St. John’s Cemetery, located in the Baywood neighborhood of San Mateo, has served the community since the late 19th century. Established in 1886, this small rural burial ground—just west of town—remains an active and meaningful place of rest, continuing to meet the needs of families today.
The cemetery was founded through the generosity of Abby Eastman Meagher Parrott, who donated six acres of her Baywood estate in memory of her husband, John Parrott. Although she was a devout Roman Catholic, Abby was clear in her intention: St. John’s was to be a cemetery for all people, regardless of faith or background.
From its beginning, the grounds were thoughtfully organized. Three acres were set aside for Roman Catholic burials, while two acres were designated for people of all denominations. A separate one-acre section, distinguished by a domed mortuary chapel, was reserved exclusively for the Parrott family, where generations have been laid to rest.
In keeping with Abby Parrott’s charitable spirit, a portion of the cemetery was also dedicated to the burial of the poor—an important reflection of her belief that dignity in death should be available to everyone.
No family played a greater role in shaping early San Mateo than the Parrotts.
John Parrott, born in 1811, was a prominent businessman who arrived in San Francisco during the Gold Rush. Already successful as a merchant and U.S. Consul in Mazatlán, Mexico, he quickly became one of the city’s leading financiers. He invested heavily in key industries, including water, gas, and mining, and became one of the largest landowners in San Francisco’s business district.
Beyond his financial ventures, Parrott was also a pioneer in trade, importing rice, sugar, and coffee, and exporting California wheat through his own fleet of ships.
In 1859, he purchased land in San Mateo that would become the Baywood estate, eventually expanding it to approximately 400 acres. There, the Parrott family established one of the Peninsula’s most prominent residences and became widely recognized for both their influence and philanthropy.
Despite their Catholic faith, the Parrotts contributed generously across denominational lines, supporting not only Catholic institutions but also Episcopal causes, including the construction of St. Matthew’s Church and the Bishop Armitage Orphanage.
After John Parrott’s death in 1884, Abby continued this legacy of generosity, ultimately becoming one of California’s most respected philanthropists. She passed away in 1917 at the age of 88, leaving behind a lasting impact on the community.
John Parrott was initially buried on the family estate near the Baywood home, his grave marked by a simple five-foot granite cross. Soon after, Abby made the decision to create a permanent burial ground on a nearby hill, offering sweeping views of both San Mateo and the San Francisco Bay.
Planning and development of the cemetery were entrusted to Alfred Poett, a highly trained engineer with experience in major California estates and public works projects. His design ensured that St. John’s would not resemble the rough “Boot Hill” cemeteries of the Old West, but instead a carefully planned and enduring landscape.
Among his contributions was a reservoir system to provide irrigation, supplied by the Spring Valley Water Company—an organization with which John Parrott himself had been closely involved. By the time the cemetery opened in 1886, more than $60,000 had been invested in its development, a significant sum for the era.
The cemetery was enclosed by a stone and iron fence, another gift from Abby Parrott, much of which still stands today as a testament to the original design.
Over time, St. John’s Cemetery has become the final resting place for a wide cross-section of the San Mateo community.
While it includes notable figures and prominent families, the majority buried here are everyday individuals whose lives helped build the city—firefighters, police officers, teachers, clergy, doctors, farmers, and small business owners.
There are also unique sections within the cemetery that reflect its history. Near the Parrott family plot lies a dedicated area for household staff—maids, butlers, and servants who served the family over the years—demonstrating a level of recognition and respect uncommon for the time.
In the 1920s, an additional two acres were added to the cemetery, expanding its footprint beyond the original grounds. This expansion included the cemetery office, access road, and parking areas, helping St. John’s continue to serve a growing community.
Today, more than a century after its founding, St. John’s Cemetery remains an active and cherished part of San Mateo. It stands not only as a place of remembrance, but also as a reflection of the people—both well-known and ordinary—who shaped the history of the region.
Michael Svanevik & Shirley Burgett, wrote the book on St. John's Cemetery, and it was their hard work that provided the history here.
If you are interested in purchasing "Underground San Mateo, The Story of St. John's Cemetery" we have them available for purchase in our office for $22.00.
In addition, many times during the year, we host tours of the Cemetery. Scheduled tours will be shown on the front page of our web site.