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Tennessee native William Green Duke Wortham came to Texas around 1854. His wife, Charlotte Coke, whom he wed in 1841, was sister to Texas Governor Richard Coke. The couple settled in this area, and the community that developed here was named for Wortham. This site was in use as a cemetery as early as 1864, when Sarah Bird was interred here. Several graves are marked only with rocks and may pre-date 1864. Another early grave is that of J.B.M. Howard (d. 1865), whose tombstone indicates he was killed by "The Quantrel Men," referring to the Civil War vigilante W.C. Quantrill. James W. and William N. Wortham, descendants of the original settlers, formally donated the land to the community for use as a burial ground in 1874. Over the years, various individuals cared for the burial ground. Carrie Crump Hanna oversaw the mainenance for approximately 40 years, and her daughter Mary Hanna Bryant later did much to protect and expand the cemetery. Family members, as well as the cemetery association, continue to care for the burial ground and the more than 300 graves. Historic Texas Cemetery - 2004 |
