Friends for the Preservation of Yuba County History

05/22/2026

We were so grateful to welcome new volunteers Sarah Del Buono, her well-behaved daughter, and her mother, who generously spent the day pulling w**ds in the McKenney Family Plot.
Their help meant so much, especially as they worked in full sun with temperatures reaching 90 degrees. Here’s the before, during and after photos. Thanks to their care and hard work, the plot looks wonderful. Thank you so much, ladies!

Here’s a little bit of history about the McKenney family and Anna McKenney’s legacy.
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Anna Lancaster McKenney was born in Springfield, Ontario, in October 1866 to Anderson and Sarah L. Ward McKenney. Her family moved to America when she was 3 years old.
In 1872, Anderson moved the family to California, first to Sutter County and then to Marysville. Records show he worked as a dairyman and was naturalized here on August 17, 1872.
Sarah McKenney worked as a dressmaker until her death in March 1888. Her Marysville shop was known for quality work and a perfect fit.
Anna graduated from Marysville High School. W. T. Ellis Jr. recalled that his graduating class included three girls—Anna McKenney, Laura Bordwell, and Della Parks—and himself as the only boy. He said Anna was regarded as the brightest student in high school. He states that he would not have passed the written examination for graduation if Anna had not been seated next to him.
Anna began teaching at age 20 and spent more than 52 years with the Marysville School District after teaching in Plumas and Wheatland. Over her career, she taught three generations and kept detailed records of their progress.
She was deeply devoted to her students, often giving her own time and money to support them and encouraging programs that prepared children for life and work.
She was also active in the Order of the Eastern Star, serving in state and local leadership roles for many years.
Anna retired in 1941, and in 1957 Anna L. McKenney Intermediate School opened in her honor.
She never married, remained close to her family, and died in Marysville in 1959 at age 92. Anna is buried in the family plot in the Historic Marysville City Cemetery with several family members.

05/14/2026

We are very grateful for our new volunteers, Betti Latimer and Jan Perry. On Monday, they worked hard in the Nelson and Baker Family Plot, pulling w**ds and raking leaves to fill seven large trash cans full. Their work was especially challenging as the temperature rose to nearly 90 degrees. Thank you, ladies!
Other volunteers were at work in the Military/G.A.R. Plot.

Here is some background on the family patriarchs buried in those plots.

LARS NELSON, a native of Sweden, was admitted to citizenship in Yuba County on March 18, 1891. In May of 1894, the Marysville City Council appointed Nelson to the position of City Sexton for an unexpected term, Mayor W.T. Ellis Jr. was presiding.
In February 1915, City Sexton Lars Nelson was assigned to disinter the bodies of Grand Army of the Republic Veterans buried in Marysville City Cemetery for the purpose of re-interring them together side-by-side in the G.A.R. Plot. He became ill and died in 1917 before completing the work, and several of the veterans remain buried in family plots some marked by family monuments.
Lars served as sexton of the city cemetery for twenty-three years.
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GEORGE SCHRIVER BAKER earned the title of “Captain” for his skill at navigating the rivers and his long experience as a veteran fisherman on the Feather River.
George died on August 4, 1898, at age 75 in his boathouse on the Yuba County side of the river. Born in Ohio in 1822, he later lived in Illinois before traveling overland to California in 1860 and settling near Marysville. Over the years he worked in teaming, ranching, and especially fishing, becoming a familiar local figure along the Feather River. He had been in poor health for about eighteen months before a final chill led to his death.
Newspapers often mentioned George S. Baker in reports of “Notable Catches”, including the “Largest Sturgeon” and “Unusually Early Salmon and Trout.”

04/27/2026

FPYCH is looking for motivated individuals to volunteer at the Historic Marysville City Cemetery.
A few members of FPYCH have been busy at the cemetery. Due to recent unpredictable weather conditions, volunteer efforts have been delayed; however, w**d growth has continued unabated.
Right now, we're concentrating our efforts on maintaining the cemetery to get it ready for Memorial Day Services.
We meet every Monday and Thursday (9-12:30) to maintain the burial grounds of our local pioneers, taking care of tasks like w**ding, mowing, watering, and other routine graveyard upkeep.
If this is something you’d like to do, please send email to [email protected] or just show up ready to work.
You don’t need to be a member of FPYCH, just a love for cemeteries and the outdoors.

04/21/2026

APRIL 25 – Saturday – 17TH SMARTSVILLE & TIMBUCTOO Pioneer Day: 9am–3pm. Come out to Smartsville for the hometown family-oriented celebrations. There will be live music, historic characters, mine tours, craft & food vendors, children’s activities and be sure to go into the church to see the renovation progress. FPYCH will have a booth this year! Our book, Historic Marysville City Cemetery, will be for sale.

04/21/2026

Unfortunately, the Flowers, Tombstones & Tales event had to be cancelled because of rain. It is a major fundraiser for the FPYCH and allows our group to continue with Marysville Cemetery restorations, new historic markers and replacement of worn markers, and support of other groups involved in Yuba County historic preservation.
We have had some generous donations in addition to memberships and volunteer activities. Please consider making an additional donation this year to help cover the shortfall created by the cancellation of the recent event.
Again, to all our members, thank you for your support and interest! It has made a lasting impact in Yuba County.
Donations may be made via credit card by visiting the designated link below. Alternatively, checks payable to FPYCH can be mailed to:
Support FPYCH
P.O. Box 1993
Marysville, CA 95901

(FPYCH) is a non-profit organization devoted to preserving the rich history of Yuba County through community engagement and cemetery tours, ensuring the legacy of the area is remembered and honored. P.O. Box 1993, Matysville, CA 95901 EIN 68-0433016