Historical Marker

Fairview Cemetery

Historical marker location:
900 N.W. 2nd St., Hubbard, Texas
( Hubbard, 900 N.W. 2nd Street)
Marker installed: 2012
Marker size: 27" x 42"

FROM UNMARKED GRAVES TO HOMEMADE CONCRETE SLABS TO GIANT MARBLE STATUARIES, FAIRVIEW CEMETERY REFLECTS THE HERITAGE AND HISTORY OF THE COMMUNITY. LAND FOR THE CEMETERY WAS DONATED BY COLONEL J. H. ONSTOTT, AN EARLY SETTLER, BUT NO RECORDS DOCUMENT THE DATE. IN 1900, MORE THAN THIRTEEN ACRES WERE PURCHASED FROM MRS. GEORGIA SHEETS. FROM ITS INCEPTION IN 1881 UNTIL 1952, THE CEMETERY OPERATED UNDER THE CONTROL AND CARE OF THE CITY OF HUBBARD. THE FAIRVIEW CEMETERY LOT OWNERS ASSOCIATION WAS FORMED AND INCORPORATED ON JANUARY 9, 1952. UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF THE CEMETERY ASSOCIATION, ENDOWMENT FUNDS, MEMORIAL FUNDS, PLANNING AND EXCEPTIONAL CARE AND MAINTENANCE PRESERVE THIS HISTORIC AND BEAUTIFUL CEMETERY.

THE EARLIEST MARKED GRAVE IS THAT OF TWO YEAR OLD FRANK RIDGE (1846-1849). MANY PROMINENT SETTLERS ARE BURIED HERE INCLUDING THE FIRST MAYOR OF HUBBARD, FRANCES A. TAULMAN (1841-1910), AND HIS SON, JOSEPH, WHO CAPTURED MANY OF HUBBARD’S EARLIEST PHOTOGRAPHS. TRIS SPEAKER (1888-1958), THE FIRST TEXAN INDUCTED INTO THE NATIONAL BASEBALL HALL OF FAME, IS BURIED HERE, ALONG WITH RUSSIAN IMMIGRANT, BUSINESSMAN, AND BENEFACTOR, SAM TOBOLOWSKY (1884-1959). THIS CEMETERY IS ALSO THE FINAL RESTING PLACE FOR VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR, SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR, WORLD WAR I, AND WORLD WAR II.

FAIRVIEW CEMETERY ENCOMPASSES FORTY-THREE ACRES AND AROUND 7,000 GRAVES. THE SERENE SETTING, WITH DOZENS OF TREES, ORNAMENTAL PLANTINGS, CURBING AND GRAVELED DRIVES, PROVIDES A FINAL RESTING PLACE FOR A MULTI-GENERATIONAL, RELIGIOUS AND ETHNICALLY DIVERSE POPULATION

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
The cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Texas random facts
Hill County, located in Central Texas, has a rich history that dates back to the early Native American tribes who inhabited the region before European settlement. The area was primarily occupied by the Tonkawa and Comanche tribes, who relied on hunting and gathering for their sustenance. However, the arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century marked the beginning of significant changes for Hill County.

In the early 1800s, settlers from the United States began to arrive in Hill County, attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for farming. The Republic of Texas was established in 1836, and Hill County was founded in 1853, named after Dr. George Washington Hill, an early settler and land surveyor. The county seat was initially established in Hillsborough but later moved to Hillsboro.

During the Civil War, Hill County was divided in its loyalties, with some residents supporting the Confederacy and others remaining loyal to the Union. The war took a toll on the area, leading to economic decline and agricultural setbacks. However, with the end of the war and efforts to rebuild, the county gradually recovered.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Hill County saw significant growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the 1880s brought new opportunities for trade and transportation, leading to the establishment of new towns and communities. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became a mainstay of the county's economy, with numerous cotton gins and mills scattered throughout the area.

Today, Hill County is a vibrant community with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. It boasts a rich cultural heritage, with historic landmarks and sites, museums, and annual events that celebrate its history. From its early Native American roots to its role in the development of Central Texas, Hill County continues to thrive as a testament to the tenacity and perseverance of its residents.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Hill County, Texas.

  • 1853: Hill County established as one of the 36 original counties of Texas.
  • 1854: Hillsboro becomes the county seat.
  • 1860s: Hill County experiences rapid growth due to the cattle industry and the arrival of the railroad.
  • 1873: The Hill County Courthouse, a two-story wooden structure, is completed.
  • 1882: The Courthouse is destroyed by a fire.
  • 1886: Construction of a new courthouse begins.
  • 1890: The current Hill County Courthouse, a magnificent Romanesque Revival architectural style building, is completed.
  • 1900s: Hill County faces numerous challenges, including droughts, the Great Depression, and the decline of the cotton industry.
  • 1940s: Hill County experiences a surge in population and economic growth due to World War II and the establishment of military bases in the region.
  • 1950s-1960s: Construction of Lake Whitney provides recreational opportunities and helps boost the local economy.
  • 2000s: Hill County continues to develop and diversify its economy, focusing on agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.