Historical Marker

Joaquin Cemetery

Marker installed: 2013
Marker size: 27" x 42" with post

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN MORRIS PROVIDED LAND FOR RAILROAD RIGHT-OF-WAY AND A 100-ACRE TOWNSHIP SITE FOR JOAQUIN IN THE 1880s. IN 1890, MORRIS DONATED ONE ACRE AT THIS SITE TO ESTABLISH JOAQUIN MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH. ON OCTOBER 24, 1894, WHEN ALLIE M. WHIDDON DIED AT AGE EIGHTEEN, VIOLA “OLA” WHIDDON RUSHING DONATED LAND ADJOINING THE CHURCH IN MEMORY OF HER YOUNG SISTER TO ESTABLISH JOAQUIN CEMETERY. ADDITIONAL EARLY BURIALS INCLUDE B. F. MORRIS’ GRANDSON AND TOWN NAMESAKE, JOAQUIN MORRIS (1898), JAMES W. TAYLOR (1897), WESLEY A. SMITH (1897), IMA SOJOURNER (1898), WILLIAM TAYLOR (1898), BERTIE TRUITT (1899), AND ALMER WOOD (1899).

A SURVEY RECORDED MORE THAN 800 GRAVES AND IDENTIFIED TWELVE CIVIL WAR VETERANS. JESSIE AVERY FERGUSON (1859-1943), FIRST MAYOR OF JOAQUIN AND ONE OF THE FIRST SCHOOLTEACHERS, IS BURIED HERE, AS ARE TWO VICTIMS OF THE NEW LONDON SCHOOL EXPLOSION (1937). OTHER NOTABLE GRAVES INCLUDE PHYSICIANS DR. WILLIAM ALLEN RAMSEY (1880-1962) AND DR. EDGAR RUSHING (1877-1943) AND PHARMACIST EDWARD LEWIS RAMSEY (1875-1947). MANY EARLY SETTLERS, POSTMASTERS, BUSINESS AND CIVIC LEADERS ARE BURIED HERE. THE LAND WAS FORMALLY DEEDED IN 1954 BY VIOLA RUSHING’S SON, DR. E. O. RUSHING, TO THE CHURCH. A CEMETERY ASSOCIATION FORMED IN THE 1960s, AND CONTINUES TO HOLD AN ANNUAL HOMECOMING ON THE SECOND SUNDAY IN JUNE. THE GRAVES OF B. F. MORRIS (1827-1900) AND HIS WIFE, JANE (1829-1883), WERE MOVED HERE FROM MORRIS CEMETERY ON GRAVEYARD HILL IN 1994 BECAUSE OF LACK OF PERPETUAL CARE AND DIFFICULTY OF ACCESS. PROMINENT FEATURES OF THE CEMETERY INCLUDE EAST-FACING GRAVES, FAMILY PLOTS, A LARGE CONCRETE CRYPT, STATELY MARBLE WOODMEN OF THE WORLD MARKERS, AND GRAVESTONES OF COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO WERE CITIZENS OF THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS. THIS HISTORIC SITE CONTINUES TO SERVE THE BURIAL NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY

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
Texas was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
Texas random facts
Shelby County, Texas, located in the eastern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history. The region was originally inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Caddo, Atakapa, and Hasinai. The first European explorers, including Spanish and French explorers, arrived in the area in the 18th century. However, it wasn't until the early 19th century that permanent settlement began.

In 1835, the Mexican government granted land in the area to Stephen F. Austin's colony, which attracted many settlers to Shelby County. The county was officially established in 1836 and named after Isaac Shelby, who was the first governor of Kentucky. The county's population grew steadily, and by the mid-19th century, it became a major center for agriculture, with cotton being the primary crop.

During the Civil War, Shelby County, like many other parts of Texas, sided with the Confederacy. It sent many men to fight in the Confederate army, and the local economy suffered from the effects of the war. However, the county rebounded after the war, and by the late 19th century, it experienced an economic boom with the discovery of oil and gas reserves.

In the 20th century, Shelby County continued to thrive, with the oil and gas industries playing a significant role in its economy. The county also witnessed significant social and political changes, with the Civil Rights Movement bringing about integration and equal rights for African Americans. Today, Shelby County remains an important agricultural and industrial center, with a mix of rural landscapes and urban developments.

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

  • 1823 - Shelby County is established
  • 1836 - Shelby County plays a role in the Texas Revolution
  • 1845 - Texas is admitted to the United States, including Shelby County
  • 1859 - The Texas State Legislature establishes Center as the county seat of Shelby County
  • 1861-1865 - Shelby County is deeply affected by the American Civil War
  • 1905 - The discovery of oil leads to economic growth in Shelby County
  • 1940s-1950s - Shelby County experiences a decline in population due to rural-to-urban migration
  • 1976 - Shelby County celebrates its sesquicentennial anniversary
  • 2000s - Shelby County continues to be home to a diverse and vibrant community