Historic Cemetery

Erin Community Cemetery

Erin, Texas
Location: Erin Community Cem.USGSTexas Cemeteries Mildred S. Wright (1976); http://landmark.granbury.com/Jasper.htm; http://www.rootsweb.com; www.historictexas.net/cemeteries/index.htmlTSHA Handbook of Texas Online: HbTx: ERIN, TEXAS. Erin is on Walnut Creek at the intersection of Farm roads 252 and 1005, eleven miles south of Jasper in central Jasper County. Another Erin, also known as Richardson's, Jasper's Mills, and Evadale, was located on the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway and the Neches River in southwestern Jasper County and had a post office from 1847 to 1862. Apparently this office was discontinued during the Civil War.qv The present Erin appeared in 1882. It has also been known as Faircloth, for its first postmaster, and Big Creek, a name for which application was made to postal officials. In 1885 the community had a population of 100, three churches, and two steam sawmill-cotton gins and shipped wool, hides, and cotton. By 1896 it had one general store and a population of fifty, which shrank to thirty-five by 1914; the post office was discontinued in 1923. The cotton gin was discontinued under the acreage-reduction program in 1935. State highway maps of 1936 showed a cemetery, a school, and scattered dwellings at the townsite. In 1934 Erin had a population of forty and a business. The population was estimated at fifty in 1949. In 1984 Boyett Cemetery, two buildings, and scattered dwellings remained at the townsite. In 2000 Erin's population was estimated at forty.Diana J. KleinerTHC site visit MB 10/20/04: Erin, Tx. FM 252, Erin Rd, FM 1005. Behind old schoolhouse now used as Faithway Missionary Baptist Church. Adjacent but separate from Boyett Cem. No connecting gate, have distinct separate entrances. Large fenced site with diversity of formal and informal markers over time. Some obelisks, local castings, folk and homemade markers, commercial markers. Abundant floral and decorative materials, some personal items--baseball cap. US veterans. Approx 0.33 acre. GPS 30.47.03.09067N –93.59.59.12106WUSGS 3093-332Low risk endangerment, fenced, maintained, on map, on road, still in use, near residences and church.

Source: RIP Fields Table

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
Texas was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
Texas random facts
Jasper County, Texas has a rich history dating back many centuries. The land where Jasper County now stands was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Atakapan and Alabama-Coushatta peoples. European settlers began to arrive in the area in the early 19th century, primarily from other parts of the southern United States.

Jasper County was officially established on February 1, 1836, just weeks before the independence of Texas from Mexico. The county was named after William Jasper, a hero from the American Revolutionary War. In the early days of the county, logging and farming were the primary economic activities. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further contributed to the growth and development of Jasper County.

The county experienced significant changes during the 20th century. The discovery of oil in the East Texas Oil Field in the early 1930s brought an economic boom to Jasper County, leading to increased population and infrastructure development. However, the area also faced challenges, including racial tension and civil rights struggles during the mid-20th century.

Today, Jasper County continues to thrive, with a diverse economy including oil and gas, timber, agriculture, and tourism. The county is known for its natural beauty, including the scenic Angelina National Forest and the serene waters of the Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Jasper, the county seat, serves as a hub for commerce and government activities. The history and heritage of Jasper County are celebrated through various cultural events and museums, ensuring that its past remains an integral part of its present and future.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Jasper County, Texas.

  • 1835 - Jasper County is established on February 1st.
  • 1846 - The county seat is moved from Bevilport to Jasper.
  • 1861-1865 - Jasper County residents participate in the American Civil War.
  • 1881 - The Gulf, Colorado and Santa Fe Railway is built through Jasper County.
  • 1901 - The Spindletop oil strike near Beaumont triggers an oil boom in the area, benefiting Jasper County.
  • 1950s-1970s - The construction of Sam Rayburn Reservoir boosts the county's economy and recreational opportunities.
  • 1996 - Jasper County experiences racial tension and protests following the murder of James Byrd Jr.