Wesley Chapel Cemetery
Historical marker location:The Watkins community was settled in the mid-1800s. M. Crosby and his wife Isabell Crosby deeded land for a church and cemetery to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in 1872. The first recorded burial in this cemetery is that of John I. Sewell, who was buried on the site in 1870 before it was officially designated as a cemetery.
A new Wesley Chapel Methodist Church was built near the Watkins school in 1922 on land deeded by Thomas G. and Carrie Barfield. They, along with early church trustees O. M. Norman, S. A. Sewell, Sr., and H. L. Paschall are buried here. A new frame chapel was built at the cemetery in 1957 by local residents.
The five-acre cemetery contains about 400 graves. Among those interred here are more than 50 young children and infants, some of whom were buried with their mothers who died in childbirth. Also buried here are veterans of the Civil War, World War I, and World War II.
The Wesley Chapel Cemetery Association maintains the site and hosts annual reunions with memorial services and picnics for descendants of pioneer settlers. The cemetery remains in use and continues to serve the area as it has for more than a century. (1997)
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 has been a major oil-producing state for over a century. The first big oil discovery in Texas was the Spindletop field near Beaumont in 1901, which set off a massive oil boom that transformed the state's economy and made Texas one of the wealthiest states in the country.
The county was officially formed in 1848 and named after Isaac Van Zandt, a politician and diplomat who played a significant role in the establishment of the Republic of Texas. Throughout the mid-19th century, the economy of Van Zandt County was primarily agricultural, with cotton being the dominant crop. The construction of railroads in the late 1800s brought new opportunities for trade and commerce to the area.
In the early 20th century, Van Zandt County experienced a boom in oil production, which significantly impacted the local economy. This led to the growth of oil-related industries and the establishment of several oil towns within the county. However, the Great Depression and subsequent decline in oil prices had a detrimental effect on the area, leading to economic challenges during the 1930s and 1940s.
Over the years, Van Zandt County has continued to grow and develop. Today, it boasts a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The county is known for its scenic beauty, and there are several recreational areas such as lakes and state parks that attract visitors. Van Zandt County also has a strong sense of community, with numerous festivals and events celebrating its history and culture.
Van Zandt County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Van Zandt County, Texas.
- 1848 - Van Zandt County is established as one of the 36 original counties in Texas.
- 1850 - The county seat is established in Canton.
- 1861-1865 - Van Zandt County is heavily impacted by the American Civil War.
- 1894 - The construction of the Texas State Railroad reaches Van Zandt County, boosting the local economy.
- 1900 - An oil boom begins in the county, bringing new growth and prosperity.
- 1921 - The Dallas-Fort Worth Turnpike is completed, connecting Van Zandt County to the metroplex.
- 1930s-1940s - Van Zandt County suffers from the impacts of the Great Depression and World War II.
- 1960s-1970s - The county experiences a period of economic growth and population increase.
- 1980s - The county faces economic challenges due to declining oil prices.
- 2000 - Canton becomes known for its First Monday Trade Days, attracting visitors from all over the state.