Rockland Cemetery, Church and School
Historical marker location:Benjamin Thomas Ellis (1825-1870) was born to John I. and Elizabeth Ann (Goolsby) Ellis in Alabama. The family moved to Texas in 1839, and by 1850 he was living with his wife, Martha E. (Shirley) Ellis and their one-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, on the land around this site. Family oral history indicates that the cemetery began as a family graveyard. The land is part of the Benjamin T. Ellis survey.
According to oral history, Benjamin Ellis, Jr. (d. 1843) and his wife, Hannah (McHenry) Ellis (d. 1861), parents of John I.Ellis, were among the first people buried on this site. The earliest marked grave is that of their daughter, Nancy M. (Ellis) Milliken, who died in 1862 after the birth of her sixth child. Her husband, John C. Milliken, who was a member of the Texas militia during the Civil War, died in 1868 and is buried next to her. Benjamin T. Ellis, who also served in the Texas militia during the Confederacy, is buried nearby.
Rockland Cemetery was deeded to the trustees of the newly organized Rockland Church by J. S. and Ellen l. (Ellis) Burton in 1890. The congregation established a church and school building in front of the cemetery in 1892, and the site became a community social center. It served until about 1900, when it was moved two miles west to be closer to students' homes. Rockland Common School District #13 was created in 1911 and operated until 1939 when students were transferred to Lovelady schools. Official consolidation with Lovelady schools occurred in 1947. The union church continued to hold services in the building until 1942. The cemetery, enlarged in 1992 with a two-acre land donation, continues in use and remains a chronicle of early pioneers. (2000)
Incising on reverse: In memory of Eltice Higginbotham Barrier and Joe and Laura Sharp Higginbotham
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 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.
Houston County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey 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.