Near Kirvin in Freestone County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Shanks Cemetery
Photographed By James Hulse, April 19, 2021
1. Shanks Cemetery Marker
Matthews and Robert Shanks of Alabama settled here with their families in 1859. A small farming community developed, and in 1870 a school was built on a one-acre site donated by R. C. Murray. Land beside the schoolyard became a public burial ground, known as Shanks Cemetery after Shanks Post Office opened in 1896. The earliest recorded burial was Burgess A. Whatley (1854-1892). In 1893 G.W. Bell deeded another half acre east of the graveyard. The school building was torn down in 1917. Shanks Cemetery Association has maintained the site since 1935.
Erected 1977 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 9904.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Education • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.
Location. 31° 43.939′ N, 96° 19.913′ W. Marker is near Kirvin, Texas, in Freestone County. Marker is at the intersection of County Highway 950 and Farm to Market Road 80, on the left when traveling east on County Highway 950. The marker is located
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Sessions Cemetery (approx. 2.7 miles away); Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church and School (approx. 3.1 miles away); Woodland Heritage (approx. 3.6 miles away); Woodland Cemetery (approx. 3.6 miles away); Site of Woodland College for Boys (approx. 3.6 miles away); Cotton Gin Cemetery (approx. 3.8 miles away); Ghost Town of Cotton Gin (approx. 3.9 miles away); Oak Island Presbyterian Church and Cemetery (approx. 4.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kirvin.
Photographed By James Hulse, April 19, 2021
2. Shanks Cemetery and Marker
Photographed By James Hulse, April 19, 2021
3. The view of the Shanks Cemetery and Marker from the front gate
Credits. This page was last revised on April 21, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 21, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 154 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 21, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
