Olds Cemetery
Established as a family cemetery, Olds Cemetery is located on part of the original homestead property of David and Sally Dunn. David Dunn and Sally Rayburn were married in 1830 in Mississippi and had ten children before settling in Tyler county by 1860. Eventually, the family settled permanently in jasper county on Spring Hill Road by 1870.
The first marked burial in the cemetery dates to 1874, when one of their children, Morgan Dunn, passed away at an early age of 20. The next to be buried there were David Dunn in 1889 and Sally in 1897. Their son John Dunn and his wife, Martha, buried five of their infant children prior to 1902, actual dates unknown. Their graves are marked by a single marker. David and Sally Dunn’s daughters, Melinda, Nancy, Martha, and Rhoda, were also buried here in 1908, 1914, 1918 and 1919, respectively.
Melinda and her husband James Perry Olds’ only child, David Amy Olds, was buried here in 1936. In the years following the death of David Amy Olds, the children of David and Lucy Jane (Morse) Olds took over the homestead and the cemetery, with the cemetery being commonly referred to as Olds Cemetery.
As of 2017, there are over 60 interments at Olds Cemetery. Its graves are oriented to face east. The oldest graves, those of the Dunn family, can be found in the first row, except for the infant children of John and Martha Dunn, and are marked with wooden crosses and name plates have been added. David Amy Olds’ grave is the first to be marked with a headstone. The cemetery continues to be maintained and operated by descendants of the Dunn-Olds family.
HISTORIC TEXAS CEMETERY – 2015
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.
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.
Jasper County Timeline
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.