Let Us Not Forget
By J. GREENWOOD
The Crayton Family Reunion Newsletter, Vol. 1, San Antonio, TX, January 15, 2001
Preserving a family cemetery is considered a sacred duty to most people. A family burial ground is a place to transcend the physical world and perhaps a last attempt to keep the family together. The history of our ancestors still exists in the stories we pass on to new generations. However, their burial grounds have not been preserved to reflect this appreciation.
The Crayton Cemetery is located in the York Creek community on Lemann Rd. It is the place where some of our oldest ancestors rest, James and Jane Crayton. Various other family members are also buried there. James Crayton Sr. was born April 16, 1854 in Caldwell County to his father and master, John Crayton.
As an adult, James united with Jane Bell Allen, born March 11, 1857, and they bore 18 children. The story is told that there where nine boys and nine girls. Among the known children, were James “Jim” Jr., Lizzie, Minnie, Gurtrude, Rhoda, Tennessee, Dock, John, Benjamin, Bruce and Baylor. James and Jane can be honored in the fact that they are the Grandparents of all living relatives today.
In respect of family origins, it would appear that their burial site be well preserved. However, the grass is badly grown up and the tombstones and graves have begun to sink as a sign of neglect. The cemetery is in dyer need of family assistance to help clean and preserve the site to prevent such neglect in the future. To voice your opinions on the efforts to preserve the Crayton Cemetery, please write to us at the address in the contact section or call for concerns.
