Historic Cemetery

Bedias Methodist Church Cemetery

Texas
Location: Bedias Methodist Cemetery—Recorded—Parsons. SEE Grimes County Cemeteries, vols 1-5, John Maxwell, GCHS. H&P, Grimes Co Hist.: Local hist. map. Tombstone/Rootsweb, TxDoT map, three sections to cem. Plot map in file. TxGenWeb: “As of November, 2002, contacts for the Bedias Methodist Cemetery are:Phillip Upchurch - (936) 395-0227Clinton Lyles (936) 395-1046Carolyn Acord - (936) 395-4310They Speak: .txt @ Rootsweb.com THC Atlas: The Rev. Anderson Buffington (1806-91), a Baptist missionary who fought at the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836, organized this church in 1848. Services were held in a small schoolhouse until the 1850s. In 1859 the congregation built this structure, which also served as a school until about 1903. Members of this fellowship helped start several other Baptist churches nearby. The congregation survived a split in 1913, but later dwindled because of population changes. The last regular service was held here in 1965. Restored in 1974, the building was deeded to the Bedias Cemetery Association.” –THC Atlas. Rootsweb: “Southern Heritage Funeral Home (P.O. Box 145, FM1696W,Bedias, TX 77831-0145. The cemetery is divided into three sections, only two of which have been used to date. Each section is divided into Rows, and each Row into Spaces. Individual graves are numbered by Section, Row and Space. The existence of irregular Rows, family plots and early burials means that some … contact bobpowl@austin.rr.com. Directions to the CemeteryFrom the intersection of Texas State Hwy 90 and FM1696 in center of the town of Bedias, go .1 mile south on Hwy 90 to FM1696 West. Go west on FM1696 for .6 miles to County Road 125. There is green informational Texas Highway Department sign for the cemetery at this intersection. Follow the sign south on CR 125 for .05 mile, the cemetery is on the left (east) side of CountyRoad 125.” Tombstone/Rootsweb, TxDoT map, “Original Burial ground of First Baptist Church of Bedias. …land is owned by Walter Overby. Approx. 500 or more graves, earliest about 1860s. Index.” THC Archive, County File: “news clip of 1996 Bedias Baptist Cem. on FM 2620, vandalism by two children, knocking off marker embellishments and smashing vases.”THC site visit MB 12/31/04 w/ J. Maxwell: Bedias, Tx area, FM 1696 to CR 125, S about 0.1 mile, site on left, E. Across from rural residence, adjacent to woodlands and mortuary company, near busy FM. Large fenced site. Diversity of formal markers over time, large and small, many Cedar and Juniper marker trees. Crape Myrtle, Nandina, Gardenia, Arborvitae, Live Oak, some large stumps of previous marker trees. Obelisks, Spires, commercial, fieldstones, petrified wood (large and small), Methodist minister medalilion. Abundant floral grave materials. US veterans, Methodist Minister, WoW, Masonic, Eastern Star. 3095-332Low risk endangerment, fenced, maintained, still in use, recent burials, on map.

To address the problem of cemetery destruction and to record as many cemeteries as possible, the Texas Historical Commission offers the Historic Texas Cemetery designation.

The Historic Texas Cemetery designation was developed in 1998 to help protect historic cemeteries by recording cemetery boundaries in county deed records to alert present and future owners of land adjacent to the cemetery of its existence. Every county in Texas has at least one cemetery designated as a Historic Texas Cemetery through this program. The HTC designation is the first step toward preservation of a historic cemetery.

A cemetery is eligible for designation if it is at least 50 years old and is deemed worthy of recognition for its historical associations. The very nature of a cemetery being a landmark of a family’s or community’s presence is considered to validate the criteria of historical associations. Any individual, organization, or agency may submit a request for designation.

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Texas random facts
Grimes County, located in southeastern Texas, has a rich and vibrant history that dates back to the early 19th century. The county's origins can be traced back to the establishment of the Stephen F. Austin Colony in the early 1820s. It was named in honor of Jesse Grimes, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. The county was officially formed in 1846 when it was separated from Montgomery County.

In its early years, Grimes County played a significant role in the development of the Republic of Texas. It served as an important transportation hub due to its location on the Old San Antonio Road, which connected the different regions of Texas. The construction of the Houston and Texas Central Railroad in the 1850s further enhanced the county's connectivity and promoted economic growth.

The county was not immune to the impact of the American Civil War, which deeply affected Texas as a whole. Grimes County saw its fair share of battles and skirmishes, and many local men enlisted in the Confederate Army. Following the war, the county experienced a period of recovery and reintegration into the post-war society.

Throughout the 20th century, Grimes County has evolved into an important agricultural and industrial center. The growth of the timber industry and the discovery of oil and natural gas reserves in the area brought economic prosperity to the county. Today, Grimes County continues to thrive as a vibrant community, drawing visitors with its beautiful scenery, historical landmarks, and diverse cultural heritage.

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

  • 1821: Grimes County, Texas, was established as a part of Mexico's Coahuila y Tejas province.
  • 1830: The population of Grimes County experienced significant growth due to the influx of American settlers.
  • 1836: Texas declared independence from Mexico, leading to the Texas Revolution.
  • 1837: Grimes County was officially formed and named after Jesse Grimes, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
  • 1850: The advent of railroads in Grimes County resulted in increased trade and economic development.
  • 1861: Texas seceded from the United States and joined the Confederate States of America at the start of the Civil War.
  • 1867: Reconstruction efforts began after the end of the Civil War, aiming to rebuild the county's economy and infrastructure.
  • 1873: Navasota became the county seat, replacing Anderson.
  • 1881: The Houston and Texas Central Railway reached the town of Plantersville, further boosting the area's growth.
  • 1900: The Galveston hurricane of 1900 caused significant devastation in Grimes County and the surrounding region.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression had a major impact on Grimes County, leading to economic hardships and agricultural decline.
  • 1942: The U.S. Army established Camp Hearne in Grimes County during World War II as a prisoner of war camp.
  • Present: Grimes County continues to be a rural area with agriculture as a significant part of its economy.