Historic Grable Cemetery, Longview, Texas. (original) (raw)

Historical Marker Text

Grable Cemetery

M. H. Graybill acquired land here in 1888. He set aside a tract to be used as a burial ground for local African American sharecroppers and their families. In 1910, Graybill (the cemetery spelling changed over time) sold this tract of land to the people of the area�s African American communities, many of whom were former slaves or descendants of slaves. Since that time, residents have maintained the burial ground, which is managed by a cemetery association. The earliest marked graves date to the early 1900s, and unique features include rows of white crosses denoting burial sites of former slaves. Historic Texas Cemetery - 2003

Grable Cemetery Historical Marker
Photo courtesy Maryanne Gobble, December 2010

"The Cross represent Burial of Slaves"
Photo courtesy Maryanne Gobble, December 2010

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