Historic Cemetery

Grounds Family Cemetery

Texas
Location: Grounds Family Cemetery (THC) 10.2 miles E from Crockett on SH 21, then .8 miles N on dirt road, then .2 miles E to cemetery(1977) about 12 miles E of Crockett on Hwy 21, then left on a dirt road, aoubt .5 mile turn right and graveyard in on the right side of the road.(1987) Go about 12 mi E of Crockett on Hwy 21 and turn L on a dirt road. Go about 1-2 mi and make a R turn. Cemetery is on the R side of the road.(1998) located 10.2 mi E of Crockett on SH 21, then .8 mi N on dirt road, then .2 mi E to cemetery(USGenWeb) NW of Crockett up Hwy 21, L on CR 1545 and R on CR 1655.(cemeteries-of-tx.com) photos. THC marker; A Reference to Texas Cemetery Records, Kim Parsons, 1988; Houston County Cemeteries, Houston county Historical Commission, 1977; USGS; Houston County Cemeteries, Third Edition, Houston County Historical Commission, 1987; Supplement to Houston County Texas Cemeteries Third Edition, 1998; USGenWeb Archives; cemeteries-of-tx.com; Topo mapTSHA Handbook of Texas Online: context of Grounds Cem: GERMANY, TEXAS. The community name of Germany apparently originated from freedmen's references to a German family named Grounds (also spelled Grunt, Gront, Grount, Grundt, or Groundt), who had settled in the area between 1829 and 1833. Germany is a farming community off State Highway 21, which runs along the route of the Old San Antonio Road,qv ten miles northeast of Crockett in east central Houston County. Around 1828 Jacob Masters, Sr., one of the earliest settlers in the vicinity, brought his family and slaves to this area by way of North Carolina, Kentucky, and Alabama. On October 30, 1834, Masters and his son, Jacob, Jr., petitioned for land under the Mexican colonization laws through empresario qv David G. Burnet,qv and on February 14, 1835, each received a league of land from the Mexican state of Coahuila and Texas.qv On December 30, 1841, Masters's son-in-law, Joseph Rice, obtained land in the county and built his home near the Old San Antonio Road. Joseph and Willie (Masters) Rice's home became known as the Rice Stagecoach Inn. … BIBLIOGRAPHY: Houston County Cemeteries (Crockett, Texas: Houston County Historical Commission, 1977; 3d ed. 1987). Houston County Historical Commission, History of Houston County, Texas, 1687-1979 (Tulsa, Oklahoma: Heritage, 1979). Thomas Clarence Richardson, East Texas: Its History and Its Makers (4 vols., New York: Lewis Historical Publishing, 1940). Willie Lee Gay”THC site visit MB 12-08-04: Germany, Tx and Crockett, Tx area. THC marker. Off SH 21, N from intersection with FM 3187 about 6.4 miles, to CR 1545, NW 0.7 miles to CR 1655, then 0.2 miles to sharp curve in road. Adjacent to woodlands, pastures, road, rural residences. Fenced formal site with diversity of formal markers over time, including obelisks, slabs, curbing, also fieldstones. Marker shrubs and trees, Cedar, Gardenia. San Augustine grass. Abundant floral grave materials. US veterans. Approx 0.80 acre. GPS 31.25.49.50746N –95.20.55.10283W USGS 3195-134 Low risk, fenced, maintained, still in use, on map, on raod.

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
In the late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.
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.