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Official Report from the Young County Historical Commission and Recommendations to the Young County Commissioners Court

The Young County Historical Commission, dedicated to supporting the Young County Commissioners Court and preserving the history of Young County, conducted research on the county cemetery located on the 380 By-Pass in Graham, Texas. We discovered that the land for the cemetery was gifted on December 4, 1923, to the then County Judge W. H. Reeves and his successors by Addie M. Graham. Ms. Graham explicitly stated in the deed that the land was to be used solely as a burial ground for the local Black community.

Given that the deeded land was adjacent to an established Black church, it is clear that Ms. Graham intended for this parcel to serve as a churchyard cemetery for the neighboring congregation. Over the years, the cemetery operated without an official name and has been referred to by various names, many of which include language that is now considered racist and divisive.

For decades, a local gentleman named William P. Johnston Jr. volunteered his time and resources to maintain the cemetery. Professionally a yard man, Mr. Johnston mowed and cared for the cemetery every week. We are not aware of him receiving any compensation for his efforts, which appear to have been a charitable act.

After Mr. Johnston passed away in 1971, a sign unexpectedly appeared at the front gate, stating in bright red letters, "WILLIAM P. JOHNSTON MEMORIAL CEMETERY." Later, it was revealed that the sign was made and placed by Wilbur “Sonny” Williams. Since that time, our research indicates the cemetery has consistently been referred to as the William P. Johnston Cemetery.

The Young County Historical Commission consulted with the William P. Johnston Preservation Committee, which has conducted independent research into the cemetery. They reported similar findings and conclusions.

The Young County Historical Commission would like to recommend an official name for the cemetery on the 380 By-Pass in Graham, Texas. We propose that the Commissioners Court name the cemetery “William P. Johnston Cemetery.” This name has been used to reference the site for at least 54 of its 101 years, and it is both non-discriminatory and suitable for community acceptance.

The cemetery has existed for over 101 years without an official name. After considering various options, we believe this recommendation reflects both the historical significance and the community's values.