Historical Marker

Nevill's Chapel Cemetery

Historical marker location:
Mount Pleasant, Texas
( 1 mi. N of Mount Pleasant on Fm 1402; .2 mi. E on CR NE8)
Marker installed: 1998
Marker size: 27" x 42"

The Alexander B. Nevill family came from Tennessee to settle in Titus County in 1838, establishing their family burial ground on one acre west of their new home in the Alexander Nevill headright survey. The earliest burial on this site was that of Napoleon B. Nevill, who died in 1854 at age 20. Alexander Nevill (1804-1854) had the earliest birth date of those interred here. Another grave of interest is that of James C. "Sam" Rowland, a Nevill son-in-law, one of the few men officially hanged in Titus County.

Mrs. Mary Nevill deeded the family plot to the deacons of the adjoining Missionary Baptist Church in 1906. In 1913 the first decoration day took place as families gathered to tend their plots and share a celebration of spring.

The cemetery grew steadily throughout the 20th century. By 1997, a count revealed 1,113 graves. Of these, 1,071 had legible headstones; 42 had unidentifiable markers. Those interred here were primarily families of the Nevill's Chapel community. They include veterans of the American Armed Forces and of American and international conflicts.

Now covering six acres and cared for by a cemetery association, the Nevill's Chapel Cemetery continues to serve the community, and such traditions as an annual dedication day continue to be observed. (1998)

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.
Texas random facts
Titus County, located in Northeast Texas, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by indigenous tribes, such as the Caddo and Cherokee, before European explorers arrived. In the early 1800s, settlers began to establish settlements in the area, and by the mid-1800s, the region became known as Titus County.

In the early years, the county was predominantly agricultural, with cotton being the primary crop. The development of transportation infrastructure, such as railroads and roads, played a significant role in the county's growth and success. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s opened up new opportunities for trade and commerce, leading to the growth of towns such as Mount Pleasant, the county seat.

During the Civil War, Titus County, like many areas in Texas, was deeply affected by the conflict. Many residents joined the Confederate army, and the county faced economic hardships as a result. After the war, the region slowly recovered, and the economy diversified to include industries such as timber, oil, and manufacturing.

In the 20th century, Titus County continued to grow and develop. The discovery of oil in the 1930s brought significant prosperity to the county, attracting new industries and boosting the local economy. Today, Titus County remains a vibrant community with a diverse economy, including agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, and education. The county has also worked to preserve its historical heritage, with several historical sites and museums showcasing its rich past.

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

  • 1846 - Titus County is established as a county in the Republic of Texas.
  • 1852 - The county seat is established in the town of Mount Pleasant.
  • Late 1800s - The county experiences significant growth due to the arrival of railroads.
  • 1900s - Agriculture becomes a major industry in Titus County, with cotton, corn, and livestock farming dominating the economy.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression leads to economic hardships in the county.
  • Mid-1900s - Titus County experiences a period of industrial growth, attracting manufacturing companies to the area.
  • 1970s - The county's economy shifts towards services, government, and trade.
  • 1984 - Lake Bob Sandlin State Park is established, becoming a popular recreational area for residents and visitors.
  • 2000s - Titus County continues to grow, attracting new businesses and investments.