History of Lone Tree Cemetery
Many pioneering and prominent Hayward, Castro Valley and surrounding area families are interred at Lone Tree Cemetery, including the City of Hayward’s namesake, William Hayward.
Lone Tree Cemetery is the final resting place of Karl (Charles) “Charlie” Becker, better known as the Mayor of Munchkin Land from the original Wizard of Oz.
Some notable community families include Strobridge, Proctor, Cull, Luce, Ramage, Prowse, Borree, Oakes, Manter, Cowing, Gansberger, Anway, Jensen, Mosegaard, Rowell, Cook, Garcia, Borneman, Drennen, and Stewart.
Founding History of Lone Tree Cemetery
A deed for the Cemetery dated November 1873 shows the purchase of approximately 35 acres from Faxton D. Atherton for $900.00. However, a sales contract had been signed in March 1870, which enabled the Lone Tree Cemetery Directors to sell lots to pay the purchase price balance. The Hayward Home Guard disbanded after the Civil War. The money in their bank account also was allocated towards the remaining purchase amount.
In 1924 the Cemetery was re-incorporated with new Directors. President Margaret McLean Strobridge took firm control. The President and the rest of the Board were a group of dedicated, hardworking, and public-spirited citizens.
Since 1924 there have only been six Presidents. Margaret McLean Strobridge from 1924 to 1940, Natalie D. Fry from 1940 to 1966, Erwin R. Jensen from 1966 to 1991, Arthur L. Larson from 1992 to 1994, Karen Jensen Comiskey from 1994 to 1996, and our current President Robert Mattos from 1996 to present.
