I am the newly elected president of the National Association of Swor Families. I would like to say thank you for posting these messages on this web site. The Garvin Memorial Cemetery which has a Texas Historical Marker has been zoned as multi-families commerical land around the small fenced in cemetery.

For years Jesse Franklin Swor and his brother, Clarence Swor tried to purchase the small cemetery where his grandfather, William Robert Swor and twin brother, John Wesley Swor are buried, but could never get clear title of the land. There is also a cousin, Capt. Pleasant G., his wife, Martha (Winn) and their infant daughter, Jessie buried there as well.

I understand that a certain judge re-zoned the land to commerical that was once given as a finally resting place for his family and friends by Mr. James Garvin. As the land is listed now it seems that Mr. Mathis who is also buried there is one fourth owner of this multi-families commerical land! The black families that are buried outside the fence are in danger of being relocated??? Seems like a horror movie called, "Poltergeist" that we have all see where progress means more than preserving our past!

Please help us fight the Big time lawyers and judges that want to disregard the past for some greater cause of developing for apartments of all things! Surely Dallas as enough apartments buildings and parking spaces!!! There are so many small towns that have been swallowed up by the Metroplex and with them there were small cemeteries! Francis James (the Dallas Cemetery Lady) seems to be the only person in Dallas that cares about the fate of all these small cemeteries like Garvin Memorial Cemetery. Isn't it about time we all wake up to the fact someday we want our ancestors to be able to stand on these small cemeteries and wonder about their lives. I have seen and read parts of personal love letters written by Capt. Pleasant G. Swor to his sweetheart and love of his life, Martha! These were people just like you and I if we do not protect their graves who will protect ours!!! Please help the National Associaton of Swor Families save this cemetery!!!

Laura

or write me for Frances James email address!