Taylor Family Cemetery
Historical marker location:THIS BURIAL GROUND, ALSO KNOWN AS TAYLOR-BENNETT CEMETERY, ORIGINALLY SERVED THE TAYLOR FAMILY. IT LATER ALSO BECAME THE FINAL RESTING PLACE FOR MEMBERS OF THE BENNETT FAMILY, WHO WERE JOINED WITH THE TAYLORS THROUGH THE 1857 MARRIAGE OF ELIZABETH J. DAY (STEP-DAUGHTER OF PITKIN TAYLOR) TO BRITISH-BORN JOSEPH W. BENNETT.
JOSIAH AND HEPHZIBETH TAYLOR WERE EARLY ANGLO SETTLERS, MIGRATING TO TEXAS IN 1824. THEY SETTLED NEAR HERE WITH THEIR FAMILY IN 1829 AS PART OF THE De WITT COLONY. HOWEVER, JOSIAH TAYLOR FIRST CAME TO TEXAS IN 1812, WHEN HE JOINED THE GUTIÉRREZ-MAGEE EXPEDITION, A FILIBUSTERING EXCURSION DURING THE MEXICAN WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE. HE PARTICIPATED IN THE SEIGE AT LA BAHÍA AND IN THE BATTLES OF ROSILLO AND ALAZAN CREEK. THE TAYLORS’ IMMEDIATE FAMILY INCLUDED TEXAS RANGERS, VETERANS OF THE TEXAS WAR FOR INDEPENDENCE, PARTICIPANTS IN THE RUNAWAY SCRAPE AND VETERANS OF THE BATTLE OF SALADO CREEK IN 1842.
JOSIAH TAYLOR’S GRAVE IS THE OLDEST IN THE CEMETERY, DATING TO 1830. OTHERS BURIED HERE INCLUDE VETERANS OF U.S. MILITARY CONFLICTS AND THOSE KILLED DURING THE SUTTON-TAYLOR FEUD, THE LENGTHIEST AND DEADLIEST IN TEXAS HISTORY. THE CEMETERY FEATURES VERTICAL STONES, GRAVE SLABS, CURBING AND MASONIC INSCRIPTIONS. IN 1974, THE TAYLOR FAMILY ASSOCIATION FORMED TO MAINTAIN THE GRAVEYARD. TAYLOR FAMILY MEMBERS WERE NO LONGER BURIED HERE AFTER 1933, THOUGH THE BENNETT FAMILY CONTINUES TO USE AND CARE FOR THE BURIAL GROUND. TODAY, THE TAYLOR FAMILY CEMETERY REMAINS A RECORD OF AND MONUMENT TO TWO PIONEERING FAMILIES WITH VITAL CONNECTIONS TO THE HISTORY OF TEXAS.
HISTORIC TEXAS CEMETERY – 2009
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.
There’s a freedom you begin to feel the closer you get to Austin, Texas.
In 1827, the area that is now DeWitt County was incorporated into the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. Shortly after, American settlement began in the region, with empresarios such as Green DeWitt and Martín de León playing significant roles. DeWitt, for whom the county is named, received a land grant in 1825 and played a vital part in bringing Anglo-American colonizers to the area.
DeWitt County saw significant growth during the Texas Revolution in the 1830s. The Battle of Gonzales, the first engagement of the revolution, occurred just outside the county's boundaries. The county itself became a site of conflict during the revolution, with the Battle of Ethel's Woods and the Battle of Gonzales River Bridge taking place within its borders.
After Texas gained independence from Mexico, DeWitt County was officially established in 1846. The county seat was initially Gonzales, but it was moved to Cuero in 1876. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, DeWitt County experienced economic growth due to industries such as ranching, oil, and agriculture.
Present-day DeWitt County continues to thrive as a center for agriculture, oil and gas production, and tourism. The county is known for its rich historical sites, including the Gonzales Memorial Museum, which houses artifacts from the Texas Revolution, and numerous ranches that showcase the area's strong cattle industry. DeWitt County's history is a testament to the resilience and determination of its early settlers and remains an essential part of Texas's broader historical narrative.
DeWitt County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of DeWitt County, Texas.
- 1827: DeWitt County is established as a part of DeWitt's Colony in Mexican Texas.
- 1840: The Battle of Plum Creek takes place in DeWitt County during the Texan Revolution.
- 1846: DeWitt County becomes a part of the newly formed Republic of Texas.
- 1848: Texas becomes a state of the United States, and DeWitt County remains a part of it.
- 1850: Population growth leads to the establishment of the county seat, Cuero.
- 1870: The Gulf, Western Texas and Pacific Railway reaches Cuero, increasing trade and transportation opportunities.
- 1874: Cuero is officially incorporated as a city.
- 1893: Oil is discovered in DeWitt County, leading to economic growth and development.
- 1923: A disastrous fire destroys much of downtown Cuero.
- 1941-1945: DeWitt County contributes to the war effort during World War II.
- 1960s-1970s: DeWitt County experiences a decline in population and economic activity.
- 1990s-present: DeWitt County experiences a resurgence in oil and gas production, leading to economic growth.
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