This week’s Grave of the Week is Exeter founder John Firebaugh. In 1888, he sold 240 acres of land to the Southern Pacific Railroad. Along with D.W. Parkhurst, Firebaugh helped to layout 74 full and partial blocks that would become Exeter.
Firebaugh was born in Virginia and served in the Civil War. After the War, he and his parents followed his uncle, Andrew Firebaugh, to California. Andrew is also famous in the valley for founding a ferry business that became the town of Firebaugh.
John initially settled in Watsonville but moved to Farmersville in 1869 to farm the area with his father.
In 1873, John married Mary Davis and built a home on what is now the intersection of C and Palm. John eventually acquired 500 acres of land in the area. He later upgraded from his original home to a “stately” home near North F and Filbert.
John died in 1909 after his appendix burst. The headline read, “John Firebaugh Dies in Fresno. Prominent Exeter Rancher—Operation Was Performed Sunday—Was Too Late.”
He was survived by his wife, children, and siblings. The home was moved to Belmont Avenue after 1930 but was destroyed in a fire. The Firebaugh home, pre-move, can be seen on the Pine Street mural.
Thank you to CACHE – The Center for Art, Culture, and History – Exeter for the information on Mr. Firebaugh.
Message if you know anyone who should be featured on Grave of the Week. Please include any information about the person’s life and where the grave is located.
Please continue to like, share, and follow the Exeter Public Cemetery District and thank you to Exeter Chamber of Commerce, Exeter Kiwanis, Kiwanis Club Of Farmersville, Kiwanis of Woodlake, The Sun-Gazette Newspaper for sharing.
