Stone's Chapel Cemetery

Historical marker location:
FM 2283, Clarksville, Texas
( Clarksville, FM 2283, 6 mi. NW)
Marker installed: 2003
Marker size: HTC marker

Stone's Chapel Cemetery

The first known burial at Stone's Chapel Cemetery is that of Parson Amos M. Stone (1813-1862). A New York native, Stone was a Cumberland Presbyterian minister in Tennessee who moved to Texas in 1857 with his wife, Margaret Rodgers, their five children and his four children from his first marriage to Jane McConnell. In Texas, Stone became the minister of churches in the Clarksville area, preaching for a time in San Antonio before returning in 1861 to this area, where he also served in a Confederate home guard unit. At least three of his sons also served the Confederacy.

After coming to Texas, Stone led area residents in establishing Stone's Chapel Presbyterian Church on grounds near this cemetery, for which he donated land sometime prior to his death in 1862. The church continued until merging with Pine Grove Church in the 1950s. The Cherry School, named for early settler G.P. Cherry, was also located near the cemetery. There, Stone's granddaughter, Mable Gaines, served as a teacher.

Little evidence exists of the Cherry Community or the Stone's Chapel Church, but the cemetery remains a testament to the lives of area settlers.

Historic Texas Cemetery - 2002

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.

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Texas has been a major oil-producing state for over a century. The first big oil discovery in Texas was the Spindletop field near Beaumont in 1901, which set off a massive oil boom that transformed the state's economy and made Texas one of the wealthiest states in the country.
Red River County, Texas has a rich and varied history that dates back to before the arrival of European settlers. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Wichita, who thrived off the land's abundant natural resources. In the early 19th century, the region became an important center of trade and commerce due to its location along the Red River, serving as a crucial crossing point for settlers moving westward.

The county was officially established in 1835 and named after the iconic Red River that flows along its eastern border. During the Texas Revolution, Red River County played a significant role as a hub for communications and supply lines. The Battle of Jonesborough, fought here in 1837, marked an important victory for Texan forces and secured the area as a part of the Republic of Texas.

Throughout the 19th century, the county continued to grow and develop, with agriculture becoming a major industry. Cotton became the primary crop, and the county boasted numerous plantations, which relied heavily on enslaved labor. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century brought further economic prosperity to the area, leading to a boom in oil production.

In the modern era, Red River County has evolved into a primarily rural and agricultural community, with farming, ranching, and timber production being the main economic activities. The county also offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including fishing and hunting, due to its picturesque landscapes and natural assets. Today, Red River County takes pride in its unique history and continues to honor its cultural heritage while embracing the opportunities and challenges of the present.

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

  • 1835 - Red River County established by the Republic of Texas
  • 1840 - Population of the county reaches around 1,500
  • 1841 - Clarksville becomes the county seat
  • 1845 - Texas becomes a state
  • 1861 - Start of the American Civil War
  • 1871 - Red River County Courthouse constructed
  • 1876 - Population of the county reaches around 10,000
  • 1890 - Introduction of railroad in the county
  • 1930s - Great Depression hits Red River County hard, causing economic hardships
  • 1960s - Construction of the Pat Mayse Lake reservoir
  • 2010 - Red River County's population stands at around 12,860