How about a journey back in time at Pond Springs Cemetery Plaque? This award-winning historical cemetery is in Northwest Austin. It is more than just a burial ground. It is a place where stories rest.
Pond Springs Cemetery Plaque marks a spot with tales of early Texans. The first known burial here was Jacob Leonce Glenn. He was only six months old. Imagine a rattlesnake bite ending his life in October 1860. His mother was distracted while hanging laundry. Jacob was buried in the Walden Section of Pond Springs Cemetery.
In 1862, Asenath Stewart was the first burial in Pond Springs proper. She died from a childbirth-related illness. Her husband was Andrew Jackson Stewart. He was a Private in Company D, 1st Texas Cavalry. He died in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This was just four days after Lee surrendered to Grant. Asenath likely kissed him goodbye and went into labor. He was en route. AJ was not there for her death or his son’s birth. The orphaned baby lived. His Stewart grandparents raised him.
Pond Springs Cemetery Plaque stands as a reminder. There are dozens of stories like this one. Over 230 known graves exist here. Perhaps 300 or more people are buried in total. Numerous graves lack markers. Some death certificates do not correspond to graves. Research is ongoing to uncover these hidden stories.
For years, the cemetery re-forested itself. Roaming cattle, the elements, vandalism, and neglect caused damage. By 2005, much was gone. Volunteers pieced the place back together. It is a lifelong project. The county, city, and state do not claim responsibility for upkeep. They hide behind the wording in the original 1872 deed. It donated the land to the community. Only a few volunteers care for it. Those interred here deserve better.
In 2011, heroic descendants formed the Pond Springs Historical Cemetery Association. They meet to help maintain this sacred place. Meetings usually occur on the second Sunday of January, April, July, and October. Clean-up days are in April and October. You do not have to be a member to attend a meeting or help clean up. Anonymous angels are welcome to clean up the place. Just be careful and do not touch the stones.
Today, Austin and Cedar Park surround Pond Springs Cemetery. Stepping inside is like stepping back in time. It is a place to reconnect and clear your head. The Pond Springs Historical Cemetery Association adores this place. They invite everyone to join their grass-roots effort.
Remember Benjamin Franklin’s quote. “One can tell the morals of their culture by the way they treat their dead.” Be careful around the stones. They may topple. Respect the headstones. They are historical documentation. For many, they are the only proof they were ever born. Respect the flora, fauna, and wildlife on the property. No camping. No trespassing after dark. No open flames. No alcohol. If you brought it in, take it out. No chalking or rubbing of the stones. Photography only is allowed.
Pond Springs Cemetery is protected under Texas Penal Code 28.03. It is a state jail felony to inflict damage on a place of human burial.
If you are a descendant of anyone buried here, share your memories. It would truly be a treasure. The Pond Springs Historical Cemetery Association needs help. Dues are only $25 annually. Donations are welcome. They use the money for taxes, fees, gas, mower maintenance, supplies, and tree services. Good neighbors call 911 if they see anything amiss.
Suzanne Tucker Borum is the President of the Pond Springs Historical Cemetery Association Inc. Consider joining their efforts to preserve this important piece of history.