83R655 BPG-D
By: Gooden H.R. No. 130
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Sand Flat Cemetery in Henderson County has been
recognized with a Historic Texas Cemetery marker from the Texas
Historical Commission; and
WHEREAS, In 1856, pioneer Joseph M. Stirman donated land in
the Sand Flat community northwest of Athens for a church and school
to serve all residents, regardless of race or religion; two acres
were set aside as a graveyard for African Americans, and the first
burial was recorded in 1884, when Clarissa Andrews Royal was laid to
rest; her husband, Abraham Royal, and a number of their descendants
were interred nearby in later years; and
WHEREAS, Other prominent settlers buried in the Sand Flat
Cemetery include Henry Givens and Joseph Manion; believed to have
been brought to Henderson County as slaves in 1855, both men became
farmers, and like Abraham Royal, they were registered on the Black
Voters List; Mr. Givens further served as a school trustee in the
early years of the community; and
WHEREAS, In time, the graveyard became the final resting
place for many education professionals and for veterans of the two
World Wars, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War; today,
descendants of the settlers provide much of the care for the site;
the current officers of the Cemetery Association are president
George Jones, vice president Earl Brown, treasurer Ivory Joe
Givens, secretary Kim Allen, and board member Edward Johnson; and
WHEREAS, The preservation of Sand Flat Cemetery reflects a
profound respect for the contributions of those who helped build
the community in the 19th and 20th centuries, and the receipt of
this prestigious honor from the Texas Historical Commission will
allow visitors to gain a greater appreciation for the rich heritage
of this locality; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate the dedication of a Historic Texas
Cemetery marker at Sand Flat Cemetery and commend all those
associated with the care of the site and with the effort to secure
this award; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the Sand Flat Cemetery Association as an expression of
high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.