Greenwood Cemetery
Bells, Grayson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Burial site for early settlers of Fannin and Grayson counties. Commonly called "Jenkins Cemetery" as access was through John J. Jenkins' farm. First usage date is unknown; oldest stones have had lettering erased by weather. Earliest dated stone is for Jas. P. Montgomery, who died in 1869. On March 31, 1882, W. S. Roddy formally deeded the cemetery site in trust for local citizens. Wooden markers at many graves were destroyed by grass fire in 1935. The neglected cemetery was restored in 1972 through efforts of Lt. Col. and Mrs. Wm. K. Langner, descendants of John J. Jenkins.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
This cemetery served early settlers of Fannin and Grayson counties, and was long called 'Jenkins Cemetery' because access ran through John J. Jenkins's farm. Its oldest stones have been worn blank by weather, and the earliest legible date belongs to James P. Montgomery, who died in 1869. Formally deeded in trust in 1882, the neglected grounds—many wooden markers lost to a 1935 grass fire—were restored in 1972 by descendants of Jenkins.
Why it matters
The burial ground preserves the memory of the pioneer families who first broke ground in North Texas, even as time and fire erased many of their names.
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Related people
- · James P. Montgomery
- · John J. Jenkins
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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