108 attend dedication ceremony on Saturday
The Murray Cemetery, located on FM 487 North, held a dedication ceremony for its new historical marker.
Members of the Milam Historical Commission, American Legion Post 348, Milam Genealogical Society and Milam County Agent joined over 100 other guests and family members.
Cheryl Walker, extension agent, gave a history of George Banzhaf, who is interred in the cemetery and whose name appears on the marker. He was Milam’s first county agent and two of his grandsons were in attendance -- George Banzhaf and Glen Banzhaf.
A special program was presented for Civil War veterans. Refreshments and a time to visit grave sites and fellowship was appreciated by all in attendance.
Texas cities represented were Arlington, Austin, Belton, Big Lake, Bryan, Buckholts, Buda, Burnet, Cameron, Coleman, Dale, Dripping Springs, Flower Mound, Granbury, Hearne, Houston, Killeen, Kingsland, Madisonville, May, Mt. Pleasant, Onalaska, Post, Red Oak, San Angelo, Santa Anna, Seabrook, Sonora, Splendora, Taylor, Temple, Victoria, Waco, Yoakum and one visitor from Tucson, Arizona.
The raising of the flag was performed by Ronnie Faust, of the American Legion Post 348. Post Commander Art Free led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Floyd Brockenbush gave the invocation and Joy Graham gave the introduction of Cheryl Walker.
Velmaline Williams presented a history of the cemetery and she and Bud Williams unveiled the marker.
Jim Platt gave the benediction.
During the ceremony, grave markers were dedicated for Confederate Veterans, courtesy of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Brenham Chapter, and Union Veterans markers, courtesy of Mary Alice Poe.
Murray Cemetery Association committee members include: John Elbert Fischer, Brockenbush (chairman), Donna McIrvin, Joy Graham, Lorene Wicker and Mary Alice Poe.
Officers are Al Trahan, president; Joy (Drummond) Kenjura, vice president; Texey (Whiteley) Goad, secretary; Mary Alice (Brockenbush) Poe, treasurer; Peggy (Lawrence) Fischer, perpetual care and mapping.
Rockdale Reporter, August 14, 2008
- Dedication Photos courtesy of James David Walker
