HistoricSiteMarkers
Early Republic

Wharton Cemetery

Center Point, Kerr County, Texas

Marker Inscription

One of the earliest settlers in Kerr County, William Watson Wharton (1799-1871) purchased 640 acres when he came here in 1857 with his wife Thankful (1803-1885) and their three sons. The family's cabin stood near this cemetery. Wharton's is the oldest marked grave in the plot. Among other graves are those of his wife, his sons William G'Laspie (1841-1919), deputy sheriff of Kerr County for over 50 years, and David Newton (1846-1938), and several grandchildren. Other pioneer settlers buried here include members of the Tatum and Love families. Wharton descendants maintain the site. (1977) Incise in base: Marker Sponsor: Descendants of David N. Wharton

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

William Watson Wharton was among the first settlers of Kerr County, arriving in 1857 with his wife Thankful, their three sons, and a claim to 640 acres in the Texas Hill Country. The family cabin stood near this plot, where Wharton's is the oldest marked grave. Among those resting here is his son William G'Laspie Wharton, who served as a county deputy sheriff for more than half a century, alongside members of other pioneer families.

Why it matters

Family burial grounds like this preserve the names and lifespans of the first Anglo settlers who opened the Texas Hill Country to farming and ranching.

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Related people

  • ยท William Watson Wharton
  • ยท Thankful Wharton
  • ยท William G'Laspie Wharton
  • ยท David Newton Wharton

Themes & tags

Westward ExpansionFrontier HistoryMemorial

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