Boydstun Cemetery
Clarendon vicinity, Donley County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Pioneer area settler Henry S. Boydstun (1858-1942), a native of Illinois, moved his family to this area in 1890. That year, his infant son, Eddie, died and was buried in the southwest corner of the family farm. In 1898, Boydstun deeded two acres at the site for use as a public burial ground. A small farming community that developed near there included a school and, from 1891-1940, a post office (listed as Boydston). Although Boydstun deeded land for the cemetery, he and his wife, Mary (d.1950), were interred in nearby town of Groom. (1988)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Illinois native Henry S. Boydstun brought his family to the Texas Panhandle in 1890, and after his infant son Eddie died that year, he buried the child in a corner of the family farm. In 1898 he deeded two acres for a public burial ground, around which a small farming community with a school and post office grew up. Ironically, Boydstun and his wife were themselves buried in the nearby town of Groom.
Why it matters
The cemetery marks the fragile beginnings of Panhandle settlement, where family farms and their losses seeded lasting communities.
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Related people
- · Henry S. Boydstun
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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