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Collecting and scanning photographs is important to preserving the history of the county. It is also important to sit down with the individual and record their memories. Due to geographical distance, interviews may be conducted over the phone. But these activities must be done before it’s too late and history is lost.
Members of the Ragsdale Cemetery Project are making great strides in preserving that history and eventually building a Texas Historic Marker at the site. Located west of Jacksonville on US Highway 79 and CR 3304, this African American cemetery was designated for residents of the Mount Haven community that was founded during the aftermath of slavery. The cemetery has empty spaces containing unmarked graves. The earliest marked grave is that of Walter Jones, who was buried in 1881.
The photos included in this article were taken during a historical interview at the Cherokee County Historical Office in Rusk. Ragsdale Cemetery Board member Treasurer Billy Ray Jones (left) and President Reverend Earl Franklin discuss the history of Mount He Haven’s school, church, and cemetery. Additionally, they shared rare family photos of Mount Haven residents who died and were buried in the cemetery.
Other members involved in this conservation effort are members of the Markers Commission: Chairman Lauren Ragsdale, Co-Chair David Lee Black, and Secretary Nicole Moss. Others involved in this process are long-time cemetery association board members. Secretary Felicia July Arrington and Beautification Chairman Travis Thompson.
Clean Up Day is scheduled for Saturday, March 25th at 9am at Ragsdale Cemetery. Part of cleaning includes cleaning gravestones in the cemetery. Everyone is invited to bring a lawn chair, a few gallons of water, a plastic bucket, and a white cloth. Cleaning fluids and brushes will be provided by the Cherokee County Historical Commission.
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