Historical Marker

Newton Cemetery

Historical marker location:
Midlothian, Texas
( from Midlothian, S on FR 663, W onto Walter Stephenson Rd., cemetery @ dead end)
Marker installed: 2008
Marker size: 27' x 42"

This family burial ground served the Newton family, early area pioneers. Larkin Newton, who owned this property, came to Texas in 1848 with one of his nephews, Elbert. They followed Elbert's brother, Asa Newton, who settled near present-day Ovilla in 1844. All three settled on land that was part of the Peters Colony empresario grant.

Larkin Newton, born in 1794 in South Carolina, was a veteran of the War of 1812. He participated in the Battle of New Orleans, the last major battle in the conflict. At home, Newton was a community leader. He served as a County Commissioner in Arkansas (Washington Co.) and Missouri (Barry Co.) before moving to Texas. Once here, he continued to serve in politics, becoming Ellis County Commissioner in 1850, shortly after the county formed. Concerned with his family's education, he also built a schoolhouse on his property.

This cemetery's oldest dated grave is for Larkin Newton, who died in 1858. His wife, Mary Ann (Wilson), died in 1876 and is also interred here. Four of the couple's eleven children are buried here: Lynie Ann Newton Neely, Confederate veteran John Newton, Zilphia Newton Stiles Mullin and Thomas l. Newton. Several in-laws and a number of grandchildren are also interred in this burial ground. Today, Newton Cemetery remains as a record of a pioneering Ellis County family led by a patriarch who served his community, county and country. 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.

gravesites Anglo American
The first domed stadium in the world, the Astrodome, was built in Houston in 1965 and hosted numerous sporting events and concerts over the years.
Texas random facts
Ellis County, located in the state of Texas, has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 19th century. The county was established on December 20, 1849, and was named after Richard Ellis, president of the convention that declared Texas' independence from Mexico.

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.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.