Texas State Cemetery overloaded with historical graves

Jeff takes you on Part I of a tour of the historical graves within the Texas State Cemetery in Austin. This tour includes stops at Texas Governors John B. Connally, Preston Smith, Edmund Davis, Ma Ferguson, James Ferguson, James Pinckney Henderson and Ann Richards, Navy seal sniper Chris Kyle, baseball great Willie James Wells, Old Yeller author Fred Gipson, Congressman J.J. Pickle, Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, Coach Tom Landry and the legendary Stephen F. Austin.
He will also stop to pay tribute to country western singer Jerry Jeff Walker and legendary General Albert Sidney Johnston.
#historyhunters #texasstatecemetery #famousgraves
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[@frankmarullo228]

Jeff, my dad met Connally in 1964 when we lived in New York.. My dad was a big shot in construction and was in charge of about 15 or so buildings at the new york world's fair. That included the Texas pavilion, I was just10 years old when dad got home from work he was excited to tell us all about his meeting. ....at 10 I couldn't figure out why dad was so excited, he said he had to shake his hand left handed cause of the sling or what ever was on connally's arm. The gov't.liked what the building looked like, asked my dad what can he do for him dad asked him to send 3 cowboy hats to us in long Island when he got back to Texas ,, about one month later 3 hats came to our house in a big box. One for me, dad and my brother. Well dad is long gone brother couldn't care less. So I have the hats now.. PS.. The hats to my dad at the time were like the leg lamp in a Christmas story to him... Couldn't figure out why. But now at 68 I will die with those hats in my possession... Thank you Frank from montana... HOPE YOU READ THIS..

[@silviaflorez-ramey6350]

Frank, that is so awesome! Yes with age comes wisdom! I get a lot of things I didn’t understand when my parents were still around, I hope they look down on me now and understand 🥴!

[@frankmarullo228]

@@silviaflorez-ramey6350 wow , it took me about 15 minutes to realize what I wrote , it was over a year ago ! Thank you for your response. FRANK FROM MONTANA......

[@frankmarullo228]

@@silviaflorez-ramey6350 Silvia I forgot to ask you if you were subscribed to Jeff's channel he is AWESOME at what he does...

[@pooroldroy1756]

Coach Tom Landry is actually interred at Hillcrest Memorial Park Cemetery (also known as Sparkman Hillcrest Cemetery) in Dallas, Texas. He has a unique grave marker, one of the most visited grave sites at this cemetery. Every visit I observe a hat as he worn on top of his marker. The marker and grave site at the Texas State Cemetery is a cenotaph, a well deserved honor.

[@jbenziggy]

Well that is so disappointing to learn. I am despising cenotaphs. They are fake graves, in my opinion. I don’t understand that whole concept.

[@Dlanddrum]

Yes, I saw that too. So I wonder what percentage of these people are actually buried at the State Cemetery Vs just a memorial marker? Why would they do that?

[@jbenziggy]

@@Dlanddrum I found at least four more cenotaphs in that cemetery which I “caught” before saying they were graves. They will be included in part 2.

[@Dlanddrum]

@@jbenziggy That is disappointing if someone visits thinking that person is buried there. I did not know that was a thing until I saw Tom Landry in the video then I went Whaaaaaat!!

[@sabrinas3674]

I was confused when I watched this too because we just visited his grave in Dallas!

[@jackbest6677]

Thanks Jeff. We really appreciate your free tours. Very informative and you keep it interesting. History Hunters is Tops.

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you like them! Happy new year Jack!

[@lupitaolson7837]

Love cemeteries for history. Thank you for taking us to this one.

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! Thank you!

[@anthonywarthold]

Awesome video guys and Merry Christmas 🎄 Also love the squirrels at 1:37 😊

[@jbenziggy]

I was hoping somebody noticed them brave little buggers! Lol thank you for your kind comment!

[@richardriddle7580]

Just a small point concerning Jerry Jeff Walker (birth name Ronald Clyde Crosby) and the song "Up Against the Wall, Redneck Mother". Your statement that it was "his" might lead folks to believe he wrote it when it was actually written by Ray Wylie Hubbard. Jerry Jeff surely is the one who made it famous, though. Thank you so much for your video tours of Texas historical places.

[@dannasilva9079]

That has to be one of the most impressive cemeteries I've seen outside of Arlington National Cemetary. Well done Jeff!

[@artcoleman3503]

Merry Christmas too you both. Thank you once more for our history lesson.

[@user-ju2nx5ub4n]

Wow that was great Jeff to see all these great people here in this cemetery 😮 I love history and I remember all the great people you mention

[@tp5776]

Been in Texas since 1980, and worked all over the state, unfortunately have never been to this cemetery. This video has certainly stirred me to visit.

[@Xpyburnt_ndz]

Merry Christmas Jeff & Sarah! 🎄✨ Thnx for all the fantastic HH vids this year! Looking forward to next year!

[@jimmyjames6267]

Good way to end Christmas day, with Jeff and Sarah 🎄

[@marydavis57]

Merry Christmas, Jeff and Sarah. This was so interesting. We're looking forward to part 2.

[@UsualmikeTelevision]

Fantastic episode! Always appreciate a history lesson from the graves of those who are no longer with us! Can't wait for part II

[@constipatedinsincity4424]

I met Tom Landry in the early 90's. He was a great man who loved his GOD his family and his team.!

[@Corgis175]

Certainly full of historic and political personages. Well done and as you said "free". Wishing you and yours a blessed Christmas and a healthy and safe 2023 ahead.

[@jackdelay6558]

I love cemeteries. They are full of so many stories and history. Thanks for finding this gem.

[@joseleswopes1400]

Those country songs were awesome 😎 my husband used to sing the second one all the time when it came out 💕

[@donnarupert4926]

It is such a lovely cemetery, a fitting tribute to the people of the Great State of Texas.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for watching, Donna? Are you from Texas?

[@donnarupert4926]

@@jbenziggy No, born and raised in Connecticut. I’m currently living in Arizona 🙋🏽‍♀️

[@danapretzer1895]

Thanks for another excellent History Lesson and tour . Also thanks for all the great content in 2022 and Im looking forward to more in 2023. All the best to you and your family!! Merry Christmas.

[@kimberleyblair3392]

What a treat my friend! Thank you and Holiday blessings to you and your family.

[@paulagibson2672]

This was one of the most interesting videos I seen!!! I was stationed at Fort Sam Houston/San Antonio in the 60's & couldn't get enough of the history there. I have 2 granddaughters in Texas, but different towns, so when I go to AZ in the spring to clear out my storage to move here I will be insisting the girls go to Austin with. Can't wait!!!!! Thank you for all your hard work!!!!!

[@carolynpurser7469]

So many historical and notable names in one cemetery.

[@karenkayniasstanley]

Wonderful video , love Texas & this cemetery! Thanks ❤️

[@joinjen3854]

Many cemeteries are really historic places.

[@luckylady7542]

Give us some examples please. What about your area?

[@joinjen3854]

@@luckylady7542 I am all over. I love small town cemeteries as they go back 200+ years in some places. Waco, Texas has both a pioneer cemetery and a newer one right by the visitors center. The old cemetery is really fascinating! Texas Ranger history there and much more.

[@bevgreen8165]

Thanks for posting today. Even holidays have down times when you want some diversion. I actually like the idea of a state cemetery where the politicians are buried. That way we can keep an eye on those rascals....

[@jbenziggy]

Ha ha ha! Once they’re dead they can do no damage, eh?

[@bevgreen8165]

@@jbenziggy But like a bad penny....

[@peachespavalko1980]

*Thank you* for the tour! Great job! 🤠 Beautiful in every way, including the amazing headstones. Glad to have seen it since I probably will not be able to venture back to Austin in my lifetime.

[@stevehelms4113]

That was an excellent video..., thank you so much Jeff.., you do such a great job!! This is Steve from Kingsport TN

[@andreadeamon6419]

Amazing cemetary. Thank you for taking us along.

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it, Andrea!

[@breeze1472]

Those graves and stones are very well kept ,very impressive i must say

[@jbenziggy]

It’s a very well kept cemetery!

[@emilepellerin6064]

I watch you and your wife a quit a lot on the TV KZbin channel. Keep up the good work Jeff

[@maggiemaysmall5710]

Jerry Jeff Walker I still have an album, one of my favorites. LA Freeway. So sorry to hear that he passed when it happened.

[@novavirginia5370]

Another great interesting video. IMHO the best source of little known American history.

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you think so! Thank you!

[@benniebarrow348]

Welcome to Texas Jeff & Sarah……..as usual, great video !

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks 👍

[@joelhurley2678]

Jeff thank you very much for this wonderful tour. That is really a beautiful Cemetery and what a treat to see all those historical figures. A little side note on Machine Gun Kelly, he was buried out of the same funeral home as my mother in Leavenworth County.

[@richardriddle7580]

I don't know who is buried in Lansing Cemetery, but George "Machine Gun" Kelly is buried northwest of Fort Worth in the tiny community of Cottondale, Texas. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/qHq9loyensiqhZI

[@TOPTENTRAVEL01]

Another great cemetery tour - thanks, Jeff!

[@jbenziggy]

My pleasure!! Thank you for watching!

[@edwardaustin740]

Thanks again, Jeff.

[@privatepilot4064]

Looking forward to Part 2! Awesome video! I have a lot of roots in Texas!

[@jbenziggy]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@johnygarcia7636]

Merry Christmas my friend 👍 great video...

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you, Johny! Merry Christmas and God bless you in 2023!

[@davesargenti9876]

Merry Christmas Sara and Jeff !!! Having X-mass dinner watching the video!!

[@lornahardin4563]

This was very informative Jeff. Thank you.

[@lorraineweeks4083]

VERY informative! Thank you for the tour!

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@reginamay2767]

Hi Sarah and Jeff Merry Christmas to you both thank you for another awesome history walkthrough is such a fantastic looking cemetery I had seen it once before on another video but it's just awesome history there thank you for taking this time to do this on a Christmas Day I wish each and every one of you of the most wonderful Christmas day that ever to you and yours and your family thank you for such interesting history and for taking the time God bless see you next video love and hugs ❤️🙏

[@janisoconnor6881]

Good job. Love the Tom Landry marker.

[@ErikJenks]

Another great installment in the Austin series. Fascinating history. Chris Kyle, RIP - a true patriot! Thank you, Jeff!

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@disco07]

Very famous people of Texas, thanks!

[@jbenziggy]

Yes they are!

[@garyyantis5681]

Very good report. I would like to add the name of Joel Robison. 1815 to (abt) 1893. Joel Robison fought in about 7 skirmishes in Texas. His last fight was Battle of San Jacinto. He was among three soldiers that captured Santa Anna. He was later in the Texas Rangers and he held a political office for the Confederates during the Civil War. He was first buried in a cemetery at Round Rock but his body was moved to Heroes Cemetery in Austin. He fought beside Jim Bowie in several battles in San Antonio in 1835. He left San Antonio before the battle of the Alamo.

[@pepejuan2924]

Great job Jeff , no politics just history and enjoyable to watch, thanks for posting 👍

[@161papa]

Nice video. Looking forward to part 2.

[@WayneKline]

Another great video Jeff, well done. Merry Christmas to you both. Hope you have a great holiday season. Best wishes for a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2023.

[@jbenziggy]

Hey thanks Wayne! We appreciate the good wishes! We hope the new year brings you many blessings as well! Merry Christmas!

[@lyndaknowles8265]

Love watching you. Love history.

[@dianeargabright1352]

I have visited the cemetery many times. Thank you for the tour. I worked at the state capital, and met many legislators, and governors. I loved Ann Richards' dry wit. Many times I heard Barbara Jordans' deep voice echo across the Texas Senate gallery..

[@banjonichols3063]

Merry Christmas, from Lodi, California. Thank you for the video.

[@texas6060]

Oh my Word so many important People Buried in That Cemetery . I'm going to have to take a trip down that waycool video with us. Happy New Year to You and Yours.

[@tdk4660]

Merry Christmas and happy new year guys. Thanks for all the great videos, I love them all.

[@joycemchristiansen6557]

My goodness. So much history buried there.

[@robertcassey4014]

JJW song’s were a lot of the background music to my life growing up in Phoenix back in the 70’s.

[@tessmccue9859]

Love your Scholarly work!! Tess in Kansas City

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you very much, Tess!

[@debsmith1956]

Great job I am really enjoying these videos. My sister lives in San Antonio TX so I am happy to learn more as bou to Texas....

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you like them! Texas is filled with history!

[@dano8203]

Thanks for posting on Christmas! Merry Christmas to you and Sarah!

[@talesfromanoldmanpatoneal6372]

Oh my goodness what a wonderful video! Late in the evening on Christmas Day, find this video, what a great treat. Merry Christmas Jeff. Man that is one neat cemetery. Jerry Jeff Walker I understand he spent a lot of time in Key West Florida with Jimmy Buffett. Chris Kyle..... Indeed a patriot. I remember viewing his funeral at Texas stadium. I was in Iraq some of the time Mr. Kyle was there (I wasn't in the military) the bad guys had placed a "bounty"on his head but they never collected. As you said the streets of America can be more dangerous than a war zone..... What a shame. Anyway thanks for sharing the video (so many amazing people do more videos from the cemetery) and taking us on the adventure.

[@nancycalhoun3702]

There should be a memorial for Audie Murphy in Texas too.

[@marceyvogt2007]

Very interesting place. Thank you.☮️💖🎶

[@greggwatkinsjr.4308]

Merry Christmas Jeff & Sarah! Hope you guys have a wonderful Christmas, There sure are alot of famous people in Texas buried in the Cemetery, can't believe I have to wait in a year for part 2 in 2023! 🤠 Also love your comment about getting History Hunter for free.

[@gailwarnock2764]

This so interesting really enjoying learning about all of this people thank you .

[@jbenziggy]

Our pleasure! Thanks Gail!

[@don-e4838]

Thank you for sharing this!

[@jbenziggy]

Of course! Thanks for watching!

[@jamestakacs]

Thank you for your programming.

[@jbenziggy]

You are welcome! Thank you!

[@SR-zi6eo]

Thank you for the tour; incredible place! Merry Christmas to you and your family and may the Lord bless each in 2023…..🌝

[@oshtoolman]

Lots of influential people here! Thanks for sharing it with us. Look forward to part 2

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@409rommel]

Good one buddy! Really like the graveyard episodes. Merry Christmas and HNY.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you, Dave! Merry Christmas and here’s to a great new year!

[@johnpeddicord4932]

Enjoyed this one, HAPPY Holidays, Jeff, Sarah

[@jbenziggy]

Happy holidays! Thank you!

[@brendashaw2035]

Merry Christmas and thank you for a Texas cemetery, since I'm from Texas

[@jbenziggy]

Merry Christmas Brenda! May God bless you always.

[@dotell3359]

Just plain fantastic 🙂

[@pippadot679]

Love your work and channel. Thank you so much. Many wishes for a great new year!

[@davidcarr286]

I'm so glad you got to come to Texas and do your thing so good.

[@ricklambert6234]

This is a great (historically) cemetery.I highly suggest a visit.

[@PhilipMurphyExtra]

Enjoyed this one, I hope you have a good 2023 for your KZbin channel.

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks, you too!

[@roymcnicholas4825]

I don't know any of these places you go to been from the UK but I really enjoy catching up and learning about them thank you

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you like them!

[@sallyethridge1393]

Hope you are staying warm and safe.

[@piomio2307]

Thanks for the great videos you make. I always look forward to a knew one ;0)

[@jbenziggy]

Thanks for watching!

[@toddbonin6926]

This is fantastic!!!!

[@barbarabooth4955]

Thank you greT HISTORY

[@nodonut3668]

Another amazing video! Thank you and Merry Christmas.

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you too! Merry Christmas!

[@haroldnelson3734]

Wow! What an amazing cemetery! The perfect place to be a History Hunter. Nobody does it as well as you. Thank you for your hard work putting this interesting video together.

[@jbenziggy]

I really appreciate that Harold. And you are right, it takes a lot of time to do all of this research and video shooting and editing!

[@CC-te5zf]

Merry Christmas Jeff. Another home run history video! Thanks!

[@jbenziggy]

You bet! Thanks and Merry Christmas to you too!

[@elainegottwald2878]

Great video thanks for posting

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it, Elaine! Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[@kimberlyangelo4240]

Enjoyed the video Jeff. You have a way of making it so interesting. My partner as well as myself wonder where Sarah is? Merry Christmas.and Happy New Year. You make a great 💑 couple

[@tammynelson1190]

Thank you Jeff for another phenomenal episode, really enjoy visiting beautiful historical cemeteries with you. I learn so much! Thank you

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you like them!

[@normahird9059]

Hi..... Thank you for this vlog. And thank you for all of the vlogs that the two of you have given to us during the past year.

[@slowtwist]

Thanks for the video. I have wanted to visit there for years, Captain Jesse Billingsley and Edward R. Burleson are my ancestors' cousins. Jesses' great grandmother lived to be 103 and was still telling the story of the Redcoats hanging her husband in the front yard.

[@whitedovetail]

During the 2.5 years I was stationed at Bergstrom AFB in Austin during 73' to Sept 75' I went 4 times to see Jerry Jeff Walker perform. On one visit a show that was at an old movie Theater in downtown Austin. I got 2 tickets to sit up in the balcony area. So my date and I went to see JJW and we sat in the front row in the balcony on the right hand side (stage-left). We both sat and leaned forward on the railing and watched. About half way through the concert, Jerry Jeff looked straight up to me and asked if the girl I was with was my wife or my date. I looked at my date and then looked at JJW and stood up and said she was my date. He then said that she was very pretty and he hoped she enjoyed his show. I looked at my date and she was as red as a beet! I told him thank you and that we were really enjoying the show. He said "Thank you"!!! Well the next morning I got up early and about 7 am and drove to the gas station on I-35 near my apartment. I pulled up to the gas pumps and noticed an early 60's dark blue Cadilac on the other side of the pumps. I started to fill up my VW Beetle and watched the guy hang the hose up and walk to the office to pay for it. Guess who it was? Yep, it was JJW!!! So when I went to go pay for my gas I asked the guy in the station if he knew who had just filled up their Cadillac. He said he did not know them and I asked him to look at the credit card receipts and see who it was. And yep, I was correct!! Lucky me!!!

[@jbenziggy]

Those are very cool stories! So it sounds like you didn’t approach Walker at the gas station.

[@whitedovetail]

@@jbenziggy I remember that he did not look very happy having to pump gas into that Cadillac. And I was willing to bet that he had NOT been to sleep since his show the night before. He was a real alcoholic and I did not want to mess with an alcoholic that early in the morning.

[@clarencejacksonjr.]

Love this! Thanks

[@danahsutton101]

I highly recommend taking a tour of Ruth Paine's house. You go to a city building and they give you a van ride to her home. The home had been restored and there are many reenacted movies to see.

[@user-is6gw2ud3g]

Thanks for your videos, they 're very amusing . I pass a beautiful time with your figures and their stories, there are many lessons can be useful for the living !

[@whitedovetail]

Another fantastic show Jeff. I had ridden by this cemetery in 1976 on my brand new Harley Sportster. I was driving to Lake Austin to sit and relax. John Connally was a good Governor. Governor Ann Richards was buried there on September 18, 2006. I believe that she is/was the best Governor of Texas in the last 100 years. The worst Governor we have had during the past 100 years was Rick Perry. He was useless! Anyway, Jeff you have done another fantastic job that will bring a higher knowledge about the great State of Texas. And we thank you for doing this. Take care!

[@paulwatson1507]

Merry Christmas Jeff and Sarah! 😎

[@caroleannseaton9178]

Merry Xmas and Happy New Year. Great film as always. Sarah, did you hide in the air conditioned car while Jeff filmed in the hot sun? : )

[@jbenziggy]

Thank you. Merry Christmas to you too. Sarah did not make that trip!

[@bradkay9538]

Great video, thanks Jeff

[@jbenziggy]

Glad you enjoyed it, Brad! Merry Christmas!

[@bradkay9538]

Merry Christmas, to you and yours!

[@randybourdon2791]

Thanks for posting, really enjoyed your video. I subscribed to your channel.

[@jbenziggy]

Awesome, thank you! Glad you liked it! Are you from Texas?

[@randybourdon2791]

@@jbenziggy No, I’m from Ontario Canada.

[@swansfan6944]

Wow 🤩 that was impressive ! Who needs to go to school with a cemetery like that ? School kids could learn a lot spending a week there. Looking forward to part 2, thank you. ❤️Jodie 🇦🇺