Heart Cemetery
Historical marker location:
Heart Cemetery has served the community of Booker since 1929. The town was platted in 1917 and named for B.F. Booker, a civil engineer for the Panhandle and Santa Fe Railway, which extended their line through this area. The community consisted of residents from La Kemp, Oklahoma, who relocated here to the new railroad town.
A local cemetery became necessary as the community grew. In 1925, Harry Herbert and Mary Agnes (Mullinex) Mitchell donated land to the town for use as a graveyard. In 1929, the City of Booker dedicated the land as Heart Cemetery; the name comes from its heart-shaped design. Historically, the burial ground has also been known as Booker Cemetery.
The earliest marked grave is that of Y.E. Winn (d. 1911), reinterred here from his original burial site in Missouri. Notable gravesites include those of the town's first physician, Dr. I.T. Smith; businessman William Vernon Shouse, who was involved in oil, real estate and manufacturing; and the property donors, the Mitchells. Community doctors, teachers, ministers, farmers, ranchers and other residents are also buried here. Other graves include veterans of military conflicts dating from World War I.
In 1966, a park and cemetery board formed to oversee the property. The board dissolved in 1975, leaving the operation under the direction of the City of Booker, which still cares for the burial ground. Heart Cemetery continues to serve the community of Booker and the surrounding area, chronicling the lives of residents dating to the pioneer days of settlement.
Historic Texas Cemetery - 2006
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 first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
The county's early settlers faced numerous challenges, including harsh weather conditions, limited resources, and conflicts with Native American tribes. Many early pioneers were drawn to the area for its fertile soil and opportunities for cattle ranching. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s brought further growth and development to the county.
During the early 20th century, Lipscomb County experienced a boom in agriculture, with cotton and wheat becoming the primary crops. The discovery of oil in the area in the 1920s brought a new wave of prosperity and economic growth. The county saw an increase in population and the establishment of new businesses.
Today, Lipscomb County remains largely rural, with agriculture and oil production continuing to be significant industries. The county's rich history is celebrated through various historical sites and museums, which preserve the stories and heritage of the early settlers who shaped the area.
Lipscomb County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Lipscomb County, Texas.
- 1876 - Lipscomb County was established on August 21, becoming the last of the 254 counties in Texas.
- 1887 - The town of Lipscomb, which would later become the county seat, was founded.
- 1902 - The Northeast Texas Panhandle was opened up for settlement, leading to an influx of farmers and ranchers into Lipscomb County.
- 1907 - The Chicago, Rock Island and Gulf Railway established a line through Lipscomb County, boosting transportation and economic development in the area.
- 1911 - Lipscomb County's first courthouse was built in Lipscomb.
- 1920s - The oil boom hit the Lipscomb County area, bringing prosperity and economic growth.
- 1926 - The town of Lipscomb was incorporated.
- 1940s - The oil industry continued to thrive, and agriculture remained a significant part of the county's economy.
- 1969 - The Lipscomb County Courthouse, which served as the county seat, was destroyed in a fire.
- 1970 - The current courthouse in Lipscomb was built, serving as the county seat.