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Originally known as the Czech-Moravian Brethren Evangelical Cemetery at Ross Prairie, this site serves Texas' second oldest congregation of the Unity of the Brethren, whose members settled here in the early 1850s. This group hosted the first Czech worship service in the state in 1855. In 1870, the congregation was formally organized, and one year later the educational society, Osveta, established the first Czech-English school in Texas in this community. In 1874, Thomas (1844-1925) and Katerina (1840-1882) Jecmenek donated land on which to build a church, a parish house and a school. They also set aside land for this cemetery. A number of unmarked graves exist here, but the earliest dated stone is that of Katerina Roznovak Jecmenek (1850-1875), wife of Thomas' brother, Martin (1852-1885). Significant to church members is the grave of Reverend Jindrich Juren (1850-1921), who was called here in 1876, serving the congregation as pastor and schoolmaster for some 45 years. Veterans of our nation's wars who are honored here include one Confederate soldier, Jan (Johann) Hruska (1831-1894). Chronicled in this churchyard are the lives of the pioneers and generations of families that are the heritage of the Ross Prairie area of Fayette County. Historic Texas Cemetery - 1999 |
