YOSEMITE VALLEY -- There are numerous graves in Yosemite but most visitors do not know it. The cemetery is a distinct quarter-acre surrounded by a low granite stone wall. There is no visible sign. Look for a clearing amid the giant California Black Oak trees near the Park employee's residential area located just West and across the street from the Natural History Museum and Park Headquarters.
    The burial plots contain the remains of some of the best know early pioneers settlers. Naturalist lore concerning the pioneers burred here included the following anecdotes.
    For example, in the back northwestern most corner an Oak grave marker is inscribed with the name of Henry Eddy. Park Service Superintendent Maj. W.W. Forsyth wrote in the log that Eddy was a government worker in Yosemite who was found dead in his tent on the bitterly cold morning of October 10, 1910.
    A little further on, there is granite slab inside a wrought iron fence. The engraving reads, "William Bonney Atkinson, born in Yosemite June 25, 1898. Died April 15, 1902". The young Atkinson was one of three children born to the family of Charles and Nell Atkinson, a State worker administrating the Yosemite Grant, at the time.
    Down the way there is a huge flake of granite with a cross engraved on it. Under it are the remains of of James Mason Hutchings, and his wife Agusta L. Hutchings, and daughter Florence. Hutchings was a writer of Yosemite stories who helped make the wonders of Yosemite known to people back east. His most popular works included the "Guide to the Yosemite and the Big Trees." In later years he published Hutchings' California Magazine. In 1869 he built a saw-mill on Yosemite Creek which was then operated for a time by John Muir. In 1880 Hutchings became the Guardian of Yosemite.     Hutchings' death came a few months later while riding in a wagon with his wife down Big Oak Flat Road, the team of horses bolted and and Hutchings and his wife were thrown from the wagon. Mrs. Hutchings was not injured, but James Hutchings died a few minutes later in the arms of his wife. A funeral was held in The Big Tree Room of the Barnard Hotel.