Mills Cemetery Plaque

Deep in the heart of Garland, Texas, rests Mills Cemetery. A simple, yet profound aluminum plaque marks its presence. Mills Cemetery isn’t just a burial ground. It’s a living testament to the pioneers who shaped Dallas County. The plaque, erected by the Texas Historical Commission in 2017, stands as a tribute to their enduring legacy. Edward Mills and his family arrived in Eastern Dallas County in 1847. Just seven years later, the land became a cemetery with the burial of Elizabeth, Edward’s second wife. Upon his own death in 1871, Edward bequeathed the land to the city, solidifying its destiny. The cemetery expanded over time. The J.S. Mason and Weaver sections were added in the 20th century, mirroring the growth of Garland. A hand-drawn map created in the 1970s attempted to document the graves. However, numerous unmarked graves likely remain hidden beneath the earth. Even today, burials are permitted in the original section. Mills Cemetery holds stories of triumph and tragedy. The Smiley family headstone lists five names, all with the same death date: May 9, 1927. A tornado, the Garland Cyclone, ripped through the town that day. While some records omit the Smileys from the list of casualties, others include them among seventeen deaths. The cemetery is also the final resting place of families like the Coyles, the Axes, the Chiesas, and the Herfurths. Their stories, etched in stone, weave a rich tapestry of life in early Dallas County. From veterans of various wars to victims of accidents, Mills Cemetery embraces them all. This hallowed ground, shaded by majestic cedar trees, whispers tales of those who came before. It’s a place where history comes alive, where the past and present intertwine, forever marked by a simple aluminum plaque.