In 1858, William and Nancy Palmer deeded five acres of land for a Methodist church and cemetery. The oldest tombstone in the graveyard, that of six-month-old Isaac Willingham, also dates from that year. In 1895, the church building was removed from the property, leaving additional acreage for the cemetery. At that time, the burial ground acquired the name Old Bethel. Over the years, it has served the residents of Bethel and surrounding communities and is the burial site of many of the early pioneers in the area. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836-1986
Bethel Cemetery, Old
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Bethel Cemetery, Old is a historical marker in Canton, Van Zandt County, dedicated in 1986. It is one of 84 historical markers documented in Van Zandt County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 169 historic sites cataloged across the county.
The site sits at 32.4415, -95.9281 near Canton. The nearest cataloged historic site is Old Bethel Cemetery (cemetery), about 0.1 miles away. Others within a short drive include Kennedy Family Cemetery, Phalba Cemetery, and Morris Cemetery.
This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5467011381. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.
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