Midlothian Cemetery
What would later become Midlothian began as part of the Peters Colony, which brought settlers to Texas from 1841 to 1848. W.A. and Anna Hawkins and their extended family arrived in 1848, in time to receive acreage for their new home. Their son Benjamin Franklin Hawkins set aside part of his land for a church, and the adjacent land became the community's cemetery.
Although earlier unmarked graves most likely exist, the earliest marked grave, that of Mary Elizabeth Hawkins, dates to October 1873. Two of her young children, who died shortly after her death, are buried nearby. In 1874, John W. and George W. Hawkins deeded four acres including the burial ground to the Methodist church; the community has added surrounding land over the years to increase the cemetery to its current size.
The city of Midlothian incorporated in 1888. W.A. Brundage, Sr., the city's first mayor, is among the many notable area residents buried here. The cemetery is also the burial place of military veterans, pioneers, farmers, ranchers, paupers and many others, representing the community's long and rich heritage.
Historic Texas Cemetery - 2003
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 first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
The area that is now Ellis County was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Comanche. However, in the mid-1830s, European settlers began to arrive and establish homesteads in the region. These settlers were drawn to the fertile land and opportunities for farming and ranching.
During the Civil War, Ellis County was deeply divided, with residents supporting both the Union and the Confederacy. The county was the site of several skirmishes and raids, and endured a significant amount of destruction as a result. After the war, Ellis County began to rebuild and experienced a period of growth and development.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ellis County saw the rise of industries such as cotton farming, cattle ranching, and oil production. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further fueled the county's economic growth. Today, Ellis County remains an agricultural powerhouse, with a strong presence in the cotton and cattle industries, and is also home to a diverse range of businesses and thriving communities.
Ellis County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Ellis County, Texas.
- 1849 - Ellis County is established from Navarro County.
- 1850 - Waxahachie is selected as the county seat.
- 1853 - The county courthouse is built.
- 1881 - The Texas Central Railroad reaches Waxahachie, boosting the local economy.
- 1883 - Southwestern Asylum for the Insane (now known as Terrell State Hospital) opens in Terrell, impacting the county's development.
- 1889 - A fire destroys the Ellis County courthouse.
- 1895 - A new courthouse is completed, designed by architect J. Riely Gordon.
- 1921 - An oil boom begins in Ellis County, leading to increased prosperity.
- 1934 - The Federal Correctional Institution is established in Seagoville.
- 1942 - The Naval Air Station is established in Waxahachie during World War II.
- 1969 - Navarro College opens a campus in Waxahachie.
- 1987 - Bluebonnet Festival debuts in Ennis, becoming an annual celebration.
- 2007 - Baylor Scott & White Medical Center opens in Waxahachie, providing advanced healthcare services to the county.