Sardis-Edgefield Cemetery
Historical marker location:Several families came to this area from Edgefield District, South Carolina, where they were members of the Church of Christ in Salem. Among these settlers were the Berry, Martin, Coleman, Nickolson and Jennings families. They established the Edgefield community in 1848 and the Sardis Baptist Church in 1854. The landscape in this vicinity reminded them of their home, and most of those buried here are early settlers and their descendants. The earliest burials on this site may have taken place during the measles epidemic of 1857. The first marked burial was that of Rebecca Bolton Neal (1791-1873). The cemetery was known as Meazle Cemetery for a time because William Meazle purchased the property in 1866. His heirs, Elizabeth Meazle and George Masters, sold the land in 1899 but made provision for the graveyard in the deed.
Other graves of interest include that of Peter Berry (1818-1898). Berry, a great-grandson of one of the signers of the U. S. Declaration of Independence, was a veteran of the Seminole Indian War in the Florida Territory and was a member of the Texas State Troops during the Civil War. There are at least two other Confederate veterans and several veterans of later wars interred here.
The Sardis-Edgefield Cemetery Association was chartered in 1982. By 1999 there were more than 323 marked graves in the cemetery. There are a number of unmarked graves, believed to be those of early settlers and slaves. The Sardis-Edgefield Cemetery continues to serve the people of Cherokee County and remains a chronicle of its early settlement. (1999)
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 was once a part of Mexico but gained independence in 1836 after a famous battle at the Alamo.
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.
Cherokee County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.