Historic Cemetery

Broocks Family Cemetery

Texas
Location: Broocks Family CemeteryAKA spelling error BrooksThe The Handbook of Texas Online. http:--www.tsha.utexas.edu-handbook-online-articles BROOCKS, TRAVIS GREENE (1808-1864). Travis Greene Broocks, early San Augustine civic leader, son of Bibulous and Isabel (Ashworth) Broocks, was born in Charlotte County, Virginia, on August 20, 1808. He was reared in Bedford County, Tennessee, where he married Elisabeth Ann Morris on July 7, 1827. To this union six children were born. In 1838 the family moved to San Augustine, Texas, where Broocks established a mercantile business, first in partnership with Bernard Reilly and later with his sons. During the Córdova Rebellion in 1838, Broocks was captain of the San Augustine Volunteer Militia; his first lieutenant was James Howard Hopkins. Broocks was elected justice of the peace in 1840 and served as postmaster of San Augustine from 1842 to 1846. In 1844 President Sam Houstonqv ordered Broocks to Shelby County with 600 men to assist in putting down the Regulator-Moderator War.qv His men arrested Charles Watson (Watt) Moormanqv and quelled the troubles, while Broocks won the title "General." In 1846 he constructed the first brick building in San Augustine. He became a member of the Redland Masonic Lodge No. 3, of which he was senior warden in 1847, worshipful master in 1849, and treasurer in 1855. Broocks died at his home about four miles east of San Augustine in January 1864 and was buried in the nearby Broocks family cemetery. McXie Whitton MartinTHC site visit MB 4-28-05 w/ K Skillern and H Noble: San Augustine, Tx, E on SH 21 approx 2 miles to Meadow Farm, brick columns. See immediately adjacent locked pasture gate to W of formal entrance, post marker 2688 SH 21. Pasture road along fence line 850 ft. to knoll in pasture in rear of fenced barn area. Cem. is approx 1,500 ft. W of another visible knoll and stand of trees of original Broocks homeplace. Mid-1800s and more recent graves. Fenced formal site. Some seasonal tall grass. Old barn remains at site. Formal markers, obelisks, spire, and some original and replacement commercial flat markers. Large Cedar marker trees.Approx 0.25 acre.GPS 31.30.36.19630N –94.03.10.99169WUSGS 3194-411Reportedly Borders spire is young man who had killed others and was shot by local sheriff. Poignant inscription on marker. No other historical details.Moderate risk endangerment, pasture area and not on map, but fenced, maintained, apparently still in some use.

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
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Texas random facts
San Augustine County, located in the eastern part of Texas, has a rich and fascinating history that dates back centuries. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Atakapa and Caddo peoples. It wasn't until the 18th century that European settlers began to arrive, with the Spanish establishing a mission and presidio in the region.

In the early 19th century, San Augustine County became a part of the newly formed Republic of Mexico. However, tensions soon arose as American settlers began to outnumber the Mexican population. This led to the Texas Revolution in 1836, and San Augustine County played an important role in the struggle for Texan independence. The town of San Augustine served as the headquarters of the Texas Revolutionary Army during the Battle of Nacogdoches.

After Texas gained its independence, San Augustine County became a part of the Republic of Texas. The area saw rapid growth and development during this time, with the establishment of schools, churches, and businesses. The county's economy was primarily based on agriculture, with cotton being the primary crop. The timber industry also played a significant role, as the county was rich in valuable timber resources.

In the 20th century, San Augustine County faced several challenges, including the Great Depression and the decline of the timber industry. However, the county has worked hard to preserve its rich history and promote tourism. Today, visitors can explore historic sites such as the Mission Dolores State Historic Site, which features the remains of an 18th-century Spanish mission, and the Augus Theater, a historic movie theater that has been restored to its former glory. San Augustine County remains a place where the past intertwines with the present, showcasing the resilience and rich heritage of East Texas.

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

  • 1717: San Augustine County is established as the first Spanish municipality in Texas.
  • 1824: Mexico gains independence from Spain, and San Augustine County becomes part of the Mexican state of Coahuila y Tejas.
  • 1836: Texas declares independence from Mexico, and San Augustine County becomes part of the Republic of Texas.
  • 1846: The Republic of Texas is annexed by the United States, and San Augustine County becomes part of the state of Texas.
  • 1896: The town of San Augustine is incorporated.
  • 1939: The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department establishes the Mission Dolores State Historic Site in San Augustine County.
  • 1980: The county courthouse in San Augustine is added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 1991: San Augustine County celebrates its 275th anniversary.