Historical Marker

Rowe Cemetery

Historical marker location:
Hedley vicinity, Texas
( 1.3 miles northwest of Hedley on FM 1932)
Marker installed: 2001
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Historically significant for its associations with rancher Alfred Rowe and the now-extinct community of Rowe, this burial ground is a reflection of early area farming and ranching efforts and the harshness of pioneer life as permanent settlement came to the Panhandle. With help from cattleman Charles Goodnight, Englishman Alfred Rowe (1853-1912) established the RO ranch on Skillet Creek in 1880, and within ten years had amassed 100,000 acres of land and more than 10,000 head of cattle. His encouragement and support aided the development of Rowe, named in his honor, as a commercial center on the Fort Worth and Denver City Railway line. Kentucky native Isaac Smith, in whose home the Rowe post office was established in 1892, set aside part of his land for use as a community cemetery in 1898, after the death of four children in the Beedy family. Originally located in the family garden, the children's graves were moved to the Rowe cemetery upon its establishment. Even after the community of Rowe moved one mile southeast in 1907, to become the town of Hedley, this cemetery continued to serve as the primary burial ground for area residents. Isaac Smith's grandson, W. I. Rains, provided additional acreage for the Rowe cemetery during the 20th century, and by 1999 there were more than 1,500 marked graves here. A veterans memorial placed in 1990 and the graves of 32 victims of the influenza epidemic of 1918-19 lend additional significance to the Rowe cemetery. (2001)

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Donley County, Texas, located in the Panhandle region, has a rich and vibrant history that dates back to the mid-19th century. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Kiowa, Comanche, and Apache. The first European explorers, including Spanish conquistadors, began to explore the region in the 1500s.

In the early 1870s, settlers began to establish ranches in the area. The county was officially formed in August 1876 and named after Stockton P. Donley, a lawyer who served as a member of the Texas Legislature. The same year, Clarendon became the county seat. As ranching flourished, the new settlements attracted more residents and businesses.

The county experienced significant growth and development during the late 19th century. The arrival of the Fort Worth and Denver City Railway in the early 1880s provided a major boost to the local economy. Clarendon became a key shipping point for cattle and agricultural products, contributing to the county's prosperity.

However, like many other areas in Texas, Donley County faced challenges during the early 20th century. The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl had a severe impact on the local economy, causing widespread hardship and forcing many residents to leave. But with the introduction of new farming techniques and federal assistance programs, the county slowly recovered and agriculture remained a vital industry.

Today, Donley County continues to be a rural community with a strong ranching and agricultural presence. It also boasts historical landmarks, such as the Donley County Courthouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The county's rich history and resilient spirit serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by its early settlers and the enduring legacy they left behind.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Donley County, Texas.

  • 1876: Donley County is formally established on August 21, with Clarendon as its county seat.
  • 1882: The Fort Worth and Denver City Railway is constructed through Donley County, bringing economic growth and improved transportation.
  • 1890: The population of Donley County reaches its peak with over 8,000 residents.
  • 1908: The first courthouse is built in Clarendon, but it is later destroyed by a fire in 1909.
  • 1910: A new courthouse is constructed to replace the one destroyed by fire, which still stands today.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression and the Dust Bowl severely impact Donley County, causing economic hardships and population decline.
  • 1947: The Greenbelt Reservoir is completed, providing a reliable water source for the county's agriculture and livestock industries.
  • 1950s-1960s: The construction of Interstate 40 through Donley County improves transportation and spurs economic development.
  • 1980s-present: Donley County faces challenges of modernization, including technological advancements and changes in the agricultural industry.