Historic Cemetery

Stoneham Cemetery

Navasota, Texas 77868
Location: Stoneham Cemetery, Stoneham, Texas1850s—Recorded GRIM02, GRIM11, GRIM12—Parsons. H&P, Grimes Co Hist.: Local hist. map, p. 126, “ in 1840 Bishop Alexander en route to East Texas spent night at Greenwood home … family gave tract of land for what was then called High Point for a cemetery and church. After railroad came thru the ch. bldg. moved nearer the town, then in 1880s moved into town. … Church Mothers built church community … but dwindled during Depression, closed 1929. Re-opened in 1973 by John Mulholand, grew, active in community 1980s.” p. 109, “Methodist (white) church-school bldg. …. 1900s, many Polish immigrants. … 1980s hay and cattle farming, timber, subdivisions.”p. 725, “Stoneham Cem. located 1.5 miles from Stoneham on SH 105. There had been a small settlement from Stoneham since 1830s, High Point, a name given to area by Maj. J. G. W. Pierson, a prominent colonist. First persons buried in then High Point Cem. were daughters of F. J. Greenwood … cholera victims … Greenwood had donated land only a few years earlier for burials. … Cem. Committee maintains, provides leadership and improvements. Ten family named plots, approx. total of 250 marked graves, plus some CSA graves unmarked or unknown. Some marked with iron rods … reportedly so marked to warn against removal of those who died of yellow fever. Earliest known burial 1830s. Index.” SEE Cemeteries of Grimes County, vols 1-5 John Maxwell, GCHC.THC Atlas: “Franklin Jarvis Greenwood (1804-1882), who came to Texas in 1829, donated land for this cemetery. It was originally called "High Point" for a nearby settlement. The first known interments were Greenwood's daughters Mary Anne (b. 1840) and Harriet. They died in 1856 of cholera. Graves of yellow fever victims were specially marked to avoid spread of the epidemic. Many burials are descendants of Stephen F. Austin colonists. The name of the cemetery and town changed to "Stoneham" after John H. Stoneham (1829-1894) gave land for the railroad in 1879. --Texas AtlasDirections: from Stoneham take SH 105 W approx. 1 mile to Stoneham Cemetery Rd.; then N on cemetery road approx. .1 mile to cemetery entrance.” GNIS on Stoneham map. TxGenWeb/Tombstone/Rootsweb: TxDoT map, photos. THC site visit MB 4/20/04: Near Stoneham, Tx. (white) Formal site, 3.7 miles W of intersection of SH 105 and FM 774. On N side of SH 105, access via small lane up hill. Marker trees, Cedar, Pecan,.Magnolia. Marker shrubs, Crape Myrtle, Gardenia. US veterans, CSA, Masonic, Sp Am War.Approx 1.9 acres. GPS 30.21.26.31022N –95.55.21.54153W. Quad 3095-232Low endangerment: maintained, fenced, near residences, church, recent burials.

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.

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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.