History of Smith-Runkle Cemetery explored.

Smith-Runkle Cemetery is one of the forgotten cemeteries of Manchaca, Austin, and Travis County. Only so much history about this cemetery exists online or offline. This news article will explore the history behind Smith-Runkle Cemetery. 1860s-era tombstones are what you can expect to find in this cemetery.

Smith-Runkle Cemetery was plotted and established in 1858 on a small parcel of land owned by John Runkle. He owned a parcel of land in Manchaca, Texas he designated for a cemetery.

The first burial took place at this cemetery in 1864. The tombstone of Thomas Conway Shepperd is one of the earliest tombstones that can be found at this cemetery which dates back to the Civil War era. His date of death was May 17, 1864. The tombstone of Thomas Conway Shepperd stands out because of this. (Ref: http://www.austintxgensoc.org/cemeteries/smith-runkle-cemetery/#a)

Another example of one of the earliest tombstones that can be found at this cemetery in the tombstone of John Runkle who date of death dates back to December 3, 1870.

There are 2 tombstones which are broken and illegible to read. One is a tombstone of J. Runkle and the other is a tombstone S.H. Runkle. They were the sons of John Runkle who got killed in battle during the Civil War. They were buried at this cemetery during the Civil War.

The most recent tombstone for this cemetery is the tombstone of Sarah H Runkle who died on the date of August 6, 1877. She was the wife of John Runkle.

Dale Flatt of Austin Genealogical Society had done some investigating and research of this cemetery in May 2000. He transcribed at 6 graves within this cemetery at most. He described the appearance of Smith-Runkle Cemetery as “Broken stones with an old iron fence around them.” with accuracy. The cemetery was in a state of ruin by then. (Ref: http://www.austintxgensoc.org/cemeteries/smith-runkle-cemetery/)

Today Smith-Runkle Cemetery lays in a state of rural ruin. An iron fence protects the cemetery perimeter where many tombstone are now “broken stones” This old iron fence still stands around the cemetery. Most gravestones are hidden from view by large trees and brush.

Smith-Runkle Cemetery is located at 105 Twin Creek Road, Manchaca, Texas, 78652.