Historical Marker

Geneva Myrtle Springs Cemetery

Marker installed: 2010
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Situated north of the small, rural community of Geneva, the Geneva Myrtle Springs Cemetery serves as the primary resting place for pioneers, settlers of the area, and their descendants. Originally granted to Juan Ignatino Pifermo in 1794, the town of Geneva grew in the 1820s when pioneers began to settle there from the east. Geneva was first known as Shawnee Village and later as Jimtown, after two early settlers of the area, Jim Halbert and Jim Willis. Originally surveyed for David F. Renfro in 1838, the Geneva Myrtle Springs Cemetery is comprised of land granted by Levi T. Allen in 1879 for use as a church and cemetery. The Geneva Baptist Church was first located on the present day cemetery site, but later moved south of this area. In addition, a school was once located near the cemetery near Myrtle Springs, organized by William Thomas Arnold.

The general landscape of the cemetery is traditional with brick, marble, sandstone, granite, wood, and metal grave markers. The first marked grave is that of William J. Jones from 1888, but Bible records indicate that there were earlier unmarked graves, including that of Wiley William Crew (1845 – 1877). Among the many pioneer families interred at this cemetery, there are veterans of the Civil War, including Wiley Crew, Seth Marion Layfield (1833 – 1906), and James T. Meador (1845 – 1933), as well as veterans of World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Iraq War. Burials for members of fraternal organizations such as Woodmen of the World are also present. Today, the Geneva Myrtle Springs Cemetery Association maintains and cares for the cemetery, while also serving the community of Geneva

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.

gravesites
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
The state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was annexed by the United States in 1845.
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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.