Near Bardwell in Ellis County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Elm Branch Cemetery
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, August 31, 2026
1. Elm Branch Cemetery Marker
The rural community of Elm Branch served as a social, economic and religious center for the scattered farming families who lived in the area. The settlement contained a school, a Methodist church founded in 1886, and a cemetery. The church relocated to Bardwell in 1909, approximately two miles north of Elm Branch. The earliest documented burial in Elm Branch Cemetery is that of Martha R. Tidwell, who died on November 28, 1877. Veterans dating from the Civil War to the Vietnam War are interred at the site, which has also been known as Bardwell Cemetery and Matlock Cemetery. Today, the cemetery remains active and continues as a reminder of the early settlers of the area.
Erected 2009 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 16024.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical date for this entry is November 28, 1877.
Location. 32° 14.817′ N, 96° 41.251′ W. Marker is near Bardwell, Texas, in Ellis County. It is on Farm to Market Road 984 0.2 miles west of Anthony Road, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region and in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area. 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, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Old Bardwell (approx. 1˝ miles away); Thomas C. Neel (approx. 5.8 miles away); Frederick Harrison Rankin (approx. 5.9 miles away); Wayman Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church (approx. 6 miles away); Myrtle Cemetery (approx. 6 miles away); Burnam Square and Cemetery (approx. 6.1 miles away); Jack Lummus (approx. 6.3 miles away); Matthews - Atwood House (approx. 6˝ miles away).
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, August 31, 2026
2. Elm Branch Cemetery Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 1, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 1, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
