The Overview

II. OVERVIEW:
Owensville Cemetery, located in Robertson County, Texas, holds historical significance as the county’s oldest organized burial ground.  Situated from the traffic signal in Franklin, Texas, one travels 3.8 miles on Farm Road 46 North toward Calvert, and then turns right onto Farm Road 979 at the Oak Grove Store. After another mile, Owensville Cemetery Road appears on the left.
The historical significance and development of the cemetery’s origins trace back to February 4, 1869, when John B. Glap deeded the land to County Judge I.B. Ellison for cemetery use.   However, burials predate this deed, with the earliest recorded burial occurring in 1846.  Initially composed of family plots in the surrounding areas, the cemetery’s establishment as a dedicated burial site marked a shift towards organized, community-based interments as the local population grew.

A physical marker of segregation until the mid-20th century, the cemetery was divided by a 412.87-foot fence separating White graves to the east and Black graves to the west.  This boundary, reflective of social practices of the time, was removed in 2024 in a gesture of unity and inclusivity. Today, Owensville Cemetery is open to all, with burial fees applying, and both the East and West associations maintain their sections while collaborating on shared efforts to honor the site’s heritage.
The East Owensville Cemetery Association, Inc. was founded by Brenda Fleming and Lou Wallingford in 2005; the East Owensville Cemetery Association oversees the east section of the cemetery, which historically served as the White burial area.  Jessie Grace, a descendant of a prominent local family, leads the association in preserving graves of influential local figures and maintaining the cemetery’s historical integrity. The Owensville Cemetery West Association was established in 1952 by S.T. Brown, Dan Richards, and Mack Hodges to preserve the west side of the cemetery, the traditionally Black burial section.  Current president Mary Stevens continues to honor this section’s cultural significance, working to document its rich history while collaborating with the East association on projects that bridge the cemetery’s divisions.
There are notable burials in the Owensville Cemetery in the East Side (White Section).  Major William Wesley Hurley (1818-1873) was a First Lieutenant in the Texas State Troops during the Civil War and early Texas pioneer; Hurley’s contributions to the region are commemorated alongside his wife, Mary Ann Pettigrew Hurley.  William Wilson Patrick (1821-1889) was a State legislator, treasurer, and Mason, Patrick played a pivotal role in local governance, representing Owensville’s civic legacy.  James Davis “Colonel” Grant (1818-1892) served two terms in the Texas legislature during the 1870s, Grant’s legislative work significantly impacted the area’s development.  Andrew McMillan (1814-1897 was a  Texas Revolution veteran who fought at the Battle of San Jacinto, McMillan’s grave honors his role in securing Texas’ Independence.   Elijah B. Baker (1831-1879), a Confederate soldier in the 22nd Texas Infantry, Baker’s grave is part of the cemetery’s extensive recognition of local veterans. . The Maris, Baxter, and Grace Families: These families, particularly the Graces, who remain active in the community today, embody the area’s development and ongoing legacy.
Notable burial on the West Side (Black Section) are Theodore “TD” Davis (1888-1947) a WWII veteran, Morse coder, and Western Union’s first Black employee, Davis also achieved the 33rd degree in Freemasonry and contributed greatly to his community.  Reverend Robert Neal (1921-2008) was an Educator, NAACP member, an advocate for civil rights, Neal’s contributions in Franklin, Texas, left a lasting impact on the community’s progress.  His wife Viola Neal (1925-2019) was also an educator and community advocate, partnered with her husband, Reverend Neal, in supporting civil rights and educational advancements, she also dedicated a lot of time to senior citizens.   Willie B. Johnson (1918-2001) A veteran and was crucial in preserving the cemetery’s history and educating the community about its significance He also served as president of Owensville Cemetery.  He was an educator, serving as principal for over 20 years at Morgan High, the school for blacks in Franklin Tx.  S.T. Brown, Dan Richards, and Mack Hodges were the founders of the Owensville Cemetery Association for the west side; they established early preservation efforts, including annual events honoring the cemetery’s legacy.  Joanne Waters (1948-2024) the former president of the Owensville Cemetery West Association, Waters served as the president of the Owensville Cemetery for many years.  She also was an educator and independent business owner.
Owensville Cemetery’s serene landscape is shaded by oak, pine, crêpe myrtle, and other native flora. Family plots, obelisk-style monuments, and unique markers, like a hand-crafted unidentified marker on the west side, characterize the cemetery’s visual and historic diversity. The East section is marked as “Owensville Cemetery East,” while the West section is marked simply as “Owensville Cemetery.” With its blend of historical gravestones, family plots, and preserved sections, the cemetery provides a tangible link to the community’s cultural and historical foundations. Owensville Cemetery serves as a lasting reminder of the area’s history, honoring a diverse community of settlers, leaders, educators, and advocates.