Polley Cemetery
Historical marker location:Joseph Henry Polley (1795-1869) was born in Whitehall, New York to Jonathan and Rachel Hubbard Polley. He later moved to Missouri, where he was a friend of Moses Austin, with whom he traveled to Texas in 1820. The next year, he returned to Texas with Stephen F. Austin as one of the original "Old 300" colonists. Polley settled in the Brazoria District and wed Mary Augusta Bailey, daughter of pioneer Brit Bailey. The couple built a home that they named Whitehall. Polley served as sheriff and assisted retreating settlers during the Runaway Scrape, 1836; Mary helped mold candles for use by the first Texas Congress. Polley moved his family in 1847 to this area, then a part of Guadalupe County. The family established a cemetery as this site in 1848, when Emeline Elizabeth Polley James, one of the eleven Folley children, died while giving birth. Two years later, her daughter of the same name was interred next to her. The family completed the Whitehall home about 1850. Over the years, several family members, including Joseph Henry Polley, were laid to rest in the cemetery. Mary Bailey Polley (d. 1888), the family matriarch, was the last to be buried here. Historic Texas Cemetery - 2005
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.
The discovery of oil in 1901 near Beaumont, Texas, sparked an oil boom that transformed the state's economy and led to the rise of the modern petroleum industry.
In the early 1800s, the region that is now Wilson County was part of the DeWitt Colony, a settlement established by Green DeWitt. The area played a crucial role in the Texas Revolution, with the Battle of Refugio taking place nearby in 1836. As the conflict between Texas colonists and Mexican forces raged on, the region became a hotbed of activity and witnessed significant military actions.
Wilson County was officially established in 1860, named in honor of James Charles Wilson, a Texas state legislator who fought in the battle of San Jacinto. The county experienced rapid growth in the 19th century due to the establishment of ranching and farming communities. Cattle ranching became a prominent industry, and the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s further boosted economic development.
The county faced challenges in the 20th century, including the Great Depression, which resulted in a decline in agricultural productivity. However, the discovery of oil and gas reserves brought renewed economic prosperity to the area. Today, Wilson County is known for its diverse economy, which includes agriculture, oil and gas production, and manufacturing. The region has preserved much of its historical heritage and continues to celebrate its unique cultural and historical significance.
Wilson County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Wilson County, Texas.
- February 13, 1854 - Wilson County established by the Texas legislature
- 1856 - County seat established in Floresville
- Late 1800s - Growth in agriculture sector, primarily cotton farming
- 1902 - Construction of the Wilson County Courthouse completed
- 1930s - Economic decline due to the Great Depression
- 1940s - World War II leads to increased military presence in the area
- Mid-1960s - Oil and gas production becomes a significant industry
- 1970s - Growth in population and expansion of Floresville
- 1998 - The Floresville Peanut Festival established
- 2010 - Rapid population growth and increased development