Graves at Hardin Simmons University

2200 Hickory

Abilene, Taylor Co., Cemeteries of  Texas

Photos and Submitted by Cassie Jarrett

Organized as Abilene Baptist College in 1891 and renamed Simmons College in 1925. Called Hardin-Simmons in 1934.

Texas Historical Marker

Organized as Abilene Baptist College by cattlemen, preachers, and Sweetwater Baptist Association in 1891. Named for New York pastor, James B. Simmons, after he donated funds for completing the first building, which housed the president, classes, and women students during school's early years. Men lived in nearby barn-like structure, "Valhalla." Noted early presidents were the missionary-editor, O. C. Pope, Oscar Henry Cooper, renowned educator; and Jefferson Davis Sandefer, in whose term (1909-1940) the school made extensive growth. Approximately 44,000 students have been enrolled, and 10,000 degrees conferred. Ex-students enter business and the professions, including medicine, law, teaching, engineering; ministers and lay workers serve in hundreds of pulpits and on all continents. Students come from many states and foreign countries. Athletic teams are "Cowboys"; the "Cowboy" band, famous nationally, has played in 45 states and on 3 continents. Renamed Simmons University, 1925; and Hardin-Simmons in 1934, after generous benefactions by John G. and Mary Hardin. Since 1940, guided by the Baptist General Convention of Texas. Most of extant buildings have been constructed since 1945. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1967.

Last Name First Name Birth Death Comments
Pope O.C. LLD 1842 1901 President of this college
Pope Mary W. 1840 1930 w/o O. C. Pope
Sandefer Jefferson Davis Mar 13 1858 Mar 22 1940 " A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches" Prov.22.1
Sandefer Lucille Gilbert Feb 27 1869 Sep 26 1950 "And Jesus said, "She hath done what she could" Matt 14:8
Simmons Robt S. 1845 1934 Benefactor of this College
Simmons James B.   Dec 17 1905 Founder  "His Constant Plea was " Let us research Christ Daily to use all our schools for His World-wide conquests"

Even their Ashes witness for Christian Education