Athens in Henderson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Athens Cemetery
Photographed By Amanda Hartley, June 5, 2010
1. Athens Cemetery Marker
Inscription.
Athens Cemetery. . After citizens petitioned for its closure, an unofficial burial ground in this area (large lot 13) closed in 1857. That same year, local residents buried prominent planter, Mason and school superintendent William J. Brantley here on one acre donated by Pleasant Tannehill to Masonic Lodge No. 165. Adjoining land was set aside for the interment of a girl, named Ward, who could not be buried in the Masons' cemetery. The two adjacent burial grounds eventually joined, and further donations of land by Nathaniel Pope Coleman (1823-1888), Joseph Marion La Rue (1825-1887) and Joseph Thomas La Rue (1864-1930) added to what is now known as the Pioneer Section of this cemetery. An association established in 1922 bought an additional 12 acres from Matthias E. Richardson, Jr. (1850-1919), designating the front portion as a park. A trust initiated in 1959 by Sid Williams Richardson (1891-1959) continues to help fund the site's upkeep. Chronicled here are the generations that forged the rich heritage of the city of Athens, along with veterans of the Indian Wars, Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
After citizens petitioned for its closure, an unofficial burial ground in this area (large lot 13) closed in 1857. That same year, local residents buried prominent planter, Mason and school superintendent William J. Brantley here on one acre donated by Pleasant Tannehill to Masonic Lodge No. 165. Adjoining land was set aside for the interment of a girl, named Ward, who could not be buried in the Masons' cemetery. The two adjacent burial grounds eventually joined, and further donations of land by Nathaniel Pope Coleman (1823-1888), Joseph Marion La Rue (1825-1887) and Joseph Thomas La Rue (1864-1930) added to what is now known as the Pioneer Section of this cemetery. An association established in 1922 bought an additional 12 acres from Matthias E. Richardson, Jr. (1850-1919), designating the front portion as a park. A trust initiated in 1959 by Sid Williams Richardson (1891-1959) continues to help fund the site's upkeep. Chronicled here are the generations that forged the rich heritage of the city of Athens, along with veterans of the Indian Wars, Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam.
Erected 2002 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12860.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical year for this entry is 1857.
Location.
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32° 11.964′ N, 95° 51.354′ W. Marker is in Athens, Texas, in Henderson County. Marker is on South Prairieville Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 312 S Prairieville Street, Athens TX 75751, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 30, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 10, 2010, by Amanda Hartley of Tyler, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,019 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on June 10, 2010, by Amanda Hartley of Tyler, Texas. 3. submitted on August 30, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Close up picture of plaque on left side of entrance. • Can you help?
