Historic Union Cemetery

<p><strong>EAST CONTRA COSTA COUNTY CALIFORNIA</strong></p><p><br></p><p>Established in 1878 the Byron-Knightsen-Brentwood Union Cemetery provides a final resting place for early pioneers farmers and entrepreneurs in the upper San Joaquin River Delta. First established at Point of Timber Colburn Preston sold 4 acres to the new cemetery district. Burial service began immediately as 7 bodies were disinterred from the nearby Sylvester Wills property at Point of Timber for reburial at the new location. The cemetery's most famous burial is that of pre-gold rush pioneer Francis E. Wilder née Donner (1840-1921). She is one of only five surviving daughters of the George and Tamsen Donner Party to escape the Sierra Nevada tragedy of 1846-1847. Here you will find 19th Century gold miners grain barons educators booster newspaper editors and the first woman licensed as a mortician in California. History comes to life as you visit one of the oldest cemeteries in the California Delta.</p>