Historical Marker

Wilson Chapel Cemetery

Historical marker location:
170 FCR 795, Donie, Texas
( Take FM 80 SW out of Donie, Texas; turn on FCR 795 for approximately one mile to Wilson Chapel Cemetery, which will be to your right)
Marker installed: 2012
Marker size: 27" x 42" with post

Located in the southwest corner of Freestone County, the Wilson Chapel Cemetery is within the Isaac Connelly survey. Isaac Connelly was given a league and a labor of land by the Republic of Texas in 1838. In 1854, Connelly sold 250 acres to F.E. Wilkinson. In 1866, Wilkinson sold this land to Frederich Wilson (1810-1891). Wilson’s son inherited the land and sold a portion to the G.W. Ivy family. Eventually, Ivy descendants, Haskell and Nona Roberts, deeded 1.16 acres to the Wilson Chapel Cemetery Association in 1947 along with two acres that had been set aside as a cemetery in 1891 but never recorded. Additional acreage was donated by the Houston Light and Power Company in 1981.

The first burial is attributed to Frederich Wilson’s daughter, Martha, when she died in 1867 and was buried on a knoll. Frederich Wilson is also buried here, along with J.N. Connelly, son of Isaac Connelly, and his wife, Milisa, and an early Texas ranger. Many veterans are buried here from the Mexican War, Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War and the Persian Gulf Conflict. Among the cedars and crepe myrtle trees are limestone, granite and marble tombstones.

Also on the grounds is the Wilson Chapel Church. Originally, the church was a white wooden structure but, in 1958, a new red brick structure was built. A pavilion was added to the site in 2008 for social gatherings. The Wilson Chapel Cemetery Association was formed in 1912 to maintain this historic cemetery. A memorial day was established to decorate grave sites and honor family and friends buried here. Wilson Chapel Church and Cemetery are the last remnants of a once-thriving farming 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.

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Texas was once a part of Mexico but gained independence in 1836 after a famous battle at the Alamo.
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Freestone County, located in central-east Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The region was home to various Native American tribes, including the Cherokee, Caddo, and Tonkawa, before European settlement. The arrival of Spanish explorers and later American settlers in the 19th century greatly impacted the area and shaped its history.

In the early 1800s, the region was a part of the Spanish province of Tejas, and later became a part of Mexico after gaining independence from Spain. The first American settlers arrived in the area in the early 1830s, and the region became a part of the Republic of Texas in 1836. During this time, the county was primarily used for farming and ranching, with cotton becoming an important cash crop.

The county was officially established in 1850 and named after James Freestone, who fought in the Texas Revolution. It quickly grew as more settlers arrived, and communities such as Fairfield and Teague were established as agricultural centers. In the late 19th century, the arrival of the railroad further bolstered the county's economy and facilitated transportation and commerce.

In the 20th century, Freestone County faced the challenges brought by the Great Depression, but managed to recover with the help of government programs and the establishment of manufacturing industries. Today, the county continues to be an agricultural region known for its fertile soils, producing a variety of crops including cotton, corn, and sorghum. It also boasts a rich natural heritage, with attractions such as Fairfield Lake State Park attracting visitors to enjoy outdoor activities in a picturesque setting.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Freestone County, Texas.

  • 1836 - Texas gains independence from Mexico
  • 1846 - Freestone County is established
  • Late 1800s - County experiences growth in population and agriculture
  • 1893 - Texas State Railroad extends into Freestone County, boosting transportation and commerce
  • Mid-1900s - County sees advancements in infrastructure, education, and healthcare
  • 1980s - Oil and gas production becomes a significant industry
  • Present - Freestone County continues to thrive as a rural community, known for agriculture and outdoor recreation