Historical Marker

Hart Mill Cemetery

Historical marker location:
Woodville, Texas
( Woodville area. From 69/287 go 0.3 miles W/SW on CR1040. Turn right at CR1050 and go 3.4 miles to the cemetery. (At 1.3 miles stay right at fork; at 2.4 miles continue to rear of house, staying to left. Road is barely visible.))
Marker installed: 2010
Marker size: 27" x 42"

THIS CEMETERY IS NAMED FOR A MILL THAT OPERATED ON NEARBY SUTTON LAKE, ALONG MAGNUS BRANCH. THE MILL WAS RUN FIRST BY ORIGINAL PATENTEE L.G. McGAUGHEY AND LATER BY RICHARD JEFFERSON HART; HART IS BURIED AT THE CEMETERY ALONG WITH SEVERAL OF HIS CHILDREN.

THE BARCLAY FAMILY WAS ONE OF THE EARLIEST ANGLO FAMILIES TO SETTLE IN WHAT IS NOW TYLER COUNTY, ARRIVING IN 1836. JAMES WALTER BARCLAY OWNED LAND NEARBY AND SERVED IN THE TEXAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AS TYLER COUNTY TAX ASSESSOR, SHERIFF AND CHIEF JUSTICE, AND WAS ALSO APPOINTED AS AN AGENT FOR THE ALABAMA, COUSHATTA AND PAKANA MUSKOGEE INDIANS. JAMES’ FATHER, WALTER BARCLAY, IS THE FIRST KNOWN BURIAL IN HART MILL CEMETERY (ALSO KNOWN AS HART-MILL CEMETERY) IN 1857; JAMES WALTER, HIS WIFE VIRGINIA AND THEIR DESCENDANTS ARE ALSO BURIED HERE. EARLY SETTLER JOHN BEVIL AND SEVERAL OF HIS DESCENDANTS ARE BURIED AT THE SITE. BEVIL FIRST SETTLED IN JASPER COUNTY IN THE 1820s, WHERE HE FOUNDED THE RIVERSIDE COMMUNITIES OF BEVIL SETTLEMENT AND BEVILPORT AND SERVED AS A DELEGATE TO THE CONSULATION OF 1835 IN SAN FELIPE. ALSO INTERRED HERE ARE MEMBERS OF THE BULLOCK, BEATY, KINCAID, GEORGE, BOYD, RISINGER, ANDERSON, LIDDON, BOWDON, GRAVES AND WILLIAMSON FAMILIES.

IN 1929, JOHN RANDOLPH BEVIL AND MARTHA (HART) BEVIL DEEDED 2.95 ACRES TO OFFICIALLY ESTABLISH A CEMETERY AT THE SITE. THE DEED ALSO PROVIDED FOR THE ORGANIZATION OF A BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO CARE FOR THE BURIAL GROUND AND GAVE DIRECTIVES FOR AN ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING. TODAY, HART MILL CEMETERY CONTINUES TO BE CARED FOR BY DESCENDANTS OF THOSE EARLY PIONEERS INTERRED HERE

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
Texas is known for its love of football, and the state has produced many great football players, including legends like Tom Landry, Earl Campbell, and Vince Young.
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.