Bell County Texas Cemeteries and Historical Places

Bell County Texas Cemeteries and Historical Places Sharing Historical stories, restoring markers here in Bell County Texas. We truly have an incredible past! From hysterical to the Historical is my motto.

One thing I love to do is visit cool places, and meet wonderful people. I think it is time I shared these experiences with you, with pictures, video, and my blog as well. It is about the fun in travel, the passion of fellowship and the joy of sharing a good story.

This is going to a handful to clean!
06/02/2026

This is going to a handful to clean!

Two more historical markers done this morning!
05/31/2026

Two more historical markers done this morning!

The McDaniels cemetery is quickly becoming more than a cemetery. The surrounding land there was a safe haven for the bla...
05/30/2026

The McDaniels cemetery is quickly becoming more than a cemetery. The surrounding land there was a safe haven for the black community. The first Juneteenth celebration occurred on June 19, 1866, in Galveston, Texas. However this story that was shared with me is heart warming.

A McDaniels historical note.....my dad recalls several years in his childhood (40's?) where they opened their property for "Juneteenth" celebrations - he says African Americans would travel from Austin, Dallas, San Antonio and spend several days camping by the creek - my grandfather would always supply them with a cow to butcher/eat while there. I've always been so intrigued with that story - how did they get the word out? who came? My impression is that they didn't necessarily let the "townspeople" of Holland know so maybe it was more of a secret? I'm not sure. It was possibly a time when everyone was not friendly to the black community. But those were my white father's friends and he did not see any differences. I've endeavored to try to look into that at the Carver Museum in Austin, but have not ever done that. Our family has always referred to that area of our property as "Juneteenth".

05/29/2026

This is the last set of markers! What an amazing job Josh has done! I’ll be there the 13th for support!

My first full day back, and I have been busy! I have adopted a cemetery! We received an email asking for help to clean a...
05/28/2026

My first full day back, and I have been busy! I have adopted a cemetery! We received an email asking for help to clean and maintain a cemetery. It is the Granger McDaniel Cemetery. It is on private property, and is on no map (yet). But will be listed soon. The first grave was of Mr. Henry Bisop Elliot, who was buried there in 1836. BUT there is a woman by the name of Jeanette Brown Bowen who was born in 1782, and died in 1865. 1782! It is need of a serious cleaning, and also family members from Missouri will be here on the 12th of June, Including a 92 year old descendant of the family. It will be her 1st visit ever! Here is the information I have found so far.

The McDaniel Cemetery is located in a mesquite pasture on the old McDaniel place, located on Flag Branch four miles East of Holland. Mary M. and the Elliott twins have marble tombstones. No other stones have been found. It is assumed that wooden markers were used. Granger McDaniel (1806-1856) was a colonist of the Republic of Texas. The family located there is listed below:

Jeannette Thompson Bowen 6 May 1782 – 1865

Marta Jafus Cavil 1 Jul 1961 – 13 Sep 1961

Henry Bishop Elliott Dec 1836 – unknown

Mahala Tomson “Mahaley” McDaniel Elliott 15 Dec 1840 – 18 Aug 1921

Twin Child I Elliott 17 May 1905 – 25 Feb 1908

Twin Child II Elliott 17 May 1905 – 25 Feb 1908

Elizabeth Ann “Annie” Kuykendall McDaniel
3 Apr 1840 – 8 Jun 1904

Granger McDaniel 14 Feb 1800 – 2 Jun 1855

Mary Margaret “Polly” Bowen McDaniel 25 Dec 1814 – 8 Jun 1894

Stacey Lee McDaniel 19 Jan 1832 – 12 Feb 1876

Elizabeth “Betsy” McDaniel Mills 31 Oct 1831 – 23 Feb 1871

Lena L. Reed 12 Sep 1899 – 24 Sep 1961

7 Star Cemetery is looking great!
05/26/2026

7 Star Cemetery is looking great!

Sorry my friends, not everything in Texas is bigger. Nebraska doesn’t fool around with their historical markers! They ar...
05/24/2026

Sorry my friends, not everything in Texas is bigger. Nebraska doesn’t fool around with their historical markers! They are made totally different. Imagine trying to restore these brutes!

The pauper’s cemetery is finally getting one step closer to recognition by the state! Thank you Dan Elder, for your work...
05/22/2026

The pauper’s cemetery is finally getting one step closer to recognition by the state! Thank you Dan Elder, for your work! I’m honored to be your vice chairman on the Bell County Historical Commission! Below is a part of the email we received.

I am pleased to report that we have mailed to you the signed and notarized Declaration of Dedication, including Exhibit A, for the Pepper Creek Pauper Cemetery. Instructions for filing this document with the Bell county clerk’s office and returning a copy to me are included in the mailing. I placed it in the mail today, so look for it to arrive sometime in the next week or so.

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Harker Heights, TX
76548

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