Kyle Family Pioneer Cemetery - Texas Historical Markers on Waymarking.com

Claiborne Kyle, one of the early pioneer to settle in what is called Kyle, TX had set aside a small portion of his land as a family cemetery for his slaves. This family burial ground is adjacent to the where the Kyle Community Cemetery is now. It is believed the first of Kyle's slaves to be buried here in this Kyle Family Pioneer Cemetery was an 80 year old slave. Census records showed Claiborne Kyle kept about 28-29 slaves from 1950 to 1860. There are a dozen or so markers remaining within this cemetery but many more bodies were placed here, their grave markers, perhaps made of wood, having deteriorated over time. The surviving tombstones can be seen dotted among the grove of small trees which has grown up over time. The dappled sunlight shining through the tree's canopy, the bare dirt and leaf detritus gives an eerie atmosphere to this historic place. I would not be surprised if some day a Ghost Tour includes this as one of their stops.

Marker Number: 18617 Marker Text: Known locally as the Old Slave Cemetery or Kyle Slave Cemetery, the Kyle Family Pioneer Cemetery lay unnoticed and forgotten for many years, tucked to the right of the entrance to the Kyle Community Cemetery. The cemetery is the final resting place for some of Claiborne Kyle's slaves and former slaves, many with ephemeral markers no longer visible. According to the 1850 Hays County slave census, Claiborne Kyle owned 28 slaves, ranging in age from two years to 80. By 1860, that number increased to 29, ranging from one to 63. Presumably, the 80-year-old passed away and is believed to be the first burial in this cemetery. At first glance, there are around a dozen stones marking burials, but a survey revealed many more burials, taking place from the 1850s to 1938. Very few headstones remain intact with several carved by hand and others cut by skilled stone cutters. One headstone, that of Philis Martin (1822-1887), lists the stonecutter as M. E. Aten, Old Round Rock (Williamson County). Another legible headstone belongs to Vinie Kyle (1837-1908). In unmarked graves beside her lie her husband, Samuel (b. 1839), and several of their children. Samuel Kyle is believed to be one Claiborne's slaves and, possibly, his son with Kitty Kyle who is said to be buried here. WW1 veteran, William Calvin (1888-1938), is also buried here. In 1899, the nearby Kyle Cemetery for Colored People (now known as Skyview Cemetery) was established and quickly became the primary burial location for the African American community of Kyle. With community involvement and grants, the restoration and preservation of the Kyle Family Pioneer Cemetery began in the 1990s. Historic Texas Cemetery - 2015 Marker is property of the State of Texas

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