FIRST - Mason Monument in Texas, Morton Cemetery, Richmond, TX - First of its Kind on Waymarking.com

This simple brick tomb is the final resting place of Robert Gillespie.

"In 1825, a stranger by the name of Robert Gillespie, a native of Scotland, found his way to William Morton’s home. He had met with foul play before he reached this area and because he was a fellow Mason, Morton and his family cared for Gillespie until he died on November 7, 1825. Morton buried Gillespie on his property and built a brick tomb over his grave. This tomb is believed to be the first known Masonic landmark in Texas."

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A plaque, which now leans against the monument, gives historical information:

This marker was dedicated January 27, 2001 on the 150th anniversary of Morton Lodge No. 72 A.F. & A.M. honoring the memory of William Morton, a Masonic brother who was one of the 1st settlers of Richmond. He acquired this labor of land (177 acres) from the Mexican government. He also acquired a league of land (4428 acres) on the East side of the Brazos River where he was engaged in farming and ranching.

Brother Morton was a skilled brick and stone mason and erected the first Masonic monument in Texas for a brother Mason, Robert Gillespie, a native of Scotland who died in Morton's home in 1825. Morton lived until 1833, when was lost in a Brazos River flood. His body was never found, but his deeds and his memory will live forever.

Santa Anna’s army camped here a few nights before the Battle of San Jacinto. Sometime during their stay, several Mexican soldiers attempted to destroy the monument, but were stopped by one of their officers who was a Mason. The monument fell into disrepair for many years and was restored by Morton Lodge in 1936.


Each face of the tomb has a concrete tablet:

South Face:

In Memory of
Robert
Gillespie
-- age 45. --

A native of Scotland,
Who, A stranger in
this land, Traveled
to the Mansion of
Eternity
the 7th of Nov. 1825
-----------
May he rest in peace.

East Face:

“An honest craftsman moulders here.
Remote from friends and home.
His widowed wife and orphans dear.
How sad must be their doom.
His morals pure, his soul refined.
He acted by the square.
In him those virtues were combined.
Which time cannot outwear.”

North Face:

Behold, I will set my plumb line
in the midst of the people Israel
I will not again pass by them anymore.

West Face:

Reconstructed by

Morton Lodge No. 72 AF&AM

This date
March 17, 1936

FIRST - Classification Variable: Item or Event Date of FIRST: 11/07/1825 More Information - Web URL: [Web Link]

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