Miami Cemetery

Historical marker location:
Miami, Texas
Marker installed: 2009
Marker size: 27" x 42"

MIAMI CEMETERY

THE EARLIEST CEMETERY IN THE TOWN OF MIAMI WAS ESTABLISHED SHORTLY AFTER 1887 WHEN THE SOUTHERN KANSAS BRANCH OF THE ATCHISON, TOPEKA AND SANTA FE RAILROAD WAS EXTENDED THROUGH MIAMI. THE EARLIEST KNOWN BURIAL IS THAT OF EARLY PIONEER WILLIAM T. LARD WHO DIED ON DECEMBER 6, 1888 AND WAS REINTERRED HERE PRIOR TO 1900, ALONG WITH OTHER BURIALS THAT WERE RELOCATED TO THE OLD CEMETERY SECTION OF THE MIAMI CEMETERY. THE FIRST MARKED BURIAL IN THE MIAMI CEMETERY IS THAT OF SARAH A. BLACK, DAUGHTER OF G.M. & M.E. BLACK, WHO DIED ON AUGUST 6, 1896 AT THE AGE OF THREE MONTHS.

IN 1900, THE CRESSWELL RANCHE & CATTLE COMPANY, LTD. OF EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND, THE OPERATOR OF A LARGE RANCH IN THE EASTERN TEXAS PANHANDLE, SOLD ROBERTS COUNTY SEVERAL ACRES OF LAND TO BE USED AS A CEMETERY. FIVE ACRES WERE DEEDED TO JUDGE S.G. CARTER OF ROBERTS COUNTY AND HIS SUCCESSORS FOR A PAYMENT OF $1.00. SUBSEQUENT PARCELS WERE ADDED IN 1919 BY CLEVE AND MATTIE COFFEE AND IN 1948 BY WALTER AND IRENE COFFEE.

THE LANDSCAPE OF THE MIAMI CEMETERY IS TRADITIONAL FOR THE TEXAS PANHANDLE WITH VAST, OPEN AREAS BORDERED BY A VARIETY OF VEGETATION, INCLUDING CEDAR, ITALIAN CYPRESS, CHINESE ELM, AND ROSE BUSHES, SURROUNDED BY CHAIN-LINK AND WIRE FENCING. THE CEMETERY IS THE FINAL RESTING PLACE FOR TWENTY-SIX VETERANS OF THE CIVIL WAR, AS WELL AS VETERANS OF WORLD WAR I, WORLD WAR II, AND THE KOREAN WAR. TWO TEXAS RANGERS, FRANCIS LAWTON HOFFER (1862-1933) AND NEWTON F. LOCKE (1882-1965), ARE ALSO BURIED HERE. THE CEMETERY CONTINUES TO BE ACTIVE AND IS CARED FOR BY ROBERTS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND THE CITIZENS OF MIAMI

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.

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There is always hope for Texas.
Roberts County is located in the northern panhandle region of Texas and has a rich history dating back centuries. Before European settlers arrived, the area was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Comanche and Kiowa. These indigenous groups utilized the land for hunting and gathering.

In the early 1870s, ranchers began to settle in what is now Roberts County. The region's vast grasslands provided ample grazing opportunities for cattle, attracting ranchers from across Texas. The county was officially established in 1876, named after John S. Roberts, a significant figure in the movement for Texas statehood.

Throughout the late 19th century, cattle ranching dominated the local economy, and the population grew steadily. In the 1880s, the establishment of railroads in the region further facilitated the increase in trade and transportation of cattle, allowing for better access to markets outside the county. This growth continued into the 20th century, with the development of better irrigation techniques and the expansion of farming activities.

However, like many rural areas, Roberts County faced challenges during the Great Depression. The Dust Bowl of the 1930s devastated agricultural practices in the region, causing massive crop failures and forcing many residents to abandon their farms. The federal government's New Deal programs aimed to provide relief and recovery for farmers in the area, leading to the implementation of soil conservation measures and the construction of dams and reservoirs.

Since then, Roberts County has experienced periods of economic growth and decline. Today, the county's economy is still primarily based on agriculture, with cattle ranching, farming, and wind energy production being major industries. The county's rich history and dynamic present make it an interesting and important part of Texas' heritage.

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

  • 1876: Roberts County is officially established by the Texas legislature.
  • Late 1870s: Buffalo hunters begin to populate the area.
  • 1882: The first post office, "Roberts", is established.
  • 1890: The county population is recorded at 565 residents.
  • Early 1900s: Farmers and ranchers settle in the area, establishing the agricultural economy.
  • 1933: The Dust Bowl hits Roberts County, causing severe soil erosion and economic hardships.
  • 1950s: Oil and gas exploration begins, leading to increased economic activity in the county.
  • 1980: The county reaches its peak population of around 1,400 residents.
  • 1990s: Population decline begins as job opportunities decrease.
  • Present: Roberts County continues to be a rural community with a focus on agriculture and energy industries.