Historic Cemetery

Cruse Cemetery

a.k.a. Cruse Family, Wolf Creek, Wolfe Creek, Methodist

U.S. Hwy 190, Woodville, Texas 75979
Location: Driving Directions:From US 190 and FM 256 junction, go 1.4 miles west on US 190. Entrance to cemetery is located just east of Wolf Creek Antiques on north side of road. Cemetery sign is posted at gate. From US 190 follow the private road approximately 0.2 mile north. At fork, go left (west). The cemetery is located ~90 ft. to northwest.The endangerment level for this cemetery is medium. It is a map feature. It has a cemetery sign and is maintained. However, it is not fully fenced, and many of the grave markers are fallen and broken. There are also several unmarked graves and grave depressions outside the fenced portion of the cemetery. Many of the damaged headstones may be the result of falling trees. A large pine had recently fallen across the cast iron fence that encloses a portion of the cemetery, damaging the fence and a headstone. The cemetery is remote. To access the cemetery one must go through gate on US 190 and walk approx. 0.2 mile north on private road. There is a cemetery sign posted at US 190 and a sign warning of Rattlesnakes.Large (over 7' high) monument for Parsons family:John W. 1904; Amanda G. 1939; Luella 1896; E. Thurston 1927; Minnie 1881Sephen M. Day 1st Tx Inf CSAWilliam Cruse Sept. 5, 1859.

Source: RIP Fields Table

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
Texas was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
Texas random facts
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 concise overview of the key events in the history 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.