Alexander Horton Cemetery
San Augustine, San Augustine County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Pioneer, soldier, civic leader, and state legislator, Alexander Horton (1810-1894) came to Texas in 1824. He served as an aide-de-camp to Gen. Sam Houston at the Battle of San Jacinto, April 21, 1836. This cemetery is situated on property Horton bought in 1837. His home once stood adjacent to the plot. According to family tradition, the first grave here was that of Horton's brother William Wade, a Texas Ranger who died in 1849. Maintained by descendants, the cemetery contains about 20 graves, including those of Horton and other family members.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Alexander Horton came to Texas in 1824 and served as an aide-de-camp to General Sam Houston at the Battle of San Jacinto, the 1836 clash that won Texas its independence. A pioneer, soldier, and state legislator, he bought this land in 1837 and built his home beside what became the family burial ground. By tradition the first grave was that of his brother, a Texas Ranger who died in 1849, and the small plot still holds Horton and his kin.
Why it matters
It preserves the resting place of a member of the founding generation of the Texas Republic, one of the citizen-soldiers who fought at San Jacinto.
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Related people
- ยท Alexander Horton
- ยท Sam Houston
- ยท William Wade Horton
Related events
- ยท Battle of San Jacinto
Themes & tags
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