Bourland Cemetery — View all Interments

According to an article published in the Honey Grove Signal-Citizen (16 Jan 1987), this cemetery was named for James G. Bourland a colorful Texas Pioneer who's father, Benjamin Bourland appears to have been the first person buried here. Since James died and was buried in Orleana Cemetery in Cooke County, Texas it seem more likely the cemetery was named for his father.

History of Bourland Cemetery

The Ladonia News
16 Jan 1987

The sign at Bourland Cemetery and the giant oaks located there cast shadows on the ground where many pioneers of the area were interred years ago. Benjamin Bourland who was born in Wilkes County, North Carolina in 1779 is believed to be the first of many who were laid to rest in this cemetery which is located south of North Sulphur River. He died in 1851.

Monuments among the oak trees provide a staid scene at Bourland Cemetery. Though impressive when erected, the large standing monuments which were once a status symbol for the departed, have proven impractical as with the passing of time they become tumbled.

Our area is dotted with old cemeteries. One is the Bourland Cemetery located off Hwy. 904 about 3/4 mile north of Hwy. 64, northeast of Ladonia. On a recent visit there I noticed several huge piles of brush and I know a lot of hard work had been done there. This is a very old, old cemetery. So many markers are illegible. Because of records through the names of those interred there are available today, Mr Johnny Avery supplied us with some history of Bourland Cemetery and it follows:

This cemetery was named after Colonel James Bourland who was born in South Carolina in 1801 and came to Texas in 1839. He was the son of Benjamin Bourland who was buried on the North Sulphur River south of Honey Grove, and north of Ladonia. The Bourland family had many encounters with the Indians on this farm. It was one of these battles that John B. Denton was killed. James Bourland was the first man to pick Denton up. Denton County is named for him.

Colonel Bourland served in the war with Mexico. After returning home, he was elected to the State Senate. After an ordinance of secession was passed by the state in 1861, Bourland organized a regiment for border purposes placing his men up and down the Red River for home protection. He had some skirmishes with the Indians.

Early day interments:

Fronzie Allen, born 1892, died 1895; daughter of T. M. and L. M. Allen; L. M. Allen born 1854, died 1910, wife of T. M. Allen; Nancy Alice Biship, born 1879, died 1908, wife of J. E. Biship; Duron B. Bourland, born 1836, died 1856; Benjamin Bourland, born 1779, died 1851, born in Wilkes Co., N.C.; Murry Brooks, born 1901, died 1902, son of L. J. and Mary Brooks; Minnie Cantrell, born and died in 1907, daughter of Z. E. and M. A. Cantrell; Jessie Cummings born 1852, died 1937; James Cummings, born 1847, died 1915; George W. Daniel, born 1858, died 1899; Benjamin Benton Davis, born 1817, died 1864; Minerva Adaline Davis, born 1827, died 1879; Charles B. Davis, born 1861, died 1881; B. B. Davis, died 1882 (age 18 years), Orab Fry, born 1872; died 1873; daughter of H. H. and M. A. Fry, George W. Fry, born 1836, died 1951; Mary E. Fry, born 1838, died 1905; A. K. Fry, born 1804, died 1901; Abraham K. Fry, born 1797, died 1860; Hannah Emaline Bourland Fuller, born 1831, died 1870, wife of Joel C. Fuller; Edwin R. Gore, born 1872, died 1951; Elizabeth Gore born 1840, died 1914; James Gore born 1831, died 1909; Nancy J. Hudson, born 1855, died 1865; Elijah McCrary, born 1783, died 1863; (Child) Merrick, died 1852, daughter of W. and M. Merrick; J. Mitchell, born 1842, died 1876, wife of A. Mitchell; Rodie Patterson, born 1888, died 1909, wife of A. L. Patterson; Rodie (?) Scott, born 1888, died 1909, wife of A. L. (?); Coral Smith, born and died 1912, son of C. B. and L. B. Smith; and James W. Stewart, born 1876, died 1937.

With this much history it is possible that a Historical Marker could be placed at this cemetery. If enough interested people could get together, elect a chairman, an application could be made to the Texas Historical Commission for such a marker.