Nesbitt Cemetery and Beck Prairie Baptist Church
Historical marker location:Beck Prairie is believed to have been named after Tennessee native Absalom Beck, a farmer here in 1850. The name changed to Nesbitt when postal officials misspelled Nisbett, the name of the family whose store became the site of a new post office in 1900.
In 1875 the Beck Prairie Missionary Baptist Church was organized by William D. Anderson and B. L. Wright. Its first sanctuary was built on land donated by Jacob and Elizabeth (Crouch) Anderson in 1878.
Early interments took place in family cemeteries until A. J. Sharp, Sr., purchased Methodist church property at this site in 1875 and donated it to the community for burial and school purposes. The first recorded burial was that of infant Florence McCrary in 1875.
In 1895 Hinnard Lee and Mary Frances (Murphee) Faulk donated 2 acres about 2 miles northeast of here to the Beck Prairie Baptist Church. A sanctuary built at the new location was damaged by storm winds in 1915 and subsequently repaired. The Beck Prairie Baptist Church disbanded in 1956. The church property was transferred to the Nesbitt Cemetery in 1982.
The cemetery, maintained by descendants of persons buried here, contains veterans of the Civil War, World Wars I & II, and the Korean and Vietnam conflicts
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.
In the early 1870s, ranchers began to settle in what is now Roberts County. The region's vast grasslands provided ample grazing opportunities for cattle, attracting ranchers from across Texas. The county was officially established in 1876, named after John S. Roberts, a significant figure in the movement for Texas statehood.
Throughout the late 19th century, cattle ranching dominated the local economy, and the population grew steadily. In the 1880s, the establishment of railroads in the region further facilitated the increase in trade and transportation of cattle, allowing for better access to markets outside the county. This growth continued into the 20th century, with the development of better irrigation techniques and the expansion of farming activities.
However, like many rural areas, Roberts County faced challenges during the Great Depression. The Dust Bowl of the 1930s devastated agricultural practices in the region, causing massive crop failures and forcing many residents to abandon their farms. The federal government's New Deal programs aimed to provide relief and recovery for farmers in the area, leading to the implementation of soil conservation measures and the construction of dams and reservoirs.
Since then, Roberts County has experienced periods of economic growth and decline. Today, the county's economy is still primarily based on agriculture, with cattle ranching, farming, and wind energy production being major industries. The county's rich history and dynamic present make it an interesting and important part of Texas' heritage.
Roberts County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Roberts County, Texas.
- 1876: Roberts County is officially established by the Texas legislature.
- Late 1870s: Buffalo hunters begin to populate the area.
- 1882: The first post office, "Roberts", is established.
- 1890: The county population is recorded at 565 residents.
- Early 1900s: Farmers and ranchers settle in the area, establishing the agricultural economy.
- 1933: The Dust Bowl hits Roberts County, causing severe soil erosion and economic hardships.
- 1950s: Oil and gas exploration begins, leading to increased economic activity in the county.
- 1980: The county reaches its peak population of around 1,400 residents.
- 1990s: Population decline begins as job opportunities decrease.
- Present: Roberts County continues to be a rural community with a focus on agriculture and energy industries.