Hanson Cemetery
Historical marker location:When brothers J. H. and J. G. Walton and J. H.'s wife Annie Warsham Walton formally granted approximately one acre of land for a community burial ground in 1925, Hanson Cemetery was already well established. The scattered settlers of the community of Roch had already buried over fifty loved ones at the site. The community of Roch was named after Captain John Bernard Roch, who had one of the earliest homesteads in the area. The Roch community consisted of homesteads scattered along either side of what became the Comyn Highway (FM 1496) and county roads 434 and 438. The earliest burial at the cemetery is that of William Hanson, whose worn grave marker indicates that he died in either 1870 or 1871. Tradition states that William Hanson and M. Walton were neighbors who enjoyed hunting along Sowell Creek. The two men agreed that the man who was the first to die would be buried under oak trees along the creek, and the resulting cemetery would bear his name. The later burial of Hanson's wife, Martha Dunn Hanson, began the Hanson Cemetery. The Dunn family and the Walton family also had significant burial plots in the old section of Hanson Cemetery. The cemetery grounds and grave sites were taken care of for many years by the Hanson Cemetery Committee under the chairmanship of J. P. Thompson. After Thompson's death in 1941, it was necessary to form a Hanson Cemetery Association to continue with the cemetery's upkeep. The association incorporated in 1985. A veterans memorial was erected in 1998 to honor those veterans interred in the cemetery. Historic Texas Cemetery - 2008
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 an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
In the early 19th century, European settlers began to explore and establish settlements in the area. In 1854, the Texas Legislature officially created Comanche County, named after the Comanche tribe. The county was initially part of the vast Erath County before being designated as an independent entity. The growth of Comanche County was primarily driven by agriculture and cattle ranching, with farmers and ranchers taking advantage of the fertile land and abundant natural resources.
The county experienced rapid development during the late 19th century with the arrival of the Texas Central Railroad in 1885. The railroad provided a crucial transportation link for the county, connecting it to larger cities and markets, which further stimulated economic growth. The population increased, and new towns, including Comanche, emerged along the railroad lines. These towns became centers for commerce, trade, and social activity.
Comanche County played a significant role in the development of Texas and the United States. It witnessed the impact of various historical events, such as the American Civil War, where many residents served in the Confederate Army. Over the years, Comanche County has evolved, adapting to changes in the agricultural, industrial, and technological sectors. Today, the county remains a vibrant community that celebrates its history while embracing modern advancements.
Comanche County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Comanche County, Texas.
- 1854 - Comanche County is established
- 1858 - Official county government is organized
- 1861-1865 - Comanche County supports the Confederacy during the Civil War
- 1875 - The county's first post office is opened
- 1877 - Comanche County is hit by a major drought
- 1881 - The Texas Central Railway is completed, boosting the county's economy
- 1890 - The town of Comanche becomes the county seat
- 1908 - Comanche County's courthouse is constructed
- 1920s - The county experiences an oil boom that brings prosperity and growth
- 1940s - Comanche County contributes to the war effort during World War II
- 1960s-1970s - The county's population declines due to economic changes
- 2010 - Comanche County's population reaches its peak