Near Fairfield in Freestone County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Bonner Cemetery
Photographed By Charles Marc Robinson, April 29, 2009
1. Bonner Cemetery Marker
Established in 1867 as a final resting place for William Bonner, Dr. John Bonner, and their descendants. The two brothers, natives of South Carolina, came to Texas in the early 1850s, settling in Freestone County. Here they amassed thousands of acres of land which they developed into great cotton plantations.
Patriarch of the Texas Bonners was William Bonner (1783-1877), who started his career as a waggoner, with a modest education and no financial help, he piloted his Texas land investments into a fortune.
A Veteran of the War of 1812, he married Ann Lee Joel in 1816. Of their eleven children, seven chose to live in this area. William Bonner was a staunch Presbyterian who was known for his shrewd judgment, unusual energy, humor, and common sense.
John Bonner (1794-1879) was one of three physicians among the five Bonner brothers. A person of great intelligence, he scorned sham and ignorance. He and his wife Eliza (Williams) had nine children, seven of whom moved to Freestone County with them.
Among the five generations of Bonners interred here are teachers, doctors, lawyers, merchants, and farmers, for over a century the family has figured prominently in the development of Freestone County.
Erected 1970 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical year for this entry is 1867.
Location. 31° 51.935′ N, 96° 13.489′ W. Marker is near Fairfield, Texas, in Freestone County. Marker is on County Road 151. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Streetman TX 75859, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Cade Cemetery (approx. 7˝ miles away); Sessions Cemetery (approx. 8.7 miles away); Site of Woodland College for Boys (approx. 8.9 miles away); Woodland Cemetery (approx. 8.9 miles away); Woodland Heritage (approx. 9 miles away); Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church and School (approx. 9.3 miles away); Site of Law Office General John Gregg (approx. 10.4 miles away); Butler Church Bell (approx. 10.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fairfield.
More about this marker. To get to the Bonner Cemetery from Fairfield, Texas travel north on old State Hwy 75 (which runs parallel to I-45 about .5 miles east of I-45) and go approximately 2 miles to FM 2547. Turn right on FM 2547 and travel approximately 5 miles to the Stewards Mill Community at the intersection of FM 833 and FM 2547. At Stewards Mill, continue due north on County Road 141. Be aware that the FM 2547 road
Photographed By Charles Marc Robinson, October 17, 2009
2. Bonner Cemetery
Grave marker of William Bonner, buried in Bonner Cemetery. Mountain howitzer used in CSA military. Veteran marker dedication for another family member pictured in foreground.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 10, 2020. It was originally submitted on January 15, 2010, by Charles Marc Robinson of Palestine, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,613 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 15, 2010, by Charles Marc Robinson of Palestine, Texas. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A photo of the marker and surrounding area in context. • Can you help?
