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Miss Belle S. Andrews January 18, 1853 - June 28, 1882 Miss Belle S Andrews was the daughter of A.T. and Catherine Andrews. The Andrews family moved to Fort Worth in 1858 when much of the city was still “wilderness,” making the family one of the early pioneers of Tarrant County. Their family was quite large, with several sons and daughters.¹ Hard times would find the family in 1867, when Belle’s father passed away. Belle was only 15 years old at the time of his death. As she grew to be a young woman, Belle was known to be a local socialite and even mentioned she was “one of Fort Worth’s favorite daughters.”² She would attend a variety of social parties and events throughout Fort Worth and her name would regularly be mentioned in local newspapers. Her personality was described as being “bright and winsome” along with being “vivacious and joyous.” On June 28, 1882, after a short illness, Belle would die of “consumption” at the age of 29.³ Today, we would call this tuberculosis. __________________________ [1] “An Old Resident Dead.” Fort Worth Daily Gazette. Fort Worth, TX, Vol. 13, No. 118, Ed. 1, Monday, October 29, 1888 Page: 8 of 8. Retrieved 12 Aug 2023; https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth89688/m1/8/ . [2] “Weatherford.” Fort Worth Daily Democrat and Advance. Fort Worth, TX, Vol. 5, No. 310, Ed. 1 Wednesday, December 14, 1881 Page: 1 of 4. Retrieved 18 Aug 2023. https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1047780/m1/1 . [3] “Miss Belle Andrews Dead.” Fort Worth Daily Democrat-Advance. Fort Worth, TX, Vol. 6, No. 166, Ed. 1 Thursday, June 29, 1882 Page: 4 of 4. Retrieved 12 Aug 2023; https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1047717/m1/4 . Block 4, Lot 17 [Explore the Map ]

Harry Palmer Jr. May 13, 1911 - July 24, 1952 Harry Palmer Jr. was born in Fort Worth on May 13, 1911 to parents Harry and Florence Palmer.¹ He was the last of 8 children born to the family. Harry was a member of the graduating class of 1929 of Central High School at 1003 W. Cannon St., now occupied by Trimble Technical High School. While in high school, Harry embraced his love for music and was a member of the R.O.T.C. Band.² His musical talents would continue into young adulthood, allowing him to be a professional trumpet player in several orchestras throughout Fort Worth.³ By 1940, Harry had married Glena Ruby Varnell. They had one child together, Teresa Ann. On July 24, 1952, Harry underwent a surgical procedure at St. Joseph's Hospital. He died during the surgery due to complications with anesthesia. At the time of his death, he was a cement contractor.⁴ Harry is buried in the large Palmer Family plot next to his spouse, both of his parents, his paternal grandmother and several siblings. __________________________ [1] “Certificate of Death, Mr, Harry Palmer Jr..” Texas Department of State Health Services; Austin Texas, USA; Texas Death Certificates, 1903–1982, 29 Jul 1952. Retrieved 13 Aug 2023 ; https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/2272/images/40394_b062407-02871?pId=22646005 . [2] "U.S., School Yearbooks, 1880-2012"; School Name: Central High School; Year: 1929. Retrieved 13 Aug 2023 ; https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/230377535:1265?tid=&pid=&queryId=dcd2efc913a6d36096208d621214daf7&_phsrc=lPS7665&_phstart=successSource . [3] “Harry Palmer.” Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas , Fri, Jul 25, 1952, Page 26. [4] “Certificate of Death, Mr, Harry Palmer Jr.,” 1952. Block 3, Lot 52 [Explore the Map ]

Pioneers Rest Cemetery Preserving Fort Worth's First Cemetery Where Every Stone Has a Story Established in 1850, Pioneers Rest Cemetery is the final resting place of many of Fort Worth's earliest pioneers, veterans, civic leaders, and families. Today, we continue to preserve their stories through restoration, education, and community involvement, ensuring this historic landmark endures for generations to come. Explore the Cemetery 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.

Sydney (aka Sidney) Smith June 12, 1888 - July 9, 1944 Sydney Smith was born on June 12, 1888 in Buckholts, Texas to John William and Dora Smith. Sydney married May Sterley, a native to Fort Worth. By profession, Sydney was a lawyer. Passport records reveal that Sydney was 5’ 7” tall with brown hair and eyes. For much of the early 1900’s, Sydney worked for the federal government for the Department of State as an American Consulate for the Philippines and Mexico. Sydney and May lived in the Philippine Islands from 1912-1916,¹ where in 1914, May gave birth to their only child, Rosaileen May.² After leaving the South Pacific, the family moved to Mexico from 1917-1919 when he was appointed Consulate to Ensenada, Mexico.³ By 1922, Sydney was employed by the Sinclair Oil Corporation as a Foreign Attorney and traveled the world while his family returned to Fort Worth and then later El Paso.⁴ His daughter, Rosaileen, was just 15 years old when she entered Southern Methodist University from which she graduated in 1934. She also received a master's degree at The University of Texas.⁵ In 1943, May died after a battle with cancer.⁶ The following year, Sydney died at the age of 56 from chronic pulmonary tuberculosis.⁷ He is buried in the Sterley family plot alongside his wife, daughter and in-laws. __________________________ [1] National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Washington D.C.; NARA Series: Passport Applications, January 2, 1906 - March 31, 1925; Roll #: 2019; Volume #: Roll 2019 - Certificates: 188476-188849, 10 Jun 1922-10 Jun 1922. Ancestry.com ; Accessed 23 Aug 2023. [2] “Rosaileen Smith Hoffman.” Texas, Death Certificates, 1903-1982, 8 Jun 1961. Ancestry.com ; Accessed 23 Aug 2023. [3] National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Washington D.C.; NARA Series: Special Diplomatic Passport Applications, 1916-1925; Volume #: Volume 4. Ancestry.com ; Accessed 23 Aug 2023. [4] National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); 10 Jun 1922. [5] “Rosaileen M Smith Hoffman.” Find a Grave. N.D. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/18911190/rosaleen-hoffman ; Accessed 23 Aug 2023. [6] “May S. Smith.” Texas, Death Certificates, 1903-1982, 22 Jan 1943. Ancestry.com ; Accessed 23 Aug 2023. [7] “Sydney Smith” Texas, Death Certificates, 1903-1982, 10 Jul 1944. Ancestry.com ; Accessed 23 Aug 2023. Block 1, Lot 70 [Explore the Map ]

Dr. Isaac Michael Darter January 19, 1851 - October 11,1893 Dr. Isaac MIchael Darter was born on January 19,1851 to parents Francis and Mary Darter in Alabama. By 1859, the family moved to Stephenville, Texas¹ where his father was a farmer.² In Darter’s late teenage years, the family moved to Fort Worth.³ Isaac married Annie Gordon on April 8, 1877, and their wedding was officiated by Rev. W.Y. Taylor of the First Christian Church in Fort Worth.⁴ Early in their marriage, Isaac worked as a carpenter and they had their first son, Joseph, in 1879.⁵ Around this time Isaac makes a major career change. He enrolled in college in late 1880 in St. Louis, Missouri and later the University of Louisville Medical School. He graduated from medical school in Louisville, Kentucky on February 27, 1883.⁶ While in college, Isaac and Mary mourned the loss of their son, Joseph, on July 18, 1881. He died of cholera⁷ and is the only family member buried in St. Louis, Missouri. Annie was pregnant at the time with their second child, Francis, born on November 27, 1881.⁸ After graduation, Isaac and family returned back to Fort Worth where he practiced medicine for 10 years. He became the City Physician for Fort Worth in 1888 and also developed a special Laryngeal Catheter that was patented in 1892. In addition to his success in medicine, Isaac and Annie had two more sons, William and Issac. Writings provided by his grandson indicate Isaac was a talented musician and played violin for his family and friends.⁹ On October 11, 1893, Dr. Darter passed away in his home at the corner of Lipscomb and Jarvis St. (home no longer standing.) He was only 42 years old.¹⁰ In addition to Isaac, his parents and and three siblings are also buried at Pioneers Rest Cemetery. __________________________ [1] “Dr. I.M. Darter Dead,” Fort Worth Daily Gazette, Fort Worth, TX, Vol. 17, No. 322, Ed. 1, Wednesday, October 11, 1893, newspaper, October 11, 1893; Fort Worth, Texas. Portal to Texas History : accessed September 27, 2024) [2] “Michael Darter,” 1860 United States Federal Census, Stephenville, Erath, Texas, Pg. 9, Ancestry.com ;: accessed September 27, 2024. [3] “Isaac M Darter,” 1870 United States Federal Census, Precinct 4, Tarrant, Texas, Pg. 23, Ancestry.com : accessed September 27, 2024. [4] “I.M.Darter,” Texas, U.S., Select County Marriage Records, 1837-1965, Tarrant, 1876-1879, Pg. 121, Ancestry.com : accessed September 27, 2024. [5] “Mike Darter” 1880 United States Federal Census, Dist. 88, Tarrant, Texas, Pg. 15A, Ancestry.com : accessed September 27, 2024. [6] Darter, Dr. Michael, A Brief History of Isaac Michael Darter, MD & Annie Mary Gorden Darter of Fort Worth, Texas, 1 Aug 2007, RootsWeb.com ; accessed September 27, 2024. [7] “Joseph F Darter,” Missouri, U.S., Death Records, 1850-1931, St. Louis, 1880-1881, Pg. 245, Ancestry.com : accessed September 27, 2024. [8] “Francis Micheal Darter,” U.S., World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942, Utah, All, Bridge, Harry - Fox Ward, [Pg. 900], Ancestry.com : accessed September 27, 2024. [9] Darter, Dr. Michael, “Life & Medical Practice In Fort Worth, Texas,” N.D. , The TXGe Web Project : accessed September 27, 2024. [10] “Dr. I.M. Darter Dead.” 1893. Block 2, Lot 17 [Explore the Map ]

Major Ripley Allen Arnold 1818 - September 6, 1853 Major Ripley Allen Arnold was born in early 1817 or 1818 in Hancock County, Mississippi. His father was Willis Arnold, but his mother is unfortunately unknown. Little is actually known about his youth as his diary and other documents were destroyed by fire after his death while in his granddaughter’s possession. Arnold entered the Military Academy at West Point when he was barely 17 years old on July 1, 1834. He graduated in 1838 and was commissioned in the U.S. Army at the rank of Second Lieutenant. Shortly after graduation, Arnold also renewed a relationship back in Mississippi with his childhood sweetheart, Catherine Bryant. She was 15 years old while Arnold was 21. Catherine’s parents felt she was far too young for such a serious relationship.¹ Despite how her family felt, Arnold and Catherine eloped and were married on August 29, 1839 in New York City.² Arnold’s military career started with being assigned to the First Dragoons, a cavalry unit on duty in Florida during the Indian War. His work with the unit was recognized and he was promoted to First Lieutenant in 1841. Physically, Arnold was described as being about 6 feet tall, with piercing gray eyes and auburn hair and his physical presence helped to make him a commanding officer. He was also noted as being quick-witted and ingenious. On April 19, 1842, Arnold was promoted to the rank of Captain after his “gallant conduct on the field of battle.” His new rank also came with a new assignment, which put him on frontier duty in Baton Rouge and Fort Jessup in Louisiana. When the U.S. declared war on Mexico in 1846, Arnold came to Texas with General Zachary Taylor (the future 12th President). Once in Texas, he was reassigned to the Second Dragoons and was under the leadership of Col. William J. Worth. It was under his leadership where Arnold was promoted to the rank of Major for his “gallant and meritorious conduct.” After the end of the Mexican American war in 1848, Arnold was sent to the Hill County of Texas where he established Fort Graham in April 1849. Later that same year, Arnold was ordered to set up another military post on the Trinity River in North Texas in order to protect the land from Indians. He left Fort Graham and headed northeast through rugged and wild country. Once Arnold arrived in the area, he was met by Col. M.T. Johnson, who also had been under Col. Worth’s command during the Mexican American war. Johnson had been asked to aid Arnold in setting up the new Fort as he knew the terrain. In 1849, once the site for the new Fort was established, Col. Johnson and Maj. Arnold decided to name the site Camp Worth after their hero and commander, who was recently deceased. The name would later be upgraded to Fort Worth. In the Fall of 1852, Arnold was transferred back to Fort Graham. On Sept. 6, 1853, a dispute rang out between Arnold and Assistant Surgeon Josephus Steiner. Arnold had ordered the surgeon to be arrested, but Steiner put up a fight.³ Both drew their weapons, but Arnold was shot dead in the doorway of his living quarters by Steiner. Arnold’s wife was a witness to the incident. He was dead within 15 minutes.⁴ Steiner was later acquitted of any wrongdoing in a civil trial. The surgeon was said to be “insane.”⁵ Sadly, just 11 days after the death of Arnold, Fort Worth was abandoned by the U.S. Army. Ripley and Catherine had 5 children, 2 of which would die in childhood. With Ripley’s military career, Catherine and the children spent the winters in Washington, DC where the children attended school. They would then meet up with Ripley in the summers. Arnold was buried initially at Fort Graham but was reinterred in Pioneers Rest Cemetery in Fort Worth at his request.⁶ In the early 1900’s, many grew concerned about the condition of his grave as it was overgrown and not marked clearly. In 1903, threats were made by the War Department that if the cemetery did not make better efforts to clean-up the grave site, they would remove Ripley Arnold and take him back to the National Cemetery at Fort Sam Houston.⁷ By 1909, May Swayne, President of Pioneers Rest Cemetery began a wide scale campaign to raise funds for a more suitable monument.⁸ The monument that stands today is the result of the efforts of many individuals and organizations that gave to the cemetery cause. In 2014, a statue of Maj. Ripley Arnold was placed at the Panther Island Pavilion in Fort Worth.⁹ __________________________ [1] Thompson, Tommy. “Ripley A. Arnold - Frontier Major.” The Junior Historian, Austin, TX, Volume 9, Number 6, May 1949, Pgs. 1-4. Accessed 28 Sept 2023 ; https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth391369/m1/3/zoom/?q=junior%20historian&resolution=3&lat=3196.9125570472934&lon=1254.1747259313508 [2] “Lt. R.A. Arnold.” New York City, Compiled Marriage Index, 1600s-1800s, 29 Aug 1839. Ancestry.com, Accessed 28 Sept 2023 ; https://www.ancestry.com/discoveryui-content/view/66795:7854?ssrc=pt&tid=16731112&pid=282346326618 . [3] Thompson, Tommy, 1949, pgs. 3-4. [4] “Arnold’s Slaying Raised Storm Over State Rights.” Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Two Star ed., 30 Oct. 1949, p. 124. NewsBank: Access World News – Historical and Current . Accessed 28 Sept 2023. [5] "War Department is Inquiring. Wants to Know About the Remains of Late Maj. Arnold." Fort Worth StarTelegram, no. 233, 29 Jan. 1903, p. 5. NewsBank: Access World News – Historical and Current , Accessed 27 Sept. 2023. [6] Pgs. 3-4, Accessed 28 Sept 2023 ; https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth391369/m1/3/zoom/?q=junior%20historian&resolution=2&lat=3416.8314142479776&lon=1058.8401602839508 [7] "War Department…”, 1903, p.5. [8] "Plan Monument for Major Arnold in Old Cemetery! Meeting to Discuss Fixing up of Burying Ground." Fort Worth Star-Telegram, vol. XXVII, no. 301, 13 Nov. 1909, p. [1]. NewsBank: Access World News – Historical and Current, Accessed 27 Sept. 2023. [9] “Major Ripley Arnold Statue & John V. McMillan Plaza.“ Panther Island Pavilion, Tarrant Regional Water District, N.D. Accessed 28 Sept 2023 ; https://pantherislandpavilion.com/things-to-do/major-ripley-arnold-statue-john-v-mcmillan-plaza/ Block 4, Lot 51 [Explore the Map ]

Josephine H. (Turner) Ryan January 4, 1851 - April 13, 1931 Josephine Harvelia (Turner) Hirshfield Ryan was born to Capt. Charles and Amanda Turner on January 4, 1851. Her father fought in the Mexican-American War of 1846-1848. In 1849 he was one of the soldiers who rode with Major Ripley Arnold and Colonel Middleton Tate Johnson when they selected a site on the Trinity River on which the Army would establish Fort Worth.¹ Josephine was a small child when her parents moved from Shelby County, Texas to Tarrant County in the early 1850’s.² The family crafted a farm out of nothing but prairie grass and live oak trees at the location of the present day Greenwood Cemetery. When the Civil War began, the Confederate government ordered Southerners to exchange their gold for Confederate money. Charles Turner chose not to. Instead, with the help of a trusted slave, Turner buried thousands of dollars worth of gold under an oak tree that still stands in Greenwood Cemetery, known as the “Turner Oak.” After the war, Turner dug up that gold he had buried and used the money to help stabilize Fort Worth’s economy and to ease the debt Fort Worth had incurred. In 1866, at the age of 15, Josephine married 37 year old John S. Hirshfield. Mr. Hirshfield owned a very successful construction company that is noted as building the “first road into the city.”³ Alongside with his father-in-law Charles Turner, he also owned stores of general merchandise along the route of the Houston & Texas Central Railway in Robertson and Limestone counties. Hirshfield is noted as being one of the Fort Worth business leaders that brought the railroad to the city in 1876. The couple would have 7 children, five of which would live to adulthood. Jospehine is also “the step-granddaughter of Captain E. M. Daggett” who “owned the silver wash basin captured from General Santa Anna.” Josephine H. Ryan said of the wash bowl: “. . . my husband, John S. Hirshfield, gave him [Daggett] fifty dollars in gold for it…and my children and grandchildren have had their first bath in it.”⁴ After the death of her first husband in 1877, Josphine found love again. In 1880, she married Capt. Alvis P. Ryan. The couple would have 3 children, but sadly their marriage would end in divorce in 1889.⁵ Josephine passed away in her home on April 13, 1931 at the age of 80. She is buried in Pioneers Rest Cemetery in the Hirshfield family plot next to her first husband and 4 children. Her parents and one sister are also buried at Pioneers Rest. __________________________ [1] “Josephine Ryan: Her Story is Our Story”. Hometown by Handlebar. 6 Aug 2020, https://hometownbyhandlebar.com/?p=4087 ; Accessed 22 Aug 2023. [2] Hudson, Weldon and Barbara Knox. Pioneers Rest Cemetery, Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas. Fort Worth Genealogical Society. 2001. Pg 142. [3] "Tarrant Pioneer, Mrs. J. H. Ryan, to be Buried Today." Dallas Morning News, Final Edition ed., 14 Apr. 1931, p. 9. NewsBank: Access World News – Historical and Current , Accessed 22 Aug. 2023. [4] “Josephine Ryan: Her Story is Our Story.” 2020. [5] “Alvis Parmley Ryan.” Find a Grave. N.D. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/12895747/alvis-parmley-ryan ; Accessed 22 Aug 2023. Block 4, Lot 17 [Explore the Map ]