Cottonwood Community Cemetery

A single, large cottonwood tree stood on the Hondo Creek near a perpetual spring, which the two communities, (North Bank Creek Colony and Mission Valley) used for water. This tree was the inspiration for naming the community cemetery. Located on a rise on the creek, it is, more or less, equidistant from each of the two areas. It was located on land owned by Isaac King, a large landowner whose family had been the largest slave owners in the county.

The cemetery originally was one quarter acre in size, but in 1919 King agreed to increase the area to three acres and deed it to the Colored Cemetery Association, provided the area would be fenced out. The entire community joined together and in one day the men built the fence while the ladies and children provided food and refreshments.

Dated 1886, the earliest existing headstone in the cemetery marks the grave of Caroline Garett, age 65. The cemetery is still in use. Often descendants of the settlements founders, living in far away places, make a last request to be buried in the land of their forefathers. Among the most recent was Redmon Knowles of California, who was buried in 1963.
Hondo Anvil Herald
June 26, 1986

LOCATION: Located north of Hondo on CR 4401, 1 1/4 miles south of CR 448. (29 22.43N - 099 08.17W)

NOTE: The following tombstone inscriptions were copied word for word, line for line. Tombstones identifying more than one grave are identified by a hyphen (1-2). Underlined information is relative to all graves or burials sharing a common tombstone. FS signifies footstone. A slash (/) indicates the end of a line. Information in italics (italics ) represents comments or observations made by the transcriber or are from other sources as noted.

Compiled by the Medina County Tombstone Inscription Project, Jim Menke, Coordinator, in cooperation with the Castro Colonies Heritage Association, Historical Research Committee. (2004)

No.	Name	Inscription/Remarks
1	_____, __	Cast concrete headstone, illegible.
2	_____, __	Cast concrete headstone, illegible.
3	JOHNSON, H	To memory of / Helena Johnson / Born in Ala. 1836 / Died 1889 / Aged 53 years.
4-5	PIERCE, F PIERCE, M	Pierce / Frank / MAR. 4, 1853 / APR. 9, 1933 MARY / APR. 27, 1869 / JUNE 5, 1937
6-9	PIERCE, R PIERCE, J PIERCE, M PIERCE, L	INFANTS/ Robert Homer Pierce / Joseph Pierce / Maude Ester Pierce Lillie Pierce
10-11	PIERCE, I WESSIE, ___	Pierce / Isaac L. / MAY 3, 1893 / JULY 15, 1951 WESSIE / NOV 4, 1894 / MAR 19, 1974
12	______, __	Homemade cast concrete headstone, illegible
13	______, __	Homemade cast concrete headstone, illegible
14	______, __	Limestone rock; no visible inscription
15	______, __	Limestone rock; no visible inscription
16-17	GRANT, S GRANT, A	GRANT/ Mother / SARAH A / Died / Feb. 28, 1936 / Aged 87 years Father / Austin / Died / Apr. 15, 1947 / Aged 105 years. / IN LOVING MEMORY
18	KNOWLES, L	Louella Grant / Knowles / Feb. 22, 1898 / Nov. 14, 1956
19	KNOWLES, L	Lonnie Austin Knowles / PVT US ARMY / WORLD WAR I / MAR. 13, 1893 - JUN. 25, 1977 Military headstone
20	DRAKE, J	James / Robert / Drake / TEXAS / S2 / USNR / WORLD WAR II / DECEMBER 25, 1917 / MAY 26, 1952 Military headstone
21-22	DRAKE, I DRAKE, P	DRAKE / ISAAC LEE / JULY 11, 1877 / MAR. 5, 1943 DRAKE / PEARLIE C. / DEC. 9, 1891 / MAR. 5, 1974
23	DRAKE, R	Roy J. Drake / MAY 1, 1923 / NOV. 3, 1987
24	BATTEAU, I	Loving Mother / IMA JEWEL BATTEAU / "JUDY" / DEC. 11, 1931 / NOV. 10, 1996 / IN LOVING MEMORY
25	_______, __	Limestone rock. Illegible inscription. Temporary metal marker; no legible inscription. At base of cedar tree.
26	_______, __	Cast cement obelisk. No visible inscription.
27	ROBERTS, E	ELMO / ROBERTS / TEXAS / Cook 6th Engrs. / 3 DIV / OCTOBER 19, 1931. Military headstone
28	WHITE, W	W M WHITE Methodist Medallion - United Methodist minister. Cast concrete headstone.
29	________, ____	Temporary metal marker; illegible.
30	HOLDEN, J	J. H. HOLDEN Methodist Medallion - United Methodist minister. Cast concrete headstone.
31	MCCOY, N	NANCY HOLDEN MCCOY / OUR NANCY Granite headstone.
32	HOLDEN, A	ADOLPHUS HOLDEN / TEXAS / 808 PIONEER INF / WORLD WAR I / January 11, 1891 / February 23, 1951. Methodist Medallion. White marble military headstone.
33-34	GRANT, A GRANT, M	GRANT / ALEX N. SR. / AUG. 21, 1893 / NOV. 23, 1985 Military marker. FS - ALEX N. GRANT / PVT. US ARMY / WORLD WAR I /1890 - 1985 MAYBELL / MAR. 9, 1900 / NOV. 22, 1989 / MARRIED AUG. 19, 1921
35	GRANT, R	ROSA LEE GRANT / SHANNON / SEPT. 27, 1891 / JAN. 1, 1990
36-37	GRANT, W GRANT, C	GRANT / WILLIAM / DEC. 4, 1875 / JUNE 30, 1966 CORA S / APRIL 28, 1884 / NOV. 23, 1978 / MARRIED MAY 2, 1902
38	WASHINGTON, M	MARY / WASHINGTON / SEPT 8 / 1880 / AUG 14, / 1968 / THY WILL BE DONE
39	REAVES, H	Headstone illegible. Temporary metal marker reads: HATTIE LEE / REAVES / 1894 - 1964
40	REAVES, M	MORRIS / REAVES / TEXAS / PVT / CML WARFARE SV / WORLD WAR II / MAY 6, 1924 / JUNE 16, 1945 Military headstone
41	REAVES, P	AT REST / PEARL M REAVES / AUG. 28, 1900 / MAY 26, 1992
42	REEVES, W	Headstone illegible. Temporary metal marker reads: WILLIE REEVES SR 1880 - 1949
43	REEVES, R	Tombstone illegible. Temporary metal marker reads: REBECCA REEVES / DEC. 5, 1929. Grave enclosed in ornamental iron fence
44	BLACKSHEAR, A	Temporary metal marker reads: Ann Blackshear / 1953 - 2000. Guinn Funeral Home
45	HOLDEN, A	A T HOLDEN / PVT US ARMY / WORLD WAR I / 1895 - 1981 Flat military granite marker
46	HOLDEN, E	MOTHER / ELLA M. / HOLDEN / NOV. 7, 1888 / JULY 4, 1983
47	FORD, N	NOVELLA J. / FORD / Oct. 10, 1907 / Oct. 30, 1986
48-49	HOLDEN, A HOLDEN, J	HOLDEN / REV. AARON C. / 1890 - 1967 Methodist Medallion JOSEPHINE / 1889 - 1982 / THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD
50-51	HOLDEN, F HOLDEN, N	FRANK HOLDEN / US ARMY / WORLD WAR I / JAN 6, 1897 JAN 19, 1990 Temporary metal marker reads: FRANK HOLDEN / 1897 - 1990 NORA F. / 1903 1989
52-53	FORD, G FORD, F	FORD / GEORGE W. / AUG. 18, 1867 / FEB. 12, 1961 FLORA / FEB. 12, 1880 / JUNE 3, 1953 Large double granite headstone with granite vase in arch.
54	WATSON, L	LENORA FORD / WATSON / JULY 12, 1893 / AUG. 19, 1951 Granite headstone with carved dove.
55	FORD, L	LEVIS / FORD / SEPT 25, 1900 / AUG. 3, 1973 Granite headstone with carved dove.
56	SUTHERLAND, W	WALTER SUTHERLAND / TEXAS / PVT. G CO 165 DEPOT BRIG / WORLD WAR I / JAN 30, 1894 JAN 27, 1965 Military marker
57	SUTHERLAND, E	ENOLA SUTHERLAND / JULY 30, 1896 / DEC. 21, 1990 / IN LOVING MEMORY
58	_______, __	Rock marker with no markings. Large tree in front and yucca.
59	ELAM, J	Rock marker with no markings. Temporary metal marker that reads: JOSEPHINE ELAM / JAN. 8, 1908 / AUG. 31, 1972
60-61	JOHNSON, J JOHNSON, E	JOHNSON / JOSEPH C / 1905 - 1976 ESSIE M / 1913 - _____ / TOGETHER FOREVER Flower design on headstone.
62	KNOWLES, J	JILES KNOWLES / PVT US ARMY / WORLD WAR I / 1894 1984. Military marker with Christian cross above name.
63	KNOWLES, R	REDMON KNOWLES / APR. 17, 1891 / FEB. 9, 1983 / IN LOVING MEMORY Flower design in each corner of headstone.
64	KNOWLES, M	MOTHER / MARY KNOWLES / 1863 - 1955
65	HARTMAN, J	AT REST Temporary metal marker reads: JOHN HARTMAN / 1888 - 1956. Small headstone behind large headstone; FS - ASLEEP
66	________, ___	Temporary metal marker; not legible.
67	FULLER, S	STERLING FULLER / BORN AUG. 12, 1877 / DIED JAN. 31, 1941 Headstone flat on ground.
68	________, ___	Broken headstone, top part laying on ground. Bottom part still in ground. No visible inscription.
69	FULLER, __	Temporary metal marker with name FULLER.
70	LIGON, L	Cast concrete headstone with words painted or black marker: LENM (?M) Ligon / 2-1-29. Temporary metal marker with no legible inscription.
71	FULLER, G	GEORGE / FULLER / TEXAS / STM3 / US NAVY / WORLD WAR II / MAY 21, 1926 / SEPTEMBER 28, 1946 Military marker, Christian cross at top.
72	GRANT, N	NETTIE VIOLA / GRANT / 1892 - 1965 Temporary metal marker.
73	GRANT, O	OSBURNE LEE / GRANT / 1925 1981 Temporary metal marker
74	GRANT, C	CLIFTON GRANT / TEXAS / TEC5 3905 QM TRUCK CO / WORLD WAR II / AUG 18, 1923 MARCH 18, 1956 Military marker
75	MONROE, L	LESSIE GRANT / MONROE / 1914 1955 Temporary metal marker
76	GRANT, R	ROBERT GRANT Temporary metal marker
77	LIGON, F	FRANKIE MAE LIGON / JAN. 2, 1907 - JAN 3, 1958 Center of headstone has carved praying hands. Large white rocks on top of grave.
78	FULLMORE, C	CARRIE FULLMORE / NOV. 1, 1902 / Dec. 7, 1968 / IN LOVING MEMORY. Flower vase to right of headstone.
79	HUFF, L	LOTTIE BELL HUFF / FEB. 2, 1905 / OCT. 15, 1986
80	LIGON, R	RUFUS LIGON / MAY 6, 1903 / SEPT. 24, 1992
81-83	LIGON, L LIGON, W LIGON, E	LIGON / LORENE / Oct. 26, 1934 / May 24, 1986 WILMER JACK / SEPT. 9, 1906 / JAN. 1, 1991 EVELYN / SEPT. 27, 1915 / DEC. 25, 1965
84	THOMPSON, J	JESSE N. / THOMPSON / NOV. 27, 1908 / JUNE 4, 1979 / IN GOD'S CARE
85	KNOWLES, C	CLARA B. ROBERTS / KNOWLES / 1900 1985 Temporary metal marker
86	MITCHELL, E	ELIZA MITCHELL / NOV. 30, 1903 / JULY 4, 1966 / REST IN PEACE Concrete curbing around grave. Standing granite headstone with bottom broken. Flower on corners.
87	KNOWLES, P	PATSY GALE KNOWLES / 1956 - 1956 Temporary metal marker.
88	SPEARS, G	GERALDINE / KNOWLES SPEARS / 1937 1957 Temporary metal marker.
89	KNOWLES, G	GARY LEON KNOWLES / PVT US ARMY / 1947 1980 Bronze military marker. Christian cross at top. Grave outlined with glazed slanted white bricks.
90	KNOWLES, A	AUDREY J. KNOWLES / DEC. 11, 1949 - AUG. 3, 1988 Cast cement cross, red on base. LOVE / AUDREY JEAN KNOWLES. On base LOVE - FOR - EVER. On foot - red cement rectangle with inscription: AUDREY J. KNOWLES / DEC. 11, 1949 - AUG 3, 1988. Temporary metal marker AUDREY JEAN / KNOWLES / 1949 1988
91	_______, __	Temporary metal marker. No legible inscription.
92	KNOWLES, G	BELOVED / MR. DAD / GRANVIL / KNOWLES / 1928 - 1993 Grave outlines with glazed slanted white bricks. White cast concrete cross approximately 2 feet high with square base separate from cross. Temporary
93	KNOWLES, G	GLADYS L. / KNOWLES / 1970 1999 Temporary metal marker
94	TAYLOR, M	MARY ELIZABETH TAYLOR / 1962 1964 Temporary metal marker
95	TAYLOR, J	JOHNNY M TAYLOR / 1940 1966 Temporary metal marker
96	BIRDLE, J	JOSEPHINE / BIRDLE / 1904 1978 Temporary metal marker
97	BIRDLE, A	ALFRED / BIRDLE / 1901 1966 Temporary metal marker
98	OWENS, M	MAMIE SUE / OWENS / 1902 1980 Temporary metal marker
99	HENDERSON, R	RAMONA / HENDERSON / 1928 1989 Temporary metal marker
100	GRANT, A	ANDREW A GRANT / TEXAS / CPL ARMY AIR FORCE / WORLD WAR II / WAR II / JAN. 21, 1918 OCT 22, 1967 Military marker with Christian cross near top.
101	GRANT, B	BERNICE GRANT / 1924 1990 Temporary metal marker
102	GRANT, M	MILLARD EARL GRANT / TEXAS / PVT US ARMY / VIETNAM / JULY 22, 1944 DEC 31, 1971 Military marker with Christian cross at top.
103	ROBERTS, H	HERBERT H / ROBERTS / 1896 1963 Temporary metal marker
104	_______, ___	No marker, artificial flowers in ground, not faded.
105	HARRIS, E	EUNICE K. HARRIS / JAN. 10, 1913 / JULY 11, 2001 Flat granite headstone in the form of open book with flowers center bottom.
106	KNOWLES, G	MOTHER / GRACE L. / KNOWLES / MAR. 9, 1893 / MAR. 27, 1972 / "REMEMBER ME" / IN LOVING MEMORY
107	THOMAS, J	JAMES G. THOMAS / TEXAS / PVT US ARMY / WORLD WAR I / JUNE 19, 1896 JAN 22, 1966 Military marker with Christian cross near top.
108	STOKES, A	ANDRA E / STOKES / 1943 1995 Temporary metal marker
109	GRANE, C	CARL C GRANE / US NAVY / JUL 30 1955 NOV 2, 1989 Flat military marker with Christian cross near top. Temporary metal marker reads: CARL C GRANE / 1955 1989
110	GRANT, L	LAWRENCE "IKE" GRANT / NOV. 27, 1900 / JULY 30, 1985 Flat granite marker
111	GRANT, U	ULYSSES GRANT / SEPT. 4, 1906 / FEB. 8, 1953 Flat granite marker
112	______, __	Standing stone; no legible inscription
113-114	TAYLOR, F TAYLOR, W	TAYLOR / FLORENCE EVELYN / 1899 - 1983 WILLIAM M. / 1898 - 1972
115	HICKS, E	ELMA GRAND HICKS / JAN. 15, 1880 / MAR. 13, 1954
116	BRADLEY, M	MARTIN BRADLEY JR. / JAN. 6, 1888 / NOV. 12, 1954
117	ACKINS, R	Limestone marker - no legible writing. Temporary metal marker states: Ackins Rolliebr / 1902 - 1959. Horger Funeral Home
118	SORREL, G	GATHUE SORREL / BORN 7-2-1905 / DIED 9-10-1980
119	SORRELL, S	SHADRICK SORRELL / BORN MAR. 16, 1903 / DIED APRIL 29, 1965
120	SORRELL, T	TRAVIS SORRELL / 1938 - 1997 Temporary metal marker. Guinn Funeral Home
121	SORRELL, G	GLORIA B. SORRELL / BORN OCT. 16, 1916 / DIED JAN. 24, ____ Temporary metal marker.
*** * * * * * * * * ***
According to the Guinn Funeral Home records, the following persons were buried at the Cottonwood Cemetery, but their graves are unmarked.
	ANDERSON, J	Jesse James Died: 24 Mar 1946; Age 64
	ANDERSON, S	Sarah Died: 5 Apr 1969; Age 67
	BENNEIT, A	Art Died: 1930; Age 81
	BENNEIT, C	Canzady Died: 19 Dec 1918
	BENNEIT, J	Jane Died: 1886
	BENNEIT, W	William Died: 28 Dec 1935; Age 41
	BRACKINS, M	Monroe Died: 7 Dec 1942; Age 90
	BRACKINS, R	Rollie Died: 28 May 1959; Age 57
	BRADLEY, M	Martin Died: 31 Jan 1921
	CLAY, N	Narcise Died: 2 July 1916; Age 76
	CLOYD, J	Jim Died: 13 Sept 1930; Age 53
	DRAKE, E	Ella J. Died: 27 Mar 1914
	ELAM, G	George Died: 19 June 1942; Age 62
	ELAM, J	Joe Died: 18 Apr 1933; Age 45
	ELAM, J	Josephine Christine Died: 31 Aug 1972; Age 64
	FIELDS, R	Robert Died: 26 Sept 1929; Age 57
	FLEMING, A	Almeda Died: 29 Apr 1969; Age 65
	FLEMING, F	Fred Died: Jan 1973
	FORD, D	Daisy Marie Died: 16 July 1938; Age 7
	FRANKLIN, C	Coleman Died: 29 Apr 1974; Age 86
	FULLER, A	Annie Died 5 Sept 1921
	FULLER, A	Annie E. Died: 12 Mar 1908
	FULLER, D	Daniel Edward Died: 25 July 1952; Age 70
	FULLER, F	Fred L. Died: 5 Apr 1925
	FULLER, H	Helen Died: 13 July 1978; Age 73
	FULLER, S	Sallie Ann Died: 18 July 1941; Age 62
	FULLER, W	Wm. W. Died: 21 May 1926
	FULLMORE, E	Ernest W. Died: 29 Apr 1951; Age 70
	FULLMORE, F	Fred B. Died: Jan 1973
	GARRETT, A	Annie Died: 1886; Age 8
	GARRETT, H	Henry Died: 1938; Age 67
	GARRETT, H	Hugh Died: 17 Nov 1953; Age 40
	GARRETT, I	Ida Died: 1922; Age 24
	GARRETT, N	Nancy Died: 1917; Age 47
	GILMORE, H	Hattie Died: 1 Sept 1949; Age 66
	GRANT, E	Edna Died: 1 June 1938; Age 49
	GRANT, G	Granville Died: 2 Jan 1924
	GRANT, L	Lilly Died: 30 May 1916
	GRANT, M	Millard Earl Died: 31 Dec 1971; Age 27
	GRANT, M	Milton Chester Died: 14 Aug 1922
	GRANT, O	Oliver Died: 1918
	GRANT, S	Sophronia Died: 25 Apr 1929; Age 70
	HARDEMAN, J	Jim Died: 6 Dec 1948; Age 68
	HARDEMAN, J	John Died: 27 Jan 1950; Age 75
	HARRIS, J	Jim Died: 20 Aug 1927; Age 43
	HENDERSON, R	Ramona Died: 8 Sept 1989; Age 61
	HODGE, T	Titus B. Died: 11 Nov 1922
	HOLDEN, J	Janelta Died: 2 July 1939; Age 80
	HOLDEN, R	Rachel Darilla Died: 12 Sept 1921
	HOLDEN, R	Robert Died: 5 Feb 1959; Age 58
	JOHNSON, J	Joseph Died: 27 Oct 1907
	JOHNSON, S	Sarah Coleman Died: 23 Nov 1914
	KNOWLES, G	Gary Leon Died: 26 Dec 1980; Age 33
	KNOWLES, H	Howard Died: 26 Dec 1991
	KNOWLES, W	Willie H. Died: 9 May 1981; Age 91
	LA BRUCE, C	Cicily Died: 18 Jan 1909
	LIGON, B	Baby boy Died: 12 Sept 1946: Age 0
	LIGON, L	Lena Died: 1929
	LIGON, R	Rufus Died: 24 Sept 1902; Age 81
	MASON, C	Cora Died: 25 Feb 1975; Age 80
	MATHEWS, E	Ed. Died: 15 Aug 1947; Age 69
	MCCOY, J	Joe Ralph Died: 10 Aug 1957; Age 77
	MINES	Died: 11 Oct 1953; Age 0
	MONTGOMERY, P	Priscilla Died: 21 Mar 1922
	NATHANIEL, B	Ben Died: 15 Aug 1947; Age 72
	PIERCE, W	Wessie Died: 19 Mar 1974; Age 76
	PORTER, J	James Died: 3 Dec 1905
	ROBINSON, J	Jack Died: 1925; Age 77
	SHANNON, R	Rosa Lee Died: 2 Jan 1990; Age 98
	SHULER, L	Leonara Died: 8 July 1945; Age 62
	SHULER, T	Taylor Died: 5 Dec 1947: Age 65
	SORRELL, L	Lloyd Died: 30 Sept 1972; Age 77
	SORRELL, N	Nathlie Died: 10 Sept 1980: Age 80
	SORRELL, R	Ruby Died: 24 Feb. 1968: Age 55
	SORRELL, W	Will Died 25 July 1940; Age 69
	SPENCER, N	Nezzie Died: 23 Jan 1949; Age 65
	STEWART, B	Betsy Died: 11 July 1911; Age 85
	TAYLOR, C	Cornelia Died: 29 Oct 1918
	TAYLOR, I	Inez Spencer Died: 26 July 1931; Age 21
	TAYLOR, L	Louis Died: 30 Dec 1905
	THOMAS, A	Aurelia Died: 1978
	THOMAS, E	Ellen Pierce Died: 1 Mar 1940; Age 84
	THOMAS, E	Evan Died: 5 Jan 1951; Age 62
	THOMAS, G	Gatewood Died: 17 Mar 1936; Age 43
	THOMAS, O	Obedience Died: 7 Feb 1958; Age 64
	THOMAS, W	William "Billie" Jr. Died: 3 June 1946; Age 68
	THOMAS, W	William Sr. Died: 26 June 1939; Age 89
	THOMPSON, J	Jesse N. Died: 6 Jan 1979; Age 70
	TOWNSEND, M	Maggie Died: 20 Aug 1930; Age 43
	WADE, R	Robert James Died: 7 Aug 1952; Age 6
	WHITE, S	Silvia Died: 1 Mar 1918
	WILLIAMS, A	Amy Died: 20 Dec 1925; Age 46
	WILLIAMS, C	Charles L. Died: 10 Feb 1921
	WILLIAMS, G	George Died: 23 June 1941; Age 70

TXGenWeb, Medina County - Cottonwood Community Cemetery (MCTIP) updated on 09/05/2008