Old Stockton Rural Cemetery's Historic VIPs

I've wandered around Stockton Rural Cemetery for many years now. I remember when several of the decorative and very expensive, crypt doors were being stolen. The door on the Rothenbush crypt, I believe, was first to go, but was later replaced with the plain, less expensive one you see there today. The Daggett crypt door was also stolen, as were the doors from the Stewart, Fraser, Barnhart, Hyatt, etc etc crypts. The Holt crypt door, seen in this video, isn't the original either, the original was damaged by the thieves, who tried to steal it. Unbelievable that this theft was allowed to happen. The decorative pieces from the Wagner crypt door were being removed around the same time period as the crypt doors were. Lots of history in this cemetery, some of which I added to Findagrave over the years, back when few were interested in this cemetery or it's history. A gentleman named, Glenn A. Kennedy, who was the secretary & treasurer of Rural Cemetery Association from 1950 to 1994, wrote a book about many of those who are interred at Stockton Rural Cemetery. I've always wanted a copy of it. It may have been a paperback or something, more of a local thing, I'm not sure. Good video. Keep 'em coming.

I have to give you much respect for doing this video. Both myself and my fiance' Roland have been visiting this cemetery for many years (he has been doing it longer than I have). He has photographed and entered hundreds (or more) of the graves there to Find-a-grave -- funny story, that is how we met, via cemeteries! Anyhow, after we started dating he started taking me there on walks, and I fell in love with this cemetery. I dedicated several years of research to finding the stories of many of those eternal residents, finding their photographs in old books and writing about them on my blogs, creating a Facebook page dedicated to that cemetery where we post photos and biographies of the residents there, and also entering their biographical info on Find-a-grave as well. I was so saddened to see the cemetery staff used a lot of my research for their website (without citing their sources) but most importantly they failed to really incorporate the more famous and important movers and shakers in Stockton's history that are buried there. That is the point I want to make with your video. You did that. You not only covered many of the very important (and sadly forgotten) people in Stockton Rural's history, but you also did it accurately and with respect. I really appreciate that. Thank you very much! - J'aime Rubio, Author

That is amazing the tombstone getting covered up by a tree. This cemetery is massive.

Glad to see you covered the "Other half" of the duel. Ben Holt also had a town named after him, Holt California, just down Highway 4 west of Stockton. Not much of a town today, but back in the 20's - 30's a booming farm community concern.

I lived in Stockton my whole life and I didn't know a lot of this info about our graveyards and the people buried in them, this is really cool, thank you for the video and information!

Thank you Jeff for another amazing page in our history. Following you is always a pleasure 🇺🇸🌸

This is an incredible video. Your research into the lives of the deceased is first class. I have learnt so much about American history. Congratulations on a fascinating production. Have enjoyed every minute.

I grew up here, my Grandmother’s family’s here @ Rual cemetery . RIP family. 💜👵🏼

Benjamin Holt Drive is obviously named after him in North Stockton, connecting I-5 with Pacific Ave. and N. El Dorado St. James Budd was Governor when my paternal grandmother was born in 1895 in Stockton. She grew up near the intersection of E. Lindsay and N. Stanislaus Streets. My dad was also born in Stockton, so I have deep roots here.

when I lived in Stockton my wife and I used to go look at the old graves there may sound morbid but it makes me miss home I left in 2002

Born in Ceres, Ca, raised in Modesto, lived in Salida, bought a home in Stockton, Ca. Proud to be a native Californian! There's a lot of history here, thank you for helping gain more knowledge of our great state.

Fascinating! Budd, Cunningham and Holt all have buildings named after them at San Joaquin Delta College, too.

I'm a Stocktonian and very familiar with this cemetery. I remember one time I was there reading a book on some steps and for some reason, something made me turn to look behind me; and there was Budd. I did not know that we had a California governor buried in our City, Pretty Cool!

I so enjoyed the history lesson on the people buried here.Makes the people more "real" with the small biographies you give.Thank you so much for the tour! Looking forward to more!

Great video! One of my favorite places to explore! David Terry has been one of my subjects in history for some time now. He was involved in so much California and Texas history! When I first visited his family plot I noticed Gridley"s memorial and was amazed of the grand tribute to a man I had never heard of! It is a full size statue of Gridley on a pedestal at least 15 feet tall with hundreds of soldiers` headstones facing it! JUST AMAZING! Gridley was the Man!

I'm originally from Stockton and have been there several times working with my photography as well as having family buried there. I always loved just walking around and reading stones trying to find the oldest ones.

That was one interesting vlog. Stocken Cemetery certainly had a lot of dignitaries and interesting people including that movie actress. I like that you are able to show photos of a significant # of people to match to the graves you are talking about.

I love this! I'm a proud life long Stocktonian!

Loved this historical video. I lived in Stockton several times from 1964 to 1972 and didn’t even know this cemetery was there until I went looking for a friend’s plot place year. Her Owen’s plot is just behind what the office staff referred to as Millionaires row, so I had to check it out also. Was amazed too at all those mausoleums and history from all the names so historic to Stockton. Really enjoyed the piece. Thank you!

Beautiful well kept tombstones. Thank you for sharing.