Historical Marker

Berryman Cemetery

Historical marker location:
Alto, Texas
( .6 mi E on int. of CR 2501 and FM 241)
Marker installed: 2007
Marker size: 27" x 42"

James Dill, an early Anglo settler who would become the first alcalde at Nacogdoches under Mexican rule, petitioned the Spanish government in 1802 for land that included this site. He married Helena Kimble, who later divided the property among their children after his death. The tract conveyed to daughter Helena (Dill) Berryman and her husband Capt. Henry Berryman included this site. Born in Virginia, Capt. Berryman graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and was stationed in Louisiana, where he met Helena, who was attending school at Natchitoches. The two married and lived in Louisiana, later returning to Teas and building a log home called Forest Hill. Capt. Berryman encouraged farmers to settle this area. Following his death in 1859, Helena remained at Forest Hill, raising thirty orphans in addition to her three children and becoming an early contributor to the Buckner Baptist Children's Home. She passed away in 1888. Other buried here include former slaves "Aunt" Sally and "Uncle" Alex Berryman; Civil Water veteran, Alto civic leader and Cherokee County Commissioner Henry Water Berryman; and former Cleveland Indians baseball player, Carl Yowell. The earliest marked grave is that of Catherine Josephine Berryman, daughter of Helena and Henry, who died in 1849. Descendants formed the Berryman Cemetery Association to care for the burial ground. Today, the burial ground is a reminder of a pioneering Texas family vital to the development of Alto and Cherokee County. Historic Texas Cemetery – 2006 Marker is property of the state of Texas

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
Texas is a great state full of huge opportunities
Rick Perry in Texas Department of Agriculture
Cherokee County, located in eastern Texas, has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo, Kickapoo, and Cherokee. In the early 19th century, settlers from the United States began to arrive in the region, resulting in conflicts with the indigenous populations.

In 1837, the Texas Congress established Cherokee County, named after the Cherokee people, who had settled in the area. The county seat was initially located in the town of Rusk, which had grown as a result of the influx of settlers. Over the years, the county went through various changes, with the establishment of new towns and the growth of the local economy. Agriculture, particularly cotton and livestock farming, became the backbone of the county's economy.

During the Civil War, the county faced significant hardships as many men from Cherokee County enlisted in the Confederate Army. The economy suffered, and the county experienced both political and social unrest. However, following the war, the region gradually recovered, and new industries such as lumbering and oil exploration emerged.

In the 20th century, Cherokee County witnessed significant changes in its economy and demographics. The discovery of oil in the early 1900s brought an economic boom to the area, attracting new businesses and residents. Today, the county continues to thrive, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The county also pays tribute to its Native American heritage through various cultural and historical organizations.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Cherokee County, Texas.

  • 1846: Cherokee County is created and organized.
  • 1847: The town of Rusk is designated as the county seat.
  • 1850s: The area sees conflicts between the Cherokee and local settlers.
  • 1861-1865: Cherokee County residents serve in the Confederate Army during the Civil War.
  • 1872: The International-Great Northern Railroad is built through Rusk, boosting the local economy.
  • 1900: The discovery of the large Berry gypsum deposit leads to the establishment of the Frankston Gypsum Company.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression causes significant economic challenges for Cherokee County.
  • 1942: Camp Fannin, a World War II army training camp, is established in Cherokee County.
  • 1982: Lake Palestine is completed, providing recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
  • Present: Cherokee County continues to be a vibrant community with a mix of agricultural, industrial, and recreational activities.