Livingston in Polk County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Greenfield Cemetery
Photographed By Jim Evans, October 23, 2010
1. Greenfield Cemetery Marker
Inscription.
Greenfield Cemetery. . In 1846, local officials designated a block in the central part of Livingston for use as a cemetery for local African Americans. Originally called Livingston Colored Cemetery, the burial ground was bounded by Feagin, Tyler, Sherman and Houston streets. As the railroad brought new residents to the city in the 1880s, cemetery space became limited.
In the 1890s, leaders from the black community sought the advice of County Judge Arthur B. Green, and he offered to give the citizens three acres of land for a new cemetery. Trustees of the cemetery accepted the gift on October 24, 1896. They moved the graves from the original location to the new site and changed the cemetery name to Greenfield to reflect the judge's generosity. In 1910, cemetery trustees bought additional land from Green's widow and children.
The cemetery's earliest marked grave dates to 1906, but dozens of earlier graves exist. The military service and fraternal organization markers found throughout the burial ground reflect the contributions, efforts and work of generations of the area's African American residents. , Historic Texas Cemetery - 2003, Smaller additional marker , This marker given by Judge Ruth Pritchard in memory of her many friends who are buried in Greenfield Cemetery.
In 1846, local officials designated a block in the central part of Livingston for use as a cemetery for local African Americans. Originally called Livingston Colored Cemetery, the burial ground was bounded by Feagin, Tyler, Sherman and Houston streets. As the railroad brought new residents to the city in the 1880s, cemetery space became limited.
In the 1890s, leaders from the black community sought the advice of County Judge Arthur B. Green, and he offered to give the citizens three acres of land for a new cemetery. Trustees of the cemetery accepted the gift on October 24, 1896. They moved the graves from the original location to the new site and changed the cemetery name to Greenfield to reflect the judge's generosity. In 1910, cemetery trustees bought additional land from Green's widow and children.
The cemetery's earliest marked grave dates to 1906, but dozens of earlier graves exist. The military service and fraternal organization markers found throughout the burial ground reflect the contributions, efforts and work of generations of the area's African American residents. Historic Texas Cemetery - 2003
Smaller additional marker This marker given by Judge Ruth Pritchard in memory of her many friends who are buried in Greenfield Cemetery.
Erected 2003 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 13280.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1911.
Location.
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30° 43.618′ N, 94° 56.612′ W. Marker is in Livingston, Texas, in Polk County. Marker can be reached from U.S. 59 Bypass. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Livingston TX 77351, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 21, 2011, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. This page has been viewed 681 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on November 21, 2011, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
