Does the name Johann Friederich Schlobohm ring a bell? Probably not. Yet, standing here before the Schlobohm Cemetery Plaque, you’re about to discover a Texian hero. This plaque commemorates more than just a burial ground. It marks the homestead of Johann Schlobohm. He was a veteran of the Texas Revolution and an early Harris County settler.
Johann Schlobohm was born in Germany in 1807. By March 1836, he found himself in New Orleans. There, he enlisted in the Zavalla Guards, a unit of volunteer infantry. His unit arrived in Galveston just before the pivotal Battle of San Jacinto. After the battle, Schlobohm’s company guarded the infamous Mexican General Santa Anna.
For those curious, Schlobohm served in the Texian Army until November 1837. The Schlobohm Cemetery Plaque tells a story of courage and commitment.
In 1850, Johann married Charlotte Caroline Kleibrink. The ceremony took place at the home of Peter Dykeman. Dykeman was Schlobohm’s neighbor and fellow soldier. Six years later, the Schlobohms purchased 82 acres. This land sat along Greens Bayou. They built their home here. Over time, their farm expanded to 246 acres.
The Schlobohm family cemetery began in 1873. Their daughter Fredericka was the first to be buried here. Johann and Caroline had eight children. Six of them rest here with their families.
Initially, a quarter-acre of land was dedicated to the family cemetery in 1895. Eight years later, it grew to a full acre. The Schlobohm and Nicol families cared for the graveyard. In 1988, descendants formed the Schlobohm Cemetery Association. This association continues to maintain the property to this day.
The Schlobohm Cemetery Plaque highlights that at least ten veterans are buried here. Among them is Confederate veteran John Milton Morin. Others served in both World Wars and later conflicts.
Notice the grave markers. Granite, marble, and bronze are prominent. It is a lasting tribute to those who rest here. In the early 21st century, the 82-acre homestead remained largely undeveloped. This was 150 years after the Schlobohm family settled here.
Interestingly, early Texans struggled with the spelling of Schlobohm’s name. You might find it rendered as Slayton, Slaburn, or Slighton in historical records.
Johann anglicized his first name to John. His son, also named John, was born on Greens Bayou near Aldine in 1853. He died in 1935.
Descendants still use this cemetery for burials. Sometimes, they gather here for family reunions. The Schlobohm Cemetery Plaque is a reminder of a family’s legacy. It connects us to the early days of Texas. It tells a story of a German immigrant who became a Texian hero. It is a place of rest and remembrance.