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

Marvin Chapel Cemetery

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, February 16, 2026

1. Marvin Chapel Cemetery Marker

Inscription. This cemetery traces its origin to the Marvin Chapel Methodist Episcopal Church, South, established here (in the pioneer community of Owlet Green) in the 1860s. The first recorded burial was that of Nannie E. Graham in 1872. However, deed records and unmarked grave sites in its oldest section suggest prior burials. In 1884, Amplias Smith donated 3 acres for cemetery use. William and J. E. Rose donated one acre to the Marvin Chapel Church in 1885 which was later added to the cemetery. Interred here are area pioneers and veterans of conflicts from the Mexican War to Vietnam.

Erected 1993 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 11426.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical year for this entry is 1872.

Location. 32° 30.057′ N, 95° 39.309′ W. Marker is near Van, Texas, in Van Zandt County. It is on Farm to Market Road 1995 one mile west of Farm to Market Road 314, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2861 FM1995, Van TX 75790, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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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 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Pure Oil Company Camp (approx. 1.7 miles away); Van United Methodist Church (approx. 1.8 miles away); Swindall School (approx. 1.8 miles away); Van (approx. 1.8 miles away); C.S. Nicks (approx. 1.9 miles away); Battle of the Neches (approx. 2 miles away); The Free State of Van Zandt (approx. 2.1 miles away); Van School, 1929-1947 (approx. 2.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Van.

Marvin Chapel Cemetery and marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, February 16, 2026

2. Marvin Chapel Cemetery and marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 21, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 20, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 58 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 20, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.