Historic Cemetery

Apolonia Cemetery

Anderson, Texas 77830
Location: Apolonia Cemetery—aka Pine Grove Baptist Church School Cem. Recorded: GRIM11, GRIM05, GRIM12: Parsons.. .THC Atlas (They Speak): “Known as Pine Grove for the Baptist church that was focus for community in the area, this burial ground was in use in 1860s. Tombstone of Mrs. Harriet Hobdy Kelley is dated 1869, but there may be earlier, unmarked graves. Land donors were (1886) J. L. and Eveline Mansfield. War veterans here: the Confederates Richard Butler, Henderson Green, and W. T. Wasson; also Wasson's son, Brosig T. Wasson, Grimes County's first fatality of World War I. When the church disbanded in 1929, the cemetery was renamed for area's defunct post office. At least one family has 3 generations here.” --Texas AtlasDirections: from Anderson take FM 2819 E approx. 6 miles to CR 215; then on CR 215 approx. .6 miles to cemetery.”NOTE: THC Atlas marker location for Apolonia & the Pine Grove Cem. location do not appear in same place?? AKA or same sites?H&P, Grimes Co Hist.: p. 59: “Pine Grove Baptist Church organized in early 1840s, frme church and school house built. Mansfield family deeded land for church and cem. 3 miles down the road.” p. 726: “Pine Grove Cem in 1869, cemetery later named for post office. Located 0.5 mile on FM 2819 on unpaved road. … Land doners [as THC Atlas] Cem. Assoc. formed in 1971, N. B. Fabian, caretaker (1980s). Apolonia Homecoming eld each year at Cem. on 1st Sunday in Oct. Picnic tables. Cem. never closed to anyone wanting to use it. Oral history with Mrs. Mattie Bennett and Mrs. Helen Sims, child dying remarked not wanting to be buried under pines. Doner of land, Edd Hobdy [sic] cleared & planted cedars. First soldier of WWI buried. Approx. 150 burials, earliest about 1880s. Index.” [E of Anderson off CR 214, S of road at CR 215] SEE Cemeteries of Grimes County, vols 1-5 John Maxwell, GCHC.THC site visit MB 4/21/04. Large formal cemetery off FM 2819 for 3 miles on CR 214. THC subject marker HTC. Site adjacent to but quite separate from Piney Woods Cem, historical AA site with no connecting gate. Many formal markers with diversity over time, Many huge Cedar marker trees, some Limestone fieldstones. Iron fence plots, obelisks, photo enamels. Some floral grave materials. Maintained privy at back. Adjacent to pastures and woodlands. Vets, cem assoc. CSA, homecoming every October. Approx 2 acres. GPS 30.29.10.60090N –95.57.42.09947W Quad 3095-233Low risk endangerment, fenced, maintained, still in use. On road, on map. Sign, cemetery assoc.Low endangerment: maintained, fenced, near residences, recent burials. SEE Notes.

To address the problem of cemetery destruction and to record as many cemeteries as possible, the Texas Historical Commission offers the Historic Texas Cemetery designation.

The Historic Texas Cemetery designation was developed in 1998 to help protect historic cemeteries by recording cemetery boundaries in county deed records to alert present and future owners of land adjacent to the cemetery of its existence. Every county in Texas has at least one cemetery designated as a Historic Texas Cemetery through this program. The HTC designation is the first step toward preservation of a historic cemetery.

A cemetery is eligible for designation if it is at least 50 years old and is deemed worthy of recognition for its historical associations. The very nature of a cemetery being a landmark of a family’s or community’s presence is considered to validate the criteria of historical associations. Any individual, organization, or agency may submit a request for designation.

gravesites
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Texas random facts
Grimes County, located in southeastern Texas, has a rich and vibrant history that dates back to the early 19th century. The county's origins can be traced back to the establishment of the Stephen F. Austin Colony in the early 1820s. It was named in honor of Jesse Grimes, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. The county was officially formed in 1846 when it was separated from Montgomery County.

In its early years, Grimes County played a significant role in the development of the Republic of Texas. It served as an important transportation hub due to its location on the Old San Antonio Road, which connected the different regions of Texas. The construction of the Houston and Texas Central Railroad in the 1850s further enhanced the county's connectivity and promoted economic growth.

The county was not immune to the impact of the American Civil War, which deeply affected Texas as a whole. Grimes County saw its fair share of battles and skirmishes, and many local men enlisted in the Confederate Army. Following the war, the county experienced a period of recovery and reintegration into the post-war society.

Throughout the 20th century, Grimes County has evolved into an important agricultural and industrial center. The growth of the timber industry and the discovery of oil and natural gas reserves in the area brought economic prosperity to the county. Today, Grimes County continues to thrive as a vibrant community, drawing visitors with its beautiful scenery, historical landmarks, and diverse cultural heritage.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Grimes County, Texas.

  • 1821: Grimes County, Texas, was established as a part of Mexico's Coahuila y Tejas province.
  • 1830: The population of Grimes County experienced significant growth due to the influx of American settlers.
  • 1836: Texas declared independence from Mexico, leading to the Texas Revolution.
  • 1837: Grimes County was officially formed and named after Jesse Grimes, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
  • 1850: The advent of railroads in Grimes County resulted in increased trade and economic development.
  • 1861: Texas seceded from the United States and joined the Confederate States of America at the start of the Civil War.
  • 1867: Reconstruction efforts began after the end of the Civil War, aiming to rebuild the county's economy and infrastructure.
  • 1873: Navasota became the county seat, replacing Anderson.
  • 1881: The Houston and Texas Central Railway reached the town of Plantersville, further boosting the area's growth.
  • 1900: The Galveston hurricane of 1900 caused significant devastation in Grimes County and the surrounding region.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression had a major impact on Grimes County, leading to economic hardships and agricultural decline.
  • 1942: The U.S. Army established Camp Hearne in Grimes County during World War II as a prisoner of war camp.
  • Present: Grimes County continues to be a rural area with agriculture as a significant part of its economy.