Living
Marker at East Belton Cemetery
Monday, 24 September 2012 by Berneta Peeples
Belton's Sam Houston Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas approved plans to place a City of Belton official historical marker at the gate to East Belton Cemetery on Old Taylors Valley Road at its first meeting of the year Sept. 8. The marker will give the lot number and grave space of Jeff Hamilton, "Friend and Slave of General Houston."
Jeff Hamilton used that phase in reference to his long association with Gen. Sam Houston.
Jeff Hamilton lived for many years in Belton and died at the home of his daughter, Lina Graves, and her husband, Charlie Graves.
Mary Ellen Valentine DRT president, plans a spring 2013 dedication for the marker. The sign at the gate is erected for the convenience of the many visitors to Hamilton's grave and for guidance of school children who visit the site.
The marker will be the same style as other City of Belton markers including two placed by DRT marking sites where General Houston spoke in Belton.
Sam Houston bought Jeff Hamilton, a small black slave child, reared and educated him as a member of the Houston family.
