Gulf Prairie Cemetery Explained

Gulf Prairie Cemetery
Established:1829
Findagraveid:2151129
Type:Private
Coordinates:28.9768°N -95.4736°W

Gulf Prairie Cemetery (also known as Gulph Prairie Cemetery, Gulf Prairie Presbyterian Cemetery, and Peach Point Cemetery) is located in Jones Creek, Texas, United States, off State Highway 36 and County Road 304[1] and was the original resting place of Stephen F. Austin.[2]

History

The cemetery was established as part of the Peach Point Plantation and accordingly, some refer to the cemetery as "Peach Point Cemetery." According to the historical marker placed at the Cemetery, the Cemetery was established in 1829.

One example is the account of Austin's removal. Stephen F. Austin's remains were originally located in this cemetery and were later moved to Austin, Texas on October 1910; the ceremonies and details related to this transfer, are recorded in a book by Guy Morrisoncomp Bryan.[3] The Tomb of Stephen F. Austin is located in Gulf Prairie Cemetery.[4]

Other notable figures in Texas history who are buried there include Emily Austin Perry,[5] William Joel Bryan,[6] Henry William Munson,[6] Eliza M. Perry, descendants of James Franklin Perry and Emily Austin Perry, as well as people from the local area since 1829.

While the cemetery has many historical sites within its grounds, in June 2010, Gulf Prairie Cemetery was, itself, awarded an historical marker by the Texas Historical Society. The commemorative ceremony included a keynote speech by Marie Beth Jones, author of the book, "Peach Point Plantation: the First 150 Years" (1982).

Further reading

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Gulf Prairie Cemetery. BillionGraves. en.
  2. Web site: Kleiner. Diana J.. 15 June 2010. Gulf Prairie, TX. tshaonline.org. Texas State Historical Association (TSHA). 30 August 2017.
  3. Web site: Account of the Removal of the Remains of Stephen F. Austin from Peach Point Cemetery in Brazoria County, Texas to State Cemetery, Austin, Texas, October 18 to 20, 1910. Portal to Texas History, University of North Texas Libraries. 30 August 2017.
  4. Web site: Tomb of Stephen F Austin at Gulf Prairie Cemetery, Jones Creek, Texas . 2010-02-28 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110607234118/http://www.bchm.org/Photos/p374.html . 2011-06-07 .
  5. Web site: Texas State Historical Marker for Emily Margaret Brown Austin Bryan Perry, Gulf Prairie cemetery, Jones Creek; December 1988. dead. Brazoria County Historical Museum. 2010-02-28. https://web.archive.org/web/20110607234044/http://www.bchm.org/Photos/p2327.html. 2011-06-07.
  6. Book: Dooley-Awbrey, Betty. Why Stop?: A Guide to Texas Historical Roadside Markers. Taylor Trade Publications. 2005. 9781589792432. G - Reference, Information and Interdisciplinary Subjects Series. 187.