The history of the Jericho Cemetery was preserved for posterity last Saturday as a new historical marker was dedicated there.
Established in 1894, the cemetery in northern Donley County holds the earthly remains of pioneers and their descendents who settled the area which, in about 1902, became the town of Jericho located along the Chicago, Rock Island, & Gulf railroad. Entombed there are the remains of everyone from infants to war veterans.
Jericho was a stopping place for people moving from Oklahoma to New Mexico as the local residents opened their homes to the strangers in times of blizzards and dust storms. Throughout the years, small pox and influenza epidemics added graves to the cemetery.
The sacred plot of ground has been tended to by the Jericho Cemetery Association since it was reorganized in 1970, but community volunteers, friends, and family have always watched over the cemetery.
Approximately 35 people were present Saturday as the cemetery’s historical marker was dedicated. Groom Boy Scout Troop 429 posted the colors and led the Pledge of Allegiance to the American and Texas flags. David Kelly sang the National Anthem and “Texas, Our Texas.”
Cemetery Association President Bud Schaffer gave the welcome and introduced distinguished guests. Family histories were given by Cleo Nix, Melba Leathers, Barbara Lantham, and Jean Heisler. Historian Peggy Beckham read the text of the historical marker.
Donley County Historical Commission Chair Jean Stavenhagen presented certificates of appreciation.
The ceremony was closed with Kelly singing “God Bless America,” and all attendees reciting the Lord’s Prayer.
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