Historic Cemetery

Barclay Cemetery

FM 2097, Huntington, Texas 75949
Location: Driving Directions:Chester Area. From US 287 go 3.9 miles north-northeast on FM 2097 (at 3.9 miles FM 2097 becomes CR 2650). Continue on CR 2650 for anther 0.3 mile. Turn right onto CR 2670 and go 3.9 miles to fork. At fork stay to the right and continue for another 1.5 miles. Turn left at PR 6720 and go to house at end of road. Cemetery is approximately 0.5 mile due west of house, on hilltop.This cemetery is located on private property, approximately 1.0 mile west of CR 2670. The cemetery is a map feature and is fully fenced. The cemetery contains unmarked graves and numerous fieldstone markers. There is a newer granite marker at the southwest corner of the cemetery. The inscription reads:BarclayIn Memory ofAnderson Edward1807-1870s Sarah Ann(Prather)1815-1860sVeteran of the Battles of Bexar and San Jacinto(Exact Location Unknown).Local informants believe the graves of Barclay and his wife are located at the center of the cemetery and are marked by a large cedar stump and two fieldstone footstones. The cedar stump is the only marker tree in this cemetery.The adjacent land owner regularly maintains the cemetery and is very concerned about its preservation. He stated that someone in the past had damaged and displaced many of the grave markers with tractor and bushhog. The cemetery is currently threatened by encroaching logging.

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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Tyler County, located in Southeast Texas, has a rich history rooted in agriculture, forestry, and oil production. The area was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Alabama-Coushatta and the Attakapas, who settled along the Trinity River. The first European settlers arrived in the late 1820s, drawn by the fertile land and abundant natural resources.

In 1837, Tyler County was officially established and named after President John Tyler. During this time, the county experienced rapid growth as settlers cleared the land for farming and ranching. Cotton became a dominant crop, and steamboats navigated the Trinity River, facilitating trade and transportation.

The Civil War brought significant changes to Tyler County, as many residents joined the Confederate Army. The economy suffered as cotton production declined, but the discovery of oil in 1893 revitalized the region. The Spindletop oil boom led to an oil rush in East Texas, including Tyler County, fueling economic growth and population expansion.

Throughout the 20th century, Tyler County continued to rely on agriculture and oil, but also embraced the forestry industry. The dense forests in the area provided vast timber reserves, leading to the establishment of lumber mills and paper mills. The county's economy thrived as timber and oil production increased, supporting a diverse range of industries.

Today, Tyler County remains a vibrant community with a mix of agriculture, oil production, and tourism. The county's natural beauty, including the picturesque Big Thicket National Preserve, attracts outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The rich history and strong sense of community make Tyler County a unique and appealing place to live or visit.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Tyler County, Texas.

  • 1846 - Tyler County, TX was organized and named after President John Tyler.
  • 1861-1865 - During the American Civil War, Tyler County joined the Confederacy.
  • 1872 - The Timpson and Henderson Railroad was completed, connecting Tyler County to the railway network.
  • 1907 - The East Texas Timber Company established a sawmill, leading to a boom in the timber industry.
  • 1938 - Big Thicket National Preserve was established to protect the unique ecological diversity of the area.
  • 1973 - The Allan B. Shivers Library and Museum was opened to honor the former Texas governor.
  • 1998 - Tyler County suffered significant damage from flooding caused by Hurricane Danielle.