Old Kernville Historic Cemetery
Take a step back in time as we tour the Old Kernville Cemetery and remember the pioneering families buried within it. We have selected a few individuals to give glimpse into the rich history of the Kern River Valley. Enjoy the tour as we introduce you to these Pioneers of Old Kernville.
Francisco Apalatea (1850-1928) Francisco was born on the Yaqui Indian Reservation east of Tucson, Arizona in 1850. He was educated at the San Xavier Mission nearby. Reportedly at age 14 he came west and obtained a land grant in what is now Los Angeles. When gold was discovered in the Sierras he sold his property and came to Porterville area and married his 1st wife, a Chumash lady named Catherine Franco.
In 1873, Francisco Apalatea moved to Kern County where he chiefly engaged in mining mostly on Piute Mountain. He discovered and developed the Bryan Mine, which he afterwards sold for $5000. Over the years, he continued his mining interests and had several goo claims.
In 1902, he and his family lived on a 160-acre ranch, 3 miles north of Old Kernville. In 1915, he sold the ranch to his son-in-law Matt Burlando for $10. Later the ranch became the center of new Kernville.
Bert Dewey James (1898-1980) Son of Billie & Ava James, Bert was born in Keyesville. Story has it that Billie had rushed to fetch the doctor when Ava was about to deliver their first born, but the baby wouldn't wait. Mrs. William Walker was called to assist. By the time Billie and the Dr. arrived the new arrival was doing just fine. Billie and Ava had decided to name the boy Burton but Mrs. Walker threw a fit. It seems the memory on the infamous BuFued was still alive. So the name Bert was given to the new addition of the James family instead.
Bert James ranched until age 31, in 1929 he bought the grocery business from long time store owner Jim Bechtel. It's said that he, like the previous owner, ran the store giving credit to many of the locals. Many debts were never paid: not a great means to make money but Bert sure made a lot of friends. The store was then called "Bert's Store" and later called James Store, as it is often referred to today.
In 1944, Bert