Historic Cemetery

Wilson-Halbert Cemetery

Bronson, Texas 75930
Location: SB-C021 Wilson -Halbert Family Cemetery AKA Halbert-Wilson Cem. AKA Wilson-Halbert Cem. NOT AKA Joel Halbert NOT AKA Fox HillUSGS point3193-234 Recorded: SABI01—Parsons, Kim. 1988. References to Texas Cemeteries; Sabine Co Hist Commission with Kay Parker McCary, Weldon McDaniel, and M. Doer website, Rootsweb: “ - From the courthouse in Hemphill take Hwy 83 East 1 block to Hwy 87. Go North or left 7 miles to Milam. At the intersection of Hwy 87 and Hwy 21 in Milam continue North on Hwy 87 1.5 miles. Go West or left on Wilson Cemetery Lane. Take the right fork at 0.6 mile, continue 0.3 mile to the cemetery at the end of the road. 3 graves, 6 marked with rocks. First 1860, last 1995. Cem. Index.” Tx Funeral Serv. lists in Milam. Tx Co Hwy map on-line off side road from Hwy 87 north of Milam THC site visit MB 8/04/04: Milam, Tx area. [SEE above driving directions] US 96 N of Milam, left, W on Wilson Cemetery Road, then 0.5 to Y, stay right, then another Y, stay left about 0.3 mile. Site about 1500 ft. from roadway. Fenced formal site. Still in use. Diversity of formal markers, obelisks, local castings, many fieldstones. Cedar marker trees, also Oaks, with Roses, and stumps of earlier large hardwood or Cedar marker trees. Some floral. Masonic, Eastern Star emblems. Approx 0.26 acre. GPS 31.27.29.62578N –93.51.05.09302W. Quad 3193-234Medium risk of endangerment, remote area, but fenced, maintained, still in use. Evidence of visitation. 3193-234 USGS only.

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 is a great place to be rich and a terrible place to be poor.
Richard Parker in The Nation
Sabine County, located in the eastern region of Texas, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Atakapa tribes, who relied on the fertile land and abundant water sources for sustenance. European exploration of the region began in the 16th century when Spanish expeditions led by Alonso Álvarez de Pineda explored the Gulf Coast, including the Sabine River.

In the early 19th century, Sabine County became a part of the newly established Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas. The area attracted American settlers who were lured by the fertile soil for farming and the potential for trade along the Sabine River. One influential settler, James Gaines, established the city of Milam in 1835, which would later become the county seat of Sabine County.

The history of Sabine County is closely intertwined with the struggle for independence and the establishment of the Republic of Texas. During the Texas Revolution, the area witnessed several significant events, such as the Battle of Nacogdoches in 1832 and the Battle of Gaines' Ferry in 1836. After Texas gained independence from Mexico in 1836, Sabine County became a part of the newly formed Republic of Texas.

As the years went by, Sabine County experienced various economic booms and downturns, primarily driven by industries such as timber and oil. The timber industry played a vital role in the county's early development, with sawmills and logging camps becoming prominent features of the local economy. In the early 20th century, the discovery of oil led to a short-lived but significant oil boom in the area, attracting numerous companies and workers.

Today, Sabine County remains a vibrant and diverse community, with a mix of rural and urban areas. Its rich history is celebrated through various cultural events and landmarks, showcasing its role as an integral part of Texas's heritage.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Sabine County, Texas.

  • 1836: Sabine County is established and organized as a county of the Republic of Texas.
  • 1843: The town of Hemphill is established as the county seat of Sabine County.
  • 1854: The Sabine Pass Lighthouse is constructed on the Sabine Pass.
  • 1861: Sabine County residents vote overwhelmingly in favor of secession from the Union.
  • 1881: The Texas State Penitentiary is established in Sabine County.
  • 1936: Toledo Bend Reservoir, one of the largest man-made lakes in the United States, is completed along the Sabine River.
  • 1957: The Sabine River Authority of Texas is created to manage the water resources of the Sabine River Basin.
  • 1976: The Sabine County Historical Commission is established to preserve and promote the county's history.
  • 1990: The Sabine County Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.