Cottonwood Cemetery
Scurry, Kaufman County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Established in 1882 on land donated by settler J. W. Swayze for a church building, school house, and cemetery. First grave was that of J. R. Swayze (1850-1882), a brother of the donor. Now enlarged to five acres, the cemetery includes acreage donated by Bessie Goodman from land of her ancestor, C. L. Tippett, as well as property given by J. A. Hugghins from Swayze tract. Both pioneers are buried here. The grounds are cared for by descendants and friends, who have built fences and improved roads. Cemetery is also used by other neighboring communities.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Cottonwood Cemetery was established in 1882 on land donated by settler J. W. Swayze for a church, school, and burial ground. The first grave was that of the donor's brother, J. R. Swayze, who died that same year. Enlarged over time to five acres with land given by later families, the grounds are still tended by descendants and neighbors and shared among nearby communities.
Why it matters
Pioneer cemeteries like this one are the enduring record of a settlement's founding families, kept alive by the generations who still care for them.
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Related people
- · J. W. Swayze
- · J. R. Swayze
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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