The Reverend James I. Wornum, "The Parson of the Green Verdugo Hills" was the first person laid to rest in the cemetery, on the hill overlooking the Valley. He was a Civil War soldier, itinerate preacher, horse trainer and trader as well as the valley's most beloved citizen. His wooden grave marker now resides at Bolton Hall Museum. Parson's Trail (the road leading to the cemetery) is named for him.∼Stronghurst Graphic, May 11, 1922

FORMER PASTOR DIES IN CALIFORNIA: An account from the Los Angeles Times contains an account of the death and burial of the Rev. James T. Wornom, who will be remembered by the older residents of Ellison, near Smithshire, where Mr. Wornom was born and spent his childhood. His father was a resident there at the time of the great storm more than 60 years ago. Mr. Wornom was a veteran of the Civil War and at his funeral members of the American Legion fired a volley over his grave. He was a member of the 83rd Illinois and is said to have been a gallant soldier. He and his wife located in Simland, California 20 years ago and he was known as  The Parson of the Green Verdugo Hills. Judged by the article appearing in the Times, he must have been a genuine " Shepherd of the Hills". He had a house wagon in which he and his wife traveled about apparently doing evangelistic work. After his death the neighbors made a trail to a spot on top of a hill, which was one of his favorite resorts and there his grave was made far away from any cemetery...The body was taken to the foot of the winding trail in the parson's house wagon and drawn by his own team. It was then carried up the trail to its last resting place, followed by a long procession of devoted friends. A well known newspaper writer and theatre manager of that locality then delivered a touching tribute to the memory of the departed. Dr. Harter, who sent the article, states that the deceased was a brother-in-law of Mrs. Kate Tharpe Wornom, who resided at Culver City and who will be recalled possibly by several Stronghurst people, who were former residents of Raritan. Mrs. Kate Wornom has been ill and is one of Dr. Harter's patients while he is temporarily located there.