Wilson Chapel Cemetery
John Riley Sadberry moved from Burleson County and settled in the Benchley area ca. 1896. Because of his desire to establish important social and educational resources for the community's African American population, he purchased property in 1909 for the creation of a school, and also purchased adjacent property in 1919 for a community church and cemetery. The three entities all came to be called "Wilson Chapel," although the origins of the name are unknown.
When the cemetery was established in 1919, Sadberry served as a cemetery trustee, along with Will Sheets and William Kimble. After Sadberry's death in 1926, his son, Heslip Riley Sadberry, continued to oversee the cemetery and donated additional land to the site. The school was reloacted in 1929, and the church congregation moved down the road after World War II. Since that time, the site has been used exclusively by Wilson Chapel Cemetery. Sadberry descendants formed a cemetery association during the late 1960s, and the association continues to oversee the cemetery.
The cemetery was used almost exclusively by tenants or sharecroppers of the Sadberry Farm. Although the cemetery was formally established in 1919, there are no recorded burials at the site prior to 1931. The first known burials were those of sisters Jessie and Bessie Lee (d. 1913), and their graves are unmarked. The oldest marked burial at the site is that oof Janie Dunn, who died in 1940. Wilson Chapel Cemetery serves today as a reminder of the many hard-working individuals whose efforst helped to develop Benchley and Robertson County
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.
The Alamo, a mission in San Antonio, is perhaps the most famous historical site in Texas. It was the site of a key battle during the Texas Revolution in 1836.
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 concise overview of the key events in the history 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.