The Dogwood Tree

Hello, my name is Rob Robinson. Sara and I took a trip through the country to see the largest Dogwood tree in the state of Illinois. The tree is located at the Union Chapel Cemetery in Texico, Illinois. Latitude 38 Degrees North and 88 Degrees West. The first burial at this cemetery was December 29, 1895. It is unknown the exact date the tree was planted but would guess as the dates provide a timeline between 1895 and 1914, more likely between 1896 and 1913 either way the tree would be at least 100 years old.

The tree was planted by Rebecca Green she was born September 26, 1846 and died January 8, 1914 she is buried at Union Chapel Cemetery. In the 1900 Census Rebecca Green was living in Field Township with her husband Francis M. Green and seven children. According to the IL Statewide marriage index Rebecca Clark and Francis M. Green were married May 7, 1884 in Jefferson County, IL.In the 1880 Census Rebecca Clark is living in Field Township as the head of household with two sons ages 6 and 5.The IL Statewide marriage index shows a Vestal A. Clark was married to Rebecca Penacuff on June 5, 1874.

At first Sara and I thought that this would be kind of silly to adventure, but we are both glad that we went. When we first arrived to the cemetery, we both knew exactly which tree it was, it was just there by itself and even thought it was not in bloom you knew that it was the tree. Sara and I both felt that the tree gave the place a peaceful and calming feel. You kind of knew that God has used his creation to give peace to the families that have lost someone that is buried there. Overall, Sara and I enjoyed our time together.