Historic Cemetery

Bohemian Cemetery

a.k.a. USFS #41TN100

Groveton, Texas
Location: From FM 2262/US 287 intersection in Groveton; FM 2262 NE 4.8 miles to Lacy IV Road on west side (opposite Bud Lee Road). West on Lacy IV 1.5 miles to grass/dirt road into David Crockett National Forest/International Paper Private property. Northeast on private road .5 miles to cemetery in woods on east side.This site was used by Czech immigrants (TCHC). The graves were originally marked by large wooden crosses, but they have been destroyed (1920s picture provided by Dee Dee King). Three metal poles mark graves and there appear to be many depressions throughout the woods. The cemetery is dividied by US Forest Service and International Paper Co. property. Robert Hoelewyn (property foreman) said that someone had destroyed one of the concrete slabs and dug up a grave. There were bones visible at the site but he reburied them. A fireline has been cut through the site, and many of the markers were probably destroyed. Family members have put up 3 wooden replacement crosses at the site.The true bounds of the site are unknown, and crape myrtles are located all throughout the area. Only known graves at site:Agnes Janakd. 1918Willie Janakno dateMrs. Kopecekd. 1918The site was originally thought to be moved when the community and church shifted, but the graves still remain.

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