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In the middle to late 19th century, settlers in this area established the community of Empire. Residents organized the Bear Creek Methodist Episcopal Church north of this site, which became the community's burial ground. H.C. Harless and M.C. Robinson donated the first few acres for creation of the cemetery. Here, W.P. Harris buried his wife, Margaret J. (Harless), and their infant daughter, Mary Lou, in 1873. Their graves are the first marked. Others buried in the cemetery include Uriah C. Harless, Confederate veteran and son of H.C. Harless; physician and minister J.L. Brockman; and several other community leaders. The graves of numerous Masons and Woodmen of the World are indicated by fraternal symbols on headstones. During the history of the burial ground, various groups, including the Empire Masonic Lodge, now located in Nevada, as well as an area Boy Scout troop, have cared for the site. Although Empire once boasted a boarding school and the Bear Creek Church, by the turn of the 21st century only the cemetery and the Masonic Lodge served as reminders of the early community. Historic Texas Cemetery - 2005 |
