St. Mary's Cemetery
St. Mary's Cemetery was founded in 1883 by German families who had recently
settled in the area and named their community "Westphalia," after their German
home province. Casper Hoelscher, Frank Wunsch, Theodore Rabroker, J.G. Bockholt
and Frank Glass each contributed to the purchase of 100 acres, which were then
donated for the establishment of a community school, church, Priest's residence
and cemetery.
The oldest grave in the cemetery is the 1884 burial of five-year-old Heinrich
Bernard Lenz, son of Mr. and Mrs. Fritz Lenz. As with many of the early grave
markers in the cemetery, Lenz's is inscribed in German. The oldest graves in
the cemetery are located in the northern section of the site. A large metal
cross i the north section of the cemetery marks the grave of Theodore Rabroker,
Westphalia's first settler, and one of the donors of the cemetery property.
Veterans of the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the
Vietnam War and the Persian Gulf War are interred at the site.
A cemetery association was formed prior to 1922, and early association members
were required to pay dues for cemetery upkeep. Although the practice has been
discontinued, the cemetery remains open for the burial of parishioners of the
Church of the Visitation. Today, the Association Board consists of four church
parishioners and the presiding priest. As the primary resting palce for the
earliest settlers of Westphalia, St. Mary's Cemetery remains today as a symbol
of these early pioneers.
Historic Texas Cemtery - 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.
In the early 19th century, European settlers began to arrive in Falls County, drawn by the fertile soil and abundant natural resources. The county was officially established in 1850, and the town of Marlin was designated as the county seat. The development of railroads during this period further spurred the growth of the region, allowing for easier transportation of goods and people.
During the Civil War, Falls County, like many other parts of Texas, heavily supported the Confederacy. The economy revolved around agriculture, especially cotton plantations, which relied on enslaved labor. However, the war brought multiple challenges to the county, including shortages of supplies and soldiers, as well as occasional conflicts with Union forces.
In the post-war era, Falls County faced a period of rebuilding and diversification. The reliance on cotton continued, but other industries such as livestock ranching and oil extraction began to play a significant role in the county's economy. Over the years, Falls County has gone through various changes and challenges, but it remains a vibrant community with a rich history tied to the land and its people.
Falls County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Falls County, Texas.
- 1837 - Falls County is established by the Republic of Texas
- 1838 - The county seat is established in Perryville
- 1850 - Marlin becomes the new county seat
- 1861-1865 - Falls County residents serve in the Civil War
- 1873 - The Houston and Texas Central Railway reaches Marlin
- 1886 - The town of Lott is incorporated
- 1896 - The Marlin Female Institute is established
- 1910 - A serious cotton boll weevil infestation hits the county
- 1921 - The infamous Klan trials take place in Marlin
- 1953 - Falls County dedicates a new courthouse
- 1975 - Marlin State Hospital is designated a National Historic Landmark
- 1996 - The Marlin Democrat newspaper celebrates its 125th anniversary
- 2018 - Falls County celebrates its 180th anniversary