Historical Marker

McCraw's Chapel

Historical marker location:
Honey Grove, Texas
( from Honey Grove take SH 34 south 3.5 miles to McCraw's Chapel Cemetery Rd.; then west on cemetery road 1.5 miles)
Marker installed: 1986
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Methodist Church and Cemetery

Settlers farming the blackland prairie in this area gathered in the home of Ezekiel Phillips Warren (1828-1903) in 1859 to organize a Methodist congregation. Warren, a native of Tennessee who moved here in 1856, hosted the group for several years.

In 1877 two acres of land for a church and cemetery were donated by William Bain McCraw (1841-1878) and others. The Rev. N. A. Keen was then minister for the Dodd City Circuit, which included the church here. McCraw, a native of Kentucky who served in the Confederate Army, was the first to be buried in the cemetery. An additional four acres adjacent to the church grounds were purchased in 1887.

In the late 19th century, 10-day-long camp meetings were held on the church grounds in August. John M. Raiden taught school in the church building during the same years. A tornado destroyed the structure in 1918, and meetings were held in the nearby schoolhouse.

A new building was erected in 1919, serving as an anchor for the congregation and the community. Membership fell from 170 in 1933 to 38 in 1963, and the church was disbanded in 1966. The building was razed in 1983, but the grounds continue to host an annual community homecoming on the first Sunday in May.

Texas Sesquicentennial 1836 - 1986

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

gravesites Methodist (Methodist Episcopal and United Methodist) denomination churches
The Johnson Space Center, located in Houston, played a crucial role in the development of the U.S. space program. It was here that NASA trained its astronauts and mission control teams, and it continues to be an important center for space research and exploration today.
Texas random facts
Fannin County, Texas is located in the northeastern part of the state and has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The county was established in 1837 and was named after James Fannin, a prominent figure in Texas's fight for independence from Mexico. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Choctaw, before European settlers began to venture into the region.

During the Texas Revolution in 1836, Fannin County played a significant role in the struggle for independence. The Battle of Village Creek took place in the county, where Texian troops clashed with Mexican forces. Although the Texians won the battle, the conflict ultimately led to the massacre of James Fannin and his men at Goliad. This event became a rallying cry for Texan independence and solidarity.

In the following years, Fannin County experienced rapid growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the 1870s expanded trade and transportation, leading to increased prosperity. Agriculture became the backbone of the county's economy, with cotton, corn, and cattle production taking center stage. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century further contributed to the region's economic growth.

Throughout its history, Fannin County has faced challenges, including natural disasters such as devastating floods in the late 1800s and early 1900s. However, the resilient community has always managed to recover and rebuild. Today, Fannin County is a thriving area, known for its rich history, charming small towns, and agricultural heritage.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Fannin County, Texas.

  • 1836: Fannin County is established as a county of Texas.
  • 1837: The county's first courthouse is constructed in the town of Warren.
  • 1839: The county seat is moved to the town of Bois d'Arc.
  • 1843: The county seat is relocated again, this time to Bonham.
  • 1845: Texas becomes a state, and Fannin County is officially recognized as part of the state.
  • 1858: Construction of a new courthouse in Bonham is completed.
  • 1861-1865: Fannin County experiences the impact of the American Civil War.
  • 1872: The first railroad is completed in the county, boosting economic growth.
  • 1886: A devastating fire destroys much of downtown Bonham, resulting in a significant rebuilding effort.
  • 1896: The Texas State Normal College is established in Bonham, later renamed Texas A&M University-Commerce.
  • 1905: Construction of a new courthouse in Bonham is completed.
  • 1930s: Fannin County experiences an economic decline during the Great Depression.
  • 1940s-1950s: Fannin County sees growth and development due to World War II and the subsequent post-war economic boom.
  • 1994: The county's current courthouse, a historic and architectural landmark, is added to the National Register of Historic Places.