Gary Cemetery
Clifton, Bosque County, Texas
Marker Inscription
South Carolina natives William and Rutha Gary migrated west with their family, and by 1852 settled in this area, then part of McLennan County. In 1854, when Bosque County was formed, William Gary was chosen as one of five county commissioners. Five Gary family members were among the voters in the first county election. William Gary died in 1855, followed by Rutha in 1868. Their graves formed the nucleus of this cemetery that grew slowly over the next sixty years. About 35 graves are marked; 25 more stones are not inscribed. The last burial occurred in 1932. (1996)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
South Carolinians William and Rutha Gary brought their family west and settled here by 1852, when the land still belonged to McLennan County. When Bosque County was formed in 1854, William Gary became one of its first five commissioners, and several Garys voted in its first election. The couple's graves, William's in 1855 and Rutha's in 1868, became the seed of a small family and community cemetery that filled slowly until the last burial in 1932.
Why it matters
A pioneer family's burial ground marks the founding generation of a Central Texas county, where the first settlers quite literally laid the groundwork for local government.
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Related people
- · William Gary
- · Rutha Gary
Related events
- · Formation of Bosque County (1854)
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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