Historic Cemetery

Snell-Read Family Cemetery

Livingston, Texas 77351
Location: Snell Read Cem.—Local PCHS Cannon Pritchard. Site known but all markers destroyed by logging. Snell-Read Cemetery Submitted by Cannon Pritchard, Polk Co Historical Museum.Location: At the intersection of U. S. Highway 59 and Highway 287 in Corrigan, Texas, go West on Highway 287 for 2.5 miles and turn right on Howell Road for 1.1 miles. Turn right at the cemetery sign on Abbott Spring Meadows Road for approximately .4 miles to the Snell-Read property and the "Snell Place". You will pass the Abbott Spring Meadows Cemetery and the Watson Place (house) enroute to the Snell property. This cemetery is considered a "lost" cemetery in Polk County since there are no markers and the exact location on the Snell-Read property is unknown. However, their are descendants of both families who have helped to provide some of the names of those who were buried there. Amos Snell and his family came to the Asia community area of northwest Polk County in 1857. They had traveled by wagon from Jackson County, Florida where they had lived about ten years. They were previously from Georgia where all the children were born. Amos Snell and his wife, Cynthia Johnson Snell had thirteen children, but only eight of them came to Texas. Several of the older children married in Florida and remained there. Amos Snell purchased his homestead of 172 acres on Paces Creek on November 13, 1858. The Snell Cemetery was established in 1859 with the death of their son Christopher Hardy Snell. After Amos Snell's death in 1864, Cynthia Snell sold the homestead to her son Isaac Newton Snell for his agreement to take care of her in her old age. She continued to live at the "Snell Place" with her bachelor son, Crawford Columbus Snell. After her death Isaac N. Snell sold the property to his brother C. C. Snell on Sept. 15, 1872 who continued to live there with his niece Victoria J. (Snell) Meadows and her husband Bartlett R. Meadows. In 1876 the property was again sold to Mr. W. Elias Meadows who owned the property until he sold it to Mr. L.L. Read on May 10, 1902. THC site visit MB 7-20-05 w/ C. Pritchard: Corrigan, Tx area. SEE Cannon Pritchard’s descriptions above. Site approx ___ ft from Howell Lane on Meadows Cem Rd, approx ___ ft. past Y to R to Meadows Abbot Springs Cem. Left fork is drive goes to new home at old Snell homesite. Destroyed site of Snell-Read Cem is on left approx ___ ft. from old houseplace. New growth timber. No markers remain. Site destroyed by logging. Landowner Watson searched for known formal markers found none. Estimated GPS from oral history. GPS PENDING3194-222Destroyed markers and evidence. Actual burials endangered by future logging. Not on map, no sign.

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
The state flower of Texas is the bluebonnet. The flower blooms in the spring and is a common sight along the highways and in fields throughout the state.
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 concise overview of the key events in the history 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.