Hebrew Rest Cemetery
Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas
Marker Inscription
This burial ground was established in 1875 to serve the pioneer jewish settlers of Corpus Christi, 55 years before the formal organization of a Jewish congregation in the area. Earlier burials had been in the nearest Jewish cemetery, located at Gonzales (140 miles north). This land was deeded by Captain Richard King, founder of the noted King Ranch. David Hirsch and Emmanuel Morris, who acted as trustees for the Hebrew Benevolent Association, organized the cemetery. Both are buried here. The earliest marked grave is that of Helena Henry, who died in 1878, the infant daughter of Paul and Frederika Henry. Also buried at this site are all the members of the Richman Family, victims of a destructive 1919 hurricane. Prominent early residents of Corpus Christi interred here include grocer Julius Henry, who served as city alderman and postmaster; business and civic leaders Charles and Sarah H. Weil; civil war veteran and merchant M. Lichtenstein; and Simon Gugenheim, a successful area business and philanthropist. In 1961 Temple Beth El assumed control of the cemetery. Still in use, it reflects the proud heritage of the area's Jewish community.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Set aside in 1875, Hebrew Rest Cemetery served the pioneer Jewish families of Corpus Christi a full 55 years before a formal congregation organized there; before it existed, the nearest Jewish burial ground lay 140 miles away at Gonzales. The land was deeded by Captain Richard King, founder of the famous King Ranch, and the cemetery was organized by trustees of the Hebrew Benevolent Association. Among those resting here are a Civil War veteran, city officials, and members of a family lost in the deadly 1919 hurricane.
Why it matters
The cemetery preserves the earliest chapter of Jewish settlement on the Texas coast and stands as a testament to a small immigrant community that helped build Corpus Christi.
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Related people
- · Richard King
- · David Hirsch
- · Emmanuel Morris
Related events
- · 1919 Corpus Christi hurricane
Themes & tags
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