Established in 1825, Morton Cemetery is the final resting place of more than 2,800 individuals.
By Joan Frances | Photos from the Fort Bend County Museum –
Complete with intrigue and mystery, the fascination with century old cemeteries has a devoted following. Hand-carved tombstones, blackened with age, told and untold stories of birth and death entice the observer to question the purpose of life. When night falls, the eeriness creeps in, shadows follow and the cemetery comes alive. Death is a part of our history, but it is in life that history is made.
When the first settlers came to the Fort Bend area with their families, they were met with many challenges. Indians, wild animals, weather, rough terrain and the need for shelter were only a few of the dangers of this new world. Survival of the fittest became reality, and many deaths occurred. Persistence and drive continued to fuel these ambitious people, towns were built and commerce began to improve living conditions. Names synonymous with courage and leadership emerged such as Stephen F. Austin and his original 300 colonists, who set the pace for prosperity by organizing and orchestrating buildings that would safeguard the people.
In November 1821, the first fort was built at the bend of the Brazos River near Richmond by five men from Austin’s colony. This fort kept supplies and served as protection against Indian attack. Near the fort lived a man by the name of William Morton, who was considered the first actual settler in Fort Bend County. He owned a league (4,428 acres) and a labor (177 acres) of land with his family and started the first cemetery in the area.
In 1825, a critically injured man named Robert Gillespie arrived at the Morton home in need of care. Since he was a Mason, as was Morton, they attempted to save him, but he succumbed on November 7th. Gillespie was buried on the Morton property with a handmade brick tomb over his grave, the first known Masonic landmark in Texas. It survived the test of time, deteriorated and eventually was restored by the Masonic Lodge in 1936. This plot of land was the first of many significant grave sites where illustrious pioneers were laid to rest. William Morton disappeared during the flood of 1833. Unfortunately, his body was never recovered. Nancy, his widow, sold the land to Robert Handy and William Lusk, promoters of the town of Richmond. For the next forty years, the land was bought and sold by several individuals. In 1855, Michael DeChaumes purchased the property and renamed the land DeChaumes Cemetery.
From 1897 to 1943, the Morton Masonic Lodge owned and operated the plot known as Richmond Cemetery Association. Later re-named in honor of the original owner, Morton Cemetery continued to be the final resting place for respected leaders including the Moore family, Jane Long, considered the mother of Texas, Mirabeau B. Lamar, the first Vice President and second President of the Republic of Texas, as well as Walter Burton, a freed slave who was on the Texas Senate. Albert P. and Mamie E. George are also buried there among others.
Today, Morton Cemetery is located on 15+ acres of beautifully landscaped property and is the final resting place for over 2,800 individuals. Morton Cemetery Association maintains the cemetery with peaceful settings and inviting grounds. With so many people sacrificing so much to contribute to the growth of Fort Bend, it is fittingly respectful to take great care in preserving this historical landmark. Dreams that the colonists had that were fulfilled, a well-needed rest from a life well-lived.
“Cemeteries are full of unfulfilled dreams… countless echoes of ‘could have’ and ‘should have’… countless books unwritten… countless songs unsung… I want to live my life in such a way that when my body is laid to rest, it will be a well needed rest from a life well lived, a song well sung, a book well written, opportunities well explored, and a love well expressed.” – Steve Maraboli