Historic Cemetery

McGuire Family Cemetery

a.k.a. Dr. Lawrence McGuire Cemetery

Milam, Texas
Location: SB-C087 McGuire Cemetery, Dr. Lawrence McGuire AKA Dr. Lawrence McGuire CemeteryDifficult accessWalk-in/woodedTopo area only3193-321 McGuire CemeteryAKA Dr. Lawrence McGuire CemeterySabine Co Hist Commission with Kay Parker McCary, Weldon McDaniel, and M. Doer website, Rootsweb: “From the Court House in Hemphill take FM 83 East 1 block to State Hwy 87. Go North or Left on Hwy 87 for 7 miles to Milam. Continue North on Hwy 87 for 9.7 miles to United States Forest Service Road USFS131. Turn Right or East on USFS Road 131 and go 0.9 mile. Here you will enter the woods on foot going to the Left or North and follow a dim road and then a slough for about 100 yards. After this 100 yards, the cemetery can be found located just to the left of this slough up a small hill, with the other side bordering Creek. There is a barbed wire fence around the cemetery, although a tree had fallen on one side of the fence. There were blue markers tied to limbs and trees, going back into the woods leading to the cemetery the day we were there.This cemetery is not mentioned in J. B. Sanders Cemetery Book.There were 7 visible markers and several indentions. On one marker the faint word “FATHER” was visible near the top of the marker and possibly the letters “H” and “O”. Another marker had the partial year “186?”, and below that also “186?”. This was probably a child’s marker. Cem. Index.”THC site visit MB 8/06/04 w/ W. McDaniel. Milam, Tx area. Off US Forestry Rd 131. [SEE SCHC notes above] Approx 1,500 ft. from roadway, walking into wooded area, toward hilltop as described above. Barbed fence damaged by fallen timber. Formal markers, limestone, rather uniform carvings and design. Most markers down or broken. Small sign, McGuire Cem. placed by SCHC. McGuire Cemetery, Dr. Lawrence McGuire. Approx 0.03 acre. SB-C087. Milam, Tx area. GPS 31.33.35.28376N –93.52.30.27448W. Quad 3193-321 © RIP Survey, Texas Historical Commission.Highly endangered. Very remote in heavy forest, logging area. Overgrown, timber freegrowth. Markers damaged by erosion, falling timber. Small fence, US Forestry boundary marker. Small sign. 3193-321 No map location.

Source: RIP Fields Table

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 discovery of oil in 1901 near Beaumont, Texas, sparked an oil boom that transformed the state's economy and led to the rise of the modern petroleum industry.
Texas random facts
Sabine County, located in the eastern region of Texas, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Atakapa tribes, who relied on the fertile land and abundant water sources for sustenance. European exploration of the region began in the 16th century when Spanish expeditions led by Alonso Álvarez de Pineda explored the Gulf Coast, including the Sabine River.

In the early 19th century, Sabine County became a part of the newly established Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. The area attracted American settlers who were lured by the fertile soil for farming and the potential for trade along the Sabine River. One influential settler, James Gaines, established the city of Milam in 1835, which would later become the county seat of Sabine County.

The history of Sabine County is closely intertwined with the struggle for independence and the establishment of the Republic of Texas. During the Texas Revolution, the area witnessed several significant events, such as the Battle of Nacogdoches in 1832 and the Battle of Gaines' Ferry in 1836. After Texas gained independence from Mexico in 1836, Sabine County became a part of the newly formed Republic of Texas.

As the years went by, Sabine County experienced various economic booms and downturns, primarily driven by industries such as timber and oil. The timber industry played a vital role in the county's early development, with sawmills and logging camps becoming prominent features of the local economy. In the early 20th century, the discovery of oil led to a short-lived but significant oil boom in the area, attracting numerous companies and workers.

Today, Sabine County remains a vibrant and diverse community, with a mix of rural and urban areas. Its rich history is celebrated through various cultural events and landmarks, showcasing its role as an integral part of Texas's heritage.

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

  • 1836: Sabine County is established and organized as a county of the Republic of Texas.
  • 1843: The town of Hemphill is established as the county seat of Sabine County.
  • 1854: The Sabine Pass Lighthouse is constructed on the Sabine Pass.
  • 1861: Sabine County residents vote overwhelmingly in favor of secession from the Union.
  • 1881: The Texas State Penitentiary is established in Sabine County.
  • 1936: Toledo Bend Reservoir, one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States, is completed along the Sabine River.
  • 1957: The Sabine River Authority of Texas is created to manage the water resources of the Sabine River Basin.
  • 1976: The Sabine County Historical Commission is established to preserve and promote the county's history.
  • 1990: The Sabine County Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.