When looking for things to cover in this week’s article of “Trails of Our Past,” the topic I chose, practically hit me in the face. While studying maps and locating some of the lost cemeteries in the area I would see the typical church or school labeled on the old maps. This isn’t anything unusual, or anything that I haven’t seen, however it occurred to me that some of these places might be of importance to some of you and that many residents of the area may not even know of their existence, or better yet, their location. The following are just a few of the churches, schools or communities that were once throughout this area that have now almost vanished:

Jameson Community
Northeast of Van Alstyne at the intersections of Taylor Cemetery, Jameson and Knob Hill roads was the small establishment of Jameson. Currently, Taylor Cemetery road runs south of the cemetery, however according to early records, the original road ran on the north side of the cemetery, the cemetery being just before the intersection. At the southwest corner of the above mentioned intersection, one would find the old Jameson School House. Continuing south on Jameson road and on the left hand side was the store, which also consisted of the post office and a residence. Following Jameson road further, it will dead end into Sister Grove Rd. Sitting here and looking south across Sister Grove road is where the Jameson Church once stood. This is verified by my father, Aaron Williams of Van Alstyne as well as old plat maps that show the church in this location.

The establishment of Jameson dates back to around 1850 when Allen Jameson and his family settled in the area. The community received its first post office in 1887 with Mr. Jameson as the first postmaster. The post office remained until 1904. Other postmasters and store operators were Luther Bradley, Dr. Higginbotham, Dr. Powell and John Vivian. It is noted that there were both Baptist and Methodist churches, however it is not currently known which one was at the intersection of Jameson and Sister Grove roads. Aside from all of these establishments, there was also a grist mill in the area. The Jameson family were buried in the Warden Cemetery between Cannon and Tom Bean. Another local cemetery to Jameson is the Morris Cemetery which sits in a field southeast of Jameson. Other families that were early  residents of Jameson were: Taylor, Morris, Shaw, Thompson, Randolph, Williams and George.

Oxford School
The Oxford School House was located on the old Binion land, south of Pilot Grove, supposedly named for the old Oxford Crossing. The land was deeded in 1885 by Zeph and Zora Binion to be used as a school and could possibly have already been in existence at the time of the deed.  The Oxford School House was the first school in Texas to create a school library by community co-operation. The community members created the library at the Oxford School House in ten days. The school house was located off of what is now, Oxford Crossing Road. From Highway 121, take Binion Road south. Turn right (west) onto Brewer Road. The old Binion home will be on the north side of the road. Turn south onto Oxford Crossing Road. About a half a mile, there is an old road, Kermit Lane, however this road does not appear to be used currently. The school house was on the north side of this old road and the east side of Oxford Crossing Road. Continuing south on Oxford Crossing Road, taking the turn to the east and merging onto Yellow Bridge Rd., you will come to Kermit Lane again on the north side of the road. Turning down this road and heading north, there will be a gate on your left about half way up the road. Through this gate and out into the field is the old Smith/Simpson Cemetery. One reference states that the Oxford School House was moved to Pilot Grove and was used as the colored school after theirs burned down. Another source claims that the school house was at Red Bow’s home, south of Whitewright.

Starks Chapel
Starks Chapel and the Marchman School served a colored community located southeast of Pilot Grove. The Stinnett family settled in the area sometime in the 1850’s and were involved in the early days of the school. The Starks Chapel was a Methodist denomination, with a Baptist congregation north on Conner Creek, which also served the colored community. The Baptist church was washed out by a flood, which marked the end of its days. Near Starks Chapel was a two story school house which served this area, called Marchman #128. On the second floor of the school building, the Masonic Lodge held their meetings. The Stark Chapel was located in the vicinity of Durham and Red Moore Roads, southeast of Pilot Grove. Nearby, on the Binion place, is the Luper Cemetery, a colored cemetery where many residents of this community are laid to rest.

More communities and places to be published in future articles.                 
Bi Weekly in “The Van Alstyne Leader”