Historic Cemetery

Pattison Methodist Episcopal Cemetery

35500-35654 Royal Rd, Pattison, Texas 77423
Location: Pattison Methodist Episcopal Cem--Recorded WALL03—Parsons. Direct of Cems in Waller Co, 1977/1992: “ 1876 John Muske deeded 3 acres of land to MEC for ch and cem. Later Whilpitz family deeded one acre on E side of ch for Cem use. Land in W. W. Synider Survey. Approx 300 burials, some unmarked, no dates. Some graves now under paved road that provides access to cem. Some unmarked but recorded burials near N back fence. Earliest about 1910s. Index.” Websites for Waller Co Hist & TexHist Cem: “near Pattison, see info from HbTx. [above]”THC site visit MB 5/20/04: Pattison, Tx. On Royal Rd and FM 359Large partially fenced site adjacent to unrelated church. Arched entryway. Formal cemetery, diversity of markers over time, large and small. Some informal markers. Cedar marker trees, also Magnolia. Grave garens, curbs, slabs, shell curbs, photo enamels. Obelisks, large and small, piers and chains, harbor details. Row of tall Cedars along front of cemetery near entrance. Wow, US veterans, Masonic. Adjacent to fire dept., roadway, open field and wooded area, residential area and unrelated church. US veterans.Approx 5.06 acres. GPS 29.49.13.53684N –95.59.00.83715W. Quad 2995-332Low risk endangerment, fenced, on map, still in use, evidence of frequent visitation, maintenance.

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
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Texas random facts
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