Cox Cemetery
Historical marker location:Cox Cemetery
Arkansas native Obediah Cox and his wife Angeline (Glover) settled in the Ferguson Prairie (Old Union) community in 1864, following his service in the Civil War. After Angeline's death, Cox wed her sister, Eliza, and they bought several tracts of land in the area, including property at this site, where Angeline was buried. Hers is the first marked burial, dating to February 1870, but family records, as well as unidentified graves, indicate the possibility of earlier interments.
Grave markers indicate that military veterans, including some from the Civil War, and members of the Masonic lodge and the Order of the Eastern Star, are among those buried here. In addition to Cox, early area family names associated with the cemetery include Hastings, Herod, White, Wright, Henderson, Glover, Yarbrough, Hunter, Brown, Lewis, Roberts and Unfried.
The graveyard today is maintained by a community cemetery association. Since the 1880s, area residents have held an annual memorial, which gives descendants and relatives opportunities to reunite and to celebrate families, friends, neighbors and the area's rich history.
Historic Texas Cemetery - 2002
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.
Texas is home to the world's largest bat colony. The Bracken Bat Cave, near San Antonio, is home to millions of Mexican free-tailed bats.
In 1833, Limestone County was officially established and named after a large limestone formation found in the region. The county quickly became an important agricultural center, with settlers growing cotton, corn, and wheat. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further boosted the county's economy and led to the growth of several towns, including Mexia and Groesbeck.
Limestone County experienced its share of hardships throughout its history. During the Civil War, the county faced economic challenges as many men left to fight in the conflict. Reconstruction brought further difficulties, with tensions rising between white settlers and newly freed African Americans. However, the county rebounded from these challenges, and by the late 19th century, Limestone County was known for its thriving agricultural industry and successful businesses.
Today, Limestone County continues to be primarily rural, with agriculture playing a significant role in the local economy. The county is also home to several historical sites, including Fort Parker State Park, which preserves the history of the Fort Parker settlement and the abduction of Cynthia Ann Parker by Native Americans. Limestone County's rich history and natural beauty make it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Limestone County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Limestone County, Texas.
- 1833 - Limestone County is established as part of Mexican Texas
- 1836 - Texas becomes independent from Mexico
- 1846 - Limestone County is formally organized
- 1860s - County experiences growth due to the expansion of the railroad network
- 1873 - Groesbeck is chosen as the county seat
- 1880s - Cotton and corn become major crops in the county
- 1903 - First oil well is drilled in Limestone County
- 1930s - County suffers from the effects of the Great Depression
- 1940s - World War II brings economic recovery and increased population
- 1950s - Local agricultural sector declines, but the oil industry continues to thrive
- 1970s - County experiences economic growth with the opening of lignite coal mines
- 1980s - Lignite coal industry declines, impacting the local economy
- 2000s - County focuses on diversifying its economy and promoting tourism