Historic Cemetery

Antioch Community Cemetery

Kennard, Texas 75847
Location: Antioch at Lovelady AKA Neville's Prairie(1977) 5 miles SW of Lovelady on FM 230 (Weldon Road) there are two parts separated by a drive.(1987) driveway into the through the cemetery leads to the Antioch Baptist Church located at the back of the cemetery.(1998) located approx. 5 mi SW of Lovelady on FM 230 in front of Antioch Baptist Church. There is a new extension of the cemetery; on the right of the entrance, a plot has been cleared of trees and 6 markers were found(Internment) Located 5 mi SW of Lovelady on FM 230(USGenWeb) just N of Lovelady off Hwy 19 on L over RR tracks.Houston County Cemeteries, Houston county Historical Commission, 1977; Houston County Cemeteries, Third Edition, Houston County Historical Commission, 1987; Supplement to Houston County Texas Cemeteries Third Edition, 1998; Supplement to Houston County Texas Cemeteries Third Edition, 1998; THC marker; USGS; TexGenWeb; Internment.net; USGenWeb Archives; cemeteries-of-tx.com; topo map.TSHA Handbook of Texas online: ANTIOCH, TEXAS (Houston County). Antioch, a rural community four miles southwest of Lovelady on Farm Road 230 in southern Houston County, was probably established in the late 1880s. A post office began operating there in 1890, and by 1892 the community had two general stores, a school, two physicians, and a combination gristmill and gin. The estimated population in 1896 was thirty. In the mid-1930s only a school, a cemetery, and a few widely scattered houses remained. In the early 1990s only a church and cemetery marked the site. Christopher Long THC site visit MB 11/06/04: Antioch, Tx area, near Lovelady, Tx. At 58_____ SH 203. THC marker on road. Arched entryway, sign, cemetery association. Gravel access roads through site and back to church. Very large fenced site with church, halls, and picnic pavilion. Considerable diversity of formal markers over time, new and old areas. Older area includes many large Cedar and Juniper marker trees. Obelisks, slabs, curbing, benches, unique markers, a few locally caste markers in E corner. Some photo enamels. Abundant floral and decorative grave materials. US veterans, WoW, CSA, Masonic.Approx 22 acres. GPS 31.05.47.86195N –95.30.17.91518W Quad 3195-211Low risk endangerment, fenced, THC marker, still in use, maintained, associated church, near road, 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.

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
Houston County, Texas, located in the eastern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history that dates back centuries. The area that is now Houston County was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Atakapa, who lived off the lands and waterways. However, the first European settlers began arriving in the area in the early 19th century, sparking a new chapter in the region's history.

In 1838, Houston County was officially established and named after Sam Houston, a prominent figure in the Texas Revolution and later the Republic of Texas. The county became a focal point during this time, with numerous conflicts between settlers and Native American tribes, as well as various clashes involving Mexican troops.

During the mid-19th century, Houston County experienced rapid growth and development, as many settlers were attracted to the area's fertile soil and abundant natural resources. Immigrants from various European countries, such as Germany and Austria, arrived in large numbers, contributing to the cultural diversity of the county. Additionally, the construction of railroads in the late 1800s played a pivotal role in fostering economic growth and connecting Houston County to neighboring regions.

In the 20th century, Houston County faced several challenges, including the Great Depression and the decline of the timber industry. However, the discovery of oil in neighboring counties brought new economic opportunities to the region and provided a much-needed boost to Houston County's economy. Today, Houston County continues to thrive as a vibrant rural community, with a rich history that is celebrated through numerous historic sites, museums, and events that showcase its past.

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

  • 1837 - Houston County is created and organized from Nacogdoches County.
  • 1839 - The county seat, Crockett, is established and named after David Crockett.
  • 1854 - The Houston and Great Northern Railroad is built through the county, boosting economic development.
  • 1861-1865 - Houston County residents actively participate in the Civil War.
  • 1881 - The discovery of oil in the county leads to an oil boom.
  • 1893 - The Houston County courthouse is destroyed by fire.
  • 1936 - The Texas State Park Board establishes Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area.
  • 1968 - Hurricane Beulah causes significant damage to the county.
  • 2008 - Hurricane Ike causes widespread destruction and power outages in the area.
  • 2020 - Houston County celebrates its 183rd anniversary.