Legacies: A History Journal for Dallas and North Central Texas, Volume 8, Number 2, Fall, 1996 Page: 28

                                
Cemeteries in Dallas County:
Known and Unknown
By Frances James

CEMETERIES ARE OFTEN THE ONLY hint we have
of who or what was in a particular region. There
are more than 200 known burial grounds in Dallas
County, and new ones are frequently discovered.
Many are large, well maintained cemeteries, including
a few with chapels available for services. Some
sites are maintained by families and friends, with
perhaps a board of trustees. And last, some cemeteries
are nearly obscured by vines and tall weeds. But all
have stories to tell about the people who settled and
helped to develop Dallas County.

The early pioneers probably buried their deceased
family members on the farm. Because the
practice of embalming was not used, the bodies needed
to be buried within twenty-four hours, and a convenient
burial site was essential. But, when possible,
families often selected an attractive setting, one the
survivors could visit and tend with pride. The first

Photo: An angel graces the Cabell family plot at
Greenwood Cemetery. This family produced three
mayors of Dallas.

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