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Henry Uhden

The Uhdens are a well known pioneer family. Henry Uhden's father August Uhden came here in 1856, accompanied by the members of his household. For a number of years he was a farmer near the city, and was among the most prominent men of the county. He died in Santa Cruz in the year 1862, and sleeps in an unknown grave on Escalona Heights. There are three graves together there surrounded by a paling fence. One of these is the Tomb of Mr. Uhden, but which of the three it is no one can tell. In July, 1891, his wife died and was buried in Odd Fellows Cemetery. An effort was made to determine which of the three lonely graves on the hillside was that of the elder Uhden, so that his body might be disinterred and buried beside his wife's. But tombstones were not easily had in Santa Cruz in early days, and the identity of the dead man had been intrusted to perishable wooden headboards. No one could be found who knew the graves apart, and the inquiry was sadly abandoned.

Henry Uhden, the son of the pioneers mentioned above, was born in 1835, at Springfield Ohio, where he attended school. After coming to Santa Cruz with his father, he has made his home here continuously. He learned the carpenter's trade and worked at if for a number of years.

When the Civil War began, Mr. Uhden enlisted among the California volunteers. His regiment was not ordered to the seat of war, but he was on duty here until peace was established.

In 1879 he abandoned his trade of carpenter, and entered the employ of the Southern Pacific Coast Railway Company, as yard master of the railroad wharf at Santa Cruz. Mr. Uhden was a charter member of the I.O.R.M. in Santa Cruz, and is also a member of the A.O.U.W., and a prominent member of Reynolds Post G.A.R.

Mr. Uhden has four sisters, all of whom were married to well known Santa Cruz citizens. They are: Mrs. Caroline Leibrandt, Mrs. Charles Kaye, Mrs. E. Lukens, and Mrs. Lizzie Call.

On December 24,1873, Mr. Uhden was married to Miss Nellie Hall. Miss Hall was a native of Salt Lake City. Mrs. Uhden is a woman of energy and ability, is a pleasant conversationalist, and very popular among a large circle of friends. She is a prominent and earnest worker in the congregation of the Christian Church, and was a prime mover in the Garfield Park project. She was also one of the organizers and the first president of Reynolds Women's Relief Corps, organized in September, 1888. Mr... and Mrs. Uhden have four children, two sons and two daughters.

Records of Members of the Grand Army of the Republic, William Ward

HENRY UHDEN Was born in Springfield, Ohio, October 7, 1843; is engaged in railroading. Enlisted October 24, 1864, in the 8th California Volunteers; served as a private; was attached to Company A 8th California Infantry; was honorably discharged October 24, 1865. Comrade Uhden is a member of Reynolds Post, GAR of Santa Cruz, where he resides.

Santa Cruz Surf (January 29, 1916)

DIED

UHDEN: J. Jan 28, a native of Ohio, aged 72 years 3 months and 21 days.

Funeral services from the late residence 145 Third St. Monday at 2 PM. Friends and acquaintances invited to attend. Body shipped to Cypress Lawn for cremation.

Death Certificate Notes from Phil Reader

145 3rd. Henry J. Uhden, aged 72 years 3 months 21 days, died Jan 28, 1916. Fish Dealer. Born: Oct 7, 1843, Ohio. Father: August Uhden, Germany. Mother: Dorothy Liebrant, Germany. Res 59, Ca59, Cypress Lawn.

Date of Birth: 1843-10-07

Date of Death: 1916-28-01

County: Santa Cruz

Cemetery/City of Burial: Santa Cruz Memorial Park

Plot: O09

Mortuary: CCC

Cause of Death: Acdt/Burn

Date of Marriage: 1873/12/24

Spouse: Hall_ Nellie

Occupation: Fish Dealer

Height: 5'6

Complexion: Dk

Eye Color: Gr

Hair Color: Dk

Local Address: 3rd St 145

Last City: Santa Cruz

Native of: OH

Father Native of: August (GE)

Mother Native of: Liebrant_ Dorothy (GE)

Enlisted: 1864/11/12

Discharged: 1865/10/24

Military Unit: CA_ 8 Inf_ Co A

Rank: Pvt

Military Notes: E-Wtsnvll_ D-FtPnt

GAR#: WR32

Available records used to obtain information:
Cemetery records
Santa Cruz County death records
Military records
Santa Cruz and Monterey newspapers
Voter Records

CW Reference: W&R 1896 Roster