Historic Cemetery

Rigsby Cemetery

a.k.a. Rigsby-Weaver, Weaver-Rigsby

T2, Woodville, Texas 75979
Location: Driving Directions:From US 69 in Doucette, go 3.0 miles east-south-east on CR 3050. At fork, take the road on the right (south). This will be CR 3080. Go 1.1 mile east on CR 3080. The road will be intermittent dirt and oiled. From end of last oiled section, just north of oil derrick, go another 0.5 mile east. At crossroads, turn right and go 0.2 mile south. Turn left at first intersection and go 0.25 mile east. The cemetery is located on south side of road, between road and underground pipe line.This cemetery is highly endangered. It is a map feature, but it is located in a remote location. During the survey, the roads leading to the cemetery were impassible due to heavy rains. In order to reach the cemetery, one had to walk approx. 0.5 mile. The cemetery is located on a hunting club, so visits during hunting season are not advisable. The cemetery is partly fenced and marginally maintained. It appears that someone had recently cleaned up a portion of the cemetery prior to the survey. The cemetery has one family plot enclosed by a chain link fence, and there appears to be several unmarked graves and grave depressions along the eastern boundary of the cemetery. There are no signs posted indicating a cemetery at this location, and the roads leading to the cemetery are not clearly marked.

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
The cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
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.