Near Alto in Cherokee County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Old Palestine Cemetery
Photographed By Brian Anderson, January 7, 2024
1. Old Palestine Cemetery Marker
Inscription.
Old Palestine Cemetery. . Henry and Helena (Dill) Berryman deeded four acres of land at this site to trustees of the Old Palestine Baptist Church in 1853. Seven years later Helena, by then a widow, gave an additional two acres on which a schoolhouse and community graveyard already were in existence. Many early graves are undocumented, but records indicate stones once marked interments that occurred as early as 1861. Among the pioneer settlers interred here are James and Martha Boyd, their son Benjamin, daughter Martha Donegan, and infant granddaughter Lara Donegan, all of whom died in 1862. Enlarged in later years with additional land donations, the cemetery stands as a reminder of the area's pioneer heritage.
Henry and Helena (Dill) Berryman deeded four acres of land at this site to trustees of the Old Palestine Baptist Church in 1853. Seven years later Helena, by then a widow, gave an additional two acres on which a schoolhouse and community graveyard already were in existence. Many early graves are undocumented, but records indicate stones once marked interments that occurred as early as 1861. Among the pioneer settlers interred here are James and Martha Boyd, their son Benjamin, daughter Martha Donegan, and infant granddaughter Lara Donegan, all of whom died in 1862. Enlarged in later years with additional land donations, the cemetery stands as a reminder of the area's pioneer heritage.
Erected 2001 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12384.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical year for this entry is 1853.
Location. 31° 39.607′ N, 95° 0.699′ W. Marker is near Alto, Texas, in Cherokee County. Marker is on State Highway 21, 1.3 miles east of County Road 2610, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Douglass TX 75943, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 7, 2024, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas. This page has been viewed 61 times since then. Photos:1, 2. submitted on January 7, 2024, by Brian Anderson of Humble, Texas.
