White’s Chapel Cemetery Plaque

Beneath the vast Texas sky, nestled in Southlake, lies White’s Chapel Cemetery. It whispers tales of pioneers, settlers, and the passage of time. White’s Chapel Cemetery isn’t just a place of rest. It’s a living testament to the history of this area. The story begins, according to local legend, around 1851. A child traveling in a wagon train perished, and was laid to rest here, marking the first burial at White’s Chapel Cemetery. The earliest official record, however, points to 1872, with the burial of infant Amy A. Marr. Her tombstone stands as the oldest legible marker in White’s Chapel Cemetery. The cemetery’s namesake, Reverend Lewis M. White, a circuit-riding Methodist preacher, served the Grapevine circuit from 1873 to 1876. His presence, though not buried here himself, echoes in the name of the church and cemetery. Among the many souls resting here are notable figures like Elihu Newton, a former state legislator who served in the 20th and 23rd Texas legislatures. Veterans of various conflicts, including the Civil War, also found their final peace within these grounds. White’s Chapel Cemetery houses many unmarked graves and those marked simply with fieldstones. Native red sandstone forms a significant part of the remaining markers and curbing, adding a touch of local character to this sacred space. The cemetery’s land was officially patented to the White’s Chapel Cemetery Association in 1959 by Texas Governor Price Daniel, solidifying its status. This land, just over two acres, is eternally dedicated as a cemetery. In 2001, White’s Chapel Cemetery received a Texas Historical Marker, acknowledging its significance. The marker stands as a beacon, sharing the stories of Southlake’s past with newcomers and residents alike. Through the efforts of the Whites Chapel Cemetery Association, the cemetery stands as a well-maintained tribute to those who came before. The wrought-iron fence, the Austin stone columns, and the arched entryway, completed in 2009, all contribute to the serene and respectful ambiance. Even the five park benches, installed with the help of Boy Scouts Troop 292, invite quiet contemplation and reflection. White’s Chapel Cemetery isn’t just a graveyard. It’s a tapestry woven with the threads of lives lived, stories whispered on the wind, and history etched in stone. It’s a place where the past comes alive, offering a glimpse into the heart of Southlake’s heritage.