History

In 1880, Cooke County purchased 100 acres out of a survey of 640 acres in the name of Adam Dozier to provide a place for indigent citizens. This property was located on west Highway 82 in Gainesville. It was a self sufficient farm as residents raised cattle, hogs, chickens and grew cotton. This farm was active until 1915.

The County made the decision to move the farm to a 10 acre tract on Old Denton Road, south of Gainesville. This property was purchased from Phil S. Witherspoon.

In 1917, the County decided to sell the original Poor Farm location on Highway 82. 94 1/4 acres were sold, leaving behind the existing cemetery (Potter's Field Cemetery). The first burial in the cemetery was a man by the name of Shedrick V. Ables on April 17, 1888. The last to be buried in the cemetery was a man by the name of John W. Dow March 6, 1915. There are 26 individuals resting in the cemetery.

Over the years the cemetery and those buried there were unfortunately forgotten. The graves were no longer visible with no markers. Many people drove by, not know what what it was or thought it was just an empty lot. Before my restoration project, very few Cooke County residents and Officials were aware of the property being a cemetery.

In 1996, Mr. James Richards of Richards Monuments in Gainesville, "witched" the cemetery with the help of two Boy Scouts. "Witching" is the same method used to find underground water sources. They marked the graves with wooden stakes. No other work was performed and over the years the stakes weathered, were knocked over and no longer visible.

In 2021, over almost 2 1/2 years later, I began my journey of working on this project to restore Potter's Field Cemetery. I stayed in contact with the County Judge and Commissioners, collected donations, ordered supplies and materials and conducted extensive research. I have been mowing, weed eating and picking up trash.

On May 12, 2023 I was notified by the Texas Historical Commission that the County Poor Farm and Cemetery was approved for a Historical Marker! Thank you to Norman Newton for ALL you did to help me accomplish this goal.

On June 28, 2023 my mother, Bernice Spaeth, Norman Newton and James Richards of Richards Monuments re-"witched" the cemetery. We found a total of 26 graves. I marked the perimeter of each grave. Unfortunately, we do not know who is buried in each grave. On September 15, 2023 I placed a headstone for each individual on their grave. "Unknown" is inscribed with a simple Christian Cross.

On July 20th, 2023 with the help of County Precinct 4 employees, fellow Scout members and family members the archway, reading Potter's Field Cemetery Cooke County fabricated by Flusche Enterprises, Inc. in Muenster was erected at the entrance of the cemetery.

On July 21, 2023 with the help of my Dad, George Spaeth and family friend Stanley Hess, two flagpoles were placed on the south side of the cemetery. The poles were donated by Metal Sales in Gainesville, prepped by Danny Hess and painted by Phil Co Industrial Paint in Lindsay.

On August 12, 2023 With the help of family and friends, Jesse, Jared & Jacob Walterscheid (Eagle Scouts) and I began to install the new wrought iron fence around the perimeter of the cemetery.

On September 15, 2023 a Memorial Stone was placed between the two flagpoles with the help from Richards Monuments employees. Each name of the individuals resting in the cemetery is inscribed on the stone according to death date.

Although my Eagle Scout Project is nearing to its completion and the coveted rank of Eagle is in sight, as well as graduating high school, I plan to remain dedicated to the care and maintenance of Potter's Field Cemetery.

I want to take this opportunity to THANK ALL who have encouraged me and supported me on this incredible journey! I now understand the deeper meaning of what it means to become an Eagle Scout.

I sincerely, "THANK YOU!" Matthew Spaeth

Potter's Field Cemetery 2021

Potter's Field Cemetery 2023