Historic Cemetery

Willis Cemetery

Co Rd 2770, Woodville, Texas 75979
Location: Driving Directions:Traveling south on US 69 from the post office in Doucette, take the first right at CR 2770. Go 1.4 miles west to locked gate and cow pasture on the right. Cemetery is located about approx. Ft. north of gate and across Turkey Creek. Wood sheds cover the four graves. The cemetery is not a map feature and is located on private property. In order to access the cemetery one must go through a locked gate and cross a cow pasture and creek. There is no signage, and the cemetery does not appear to be maintained. The cemetery is threatened by grazing cattle, which were very close to the cemetery during the survey. A graves house with a shed-roof extension covers the four graves. Three graves are located under the gabled grave house, which has fishscale-pattern shingles on the gabled ends and corrugated metal roof. A fourth, more recent grave is located under the shed-roof addition. The three headstone inscriptions in the gabled grave house read:MamaWillie Ann WillisSept. 22, 1881Oct. 24, 1969At RestPapaWilliam B. WillisJan. 29, 1875Sept. 15, 1949 At RestCarrol Abbott WillisBorn Jan. 24, 1917Died Jan. 17, 1929At RestThe fourth headstone inscription under the shed-roof addition reads:Charles Allen WillisMay 22, 1922Sept 8, 1974.

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 first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
Texas random facts
Tyler County, located in Southeast Texas, has a rich history rooted in agriculture, forestry, and oil production. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Alabama-Coushatta and the Attakapas, who settled along the Trinity River. The first European settlers arrived in the late 1820s, drawn by the fertile land and abundant natural resources.

In 1837, Tyler County was officially established and named after President John Tyler. During this time, the county experienced rapid growth as settlers cleared the land for farming and ranching. Cotton became a dominant crop, and steamboats navigated the Trinity River, facilitating trade and transportation.

The Civil War brought significant changes to Tyler County, as many residents joined the Confederate Army. The economy suffered as cotton production declined, but the discovery of oil in 1893 revitalized the region. The Spindletop oil boom led to an oil rush in East Texas, including Tyler County, fueling economic growth and population expansion.

Throughout the 20th century, Tyler County continued to rely on agriculture and oil, but also embraced the forestry industry. The dense forests in the area provided vast timber reserves, leading to the establishment of lumber mills and paper mills. The county's economy thrived as timber and oil production increased, supporting a diverse range of industries.

Today, Tyler County remains a vibrant community with a mix of agriculture, oil production, and tourism. The county's natural beauty, including the picturesque Big Thicket National Preserve, attracts outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The rich history and strong sense of community make Tyler County a unique and appealing place to live or visit.

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

  • 1846 - Tyler County, TX was organized and named after President John Tyler.
  • 1861-1865 - During the American Civil War, Tyler County joined the Confederacy.
  • 1872 - The Timpson and Henderson Railroad was completed, connecting Tyler County to the railway network.
  • 1907 - The East Texas Timber Company established a sawmill, leading to a boom in the timber industry.
  • 1938 - Big Thicket National Preserve was established to protect the unique ecological diversity of the area.
  • 1973 - The Allan B. Shivers Library and Museum was opened to honor the former Texas governor.
  • 1998 - Tyler County suffered significant damage from flooding caused by Hurricane Danielle.