Historic Cemetery

Gassiott Cemetery

Livingston, Texas 77351
Location: Gassiott Cemetery Polk Co Tx Cem/website listing, no descript.” L. Moore: “From Leggett Hwy 942 E, left on old road 5.2 miles, in pasture on left.” Gassiott Cemetery Submitted by Cannon Pritchard Salathiel E. Gassiott was a farmer who was born in Louisiana. He came to Polk County in 1849 with his brothers Nicholas E. Gassiott and Williford R. Gassiott. He settled on land on Sandy Creek, East of Leggett, Texas. On September 18, 1859 he married Celicia Perry and had a large family. Apparently, several of their children died young and were buried on their property. Today, only the sandstone bases of two cemetery markers are all that are left. Area residents stated their were more markers many years ago that have disappeared over the years. Mr. & Mrs. Gassiott are both buried with cemetery markers in the Gassiott family lot at the Center Grove Cemetery. Many of their children/descendants are buried there. (See Center Grove Cemetery listing for the names and vital statistics of the Gassiott family.) Location: At the intersection of U. S. Highway 59 and FM 942 in Leggett, Texas, go East on FM 942. At the Jones Prairie Cemetery continue for .2 miles. Turn Left on the old FM 942 dirt road for four miles. Cemetery on Left in the woods near the road. THC site visit MB 7-19-05 w/ C Pritchard: US 59, E on FM 942 to Upper Leggett Rd, total of 5.2 miles from US 59, just W of driveway to residence at 3725 Upper Leggett Rd. Area to left side of orad. Timber freegrowth, no markers remain. Reportedly small cemetery, estimated GPS boundaries. GPS PENDING3094-332 or 331Destroyed, highly endangered.

Source: RIP Fields Table

To address the problem of cemetery destruction and to record as many cemeteries as possible, the Texas Historical Commission offers the Historic Texas Cemetery designation.

The Historic Texas Cemetery designation was developed in 1998 to help protect historic cemeteries by recording cemetery boundaries in county deed records to alert present and future owners of land adjacent to the cemetery of its existence. Every county in Texas has at least one cemetery designated as a Historic Texas Cemetery through this program. The HTC designation is the first step toward preservation of a historic cemetery.

A cemetery is eligible for designation if it is at least 50 years old and is deemed worthy of recognition for its historical associations. The very nature of a cemetery being a landmark of a family’s or community’s presence is considered to validate the criteria of historical associations. Any individual, organization, or agency may submit a request for designation.

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Polk County, Texas, located in the eastern part of the state, has a rich and diverse history dating back to indigenous peoples who inhabited the area for thousands of years. The region was settled by European explorers in the early 1800s, with the establishment of Stephen F. Austin's colony. Polk County was officially formed in 1846, named after the former United States President James K. Polk.

During the 19th century, the county witnessed significant developments, including the arrival of railroads in the late 1800s, which led to economic growth and an influx of settlers. Timber became the county's most important resource, and the lumber industry boomed, fueled by abundant pine forests. Sawmills and logging camps thrived, shaping the county's economy for many years.

The county's history also includes periods of strife. During the Civil War, Polk County experienced its fair share of conflict, with many residents joining the Confederate army. Additionally, the county suffered from occasional raids by Native American tribes, seeking to regain their land and resist encroachment.

In the 20th century, Polk County continued to progress, with further advancements in transportation and industry. The construction of dams on the Trinity River provided hydroelectric power and created recreational opportunities with the formation of Lake Livingston. Agriculture also played a significant role, particularly in the production of livestock and crops such as cotton.

Today, Polk County is a mix of rural communities and growing suburban areas. Its proximity to Houston has attracted residents looking for a quieter way of life while still having access to urban amenities. The county remains influenced by its past, with reminders of its rich history visible in the form of historic sites, museums, and landmarks that showcase the diverse and fascinating story of Polk County.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Polk County, Texas.

  • 1846 - Polk County, Texas is established.
  • Mid-1800s - Early settlers arrive, primarily farmers and ranchers.
  • Late 1800s - Logging and lumber industry becomes prominent.
  • 1881 - Trinity and Sabine Valley Railway reaches the county, boosting trade and transportation.
  • Early 1900s - Oil and gas exploration begins in the county.
  • 1930s-1940s - The Great Depression and World War II bring economic challenges.
  • 1957 - Lake Livingston is completed, becoming a popular recreational area.
  • 1980s - Tourism and retirement industries grow in the county.
  • 2000s - Population and economic growth continue.