Historical Marker

Stewart Cemetery

Historical marker location:
Commerce, Texas
( 2 mi. S of Comemrce on SH 50, then 1.8 mi. E on FM 1568)
Marker installed: 1999
Marker size: 27" x 42"

John and Ellen Stewart and their children settled in this area about 1843. According to oral history, John Stewart is credited with building the first pioneer home in eastern Hunt County. Other settlers such as Godfrey Smith, William Rippy and their families began to arrive in 1845. John and his neighbors were county appraisers, county clerks and justices of the peace.

John Stewart died about 1856. Ellen Stewart and their children remained in Hunt County. They sold 640 acres of land to William Jernigan, credited as founding father of nearby Cowhill (present Commerce). Though earlier graves are believed to exist in Stewart Cemetery, the earliest legible marker is that of three-year-old Elif Cummins, who was buried here in 1863. Two of John and Ellen Stewart's sons, R. E. and John F. Stewart, as well as other neighbors joined the Confederate Army in 1861. R. E. Stewart, aged 29, was killed in battle near Little Rock, Arkansas; he was interred there, but his brother and other Confederate veterans were buried on this site.

Farmers and cattlemen began moving into the area in large numbers around the turn of the 20th century.Several of the newcomers dug the graves of the earlier settlers as they passed away. Many young children died and were buried here during an epidemic in the early 1900s.

Julia Stewart and Martin Williams officially deeded Stewart Cemetery to the cemetery association in 1907. Graves of interest include that of State Representative Louis Lankford, who died in 1940. Lankford was a member of the Texas Legislature from Hunt and Rains counties and served in the Spanish-American War. (1999)

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.

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The discovery of oil in 1901 near Beaumont, Texas, sparked an oil boom that transformed the state's economy and led to the rise of the modern petroleum industry.
Texas random facts
Hunt County, Texas is located in the northeastern part of the state and has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by the Caddo Native American tribe, who resided in the region for centuries before European settlers arrived.

The first European settlers arrived in the early 1800s, attracted by the fertile land and proximity to the Trinity River. The county was officially established in 1846 and was named after Memucan Hunt, who played a significant role in the Republic of Texas. The county seat, Greenville, was named after Thomas J. Green, a prominent lawyer and politician.

In its early years, Hunt County thrived on agriculture, with cotton being the primary crop. The county's economy boomed with the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century, which facilitated transportation and boosted trade and commerce.

Over the years, Hunt County experienced growth and development, and the economy diversified. In the 20th century, industries such as manufacturing, retail, and healthcare emerged, contributing to the county's economic stability. The county also saw an increase in population, with Greenville becoming the largest city in the area.

Today, Hunt County is known for its vibrant community, rich cultural heritage, and natural beauty. It continues to be a hub for agricultural production, while also offering residents and visitors a wide range of recreational activities, historical sites, and local attractions.

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

  • 1839 - Hunt County is established on April 11, named after Memucan Hunt Jr., the first Republic of Texas Secretary of the Navy.
  • 1846 - Bonham is selected as the county seat.
  • 1850 - Hunt County's population reaches 1,914.
  • 1858 - Greenville becomes the new county seat.
  • 1861-1865 - Hunt County residents participate in the Civil War, with many serving in the Confederate military.
  • 1872 - The Texas and Pacific Railway arrives in Greenville, bringing economic growth to the area.
  • 1895 - A devastating fire destroys the Hunt County Courthouse in Greenville.
  • Early 1900s - Cotton and cottonseed oil continue as major industries in the county.
  • 1940s-1950s - Oil discoveries and production boom in Hunt County.
  • 1980s-present - Hunt County experiences continued economic growth, diversifying its industries and expanding its population.