Owensville Cemetery West
Site Brief:
Founded: Mid-1800s
Location: Franklin, TX
Additional name(s): N/A
Affiliate group(s): Owensville Cemetery West Association
History:
West Owensville Cemetery, located in Robertson County, Texas, is a historic African American burial ground with burials dating back to the mid-1800s. The west section developed as the designated resting place for Black community members during a period of segregation, reflecting the social conditions of the time. In 1952, the Owensville Cemetery West Association was established by S.T. Brown, Dan Richards, and Mack Hodge to preserve and maintain this section, ensuring that the graves and stories of African American residents would not be forgotten. The cemetery continues to be cared for through ongoing community efforts that honor its historical and cultural importance.
This section of the cemetery is the final resting place of many individuals who contributed significantly to local and national history, including veterans, educators, ministers, and community leaders. Notable burials include Theodore “TD” Davis, a WWII veteran and pioneering African American employee of Western Union; Reverend Robert Neal and Viola Neal, educators and civil rights advocates; and Willie B. Johnson, a veteran, principal, and longtime cemetery preservation leader. These individuals represent generations of resilience, service, and leadership within the African American community of Robertson County. Today, West Owensville Cemetery stands as a powerful symbol of heritage, perseverance, and remembrance.
BCN Contact Information:
Mary Stevens