The Joseph Burleson Family Cemetery
Richland, Navarro County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Joseph Burleson (1800-1877) came to Texas about 1834. He farmed for a season at Bastrop near his brother, General Edward Burleson, then lived at San Augustine for many years. In 1836 he fought in the Texas War for Independence along with his father, Captain James Burleson (b. 1775), three of his brothers, and other relatives. His brother Edward served in 1841-1844 as Vice President of the Republic of Texas, and the successive generations of the family have continued to furnish leaders to the state and the nation. In 1854 Joseph Burleson bought a final homestead of 2,775 acres surrounding this site. Located near his dwelling, this cemetery was in use as early as 1867 at the burial of his son John, a veteran of the Civil War. Mary (Polly) Warren, wife of Joseph Burleson and mother of his 14 children, was buried here in 1869. Joseph was interred eight years later. Members of related families such as the Bonhams, Keels, Reeds and Slades are represented among the 32 identifiable graves. There are known to be some lost graves. In 1892 trustees recorded a deed to the cemetery. George Burleson Slade in 1923 was last known burial prior to 1977. A family association was organized in 1977 to care for the cemetery. (1978)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Joseph Burleson reached Texas about 1834 and, in 1836, joined the fight for independence alongside his father Captain James Burleson, three brothers, and other kin — a family that also gave the Republic its Vice President in his brother Edward. In 1854 Joseph bought a 2,775-acre homestead surrounding this site, and the family cemetery came into use by 1867 with the burial of his son John, a Civil War veteran. His wife Mary, mother of his fourteen children, followed in 1869, and Joseph himself in 1877, among more than thirty graves of the Burlesons and allied families.
Why it matters
The Burlesons were a founding dynasty of Anglo Texas, and their family ground ties the fight for independence directly to the leaders who shaped the young state.
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Related people
- · Joseph Burleson
- · James Burleson
- · Edward Burleson
Related events
- · Texas Revolution
Themes & tags
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