Scurlock Cemetery

William Scurlock was born October 22, 1807, in Chatham County, North Carolina, the fourth of five children, according to the Dictionary of North Carolina Biography. The family moved to Tennessee in 1826 and later to Mississippi. He and his brother Mial crossed the Sabine at Gaines Ferry in 1834. After escaping captivity in May 1836, he served as captain of the San Augustine volunteers from July 4 to October 4. He later represented Red River County in the legislature in 1839 and 1840 and was a member of the Texas Veterans Association.

What the plaque says

Scurlock Cemetery This cemetery is named for North Carolina native William Scurlock (1807-1885), a veteran of the Texas Revolution, who is buried here. He and his brother Mial migrated to Texas in 1834 and constructed a log cabin in this vicinity. The following year they enlisted in the Texas Revolutionary army. Known as the "Man with the Charmed Life," William served in the Siege of Bexar, the Battle of Agua Dulce, and participated in the Matamoros Expedition. Captured by Mexican forces at Goliad and used as a medical assistant, he escaped the massacre of Col. James W. Fannin's troops. He later eluded his captors and fought at the Battle of San Jacinto. Mial Scurlock was killed at the fall of the Alamo. After the war Capt. Scurlock served in the Republic of Texas Congress (1839-40) and fought in the Mexican War (1846-48) before settling here. His wife Frances (1821-1902) was the daughter of William A. and Phenaty Thompson, pioneer settlers of the area. The earliest marked grave here is that of their son George, who died in 1864. Also buried here is Confederate veteran W. J. Walton (1838-1916). Captured at Jonesboro, Georgia, in 1864, he spent the remainder of the Civil War in an Illinois military prison. (1980)

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Mial Scurlock — steps away
• McMahan's Chapel — 1.4 mi
• The Thompson Family — 2.5 mi
• El Lobanillo — 4.1 mi