GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
Honoring And Cherishing Unsung Fallen Heroes
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Pictured above are the members and friends of the Pin Oak Cemetery Association who met Saturday, Oct. 21 to mow and clean the cemetery. From left: John Coppedge, Victoria Russell, Debra and John Schwartzenburg, Don and Mary Kirby, Jason Guerrera, and taking the picture, Sharon Kirby. -
Mary Kirby cleaning and repositioning one of the multitude of markers to the “Unknown” heroes interred at Pin Oak Historical Cemetery. -
Victoria Russell cleaning Vana’s tombstone. -
Recent granite tombstone beside the crumbling cement original.
The year was 1842. The Battle of Salado Creek, the decisive engagement which repulsed the final Mexican invasion of the Republic of Texas, had just been won. Two soldiers from the battle made their way to Fayette County. Suffering from measles, they sought the help of Dr. Kenzie Routh, who lived near the Black Jack Community, between Flatonia and La Grange. Complications set in, and they subsequently died. Dr. Routh permitted them to be buried on a portion of his land, which is now Pin Oak Cemetery. These two un-named heroes are among the many in the cemetery whose graves are marked, “Unknown.”
Leander F. T. Cottle (1788-1845) was the first from the community to be buried here. The men digging his grave were interrupted by seven Tonkawa Indians riding through the location. They were friendly, just searching for game in the area known for its excellent hunting. The cemetery is the resting place of many ethnic groups. Four of G. W. Tuttle’s black slaves that he brought from Missouri are buried here – “Unknown,” as are seven “Unknown” Mexicans, whose precise dates are unknown.
Dr. Routh (1811-1875) and his wife Amanda Murrell (1822-1909) are also buried here. One wonders how many in the community owed their life and health to this doctor serving in this pioneer republic.
One of the veterans of the Battle of San Jacinto, William Gorham (1798-1878) who served in the TexasArmy from 1835-1836 is buried here.
A soldier of the Lord, Circuit Riding preacher Elisha Smith Powell is buried here. The Methodist Church has researched many of these riders and placed granite markers to honor them and denote their service.
Victoria Russell from Houston, niece of Debra Schwartzenburg, visited the meeting for the first time. Both are descendants of Thomas (1819-1868) and Betsy Speed (1822-1882), born in England. Speeds who were among the early ones interred here.
Seeing a tombstone standing by itself, Victoria was soon captivated by its plaintive epitaph: “We miss thee from our home dear Vana, We miss thee from thy place, A shadow over our life is cast, We miss the sunshine of thy face, We miss thy kind and willing hand, Thy fond and earnest care, Our home is dark without thee, We miss thee every where.” (Livonia Craven, 1875-1902).
Who are these unsung heroes? Perhaps two unnamed soldiers whose sharp marksmanship helped decide the Battle of Salado. Could they be the unnamed negro slaves whose faithful service enabled the floundering young Republic of Texas to survive. Maybe seven Mexicans, soldiers, ranchers, farmers, indespensible to the farming and ranching in the county. Their original white wooden markers long since gone, marked only by a stone now. Did they die within days of each other possibly from the Yellow Fever epidemic of 1867 when six or seven bodies were placed in a single grave? A soldier from the Battle of San Jacinto whose life might seem insignificent, but perhaps instrumental in the overall battle. Yes, they are gone. But their memory should remain, and their stories sung to succeeding generations.
Relatives, descendants and friends of those interred here are encouraged to come and make sure the markers and cemetery remain a serene and beautiful resting place. For more information you may email Don.PinOak23@gmail. com.