HistoricSiteMarkers
Early Republic

Cemetery for Old Harrison Chapel

Redwater, Bowie County, Texas

Marker Inscription

Founded 1840 by Republic of Texas pioneers Charles Moores (1776-1852) and wife, Mary Harrison. Extinct all-faiths chapel, where circuit riders served, named for her parents (of South Carolina). This 5-acre family-community burial plot contains about 100 graves. Mary, Charles Moores, and Willis Whitaker were children of American Revolution soldiers; 3 of Moores' son were Texas Rangers; 4 men buried here had Republic of Texas headrights. Cemetery, restored 1967, is now only evidence of Mooresville (1 mi. N), post office 1841-1866. Moore's Landing was on Sulphur River. (1968)

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

Founded in 1840 by Republic of Texas pioneers Charles Moores and his wife Mary Harrison, this five-acre burial ground served the vanished town of Mooresville and its all-faiths chapel, where circuit-riding preachers once held services. About 100 graves lie here, including men who held Republic of Texas land grants, three sons who became Texas Rangers, and children of American Revolution soldiers. Restored in 1967, the cemetery is now the only trace of the community that once stood nearby.

Why it matters

The Harrison Chapel cemetery ties the American Revolution generation to the founding of the Republic of Texas, and stands as the last physical memory of a frontier town that has otherwise disappeared.

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Related people

  • ยท Charles Moores
  • ยท Mary Harrison

Themes & tags

Westward ExpansionFrontier HistoryGhost TownsLandmark

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