Center Cemetery
Twitty, Wheeler County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1906, D. M. Pollard bought the south half of section 30, block A-7 of the H&GN survey and lived in a dugout. Near his homesite, the center school opened in 1909. The school also hosted church services, and the Center Cemetery was dedicated on the adjoining property to the west. The oldest marked grave, for B. F. Matthews, dates from March 1909. A survey recorded 34 marked graves with 13 marked unknown. There are indications of additional unmarked graves. Elisha Powell (Civil War) and Alvin David Fellingham (World War II) are two known military veterans interred here. Descendants of D. M. Pollard still own land around the cemetery, which reflects hardships faced by settlers of the Texas Panhandle. Historic Texas Cemetery - 2011
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In 1906, D. M. Pollard bought Panhandle land and lived in a dugout, and near his home the Center School opened in 1909, doubling as a place of worship. The Center Cemetery was dedicated just to the west, its oldest marked grave dating to March 1909, with 34 marked graves and signs of many unmarked ones. Among those interred are a Civil War veteran and a World War II veteran, and Pollard's descendants still own the surrounding land.
Why it matters
This small burial ground reflects the isolation and hardship faced by the pioneers who settled the wind-swept Texas Panhandle in the early 20th century.
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Related people
- · D. M. Pollard
Themes & tags
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