Denton in Denton County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Oakwood Cemetery
This cemetery was established soon after Denton was settled as the new seat of government for Denton County in 1857. Land for the community burial ground was donated by pioneer settler Hiram Cisco, who had earlier conveyed property for the townsite. The earliest grave is that of a Mrs. Wilson, who died during childbirth while traveling through the area in a covered wagon. Her newborn infant daughter died several days later and was also buried here.
Other interments at this site include those of Jesse M. Blount, who helped plat the town of Denton and later served as county treasurer, county judge and state senator; Col. Thomas Gynn Cosbey Davis, a cousin of Confederate President Jefferson Davis and a friend of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln; and many prominent early leaders of the town and county. Two interesting graves are those of Andrew and George Brown. On a change of venue from Montague county in 1879, they were convicted of murder and hanged in Denton. Their tombstones bear the inscription "Executed."
Officially named Oakwood Cemetery in 1931, this burial ground now serves as a historic reminder of the pioneers who first settled here and who led in the development of the area.
Erected 1982 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 3656.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical year for this entry is 1857.
Location. 33° 12.692′ N, 97° 7.337′ W. Marker is in Denton, Texas, in Denton County. Marker can be reached from East Prairie Street just west of South Bell Avenue, on the left when traveling east. The marker can be seen after entering the cemetery from the north side of East Prairie Street, continuing north on a path/service road. The marker is approximately in the center of the cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 747 E Prairie Street, Denton TX 76201, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. St. Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Saint James African Methodist Episcopal Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Quakertown (approx. 0.6 miles away); First Methodist Church of Denton (approx. 0.6 miles away); Beulah A. Harriss (approx. 0.6 miles away); John B. Denton (approx. 0.7 miles away); The City of Denton (approx. 0.7 miles away); Edna Westbrook Trigg in Denton County (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Denton.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 5, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 5, 2021, by Joe Lotz of Denton, Texas. This page has been viewed 250 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 5, 2021, by Joe Lotz of Denton, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.