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6 Feet Under Texas: Unique, Famous, & Historic Graves in the Lone Star State
Cemeteries become open-air museums when Tui Snider takes you on a playful-but-informative tour of Texas burial grounds. Along the way you will see photos of and learn stories Forgotten History Gold buried under a cemetery treeBlack man whose grave taunts the KKKReal cowboys who inspired Larry McMurtry's "Lonesome Dove" Tragic Tales Little girl who inspired the Amber Alert systemNuclear power whistleblower's graveMonument for slaughtered conscientious objectors Unusual Characters Frenemies chained together in deathBuried whisky and an air tube at his graveBuried at her husband's feet Unsolved Mysteries Who killed Diamond Bessie?Unnamed one-legged tightrope walkerSpace alien grave Unique Monuments Jesus in cowboy bootsGrand piano graveFamous lizard in a velvet-lined casket…and many more!
6 Feet Under Texas explores the unique, famous, and historic burials of the Lone Star State. It is the first in a series of books revealing the stories behind the stones. It just may inspire you to take a road trip or two. Grab your copy today!
6 Feet Under Texas explores the unique, famous, and historic burials of the Lone Star State. It is the first in a series of books revealing the stories behind the stones. It just may inspire you to take a road trip or two. Grab your copy today!
- GenresNonfictionTravelHistory
260 pages, Paperback
Published August 7, 2020
14 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 28, 2020
I always enjoy books from Tui because I learn so much. This book is no different and I was enthralled with the variety of people buried in Texas and their stories. I know every state has its own celebrity graves, but I live in Texas so am more interested in what is here in our fine state.
Tui takes us on a journey through time visiting cemeteries with notable residents and interesting markers. One comment she makes is that "cemeteries are more than a place of death. It was also a place to bring the families together and celebrate the living." How true because a cemetery is not for the dead, it is for the living to remember the past and celebrate the lives of those that have gone before us.
I am always amazed at the depth of Tui's research into her books and she is able to find details to corroborate the stories that are passed down as to whether they are the truth or just an urban legend. There is one cemetery in Gainsville that has a huge oak tree that was the scene of a Great Hanging in 1864 where many men were lynched and there is even a drawn image reflecting the scene. I liked this comment from the author "that while it is nothing to be proud of and should not be forgotten. At the very least, such an incident serves as a reminder of how important a well-structured legal system is to the stability of a nation."
There are even some humorous stories and one of them is about a Hungarian immigrant named Anthony Bascilli. He was well prepared for the day he died. He slept in his coffin to ensure it was comfortable, had his grave dug and lined with brick and mortar, and even had plans for when the dirt that would cover him "to ensure that it would be gently shoveled rather than roughly tossed into his grave, he hid bottles of whisky throughout the mound. I guess these were like party favors for the gravediggers!"
If you are even mildly interested in the history behind graves and tombstones and how things came to be, you need to read this book. While I might not visit these various cemeteries (and she provides an address at the end of each story in case you do want to visit), I do feel like I learned a little bit more about Texas and those who came before me. Side note, I have visited Oswald's grave that is mentioned in this book. It is very unassuming but I didn't know the story about the grave next to it for Nick Beef.
We give this book 5 paws up and cannot wait to read the next volume and learn more and who knows, maybe one day I'll visit some of these cemeteries.
Tui takes us on a journey through time visiting cemeteries with notable residents and interesting markers. One comment she makes is that "cemeteries are more than a place of death. It was also a place to bring the families together and celebrate the living." How true because a cemetery is not for the dead, it is for the living to remember the past and celebrate the lives of those that have gone before us.
I am always amazed at the depth of Tui's research into her books and she is able to find details to corroborate the stories that are passed down as to whether they are the truth or just an urban legend. There is one cemetery in Gainsville that has a huge oak tree that was the scene of a Great Hanging in 1864 where many men were lynched and there is even a drawn image reflecting the scene. I liked this comment from the author "that while it is nothing to be proud of and should not be forgotten. At the very least, such an incident serves as a reminder of how important a well-structured legal system is to the stability of a nation."
There are even some humorous stories and one of them is about a Hungarian immigrant named Anthony Bascilli. He was well prepared for the day he died. He slept in his coffin to ensure it was comfortable, had his grave dug and lined with brick and mortar, and even had plans for when the dirt that would cover him "to ensure that it would be gently shoveled rather than roughly tossed into his grave, he hid bottles of whisky throughout the mound. I guess these were like party favors for the gravediggers!"
If you are even mildly interested in the history behind graves and tombstones and how things came to be, you need to read this book. While I might not visit these various cemeteries (and she provides an address at the end of each story in case you do want to visit), I do feel like I learned a little bit more about Texas and those who came before me. Side note, I have visited Oswald's grave that is mentioned in this book. It is very unassuming but I didn't know the story about the grave next to it for Nick Beef.
We give this book 5 paws up and cannot wait to read the next volume and learn more and who knows, maybe one day I'll visit some of these cemeteries.
October 2, 2020
Would it be morose to consider a book about cemeteries to be delightful? So be it, because such is the case with Six Feet Under Texas! As author Tui Snider clearly explains in the beginning of the book: “People forget that cemeteries are for the living!”
This book tells us about notable cemeteries in 28 different towns throughout Texas. In its 50 chapters, Snider tells us about some of the famous - and infamous - graves in this state, as well as some graves that are simply curiosities. I found the book to be very informative, and written in a way as to make the subject matter very entertaining. (This does not mean the book is disrespectful to the deceased. I considered all of it to be proper and respectful.)
The book seems very well arranged. The chapters are ordered based on the names of the cities in which the cemeteries are located, from Acton to Weatherford. Geographically, consecutive chapters may jump from one part of the state to another, but because of the subject matter, this is not a problem.
I was already aware of some of the more famous stories, such and Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, as well as… Okay, that’s the only one I knew. I knew that Lee Harvey Oswald was buried somewhere in Texas, but I was unaware of the little story surrounding his burial.
This book is filled with those little tidbits of information that make it well worth the read. From the ashes of the Alamo defenders to the burial of only body parts, as well as a grave missing a body, this book certainly has a variety of stories. And that’s what is really enjoyable - the little stories that surround these notable graves. It’s clear that Tui Snider did some painstaking research to separate the facts from the myths.
At the end of each chapter, the author includes the physical address of the cemetery discussed in the chapter. I considered this to be especially thoughtful of the author. In addition to sharing her thoughts with us in her words, the author makes it easy for us to retrace her steps, if we were so inclined.
I would also like to note that this is not a horror book, nor is it in any way scary. It will not haunt your dreams, if you’re worried of such things. For the subject matter at hand, I think Tui Snider did a wonderful job of presenting it.
My only criticism of this book is that I think it could have used something after the last chapter to sum things up. There was an Introduction to inform the reader of how the book was constructed, but after the last chapter it just stopped. The author includes a chapter on For further reading, but I just felt that some sort of “conclusion” would have been useful.
Six Feet Under Texas is a quick read - only 250 pages. It also includes at least one photo of each grave mentioned, most if not all taken by the author. The photos are in color and in focus. (Thank you, Tui!)
I recommend this book to anyone living in Texas. It would be a worthy addition to any proper collection of Texas books.
This book tells us about notable cemeteries in 28 different towns throughout Texas. In its 50 chapters, Snider tells us about some of the famous - and infamous - graves in this state, as well as some graves that are simply curiosities. I found the book to be very informative, and written in a way as to make the subject matter very entertaining. (This does not mean the book is disrespectful to the deceased. I considered all of it to be proper and respectful.)
The book seems very well arranged. The chapters are ordered based on the names of the cities in which the cemeteries are located, from Acton to Weatherford. Geographically, consecutive chapters may jump from one part of the state to another, but because of the subject matter, this is not a problem.
I was already aware of some of the more famous stories, such and Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, as well as… Okay, that’s the only one I knew. I knew that Lee Harvey Oswald was buried somewhere in Texas, but I was unaware of the little story surrounding his burial.
This book is filled with those little tidbits of information that make it well worth the read. From the ashes of the Alamo defenders to the burial of only body parts, as well as a grave missing a body, this book certainly has a variety of stories. And that’s what is really enjoyable - the little stories that surround these notable graves. It’s clear that Tui Snider did some painstaking research to separate the facts from the myths.
At the end of each chapter, the author includes the physical address of the cemetery discussed in the chapter. I considered this to be especially thoughtful of the author. In addition to sharing her thoughts with us in her words, the author makes it easy for us to retrace her steps, if we were so inclined.
I would also like to note that this is not a horror book, nor is it in any way scary. It will not haunt your dreams, if you’re worried of such things. For the subject matter at hand, I think Tui Snider did a wonderful job of presenting it.
My only criticism of this book is that I think it could have used something after the last chapter to sum things up. There was an Introduction to inform the reader of how the book was constructed, but after the last chapter it just stopped. The author includes a chapter on For further reading, but I just felt that some sort of “conclusion” would have been useful.
Six Feet Under Texas is a quick read - only 250 pages. It also includes at least one photo of each grave mentioned, most if not all taken by the author. The photos are in color and in focus. (Thank you, Tui!)
I recommend this book to anyone living in Texas. It would be a worthy addition to any proper collection of Texas books.
October 7, 2020
(This review can be found on my blog All the Ups and Downs.)
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Tui Snider has long since been a favorite author of non-fiction of mine. Her research when it comes to her books is impeccable. I try to never miss an opportunity to read a book by Tui Snider, so when I was presented with the opportunity to read 6 Feet Under Texas by Tui Snider, I jumped at the chance!
6 Feet Under Texas by Tui Snider is a book for those who love history as well as for those who have an appreciation for cemeteries and the people who are buried there. Snider goes all over (mostly) north Texas to talk about the history behind some of the graves famous, infamous, and the just plain interesting. As always, Tui Snider has done excellent research for her book, and it really does show the dedication behind it all. In fact, Tui Snider solved the mystery about the identity of the one legged rope walker who's buried in Corsicana. The photos included in the book aren't in color, but I enjoyed them just the same. It was nice to place the story to the photo. I also appreciated Tui Snider placing each city in alphabetical order for easy findings. She also includes the address to where each cemetery is located after each story in case you wanted to visit.
I will admit that with many books, I skip the intro. However, I know that Tui Snider never writes a dull and boring intro for her books. 6 Feet Under Texas' intro did not disappoint. Snider talks about how cemeteries are not morbid at all and how cemeteries are actually for the living. Seriously, read the intro. It is short and so very interesting!
I learned so much reading 6 Feet Under Texas. For example, did you know there was such thing as a backronym? I sure didn't until I read about Amber Hagerman, the little girl from which the AMBER Alert was invented. Tui Snider discusses about Amber's case and gives us an English lesson as well! There's also a touching story about a reverend who took in single mothers back in 1894, a time when society shunned those who weren't married. That story really warmed my heart. In Danville, a young woman by the name of Karen Silkwood is buried. She died under mysterious circumstances back in 1974. The mystery of Silkwood's death definitely left me intrigued. Her story was also very interesting. I learned that in the olden days, scraped graveyards were commonplace. Tui Snider explains that the grass from cemeteries was scraped because the lawn mower actually wasn't invented until 1830, and lawn grasses weren't a thing until the 1930s. Grass, back then, was home to all sorts of snakes and insects, and dry grass could catch on fire easily. So back then, people would get rid of all the grass growing around graves. It's pretty interesting to read about. I also read about Marlene Johnson in 6 Feet Under Texas. Marlene Johnson was the first female postmaster for Eastland, Texas. She made a huge mural out of millions of postage stamps. I loved reading about Mrs. Johnson, and I believe others will too. I was intrigued by Anthony Bascilli's grave. He went all out for his grave including having brick walls around his coffin, doors leading down to his coffin, and pipes sticking out of his coffin where keys to the door were to be dropped. Those pipes are still visible above ground if you take a trip out to the cemetery in Thurber, Texas.
It's not just humans that Tui Snider includes in her book 6 Feet Under Texas. Did you know that back in the day, it was a normal thing to have your limbs buried? For example, there are true stories of people burying amputated limbs and having grave markers made for them. What I really loved was how Tui Snider also mentions animal burials. She discusses the Alamo cats who are buried at the Alamo. (I had no idea that the Alamo had official cats!) She also writes about other animals that were special in some form, but I really loved reading about the Texas horned lizard that had been buried alive for thirty-one years and came back to life when he was exhumed.
I could go on and on about how amazing Tui Snider's newest book is, but you are better off just reading it for yourself. This was one of those books where I never wanted it to end. Luckily, Tui Snider is making a volume 2! I would definitely recommend 6 Feet Under Texas by Tui Snider to everyone that would love to go on a real life adventure without leaving wherever their reading Snider's book from. Seriously, pick up your copy of 6 Feet Under Texas so you can understand why I gushed so much on this book!
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(A special thank you to Lone Star Literary Life for providing me with a paperback copy of 6 Feet Under Texas by Tui Snider in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.)
--
Tui Snider has long since been a favorite author of non-fiction of mine. Her research when it comes to her books is impeccable. I try to never miss an opportunity to read a book by Tui Snider, so when I was presented with the opportunity to read 6 Feet Under Texas by Tui Snider, I jumped at the chance!
6 Feet Under Texas by Tui Snider is a book for those who love history as well as for those who have an appreciation for cemeteries and the people who are buried there. Snider goes all over (mostly) north Texas to talk about the history behind some of the graves famous, infamous, and the just plain interesting. As always, Tui Snider has done excellent research for her book, and it really does show the dedication behind it all. In fact, Tui Snider solved the mystery about the identity of the one legged rope walker who's buried in Corsicana. The photos included in the book aren't in color, but I enjoyed them just the same. It was nice to place the story to the photo. I also appreciated Tui Snider placing each city in alphabetical order for easy findings. She also includes the address to where each cemetery is located after each story in case you wanted to visit.
I will admit that with many books, I skip the intro. However, I know that Tui Snider never writes a dull and boring intro for her books. 6 Feet Under Texas' intro did not disappoint. Snider talks about how cemeteries are not morbid at all and how cemeteries are actually for the living. Seriously, read the intro. It is short and so very interesting!
I learned so much reading 6 Feet Under Texas. For example, did you know there was such thing as a backronym? I sure didn't until I read about Amber Hagerman, the little girl from which the AMBER Alert was invented. Tui Snider discusses about Amber's case and gives us an English lesson as well! There's also a touching story about a reverend who took in single mothers back in 1894, a time when society shunned those who weren't married. That story really warmed my heart. In Danville, a young woman by the name of Karen Silkwood is buried. She died under mysterious circumstances back in 1974. The mystery of Silkwood's death definitely left me intrigued. Her story was also very interesting. I learned that in the olden days, scraped graveyards were commonplace. Tui Snider explains that the grass from cemeteries was scraped because the lawn mower actually wasn't invented until 1830, and lawn grasses weren't a thing until the 1930s. Grass, back then, was home to all sorts of snakes and insects, and dry grass could catch on fire easily. So back then, people would get rid of all the grass growing around graves. It's pretty interesting to read about. I also read about Marlene Johnson in 6 Feet Under Texas. Marlene Johnson was the first female postmaster for Eastland, Texas. She made a huge mural out of millions of postage stamps. I loved reading about Mrs. Johnson, and I believe others will too. I was intrigued by Anthony Bascilli's grave. He went all out for his grave including having brick walls around his coffin, doors leading down to his coffin, and pipes sticking out of his coffin where keys to the door were to be dropped. Those pipes are still visible above ground if you take a trip out to the cemetery in Thurber, Texas.
It's not just humans that Tui Snider includes in her book 6 Feet Under Texas. Did you know that back in the day, it was a normal thing to have your limbs buried? For example, there are true stories of people burying amputated limbs and having grave markers made for them. What I really loved was how Tui Snider also mentions animal burials. She discusses the Alamo cats who are buried at the Alamo. (I had no idea that the Alamo had official cats!) She also writes about other animals that were special in some form, but I really loved reading about the Texas horned lizard that had been buried alive for thirty-one years and came back to life when he was exhumed.
I could go on and on about how amazing Tui Snider's newest book is, but you are better off just reading it for yourself. This was one of those books where I never wanted it to end. Luckily, Tui Snider is making a volume 2! I would definitely recommend 6 Feet Under Texas by Tui Snider to everyone that would love to go on a real life adventure without leaving wherever their reading Snider's book from. Seriously, pick up your copy of 6 Feet Under Texas so you can understand why I gushed so much on this book!
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(A special thank you to Lone Star Literary Life for providing me with a paperback copy of 6 Feet Under Texas by Tui Snider in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.)
October 1, 2020
Unique. That is the best word to describe this book. When I first picked up this book, I thought the author was going to talk more so about unique headstones and the stories behind them. While Snider does have some chapters on special headstones, it is not the main focus. The author talks about historical graves, like Bonnie and Clyde, true crime graves that were never solved, famous graves, such as the original Chewbacca, and even an alien grave. There is a little bit of something for everyone in 6 Feet Under Texas.
When a book can help you learn about something, like a historical event or fun fact that you may have not heard about, it’s a beautiful thing. When a book can help you learn about more than one historical event and multiple fun facts about the place that you live, it’s an amazing thing. With Snider’s book, you’ll be learning something new with each chapter. For instance, I have lived in the San Antonio area, home of the Alamo, my whole life (for the exception of living in Dallas for a short 2.5 years) and I even had a job downtown and I never knew about we had an Alamo Cat, let alone multiple Alamo Cats! Learning can be fun and Snider does a great job teaching us with her book.
Snider also does a great job of being journalistic but also giving herself a voice. As with journalism writing and writing about facts in general, people want to remain unbiased so they make their tone very professional. The author gives us a balance of factual writing and still giving her own take and voice to her writing. As someone who loves creative writing and has taken journalism classes and done journalism writing, I can appreciate that.
This book is also a great read for those of you who like to read, but may not always have the time to sit down and read for an hour. Each chapter is short, 2-5 pages at most. It is easy to pick up, read a couple of chapters, and put down to finish doing whatever you need to do. Each chapter is about a different grave, so you also don’t need to necessarily remember the last thing you read. Definitely recommend to all my busy readers out there.
The only critique would be that I felt that the ending kind of just ends. I feel that the author gives us a great prologue into the story, so I guess I was expecting that for the ending. This doesn’t take away from the story at all but would have been nice to hear some final thoughts and what she is hoping for her second book. But we will live.
Overall, I do give 6 Feet Under Texas a 5 out of 5 stars. It is a unique read, it’s a good one for all level readers and you get a chance to learn more about Texas history. Definitely a great one to check out, especially with October approaching. Well everyone, until next time, Happy Reading!
When a book can help you learn about something, like a historical event or fun fact that you may have not heard about, it’s a beautiful thing. When a book can help you learn about more than one historical event and multiple fun facts about the place that you live, it’s an amazing thing. With Snider’s book, you’ll be learning something new with each chapter. For instance, I have lived in the San Antonio area, home of the Alamo, my whole life (for the exception of living in Dallas for a short 2.5 years) and I even had a job downtown and I never knew about we had an Alamo Cat, let alone multiple Alamo Cats! Learning can be fun and Snider does a great job teaching us with her book.
Snider also does a great job of being journalistic but also giving herself a voice. As with journalism writing and writing about facts in general, people want to remain unbiased so they make their tone very professional. The author gives us a balance of factual writing and still giving her own take and voice to her writing. As someone who loves creative writing and has taken journalism classes and done journalism writing, I can appreciate that.
This book is also a great read for those of you who like to read, but may not always have the time to sit down and read for an hour. Each chapter is short, 2-5 pages at most. It is easy to pick up, read a couple of chapters, and put down to finish doing whatever you need to do. Each chapter is about a different grave, so you also don’t need to necessarily remember the last thing you read. Definitely recommend to all my busy readers out there.
The only critique would be that I felt that the ending kind of just ends. I feel that the author gives us a great prologue into the story, so I guess I was expecting that for the ending. This doesn’t take away from the story at all but would have been nice to hear some final thoughts and what she is hoping for her second book. But we will live.
Overall, I do give 6 Feet Under Texas a 5 out of 5 stars. It is a unique read, it’s a good one for all level readers and you get a chance to learn more about Texas history. Definitely a great one to check out, especially with October approaching. Well everyone, until next time, Happy Reading!
September 30, 2020
I was very excited to get my hands on 6 Feet Under Texas: Unique, Famous, & Historic Graves in the Lone Star State by Tui Snider for two reasons. Reason one, I loved Paranormal Texas – Snider’s writing style is so fun to read and you can really tell that she did her homework. Reason two, I’m too much of a weenie to actually go to haunted places, but I can handle visiting graves in broad daylight.
Although the subject material has changed, Snider has not. She still writes like that fun friend who shares the best stories at every party. And these stories – not matter how fantastical they seem- are not pulled out of thin air. She will give you websites and books to reference, and encourages you to fact check her or share your own theories and findings.
The gravesites are organized alphabetically by the city they are located in and each chapter is preceded by a simple Texas map with a star on the featured location. Snider picked a lot of cities that I’ve never heard of, but I hope to someday stop at some of them on my next road trip. I really appreciated the variety of graves that she selected – from fun stories like a space alien in Aurora, to reverent ones from historic times, to more recent tragedies like the namesake of the Amber Alert – Snider approaches each story with respect and aims to give us the most accurate information possible. If she hit a dead end or had multiple theories that are yet to be proven, she tells us.
In true guidebook fashion, Snider gives us the address, website if available, and markers to go by. As someone who had to track down a famous writer’s grave for creative writing eons ago, I am a big fan of the markers and photos of significant landmarks that help the readers locate the graves. Speaking of photos, I really wish that they had been printed in color. “Graves in color?” you might ask. Not all of the photos are gravestones. There’s a huge stamp mural that I would have loved to see in color and some interesting structures with details that are lost in black and white.
Despite the array of stories told, some even intertwining to great effect, I finished this book wishing there was more. It turns out that COVID-19 threw a wrench into Snider’s tour across Texas. But on the upside, we will be getting a volume two! Be sure to let Snider know on social media if there is anything in particular that you want her to check out.
The timing of this book couldn’t have been better with Halloween just around the corner. I recommend this book to people who like history, travel, and quirky books.
Although the subject material has changed, Snider has not. She still writes like that fun friend who shares the best stories at every party. And these stories – not matter how fantastical they seem- are not pulled out of thin air. She will give you websites and books to reference, and encourages you to fact check her or share your own theories and findings.
The gravesites are organized alphabetically by the city they are located in and each chapter is preceded by a simple Texas map with a star on the featured location. Snider picked a lot of cities that I’ve never heard of, but I hope to someday stop at some of them on my next road trip. I really appreciated the variety of graves that she selected – from fun stories like a space alien in Aurora, to reverent ones from historic times, to more recent tragedies like the namesake of the Amber Alert – Snider approaches each story with respect and aims to give us the most accurate information possible. If she hit a dead end or had multiple theories that are yet to be proven, she tells us.
In true guidebook fashion, Snider gives us the address, website if available, and markers to go by. As someone who had to track down a famous writer’s grave for creative writing eons ago, I am a big fan of the markers and photos of significant landmarks that help the readers locate the graves. Speaking of photos, I really wish that they had been printed in color. “Graves in color?” you might ask. Not all of the photos are gravestones. There’s a huge stamp mural that I would have loved to see in color and some interesting structures with details that are lost in black and white.
Despite the array of stories told, some even intertwining to great effect, I finished this book wishing there was more. It turns out that COVID-19 threw a wrench into Snider’s tour across Texas. But on the upside, we will be getting a volume two! Be sure to let Snider know on social media if there is anything in particular that you want her to check out.
The timing of this book couldn’t have been better with Halloween just around the corner. I recommend this book to people who like history, travel, and quirky books.
October 9, 2020
I have to admit that when I read Tui Snider’s latest book, "6 Feet Under Texas", I wasn’t sure how I felt about it. When I received my advanced copy I devoured it in one sitting, which should definitely let loyal followers and prospective readers know that it takes no time to exhaust its 250 pages. It’s a quick, easy, and enjoyable read. That said, however, when I was done reading it, it really didn’t stay with me nor did it prompt me to want to necessarily travel to these cemeteries and gravesites.
OK… I’m admittedly the odd man out. Having grown up in Texas and calling San Antonio home for almost fifty-four years, I’m certainly aware that there are countless cemeteries scattered all across the Lone Star State containing the remains of the famous and the obscure, and that Tui has specialized in writing about these well-known and offbeat locations, the people buried there and their stories, building a readership through this release and similar publications like "Paranormal Texas", "Understanding Cemetery Symbols", and "Graveyard Journal". There’s a quirky weirdness to these books that draws in the curious and those pursuing serious historical research, but it’s just not something that keeps my attention for long.
We all tend to read and react to books based on our own personal tastes, but when reviewing any book I try to put those prejudices and preferences aside. So, my first thought (upon reflection) was to just have fun with the book and enjoy it. It’s refreshing to read something informative and Tui’s storytelling style is like having a conversation with her, or perhaps more like listening to her actually narrate tidbits of information or anecdotal facts based on her personal travels.
She should definitely be credited for actually visiting these 28 cemeteries in North and East Texas and including their physical locations, directions to specific gravesites, and websites at the end of each chapter, but it’s her photos that truly bring these places and individuals to life, not just with words but with visual references.
With Halloween just around the corner, one might think the book’s release is timed to take advantage of All Hallows Eve. However, there is nothing ghoulish, spooky, or morbid about any of the entries in the book’s 50 chapters.
A second volume to "6 Feet Under Texas" is apparently in the works, and there are certainly many more cemeteries and stories to be told. Thinking back on my opening comments, I think part of the reason that I wasn’t sure of my reaction is that the book ended very abruptly. That’s because each entry is self-contained, and there is no connection between them other than the occasional person or persons interred in the same Texas Town. In her introduction to the book where she mentions that she’ll be traveling and writing about cemeteries in South Texas, the author asks for suggestions about Volume II. Mine would simply be to tie it all together somehow to give the volumes context and closure.
OK… I’m admittedly the odd man out. Having grown up in Texas and calling San Antonio home for almost fifty-four years, I’m certainly aware that there are countless cemeteries scattered all across the Lone Star State containing the remains of the famous and the obscure, and that Tui has specialized in writing about these well-known and offbeat locations, the people buried there and their stories, building a readership through this release and similar publications like "Paranormal Texas", "Understanding Cemetery Symbols", and "Graveyard Journal". There’s a quirky weirdness to these books that draws in the curious and those pursuing serious historical research, but it’s just not something that keeps my attention for long.
We all tend to read and react to books based on our own personal tastes, but when reviewing any book I try to put those prejudices and preferences aside. So, my first thought (upon reflection) was to just have fun with the book and enjoy it. It’s refreshing to read something informative and Tui’s storytelling style is like having a conversation with her, or perhaps more like listening to her actually narrate tidbits of information or anecdotal facts based on her personal travels.
She should definitely be credited for actually visiting these 28 cemeteries in North and East Texas and including their physical locations, directions to specific gravesites, and websites at the end of each chapter, but it’s her photos that truly bring these places and individuals to life, not just with words but with visual references.
With Halloween just around the corner, one might think the book’s release is timed to take advantage of All Hallows Eve. However, there is nothing ghoulish, spooky, or morbid about any of the entries in the book’s 50 chapters.
A second volume to "6 Feet Under Texas" is apparently in the works, and there are certainly many more cemeteries and stories to be told. Thinking back on my opening comments, I think part of the reason that I wasn’t sure of my reaction is that the book ended very abruptly. That’s because each entry is self-contained, and there is no connection between them other than the occasional person or persons interred in the same Texas Town. In her introduction to the book where she mentions that she’ll be traveling and writing about cemeteries in South Texas, the author asks for suggestions about Volume II. Mine would simply be to tie it all together somehow to give the volumes context and closure.
October 5, 2020
"Visiting the headstone of an infamous or historic figure... makes us think about the past in a way that creates a deeper understanding for the challenges other people faced during their particular time on earth."
All of Tui Snider’s books are so delightful, and 6 Feet Under Texas is no exception. While cemeteries are naturally associated with death and often elicit morose thoughts, Snider highlights many cemeteries across Texas that are either famous tourist attractions or have obscure graves with quirky stories behind them.
If you are up for a road trip across Texas and are not afraid to traipse through cemeteries, pick up a copy of Tui Snider's 6 Feet Under Texas, load up with plenty of road-trip snacks, and head out. This book has 50 stories across 28 Texas towns listed in alphabetical order, so I suggest reading through this short book first and then mapping out your trip. Nothing is off limits in what Snider has ‘dug up’ during her research of famous, infamous, and cryptic graves, including those harboring outlaws, ladies of the evening, a severed limb, and even a squirrel and a few cats. Everyone has a story, but some stories expand throughout the years into urban legends. Snider points out some of these tall tales and then includes whatever facts are available to keep things as true as possible, given that record keeping and articles of yore were often sketchy and ambiguous.
What makes Snider’s books so fun to read is that she doesn’t expound too much on each grave, cemetery, and backstory. She gives just enough information to pique the reader’s interest and then offers ways to find the cemetery and any specific grave that might be hard to find or access. A list of books to read for more information and Snider's own personal photos are included to pique that interest even more. The nice thing is that if you decide to visit these cemeteries during the current pandemic, social distancing won't be a problem in a quiet cemetery full of people who are already safely six feet away.
I received a free copy of this book from Lone Star Book Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review.
All of Tui Snider’s books are so delightful, and 6 Feet Under Texas is no exception. While cemeteries are naturally associated with death and often elicit morose thoughts, Snider highlights many cemeteries across Texas that are either famous tourist attractions or have obscure graves with quirky stories behind them.
If you are up for a road trip across Texas and are not afraid to traipse through cemeteries, pick up a copy of Tui Snider's 6 Feet Under Texas, load up with plenty of road-trip snacks, and head out. This book has 50 stories across 28 Texas towns listed in alphabetical order, so I suggest reading through this short book first and then mapping out your trip. Nothing is off limits in what Snider has ‘dug up’ during her research of famous, infamous, and cryptic graves, including those harboring outlaws, ladies of the evening, a severed limb, and even a squirrel and a few cats. Everyone has a story, but some stories expand throughout the years into urban legends. Snider points out some of these tall tales and then includes whatever facts are available to keep things as true as possible, given that record keeping and articles of yore were often sketchy and ambiguous.
What makes Snider’s books so fun to read is that she doesn’t expound too much on each grave, cemetery, and backstory. She gives just enough information to pique the reader’s interest and then offers ways to find the cemetery and any specific grave that might be hard to find or access. A list of books to read for more information and Snider's own personal photos are included to pique that interest even more. The nice thing is that if you decide to visit these cemeteries during the current pandemic, social distancing won't be a problem in a quiet cemetery full of people who are already safely six feet away.
I received a free copy of this book from Lone Star Book Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review.
October 9, 2020
Who doesn't enjoy tramping through a graveyard to read headstones and maybe uncover an interesting historical tidbit? Well, maybe not everybody enjoys doing that except mystery writers and journalists, and since I'm a bit of both I've spent time wandering around cemeteries. Like Tui Snider, I have a great interest in what one can find out about a place, and the people that lived in that place, by spending an afternoon in a local cemetery.
What fun it was to get Snider's book and read the fascinating stories about the graves she found. Previously, I had no idea how many interesting and unusual people are under the ground in places around Texas. There's the alien in Aurora and the clown, Sassy Lee, in Azle, among so many other notable people: musicians, actors, and even a prominent cowboy, Bose Ikard, who once was a slave.
When I came to the chapter about the actor Peter Mayhew, who played Chewbacca in the Star Wars movies, I couldn't help but smile. While many Star Wars fans were swooning a bit over Hans Solo I liked the giant furry friend a little bit more. Not that the young Harrison Ford was dismissible, but I've always had a soft spot for pets, big or small, real or not.
Tui Snider once again takes her journalistic background and applies it to another well-researched book that is fascinating, as well as very enjoyable to read. The chapters are short, so they can be read in just a few minutes when one has a break from work, and there is an extensive bibliography for those who'd like to read more about who is buried in Texas.
What fun it was to get Snider's book and read the fascinating stories about the graves she found. Previously, I had no idea how many interesting and unusual people are under the ground in places around Texas. There's the alien in Aurora and the clown, Sassy Lee, in Azle, among so many other notable people: musicians, actors, and even a prominent cowboy, Bose Ikard, who once was a slave.
When I came to the chapter about the actor Peter Mayhew, who played Chewbacca in the Star Wars movies, I couldn't help but smile. While many Star Wars fans were swooning a bit over Hans Solo I liked the giant furry friend a little bit more. Not that the young Harrison Ford was dismissible, but I've always had a soft spot for pets, big or small, real or not.
Tui Snider once again takes her journalistic background and applies it to another well-researched book that is fascinating, as well as very enjoyable to read. The chapters are short, so they can be read in just a few minutes when one has a break from work, and there is an extensive bibliography for those who'd like to read more about who is buried in Texas.
October 4, 2020
Texas is a big state with massive amounts of history. Some of that history is good, while some is not so good. What are the sensational portions of that history is that most of it resides in cemeteries where long-forgotten souls are buried six feet under.
I have a weakness for cemeteries. Always have. Always will. I have even gone on research missions of my own. Yes – I adored 6 Feet Under Texas by author Tui Snider.
Texas history aficionados will love, love Tui’s book, 6 Feet Under Texas. Readers who love quick reads will enjoy this book as well as be more informed about Texas history they never knew. From Texas’ quirky history to its solemn history, and even its unknown history, Tui’s book covers good portions of all three in her latest book.
Raise your hand if you have heard about Old Rip? My hand is raised. Tui covers the story of Old Rip that I have heard. However, it is all the other stories she brings to life of people long forgotten. Like the Mural Maker, to the lady, trampled by a circus elephant. Gosh, I am not a Star Wars fan but I know Chewbacca and learning about him was the cat’s pajamas. What I tremendously adored about this book is learning about the Murder Memorial and the girl behind the Amber Alert.
In 6 Feet Under Texas, history comes alive so to speak. Each story is told dazzlingly. At the end of those stories links and addresses are given so readers can visit these unique places themselves.
This is the fifth book I have read of Tui’s. Her writing improves with each book she authors. Tui writes as a conversationalist. When you are reading her books, particularly this one, it is like she is the room relating these stories of deaths she has uncovered doing her countless research. She has fun with her books and her writing exudes it big time in this book.
I have a weakness for cemeteries. Always have. Always will. I have even gone on research missions of my own. Yes – I adored 6 Feet Under Texas by author Tui Snider.
Texas history aficionados will love, love Tui’s book, 6 Feet Under Texas. Readers who love quick reads will enjoy this book as well as be more informed about Texas history they never knew. From Texas’ quirky history to its solemn history, and even its unknown history, Tui’s book covers good portions of all three in her latest book.
Raise your hand if you have heard about Old Rip? My hand is raised. Tui covers the story of Old Rip that I have heard. However, it is all the other stories she brings to life of people long forgotten. Like the Mural Maker, to the lady, trampled by a circus elephant. Gosh, I am not a Star Wars fan but I know Chewbacca and learning about him was the cat’s pajamas. What I tremendously adored about this book is learning about the Murder Memorial and the girl behind the Amber Alert.
In 6 Feet Under Texas, history comes alive so to speak. Each story is told dazzlingly. At the end of those stories links and addresses are given so readers can visit these unique places themselves.
This is the fifth book I have read of Tui’s. Her writing improves with each book she authors. Tui writes as a conversationalist. When you are reading her books, particularly this one, it is like she is the room relating these stories of deaths she has uncovered doing her countless research. She has fun with her books and her writing exudes it big time in this book.
October 11, 2020
Featured on Lone Star Book Blog Tours. Lone Star Blogger Team average rating: 4.867 stars.
October 6, 2020
Oh, the things you learn when you read one of Tui Snider’s books! Sure, readers go in expecting to learn about the topic at hand, and reading 6 FEET UNDER TEXAS is no exception. Talk about things that make you go “hmmmmmmm.” Readers are regaled with the stories and backstories and even the urban legends associated with grave sites found all around the state of Texas. But one of the delightful aspects of Tui’s books is the unexpected random tidbits one learns. For example, I learned the correct spelling of “Wookiee” (and I call myself a fan) as I discovered that the original actor who played Chewbacca is buried in North Texas. And I learned the word “taphophile,” which, though not recognized in the dictionary, is a necessary word that defines many people as interested in cemeteries, funerals, and gravestones. Surely Merriam-Webster has a synonym…I digress, but I also make a point that even the smallest mentions in any of Tui’s books can lead readers to want to learn more and dive in deeper to the topics. And believe me: with Tui’s writing style and bubbly personality that shines through each tale, your curiosity will be piqued (and you’ll want to have coffee with Tui).
6 FEET UNDER TEXAS is your guide to being a tombstone tourist. Whether you’re traveling only via Tui’s rich descriptions, you decide to take a side-trip when out and about, or you plan a road trip to include any or all of her fifty destinations, the result is going to be enrichment, pure and simple. Tui carefully researches and enlightens readers with snapshots in history that put the graves and their occupants in historical context. What seems odd to the modern eye was the norm, or at least acceptable, in days of old. (I direct your attention to several aspects of the truly bizarre story of Anderson McCraw.) Tui digs, she uncovers, and sometimes even solves mysteries, as was the case for the occupant of the grave marked only “Rope Walker.” (Side note: included are graves of a rope walker (a one-legged one at that), a circus clown, and a person crushed by a circus elephant. Lesson? Stay away from anything circus-related.)
While it may seem that a book dedicated to visiting graves could be macabre, 6 FEET UNDER TEXAS really isn’t. Of course, some of the stories behind what is resting in those graves can be macabre, but the book is entertaining and often humorous. I got a chuckle out of the marker that includes a 4-foot granite replica of a TI-30 calculator that displays “hELLO” on the screen. It took me right back to junior high when I learned the trick of typing .07734, and flipping my calculator around to read that message. I wanted to do it again but alas, all the real calculators we have in our house are…deceased.
While I absolutely adore having a print copy of the book, I really wanted to be able to see the fine details in the photographs. With the photos in black and white (and more likely to blame, my poor eyesight), I just wasn’t satisfied. I totally get not having full-color paperbacks; the printing costs would be extraordinary, and those would be passed on to the consumer, and I wouldn’t want to pay what it would cost. Happily, the eBook version IS full-color, and it is totally worth buying a supplemental copy (it’s about the cost of a grande cuppa or free if you subscribe to KU) to see those photos on the big screen of an iPad or laptop – and to have the portability of having the whole book on your phone as you go on an excursion.
Readers are left knowing that 6 FEET UNDER TEXAS is just the first installment in the Cemetery Tales series. While the current plague has limited the author’s ability to physically explore, she is happy for readers to send suggestions for fascinating grave sites to explore and include in round two.
Thank you to the author and Lone Star Book Blog Tours for providing a print copy in exchange for my honest opinion – the only kind I give. This full review and more special features on Hall Ways Blog.
6 FEET UNDER TEXAS is your guide to being a tombstone tourist. Whether you’re traveling only via Tui’s rich descriptions, you decide to take a side-trip when out and about, or you plan a road trip to include any or all of her fifty destinations, the result is going to be enrichment, pure and simple. Tui carefully researches and enlightens readers with snapshots in history that put the graves and their occupants in historical context. What seems odd to the modern eye was the norm, or at least acceptable, in days of old. (I direct your attention to several aspects of the truly bizarre story of Anderson McCraw.) Tui digs, she uncovers, and sometimes even solves mysteries, as was the case for the occupant of the grave marked only “Rope Walker.” (Side note: included are graves of a rope walker (a one-legged one at that), a circus clown, and a person crushed by a circus elephant. Lesson? Stay away from anything circus-related.)
While it may seem that a book dedicated to visiting graves could be macabre, 6 FEET UNDER TEXAS really isn’t. Of course, some of the stories behind what is resting in those graves can be macabre, but the book is entertaining and often humorous. I got a chuckle out of the marker that includes a 4-foot granite replica of a TI-30 calculator that displays “hELLO” on the screen. It took me right back to junior high when I learned the trick of typing .07734, and flipping my calculator around to read that message. I wanted to do it again but alas, all the real calculators we have in our house are…deceased.
While I absolutely adore having a print copy of the book, I really wanted to be able to see the fine details in the photographs. With the photos in black and white (and more likely to blame, my poor eyesight), I just wasn’t satisfied. I totally get not having full-color paperbacks; the printing costs would be extraordinary, and those would be passed on to the consumer, and I wouldn’t want to pay what it would cost. Happily, the eBook version IS full-color, and it is totally worth buying a supplemental copy (it’s about the cost of a grande cuppa or free if you subscribe to KU) to see those photos on the big screen of an iPad or laptop – and to have the portability of having the whole book on your phone as you go on an excursion.
Readers are left knowing that 6 FEET UNDER TEXAS is just the first installment in the Cemetery Tales series. While the current plague has limited the author’s ability to physically explore, she is happy for readers to send suggestions for fascinating grave sites to explore and include in round two.
Thank you to the author and Lone Star Book Blog Tours for providing a print copy in exchange for my honest opinion – the only kind I give. This full review and more special features on Hall Ways Blog.
October 5, 2020
If you have not found the wonder that is Tui Snider’s books yet, you are missing out! (Check out some of my other 5 STAR reviews here, here, or here). For 6 Feet Under Texas, we have a tour around Texas of unique gravesites and cemeteries. Perfect for October reading – and maybe October road tripping. I imagine cemeteries are rather easy for social distancing!
Right from the start of the book, I agree with Ms. Snider: cemeteries are open-air museums made for the living. I’ve always enjoyed discovering interesting facts from gravestones. As Ms. Snider states:
burial grounds connect us to the past in a unique manner.
Cemeteries are a great way to learn or teach history. Here are some of the interesting Texas history facts I learned while reading 6 Feet Under Texas:
Larry Hagman is the son of Mary Martin. And is actually from Texas!
Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca from Star Wars) is buried in Texas.
Bonnie and Clyde are NOT buried next to each other.
People sometimes buried their amputated limbs.
Lonesome Dove is based on a real person’s life. (Someone remind me later I need to read that book! It sounds like an interesting story!)
The history behind Amber Alerts.
Sure. I could have learned these tidbits by interneting. But I don’t think I would have ever asked the questions had Ms. Snider not posed the questions first.
The book is organized alphabetical by town name, including physical addresses, driving directions and website addresses where available. I enjoyed the little maps pointing out where all the towns\cemeteries are located throughout Texas. This makes it easier to figure out if the cemeteries are within easy driving distance of your home. The accompanying pictures are enjoyable. The chapters are short, with great writing, and interesting topics making for quick reading.
Ms. Sniders books are always professionally researched. The stories in 6 Feet Under are no exception. Chapters may start from Texas tall tales and legends, but Ms. Snider provides the reader with the facts to support or dispute the stories.
Personally, I love the humorous stories. The book includes graves of famous, infamous, and regular people. And even includes some animal stories! We have Space Aliens (from 1897!), a horned toad\science experiment, a Jesus in Cowboy Boots statue, and a whole host of Alamo cats. These stories had me chuckling as I read!
The bones (#sorrynotsorry) of the story is a travel guide and reference book. It could be used while traveling to specific sites. Or for some armchair travelling if you aren’t motivated to leave home. It’s in no way morbid or scary. But rather a fascinating look into history via grave sites. Check it out!
Right from the start of the book, I agree with Ms. Snider: cemeteries are open-air museums made for the living. I’ve always enjoyed discovering interesting facts from gravestones. As Ms. Snider states:
burial grounds connect us to the past in a unique manner.
Cemeteries are a great way to learn or teach history. Here are some of the interesting Texas history facts I learned while reading 6 Feet Under Texas:
Larry Hagman is the son of Mary Martin. And is actually from Texas!
Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca from Star Wars) is buried in Texas.
Bonnie and Clyde are NOT buried next to each other.
People sometimes buried their amputated limbs.
Lonesome Dove is based on a real person’s life. (Someone remind me later I need to read that book! It sounds like an interesting story!)
The history behind Amber Alerts.
Sure. I could have learned these tidbits by interneting. But I don’t think I would have ever asked the questions had Ms. Snider not posed the questions first.
The book is organized alphabetical by town name, including physical addresses, driving directions and website addresses where available. I enjoyed the little maps pointing out where all the towns\cemeteries are located throughout Texas. This makes it easier to figure out if the cemeteries are within easy driving distance of your home. The accompanying pictures are enjoyable. The chapters are short, with great writing, and interesting topics making for quick reading.
Ms. Sniders books are always professionally researched. The stories in 6 Feet Under are no exception. Chapters may start from Texas tall tales and legends, but Ms. Snider provides the reader with the facts to support or dispute the stories.
Personally, I love the humorous stories. The book includes graves of famous, infamous, and regular people. And even includes some animal stories! We have Space Aliens (from 1897!), a horned toad\science experiment, a Jesus in Cowboy Boots statue, and a whole host of Alamo cats. These stories had me chuckling as I read!
The bones (#sorrynotsorry) of the story is a travel guide and reference book. It could be used while traveling to specific sites. Or for some armchair travelling if you aren’t motivated to leave home. It’s in no way morbid or scary. But rather a fascinating look into history via grave sites. Check it out!
September 26, 2020
6 Feet Under Texas is organized alphabetically by city, and each chapter focuses on a different gravesite. But more than just a book about the gravesites themselves, this book shares the stories of the people buried at each site. Many of these people have a story (previously) lost to history. Some stories are touching, some are amusing, and some are simply tragic – but with this book, all of them are remembered. (Even the not-so-nice guys.)
Additionally, each chapter includes a black-and-white photo of the respective tombstone/headstone/memorial and directions to the cemetery.
Some of my favorites (ok, given the topic, this is even weird to me to write) from the book include learning about the actual “Lost Cemetery of Infants” (Chapter 4), as I first learned of this cemetery in a recently read fiction book Home for Erring and Outcast Girls. If you’ve read my reviews here of Hays and McCall’s Bonnie and Clyde alternative history novels, you’d understand my fascination with “Why Aren’t Bonnie and Clyde Buried Together? (Chapter 15). I also learned that it’s not uncommon in older Texas cemeteries to find tombs for amputated limbs (Chapter 31). Weird, but understandable.
My ghoulish teen, on the other hand, was fascinated by the tombs of Texas’ own space alien (Chapter 6) and the tomb that is NOT a witch’s (Chapter 47). She also went right for the chapters on serial killers (Chapter 5 ), and we learned that Texas is the home of the only memorial for murder victims (Chapter 34), which is both sad (because we so often remember the names of the killers but not their victims) and inspiring in its thoughtfulness. We also were agog at the quirky Anthony Bascilli’s overly thorough planning of his casket and gravesite (Chapter 42).
6 Feet Under Texas is delightful (and I mean that in a non-creepy way). Tui Snider’s fascination with the topic shines in her wonderful storytelling of the people behind (or, technically, under) each gravestone. There are some really fascinating tales and insights into the past in these short chapter treatments.
We’re giving 6 Feet Under Texas 5 stars for all its quirky weirdness and history and research pulled together in one delightful (again, weird to write, but accurate) paperback book.
October 20, 2020
This was a very enjoyable read for myself. I gave only 3 stars specifically because of one chapter's lack of research: Chapter 3 on Dimebag Darrell says he was playing with Pantera the night he was killed and that there was no motive. Incorrect. It was Damageplan playing; Pantera had broken up after 18 years. The shooter likely blamed DBD for this breakup.
I feel like I can't trust Tui's research on anything else, since this is such an easily found fact.
But, I still loved the book. Will be looking for other like books from other States.
I feel like I can't trust Tui's research on anything else, since this is such an easily found fact.
But, I still loved the book. Will be looking for other like books from other States.
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