Riverside Cemetery

This cemetery traces its origin to the Smith family graveyard established by early settlers to this area. Ezekiel (1781-1854) and Susanna (1774-1848) Smith and their four sons migrated to Texas from Virginia. In 1837 Ezekiel was granted land in present day Guadalupe County. Their son, French Smith (1809-1880), was one of the first shareholders of the city of Seguin. He donated land for a city park, high school, and Methodist church. In 1880, French Smith deeded the family cemetery to the City of Seguin. A public cemetery north of the Smith Cemetery was founded, and later called Riverside. George B. Hollamon deeded additional land to the city for the cemetery in 1888, and in 1896 a third parcel was deeded by W. E. Goodrich. These cemeteries were combined for a total of 15 acres. Among the more than 2000 burials are those of pioneer settlers, veterans, elected officials, business leaders, clergy, and former slaves. Although well maintained at times, over the years the cemetery fell into disrepair. In 1994 Friends of Riverside Cemetery undertook a complete restoration of the site through voluntary efforts of concerned citizens and descendants of those buried here. The Riverside Cemetery continues to serve the community. (1996)

Riverside Cemetery is a historical marker in Seguin, Guadalupe County, dedicated in 1996. It is one of 75 historical markers documented in Guadalupe County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 249 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 29.5614, -97.9626 near Seguin. The nearest cataloged historic site is Millett, Samuel (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include John F. McGuffin, Douglas, Jonathan, and Claiborne West.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5187004279. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.