Historical Marker

Batson Prairie School & Church and Guedry Cemetery

Historical marker location:
Batson, Texas
( 2.5 mi. south of Batson via FM 770, south to cemetery road)
Marker installed: 1997
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Batson Prairie and the present day town of Batson were named for the pioneer Batson family who settled in this area by the 1840s. Matilda Guedry and her family were among the early settlers on Batson Prairie. Matilda purchased a large tract of land in 1873, and in 1896 her oldest son, Jerisan Guedry, donated one acre of land for a community school. A one-room schoolhouse named Batson School was built and served the area for ten years.

In 1897 the Batson Prairie Baptist Church was organized by Pastor Sims Stovall and eight charter members. Early worship services were held in the schoolhouse until 1905, when land adjoining the school was donated by Jersian Guedry for a church building. Later the congregation constructed new facilities that continue to serve the community.

Land for a cemetery was donated by Jerisan Guedry and his son-in-law Marion Smith. The first recorded burial was that of Nathaniel Foreman, Guedry's grandson, in 1900. Named Guedry Cemetery, the site is maintained through a perpetual trust and contains more than 2,000 burials including those of descendants of early settlers to the area. The cemetery continues to serve the community. (1997)

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.

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Texas random facts
Hardin County, located in the southeastern part of Texas, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, such as the Atakapa and the Caddo. European explorers, including the famous Spanish explorer Alonso de Leon, arrived in the 17th century, leading to increased contact with the indigenous populations.

During the early 19th century, the region was part of Mexico. However, after Texas became an independent republic in 1836, Hardin County was officially established in 1858 and named after the leader of the Battle of New Orleans, William Hardin.

The county experienced significant growth and development during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. One of the most important events in Hardin County's history was the discovery of oil in 1902, leading to an economic boom. Oil wells were drilled, refineries were established, and the local economy flourished.

Hardin County also played a role in World War II, as the area was home to Camp Hardin, a military training camp. The county's population surged during this time, as soldiers and their families moved into the area.

Today, Hardin County continues to be an important part of Texas' history and economy. It offers a mix of rural and suburban areas, with agriculture and oil production remaining vital industries. The county is proud of its heritage, with several historical landmarks and museums, preserving its past for future generations.

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

  • 1832 - Hardin County was established on December 22, 1832, as a part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas.
  • 1836 - Texas gained independence from Mexico, and Hardin County became a part of the Republic of Texas.
  • 1858 - Hardin County was organized and officially recognized by the state of Texas on March 31, 1858.
  • 1870 - The town of Kountze was established as the county seat of Hardin County on December 13, 1870.
  • 1887 - The first railroad arrived in Hardin County, connecting Kountze with the rest of Texas and facilitating economic growth.
  • 1907 - A devastating hurricane, known as the "Great Hurricane of 1907", struck Hardin County and caused significant damage.
  • 1915 - The discovery of oil in the Sour Lake field led to an oil boom in Hardin County, attracting numerous oil companies.
  • 1942 - During World War II, Camp Hardin was established near Silsbee as a military training camp.
  • 1998 - Hurricane Ike made landfall in Hardin County, causing widespread destruction and flooding.
  • 2007 - The Hardin County Courthouse, built in 1959, was added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 12, 2007.