Historical Marker

Ener Cemetery

Historical marker location:
Ener Cemetery Rd, Hemphill, Texas
( 1.2 mi E of Sh 87)
Marker installed: 2008
Marker size: 27" x 42"

This burial ground has served southeastern Sabine County since the mid-19th century. Early settlers came to this area by the 1830s, establishing farms along the fertile soil of the Housen Bayou north of here. One pioneer was James Trehane Ener (Ennor), for whom this cemetery is named. Ener was born in 1810 in Cornwall County in England. Escaping poor economic conditions, he immigrated to the United States with his brother, William, in 1835 and came to Texas shortly thereafter. He arrived here by the 1840s, and in 1847 married Marry Ann Gomer (d. 1897), daughter of James Frederick and Anna (Bateman) Gomer, early area pioneers. James and Mary Ann had twelve children. James Ener established a large farm in southeastern Sabine County. He also rented land to sharecroppers and worked as a blacksmith. Additionally, Ener served under Capt. O.M. Wheeler in Company K, 2nd Regiment, Texas Mounted Volunteers during the U.S.-Mexico War (1846-48). In 1859, Ener was murdered near the Sabine County Courthouse. The earliest known burial here is of an infant daughter of James and Mary Ann. James Ener was the second person interred here. Although most of the interments in this burial ground are of Ener family relative and descendants, there are others buried here as well. The rural family burial ground is maintained by the Ener Cemetery Association and today, it remains as a record of a pioneer family's history and a vital link to this area's historic past. Historic Texas Cemetery – 2006 Marker is property of the state of Texas

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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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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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.