Sharp Cemetery
Rockdale vicinity, Milam County, Texas
Marker Inscription
The earliest marked grave in this graveyard is that of Susan F. Dilworth, who died in January 1880. John Gordon and his wife M. L. Gordon deeded two acres of land on this site to the trustees of Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church in 1882, stating that the western half of the land should be used for burial purposes. When the church was moved and demolished in later years, gravestones were broken and leaning, but the cemetery continued to serve the Sharp community. There were about 56 marked graves at the turn of the 20th century, many of them belonging to children and infants. A cemetery organization formed in 1949 to oversee the site's care and maintenance. Additional land that once had belonged to the church was deeded to and became part of the cemetery. At the dawn of the 21st century, the graveyard contained almost 400 graves. (2000)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
The oldest marked grave here dates to 1880, and in 1882 John and M. L. Gordon deeded land for Mt. Zion Presbyterian Church with its western half set aside for burials. After the church was moved and demolished, the cemetery endured for the Sharp community, its early stones marking many children and infants. A caretaking association formed in 1949, and by the 21st century nearly 400 graves lay here.
Why it matters
Rural burial grounds like this one quietly chronicle the pioneer families who settled and sustained Texas farming communities.
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Related people
- · John Gordon
- · Susan F. Dilworth
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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