Hayes Cemetery
HAYES CEMETERY
IRISH NATIVE PATRICK HAYES ARRIVED IN TEXAS CA. 1836 BY WAY OF NEW YORK AND MARYLAND. SHORTLY AFTER HIS ARRIVAL HE ENLISTED IN THE TEXAS ARMY AND FOUGHT IN THE WAR FOR TEXAS INDEPENDENCE. AFTER BEING HONORABLY DISCHARGED FOR HIS SERVICE, HE MOVED TO THIS AREA. IN THE FOLLOWING YEARS HAYES AMASSED LARGE TRACTS OF LAND THAT HE USED FOR COTTON FARMING AND HORSE BREEDING. HE ESTABLISHED THREE PLANTATIONS—SEVEN OAKS, CAIRO AND BOGGY CREEK—ALONG THE TRINITY RIVER. HAYES WAS KNOWN AS “DR. HAYES” AND PRACTICED HERBAL MEDICINE AS A RESPECTED RURAL DOCTOR.
THE CEMETERY AT THIS SITE BEGAN IN 1857 AS A PRIVATE FAMILY BURIAL GROUND ON THE SEVEN OAKS PLANTATION. THE FIRST BURIAL OCCURRED CA. 1857, WHEN HAYES’ SON, JAMES FRANK, DIED. APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS LATER, PATRICK HAYES’ WIFE, AMANDA MELISSA JOHNSTON, DIED AT OLD WAVERLY. HAYES LATER REQUESTED IN HIS WILL THAT SHE BE REINTERED AT THIS SITE; HE DIED IN 1863 AND IS ALSO BELIEVED TO BE BURIED HERE. THE CEMETERY’S ONLY MARKED GRAVE IS THAT OF PATRICK AND AMANDA’S DAUGHTER, MELISSA ELIZABETH HAYES GOREE, AND HER INFANT CHILD, WHO DIED DURING CHILDBIRTH IN 1865 AT THE GOREE FAMILY PLANTATION, RAVEN HILL, AND WERE LATER REINTERRED HERE. IT IS ALSO BELIEVED THAT HAYES FAMILY SLAVES AND SERVANTS WERE BURIED AT THE SITE, ALTHOUGH WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION HAS NOT BEEN FOUND.
PATRICK HAYES’ REMAINING CHILDREN AND LATER DESCENDANTS CHOSE TO BE BURIED IN THE NEARBY MIDWAY CEMETERY, AND THE HAYES CEMETERY BECAME INACTIVE, BUT REMAINS TODAY AS A SYMBOL OF AN EARLY PIONEERING TEXAS FAMILY.
HISTORIC TEXAS CEMETERY – 2005
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.
In 1821, Texas received independence from Spain, and the area that encompasses Madison County became a part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. In 1836, after the Texan Revolution, Texas gained its independence from Mexico and Madison County was created as a separate entity in 1853. It was named after the fourth U.S. President, James Madison, and was primarily established as a farming community due to its fertile soil and abundance of water sources.
During the Civil War era, Madison County, like much of Texas, supported the Confederate States of America. Many of the residents enlisted in the Confederate Army, and the area experienced its fair share of conflict and devastation. Following the war, the county slowly rebuilt its economy, relying on agriculture and ranching as key industries.
Throughout the 20th century, Madison County continued to thrive agriculturally. Cotton became a major crop, and the county became known for its production and processing. The discovery of oil and gas fields further bolstered the economy, providing a new source of wealth and employment opportunities. Today, Madison County is a vibrant community that celebrates its rich history while embracing economic diversification and growth.
Madison County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Madison County, Texas.
- 1837 - Madison County is established as a county in the Republic of Texas
- Mid-1800s - Pioneers settle in the area, primarily of Anglo-American descent
- 1853 - The first courthouse is built in the county seat of Madisonville
- Late 1800s - The county experiences population growth with the arrival of railroad lines
- 1861-1865 - Madison County residents participate in the American Civil War
- Late 1800s to early 1900s - Agriculture, including cotton, becomes a major industry in the county
- 1911 - The discovery of oil leads to the development of the oil industry in the county
- 20th century - Madisonville becomes an important center for trade and commerce in the region
- Present - Madison County remains a rural area with a diverse economy including agriculture, oil, and tourism