Historic Cemetery

Old Bethany Cemetery

Godley, Texas 76044
Location: CR 1126 south of Hwy 171 2 miles southeast of Godley.

Source: Cemeteries of Johnson County; Parsons, Kim, Ref. to Texas Cemeteries, 1988; TxDot map 1990; Johnson County Cemetery Association 2002 Cemetery Map; USGS

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
The Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement agency, were first organized in 1835 to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
Texas random facts
Johnson County, located in North Central Texas, has a rich history that stretches back to the early 19th century. The region was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa and Comanche, who utilized the fertile land and nearby water sources for hunting and agriculture. In the early 1800s, European settlers began to migrate to the area, bringing with them new technologies and a desire to establish a community.

The establishment of Johnson County can be traced back to 1854 when it was officially organized and named after Middleton Tate Johnson, a Texas Ranger and a Confederate commander during the Civil War. The county quickly began to grow, attracting settlers from nearby areas due to its abundant natural resources and favorable climate for agriculture. Cotton and corn became the primary crops, and the county's economy thrived, aided by the construction of railroads in the late 1800s.

Throughout its history, Johnson County has faced both triumphs and challenges. In the late 1800s, the county was known for its fertile soil and large cotton plantations, which contributed to its economic prosperity. However, like many areas in the South, Johnson County also experienced the hardships of Reconstruction following the Civil War. Additionally, the destructive effects of the Great Depression in the 1930s had a significant impact on the local economy, causing widespread poverty and unemployment.

In recent decades, Johnson County has seen significant growth and development. With an expanding population and a diverse economy, the county has become a hub for industry, commerce, and residential communities. Today, it continues to embrace its rich cultural heritage while adapting to the changing needs of its residents. Johnson County's historical legacy serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of its people, allowing the county to thrive and face the future with confidence.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Johnson County, Texas.

  • 1846: Johnson County is established as a county in the state of Texas.
  • 1861-1865: Johnson County sends soldiers to fight in the American Civil War.
  • 1867: The county experiences economic growth as the Chisholm Trail passes through, bringing cattle drives and trade.
  • 1879: The town of Cleburne is established as the county seat.
  • 1880s: The arrival of the railroad boosts the local economy and facilitates transportation.
  • 1893: The Johnson County Courthouse is constructed in Cleburne, becoming a local landmark.
  • 1920s: The county suffers from the Great Depression, causing economic hardships for its residents.
  • 1940s: Johnson County contributes to the war effort during World War II, with many residents serving in the military.
  • 1950s-1960s: The county experiences population growth and suburbanization.
  • 1990s: The opening of the Chisholm Trail Parkway provides improved transportation and connectivity.