Historical Marker

Kaufman Pioneer Cemetery (Love Family Cemetery)

Historical marker location:
23 Oak Creek Drive, Kaufman, Texas
Marker installed: 1998
Marker size: 27" x 42"

William and Nancy Kirk Love and their children were the earliest settlers near King's Fort, establishing themselves there in January 1845. Their son, Robert H. Love, is believed to have been the first person interred on this site upon his death in March 1849. When the Loves sold the land around this site in 1849 they set aside a quarter acre as a graveyard. Nancy Loved died in 1850, William Love in 1851; both are thought to be interred here in unmarked graves. Also buried here are other early Kaufman County settlers and T. J. Johnson, who is believed to have been the son of an African American couple for the Love family.

Other burials include those of J. D. Ballew, a farmer and onetime county treasurer; Ann Burge, who may have died from complications in childbirth; and Amanada Murphy Hendley, member of a prominent pioneer family. Also interred here is James S. Loroe, who first came to Texas from New Jersey in 1846 and brought his family here in 1851. Laroe's diary describing the land, wildlife and people of the area provides a valuable firsthand account of the period. His grandson Alfred Laroe was buried here, as well. Martha Jane Rayel was the daughter of an early Kaufman County sheriff.

Anna Love Campbell married James M. Carter after the death of her first husband, and research has indicated that several members of the Carter family are interred on this site. The Kaufman Pioneer Cemetery is a chronicle of Texas history. (1999)

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 a great state full of huge opportunities
Rick Perry in Texas Department of Agriculture
Kaufman County is situated in the northeastern part of Texas and has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo, Cherokee, and Comanche. European settlers began arriving in the early 19th century, and the county was officially established on March 24, 1848, named after David S. Kaufman, one of the earliest Texans to serve in the U.S. Congress.

During its early years, Kaufman County experienced growth and development, with agriculture playing a prominent role in the local economy. Farming and ranching became essential industries for the county, with cotton and livestock production leading the way. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century further fueled the county's growth, connecting it to major cities and facilitating trade.

In the early 20th century, Kaufman County began to modernize rapidly. The advent of the automobile allowed for better transportation and communication networks, linking the county's rural communities. The development of infrastructure, including roads and highways, further enhanced connectivity between towns. Schools, hospitals, and businesses also experienced significant advancements during this time, fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents.

Today, Kaufman County continues to thrive as a suburban county with a growing population. It boasts a mix of agricultural, industrial, and residential areas, offering a blend of rural charm and urban amenities. The county's rich history is celebrated through local museums, historical sites, and community events, reminding residents and visitors alike of the importance of preserving and cherishing its past.

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

  • 1848 - Kaufman County is established by the Texas legislature.
  • 1852 - The first courthouse is built in the county seat of Kaufman.
  • 1857 - The first newspaper, the Kaufman Herald, is established.
  • 1861-1865 - Kaufman County residents serve in the Confederate Army during the American Civil War.
  • 1873 - Terrell is founded and becomes a major railroad hub.
  • 1886 - The Texas State Railroad extends its line into Kaufman County.
  • 1895 - The Kaufman County Courthouse is destroyed by fire and later rebuilt.
  • 1936 - Lake Ray Hubbard is created by the construction of the Rockwall-Forney Dam.
  • 1965 - Kaufman County celebrates its centennial.
  • 2013 - Tragically, Kaufman County District Attorney Mike McLelland and his wife Cynthia are assassinated.