Historic Cemetery

Nelson Rice Cemetery

Texas
Location: Rice Cemetery — Recorded: POLK01, POLK02, POLK03, POLKl0—Parsons; R. Peebles: “6 miles E of Leggett, S of FR 942.” Polk Co Tx Cem/website: “Location: From Leggett, take FM 942 East 6 miles, on right, well marked from highway. Many graves. Index, earliest 1886?” THC Marker: “Nelson Henry Rice Cemetery "… Rice and Sarah Ann Stanley married in 1841 in Alabama … had 11 children, [surviving children] moved to Texas with their parents in 1854. … settled first in Nacogdoches Co. … family migrated to [Polk Co.] in 1865 and purchased about 1,000 acres …. According to oral history, Rice and the Rev. Frank Wilson were walking the property when Nelson Henry Rice placed a stake in the ground on this site and declared this was where he wanted to be buried. …first burial … of a daughter-in-law … 1870. Rice deeded the site for a cemetery …. also deeded an acre of land for Wilson Chapel about a mile from the Rice home and conveyed plots of land to his children. The area became known as Rice Community. … Rice died in 1891. wife Sarah in 1889 while visiting their son, Thomas Jefferson in Milam County and was interred there. … The burial ground serves the Rice family decendants and other community members. It was enlarged in the 1960's and in the early 2001 …held 142 graves." GNISUS Veteranss of WWI and WWII, Vietnam; Mason & Eastern Star emblems; CSATHC site visit MB 3-01-05GPS and NOTES PENDING.

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 state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was annexed by the United States in 1845.
Texas random facts
Polk County, Texas, located in the eastern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history dating back to indigenous peoples who inhabited the area for thousands of years. The region was settled by European explorers in the early 1800s, with the establishment of Stephen F. Austin's colony. Polk County was officially formed in 1846, named after the former United States President James K. Polk.

During the 19th century, the county witnessed significant developments, including the arrival of railroads in the late 1800s, which led to economic growth and an influx of settlers. Timber became the county's most important resource, and the lumber industry boomed, fueled by abundant pine forests. Sawmills and logging camps thrived, shaping the county's economy for many years.

The county's history also includes periods of strife. During the Civil War, Polk County experienced its fair share of conflict, with many residents joining the Confederate army. Additionally, the county suffered from occasional raids by Native American tribes, seeking to regain their land and resist encroachment.

In the 20th century, Polk County continued to progress, with further advancements in transportation and industry. The construction of dams on the Trinity River provided hydroelectric power and created recreational opportunities with the formation of Lake Livingston. Agriculture also played a significant role, particularly in the production of livestock and crops such as cotton.

Today, Polk County is a mix of rural communities and growing suburban areas. Its proximity to Houston has attracted residents looking for a quieter way of life while still having access to urban amenities. The county remains influenced by its past, with reminders of its rich history visible in the form of historic sites, museums, and landmarks that showcase the diverse and fascinating story of Polk County.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Polk County, Texas.

  • 1846 - Polk County, Texas is established.
  • Mid-1800s - Early settlers arrive, primarily farmers and ranchers.
  • Late 1800s - Logging and lumber industry becomes prominent.
  • 1881 - Trinity and Sabine Valley Railway reaches the county, boosting trade and transportation.
  • Early 1900s - Oil and gas exploration begins in the county.
  • 1930s-1940s - The Great Depression and World War II bring economic challenges.
  • 1957 - Lake Livingston is completed, becoming a popular recreational area.
  • 1980s - Tourism and retirement industries grow in the county.
  • 2000s - Population and economic growth continue.