Visiting the Historic Masonic Cemetery in Chappell Hill, Texas

History of Chappell Hill
One can learn so much about an area by visiting cemeteries, and the historic Masonic Cemetery in Chappell Hill is no exception. The pictures included in this article will give you some idea of what you would be able to see were you to visit Chappell Hill and roam the grounds of the Masonic Cemetery in person.
If visiting Texas sites is on your list of things to do, Chappell Hill is one of the oldest settled areas in the State. It is a part of Stephen F. Austin's original colony of settlers. The rolling hills with the Brazos River furnishing the watershed drew early settlers who grew cotton as the main agricultural business.
Established in the year 1847 by a Mary Hargrove Haller, she named the town after her grandfather whose name was Robert Wooding Chappell. Thus the name Chappell Hill came into existence.

Masonic Cemetery
My husband, mother and I made the discovery of this Masonic Cemetery in the charming town of Chappell Hill several years ago while we were out in the countryside looking at the bluebonnets and other spring blooming wildflowers.
When driving through the town of Chappell Hill we became mesmerized with the age of the buildings and unique flavor of it's atmosphere. Main Street in Chappell Hill is named as a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.
Wandering through a gift shop we spoke with the very friendly proprietor who directed us in locating the Masonic Cemetery. My mother and I have always enjoyed visiting cemeteries on our travels and my husband was nice enough to accommodate our wishes.
This year while enjoying ourselves on the Texas Bluebonnet Wine Trail we were nearby and my hubby and I revisited the Masonic Cemetery and I took some additional pictures.


Monuments
In no particular order I'll start showing some of the monuments or grave markers which can be viewed in the Chappell Hill Masonic Cemetery. Some of them are impressive and tall such as the one shown above. The detailing at the top of the monument is beautiful.
As one drives in to the cemetery the older and more historic markers are found on one's left hand side with newer markers a little higher up the slight rise in height to the right. This is still an active cemetery with new bodies still being interred in this scenic area of Chappell Hill.


Landscape
The grounds of the cemetery have mature trees which one would expect to find since many of these old grave markers are well in excess of one hundred years old. In the newer section at the far end one looks down upon a pond of water and one can gaze for a bit into the distance of this rolling countryside.
Some of the rusted metal fencing around the older grave markers no longer stands upright. One also finds evidence of broken headstones and others that have been propped up. Time has taken its toll on being able to clearly read the inscriptions on some of the old headstones.
There is still much of interest to be found there however as you will soon be able to see. Wear good walking shoes and watch out for ant hills which seem to flourish in this environment especially in the older section.

Freemasonry
This will merely be a nodding introduction to Freemasonry. Obviously there is much more that can be learned about what it means to be a Mason.
It is an association of like minded people worldwide who basically believe in a Supreme Being first and foremost. Being of sound mind and body and living a life of moral uprightness and supporting friendships between their fellow brethren, Masons also believe in doing charity work as an integral part of their belief systems and accomplish much good in the world.
The square and compass found on many of their grave markers represent living within the parameters of these upstanding beliefs. George Washington and Andrew Jackson are examples of some famous American Presidents who were Masons.
Freemasonry goes back centuries and there are Lodges in most countries of the world. It is an organization that limits membership to men only. There is also controversy as some people believe it is a secret organization. Some religions do not approve of their people belonging to their particular religion and the Masons at the same time feeling some disconnect between the belief systems.
While these are broad generalizations one can learn much more by reading about them. Perhaps you even have some Masons who are family members or friends?

Elaborate Carvings
The detailing on some of these old grave markers is beautiful. Shown below is a sampling of what you can see if you go visit the Masonic Cemetery in Chappell Hill, Texas.








Woodmen Gravestones
Some of the more interesting gravestones that can be found in the Masonic Cemetery are those that look like tree stumps or stacked logs.
Joseph Cullen Root founded the Woodmen Society which provided life insurance to its members more than one hundred years ago. One of the benefits that Mr. Root desired and accomplished was that all members would be provided a respectful burial and in addition be provided a special monument to stand atop their graves.
Originally the monuments were to be standardized but local stone carvers soon started putting their own interpretations onto these gravestones so the designs vary widely but are still easily identifiable as being "Woodmen" markers.
In the 1920s this benefit had to be discontinued due to the high cost of providing these stone markers. $100 was added to the life insurance policy instead.
Most of the tree stump markers that can be found in cemeteries stand about four to five feet tall and some have carved vines and other embellishments at their base. All are interesting to view.
Today the Woodmen still exist offering insurance of all types as well as other financial and investment opportunities.




Just look at the dates on this old headstone pictured below in the Masonic Cemetery. I wonder if in another hundred years this grave marker will still be standing? Plant life called lichens have seemingly taken root and are now living on this man's monument.





Colonel William Barret Travis
Colonel William Barret Travis made a special request regarding his son Charles who was seven years old at the time.
For those who might not remember the history, Colonel Travis died at the Battle of the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas. A substantial monument to Colonel Travis pictured below tells the story.




Additional pictures of some of the grave markers in the Chappell Hill Masonic Cemetery are shown below.







Suffice to say that if you like visiting cemeteries and you also enjoy history you will love visiting the historic cemetery in Chappell Hill, Texas. Bring your camera! You will walk away with some great pictures to accompany your memories.
Does this look like a cemetery that you would like to visit?
Location of this interesting cemetery:
Questions & Answers
© 2010 Peggy Woods
Comments are welcomed.
Interesting read! I enjoyed all the photos and the detailing is magnificent!
Hoping to visit the cemetery some day. I must confess that my father and grandfather were masons and the family has suffered general curses because of it, I have realized because of the vast inforamtion about masonry now available. Masons can suffer from skin conditions such as psoriasis and the like and also mental disorders, and loss of firstborns (in my family it occurred on two occasions, though my sister was blessed with a life-saving resuscitation, afterwards giving her heart to Jesus) perhaps I would discover more if more geneaology is done. Masonry honors the Great Architect of the Universe, or GAOTU, and you will not find a cross in their temples. Those who are members enjoy the pumping up of their ego and can become anti-Semitic. There is honor given to Egyptians, which is shown in their decor, and they were a people who persecuted God's people. Masons often suffer what the Egyptian's did, bouts with insects, skin conditions, loss of firstborn, anger issues, bipolar and depression issues, financial losses and more but they don't usually connect the dots. Anyone who wants to be a mason should read 'Masonry Unmasked' by John Salza. There have been many studies, and there is a reason for the secrecy. Lucifer, the Light-bearer, is lurking in the shadows. I'm posting this in hopes people will read and leave masonry before it curses their family as it did mine. I found this site on accident, I thought at first, but probably the Lord led me here, as He's led me to visit many cemeteries which have deceased masons, in order to pray there...
Hi Peggy (Peggy W) - I am not sure what happened to the comment I left for you yesterday, but it didn't make it to the page. I believe that it was because the comment may have "gone on and on" too much about what a wonderful article and what terrifically fine photos you presented here. Makes me wish I had come across the piece long ago. Great work, this one.
Gus :-)))
I really enjoyed your photos and seeing the Masonic cemetery.
Hi Peggy (Peggy W) -
Absolutely, a superbly written article, plus photographs so masterfully composed and executed that we would think we were standing right there. Worth a good visit to Chappell Hill now that the bluebonnets are all blooming like crazy. Thanks, Peggy. What a winner you are.
Gus :-)))
I have never done the cemetery investigations but I imagine there is much history to learn. The Masons at one time had a lot of influence at the Rock Island Arsenal, so I was told. Knights o Columbus did also. A woman I worked with told me that she was not getting promotions until her picture was in the paper related to an award in the womens organization related to the Masons. She did not think the promotion she got at work was a coincidence.
The city of Moline has a rather impressive Mason Temple, by the way.
I didn't know they had their own cemeteries. voted across except funny. sharing
Enjoyed this hub very interesting. Love all the pictures. My family on my Dad's and Mom's side were Masons. Voted up and shared.
Cool hub! I love wandering through old cemeteries!
Without a doubt a huge slice of Americana is stored in these vintage cemeteries. This one has a great recounting of the Alamo battle. It's easy to forget that these men were 'real people'.. by that I mean - had families, children, lives that classroom history lessons don't teach. I really enjoyed this Peggy! Thank you!
So much history can be read in a cemetery. Fascinating stuff this.
Thanks so much for sharing, and for the great pix - they make a big difference.
Love and peace
Tony
What a fascinating hub Peggy! Strange though it sounds, I love visiting cemeteries......so peaceful and quiet. Masonic Cemetery though looks more than just that - I just loved those monuments, especially the detail in each. Thank you for this...must have been such hardwork putting it all together, so well done! :)
I've always been fascinated by cemeteries so really enjoyed reading this hub. I've always wondered about the Woodmen gravestones. Thank you!
Golly, some discovery indeed. I really do appreciate sharing these with us most especially the pictures that tell the story itself. It is like being there as well. Thank you so much my friend, Peggy W.
I love these beautiful old grave markers. I too enjoy visiting old cemeteries. They are beautiful, full of history, and peaceful. Thank you for sharing. Excellent hub.
Very, very nice. This may push me to put up some Charleston graveyard pics. Thanks Peggy W.
Fascinating hub,thank you,
History reminder, historic hub. Thanks for sharing.
That is a masterpiece of interesting information and wonderful pictures. Thank you so much.
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