Compton Cemetery
Historical marker location:William Scott Compton (1805-1882), and his wife, Angelina Louisa Gunn Ward (1806-1880) purchased over 3000 acres here in the settlement of Avant Prairie (later Dew) in 1852. On this acreage the Comptons built a log home, barns and quarters for their slaves. An attorney and banker, William served as a county judge and state senator in Alabama before moving to Texas.
This cemetery began in 1855 with the burial of the Comptons' eldest daughter, Elizabeth Blackmon Compton Johnson. Also buried here are the Comptons' sons, Joseph (Jodie) and Felix Richard, both Confederate veterans of the Civil War; and their granddaughter, Martha (Mattie) Jane, and her husband George Walton White, Texas State Legislator (1889 and 1891), Baptist minister, and charter member of the Corinth Baptist Church in Dew, Texas.
George White's heirs formally set aside the cemetery property in 1943 and for the next 40 years the cemetery received modest care from family members residing in the original settlement home built by William and Angelina Compton. Descendants of the Compton and White families formed an association in 1983 for the purpose of maintaining the cemetery. Compton Cemetery represents a well-preserved example of a small family cemetery
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.
Texas has been a major oil-producing state for over a century. The first big oil discovery in Texas was the Spindletop field near Beaumont in 1901, which set off a massive oil boom that transformed the state's economy and made Texas one of the wealthiest states in the country.
In the early 1800s, the region was a part of the Spanish province of Tejas, and later became a part of Mexico after gaining independence from Spain. The first American settlers arrived in the area in the early 1830s, and the region became a part of the Republic of Texas in 1836. During this time, the county was primarily used for farming and ranching, with cotton becoming an important cash crop.
The county was officially established in 1850 and named after James Freestone, who fought in the Texas Revolution. It quickly grew as more settlers arrived, and communities such as Fairfield and Teague were established as agricultural centers. In the late 19th century, the arrival of the railroad further bolstered the county's economy and facilitated transportation and commerce.
In the 20th century, Freestone County faced the challenges brought by the Great Depression, but managed to recover with the help of government programs and the establishment of manufacturing industries. Today, the county continues to be an agricultural region known for its fertile soils, producing a variety of crops including cotton, corn, and sorghum. It also boasts a rich natural heritage, with attractions such as Fairfield Lake State Park attracting visitors to enjoy outdoor activities in a picturesque setting.
Freestone County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Freestone County, Texas.
- 1836 - Texas gains independence from Mexico
- 1846 - Freestone County is established
- Late 1800s - County experiences growth in population and agriculture
- 1893 - Texas State Railroad extends into Freestone County, boosting transportation and commerce
- Mid-1900s - County sees advancements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare
- 1980s - Oil and gas production becomes a significant industry
- Present - Freestone County continues to thrive as a rural community, known for agriculture and outdoor recreation