Historical Marker

Elkins Cemetery

Historical marker location:
Brownwood vicinity, Texas
( from Brownwood take FM 2524 to CR 267. Follow CR 267 about 10 miles southeast; turn onto CR 264, and continue .2 miles to cemetery)
Marker installed: 1994
Marker size: 27" x 42"

This cemetery traces its origin to 1876, when noted pioneer minister Noah T. Byars helped establish Live Oak Baptist Church. That year, Civil War veteran Silas H. Wood moved his extended family from Mississippi and settled on land which included this site. The first recorded burial was that of D.O. Melton in 1876. Wood donated about three acres including the graveyard to Live Oak Baptist Church in 1884. Known earlier as Gholson, a name it shared with an area school, it later was named Elkins for the town that developed here. The cemetery continued in use as a community graveyard until interments ceased when the construction of Camp Bowie here during World War II resulted in the temporary displacement of the Elkins community. Camp Bowie was discontinued in 1947, after which a rural community developed and the cemetery was again in use. Buried here are many of the area's pioneer families and their descendants; veterans of World War I; and at least three Civil War veterans, including Confederate Lieutenant Colonel Isaac A. Melton, whose funeral in 1910 was attended by fellow Confederate Civil War veterans and Masonic friends. The cemetery is maintained by the Elkins Cemetery Association and continues to serve the community. (1994)

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
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The Battle of San Jacinto fought on April 21, 1836, was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution, and led to the capture of Santa Anna and the end of the conflict.
Texas random facts
Brown County, Texas, located in the central part of the state, holds a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times. The area was inhabited by various Native American groups, including the Apache and Comanche, prior to European settlement. In the early 1800s, Spanish explorers ventured into the region, followed by American explorers and traders in the early 1830s.

The county was officially established on August 27, 1856, and was named after Henry Stevenson Brown, a commander during the Texas Revolution. During the mid-19th century, the area experienced rapid growth and development. The arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railroad in 1885 significantly boosted the local economy, leading to a population increase and new opportunities for trade.

Throughout its history, Brown County has been primarily agricultural-based, with cotton being a major crop during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The discovery of oil in the early 1900s also brought prosperity to the region. As the county developed, schools, churches, and other infrastructure were established, contributing to the growth and overall wellbeing of the community.

Brown County has faced its fair share of challenges as well. Like many other areas in Texas, it struggled during the Great Depression, but gradually recovered with the help of various New Deal programs. In recent years, the county has focused on diversifying its economy, with industries such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing becoming more prominent.

Today, Brown County maintains its historical charm and offers a mix of rural landscapes and urban conveniences. It continues to preserve its heritage through various cultural events and historical sites, including the Brown County Museum of History. As the county moves forward, it strives to balance growth with its strong sense of community and appreciation for its past.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Brown County, Texas.

  • 1800s: Brown County was initially inhabited by Comanche and Kiowa Native American tribes.
  • 1849: The County was originally established by the Texas Legislature and named after Henry Stevenson Brown, a Republic of Texas militia major killed at the Battle of Velasco during the Texas Revolution.
  • 1856: The first permanent settlement was established in the county, known as Brownwood, named after Henry Stevenson Brown.
  • 1867: The county was officially organized, and Brownwood became the county seat.
  • 1885: The arrival of the Texas Central Railroad in Brownwood facilitated growth and development in the county.
  • 1903: Howard Payne College, now known as Howard Payne University, was founded in Brownwood.
  • Early 1900s: Cotton and livestock farming were the primary economic activities in Brown County.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression deeply impacted the county's economy, leading to a decline in population and prosperity.
  • 1950s: The discovery of oil and gas reserves brought an economic boom to Brown County.
  • 1970: Lake Brownwood was constructed as a recreational reservoir in the county.
  • 1997: The expansion of Howard Payne University included the renovation and construction of various campus facilities.