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  • Hats Off | PioneersRestCemetery

    Join us November 20, 2025, at Ridglea Country Club to celebrate the 175th Anniversary of Pioneers Rest Cemetery! Dinner, entertainment, and historic charm await. Join us for the 175th Anniversary Celebration Join us for an unforgettable evening honoring the 175-year legacy of Pioneers Rest Cemetery — Fort Worth’s oldest public burial ground and a cornerstone of local history. Hats Off to Pioneers Rest Cemetery! Evening Highlights: Cocktail Reception: 6:00 PM —Cash Bar Dinner: 6:45 PM — A delicious meal with non-alcoholic beverages included. Master of Ceremonies and performer: Quentin McGown Dinner Theater Entertainment directed by Sharon Benge: 7:30 PM —Period music and theatrical performances celebrating Pioneer Rest Cemetery’s rich past. 💛 Sponsorship Opportunities Support the preservation and legacy of Fort Worth’s oldest cemetery by becoming a sponsor of our 175th Anniversary Celebration. Ticket and Sponsorship Information Individual Ticket (Dinner and Entertainment): $75 Friend of Pioneers Rest Cemetery (Donation only): $175 Bronze Sponsorship (Includes 2 Guest Tickets): $500+ Copper Sponsorship (Includes 4 Guest Tickets): $1,000+ Silver Sponsorship (Includes 1 Table of 8 Guests): $2,500+ Gold Sponsorship (Includes 2 Tables of 8 Guests – 16 Total): $5,000+ Diamond Sponsorship (Includes 3 Tables of 8 Guests – 24 Total): $10,000+ Seating is limited. All sponsorship levels include event admission. [Purchase Tickets Now] To remit, please use one of the following methods: Zelle: 817-332-8515 Venmo: @PioneersRestCemetery Mail a check to: Pioneers Rest Cemetery Association PO Box 100294 Fort Worth, TX 76185 PayPal (use any credit card): Donate with PayPal Thank You for Supporting Our Legacy Your support ensures the stories of our city's past continue to inspire future generations. Together, we can preserve Pioneers Rest Cemetery for years to come. JOIN US NOW!

  • Tucker Family | PioneersRestCemetery

    Father William Bonaparte “Bony” Tucker Sr. October 5, 1824 - April 8, 1900 William Bonaparte “Bony” Tucker was born in Kentucky on October 5, 1824. In 1848, William married Mahala Ann Myers. In 1850 they were living in Casey County, Kentucky. Bony Sr. was a farmer, a skill he learned from his father. By 1853, the same year the Army abandoned Fort Worth, the couple moved to Texas to settle in what became known as Jarvis Heights in historic Northside Fort Worth. Bony Sr. quickly established himself in the area. In 1854 he was one of the founders of the new Masonic Temple. In 1856, he shifted careers from farming to politics when he was elected County Sheriff¹ (he was just the third person to hold the position²). By 1858, he was elected District Clerk. Later he was elected County Judge, but unfortunately had to resign the position due to a legal technicality in 1867. This ended his political aspirations. At the age of 43, he switched careers again and focused his energy on real estate as he anticipated the railroad expansion coming to Fort Worth. He purchased large tracts of land, primarily in the south end of the city. In 1870, Bony Sr. also built a new homestead on the present day “Tucker Hill,” which was the first home to be built in what came to be known as the Historic Southside³ – thus he became known as the “Father of the Southside.”⁴ Today, the intersection of E. Tucker St. (named for him) and Main St. is near the location of his original home which was razed in 1907. In 1876, Bony Sr. was one of the influential people of Fort Worth that helped bring the railroad and streetcars to the city. Since his home sat high on a hill, he was able to watch the railroad construction from the porch of his home. Bony Sr. died on April 8, 1900 in Fort Worth, Texas. Bony Sr. is buried in Pioneers Rest Cemetery alongside his wife Mahala and 5 of their 6 children.⁵ Sons Rowan Hardin Tucker Sr. October 1, 1855 - June 6, 1920 William Bonaparte “Bony” Tucker Jr. September 5, 1861 - November 8, 1887 Rowan Hardin Tucker , the first son born to William and Mahala (née Myers) Tucker, was born on October 1, 1855 in Fort Worth, Texas. At the beginning of the American Civil War, the Tuckers had their second son on September 5, 1861, in Fort Worth, Texas named William Bonaparte “Bony” Tucker Jr. The boys grew up with four sisters – at first on the Historic Northside and later in the homestead built by their father located on “Tucker Hill” on the edge of the Historic Southside of Fort Worth. In 1878, Rowan followed his father’s footsteps and began a career in Law Enforcement as a Deputy Sheriff. By 1885, both Rowan and brother Bony Jr. held the title of Deputy Sheriff. In early 1886, both brothers acted as guards when railroad employees across Texas and many other states went on strike.⁶ The effect of the strike was felt all over town and the country and tensions were high. With the threat of vandalism and loitering on the tracks by railroad employees and sympathizers, the Sheriff ordered his deputy officers to block the strikers and to break up crowds. On April 3, 1886, both brothers took part in what would be known as Fort Worth’s “Battle of Buttermilk Junction” when striking union rail workers ambushed a heavily guarded train engine the railroad was trying to move.⁷ By the summer of 1887, Bony Jr. decided to take a job as a guard for the Northbound Sante Fe railroad. The first stop after leaving Fort Worth was Gainesville, Texas. It was at this stop that Bony Jr. began to befriend a local brothel owner named Hazel Creeland. As the months went on, their presence was noticed in Gainesville. Their companionship became on the radar of the local authorities. On November 8, 1887, a police officer shot Bony Jr. on the streets of Gainesville near the present-day courthouse after he refused to pay a fine for riding with a prostitute. Bony Jr.’s body was returned to Fort Worth. Since he was a Volunteer Fireman in Fort Worth, he was given a formal burial by his fellow fireman. He was only 26 years old at the time of his death. Unlike his brother, Rowan remained in Fort Worth. He left behind his career in law enforcement in 1888, just a year after the death of his brother and became a claim agent for the Fort Worth & Denver City Railroad. He held this position for the rest of his life. He also was elected to the City Council and represented the Fifth Ward on the Southside for four terms.⁸ He was a Mason and was a member of the Blue Lodge No. 148. On June 6, 1920, Rowan passed away at his home on “Tucker Hill” at the age of 65. He left behind his wife Louise (née Archer) Tucker along with two children.⁹ Rowan is buried in the Tucker family plot in Pioneers Rest alongside his parents, several siblings, a daughter named Ethel (who died young), and his wife, Louise. __________________________ [1] “Bony Tucker: History at the Top of the Hill (Wheeze).” Hometown by Handlebar, 16 Jul 2022; https://hometownbyhandlebar.com/?p=29355 : accessed 12 Nov 2024. [2] “Ol’Bony’s Boys: The Long and Short of It.” Hometown by Handlebar, 7 Oct 2021; https://hometownbyhandlebar.com/?p=36121 : accessed 12 Nov 2024. [3] Bony, 2022. [4] Ol’Bony’s, 2021. [5] Bony, 2022. [6] Ol’Bony’s, 2021. [7] “Buttermilk and Blood (Part 1): ‘I’ll Kill the First Man Who Touches This Engine’.” Hometown by Handlebar, 3 Apr 2022; https://hometownbyhandlebar.com/?p=6874 : accessed 12 Nov 2024. [8] Ol’Bony’s, 2021. [9] “Rowan Hardin Tucker.” Find a Grave, Memorial ID# 18921253, 13 Apr 2007; https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/18921253/rowan-hardin-tucker : accessed 12 Nov 2024. Block 3, Lot 73 [Explore the Map ]

  • AddRan Clark | PioneersRestCemetery

    AddRan Clark November 3, 1869 - November 6, 1872 AddRan Clark was born on November 3, 1869 in Fort Worth to Joseph Addison Jr. and Sarah Clark. He would be the first of eight children and also a second generation Texan. The Clark family were early pioneers to Fort Worth and his father, who went by Addison, had served as a 1st Lieutenant in the Texas Cavalry of the Confederate Army.¹ In addition to his military career, Addison was a lifelong teacher and preacher.² AddRan’s unique name is a combination of his father and grandfather’s middle name and his paternal uncle's name Randolph. The same year AddRan was born, the two brothers (Addison & Randolph) opened a children’s preparatory school where both boys and girls could be classically educated. This school opened under the name “The Male & Female Seminary of Fort Worth.”³ Their father Joseph supported their vision by purchasing a tract of land in present-day Downtown, near what was referred to as “Hell’s Half Acre.”⁴ Sadly, little AddRan died in late 1872 and by 1873 the streets of Fort Worth were changing. In time parents became reluctant to send children to Fort Worth for schooling. According to Randolph Clark, "in 1873, the little village became suddenly disturbed, really hysterically excited over the railroad and prospect of a city right at once. This made it not a desirable place to assemble young people for training.” Fort Worth at this time was also seen to be a raw land for trail drivers and headquarters for "the tough vagabond and the professional gambler." In the same year of 1873, the Clarks bought a two-story stone schoolhouse erected forty miles west of Fort Worth in Hood County in the community of Thorp Spring. With just 13 students, they opened the doors of AddRan Male and Female College, one of the first co-ed institutions west of the Mississippi.⁵ The school’s name was inspired by Addison’s deceased son. The school would change its name in 1889 to AddRan Christian University when the property was taken over by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ.) Both brothers remained active in the daily operations of the university. Around Christmas of 1895, with the expansion in enrollment, the university moved to Waco, Texas. In 1902, the university would go through their final name change and would forever be known as Texas Christian University (TCU).⁶ In 1910, a fire destroyed the TCU campus in Waco and the decision was made to move the university to Fort Worth. The city leaders of Fort Worth felt a college might help soften their reputation as a rowdy “cow town.”⁷ The AddRan College of Arts and Sciences (presently the AddRan College of Liberal Arts) would be created within the university, recognizing the early efforts of the Clark Brothers. A statue of the two brothers, both Addison and Randolph, stands today on the campus outside the building that bears the unique name of Addison’s son.⁸ Addison Clark is recognized as the first president of TCU, who served from 1873-1899.⁹ Although AddRan only lived to the age of 3, his influence cannot be ignored. He is the only member of his family to be buried at Pioneers Rest Cemetery. __________________________ [1] Hardeman, Lyman. The History of Texas Christian University. Texas Proud. 12 Dec 2020. https://texasproud.com/texas-christian-university-history/ ; Accessed 21 Aug 2023. [2] Hall, Colby. History of Texas Christian University. TCU Press, Fort Worth, TX. 2014, pg. 8. [3] Hardeman. 2020. [4] Hall. 2014, pg. 13. [5] “Our History Starts with a Family.” Texas Christian University. 2023. https://www.tcu.edu/about/mission-history.php ; Accessed 16 Aug 2023. [6] Hall. 2014, pgs. [xxvii], 14, 30-37. [7] “Our History Starts with a Family.” 2023. [8] “History & Vision.” AddRan College of Liberal Arts. Texas Christian University. 2023. https://addran.tcu.edu/about/history-vision.php ; Accessed 16 Aug 2023. [9] “Past Chancellors.” Texas Christian University. 2023. https://chancellor.tcu.edu/the-office/past-chancellors/ ; Accessed 16 Aug 2023. Block 3, Lot 43 [Explore the Map ]

  • GALLERY | PioneersRestCemetery

    Restoration Projects Through the Years at Pioneers Rest Cemetery Preserving history, honoring stories, and celebrating community through every project. Dec. 14, 2024

  • Anna Shelton | PioneersRestCemetery

    Anna Shelton August 20, 1861 - August 28, 1939 Anna Shelton was born August 20, 1861, just north of Fort Worth, to Dr. John Foster Shelton, Jr. and Martha Bronaugh Shelton. She was the youngest of 4 children born to the family. At the young age of 13, Anna’s mother died, leaving her father a widower. Anna attended several local schools in Fort Worth, but was sent to her mother’s alma mater, Bethel College in Kentucky, to attend finishing school.¹ Anna returned to Fort Worth to care for her widowed father in 1890, and moved in with her sister's family after her father's death the following year. After witnessing the divorce of her sister, Lizzie, Anna vowed she would never marry in order to avoid the financial and business ramifications she witnessed. The divorce also gave Anna a new found sense of confidence as she began to reject the traditional female roles of the time and “became civic-minded, informed and a ‘new woman.’” Anna began her professional career as a teacher and tutor of English at the Fort Worth University, a local Methodist Episcopal college. In 1902, Anna decided to leave teaching and studied French and Spanish literature in Paris and New York City for six months. Ultimately, she would return to Fort Worth and become one of the city’s first female realtors and real estate developers. Anna’s success did not stop there, as she was active in the development of many social welfare organizations, many of which focused on the advancement of women.² In 1923, she founded The Woman’s Club of Fort Worth³ and held the office of President until June 1939.⁴ With the success of the club, in 1926, an additional banquet and lecture hall was constructed at 1316 Pennsylvania Ave. The building was named the Anna Shelton Hall in her honor and is still in use to this day.⁵ In addition to the numerous organizations she was a member of, Anna was also a member of the Mary Isham Keith Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. On August 28, 1939, Anna passed away after a lengthy illness with arteriosclerosis, a vascular disease. Her funeral was held at The Woman’s Club in the hall that bore her name.⁶ She is buried in the Shelton family plot and now rests in eternity next to her parents and brother. She was never married and has no known children. __________________________ [1] Paddock, Buckley. Fort Worth and the Texas Northwest, 1922, Pgs. 583-584. [2] Sherrod, Katie. Grace & Gumption : Stories of Fort Worth Women. TCU Press. 2007, Pgs. 69-71. [3] “Funeral Held For Miss Anna Shelton.” Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Three Star ed., 31 Aug. 1939, p. 2. NewsBank: Access World News – Historical and Current , Accessed 13 Aug. 2023. [4] Naylor, Pauline (1939-05-28). "Miss Shelton's 16-Year Tenure as Woman's Club Head Was Period Marked by Record Expansion". Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Three Star ed., 28 May 1939, p. 34. NewsBank: Access World News – Historical and Current , Accessed 14 Aug. 2023. [5] “Anna Shelton Hall - Pennsylvania.” Historic Fort Worth. 2022. Retrieved 14 Aug 2023 ; https://historicfortworth.org/property/anna-shelton-hall-pennsylvania/ . [6] “Funeral Held For Miss Anna Shelton.” 1939. Block 3, Lot 64 [Explore the Map ]

  • Donate | PioneersRestCemetery

    Support the Preservation of Pioneers Rest Cemetery Preserving history is a community effort, and your contributions help us maintain the legacy of Fort Worth's oldest public cemetery. Together, we can honor the pioneers who shaped our city and ensure their stories live on. Preserve History Today! To donate, please use the following methods: Zelle: 817-332-8515 Venmo: @PioneersRestCemetery Mail a check to: Pioneers Rest Cemetery Association PO Box 100294 Fort Worth, TX 76185 PayPal: Donate with PayPal Why Donate? Your generous donation helps us: Maintain and restore historical gravesites and monuments. Offer educational programs and guided tours to share the rich history of Fort Worth. Host events like Fall Fest and Wreaths Across America to bring the community together. Provide necessary tools and supplies for monthly volunteer clean-ups. How You Can Help We offer several ways to contribute: One-Time Donations – Every dollar makes a difference. Monthly Giving – Become a Cemetery Sustainer and support us year-round. Memorial Gifts – Honor a loved one by preserving history in their name. Where Your Money Goes We are committed to transparency. Your donation will directly support: Grounds maintenance and landscaping. Gravestone restoration and preservation efforts. Public history events and educational programs. Thank You for Supporting Our Legacy Your support ensures the stories of our city's past continue to inspire future generations. Together, we can preserve Pioneers Rest Cemetery for years to come. DONATE NOW!

  • Robert Alvis Ryan | PioneersRestCemetery

    Robert Alvis “Bobby” Ryan September 17, 1883 - September 24, 1950 Robert Alvis Ryan was born September 7, 1883 to parents Capt. Alvis and Josephine H. Ryan . He was born in the first brick home built in Fort Worth. Robert received an education from the “old Fort Worth University”¹ , which was operational from 1881-1911.² The campus consisted of four buildings that spanned a 10 acre tract of land just south of Downtown.³ By 1915, the Fort Worth School District purchased the land and the buildings were later razed.⁴ Today, Trimble Technical High School sits on part of the land that belonged to the former university. By trade, Robert was an architect which he did until his retirement in 1940.⁵ However, in his youth Robert was also known to perform on the stage doing comedic Vaudeville acts under the stage name of Bobby Ryan. Robert’s first marriage was to Effie Kratz. Effie also had ties to Vaudeville performing. They would have one daughter together in 1920, but by the early 1930’s their marriage ended in divorce. In 1933, Robert would remarry to Alene Smith in Carter County, Oklahoma.⁶ They would remain married until his death on September 24, 1950. Robert is buried in Pioneer Rest Cemetery near the grave of his mother and several half-siblings. __________________________ [1] “Robert A. Ryan Funeral Will Be Held Tuesday.” Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Sept 1950, pg. 4. [2] "Historical Statement". Annual Catalog - Methodist University of Oklahoma. July 1, 1915. p. 13. https://books.google.com/books?id=li5HAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA13 ; Accessed 22 Aug 2023. [3] “Catalogue of Fort Worth University.” Keystone Printing Co, Fort Worth, Texas. Vol. 1905-1906, Pgs. [14]-15, https://archive.org/details/catalogueoffortw19fort_0/page/n15/mode/2up?view=theater ; Accessed 23 Aug 2023. [4] “Fort Worth University.” Lost Colleges, N.D. https://www.lostcolleges.com/fort-worth-university ; Accessed 23 Aug 2023. [5] “Robert A. Ryan Funeral Will Be Held Tuesday.” 1950. [6] “Marriage Record: R.A. Ryan.” Ancestry.com. Oklahoma, U.S., County Marriage Records, 1890-1995, Carter County, 1931-1943, Pg. 89 ; Accessed 22 Aug 2023. Block 4, Lot 85 [Explore the Map ]

  • George Washington Chapman | PioneersRestCemetery

    George Washington Chapman November 2, 1872 - April 7, 1934 George Washington Chapman was born to William and Sarah Chapman in Coffee County, TN. George was one of 7 children and shares the same name as his grandfather. By 1876, the family had moved to Texas.¹ In 1902, at the age of 30, George married Anabel Wilson in Fort Worth, TX. This is also the first year George is documented to have a connection to Fort Worth. George was a Peace Officer and also listed himself as a Detective and Special Agent. He once was the City Detective for Fort Worth.² By 1918, George stated that he was in fact missing his right eye³ , but this never appeared to hold him back from being successful in his career field. On April 7, 1934, George fell suddenly to the ground while shooting his gun at a local gun range. The cause of his death was related to heart disease. At the time of his death, he was a Special Officer working for the railroad.⁴ George is buried next to his wife Anabel. They had no documented children. __________________________ [1] 1880 United States Federal Census; Census Place: Precinct 3, Fannin, Texas; Roll: 1302; Page: 395D; Enumeration District: 025. Retrieved 12 Aug 2023 ; https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/6742/images/4244722-00799?pId=40434953 . [2] “Special Agent Off. W. & D. Dies.” Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Three Star ed., 9 Apr. 1934, p. 4. NewsBank: Access World News – Historical and Current, Accessed 12 Aug. 2023. [3] U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005. Retrieved 12 Aug 2023 ; https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/6482/images/005152959_03520?pId=15634115 . [4] “Special Agent Off. W. & D. Dies.” , 9 Apr. 1934. Block 3, Lot 14 [Explore the Map ]

  • EVENTS | PioneersRestCemetery

    Keeping History Alive: 2026 Volunteer Workdays & Events Join Us to Preserve Pioneers Rest! We invite you to join our monthly cleanup events at Pioneers Rest Cemetery, where volunteers help keep this historic resting place beautiful and well-maintained. Each month, we tackle tasks like weeding, mulching, picking up trash, trimming trees, managing overgrown vegetation, and cleaning headstones. We also treat fire ant beds to ensure a safer environment for all visitors. 📍 Location: 620 Samuels Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76102 📅 Upcoming Workdays & Events (In case of inclement weather, events may be canceled or rescheduled. Check Facebook, your email, or call 817-332-8515 for updates.) Saturday, January 24 – Volunteer Workday (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM) Saturday, February 28 – Volunteer Workday (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM) Saturday, March 28 - Volunteer Workday (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) Saturday, April 25 – Volunteer Workday (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM) Saturday, May 16 – Volunteer Workday (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM) Saturday, June 27 – Volunteer Workday (7:00 AM – 11:00 AM) Saturday, July 25 – Volunteer Workday (7:00 AM – 11:00 AM) Saturday, August 22 - Volunteer Workday (7:00 AM – 11:00 AM) Saturday, September 19 – Volunteer Workday (7:00 AM – 11:00 AM) Saturday, October 17– Volunteer Workday (8:00 AM – 12:00 PM) Saturday, November 14 – Volunteer Workday (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM) 🔨 What to Bring & How to Help Please bring work gloves, scoop shovels, rakes, spades, and, if desired, equipment for tree and shrub trimming. Volunteers are needed to rake leaves, trim trees and shrubs, transplant irises, pick up trash and fallen limbs, and help with general cemetery upkeep. Complimentary granola bars and water will be provided, but we encourage you to bring your own tools, sunscreen, and insect repellent. ☎️ Want to help at our next event? or have Questions? Contact Melanie at 682-225-6921. ⚠️ Important Notice: Each individual who enters the grounds of Pioneers Rest Cemetery does so at his or her own risk. The cemetery association is not responsible for injury or accidents. Your time and effort help keep this historic cemetery beautiful and well-maintained. Thank you for being part of our preservation efforts!

  • John T. Wilkes | PioneersRestCemetery

    John T. Wilkes 1848 - May 30, 1894 John T. Wilkes was born in Florida in 1848, just a few short years after Florda was given statehood. In his youth, John lived in south Texas and eventually moved to Fort Worth in 1875.¹ John served with the volunteer Fort Worth Fire Department with his brother, Richard “Dick” Wilkes. Both John and his brother served as Chief of the department.² John was elected to the rank of Chief in 1886 and served two terms. He was an active fireman for nearly 20 years in Fort Worth. In addition to his fireman career, John was also a business owner. He ran a livery, a stable for horses and carriages, named Wilkes & Gauze .³ He ran the business with his lifelong friend, George L. Gauze.⁴ John was a charter member of the Knights of Pythias - Queen City Lodge in Downtown Fort Worth. This lodge, located at the corner of Main and 3rd St., was built in 1881. The building featured a distinctive Knight in a suit of armor on the outside of the building. A replacement lodge was built on the same location in 1901 with the Knight feature remaining. The building stands today at 315 Main St. and the Knight can be seen at the top of the building, still standing guard.⁵ On May 30, 1894, John unexpectedly died after complications with a stroke. John was given a hero’s sendoff as he was buried in his official Knights of Pythias uniform. He was also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His funeral featured a horse drawn procession to the cemetery with a band playing along the way even though the weather that day was described as “bad.” People lined up on the sidewalks along the procession route, paying their respects to a well beloved man.⁶ John is buried in an unmarked grave next to his brother Richard. John never married and has no known children. In 2024, Fort Worth Professional Firefighters Association purchased and dedicated the current headstone at this grave. The grave went unmarked for 130 years. __________________________ [1] “John T. Wilkes Dead.” Fort Worth Gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.), Vol. 18, No. 189, Ed. 1, Thursday, May 31, 1894 - Page_ 6 of 8. Retrieved 13 Aug 2023 ; https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth109849/ [2] “Burial of Richard Wilkes.” Fort Worth Daily Gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.), Vol. 12, No. 262, Ed. 1, Tuesday, April 19, 1887 Page: 8 of 8. https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth85411 . [3] “John T. Wilkes Dead.” 1894. [4] “Funeral of John Wilkes.” Fort Worth Gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.), Vol. 18, No. 190, Ed. 1, Friday, June 1, 1894 Page: 6 of 8. Retrieved 13 Aug 2023 ; https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth109850/m1/6/ . [5] “Opening Knight: Pythian Cornerstone Is Laid.” Hometown By Handlebar, 5 Dec 2018. Retrieved 13 Aug 2023 ; https://hometownbyhandlebar.com/?p=4145 . [6] “Funeral of John Wilkes.” 1894. Block 4, Lot 42 [Explore the Map ]

  • Etta Price Newby | PioneersRestCemetery

    Etta O. (Price) Newby May 28, 1862 - June 23, 1936 Etta O. (Price) Newby was born during the Civil War on May 28, 1862 to William and Macklin Price in Enterprise, Mississippi. She was the youngest of 3 children, all of which were girls. The family moved to Fort Worth in 1874.¹ Just a few years after coming to the city, Etta’s father died leaving her fatherless at the age of 15.² The family remained an active part of Fort Worth society and on December 14, 1882 she married William G. Newby. Her new husband was a banker and would evidently become the president of American National Bank in Fort Worth. William was very philanthropic toward the community and was a member of the Masonic lodge and the Knights of Pythias. Toward the end of his life, William became chronically ill and was in poor health for a lengthy period of time. On April 29, 1916, William committed suicide in their home at 1801 W. Magnolia (present day site of All Saints Hospital.) Etta now found herself a widow and longed to continue the philanthropic efforts of her late husband. She actively searched for a way to memorialize the life of her husband and did so through The Woman’s Club of Fort Worth. In 1923, she bought the former home of Heinrich Frerichs located at 1613 Pennsylvania Ave. The home had sat empty since 1914 when the Frerichs family fled back to Germany after Heinrich was found to be the head of German intelligence in the Southwest. In 1917, the U.S. Government confiscated the residence to help house army personnel during World War I. Mrs. Newby was able to purchase the home from the government and deeded the property to The Woman’s Club.³ The residence for the club was named the “William G. Newby Memorial Building” and still stands today. It became a Texas Historic Landmark in 1967.⁴ In addition to her generous donation to The Woman’s Club, Etta also established the Etta Newby Student Loan Fund at Texas Christian University and furnished the chimes at the Fort Worth First Methodist Church. She also provided a large endowment to the Pioneers Rest Cemetery. Mrs. Newby died on June 23, 1936 and is buried in the Price family plot at Pioneers Rest Cemetery next to her husband, parents, and two siblings. She has no known children. On the day of her memorial service, the chimes she provided to the Methodist Church rang in memory of her. Each year on the anniversary of her birthday, members of The Woman’s Club of Fort Worth travel to the cemetery to place flowers on her grave and also fly their flag at half-staff at the club headquarters in her honor.⁵ __________________________ [1] “Died.” Fort Worth Daily Gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.), Vol. 7, No. 253, Ed. 1, Thursday, September 13, 1883, newspaper, September 13, 1883; Fort Worth, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth114537/m1/4/?q=%20date%3A1877-1883 : accessed August 29, 2023), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu ; . [2] Hudson, Weldon and Barbara Knox. Pioneers Rest Cemetery, Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas. Fort Worth Genealogical Society. 2001. Pg 114. [3] Sherrod, Katie. Grace & Gumption : Stories of Fort Worth Women. TCU Press. 2007, Pgs. 89-90. [4] “William G. Newby Memorial Building.” Historical marker Database. 2023. https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=224810 ; Accessed 29 Aug 2023. [5] Sherrod, Katie. 2007, Pgs. 89-90. Block 2, Lot 30 [Explore the Map ]

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