Mesquite Cemetery
Mesquite, Dallas County, Texas
Marker Inscription
This burial ground was in use well before the Texas and Pacific railroad established the city of Mesquite in 1873. The earliest marked grave is that of Britanna Santifee Chapman (1856-1859), who shares a plot with pioneer residents Davis G. Chapman (1824-1881) and wife, Nancy C. (1828-1912). In 1890, local builder and civic leader Louis C. Ebrite (1852-1943) plotted a tract of several acres in a grid pattern with driveways that define the layout of the cemetery to this day. The site was formally deeded for cemetery use in 1892 and continues to honor area veterans and to chronicle the generations that belong to Mesquite's proud heritage. Historic Texas Cemetery – 2001
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
This ground was already a burial place before the Texas and Pacific Railroad founded the city of Mesquite in 1873, its earliest marked grave dating to 1859. In 1890 local builder and civic leader Louis C. Ebrite laid out the cemetery in the grid of driveways still used today, and it was formally deeded for cemetery use two years later. It continues to honor area veterans and the generations of families who built Mesquite.
Why it matters
Mesquite Cemetery predates the railroad town that grew up around it, preserving the pioneer roots of a community later transformed by the coming of the rails.
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Related people
- · Louis C. Ebrite
- · Davis G. Chapman
Themes & tags
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