By:  Turner                                      S.R. No. 485
    1-1                           SENATE RESOLUTION
    1-2        WHEREAS, Cemeteries are important links to our past and
    1-3  their maintenance and preservation are a source of pride for
    1-4  families whose loved ones are buried there as well as citizens
    1-5  who appreciate their historical significance; and
    1-6        WHEREAS, In 1992, the Bethlehem Cemetery in Washington County
    1-7  received an Official Historical Marker; and
    1-8        WHEREAS, These noteworthy subject markers placed by the
    1-9  Texas Historical Commission convey that the site is worthy of
   1-10  preservation for its historical associations; and
   1-11        WHEREAS, The Bethlehem Cemetery was first used in the
   1-12  1850s after the man who owned the land, Ervin Brown, set it aside
   1-13  for a school and church; the site was also used as a community
   1-14  burial ground; and
   1-15        WHEREAS, The earliest documented grave is that of
   1-16  Susan J. Burdett, who died in 1854 at the age of 39; and
   1-17        WHEREAS, A number of children's graves are also located
   1-18  there, bearing witness to the fact that life on the frontier was
   1-19  very difficult; now, therefore, be it
   1-20        RESOLVED, That the Senate of Texas, 73rd Legislature,
   1-21  hereby recognize the Bethlehem Cemetery on the occasion of its
   1-22  receiving an Official Texas Historical Marker; and, be it further
   1-23        RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared to honor
    2-1  Bethlehem Cemetery as a visible reminder of Washington County's
    2-2  pioneer heritage.
    2-3                                 _____________________________________
    2-4                                        President of the Senate
    2-5                                      I hereby certify that the
    2-6                                 above Resolution was adopted by
    2-7                                 the Senate on March 23, 1993.
    2-8                                 _____________________________________
    2-9                                        Secretary of the Senate
   2-10                                 _____________________________________
   2-11                                         Member, Texas Senate