Davis Cemetery Plaque

In the quiet neighborhood of Allandale, nestled amidst modern houses, lies a relic of Austin’s past: the Davis Cemetery Plaque. This plaque, more specifically the historical marker it represents, tells a story of resilience and early Austin settlers. The Davis Cemetery Plaque, erected in 2000 by the Texas Historical Commission, commemorates not just a burial ground but the lives of those who came before. George W. Davis, a veteran of the Battle of San Jacinto, and his wife, Emiline, established this cemetery around 1845. The Davis Cemetery Plaque details their arduous journey to Texas in 1835. While George fought for Texas’ independence, Emiline and their children endured the Runaway Scrape, seeking refuge along the Sabine River for six weeks. Imagine Emiline, a mother with her children, facing the unknown amidst the chaos of war. The plaque stands as a testament to their courage. The earliest marked grave belongs to infant John H. Vann, who died in 1851. The cemetery served as the final resting place for Davis family members, neighbors, and other early Austin settlers until 1918. The Davis Cemetery Plaque reminds us of the hardships faced by these pioneers. It offers a glimpse into a time when life was precarious, childhood mortality was high, and families struggled to carve out a living in the Texas wilderness. Though surrounded by the hustle and bustle of modern Austin, the Davis Cemetery Plaque and the small cemetery behind it offer a moment of quiet reflection. They invite us to connect with the city’s rich history and remember those who helped shape it.