HISTORICAL MARKERS
Marker Title: Bettie Methodist Church
Address:
City: Bettie
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1993
Designations: na
Marker Location: FM 2088, Bettie, 6 mi. north of Gilmer
Marker Text: This congregation was organized and a sanctuary built
at this site in 1892 principally through the efforts of brothers Jeff and
Hillard Parish. According to local tradition, the sanctuary (one of the
first buildings in Bettie) probably replaced the abandoned or disbanded
Parish Chapel Methodist Church which was located about two miles west of
here. In addition to religious services, the community's first school and
popular singing and music lessons were held in the sanctuary for several
decades after its completion. This congregation continues to serve the
community.
Marker Title: Camp
Talley
Address:
City: Gilmer
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1964
Designations: na
Marker Location: SH 155 about 13 mi. NE of Gilmer
Marker Text: Civil War Recruiting Camp.
Marker Title: Cherokee Trace
Address:
City: Gilmer
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1965
Designations: na
Marker Location: Courthouse lawn, Henderson at Marshall St.
Marker Text: Near this site the Cherokee Indians blazed an early
Texas trail. They wanted a road from their settlements near Nacogdoches
to their home reservation on the White River in Arkansas. About 1821 they
selected a man known for his uncanny sense of direction. Mounting a horse
and dragging buffalo skins behind him, he set a northward course. A group
of Indians followed, blazing the trees to mark the trail. Another group
cleared away the heavy underbrush and trees. A third group established
camping grounds by springs and planted Cherokee roses which still mark
the route today. Sam Houston, friend of the Cherokee, travelled it on his
first Texas visit. David Crockett and other Texas revolution fighters as
well as thousands of settlers from northeastern United States first saw
Texas from the road, many establishing homes nearby. The Cherokee remained
peaceful as long as friend Sam Houston was President of the Republic. In
June 1839 they were ordered from Texas because of raids and intrigues with
Mexican agents. A two-day battle ensued on the Neches River where their
chief was killed. The tribe retreated, fighting, leaving Texas by the famous
trail they made.
Marker Title: Old
Coffeeville, C. S. A.
Address:
City: Gilmer
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1965
Designations: na
Marker Location: On SH 155 about 13 mi. NE of Gilmer
Marker Text: Ferry point near this site, on Big Cypress. Important
town of 1850's, with an academy, 2 dry goods stores, 2 groceries, drug
store, 3 doctors, Methodist and Presbyterian churches, a hotel and Masonic
lodge. During Civil War, lived up to its name, selling coffee when other
towns had none. Had a Confederate camp of instruction, one of three in
Upshur County, established in response to June 8, 1861, call of Governor
Edward Clark for such camps to be set up at expense of local citizens.
Trained infantry and cavalry.
Marker Title: Old Alexander Cook Home
Address:
City: Gilmer
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1965
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Location: 12 mi. NW of Gilmer
Marker Text: Cook moved here in 1857 from Tennessee. A leading farmer;
head of a prominent family. Had one of first cotton gins in Upshur County.
Built this Greek revival house in 1882. Its fine glazing and window and
door trim were unusual in that era. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1966
Marker Title: Croley Funeral Home
Address: 305 W. Harrison St.
City: Gilmer
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1997
Designations: na
Marker Location:
Marker Text: J. F. Croley purchased the Croley Hardware Company
in 1890 and began an undertaking business as part of the hardware store
services. In 1920 a partnership was formed to run the business, and in
1933 the Croley Burial Association was formed. Croley Cook, nephew of J.
F. Croley, built a new funeral home in 1946-47. The structure included
a chapel with a seating capacity for 200 people. In 1979 a larger chapel
was built, and the facilities were renovated. The company continues to
serve the community. (1997)
Marker Title: Alex Earp
Address:
City: Gilmer
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1968
Designations: na
Marker Location: Hopewell Cemetery on FM 49, 8 mi. W of Gilmer
Marker Text: Alex Earp, (Aug. 10, 1832-March 5, 1920). A lumber-boom
sheriff. Won respect under great handicaps. Born in Alabama. Family moved
to Texas; father was sheriff of Upshur County 1856-1860. Served as Confederate
cavalry captain. Became Upshur County sheriff in 1880s when timber industry
attracted a transient, rowdy population. In 1895-1896 served as county
commissioner. Married Mary Ethel Decker Nations. Had three children: John
B., Aphra, and Jim. Recorded, 1968
Marker Title: Edwards Cemetery
Address:
City: Longview
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1993
Designations: na
Marker Location: 7.5 mi. west of Longview on US 80, then 4.5 mi.
north on FM 3272 (White Oak-Union Grove Rd.) just inside Upshur County
line on N. White Oak Rd.
Marker Text: This site was used as a graveyard for settlers of this
area as early as the mid-1850s. The earliest recorded burial here was that
of the infant Josephine Rucker in 1855. The cemetery is named for James
William Cartwright Edwards (1836-1913), who with his parents John King
and Elizabeth Billings Edwards, moved to Texas from Tennessee about 1850.
James acquired 1.6 acres, which included this graveyard, for use as a family
cemetery in 1912. His daughter, Margie, fenced a part of the cemetery in
1956 and set up a trust fund for its upkeep before her death in 1962.
Marker Title: Enon Baptist Church
Address:
City: Gilmer
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1966
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Location: From Gilmer, take FM 852 5.2 mi NW to intersection
w/FM 556, church is at intersection
Marker Text: Organized May 13, 1848, in home of M. S. Long, a member.
Other charter members were D. M., J. D. J., and Lucinda Davis, S. I. and
Sarah Knight, and Martha Mattocks. First pastor was J. M. Griffin. Original
building of logs. This building erected 1934. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark,
1966
Marker Title: First Baptist Church of Gilmer
Address: 304 Buffalo Street
City: Gilmer
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1995
Designations: na
Marker Location:
Marker Text: First congregation was organized in a log cabin in
1846 as the Gilmer Missionary Baptist Church of Christ. In 1854 the congregation
consisted of 22 members and the Rev. J. M. Griffin served as pastor. Church
membership grew to 100 in 1869 and in the early 1870s the first church
building was erected about one block north of this site. Walter Grimmer
organized the first Sunday School in 1878. A Ladies Aid Society was organized
in 1895 and in 1896 a new brick sanctuary was erected. The first full-time
pastor, the Rev. J. L. Mahan, was called in 1904. The congregation purchased
land here in 1909 and in 1911 a new sanctuary containing their first baptistry
was erected. That year the church, with a membership of 410, became a charter
member of the Pittsburg Baptist Association. A parsonage was built here
in 1918 and an education building in 1925. The church was renamed First
Baptist Church of Gilmer in 1929. Over the years the church has remodeled
existing structures and added new buildings to its property to serve its
growing congregation. The congregation has grown with the community and
continues to support missionary activities and serve the area with a variety
of outreach programs. Sesquicentennial of Texas Statehood 1845-1995
Marker Title: Gilgal Baptist Church
Address:
City: Gilmer
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1979
Designations: na
Marker Location: On US 271, just N. of SH 300 intersection, in S.
Gilmer
Marker Text: In 1865 the Rev. John Baptist led the founding of this
congregation. The members built a brush arbor here and chose the name "Gilgal"
after the site of the Israelites first encampment in the promised land.
Tom Littlepage gave two acres for the church grounds and for a black school.
Later, three acres were purchased from Judge J. R. Warren. The first frame
church building was erected here in 1872 during the ministry of the Rev.
J. H. Hill. In 1900, after serving this fellowship, the Rev. W. L. Dickson
founded an orphanage, fulfilling his lifelong dream. The Dickson Colored
Orphans Home, near Gilmer, operated for years before the state government
took charge and moved the facility to Austin. The Rev. S. H. Howard served
longer and baptized more members than any other pastor of this congregation.
About 1905, during Rev. Howard's ministry, this structure was completed.
The building was veneered with brick during the pastorate of an evangelist,
the Rev. H. W. Gray. The first full-time minister, the Rev. Floyd D. Harris,
led in the building of the educational annex. A parsonage was constructed
during the pastorate of the Rev. U. L. Sanders.
Marker Title: Site of Old Gilmer
Address:
City: Gilmer
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1964
Designations: na
Marker Location: 2 mi. NW on Cherokee Trace
Marker Text: Here on the Cherokee Trace was early Gilmer. On this
spot in 1845 the first Upshur County Court convened under an oak. In spring
1846, Judge O. M. Roberts designated the nearby W. H. Hart home as courthouse
until a permanent county seat could be "carefully located." Old Gilmer
Cemetery is one mile north.
Marker Title: "The Gilmer Mirror"
Address: Marshall and Wood St.
City: Gilmer
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1968
Designations: na
Marker Location:
Marker Text: Oldest continuous business in this county. Founded
as weekly, "Upshur County Democrat," Jan. 1, 1877. Early owners included
W. C. Paul, the Rev. S. R. Chadick, and J. P. Hart, who named it "Texas
Mirror" in 1882; "Gilmer Mirror," 1895. Owned since 1915 by family of George
Tucker (1861-1934), veteran of journalism in New York and other cities.
From 1916 to 1944 had a daily edition-- considered a record for a town
this size. russell H. Laschinger has been one of the publishers since 1924.
Ray H. Greene is co-owner. After occupying various sites, firm erected
this building 1941.
Marker Title: 1925 Gilmer Post Office
Address: 119 Simpson St.
City: Gilmer
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1998
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Location:
Marker Text: Designed by architect James A. Wetmore, this building
was constructed by A. C. Stamford of Alabama, who employed workers from
Alabama and from Upshur County. Construction began in June 1925 and was
completed early the following year. This structure served as the Gilmer
Post Office until October 1991, when it was replaced by a new facility.
The 1925 building remained vacant until March 1992 when local groups purchased
it for use as a historical museum. A fine example of F\federal architecture,
it features Georgian revival details of red brick and white limestone,
plus wood trim, a pedimented central entry and parapet balustrade. Typical
postal embellishments such as flanking entry lamps, a cornerstone and a
stairway to the door give the structure a classical character. Recorded
Texas Historic Landmark - 1998
Marker Title: Site of the Guarantee State Bank
Address: Main and Dogwood Sr.
City: Ore City
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1976
Designations: na
Marker Location:
Marker Text: Ore City was founded about 1910 as an iron mining center.
On Dec. 16, 1911, its citizens organized the Guarantee State Bank, and
after operating temporarily in the local schoolhouse, they built a brick
structure on this site in 1912. State Representative W. O. Stamps, the
first president, set up farsighted policies during the hard times when
the iron mill failed to materialize. Cattle, hogs, mules, and crops figured
as loan collateral here as in other Texas farm centers. Renamed the Security
State Bank in 1927, the firm erected and moved into a new building nearby
in 1968.
Marker Title: Harmony I. S. D.
Address:
City: Gilmer
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1980
Designations: na
Marker Location: Harmony High School, 10 mi. west of Gilmer on SH
154
Marker Text: Early efforts to improve the quality of education and
provide a complete high school program in area districts resulted in the
merger of rural schools in Wood and Upshur counties. Consolidation began
in 1929 when Mt. Gilead and Rosewood schools combined. In 1938 Rosewood
joined with schools from Rhonesboro, Honey Creek, and Union. The district
was named Harmony, honoring the smooth transition. Classes were relocated
in a rock building at this site. Schools added later were Grice, Peach,
Enon, Ogburn, Soules Chapel, Latch, and part of the Kelsey District.
Marker Title: Old Hart Home
Address:
City:
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1966
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Location:
Marker Text: Built 1877 of select lumber by sawmill owner Cassius
Hart, member of prominent pioneer family who settled here before county
organized in 1846. Later owned by Judge Wm. L. Martin and Jim Little families;
now by Joe Ammar. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1966
Marker Title: C. S. A. Hat Factory
Address: 400 N. Titus St. at Taylor St.
City: Gilmer
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1964
Designations: na
Marker Location:
Marker Text: Hats for the Confederate Army were made here by Robert
Potts Bros. hatters during Civil War. In a year's time, 300 pounds of wool
was used for 600 hats valued at $7,000.00 Overcoats, blankets, shoes and
caps were also made in Texas factories for the army. Housewives carded
cotton and wool. Homes having spinning wheels and looms made sheeting,
linsey and flannel. Others knitted socks, caps, slippers-- or sewed drawers,
shirts, pants. Texas cloth output included 130,000 yards a month from the
state penitentiary.
Marker Title: Sam Houston Spoke Here
Address: Courthouse lawn
City: Gilmer
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1964
Designations: na
Marker Location: Henderson at Marshall St.
Marker Text: On this Cherokee Trace site he had visited 25 years
earlier, when he lived with the Indians, Sam Houston twice spoke as the
leading Texas statesman-- on June 10, 1857, as U. S. Senator, and early
in 1861 as governor. At both times he spoke against secession and in favor
of the Union.
Marker Title: Site of an Indian Village
Address:
City: Gilmer
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1936
Designations: na
Marker Location: Spring and Butler St. in Gilmer City Park
Marker Text: Established early in the 19th century by a band of
Cherokees. Inhabited until those Indians and their associated tribes were
driven from Texas in 1839.
Marker Title: Jefferson-Quitman Road
Address:
City: Gilmer
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1970
Designations: na
Marker Location:
Marker Text: One of three pioneer roads that crossed Upshur County
and aided in development of Texas. Was heavily used by freighters and settlers
heading westward, and by those exporting cotton, hides and produce to the
inland port at Jefferson. Was crossed at this point by Cherokee Trace (so
named for Indians who used it to travel between their home reservation
in Arkansas and their lands near Nacogdoches. The Mt. Gilead Primitive
Baptist Church was organized near here in July 1848. Church land and cemetery
were given by pioneer merchant Leonidas Cartwright.
Marker Title: Kelsey
Mormon Colony
Address:
City: Kelsey
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1969
Designations: na
Marker Location: FM 1795 about 5 mi. west of Gilmer
Marker Text: Received church endorsement after Mormon brothers John
and Jim Edgar bought a large tract of timber land here in 1898. By end
of 1901, Sunday School and church were organized. In Nov. 1902. townsite
was laid out by church officials. Post office was located in J. S. Ault
store. One-room building served as school and church until 1909, when first
church was built (1/10 mi. W). Kelsey Branch was sponsor of Latter Day
Saints churches in Enoch, Dallas, Gilmer, Tyler, Longview, pittsburg, Texarkana,
Hooks and Marshall; joined with Enoch, Gilmer churches, in 1958.
Marker Title: Lafayette Cemetery
Address:
City: Gilmer
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1992
Designations: na
Marker Location: 6 mi. NE of Gilmer on SH 155, then 4 mi. NE on
FM 2796, then .8 mi. west on FM 593, then 2 mi. north on FM 993 to intersection
w/FM 1975
Marker Text: The Lafayette community, named by early settler Matthew
F. Locke for his son, Lafayette Locke, developed in this area in the 1850s.
Locke deeded three acres of land to the Philadelphia Baptist Church for
a cemetery in 1858. The land, which already contained two family burials,
became known as Lafayette Cemetery. The oldest documented grave is that
of T. E. Montgomery, Locke's brother-in-law, who died in 1855. Although
the community began to decline in the 1920s, this and other nearby graveyards
serve as visible reminders of the area's pioneer heritage.
Marker Title: Leather Factories, C. S. A.
Address: Henderson and Marshall
City: Gilmer
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1964
Designations: na
Marker Location:
Marker Text: On this site during the Civil War, a shoe factory converted
leather into footgear for the Confederate Army. A harness factory nearby
made bridles and saddles and also leather lines and breechings that hitched
horses and mules to gun carriages, wagons and ambulances, to move armies
through campaigns and battles. Leather was obtained from a local tanyard
that treated over 2,000 hides a year. East Texas plants furnished the South
900 sets of harness and 300 saddles monthly during the war.
Marker Title: Little Mound Baptist Church and Cemetery
Address:
City: Gilmer
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1978
Designations: na
Marker Location: FM 49, 12 mi. west of Gilmer
Marker Text: Unmarked burials in this cemetery may have begun in
the late 1860s, predating the founding of the church. The oldest marked
grave is that of E. Hoggue, who died in 1877. One year later, in 1878,
residents of the thriving pioneer village of Calloway organized Little
Mount Baptist Church and met for worship in a structure near the burial
ground. Situated on a steep hill called "Little Mound," the one-room building
had previously served as a Union church and schoolhouse. It stood on land
owned by W. C. Bradshaw, who gave the cemetery and church site to the congregation
in 1881. By 1897 the original church building had become too small. Lumber
from the structure was used to build another meetinghouse across the road
on property donated by J. s. and Sophronia Wallis in 1902. The second structure
was torn down in 1925 and again all the usable lumber was incorporated
in a new church building, erected on the site of the original. Buried in
this cemetery is Confederate heroine Emma Sansom (Mrs.C. B.) Johnson (1847-1900),
who at age 16 led Gen. N. B. Forrest's troops across the Black River in
her native state of Alabama to attack Federal forces. She later moved to
Texas and joined this church.
Marker Title: The Looney School
Address:
City: Gilmer
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1964
Designations: na
Marker Location: Courthouse lawn, NW corner Buffalo and Davis St.
Marker Text: During the years of 1860-70 in Gilmer, Morgan H. Looney
had a school widely known for high academic standards, attracting many
East Texas boarding pupils. Site was 4 blocks to the north. Boys and girls
had separate entrances, separate study halls kept by teacher on a platform.
Socials were held once a month. People there achieved fame later. O. M.
Roberts, a teacher, was governor, Supreme Court chief justice. 3 girls
married governors. Charles Culberson, later governor and U. S. Senator,
was one of many students who made great achievements.
Marker Title: Lewis T. Mackey
Address:
City:
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1964
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Location:
Marker Text: Confederate veteran; ordnance sergeant, Co. D., Lane's
1st Texas Partisan Rangers. Served in Ark., La., Texas. Born in Tenn. Came
to Texas in 1846.
Marker Title: Mattox Cemetery
Address:
City: New Diana
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1999
Designations: na
Marker Location: FM 726, 1 mi. W of New Diana
Marker Text: Several families from Alabama and Georgia settled in
this area in the 1850s. According to oral history, slaves were interred
around this site. The first recorded burial was that of Milla Ann Greer
Oliver, who died in 1861. The graveyard became known as the "Old Family
Cemetery." William and Martha Greer deeded land including this site for
a church and cemetery in 1887. A cemetery association was formed in 1970.
Members of the Covin, Jones, Loyd, Mattox, Oliver, Williams, and Willeford
families are interred here. Of the more than four hundred burials, several
are those of veterans of U. S. and international conflicts from the Civil
War to the Vietnam War. The Mattox Cemetery remains a chronicle of the
pioneers of Upshur County. (1999)
Marker Title: McDonald House
Address:
City:
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1964
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Location:
Marker Text: Built about 1853. Southern plantation style. Gathering
place for community and social affairs. Sat on brow of hill, or McDonald
Mountain, from which iron ore was mined during Civil War. One of former
slave cabins stands west of house.
Marker Title: Col. John Hamilton McNairy
Address:
City: Coffeeville
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1967
Designations: na
Marker Location: Old Coffeville Cemetery, 12 mi. NE of Gilmer, just
south of SH 155 in Coffeeville
Marker Text: Born 1804 Guilford County, N. C. Lived in Tennessee;
came to Shelby County, Texas, 1837; to Upshur County, 1847. Here he was
first Representative elected from county, 1848. Married twice. Was father
of eleven children. Died at Old Coffeeville, Jan. 7, 1853.
Marker Title: Murry Institute
Address:
City: Ore City
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1964
Designations: na
Marker Location: Ore City Cemetery, N. Wisteria St. off E. Main
(FM 450)
Marker Text: In community called Murry League, for original land
grantee. First school in Upshur County (1853-61). Founded by Tennesseans,
Rev. Joshua Clark and Wm. L. Coppedge. Coeducational boarding school. Famous
for excellence. Taught engineering, higher mathematics, Greek, Latin, along
with common subjects. Was closed during Civil War.
Marker Title: New Hope Missionary Baptist Church
Address:
City: Gilmer
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1970
Designations: na
Marker Location: SH 155, 9.5 miles SW of Gilmer
Marker Text: Organized September 22, 1855, with 15 charter members,
in New Hope community (4 mi. NW). Monthly meetings were held in a one-room
log school. The building, with 2 acres of land, was given to the church
in 1872. A new sanctuary erected in 1883 was torn down and rebuilt at Crossroads
community (2 mi. NW), 1914. In 1950 the church purchased an acre of land
at the present site. A new building was erected, again using lumber from
the old structure. Many present members are descendants of people who composed
original congregation.
Marker Title: John O'Byrne Home
Address:
City:
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1964
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Location:
Marker Text: Social, cultural, political center. built 1888 in the
O'Byrne's Mill settlement that included sawmill, planner, grist mill, cotton
gin. O'Byrne, Irish emigrant, father of 13, built first Catholic church
in Upshur and also started first school in community. Recorded Texas Historic
Landmark - 1964
Marker Title: Oak Hill Missionary Baptist Church
Address:
City: Gilmer
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1974
Designations: na
Marker Location: FM 2088, 8 mi. NW of Gilmer
Marker Text: The Oak Hill Baptist Church, the first Baptist congregation
in this area, was organized about 1870. Early services were held in a one-room
log school house near this site. On Nov. 12, 1884, Mrs. Carrie V. Johnson
donated two and one-third acres to the church, and soon thereafter, a frame
structure was built by a carpenter named Hardin. The name was changed to
Oak Hill Missionary Baptist Church about 1900 to reflect the evangelical
persuasion of the congregation. The present church sanctuary was erected
in 1948.
Marker Title: Parson McClelland School
Address:
City: Gilmer
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1968
Designations: na
Marker Location: On FM 726, about 3.3 mi E of US 271, about 10 mi
(total) SE of Gilmer
Marker Text: Built about 1869 by the Rev. Wm. Henry McClelland,
a Baptist minister and teacher. He lived here and operated a private school,
with day and boarding pupils, until the 2-story frame building burned on
Dec. 14, 1876. Family lore records that on same night, his son Lee died
in a fire, step-daughter Nancy Skaggs wed R. M. Keasler, and his first
grandson Mack Florence was born. McClelland (1831-1897) was born in Virginia;
baptized 1,324 persons in 40 years in the ministry. He married 4 times:
To Jane Stanley, Margaret E. Blain, Martha D. Skaggs, Leela Wilkinson.
Had 16 children.
Marker Title: The Ashley Phelps Home
Address: 107 N Tyler St.
City: Big Sandy
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1982
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Location:
Marker Text: Big Sandy merchant J. B. Rowe and his wife Helen (Bray)
built this home about 1905. In 1909 they sold it to Ashley W. and Ruth
(Prothro) Phelps, who owned a local dry goods store. For many years after
Ashley's death in 1922 Ruth operated it as a boardinghouse for area school
teachers. She lived here until her death in 1961. A center of social activity
during the Phelps' ownership, the house features influences of the Queen
Anne and colonial revival styles. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1982
Marker Title: Ben Phillips Place
Address:
City:
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1964
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Location: ?
Marker Text: Built in 1872 with square nails, broad ax hewn boards.
Center for talk of politics and news. "A stranger never passed this home."
Many marriages performed here by Ben F. Phillips (1845-1927), Church of
Christ minister, student of politics, philosopher, Confederate veteran.
He represented Upshur-Camp counties, 1890-94, in Texas Legislature. Married
Mattie Fambrough (1856-1937) and had nine daughters. Recorded Texas Historic
Landmark, 1964.
Marker Title: Pleasant Grove Cemetery
Address:
City: Gilmer
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1994
Designations: na
Marker Location: 9 mi. N of Gilmer on US 271, then 2 mi. E on FM
593, then 4.5 mi. N on FM 1975
Marker Text: Many of the pioneer families who settled in this area
and established the Lafayette community in the 1850s immigrated from the
southern United States. The 1860 burial of one-year-old Thomas J. Harrison,
son of Georgia immigrants Abram and Harriet Harrison, is the first recorded
in the cemetery. Land for church and cemetery purposes was set aside by
J. M. Brison in 1870. Iron ore, mined commercially here in the 1890s, was
used to mark several grave sites of the area's earliest settlers. The cemetery
is maintained by an association organized in 1973.
Marker Title: Pritchett Normal Institute
Address:
City: Gilmer
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1967
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Location: On SH 155, at intersection W/FM 1404, about 6 mi.
SW of Gilmer
Marker Text: Started as preparatory institute in 1901 by Albert,
R. W. and J. P. Maberry, aided by Ben Wiliams and W. W. Sanders. Trained
teachers. Also had public school courses, with pupils from far away as
Panhandle of Texas. Added a building in 1908. Plant was sold, 1915, to
public school system. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, 1967
Marker Title: Two Early Railroads
Address:
City: Diana
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1967
Designations: Recorded Texas Historic Landmark
Marker Location:
Marker Text: The Marshall & East Texas Railroad, chartered 1908
was part of a line built 1882. Operated a passenger train nicknamed the
"Misery & Eternal Torment," and ran a logging train until 1917. The
Port Bolivar & Iron Ore Line was founded 1911 to haul ore from Upshur
County to the Texas Coast, but never built farther than Longview, 30 miles
south. It ceased operations in 1929. The history of these lines is that
of many "special interest" railroads. They thrived during the early days
of Texas industry, but today have been abandoned or incorporated into larger
lines. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1967
Marker Title: Rhonesboro
Address:
City: Gilmer
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1967
Designations: na
Marker Location: 11 mi. W of Gilmer at the intersection of SH 154
at FM 1002
Marker Text: Founded 1902; Named for W. M. Rhone, only sawmill operator
in area until 1901, when arrival of Marshall & East Texas Railroad
created a town which grew to have 15 sawmills, 10 stores, 2 churches, a
school, hotel, bank, gin, and cotton yard. Mill operators were Connally;
Barton and Smith; McWhorter; Cone and Watkins; Whitter; Dacus; Waterman;
Nolan; James; Swann; Beavers and Meek; P. K. Williams; M. C. and F. C.
Florence; Roger and J. O. Schrum. After pine forest here was depleted (1917),
the mills moved and the railroad was abandoned.
Marker Title: Rosewood Baptist Church
Address:
City: Rosewood
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1968
Designations: na
Marker Location: 8 mi. W of Rosewood on SH 154, then S 1 block on
Church Rd.
Marker Text: Organized 1872 as Double Springs Baptist Church, with
the Rev. Jacob Zeigler as pastor. When Marshall & East Texas Railway
was built and a town platted, this was renamed (in 1907) Rosewood Baptist
Church. Original "meeting house", a part of present building, has been
used 96 years.
Marker Title: Rosewood Cemetery
Address:
City: Gilmer
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1987
Designations: na
Marker Location: 8 mi. W of Gilmer on SH 154, then one block S on
Church Rd.
Marker Text: When the Marshall and East Texas Railroad was built
through this area in 1907, the town of Rosewood was organized, replacing
the earlier communities of Double Springs and Essex. Denny Dell McDonald,
four-year-old son of J. P. and Zula A. McDonald, died February 16, 1907,
and was buried in the nearby Hopewell Cemetery. Wishing to be closer to
their son's grave, the McDonalds donated property for a Rosewood Community
Cemetery, and the child was reinterred here a few months later. The cemetery
was maintained in early years by members of the community, who often took
turns digging graves. The plot was originally surrounded by barbed wire,
which was replaced in the 1950s by a chain link fence. A variety of grave
markers can be found here, including large granite stones, Woodmen of the
World monuments, and an intricately carved angel on the grave of Clara
McKinney (1909-1921). There are also monuments for local veterans, including
one who was lost at sea during World War II in 1943. A cemetery association,
formed in 1977, maintains the graveyard and hosts an annual homecoming
and memorial service.
Marker Title: Dickson Orphanage
Address:
City: Gilmer
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1968
Designations: na
Marker Location: On US 271, just S. of SH 300 intersection in S.
Gilmer
Marker Text: Only home in Texas for negro orphans for thirty years,
1900-1929. Founded by W. L. Dickson, Negro Baptist minister, only superintendent
home ever had. Orphans remained here until they reached 21, unless adopted
or indentured by good families. A choir of children made good-will trips
to raise funds. In Aug., 1929, home was deeded to the state, together with
700 acres of land and 27 buildings. Name was then changed to the Gilmer
State Orphanage for Negroes, which ran until 1943, when the children (about
180) moved to state home in Austin.
Marker Title: Soules Chapel Methodist Church
Address:
City: Gilmer
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1977
Designations: na
Marker Location: 10 mi. NW of Gilmer on FM 556
Marker Text: The Rev. Joshua Soule (1781-1867), original bishop
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, visited East Texas in 1846. Worshiping
in a log cabin across the road from this site as early as the 1850s, settlers
gave his name to their church. The cemetery here was in use by 1856. L.
E. Harkey and M. T. L. Williams on Dec. 21, 1871, deeded to Soules Chapel
trustees James Bryce, Oran Hinson, Peter Hogan and Nathan H. Morris about
six acres of land at this site. The present sanctuary was built after a
destructive fire in 1977.
Marker Title: Site of Stamps School
Address:
City: Gilmer
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1971
Designations: na
Marker Location: On FM 1649 in the Stamps community, 10 mi. E of
Gilmer
Marker Text: Established Oct. 24, 1906, and named for settler William
O. ("Uncle Billy") Stamps, who gave land and materials for building. Community
children, including Stamps' six sons, attended the school. Building also
served as church and lodge hall. At behest of W. O. Stamps, music teacher
Roe M. Morgan was hired to operate a singing school here. Through his inspiration,
two of Stamps' sons, Virgil (1892-1940) and Frank (1896-1965), became gospel
singers and founded large music publishing company and school. Present
school consolidated with New Diana on March 3, 1934.
Marker Title: Tarver's Ferry
Address:
City: Gilmer
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1968
Designations: na
Marker Location: SH 155, 15mi. NE of Gilmer
Marker Text: Once located at a strategic crossing of Big Cypress
Creek, this pioneer ferry transported settlers moving west into Texas through
populous Jefferson, on Big Cypress Bayou. Those going to the interior of
Texas often came by horse or oxen, stopping for provisions at nearby town
of Coffeeville. The ferry operator probably was James L. Tarver, who lived
on Coffeeville Road, 1860s. Many years before, the Caddo Indians forded
stream at this same point in their travels. By 1867 a bridge was built
at the crossing and the ferry was no longer needed.
Marker Title: Unknown Soldier
Address:
City: Gilmer
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1966
Designations: na
Marker Location: Morris Cemetery on SH 155, 4.5 mi. south of Gilmer
Marker Text: In this grave, the first in Morris Cemetery, lies a
Confederate soldier. On his way home at the end of the war, and very ill,
he stopped at the William Morris home, near here. There he died, without
revealing his name.
Marker Title: Upshur County Discovery Well
Address:
City: Union Grove
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1967
Designations: na
Marker Location: 3 mi. east of Union Grove on FM 1844
Marker Text: J. D. Richardson No. 1. Completed May 6, 1931; first
of 2,000 county wells that produced over 225,000 barrels of oil. Drilled
by Mudge Oil Co.; bought by General American Oil Co., (1952). Total depth
of well: 3,754 ft.; initial daily production: 35,000 barrels of oil and
10,000,000 cu. ft. of gas. Contractor was Clark and Cowden Drilling Co.
Drilling supervisor: T. P. Kirk; Dave McCullough and R. D. Kirk, drillers.
Crew: Jess Wright, John Bloomfield, W. B. Stroheim, Grady Williams, R.
E. Powers, C. O. Kirk, W. D. Emerson, Tommie Thompson. Is in extension
of East Texas oil field, one of world's largest.
Marker Title: Upshur County, C. S. A.
Address: Courthouse lawn, Henderson at Marshall St.
City: Gilmer
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1963
Designations: na
Marker Location:
Marker Text: (Star and Wreath) Civil War supply and activity center.
Men and boys served in the Confederate army on many battlefronts and in
state troops protecting Texas from invasion. 3 military training camps
were set up. Vital needs for military and civilians met with production
of hats, shoes, saddles, harness, cloth, iron and pottery in factories
in Gilmer and Ore City. A Quartermaster Depot was established on the home
front, women, joined by old men, children and loyal slaves, ran the farms
producing grain, meat and cotton for army, giving much, keeping little.
Home county of southern heroine Emma Sansom Johnson (1847-1900). "Sunbonnet
heroine" of the Confederacy. Buried Little Mound Cemetery, 11 miles west.
On May 2, 1863 Gen. N. B. Forrest, with 600 C. S. A. Cavalry, in pursuit
of 1,700 Federals bent on destroying vital supplies was halted by a burned
bridge on Black Creek near Gadsden, Alabama. Forrest asked about another
crossing, Emma Sansom volunteered to show way to little-known ford. Forrest
swung her up behind his saddle. Bullets pierced here calico dress, but
the 15-year-old waved her bonnet defiantly and pointed out the crossing,
enabling troops to surprise, capture enemy. Feat recognized by note from
Forrest, a gold medal from C. s. A. Congress and "The Ballad of Emma Sansom."
She married Confederate veteran C. B. Johnson and moved to Texas in 1876.
Texans with Forrest were 1st Legion, Willis Cav. Bn., 34d, 6th, 9th Cav.
regts.
Marker Title: Walnut Creek Baptist Church
Address:
City: Diana
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1995
Designations: na
Marker Location: 2 mi. north of Diana on US 259, then .2 mi. east
on FM 726, then .25 mi. south on Sego Lily Road
Marker Text: Pioneer settlers of this area formally organized a
Baptist Church of Christ at Walnut Creek about 1855. In 1856 the congregation
acquired more than 17 acres here on which they built a sanctuary and established
a cemetery. The oldest marked grave dates to 1870. The congregation expanded
its facilities over the years to provide Sunday School services, a parsonage,
and to accommodate a growing membership. A new brick sanctuary was erected
near this site in 1978. The church continues to support a variety of ministries,
maintain the historic cemetery, and serve the local community. Sesquicentennial
of Texas Statehood 1845 - 1995
Marker Title: Walters' Bluff Ferry
Address:
City: Big Sandy
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1968
Designations: na
Marker Location: SH 155, 1 mi. SW of Big Sandy
Marker Text: Located at a noted early-day crossing on Sabine River,
this pioneer ferry carried settlers traveling north or south into Upshur
or Smith counties. It was begun before 1849 by Robt. Walters, a Texas revolutionary
veteran, and used until a bridge was built, 1903. Town of Florence was
once situated near ferry on south bank of the Sabine. Ferriage rates in
1860 were 50 cents for a wagon drawn by two horses or oxen; 75 cents for
a wagon and more than two animals. A pleasure carriage was charged 40 cents;
a man and horse, 10 cents; loose livestock, 5 cents per head.
Marker Title: West Mountain Cemetery
Address:
City: Gilmer
County: Upshur
Year Marker Erected: 1985
Designations: na
Marker Location: US 271, 8 mi. south of Gilmer
Marker Text: Part of a Republic of Texas land grant formerly occupied
by Caddo and Cherokee Indians, this cemetery was established in the mid-1850s
by plantation owner Alpha Phillips. The first grave, that of his father,
William, is marked with a stone cairn. The family cemetery came to be used
by neighbors, West Mountain community residents, and transients. A volunteer
association was begun in the 1920s to maintain the grounds, and its members
have added acreage to the graveyard over the years. Originally known as
Old Phillips Cemetery, it has been called West Mountain Cemetery since
1933.
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