As the final resting place for many of the area’s nineteenth century pioneers, the Beck’s Chapel Cemetery was established near Beck’s Chapel and Beck’s Chapel School, deeded from Stonewall Riddlesperger in 1901. The first recorded burial in the cemetery is that of Nancy Jane (Sherwood) Ward (1848-1900), the first wife of pioneer James “John Henry” Ward (1847-1941). Many of John Henry’s descendants are also buried here. The first son of 1850s pioneer William H. Beck, Robert Lee Beck (1867-1925), and his wife, Josephine (Anding) Beck (1865-1935), are buried here. Robert Beck and the Beck family were farmers in the area and supported the Beck’s Chapel for the community as well as education. A frame schoolhouse existed on the property until 1946. Robert went on to serve as justice of the peace for five terms between 1909 and 1924 and was involved in education as a school trustee. Another pioneer family buried here is the Anding family. Bud David “Buddie” Anding (1887-1946), a school trustee and school board member, and his wife, Lillie (Mills) Anding (1883-1956), are buried here along with family. In addition to pioneer families and civic leaders, there are also veteran burials and woodmen of the world burials and markers. The Beck’s Chapel Cemetery Association formed in 1997 to care for the Cemetery. Situated among the crepe myrtle trees and a large magnolia tree, this historic cemetery is a reminder of the pioneer families of Henderson County and their descendants, citizens dedicated to their families and community. Historic Texas Cemetery – 2016