Collinsworth Family Cemetery photographs from Necropolis Creep. Photography by Warren Paul Harris

Collinsworth Family Cemetery - Plano, Texas

March 2007

The Collinsworth Family Cemetery This simple family cemetery has survived the urbanization of Plano. A detailed plaque explains in detail how the Collinsworth family was decimated by small pox in May of 1895.

Plaque at the entrance to The Collinsworth Family Cemetery This detailed plaque explains in detail the how the Collinsworth family was decimated by small pox in May of 1895. A total of ten family members lost their lives to this disease as a direct result of Milt Collinsworth extending their hospitality to a traveling salesman who unknowingly infected the familiy who gave him shelter.

Panoramic view of surviving headstones in the Collinsworth Family Cemetery

Lucy Ann (Rowlett) and Farwick M. Collinsworth

What remains of two headstones

Massive headstone

Headstone of Levi U. Collinsworth in The Collinsworth Family Cemetery Although only six markers remain, records indicate thirty family members are buried here.

John J. and Francis M. Collinsworth lie here.

Headstone of Annie Odell Collinsworth

The story of the tragedy that struck the Collinsworth family in May of 1895 is preserved in this simple family cemetery found in an average West Plano neighborhood -- if you know where to look.

While the neighborhood around this well-preserved family necropolis is rapidly expanding, I sensed peace within it's boundaries in spite of the construction noises, conversation and music associated with the homes erupting on either side.

R.I.P. Collinsworths

Headstone for Albert H. Collinsworth

Headstone for Ishmel B. Collinsworth
Behind are the markers for John J. & Francis A. Collinsworth.