Smith Cemetery Plaque

Who would have thought that a small cemetery in the middle of bustling Irving would hold such a wealth of history? This, my friends, is the Smith Cemetery Plaque. Don’t let its unassuming appearance fool you. It marks a site brimming with stories of early settlers, forgotten communities, and the echoes of lives lived. Smith Cemetery, also known as Hawks Chapel Cemetery and Union Bower Cemetery, is more than just a resting place. It’s a tangible link to Irving’s past, a time capsule reflecting the growth of this area from a rural landscape to the thriving metropolis it is today. The cemetery itself is tucked away on Penn Street, almost swallowed by the industrial businesses that now surround it. Within its gates rest 166 souls, each with a story to tell. The earliest recorded burial is nine-year-old Amie Blanche Smith, who died in 1886. The most recent burial, as of our visit, is Martha Ann Voirin Cober, who lived to the ripe old age of 87. Despite its industrial surroundings, Smith Cemetery is well-maintained. The grounds are tidy, the fence is in good condition, and recent flowers indicate that the memory of those resting here is still very much alive. This peaceful oasis in the midst of industry stands as a testament to the enduring power of history and remembrance. Each headstone, each inscribed name, is a whisper from the past, urging us to remember those who came before and helped shape the Irving we know today.