Texas Historical Marker #05377
The May Community. Originally part of a Mexican land grant given to empresario John Cameron in 1827, May developed in the 1870s when several pioneer families settled here. Baptists and Methodists quickly organized churches. A one-room school known as Old Swayback provided the first formal education for the children. Nathan L. May built a trading post in 1879 and became the town's first postmaster in 1881. By 1907 the village had a blacksmith shop, general store, newspaper and bank. The early history of May climaxed in 1911 with the coming of the railroad. (1981) #5377
?, May, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #12876
Lost Creek Cemetery. The original Hog Creek Cemetery was established in the 1870s, about one-half mile southwest of this site; after only two burials, the community chose to relocate, reportedly because of the rocky soil there. J. W. Graves (d. 1874) was the first person buried at this location, then owned by H.C. Hancock. Area residents continued to use the site and, in 1892, J.C. Hensley (Henslee) and his wife, L.E., deeded it to Brown County for cemetery and church purposes. A chapel was constructed by 1932, and the Hog Creek Cemetery Association organized in 1949, later changing its name, and that of the cemetery, to Lost Creek. Historic Texas Cemetery - 2002 #12876
?, May, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #12532
May United Methodist Church. Methodists in this area were initially served by circuit-riding preachers. First to come to the region in the 1860s was the Rev. Hugh M. Childress, and worship services were held in private homes. In 1882, the Rev. Peter Gravis organized Mt. Zion Methodist Church, which later merged with the congregation at Byrds. Both of these communities, along with Bethel, Brooks, Clio, Gap Creek, Green's Chapel, Holder, Pleasant Valley, Rocky, Shrum, Verbena, Williams, Windham and Wolf Valley became part of the May charge. Brush arbor revivals were held each summer. The May Methodist Church was formally organized in 1886. Members gathered for services in nearby Verbena until 1890, when they began meeting in the newly constructed May schoolhouse. Four years later, members built their own one-room church, which served until they constructed a new brick building with memorial stained glass windows in 1929-30. After 70 years of service, the church building was destroyed by fire in January 2000. Throughout its history, the May United Methodist Church has upheld the ideals and traditions of its pioneer founders. Despite the Depression, droughts, floods, wars and fire, the church has served its members and the May community for more than 100 years. (2001) #12532
18001 US 183 N, May, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #05885
Wolf Valley Cemetery. This cemetery originally served pioneer settlers of the Wolf Valley community, which began about 1875. The earliest grave is that of S. T. Tollette, who was buried here May 11, 1882. Also buried that same month were James Lyon and R. P. Ramsey. The cemetery was formally set aside in 1902 when trustees A. E. Bailey, A. W. Hardy and J. W. Spence bought the original tract from the D. M. Davidson family. The site was enlarged through later additions of land. A church building was constructed here in 1887 for use by Baptist, Methodist and Cumberland Presbyterian congregations as well as the local schools. Brush arbors were used for summer revivals. The building and grounds were the spiritual and educational hub of the community. The structure burned, but was rebuilt through donated funds and labor. Graves here include those of pioneer settlers, early community leaders, military veterans and two state legislators, H. P. Taylor and W. R. Chambers. The site contains over three hundred marked graves and two unmarked gravesites. An annual homecoming and Memorial Day service is conducted here each May. Maintenance of the historic burial ground is funded through various donations. (1983) #5885
?, May, TX, United States