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Prairie Grove Cemetery

Farmersville, Collin County, Texas

Marker Inscription

The Prairie Grove Cemetery served residents of the Aleo community from the late 1800s until the middle of the 20th century. The burial ground has ties to the Prairie Grove Baptist Church, which set aside land to be used for burials. The oldest known grave in the cemetery dates to 1895. World War II hero Audie Murphy lived in the area for a time, and his mother and grandparents are buried here. Victims of the 1927 tornado that came through nearby Nevada are also interred here. A vestige of rural settlement of the 19th century, the cemetery serves as a reminder of the pioneer community of Aleo. Historic Texas Cemetery - 2005

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

Prairie Grove Cemetery served the rural Aleo community from the late 1800s into the mid-20th century, tied to the Prairie Grove Baptist Church that set aside its land. Its oldest known grave dates to 1895, and it holds victims of the deadly 1927 tornado that struck nearby Nevada. The mother and grandparents of Audie Murphy, the most decorated American soldier of World War II, who lived in the area for a time, rest here as well.

Why it matters

A vestige of vanished pioneer settlement, the cemetery also carries a tangible link to Audie Murphy, one of the nation's most celebrated wartime heroes.

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Related people

  • · Audie Murphy

Related events

  • · 1927 Nevada tornado

Themes & tags

World War IIWestward ExpansionFrontier HistoryLandmark

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