Historic Cemetery

Sykes, Laura Cemetery

a.k.a. Schyler Sykes Cemetery

Orangefield, Livingston, Texas 77351
Location: Sykes-Laura Cemetery AKA Schyler Sykes Family Polk Co Tx Cem/website: lists as off Hwy 190 W, no descript. L. Moore: “wife of Skilas Sikes, 100 yards N of Nelson Home. (See Smith Cem.)” [Hwy 190 W 6.4 miles, left 0.3 mile, right 0.5 mile, S of Nelson home.]Near Smith Cem. Laura Sykes Cemetery Submitted by Cannon Pritchard, June 2004Location: At the intersection of US Highway 190 and Farm Road 350 go south on FR 350 for 4.9 miles to intersection with FR 3126. Go south on FR 3126 for 1.5 miles to a locked gate on the right side of the road. A sign above the gate states "In Memory of R.S. & Laura Sykes". The grave is about 100 yards north of the old Nelson house behind the gate. This property is heavily wooded and is about .5 miles east of Lake Livingston. R. Schyler Sykes Family lived on property almost directly across the highway from the Garner Prairie Chapel on Farm Road 3126. R. Schyler Sykes, born in 1874, was the son of Owen & Flora Sykes. He married Laura Qualls (Sykes), daughter of Henry Qualls & Julia Jackson (Qualls) about 1909. The 1930 U. S. Census for Polk County shows they had the following children: John H. Sykes, b. 1910; Novells Sykes, b. 1911; Julia Sykes, b. 1913; Estelle Sykes, b. 1916; Arlee Sykes, b. 1918; and Fineal Sykes, b. 1923. About 100 yards north of the abandoned old homeplace is the burial marker for Laura Sykes:THC site visit MB 7-19-05 w/ C PritchardGPS and NOTES PENDING3095-414.

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
Texas was once a part of Mexico but gained independence in 1836 after a famous battle at the Alamo.
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.