Historic Cemetery

Hempstead Community Cemetery

Hempstead, Texas 77445
Location: Hempstead Cem—(white), Recorded WALL03—Parsons. THC Atlas, markers: “Pioneers in this Texas area. Had early cotton gin and ferry. Founder of family was Jared E. Groce (1782-1836), who came to Texas in 1822. His large wagon train brought elaborate plantation equipment. Groce built "Bernardo" and "Groce's Retreat." Heirs built "Pleasant Hill," "Eagle Island" and "Liendo" (the only surviving Groce mansion, 2 mi. NW of here). A contribution of the family to the cause of Texas freedom was providing rations and ferry service to army of Gen. Houston on eve of San Jacinto victory. Descendants have contributed leadership to the state. Approx. 3.5 miles E of Hempstead on US 290, near Liendo Plantation, Hempstead vicinity.” Websites for Waller Co Hist & TexHist Cem: “South end of Grace St (1st St), Hempstead; for Captain Alfred H. Wyly at cemetery, info HbTx.” [SEE HbTx info in this file] Waller Co Communities, website: “Hempstead settled about 1820s, stagecoach line 1830s, aka Six-Shooter-Junction [??], town incorp 1871. Direct of Cems in Waller Co, 1977/1992: “Town of Hempstead est by Dr. R. R. Peebles & James McDade 1856, part of Austin Colony … sought railroad … Mrs. Peebles, widow of J. E. Groce III, inherited townsite and designated a park, square, and specific blocks as a cemetery [listed]. In 1883 D. C. Giddings Estate added add’l blocks; 1915 Charles Menke added a block; in 1929 M. M. Graves deeded 6.24 acres, E of earlier blocks. … 1885 ladies Hemstead Cem Assoc. to maintain and repair cem. … Cem charter #6129 filed with state 1893, site ‘for white persons only’ and officers. Corporation dissolved 1966 w/ town as continuing trustee. Sextons. Sections , #1 –5a & 5b, directional road names [listed]. Approx 1200 burials, some unknown or unmarked, with earliest about 1830s (Groce family). Index.”THC site visit MB 5/15/04. Hempstead, on Grace Rd, S of SH 159. Corner area, partially fenced. Large formal cemetery, great diversity of markers over time, large and small, including shell graves, pinnacles, vaults, coarnes, grave trellis, statues, metal grave coverings. THC subject and biographical markers. Approx 11 acres. GPS 30.05.00.28409N –96.04.01.03072W. Quad 3096-111.Low risk of endangerment. Municipal cemetery, still in use, recently expanded. Maintained, frequent visitation. Adjacent residential, wooded and pasture areas.

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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Waller County, located in southeast Texas, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Karankawa and Atakapa, who relied on the region's abundant natural resources for sustenance and trade.

In the 1820s, Anglo-American settlers began arriving in the area, attracted by the fertile land and opportunities for agriculture. Waller County was officially established in 1873 and named after Edwin Waller, one of the signers of the Texas Declaration of Independence. The county's first courthouse was built in Hempstead, which remains its county seat to this day.

Like many parts of Texas, Waller County played a significant role in the Civil War. The area's economy was heavily dependent on cotton production, and many residents owned slaves. The county sent numerous soldiers to fight for the Confederacy, and after the war, the region experienced a period of Reconstruction and healing.

Throughout the 20th century, Waller County gradually transformed from an agricultural-based economy to one that embraced industry and education. The development of transportation infrastructure, such as railroads and highways, enabled the county to expand its reach and attract businesses. The establishment of Prairie View A&M University, an historically black college, in 1876 further contributed to the county's growth.

Today, Waller County is known for its diverse economy, which includes agriculture, oil and gas, manufacturing, and education. It remains a vibrant community that values its history while striving for progress and prosperity.

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

  • 1837: Waller County is established as part of the Republic of Texas
  • 1838: The town of Hempstead is founded as the county seat
  • 1850s: The county's economy thrives on cotton production and slave labor
  • 1861-1865: Waller County residents actively participate in the Civil War
  • 1873: The Houston and Texas Central Railroad reaches Waller County, spurring growth
  • 1885: Prairie View A&M University, the first state-funded college for African Americans, is established in Waller County
  • 1899: The Santa Fe Railroad is completed in Waller County, further boosting commerce
  • 20th century: Waller County experiences ups and downs in agriculture, oil, and gas industries
  • 1998: Tragic death of Sandra Bland in a Waller County jail attracts national attention and sparks discussions on racial injustice and police misconduct