Historic Cemetery

Woosley Cemetery

Point, Texas 75472
Location: Woosley Cem.- From Intersection of F.M. 47 & F.M. 35 take F.M. 47 S. abt. 1 ml. After you pass Woosley Church (on the R.) there will be a county rd. to the L. Take this County Rd. to its intersection with another County Rd. Take a R. & follow it abt. 1 mi. Cemetery is on the R. Abt. 125 years old.Recorded: RAIN02, RAIN06—Parsons; (HbTx: “Woosley is off Farm Road 47 six miles west of Emory in western Rains County. It was settled around the time of the Civil War.qv … only a cemetery and a few houses remained.”); Roots, GNIS, Tx Funeral Serv. Com.THC site visit MB 2/22/04. SE of Hermits Cove, S of SH 35 off CR 1410 on CR 1395. Roadway signs to cem. Arched entryway, pavilion, fenced site with recent ell extension at back. Diversity of formal markers over time. Some fieldstone and locally caste. Marker Cedar and Oak trees. Maintained outhouse. Adjacent to roadway, agricultural pastures, rural residences. Approx 2.4 acres. GPS 32.51.53.4060N –95.62.03.41193W.

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 flower of Texas is the bluebonnet. The flower blooms in the spring and is a common sight along the highways and in fields throughout the state.
Texas random facts
Rains County, located in northeastern Texas, has a rich history that spans back to the mid-19th century. The area was initially an integral part of Henderson County until it officially became a separate county on June 9, 1870. It was named after Emory Rains, who served as the Texas State Legislature representative and was known for his contributions to the area's development.

The first settlers in Rains County arrived in the early 1850s, primarily from the southern United States. They were drawn to the fertile land and abundant water sources, such as the Sabine River and its tributaries. Agriculture quickly became the backbone of the county's economy, with cotton, corn, and livestock playing major roles.

The construction of the Texas and New Orleans Railroad in the late 1880s bolstered the county's growth, as it provided an important transportation link to nearby towns and markets. The railroad brought prosperity and new opportunities, leading to the establishment of the county seat, Emory. The town was named after Emory Rains and became a hub of commerce, education, and social activities in the region.

Despite the challenges posed by the Great Depression and the decline of agriculture in the mid-20th century, Rains County continued to thrive with the development of recreational areas and the growth of tourism. Lake Tawakoni, one of the largest lakes in Texas, was completed in 1960, which drew visitors and outdoor enthusiasts to the area. Today, Rains County remains a close-knit community, focused on preserving its history while embracing the opportunities of the modern era.

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

  • 1870 - Rains County was established on June 9, 1870, named after Emory Rains, a Texas state legislator.
  • 1871 - The first county officials were elected and the county seat was established in the city of Emory.
  • 1873 - The first courthouse was built in Emory.
  • 1878 - The Texas and Pacific Railway extended a line into Rains County, boosting economic growth.
  • 1880 - The population of Rains County reached 3,901.
  • 1892 - The second courthouse was constructed in Emory.
  • 1913 - A fire destroyed the second courthouse, prompting the construction of the third courthouse.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression brought economic struggles to Rains County.
  • 1970s - The population of Rains County began to decline.
  • 2001 - Lake Tawakoni State Park was established, providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
  • 2010s - The population of Rains County started to grow again, with increased interest in rural living and lakefront properties.