Floyds' Hill Church - Cemetery
Historical marker location:On Oct. 9, 1854, Killis S. Floyd donated a four-acre tract to three trustees of the Missionary Baptist Church, afterwards known as Floyds' Hill Church. The Rev. John Massey and the Rev. C. G. Stephens organized the congregation on Dec. 10, 1854, with 15 charter members. Worship services were held at the Frifogle house, former home of a pioneer family, until a log church was completed in 1855.
About 1858 the log building was replaced by a one-room frame structure, erected with the help of slave labor. Blacks worshiped here until Floyd gave land for a separate black church.
The adjacent Floyds' Hill Cemetery, which contains about 200 known graves, served the pioneer families who migrated to this locality from Alabama and Georgia in the 1850s. The oldest stone marks the grave of Mary Bryan (1850-1858).
The farming community of Floyds' Hill declined after World War I, and regular church services ended in 1926. When a storm damaged the church building in 1932, volunteers erected a new frame structure on the original foundation. Floyds' Hill Church - Cemetery Association, established in 1948, sponsors an annual homecoming for descendants of early settlers
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 named after Lewis Cass, a statesman and politician from Michigan who served as Secretary of State under President James Buchanan. In its early years, Cass County saw rapid growth, fueled by the discovery of rich mineral deposits, including lead, zinc, and coal. The county became an important center for the mining industry and attracted numerous settlers and investors seeking economic opportunities.
Cass County played an important role during the Civil War, as it was strategically located between the Confederate and Union forces. The county experienced both Union and Confederate occupation during the war, and many of its residents enlisted in both armies. The war left a lasting impact on the county, with many buildings and properties destroyed or damaged.
After the Civil War, Cass County experienced a period of slow recovery, but it gradually rebounded with the development of agriculture, particularly cotton and timber industries. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century brought another wave of growth and prosperity to the county. Today, Cass County continues to thrive as a rural community with a strong agricultural base and a rich historical heritage.
Cass County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Cass County, Texas.
- 1848 - Cass County is established as a county in Texas.
- 1850s - The population of Cass County booms with the discovery of oil in the area.
- 1861-1865 - Cass County sends many soldiers to fight in the American Civil War.
- 1880s - The railroad arrives in Cass County, further boosting its economy and population.
- 1930s - The Great Depression hits Cass County, leading to economic struggles for the community.
- 1950s - The construction of Lake O' the Pines brings recreational opportunities to Cass County.
- 1970s - Cass County experiences a decline in population due to the decline of the oil industry.
- 2000s - Cass County focuses on diversifying its economy and promoting tourism.