Masonic Cemetery
Big Spring, Howard County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Staked Plains Lodge No. 598, A.F. & A.M., was chartered by the Grand Lodge of Texas on December 12, 1884. The members soon recognized a need for a Masonic cemetery in Big Spring. In May 1885 George Bauer (1836-1898), a member of the Lodge, donated land at this site for that purpose. Adjacent land was given later for other community graveyards, which have become known collectively as Mount Olive Cemetery. The earliest documented grave in the Masonic Cemetery is that of William Howerton (1846-1886). At least one gravestone bears an earlier date, but it is for a grave which was reinterred here from another location. Among those buried here are many Masons and their families, including a number of community leaders; Texas and Pacific Railway Company employees; George Bauer, original donor of the property; and veterans of World War I, World War II, and Vietnam. Over the years, additional land acquisitions have enlarged the size of the cemetery to sixteen acres. A variety of sizes and styles of grave markers can be seen in the historic graveyard. (1990)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
After the Staked Plains Lodge was chartered in 1884, its members saw a need for a Masonic burial ground in Big Spring, and lodge member George Bauer donated this land in 1885. The earliest documented grave is that of William Howerton, who died in 1886, and adjoining gifts grew the site into the sixteen-acre Mount Olive Cemetery. Among those laid to rest here are Masons and community leaders, Texas and Pacific Railway employees, and veterans of World War I, World War II, and Vietnam.
Why it matters
The cemetery gathers the founders, railroad workers, and soldiers of a West Texas town, showing how the railroad and fraternal orders built community on the Staked Plains frontier.
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Related people
- · George Bauer
- · William Howerton
Themes & tags
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