Little Mound Baptist Church and Cemetery
Historical marker location:Unmarked burials in this cemetery may have begun in the late 1860s, predating the founding of the church. The oldest marked grave is that of E. Hoggue, who died in 1877. One year later, in 1878, residents of the thriving pioneer village of Calloway organized Little Mount Baptist Church and met for worship in a structure near the burial ground. Situated on a steep hill called "Little Mound," the one-room building had previously served as a Union church and schoolhouse. It stood on land owned by W. C. Bradshaw, who gave the cemetery and church site to the congregation in 1881.
By 1897 the original church building had become too small. Lumber from the structure was used to build another meetinghouse across the road on property donated by J. s. and Sophronia Wallis in 1902. The second structure was torn down in 1925 and again all the usable lumber was incorporated in a new church building, erected on the site of the original.
Buried in this cemetery is Confederate heroine Emma Sansom (Mrs.C. B.) Johnson (1847-1900), who at age 16 led Gen. N. B. Forrest's troops across the Black River in her native state of Alabama to attack Federal forces. She later moved to Texas and joined this church
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.
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.
The county was officially organized in 1846, and it was named after Abel P. Upshur, a former United States Secretary of State. During the mid-19th century, the discovery of iron ore deposits in the county brought economic development and a boom in population. The industry fueled the growth of several towns, including Ore City and Big Sandy.
The Civil War had a significant impact on Upshur County, as it saw both Union and Confederate sympathizers in the area, leading to conflicts and divisions among the residents. After the war, the county slowly recovered and experienced growth with the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century. The establishment of the East Texas oil industry in the early 20th century further boosted the county's economy.
Today, Upshur County continues to thrive with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and oil production. The area also offers numerous outdoor recreational activities, such as fishing, camping, and hiking in the beautiful natural surroundings. With a rich history and a vibrant present, Upshur County remains a significant part of Texas's cultural and economic landscape.
Upshur County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Upshur County, Texas.
- 1846 - Upshur County created and organized by the Texas legislature
- 1848 - First county elections held
- 1877 - Construction of the first courthouse
- 1880 - The city of Gilmer becomes the county seat
- 1890 - Population reaches 11,206
- 1900 - First public high school established in Gilmer
- 1930 - Discovery of oil leads to an economic boom
- 1940 - Population peaks at 24,185
- 1967 - Completion of Lake Gilmer, a reservoir for water supply and recreation
- 2009 - Historic Upshur Museum dedicated in Gilmer