Ford Chapel, Cemetery, and School
Historical marker location:The family of John H. and Margaret Ford came to Texas prior to 1880. Establishing farms and homes, the family helped settle this area of Newton County.
A community cemetery was begun on the land of J. D. and Ida J. Ford. Although the cemetery contains some unmarked graves, the earliest documented burial is that of Promontory Inez Ford (1877-1880), daughter of J. D. and Ida Ford. Originally kept as a scraped earth cemetery, the graveyard was later planted with grass.
Northwest of the cemetery is the site of the Ford Community School. Organized in 1893, the school was housed in a one-room log building. It became a part of the Newton Independent School District in 1929-30, and area students traveled to Newton for classes.
A wooden frame structure was erected northeast of the cemetery in 1910 to serve as a place of worship for the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Although regular worship services were discontinued in the 1930s, the chapel remained on its original site.
The Ford Chapel and Cemetery Association, organized in 1961, maintains the cemetery as well as the Chapel and School Site
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 1836, Newton County was officially established and named after John Newton, a hero of the American Revolutionary War. The county's geographical location, with its fertile land and proximity to major waterways, attracted many settlers, particularly from Southern states. The region's economy was largely based on agriculture, with cotton and timber being major industries.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the discovery of oil and gas brought prosperity to Newton County. The oil boom transformed the county, attracting numerous oil companies, creating jobs, and boosting the local economy. However, the boom eventually declined, leading to a shift back to agriculture and timber as the primary sources of income.
Throughout its history, Newton County has been shaped by both natural and man-made disasters. The county has been prone to hurricanes and floods, with devastating effects on the community. In recent years, efforts have been made to implement flood control measures and improve disaster preparedness.
Today, Newton County remains a rural area with a population that values its rich history and natural beauty. It continues to be a place of agriculture, timber, and outdoor recreation, attracting visitors with its scenic landscapes and wildlife. The county's history and resilience serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by its residents and the strength of the community.
Newton County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Newton County, Texas.
- 1846 - Newton County is established by the Texas state legislature.
- 1870s - The county experiences growth due to the expansion of the lumber industry.
- 1904 - A devastating fire destroys a significant portion of the town of Newton.
- 1907 - Bon Wier is established as a sawmill town.
- 1930s - The Great Depression brings economic hardship to the county.
- 1940 - The Toledo Bend Reservoir is constructed, resulting in the flooding of parts of Newton County.
- 1960s - The construction of the Toledo Bend Dam leads to increased tourism and recreational activities in the county.
- 1990s - Newton County experiences population growth due to its proximity to the Toledo Bend Reservoir.
- 2005 - Hurricane Rita causes significant damage to the county.