Becknall Cemetery
Red River County Texas

Notes: I don't know if this is the original name of this cemetery or if it ever had an official name. It is the burial place of Captain William Becknall, who was the founder of the Santa Fe Trail and led a unit in the Texas War for Independence. It is located on the land that was granted to Becknall. In the 1950s the Missouri Historical Society wanted to place a monument in his honor, but the exact burial place could not be pinpointed. In 1957 a marker was put here by the state of Texas with the following information.
William Becknell
born in Virginia 1797
Pioneered the Santa Fe Trail
Served with the Army of the Republic of Texas
Died 1865
Erected by the State of Texas 1957
It is not known if this is the exact location, but it is probably close. According to public records, the dates on this marker are in error. His wife was named executrix of his estate in 1858. Mary Becknell's Will, dated 1865, requests that markers be placed in the graves of her husband and son. The dates are listed below. She also requested that a fence be put around the cemetery and a tabernacle be built for the Methodist Church to hold meetings. The man who was named executor of her will passed away before her wishes could be carried out, and this was never done.

When I was here sometime around 1960 there were three or four other stones. I was told that there were once many others. It is said by descendants that the Becknall's daughter, Cornelia Collins, is buried here. In all likelihood, Mary is also buried here.

LAST NAME	FIRST NAME	BIRTH	DEATH	COMMENTS
BECKNALL	William	1788 Amhurst Co, VA	Apr 20, 1856 Aged 68 yrs RR Co TX
BECKNALL	William A.	1902 Howard Co, MO	Feb 7, 1858
There are only three original markers still left. Thanks for this information to Jim Giddens, who climbed the fence and waded through the weeds.
Turnbole	William R.	Nov 30, 1861	Feb 13, 1884	son of J.F. & A.E. Turnbole
McGuire	James L.	Nov 3, 1881	July 31, 1883	son of J.T. McGuire
McGuire	Alonzo L.	Mar 31,1879	Aug 10,1883	son of J.T. McGuire

 
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