Old Springfield Cemetery
Mexia, Limestone County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Established as a 10-acre community burial ground in town plat dedicated Jan. 6, 1838, by Moses Herrin. Earliest graves probably never had stone markers because of primitive frontier living conditions. It is recorded that 12 families were driven out of Springfield late in 1838 by Indian hostilities; the town's growth was halted materially until 1846. Oldest tombstone is for an infant who died Oct. 3, 1849. Another early marker is for a native of New York State "Slain in 1854 violence for his gold". This burial ground was open to use by surrounding areas, and many strangers found a final resting place here alongside veterans of the Texas War for Independence, the Mexican War and other conflicts. Since Springfield was county seat of Limestone County (1846-1878), home of Springfield College (closed in the 1860's) and a center for church and business affairs, it attracted persons of distinction. Some of them were buried here. Although the town lost its means of growth after it was bypassed by Houston & Texas Central Railroad in 1870 and then suffered a devastating fire in 1873, families of old residents often have returned to bury their dead in their established lots, beside pioneer forefathers. 1969
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Set aside as a ten-acre burial ground when Moses Herrin platted Springfield in January 1838, this cemetery served the once-thriving Limestone County seat and the surrounding frontier. Its oldest legible stone dates to 1849, and among those laid to rest are veterans of the Texas War for Independence, the Mexican War, and other conflicts, along with travelers who died far from home — including a New Yorker recorded as slain in 1854 violence over his gold. Long after the railroad bypassed Springfield in 1870 and fire hastened its decline, descendants kept returning to bury their dead beside pioneer forebears.
Why it matters
A frontier cemetery outlasts the town it served, preserving the names and wars of a vanished community that would otherwise leave no trace on the land.
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Related people
- · Moses Herrin
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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