Historical Marker

Nesbitt Cemetery and Beck Prairie Baptist Church

Historical marker location:
Bremond, Texas
( 8 mi. south of Bremond on FM 46, then 1 mi. west on CR 127 to cemetery)
Marker installed: 1993
Marker size: 27" x 42"

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.

gravesites Baptist denomination churches
The world's first rodeo was held in Pecos, Texas in 1883. The event included bronco riding, calf roping, and bull riding.
Texas random facts
Robertson County, Texas, located in the southeastern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history dating back to the early 19th century. The county was named after Sterling C. Robertson, a prominent empresario, or land agent, who played a significant role in the colonization of the region. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and the Bidai, prior to European settlement.

In 1837, the Texas Congress officially established Robertson County as one of the original counties of the Republic of Texas. During this time, the county experienced rapid growth with the influx of settlers from the United States, particularly from southern states such as Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama. These settlers primarily relied on agriculture, with cotton becoming a major cash crop in the region.

The county also played a significant role in the Texas Revolution and the subsequent formation of the Republic of Texas. The Battle of San Jacinto, a decisive battle that secured Texas independence from Mexico, took place just outside the county's borders in April 1836. Several notable figures from Texas history, including Sam Houston, were also closely tied to Robertson County.

Over the years, Robertson County has continued to thrive, with the economy diversifying beyond agriculture. While farming and ranching still remain important industries, the county has also seen growth in manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism sectors. Today, Robertson County is known for its small towns, rural beauty, and historical sites, attracting visitors and residents alike with its charming Southern atmosphere and rich cultural heritage.

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

  • 1837: Robertson County is established from Milam County.
  • 1846: The first county seat, Springfield, is established.
  • 1854: The county seat is moved to Owensville.
  • 1870: The town of Calvert becomes the county seat.
  • 1873: The Houston and Texas Central Railway reaches Calvert.
  • 1890: The St. Louis Southwestern Railway reaches Hearne.
  • 1925: A portion of Robertson County is used to create Falls County.
  • 1942: Camp Hearne, a World War II prisoner-of-war camp, is established.
  • 1987: The Hearne Southern Pacific depot is added to the National Register of Historic Places.