Oakland Cemetery
Historical marker location:Settlement of Oakland community, which was named for the abundant live oak trees in the area, began in the early 1860s. H. S. Anglin and Sarah Frances Weaver were married in 1872, and they moved to Oakland in 1875. Brother Anglin, as H. S. was known, was a circuit riding Methodist minister who built the church in Oakland while also serving nine churches in nearby communitites.
The first burial on this site took place in May 1891 upon the death of Willey N. Burleson. Three months later H. S. and Sarah Anglin deeded the two acres on which the church and burial gound were located to church trustees to serve Oakland and the surrounding communities of Sipe Springs, Duster, Beattie and Gorman. In 1907 the Anglins conveyed two more acres of land to cemetery trustees D. N. Burleson, L. C. Echols and T. J. Munn and their successors. Sarah Weaver Anglin died in 1928 and H. S. Anglin died in 1931; both are interred in the Oakland Cemetery. Others buried here incude members of the Anglin, Brooks, Couch, Dennis, Dukes, Echols, Foote, Hadaway, Hamlin, Hasley, Little, Munn, Poyner, Sexton, Sutton and Underwood families.
The Oakland Cemetery Association was organized in 1976. By 1998 the burial ground occupied five acres. The graves include those of more than 40 veterans of World War I and World War II. The cemetery continues to serve Oakland and the surrounding communities and remains a record of the pioneers of Comanche County. (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.
The Alamo, a mission in San Antonio, is perhaps the most famous historical site in Texas. It was the site of a key battle during the Texas Revolution in 1836.
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