Welcome to the Historic Stiff Chapel Cemetery

History of Stiff Chapel Cemetery

Nestled in McKinney, Texas, the Stiff Chapel Cemetery is a testament to the rich history and pioneering spirit of the early settlers of Collin County. Established by Jesse Stiff in 1847, the cemetery spans two acres and stands as one of the oldest burial grounds in the county. Jesse Stiff, an early settler from Virginia, arrived in 1835, significantly contributing to the area's development. He participated in the Mexican War in 1846 and claimed land under the 1836 Republic of Texas Constitution. The Stiff family homestead, located near Stiff Creek, became the foundation of a vibrant community known as Stiff Chapel, established around 1856. The cemetery is the final resting place for many of the region's early pioneers, including Jesse's son, James Stiff, a Texas Ranger who was buried here in 1847. The site is revered for its historical significance, marked by the Texas Historical Commission in 1984, and remains a poignant reminder of the area's rich heritage. Today, Stiff Chapel Cemetery, surrounded by a six-foot rot iron fence, is well-preserved with a grassy western side and a tree-covered eastern side. While it requires ongoing maintenance, including fence repairs and gravestone restorations, the cemetery continues to honor the memory of those who shaped the early days of Collin County.