Ivy and bamboo surround the more than 200-year-old cemetery, which sits west of Avenue R off Ira Young Drive, near Interstate 35, and weeds and grass overlook some of the markers.
Earlier this week, the Telegram ran an article about the cemetery, with concerned residents voicing their displeasure with its upkeep.
Bell County Appraisal District records indicate the last known owner was Mrs. F.S. DuBose of Temple. After researching Texas burial records, the owner appears to be Mrs. Forest Smith DuBose, the former Grace Nichols, who died on Dec. 18, 1992. Forest Smith DuBose, her husband, died on Nov. 23, 1963.
Records show the DuBoses had no children and it remains unclear as to whether there were family members who were deeded the cemetery land because it was tax-exempt.
If a cemetery has been abandoned and is more than 50 years old, according to Texas Funeral Service Commission executive director Chet Robbins, there are state laws that allow for local municipalities to take over cemeteries depending on the situation.
Robbins indicated such takeovers are not uncommon.
“A lot of times, it comes down to county commissioners - a commissioner’s court could, for example, decide to take over an abandoned cemetery with a vote,” he said. “In a lot of cases they will apply for some type of funds, or grants to help with the finances, or for cleanup and renovations.
“They also have the option to use public funds, or their own maintenance crews to do work,” he said.
The laws appear in the commission’s guidelines - in chapter 317. The law says, “A municipality with a cemetery inside the municipality’s boundaries or extraterritorial jurisdiction may, by resolution, take possession and control of the cemetery on behalf of the public if the cemetery threatens or endangers public health, safety, comfort or welfare.”
Bell County Judge Jon Burrows said there are more than 200 cemeteries in Bell County, and passed along questions to the Bell County Historical Commission.
“I know that there are about 200 cemeteries in Bell County,” Burrows said. “There are many small ones that have been maintained by family members over the years. It’s a significant amount of work just breaking down the numbers.”
Hodge Cemetery has two historic markers in it, including one for Joseph Dennis (1810-1894), and one for the cemetery itself. According to Telegram archives, Dennis was instrumental in selecting a site for the county seat, which became Belton. He was elected the first Bell County treasurer and later moved to Temple after it was created in 1881.
Records indicate the earliest marked burial at the site occurred in 1868. The last marked burial was in 1943. Records from the appraisal district indicate there has been no turnover or deed history on the site for at least the last 10 years.
Outgoing Bell County Historical Commission chairman Ron Gates said it was his belief the city of Temple would be responsible for Hodge Cemetery’s takeover and upkeep should any government action take place.
Members of the historical commission think the language in the TFSC governing code indicates that the city, which houses the cemetery, is the local municipality responsible for any actions.
On Thursday, city spokeswoman Shannon Gowan reiterated the city’s stance on the cemetery, saying it has agreed to help with the disposal or any cleanup that may take place in the cemetery by individuals.
Gowan said that news the owner of the cemetery had been dead did not change its approach - and the city would not initiate any type of activity related to the site.
