Matagorda in Matagorda County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

First Burials in Matagorda Cemetery

Photographed By James Hulse, October 11, 2020

1. First Burials in Matagorda Cemetery Marker

Inscription.

Benjamin Wightman
(Aug. 31, 1755 - Aug. 1, 1830)

Esther Randall Wightman
(Dec. 4, 1758 - June 20, 1880)

Parents of Elias R. Wightman, Grantee of the Matagorda Town League, from Republic of Mexico. Benjamin and Esther Wightman, natives of Connecticut, lived in Wightman Town, Herkimer County, N. Y., before joining (1828) colony brought here by their son on "Little Zoe", the first sailing vessel ever to enter Port of Matagorda.
Recorded - 1972

Erected 1972 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 1693.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is June 20, 1755.

Location. 28° 42.078′ N, 95° 57.348′ W. Marker has been reported damaged. Marker is in Matagorda, Texas, in Matagorda County. Marker can be reached from Matagorda Cemetery Road, 0.1 miles north of South Gulf Road. The marker and gravestone are located in the central section of Matagorda Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Matagorda TX 77457, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. The Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1862 (a few steps from this marker); Graves of Unknown Matagorda Settlers (a few steps from this marker); Matagorda Cemetery

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(a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Matagorda Cemetery (within shouting distance of this marker); The Matagorda Incident (within shouting distance of this marker); Hannah Carr (within shouting distance of this marker); Albert Clinton Horton (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); S. Rhoads Fisher (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Matagorda.

More about this marker. Benjamin and Esther Wightman landed at Matagorda on Jan. 1, 1829, first settlers and first buried in Matagorda Cemetery.

Also see . . . Elias R. Wightman - son of Benjamin and Esther Wightman. TSHA Texas State Historical Association (Submitted on October 25, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Wightman Marker and gravestone image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, October 11, 2020

2. Wightman Marker and gravestone

First Burials in Matagorda Cemetery Marker Area image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, October 11, 2020

3. First Burials in Matagorda Cemetery Marker Area

The seal for the historical marker is missing.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 25, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 25, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 209 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 25, 2020, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.