Muse Cemetery
Slocum, Anderson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
The oldest marked grave in this cemetery is that of Mary E. Gilmore, who died February 6, 1859, at the age of six months. The oldest section of the burial ground is covered with sand, though grass grows on newer sections. A 1969 survey located some 261 unmarked graves, which were then designated with cement markers. The cemetery takes its name from the pioneer Thomas Fletcher Muse family, though records show it was in use prior to the family's settlement in the area following the Civil War. However, there are no indications that any of the Muse family members are buried here. The first section was not officially deeded for use as a cemetery until 1909. Two additional sections were added in 1958 and 1981. Several generations of some area families are represented here. Most of the grave markers are of stone, though there are also some above-ground vault burials. A cemetery association was formed in 1981. To the east of the oldest section is another small cemetery, containing the graves of black citizens of the community. The oldest marked grave in that plot is of Jackson Roach, who died September 1, 1882. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836 - 1986
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Muse Cemetery holds burials reaching back to 1859, when six-month-old Mary E. Gilmore was laid to rest, though a 1969 survey found some 261 unmarked graves hidden beneath the sand of its oldest section. It took its name from the pioneer Muse family who arrived after the Civil War, even though none of them appear to be buried here. To the east lies a separate plot for the community's Black citizens, its earliest marked grave that of Jackson Roach in 1882.
Why it matters
The cemetery's segregated sections quietly record the racial divisions of rural post-Civil War Texas, even in death, while preserving the memory of settlers whose names are otherwise lost.
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Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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