The Cemetery By The Lake

Hebron Cemetery is located near Clarksville, Texas where Lake Drive Road runs into FM 1159. It is located on a tract of land that was part of what is sometimes referred to as the Henry Stout Survey. As cemeteries go, it is not very large, covering four or five acres of land.

I have heard, at least a few times, what I call a "modern myth" about Hebron Cemetery. The story goes that if one walks the length of the cemetery, he will lose the ability to breathe and suffocate within seconds. That's the end of the story: no elaboration, no examples, and no reason for the occurrence.

Has anyone tested the truth of this myth? A reasonable question might be, "Who would want to?" That being said, it was almost tested when I was a teenager. My younger brother and I (and perhaps others; I can't recall) were driving out near the cemetery. We were unsupervised, and my brother announced that he was unafraid. He volunteered to walk the length of the cemetery and tempt fate. To make a long story short, either I or the others with us wouldn't allow it. Life is short enough, I guess, without appealing for death from supernatural forces.

In my study of Red River County history, I have read through several descriptions of Hebron Cemetery. I have never seen a reference to any so-called "suffocation superstition." If such was ever widespread, I suggest it may have been a "scare tactic" to keep mischievous youths off cemetery grounds. (Lankford Creek Lake, which is immediately opposite the old cemetery, was at one time a gathering place for youths. One can easily reach the conclusion that a ghost story might have been dreamed up to discourage the youth from paying unwanted nightly visits to the cemetery).

Another question that begs to be asked: What about driving the length of the cemetery? It's geographically arranged along a Farm to Market road so that motorists pass the same area one would have to traverse on foot (and presumably suffocate). Apparently there has never been a rash of car accidents due to the sudden suffocation of the driver, so perhaps this method doesn't meet the qualifications for spectral intervention.

The real story of Hebron Cemetery is, as far as I can tell, much more benign and does not involve the supernatural. It is an African-American cemetery, formerly known as "the Baptist Cemetery" (as was Clarksville Cemetery). Since 1898-1899, it has been overseen by the Hebron Cemetery Association. There are many unmarked graves on the land; the oldest marked interment is that of one Scott Dinwiddie (d. June 3, 1898). One report states that the marker of a Mrs. Sally Green is dated 17 May 1828, but the researchers doubted the validity of the date.

Again, I have personally read at least three articles describing the old cemetery. I have studied as many firsthand descriptions of the grave markers and burials. In conclusion, I note that not even one researcher involved in documenting the burials has ever reported any trouble being able to breathe.

Back      I      Next

Created With MS Paint.exe & Notepad.exe
© Ruinedmetropolis.com 2006-2009, All rights reserved.