Morton Memorial Cemetery
Morton, Cochran County, Texas
Marker Inscription
The use of this site as a burial ground began in 1923 when a traveling family camped here and their baby became ill and died. Other burials followed, and in 1932 landowner Morton J. Smith deeded ten acres to the city of Morton for cemetery use. An association was formed in 1942 and the site grew with additional land donations and purchases in subsequent years. It was designated a county facility in 1977, enabling the Commissioners Court to levy a cemetery tax to support the upkeep and maintenance of this hallowed ground that honors more than 300 veterans and is a chronicle of the heritage of Cochran County.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
This burial ground began by chance in 1923, when a traveling family camped nearby and buried an infant who had fallen ill. Other graves followed, and in 1932 landowner Morton J. Smith deeded ten acres to the city so the makeshift plot could become a proper cemetery. Through donations, an association, and eventually a county cemetery tax, the grounds grew into a chronicle of Cochran County's settlers and a resting place honoring more than 300 veterans.
Why it matters
A community's cemetery is often its oldest continuous record, and Morton Memorial preserves the names and service of the ordinary families who built a corner of the West Texas plains.
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Related people
- · Morton J. Smith
Themes & tags
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