Details for Bonner Cemetery

Historical Marker — Atlas Number 5161009857

Data

Marker Number 9857
Atlas Number 5161009857
Marker Title Bonner Cemetery
Index Entry Bonner Cemetery
Address
City Fairfield
County Freestone
UTM Zone 14
UTM Easting 762201
UTM Northing 3529105
Subject Codes cemetery
Marker Year 1970
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark No
Marker Location from the intersection of FM 3547 and Fm 833 about 8 mi. north of Fairfield, go north about 1.5 mi. on CR 141 to CR 151, then go NE 1.8 mi. to cemetery
Private Property No
Marker Condition In Situ
Marker Size 27" x 42"
Marker Text Established in 1867 as a final resting place for William Bonner, Dr. John Bonner, and their descendants. The two brothers, natives of South Carolina, came to Texas in the early 1850s, settling in Freestone County. Here they massed thousands of acres of land which they developed into great cotton plantations. Patriarch of the Texas Bonners was William Bonner (1783-1877), who started his career as a waggoner. With a modest education and no financial help, he piloted his Texas land investments into a fortune. A veteran of the War of 1812, he married Ann Lee Joel in 1816. Of their eleven children, seven chose to live in this area. William Bonner was a staunch Presbyterian who was known for his shrewd judgment, unusual energy, humor, and common sense. John Bonner (1794-1879) was one of three physicians among the five Bonner brothers. A person of great intelligence, he scorned sham and ignorance. He and his wife Eliza (Williams) had nine children, seven of whom moved to Freestone County with them. Among the five generations of Bonners interred here are teachers, doctors, lawyers, merchants, and farmers. For over a century the family has figured prominently in the development of Freestone County.