Cooke County Commissioners Court Address

Good morning Judge Starnes and Commissioners.

 Thank you for this opportunity to speak with you today.

My name is Matthew Spaeth. My parents are George and Bernice Spaeth. I have an older sister, Geordan. We live along south I-35 and Spring Creek road on property that has been in my family since 1949. I am 15 years old. I am completing my freshman year at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Muenster. I am a member of Boy Scouts of America Troop 668, the Lindsay 4-H Club, the Cooke County Antique Tractor Club and I volunteer at ABBA, St. Mary’s and Sacred Heart Catholic Churches.  I enjoy farming and ranching with my parents and grandparents.  I like cutting and baling hay, maintaining equipment, antique tractors, caring for our livestock, and riding my horse, Fulton.

I have come to you today to address the need for the restoration of what is known as the County Potters Cemetery, located on west Highway 82. I first became aware of the cemetery about a year or so ago. One day on the way home from school, my Mom pointed it out and asked me if I knew that it was a cemetery? After learning this, I began thinking about those who are buried there… How many graves are there?   How old is it?   Why are there no markers?   No fence? 

As time went on thoughts about this cemetery came and went out of my mind. Being a Scout, the time came for me to begin thinking about my Eagle Scout Project. Obtaining Eagle Scout is the highest achievement or rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America. Throughout the Eagle Scout project - dedication, workload, and many different skills will be learned, but most importantly - Leadership. I feel that dedicating myself to not only restoring the cemetery, but bringing respect and dignity to those buried there is more than worthy of my Eagle Scout Project.

I feel confident in my abilities to help and assist the County in bringing recognition to this cemetery. I would like to help coordinate any and all efforts such as - but not limited to: historical research of the individuals buried there, applying to the County and State to have it deemed a historical marker (as I have learned it dates back to the late 1800s). Erecting an entry gate and fence, marking the graves in a respectful way, placement of historical information signage, construction of a safe and easy access entry way, maintaining the cemetery, as well as coordinating and managing volunteers.

The completion of this project will bring not only recognition to those buried there, but the dignity and respect they deserve. In addition to educating not only those in our community, but all travelers, about the history of Cooke County.  

Thank you for your time and consideration of allowing me this opportunity to serve my community. 

I look forward to the possibility of working with you all.