Copyright©2001 

  The Cameron Herald

Thursday, May 24, 2001

Meeting nets gains for historic cemetery

The North Elm Community began in 1867 when early pioneers chose to settle: up and down the banks of the North Elm Creek. As with most communities the need arose for a church, school and cemetery. The only original of these that remains is the cemetery, which was established in 1870 with the burial of J. G. Lagrone (sic). The Cemetery has 15 Confederate veterans and two Texas Rangers buried there. It continues to be a cemetery that families bring their loved ones back to, for their final resting place.

The North Elm Cemetery Association held its annual meeting in May at the cemetery pavilion. People from all over the state come to this yearly meeting. There were over 90 in attendance for the day. The business meeting for the association was held with much business acted on. The cemetery has received a 501(c)(3) designation, meaning that all donations to the cemetery are tax deductible, and that the cemetery does not pay taxes. This will also allow the association to apply for grants.

It was announced that the cemetery would soon have a web-site, more information on that will be released shortly. This will allow family members to do research of their families. Door prizes were brought and a drawing was held. Gayle Boggess brought a painting she had painted and it was auctioned off to the highest bidder. Next year there will be a silent auction to raise money for the cemetery.

As with all events there are many people that have gone out of their way to pro- vide for this community event. The North Elm Association would like to say thank you to those who helped. Bruce Rea Jr. cooked brisket all night Friday at the cemetery for the luncheon. Transit Ready Mix from Temple furnished the barbecue wagon again -they help each year. Art Coley of the French Quarter in Temple, provided the paper goods for the day and the beans. And Marek-Burns-Laywell Funeral Home let the group use their tent, which they set up for the group each year.

 North Elm has received its Texas Historical Cemetery Markers and they will be displayed following a dedication ceremony in September of his year. That date will be announced soon. Officers for the new year are: Glinda Harbison of Temple, president; Gayle Boggess of Katy, vice-president; and Anna Rae of Temple, secretary / treasurer. These officers are serving another year. The association members feel they are doing a good job.

The fund-raiser for this year was the book "The History of North Elm". It has been revised and for a $15 donation it can be sent to anyone interested. They still have a few of the Yarrelton and North Elm Cemetery – Cameron Herald books available for a $15 donation also.

Donations may be made to North Elm Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 14, Cameron, Texas 76520. It is by donations only that this rural cemetery continues to operate.