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Col. Abraham “Abe” Harris October 21, 1824 - March 28, 1915 Abraham "Abe" Harris , Mexican War veteran, Confederate military officer, and president of the Texas Association of Mexican War Veterans, was born on October 21, 1824, in England. In 1829, when he was five, Abe and his family immigrated to the United States and settled in New York. Harris was employed as a cabinetmaker during the 1840’s until, at the age of 22, he left his new hometown and enlisted in the United States Army at Utica, New York. He mustered at Governor's Island, New York, as a sergeant and was placed in Company F of the Eighth United States Infantry. From there, his unit left for Vera Cruz, Mexico, to serve during the Mexican War. Following the Mexican War, Harris served as sergeant major to Maj. Ripley A. Arnold (also buried at Pioneers Rest Cemetery) of the Second Dragoons. They were dispatched to North Texas to establish a military post in order to protect the territory from Native American advances. Because of his background in cabinetry, Harris helped build the barracks and officers’ headquarters for the newly established Army post known as Fort Worth. On January 20, 1852, Harris's term of military service came to a close, and he was formally discharged at Fort Worth. He remained in the Fort Worth area. The abandoned buildings of the camp were used as stores and homes by settlers and former soldiers that remained in the area, including Harris. From this outcropping of abandoned military buildings, the city of Fort Worth would emerge. During the 1850s, while Harris lived in Tarrant County, he met and married Margaret Conner and the couple had five children—four boys and one girl. However, Margaret died on February 23, 1861. With the onset of the Civil War, Harris enrolled in the Confederate Army on January 26, 1862, in Tarrant County. He was commissioned as a first lieutenant and was in the The Fourteenth Texas Cavalry. The Fourteenth saw action at Murfreesboro, Vicksburg, Chickamauga, Atlanta, and Nashville. While serving in Georgia, Harris remarried on August 23, 1863, to Sally Lavina Logan. The couple had one child. On May 9, 1865, Lieutenant Colonel Harris surrendered his command at Meridian, Mississippi. By 1880 Harris had returned to Tarrant County. He continued to practice his craft in cabinetry and in 1888 purchased land in Arlington, though Fort Worth remained his primary residence.¹ On March 28,1915, Abraham Harris passed away in Fort Worth, Texas, the city he helped establish. He was buried in his Confederate uniform² with the American flag that had flown over his porch for over 50 years.³ His funeral procession was lined by veterans from all generations, and he was buried with military honors.⁴ __________________________ [1] Matthew K. Hamilton, “Harris, Abraham,” Handbook of Texas Online, accessed September 28, 2024, https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/harris-abraham . [2] “Veterans Form Guard of Honor at Funeral of Col. Abe Harris.” Fort Worth Star-Telegram, vol. XXXV, no. 65, 29 Mar. 1915, p. Page Four. NewsBank: Access World News – Historical and Current : Accessed 28 September 2024. [3] “Military Funeral for Col. Abe Harris,” Fort Worth Record-Telegram, March 30, 1915, FindAGrave.com : Accessed September 28, 2024. [4] Veterans, 1915. Block 3, Lot 16 [Explore the Map ]

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 ]

Jesse Shenton Zane-Cetti January 21, 1844 - February 8, 1922 Jesse Shenton Zane-Cetti was born on January 21, 1844 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to William and Harriet Zane. After the death of his father in 1853, his mother Harriet remarried to Andrew Cetti. Out of respect for both his father and step-father, Jesse decided to hyphenate his last name to create the unusual surname of Zane-Cetti. By the age of 15, Jesse was sent to Germany to study civil engineering. After graduation, he returned to the United States in 1870 and worked for the government. With his new job, he became acquainted with Gen. Grenville Dodge, a pioneer in railroad expansion in the south. Jesse went to work for Gen. Dodge where he secured a job working with the Corp of Engineers in Alabama. As the railroad expanded westward, Jesse was sent to Texas to survey land spanning all the way to El Paso. On May 9, 1873, “Black Friday” occurred ensuing what would become known as the “Panic of 1873.” As the United States economy was in turmoil, the railroad ceased work and Jesse found himself unemployed and in Fort Worth. With limited options, Jesse decided to stay in Fort Worth as he felt the “little town” was very inviting. Quickly, Jesse began to make connections with civic leaders in town and he reinvented himself by opening a real estate and insurance office. Since his early days with the railroad, Jesse had been corresponding with Emma Hoeflin, a love interest he met back in Germany. After 7 years of writing, and with his new found stability in Fort Worth, Emma agreed to come to Texas.¹ The two were married in 1874 in New Orleans, Louisiana.² The couple would have 7 children but only 4 would survive to adulthood. All of the children were taught to be bilingual in German and English. Also in 1874, Fort Worth was incorporated and officially became a city. Jesse was tasked as being the first City Engineer and created the city street layout. Jesse was instrumental in convincing the railroad to complete the tracks to Fort Worth in 1876. It is said that as the first train engine rolled into Fort Worth and blew its whistle, Jesse’s first child was born at that very moment. By the 1880’s, Zane-Cetti was a top real estate developer and was held to high esteem. When Anheuser-Busch built their first brewery in Texas, Jesse became very interested in bringing a brewery to Fort Worth.³ In 1890, Zane-Cetti along with 3 others, declared the water of Fort Worth to be of fine quality for brewing and they began building the Texas Brewing Company in what was known as “Hell’s Half Acre.” The brewery was located at the site of the present day Fort Worth Central Station. Jesse was the President of the brewery. By 1907, the brewery claimed to be the largest in Texas, creating 250,000 barrels of beer a year, Unfortunately in 1918, the brewery would shutter its doors as the temperance movement was taking hold and talks of prohibition were on the horizon.⁴ Although the brewery closed, the facility transitioned into the Texas Ice & Refrigeration Company and Jesse was yet again the President. Zane-Cetti was eager to bring music to Fort Worth. With his real estate connections, he provided a building that became the first music hall in the city. Later the Fort Worth Symphony would be born of this creation. Later in life, Jesse would help provide capital that would bring street cars to Downtown. He was also a member of the Freemasons where he was a Grand Master of his Masonic Lodge. On February 8, 1922, Jesse passed away at the age of 78. He was described as “immaculately-dressed, reliable, capable, and a modest man.”⁵ His funeral was held in the mansion he built in 1910 at 500 S. Adams.⁶ The home was razed in 1967.⁷ Jesse is buried in a large family plot at Pioneers Rest Cemetery next to his wife, mother, and 6 children. __________________________ [1] Pruitt, Betty. “Zane-Cetti, Civic Leader,” The Junior Historian, , Volume 16, Number 3, December 1955, Pg 16. Texas State Historical Association ; Austin, Texas. Accessed 26 Sept 2023 ; https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth391438/m1/18 . [2] “Thenton Zane Cette [SIC],” New Orleans, Louisiana, Marriage Records Index, 1831-1964, Vol 4, Pg 597. Ancestry.com. Accessed 26 Sept 2023 ; https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryuicontent/view/11853:6500?ssrc=pt&tid=32371210&pid=242036084208 . [3] Pruitt, 1955, Pgs 16-17. [4] “Texas Brewing Company Gave Cowtown Very Near Beer.” Hometown by Handlebar, 3 Sept 2019. Accessed 26 Sept 2023; https://hometownbyhandlebar.com/?p=4348 . [5] Pruitt, 1955, Pgs.17-18. [6] “Body of Zane-Cetti in Pioneers’ Rest.” Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Home Edition ed., vol. XLII, no. 8, 9 Feb. 1922, p. 6. NewsBank: Access World News – Historical and Current , Accessed 26 Sept 2023. [7] "Jesse Shenton Zane-Cetti mansion to be torn down, 500 South Adams Street, Fort Worth, Texas." Fort Worth Star-Telegram Collection, University of Texas at Arlington Libraries. UTA Libraries Digital Gallery. 1967. Accessed 26 Sept 26, 2023 ; https://library.uta.edu/digitalgallery/img/20059989 . Block 3, Lot 3 [Explore the Map ]

The Sexton’s Cottage also known as a tool house, was constructed around 1922. The Greene family is cited as contributing to the construction of the structure. The wood-framed stucco-covered building was designed in the Classical Revival style and features a front gabled roof and unadorned pediment. A hood over the door also features a Greek key design and is supported by scrolled brackets. Curving cast stone balustrades extend from its north and south sides. For over 50 years, the Sexton’s cottage was the only tool house on the property, until the addition for a larger green structure near the southwest corner of the cemetery in the 1980’s. __________________________ [1] Kline, Susan. “National Register of Historic Places Registration Form,” United States Department of Interior, 6 Dec 2020, pgs 7, 11, 13. Accessed 2 Oct 2023 ; https://fortworthreport.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/National-Register-Application-for-Pioneers-Rest.pdf

Clara Peak Walden January 4, 1854 - October 13, 1914 Clara Peak Walden , early pioneer of Fort Worth education, was the first born child of Dr. Carroll Peak and Mrs. Florence Peak on January 4, 1854, in Fort Worth. She came into the world in one of the abandoned military post buildings. Growing up, Clara had access to the impressive personal library of her father, and this helped fuel her early desire to become an educator. Promident resident, R.L. Paschal reflected on Clara’s unique childhood by stating “Colonel John Peter Smith, who lived eight years in the Peak home, was a constant help and inspiration in her study of Latin, Greek, and higher mathematics. At this time she began the study of Hebrew and later read the Old Testament in that language.” During her early years, schools in Fort Worth were all private institutions. Clara and her brother Howard attended the “Fort Worth High School,” which was located inside the Masonic Lodge at the corner of Jones and Belknap. Clara began her teaching career at this location and remained until its closure in 1869. She was only 15 years old at the time of the closure, and her youthful age shows her advanced educational aptitude. At the age of 16, in 1870, Clara married LeGrande Walden who was a farmer but became a school teacher. The couple taught for a couple of years in country and rural schools. In 1871, Clara gave birth to their first child named Florence. A second child was born in 1873 named Lucile. Sadly, just 16 days apart, both of her children would pass away in August of 1873. The couple would have no additional children. The decade would close with the death of her husband, leaving her a young widow. Around 1872, Clara joined the faculty at The Fort Worth School, which was established by brothers Addison and Randolph Clark. This school would later become the modern day Texas Christian University (TCU). She taught there until late 1873 when the school relocated outside of the Fort Worth area. Clara continued to work in local schools and The Fort Worth Standard (1876) called Mrs. Walden “a lady of superior intellectual endowments, first rate literary qualifications, and large experience as a teacher.” By age 21, Clara and Miss E. R. Arnold established the Arnold-Walden Institute, originally located in the First Christian Church building and later to its own building. The Arnold-Walden Institute later merged with the Fort Worth public school system and became a ward school; it stood until 1939.¹ By 1894, Clara retired from teaching. On October 13, 1914, after being released from the hospital that day, Clara was struck and killed by an automobile outside of the home where she lived with her mother. She was 60 years old.² Clara is buried in the Peak Family plot with her parents, siblings and children. __________________________ [1] Clara Peak Walden: A Life in Education,” Hometown by Handlebar, 4 Jan 2021; https://hometownbyhandlebar.com/?p=32953 : accessed 4 Oct 2024. [2] "Chauffeur Whose Auto Killed Women Released…" Fort Worth Star-Telegram, vol. XXXIV, no. 267, 14 Oct. 1914, p. Page 13. NewsBank: Access World News – Historical and Current : accessed 4 Oct. 2024. Block 3, Lot 7 [Explore the Map ]

Dr. Carroll Marion Peak November 13, 1828 - February 27, 1885 Dr. Carroll Marion Peak was born in Warsaw, Kentucky on November 13, 1828 to parents Jefferson and Martha Malvina Peak. At the age of 19, he began an apprenticeship studying medicine. He would later attend the University of Louisville where he would earn his medical degree in 1851.¹ He married Florence Chalfant on April 26, 1853 in Madison, Indiana. In that same year, the young Doctor was persuaded to move to Fort Worth, Texas to establish his practice. Their first home was a log cabin made from cottonwood trees. He is noted as being the first physician of Fort Worth, which was much needed as the city was growing quickly. With youth on his side, he committed himself to providing medical care to anyone within a 30 mile radius of Fort Worth. “The weather was never too bad nor way too perilous for him to go to those who needed him, may they be rich or poor, black, white or red.”² In 1855, Carroll and his wife founded the First Christian Church inside their home. The church is still operational today and is the oldest continuously operating church established in Fort Worth.³ By 1856, Dr. Peak built a larger home in Downtown Fort Worth near the present day historic Courthouse. Connected to their home was a drug store, where Dr. Peak sold anything from ointments and medications to pocket knives and sides of beef. His establishment was just the second mercantile established in Fort Worth. When the civil war started, Dr. Peak volunteered and helped recruit others to join the Volunteer Texas Cavalry for the Confederate Army. He would spend his service time in Louisiana as a surgeon. After the war, Dr. Peak returned home but found much of the landscape of the city had changed. Along with other prominent men in town, the decision was made that they would encourage the railroad to come through Fort Worth to help stimulate the economic growth of the city. Dr. Peak personally provided $2,250 for the cause and the railroad came to town as they had wished. Dr. Peak remained active in civic matters his entire life. Dr. Peak was a lifelong member of the Democratic Party and in 1880 he accomplished one of his long standing goals: to be a delegate for the Democratic National Convention held in Cincinnati. He also served on the City Council and did so much for the area schools he was known as “the father of the Fort Worth Public School System.” Dr. Peak was a dedicated advocate for the education of African Americans. In 1882, as the first president of the Fort Worth school board, he established the city’s first free public secondary school for African American students, originally named the East Ninth Street Colored School.⁴ In 1921, the school was renamed I.M. Terrell High School in honor of its former principal. Today, Carroll Peak Elementary, located at 1201 E. Jefferson St., stands as a tribute to Dr. Peak's contributions to education and his commitment to advancing opportunities for all students.⁵ Carroll and his wife Florence had four children together and also adopted two orphaned children.⁶ After a battle with a short illness, Dr. Peak died of a kidney disease on February 27, 1885 at the age of 56. His funeral took place in his home⁷ and he is laid to rest next to his wife and five of his children. __________________________ [1] “Dr. C.M. Peak Dead,” Fort Worth Daily Gazette. Fort Worth, TX, Vol. 9, No. 228, Ed. 1, Saturday, February 28, 1885, Pg. 5. Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth86422/m1/5 ; Accessed 24 Aug 2023. [2] Pattie, Illene. Carroll Marion Peak: A Story of a Frontier Doctor. Texas State Historical Association. The Junior Historian, Volume 5, Number 5, March 1945, periodical, March 1945; Austin, Texas, Pgs. 17-19. https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth391509/ ; Accessed 24 Aug 2023. [3] “First Christian Church - Throckmorton.” Historic Fort Worth, 2022. https://historicfortworth.org/property/first-christian-church-throckmorton/ ; Accessed 25 Aug 2023. [4] Pattie, Illene. Carroll Marion Peak: A Story of a Frontier Doctor. 1945 [5] “Carroll Peak Elementary School.” Fort Worth ISD, 2023. https://www.fwisd.org/CarrollPeak ; Accessed 25 Aug 2023. [6] Pattie, Illene. Carroll Marion Peak: A Story of a Frontier Doctor. 1945 [7] “Dr. C.M. Peak Dead.” 1885. d, Katie. 2007, Pgs. 89-90. Block 3, Lot 20 [Explore the Map ]

Pioneers Rest Cemetery Welcome to Pioneers Rest Cemetery A Historic Landmark in Fort Worth - Established in 1850, just a year after Fort Worth was founded by Major Ripley Arnold, Pioneers Rest Cemetery holds a significant place in the city's history. Overlooking the confluence of the Clear and West Forks of the Trinity River, it originally served as the primary burial ground for the military outpost and later for the burgeoning city. Even after other cemeteries were established in 1879, Pioneers Rest remained a vital resting place for Fort Worth's early residents and their descendants. The cemetery is the final resting place for numerous notable figures, including two of Major Arnold’s young children, eleven soldiers from the fort, and some of Fort Worth’s earliest pioneers, such as General Tarrant, the namesake of Tarrant County. Visitors can explore a diverse collection of grave markers that showcase funerary motifs and designs from the mid-19th to early 20th centuries, including Gothic, Egyptian, Classical Revival, and Rustic styles. Spanning approximately seven acres, Pioneers Rest Cemetery was proudly listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2021, cementing its status as a cherished historical site in Fort Worth. WHAT'S HAPPENING? Join us at Pioneers Rest Cemetery for our monthly volunteer cleanup days! It's a great way to give back to the community, preserve our historic grounds, and connect with fellow history enthusiasts. Read More Our Valued Benefactors Honoring Those Who Support Pioneers Rest We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our benefactors, whose generous contributions help us preserve the rich history and heritage of Pioneers Rest Cemetery in Fort Worth, TX. Their support enables us to continue our mission of maintaining this historic site and hosting community events such as Fall Fest. Below are the esteemed benenfactors who have made a significant impact through their generosity. Diamond - $1,000 + Marcia Fuller French Cecelia Van Donselaar Matt Dixon Michael Darter Platinum - $500-$999 Paul and Wendy Blanton Virginia Brown Melissa and Paul Hunter Karen Stetler Janey & James Korth Nan & Mark Matson Gold - $300-$499 Sam A. ‘Alex’ Denny Madeline and Jim McLain David Hart, Painting Silver - $100-$299 Loretta Black Mary Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Buckley Sam B. Cantey Family Jo Carpenter William ‘Bill’ Collins, Jr. Lane Crabtree Matt Dixon JoAnn Mouser Allen & Charmaine Williams Malinda and Dennis Crumly Megan Salas Silver - $100-$299 Diana Lussier Jerry Wallace Donna and Tim Weddle Julia Jackson Chapter - (United Daughters of the Confederacy) Roots Garden Center Christy Cruz Susie and Douglas Pritchett Fred Cheek Monuments Merrell Daggett Michele Elekes Loretta Shumway National Credit Finance Corporation With deep appreciation, we honor our benefactors for their vital support in safeguarding the legacy of Pioneers Rest Cemetery. Their generosity preserves our past and nurtures our community’s future. Preserve Our Heritage: Donate to Pioneers Rest Cemetery Your generous donations help preserve the historic Pioneers Rest Cemetery, ensuring it remains a cherished landmark for future generations. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a significant impact in honoring and maintaining Fort Worth’s rich history. Please join us in our mission by donating today and help us continue this vital work. Ground Maintenance We need your support to hire maintenance workers for mowing and upkeep of the grounds, $20,000 of tree trimming across the seven acres, and ensuring proper watering and care. Your donations directly contribute to preserving the beauty and history of Pioneers Rest Cemetery. Join us in keeping this cherished landmark well-maintained for future generations. Support Restoration and Preservation Efforts Your donations are vital for repairing hundreds of headstones and antique wrought iron fencing, replacing markers for missing or deteriorated headstones, and undertaking essential tree removal and trimming. We urgently need support for new projects at Pioneers Rest Cemetery: restoring the Zane-Cetti monument and storm-damaged fencing, upgrading our water, electricity, and security systems, and launching a Native Plantings Initiative to beautify open spaces. Your contributions preserve the history and beauty of our cemetery for future generations. Please donate today to help make these projects possible. Completed Projects Thanks to your generous support, we are proud to announce the completion of several key projects at Pioneers Rest Cemetery. We have beautified the maintenance shed, restored and enhanced the sexton's cottage, expanded our QR Code Program, installed two new benches, replaced 33 headstones for individuals who previously lacked markers, and revitalized the main entrance by restoring the gates. Your continued support makes these achievements possible and helps preserve the historic charm of our cemetery. How to Donate 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 Your support is greatly appreciated and makes a significant impact on preserving the history and beauty of Pioneers Rest Cemetery. QR Codes - Gone but not Forgotten Lamont at Large, a prominent YouTuber known for his "Forgotten in Death" series, recently caught wind of our QR Codes through a news broadcast. Taking advantage of his proximity, he chose Pioneers Rest Cemetery as the centerpiece of one of his latest video features. Through our QR Codes, countless stories that might otherwise have been consigned to obscurity in death are now vividly recalled and celebrated. This project still needs expanding to incorporate as many stories as possible.

Robert Egan Maddox January 19, 1849 - April 12, 1906 Robert E. Maddox was born on January 18, 1848 or 1849 in Bienville Parish, Louisiana to parents William and Mary Maddox. He was the third child born to the couple. By 1870, the family moved to Denton County, Texas where Robert was a farmer and rancher. By 1873, he was living in Denison, Texas and during the “Panic of 1873”, Robert lost all his money. He was able to borrow money and then moved to Fort Worth. When he arrived in Fort Worth, he worked as a grocery clerk for J.W. Armstrong. Few could foresee Robert would become one of the most successful real estate developers of early Fort Worth history. In 1876, he was elected the City Tax Assessor and Collector.¹ By 1881, Robert began his successful career buying and selling real estate in Tarrant County. At the age of 32, Robert married Anna Higbee on November 1, 1881.² The couple would only have a short time together as Anna passed away in 1882 during the birth of their only child, Charleton. The infant would also die the same day. By the 1890’s, Robert owned a large amount of property in Downtown Fort Worth including the Richelieu Hotel.³ His growing success in real estate helped fund his real passion: buying and selling livestock. By the mid 1890’s, Robert had built himself a residence and stables called Maddoxia Park stock farm, also known as “Grand Palace Stables.” The property was located 3 miles east of the historic Tarrant County Courthouse. His love for livestock, especially horses, led him to be an early investor in what would become the modern day Stockyards of Fort Worth. He worked alongside other notable Fort Worth leaders such as John Peter Smith, E.M. “Bud” Daggett, and Robert McCart to help grow and expand the Stockyards during his lifetime.⁴ Although his headstone states he died on April 20, 1907, he actually passed away on April 11, 1906.⁵ His funeral was well attended and many prominent leaders of the city attended. At his funeral, Rev. C.W. Daniel stated “There is no death, the stars go down to rise upon some fairer shore. And bright in heaven’s jeweled crown, they will shine forevermore.”⁶ Maddox is buried in Pioneers Rest Cemetery next to his wife and infant son. His parents are also buried in the cemetery. __________________________ [1] Hudson, Weldon and Barbara Knox. Pioneers Rest Cemetery, Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas. Fort Worth Genealogical Society. 2001, pg 141. [2] “Robert E Maddox and Anna Higbee.” Record of Marriage Licenses of Tarrant County. Texas, U.S., Select County Marriage Records 1837-1965, Ancestry.com, Image 339. Accessed 15 Sept 2023 ; https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/9168/images/45605_b220550-00338?pId=25959001 . [3] Hudson, 2001, pg 141. [4] “Who The Heck was…R.E. Maddox?,” Hometown by Handlebar, 6 Oct 2022. Accessed 15 Sept 2023; https://hometownbyhandlebar.com/?p=32895 . [5] “Colonel R.E. Maddox Dead.” The Daily Express, San Antonio, TX, Vol. 41, No. 102, Ed. 1 Thursday, April 12, 1906, newspaper, April 12, 1906; Accessed 15 Sept 2023; https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth441270/m1/3/?q=Robert+Maddox+Fort+Worth . [6] “Funeral Services Largely Attended.” The Fort Worth Record and Register, Fort Worth, TX, Vol. 10, No. 180, Ed. 1 Friday, April 13, 1906, newspaper, April 13, 1906; Fort Worth, Texas. Accessed 15 Sept 2023; https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1441710/m1/8/?q=Robert+Maddox+Fort+Worth . Block 3, Lot 22 [Explore the Map ]

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 ]

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!

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 ]