Historic Cemetery

Major John Smith Graves Cemetery

Reynard, Texas
Location: Driving Directions:From US 287 in Grapeland, go 13.4 miles west on FM 227 to sharp bend (Note: FM 227 becomes CR 2210 at end of pavement). When road bends sharply to the left, go straight across cattle guard and through gate. Follow private ranch road 0.4 mile to third gate (always staying to left). Just past third gate the road forks. Stay to the left for another 0.4 mile. The road will enter a large field. At this point go south and east across field, following treeline for approx. 0.2 mile. At this point, the graves are located in a heavily wooded area between the field and a deep drainage, approx. 105 ft. south of field.The cemetery is highly endangered. It is not a map feature, and it is located in a very remote area on private property. There are no cemetery signs posted. The cemetery is not fenced or maintained. There are two marble markers. The inscriptions read:In Memory of Mrs. A. J. SmithBornOct. 23, 1811DiedAug. 5, 1874In Loving Remembrance of Major John SmithBornDec. 21, 1809DiedJuly 29, 1890The headstone of Mrs. A. J. Smith has fallen and the footstone is displaced. Major John Smith's headstone is very weathered and difficult to read.

Source: RIP Fields Table

To address the problem of cemetery destruction and to record as many cemeteries as possible, the Texas Historical Commission offers the Historic Texas Cemetery designation.

The Historic Texas Cemetery designation was developed in 1998 to help protect historic cemeteries by recording cemetery boundaries in county deed records to alert present and future owners of land adjacent to the cemetery of its existence. Every county in Texas has at least one cemetery designated as a Historic Texas Cemetery through this program. The HTC designation is the first step toward preservation of a historic cemetery.

A cemetery is eligible for designation if it is at least 50 years old and is deemed worthy of recognition for its historical associations. The very nature of a cemetery being a landmark of a family’s or community’s presence is considered to validate the criteria of historical associations. Any individual, organization, or agency may submit a request for designation.

gravesites