Park Cemetery
Madisonville, Madison County, Texas
Marker Inscription
John and Elizabeth Kellett Park buried her brother, Thomas Jefferson Kellett, on their land at this site in 1852. Thomas Kellett was born in South Carolina and served in the army of the Republic of Texas. John Park's brother Andrew, also a native of South Carolina, was buried on the family land in 1855. When John Park died in 1860, Elizabeth buried him near their brothers. She later deeded 207 acres including the burial ground to Saxton Tarpley. Tarpley deeded three acres to his son, the Rev. B. Tarpley, and four other trustees for a community cemetery and school in 1870. The Park Cemetery Association was formed in 1920. Included among the more than 600 graves here are those of veterans of the Civil War, World War I and World War II. (2000)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
The story of Park Cemetery begins in 1852, when John and Elizabeth Park buried her brother Thomas Jefferson Kellett—a veteran of the Republic of Texas army—on their land. As more family members were laid to rest, the plot grew into a community cemetery, formally set aside in 1870 for burials and a school. More than 600 graves now include veterans of the Civil War and both World Wars.
Why it matters
From a single family plot to a community burial ground, Park Cemetery records the settlement of Madison County and the military service of its people across more than a century.
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Related people
- · Thomas Jefferson Kellett
- · John Park
- · Elizabeth Kellett Park
- · Saxton Tarpley
Themes & tags
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