Lueders Cemetery
Historical marker location:LUEDERS CEMETERY
THE TOWN OF LUEDERS LIES ALONG THE CLEAR FORK OF THE BRAZOS RIVER, ON LAND GIVEN BY THE STATE OF TEXAS TO HEIRS OF FREDERICK LUDERS, A GERMAN IMMIGRANT WHO FOUGHT AT THE BATTLE OF SAN JACINTO. EARLY AREA SETTLERS INCLUDED U. S. INDIAN AGENT JESS STEM, WHO HOMESTEADED A FEW MILES SOUTH OF HERE IN 1852. RANCHING WAS THE DOMINANT ACTIVITY IN THE LATTER 19TH CENTURY.
IN 1900, THE WEBB AND HILL LAND AND CATTLE COMPANY BOUGHT THE GOETHE & FUCHS RANCH ON THE CLEAR FORK AND DEVELOPED THE TOWN OF LUEDERS. IN THE SAME YEAR, LIMESTONE ROCK QUARRIES OPENED AND THE TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD EXTENDED THEIR TRACKS HERE FROM ALBANY. THE NEW COMMUNITY SOON HAD A SCHOOL, POST OFFICE, COTTON GINS AND BUSINESSES. A GRAVEYARD IN A PASTURE NEAR RHOMBERG STREET SERVED LUEDERS CITIZENS FROM ABOUT 1902-06. HAND DIGGING GRAVES AT THAT SITE BECAME IMPRACTICAL BECAUSE OF THICK LAYERS OF LIMESTONE.
IN 1907, JOHN M. ROBERTS, CLARK HENRY KING AND MRS. E. V. RISLEY DONATED LAND FOR A NEW LUEDERS CEMETERY, ALSO LATER KNOWN AS CLEAR FORK CEMETERY. THE SITE ABUTTED THE RAILROAD TRACKS OF THE TEXAS CENTRAL (LATER THE MKT). FOR MANY YEARS, PALLBEARERS CARRIED CASKETS UP THE RAILROAD EMBANKMENT AND DOWN THE OTHER SIDE TO THE BURIAL PLOTS. AN OPEN-SIDED TABERNACLE ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE CEMETERY WAS USED FOR MEMORIAL SERVICES IN THE EARLY YEARS. THE EARLIEST BURIAL IS THE UNNAMED INFANT DAUGHTER OF GEORGE AND CATE RISLEY. HUNDREDS OF PIONEER SETTLERS, AREA RESIDENTS AND VETERANS OF CONFLICTS DATING FROM THE CIVIL WAR ARE BURIED HERE. CEMETERY FEATURES INCLUDE GRANITE, MARBLE, CONCRETE, AND WOODEN GRAVESTONES, WITH LUEDERS LIMESTONE GRAVE MARKERS ALSO PROMINENT. LUEDERS CEMETERY REMAINS A CHRONICLE OF THE PAST AND AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE COMMUNITY.
HISTORIC TEXAS CEMETERY – 2010
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.
The world's first rodeo was held in Pecos, Texas in 1883. The event included bronco riding, calf roping, and bull riding.
In the 1830s, during the Texas Revolution, settlers began to move into the area that would become Jones County. The region was originally part of Bexar County, but in 1858 it became its own county and was named after Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic of Texas. The county quickly grew with the establishment of farms, ranches, and small towns.
During the American Civil War, Jones County gained notoriety for its unique stance. While most of Texas sided with the Confederacy, Jones County declared itself neutral. This neutrality was mainly motivated by opposition to the Confederacy's conscription policies and the belief that the war was fought for the benefit of the wealthy planters. The county formed its own militia, known as the Jones County Union Guards, and resisted conscription efforts.
After the Civil War, the county experienced a period of growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century helped spur economic growth in the area. The town of Anson, the county seat, became an important shipping point for agricultural products. Ranching and farming continued to be the primary industries in the county, with cotton becoming a major cash crop.
In the 20th century, the county continued to thrive, with the discovery of oil and gas deposits providing a boost to the local economy. Today, Jones County remains a vibrant community with a mix of agricultural, industrial, and service-based industries. The county is known for its rich history, scenic landscapes, and friendly communities.
Jones County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Jones County, Texas.
- 1858 - Jones County is formed from Bexar and Bosque Counties.
- 1861-1865 - Jones County sends troops to fight in the American Civil War.
- 1881 - The Texas Central Railway is built through Jones County, bringing economic growth.
- 1890s - The county experiences an oil boom, attracting investors and workers.
- 1928 - The construction of Fort Phantom Hill Dam begins, providing water and hydroelectric power.
- 1930s - The Great Depression hits Jones County, causing economic hardships.
- 1940s-1950s - Jones County experiences population decline and agricultural challenges.
- 1990s-present - The county sees some economic recovery with the growth of wind energy production.