Historical Marker

Macune Cemetery

Historical marker location:
CR 316, San Augustine, Texas
( 7.5 mi. S on SH 147, then on CR 316 between SH 147 and FM 705)
Marker installed: 2004

By the time Texas became a republic in 1836, Nathaniel Hunt had settled in this area with his wife, Mary Elizabeth (White), and their children, including their oldest daughter Clarissa and her husband, John M. Neely. The Hunt and Neely families were active in the early settlement; Nathaniel Hunt served in a variety of public offices, including justice of the peace. His home also served as a mail stop on the San Augustine to Houston route. This burial ground began as the Hunt Cemetery. John Neely (d. 1845) was the first buried here, followed by his father-in-law four years later. As the community grew, other family members and neighbors were buried in the cemetery.

The community's first post office opened in 1888. Area farmers active in the Southern Farmers' Alliance suggested it be named for leader Charles Macune. In 1926, John S. Henry donated adjacent land to the community to enlarge the Hunt Cemetery. Today, the burial ground continues to be used by area residents and descendants of settlers buried here. Graves include those of Edwin Oswald LeGrand, signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence, and veterans of military conflicts dating to the War of 1812.

Historic Texas Cemetery - 2004.