Kirby Cemetery is located in northwest Mount Pleasant just north of what is commonly called the Old Paris Road.
If ever a cemetery cried out for preservation, Kirby Cemetery was at the head of the list. Located in a large pasture or hay meadow, simplistic surroundings give way to a grand ornate wrought iron fence. Two large trees occupied corners of the cemetery, but limbs had grown downward near the fence and were in danger of falling and damaging it. Elements of the fence are deeply rusted and parts of it are bent, but it is in pretty good condition overall.
The cemetery's ornate tombstone must have been a classic in its time. The Mount Pleasant Daily Tribune ran a picture of the tombstone on page 10 of its April 20, 1980 edition. All the engravings have withstood the ravages of the elements and the lettering is easily read, but the tombstone had broken from its base was partially buried when found. Gophers and moles working over many years have raised the sandy ground inside the cemetery almost two feet above the surrounding terrain.
On February 23, 2007 Titus County Commissioner Bob Fitch and his crew worked with the land owner, Mr. Dan Acker, to preserve the cemetery. Mr. Fitch and his crew cut down the two trees and hauled away all debris. They dug up the tombstone and sat it upright in the corner of the cemetery against one of the tree stumps, and plan to clean it. They used string trimmers to cut the grass and poisoned it to prevent it from taking over the cemetery any further.
It's difficult to tell how many are buried in the cemetery. Lynch Harper said that area old timers thought there are four graves in the enclosure in his book "Titus County Cemeteries" . We located two bases that are approximately 18" below current ground level, but did not find other markers.
2008 UPDATE
Mr. Dan Acker has shown interest in preserving and keeping up this small cemetery that is located on his land, and we appreciate his help.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS FROM THE TITUS COUNTY COURTHOUSE:
Travel 0.3 mile west on West First Street to the intersection of Edwards Avenue.
Turn right (north) on Edwards Avenue and proceed for 1.6 miles across US 67 and under Interstate 30 to a fork in the Road.
Take the right fork (Old Paris Road) and continue 1.4 miles.
The cemetery lies about 100 yards to the right (east) of the Old Paris Road surrounded by pasture land.
