Tippett Cemetery

Panola Co. Cemeteries of TX

Surveyed by Don Austin ca 1981

Imogene Cozart Dickey 2000

Submitted by Gloria B. Mayfield, Panola Co Coordinator

Directions: From Carthage, go southbound on FM 699 for 8.1 miles to the point where Panola County Road 425 intersects on the right. Turn to the right on CR 425. Cemetery is close to that intersection, north of CR 425 and west of FM 699.

It is estimated that there are 15-20 graves in this cemetery; however, only one, that of Elizabeth Soape, is identifiable. According to oral traditions, some slaves were buried here as well as family members, as was the custom of that time in East Texas. Additional information regarding persons buried here was furnished to Don Austin by Mrs. W.B. Stillwell and Milton Stillwell, both of the Old Center Community.

"Located on gently sloping ground in woodlands of average thickness, less than 200 yards from the road and bounded by a rusty barbed-wire fence on one side only. Only three graves were marked in some fashion, one of which was identifiable and another marked by a piece of native rock. Another was marked by a piece of broken tombstone lying on the ground, with no inscription whatsoever. All three graves were spaced a good distance apart, meaning the cemetery could be larger than expected.

The cemetery was used by the Tippett, Stillwell and Soape families, who intermarried, until around the turn of the century. James Tippett and wife (original landowners) were buried here along with other members of the family whose names are unknown."