Near Canton in Van Zandt County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Old Bethel Cemetery

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, October 5, 2025

1. Old Bethel Cemetery Marker

Inscription. In 1858, William and Nancy Palmer deeded five acres of land for a Methodist church and cemetery. The oldest tombstone in the graveyard, that of six-month-old Isaac Willingham, also dates from that year. In 1895, the church building was removed from the property, leaving additional acreage for the cemetery. At that time, the burial ground acquired the name Old Bethel. Over the years, it has served the residents of Bethel and surrounding communities and is the burial site of many of the early pioneers in the area. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836-1986

Erected 1986 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 11381.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical year for this entry is 1858.

Location. 32° 26.428′ N, 95° 55.7′ W. Marker is near Canton, Texas, in Van Zandt County. It is on County Road 2301 2.1 miles east of State Highway 198, on the right when traveling east. 9 mi. SW of Canton on SH 198, then 2.1 mi. E on Old Bethel Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2870 Co Rd 2301, Canton TX 75103, United States of America.

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South

and in the Piney Woods.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Phalba (approx. 3.3 miles away); Mono School (approx. 6.2 miles away); Elm Grove Cemetery (approx. 6.6 miles away); Elm Grove Union Church (approx. 6.6 miles away); Wallace Methodist Church (approx. 7.3 miles away); Van Zandt County Poor Farm (approx. 7.8 miles away); Armed Forces Memorial (approx. 8.1 miles away); Confederate Veterans (approx. 8.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Canton.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Wallace United Methodist Church (was approx. 7.2 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Old Bethel Cemetery and marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, October 5, 2025

2. Old Bethel Cemetery and marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 6, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 122 times since then and 70 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 6, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.