Historical Marker

Thomas Cemetery

Historical marker location:
5496 CR 3911, Athens, Texas
( 5496 CR3911 About 7 miles north on highway 19; left on CR3911; turn right at y in road and go about 1 mile. Cemetery is located at 5496. The roadway leads to a house or straight ahead to the top of a hill. Thomas Cemetery is about 2/10 mile on this private property.)
Marker installed: 2013
Marker size: 27" x 42" without post

Located in a pasture across a creek on top of a hill, this historic cemetery is on land from the Alexander de la Garza survey. Jacob Thomas (1800-1880) was a planter from North Carolina who moved to Georgia where he married Hannah Stubbs in 1823. They had two children, Elizabeth “Eveline” Thomas and Alfred “Sylvester” Thomas. Shortly thereafter, the family moved to Alabama. When Jacob’s wife, Hannah, died, he married Lucindy Knight in 1839. Jacob’s second wife, Lucindy passed on and he and his son, Sylvester, moved to Arkansas. Between 1850 and 1855, Jacob and Sylvester moved to Erath County, Texas. Sylvester married Araminta Benge and they had three daughters, Mary, Sarah and Adeline.

Very soon after 1860, the Jacob Thomas family moved to Henderson County. Sylvester volunteered as a Confederate Soldier but died from the flu during training. Jacob continued to care for his daughter-in-law and her children. Not only was he farming but also raised cattle. In 1875, Sylvester’s eldest daughter, Mary, married J.M. Hall. In 1877, Mary died, most likely during childbirth, and was buried on the family farm, the site that would become Thomas Cemetery. In 1880, Jacob Thomas died and was buried in the family cemetery.

Descendants of Jacob Thomas that lived on this land are buried here, including Araminta Benge Thomas, Adeline Thomas and her husband, Abel “Matthew” Edwards, and several young children. This small family cemetery is a reminder of pioneer families and the struggles they faced

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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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.