de la Zerda Cemetery
Floresville, Wilson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
This cemetery, located on the high east bank of the San Antonio River, served residents of the trading community of Lodi, which declined in the 20th century. Nemencio de la Zerda, Sr., born in San Antonio in 1808, was a rancher, businessman and former soldier under Juan Seguin. He purchased this land in 1839. The earliest burial in the cemetery dates to 1877, though it is believed there are earlier unmarked graves. One notable burial is that of Benito Lopez, a prominent Lodi and Floresville business owner. This burial ground features interior fencing and Spanish language grave markers. The cemetery chronicles the lives of early pioneers of the Mexican American community of Lodi. Historic Texas Cemetery - 2006
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
On a bluff above the San Antonio River, this cemetery served the vanished trading community of Lodi. Its namesake, Nemencio de la Zerda, Sr., born in San Antonio in 1808, was a rancher and former soldier under Tejano leader Juan Seguín who bought the land in 1839. The earliest marked grave dates to 1877, though older unmarked burials are believed to lie here, and Spanish-language headstones and interior fencing reflect its Mexican American heritage.
Why it matters
The burial ground preserves the deep roots of Tejano ranching families whose presence in South Texas predates and outlasted the towns that grew up around them.
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Related people
- · Nemencio de la Zerda, Sr.
- · Juan Seguín
- · Benito Lopez
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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