Waco in McLennan County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Oakwood Cemetery
Photographed By James Hulse, July 19, 2021
1. Oakwood Cemetery Marker
Before Oakwood Cemetery was established here in 1878, this tract of land contained fair grounds and race track. The 157-acre burial ground is successor to "First Street Cemetery", oldest important cemetery in Waco. Many bodies from early graveyards were moved here in 1878 and later because of the better maintenance of these grounds.
Since 1898 the Oakwood Cemetery Association, a private group, has operated this tract; although the land remains the property of the city. The board of directors of the association consists of Women only, as provided in the original bylaws.
Among the eminent Texans interred here are three governors: Richard Coke (1874-1877), L.S."Sul" Ross (1887-1891), and Pat M. Neff (1921-1925). Also, Neil McLennan, Texas pioneer of Scottish birth for whom McLennan County is named, is buried in Oakwood. In addition there are two old adversaries: Rufus C. Burleson, President of Baylor University, and William Cowper Brann, crusading editor of the "Iconoclast" who was shot in 1898 by another man who resented Brann's acid attacks on hypocrisy and self-righteousness. Also interred is William Cameron, "Lumber King of the South". As of April 2,1969, burials totaled 18,804.
Erected 1970 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 3658.)
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Location. 31° 32.339′ N, 97° 6.72′ W. Marker is in Waco, Texas, in McLennan County. Marker is at the intersection of South 5th Street and Oakwood Avenue, on the right when traveling south on South 5th Street. The marker is located near the north entrance to the Oakwood Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2124 South 5th Street, Waco TX 76706, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Robertson (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Confederate Veterans Memorial (about 400 feet away); Confederate Veterans Monument (about 400 feet away); Dr. Rufus Columbus Burleson (about 600 feet away); Hallie Earle, M.D. (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ole Canuteson (approx. 0.2 miles away); Dr. John Henry Sears (approx. 0.2 miles away); Edward Ferdinant Forsgard (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Waco.
Also see . . . William Cowper Brann.
On April 1, 1898, Brann was walking alone on Waco's Fourth Street when he was shot in(Submitted on July 29, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)the back by Tom Davis, a Baylor supporter whose daughter was a student at the University. After being shot, Brann turned, drew his pistol, and fired multiple shots at Davis, who fell, mortally wounded, in the doorway of the Jake French Cigar Store. Brann was shot through the left lung with the bullet exiting his chest. He was forced to walk to the city jail but later escorted home by friends. Both Davis and Brann died the next day. Brann is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Waco. Engraved on Brann's monument is the word TRUTH, and beneath it is a profile of Brann with a bullet hole in it.[citation needed] Brann remains a controversial figure to this day. Source: WikipediaPhotographed By James Hulse, July 19, 20212. Oakwood Cemetery Marker
Photographed By James Hulse, July 19, 2021
3. The view of the Oakwood Cemetery entrance and marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 29, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 28, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 358 times since then and 73 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 29, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
