Bonner Cemetery

Historical marker location:
Fairfield, Texas
( from the intersection of FM 3547 and Fm 833 about 8 mi. north of Fairfield, go north about 1.5 mi. on CR 141 to CR 151, then go NE 1.8 mi. to cemetery)
Marker installed: 1970
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Established in 1867 as a final resting place for William Bonner, Dr. John Bonner, and their descendants. The two brothers, natives of South Carolina, came to Texas in the early 1850s, settling in Freestone County. Here they massed thousands of acres of land which they developed into great cotton plantations.

Patriarch of the Texas Bonners was William Bonner (1783-1877), who started his career as a waggoner. With a modest education and no financial help, he piloted his Texas land investments into a fortune.

A veteran of the War of 1812, he married Ann Lee Joel in 1816. Of their eleven children, seven chose to live in this area. William Bonner was a staunch Presbyterian who was known for his shrewd judgment, unusual energy, humor, and common sense.

John Bonner (1794-1879) was one of three physicians among the five Bonner brothers. A person of great intelligence, he scorned sham and ignorance. He and his wife Eliza (Williams) had nine children, seven of whom moved to Freestone County with them.

Among the five generations of Bonners interred here are teachers, doctors, lawyers, merchants, and farmers. For over a century the family has figured prominently in the development of Freestone County

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

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The cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Freestone County, located in central-east Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The region was home to various Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, Caddo, and Tonkawa, before European settlement. The arrival of Spanish explorers and later American settlers in the 19th century greatly impacted the area and shaped its history.

In the early 1800s, the region was a part of the Spanish province of Tejas, and later became a part of Mexico after gaining independence from Spain. The first American settlers arrived in the area in the early 1830s, and the region became a part of the Republic of Texas in 1836. During this time, the county was primarily used for farming and ranching, with cotton becoming an important cash crop.

The county was officially established in 1850 and named after James Freestone, who fought in the Texas Revolution. It quickly grew as more settlers arrived, and communities such as Fairfield and Teague were established as agricultural centers. In the late 19th century, the arrival of the railroad further bolstered the county's economy and facilitated transportation and commerce.

In the 20th century, Freestone County faced the challenges brought by the Great Depression, but managed to recover with the help of government programs and the establishment of manufacturing industries. Today, the county continues to be an agricultural region known for its fertile soils, producing a variety of crops including cotton, corn, and sorghum. It also boasts a rich natural heritage, with attractions such as Fairfield Lake State Park attracting visitors to enjoy outdoor activities in a picturesque setting.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Freestone County, Texas.

  • 1836 - Texas gains independence from Mexico
  • 1846 - Freestone County is established
  • Late 1800s - County experiences growth in population and agriculture
  • 1893 - Texas State Railroad extends into Freestone County, boosting transportation and commerce
  • Mid-1900s - County sees advancements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare
  • 1980s - Oil and gas production becomes a significant industry
  • Present - Freestone County continues to thrive as a rural community, known for agriculture and outdoor recreation