“1857. A year etched in time.” Here at the Witten Cemetery Plaque, we remember a family’s journey and the establishment of their final resting place. This plaque commemorates the Witten Cemetery. It is a testament to the lives and legacies of those who rest here.
The Witten Cemetery story begins with Samuel Cecil Holiday Witten. He was born in 1819 and died in 1891. Samuel Witten came to Texas in 1854. He was a successful landowner. Samuel also served as a Justice of the Peace. He even worked as a Deputy County Surveyor.
In 1857, Samuel Witten established this burial site. It was meant for his family. The first interment was his son, William. Later, another son, George, was buried here. George Witten died in 1868. He drowned while on a cattle drive. Ryan Harrington is also buried here. He was Samuel Witten’s son-in-law. Ryan participated in the 1849 California Gold Rush.
Samuel Witten and his wife moved to Corpus Christi in 1890. The Witten Cemetery continued to be used by family descendants. The Witten Cemetery Plaque stands as a reminder of their enduring presence.
The Texas Historical Commission recognized the Witten Cemetery’s significance. In 1981, they erected this marker. It is a tangible link to the past. The Witten Cemetery Plaque ensures the stories of the Witten family are not forgotten.
Today, the Witten Cemetery holds nine memorials. Each one tells a silent story. This place is a reminder of the past. The Witten Cemetery Plaque invites us to reflect on the lives that shaped this land.