadside.
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1 comments:
That is sad about the Kenedys, for sure. Life was MUCH more difficult back then.
The condition of the tombstones is great, it must be the dry air!
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