Young County names county cemetery for William P. Johnson, adopts preservation rules

The Young County Commissioners Court voted unanimously Tuesday to officially name the county-owned burial ground on the 380 Bypass the William P. Johnson Cemetery and to adopt rules aimed at preserving the site.

The court’s action followed a presentation from the Young County Historical Commission detailing the cemetery’s history and a recommended set of regulations. The court also approved erecting official signage and directed the establishment of a preservation committee to advise the commissioners on maintenance and restoration needs.

The historical commission reported that the land was donated on Dec. 4, 1923, to then-County Judge W.H. Reeves and his successors by Addie M. Grant, and that the deed stipulated the land be used solely as a burial ground “for the local black community.” Commission members said the small cemetery had been maintained for decades by William P. Johnson Jr., who mowed and cared for the grounds without compensation until his death in 1971. The commission recommended the William P. Johnson name as nondiscriminatory and respectful of local usage and history.

“I have never known it as any other thing than William P. Johnson,” said one local speaker during the discussion of the historical record and community usage. The commissioners read the historical commission’s research and then considered a draft resolution formally naming the site. The court approved the resolution by voice vote, recorded as 5–0 in favor.

Alongside the naming, the court reviewed a set of rules drafted by the preservation committee. Among the provisions read into the record: the cemetery is recognized as a historic black cemetery owned and maintained by Young County; the cemetery is closed to new burials; no new markers, headstones, structures, fencing, landscaping or other objects may be added or altered without explicit approval of the commissioners court; and the court will establish a William P. Johnson Cemetery Preservation Committee to advise the commissioners. The rules require removal of deteriorated decorations and ban racist or derogatory language related to the cemetery.

Commissioners and historical commission members stressed the rules are intended to preserve the dignity and historical integrity of the site. The court also approved language that signage reflecting the official designation be installed on site.

The historical commission noted prior community efforts to restore and maintain the cemetery, including work by the Graham Kiwanis Club and local volunteers that cleaned, fenced and repaired markers. Speakers also described past vandalism to a memorial sign and asked the court to address reported damage; the court recorded a separate motion related to the sign and maintenance.

The court’s recorded motions and approvals on the cemetery items were unanimous. Officials said the preservation committee will be appointed by the commissioners court and will have advisory authority only; the county retains final authority over alterations and enforcement.

County officials said the decisions would be entered into the official record and that signage and committee appointments would be the next steps.

Proposed next actions mentioned during the meeting included surveying the site, coordinating with descendants and community stakeholders, and continuing restoration work under the supervision of the preservation committee.