HistoricSiteMarkers
Early Republic

Garlington Cemetery

Newton County, Newton County, Texas

Marker Inscription

Laid to rest here are Benjamin Garlington (c. 1793-1870), his wife, Caroline Cynthia (Vick) Garlington (c. 1806)-1877), an unidentified laborer who worked for them, and three others whose identities are unknown. This site is part of 320 acres that Benjamin received in 1857 as a bounty for his service during the War of 1812, in which he was listed as a Private and musician in the Mississippi Militia. He later served this area and adjacent parishes in Louisiana as a Primitive Baptist Minister. Concerned descendants have rallied to preserve and honor the memory of this pioneer family of Newton County. Historic Texas Cemetery-2001

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

Benjamin Garlington earned the land that became this burial ground as a bounty for his service as a private and musician in the Mississippi Militia during the War of 1812. He later ministered to Newton County and neighboring Louisiana parishes as a Primitive Baptist preacher. He and his wife lie here alongside an unidentified laborer who worked for them and several others whose names are now lost.

Why it matters

The grave preserves the memory of a War of 1812 veteran turned frontier preacher—and, in its unnamed laborer, a quiet reminder of the lives history left unrecorded.

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Related people

  • · Benjamin Garlington
  • · Caroline Cynthia Garlington

Themes & tags

War of 1812Frontier HistoryLandmark

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