Concord Cemetery
Bellmead, McLennan County, Texas
Marker Inscription
In 1866 the Concord Baptist Church organized in the Concord community. Originally the Tehuacana Baptist Church, its name was changed in 1872. The first interments in the adjacent cemetery were Elizabeth Boddie Parrish and her triplets in November 1869. The cemetery is all that is left of the town of Concord, which once had a general store, cotton gin, school, and a church. Many veterans are interred on the grounds. Elija Goodnight (1831-1920) is considered the last veteran of the U.S.-Mexico War to be buried in Texas. According to the cemetery bylaws, one must be a direct descendant of a person buried at Concord in order to be interred on the grounds.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
The Concord Baptist Church organized in 1866, and the first burials in its adjoining cemetery came in 1869 with Elizabeth Parrish and her triplets. The graveyard is now nearly all that remains of Concord, a vanished town that once had a store, cotton gin, school, and church. Among the many veterans resting here is Elija Goodnight, considered the last U.S.-Mexico War veteran buried in Texas.
Why it matters
When a town disappears, its cemetery often endures as the last witness to the settlers, soldiers, and families who once made it a living community.
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Related people
- · Elija Goodnight
- · Elizabeth Boddie Parrish
Themes & tags
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