Battern Cemetery
Weatherford, Parker County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Henry Hill Battern, a native of Virginia, migrated to Parker county with his family around 1860. He purchased 160 acres of property including this one-acre cemetery and established a family farm. Shortly after the move, Battern’s second wife, Sarah Jane Hendron, died in 1860 and is said to be the first person buried in Battern Cemetery. A Civil War veteran, H. H. Battern was highly esteemed by the local community. He served as the family doctor and although he lacked formal education, neighbors sought his medical advice. In 1867, he was appointed Justice of the Peace for Precinct 7. His third wife’s son, Francis Hill Battern, is the last known burial at the cemetery in 1934.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Henry Hill Battern left Virginia for Parker County around 1860, buying 160 acres that included this one-acre burial ground. His second wife, Sarah Jane, died that same year and is said to be the first laid to rest here. A Civil War veteran who served as the community's unofficial doctor and as a local justice of the peace, Battern was widely respected despite having no formal medical training; the last known burial, his son Francis, came in 1934.
Why it matters
Family cemeteries like this one preserve the memory of the frontier's self-made healers and civic leaders, who filled essential roles in places too new to have trained professionals.
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Related people
- · Henry Hill Battern
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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