Antioch Cemetery and Old Antioch Church of Christ
Historical marker location:This church and cemetery, dating back to the first years of Texas statehood, were established between 1846 and 1848. The church, First Church of Christ in Lamar County, was founded by Elder Thomas Barrett of Titus County. Instrumental in the organization was the pioneer family of Mrs. Rebecca Stone Biard and her three sons (whose first names were Andrew Jackson, John Gaines, and William Washington) and her daughter (Minerva B. Stephenson). They came to Texas from Alabama and started Biardstown community in 1846. All three brothers became noted landowners.
William W. Biard gave his first home, a 20'x20' log cabin, for use as a church. It had seats made of split logs and an old-fashioned "stick and dirt" chimney. At his mother's death in 1848, he also gave land for the cemetery, in which hers was the first grave. Some years later, the last church building was erected. In early years, both it and the first log church housed community schools.
Although the church disbanded about 1920 due to declining membership, burials in the cemetery are continued today. As of 1969, graves number about 300, including those of the original members and many descendants of the Biard family. (1969)
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.
Texas is known for its love of football, and the state has produced many great football players, including legends like Tom Landry, Earl Campbell, and Vince Young.
The county was established in 1841 and named after Mirabeau B. Lamar, the second president of the Republic of Texas. In the mid-19th century, Lamar County became a center for farming and agriculture, with cotton and corn being the primary crops. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further boosted the local economy.
During the American Civil War, Lamar County played a significant role. Many residents joined the Confederate Army, and the county became a key supplier of agricultural goods and troops to the Confederacy. After the war, the economy faced challenges and began diversifying into other industries such as timber and manufacturing.
In the 20th century, Lamar County experienced periods of growth and change. The discovery of oil in nearby counties led to increased economic development, and the county became a hub for the petroleum industry. Today, Lamar County continues to thrive with a strong agricultural base, as well as industries such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing, making it an important part of Texas' history and economy.
Lamar County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Lamar County, Texas.
- 1840: Lamar County founded and named after Mirabeau Buonaparte Lamar, the second President of the Republic of Texas
- 1841: First settlement established in the county
- 1843: County seat designated as Lafayette, later renamed Paris in 1844
- 1850: Population of the county reaches 3,064
- 1855: Paris becomes an incorporated town
- 1861: Lamar County supports secession and joins the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War
- 1877: The Texas and Pacific Railway reaches Paris, boosting the local economy and population growth
- 1878: A devastating fire destroys much of downtown Paris
- 1888: Paris becomes an independent school district
- 1893: The Sam Bell Maxey House, now a museum, is built in Paris
- 1922: Paris Junior College is established
- 1957: Construction begins on the Pat Mayse Lake, providing recreational opportunities for residents
- 1985: The county courthouse in Paris is added to the National Register of Historic Places
- 2010: The population of Lamar County reaches 49,793