Historical Marker

Payne Cemetery

Historical marker location:
Athens, Texas
( Hwy 175 west out of Athens for 3.4 miles; turn left on FM 2329 and travel 3.9 miles. Cemetery is on right after leaving intersection of FM 2329 and FM 3054.)
Marker installed: 2013
Marker size: 27" x 42" without post

Surrounded by a forest of trees, Payne Cemetery is the final resting place for many of the area’s pioneer settlers and their descendants. In the 1870s, early pioneers moved to this area of Henderson County hoping to improve their lives. One early pioneer to the area, William K. Payne (1821-1877), served as a delegate from Henderson County to the Texas Secession Convention, signed the Texas ordinance of secession from the Union in 1861 and is the namesake of the town of Payne Springs. He served during the Civil War and was later elected justice of the peace in Henderson County. He and his wife, Martha (Woodward) Payne (1835-1876), are buried here. The first burial is that of Benjamin R. Cook (1869-1874), the young child of Francis Marion Cook (1832-1910) and his wife, Susan (Starr) Cook (1838-1925). One of the couple’s children, George J. Cook (1867-1938), built one of the first brick buildings in Eustace in 1907 and was the vice president of the Eustace Bank for twenty-eight years. He and his wife, Lillie (Melton) Cook (1886-1954), are buried here.

Among the hundreds of burials at Payne Cemetery, a large number are attributed to the Ballard, Dixon, Hughes, Jones and Keeton families. Veterans of the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War are also buried here. This cemetery features a variety of headstones including granite, marble, sandstone, wood, fieldstone and concrete. Situated among oaks, pines and crepe myrtles, this historic cemetery is a reminder of the area’s nineteenth century settlers who developed this portion of Henderson County

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
The Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement agency, were first organized in 1835 to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
Texas random facts
Henderson County, located in the northeastern part of Texas, has a rich and fascinating history. Before the arrival of European settlers, the area was home to various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee. The land became a part of the Republic of Texas in 1836 and was formally organized as Henderson County in 1846, named in honor of James Pinckney Henderson, the first governor of Texas.

In the mid-19th century, Henderson County experienced a significant influx of settlers, mainly from the southern United States. These settlers primarily engaged in agriculture, taking advantage of the fertile soils and favorable climate to grow crops such as cotton, corn, and vegetables. The first county seat was established in Athens, which remains the county seat to this day.

During the Civil War, Henderson County, like much of the South, was affected by the conflict. Although there were no significant battles fought in the area, the war had a profound impact on the local economy and social fabric. Many men from Henderson County enlisted in the Confederate Army, and the war's aftermath brought significant challenges and changes to the region.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Henderson County continued to thrive, with the agricultural industry playing a pivotal role in the local economy. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further bolstered economic development, facilitating the transportation of goods and increasing opportunities for trade. Over time, other industries such as manufacturing and healthcare also emerged. Today, Henderson County remains a vibrant community, preserving its rich heritage while embracing progress and growth.

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

  • 1846 - Henderson County established as a county of the Republic of Texas.
  • 1850 - First census conducted, showing a population of 1,714.
  • 1851 - Athens becomes the county seat.
  • 1861-1865 - Henderson County residents participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1880 - Cotton production becomes a major industry in the county.
  • 1902 - The first oil well is drilled in the county, leading to the development of the oil industry.
  • 1930s-1940s - Henderson County experiences economic growth due to the construction of the Cross Lake Dam and the establishment of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Fish Hatchery and Fish Experiment Station.
  • 1960s-1970s - Lake Palestine and Cedar Creek Lake are created, attracting tourism and real estate development.
  • 1987 - The Henderson County Courthouse is destroyed by fire but is rebuilt and restored.
  • 2000 - The population of Henderson County reaches 73,277.
  • 2019 - Henderson County celebrates its 173rd anniversary since establishment.