Acrea Cemetery
Stephenville vicinity, Erath County, Texas
Marker Inscription
According to oral history, John Wright, who stopped for a time in Erath County on his way west, died nearby in about 1857 or 1858. Landowner Clayborn Oxford donated the land for Wright to be buried on this site. The earliest marked grave is that of Oxford's infant grandson William, who was buried in 1859. The graveyard, then known as Oxford Cemetery, was deeded to Erath County by the Oxford family in 1888 for use by area settlers. Over time the cemetery took on the name of the surrounding community, Acrea. Descendants of the Oxfords and other pioneer families continue to maintain and use the cemetery. (1999)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
According to oral tradition, a traveler named John Wright died here around 1857-58 on his way west, and landowner Clayborn Oxford donated ground for his burial. The earliest marked grave is that of Oxford's infant grandson William, buried in 1859, and the family deeded the graveyard to Erath County in 1888 for the growing community, which lent it the name Acrea. Descendants of the pioneer families still tend it today.
Why it matters
Rural pioneer cemeteries like Acrea are the enduring records of the ordinary settlers who peopled the Texas countryside.
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Related people
- · John Wright
- · Clayborn Oxford
Themes & tags
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