Washburn Cemetery
Bells, Grayson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Samuel and Mary Washburn and their family moved to Texas from Missouri in 1836. Washburn was granted 1280 acres of land in 1838. As more settlers moved into the area, a burial site was needed and a portion of land on the south edge of the Washburn survey was set aside for a cemetery. The oldest marked grave is that of infant Mary Gentry in 1867. However, many graves marked only with rocks or bois d'arc posts are believed to be from the 1850s. The 2.5-acre cemetery contains about 300 graves. The Washburn Cemetery Association maintains the site. (1997)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Samuel and Mary Washburn brought their family from Missouri to Texas in 1836 and received a large land grant two years later. As settlers filled the area, a corner of the Washburn survey was set aside for burials; the oldest marked grave dates to 1867, though rough graves marked only with stones or bois d'arc posts likely reach back to the 1850s. Roughly 300 graves now rest on the 2.5-acre site.
Why it matters
Pioneer family cemeteries like this one are among the most durable records of early Anglo settlement in Texas, preserving the names and hardships of frontier families who left few other traces.
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Related people
- · Samuel Washburn
- · Mary Washburn
- · Mary Gentry
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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