Muse
Cemetery
Slocum,
Anderson County, Texas
Cemeteries
of Texas Coordinator: Dolores I. Bishop
Information provided by the State of Texas Atlas Site
Location
9 mi. east of
Slocum on SH 294, then .5 mi. north on CR 1229
Marker:
The
oldest marked grave in this cemetery is that of Mary E. Gilmore, who died
February 6, 1859, at the age of six months. The oldest section of the burial
ground is covered with sand, though grass grows on newer sections. A 1969 survey
located some 261 unmarked graves, which were then designated with cement
markers. The cemetery takes its name from the pioneer Thomas Fletcher Muse
family, though records show it was in use prior to the family's settlement in
the area following the Civil War. However, there are no indications that any of
the Muse family members are buried here. The first section was not officially
deeded for use as a cemetery until 1909. Two additional sections were added in
1958 and 1981. Several generations of some area families are represented here.
Most of the grave markers are of stone, though there are also some above-ground
vault burials. A cemetery association was formed in 1981. To the east of the
oldest section is another small cemetery, containing the graves of black
citizens of the community. The oldest marked grave in that plot is of Jackson
Roach, who died September 1, 1882. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836 - 1986