COOL SPRINGS CEMETERY

1867-1938

New Salem, Rusk Co. Cemeteries of TX

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Complied  and Submitted by Gloria B. Mayfield  June 1998

Location: Laneville to New Salem.  Off 1798 , miles from intersection of 839.

I first copied this cemetery in 1970, There are now missing markers and ones that are broken. I have checked other sources to insure that all names possible are listed. gloria

Family Information and photos submitted by  Vince King (Feb 2005)

Power Point Slide Show submitted by Judson L. Watkins

I live in Denton, TX and am an active Jay family researcher.  

Family Background:  In late 1859 or early 1860, my ancestor William Jay (1789-1860, at age 70), along with wife Lydia, and son-in-law Terrell H. Lawrence (wife Malinda Jay) moved from northern GA to Rusk Co. TX, just east of New Salem, TX.  They can be found in the 1860 census, living between Henry Brown and Samuel Johnson.  The Brown and Johnson families had large land and personal estate holdings in the area and William Jay's son-in-law is listed as an "overseer".  As they were "new-comers" and had no property of their own, the Jay family was probably living and working on either the Brown or Johnson property.   

In August 1860, about 30 days after the census was rendered, William Jay died (I have the Bible records).  Based on the body of evidence and the fact they had just migrated, I assume he is probably buried in the local "burial ground" (Cool Springs Cemetery), along with the other pioneer families of the area.....Brown, Johnson, etc.   Most of the Browns and Johnson's are buried there, with several contemporary 1860ish graves.  The Cool Springs "burial ground" obviously dates to that period and I would assume is either on "ancient" Brown or Johnson property.   

My Visit to the Cemetery   I visited the cemetery this weekend in hopes of finding some unmarked "field stone" graves, etc. which might have some carved initials, etc.  When I arrived at the site I was stunned at the devastation that had taken place.   It appears a fence had once been around the cemetery.....it was gone.  However, the worst part was that it looked as if the cemetery had been "logged" over the last 2-3 years.  The timber contractor indiscriminately cut down all the large trees, letting them fall where they may.  They basically "tore up" this ancient burial ground, broke and crushed upwards of 30+ tombstones, then left the place a disaster.  It looks like a war zone.  I couldn't believe it....a desecration of the highest order.  I am deeply saddened by this blatant act and wish to do something about it.      Vince King 

Transcription by Gloria Briley Mayfield-1998