Near Martin's Mill in Van Zandt County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Holly Springs Cemetery
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, September 7, 2026
1. Holly Springs Cemetery Marker
In 1860, Robert K. Gibbs donated three acres of land near this site for the establishment of Holly Springs Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Three years later, during the height of the Civil War, W. E. and Comelia J. Roberts deeded approximately three additional acres to create this community burial ground. The site has been enlarged over the years through later land acquisitions.
The first person interred here was Susan M. Hanks (d.1863), wife of Hansford Hanks. Two tombstones, those of James W. Gray (d.1850) and Sarah C. Gray (d.1856), bear earlier death dates, but the grave sites were among those reinterred from the Ephriam Gray Graveyard in 1968. The Pioneer Gray Cemetery was originally located 2.5 miles northwest of Martin's Mill.
The Holly Springs Cemetery has served residents of Martin's Mill (1.7 miles southwest) and surrounding rural communities for over a century. Individuals interred here include pioneer area settlers, church and community leaders, and military veterans. Still used, the historic cemetery serves as a reminder of the area's rich heritage.
Erected 1986 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 11420.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Cemeteries & Burial Sites. A significant historical year for this entry is 1860.
Location. 32° 26.141′ N, 95° 46.292′ W. Marker is near Martin's Mill, Texas, in Van Zandt County. It is on County Road 4403 0.1 miles east of Farm to Market Road 1653, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Canton TX 75103, United States of America. 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,
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Holly Springs United Methodist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cox Cemetery (approx. 1.1 miles away); Lexie Dean Robertson (approx. 1.8 miles away); Prairie Springs Cemetery (approx. 3.2 miles away); Little Hope Baptist Church (approx. 3½ miles away); Carter Cemetery (approx. 3.7 miles away); Ben Wheeler Community (approx. 4 miles away); Cane Syrup Production in Van Zandt County (approx. 4 miles away).
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, September 7, 2026
2. Holly Springs Cemetery and marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 8, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 8, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
