Historic Cemetery

J. A. S. Turner Cemetery

a.k.a. Jas Turner Cemetery

Midway, Texas
Location: Turner, J.A.S. Cemetery — Recorded: POLK0l, POLK02—Parsons; R. Peebles: “17.3 miles E of Livingston on US 190 and N on Midway Church Rd., about 2 miles E of the church in a pasture.” Polk Co Tx Cem/website: This cemetery has been adopted by the Ike Turner Camp of the SCV. 12 graves. Index, earliest 1863.” THC Marker: Captain Isaac Newton Moreland Turner, C.S.A. (1839~, 1863 ) … born in Georgia. His father, J.A.S. Turner, was a plantation owner in Polk and Liberty Counties. The Turner Family moved to Texas prior to the outbreak of the Civil War. Ike Turner helped to organize and train a mounted artillery company of 80 Polk County volunteers for the Confederacy. Turner, … led them to serve in Virginia as Company K, 5th Texas Infantry, in Hood's Texas Brigade. The youngest Commander …led his troops in 26 battles … injured twice before …fatal wound [in] Virginia. Capt. Turner's brother, Charles, took his body by train to be buried at the family's former plantation "Turnwold" [in] Georgia. Family legend maintained that it was Capt. Turner's wish to be buried in his family's cemetery in Texas. In 1994 his remains were disinterred and transported from Georgia to Texas and buried here among his family members." (1997); L. Moore: “From Livingston Hwy 190 E 17.3 miles to Leon Dickens’ [place], in pasture 2.6 miles.” In pasture E of Midway Ch.Re-burial of CSAPTHC site visit MB 7-19-05 w/ C Pritchard: Near Midway, Tx area. N of SH 190 on Dickens Rd. At intersection with Abilene Rd, with multiple cemetery signs, continue through rock gate cattle guard, past houses through what appears to be their residential area, road continues for approx 0.5 mile. Second TxDoT sign for Jas Turner Cemetery, approx ______ ft. off road. THC subject marker, CSA historic marker. Fenced formal site, mostly CSA markers, also bronze CSA markers. Recent reinterment, 1994, elaborate Confederate reenactment, reportedly 500 people attended in this heavily wooded tiny cemetery. Small Oak trees, one stump of marker, some Texas flags, one floral. Buffer area around cemetery but freegrowth timber has grown up around area cleared for re-enactment. GPS PENDING30094-342Low risk, multiple historic markers, fenced, moderately maintained, on map, signs on road.

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.

gravesites
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Texas random facts
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.