Mount Gilead Historical Marker
In genealogy, dates obtained from death records are important, but actual visits to a cemetery can reveal even more. The history of the cemetery itself can provide clues as to the previous life and times of its permanent residents.
On a recent trip to Mount Gilead Cemetery in Keller, just north of Fort Worth, much was discovered about the first pioneers to this area over one hundred fifty years ago. The original settlers used grave markings at this cemetery known as cairns. A historical marker in the cemetery describes the cairns as “unusual stone structures built by early settlers to memorialize their dead.” And, “The cairns vary in design and workmanship. Their use, however, is representative of traditional burial customs prevalent in the south during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.”
Tales of accomplishment, as well as adversity, are found throughout Mount Gilead. On the surface, the stark contrast of the markers for the Thompson family, appear to tell a story of hardship for Martha (Evans) “Bammy” Thompson (1830-1909). Martha’s husband, Thomas J. Thompson (1814-1896) has a marble monument, his name and dates engraved in stone. Martha’s marker is simple, made of aluminum and steel, extremely rusted now, but standing strong after one hundred years. In another section of the cemetery, several members of the Grimes family have markers indicating that they were part of the Twenty Brigade Texas Militia. A quick online search, using information found on their gravestones, shows a lot more about this line that would be beneficial to any researcher. Finally, at the entrance to Mount Gilead, one cannot help but be amused by a tiny grave surrounded by a small metal fence. Wherein lays “Butch” “A Good Ole Dog”. To the majority of people, cemeteries are often viewed as unpopular places, but ironically, with genealogy, a cemetery can be an extremely telling place.
For more info: Vist the Tarrant County TXGenWeb site for Mount Gilead Cemetery.
For the story behind the story visit Donna Streetenberger's genealogy blog.
Comments
I love cemeteries for the reasons you mention. So many stories just waiting to be discovered (and told)!
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