Historical Marker

Union Grove Cemetery

Historical marker location:
Gladewater, Texas
( Proceed North on US 271 nearly to North city limits. Turn East onto FM 2575 for 2 miles. Turn North onto N. Point Pleasant Road for 1 mile. Turn east for 0.02 miles to entance of the cemetery.)
Marker installed: 2012
Marker size: 27" x 42"

UNION GROVE CEMETERY

HADEN HARRISON EDWARDS (1812-1864), A SOLDIER, MERCHANT AND LEGISLATOR, PURCHASED THIS LAND FROM THE REPUBLIC OF MEXICO IN 1835. EDWARDS SERVED IN THE FIRST CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS, IN THE FIRST AND EIGHTH TEXAS LEGISLATURES, WAS A MEMBER OF THE SECESSION CONVENTION IN 1861 AND WAS PRESIDENT OF THE SABINE PASS AND EAST TEXAS RAILWAY. BECAUSE OF HIS BUSY SCHEDULE, EDWARDS SOLD 270 ACRES TO JAMES RILEY PHILLIPS FOR HIS FAMILY HOMESTEAD IN 1857. PHILLIPS AND HIS WIFE, REBECCA J. (MACKEY), RAISED THEIR THREE CHILDREN ON THIS LAND. THE CREATION OF THE PHILLIPS CEMETERY BEGAN WITH THE BURIAL OF FLORENCE PHILLIPS (1849-1855). THE OLDEST MARKED BURIALS BELONG TO REBECCA’S PARENTS, JOEL LEWIS MACKEY (1801-1855) AND MARY FONVILLE MACKEY (1801-1858). BY THE MID-1880s, THE AREA BECAME KNOWN AS THE UNION GROVE COMMUNITY.

WILLIAM MARSHALL PHILLIPS, JAMES AND REBECCA’S FIRSTBORN, INHERITED THE LAND AND CONTINUED TO FARM THE LAND. ANOTHER SETTLER, JOHN O’BYRNE, OPERATED A SAWMILL NEARBY. IN 1913, WILLIAM PHILLIPS’ WIFE DEEDED ACREAGE TO O’BYRNE, J. L. MACKEY, A.M. PHILLIPS AND THE COMMUNITY FOR A CEMETERY. EVENTUALLY, THE NAME OF THE CEMETERY WAS CHANGED TO UNION GROVE CEMETERY TO BETTER SERVE THE COMMUNITY. ADDITIONAL ACREAGE WAS PURCHASED IN 1986 AND 2001. THE LANDSCAPE OF THE CEMETERY IS TRADITIONAL WITH WHITE OAK, PINE AND POST OAK TREES AND A VARIETY OF HEADSTONES INCLUDING CONCRETE, FIELDSTONE, GRANITE, MARBLE AND WOOD GRAVE MARKERS. VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR, WORLD WAR I, WORLD WAR II, THE KOREAN WAR AND THE VIETNAM WAR ARE BURIED HERE. THE UNION GROVE CEMETERY ASSOCIATION MAINTAINS THIS HISTORIC PIONEER CEMETERY.

HISTORIC TEXAS CEMETERY – 2010

MARKER IS PROPERTY OF THE STATE OF TEXAS

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
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
Upshur County, located in northeastern Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the prehistoric times. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee, who roamed the land and established settlements along the Sabine River. The first European explorers arrived in the 18th century, with the Spanish laying claim to the region but exerting little influence. It wasn't until the early 19th century that Anglo-American settlers began to arrive.

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.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history 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