Vinson Cemetery
Thornton, Limestone County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Wiley and Phebe Vinson and their children came to Texas from Alabama in 1851. Settling in Limestone County in 1859, the family farmed and operate a gristmill and tanning yard. When Vinson bought additional land in 1870, he set aside one-half acre for this cemetery. He died in 1871, and was the first to be buried here. Other graves include those of his wife, Phebe, who died in 1873, and relatives who lived nearby. Vinson Cemetery was restored in 1962 by members of the Fox Family Association, descendants of Wiley Vinson, who maintain it today. 1974
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Wiley and Phebe Vinson brought their family from Alabama to Texas in 1851, settling in Limestone County by 1859 to farm and run a gristmill and tanning yard. When Wiley bought more land in 1870 he set aside half an acre for this cemetery; he was its first burial the next year, followed by Phebe and other kin. Descendants restored the ground in 1962 and tend it still.
Why it matters
Family cemeteries like this one preserve the intimate history of the pioneer households whose farms and small industries built rural Texas.
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Related people
- · Wiley Vinson
- · Phebe Vinson
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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