Historical Marker

Roberts Branch Cemetery

Historical marker location:
1437 Roberts Branch Rd., Jacksboro, Texas
( Jacksboro, 1437 Roberts Branch Road)
Marker installed: 2010
Marker size: 27" x 42"

DURING THE EARLY 1870s, A SMALL SETTLEMENT BEGAN TO GROW IN THIS AREA, ALONG THE ROBERTS BRANCH, A TRIBUTARY OF THE WEST FORK OF THE TRINITY RIVER. THE CREEK HAD BEEN NAMED BY SETTLERS AFTER TEXAS SUPREME COURT CHIEF JUSTICE AND FUTURE GOVERNOR ORAN MILO ROBERTS VISITED THE AREA ON A GUBERNATORIAL CAMPAIGN STOP PRIOR TO HIS 1878 ELECTION. MOST OF THE EARLY FAMILIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE ROBERTS BRANCH COMMUNITY WERE RANCHERS OR SHARECROPPERS, WHILE A FEW WORKED AT THE NEARBY BRANUM COAL MINE.

THE OLDEST PORTION OF ROBERTS BRANCH CEMETERY CONSISTS OF A CLUSTER OF GRAVES AROUND THE FIRST KNOWN BURIAL—AN UNKNOWN COWBOY WHO DIED DRIVING CATTLE THROUGH THE AREA DURING THE EARLY 1870s. THESE ORIGINAL GRAVEMARKERS WERE MADE OF UNMARKED SANDSTONE. THE EARLIEST MARKED GRAVE IS DATED 1881, AND BELONGS TO THE INFANT GRANDDAUGHTER OF MEDDIE AND PINEY WHITE. THE BURIAL GROUND IS ALSO THE FINAL RESTING PLACE FOR OVER TWENTY U.S. SERVICE MEMBERS, INCLUDING VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR, WORLD WAR II, THE KOREAN WAR, AND THE VIETNAM WAR.

AN ANNUAL CEMETERY CLEAN UP DAY HAS TAKEN PLACE EACH SPRING SINCE THE LATE 1890s, AND A FALL WORK DAY WAS ADDED DURING THE 1930s. IN 1950, ADDIE (MRS. W.H.) SMITH OFFICIALLY DEEDED THE CEMETERY PROPERTY TO THE ROBERTS BRANCH CEMETERY ASSOCIATION. AN ADDITIONAL .53 ACRE WAS DONATED BY SMITH FAMILY DESCENDANTS IN 2003.

TODAY, ROBERTS BRANCH CEMETERY STANDS AS A REMINDER OF THE EARLY SETTLERS OF THE ROBERTS BRANCH COMMUNITY, WHILE ALSO CONTINUING TO SERVE THE NEEDS OF THEIR DESCENDANTS

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 does believe in a fair deal and clean politics
Molly Ivins in Fond Farewell
Jack County, Texas is located in North Central Texas and has a rich and colorful history. It was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Wichita and Comanche, before European settlers began to arrive in the early 19th century. The county was named after Patrick Jack, who served as a soldier in the Texas Revolution.

The first European-American settlers arrived in the area in the 1850s, drawn by the fertile land and abundant game. In 1856, the county was officially organized and the town of Jacksboro was established as the county seat. During this time, conflicts with Native American tribes were common, and several forts were constructed to protect the settlers, including Fort Richardson near Jacksboro.

The county played a significant role in the Civil War, with many residents joining Confederate forces. In 1862, a bloody battle known as the Battle of Dove Creek took place in Jack County, where Confederates clashed with a combination of Union troops and Native American allies.

After the war, Jack County experienced growth and development. Ranching became a primary economic activity, as the region was well-suited for cattle ranching. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, oil was discovered in the county, leading to a boom in the local economy.

Today, Jack County still maintains its agricultural heritage, with ranching and oil production remaining important industries. The county is also known for its rich historical sites, including Fort Richardson State Park, which preserves the history of the region's military past.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Jack County, Texas.

  • 1857 - Jack County is established by the Texas legislature.
  • 1858 - Fort Richardson is established near present-day Jacksboro.
  • 1864 - Battle of Dove Creek takes place between Confederate and Union forces in the county.
  • 1871 - Texas & Pacific Railroad reaches Jacksboro, boosting the local economy.
  • 1872 - Jacksboro is designated as the county seat.
  • 1883 - Chisholm Trail, used for cattle drives, passes through the county.
  • 1907 - Oil is discovered in Jack County, leading to a boom in the local economy.
  • 1919 - Jacksboro tornado causes significant damage and loss of life.
  • 1936 - Construction of Possum Kingdom Lake is completed.
  • 1950s - 1960s - The decline of the oil industry affects the county's economy.
  • 1990s - Present - Jack County focuses on diversifying its economy through tourism and agriculture.
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